2 Cor. 4:5 (MSG)-“Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. “

I am a qualified mechanical engineer. I worked for a leading consulting engineering organization for 31 years. I was trained in “process technology” in the yester years (that I stayed in USSR) and learned about the extraction of metals from the minerals.

After reaching a senior management level, I opted for voluntary retirement. I am also a member of the Institution of Engineers and as well as a member of the Institution of Metals. I am qualified to put an Engineer (Er) before my name. This prefixing is widely accepted in some foreign countries such as Romania, but it is seldom practiced in India. Medical and military professions invariably add their prefixing before names to identify their authority.

In religious circles, pastors and priests prefer this honor. In Christendom, it is now more or less a phenomena to add a Dr. (Doctor of Divinity) or Pr. (Pastor) or a Rev. (Reverend). Some feel quite awkward, if they do not put a prefixing such as Br. (Brother). They are not comfortable to put simply put a “secular” Mr. (Mister)!

I am neither proud nor ashamed of anyone calling me by first name without prefixing it. If he must prefix let my name, let it be Er. (Errand runner). I am retired from my vocation. Now I am an errand runner to my aged parents and also to the dear ones whom Jesus loves.

We have a message and we are also the messengers -the errand runners from Jesus to you. Who is qualified for such a job? We must keep the message as simple as possible and carry it faithfully in this generation to the next generation!

Jesus had the prefixing such as MS (Mary’s son), but was often referred to as the “man of sorrows.” He triumphantly finished what was entrusted to Him.

We are called to run the race with perseverance. We are to run in “such a way as to get the price.”

All of the “prefixing and suffixing” does not have any meaning!

At the end of the day, God will fix up everything. That is what matters. And that matters to us so dearly as we look forward in great anticipation!

“We, as a generation is perfecting the means for an imperfect end.” – Albert Einstein

THE CONTEXT OF TODAY

We explore and exploit to the limits in order to expend on our sinful and sensational pleasures. We manipulate and manage to make things our own. We hoard and hide to satisfy our greed and gain. All of these actions are researched, rectified and perfected. They are perfected by schools and scholars in order to make “Mother Earth” naked and not worthy to live. We shape tools to serve us. Yet, these tools shape us and to destroy the very purpose for which we were created. We are unable to see the truth, let alone the purpose and plan of God. These developments and declarations are destroying all that is valuable. No one is concerned or contemplating sustainable growth. Our morals and motives are malignant. Our climate change is creating havoc and panic. Where are we heading? What are we leaving for the posterity?

We will find ourselves “naked” when the sun rises? The leaves dry up. God has to cloth us just like the first couples in the Garden of Eden.

COVENANT OF GOD

Gen. 12:1-3(MSG)- “GOD told Abram: "Leave your country, your family, and your father’s home for a land that I will show you. I’ll make you a great nation and bless you. I’ll make you famous; you’ll be a blessing. I’ll bless those who bless you; those who curse you I’ll curse. All the families of the Earth will be blessed through you."

We are created (to be precise: recreated) in Christ Jesus to bless others with our transient lives. What a glorious privilege and a grand position! God said to Abraham.” I will make you into a great nation.” He never understood the magnitude of the nation. God promised to make his name great. How much is this honor? It was beyond him to grasp. God made a covenant with Abraham and promised to bless those who bless him. The implications of this insight were hidden to him. Still, he perceived the promise. He prized and obeyed the words that were uttered by the One who created the cosmos through His spoken words.

But, God made it very clear that these were the only means that others could be blessed through Abraham. A channel of blessing to many generations is our call. God’s supreme plan for each one of us is to be “pregnant” in these promises from the patriarch Abraham.

Abraham’s only requirement was to leave the security and safety measures. He was asked to leave the traditions and traits of his family, the morals and values of the world that he was a part of back then. He was summoned to cling to the promises of God. This is the challenge of our times.

CHOOSEN TO SUFFER

Act 9:16(MSG)- “And now I’m about to show him what he’s in for–the hard suffering that goes with this job."

