Relationships in the Journey

Prepare: "Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another", Eph 5:21
Read: Colossians 3:18-4:1

Life is a journey. Broken relationships take away the joy. Satan constantly wants to take the upper hand in our home and work place, thereby causing strain.

In the family: Courtesy disappears and respect is put aside at home among family members because we take relationships for granted. Paul gives a chain of commands, not just advice, to uplift our families. A wife has to submit to her husband for two reasons. One, man was created first and then woman for him (1 Tim.2:13). Two, in the God-head, Christ submits to the Father (1 Cor.11:3). Submission is not subordination. A husband should not take advantage of his submissive wife. He cannot be a dictator or a demanding master. He has to love his wife as Christ loved the church (Eph 5:25). Disobedience to parents is viewed as rebellion against God (Ex.21:17). Children have to follow the example of Jesus (Lk 2:51). It is not difficult for children to obey their fathers who reflect the character of the heavenly Father.

At work: Very rarely we hear sermons on our relationship at the work spot. For Paul it is important we spend most of the waking hours of the day there. The underlying principle is that we have to please God. Our work should be carried out with an awareness that we arr working for the Lord. This attitude would make work pleasant and also enhance the dignity of labour. Masters should reflect God's character of fairness and respect.

Respond: "Lord, mend today my relationships at home and at work place". Amen.

Christ the Very God

Prepare: I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.
Read: Colossians 1: 15-20

Depending too much on human beings is denying the involvement of Christ in our lives. "He is the rock of our lives upon which we stand, the fountain from which we draw, the treasury in whom we find every kind of spiritual blessing. God's fullness resides in Him.

Christ created us for Him: God's purposes are good for us (Jer 29:11). They may not be easy to accomplish without His help.He invites us to join Him to be part of His cosmic plan. Deep satisfaction is the result of this partnership. No other power can stop His purposes from fulfillment.

Christ rules everything together: Often we fail to align ourselves to God's purposes for various reasons. Satan works to draw us away from God and frustrates us. We may be broken, shattered and discouraged. But Christ brings everything together to bring the best out of us and to fulfill God's purposes in us (Rom 8:28).

Christ in the church: Church is the primary agent God uses to fulfill His purposes. On the basis of His redemption, we have become members of His church. He is the head and all the members have equal share in understanding and fulfilling God's purposes. As believers, we draw grace and power from Christ for our victorious life on the earth.

Respond: Christ, I thank You because You have made Yourself available to me. Amen. 

Peace of God

Prepare: We can never stand aloof when church unity suffers.
Read: Philippians 4:1-9

I. A need for peace: There was a situation in the church that was disrupting the peace. So Paul begins with this appeal: "Stand firm". It is a call to unity, for, only a united Church can appeal to a lost world. It is only from a position of peace that the Church can preach peace. In the issue that divided the Church, Paul does not wish to take sides. Rather, he asks those  involved to take the initiative to confess, forgive and be reconciled. For that is the way of Christ. When conflicts arise (and they will), the mature must be "true yoke-fellows". Jesus called us to be "peace makers" (Heb 12:14).

II. Two promises: The first concerns "the peace of God which passes all understanding". There is nothing mysterious about His peace; rather, people will not be able to explain away this peace because it is 'supernatural'. Second, "God's peace will guard us". This is because of the presence of the God of Peace, who comes to be our companion. The God of Peace, who made peace with us sinners, keeps us in His peace. But the promises of God's peace are dependent on :

III. God's laws: Paul shares four spiritual laws:
1. Rejoice always
2. Pray with Thanksgiving
3. Fill your mind with what is excellent
4. Submit to God's Word

As you meditate on each of these, ask : "Do I have peace?"

Respond: In a world of unrest and disunity, May I know Your peace, O God.

God is at Work

Prepare: The word of Life imparts life.
Read: Philippians 2:12-18

The central point of the Christological hymn in 2:5-11 was Christ's obedience and humility. Paul now applies that searching example to the life of the Christian. Herein, is a blend of what we have to do and of what God is doing.

