“As I look back, I am amazed at the grace that our Lord Jesus gave me to complete the one-year daily devotions. God willing, I will write more in the future. God has given me the burden of writing more and more as the need is much greater than we think.”
-Arputharaj Samuel
Quiet Time Meditation
A daily devotional to walk through the pages of the Bible within a year.
Scripture: Matthew 27:46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). 47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
Observation: When Jesus was on the cross, people around him could not understand his cry. They might have thought that he was calling for Elijah's help as he was mocked and insulted by the people, soldiers, and chief priests. Although Christ went through a cruel form of human torture, he did not cry out of body pain. Instead, a momentary separation from God when he bore the sins of all the world must have been more painful than anything else, and that made him cry. The crucifixion of Jesus was a prophetic fulfilment for the salvation of humanity. Jesus, the sinless lamb of God, willingly gave Himself as the perfect sacrifice to make way for every person to be redeemed from the clutches of the bondage of sin and to enjoy an eternal relationship with God the Father. It was so unbearable for him. But he had to taste it to set us free from the slavery of the fear of death (Heb.2:14,15).
Application: Jesus' crucifixion says how much God loves us/me. The cross of Christ reminds me of the price Jesus has paid for me and shows the way to my salvation. Jesus is the source of my eternal salvation. I am no longer a slave to sin, for Christ saved me. I am no longer a slave to fear, for I am a child of God. I belong to Jesus. Through Christ, I can experience God's love and show it to others every day.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your love to save us. There is none like you! Lord, I offer my life to you; Use it for your glory. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 54
Scripture: Exodus 3: 7 The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them...10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
Observation: Notice the verbs in the selected Bible passage. God, who sees, hears, and is concerned about his people, came down to deliver them from slavery. He appeared to Moses “in flames of fire from within a bush” and commissioned him. But what Moses did! He was making excuses after excuses, five in total. Some may think that they are genuine doubts or questions. “Who am I that I should go...?” (Exo.3:11), “What is his (God’s) name? Then what shall I tell them?” (Exo.3:13), “What if they do not believe me or listen to me...?” (Exo.4:1), “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue” (Exo.4:10), and “Lord. Please send someone else” (Exo.4:13). Here, we read that God patiently answered Moses’s all questions and doubts. However, when Moses expressed his unwillingness and asked God to find someone else, God was angry with Moses. We learn two things here: God is concerned about the suffering of his people. When God calls us to tell his message of deliverance, we must obey.
Application: How many times I was reluctant to obey God by telling my hesitations and fears! Sometimes, my fears, doubts, and problems appear bigger than the God I serve. I should remember and be confident that the Lord who calls me knows my every need and gives the strength to do his work. Amazing savior, almighty God! I can trust him. There is none like him.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your Love and care. Forgive me, O God! Many times, I have said my excuses instead of obeying your words. Instead of looking at you, I saw my weaknesses. My God! Help me to see you always, and strengthen me to show my Love through my actions and obedience to your word. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day–27
Scripture: Matthew 14:22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone.
Observation: After a long day of work and ministering to a large crowd, after the miracle of feeding all the people who were with him, Jesus went up on a mountainside to pray. After witnessing Jesus’ ministry of healing the sick (Mt.14:14), after seeing the miracle of the multiplication of food that filled and satisfied all (besides women and children, the number of men alone was 5000) who ate (Mt.14:15-21), all those around him surely would not have liked to go away from Jesus. They may have had different aspirations and expectations (Jn.6:14,15) about Jesus. But, “immediately Jesus made the disciples” go to the other side while sending the people to their homes. The literal meaning of this verse is that Jesus “compelled” or “constrained” his disciples to go into the boat and went up to pray. “He was there alone.” In other words, he was alone with God. Even when Jesus was healing people and ministering to large crowds, he was able to find time to pray and spend it alone with God. How he sent his disciples “immediately” shows us his priority.
Application:*] Finding time to read the Bible or pray every day is often difficult for many Christians. My so-called busy life should not be a hindrance to spending time in prayer. As Jesus did, I may need to constrain (or refrain from) something in my life to find time to pray. I may need to “make” something that would help me spend my time praying with God. Like I seek God and pray during my times of need, I do not come to God in my normal days. My heavenly Father knows my every need. So my focus and purpose of prayer are not for my needs but to spend time alone with God. “I will do” everything that helps me to find some time to pray every day. As someone rightly said, “taking time to be with God is the best place to find strength.”
Prayer: Father God, You are the living God. You love me and want to speak with me every day of my life. You are the source of my strength. Help me to keep anything away from my life that hinders me from praying. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day–28
Scripture: Matthew 15:1 Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 2 “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!” 3 Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?... 6...Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.
Observation: This bible passage does not say that Jesus is against tradition. Instead, we can say that he is undoubtedly against any tradition that nullifies the Word of God. In Jesus’ time, the “tradition of the elders” was in oral form and played an important role in Jewish people’s day-to-day activities. The original purpose of the tradition was to help people to follow the law of Moses. However, they became mere rules taught by humans. When a tradition takes the place of God, whatever is offered to God will become lip service. But God expects our hearty service that honors him in our words and deeds. God is not interested in our external or ceremonial purification. He wants us to be “clean” in our hearts. As the psalmist says, we need to “worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness” (Ps.29:2).
Application: Knowingly or unknowingly, we follow many traditions in our lives. Initially, they all might have been developed with good intentions to aid people’s day-to-day lives. However, I need to be watchful and careful so that any tradition that I follow does not nullify the Word of God. In a culture of honor and shame, tradition plays a vital role in society. However, in my life, the words of Jesus are more important than any tradition. No tradition is greater than God. I will not allow any tradition to defile my heart before God. The real blessing of God comes from the Word of God, not from any tradition.
Prayer: Oh, Holy God, forgive me if I have ever given a place to any tradition that nullifies your words. Help me to keep my heart pure and clean from any traditional defilement. Sanctify me by the truth of your word. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day–29
Scripture: Matthew 15:29 Jesus...went up on a mountainside and sat down. 30 Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.
Observation: When a king sits on his throne, his people would come and offer what they could at his feet to show their respect for the King. Here, we read that while Jesus was sitting, people laid the lame, the blind, the disabled, the mute, and many others at his feet. Then, we read of God’s creative power to heal those sick people. He made them well. Jesus did something that is not impossible to do with even in today’s modern medical era. So they were amazed and praised God. What more could they do! The feet of Jesus is the perfect place to offer our inabilities, weaknesses, worries, sorrows, pain, and anything that we can’t bear in our lives. He is able to heal us even today, for “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb.13:8).
Application: When I place my life at his feet, then I can sing like David, “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever” (Ps.30:11,12). He is able! He is alive! Nothing is impossible for my Lord Jesus Christ. Hallelujah! Lord Jesus, I offer my life to you. What more could I do!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you alone are worthy of my praise. Thank you for your providence to my every need. You are my everything. I can always trust you. Help me to live for your glory. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day–30
Scripture: Psalm 31:23 Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. 24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Observation: In the world we live in today, we see that preservatives are added to many food products, medicines, cosmetics, and so many other things. Although preservatives prevent the decomposition of these products, they would spoil the health and well-being of those who use them. Here, David says, “The LORD preserves the faithful.” In Psalm 31, David expresses his trust in the Lord despite all the unfavorable situations in his life. As he describes his distressing thoughts, pains, and slanders that terrorized him and weakened him both physically and emotionally, his confidence is in the Lord, and he says, “But I trust in you” (Ps.31:9-14).
God protects his faithful ones from all afflictions and keeps them safe. Above all, God stored up his best for his people. As our times are in His hands, not in the hands of our enemies, he delivers and lifts us in his time. God is faithful. He fulfilled his promises to the Israelites and brought them out from the bondage of Egypt after 430 years. He is able to deliver and protect his faithful ones even today. Not who our enemy is or what our sorrowful situation is, but in whom we put our trust matters most. We can trust God always!
Application: When I am surrounded by unfavorable situations and afflictions that I never expected in my life, I sometimes become physically and emotionally weak. The more I look at my environment, the more my fears intensify, and no breakthrough is visible within my eyesight. However, when I remember God’s works in the lives of others who feared him, my confidence and trust in the Lord increase and my fears disappear. The Bible tells many such stories of God’s faithfulness and deliverance. God’s protection never decays. I trust and love you, oh my Lord. How great thou art!
Prayer: Father God, thank you for protecting me from every harmful and evil thought that tries to devour me. My life and my times are in your hands! How wonderful is your Love! Help me to remember your love and protection and to love you always. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day– 31
Scripture: Exodus 13: 21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.
Observation: Finally, in a dramatic way, the Israelites left Egypt and started their journey to Canaan, the promised land. Instead of taking the short and direct route, God led them to a desert (Ex.13:17,18). However, God assured them of his presence and guidance with the pillar of cloud and fire at the start of their journey. With God’s presence and guidance, the people of God were able to “travel by day or night.” With the pillar of the cloud, they had an assurance that God was going before them and received guidance. Because of the pillar of fire by night, they had no darkness but light. However, when the Egyptians changed their hearts and pursued the Israelites, the same pillar of cloud that guided the Israelites “brought darkness” to the Egyptians (Ex.14:19,20). Eventually, God made the Israelites pass through the Red Sea as if they walked on dry ground. On the other hand, all the Egyptians were drowned in the sea. This exodus journey is a familiar Old Testament narrative that reminds us, “Do not be afraid” of your situation, but “stand firm” in the Lord. “The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you” (Ex.14:13,14).
Application: When God gives me a direction to walk in a particular way or do anything, I can be assured of God’s presence, guidance, and protection throughout my journey. As long as I walk in God’s light and guidance, I do not need to fear for anything. I know that the one who lives in me and with me is greater than the one in the world.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for reminding us that you always guide your people and fight with their enemies. Lord, you know the way I take. Help me to walk in your guidance and light. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 32
Scripture: Exodus 15:11 Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
Observation: When Moses and Aaron asked Pharaoh to send the Israelites to worship the LORD, Pharaoh’s response was, “Who is the LORD...I do not know the Lord, and I will not let Israel go” (Exo.5:1,2). Then, the LORD sent plagues upon the Egyptians, which displayed the mighty power of the LORD against all the Egyptian gods. When God repeatedly said, “The Egyptians will know that I am the LORD,” it was God’s response to Pharaoh’s remark that he does not know the LORD. As we read in the book of Exodus, no power and no magicians could stand against God the LORD.
Here in three phrases, this ancient song briefly summarizes the entire episode of God’s mighty acts of deliverance that the LORD is “majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders.” I do not know whether anyone could make an accurate description of the LORD better than this one. When we ask ourselves, “Who is like you, Lord, the only possible answer would be, “There is none like you.”
Application: My God is able to deliver his people from any situation and make others understand that HE is the LORD. However, I need to obey God and follow his instructions to see his mighty acts in my life. Above all, he is the “Holy One of Israel.” God works in my life and works through me to manifest his glory and power to make others understand who he is! Nothing is impossible for him. I must allow God to use my life to help others to know that HE IS THE LORD.
Prayer: Oh, Holy God, Thank you for saving me from the bondage of sin by your love and accepting me with your outstretched arms. Help me to live holy, give your strength to praise you always, and tell others about your wonderful works in my life. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 33
Scripture: Psalm 34: 4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
Observation: The title of Psalm 34 indicates that David was in a difficult situation that threatened his life. A brave and mighty warrior, David would never have imagined that he would have to pretend to be a madman or would have to act like an insane man. Ironically, he did this when the men told their King about David’s valor. When we read 1 Samuel 21:10-15, we understand that he did it “pretended to be insane” out of fear as he “was very much afraid.” He was not in a situation where he could pray openly or loudly. During this unprecedented time, David must have prayed in his heart silently. In Psalm 34, David describes the result of his silent prayer. Here, he sings that God not only answered his prayers but removed all his fears and gave him joy. God answers the prayers of all who seek him.
Application: No situation can hinder us from seeking God and praying to him. When I face unexpected things or dangers in my life where I cannot get the help of any others, I can call upon the Lord. God listens to even my heart’s cry and delivers me from all my troubles. God answers my prayers and fills my heart with his joy. I can call him anytime! He is always available. When I dial my prayers to him, he listens and responds to my prayers. It’s a two-way communication! Every time I pray, I receive God’s strength to overcome my fears and experience his peace and joy in my life. Therefore, I must seek him continually, not just in times of need.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for listening and answering our prayers. Even to a secret prayer, you give an open response. Lord, help me to seek your face every day and pray always. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 34
Scripture: Matthew 18: 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.
Observation: Many Christians misunderstand this passage and fail to see what Jesus wants to communicate to us. Some think that who can live such a life that is free from any sin. The emphasis here is not to “cut off” the God-given organs of our body but to discipline them not to sin. It is not a call for “self-mutilation” but to consider the seriousness of sin and its consequences. Removing a body part will not help a person to free him/her from any sinful thought or action. If we take the literal meaning of this verse, none of us will be spared. Jesus calls for a disciplined life that has no place for any sin. A disciple of Jesus can live such a life when s/he follows Jesus in every possible way.
Application: Like a periodic medical examination helps keep my body healthy, I should have a periodical self-check-up to keep my spiritual life healthy and lead a vibrant Christian life. I need to identify what causes me to sin and be ready to remove it from my life. I should not adjust or compromise myself with anything that could lead to sin. Instead, considering the seriousness and dangers of sin, I should allow Jesus to touch my hands, feet, and eyes and use them for the purposes that God has ordained for them.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the warning about sin and the reminder about its consequences in my life. You alone can help me to live a life that uses my body parts to glorify God in everything I do. You are the holy God. Touch me, purify my thoughts and heart desires. Lord, help me today to live a holy and godly life that pleases you. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 35
Scripture: Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”... “35. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Observation: We often wonder how long I will have to tolerate this person and how many times I should be patient with him/her. Enough is enough! We think there is a limit to tolerating someone who offends or acts against us. Here, Jesus talks about complete forgiveness, not just in words but from our hearts. Some may think of the level of hurt and hate that they went through and find it difficult to forgive another person. In Jesus’ time, according to the Law of Moses, people had “the law of retaliation” (Exo.21:23-25), and taking revenge was considered an appropriate action. However, Jesus spoke of forgiveness. The forgiving heavenly father expects us to forgive others in the same way we are forgiven.
Application: Sometimes, I find it difficult to forgive others and think that someone who did something wrong deserves punishment or justice. However, when I need God’s forgiveness, I pray for God’s mercy and love and seek complete forgiveness. The Loving God forgives me and expects me to do the same with others as well. Therefore, I have no excuse to say “no” to forgiving others.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your love and forgiveness. Whenever I find it difficult to forgive a person, help me to remember your forgiving love. Loving Lord, give me your strength to forgive others from my heart and forget the past to show your love to the person I forgive. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 36
Scripture: Psalm 37:3 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Observation: We become indignant when we see wicked people succeed in their every evil scheme. Sometimes, we think there is no use in being a good or godly person who properly does things without applying any shortcuts or evil plans. Psalm 37 gives us a picture of what would happen to a wicked person, what the LORD would do to those who trust in him, and what a godly person is supposed to do. A wicked person may taste successes for a while, but they are temporary. On the other hand, the blessing of the land belongs to the righteous ones who trust God. All we need to do is, instead of fretting over the so-called successes of the wicked and evil people, we should do what the LORD expects from us.
Application: When I trust God and wait for his intervention in my life and work, I must keep my focus on Him, not on others who are ready to do anything to achieve success. The true and eternal blessing comes from the LORD. However, my joy and happiness do not come from the blessings I receive. The Lord is my delight. He knows my heart and my ways. I can always trust him.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for the instruction you have given me today. Help me keep your word in my heart and look at you alone instead of seeing any other person. Lord, give me the heart to be still before you and wait on you and the strength to walk in your way. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 37
Scripture: Matthew 19:25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” 26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Observation: Jesus’ disciples who heard the conversation between the rich young man and Jesus might have been surprised to hear how he answered the rich man. Here, we see a man who wants to know what he has to do to earn eternal life. Jesus’ response made the rich man sad, so he went away. Jesus told the rich man what he really lacks to enter eternal life. He wanted to earn it through his works and was not ready to receive it as a gift. However, it seems Jesus’s disciples did not understand Jesus’ answer. So they asked, “Who then can be saved?” Sometimes, we also think like the disciples of Jesus. When we think of the salvation of any of our relatives, friends, or family members, Jesus will give the same answer even today, “With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.”