God chose Paul in a supernatural way. His calling was specific and called him to suffer for the name of Jesus. This is intriguing for many when compared with Abraham in the Old Testament. Some even beat the drum of Abraham’s material prosperity and build a Christianity “prosperity doctrine” out of it. Whether it was Abraham or Paul, they had their blessings and sufferings. Their blessings were more than materials objects.

Luke 12:15 (MSG)-“And He said to them, Watch and keep yourselves from covetousness. For a man’s life is not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.”

It is God who took the first step to speak out His plan. It is God who multiplies and increases us. Again, it is God who brings honor to His servants. Once again, God is the One whom blesses us and guards us from our enemies. This calls for our willingness to work with God. This calls for us to have faith and be faithful. Abraham and Paul, were Faithful, Available, and Teachable. God is still looking for FAT people.

Our life is not an end in itself. It is only a means to bless others who crossed our lives. This is the only way we can live a rich ad rewarding life- passing on a blessed life to bless others!

Whether it is through blessings and sufferings or through prosperity and adversity, if we are not a stepping stone to a seeker or a stranger, then we are following a creed of our own apart from the Bible.

Yes, Master we are here to bless others with our right attitudes, redeeming activities and relishing achievements. Lord enables us –Amen!

A. Overwhelmed & Can Not Go On

Ps. 142:3-“When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me.”

Ps. 143:4- “So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed.”

Ps. 38:8-“I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart.”

Ps. 38:10- “My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes.”

Ps. 40:12-“For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me.”

Ps. 55:5-“Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me.”

Job 30:27-“The churning inside me never stops; days of suffering confront me.”

B. The Remedy for When We are At the “End of the Rope”

Ps. 73:26-“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.”

Ps. 102:1-“Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry for help come to you.”

Ps. 61:2-“From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

Ps. 86:11-“Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.”

Ps. 84:5-“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.”

C. Learning to be Steadfast

Ps. 51:10-“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

1 Cor. 15:58-“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Heb. 3:14-“We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.”

Ps. 112:7-“He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.”

Col. 1:23-“if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.”

Heb. 6:19-“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain…”

A. When We Our Worn Out & Have “Dry Bones”

Is. 64:6(MSG)-“We dry up like autumn leaves— sin-dried, we’re blown off by the wind.”

Ps. 6:6-“I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.”

Prov. 17:22- “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

B. The “Causes”of Boredom & “Dryness”

Jer. 10:21-“The shepherds are senseless and do not inquire of the LORD; so they do not prosper and all their flock is scattered.”

Act 28:27-“For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.”

Heb. 5:11-14-“We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. ¹²In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! ¹³Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. ¹⁴But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

C. We Must Learn to Spend Time with God & “Wait” on Him

Ps. 69:3-“I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.”

Romans 8:26-“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”

D. God Will Rekindle the “Flame within Us”

Is. 44:3-“For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.”

1 Sam. 2:8 (MSG)- “He puts poor people on their feet again; He rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope, Restoring dignity and respect to their lives— a place in the sun!”

Jer. 31:25-“I’ll refresh tired bodies; I’ll restore tired souls.”

Is. 40:29 (MSG)-“He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts.”

Matt. 11:28-29-"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Ps. 27:13-“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”

E. God Simply Invites Us to “Come”to Him When We are Bored or “Dry”

Matt. 14:29- “Come," he said.”

Matt. 19:14- “Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Matt.19:21-“Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

Luke 19:5- “When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today."

John 1:39 & 46- “Come," he replied, "and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.”

v. 46- “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said Philip.”

John 6:37-“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”

John 6:44- “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

John 7:37-“On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.”

John 11:43-“When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"

John 21:12- “Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord.”

“The weakness of so many modern Christians is that they feel too much at home in this world.” -A.W. Tozer

All of us are in a flux to form our individual nature or character depending on the choices we make in life. These choices can be Biblical or worldly. The Bible exhorts us to not conform to this world, but be transformed like the master, the Messiah.

As we journey, we all will be the sum total of the choices we make.

