Scripture: John 5: 24 "Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
Observation: Life is a major theme in the Gospel of John. As compared to Matthew, Mark, and Luke, John frequently (36 times) uses the Greek word for life, "zóé." The word "Zoe" refers to both physical and spiritual life. Here, Jesus says that one's faith is related to his eternal life. This life that Jesus offers is not limited to particular people. It is available to anyone ("whoever") who hears Jesus' words and puts his faith in God. When a person starts to believe in Jesus, he begins to experience God in his life. John 5:24 does not refer to something that would happen in the future or on the day of judgment. In Jesus' words, a believer has already crossed over from death to life, from spiritual death to eternal life in Christ. In other words, a believer belongs to eternal life, not to spiritual death.
Life in Christ dispels all darkness and brings light. Our faith in Jesus Christ rewards us both in this world and the afterlife. The life that Jesus gives us helps us experience fellowship with God right from the day we first believe in him; it is not a temporal one but eternal life with no end. When we believe in God, we can be confident that we have moved from the valley of death that is full of darkness to the realm of life where God reigns.
Application: Many people hear the Gospel of Jesus. However, they all do not believe the message of Jesus. I should not be a mere listener of the Word of God. I believe in God and his word. His word sets me free from death and condemnation and leads me to life, eternal life. How wonderful it is to experience this God-given eternal life and fellowship! My faith in God delivers me from all fears of death. I have crossed over from death to life. God rules my life, not death. Whether I live or die, I belong to the Lord (Romans 14:8).
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the life you gave me in response to my faith. Lord, you give eternal life to whoever believes in you. Thank you for your help in moving from the state of spiritual death to eternal life. Jesus, help me to live with you today and forever. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 146
Scripture: John 6: 33 For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." 34 "Sir," they said, "always give us this bread." 35 Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
Observation: We know that water and food are essential needs for our daily life. After the miracle of feeding five thousand men, people were searching for Jesus. Like the Samaritan woman who misunderstood Jesus' reference to living water (Jn.4:15), the people we see here also could not understand what Jesus was talking about them. See the similarity in the plea of the Samaritan woman and the people because they were thinking in a materialistic way and failed to see the spiritual meaning of Jesus' words. Interestingly, on both occasions, Jesus spoke about eternal life.
In verse 35, we see the first of the "I am" sayings of Jesus. Jesus' usage of "I am" is strikingly similar to the name of God that he revealed to Moses (see. Exo.3:14). Jesus' self-identification in the "I am" statements helps us to understand who Jesus is. Spiritually hungry and thirsty people will find satisfaction when they come to Jesus and believe in him. When we come to Jesus Christ, he gives us eternal life as his gift. We freely receive it by believing in Jesus Christ. Like water and food to our physical life, Jesus is essential to our healthy spiritual life.
Application: My eyes are not on material gains. When Moses was admonishing the Israelites, he told them that the Lord gave manna in order to teach them, "Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord" (Deut. 8:3). Those who ate manna became hungry again and died. However, Jesus is "the bread of life." He satisfies my soul when I go to him. When I put my faith in Jesus, he quenches my spiritual thirst. Above all, he gives me eternal life. This spiritual satisfaction in Jesus will be an unending experience till eternity.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for being my Lord and Savior. Lord, open my eyes to see who you are. Open my heart to believe you as the bread of life. Jesus, the bread of life, I need you every day. Help me to seek you with all my heart. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 147
Scripture: John 6: 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.
Observation: When Jesus spoke of the spiritual truth that his flesh and blood are the sources of life, there was a commotion among the Jews in the synagogue. Many of Jesus' disciples (apart from the twelve disciples, Jesus had many other disciples) also said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" Let us be clear: Jesus' teaching is not hard to understand. However, accepting and believing it could be difficult. As Jesus repeatedly emphasized, it is the work of the Father, and he enables a person to accept and believe Jesus.
In John 6:63, Jesus talks about the difference between spiritual life and carnal life (See Jn.3:6). Jesus' words are not empty talks; "they are full of the Spirit and life." However, not all who heard Jesus' words did believe him. Only those who allow the Holy Spirit to quicken their hearts accept Jesus and receive eternal life. Without understanding Jesus' words, many of his disciples departed from him. They may have felt that Jesus' teaching was not only hard to accept but offensive as well. They may have different expectations about Jesus. However, when Jesus asked his twelve disciples whether they also wanted to go away from him, Peter rightly said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God" (Jn.6: 68, 69). If we follow Jesus only for miracles and for our earthly life, his teaching would be difficult to accept. If we follow him for eternal life, we will find the strength for our spiritual life in him and his words.