Application: I need to remember that I am saved by God’s grace, not by any of my works. God wants me to keep him at the center of my life and commit to following him every day. Further, God can save any person; nothing is impossible for him. Instead of looking at the difficulties and hindrances for a person to be saved, I should look at the almighty God who wants everyone to be saved. He is able!
Prayer: Jesus, I come to you today and want to follow you in my life every day. Keep me close to you. Help me to put aside my self-righteousness that hinders me from loving and trusting you. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 38
Scripture: Psalm 39:4 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. 5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.
Observation: David resolved to be quiet and silent in front of the wicked people, and he did so. However, he was not able to be silent when he came before God. While David meditated, the fire burned (v.3). Then David prayed to God and asked a “rhetorical question” that required no answer—“how fleeting my life is.” As he asks this very question of life, he knows the answer and says it. Life is short; no one, “even those who seem secure,” also cannot live long. There is an end to all. Everyone would accept it as true. But, how do we live?
Some people think and act as if they would live for thousands of years on this earth. Without knowing or caring about their end, they spend their energy and time acquiring wealth and possessions. How often do we hear and read about the fall or demise of mighty, wealthy, influential people! The more we realize the brevity of our life, the more we should plan to make a long-lasting impact through our life.
Application: My life on this earth is short. But Jesus makes my life sweet and useful for others. Whatever I face, “my hope” is in God. For HE is the eternal one. Jesus called me to live and to prepare for the eternal life he has stored for me. By living according to God’s will and plan, my short life can be beneficial to all, not just to me. Instead of focusing on temporary things, I will fix my eyes on eternity.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for helping me to understand the true nature and span of human life. Lord, you are the Alpha and Omega. You know everything. So I submit my life to your hands. May my life be an aroma that spreads your goodness and greatness. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 39
Scripture: Matthew 20:24 When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Observation: If Jesus asks us the question, “What is it that you want?” many of us would have given him the same answer, like the mother of Jacob and John. The other disciples who were present with Jesus also might have responded similarly. They were indignant because they were jealous of the two disciples as their mother asked for a coveted position that everyone desired. However, Jesus brought them together and taught an important lesson for Christian Leadership. He sternly warned them not to be like the rulers of the world but to be like him by doing humble service to humanity. Rulers, Lords, and officials of this world may exercise their authority to rule and control the people. But for a follower of Jesus, his message is, “Not so with you.” Every Christian is expected to be a leader, not in worldly ways in the way how the world functions, but in the exact model Christ has shown us through his sacrificial life. Remember, it is not an option to choose or to reject.
Application: When I think of leadership, my mind naturally looks at the existing models in the world, especially in the corporate world. The worldly organizational structures, strategies, and methods of exercising leadership prowess are appealing to me. However, I must remember that even great leaders or organizations are prone to fall. In fact, many of them are wiped out when a new phenomenon or idea emerges. However the model Jesus has shown to his followers is appropriate at any time and highly beneficial to humanity. Jesus’ leadership model continues to impact the world through every Christian who would like to follow him and serve the people with a humble spirit. I have the best leadership model to follow, a great leader who successfully practiced this model till his last breath on the cross. I will follow Jesus’ leadership model.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your ever-green truth and the leadership model that is appropriate for all times. Lord Jesus, help me to serve my people with all my heart by following your footsteps. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️: Day – 40
Scripture: Exodus 32: 22 “Do not be angry, my lord,” Aaron answered. “You know how prone these people are to evil. 23 They said to me, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.’ 24 So I told them, ‘Whoever has any gold jewelry, take it off.’ Then they gave me the gold, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf!”
Observation: While the Holy God gave his ordinances for the Israelites through Moses, the Israelites grew impatient and demanded Aaron to make gods to lead their journey. Aaron yielded to the pressure and led the people to idolatry by collecting jewelry and making a calf their god. On the other hand, although Moses pleaded for God’s mercy to cool off the wrath of God against the Israelites, when he came down, he openly confronted Aaron. In Aaron’s response, we see a suppression of the fact, i.e., what exactly Aaron did, and he made a wrong statement as if an idol automatically came out of the fire. Instead of accepting his mistakes and failing to keep up his responsibility, Aaron blamed the Israelites with lame excuses. He might have feared the people and worried about the consequences of not accepting their demands. Eventually, it led the people to sin against God, and they started to do abominable things that were not pleasing to God. The Exodus story would have had a different end if it were not for Moses and the Levites who stood firm for the Lord.
Application: At times, I may get pressures and demands to do something against God. It may come from within the family or workplace or from friends and relatives. Every person who lives in the world has these possible dangers of acting against his/her conscience. However, how I respond to such a situation will make a vast difference between me and others. If I ever yielded to the pressures of others and sinned against God, I would ask God to forgive me instead of justifying my failure. As a Christian, I should not give space to anything that could lead me to sin. I will fearlessly take a stand for God and pray for the people who go away from God.
Prayer: Father God, whenever I face the pressures of this world, help me be strong and bold. Protect me from yielding to the ungodly demands of the people. As Luther once said, “Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me.” Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 41
Scripture: Psalm 42:5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Observation: The psalmist must have been in a difficult time of his life when he wrote Psalm 42. Obviously, he had many “Why?” questions and no immediate answers to those who taunted him. Instead of looking for answers, the psalmist desperately seeks God. As he prays for his deliverance, he remembers the good past time when he was in the house of God and makes a self-talk to remind himself what he should do at such a time. While his enemies made him cry day and night, the psalmist expresses his hope in God that God sends his love for the day and songs for the night to comfort and be with him. So he asks himself, “Why, my soul, are you downcast?”
Application: Being a Christian does not mean that the person is free from problems, troubles, and worries. God did not promise a life without any worries. While everyone in this world has their own problems and struggles at varying levels, what I do when I face a problem shows the difference between me and others. As a Christian, I seek God and his answers. God is my hope. My soul, you can experience his peace and rest as you seek God with all your heart!
Prayer: My God, you are my deliverer, and you are my hiding place. When I have no immediate answers for the questions of my life, when others ask me difficult questions, I can put my hope in you. Instead of worrying within me, I praise my God and pray to him. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 42
Scripture: Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?”… 21…Then he(Jesus) said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
Observation: Here, we see an interesting and important passage that teaches something applicable to our day-to-day life. Pharisees were against Roman rule, but the Herodians accepted the imperial power of Rome. However, they both came together and tried to trap Jesus with evil intentions. Of course, their description of Jesus was true. In fact, it was a prelude to their tricky question. Jesus' "yes" would be an opportunity for the Pharisees to portray him as an anti-Jewish (or an anti-national). His "no" would have invited Roman's wrath. Jesus stunned them with his astounding response that everyone needs to be proper in his/her earthly responsibilities as well as in their godly responsibilities. Indirectly, it was a message to Caesar, who falsely claimed he was a son of God and inscribed his name on the Roman coin. Jesus confounded his questioners and made them think about doing the right thing.
Application: When people ask my opinion on anything, I need to be faithful to God in my response to them. I should not compromise my integrity for anything and should not be swayed away by anything or by anyone. Importantly, when people provoke or tempt me to do something wrong, I should not give space to my emotions. Instead, I should help them understand the difference between the Godly obligations as a child of God and the obligations to the State or government as a citizen. Although I am a citizen of my country, I am a child of God and am saved by his divine grace. As a Christian, I need to practice what I say in my words.
Prayer: My Lord Jesus, thank you for helping me to understand my responsibilities. I need your strength to walk with integrity and to live a blameless life. Help me to be faithful in my words and deeds. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 43
Scripture: Matthew 22:34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Observation: After the Pharisees and Sadducees failed in their joint venture to trap Jesus to prove their beliefs and teaching, they started to ask questions that were considered to be tough to answer in their time. Once Jesus silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees might have thought that they were better than the Sadducees as they were strict adherents of the Law of Moses and were well-known for their emphasis on the Law. So they asked Jesus a popular question among the Jews during that period. In those days, people had divergent opinions regarding the greatest commandment in the law. Based on their viewpoint, they emphasized the law of sacrifices or the law of circumcision or the law of the Sabbath, and so on.
But Jesus precisely summarized the entire law in two sentences. Loving God is always the first and the greatest commandment. Next to this, loving every other person as one loves herself/ himself is the second greatest commandment. We should not change this order. Only by love can we fulfill or practice the law of God, not by any conditions or rules. God is love. He loves us and expects the same that we must love God first and then love other people.
Application: If I do not have love, my education, social status, scriptural and theological knowledge, and my long experience have no value in it. I need to love God first and should not keep any human being in place of God. When I love God and my neighbors, I should do it with all my heart, all my soul, and all my spirit.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your words that give a new perspective on the law. Help me to seek and love God first and then love others. May your Holy Spirit help me to do this with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my mind. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 44
Scripture: Exodus 39:42 The Israelites had done all the work just as the Lord had commanded Moses. 43 Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them.
Exodus 40: 34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle....38 So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels.
Matthew 23: 13 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.
Observation: In today's bible reading passage, we see two kinds of people. The first is those who diligently did things "as the Lord Commanded." Secondly, we read about the hypocrites who were warned by Jesus for not doing what God required of them but doing things that pleased them. When the people of God finished their work "as the Lord commanded," they received God’s blessing and were able to see the glory of the Lord, which would guide them in their remaining journey to Canaan. On the other hand, we read Jesus' condemnation against those hypocrites. Obedience to the commands of the Lord always brings blessing and helps us see God's guidance for our lives.
Application: God honors my obedience when I do things as he commands. At the same time, if I practice hypocrisy in my life, he condemns it. I cannot hide anything from God. God sees my heart that obeys, not just my external actions. When I obey God, I honor Him and receive the Lord's blessings and guidance for my life. So always, “I will do" the commands of God "just as he commanded."
Prayer: Father God, help me today to see your glory and guidance through my obedience. Holy Spirit, help me to overcome my weaknesses and strengthen me to obey God with love. Keep me away from any form of hypocrisy. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 45
Scripture: Psalm 46: 1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Observation: Psalm 46 tells us why there will be no fear among the people of God. The Bible does not say there will be no calamity or problems in our lives. Instead, it speaks of the availability of "an ever-present help" during those difficult times when we struggle or suffer. Here, the Psalmist reminds us, "God is our refuge and strength." The world we live in may collapse upside down, and even big mountains may fall, but God is available to help us. We can hide in him, for he is our refuge. Even if we go through a challenging or trying period, we can be strong, for God is our strength. As long as we trust God and place our hope in him, we will be free from any fear. We can call on him any time. He is available to help us all the time—24/7. We may be/become weak in times of trouble. But we can find our strength in God.
Application: There were times when I was reluctant to call somebody for help, thinking that the person who could help me may be too busy to offer his/her help. Sometimes, even if they were available to help, they could not help as it was beyond their capacity. Here, the almighty God is available to help me. He shows no partiality to the calls that seek his help. I can go to him any time of the day to find my real strength. The sooner I go to God, the sooner I find my help. So, in my testing times,
"I will call upon the Lord Who is worthy to be praised. So shall I be saved from my enemies I will call upon the Lord."
Prayer: Father God, thank you for always encouraging me to trust you. You are able to help me in any situation. My loving Lord, give me your strength to face the trials of the day. For you are with me, I will not fear. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 46
Scripture: Matthew 24:4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you... 25 See, I have told you ahead of time.
Observation: When Jesus' disciples asked him about the signs of the end days, Jesus warned them about the dangers of deceptions of the end days. Here, the word "watch out" calls us to see, perceive, and discern what is right or wrong to protect ourselves from any deception. In his Olivet discourse about the end days, Jesus spoke about the internal and external struggles of a believer. Among these struggles, attempts to deceive a follower of Christ would cause more damage than any other disasters he mentioned in his speech, for it could separate a person away from God.
Instead of blindly or uncritically believing something, we should be alert when propaganda diverts our attention. Even if someone comes in sheep's clothing, it is the responsibility of every believer to discern whether it is from God or not. Jesus informed us well ahead of time about all these dangers of soon-coming and existing deceptions. We need to be alert and of a sober mind.
Application: As a Christian, I need to prepare myself to face everything that comes against me. Christ Jesus already told us about what would happen in the end days. As I watch out for what is happening in the world, I understand that his words are true. His words are sufficient to feed my spiritual hunger and to warn me of any dangers. I need no other source other than Jesus and his word to escape the dangers of the world. All I need is open eyes, ears, and a discerning heart to reject anything that misleads or deceives me.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your prophecy and warning about the end days. Help me stand firm in the truth and guard my faith against deception. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 47
Scripture: Leviticus 6: 8 The Lord said to Moses: 9...‘These are the regulations for the burnt offering: The burnt offering is to remain on the altar hearth throughout the night, till morning, and the fire must be kept burning on the altar. 12 The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out. Every morning the priest is to add firewood and arrange the burnt offering on the fire and burn the fat of the fellowship offerings on it. 13 The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.
Observation: Israelites offered burnt offerings as an act of voluntary worship, to make an atonement with God, and to express their devotion, commitment, and absolute surrender to God. Whatever is offered as a burnt offering should be burnt to ashes. For this, keeping the fire on the altar burning throughout the day and night is very important. Once the sacrifice is burnt completely, the burnt offering becomes "an aroma pleasing to the Lord." The priest has a day-to-day responsibility to add firewood and remove the ashes. The burnt offering is a voluntary sacrifice, not a mandatory one. However, when a person brings it to the Lord, there are regulations to offer it as "an aroma pleasing to the Lord."
Application: Jesus Christ sacrificed his life on the cross to make atonement between man and God. Therefore, for atonement with God, all I need to do is nothing but accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Offering my life and my "SELF" to God is a voluntary act of worship. However, I need to keep the flame burning to keep my relationship intact with God. Then, my life will be an aroma pleasing to the Lord. Whatever hinders the fire from burning, I should be ready to remove it from me. It is a continuous and everyday responsibility to keep my spiritual life alive.
Prayer: Father God, I offer my life to you on the altar of sacrifice. Thank you for accepting me. Cleanse me, and purify my thoughts every day so that my life may become an aroma pleasing to you. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 48
Scripture: Psalm 49:16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; 17 for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them.
Observation: Psalm 49 gives us a warning about those who trust their wealth. Here, the psalmist explains what a person cannot buy with his wealth and the destiny of those who trust in wealth. Further, in Ps 49:16, there is an advice for the reader. In the world we live in, many of us think that money determines many things. To some extent, it may be true. But here, we see a practical warning that money cannot save a person. With mere money, nobody can redeem the life of another person.
The psalmist expresses his hope that God can redeem his life. Indeed Jesus gave his life as a ransom for all the people. So we need to trust God instead of keeping our eyes on wealth or putting our trust in any worldly riches. Jesus rightly said, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" (Matthew 16:26).
Application: Whether I have wealth or not is not a matter. Nevertheless, where I put my trust really matters till eternity. If I have wealth, I need proper understanding to use it wisely. If I do not have riches, I should not be in awe of those who have them. God is my trust and strength. Any of the worldly treasures cannot redeem a person. However, as the psalmist says, "But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself."
Prayer: Father God, thank you for the words of wisdom that we read today. Thank you for the price you paid on the Cross for my redemption and salvation. Lord, help me always put my trust in you and store treasures in heaven. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 49
Scripture: Psalm 50:23 He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.
Observation: God wants his people to praise him and acknowledge their dependence on God. Thank offering is "an expression of thankfulness" to our God. Thank offering is an act of gratitude for the grace and blessings we received, the deliverance from our chains, sickness, trouble, and death. As we read in Ps.50, our thank-offerings honor God and prepare the way for God to show his salvation to us. When we make our thank offerings, we need to do it with a heart of gratitude for the blessings we receive and the blessings we will receive. The author of Hebrews says that our sacrifice of praise is "the fruit of lips that openly profess his (God's) name," and we should continually do it through Jesus (Heb.13:15).