2 Cor. 3:18 (MSG)- “All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.“

If we are not being transformed, then it is the world that is squeezing us into its mold (even without our knowledge). This squeezing is slow, but steady. We will never know its impact until the every part of us is changed and is fit to be thrown out as unfit for the Kingdom.

The way to God is through sacrifice. The walk with God is by separation. Now two basic questions arise in our minds:

• Whose sacrifice? Mine or some one else?
• What are we to be separated from? And to whom are we to hold on to?

The Old Testament’s sacrifices are only a shadow of the reality. Jesus is the Lamb- the perfect sacrifice of the perfect (sinless) person. This sacrifice is for my sake, since I am alienated from God. Jesus did it all. Now I need to believe this “korban” and “walk His talk” and “talk my walk” to the world around me.

Paul wrote about God’s great plan for all of us and summarized our role in two verses. We are to present ourselves as a living sacrifice as follows:

Romans 12:1 (MSG)- “So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life–your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life–and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.”

Let’s stop to ponder so we can embrace and adhere what God does for us.

Romans 12:2 (MSG)-“Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.”

We must put in our “all” so we can resist the temptation to conform to this culture. Present, ponder and put in all is the need of the hour.

We all have a natural tendency to conform to the world around us, since sin is attractive. This pressure is high in every awakened moment of our life. This is the reason that the broad road and gate that leads to destruction will have many in it. It is the easy path. The pleasures of sin are attractive. It is the ingrained habit of comparison, compromise and comfort that drags us to the world.

Young and old face this pressure and succumb. We are like frogs in a kettle and the heat is increasing slowly. Initially, we feel the warmth and comfort, but ultimately we realize that we are trapped. There is not any way to reverse the process. We have the choice to “jump out” and escape the wrath of God by seeking Biblical insight. The earlier we do this, the better!

We have many worlds in this unique world. Let me list a few:

• Materialistic Physical World
• Comparative Social World
• Emotional Sensual World
• Prideful Positional World
• Indulging Appetite World
• Possessing Greedy World
• Ritualistic Religious World

These are all broad roads and big gates with dead ends. However, we have the narrow road that leads us to life and godliness. This is the Biblical and Eternal World (usually referred as the Kingdom of God). This is a caring and comforting world. This is a relational and loving world.

Romans 14:17 (MSG)- “God’s kingdom isn’t a matter of what you put in your stomach, for goodness’ sake. It’s what God does with your life as he sets it right, puts it together, and completes it with joy.”

The Kingdom of God’s values and the world’s values are opposing each other. As Jesus launched His public ministry, He made this clear on the Sermon on the mount (Matt. 5:6-7). We can not be in two boats. We have to make a calculated choice. This deliberate choice is the essence of godly living.

In 1 John 2:16, the “world” is defined we are called upon to reject it.

1 John 2:15-16 (MSG)- “Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world–wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important–has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him.”

· I want my way!

· I want it all!

· I want to “appear” important!

The three phrases above are the ”world” appearing to us as Satan, sin and the flesh. It shows its ugly face in all of our activities and phases of life. It has entered in religion, politics, academics, administration, research and recreation. We have formed our religious subculture and denominational divisions pretending that our group is free from the “world” and insists people in joining them. Some of these Christian subcultures have more of the “world” in them, than some of the so-called worldly places of the world.

We are in the world, but we are not of the world. It is heartbreaking to state that lots of evangelical organizations, full Gospel and fully anointed denominations emphasizes the need for leaving Egypt. Yet, they do not understand that they have carried a little bit of Egypt into the “Promised Land” and they are continuing the pursuit by “inhaling” more Egypt. Some have gone to the extent of making a golden calf to “worship,” revel and rejoice.

It makes me sad and mad to realize that so many “Aarons” are fully co-operating to make this possible.

No wonder God had to eliminate Nadab and Abihu for using “unauthorized fire.” Worship and work is to be as it is written in the Word of God. There is not any room for flesh and charisma.

