Praiseful Heart

Psalms 9:1 I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.

Praise the Lord!

Today we will meditate upon a praiseful heart. As a christian we are commanded to praise the Lord, we are instructed to worship him and bless him for his goodness.

Many christians  praise the Lord more as a traditional rather than a soulful thanksgiving.

Psalmist David said to his soul to bless the Lord with all his heart. A Man After God's Own Heart; he was ever mindful about the Lord.

Psalms  103:1  Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

We will meditate upon the reason to praise the Lord.

1. We need to praise God for his deliverance from our enemies.

Every christian has an enemy, he is not in flesh but in spirit. He uses people to get his task accomplished. He comes to steal, kill and destroy.

Ephesians  6:12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

2. We need to praise God because he upheld you in judgement.

We need a savior when we fall in trouble. Many affliction are against a christian and we need an advocate, a righteous judge who can speak for us. There is no one other than Jesus, who approves you as righteous before the Lord God Jehovah.

1 John  2:1  My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

3. We need to praise God because he did not forget our tears.

A christian walk is not bed of roses. We carry our cross through the valley of tears. But we have a savior who has promised that he will deliver us from this world and give us an everlasting life.

2 Corinthians  4:17  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

How should we praise God?

Many feel a small words of blessing, a silent mention of his goodness, a muffled praise is enough for our King of Kings.

1. Praise him with whole heart.

A praiseful heart is not mindful of people. He praises the Lord without any inhibitions. Psalmist David was rebuked by his wife Michal for dancing in front of people. But he answered her with a heart filled with the love of God.

2 Samuel  6:14 And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. 

2 Samuel 6:21 And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD. 

2 Samuel 6:22 And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.

2. Praise the Lord in gladness and Joy.

A christian has more than one reason to be glad and joyful. He should always be mindful about the goodness of the Lord. Many christians are so burdened by the affliction and troubles of this world, that they always murmur against the Lord. 

Matthew  6:30  Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

3. Praise the Lord in truth.

Many christian feel that they can cheat God through false praise. God recognises his own people. He knows his people from afar.

Jeremiah  23:23  Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?

Saints,

Today if you are facing difficulty in praising God. Ask forgiveness from the Lord and return to him with a joyful and praiseful heart.

Hebrews  13:15  By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.  

1 Peter  1:7  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

God Bless

Trustworthy God

Psalms 7:1 O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:

Praise the Lord!

Today we will meditate upon the trustworthiness of God. Psalmist David calls our God as trustworthy because David experienced God's favor and love.

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

So, why would anyone trust God?

1. You can trust God because He saves you from your persecutors.

In your christian life; there would be many who would persecute you for his name's sake. But Lord will deliver your soul from all persecution.

Psalms  34:19  Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

2. You can trust God because He delivers you from your enemies.

In your walk of life, whenever you have experienced people who are against you and create trouble in your life. You can trust God to deliver you from your enemy.

Psalms  42:10  As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?

3. You can trust God because He is God of all beings.

Lord has challenged all those who calls themselves as god and He shows his prowess in saying there is nobody like Him.

Hosea  13:4  Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me.

So God is trustworthy for his children. But there is always two sides of coin.

How can a believer gain that trust from God?

1. Clean Hands

A believer needs to check whether they have any sin or iniquity in them. Our God is an impartial God. He is not respecter of people.

Psalms  18:24  Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.

2. Clean Heart

Whenever you face strife and fight in your life. Do you have the heart to forgive your perpetrator? Do you return evil for evil?

Matthew  5:39  But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

3. Clean Soul

We are always mindful about our future. We try every means to secure the future. We devise lots of plan and seek counsel from people to secure our life. Jesus said we should be mindful about our soul. All the riches and the toil of your hands are vanity.

Luke  12:19  And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.  

Luke  12:20  But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

Proverbs  23:15  My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

God's heart rejoices whenever he sees a wise heart.

Saints,

We always trust people and friends because they promise you that they will be for you in all your life. But, seldom we realize that they are human and cannot be trusted.

Isaiah 2:22 Don’t put your trust in mere humans. They are as frail as breath. What good are they?

God Bless

Disgruntled Soul

Palms 6:3 My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?

Praise the Lord!

Many times in the life of a Christian, there comes a time when h/she  feels very dejected. Sorely vexed in spirit; h/she starts wondering when would this travail end.

Psalmist David was no different from any individual. Although he was a king; still he would cry to the Lord and ask for divine guidance. Whenever he saw the wicked florish he would be disturbed in his soul and would seek the Lord.

As we know that God loved his children so much that he didn't care for his own begotten son Jesus. And watched him crucified, bearing all the sins of the world.

John  3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

So why would God allow the soul to be vexed to his dear children?

1. Your soul is vexed for your correction.

Many times we face issues in this life due to the choices we take in life. We would use our intellectual ability and take the decision logically but the end would give us pain.

