Toiling for you

Exodus  12:36 And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.

Good Morning Saints,

Praise the Lord!!!

In our series on Moses, we will meditate upon an important message in the following verse.

It is written "they spoiled the Egyptians". Throughout these Egyptians were working for their future, they were ill-treating, scourging, humiliating, insulting Jews and when it was time for the Israelites to leave they plundered the Egyptians.

Think about it!! Wealth gained by dishonest means will eventually dwindle away forever.

Proverbs  10:3  The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

Today when you see the wicked prosperous don't get angry. Lord will vindicate you and bring everything to you. Focus on Lord and follow him he will add all these blessings to you.

God bless

My People

Exodus  9:4 And the LORD shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that is the children's of Israel.

Good Morning Saints,

Praise the Lord!

Today we will meditate upon the severity between Lord's people and the world. In the series of Moses, Lord gave the Pharaoh a specific command that if he doesn't let the people go then Lord will show him the specificity of his favour between his children and the world.

Saints, in this world we are surrounded by people who seek favours from people and get the things done. In corporate world there is always a division between the favourite and the rest of the class.

Those who are meek, humble, silently working are not even considered for any favour or promotion. But those who are engaged in flattery, bribing and doing other evil things have many friends in this world.

Romans  12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Saints, we have a God who favours his people and those who listen and obey his command.

John  15:15  Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

If you listen to his voice he calls you his friend.

Imagine what a privilege!! Abraham was called as a friend of God. Kings feared him and we have heard about Moses how God spoke to him face to face. His skin shone due to that meeting.

Saints, we have a God who doesn't count it as unjust when He gives mercy to us.

But why does God favours his elected.

1. Due to their Obedience
2. To make them holy
3. Separate for His service.

Saints, we are serving a God who is the creator of Heaven and Earth. So today when you feel low and unfavoured. Meditate on things above as God will surely gives favour to his people.

God bless

Standing against fear

Exodus  8:20 And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; lo, he cometh forth to the water; and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

Good Morning Saints,

What a wonderful Lord we serve!
Today we will meditate upon standing against fear. Fear is a also a tool from Satan to stop your blessings. When Lord plants a seed of hope or gives you a vision. Fear comes and asks questions and clog your minds with doubts.

In this series of Moses, we will see how the man of God was overcoming fear with the words "THUS SAITH THE LORD". He spoke with authority and faith so God honoured him in the eyes of Pharaoh.

So what do we need to do to overcome fear.
1. Trust Lord fully and completely. ( Psalm 118:8)
2. Remember that it is his plan and not yours so it will come to pass. (Jeremiah 29:11)
3. Never doubt his way of doing things.
4. Don't take up things in your own hands. Allow him to bring it to you.
5. Seek Peace and Pursue it.

Saints, Moses was initially fearful and pleaded with Pharaoh but when he received the Anointing from the Lord and with faith he stood against Pharaoh.

Today when you are fearing about your future, kids, marriage, business, job. Remember that Lord is on your side and you need not fear.

No matter what people tell you and critics spurt venom against you. Remember Lord is your shield and exceeding great reward. He is a just judge who will never allow you to be ashamed.

Jeremiah  29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

God bless

Stony Hearts

Exodus  7:3 And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. 

Exodus 7:4 But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.

Good Morning Saints,

Today we will meditate upon the hearts which are not receptive to correct advice. Sometimes people just don't listen to right counseling and fall in trouble.

Here we find that Pharaoh was repeatedly told that he and his countrymen will be destroyed if they don't listen to right advice; still Pharaoh doesn't listen to advice from Moses and goes on to stop the Israelites from going out of Egypt.

Due to this action from the Pharaoh we can observe few things about failures people face in their lives.

1. People don't listen to good counsel due to egoistic mindset.

2. People don't listen to good counsel due to judgement from the Lord. As it is written

Genesis  6:3  And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

3. People don't listen as Lord wants to prove that he is still in control.

4. People don't listen as Lord wants to favour his people and bring them out of trouble.

5. People don't listen as they become greedy and has no time for Lord.

Saints, today when you hear the word don't harden your hearts and do things which are not according to Lord's counsel.