Application: God answers my every prayer, delivers me from all troubles, and shows his way. However, as I count his blessings and mercies, I regret that I did not thank him for everything I received. My thank offering honors God; He is worthy of all praises and worship. God has done his part to deliver me and is always ready to guide me. I know well that I can do nothing without him. But how many times in a day do I acknowledge my dependency on God? When I continually offer thanks and praises through my lips, it keeps me away from the many perils of life. However, I must do it with a heart of gratitude. I should not do it as a ritual or just for the sake of doing it as a duty.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for everything you do in my life. Today, I want to thank You, Lord. Help me be thankful and prepare my ways to walk with you always. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 50
Scripture: Leviticus 11: 44. I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy...45. I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.
Observation: The book of Leviticus is a manual of laws and regulations for the Israelites to worship God, to keep themselves ceremonially clean, to offer sacrifices, and to live as God's holy people. God brought them out from Egypt and expected them to live HOLY because he is HOLY. This call to holiness is unique in various ways. God wants us to be like him. He says, "Be holy, because I am holy."
Although God has set us apart from others, we need to do something to consecrate ourselves. In the O.T. times, there were laws to keep a person ceremonially clean. But they need to be practised. When David sinned against God and prayed for forgiveness, he pleaded with God to cleanse and wash him (Ps.51:7). He must have understood that God alone can make a person holy and clean. Our Lord Jesus offered his body as the perfect sacrifice and shed his blood for the forgiveness of sins. All we need to do is accept Jesus and take God's provisions for us to live holy.
Application: Living a holy life for the Holy God is a blessed responsibility. It is not about the do's and don'ts of life but about following God in every aspect of my life. Knowing my weaknesses, God sent His son Jesus to the world, and through him, I can live a life that pleases God. The blood of Jesus purifies me from all sins. I confess my inabilities and weaknesses that hinder leading a holy life. I seek God that he may forgive and sanctify me. Not for me or not according to my expectations, but for you, oh God, I should live a holy life.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your desire for us to be holy. Thank you for your loving provision through your son Jesus to purify us. Lord, help me take it in my life and to live a holy life every day. I, too, want to be like you and be holy. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 51
Scripture: Matthew 26: 69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. 70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said...” 72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”...74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word... And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Observation: When we read the denial of Peter, we wonder how come a person who boldly declared that " “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you” could completely deny Jesus. Some think Peter's denial was worse than Judas Iscariot’s betrayal. We read how Peter progressively denied Jesus when sitting in the courtyard. He was there to see what would happen to Jesus. Many false witnesses came forward before the Sanhedrin; they said many things against Jesus and distorted or misrepresented what Jesus had spoken earlier.
Here, we see a false witness who spoke against himself and his conscience. After knowing the plan of the Sanhedrin to kill Jesus, Peter might have been afraid of the possible punishment for being a disciple of Jesus. However, a rooster gave him a wake-up call, and he remembered Jesus and his words. Peter no longer sat in that place but wept bitterly as he was repenting from his grievous act of denying Jesus. Concerning these tears of repentance, Spurgeon says, "True repentance is always the gift of God, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the soul.
*Application* Did I ever disown Jesus through my words, actions, and in my thoughts? It may be easy to sing of my commitment and dedication to the Lord during Sunday worship and in songs. I may even sing that I will live faithfully for the Lord God throughout my life. However, in testing times, during temptations, and when I face opposing environments, what I do will speak louder than my words. Peter's repentance helped him come back and dedicate his life to the cause he was called for. At times, I may have to face situations like this to speak against my beliefs and conscience. Instead of denying the Lord, I should deny any opportunities to those temptations. I should seek the help of Jesus.
Prayer* Father God, help me be strong and bold to testify my faith in you in any situation. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 52
Scripture: Psalm 53: 1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. 2 God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
Observation: The difference between a theist and an atheist is primarily based on how he or she reads the space between the words/things. For example, how you read today's title would give two different statements that are opposite to each other: A theist would read "God is now here"; an atheist would read "God is nowhere." A person's belief in God is connected to what he or she thinks about God in his/her heart. A person's actions would reflect what s/he believes about God.
When someone says or thinks that there is no God, as the Scripture says, he or she is a fool. As we observe, Psalm 53 replicates Psalm 14 with some minor changes. This repetition conveys the importance of the message of these two Psalms. God never has a selective or biased view when he sees all of humanity. When God sees the world, he notices those who understand and seek him.
Application: Sometimes, some people believe something in their heart but do something else that contradicts their belief due to compulsion. However, concerning God, my beliefs and actions are like the two tracks of a railway track. It cannot go in different directions. I should live with a sense that God watches over me.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for giving me the heart to trust and to believe you. Since you are seeing me from above, I am under your protection. My God, help me to understand you and live accordingly and seek you first before I seek anything or anyone else. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 53
Scripture: Matthew 27:46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). 47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
Observation: When Jesus was on the cross, people around him could not understand his cry. They might have thought that he was calling for Elijah's help as he was mocked and insulted by the people, soldiers, and chief priests. Although Christ went through a cruel form of human torture, he did not cry out of body pain. Instead, a momentary separation from God when he bore the sins of all the world must have been more painful than anything else, and that made him cry. The crucifixion of Jesus was a prophetic fulfilment for the salvation of humanity. Jesus, the sinless lamb of God, willingly gave Himself as the perfect sacrifice to make way for every person to be redeemed from the clutches of the bondage of sin and to enjoy an eternal relationship with God the Father. It was so unbearable for him. But he had to taste it to set us free from the slavery of the fear of death (Heb.2:14,15).
Application: Jesus' crucifixion says how much God loves us/me. The cross of Christ reminds me of the price Jesus has paid for me and shows the way to my salvation. Jesus is the source of my eternal salvation. I am no longer a slave to sin, for Christ saved me. I am no longer a slave to fear, for I am a child of God. I belong to Jesus. Through Christ, I can experience God's love and show it to others every day.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your love to save us. There is none like you! Lord, I offer my life to you; Use it for your glory. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 54
Scripture: Matthew 27:46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). 47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
Observation: When Jesus was on the cross, people around him could not understand his cry. They might have thought that he was calling for Elijah's help as he was mocked and insulted by the people, soldiers, and chief priests. Although Christ went through a cruel form of human torture, he did not cry out of body pain. Instead, a momentary separation from God when he bore the sins of all the world must have been more painful than anything else, and that made him cry. The crucifixion of Jesus was a prophetic fulfilment for the salvation of humanity. Jesus, the sinless lamb of God, willingly gave Himself as the perfect sacrifice to make way for every person to be redeemed from the clutches of the bondage of sin and to enjoy an eternal relationship with God the Father. It was so unbearable for him. But he had to taste it to set us free from the slavery of the fear of death (Heb.2:14,15).
Application: Jesus' crucifixion says how much God loves us/me. The cross of Christ reminds me of the price Jesus has paid for me and shows the way to my salvation. Jesus is the source of my eternal salvation. I am no longer a slave to sin, for Christ saved me. I am no longer a slave to fear, for I am a child of God. I belong to Jesus. Through Christ, I can experience God's love and show it to others every day.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your love to save us. There is none like you! Lord, I offer my life to you; Use it for your glory. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 54
Scripture: Exodus 3: 7 The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them...10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
Observation: Notice the verbs in the selected Bible passage. God, who sees, hears, and is concerned about his people, came down to deliver them from slavery. He appeared to Moses “in flames of fire from within a bush” and commissioned him. But what Moses did! He was making excuses after excuses, five in total. Some may think that they are genuine doubts or questions. “Who am I that I should go...?” (Exo.3:11), “What is his (God’s) name? Then what shall I tell them?” (Exo.3:13), “What if they do not believe me or listen to me...?” (Exo.4:1), “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue” (Exo.4:10), and “Lord. Please send someone else” (Exo.4:13). Here, we read that God patiently answered Moses’s all questions and doubts. However, when Moses expressed his unwillingness and asked God to find someone else, God was angry with Moses. We learn two things here: God is concerned about the suffering of his people. When God calls us to tell his message of deliverance, we must obey.
Application: How many times I was reluctant to obey God by telling my hesitations and fears! Sometimes, my fears, doubts, and problems appear bigger than the God I serve. I should remember and be confident that the Lord who calls me knows my every need and gives the strength to do his work. Amazing savior, almighty God! I can trust him. There is none like him.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your Love and care. Forgive me, O God! Many times, I have said my excuses instead of obeying your words. Instead of looking at you, I saw my weaknesses. My God! Help me to see you always, and strengthen me to show my Love through my actions and obedience to your word. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day–27
Scripture: Matthew 14:22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone.
Observation: After a long day of work and ministering to a large crowd, after the miracle of feeding all the people who were with him, Jesus went up on a mountainside to pray. After witnessing Jesus’ ministry of healing the sick (Mt.14:14), after seeing the miracle of the multiplication of food that filled and satisfied all (besides women and children, the number of men alone was 5000) who ate (Mt.14:15-21), all those around him surely would not have liked to go away from Jesus. They may have had different aspirations and expectations (Jn.6:14,15) about Jesus. But, “immediately Jesus made the disciples” go to the other side while sending the people to their homes. The literal meaning of this verse is that Jesus “compelled” or “constrained” his disciples to go into the boat and went up to pray. “He was there alone.” In other words, he was alone with God. Even when Jesus was healing people and ministering to large crowds, he was able to find time to pray and spend it alone with God. How he sent his disciples “immediately” shows us his priority.
Application:*] Finding time to read the Bible or pray every day is often difficult for many Christians. My so-called busy life should not be a hindrance to spending time in prayer. As Jesus did, I may need to constrain (or refrain from) something in my life to find time to pray. I may need to “make” something that would help me spend my time praying with God. Like I seek God and pray during my times of need, I do not come to God in my normal days. My heavenly Father knows my every need. So my focus and purpose of prayer are not for my needs but to spend time alone with God. “I will do” everything that helps me to find some time to pray every day. As someone rightly said, “taking time to be with God is the best place to find strength.”
Prayer: Father God, You are the living God. You love me and want to speak with me every day of my life. You are the source of my strength. Help me to keep anything away from my life that hinders me from praying. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day–28
Scripture: Matthew 15:1 Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 2 “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!” 3 Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?... 6...Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.
Observation: This bible passage does not say that Jesus is against tradition. Instead, we can say that he is undoubtedly against any tradition that nullifies the Word of God. In Jesus’ time, the “tradition of the elders” was in oral form and played an important role in Jewish people’s day-to-day activities. The original purpose of the tradition was to help people to follow the law of Moses. However, they became mere rules taught by humans. When a tradition takes the place of God, whatever is offered to God will become lip service. But God expects our hearty service that honors him in our words and deeds. God is not interested in our external or ceremonial purification. He wants us to be “clean” in our hearts. As the psalmist says, we need to “worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness” (Ps.29:2).
Application: Knowingly or unknowingly, we follow many traditions in our lives. Initially, they all might have been developed with good intentions to aid people’s day-to-day lives. However, I need to be watchful and careful so that any tradition that I follow does not nullify the Word of God. In a culture of honor and shame, tradition plays a vital role in society. However, in my life, the words of Jesus are more important than any tradition. No tradition is greater than God. I will not allow any tradition to defile my heart before God. The real blessing of God comes from the Word of God, not from any tradition.
Prayer: Oh, Holy God, forgive me if I have ever given a place to any tradition that nullifies your words. Help me to keep my heart pure and clean from any traditional defilement. Sanctify me by the truth of your word. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day–29
Scripture: Matthew 15:29 Jesus...went up on a mountainside and sat down. 30 Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.
Observation: When a king sits on his throne, his people would come and offer what they could at his feet to show their respect for the King. Here, we read that while Jesus was sitting, people laid the lame, the blind, the disabled, the mute, and many others at his feet. Then, we read of God’s creative power to heal those sick people. He made them well. Jesus did something that is not impossible to do with even in today’s modern medical era. So they were amazed and praised God. What more could they do! The feet of Jesus is the perfect place to offer our inabilities, weaknesses, worries, sorrows, pain, and anything that we can’t bear in our lives. He is able to heal us even today, for “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb.13:8).
Application: When I place my life at his feet, then I can sing like David, “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever” (Ps.30:11,12). He is able! He is alive! Nothing is impossible for my Lord Jesus Christ. Hallelujah! Lord Jesus, I offer my life to you. What more could I do!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you alone are worthy of my praise. Thank you for your providence to my every need. You are my everything. I can always trust you. Help me to live for your glory. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day–30
Scripture: Psalm 31:23 Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. 24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Observation: In the world we live in today, we see that preservatives are added to many food products, medicines, cosmetics, and so many other things. Although preservatives prevent the decomposition of these products, they would spoil the health and well-being of those who use them. Here, David says, “The LORD preserves the faithful.” In Psalm 31, David expresses his trust in the Lord despite all the unfavorable situations in his life. As he describes his distressing thoughts, pains, and slanders that terrorized him and weakened him both physically and emotionally, his confidence is in the Lord, and he says, “But I trust in you” (Ps.31:9-14).
God protects his faithful ones from all afflictions and keeps them safe. Above all, God stored up his best for his people. As our times are in His hands, not in the hands of our enemies, he delivers and lifts us in his time. God is faithful. He fulfilled his promises to the Israelites and brought them out from the bondage of Egypt after 430 years. He is able to deliver and protect his faithful ones even today. Not who our enemy is or what our sorrowful situation is, but in whom we put our trust matters most. We can trust God always!
Application: When I am surrounded by unfavorable situations and afflictions that I never expected in my life, I sometimes become physically and emotionally weak. The more I look at my environment, the more my fears intensify, and no breakthrough is visible within my eyesight. However, when I remember God’s works in the lives of others who feared him, my confidence and trust in the Lord increase and my fears disappear. The Bible tells many such stories of God’s faithfulness and deliverance. God’s protection never decays. I trust and love you, oh my Lord. How great thou art!
Prayer: Father God, thank you for protecting me from every harmful and evil thought that tries to devour me. My life and my times are in your hands! How wonderful is your Love! Help me to remember your love and protection and to love you always. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day– 31
Scripture: Exodus 13: 21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.
Observation: Finally, in a dramatic way, the Israelites left Egypt and started their journey to Canaan, the promised land. Instead of taking the short and direct route, God led them to a desert (Ex.13:17,18). However, God assured them of his presence and guidance with the pillar of cloud and fire at the start of their journey. With God’s presence and guidance, the people of God were able to “travel by day or night.” With the pillar of the cloud, they had an assurance that God was going before them and received guidance. Because of the pillar of fire by night, they had no darkness but light. However, when the Egyptians changed their hearts and pursued the Israelites, the same pillar of cloud that guided the Israelites “brought darkness” to the Egyptians (Ex.14:19,20). Eventually, God made the Israelites pass through the Red Sea as if they walked on dry ground. On the other hand, all the Egyptians were drowned in the sea. This exodus journey is a familiar Old Testament narrative that reminds us, “Do not be afraid” of your situation, but “stand firm” in the Lord. “The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you” (Ex.14:13,14).
Application: When God gives me a direction to walk in a particular way or do anything, I can be assured of God’s presence, guidance, and protection throughout my journey. As long as I walk in God’s light and guidance, I do not need to fear for anything. I know that the one who lives in me and with me is greater than the one in the world.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for reminding us that you always guide your people and fight with their enemies. Lord, you know the way I take. Help me to walk in your guidance and light. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 32
Scripture: Exodus 15:11 Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
Observation: When Moses and Aaron asked Pharaoh to send the Israelites to worship the LORD, Pharaoh’s response was, “Who is the LORD...I do not know the Lord, and I will not let Israel go” (Exo.5:1,2). Then, the LORD sent plagues upon the Egyptians, which displayed the mighty power of the LORD against all the Egyptian gods. When God repeatedly said, “The Egyptians will know that I am the LORD,” it was God’s response to Pharaoh’s remark that he does not know the LORD. As we read in the book of Exodus, no power and no magicians could stand against God the LORD.