Psalms  34:19  Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

2. Your soul is vexed so that you seek his face.

Bible tells us about a widow woman who would constantly meet a judge to seek justice. But, because of her persistent behavior she received the justice.

Luke  18:3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

3. Your soul is vexed so that God is glorified.

Many times it is not your fault, but still you have to bear this pain and walk through the valley of tears and terrible hurt. Wondering where did you go wrong. Why God Why??

But God said to his disciples that it is for his glory.

John  9:3  Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

Saints

Are you feeling dejected and lost?

Do you feel alone and lonely?

Seek God and bless him at all times.

2 Corinthians  1:3  Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 

2 Corinthians  1:4  Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Remember, you are not alone! Lord will never leave you or forsake you.

Joshua  1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

God Bless

Christian lifestyle

Psalms 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

Praise the Lord!

Today we will meditate upon lifestyle of a Christian. Everyone has a lifestyle, some live in poverty whole life. Some would live in lavish lifestyle. But a Christian has a lifestyle of his own.

Jesus says that you choose your lifestyle by setting your heart into it.

Luke  12:34  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

If you are seeking God's provision and promise and his inheritance. You need to choose HIS way for success. Because HIS ways are different from this world.

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

What is a Christian lifestyle?

1. Early Morning Prayer to the Lord

Psalmist said that early morning he will cry to the Lord. He was a king; still he humbled his heart and did not trust his riches or armies. But his help was from Lord alone. This act earned him a title that he was the Man After God's Own Heart.(Acts 13:22)

2. Meditate on God's word.

Many successful people has a routine in which they hear and speak affirmative words to generate positive thoughts. Bible says life and death in in your tongue.

Psalmist says Lord's blessings is upon those who honor his word and meditate upon them.

Psalms  1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 

Psalms 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

3. Faith in God's Help.

Many cry and call for help and if they don't receive as per their way and in their own time. They get disheartened and stop crying to God and lose faith. Jesus said that we need to be persistent in prayer and faith. Enemy is prowling to destroy your faith. So Beware of your enemy and stay steadfast in faith.

James  1:6  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

4. Recognize your enemies and their tactics.

Many Christian fall down because of ignorant behavior. And keep blaming Satan; your enemy is very cunning and comes to destroy, kill and steal your peace.

Protect your peace in the Lord. Don't worry for your children and yourself. Your future is secured in his hands.

John  10:10  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Jesus calls the enemy as THIEF.

5. Accept the providence and success unconditionally in faith.

We live in a practical and skeptical world.where even after we are blessed and happy. We refuse to believe that it will come easily as Lord is our provider.

Thomas, a great apostle also earned a name DOUBTING THOMAS. Because he refused to believe that Jesus is alive unless he touches him.

John  20:28  And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God. 

John  20:29  Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

When you see the clouds of change and prosperity. Start praising and thanking God for his blessings and He will fulfill his will in you.

Matthew  21:22  And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Saints,

We are pilgrims in this world. We are citizens of God's kingdom and we would be entering in that kingdom if we have a lifestyle which pleasing to Him.

James  2:5  Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

God Bless

Set Apart for Him

Psalms 4:3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

Praise the Lord!

Today we will meditate upon being consecrated for the Lord. In olden times we can observe that a person is set apart only when he is purchased or bought from someone.

A person has a freewill to do whatever he/she wants. But if they are set apart for a particular service. Then whatever the master tells them to do they must do or else face the consequences.

Exodus  21:5  And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free:

If a Hebrew servant has chosen to become a servant. Then the master will set a seal on him so that the world knows that he is that master's servant.

Does that mean children of God are servant of the most High God?

Yes! Bible says in Leviticus that we are servants of the most High God.

Leviticus  25:55  For unto me the children of Israel are servants; they are my servants whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.

But, as per rule they needs to be purchased to be claimed as servant.

Acts  20:28  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Yes Saints! You are purchased by Jesus by his own Blood.

He has set you apart.

Would you like to know the reason?

1. Set Apart to be Holy

Those who want to know God and wants to do his service, needs to be Holy.

Revelation  22:11  He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

2. Set Apart to please Him.

God loved the company of Adam and Eve and would visit him every Evening and commune with them. As a father loves the company of his kids. Similarly God loved the company of Adam and Eve.

Psalms  144:15  Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.

3. Set Apart for his Service.

We have a business to do. Every servant has a special task to do. Jesus was very particular about this business.

Luke  2:49  And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

Similarly, Paul mentioned that thesole business of every servant is spreading the Gospel not Gossip.

Today many christians are interested in spreading gossip rather than Gospel.

As a servant you are commanded by the Lord to spread the Gospel to every part of the world.

Romans  1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  

Philippians  1:27  Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Saints,

Don't harden your heart, but submit to be set apart for his service.

God bless

The One Who Knows The Way

Psalms 1:6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Praise the Lord!

Today we will meditate upon the Leadership of the Lord.

