Overcoming Discouragements & Devil's Schemes

Meditation from Nehemiah Chapter 6

Nehemiah and the people are faced with the opposition by those who plan to discourage & stop the work. He exhibits spiritual attitude & identifies the plans of the enemy & thwarts them.

1. Intention : The enemy makes people to doubt our intention. Here he says that Nehemiah's intention is to rebel and to become the king (6:6).

If we give in to this, we will become discouraged. We should always check with the Lord and His Word whether our intentions are pleasing to God or not.

2. Inventions : The enemy invents false & negative things that have not happened and spreads as if it has happened. (6:8)

When our heart & actions are true before God, we don't need to think about the false accusations & evil inventions of the enemy against us.

3. Intimidation : Finally, the enemy tries to intimidate Nehemiah to make him fearful (6:10-13).

Nehemiah recognises the scheme of the enemy and does not give in to fear. We need to fear God and respect for people, not fear people.

How does Nehemiah overcome these schemes of the enemy?

1. Committed : He is completely devoted to God's work that which is entrusted to Him; he understands it's a great work and so he doesn't waste his time and commitment on distractions or on the causes of discouragement (6:3).

2. Strengthened : When the enemy plans to weaken him, he strengthens himself in the LORD (6:9).

Prayer is the weapon that can defeat the enemy's strategies.

3. Focused : Nehemiah focuses on God and the work and not on the enemy. He commits the matter to God and continues to do his work (6:14).

We should allow God to deal with the opposition & the enemy's schemes.

Because of Nehemiah's godly attitude in facing the enemy's strategy, he and the team could complete the work and the enemy testified that they accomplished the work with the help of God!

Opposition & opportunities of discouragements turned into testimony for God's glory!

Never give up in the face of discouragements. Never stop. Stopping what God has committed to you is enemy's victory, pursuing unto completion amidst opposition is God's victory!

Have a blessed day!

Truly Devoted to God & His Work

Meditation from Nehemiah Chapter 5

Through Nehemiah's life we can see the characteristics and priorities of a person whose life is truly committed to the Lord.

1. Redemption : Nehemiah comes to know that the leaders in Jerusalem were oppressing the people & taking interests from them. (5:6-9)
He is angered that the leaders were taking advantage of the people whom he had redeemed.
Because his priority is to redeem the people who are in bondage and not to make money out of them.

2. Rights : As a governor, Nehemiah had the right to enjoy the allotted benefits. But he forego his rights for the sake of the people. (5:14,15)

Am I seeking after my rights, to enjoy or am I sacrificial, for the cause of people? Do I willingly forego my rights or am I upset when I don't receive what rightfully belongs to me?

3. Reward : Nehemiah was devoted to the LORD's work that he did not acquire land for himself. (5:16).

He was not serving to earn property for himself, for he was seeking the eternal not the earthly.

His reward was not the property that he could earn but the eternal reward.

Unless we leave earthly mindedness we cannot inherit the heavenly mind. To leave is to not cling to the earthly possessions or to seek after them.

4. Request (Demand) : So many people were being fed everyday. Yet Nehemiah did not demand even his food allowance. (5:16)

Am I satisfied with what is given or am I demanding? Am I seeing the burdens of people or am I only looking at my requirements?

The life of a person truly devoted to the Lord is no ordinary life; for his or her priorities are not only godly, but God's kingdom and His work centered.

Does your life & priorities exhibit God & God's Work centeredness or self centeredness?

Today's Intercession :

# Pray for the children who are writing the 10th and 12th board exams.

# Pray that they may write without fear and with confidence.

# Pray for their good health and clarity & peace of mind.

# Pray that they may know the living God who holds their future and to be assured in Him.

Have a blessed day!

Mind Your Mind in Troubles

Meditation from Nehemiah Chapter 4

Nehemiah and the Jews face opposition. They face words of despise & discouragement. (4:1-3). During such times the devil plays with our mind so that we may become discouraged & depressed.
The way they respond to it is a great learning.

1. Mind to Work : They did not set their mind to the words of insults & discouragement rather they set their mind to work (4:6)

When we are called feeble and are told that we won't be able to finish the work or that our work would be sub standard, it is natural to get discouraged & to stop the work (4:2,3).