Here in three phrases, this ancient song briefly summarizes the entire episode of God’s mighty acts of deliverance that the LORD is “majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders.” I do not know whether anyone could make an accurate description of the LORD better than this one. When we ask ourselves, “Who is like you, Lord, the only possible answer would be, “There is none like you.”
Application: My God is able to deliver his people from any situation and make others understand that HE is the LORD. However, I need to obey God and follow his instructions to see his mighty acts in my life. Above all, he is the “Holy One of Israel.” God works in my life and works through me to manifest his glory and power to make others understand who he is! Nothing is impossible for him. I must allow God to use my life to help others to know that HE IS THE LORD.
Prayer: Oh, Holy God, Thank you for saving me from the bondage of sin by your love and accepting me with your outstretched arms. Help me to live holy, give your strength to praise you always, and tell others about your wonderful works in my life. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 33
Scripture: Psalm 34: 4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
Observation: The title of Psalm 34 indicates that David was in a difficult situation that threatened his life. A brave and mighty warrior, David would never have imagined that he would have to pretend to be a madman or would have to act like an insane man. Ironically, he did this when the men told their King about David’s valor. When we read 1 Samuel 21:10-15, we understand that he did it “pretended to be insane” out of fear as he “was very much afraid.” He was not in a situation where he could pray openly or loudly. During this unprecedented time, David must have prayed in his heart silently. In Psalm 34, David describes the result of his silent prayer. Here, he sings that God not only answered his prayers but removed all his fears and gave him joy. God answers the prayers of all who seek him.
Application: No situation can hinder us from seeking God and praying to him. When I face unexpected things or dangers in my life where I cannot get the help of any others, I can call upon the Lord. God listens to even my heart’s cry and delivers me from all my troubles. God answers my prayers and fills my heart with his joy. I can call him anytime! He is always available. When I dial my prayers to him, he listens and responds to my prayers. It’s a two-way communication! Every time I pray, I receive God’s strength to overcome my fears and experience his peace and joy in my life. Therefore, I must seek him continually, not just in times of need.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for listening and answering our prayers. Even to a secret prayer, you give an open response. Lord, help me to seek your face every day and pray always. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 34
Scripture: Matthew 18: 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.
Observation: Many Christians misunderstand this passage and fail to see what Jesus wants to communicate to us. Some think that who can live such a life that is free from any sin. The emphasis here is not to “cut off” the God-given organs of our body but to discipline them not to sin. It is not a call for “self-mutilation” but to consider the seriousness of sin and its consequences. Removing a body part will not help a person to free him/her from any sinful thought or action. If we take the literal meaning of this verse, none of us will be spared. Jesus calls for a disciplined life that has no place for any sin. A disciple of Jesus can live such a life when s/he follows Jesus in every possible way.
Application: Like a periodic medical examination helps keep my body healthy, I should have a periodical self-check-up to keep my spiritual life healthy and lead a vibrant Christian life. I need to identify what causes me to sin and be ready to remove it from my life. I should not adjust or compromise myself with anything that could lead to sin. Instead, considering the seriousness and dangers of sin, I should allow Jesus to touch my hands, feet, and eyes and use them for the purposes that God has ordained for them.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the warning about sin and the reminder about its consequences in my life. You alone can help me to live a life that uses my body parts to glorify God in everything I do. You are the holy God. Touch me, purify my thoughts and heart desires. Lord, help me today to live a holy and godly life that pleases you. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 35
Scripture: Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”... “35. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Observation: We often wonder how long I will have to tolerate this person and how many times I should be patient with him/her. Enough is enough! We think there is a limit to tolerating someone who offends or acts against us. Here, Jesus talks about complete forgiveness, not just in words but from our hearts. Some may think of the level of hurt and hate that they went through and find it difficult to forgive another person. In Jesus’ time, according to the Law of Moses, people had “the law of retaliation” (Exo.21:23-25), and taking revenge was considered an appropriate action. However, Jesus spoke of forgiveness. The forgiving heavenly father expects us to forgive others in the same way we are forgiven.
Application: Sometimes, I find it difficult to forgive others and think that someone who did something wrong deserves punishment or justice. However, when I need God’s forgiveness, I pray for God’s mercy and love and seek complete forgiveness. The Loving God forgives me and expects me to do the same with others as well. Therefore, I have no excuse to say “no” to forgiving others.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your love and forgiveness. Whenever I find it difficult to forgive a person, help me to remember your forgiving love. Loving Lord, give me your strength to forgive others from my heart and forget the past to show your love to the person I forgive. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 36
Scripture: Psalm 37:3 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Observation: We become indignant when we see wicked people succeed in their every evil scheme. Sometimes, we think there is no use in being a good or godly person who properly does things without applying any shortcuts or evil plans. Psalm 37 gives us a picture of what would happen to a wicked person, what the LORD would do to those who trust in him, and what a godly person is supposed to do. A wicked person may taste successes for a while, but they are temporary. On the other hand, the blessing of the land belongs to the righteous ones who trust God. All we need to do is, instead of fretting over the so-called successes of the wicked and evil people, we should do what the LORD expects from us.
Application: When I trust God and wait for his intervention in my life and work, I must keep my focus on Him, not on others who are ready to do anything to achieve success. The true and eternal blessing comes from the LORD. However, my joy and happiness do not come from the blessings I receive. The Lord is my delight. He knows my heart and my ways. I can always trust him.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for the instruction you have given me today. Help me keep your word in my heart and look at you alone instead of seeing any other person. Lord, give me the heart to be still before you and wait on you and the strength to walk in your way. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 37
Scripture: Matthew 19:25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” 26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Observation: Jesus’ disciples who heard the conversation between the rich young man and Jesus might have been surprised to hear how he answered the rich man. Here, we see a man who wants to know what he has to do to earn eternal life. Jesus’ response made the rich man sad, so he went away. Jesus told the rich man what he really lacks to enter eternal life. He wanted to earn it through his works and was not ready to receive it as a gift. However, it seems Jesus’s disciples did not understand Jesus’ answer. So they asked, “Who then can be saved?” Sometimes, we also think like the disciples of Jesus. When we think of the salvation of any of our relatives, friends, or family members, Jesus will give the same answer even today, “With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.”
Application: I need to remember that I am saved by God’s grace, not by any of my works. God wants me to keep him at the center of my life and commit to following him every day. Further, God can save any person; nothing is impossible for him. Instead of looking at the difficulties and hindrances for a person to be saved, I should look at the almighty God who wants everyone to be saved. He is able!
Prayer: Jesus, I come to you today and want to follow you in my life every day. Keep me close to you. Help me to put aside my self-righteousness that hinders me from loving and trusting you. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 38
Scripture: Psalm 39:4 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. 5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.
Observation: David resolved to be quiet and silent in front of the wicked people, and he did so. However, he was not able to be silent when he came before God. While David meditated, the fire burned (v.3). Then David prayed to God and asked a “rhetorical question” that required no answer—“how fleeting my life is.” As he asks this very question of life, he knows the answer and says it. Life is short; no one, “even those who seem secure,” also cannot live long. There is an end to all. Everyone would accept it as true. But, how do we live?
Some people think and act as if they would live for thousands of years on this earth. Without knowing or caring about their end, they spend their energy and time acquiring wealth and possessions. How often do we hear and read about the fall or demise of mighty, wealthy, influential people! The more we realize the brevity of our life, the more we should plan to make a long-lasting impact through our life.
Application: My life on this earth is short. But Jesus makes my life sweet and useful for others. Whatever I face, “my hope” is in God. For HE is the eternal one. Jesus called me to live and to prepare for the eternal life he has stored for me. By living according to God’s will and plan, my short life can be beneficial to all, not just to me. Instead of focusing on temporary things, I will fix my eyes on eternity.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for helping me to understand the true nature and span of human life. Lord, you are the Alpha and Omega. You know everything. So I submit my life to your hands. May my life be an aroma that spreads your goodness and greatness. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 39
Scripture: Matthew 20:24 When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Observation: If Jesus asks us the question, “What is it that you want?” many of us would have given him the same answer, like the mother of Jacob and John. The other disciples who were present with Jesus also might have responded similarly. They were indignant because they were jealous of the two disciples as their mother asked for a coveted position that everyone desired. However, Jesus brought them together and taught an important lesson for Christian Leadership. He sternly warned them not to be like the rulers of the world but to be like him by doing humble service to humanity. Rulers, Lords, and officials of this world may exercise their authority to rule and control the people. But for a follower of Jesus, his message is, “Not so with you.” Every Christian is expected to be a leader, not in worldly ways in the way how the world functions, but in the exact model Christ has shown us through his sacrificial life. Remember, it is not an option to choose or to reject.
Application: When I think of leadership, my mind naturally looks at the existing models in the world, especially in the corporate world. The worldly organizational structures, strategies, and methods of exercising leadership prowess are appealing to me. However, I must remember that even great leaders or organizations are prone to fall. In fact, many of them are wiped out when a new phenomenon or idea emerges. However the model Jesus has shown to his followers is appropriate at any time and highly beneficial to humanity. Jesus’ leadership model continues to impact the world through every Christian who would like to follow him and serve the people with a humble spirit. I have the best leadership model to follow, a great leader who successfully practiced this model till his last breath on the cross. I will follow Jesus’ leadership model.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your ever-green truth and the leadership model that is appropriate for all times. Lord Jesus, help me to serve my people with all my heart by following your footsteps. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️: Day – 40
Scripture: Exodus 32: 22 “Do not be angry, my lord,” Aaron answered. “You know how prone these people are to evil. 23 They said to me, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.’ 24 So I told them, ‘Whoever has any gold jewelry, take it off.’ Then they gave me the gold, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf!”
Observation: While the Holy God gave his ordinances for the Israelites through Moses, the Israelites grew impatient and demanded Aaron to make gods to lead their journey. Aaron yielded to the pressure and led the people to idolatry by collecting jewelry and making a calf their god. On the other hand, although Moses pleaded for God’s mercy to cool off the wrath of God against the Israelites, when he came down, he openly confronted Aaron. In Aaron’s response, we see a suppression of the fact, i.e., what exactly Aaron did, and he made a wrong statement as if an idol automatically came out of the fire. Instead of accepting his mistakes and failing to keep up his responsibility, Aaron blamed the Israelites with lame excuses. He might have feared the people and worried about the consequences of not accepting their demands. Eventually, it led the people to sin against God, and they started to do abominable things that were not pleasing to God. The Exodus story would have had a different end if it were not for Moses and the Levites who stood firm for the Lord.
Application: At times, I may get pressures and demands to do something against God. It may come from within the family or workplace or from friends and relatives. Every person who lives in the world has these possible dangers of acting against his/her conscience. However, how I respond to such a situation will make a vast difference between me and others. If I ever yielded to the pressures of others and sinned against God, I would ask God to forgive me instead of justifying my failure. As a Christian, I should not give space to anything that could lead me to sin. I will fearlessly take a stand for God and pray for the people who go away from God.
Prayer: Father God, whenever I face the pressures of this world, help me be strong and bold. Protect me from yielding to the ungodly demands of the people. As Luther once said, “Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me.” Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 41
Scripture: Psalm 42:5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Observation: The psalmist must have been in a difficult time of his life when he wrote Psalm 42. Obviously, he had many “Why?” questions and no immediate answers to those who taunted him. Instead of looking for answers, the psalmist desperately seeks God. As he prays for his deliverance, he remembers the good past time when he was in the house of God and makes a self-talk to remind himself what he should do at such a time. While his enemies made him cry day and night, the psalmist expresses his hope in God that God sends his love for the day and songs for the night to comfort and be with him. So he asks himself, “Why, my soul, are you downcast?”
Application: Being a Christian does not mean that the person is free from problems, troubles, and worries. God did not promise a life without any worries. While everyone in this world has their own problems and struggles at varying levels, what I do when I face a problem shows the difference between me and others. As a Christian, I seek God and his answers. God is my hope. My soul, you can experience his peace and rest as you seek God with all your heart!
Prayer: My God, you are my deliverer, and you are my hiding place. When I have no immediate answers for the questions of my life, when others ask me difficult questions, I can put my hope in you. Instead of worrying within me, I praise my God and pray to him. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 42
Scripture: Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?”… 21…Then he(Jesus) said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
Observation: Here, we see an interesting and important passage that teaches something applicable to our day-to-day life. Pharisees were against Roman rule, but the Herodians accepted the imperial power of Rome. However, they both came together and tried to trap Jesus with evil intentions. Of course, their description of Jesus was true. In fact, it was a prelude to their tricky question. Jesus' "yes" would be an opportunity for the Pharisees to portray him as an anti-Jewish (or an anti-national). His "no" would have invited Roman's wrath. Jesus stunned them with his astounding response that everyone needs to be proper in his/her earthly responsibilities as well as in their godly responsibilities. Indirectly, it was a message to Caesar, who falsely claimed he was a son of God and inscribed his name on the Roman coin. Jesus confounded his questioners and made them think about doing the right thing.
Application: When people ask my opinion on anything, I need to be faithful to God in my response to them. I should not compromise my integrity for anything and should not be swayed away by anything or by anyone. Importantly, when people provoke or tempt me to do something wrong, I should not give space to my emotions. Instead, I should help them understand the difference between the Godly obligations as a child of God and the obligations to the State or government as a citizen. Although I am a citizen of my country, I am a child of God and am saved by his divine grace. As a Christian, I need to practice what I say in my words.
Prayer: My Lord Jesus, thank you for helping me to understand my responsibilities. I need your strength to walk with integrity and to live a blameless life. Help me to be faithful in my words and deeds. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 43
Scripture: Matthew 22:34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Observation: After the Pharisees and Sadducees failed in their joint venture to trap Jesus to prove their beliefs and teaching, they started to ask questions that were considered to be tough to answer in their time. Once Jesus silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees might have thought that they were better than the Sadducees as they were strict adherents of the Law of Moses and were well-known for their emphasis on the Law. So they asked Jesus a popular question among the Jews during that period. In those days, people had divergent opinions regarding the greatest commandment in the law. Based on their viewpoint, they emphasized the law of sacrifices or the law of circumcision or the law of the Sabbath, and so on.
But Jesus precisely summarized the entire law in two sentences. Loving God is always the first and the greatest commandment. Next to this, loving every other person as one loves herself/ himself is the second greatest commandment. We should not change this order. Only by love can we fulfill or practice the law of God, not by any conditions or rules. God is love. He loves us and expects the same that we must love God first and then love other people.
Application: If I do not have love, my education, social status, scriptural and theological knowledge, and my long experience have no value in it. I need to love God first and should not keep any human being in place of God. When I love God and my neighbors, I should do it with all my heart, all my soul, and all my spirit.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your words that give a new perspective on the law. Help me to seek and love God first and then love others. May your Holy Spirit help me to do this with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my mind. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 44
Scripture: Exodus 39:42 The Israelites had done all the work just as the Lord had commanded Moses. 43 Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them.
Exodus 40: 34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle....38 So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels.
Matthew 23: 13 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.
Observation: In today's bible reading passage, we see two kinds of people. The first is those who diligently did things "as the Lord Commanded." Secondly, we read about the hypocrites who were warned by Jesus for not doing what God required of them but doing things that pleased them. When the people of God finished their work "as the Lord commanded," they received God’s blessing and were able to see the glory of the Lord, which would guide them in their remaining journey to Canaan. On the other hand, we read Jesus' condemnation against those hypocrites. Obedience to the commands of the Lord always brings blessing and helps us see God's guidance for our lives.
Application: God honors my obedience when I do things as he commands. At the same time, if I practice hypocrisy in my life, he condemns it. I cannot hide anything from God. God sees my heart that obeys, not just my external actions. When I obey God, I honor Him and receive the Lord's blessings and guidance for my life. So always, “I will do" the commands of God "just as he commanded."