Lev 10:1-2 (MSG)- “That same day Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s sons, took their censers, put hot coals and incense in them, and offered "strange" fire to GOD–something GOD had not commanded. Fire blazed out from GOD and consumed them–they died in GOD’s presence.“

Many “Eli’s” are not able to discern whether or not Hannah was in tune with God (and was praying for a prophet in Israel). He thought that she was drunk, since her pattern of prayer was not in conformity with what was followed in the “congregation.” The form is often more relevant to people than the functions. God ,who sees the heart, answered her from Heaven.

The Christian sub-culture and the believer’s beehive are all guilty of conforming to this world. We can not blame our children for not finding this so-called “separation” meaningful.

There has to be an awakening in order to see the Biblical view of a separated life. Jesus came eating and drinking. The “non-conforming” Jewish world could not see the real non-conforming Jesus. They called Him a “glutton and drunkard.”

A. W. Tozer raised his tone to proclaim the following: “I will pay any price to keep myself away from that which prototype me to this world. Indeed a non-conforming life is simple, abundant and rewarding.”

It will be good for all of us that claim to follow the narrow path to evaluate how wide we have made it for easy, cozy and comfortable travel!

Now the time has come to “jump out” from the cultural and traditional waters that we are presently in. We are smoothly wind surfing, but before too long we will end up corpse for the fish. Certain corrections are to be timely and drastically!

Matt. 5:30 (MSG)- “And you have to chop off your right hand the moment you notice it raised threateningly. Better a bloody stump than your entire being discarded for good in the dump.”

Certainly a non-conforming life will be costly, but that is our call!

“Are you sure you want to follow me” Jesus asked.

A great many turned away. But Peter said, ‘’Lord to whom shall we go?” (John 6:66-69).

And, the crowd that would not turn away was the crowd that made history!

2 Cor. 4:5 (GNB)-“For it is not ourselves that we preach; we preach Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. “

“My task is the service of Truth and its essential form is obedience.”

-Soren Kierkgaards

We all employ servants at some time or another. We are all servants in our own context. We need to be servants to God, to others. We need to be servants of righteousness and truth in order to advance the Kingdom. Otherwise, we will be invariably serving our appetites and selfish ambitions while sowing the seed of discord and destruction.

Naaman, the commander of the King of Aram, was healed of leprosy (2 Kings 5). However, the story in 2 Kings 5 is also the story of five servants and God’s outreach program to the Gentile world. God uses the little people of this world to accomplish His great plans. Naaman was a commander. He was successful, socially recognized, celebrated and saluted, but he was a prisoner of leprosy. This prisoner of leprosy had a prisoner of war in his house. She is the first of the five servants.

The Captive Servant

Naaman had a captive servant girl from Israel, a prisoner of war kept in his house to serve Naaman’s wife. She did not looses any time in proclaiming the great truth to whom she had access that this leprosy could be cured. She was not afraid to share this truth and that kept the ball moving. She did what she could do in the constrains of her confinement. How often do we complain our circumstances and limitations only to bury the talent that has been given to us? She is an excellent example of one who served the King’s supreme priorities.

The Commanding Servant

Elisha was the commanding servant of the King of Kings. His words to the king of Israel points to the commanding voice of God “come to me and find rest.” Why panic? God is big enough to heal. Send him to me.

The Captains Servants

This great man Naaman had some preconceived ideas regarding how he has to be healed. You can not dictate and give orders God. His ways and thoughts are higher than our ways and thoughts. We are called upon to believe in Him and behave accordingly. Naaman had a big ego and he was to be helped by his servants. Sir, “cool down.” He has not asked you to do some thing difficult! Their simplicity of understanding and obeying the Seer and was done in humility and courage. They persuaded their master and it resulted in revealing God’s Glory!

The Cured Servant

God healed and transformed Naaman. Naaman made it clear that he would not make any sacrifices to any other god, but only to the Lord. He even enquired of the Seer and explained that his official duties to heathen King demanded certain protocols. He appealed for permission and forgiveness to perform such dutites. His gratitude and gift to the Seer is a clear indication of his wholesome healing. The commander of the king of Aram had become a servant of the King of Kings.