Remember Lord is the creator of Heaven and Earth and he is still in control of the whole universe.

Today, pray that Lord should guide you in right counsel and deliver you from all temptation.

Luke  11:4  And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Luke  22:40  And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

God bless

Tale of the bricks

Exodus  5:8 And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God.

Good Morning Saints,

Today we will meditate upon Israel and their tale of bricks.

Pharaoh had said something which we can correlate with our present times "Is Praying is a waste of time?".

Today many youth and old are so much obsessed with work and success that they forget their prime existence and that is fellowship with God.

Israel was under hard bondage by the Egyptians. They toiled hard for a morsel of food. They were crying day and night and would intreat God for deliverance.

These hard bondage was for many years it was very much like our struggle in the present time.

Tale of bricks shows some important things.

1. Hard work doesn't necessarily means you are heading for success.
2. If you are not in fellowship with the Lord and only interested in hard work. Think again!! That is not God's plan for you.
3. The purpose of the Satan is to engage you in work so much that you stop thinking about God and his plan.
4. Israel was ill-treated and still could not raise their voices against the masters.
5. The enemy had killed, stole and destroyed the blessing of the Israelites during the period of their stay in Egypt.

Saints, every brick has a tale to tell every brick in college, company, schools, factories and other institutions has a tale to tell.

When we work, toil and labour we need to consider for whom do we labour? What is the use of such a hard work?

Matthew  11:28  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Please don't misunderstand me when I say you don't need to work hard. I mean about any job, business, work which would rob your happiness, peace, fellowship and unity among the family members is not from Lord. Though it might appear sweet but it will sting later like a viper.

Many youth resort to cocktail parties, corporate parties to please the clients, bosses and people.

The world would always think that fellowship with Lord, Bible study, Bible reading and going to church is an idle work. There would be section of people who would say what is the use of praying. Work is worship!

Saints, always remember we cannot do anything without Lord's help.

Luke  12:51  Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

Yes a division, a difference of opinion between the world and us. World cannot understand us.

John  8:29  And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

Do the work which is pleasing to God and he will establish and settle you.

Keep praying and fellowship with Lord Jesus.

God bless

Labour Labour, where is thy favour?

Exodus  5:9 Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.

Good Morning Saints,

Today in this following verse we find something very important for us to meditate.

For whom do we labor? Is labor really the plan from the Lord? What does Bible teaches us about labour.
Labour means hard work, usually in this world we are always taught that we need to do hard work in order to be successful.

Those who don't do hard work are usually called lazy, idler. Labor is of two categories.

1. Labour to become prosperous as per own will.

Genesis  3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 

Genesis 3:18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;

Lord cursed Adam into hard labour as he did not listen to Him.

Adam was a governor of Lord's garden and was happy and enjoying his life the moment he disobeyed God, he fell from His grace and was kicked out the garden to toil day and night.

2. Labour to become prosperous as per God's will.

1 Thessalonians  2:9  For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.  

1 Timothy  4:10  For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.  

1 Timothy  5:18  For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.  

Hebrews  4:11  Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.  

Hebrews  6:10  For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.  

Revelation  2:2  I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

All the above verse tells us that Lord appreciates Labour done with love.
Whatever you do, whichever work you do you need to love that work and enjoy doing it. If you feel that work is not for you but still you are doing for the sake of others. It will not be a blessing for you and your family. All the time we need to think whether the work which I do.

1. Doesn't allow me to have fellowship with Lord.

2. Doesn't satisfy me spiritually.

3. Doesn't allow me to spend time with my family.

4. We feel exhausted and fight with our family due to work.

If you are facing such issues, you need to sit in the presence of God and ask for his guidance about the work which he has assigned for you.
Every person is given a talent when he is born and when he does work according to his talent. Lord is pleased with him.