Application: My willingness to accept Jesus' words plays an important role in my spiritual life. I need to understand the importance of spiritual life and the uselessness of worldly life. Jesus is the life-giver. A mere understanding of Jesus' words is not enough. I need to believe Jesus' words. Believing Jesus' words helps me to know who he is; He is "the Holy One of God." To whom shall I go other than Jesus for eternal words and life?
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your life-giving words. Lord, help me to believe your words not only for physical life but for eternal life. There is none like you. Lord, help me meditate on your words daily to receive the strength for a healthy spiritual life that never moves away from you. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 148
Scripture: John 7: 24 Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.
Observation: When we overemphasize our cultural practices or social traditions, we might fail to see what God is doing in our lives. Jews held that the observance of the law of Moses was above all. When Jesus healed the sick on the Sabbath, Jews got angry and even tried to kill him. They failed to see the works of God that made the sick people whole. So Jesus exposed their hypocrisy in observing the law. Jesus' point to his critics was, If cutting a body part (circumcision) on a Sabbath day can be justified as a fulfillment of the law, how much more it would be a fulfillment of the law if healing made a person's whole body to get well. Jesus challenged the Jews to see the origin of his works and purpose instead of seeing him through their traditional lens. He was not saying "judge not." Nevertheless, Jesus called them to judge correctly and to see and understand the meaning of the law.
We should not judge people or anything by mere appearances. Sometimes, what we see and hear may deceive us. In order to judge correctly, without any prejudice, we should see things as they are. God is always working in our lives. We need to be open to seeing the work of God in our lives. "But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear" (Mt. 13:16)
Application: If I do not see Jesus as he is, it could lead me to disbelieve and misunderstand him. Jesus is always working in my life. I do not want to be like the Jews who failed to recognize Jesus' words and works. I will keep the main thing the main thing. I will not allow any traditions to affect how I see and hear God. I will see everything in the light of the Word of God.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the work you are doing in my life. You make me whole to witness your power and glory. I do not want to place anything between you and me. Lord, help me to rejoice in your word and works. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 149
What is most important to me? - A lesson from Solomon's life
Read: 1 Kings 11, 12; Psalm 149; John 7: 25- 53
Scripture: 1 Kings 11: 4 As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been. 5 He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites. 6 So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord; he did not follow the Lord completely, as David his father had done.
Observation: Solomon was "wiser than any other man" in his time (1 Kings 4:31). Many great people came to listen to Solomon's wisdom (1 Kings.4:34; 10:1-13). Not only that, but he also had great wealth (see 1 Kings.10:14-29). In his days, silver was considered worthless (1 Kings 10: 21,27). Undoubtedly, they both (wisdom and wealth) were God's gifts to Solomon. With his wisdom and wealth, Solomon should have been an ideal king. However, here we see a description of the fall of a great and wise king who once had a great start.
Solomon might have established worldly alliances through his marriages to protect his kingdom from enemies' attacks or wars. However, he disobeyed God's warnings that he gave through Moses (Deut.17:14-20). He did not renounce the Lord but "was not fully devoted to the Lord his God." At first, Solomon may have allowed his wives to worship their pagan gods. Gradually, they turned his heart away from the Lord. Eventually, he was lacking in his devotion to the Lord. In his wisdom, he might have thought that syncretic religious practices were not grave sins against God. However, God was angry with Solomon as he failed to obey His commandments. Solomon's life reminds us that we cannot serve two masters. Our worldly alliances and association with ungodly people could turn our hearts away from God.
Application: Solomon wrote, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7). Sadly, when he became weak and old, he disregarded the wisdom and the fear of the Lord. God does not see how much more wisdom I have than others. Instead, he sees my heart that is devoted to him and his word. As the Bible says, I love God with my heart, with all my understanding, and with all my strength (Deut.6:5; Mt.22:37).
Prayer: Father God, thank you for reminding me to love you and follow your words. Lord, help me to overcome any temptations that draw my attention away from you. Jesus, you are my wisdom. Lord, help me to depend on you always. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 150
Scripture: John 8: 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?"