But the people of God here exhibit an example worth following; to not stop but to set our mind to work.

When we stop, the devil will rejoice, but when we work, he is put to shame and the LORD who called us is glorified.

2. Mind to Pray : In this whole chapter we see Nehemiah and the people praying at all times. They set their guard of prayer together (4:9).

The more the trouble, the more we need to increase our prayer.

3. Mind on God : The people of God learn that the enemy is planning a stealth attack and those who learnt this told the people ten times (4:11,12).

Nehemiah says to people to not to set their mind on where the enemy will attack rather to remember God who is great and awesome! (4:14).
Meditate not the trouble or insults or the barrier rather remember & meditate on the LORD and His Word.

4. Mind to Support : Nehemiah exhorts the people to rush to help the people when they hear that they are in trouble (4:20). But then he adds that "our God will fight for us".

The principle is we need to support people in their troubles, not to add fuel to the fire & discourage them further or to teach them to fight back, rather to encourage them to allow God to fight.
If you want to fight, you are taking the battle in your own hands; but when you wait upon the LORD, the battle will belong to Him!

5. Mind to be Alert : They were working in the day and guarding in the night (4:22). They were holding the work tool in one hand and the defending tool on the other (4:17,23).

The disciples of Jesus were found sleeping because of grief (Luke 22:45), but Jesus prayed more earnestly in anguish (22:43) and exhorted the disciples to pray.

When we face troubles or oppositions or insults, we need to set our mind to work more and pray more.

Allow not the devil to discourage you to stop the work God has entrusted. Wait upon the LORD so that you may receive the strength and may go further. In the times of trouble in people's life be not a discourager but an encourager.

Today's Intercession :

# Pray for the good health and total recovery of the General Secretary of GEMS, Augustine Jebakumar Uncle.

# Pray for the good health of all the missionaries.

# Pray for the school entrance tests and the admission process.

Have a blessed day!

Godly Attitude to Work

Meditation from Nehemiah Chapter 3

Through the inspiration and leadership of Nehemiah the people begin to rebuild, repair and restore.

1. Sacred Skills : In this whole chapter we find that different people were involved various kinds of work. Though their primary work was different, each possessed unique skills which they put to use in this work.

Though we may have the skills because of qualification or training or experience, it is the Spirit of God who endows us with these skills.

2. Supporting One Another : The very first verse shows that the high priest set to work "with his fellow priests".
God's Work is Team Work and we should always consider one another as Co partners in Christ.

Because of this attitude everyone were building or repairing one after the other.

3. Sacred Work : After doing the work they consecrated it (3:1); in other words they considered the work sacred.

The high priest (3:1), levites (3:17) & priests (3:22) were all involved in the rebuilding and repairing the wall.

It is not only preaching or teaching or leading worship or work in the church is sacred, but every work done for God's glory, in His kingdom, is sacred.
Work is sacred not because of the work but because we do it for the glory of the Sacred God!

4. Scrutinise Regularly : The Book of Nehemiah records that the nobles did not put their shoulders to the work (3:5). We understand that review was done. After every day's creation, God looked at His work.

Review is godly and we must review our works periodically, so that we can improve and as well finish the Unfinished.

5. Connect & Involve : We see in this chapter that some involved their daughters (3:12), sons & brothers (3:18) in the work.
In God's kingdom work we should involve our families and friends. If we truly believe in what the LORD is doing we will influence & connect people in God's work and in the work that we are involved in.

Commit your skills & works to the LORD and do it for His glory with the attitude of sacredness and team work.

Today's Intercession :

# Pray for the families of the CRPF cadres who were killed in Pulwama in Jammu & Kashmir.

# Pray that they may receive the needed comfort, hope & godly counsel.

# Pray for the protection of such people who serve the country.

# Pray for the MKs Chandan & Aman who met with road accidents. Pray for their complete healing and recovery.

# Pray for the safety of all missionaries and MKs.

Have a blessed day!

Kingdom Minded

Meditation from Nehemiah Chapter 2

Nehemiah's life shows the life and works of a person who is minded of God's kingdom and His work.

