Wisdom from the Book of Kings

As I completed the study of  2 Kings in my quiet time, I sat reflecting on my lessons.  Dates, names, genealogies of Kings and their enemies filled my head.  The Holy Spirit has some lessons to learn, examples to avoid and emulate amidst the many details!  The book of Kings is an excellent reminder of the daily pitfalls we face.

First and foremost, what struck me was the role of wisdom in our lives.  Life is easier with the wisdom of God!  The Bible says in Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction”!  W...

Who are you following today?

In 2 Samuel 20, we read about the rebellion of Sheba, the son of Bichri. David was quite old by this time and he had lost faith in Joab's leadership and had selected Amasa son of Jether to take Joab's place.  David sent Abishai, the brother of Joab to handle that crisis that grew out of the rebellion of Sheba.  But David had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab at that time.  Joab was jealous of Amasa and was angry with David and killed Amasa out of selfish interest. While the men were going after Sheba, Amasa was wallowing in his blood. One of Joab's men stood near Amasa, and said, "… …  whoever is for David—follow Joab!" (2 Samuel 20:11). But  Joab was not for David at th...

The Ox Goad

When I was actively involved in the ministry of the Haggai Alumni Association, Chennai, God gave me opportunities to listen to amazing speakers.  One such speaker was Mr. Anand Pillai, who was then in a top management position with HCL Technologies.  He taught leadership in Haggai seminars.  He often said whatever we have, our position, possessions, and our talents are to be used always as a platform to proclaim Christ!  It is a lesson for every believer, and it has stuck with me till today! 

The Bible tells us about Shamgar, the third Judge in Israel in Judges 3:31.  Only one verse is devoted to telling us about him, but there is a lesson for u...

From whence comes my help?

Covid had paralyzed the travel industry for almost two years and once the borders were opened for International travel, we too decided to travel to the US to be with our children.  After coming to the US, all of us got affected by Covid and as we slowly recovered, I had to be rushed to the hospital with chest pain for another stent!  Through every ordeal, the Lord sustained us through His Word.  Whether we are in India or America, whether we are at home or the hospital, there is only one who is always by our side.  The Bible says the Lord will not allow my foot to be moved for the one who keeps me will not slumber or sleep (Psalm 121).  The LORD is my keeper and my help comes from the Lord who created...

A Russian Christmas Story!

I had heard this story from someone and it had made such an impact on my heart that I never forgot it! In 1994 two Americans answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics based on biblical principles in the public schools and orphanages. During Christmas time that year, they told the story of Christmas in an orphanage.  After the story, the children were given some cardboard to make a crude manger.  One of the Americans walked around to see if anyone needed help. When he came to the table where little Misha sat, the American was shocked to see two babies in the manger. Calling for a translator, the American asked little Misha the reason for two babies in the manger.  

AND THIS SHALL BE A SIGN

Signs are important. Before making big decisions, we pray and sometimes ask God for signs.  Regarding the birth of Jesus, God gave many signs. The Second coming is another important event, and Jesus himself has given the signs of the end times in Matthew 24.  Sometimes, people asked God for a sign. We read the story of Gideon in Judges Ch 4. Gideon asked God for a sign to know that God would save Israel by Gideon's hand.  King Hezekiah asked God for a sign of his healing (2 Kings 20: 1-10). 

In Luke's Gospel (Lk.2:4-14), we see the story of the birth of Jesus.  Mary gave birth to her Son in a cowshed. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid Him...

ARISE, SHINE!

In Mt 5:16 Jesus talks about our light - "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and honor your father in heaven". In Ps 43:3, the Psalmist talks about the Lord's light - "Send forth Your light and Your truth. Let them guide me. Let them bring me to Your holy mountain". In John 8:12 Jesus says, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."  Jesus is the light of the world and if we truly follow Him, we will also have the same light! What a beautiful thought! Every believer gets this light from the Lord.

The creation story gives us a beautiful picture in Gen 1:14. God created two l...

THE THREE RESPONSES

Three different messages were given on that very first Christmas morn. To the shepherds, the message was “Fear not, a Saviour is born” (Luke 2:10-12). To Herod, the message was, “The King is born” (Matthew 2:1-4). To the wise men the message was, "Seek him". All three recipients 'received ' the message differently.  Herod was the King of Judea at the time of Jesus' birth. When Herod was told that a king was born, he was troubled and threatened. The Shepherds were an obscure set of people about whom nobody cared. When the angels announced of the birth of a 'Saviour' in the city of David, the shepherds were filled with joy and expectation! The wise men from the east must have been lookin...

The Door was Shut!

Advent is when we remember the birth of Jesus as Savior of Mankind and prepare ourselves for His second coming as the Judge!  It is appropriate to celebrate thanksgiving around this time since we are thankful for Jesus' sacrifice assuring us of the forgiveness of sins.  Jesus prepared His disciples then and us now for His second coming.  Jesus explained His second coming through many parables. Every Parable did not cover ALL aspects of His second coming, but every Parable highlighted something. The Parable of the ten virgins stressed being ready, ready for the arrival of Christ as King. (Mt. 25: 1-11).  All the ten virgins were special. All had wedding garments on. All had lighted lamps, and all of them slept wh...

Who Is ‘Called’?

When evangelists and missionaries tell us that they received a call to be ambassadors for Christ, we feel left out.  It sounds like we are not 'called' to do anything for Christ.  It brings to our mind the question, are only certain people 'called' by God to work for Him? Many people assume that evangelistic or missionary work alone is significant before God, while other jobs are worldly. An article in my NKJV Bible says, even though work is an integral part of life, work alone cannot fully describe the significance of an individual.  There are many other aspects to being a person.  So to define oneself by one's occupation is inadequate.  I cannot but agree with that thought. It tends to place more val...