Observation: Here, we see another cunning attempt of the Pharisees and the scribes to trap Jesus in their evil schemes. They wanted to accuse Jesus depending on his response to their question. If Jesus's answer was in favor of killing the woman, they would have portrayed that Jesus was against the Roman empire. Because in those days, the authority to give the death penalty was not with Jews. If Jesus refused to command to kill the adulterous woman by stoning, they would have accused Jesus that he was disloyal to the Mosaic Law. According to the Law, both the man and woman who committed the sin of adultery should be killed (Lev.20:10. Deut.22:22). Here, they had brought only the woman who was caught in adultery to the temple courts.
They were waiting for Jesus' answer and were ready to accuse him either way. But Jesus was writing something on the floor with his finger instead of answering them. Some people relate "Jesus' writing with his finger" to the Old Testament event of God's writing with his finger (Exodus 31:18). Likewise, people give different explanations concerning Jesus' writing on the floor with his finger. When they pressed Jesus to give an answer, Jesus said, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." Jesus' response must have provoked their conscience and fear. So they all left the place, one after another. Finally, Jesus also did not condemn her. Instead, he instructed her not to continue the sinful life.
Some argue that Jesus' action towards the adulterous woman proves he was also a sinner. In any court of law, a judge would pass judgment based on the evidence presented before him/her. If a judge allows an accused person to go free, it does not mean the judge also committed a crime, like the accused. Jesus revealed his power to forgive her sins as the righteous judge. Those who tried to catch Jesus with evil plans were trapped by Jesus' answer. They could not accuse Jesus. Instead, their conscience accused them of their wrong deeds. Jesus, the righteous judge, averted their plans and gave the woman an opportunity to live a new life.
Application: Before complaining against anyone, I should be aware of my faults and shortcomings. I should remember that "The Lord detests dishonest scales" (Pro. 11:1). As a Christian, I should be ready to forgive people and give them life instead of condemning them. Before God, my self-righteous acts are like filthy rags. Jesus is my righteousness. He teaches me to love people. So, I should judge people with love and God's righteousness.
Prayer: Jesus, no one loves me like you. When people are ready to accuse and condemn me, you love me and show your mercy. Lord, you are the righteous judge. Help me to live in your dominion with your righteousness. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 151
Scripture: John 8: 34 Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Observation: No one likes to be a slave. Yet, we see old and modern forms of slavery across the world. Sadly, like the Jews who spoke with Jesus, many people are not even ready to accept that they are in bondage. Here, Jesus does not say about (political, economic, and social slavery) being a slave of someone else. He says about being a slave to sin. It refers to a life of sin, not a particular sin. Slavery to sin is more painful than any other slavery. Because it attacks our conscience and inner man. Those who are slaves to sin cannot be a part of God's family. Many good people are trapped in sinful life by giving space to temptations of sin. Concerning bad habits, people used to say that when I want to get rid of this or If I decide (or take a decision), I could quickly stop this. However, year after year, there will be no change in them. Why?
Jesus says a person "who sins is a slave to sin." A sinner has no free will to disobey his/her master, SIN. Of all the available drugs, no medicine could give freedom from sin. Jesus says that the Son sets us free from sin. JESUS sets us free from the slavery of sin to be a servant of righteousness (Rom.6:22). How does Jesus set us free from sin? He says, "You will know the TRUTH, and the truth will set you free" (v.32). Jesus is the truth. As we read God's truth in the Bible, we know more about Jesus. He sets us free from any bondage of sin. "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
Application: There are different types of sins and sinful temptations. Many people have difficulty acknowledging their sinful life. I should not be like them. The Bible says, "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:8, 9). Therefore, instead of deceiving myself with worldly lies, I will acknowledge and confess that I am a sinner who needs God's forgiveness and purification. Then, Jesus sets me free from a sinful life and gives me holiness and eternal life. Jesus helps me live a sin-free life when I keep his teaching and truth. I am a child of God. I am no longer a slave to sin.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your provision to experience freedom from sins. Even today, you set people free. Lord Jesus, nothing is impossible for you. Help me to know more about you and the truth. Help me every moment to live in your holiness and righteousness. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 152
Scripture: 1 Kings 18: 3 Ahab had summoned Obadiah, his palace administrator. (Obadiah was a devout believer in the Lord. 4 While Jezebel was killing off the Lord's prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water.)