Prayer: Father God, help me today to see your glory and guidance through my obedience. Holy Spirit, help me to overcome my weaknesses and strengthen me to obey God with love. Keep me away from any form of hypocrisy. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 45
Scripture: Psalm 46: 1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Observation: Psalm 46 tells us why there will be no fear among the people of God. The Bible does not say there will be no calamity or problems in our lives. Instead, it speaks of the availability of "an ever-present help" during those difficult times when we struggle or suffer. Here, the Psalmist reminds us, "God is our refuge and strength." The world we live in may collapse upside down, and even big mountains may fall, but God is available to help us. We can hide in him, for he is our refuge. Even if we go through a challenging or trying period, we can be strong, for God is our strength. As long as we trust God and place our hope in him, we will be free from any fear. We can call on him any time. He is available to help us all the time—24/7. We may be/become weak in times of trouble. But we can find our strength in God.
Application: There were times when I was reluctant to call somebody for help, thinking that the person who could help me may be too busy to offer his/her help. Sometimes, even if they were available to help, they could not help as it was beyond their capacity. Here, the almighty God is available to help me. He shows no partiality to the calls that seek his help. I can go to him any time of the day to find my real strength. The sooner I go to God, the sooner I find my help. So, in my testing times,
"I will call upon the Lord Who is worthy to be praised. So shall I be saved from my enemies I will call upon the Lord."
Prayer: Father God, thank you for always encouraging me to trust you. You are able to help me in any situation. My loving Lord, give me your strength to face the trials of the day. For you are with me, I will not fear. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 46
Scripture: Matthew 24:4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you... 25 See, I have told you ahead of time.
Observation: When Jesus' disciples asked him about the signs of the end days, Jesus warned them about the dangers of deceptions of the end days. Here, the word "watch out" calls us to see, perceive, and discern what is right or wrong to protect ourselves from any deception. In his Olivet discourse about the end days, Jesus spoke about the internal and external struggles of a believer. Among these struggles, attempts to deceive a follower of Christ would cause more damage than any other disasters he mentioned in his speech, for it could separate a person away from God.
Instead of blindly or uncritically believing something, we should be alert when propaganda diverts our attention. Even if someone comes in sheep's clothing, it is the responsibility of every believer to discern whether it is from God or not. Jesus informed us well ahead of time about all these dangers of soon-coming and existing deceptions. We need to be alert and of a sober mind.
Application: As a Christian, I need to prepare myself to face everything that comes against me. Christ Jesus already told us about what would happen in the end days. As I watch out for what is happening in the world, I understand that his words are true. His words are sufficient to feed my spiritual hunger and to warn me of any dangers. I need no other source other than Jesus and his word to escape the dangers of the world. All I need is open eyes, ears, and a discerning heart to reject anything that misleads or deceives me.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your prophecy and warning about the end days. Help me stand firm in the truth and guard my faith against deception. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 47
Scripture: Leviticus 6: 8 The Lord said to Moses: 9...‘These are the regulations for the burnt offering: The burnt offering is to remain on the altar hearth throughout the night, till morning, and the fire must be kept burning on the altar. 12 The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out. Every morning the priest is to add firewood and arrange the burnt offering on the fire and burn the fat of the fellowship offerings on it. 13 The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.
Observation: Israelites offered burnt offerings as an act of voluntary worship, to make an atonement with God, and to express their devotion, commitment, and absolute surrender to God. Whatever is offered as a burnt offering should be burnt to ashes. For this, keeping the fire on the altar burning throughout the day and night is very important. Once the sacrifice is burnt completely, the burnt offering becomes "an aroma pleasing to the Lord." The priest has a day-to-day responsibility to add firewood and remove the ashes. The burnt offering is a voluntary sacrifice, not a mandatory one. However, when a person brings it to the Lord, there are regulations to offer it as "an aroma pleasing to the Lord."
Application: Jesus Christ sacrificed his life on the cross to make atonement between man and God. Therefore, for atonement with God, all I need to do is nothing but accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Offering my life and my "SELF" to God is a voluntary act of worship. However, I need to keep the flame burning to keep my relationship intact with God. Then, my life will be an aroma pleasing to the Lord. Whatever hinders the fire from burning, I should be ready to remove it from me. It is a continuous and everyday responsibility to keep my spiritual life alive.
Prayer: Father God, I offer my life to you on the altar of sacrifice. Thank you for accepting me. Cleanse me, and purify my thoughts every day so that my life may become an aroma pleasing to you. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 48
Scripture: Psalm 49:16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; 17 for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them.
Observation: Psalm 49 gives us a warning about those who trust their wealth. Here, the psalmist explains what a person cannot buy with his wealth and the destiny of those who trust in wealth. Further, in Ps 49:16, there is an advice for the reader. In the world we live in, many of us think that money determines many things. To some extent, it may be true. But here, we see a practical warning that money cannot save a person. With mere money, nobody can redeem the life of another person.
The psalmist expresses his hope that God can redeem his life. Indeed Jesus gave his life as a ransom for all the people. So we need to trust God instead of keeping our eyes on wealth or putting our trust in any worldly riches. Jesus rightly said, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" (Matthew 16:26).
Application: Whether I have wealth or not is not a matter. Nevertheless, where I put my trust really matters till eternity. If I have wealth, I need proper understanding to use it wisely. If I do not have riches, I should not be in awe of those who have them. God is my trust and strength. Any of the worldly treasures cannot redeem a person. However, as the psalmist says, "But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself."
Prayer: Father God, thank you for the words of wisdom that we read today. Thank you for the price you paid on the Cross for my redemption and salvation. Lord, help me always put my trust in you and store treasures in heaven. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 49
Scripture: Psalm 50:23 He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.
Observation: God wants his people to praise him and acknowledge their dependence on God. Thank offering is "an expression of thankfulness" to our God. Thank offering is an act of gratitude for the grace and blessings we received, the deliverance from our chains, sickness, trouble, and death. As we read in Ps.50, our thank-offerings honor God and prepare the way for God to show his salvation to us. When we make our thank offerings, we need to do it with a heart of gratitude for the blessings we receive and the blessings we will receive. The author of Hebrews says that our sacrifice of praise is "the fruit of lips that openly profess his (God's) name," and we should continually do it through Jesus (Heb.13:15).
Application: God answers my every prayer, delivers me from all troubles, and shows his way. However, as I count his blessings and mercies, I regret that I did not thank him for everything I received. My thank offering honors God; He is worthy of all praises and worship. God has done his part to deliver me and is always ready to guide me. I know well that I can do nothing without him. But how many times in a day do I acknowledge my dependency on God? When I continually offer thanks and praises through my lips, it keeps me away from the many perils of life. However, I must do it with a heart of gratitude. I should not do it as a ritual or just for the sake of doing it as a duty.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for everything you do in my life. Today, I want to thank You, Lord. Help me be thankful and prepare my ways to walk with you always. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 50
Scripture: Leviticus 11: 44. I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy...45. I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.
Observation: The book of Leviticus is a manual of laws and regulations for the Israelites to worship God, to keep themselves ceremonially clean, to offer sacrifices, and to live as God's holy people. God brought them out from Egypt and expected them to live HOLY because he is HOLY. This call to holiness is unique in various ways. God wants us to be like him. He says, "Be holy, because I am holy."
Although God has set us apart from others, we need to do something to consecrate ourselves. In the O.T. times, there were laws to keep a person ceremonially clean. But they need to be practised. When David sinned against God and prayed for forgiveness, he pleaded with God to cleanse and wash him (Ps.51:7). He must have understood that God alone can make a person holy and clean. Our Lord Jesus offered his body as the perfect sacrifice and shed his blood for the forgiveness of sins. All we need to do is accept Jesus and take God's provisions for us to live holy.
Application: Living a holy life for the Holy God is a blessed responsibility. It is not about the do's and don'ts of life but about following God in every aspect of my life. Knowing my weaknesses, God sent His son Jesus to the world, and through him, I can live a life that pleases God. The blood of Jesus purifies me from all sins. I confess my inabilities and weaknesses that hinder leading a holy life. I seek God that he may forgive and sanctify me. Not for me or not according to my expectations, but for you, oh God, I should live a holy life.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your desire for us to be holy. Thank you for your loving provision through your son Jesus to purify us. Lord, help me take it in my life and to live a holy life every day. I, too, want to be like you and be holy. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 51
Scripture: Matthew 26: 69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. 70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said...” 72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”...74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word... And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Observation: When we read the denial of Peter, we wonder how come a person who boldly declared that " “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you” could completely deny Jesus. Some think Peter's denial was worse than Judas Iscariot’s betrayal. We read how Peter progressively denied Jesus when sitting in the courtyard. He was there to see what would happen to Jesus. Many false witnesses came forward before the Sanhedrin; they said many things against Jesus and distorted or misrepresented what Jesus had spoken earlier.
Here, we see a false witness who spoke against himself and his conscience. After knowing the plan of the Sanhedrin to kill Jesus, Peter might have been afraid of the possible punishment for being a disciple of Jesus. However, a rooster gave him a wake-up call, and he remembered Jesus and his words. Peter no longer sat in that place but wept bitterly as he was repenting from his grievous act of denying Jesus. Concerning these tears of repentance, Spurgeon says, "True repentance is always the gift of God, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the soul.
*Application* Did I ever disown Jesus through my words, actions, and in my thoughts? It may be easy to sing of my commitment and dedication to the Lord during Sunday worship and in songs. I may even sing that I will live faithfully for the Lord God throughout my life. However, in testing times, during temptations, and when I face opposing environments, what I do will speak louder than my words. Peter's repentance helped him come back and dedicate his life to the cause he was called for. At times, I may have to face situations like this to speak against my beliefs and conscience. Instead of denying the Lord, I should deny any opportunities to those temptations. I should seek the help of Jesus.
Prayer* Father God, help me be strong and bold to testify my faith in you in any situation. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 52
Scripture: Psalm 53: 1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. 2 God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
Observation: The difference between a theist and an atheist is primarily based on how he or she reads the space between the words/things. For example, how you read today's title would give two different statements that are opposite to each other: A theist would read "God is now here"; an atheist would read "God is nowhere." A person's belief in God is connected to what he or she thinks about God in his/her heart. A person's actions would reflect what s/he believes about God.
When someone says or thinks that there is no God, as the Scripture says, he or she is a fool. As we observe, Psalm 53 replicates Psalm 14 with some minor changes. This repetition conveys the importance of the message of these two Psalms. God never has a selective or biased view when he sees all of humanity. When God sees the world, he notices those who understand and seek him.
Application: Sometimes, some people believe something in their heart but do something else that contradicts their belief due to compulsion. However, concerning God, my beliefs and actions are like the two tracks of a railway track. It cannot go in different directions. I should live with a sense that God watches over me.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for giving me the heart to trust and to believe you. Since you are seeing me from above, I am under your protection. My God, help me to understand you and live accordingly and seek you first before I seek anything or anyone else. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 53
Scripture: Matthew 27:46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). 47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
Observation: When Jesus was on the cross, people around him could not understand his cry. They might have thought that he was calling for Elijah's help as he was mocked and insulted by the people, soldiers, and chief priests. Although Christ went through a cruel form of human torture, he did not cry out of body pain. Instead, a momentary separation from God when he bore the sins of all the world must have been more painful than anything else, and that made him cry. The crucifixion of Jesus was a prophetic fulfilment for the salvation of humanity. Jesus, the sinless lamb of God, willingly gave Himself as the perfect sacrifice to make way for every person to be redeemed from the clutches of the bondage of sin and to enjoy an eternal relationship with God the Father. It was so unbearable for him. But he had to taste it to set us free from the slavery of the fear of death (Heb.2:14,15).
Application: Jesus' crucifixion says how much God loves us/me. The cross of Christ reminds me of the price Jesus has paid for me and shows the way to my salvation. Jesus is the source of my eternal salvation. I am no longer a slave to sin, for Christ saved me. I am no longer a slave to fear, for I am a child of God. I belong to Jesus. Through Christ, I can experience God's love and show it to others every day.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your love to save us. There is none like you! Lord, I offer my life to you; Use it for your glory. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 54
Scripture: Exodus 3: 7 The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them...10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
Observation: Notice the verbs in the selected Bible passage. God, who sees, hears, and is concerned about his people, came down to deliver them from slavery. He appeared to Moses “in flames of fire from within a bush” and commissioned him. But what Moses did! He was making excuses after excuses, five in total. Some may think that they are genuine doubts or questions. “Who am I that I should go...?” (Exo.3:11), “What is his (God’s) name? Then what shall I tell them?” (Exo.3:13), “What if they do not believe me or listen to me...?” (Exo.4:1), “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue” (Exo.4:10), and “Lord. Please send someone else” (Exo.4:13). Here, we read that God patiently answered Moses’s all questions and doubts. However, when Moses expressed his unwillingness and asked God to find someone else, God was angry with Moses. We learn two things here: God is concerned about the suffering of his people. When God calls us to tell his message of deliverance, we must obey.
Application: How many times I was reluctant to obey God by telling my hesitations and fears! Sometimes, my fears, doubts, and problems appear bigger than the God I serve. I should remember and be confident that the Lord who calls me knows my every need and gives the strength to do his work. Amazing savior, almighty God! I can trust him. There is none like him.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your Love and care. Forgive me, O God! Many times, I have said my excuses instead of obeying your words. Instead of looking at you, I saw my weaknesses. My God! Help me to see you always, and strengthen me to show my Love through my actions and obedience to your word. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day–27
Scripture: Matthew 14:22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone.
Observation: After a long day of work and ministering to a large crowd, after the miracle of feeding all the people who were with him, Jesus went up on a mountainside to pray. After witnessing Jesus’ ministry of healing the sick (Mt.14:14), after seeing the miracle of the multiplication of food that filled and satisfied all (besides women and children, the number of men alone was 5000) who ate (Mt.14:15-21), all those around him surely would not have liked to go away from Jesus. They may have had different aspirations and expectations (Jn.6:14,15) about Jesus. But, “immediately Jesus made the disciples” go to the other side while sending the people to their homes. The literal meaning of this verse is that Jesus “compelled” or “constrained” his disciples to go into the boat and went up to pray. “He was there alone.” In other words, he was alone with God. Even when Jesus was healing people and ministering to large crowds, he was able to find time to pray and spend it alone with God. How he sent his disciples “immediately” shows us his priority.
Application:*] Finding time to read the Bible or pray every day is often difficult for many Christians. My so-called busy life should not be a hindrance to spending time in prayer. As Jesus did, I may need to constrain (or refrain from) something in my life to find time to pray. I may need to “make” something that would help me spend my time praying with God. Like I seek God and pray during my times of need, I do not come to God in my normal days. My heavenly Father knows my every need. So my focus and purpose of prayer are not for my needs but to spend time alone with God. “I will do” everything that helps me to find some time to pray every day. As someone rightly said, “taking time to be with God is the best place to find strength.”
Prayer: Father God, You are the living God. You love me and want to speak with me every day of my life. You are the source of my strength. Help me to keep anything away from my life that hinders me from praying. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day–28
Scripture: Matthew 15:1 Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 2 “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!” 3 Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?... 6...Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.
Observation: This bible passage does not say that Jesus is against tradition. Instead, we can say that he is undoubtedly against any tradition that nullifies the Word of God. In Jesus’ time, the “tradition of the elders” was in oral form and played an important role in Jewish people’s day-to-day activities. The original purpose of the tradition was to help people to follow the law of Moses. However, they became mere rules taught by humans. When a tradition takes the place of God, whatever is offered to God will become lip service. But God expects our hearty service that honors him in our words and deeds. God is not interested in our external or ceremonial purification. He wants us to be “clean” in our hearts. As the psalmist says, we need to “worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness” (Ps.29:2).
Application: Knowingly or unknowingly, we follow many traditions in our lives. Initially, they all might have been developed with good intentions to aid people’s day-to-day lives. However, I need to be watchful and careful so that any tradition that I follow does not nullify the Word of God. In a culture of honor and shame, tradition plays a vital role in society. However, in my life, the words of Jesus are more important than any tradition. No tradition is greater than God. I will not allow any tradition to defile my heart before God. The real blessing of God comes from the Word of God, not from any tradition.
Prayer: Oh, Holy God, forgive me if I have ever given a place to any tradition that nullifies your words. Help me to keep my heart pure and clean from any traditional defilement. Sanctify me by the truth of your word. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day–29
Scripture: Matthew 15:29 Jesus...went up on a mountainside and sat down. 30 Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.