The Cunning Servant

The story started out as a comedy, but it took a tragic turn. The reason is because of another servant. This is none other than the servant of the Prophet Elisha. Though he was in close proximity to the prophet and has witnessed many wonders/miracles over the years, there was not “deep rooted work” in this servant. Gehazi chose material gains and inherited Naaman’s leprosy for himself and his descendants.

Our motives are more important to God than our position and proximity to power centers. God is not a respecter of persons. He values those who align to His plans and purposes. Embracing what God does for us is the best thing we can do for Him!

We can be a blessing in our context in spite of our circumstances. When we lift the cross of Christ and stand below with bowed head and broken spirit, then it can draw others to the healing touch of God. Dear God, enable your servants to do this more devotedly!

“Prayer is a weapon, a mighty weapon in a terrific conflict. Our prayers are to be continual conscious, earnest effort of battle, the battle against what ever is not God’s will.” -P.T. Forsyth

I am not qualified to write about demons, since I have never had any direct personal encounters with demonic forces. But I have watched with curiosity the subtle ways in which Satan defeats the young (and the old) believers from the path of progress. He derails them in advancing in the right direction and the person is not even aware of any delicate demonic interventions. The superficial projects and programs involved consoles him to carry on the newly found convictions.

The exhaustive list of demonic “ways” is something that only the demons know, but I would like to emphasize on a few major ones.

DISBELIEF IN GOD

The first attack from demonic forces is to plant a disbelief in God and His word. He raises questions about God’s best plans and intensions in our lives. The first woman, Eve, became a victim of this subtle and entertaining way that led to the fall of man.

Gen 3:5 (MSG)- “God knows that the moment you eat from that tree, you’ll see what’s really going on. You’ll be just like God, knowing everything, ranging all the way from good to evil."

However, God is good and He has the best plan for our lives.

Jer. 29:11 (MSG)- “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out–plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. “

DISTORT THE TRUTH

The second novel way that demons attach is by distorting the truth. The truth triumphs and sets us free. So, he dilutes and distorts the truth and eventually enables us to believe his blatant lie(s). He gives us false hope and so-called “future security.” He twists the truth and mixes it up with lies and tries to sell it and make us believe his word instead of God’s word.

Matthew 4:6 (MSG)- “ and said to him, "If you are God’s Son, throw yourself down, for the scripture says, ‘God will give orders to his angels about you; they will hold you up with their hands, so that not even your feet will be hurt on the stones.’ "

Matthew 4:7 (MSG)- “Jesus answered, "But the scripture also says, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ "

DETERMINE TO PLEASE PEOPLE

We are constantly under pressure to please ourselves or others instead of pleasing God. Demons drag us to please ourselves or others. They make us a smart leader instead of a saint.

1 Samuel 15:24 (MSG)- “Saul gave in and confessed, "I’ve sinned. I’ve trampled roughshod over GOD’s Word and your instructions. I cared more about pleasing the people. I let them tell me what to do.“

DEVELOP BLINDNESS

The Prophet Balaam followed Balak. He was unable to see God’s plan until the donkey refused to move; then he could see God’s intensions. When we are stubborn, we can be blinded by the “illusions” that demons put in front of us. (I added a line to sun it up).

Rev. 2:14 (MSG)- "But why do you indulge that Balaam crowd? Don’t you remember that Balaam was an enemy agent, seducing Balak and sabotaging Israel’s holy pilgrimage by throwing unholy parties?”

DISCORD AMONG BROTHERS

When we start to compare our gifts, talents and strength with others’ weaknesses, we sow seeds of discontentment and jealousy. The very people who pray, protect and provide for us are viewed with suspicion. Demons will have the last laugh, when they succeed in this attempt.

1 Cor. 4:7 (MSG)- “For who do you know that really knows you, knows your heart? And even if they did, is there anything they would discover in you that you could take credit for? Isn’t everything you have and everything you are sheer gifts from God? So what’s the point of all this comparing and competing?”

DISTRACT FROM THE VISION

Jesus was the most focused person and no one could thwart Him from the cross. Jesus rebuked Peter and called him “Satan” becuase he attempted to share his human wisdom.