I. The directives: First, "As of have always obeyed". It was their obedience to the Gospel that brought the Church into being. They were now called upon to show that same submission to God - to be like the Lord Jesus Christ who was obedient to His Father. Paul exhorts "work out your own salvation", because God is at work in you. Nothing can stop Him. So we must do our part too! Specifically, Paul says "without grumbling or questioning", "be blameless and innocent". God's people must be above reproach in conduct and character. Then he refers in verse 15-16, to "shine as lights" and "hold fast the Word of Life", an outward display which comes from a transformed inner nature.

II. The incentives: Paul uses two images to describe his life: 1. A runner, "I did not run in vain" and 2. A weaver, "I did not labour in vain". His words show his sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. That's why verse 17-18 present a memorable picture of joy as he sees his life blood being poured out as a sacrifice pleasing  and acceptable to God. Paul lived to serve his Master and to receive His "well done".

Respond: Lord, enable Your Church to walk straight in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.

Suffering as Preparation for Service

Prepare: Our suffering for Christ's sake really advances the gospel.
Read: Philippians 1:12-18

These verses are a window into Paul's mind. This also gives us an example of true Christian living.

I. Past pain prepares us for ministry: "These things that happened" to Paul in the past, only helped thprogress of the Gospel. The "things" Paul is referring to are all his sufferings. (Ref. II Cor 11:23-29). Bur Paul saw his pain and suffering as those things which helped to advance the Gospel. If we will allow God to work in our lives, our suffering too can prepare us to serve others more effectivively.

II. Present restrictions can be a platform for ministry: When Paul looks at his present imprisonment, he sees hi bonds as a means for Christ to be made known. First, the Praetorian guard, an elite Roman troup, who were sent to guard prisoners like Paul were hearing the gospel. Second, many Christians took the issue of Paul imprisonment as an opportunity to speak out. They were infused with new courage and boldnes. Third some in the church attacked Paul out of jealousy and personal animosity, even this, Paul says, is for the good of the Gospel. Here, Paul's maturity shines out. Paul knows differences will exist in the body of Christ. But no matter what, whether in pretense or truth, Christ was being proclaimed. For us too, the proclamaton of the Gospel and the advancemet of His kingdom

Respond: Lord I pray that my suffering for You and the gospel would neither deter me nor make me bitter or judgmental.

Abigail's Intercession

Prepare: Have you encouraged your spouse or family member or someone into godliness, love and faith? Have you compensated, apologized for their mistakes?
Read: 1 Samuel 25:14-31

Sarah was initially weak in faith, but Abraham moved forward and Sarah also rose in faith and both of them inherited the promise of God. Elkanah stood by his wife Hannah in her journey of faith. The wise servants who stood by Namaan encouraged him to obey the prophet and but for those servants, Namaan could have returned in anger, as a leper. Jethro, Moses' father-in-law gave Moses timely advice to delegate his work to leaders of ten, fifty and hundred. When Moses followed the advice, his burden was lightened.

No one lives alone. God has given us spouses, family members and friends to stand by each other in moments of crisis. No one is perfect. God has given strengths to everyone so that we could complement the weakness of others. Sometimes we are to apologize on behalf of someone, some family, some church or society. When Graham Staines was martyred, some men of God pleaded for pardon in prayer on behalf of our land that shed the blood of His saints.

Abigail did not support her husband in his evil. She apologized on his behalf and made peace with David. Abigail is an industrious and shrewd woman whose efforts saved her, her husband and her household from utter destruction. But God's punishment comes on Nabal and he dies within a short time.

Respond: Lord, May I strengthen and edify others. May I be an Apostle of Peace, of consolation and reconciliation.

Rare Comradeship

Prepare: Have people hated you without a cause? How have you reacted?
Read: 1 Samuel 20: 1-23

A little boy threw stones at a man on the street and called him names because he had an ugly face. Later the same man walked into his house. The mother told the boy, "Many years ago, he was the one who rushed into our burning house and rescued you. His face was badly burnt in the process and that is why he looks so ugly". People can hate you:

1. With a cause.When you do wrong, when you hurt people knowingly or unknowingly, or because of your failures, people can rightfully hate you. Never let yourself be found in this position.