Observation: When a king sits on his throne, his people would come and offer what they could at his feet to show their respect for the King. Here, we read that while Jesus was sitting, people laid the lame, the blind, the disabled, the mute, and many others at his feet. Then, we read of God’s creative power to heal those sick people. He made them well. Jesus did something that is not impossible to do with even in today’s modern medical era. So they were amazed and praised God. What more could they do! The feet of Jesus is the perfect place to offer our inabilities, weaknesses, worries, sorrows, pain, and anything that we can’t bear in our lives. He is able to heal us even today, for “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb.13:8).
Application: When I place my life at his feet, then I can sing like David, “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever” (Ps.30:11,12). He is able! He is alive! Nothing is impossible for my Lord Jesus Christ. Hallelujah! Lord Jesus, I offer my life to you. What more could I do!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you alone are worthy of my praise. Thank you for your providence to my every need. You are my everything. I can always trust you. Help me to live for your glory. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day–30
Scripture: Psalm 31:23 Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. 24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Observation: In the world we live in today, we see that preservatives are added to many food products, medicines, cosmetics, and so many other things. Although preservatives prevent the decomposition of these products, they would spoil the health and well-being of those who use them. Here, David says, “The LORD preserves the faithful.” In Psalm 31, David expresses his trust in the Lord despite all the unfavorable situations in his life. As he describes his distressing thoughts, pains, and slanders that terrorized him and weakened him both physically and emotionally, his confidence is in the Lord, and he says, “But I trust in you” (Ps.31:9-14).
God protects his faithful ones from all afflictions and keeps them safe. Above all, God stored up his best for his people. As our times are in His hands, not in the hands of our enemies, he delivers and lifts us in his time. God is faithful. He fulfilled his promises to the Israelites and brought them out from the bondage of Egypt after 430 years. He is able to deliver and protect his faithful ones even today. Not who our enemy is or what our sorrowful situation is, but in whom we put our trust matters most. We can trust God always!
Application: When I am surrounded by unfavorable situations and afflictions that I never expected in my life, I sometimes become physically and emotionally weak. The more I look at my environment, the more my fears intensify, and no breakthrough is visible within my eyesight. However, when I remember God’s works in the lives of others who feared him, my confidence and trust in the Lord increase and my fears disappear. The Bible tells many such stories of God’s faithfulness and deliverance. God’s protection never decays. I trust and love you, oh my Lord. How great thou art!
Prayer: Father God, thank you for protecting me from every harmful and evil thought that tries to devour me. My life and my times are in your hands! How wonderful is your Love! Help me to remember your love and protection and to love you always. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day– 31
Scripture: Exodus 13: 21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.
Observation: Finally, in a dramatic way, the Israelites left Egypt and started their journey to Canaan, the promised land. Instead of taking the short and direct route, God led them to a desert (Ex.13:17,18). However, God assured them of his presence and guidance with the pillar of cloud and fire at the start of their journey. With God’s presence and guidance, the people of God were able to “travel by day or night.” With the pillar of the cloud, they had an assurance that God was going before them and received guidance. Because of the pillar of fire by night, they had no darkness but light. However, when the Egyptians changed their hearts and pursued the Israelites, the same pillar of cloud that guided the Israelites “brought darkness” to the Egyptians (Ex.14:19,20). Eventually, God made the Israelites pass through the Red Sea as if they walked on dry ground. On the other hand, all the Egyptians were drowned in the sea. This exodus journey is a familiar Old Testament narrative that reminds us, “Do not be afraid” of your situation, but “stand firm” in the Lord. “The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you” (Ex.14:13,14).
Application: When God gives me a direction to walk in a particular way or do anything, I can be assured of God’s presence, guidance, and protection throughout my journey. As long as I walk in God’s light and guidance, I do not need to fear for anything. I know that the one who lives in me and with me is greater than the one in the world.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for reminding us that you always guide your people and fight with their enemies. Lord, you know the way I take. Help me to walk in your guidance and light. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 32
Scripture: Exodus 15:11 Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
Observation: When Moses and Aaron asked Pharaoh to send the Israelites to worship the LORD, Pharaoh’s response was, “Who is the LORD...I do not know the Lord, and I will not let Israel go” (Exo.5:1,2). Then, the LORD sent plagues upon the Egyptians, which displayed the mighty power of the LORD against all the Egyptian gods. When God repeatedly said, “The Egyptians will know that I am the LORD,” it was God’s response to Pharaoh’s remark that he does not know the LORD. As we read in the book of Exodus, no power and no magicians could stand against God the LORD.
Here in three phrases, this ancient song briefly summarizes the entire episode of God’s mighty acts of deliverance that the LORD is “majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders.” I do not know whether anyone could make an accurate description of the LORD better than this one. When we ask ourselves, “Who is like you, Lord, the only possible answer would be, “There is none like you.”
Application: My God is able to deliver his people from any situation and make others understand that HE is the LORD. However, I need to obey God and follow his instructions to see his mighty acts in my life. Above all, he is the “Holy One of Israel.” God works in my life and works through me to manifest his glory and power to make others understand who he is! Nothing is impossible for him. I must allow God to use my life to help others to know that HE IS THE LORD.
Prayer: Oh, Holy God, Thank you for saving me from the bondage of sin by your love and accepting me with your outstretched arms. Help me to live holy, give your strength to praise you always, and tell others about your wonderful works in my life. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 33
Scripture: Psalm 34: 4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
Observation: The title of Psalm 34 indicates that David was in a difficult situation that threatened his life. A brave and mighty warrior, David would never have imagined that he would have to pretend to be a madman or would have to act like an insane man. Ironically, he did this when the men told their King about David’s valor. When we read 1 Samuel 21:10-15, we understand that he did it “pretended to be insane” out of fear as he “was very much afraid.” He was not in a situation where he could pray openly or loudly. During this unprecedented time, David must have prayed in his heart silently. In Psalm 34, David describes the result of his silent prayer. Here, he sings that God not only answered his prayers but removed all his fears and gave him joy. God answers the prayers of all who seek him.
Application: No situation can hinder us from seeking God and praying to him. When I face unexpected things or dangers in my life where I cannot get the help of any others, I can call upon the Lord. God listens to even my heart’s cry and delivers me from all my troubles. God answers my prayers and fills my heart with his joy. I can call him anytime! He is always available. When I dial my prayers to him, he listens and responds to my prayers. It’s a two-way communication! Every time I pray, I receive God’s strength to overcome my fears and experience his peace and joy in my life. Therefore, I must seek him continually, not just in times of need.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for listening and answering our prayers. Even to a secret prayer, you give an open response. Lord, help me to seek your face every day and pray always. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 34
Scripture: Matthew 18: 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.
Observation: Many Christians misunderstand this passage and fail to see what Jesus wants to communicate to us. Some think that who can live such a life that is free from any sin. The emphasis here is not to “cut off” the God-given organs of our body but to discipline them not to sin. It is not a call for “self-mutilation” but to consider the seriousness of sin and its consequences. Removing a body part will not help a person to free him/her from any sinful thought or action. If we take the literal meaning of this verse, none of us will be spared. Jesus calls for a disciplined life that has no place for any sin. A disciple of Jesus can live such a life when s/he follows Jesus in every possible way.
Application: Like a periodic medical examination helps keep my body healthy, I should have a periodical self-check-up to keep my spiritual life healthy and lead a vibrant Christian life. I need to identify what causes me to sin and be ready to remove it from my life. I should not adjust or compromise myself with anything that could lead to sin. Instead, considering the seriousness and dangers of sin, I should allow Jesus to touch my hands, feet, and eyes and use them for the purposes that God has ordained for them.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the warning about sin and the reminder about its consequences in my life. You alone can help me to live a life that uses my body parts to glorify God in everything I do. You are the holy God. Touch me, purify my thoughts and heart desires. Lord, help me today to live a holy and godly life that pleases you. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 35
Scripture: Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”... “35. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Observation: We often wonder how long I will have to tolerate this person and how many times I should be patient with him/her. Enough is enough! We think there is a limit to tolerating someone who offends or acts against us. Here, Jesus talks about complete forgiveness, not just in words but from our hearts. Some may think of the level of hurt and hate that they went through and find it difficult to forgive another person. In Jesus’ time, according to the Law of Moses, people had “the law of retaliation” (Exo.21:23-25), and taking revenge was considered an appropriate action. However, Jesus spoke of forgiveness. The forgiving heavenly father expects us to forgive others in the same way we are forgiven.
Application: Sometimes, I find it difficult to forgive others and think that someone who did something wrong deserves punishment or justice. However, when I need God’s forgiveness, I pray for God’s mercy and love and seek complete forgiveness. The Loving God forgives me and expects me to do the same with others as well. Therefore, I have no excuse to say “no” to forgiving others.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your love and forgiveness. Whenever I find it difficult to forgive a person, help me to remember your forgiving love. Loving Lord, give me your strength to forgive others from my heart and forget the past to show your love to the person I forgive. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 36
Scripture: Psalm 37:3 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Observation: We become indignant when we see wicked people succeed in their every evil scheme. Sometimes, we think there is no use in being a good or godly person who properly does things without applying any shortcuts or evil plans. Psalm 37 gives us a picture of what would happen to a wicked person, what the LORD would do to those who trust in him, and what a godly person is supposed to do. A wicked person may taste successes for a while, but they are temporary. On the other hand, the blessing of the land belongs to the righteous ones who trust God. All we need to do is, instead of fretting over the so-called successes of the wicked and evil people, we should do what the LORD expects from us.
Application: When I trust God and wait for his intervention in my life and work, I must keep my focus on Him, not on others who are ready to do anything to achieve success. The true and eternal blessing comes from the LORD. However, my joy and happiness do not come from the blessings I receive. The Lord is my delight. He knows my heart and my ways. I can always trust him.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for the instruction you have given me today. Help me keep your word in my heart and look at you alone instead of seeing any other person. Lord, give me the heart to be still before you and wait on you and the strength to walk in your way. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 37
Scripture: Matthew 19:25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” 26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Observation: Jesus’ disciples who heard the conversation between the rich young man and Jesus might have been surprised to hear how he answered the rich man. Here, we see a man who wants to know what he has to do to earn eternal life. Jesus’ response made the rich man sad, so he went away. Jesus told the rich man what he really lacks to enter eternal life. He wanted to earn it through his works and was not ready to receive it as a gift. However, it seems Jesus’s disciples did not understand Jesus’ answer. So they asked, “Who then can be saved?” Sometimes, we also think like the disciples of Jesus. When we think of the salvation of any of our relatives, friends, or family members, Jesus will give the same answer even today, “With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.”
Application: I need to remember that I am saved by God’s grace, not by any of my works. God wants me to keep him at the center of my life and commit to following him every day. Further, God can save any person; nothing is impossible for him. Instead of looking at the difficulties and hindrances for a person to be saved, I should look at the almighty God who wants everyone to be saved. He is able!
Prayer: Jesus, I come to you today and want to follow you in my life every day. Keep me close to you. Help me to put aside my self-righteousness that hinders me from loving and trusting you. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 38
Scripture: Psalm 39:4 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. 5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.
Observation: David resolved to be quiet and silent in front of the wicked people, and he did so. However, he was not able to be silent when he came before God. While David meditated, the fire burned (v.3). Then David prayed to God and asked a “rhetorical question” that required no answer—“how fleeting my life is.” As he asks this very question of life, he knows the answer and says it. Life is short; no one, “even those who seem secure,” also cannot live long. There is an end to all. Everyone would accept it as true. But, how do we live?
Some people think and act as if they would live for thousands of years on this earth. Without knowing or caring about their end, they spend their energy and time acquiring wealth and possessions. How often do we hear and read about the fall or demise of mighty, wealthy, influential people! The more we realize the brevity of our life, the more we should plan to make a long-lasting impact through our life.
Application: My life on this earth is short. But Jesus makes my life sweet and useful for others. Whatever I face, “my hope” is in God. For HE is the eternal one. Jesus called me to live and to prepare for the eternal life he has stored for me. By living according to God’s will and plan, my short life can be beneficial to all, not just to me. Instead of focusing on temporary things, I will fix my eyes on eternity.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for helping me to understand the true nature and span of human life. Lord, you are the Alpha and Omega. You know everything. So I submit my life to your hands. May my life be an aroma that spreads your goodness and greatness. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 39
Scripture: Matthew 20:24 When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Observation: If Jesus asks us the question, “What is it that you want?” many of us would have given him the same answer, like the mother of Jacob and John. The other disciples who were present with Jesus also might have responded similarly. They were indignant because they were jealous of the two disciples as their mother asked for a coveted position that everyone desired. However, Jesus brought them together and taught an important lesson for Christian Leadership. He sternly warned them not to be like the rulers of the world but to be like him by doing humble service to humanity. Rulers, Lords, and officials of this world may exercise their authority to rule and control the people. But for a follower of Jesus, his message is, “Not so with you.” Every Christian is expected to be a leader, not in worldly ways in the way how the world functions, but in the exact model Christ has shown us through his sacrificial life. Remember, it is not an option to choose or to reject.
Application: When I think of leadership, my mind naturally looks at the existing models in the world, especially in the corporate world. The worldly organizational structures, strategies, and methods of exercising leadership prowess are appealing to me. However, I must remember that even great leaders or organizations are prone to fall. In fact, many of them are wiped out when a new phenomenon or idea emerges. However the model Jesus has shown to his followers is appropriate at any time and highly beneficial to humanity. Jesus’ leadership model continues to impact the world through every Christian who would like to follow him and serve the people with a humble spirit. I have the best leadership model to follow, a great leader who successfully practiced this model till his last breath on the cross. I will follow Jesus’ leadership model.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your ever-green truth and the leadership model that is appropriate for all times. Lord Jesus, help me to serve my people with all my heart by following your footsteps. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️: Day – 40
Scripture: Exodus 32: 22 “Do not be angry, my lord,” Aaron answered. “You know how prone these people are to evil. 23 They said to me, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.’ 24 So I told them, ‘Whoever has any gold jewelry, take it off.’ Then they gave me the gold, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf!”
Observation: While the Holy God gave his ordinances for the Israelites through Moses, the Israelites grew impatient and demanded Aaron to make gods to lead their journey. Aaron yielded to the pressure and led the people to idolatry by collecting jewelry and making a calf their god. On the other hand, although Moses pleaded for God’s mercy to cool off the wrath of God against the Israelites, when he came down, he openly confronted Aaron. In Aaron’s response, we see a suppression of the fact, i.e., what exactly Aaron did, and he made a wrong statement as if an idol automatically came out of the fire. Instead of accepting his mistakes and failing to keep up his responsibility, Aaron blamed the Israelites with lame excuses. He might have feared the people and worried about the consequences of not accepting their demands. Eventually, it led the people to sin against God, and they started to do abominable things that were not pleasing to God. The Exodus story would have had a different end if it were not for Moses and the Levites who stood firm for the Lord.
Application: At times, I may get pressures and demands to do something against God. It may come from within the family or workplace or from friends and relatives. Every person who lives in the world has these possible dangers of acting against his/her conscience. However, how I respond to such a situation will make a vast difference between me and others. If I ever yielded to the pressures of others and sinned against God, I would ask God to forgive me instead of justifying my failure. As a Christian, I should not give space to anything that could lead me to sin. I will fearlessly take a stand for God and pray for the people who go away from God.
Prayer: Father God, whenever I face the pressures of this world, help me be strong and bold. Protect me from yielding to the ungodly demands of the people. As Luther once said, “Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me.” Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 41
Scripture: Psalm 42:5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Observation: The psalmist must have been in a difficult time of his life when he wrote Psalm 42. Obviously, he had many “Why?” questions and no immediate answers to those who taunted him. Instead of looking for answers, the psalmist desperately seeks God. As he prays for his deliverance, he remembers the good past time when he was in the house of God and makes a self-talk to remind himself what he should do at such a time. While his enemies made him cry day and night, the psalmist expresses his hope in God that God sends his love for the day and songs for the night to comfort and be with him. So he asks himself, “Why, my soul, are you downcast?”