Matthw 16:23 (MSG)- “But Jesus didn’t swerve. "Peter, get out of my way. Satan, get lost. You have no idea how God works."

DEVELOP SHORT SIGHTEDNESS

What I achieve will become the center point of my life instead of finding out God’s plan(s) for His kingdom. The question is: “How I can embrace God’s plan instead of working out my own?”

Romans 12:1 (MSG)- “So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life–your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life–and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.”

DISTRIBUTE SUCCESS & WEALTH

Many young people start off reaching the unreached. They proclaim the Gospel in difficult and daring situations. Slowly they become heroes in their own eyes and the in circle of young believers around them. They testify about what they have achieved and give little glory to God and His Kingdom. Since everybody appreciates the young person, he becomes the self appointed leader of the group. Then, the primary purpose of God’s will, His kingdom and His glory is turned to my Kingdom, my will and my glory.

This can happen when God blesses us with wealth, health, family and influences in the society. These blessings from the Lord should never “go to our head.” We should not make the mistake of adoring the gifts and bounty that we have received instead of the Giver.

Jer. 9:23 (MSG)- “GOD’s Message: "Don’t let the wise brag of their wisdom. Don’t let heroes brag of their exploits. Don’t let the rich brag of their riches.“

Jer. 9:24 (MSG)- “If you brag, brag of this and this only: That you understand and know me. I’m GOD, and I act in loyal love. I do what’s right and set things right and fair, and delight in those who do the same things. These are my trademarks." GOD’s Decree.”

DRIFT FROM PASSION TO PROJECTS

God’s is more concerned with our passion than what we achieve for His Kingdom.

Rev. 2:4 (MSG)- "But you walked away from your first love–why? What’s going on with you, anyway?”

DENIAL FEELING AROUSED

Satan whispers to us, “so many good things are denied for me.” We feel sorry for ourselves and start comparing ourselves with others.

Psalms 84:11 (MSG)- “The LORD is our protector and glorious king, blessing us with kindness and honor. He does not refuse any good thing to those who do what is right.“

CONCLUSIONS

Demons are much older than us. Satan has experienced thousands of years of derailing millions, if not more. The Bible warns us that we should not be naïve and self confident.

This is not an exclusive list of demonic activities. He comes in different colors and contours. It is good idea to discuss how Satan is “on the move” in groups; keeping in mind that no one is above the target of the Devil. Finally, the battle is on our knees.

1 Cor. 10:12 (MSG)- “Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence.”

GAIN

FIRE

Our God is a consuming fire and He has come to light a fire in every heart. The Holy Spirit has brought the fire. We can be “on fire for God!” When we are “on fire for God,” we are showing God’s devouring power and holiness to others as He cleanses and purifies our lives. He puts His protection around us. He reveals His passion for the perishing souls to us. We can be ones that snatch others from the fire through His Word and Spirit that is “sparking” within us!

ENDURANCE

Jesus endured the Cross. Paul said that he could endure anything for the sake of the elect. Enduring hardship as discipline is our calling . Enduring sinful people and struggling against sin is all a part of our spiritual living for which we are also called. May God help us to endure anything for the cause of Christ and His Kingdom!

Godliness with contentment is great gain. What was considered as “gain” to Paul might have been viewed as a “loss” to those who are perishing. Moses left the riches in Egypt. Jesus left the glory of His Father for a moment in order gain souls for the Kingdom of God. True gain is living a godly life in contentment. The loss and gain account is balanced and maintained for each of us in Heaven. Let us look to God for our contentment and trust in eternity for our gain!

May God speak to us personally and individually as we reflect on these thoughts!

• Some Scriptural References to Ponder :

Heb. 12:29, Luke12:49, Acts 2:3, Zech. 3:2-5, 2 Kings 6:17, Luke 24:32, Jer. 23:29, 1 Peter 1:7, Heb. 12:2-4, Heb. 12:7, Heb. 12:11, 2 Tim. 2:10, Rom. 15:4-5, 2 Cor. 1:6, Col. 1:11, 1 Tim. 6:11, Titus 2:2, 1 Tim. 6:6, Phil. 3:8, Heb. 11:24.

