No challenge, no progress

Anyone out there without a challenge? If you are, you are going to coast to a "full stop". Your body is designed to fight disease and bacteria. Research shows that too much cleanliness and bacteria free living can cause our bodies to lose its natural immune system. Likewise, our lives must have challenges otherwise we lose our ability to progress. Paul speaks of his tribulations, and encourages the Ephesians to look beyond them.

Ephesians 3:13
Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

When we are doing right we can expect opposition triggered in the heavenlies. There is no point in getting angry at the human elements around us. They are not the source of the problem. Look at the dark spiritual forces that are influencing the oppression and opposition. When you face nothing then you have you to ask yourself whether you are doing the right thing for the Lord.

There is no fear when you face challenges. God is right beside us working His power in the situation. We see Him working in unique ways in each challenge.

Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Not facing a challenge? Review what you are doing. Maybe you need to do something different. Do not for a moment think that life is going to be a breeze as a follower of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 3:14-17
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Father, help me hear your directions correctly and execute them well.

Comments

My Journey of Faith

Sreedhar standing to the left of his grandfather in the center Almost 55 years ago a son was born to a Hindu family. The parents were 2nd generation Malaysians raised in a rubber estate near a small town called Sungei Petani in Northern Malaya at that time. This first child was given much love and care by their parents and had the privilege of growing up in 3 different states of Malaysia, most of which was in Petaling Jaya. He was blessed with his first domestic airplane ride when he was 10 years old, and made his first trip by airplane to Bangkok at the age of 11. In the mid 1970's the family moved to a large house in a relatively exclusive neighborhood in Petaling Jaya. This was a result of the favor his father, aged about 35 at that time, had in the workplace,. As a result, this son grew up in a mostly multicultural environment with Indian, Chinese and Malay children. In the process, his perspectives became cosmopolitan and racially neutral. One thing that kept him at

Rags to riches need something else

Can the impossible become possible? I have read many stories of rags to riches and have been naturally impressed by everything that has been said. It required great persistence, hardwork, endurance and something else. That something else is what differentiates between one rags to riches story, and the many other rags to rags stories. Unfortunately, we do not hear or read many of the latter. The successful ones had a "good break" that is a gift from God. Psalms 126:6 He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him. The people of Israel could only dream of being released from captivity. That is how this chapter started. Yes, the sowing of seed is needed. Hard work cannot be missed. But, along with the hardwork is the weeping. Weeping before God. He alone provided the deliverance when the people cried before God. Father, my heart's desire is to see all saved. Hear my cry O Lord fo

Seek a good personal testimony

In the same way you can have professional wedding planners, you also have funeral planners. I know some of you who are superstitious will be saying "touch wood". I have written something on this before and you can read it here. Have you planned your funeral? I have not and neither did Abraham plan his wife's funeral until her death. Don't get me wrong. Nothing wrong with planning your funeral but there is something interesting here in this chapter. Genesis 23:6, “Hear us, my lord: You are a mighty prince among us; bury your dead in the choicest of our burial places. None of us will withhold from you his burial place, that you may bury your dead.” Abraham is recognized as a Mighty Prince. He is about to have his first big funeral, and it is for his wife. The people of the land were ready to give whatever Abraham wanted. He gained huge respect because of the favor that God had given him. He insisted on paying full price for the burial ground and he paid in cash. G

You will look good

In today's world many are not happy with how they look naturally. They do everything possible to get it "right". Some of these include almost permanent changes that affects their bodies for the rest of their lives. This includes tattoos. I am not going to saying anything about this but we need to be careful about the agenda of people that do these things. There is something better. Revelation 22:4, They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. How God's name is going to be on our foreheads, I am not sure. But it would be like wearing a uniform of an organization that you are very proud of, and want to be associated with publicly. There will also be the tree of life. There will be no more pain. No more sorrow. God's presence will be so tangible that we can see His face. Revelation 22:12-13, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and t

Time alone is important

Character is what you do when no one is looking. It can be good or bad. It eminates from the heart. It cannot be seen, but through a person's words, actions and attitudes, you can have a sense of the character of the person. But with God, nothing is hidden. He sees everything. Psalms 101:6 My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, That they may dwell with me; He who walks in a perfect way, He shall serve me. In my human nature I have a tendency to do wrong things. Over the years of a close walk with God, my heart has been transformed, and my mind is yielded to God's wisdom and direction. You may ask, how did you do it? First a caveat. God is not done with me yet. I have my imperfections. My wife will tell you that. One of the actions that has helped me greatly is what I am doing now. Read the Word of God, write a journal and pray. Father, it is simple, but help me be consistent in my time alone with You.

There is someone better than you

There is a common saying that no man is an island. This is very true. You cannot go about life doing things alone. It is not good for man to be alone. You need company. I can be a good time loner. Be by myself all day. At the same time I can highly engage. This is where I need wisdom. Not everyone can be helpful. Psalm 108:12-13, Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless. Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies. All my friends out there, I love you and appreciate you, but there is one that is better than You. God! He never gives up on me. He keeps knocking on the door of my heart. He is awake and active for the affairs of my life, when I am having a good sleep. Nothing escapes Him, and He will do everything possible to give me the best. Father, I love you lots. Thank you Lord.

Sreedhar's Journey

Search This Blog