Application: Being a Christian does not mean that the person is free from problems, troubles, and worries. God did not promise a life without any worries. While everyone in this world has their own problems and struggles at varying levels, what I do when I face a problem shows the difference between me and others. As a Christian, I seek God and his answers. God is my hope. My soul, you can experience his peace and rest as you seek God with all your heart!
Prayer: My God, you are my deliverer, and you are my hiding place. When I have no immediate answers for the questions of my life, when others ask me difficult questions, I can put my hope in you. Instead of worrying within me, I praise my God and pray to him. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 42
Scripture: Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?”… 21…Then he(Jesus) said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
Observation: Here, we see an interesting and important passage that teaches something applicable to our day-to-day life. Pharisees were against Roman rule, but the Herodians accepted the imperial power of Rome. However, they both came together and tried to trap Jesus with evil intentions. Of course, their description of Jesus was true. In fact, it was a prelude to their tricky question. Jesus' "yes" would be an opportunity for the Pharisees to portray him as an anti-Jewish (or an anti-national). His "no" would have invited Roman's wrath. Jesus stunned them with his astounding response that everyone needs to be proper in his/her earthly responsibilities as well as in their godly responsibilities. Indirectly, it was a message to Caesar, who falsely claimed he was a son of God and inscribed his name on the Roman coin. Jesus confounded his questioners and made them think about doing the right thing.
Application: When people ask my opinion on anything, I need to be faithful to God in my response to them. I should not compromise my integrity for anything and should not be swayed away by anything or by anyone. Importantly, when people provoke or tempt me to do something wrong, I should not give space to my emotions. Instead, I should help them understand the difference between the Godly obligations as a child of God and the obligations to the State or government as a citizen. Although I am a citizen of my country, I am a child of God and am saved by his divine grace. As a Christian, I need to practice what I say in my words.
Prayer: My Lord Jesus, thank you for helping me to understand my responsibilities. I need your strength to walk with integrity and to live a blameless life. Help me to be faithful in my words and deeds. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 43
Scripture: Matthew 22:34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Observation: After the Pharisees and Sadducees failed in their joint venture to trap Jesus to prove their beliefs and teaching, they started to ask questions that were considered to be tough to answer in their time. Once Jesus silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees might have thought that they were better than the Sadducees as they were strict adherents of the Law of Moses and were well-known for their emphasis on the Law. So they asked Jesus a popular question among the Jews during that period. In those days, people had divergent opinions regarding the greatest commandment in the law. Based on their viewpoint, they emphasized the law of sacrifices or the law of circumcision or the law of the Sabbath, and so on.
But Jesus precisely summarized the entire law in two sentences. Loving God is always the first and the greatest commandment. Next to this, loving every other person as one loves herself/ himself is the second greatest commandment. We should not change this order. Only by love can we fulfill or practice the law of God, not by any conditions or rules. God is love. He loves us and expects the same that we must love God first and then love other people.
Application: If I do not have love, my education, social status, scriptural and theological knowledge, and my long experience have no value in it. I need to love God first and should not keep any human being in place of God. When I love God and my neighbors, I should do it with all my heart, all my soul, and all my spirit.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your words that give a new perspective on the law. Help me to seek and love God first and then love others. May your Holy Spirit help me to do this with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my mind. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 44
Scripture: Exodus 39:42 The Israelites had done all the work just as the Lord had commanded Moses. 43 Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them.
Exodus 40: 34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle....38 So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels.
Matthew 23: 13 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.
Observation: In today's bible reading passage, we see two kinds of people. The first is those who diligently did things "as the Lord Commanded." Secondly, we read about the hypocrites who were warned by Jesus for not doing what God required of them but doing things that pleased them. When the people of God finished their work "as the Lord commanded," they received God’s blessing and were able to see the glory of the Lord, which would guide them in their remaining journey to Canaan. On the other hand, we read Jesus' condemnation against those hypocrites. Obedience to the commands of the Lord always brings blessing and helps us see God's guidance for our lives.
Application: God honors my obedience when I do things as he commands. At the same time, if I practice hypocrisy in my life, he condemns it. I cannot hide anything from God. God sees my heart that obeys, not just my external actions. When I obey God, I honor Him and receive the Lord's blessings and guidance for my life. So always, “I will do" the commands of God "just as he commanded."
Prayer: Father God, help me today to see your glory and guidance through my obedience. Holy Spirit, help me to overcome my weaknesses and strengthen me to obey God with love. Keep me away from any form of hypocrisy. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 45
Scripture: Psalm 46: 1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Observation: Psalm 46 tells us why there will be no fear among the people of God. The Bible does not say there will be no calamity or problems in our lives. Instead, it speaks of the availability of "an ever-present help" during those difficult times when we struggle or suffer. Here, the Psalmist reminds us, "God is our refuge and strength." The world we live in may collapse upside down, and even big mountains may fall, but God is available to help us. We can hide in him, for he is our refuge. Even if we go through a challenging or trying period, we can be strong, for God is our strength. As long as we trust God and place our hope in him, we will be free from any fear. We can call on him any time. He is available to help us all the time—24/7. We may be/become weak in times of trouble. But we can find our strength in God.
Application: There were times when I was reluctant to call somebody for help, thinking that the person who could help me may be too busy to offer his/her help. Sometimes, even if they were available to help, they could not help as it was beyond their capacity. Here, the almighty God is available to help me. He shows no partiality to the calls that seek his help. I can go to him any time of the day to find my real strength. The sooner I go to God, the sooner I find my help. So, in my testing times,
"I will call upon the Lord Who is worthy to be praised. So shall I be saved from my enemies I will call upon the Lord."
Prayer: Father God, thank you for always encouraging me to trust you. You are able to help me in any situation. My loving Lord, give me your strength to face the trials of the day. For you are with me, I will not fear. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 46
Scripture: Matthew 24:4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you... 25 See, I have told you ahead of time.
Observation: When Jesus' disciples asked him about the signs of the end days, Jesus warned them about the dangers of deceptions of the end days. Here, the word "watch out" calls us to see, perceive, and discern what is right or wrong to protect ourselves from any deception. In his Olivet discourse about the end days, Jesus spoke about the internal and external struggles of a believer. Among these struggles, attempts to deceive a follower of Christ would cause more damage than any other disasters he mentioned in his speech, for it could separate a person away from God.
Instead of blindly or uncritically believing something, we should be alert when propaganda diverts our attention. Even if someone comes in sheep's clothing, it is the responsibility of every believer to discern whether it is from God or not. Jesus informed us well ahead of time about all these dangers of soon-coming and existing deceptions. We need to be alert and of a sober mind.
Application: As a Christian, I need to prepare myself to face everything that comes against me. Christ Jesus already told us about what would happen in the end days. As I watch out for what is happening in the world, I understand that his words are true. His words are sufficient to feed my spiritual hunger and to warn me of any dangers. I need no other source other than Jesus and his word to escape the dangers of the world. All I need is open eyes, ears, and a discerning heart to reject anything that misleads or deceives me.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your prophecy and warning about the end days. Help me stand firm in the truth and guard my faith against deception. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 47
Scripture: Leviticus 6: 8 The Lord said to Moses: 9...‘These are the regulations for the burnt offering: The burnt offering is to remain on the altar hearth throughout the night, till morning, and the fire must be kept burning on the altar. 12 The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out. Every morning the priest is to add firewood and arrange the burnt offering on the fire and burn the fat of the fellowship offerings on it. 13 The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.
Observation: Israelites offered burnt offerings as an act of voluntary worship, to make an atonement with God, and to express their devotion, commitment, and absolute surrender to God. Whatever is offered as a burnt offering should be burnt to ashes. For this, keeping the fire on the altar burning throughout the day and night is very important. Once the sacrifice is burnt completely, the burnt offering becomes "an aroma pleasing to the Lord." The priest has a day-to-day responsibility to add firewood and remove the ashes. The burnt offering is a voluntary sacrifice, not a mandatory one. However, when a person brings it to the Lord, there are regulations to offer it as "an aroma pleasing to the Lord."
Application: Jesus Christ sacrificed his life on the cross to make atonement between man and God. Therefore, for atonement with God, all I need to do is nothing but accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Offering my life and my "SELF" to God is a voluntary act of worship. However, I need to keep the flame burning to keep my relationship intact with God. Then, my life will be an aroma pleasing to the Lord. Whatever hinders the fire from burning, I should be ready to remove it from me. It is a continuous and everyday responsibility to keep my spiritual life alive.
Prayer: Father God, I offer my life to you on the altar of sacrifice. Thank you for accepting me. Cleanse me, and purify my thoughts every day so that my life may become an aroma pleasing to you. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 48
Scripture: Psalm 49:16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; 17 for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them.
Observation: Psalm 49 gives us a warning about those who trust their wealth. Here, the psalmist explains what a person cannot buy with his wealth and the destiny of those who trust in wealth. Further, in Ps 49:16, there is an advice for the reader. In the world we live in, many of us think that money determines many things. To some extent, it may be true. But here, we see a practical warning that money cannot save a person. With mere money, nobody can redeem the life of another person.
The psalmist expresses his hope that God can redeem his life. Indeed Jesus gave his life as a ransom for all the people. So we need to trust God instead of keeping our eyes on wealth or putting our trust in any worldly riches. Jesus rightly said, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" (Matthew 16:26).
Application: Whether I have wealth or not is not a matter. Nevertheless, where I put my trust really matters till eternity. If I have wealth, I need proper understanding to use it wisely. If I do not have riches, I should not be in awe of those who have them. God is my trust and strength. Any of the worldly treasures cannot redeem a person. However, as the psalmist says, "But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself."
Prayer: Father God, thank you for the words of wisdom that we read today. Thank you for the price you paid on the Cross for my redemption and salvation. Lord, help me always put my trust in you and store treasures in heaven. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 49
Scripture: Psalm 50:23 He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.
Observation: God wants his people to praise him and acknowledge their dependence on God. Thank offering is "an expression of thankfulness" to our God. Thank offering is an act of gratitude for the grace and blessings we received, the deliverance from our chains, sickness, trouble, and death. As we read in Ps.50, our thank-offerings honor God and prepare the way for God to show his salvation to us. When we make our thank offerings, we need to do it with a heart of gratitude for the blessings we receive and the blessings we will receive. The author of Hebrews says that our sacrifice of praise is "the fruit of lips that openly profess his (God's) name," and we should continually do it through Jesus (Heb.13:15).
Application: God answers my every prayer, delivers me from all troubles, and shows his way. However, as I count his blessings and mercies, I regret that I did not thank him for everything I received. My thank offering honors God; He is worthy of all praises and worship. God has done his part to deliver me and is always ready to guide me. I know well that I can do nothing without him. But how many times in a day do I acknowledge my dependency on God? When I continually offer thanks and praises through my lips, it keeps me away from the many perils of life. However, I must do it with a heart of gratitude. I should not do it as a ritual or just for the sake of doing it as a duty.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for everything you do in my life. Today, I want to thank You, Lord. Help me be thankful and prepare my ways to walk with you always. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 50
Scripture: Leviticus 11: 44. I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy...45. I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.
Observation: The book of Leviticus is a manual of laws and regulations for the Israelites to worship God, to keep themselves ceremonially clean, to offer sacrifices, and to live as God's holy people. God brought them out from Egypt and expected them to live HOLY because he is HOLY. This call to holiness is unique in various ways. God wants us to be like him. He says, "Be holy, because I am holy."
Although God has set us apart from others, we need to do something to consecrate ourselves. In the O.T. times, there were laws to keep a person ceremonially clean. But they need to be practised. When David sinned against God and prayed for forgiveness, he pleaded with God to cleanse and wash him (Ps.51:7). He must have understood that God alone can make a person holy and clean. Our Lord Jesus offered his body as the perfect sacrifice and shed his blood for the forgiveness of sins. All we need to do is accept Jesus and take God's provisions for us to live holy.
Application: Living a holy life for the Holy God is a blessed responsibility. It is not about the do's and don'ts of life but about following God in every aspect of my life. Knowing my weaknesses, God sent His son Jesus to the world, and through him, I can live a life that pleases God. The blood of Jesus purifies me from all sins. I confess my inabilities and weaknesses that hinder leading a holy life. I seek God that he may forgive and sanctify me. Not for me or not according to my expectations, but for you, oh God, I should live a holy life.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your desire for us to be holy. Thank you for your loving provision through your son Jesus to purify us. Lord, help me take it in my life and to live a holy life every day. I, too, want to be like you and be holy. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 51
Scripture: Matthew 26: 69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. 70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said...” 72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”...74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word... And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Observation: When we read the denial of Peter, we wonder how come a person who boldly declared that " “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you” could completely deny Jesus. Some think Peter's denial was worse than Judas Iscariot’s betrayal. We read how Peter progressively denied Jesus when sitting in the courtyard. He was there to see what would happen to Jesus. Many false witnesses came forward before the Sanhedrin; they said many things against Jesus and distorted or misrepresented what Jesus had spoken earlier.
Here, we see a false witness who spoke against himself and his conscience. After knowing the plan of the Sanhedrin to kill Jesus, Peter might have been afraid of the possible punishment for being a disciple of Jesus. However, a rooster gave him a wake-up call, and he remembered Jesus and his words. Peter no longer sat in that place but wept bitterly as he was repenting from his grievous act of denying Jesus. Concerning these tears of repentance, Spurgeon says, "True repentance is always the gift of God, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the soul.
*Application* Did I ever disown Jesus through my words, actions, and in my thoughts? It may be easy to sing of my commitment and dedication to the Lord during Sunday worship and in songs. I may even sing that I will live faithfully for the Lord God throughout my life. However, in testing times, during temptations, and when I face opposing environments, what I do will speak louder than my words. Peter's repentance helped him come back and dedicate his life to the cause he was called for. At times, I may have to face situations like this to speak against my beliefs and conscience. Instead of denying the Lord, I should deny any opportunities to those temptations. I should seek the help of Jesus.
Prayer* Father God, help me be strong and bold to testify my faith in you in any situation. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 52
Scripture: Psalm 53: 1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. 2 God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
Observation: The difference between a theist and an atheist is primarily based on how he or she reads the space between the words/things. For example, how you read today's title would give two different statements that are opposite to each other: A theist would read "God is now here"; an atheist would read "God is nowhere." A person's belief in God is connected to what he or she thinks about God in his/her heart. A person's actions would reflect what s/he believes about God.
When someone says or thinks that there is no God, as the Scripture says, he or she is a fool. As we observe, Psalm 53 replicates Psalm 14 with some minor changes. This repetition conveys the importance of the message of these two Psalms. God never has a selective or biased view when he sees all of humanity. When God sees the world, he notices those who understand and seek him.
Application: Sometimes, some people believe something in their heart but do something else that contradicts their belief due to compulsion. However, concerning God, my beliefs and actions are like the two tracks of a railway track. It cannot go in different directions. I should live with a sense that God watches over me.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for giving me the heart to trust and to believe you. Since you are seeing me from above, I am under your protection. My God, help me to understand you and live accordingly and seek you first before I seek anything or anyone else. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 53
Scripture: Matthew 27:46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). 47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
Observation: When Jesus was on the cross, people around him could not understand his cry. They might have thought that he was calling for Elijah's help as he was mocked and insulted by the people, soldiers, and chief priests. Although Christ went through a cruel form of human torture, he did not cry out of body pain. Instead, a momentary separation from God when he bore the sins of all the world must have been more painful than anything else, and that made him cry. The crucifixion of Jesus was a prophetic fulfilment for the salvation of humanity. Jesus, the sinless lamb of God, willingly gave Himself as the perfect sacrifice to make way for every person to be redeemed from the clutches of the bondage of sin and to enjoy an eternal relationship with God the Father. It was so unbearable for him. But he had to taste it to set us free from the slavery of the fear of death (Heb.2:14,15).