2. Without cause. Because of sheer jealousy [as in the case of David] people can hate you or because you are more talented or they feel you could compete with them.

3. Because of the cross: The fact that you are a Christian, a child of God, can make you an enemy of the Devil, his kingdom and his people.

The solution: If you are wrong, set yourself right before God and man. Otherwise love everyone, forgive everyone, bless every one, look to God and move on. Let not the hatred of people make you forget the love and acceptance that Jesus has offered to you. Never indulge in self pity. He will fight for you, deliver you and honour you.

Respond: Make me a channel of Your peace. Where there is hatred let me bring Your Love...

Victory's Aftermath

Prepare: What fruit does my life bear?
Read: 1 Samuel 17:55-18:16

After the great victory, David received two kinds of response. The King's son, Jonathan took to David instantly. "The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David". 1 Sam 18:1. Jonathan saw how passionate he was about the living God and how he had killed the giant. Jonathan knew in his heart that God was with David (vs 14). He removed his robe and gave it to David along with his own armour, sword, bow and belt acknowledging that David was the next anointed king. When God's spirit rules our hearts, there will be no jealousy, anger or competition. It is only filled with love of Christ which transcends all barriers.

The second response was from King Saul himself. Saul was happy about David because David was able to get rid of the giant. He gave him a position as promised. When the women appreciated David more than Saul, the fire of jealousy was kindled in Saul. He tried to kill David. God's Spirit had departed from Saul. He knew in his heart that God was with David, and so was fearful of him.

When we move away from God, we invite the spirit of flesh to control our behaviour, speech and thoughts. It is harmful to self and others. Let us introspect on what controls us.

Respond: Lord, we yield ourselves to the control of Your Spirit. Help us to bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our daily life. Amen.

The Battle is the Lord's

Prepare: God alone is worthy of praise.
Read: 1 Samuel 17:41-54

David faced Goliath with unshakable faith in God. David was determined and not discouraged by the comments of people. David was sure of what he was going to do. Today we see two more principles he followed.

Goliath was fully armed when he moved towards David. His shield bearer was in front of him. He over estimated himself and under estimated David based on the appearance. He was over confident about the outcome. He was boasting in his own strength when he warned David that he would give the birds and the beasts  a feast from David's flesh.

David on the other hand planned his strategy, chose his weapon and proceeded to face the giant. He too was confident that his plan would succeed. But he was more confident in His Lord. "But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts.. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand". (1 Sam 17:45). He did not trust in the weapons of the world. (Ps. 44:6,7).

The principle that David followed was put in your best effort but depend on God's strength. Pro 3:5 says, "Lean not on your own understanding, trust in God.. He will make your path straight".

Secondly, David accredited the success to His God - the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's (1 Sam 17:47). His one desire was that the earth should know how mighty His God was. When you get the victory, give glory to God.

Respond: God, Almighty, all glory, honour and power belong to You for You give us victory. Amen. 

The Living God

Prepare: Faith is the key to face giant-like problems.
Read: 1 Samuel 17:20-40

Have you ever encountered a 'giant' in your life and wondered how to face it? Today's passage teaches us many things from the life of David.

That morning when he carried the lunch box to his brothers, he did not dream that he would be seeing a giant, let alone face one. Our life is not without giants. But how we face it is all that matters. Gigantic problems appear in our lives when we least expect them.

There were thousands of trained warriors facing the giant for forty days and all of them ran in fear when they listened to his words of blasphemy. David did not run away in fear, nor did he put it off for another day. He faced the giant with unshakable faith in God. Either you can turn away in fear or face the giant with faith. Don't put off facing your giant.

David's brothers called him names and scolded him. King Saul expressed his doubts about David's experience as a warrior. The giant himself considered David as a no good fellow. People discouraged David, but he was not deterred. Discouragements and disappointments are bound to come up in our fight against the giants in our lives. Don't give up.

David carefully chose five smooth stones. With a sling in one hand and a staff in the other, he moved purposefully toward the giant. He knew what he was doing and prepared to face the giant. Plan strategically with the wisdom God has given you.

Respond: Dear Lord, help us to be people who are focused on You so that we can overcome any obstacle. Amen.