1. Joy / Sadness : The king had never before seen Nehemiah sad. He was sad because of the condition of Jerusalem (2:1,2)

If we are kingdom minded our joy & sadness will also be for the Kingdom.

2. Requests & Prayers : When the king ask him what he wants, Nehemiah asks not anything for himself. Secondly, he prays to God before he responds (2:4)

The requests of a kingdom minded person are not personal but for the Kingdom and he seeks the will of God in prayer for the requests.

3. Humility : To be kingdom minded is to be humble. Even though Nehemiah had close access to the king, he doesn't misuse it. He seeks the king's favour and does it with all humility (2:5,7)

4. Needs : The needs & requests that Nehemiah lists are pertaining to the rebuilding of the wall and gates and then for the house in which he would live (2:7,8). 

5. Priority : Day and night Nehemiah goes around the city and inspects everything, alone (2:11-15).

If we are kingdom minded we will prioritise God's work irrespective of the time of the day.

6. Influence / Inspiration : After looking at the ruins and the destructive conditions of Jerusalem, Nehemiah does not discourage people, but uses it to influence positively and to inspire people to join together with him in rebuilding (2:17,18).

Do you gossip negatively or inspire people positively towards God's kingdom building?

7. Opposition / Barrier : Even before he started the work, Nehemiah faced opposition. But neither he was discouraged nor he discourages the people, but declares boldly that the Lord will give success and that they will start building (2:19,20).

Nehemiah displays the right attitude to face opposition. When we are building the kingdom of God we will face oppositions, but the Lord will give success, for this is His work.

Develop this attitude of Nehemiah so that the Lord may use to build His kingdom and to inspire people towards God's kingdom building.

Today's Intercession :

# Pray for the new school building which was inaugurated yesterday.

# Pray for the essential works that are yet to be done.

# Pray for cooperation from NTPC management.

# Pray for the name of the Living God to be glorified and for every other barrier to be removed.

# Pray for Kingdom mindedness in all the staff of the school.

Have a blessed day!

Understanding & Fulfilling God's Plan

Meditation from Nehemiah Chapter 1

Nehemiah is a classic example of how God makes us understand & does His plan in & through us.

1. Need / Unfinished Task : Nehemiah hears through the returning Jews the condition of Jerusalem and it burdens him. (1:2,3)

When God's concern becomes our concern, it's the beginning of our understanding of God's call. Are the needs of people & God's kingdom your concern?

2. Intercession : Nehemiah converts the burden into prayer. He weeps, mourns, fasts & prays for days. (1:4)

How is your prayer life? Do you take your burden for the people to the Lord in prayer?

3. Introspection : He also confesses & acknowledges the sins of him & his family. He includes himself as the guilty (1:6,7).

4. Word Restoration : He acknowledges that the word of God was not obeyed and restores priority to the Word and to obey it (1:7,9)

Without prioritising and obeying God's Word we cannot understand His plans & cannot be that person through whom God can accomplish His purposes.

5. Success & Favour : Nehemiah is already successful; he is the cupbearer to the king. What more success he needs? He is asking God to grant success & favour from the king to fulfill the need that which he has seen and is burdened (1:11).

The success of the kingdom of God and in Fulfilling the needs must become our success. The measure of our success is not in our personal growth in career, but in the fulfillment of God's plans & the needs of people.

Have a blessed day!

Responding to Correction

Meditation from Ezra Chapter 10

When Ezra finds out that the people of God have broke the commandment of God, he wept for the people and prayed on their behalf. Compassion doesn't mean no correction. In this chapter we see the way people respond to correction.

1. Right Attitude : The people who are being corrected say, "Take action, we are with you; be strong and do it" (10:4).

Usually when people are corrected, they see the person who corrects as an enemy. But here we see the right attitude of people who say that they are with them.

2. True Confession : When we are corrected for a mistake that we committed, we need to confess to God and to people; that is to accept our mistakes. (10:11)

3. Submission to God's Will : It's not sufficient that we only accept our mistakes, but we need to submit to do the will of God. (10:11)
To do the will of God is to commit to God's wish, even though it might be against our desire.