Proverbs  15:20  A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

Lord has a plan for you! Yes You!

Isaiah  43:19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

God bless

Lord! who is with you everywhere

Genesis  46:4 I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes.

Good Morning Saints,

Today we are continuing with the series of Joseph. Joseph's father Israel feared to go to Egypt. Since he was at Canaan at the land promised by Lord and it was in famine.

He was troubled because he didn't know whether the news of Joseph's glory was true or not.

He feared the future of his sons and grandchildren. It was at this time God promises him 3 things.

1. Lord will be with him wherever he will go.
2. Lord will bring his children back to the promised land.
3. His beloved son Joseph will lay his hands when he dies.

Saints, when we face troubles and trials in our lives. Lord promised us that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

John  14:18  I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Today place your trust in the Lord. Rest in Him, cast all your fears and worries in his hands. He will surely bring you to your promised land. That promotion will be yours. All your fears will dwindle away and Lord will be your rearguard.

Proverbs  30:5  Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

God bless

Rewarding evil for good

Genesis  44:4 And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?

Good Morning Saints,
Today we will meditate upon the series of Joseph. How should we deal with people who reward evil for good?

Saints, Joseph was a governor of Egypt and when he met his brothers, he tried his way to make them realise that they should never reward evil for good. Earlier I had mentioned that Joseph is in similitude of Jesus. Jesus too never condemn people but gives them time so that they realise their mistake and turn from them.

2 Peter  3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Today we have people in this world who would reward us evil for good.

What should we be doing at that time? We should excersise patience.

James  5:7  Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

As the James says, we have to remain calm and have faith over the people who return evil for good. When we forgive and pray for them Lord will take up the case and execute judgement.

As it is written.

Deuteronomy  32:41  If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.  

Romans  12:19  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Saints, it is difficult to forgive those who offend you and return evil for good. Each time we feel why did this happen to me. But remember when we forgive we do the will of God. As he is forgiving people who repent for their sins. If we do likewise we will be sons and daughters of the Lord.

Luke  17:3  Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.  

Luke  17:4  And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

God bless

Thy vision will come to pass

Genesis  42:9 And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.

Good Morning Saints,

Today we will meditate upon Lord and his faithfulness. We are observing the life of Joseph. In this verse Joseph remembered that the dream has been fulfilled, which was shown to him 13 years ago.

Few lessons we can take from Joseph, when God shows you his plan.

1. Remember it is Lord's plan so people will never understand it and believe it.
2. We must quietly wait and  pray and be still till his plan is fulfilled.
3. Like Joseph we must not be proud once the plan is fulfilled in our lives. As it is written God gives grace to the Humble.

Saints, I want to encourage you to hold on to your dreams. Because Lord is faithful he will never leave you. His word will come to pass and will fulfill that he has purposed in his heart.

Jeremiah  24:6  For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up.

God bless

And it shall come to pass

Genesis  41:1 And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.

Good Morning Saints,

Today we will meditate further on the series of Joseph. This verse shows the power of the Lord irrespective of your circumstances. We always seek favours from our friends and family. Do we always get the favour we desire? Are we not dejected when we are turned off?

Joseph also had the same quality. Lord had the final test for him that is to test his Faith. He wanted to see what is there in his heart. Whom does he go to when he is troubled, confused and weary.

Remember our Lord is a righteous God who will never allow anything detrimental for your future. In the previous verse we find that Joseph was seeking favour from the butler after the interpretation of his dream.
If he would have received the favour from the butler. Lord would not have been glorified.

Isaiah  42:8  I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

Lord will not partake his glory to another person. So when we face trials and tribulations, what should we do?

As the psalmist said.

Psalms  121:1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 

Psalm 121:2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

So let's trust the Lord and don't seek favours from men. As it is written.

Psalms  118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Saints, look above your problems, Lord is alive. Be still and know that he is Lord. He will never allow the righteous to be moved.