Observation: In the above passage, we see three different characters in the history of the Kingdom of Israel: Ahab, Obadiah, and Jezebel. The meaning of Obadiah's name—the servant of God or the worshipper of Yahweh— aptly refers to his devotion to the Lord. Godly Obadiah worked under one of the most wicked kings of Israel, Ahab, who married a Baal worshipper Jezebel. Ahab and Jezebel promoted Baal worship in Israel. We may wonder how a devout believer could work under these ungodly rulers. Obadiah held a significant responsibility, i.e., the king's palace administration. Ahab's sending of Obadiah to find grass for his animals shows how important he was to the king. During the famine that Elijah prophesied, Ahab worried about feeding his animals and desperately searched for grass. On the other hand, Obadiah was concerned about the prophets and protected them. It is interesting to see that while King Ahab was searching for food for his animals, his servant, Obadiah, could feed the prophets. The intensification of the famine exposed the inability of the ungodly Ahab and Jezebel.
Many people have moral and ethical dilemmas to work under ungodly conditions. They may think that quitting their job would save them from any moral failures. However, we should remember that in every workplace, there will be such dilemmas; only its amount or level may vary from place to place. It does not mean we must adjust and compromise our moral values. Instead, if God wants us to stay where we are, he will surely give us his strength to face all the problems and to keep ourselves holy. Remember, even a small lamp will remove the darkness of the night. The presence of godly persons in high positions will give hope to people and will help to protect the interests of the voiceless ones. Seeing the present confusion and disparities in the world makes us think that we need more godly officials like Obadiah.
Application: Wherever I work, whatever job I do, whether it is a workspace or home, I work for God. Firstly, I am a servant of God. As long as my work responsibility does not compel me to compromise my godly behaviors, I can be a witness to God to do his will in ungodly working conditions. God will work through me to bring his intended changes in those conditions. I keep the Lord always before me. I should do what God wants me to do.
Prayer: Father, thank you for the godly officials in our country. My God, help me to understand the purpose of my life and your will. Lord, in my work and life, help me to be faithful to you. Give me your strength to stand for you and to do what is right in any situation. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 153
Scripture: 1 Kings 19: 7 The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, "Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you." 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the Lord came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
Observation: After the Lord answered Elijah's prayer by fire and after he saw the great rain that God sent in response to his earnest prayer, Elijah should have been confident to pursue the reform or revival that started on the top of Mount Carmel where the Israelites proclaimed, "The Lord—he is God!" However, he became panicked by Jezebel's words and fled away to protect himself. Instead of rebuking Elijah for his prayer (v. 4), God comforted him through an angel and allowed him to take the much-needed (physical and mental) rest. However, when the angel of the Lord told him, "for the journey is too much for you," instead of asking for God's direction, Elijah went alone to Horeb. He may have thought that a cave in the desert mountain could be a safe place from the threats of Jezebel. Nevertheless, the Lord had different plans for him.
In fear and frustration, we, too, may want to go to lonely places to hide ourselves from others, as Elijah did. At such times, God would ask us, "What are you doing here?" The mighty wind, earthquake, and fire we read in verses 12 and 13 represent Elijah's heart condition and expectations. However, Elijah needed to hear God's gentle voice. Obviously, Elijah was not in the place where God wanted him. When Elijah was repeatedly responding to the Lord with self-pity by saying that "I am the only one left," this time, instead of comforting him, God said, "Go back the way you came," and gave him three significant responsibilities that would determine the history of the next generation. In the end, he encouraged him that you are not the only one left and told him, "I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him" (v.15-18).
In life, we may encounter ups and downs, victorious mountains and the darkest valley of death, great joy and sorrow, green pastures, and dry desert lands. In all these, we should seek where God wants us to be. Further, we should be ready to hear God's gentle voice that gives us his direction. Do we do this? Are we ready to do this? Remember: The threats and failures we may face in our lives and our fears cannot stop God's plan.