Successor to Saul Anointed

Prepare: Man's perception Vs God's
Read: 1 Samuel 16: 1-13

Saul was rejected by God for his disobedience. He was the first choice of God to be the King of Israel. But his heart was not right with God. When he was dethroned by God, Samuel grieved for a long time. God made it very clear to Samuel that He was in control of the situation and that Samuel should trust Him.

Believe: God works through difficult situations in His own time (Rom 8:28). Samuel was afraid to take the next step which God placed before him to go to Jesse in Bethlehem to dedicate the next King. He was still looking  to the past and was hesitant to move forward. But God said, "Go, I will direct your next step".

Believe: When God is with you, don't be afraid to take the step of faith. Is you still hold on to the past, you will find yourself stuck.

Samuel obeyed the Lord and did all that was instructed. When he saw Eliab, Samuel thought, "This is the man, the Lord has chosen". But the Lord said very clearly, "Don't fall for outward looks. I look deep within the heart". The same was repeated with the rest of the six children. The eighth son, David was introduced by his father Jesse as a 'lad keeping the sheep'. But David was anointed; the Spirit of God came upon him from that moment.

Believe: God always searches the hearts and tests the minds to give every man according to his ways (Jer 17:10).

Respond: Give me an understanding heart, O Lord. Amen. 

Happy Ending

Prepare: Loyal hearts reap blessings.
Read: Ruth 4:1-21

There is happiness all around in this chapter. The book of Ruth started with sadness and emptiness. Turning back to God and fully trusting in the living God changed the whole story. Prov 3:56, ' Trust in the Lord.. He will make your paths straight' came true in Ruth and Naomi's life.

Ruth, a Moabite widow married Boaz, a Jewish man and became a blessing to Boaz. Ruth, a Moabite daughter-in-law brought happiness into her mother-in-law's life and became a blessing to Naomi in her old age. Now Naomi was content in the Lord's doing for her. Ruth, a Moabite woman worshipping the pagan gods, now became a blessing to the whole of Israel and to the world. She bore a son to Boaz. They named him Obed. Obed became the grandfather of David. In David's line, many centuries later, Jesus the promised Messiah of Israel and the Savior of the world was born.

"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is committed toward him" - 2 Chron 16:9. Ruth was loyal to the living God.

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, " In returning and rest you shall be saved" - Isaiah 30:15. If we have gone away from the Lord, let us return to Him in repentance and commit ourselves and our life's struggles to Him. He will turn it into a blessing.

Respond: I want to come back to You, Lord and rest in You, so that Your blessings will flow through me. Amen.

Kinsman Redeemer

Prepare: Jesus the only Way.
Read: Ruth 3:1-18

For Ruth, shelter, food and kind words were not a permanent solution. She needed a companion for life who could redeem her from her plight.

Boaz was a trustworthy man. As a first step, he showed himself as trustworthy by saying 'I will do, I will redeem'.

Boaz was a righteous man. He wanted to do right by fulfilling the law. He gave a chance to  the other relative to redeem Ruth. He knew the extent of sacrifice involved in redeeming Ruth and he knew that the other relative would not do it. He wanted Ruth to know that he was the only one and not anything or anyone else could redeem her.

Boaz was a man of grace. He goes beyond the requirement of law and supplies grain to Ruth proving to her that he her provider.

Boaz represents Jesus, our redeemer. Jesus said, "I have come to lay down My life". Jesus has enabled us to experience even in our waywardness that He is the only Way, the Truth and the Life. Jesus has shown His grace even in our unfaithfulness.

Ruth responded by trusting Boaz, by asking him to spread his wings over her symbolizing a relationship for life. She did not run after the world's attraction; instead she looked to him for redemption.

If only we could respond like Ruth, Jesus our kinsman redeemer, will redeem us, give us an eternal relationship with Him and bless us richly.

Respond: Jesus, You are the righteous God, the only Way and the only Redeemer. I come to You trusting in Your work. Amen.