Psalms 40:17 (MSG)-“And me? I’m a mess. I’m nothing and have nothing: make something of me. You can do it; you’ve got what it takes– but God, don’t put it off. “

Transformation in a man’s life is God’s work. Only God has the resource(s) to do it. We should desire and pray for it. We should plead for Him to do it right now. The person who is concerned about his life, should realize that he is a mess. He is nothing and he has nothing. This is a very difficult thing for any person to accept. God has to work in a man’s life to make him realize it. This is the starting point of true transformation- to know the real “I am.”

Then we need to know the real God. What He can do in our life and what the resources are; that make us closer to God. God can do the “impossible.” God is God. God loves to do the “impossible” for people! We need to plead with Him to do this for us. We must earnestly seek Him from the bottom of our heart. We must trust in Him to do His work in us. Let us plead with Him to do it right now!

This is what David was doing in Psalms 40:17. No wonder he became a man after God’s own heart!

We need to desire God’s transforming work to continue in our lives. When we are humble and realistic, we can get acquainted with and the resourceful and powerful God of the universe. Indeed God is seeking this transformation. He listens to our pleas. Let’s trust Him to make “something” out of us!

2 Cor. 3:17-18 (MSG)- “They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We’re free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.

May God “work” a real and deep transformation in us!

Someone once said that success comes in “cans” and failure in “cannots.” The following “Twenty Cans of Success” is taken from God’s Word. It will expand your knowledge of the Almighty God.

1. Why should I say I can’t, when the Bible says I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Phil. 4:13)?

2. Why should I worry about my needs, when I know that God will take care of all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19)?

3. Why should I fear, when the Bible says God has not given me a spirit of fear; but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7)?

4. Why should I lack faith to live for Christ, when God has given me a measure of faith (Rom. 12:3)?

5. Why should I be weak, when the Bible says that the Lord is the strength of my life and that I will display strength and take action because I know God

(Psalm 27:1, Daniel 11: 32)?

6. Why should I allow Satan control over my life, when He that is in me is greater than He that is in the world (1 John 4:4)?

7. Why should I accept defeat, when the Bible says that God always leads me in victory (2 Cor. 2:14)?

8. Why should I lack wisdom, when I know that Christ became wisdom for me from God and God gives wisdom to me generously when I ask Him.(1 Cor. 1:30, James 1:5)?

9. Why should I be depressed, when I have hope and can recall to mind God’s loving kindness, compassion and faithfulness ( Lam. 3:21,22)?

10. Why should I worry and be upset, when I can cast all my anxieties on Christ who cares for me (1 Peter 5:7)?

11. Why should I ever be in bondage, when I know that that there is freedom where the Spirit of the Lord is (2 Cor. 3:17)?

12. Why should I feel condemned, when the Bible says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8: 1)?

13. Why should I feel alone, when Jesus said He is with me always and He will never leave me nor forsake me (Matt. 28:20, Hebrews 13:8)?

14. Why should I feel as if I am cursed or have bad luck, when the Bible says that Christ rescued me from the curse of the law that I might receive His Spirit by faith (Gal. 3:13, 14)?

15. Why should I be unhappy when I, like Paul, can learn to be content whatever the circumstances (Phil. 4:11)?

16. Why should I feel worthless, when Christ became sin for me so that I might I might become the righteousness of God (2Cor. 5:21)?

17. Why should I feel helpless in the presence of others, when I know that if God is for me, who can be against me (Rom. 8:31)?

18. Why should I be confused, when God is the author of peace and He gives me knowledge through His Spirit who lives in me (1 Cor. 2:12, 14: 33)?

19. Why should I feel like a failure, when I am more than a conqueror through Christ who loved me (Rom. 8:37)?

20. Why should I let pressure of life bother me, when I can take courage knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and its problems (John 16: 33)?

From “Victory Over the Darkness” by Neil T. Anderson