Application: I am not better than Elijah. I may go through distressing experiences, fears, disappointments, and failures. However, I need to seek God and his direction instead of looking at those things and doing what I want. Human plans can never disrupt God's plan for me. God encourages me by reminding I am not alone in the battle against the devil. He walks with me. God enables me to hear his gentle voice to know his guidance. I need to "Trust and Obey" him always.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your ever presence in my life. You sustain me in all situations. Lord, I want to hear your gentle voice every day. Help me to be sensitive to hearing your words. Almighty God, strengthen me to live according to your will. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 154
Scripture: Proverbs 4: 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Observation: People give high protection to their precious things. Depending on their capacity, they keep their expensive possessions in a safe place. From Genesis to Revelation, the word "heart" is used more than 1000 times in the Bible. Here, we see a loving father's word of wisdom to his child. The phrase "above all else" emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts. A healthy heart is vital for a long physical and spiritual life. Biblically, the first step to protect our heart is to keep the Word of God in it (Pro.4:21). Jesus warns that an empty heart is susceptible to the devil's attacks and will make life worse (Mt.12:45). Psalmist writes, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Ps.119:11). When we treasure God's word in our hearts, and when we allow God's word to work in and through us, it does all the remaining works for our wellbeing and protects us from sin.
The Bible says, "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of" (Mt.12:34). As we read here, "for everything you do flows from it" (v.23). Jesus says that all evil thoughts and deeds come from our hearts (Mt.15:19). Our actions, words, and thoughts all are the result of what we have in our hearts. If we want to live a life that pleases God, we need to fill our hearts with God's word that is full of the Spirit and life. How can we fill our hearts with the Word of God? Bible reading and meditation on the Word of God are very helpful. However, is it possible without surrendering our hearts to God and accepting Jesus Christ as Lord?
Application: Keeping God's word in my heart gives me many blessings of the Lord. So, "above all," I will give priority to guarding my heart. However, I cannot do it with my own strength. I need Jesus and his help. When Jesus comes into my heart, he fills my heart with God's word and guides me in his path. He changes the way I see, my speech, and my actions. When Jesus lives inside me, everything that comes from me is good and useful for all.
Prayer: Loving Father, thank you for your words of wisdom to lead a godly life. You are my shield and strength. Jesus, you are my shepherd. So, the devil can do me no harm. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 155
Scripture: 2 Kings 2: 13 Elisha then picked up Elijah's cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. 14 He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. "Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?" he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.
Observation: Elisha knew that someday the Lord would take Elijah from him. Elijah was a great prophet who served God faithfully when the rulers and the whole nation were in Baal worship. Elijah challenged the people to worship "the Lord—he is God!" Because he demonstrated God's power, all the prophets of Baal were killed. Although Elijah was a normal human being, he was known for his earnest prayers (James 5:17). Elijah's simple life, powerful prophetic ministry, miracles, and sincere walk with the Lord would have impacted Elisha. After they miraculously crossed the river Jordan, suddenly Elijah was taken by the Lord. Elisha saw it, which means Elisha would receive what he requested, a double portion of Elijah's spirit. Notice that Elisha did not ask for any worldly blessings or possessions. He wanted to have a double portion of Elijah's gift of the spirit. Once Elijah was taken away from him, "Elisha then picked up Elijah's cloak." It shows his desire to continue Elijah's ministry. Although he mourned Elijah's departure, he came back to the bank of the Jordan.
When Elisha said, "Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?" it was not the expression of his heart's doubts and questions. Instead, it was his faith statement: although his master Elijah was no longer with him, the God of Elijah was still with him. Elisha continued Elijah's ministry from where he had left it. Thus, the place where Elijah did his last miracle became Elisha's first one. It was the beginning of a six-decade-long prophetic ministry of Elisha.
In this world, all of us have an end date. Even great leaders, servants of God, and mighty men and women of God would finish their race someday. When God takes someone very close to us, we feel the pain and find it hard to come out of our grief. Here, Elisha's story reminds us that God is with us always as he was with great servants of the Lord. Are we ready to take the cloak of anointing to continue the ministry of God? Although Elisha asked for a difficult thing from Elijah, the Bible testifies that God was faithful to fulfill what Elisha asked from his master. Jesus says, "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Mt.28:20). We can be confident in him, "For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end" (Ps.48:14).