God's Providence

Prepare: God takes care of those who take refuge in Him.
Read: Ruth 2:8-23

When a person takes refuge in the living God, he will be safe (Ps 91:1,4), will sing for joy (Ps 63:7), will experience abundance from God almighty. (Psalms 36:7-8)

This was Ruth's story after she decided to run to the living God leaving her pagan gods, her people and place. Her faith in God and love for her old mother-in-law was known to all the people. She found favour in the eyes of God and man. The Lord became her provider, comforter, shelter and security in the form of Boaz. Verse 8 - Boaz told her to stay in his field and not to go else where. Verse 9 made sure of her safety. Verse 13 - spoke to her kindly and comforted her. Verse 14 made her sit with him and eat from his food. Verse 15, 16 gave her enough and more. He became her kinsman redeemer!

A kinsman redeemer is one who is responsible for protecting the interests of his extended family, one who redeems the land of a poor relative sold outside the family (Deu.25:5-10, Lev 25:25-28, 47-49). Boaz stands as a foreshadow of Jesus, who came to redeem us. We were in need of salvation and help;we had sold our souls to sin. Jesus redeemed us by giving a price of His own blood. Only we have to come under His refuge in faith. He will do the rest.

Respond: Dear Lord, Your unfailing love is all I want. My heart takes refuge in You. Amen.

Industrious Ruth

Prepare: He who chooses to trust God will reap blessings.
Read: Ruth 1:19-2:7

Yesterday we saw that wrong choices bring difficult situations. But turning towards God brings blessings (1:19). Wrong choices had left pleasant Naomi bitter, calling herself as Mara.Ruth's right choice of putting her trust in  the Lord, led to a life of great blessings. She was a Moabite, a hated community; she was a young and beautiful widow in an unsafe situation. But she experienced love and respect along with protection from the master himself. Her beautiful inner character combined with her trust in God changed her life altogether.

Ruth's humility and industry are remarkable. She submitted herself to the authority of her mother-in-law by informing her about her plans. She approached the reapers with a gentle request to glean. She knew how to talk pleasantly and was not proud. "One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honour." (Prov 29:23). She worked steadily from morning till mealtime except for a short rest.

God led her to the right place: She went to the field belonging to Boaz. Boaz was a very godly man. Note how he greets the reapers and how they respond.

God led her to the right people: Boaz was not there when Ruth went to glean. The harvesters and the foreman were working.When Ruth requested with all humility, God opened their hearts to allow her to work.

Respond: Lord, help us to choose an attitude of submission to Your Lordship and to others. Amen.

A Wrong Choice

Story of Ruth - Animated Bible Stories from the Old Testament

Prepare: Live by faith not by sight.
Read: Ruth 1:1-18

Wrong choice: Elimelek's family lived in Bethlehem, the "House of Bread" and worshipped the Living God of Israel. When famine struck, they decided to move away from Bethlehem to Moab, a land which worshipped a pagan God, Chemosh. They were afraid that they may die without food. As if one choice was not enough, Naomi got her sons married to Moabite women. Marriage with Moabite women was not allowed and they were not allowed to enter the assembly of the Lord (Deu 7:3, 23:3).

Worse situation: A wrong choice led to a worse situation. Elimelek and the two sons died, even with abundance of food! Naomi was left childless with two daughters-in-law who were childless. What a picture of emptiness! Not trusting God, but leaning on your own wisdom leads to an empty life.

Right choice: When Naomi heard of the Lord visiting His people in Bethlehem, she decided to return. By then she had realized it was her bad decisions that had caused the Lord's hand to be severe on their family. Ruth's declaration of faith in the living God is the highlight of this mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship.

The difficult situations and trials in our lives are brought by God to discipline us. When we try to run away from them, choosing the temporary way out, it becomes a bad choice. Only when we realize our mistake and put our trust in God, we will experience His blessings.

Respond: Lord, enable us to choose that which pleases You.

Reality Check at Review Time

Psalm 54

Prepare: When you are in trouble and forced to wait for help, where you place your faith is all-important.
Read: Psalm 54:1-7

The late Dr. A.W. Tozer once wrote, "I can safely say on the authority of all that is revealed in the Word of God that any man or woman on this earth who is bored and turned off by worship is not ready for heaven".