4. Separated Life : We need separate ourselves from those things that lead us into breaking God's commandments. (10:11)

5. Covenant : The amazing thing about the people's responses to Correction is the covenant that they make (10:3)

a) Covenant with God to rectify the mistake.
b) Covenant to listen to God's counsel
c) Covenant to listen to the counsel of those who tremble at God's word
d) Covenant to do according to the word of God

Ezra mourned for the people without eating & drinking (10:6) and the people wept bitterly (10:1).

It shows their godly attitude.

May the Lord help you to accept correction, when corrected and to respond in a godly way, so that your life may be pleasing to God.

Today's Intercession :

# Pray for the meetings in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

# Pray for God's anointing and His word and for His purposes to be fulfilled.

# Pray for God's protective hand and His providence upon the school.

Have a blessed day!

Signs of Salvation

Meditation from Ezra Chapter 9

When we were slaves God did not forsook us but showed His steadfast love (9:9).
Yes, when we were slaves to sin, Christ died for our sins and demonstrated God's love towards us.

In the 9th verse Ezra shows the following signs of salvation,

1. New Life : When we acknowledge this love of God and surrender our life to Christ, we receive the new life.

For he who is in Christ, old things have passed away, everything has become new. We should walk in the newness of life.

2. Set the House : Our body is the house of God. We freely receive the new life in Christ, but we cannot take it for granted.
It's our responsibility to set our body & life in order and discipline it. A disciple without discipline is a disaster.

3. Repair the Ruins : When we don't constantly & periodically check anything that which is new, it will soon cease its newness. There is possibility of mistakes in this life and we need to continuously Introspect our life according to the word of God and repair it.

4. Protection : When we don't set our life & body in order and don't inspect, Introspect & repair it, we lose the wall of protection. Our life becomes prone to all the arrows of the devil & the world.

5. Tremble at the Word : One of the most important signs of true salvation and true spirituality is to tremble at the word of God. (9:4)

We should never take the Word for granted and should always tremble & obey God's word.

When Ezra found out that the people of God had disobeyed God's word in their marriages, he couldn't bear it and tore his garments and fasted and wept and felt ashamed to life his face to the Lord (9:5-7)

Word of God should lead us to repentance and renewal of our mind every time we read or listen to it.

6. Live by the Word : Here the people of God failed to live by the Word by marrying the gentiles. (9:1,2)

We need to live by the Word of God in every areas of our life.

Ezra concludes his prayer acknowledging that we deserve to be punished yet God was merciful and did not punish us as we deserve (9:13).

Paul writes in Romans 5 & 6 that where sin increases, grace abounds, but it is not that we sin, but to live our life in Christ, dead to sin.

Check your life according to the word of God and realign it, so that the purpose of salvation may not go waste in your life.

Today's Intercession :

# Pray for the Founder & General Secretary of GEMS, Augustine Jebakumar Uncle, for his complete healing and recovery.

# Pray that the surgery wounds may heal completely and that he will be restored back to good health.

# Pray for all the missionaries and missionary kids to be protected and to receive the needed healing & strength.

Have a blessed day!

Sharing

Meditation from Ezra Chapter 8

As soon as Ezra receives the commission & responsibility to go to Jerusalem we see his attitude of sharing.

1. Name : Ezra lists out the names of the people who joined with him in going to Jerusalem. (8:1)
We need to give due credit to the people who involved in the work.

2. Need : Ezra finds out that there is no Levite among those who joined with him in going to Jerusalem. As soon as he finds the need, he shares it with others and sends people to fulfil the need. (8:15-17)

When we know that there is a need we should not leave it unattended, because if it has come to our view, it means God is trusting us to do something about it.

3. Fear : There was a fear that they may be attacked on the way. Ezra did not ask the king for soldiers, for he had declared his trust in God's protection.

Ezra did not share the fear to people to make them fearful rather encouraged them to pray and received God's assurance (8:21-23).

Are you passing fears to others or passing encouragement amidst fear?