Application: When I go through or face a similar situation as Elisha encountered, i.e., losing someone very close to my heart and life, I should put my faith in God. Like Elisha expressed his faith in the God of Elijah, I should trust God and his power. The God who did mighty deeds through great prophets and leaders is sufficient for me. When I trust God and put him first, he does amazing things in and through me. Am I ready to move forward with God? Or am I still struggling with the grief of separation and bereavement? The sooner I come to God, the sooner I'll find his comfort and strength to continue living my life for His glory. The God of Elijah is not somewhere; he is with me.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for reminding this eternal truth that you are always with me. You will never leave me nor forsake me. Lord, help me to be with you always. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 156
Scripture: 2 Kings 3: 17 For this is what the Lord says: you will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink. 18 This is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord; he will also deliver Moab into your hands.
Observation: In today's reading passage, we read about six miracles that God did through his servant Elisha: 1) water to the thirsty Israelite army and victory over Moab, 2) a miraculous oil flow for the poor widow, 3) fertility to the Shunammite woman, 4) gave life to her dead son, 5) purified the poisoned stew, and 6) the multiplication of food. Each of these miracles testifies to God's power to meet the needs of His people. In 2 Kings 3, we read that Joram, the king of Israel, went to attack the revolting Moab with the help of the king of Judah and the king of Edom. Before they set out, the king did not make any effort to know God's will. After a march of seven days through the Desert of Edom, they were left with no water. Even then, the king of Israel was not ready to seek God. However, god-fearing Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, initiated an attempt to hear the Word of God in that situation. Then, the three kings went to meet God's prophet, Elisha. God spoke through Elisha and gave them a unique promise concerning their need. In a desert, how could they get water without seeing rain? Nothing is impossible with God. As promised by God, the following day, they got water, and the dry valley was filled with water. Not only that, there was a God-sent confusion among the Moabites, which gave Israelites a victory over them as well. With God's intervention, a great tragedy was averted. Otherwise, it could have been a great defeat and death to the three kings and their armies. When they sought God, he did the unthinkable miracle; he provided them with water and victory.
We may have problems related to our health, finances, work, relationships, and so on. Whatever it may be, when we are in the midst of a crisis, when we do not know what to do to face the impending and unavoidable situation, it is better for us to seek God. We may have failed or forgotten to seek God before we start to do something. When we realize it, that is the time to seek God earnestly. It is better late than never. After all, it is easy in the eyes of the Lord to help and deliver us.
Application: My God is the wonder-working God. He makes a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland (Is.43:19). My God is bigger than all the problems that I may ever face in my life. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb.13:8). When I give due importance and honor to God, I will see his miracles in my life.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for reminding me about your power and your concern in dealing with my life issues. Instead of looking at seemingly big problems in my life, help me seek you with all my heart. You are worthy of my praise and worship. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 157
Scripture: 2 Kings 5: 2 Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman's wife. 3 She said to her mistress, "If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy."...20 Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, "My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something from him."
Observation: In 2 Kings 5, we read about two servants: one was an unknown servant girl who was a captive and served Naaman's wife, and another person was Gehazi, the servant of Elisha. Although Naaman was a great man of reputation and bravery, "he had leprosy" (v.1). When the young girl came to know about her master's sickness, she told her mistress to send Naaman to the prophet in Israel in order to get healing. Even the king of Israel had no idea of how to deal with Naaman's leprosy (v.7). However, when Naaman obeyed Elisha's words, he got miraculous healing. Naaman was healed and became a transformed person without spending a single shekel (out of the large quantity of silver and shekels of gold he brought, v.5). His flesh was restored like that of a young boy. With the young girl's simple act, Naaman came to know who the God of Israel was and became determined not to worship any other god but Yahweh (v.15,17).
On the other hand, we read about the greedy servant Gehazi, who was disappointed by Elisha's refusal to accept any gifts from Naaman. His heart was on the silver and dresses that were with Naaman. So he went after Naaman and deceived him with a lie to get some silver. With the silver Gehazi received from Naaman, he could have bought a city like Samaria. (compare the value, v.5:23 and 1 Kings 16:24). Gehazi might have had grand plans to spend the money. His actions suggest that he was careful to hide his treacherous act from all. However, his master Elisha exposed Gehazi's lies and wrongdoing when he returned to him. Eventually, Naaman's leprosy came upon Gehazi and his descendants as a generational curse.
These two incidents in the narrative of the healing of Naaman remind us that our priority should be on helping people who are suffering from diseases and difficulties, not on worldly possessions. Our simple or small acts could significantly change the lives of people around us. Like the young girl, we can do good even to those who did evil to us. Alternatively, we could go after worldly things and possessions, like Gehazi. The choice is ours to choose whether to do good or evil. Let us remember: "A man reaps what he sows" (Gal.6:7).