Today being Sunday, you join the thousands of saints across the globe even in the underground churches to worship and adore Him. You may be in a similar situation as David in many areas of your life, own people rising against him. Here David uses a great way to pray in verse 1&2, which results in sure faith in verse 4. On this day of joy and gladness can you recognize God's ways in your life?

God is faithful; though men are not to be trusted, and it is well for us it is so. David has no other plea to depend upon than God's name, no other power to depend upon than God's strength, and these he makes his refuge and confidence. What bonds of nature, or friendship, or gratitude, or covenant will protect you from those who have no fear of God. Only God can.

David sums up the psalm with praise. There is an interesting sequence of experiences: David had trouble, this led him to trust God, which resulted in triumph. He had a  problem, so he turned to prayer, which brought about praise to the Lord.

Respond: Christians should never suffer the voice of praise and thanksgiving to cease in the church of the redeemed. 

Credible Christian

Prepare: Being is more important than doing.
Read: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13

The Bible gives very high priority for human relationships. The world does not. People of this world want to exploit every situation and every relationship for its own gain. So relationships are shot and shallow. Enriching relationships cost both the parties. Paul was willing to pay the cost to build up relationships.

In attitude, servant: Paul was one of the great leaders that the Church had ever produced. He used his spectacular leadership qualities in humble services. He was very careful not to become offensive in his attitude. The situations he found himself in were like tests of his actions.Hardship, imprisonment and other trials could have broken an ordinary man. But Paul's humble attitude enabled him to face all these trying situations under the watchful eye of God and to come out of them cheerfully and victoriously.

In motive, purity: Leaders need to be transparent and open. Paul wanted to be pure, patient and kind in his relationship with the church members.Leaders with enormous power need to be guarded and guided by Scriptural principles in order to be useful in building relationships with others and encourage others to maintain their relationship with one another. Motives may be hidden from man, but not from God. Pure motives bring permanent results in the lives of the people.

Respond: Let my attitude be humble and motives pure in my relationship, O Lord. 

Compelled Christian

Prepare: We are of great value in His eyes.
Read: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

The world around us constantly influences our mind with its message. So our values are confused and our priorities are mixed up. Paul in this passage wants us to model our life after Jesus Christ. Paul argues for a life that is entirely committed to bring the message of reconciliation to a world, which is going to be judged.

Motives to life: Our lives need to be controlled by the fear of the Lord. Judgement of God is real. Love is the compelling force in our lives. As an expression of His love for us, He had sent His Son to die for us. This love gives us the inner strength to face all hardships and endure all sufferings. Christ's death demands a deep and abiding response from us. He has not only died for us, but lives today to help us. Life has the deepest fulfilment when we respond to God's call.

Message to give: Christ's death has changed values of human beings drastically. So Paul doesn't want to measure any one against the standard fixed by the world. In Christ, even the worst sinner has the possibility becoming a new creation. World around us may not believe this message, but we believe it because we have experienced this life-changing power offered by Jesus Christ.

Respond: Lord, let Your love motivate me and Your power strengthen me today to live for You.

Courageous Christian

Prepare: Life on earth to be; seen in the context of our life in Heaven.
Read: 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10

Suffering is a part of life for all. Especially for Christians, it is allowed by God. Protection from hardship is never promised for us. Suffering teaches important lessons in Christian life. Suffering was a constant companion to Paul. He learnt to live by looking at the future through the window of suffering.

Suffering is momentary: Suffering is not pleasing and often it affects our external body and also our mind. We groan under pressure and sigh in anxiety. We tend to think in those circumstances that suffering is going to continue forever and ever. We are tempted to give up. But the eternal glory is a gift we are going to receive after this earthly life.

Glory is eternal: Christian life is not just a life of suffering. The present suffering is a passing experience. We must learn to live in the knowledge of the reality of the future glory. The key is to learn to live by faith and not to be disturbed by what we see and experience at present. At the time of suffering, we are not to curse-either the circumstances or the people that might have caused it. We have to learn through the help of the Holy Spirit to please God who is working in us to change the mortal body into the likeness of the Son.

Respond: Holy Spirit of God, I thank You for Your indwelling presence in my earthly (mortal) body.