4. Responsibilities : The gold and silver were given to Ezra. But he shared the resources and responsibilities with others. (8:24)

He not only shared the resources & responsibilities but reminded them of their high calling, to be holy (8:28)

Those who were given those responsibilities also took up them, without giving excuses and delivered correctly. (8:30)

Further in this chapter we can understand the attitude for sharing. Why should we share? Because by sharing,
-We offer to God
We support the people
-We support the work of God

The more you share, with the right attitude, the more you will grow. Give due credit to people, share the need & do something about it, share the fear not with the attitude to discourage but to encourage more prayer & to increase trust in the Lord and share your resources & responsibilities.

Today's Intercession :

# Pray for the children studying in GEMS DCC schools.

# Most of the children come from humble background. Pray that they may use the opportunity to develop their life.

# Pray for the children to be touched and transformed by the Lord Jesus Christ.

Have a blessed day!

Secrets to a Trustworthy Life

Meditation from Ezra Chapter 7

Ezra is being sent by the king to go to Jerusalem. Four blessings were upon Ezra,

1. Grace of God : The gracious hand of the LORD was upon Ezra. (7:9). The plan of God for his life is being fulfilled thru a gentile king; that Ezra is being sent by the king (7:14).

2. God's Wisdom : People could see the God given wisdom in Ezra (7:25).

3. Glory of God : God's work & His name is glorified through the king because of Ezra (7:27).

4. Goodwill of People : Ezra received the favour of the king and all his counsellors (7:28).

Ezra was a trustworthy person and he was trusted with,

1. Responsibilities : It is the king who sent Ezra entrusting him with responsibility. (7:14)

2. People : Ezra could be trusted with people. The king could say that whoever he wants to take along he can take. (7:13).

3. Money / Resources : Ezra was trusted not only with the known resources of the king, but the king could trust him with the unknown resources that he would get on the way. For the king knows that Ezra will convey all of it to the house of God (7:15,16)
He could also be trusted in buying things for the house of God (7:17).

4. Do Good : Whatever Ezra does, it will only be good. That is, the king could trust him that he will do only the good (7:18).

5. God's Will : Ezra was trusted to do not only the good things but that he will do the will of God. (7:18)

6. Future : The king knows that whatever need may arise in the future course, Ezra will be able to decide and provide (7:20).

What is the secret to Ezra's trustworthy life?

The verse 10 shows where Ezra's heart was set. He set his heart to,
-Study the Word
-Do according to the Word
-Teach the Word

Where is your heart ❤️?

Set your heart, day & night, to study the Word, to do accordingly and then to teach the Word, that you may enjoy the above mentioned blessings and become a trustworthy person.

Today's Intercession :

# Pray for the admission process for the upcoming academic year of the school.

# Pray for the entrance tests.

# Pray for the people to be aware and for the admissions.

# Pray for God's guidance in all the process and His plans alone to be done and for His name to be glorified.

Have a blessed day!

Consequences of Consecration

Meditation from Ezra Chapter 6

In this chapter we see that amidst oppositions the house of God is completed & dedicated. It's the dedication of the lives of the people that led to the dedication of the temple.

1. Prophecy - When the work stopped Ezra says that through the prophecy of Haggai & Zechariah the Jews built & prospered (6:14). What did they prophesy?

a) Warning against Lethargy : When faced with obstacles the people of God stopped work & became lethargic; that they were hurrying to their houses & were doing their personal works & did not prioritise God's work. (Haggai 1:4,9)

Listening to the warning they feared the Lord, obeyed His voice & stirred by the Lord they worked in the house of the LORD. (Haggai 1:12,14).

b) Warning against Unholiness : Joshua is seen with unclean attire & accused by satan. The Lord removed the filthiness & exhorted him to 'walk in the ways of God' (Zechariah 3:3-7).

c) Spirit & Grace Dependency : Zerubbabel is exhorted to depend on the Spirit of God and not his might or power and that the mountainous task will be completed by grace. (Zechariah 4:6,7).
We are exhorted to be led by the Spirit.
Grace = Humility; that is, the more we humble ourselves, the more we receive God's grace.