God bless

Prisoned, But Free

Genesis  40:7 And he asked Pharaoh's officers that were with him in the ward of his lord's house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day?

Good Morning Saints,

This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Whenever I sing that song, I remember Joseph, who in 13 years of test, lived each day in the joy of the Lord. Today we will meditate upon how to live joyful amidst the trials.

What a startling statement from Joseph when he asked the 2 prisoners ( Butler and the Baker) why do you look so sad today?

Imagine a prisoner himself who was ill-treated, betrayed, humiliated, insulted and thrown into prison never spoke a word against the Lord but quietly believed that Lord is above all and He will surely bring his plans to pass. What a Faith!!!

Saints today when we are tired in our journey called life. Let's look to Joseph and learn how to be happy in your troubles, pain, sickness, humiliation.

Paul too in the following verse said that he had to go through all the ordeals buy still kept his mind and heart on the the kingdom and the prize which was awaiting him.

2 Corinthians  11:27  In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

Saints, God know the pain you are going through, He will surely bring his plans to pass.

Today commit you life and say this small prayer. Jesus, I am a sinner, I acknowledge you as my saviour, come into my heart, make me the person you want me to be. I believe you are the son of God who dies for my sins and rose again on the third day and you are coming back to judge the world.

Friends if you say this simple prayer, Bible says you are born again, you are in the hands of the Holy Spirit who will recreate you to the person who is pleasing to the Lord.

God bless

Truthful when no-one is watching

Genesis  39:9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

Good Morning Saints,

Today we will meditate upon the integrity of Joseph journey to Egypt.

Joseph was sold to Potiphar by the Ishmaelites. He was still a slave and Bible tells that He was a prosperous man. How?? How can one be prosperous in the slavery.

Joseph was observed with these qualities.

1. He feared God.
2. He was truthful to his work.
3. He was diligent in his work.
4. He was aware that Lord has a bigger plan and will fulfill it one day.
5. He didn't take the matter in his own hands but was patient.

Saints, today when you are troubled thinking nothing is working as per your plan, Look to Joseph, he was a slave for around 13 years, but still he didn't lose his faith on Lord.

Lord also respected his faith and gave his honour, glory, respect and lifted his to level of a prime minister of Egypt and saved his family in famine.

As it written:

Galatians  6:9  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

God bless

Thou your sins are like scarlet

Genesis  38:26 And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.

Good Morning Saints!!!

What a pleasant day! Today we will meditate upon an important topic Can you be righteous thou your sins be like scarlet?

We will learn from the life of Judah. Judah means praise, he was born to Leah, and was given the promise that the Saviour will come from his seed. Such a privilege matter, but still Judah displayed qualities which were questionable.

1. He was wicked
2. He was greedy.
3. He would revolt against his father wish by marrying a Canaanite woman.
4. He was selfish.
5. He was ready to sell his own brother rather than save him.
6. He was jealous of his brother.
7. He was deceiver, who deceived his own father.

Still Lord promised that a saviour will come through his lineage.

Genesis  49:8 Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee. 

Genesis 49:9 Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? 

Genesis 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

What does this say?

Lord is merciful, slow to anger and willing to forgive even the worst mistake or sins if we turn to him.

Isaiah  1:18  Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Today when we look back on all the sins we have done or all the blunders you might have committed. Don't worry, Lord is aware of your shortcomings and willing to forgive all the sins.

Saints, turn yourself to the Lord. He is mighty, merciful, he gave his only begotten son so that we don't perish but have eternal life.

God bless

What do you seek

Genesis  37:15 And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou? 
Genesis 37:16 And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks.

Saints, what a beautiful day Lord has made. Today we will meditate upon the core message of the Bible. Seeking the lost.

Saints, I have in my previous blog mentioned that Joseph is in similitude of Jesus. Today he does a most important thing seeking his brothers who have gone astray, lost.

His soul yearns for the people who hate him, can't speak peaceably to him, his spirit groans for his brethren. Who are always thinking to kill him so that the dreams which he shared will be finished.