Application: My God uses ordinary people to reveal his power and glory. My small effort to help people get the healing touch of God can bring significant changes in their lives. Money, wealth, and status cannot solve all the problems of human life. Nevertheless, my faith in God can move mountains even if it is as small as a mustard seed (Mt.17:20).
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your presence among your people. Lord, help me to guide people to know you and your power. "Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness." Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 158
Scripture: John 12: 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
Observation: John 12:24 says of an essential principle for Christian living—life through death. Sometimes, in despair, people say, "I will not have peace of mind unless I die," or "When will I see an end to all my problems?" Was Jesus saying something similar to this? Certainly, NO. In the original language of the Gospel, this verse starts with the word "amēn," translated as "very truly" in English. The double emphasis on "amēn" expresses the importance of the message Jesus was about to say. Jesus said a profound truth about the spiritual life.
If a kernel of wheat is not ready to fall to the ground, it will remain useless and "only a single seed." It is a simple agricultural truth that we all know well. One grain of wheat can produce approximately 400 seeds in one season. But, it needs to be sown on the ground to be fruitful to its master. Science says that we are born with two innate fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noise. No one wants to fall. In other words, nobody wants to die. People think that death is the end of all. However, Jesus spoke of the death that produces life. In the context of this verse, Jesus was not saying the physical death of his followers. Instead, the verse refers to the willingness to sacrifice everything to follow Jesus Christ. Jesus wants us to follow him in every way, denying ourselves and bringing many souls to eternity. He wants us to follow him and to be with him. We gain eternal life in Christ by crucifying our selfish desires, sinful nature, and worldly love. Remember, it is a voluntary act of love. Jesus has set us an example to follow him. Are we still trying to live for ourselves? Jesus said: "Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life."
Application: I will not allow my innate fear to stand between God and me. As the apostle Paul says, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Gal.2:20). He chose me to bear fruit. As long as I remain in Jesus, I will bear much fruit for the glory of God.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the abundant life you give me. Lord, help me to be fruitful and faithful to you, now and forever. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 159
Scripture: John 5: 24 "Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
Scripture: John 6: 33 For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." 34 "Sir," they said, "always give us this bread." 35 Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
Scripture: John 6: 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.
Scripture: John 7: 24 Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.
Scripture: 1 Kings 11: 4 As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been. 5 He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites. 6 So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord; he did not follow the Lord completely, as David his father had done.
Scripture: John 8: 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?"
Scripture: 1 Kings 18: 3 Ahab had summoned Obadiah, his palace administrator. (Obadiah was a devout believer in the Lord. 4 While Jezebel was killing off the Lord's prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water.)
Scripture: 1 Kings 19: 7 The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, "Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you." 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the Lord came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
Observation: People give high protection to their precious things. Depending on their capacity, they keep their expensive possessions in a safe place. From Genesis to Revelation, the word "heart" is used more than 1000 times in the Bible. Here, we see a loving father's word of wisdom to his child. The phrase "above all else" emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts. A healthy heart is vital for a long physical and spiritual life. Biblically, the first step to protect our heart is to keep the Word of God in it (Pro.4:21). Jesus warns that an empty heart is susceptible to the devil's attacks and will make life worse (Mt.12:45). Psalmist writes, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Ps.119:11). When we treasure God's word in our hearts, and when we allow God's word to work in and through us, it does all the remaining works for our wellbeing and protects us from sin.
Scripture: 2 Kings 2: 13 Elisha then picked up Elijah's cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. 14 He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. "Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?" he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.
Scripture: 2 Kings 3: 17 For this is what the Lord says: you will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink. 18 This is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord; he will also deliver Moab into your hands.
Scripture: 2 Kings 5: 2 Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman's wife. 3 She said to her mistress, "If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy."...20 Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, "My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something from him."
Observation: John 12:24 says of an essential principle for Christian living—life through death. Sometimes, in despair, people say, "I will not have peace of mind unless I die," or "When will I see an end to all my problems?" Was Jesus saying something similar to this? Certainly, NO. In the original language of the Gospel, this verse starts with the word "amēn," translated as "very truly" in English. The double emphasis on "amēn" expresses the importance of the message Jesus was about to say. Jesus said a profound truth about the spiritual life.