John Maxwell once said:

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” 

Whenever we face a dead end in our life, we tend to look to people especially motivational speakers who would give motivational and direction from their experiences. But many times we find that what had worked for them didn't necessarily worked for us. Because each individual has a different journey and has an individualistic personality.

So we keep seeking more and more  motivation from people and seek advice and counseling from people.

Bible says:

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

Is this just a coincidence or God's way of telling that instead of seeking people's counseling. We need to look towards him for counsel.

Lord says to Jeremiah:

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.

How can we know whether we are on a right path?

Many people wants God's will in their lives, they know that His will is always good. But they are ignorant and want to follow their own ways.

1. Keep yourself away from wicked advice.
If you find that the advice of people takes away the peace from your heart. Do not listen to those advice. (John 14:27).
Pray to God for counsel acknowledge all your work. Seek his guidance.

2. Keep yourself away from sinful path.
There is a way which seems right to sinners but the end is death. In your spirit if you are convicted that it is a wrong way. Listen to that small still voice which is protecting you from perils.

3. Keep yourself away from boasting your work.
Don't belittle anyone or anything. Respect all people whether they are elders or small ones. (James 2:1)

Saints,

We are living in stressful situations, so we need to be careful from whom we seek advice.

Proverbs  20:18  Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

John  14:10  Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

We have a Leader whose name is Jesus who was tempted like us but emerged victorious because he seeked Father's face.

Hebrews  4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Today when you are facing difficulty in making decisions. Look towards Lord and seek his face. He will guide and protect you from all temptations.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don't lean on your understanding.

God Bless

Lamenting over the Glory

Luke 23:48 And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.

Praise the Lord

Today we will meditate upon Israelites view over Jesus. Many often wondered over the period when Jesus served these people instead of being served. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords became man and walked among the people preaching about the Kingdom of God.

Lord was himself surprised over their hard heartedness that he would sometimes be angry over them.

John  8:43  Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

So why were these Israelites thinking in this way. Why were they not understanding the Lord Jesus and his teaching.

The reasons these Israelites could not perceive the mind of the Lord because.

1. They were seekers of world. They were not interested in the kingdom of God but were more interested in getting their physical needs being met.

John  6:67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

John  6:27  Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

2. They were only hearers of the words but seldom did what Lord had told them to do.

Romans  2:13  For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

3. They were hard hearted to the point to stone Jesus as He was not ready to succumb to their will.

John  10:31  Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.  

John  10:32  Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

4. They were lamenting over the Savior death because of their unbelief in His resurrection.

Luke 23:28 But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.

5. They didn't recognize the Savior as the Lord. And never gave him the glory He deserved. It was Peter who got a revelation from the Holy Spirit, which led to confess that Jesus is Son Of God.

Matthew  16:16  And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.  

John  3:18  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Saints

Let's be honest to ourselves, let's work for our salvation. Today if the Holy Spirit is convicting you and instructing you to repent for the sins.

Please don't harden your hearts.

Surrender your life to Jesus.

James  1:22  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  

James  1:23  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

Let's worship the Lord in Spirit and Truth.

God Bless

Bear It After Jesus

Luke 23:26 And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.

Praise the Lord!

Today we will meditate upon Cross. Everyone wants a happy, safe and secured life. If you ask anyone to bear the suffering, they will not be happy. And if you ask them whether they are ready to bear the suffering for others.
They will most certainly refuse because it is even more difficult.

We live in a world where people are seeking for self glorification and respect.

This scripture says about a person who most unwillingly bore the cross after Jesus. Because they laid the cross upon him as Jesus was unable to bear it due to suffering meted upon him.

It brought my attention to most important thing.

Can Jesus be searching for his children who would bear the cross after Him?

The answer is Yes! He is seeking for people who can bear His cross.

Ezekiel  22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

Types of Cross

1. Cross of submission to His  Will
Matthew  10:38  And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Those who are not ready to submit to his will but want their desires and wishes to be fulfilled. Who is not ready to bear the cross and suffer with Jesus. They are not worthy for Christ Kingdom.

2. Cross of Self Denial
Matthew  16:24  Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Denying oneself is a Herculean task. It means complete surrender to the Master's will. But what is impossible for Man is possible with Lord's help. Those who hold on to his pride and ego and afraid to let go of his ego is not worthy of Christ Kingdom.

3. Cross to deny Worldly Comforts.

Mark  10:21  Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

Desire of things that the world has to offer is the root for all unhappiness. Self contentment leads to happiness. Those who are constantly thinking of this worldly riches is not worthy for Christ Kingdom.

Saints,

If you don't follow the teaching and commandments of Jesus. Paul refers you as enemy of Christ.

1 Corinthians  1:18  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  

Philippians  3:18  (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

Saints,

If you have gone astray from the Lord. Now is the right to reconcile while there is time. Carry the cross and follow Jesus.

Matthew  11:29  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  

Matthew  11:30  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

God Bless