But Lord has a different plan, He ensures that Joseph should go through the hardship so that he can be ready for the major plan.

Today when you face hardships, trials, tribulation, insults, humiliation, your efforts don't seem to bring any fruit. Don't worry!! Lord who has brought His plan on Joseph to be fulfilled. He will make your plan successful if you align your thoughts with his thoughts.

Isaiah  55:8  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Saints, sometimes we follow our plans and go astray when nothing works then we turn to God. But  Lord is seeking for you and waiting upon you to fulfil his plan.

Isaiah  14:24  The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:

Today as you read the word, submit yourselves completely under his mighty hand. He will bring your plan to be successful.

God bless

Favoured but not Loved

Genesis  37:4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

Saints, today we will meditate upon Joseph. Joseph is always placed under the similitude of Jesus. He portrayed a Jesus like character. Joseph was the eldest son of Rachel born to Israel.

Some scholars have summed up the life of Joseph as Pitted, Potted and Putted.

What is so special about Joseph life?

Joseph was a man of character amoung his brethren. He displayed qualities which earned him favour from his father and Lord.

1. He was truthful in his work.
2. He was not a man pleaser.
3. He was diligent in father's business.
4. He would love his brethren even when they would hate him.
5. He was a man who would hate sin.
6. He was a visionary.
7. He was patient and submitted to Lord's plan.

Does it not seem similar to Jesus. Who borne all our sins and still didn't speak a word against those who hated him, he was diligent in father's business. He was favoured by Lord his Father but hated by men.

Saints, today when you are not being recognised for your work in your workplace. Don't fret or be angry remember that Lord is a rewarder for all your efforts. Though men will hate you, bring you to council and say things against you. Remember that Lord is with you and will never leave you fatherless.

Do good and don't get tired, Lord is a rewarder and finisher of your faith.

God bless

Lord in your distress

Genesis  35:3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.

Saints, whom do you lean upon when you are in distress.

We always fall into distress and look upon our friends and family. But do they really help us.

Israel said Lord had helped me in distress. When was faced with betrayal, insults, humiliation whom do you look upon?

So what would I need to do to get Lord's help?

The answer is given in previous verse.

Genesis  35:2 Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

What do we need to do?

1. Put away strange gods.
Who are your gods? Anything that is more honourable for you than spending time with the Lord is a god for you. Is watching TV robbing time for fellowship, Is spending time on internet or Facebook more important for you.

2. Clean yourselves.
Be Holy as I am Holy, present your bodies as a supreme sacrifice for the Lord.

3. Change your garments.
Garments are things which cover your bodies. They cover your shame. Some people say clothes make man.
Some get pride in wearing costly clothes. Hence you should remove your pride and humble under the mighty hand of God.

Saints, when you depend on Lord and Lord alone you will never be ashamed.

Never trust anyone but Lord alone.

God bless

Cursed Anger

Genesis  34:25 And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.

Good morning saints!

Today we will discuss about an important issue which is core thing in any relationship. Anger!! This is a emotion which if not controlled will bring destruction to family, society and nation.

Simeon and Levi due to this anger lost their inheritance amoung their brotherhood.

Israel called their anger as Cursed.

Genesis  49:7  Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.

Three things were present in Simeon and Levi which robbed their blessing.

1. Fierce Anger
In their anger they killed a person who had come to them for peace.

2. Wrath
They burned in their wrath and took the matter into their own hands. Thus bringing their family into trouble as Shechem was a very honourable person in the land.

3. Cruelty
Yes, they avenged their sister Dinah. For Shechem had raped her and brought disgrace. But since Shechem were sorry for what they had done still Simeon and Levi showed no mercy on their families and killed all the innocent people for their crime.

Saints, what do we learn from these.

Ecclesiastes  7:9  Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

One should never be hasty to be angry as he will take foolish decision due to that.