2. Providence - When the people of God consecrate themselves the Lord, His providence is experienced.

a) Obstacles Removed : The Lord uses the king that the opposers are warned to keep away from disturbing the work (6:6,7).

b) Provisions : Those who opposed & placed obstacles are now ordered to provide all necessary resources, so that the work may not stop (6:8,9).

c) Protection : The opposers & problem makers are warned to not harm the people of God and that they will be punished if they create trouble (6:11).

3. Personal Consecration -
The people of God responded to the prophecy,

a) Repentance : They offered the sacrifices for sin which signifies repentance. That is, to turn back from doing that which is displeasing to God. (6:17). And to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God.

b) Restoration of Holiness : Everyone purified themselves and separated themselves from the pollutions of the world (6:20,21).

4. Pay Off - The Consecration of God's people paid off good results. (6:22)

a) Joy : The Lord made them joyful.

b) Work : Their hands were strengthened to do the work.

c) Turned : The Lord turned the heart of the king, who supposedly should oppose, to them that he helped them.

When we consecrate our lives to the Lord, to be separated from the ways of the world and to walk in the ways of the Lord, our hearts will be filled with joy, our hands will be strengthened to serve and enemies will be turned to the Lord and to support His work.

Today's Intercession :

# Pray for Augustine Uncle, the General Secretary of GEMS, for his good health.

# Pray for GEMS MK Aman who met with road accident in Patna that he may recover soon. Pray that he will be strengthened to write the 12th board exams.

# Pray for the protection and good health of all missionaries and GEMS staff.

Have a blessed day and blessed weekend!

Facing Difficulties and Opposition

Meditation from Ezra Chapter 5

The people of God continue to face opposition in building the house of God and in this chapter we see their response (5:3,4); from which we can learn wonderful truths to face difficulties & opposition.

1. Identity : The people of God, though they were involved in different works, they could clearly present that they are the servants of God. (5:11)
Our true identity comes not from our profession or passion but from God. Our identity is in Christ.

2. Purpose : They responded saying 'we are building...', that is they were clear about their purpose. (5:11)
Whatever work we might do, we are building the kingdom of God. That's our purpose.

3. Introspection : They could confess the errors and the consequence (5:12).
It is not about pointing out someone's mistakes but taking responsibility for it as a whole team. It is also essential to understand that one person's sin will affect the whole team & the work. Constant Introspection & correction is the sign of a healthy individual and team.

4. Resources : A summary of the entrusted resources is given (5:14).
We need to know what God and the Team has entrusted to us and should put it to use in God's work. Unless we use well what we have, we will not be entrusted more.

5. Responsibility : The resources were entrusted to a person and for the rebuilding of the temple (5:14,15).
We are called to be stewards. A steward is a one who knows that God is the owner, he owns nothing, but is responsible for everything. We need to know & take responsibility and not push away responsibilities.

6. Review : The people of God said that the work is under construction and it is not yet finished (5:16).
If we are truly responsible we will review our work. Jesus at the end of His mission on earth reported to the Father and said that he has done all that which was entrusted to Him.
We should review our work and know what we have done and what is left undone, so that it can be finished.

7. Attitude : The way the people of God responded to the king shows their attitude of humility. (5:17)
We can let go of our personal hurts,
One, because we are crucified in Christ;
Two, because we don't want the work of God to be spoiled.
Humility is not natural, but learnt and when we are humble we receive more grace.

We are servants of God, called with the purpose to build His kingdom and are entrusted with resources & responsibilities to complete the task given to us and we can do it well when we constantly Introspect ourselves & grow in humility and stewardship.

Today's Intercession :

# Pray for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in India.
# Pray for a fair election and for no illegal & wicked plans to prosper.
# Pray that a God pleasing and Just government will be elected to power.

Have a blessed day!

Reasons to Stop or Restart Work

Meditation from Ezra Chapter 4

In the fourth chapter we see that the work on the house of God was stopped (4:24). We can learn lessons for our life, work & ministry the reasons why things get stopped and how to restart.

1. Accusations : False accusations were brought against the people of God. (4:6,13)

2. Bribe : The officials were bribed to frustrated the work (4:5). People may take the favour of influential people & can use them to stop the work.

3. Cause to Remember the Past : The opposers were recalling the past to stop the work (4:15). When our unpleasant past is called to remember it can discourage & stop the work.