Proverbs  16:32  He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

It is written be angry but don't sin

Colossians  3:8  But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

These things destroy your relationship with God and men. Today let's introspect ourselves whether we are grieving the Holy Spirit with our anger. Let's put away the anger and frustration and turn ourselves to the Lord.

God bless

Lord who never forgets

Genesis  30:22 And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.

Good Morning Saints!

Whenever I read the story of Rachel, I always wonder why would God be so cruel to one and so gracious to another.

Leah was hated by Jacob and loved by God. Rachel was loved by Jacob but God forgot her.

Isn't that the case in our situation when we feel God has forgotten us. He is not remembering our works, efforts, does that mean God is wrong. God forbid!!!

Genesis  4:6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 

Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

Here God said specifically if you shall do well, will you not be accepted.

That means Rachel was doing something which was not right in the eyes of the Lord. Let's meditate on what Rachel can teach us from her life.

Rachel was very beautiful and well favoured among the two daughters of Laban. Bible says that Leah was tender eyed(squinted). So even though she was elder she was not getting any suitors, due to which Laban had to resort to cheating Jacob in marrying her.

We can observed these qualities of Rachel which was detrimental to her blessing.

1. Rachel was very selfish. She was not thinking about her sister when she received the favour (Gen 29:17)

2. She was very jealous. She envied her sister as she was blessed with many children (Gen 30:1).

3. She was a short tempered woman. Who would not respect anyone, including her husband. (Gen
30:1).

4. She broke the sanctity of marriage in her jealousy by marrying her maid to Jacob. (Gen 30:6).

5. She was a idolator. Even after receiving favour from Lord. She didn't have a grateful heart and was worshipping idols which were in her father's house. (Gen 31:19).

Saints if we have stay blessed, we need to please God and give fruits of the spirit.

Galatians  5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 
Galatians 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

God bless

Lord your keeper

Genesis  28:15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

Genesis 28:16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.

Praise the Lord

Today we will meditate upon Jacob. There are many phases of his life. Today we will discuss about his first phase where he deceived his brother for a blessing and ran away from his brother.

Isaac had two sons Esau and Jacob and as the story goes. Esau was loved by Isaac and Jacob was loved by Rebecca.

Jacob was cunning and wanted blessing from his father. Since he was younger to Esau and as a rule the elder will receive the blessing first due to his birthright. Esau despised his birthright and gave it to Jacob for gluttony.

Here we find an important lesson when we resort to our own methods of seeking blessing we are faced with numerous troubles. What we sow we reap.

Jacob should have waited for the blessing but instead he listened to his mother and did what was wrong the result was.

1. He was driven out of the house due to circumstances.
2. He couldn't see his mother at her deathbed.
3. He lived a life of fear
4. He was deceived by Laban for 10 times.
5. He was deceived by his sons for his son Joseph.
6. His life was full of tears.

Saints, but Lord had a different plan. He knew that Jacob was a cunning and would try every methods to be blessed.

So He came to him in a dream and commanded him to follow him as his father and his grandfather did.

He also mentioned what will He do by following him.

1. He will be with him wherever he goes.
2. He will keep him from all troubles.
3. He will bring him back to his land.
4. He will not leave him till he fulfill His promise that he spoke of him.

Today when we look into our lives are we like Jacob, trusting ourselves in all we do, listening to people and not following God's instructions. We would eventually get what we have sowed.

Saints, days are near for Lord's coming. He said Be Holy as I am Holy.

God bless

Despising birthright

Genesis  27:34 And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father.

Good Morning Saints!!
Today we will meditate about Esau. The first born of Isaac.

Esau is a man of complex nature and very much of similar passion like ours. He was born to a Godly parents, knew the word, knew the law, knew the Lord but refused to follow Him.

I am sure Isaac and Rebecca would have done everything to correct, admonish, chastise him to know the Lord. As it is written

Proverbs  29:17  Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

But, we find that he was repeatedly doing things which was contradictory to the word of God. He married 2 wives from Hitties clan. Which was a displeasure for his parents. So we can assess the qualities Esau had which made Lord to proclaim this statement.