4. Discouragement : The people of God were discouraged by those who wanted the work to stop. (4:4).

Discouragement can come in many forms.

5. Enforcement & power : They used force & power to stop the people from working. (4:23)

6. Fear : They made them afraid to build (4:4).

I can either be a discourager or the discouraged or one who receives encouragement from the Spirit of God who is the greatest Comforter & Help!

Allow not anything to stop you from doing God's work. Strengthen yourself in the Lord, receive comfort & encouragement from the Holy Spirit & focus on God's purpose.

Steps to Overcome & Restart

 When the accusations are false don't worry about that or meditate on it. If there is anything true correct yourself or if it's false meditate on God's promises.

 No one can take away what God has kept for you. If your trust is completely on the Lord, His favour is enough!

 When you have reconciled & repented of your past, the Lord has forgotten it. Thank God for the new beginning and forgetting the past, strain forward.

 When arrows of discouragement come, strengthen yourself in the Lord so that you can be protected by the shield of the Spirit.

 The Lord is above every power and authority. When your trust in Him who is on the throne, He will show His might.

 When you have the assurance of God's presence, you don't have to fear anyone or anything. Allow not any anxiety to cause fear, for the Lord is in control.

When we place God's plan & purpose over our 'self' we can overcome any & every stopping or discouraging element.

Today's Intercession:

# Pray for the inauguration of the new school building scheduled this month.

# Pray for the plan of God alone to prosper and God's name to be glorified.

# Pray that the Spirit of God may take complete control over every plans & proceedings of the inauguration.

Have a blessed day!

ABCs of Responding to Fear, Pain & Needs

Meditation from Ezra Chapter 3

By the end of the chapter two we understand that the returned Israelites began to settle in towns; they have nothing left here and are also in fear of the neighbours (3:3).

The third chapter shows how they responded which is a great lesson to learn to respond to fear, pain & needs.

1. Aligned with God's Purpose : The people followed the leaders who set to build the altar. The leaders did as prescribed in the Word. (3:2)
We need to align ourselves with God's word and His purpose to start with. Unless our life is centered around God's word and His purpose, we have nowhere to begin and everything will seem meaningless.

2. Build the Altar : The very first response of the people of God is to build the altar. (3:2,3). Likewise wherever Abraham went and pitched his tent, he built the altar (Genesis 12:8; 13:18).
Our first response to fear or pain should be to repair & built the altar, that is our spiritual life. So that we can be assured that God is pleased with us & to come closer to Him.

3. Consistency : After building the altar they sacrificed the regular and freewill offerings. (3:5)
We should not only set right our spiritual life, but grow towards being consistent; where it's not irregular or forced, but regular and out of love for the Lord.
Disciple without discipline is a disaster. Character is formed only thru consistency.

4. Devoted (Priority) : Though the people had just returned and also had the fear of neighbours, they spent their money in building the house of God. (3:7).
Our life needs to be completely devoted to God and we need to prioritise God & God's kingdom works above all.
When the same people became slag in future is when Haggai exhorts that it's time to build God's house & not to build theirs & not to hurry off to their own houses (Haggai 1:4,9).

5. Exalt God : At a time when they are surrounded by foes & have nothing the people of God are not crying but praising and thanking God (3:10,11).
We can either meditate our troubles or meditate God's word; either cry about problems or praise God & be grateful.
Most importantly we cannot serve God by crying over the problems, but we need to rejoice in the LORD, praising Him and do His work.

6. Fondness (or Fear) : Among the people of God, some were weeping and some were shouting aloud for joy. (3:12,13). This wasn't a response because of fear or personal problems, rather their response seeing the foundation being laid to the house of God.
It shows their fondness. When the Lord, His kingdom and His work becomes our fondness, it only will be our cry and joy! God's concern will be our concern and we will rejoice at the works of His kingdom.

How are you going to respond? Take a moment to think about what is bothering you & what has filled your mind & heart.
Set right the altar, become consistent, prioritise God & His work, be grateful & praise Him and let God & His kingdom become your fondness!

Today's Intercession:

# Pray for the ongoing IMPACT seminar of GEMS in Sikaria, Bihar.

# Pray that the pastors, missionaries and all the participants will be exhorted & encouraged in God's kingdom work.

# Pray for the arrangements, organisers, speakers and the sessions to fulfil God's plan & purposes.

Have a blessed day!

Honouring God

Honouring God

Meditation from Ezra Chapter 2

This chapter lists the names of the leaders & people who returned to Jerusalem. We can learn the characters of honouring God through this chapter.

1. Obeying Leaders : The list starts with the names of the leaders who led the people to return to Jerusalem; the top leaders & the sub leaders. By mentioning their names the Lord shows his approval. (2:2)
The majority didn't listen to them & their names are missed. Their choice to stay back is logically justifiable as they were comfortable, yet by disobeying the leaders they were dishonouring God's plan.
We honour God by obeying our leaders.

2. Godly Influence : Common people, priests (2:36), levites (2:40), singers (2:41), gatekeepers (2:42), temple servants (2:43) & Solomon's servants (2:55) are mentioned.
It shows the influence across different kinds of people and across generations.
Negative & destructive influences spread fast. We need to be careful what influence we are making by our words, choices & life.
We honour God only when our influence on others is godly.

3. Eternal Things : A group of priests could not find their entries in the genealogical records; which meant losing their priesthood and provisions. (2:61-63).
Yet they chose to return to Jerusalem. It shows the desire they had for the house of God.
We honour God when our mind is on the godly & eternal things & not on earthly possessions.

4. Freewill Offerings : As soon as they returned to the house of the LORD, some of the people made freewill offerings. (2:68)
We honour God when we give our resources to Him and His kingdom works, wholeheartedly.

May the Lord help us to honour Him by obeying our leaders, by influencing others only by godly ways, by seeking the eternal & not earthly things and by serving the Lord wholeheartedly by giving us & our resources.

Today's Intercession:

# Pray for the school admission process for the upcoming academic year.

# Pray that the Lord ordained children may come and get the admission.

# Pray for the setting up of the new school building and for all the arrangements.

# Pray for all the needed resources for the next academic year - staff, teachers, vehicles, furnitures, etc.

# Pray for the plans of God to be fulfilled and for His name to be glorified.

Have a blessed day!

Signs of Returning to God

Signs of Returning to God

Meditation from Ezra Chapter 1

The book of Ezra chronicles the returning of the people from captivity to Jerusalem. The first chapter shows the characters or signs of the people who return to the Lord and His work.

1. Spirit Led : The Spirit of God wants to stir the hearts of everyone but only a few respond, they are the Spirit led. (1:5)
We are sensitive, but our sensitivity is misplaced. We are sensitive to the words of people & we get easily offended. But we need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, to God's voice.
If we are flesh-led, our physical ears will be sensitive to people's words, but if we are Spirit-led, our spiritual ears will be sensitive to Spirit's words and we will obey God.

2. Sincere & Faithful : When King Cyrus gives the order for the Israelites to return, he also gives in their charge the vessels & possessions of the Temple. The things weren't just given away, but a proper inventory was made and given to responsible people. (1:8-10)
God is looking for sincere & faithful people, who are not careless, but careful & sincere in work and in every small or big responsibility.

3. Sacrificial : Though the Israelites returned back in three groups to Jerusalem right after the end of 70 years, only a few returned. They became so comfortable in captivity  that they didn't want to leave its comfort. Returning back meant sacrifice!
The pleasure of sin or the comfort of the world stops many people from returning to the Lord and to partake in His kingdom works.
If we look at the sacrifice of the Saviour, no sacrifice that we do will seem great or demanding!

When there arose these few people who are Spirit-led, sincere & sacrificial, the gentiles around, including the people in authority, gave freewill offerings for house of God. When we come to the right place of heart, the Lord will stir the hearts of people around to assist us in His work.

Today's Intercession:

# Pray for the people who are participating in the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad being conducted from 15 Jan to 4 March 2019.

# Pray for the people to come to knowledge of the Truth & true Salvation.

# Pray for the people to get an opportunity to hear the Gospel.

Have a blessed day!