Malachi  1:2  I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob,

Lord said he hated Esau. Is God right in doing so? Can a loving father hate his own children?

Esau did the following to provoke God and lose the blessing.
1. Disobedience to parents
2. Disobedience to God's word
3. Gluttony
4. Despise his position or birthright
5. Hating his brother
6. Planning to kill his brother.

Today as you read the word, harden not your heart and confess your sins so that Lord will forgive you and restore everything you have lost.

God bless

Lord of blessing

Genesis  26:12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.

Saints, today we will talk about hindrances in obtaining favours. You might think I have mentioned the verse of blessing but I would like to talk about the first word THEN in the verse.

This is a very significant word as it talks about the history behind the blessing.

Isaac was a favoured son of Abraham and though he had many half brothers yet he got the inheritance and promise from Lord.
Still he was having the same qualities of his father.

1. Fearful

2. Unbelief

3. Lying to men.

In the previous verse Lord had told him to stay at the same place and not go to Egypt like his father. He obeyed the Lord but was disbelieving as he saw the circumstances not favourable so being afraid in unbelief he lied to the king Abhimelech that Rebekka was his Sister.

Imagine what a shame! Sometime due to fear we take steps and are faced with such a situation which is then an hindrance for our blessing.

Genesis  26:3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;

Lord had promised 4 things to Isaac as a blessing.

1. He is be with him
2. He is bless him and his seed
3. He will give all the countries surrounding him
4. He will perform the oath given to Abraham.

Still due to fear, Isaac did not receive the blessing immediately he was living in fear and committing mistakes one after another.
Hence Lord had no choice but to withheld the blessing till the faith is restored and truth is out.

Hence once the people knew the truth, Lord blessed him more that the king.

When we live in fear, we must understand we would commit mistakes. We must love the Lord with all the heart, all the mind, all the soul and strength.

Luke  10:27  And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

Today if you are living in the fear. Remember Lord is with you be will never leave you and unless you remove the fear yourself from the heart. You will never receive the blessing. Love casteth all fears says Bible.  Let's love the Lord and be blessed.

God bless

Living righteously

Genesis  20:6 And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.

Praise the Lord saints!!

Today we will meditate on the living righteously in this corrupt world.

Everywhere we find that people cheat, lie, betray to get their work done.  It is very difficult to trust anyone these days and live holy in this corrupt world.

Psalms  16:10  For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.  

Psalms  49:9  That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.

Psalmist says that it is possible with Lord's help to live a righteously and holy in the presence of Lord.

How will Lord help you in living righteously?

1. Lord will withheld you from sinning against the Lord
We are flesh and think fleshy. Paul says that there is a war between then spirit and body to do what is right. But we invariably do what is wrong due to fleshy nature. Hence by Grace of Jesus Christ Lord withheld us from sinning

2. Lord will withheld your soul from going to hell
That is the promise Lord gives to every believer that who confess  his sins, believes in Jesus and accepts him as a saviour and soon coming judge will never see hell.

3. Lord will withheld you from corruption.
This is a powerful statement we see corruption every where and Lord's children being affected by them. Still Lord says we will not see corruption. How?? The answer is in that same verse. " That he should still live for ever". We are strangers of this world, we are citizens of that city which builded by Jesus. Hence after the second coming we will live eternally with Him and not see corruption.

Isaiah  38:17  Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

All your sins are cast behind your back and you will be delivered from the pit of corruption. So what does it mean should we keep sinning because God is good.

God forbid, but we should keep praying to keep away from temptations. How long should we pray to keep away from sinning th whole day. The answer is again in the Bible.

Mark  14:37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? 
Mark  14:38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

Here Jesus specifically says that you must PRAY FOR ONE HOUR TO AVOID TEMPTATIONS.

Saints we are living in a world where the enemy deceives us by engaging our minds into different work so that we don't worship and pray to Lord.

Today set your time and pray so that you shall not sin against the Almighty.

God bless