Application: Jesus' crucifixion says how much God loves us/me. The cross of Christ reminds me of the price Jesus has paid for me and shows the way to my salvation. Jesus is the source of my eternal salvation. I am no longer a slave to sin, for Christ saved me. I am no longer a slave to fear, for I am a child of God. I belong to Jesus. Through Christ, I can experience God's love and show it to others every day.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your love to save us. There is none like you! Lord, I offer my life to you; Use it for your glory. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 54
Scripture: Exodus 3: 7 The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them...10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
Observation: Notice the verbs in the selected Bible passage. God, who sees, hears, and is concerned about his people, came down to deliver them from slavery. He appeared to Moses “in flames of fire from within a bush” and commissioned him. But what Moses did! He was making excuses after excuses, five in total. Some may think that they are genuine doubts or questions. “Who am I that I should go...?” (Exo.3:11), “What is his (God’s) name? Then what shall I tell them?” (Exo.3:13), “What if they do not believe me or listen to me...?” (Exo.4:1), “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue” (Exo.4:10), and “Lord. Please send someone else” (Exo.4:13). Here, we read that God patiently answered Moses’s all questions and doubts. However, when Moses expressed his unwillingness and asked God to find someone else, God was angry with Moses. We learn two things here: God is concerned about the suffering of his people. When God calls us to tell his message of deliverance, we must obey.
Application: How many times I was reluctant to obey God by telling my hesitations and fears! Sometimes, my fears, doubts, and problems appear bigger than the God I serve. I should remember and be confident that the Lord who calls me knows my every need and gives the strength to do his work. Amazing savior, almighty God! I can trust him. There is none like him.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your Love and care. Forgive me, O God! Many times, I have said my excuses instead of obeying your words. Instead of looking at you, I saw my weaknesses. My God! Help me to see you always, and strengthen me to show my Love through my actions and obedience to your word. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day–27
Scripture: Matthew 14:22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone.
Observation: After a long day of work and ministering to a large crowd, after the miracle of feeding all the people who were with him, Jesus went up on a mountainside to pray. After witnessing Jesus’ ministry of healing the sick (Mt.14:14), after seeing the miracle of the multiplication of food that filled and satisfied all (besides women and children, the number of men alone was 5000) who ate (Mt.14:15-21), all those around him surely would not have liked to go away from Jesus. They may have had different aspirations and expectations (Jn.6:14,15) about Jesus. But, “immediately Jesus made the disciples” go to the other side while sending the people to their homes. The literal meaning of this verse is that Jesus “compelled” or “constrained” his disciples to go into the boat and went up to pray. “He was there alone.” In other words, he was alone with God. Even when Jesus was healing people and ministering to large crowds, he was able to find time to pray and spend it alone with God. How he sent his disciples “immediately” shows us his priority.
Application:*] Finding time to read the Bible or pray every day is often difficult for many Christians. My so-called busy life should not be a hindrance to spending time in prayer. As Jesus did, I may need to constrain (or refrain from) something in my life to find time to pray. I may need to “make” something that would help me spend my time praying with God. Like I seek God and pray during my times of need, I do not come to God in my normal days. My heavenly Father knows my every need. So my focus and purpose of prayer are not for my needs but to spend time alone with God. “I will do” everything that helps me to find some time to pray every day. As someone rightly said, “taking time to be with God is the best place to find strength.”
Prayer: Father God, You are the living God. You love me and want to speak with me every day of my life. You are the source of my strength. Help me to keep anything away from my life that hinders me from praying. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day–28
Scripture: Matthew 15:1 Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 2 “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!” 3 Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?... 6...Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.
Observation: This bible passage does not say that Jesus is against tradition. Instead, we can say that he is undoubtedly against any tradition that nullifies the Word of God. In Jesus’ time, the “tradition of the elders” was in oral form and played an important role in Jewish people’s day-to-day activities. The original purpose of the tradition was to help people to follow the law of Moses. However, they became mere rules taught by humans. When a tradition takes the place of God, whatever is offered to God will become lip service. But God expects our hearty service that honors him in our words and deeds. God is not interested in our external or ceremonial purification. He wants us to be “clean” in our hearts. As the psalmist says, we need to “worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness” (Ps.29:2).
Application: Knowingly or unknowingly, we follow many traditions in our lives. Initially, they all might have been developed with good intentions to aid people’s day-to-day lives. However, I need to be watchful and careful so that any tradition that I follow does not nullify the Word of God. In a culture of honor and shame, tradition plays a vital role in society. However, in my life, the words of Jesus are more important than any tradition. No tradition is greater than God. I will not allow any tradition to defile my heart before God. The real blessing of God comes from the Word of God, not from any tradition.
Prayer: Oh, Holy God, forgive me if I have ever given a place to any tradition that nullifies your words. Help me to keep my heart pure and clean from any traditional defilement. Sanctify me by the truth of your word. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day–29
Scripture: Matthew 15:29 Jesus...went up on a mountainside and sat down. 30 Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.
Observation: When a king sits on his throne, his people would come and offer what they could at his feet to show their respect for the King. Here, we read that while Jesus was sitting, people laid the lame, the blind, the disabled, the mute, and many others at his feet. Then, we read of God’s creative power to heal those sick people. He made them well. Jesus did something that is not impossible to do with even in today’s modern medical era. So they were amazed and praised God. What more could they do! The feet of Jesus is the perfect place to offer our inabilities, weaknesses, worries, sorrows, pain, and anything that we can’t bear in our lives. He is able to heal us even today, for “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb.13:8).
Application: When I place my life at his feet, then I can sing like David, “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever” (Ps.30:11,12). He is able! He is alive! Nothing is impossible for my Lord Jesus Christ. Hallelujah! Lord Jesus, I offer my life to you. What more could I do!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you alone are worthy of my praise. Thank you for your providence to my every need. You are my everything. I can always trust you. Help me to live for your glory. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day–30
Scripture: Psalm 31:23 Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. 24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Observation: In the world we live in today, we see that preservatives are added to many food products, medicines, cosmetics, and so many other things. Although preservatives prevent the decomposition of these products, they would spoil the health and well-being of those who use them. Here, David says, “The LORD preserves the faithful.” In Psalm 31, David expresses his trust in the Lord despite all the unfavorable situations in his life. As he describes his distressing thoughts, pains, and slanders that terrorized him and weakened him both physically and emotionally, his confidence is in the Lord, and he says, “But I trust in you” (Ps.31:9-14).
God protects his faithful ones from all afflictions and keeps them safe. Above all, God stored up his best for his people. As our times are in His hands, not in the hands of our enemies, he delivers and lifts us in his time. God is faithful. He fulfilled his promises to the Israelites and brought them out from the bondage of Egypt after 430 years. He is able to deliver and protect his faithful ones even today. Not who our enemy is or what our sorrowful situation is, but in whom we put our trust matters most. We can trust God always!
Application: When I am surrounded by unfavorable situations and afflictions that I never expected in my life, I sometimes become physically and emotionally weak. The more I look at my environment, the more my fears intensify, and no breakthrough is visible within my eyesight. However, when I remember God’s works in the lives of others who feared him, my confidence and trust in the Lord increase and my fears disappear. The Bible tells many such stories of God’s faithfulness and deliverance. God’s protection never decays. I trust and love you, oh my Lord. How great thou art!
Prayer: Father God, thank you for protecting me from every harmful and evil thought that tries to devour me. My life and my times are in your hands! How wonderful is your Love! Help me to remember your love and protection and to love you always. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day– 31
Scripture: Exodus 13: 21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.
Observation: Finally, in a dramatic way, the Israelites left Egypt and started their journey to Canaan, the promised land. Instead of taking the short and direct route, God led them to a desert (Ex.13:17,18). However, God assured them of his presence and guidance with the pillar of cloud and fire at the start of their journey. With God’s presence and guidance, the people of God were able to “travel by day or night.” With the pillar of the cloud, they had an assurance that God was going before them and received guidance. Because of the pillar of fire by night, they had no darkness but light. However, when the Egyptians changed their hearts and pursued the Israelites, the same pillar of cloud that guided the Israelites “brought darkness” to the Egyptians (Ex.14:19,20). Eventually, God made the Israelites pass through the Red Sea as if they walked on dry ground. On the other hand, all the Egyptians were drowned in the sea. This exodus journey is a familiar Old Testament narrative that reminds us, “Do not be afraid” of your situation, but “stand firm” in the Lord. “The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you” (Ex.14:13,14).
Application: When God gives me a direction to walk in a particular way or do anything, I can be assured of God’s presence, guidance, and protection throughout my journey. As long as I walk in God’s light and guidance, I do not need to fear for anything. I know that the one who lives in me and with me is greater than the one in the world.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for reminding us that you always guide your people and fight with their enemies. Lord, you know the way I take. Help me to walk in your guidance and light. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 32
Scripture: Exodus 15:11 Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
Observation: When Moses and Aaron asked Pharaoh to send the Israelites to worship the LORD, Pharaoh’s response was, “Who is the LORD...I do not know the Lord, and I will not let Israel go” (Exo.5:1,2). Then, the LORD sent plagues upon the Egyptians, which displayed the mighty power of the LORD against all the Egyptian gods. When God repeatedly said, “The Egyptians will know that I am the LORD,” it was God’s response to Pharaoh’s remark that he does not know the LORD. As we read in the book of Exodus, no power and no magicians could stand against God the LORD.
Here in three phrases, this ancient song briefly summarizes the entire episode of God’s mighty acts of deliverance that the LORD is “majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders.” I do not know whether anyone could make an accurate description of the LORD better than this one. When we ask ourselves, “Who is like you, Lord, the only possible answer would be, “There is none like you.”
Application: My God is able to deliver his people from any situation and make others understand that HE is the LORD. However, I need to obey God and follow his instructions to see his mighty acts in my life. Above all, he is the “Holy One of Israel.” God works in my life and works through me to manifest his glory and power to make others understand who he is! Nothing is impossible for him. I must allow God to use my life to help others to know that HE IS THE LORD.
Prayer: Oh, Holy God, Thank you for saving me from the bondage of sin by your love and accepting me with your outstretched arms. Help me to live holy, give your strength to praise you always, and tell others about your wonderful works in my life. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 33
Scripture: Psalm 34: 4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
Observation: The title of Psalm 34 indicates that David was in a difficult situation that threatened his life. A brave and mighty warrior, David would never have imagined that he would have to pretend to be a madman or would have to act like an insane man. Ironically, he did this when the men told their King about David’s valor. When we read 1 Samuel 21:10-15, we understand that he did it “pretended to be insane” out of fear as he “was very much afraid.” He was not in a situation where he could pray openly or loudly. During this unprecedented time, David must have prayed in his heart silently. In Psalm 34, David describes the result of his silent prayer. Here, he sings that God not only answered his prayers but removed all his fears and gave him joy. God answers the prayers of all who seek him.
Application: No situation can hinder us from seeking God and praying to him. When I face unexpected things or dangers in my life where I cannot get the help of any others, I can call upon the Lord. God listens to even my heart’s cry and delivers me from all my troubles. God answers my prayers and fills my heart with his joy. I can call him anytime! He is always available. When I dial my prayers to him, he listens and responds to my prayers. It’s a two-way communication! Every time I pray, I receive God’s strength to overcome my fears and experience his peace and joy in my life. Therefore, I must seek him continually, not just in times of need.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for listening and answering our prayers. Even to a secret prayer, you give an open response. Lord, help me to seek your face every day and pray always. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 34
Scripture: Matthew 18: 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.
Observation: Many Christians misunderstand this passage and fail to see what Jesus wants to communicate to us. Some think that who can live such a life that is free from any sin. The emphasis here is not to “cut off” the God-given organs of our body but to discipline them not to sin. It is not a call for “self-mutilation” but to consider the seriousness of sin and its consequences. Removing a body part will not help a person to free him/her from any sinful thought or action. If we take the literal meaning of this verse, none of us will be spared. Jesus calls for a disciplined life that has no place for any sin. A disciple of Jesus can live such a life when s/he follows Jesus in every possible way.
Application: Like a periodic medical examination helps keep my body healthy, I should have a periodical self-check-up to keep my spiritual life healthy and lead a vibrant Christian life. I need to identify what causes me to sin and be ready to remove it from my life. I should not adjust or compromise myself with anything that could lead to sin. Instead, considering the seriousness and dangers of sin, I should allow Jesus to touch my hands, feet, and eyes and use them for the purposes that God has ordained for them.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the warning about sin and the reminder about its consequences in my life. You alone can help me to live a life that uses my body parts to glorify God in everything I do. You are the holy God. Touch me, purify my thoughts and heart desires. Lord, help me today to live a holy and godly life that pleases you. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 35
Scripture: Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”... “35. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Observation: We often wonder how long I will have to tolerate this person and how many times I should be patient with him/her. Enough is enough! We think there is a limit to tolerating someone who offends or acts against us. Here, Jesus talks about complete forgiveness, not just in words but from our hearts. Some may think of the level of hurt and hate that they went through and find it difficult to forgive another person. In Jesus’ time, according to the Law of Moses, people had “the law of retaliation” (Exo.21:23-25), and taking revenge was considered an appropriate action. However, Jesus spoke of forgiveness. The forgiving heavenly father expects us to forgive others in the same way we are forgiven.
Application: Sometimes, I find it difficult to forgive others and think that someone who did something wrong deserves punishment or justice. However, when I need God’s forgiveness, I pray for God’s mercy and love and seek complete forgiveness. The Loving God forgives me and expects me to do the same with others as well. Therefore, I have no excuse to say “no” to forgiving others.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your love and forgiveness. Whenever I find it difficult to forgive a person, help me to remember your forgiving love. Loving Lord, give me your strength to forgive others from my heart and forget the past to show your love to the person I forgive. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 36
Scripture: Psalm 37:3 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Observation: We become indignant when we see wicked people succeed in their every evil scheme. Sometimes, we think there is no use in being a good or godly person who properly does things without applying any shortcuts or evil plans. Psalm 37 gives us a picture of what would happen to a wicked person, what the LORD would do to those who trust in him, and what a godly person is supposed to do. A wicked person may taste successes for a while, but they are temporary. On the other hand, the blessing of the land belongs to the righteous ones who trust God. All we need to do is, instead of fretting over the so-called successes of the wicked and evil people, we should do what the LORD expects from us.
Application: When I trust God and wait for his intervention in my life and work, I must keep my focus on Him, not on others who are ready to do anything to achieve success. The true and eternal blessing comes from the LORD. However, my joy and happiness do not come from the blessings I receive. The Lord is my delight. He knows my heart and my ways. I can always trust him.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for the instruction you have given me today. Help me keep your word in my heart and look at you alone instead of seeing any other person. Lord, give me the heart to be still before you and wait on you and the strength to walk in your way. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 37
Scripture: Matthew 19:25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” 26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Observation: Jesus’ disciples who heard the conversation between the rich young man and Jesus might have been surprised to hear how he answered the rich man. Here, we see a man who wants to know what he has to do to earn eternal life. Jesus’ response made the rich man sad, so he went away. Jesus told the rich man what he really lacks to enter eternal life. He wanted to earn it through his works and was not ready to receive it as a gift. However, it seems Jesus’s disciples did not understand Jesus’ answer. So they asked, “Who then can be saved?” Sometimes, we also think like the disciples of Jesus. When we think of the salvation of any of our relatives, friends, or family members, Jesus will give the same answer even today, “With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.”
Application: I need to remember that I am saved by God’s grace, not by any of my works. God wants me to keep him at the center of my life and commit to following him every day. Further, God can save any person; nothing is impossible for him. Instead of looking at the difficulties and hindrances for a person to be saved, I should look at the almighty God who wants everyone to be saved. He is able!
Prayer: Jesus, I come to you today and want to follow you in my life every day. Keep me close to you. Help me to put aside my self-righteousness that hinders me from loving and trusting you. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 38
Scripture: Psalm 39:4 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. 5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.
Observation: David resolved to be quiet and silent in front of the wicked people, and he did so. However, he was not able to be silent when he came before God. While David meditated, the fire burned (v.3). Then David prayed to God and asked a “rhetorical question” that required no answer—“how fleeting my life is.” As he asks this very question of life, he knows the answer and says it. Life is short; no one, “even those who seem secure,” also cannot live long. There is an end to all. Everyone would accept it as true. But, how do we live?
Some people think and act as if they would live for thousands of years on this earth. Without knowing or caring about their end, they spend their energy and time acquiring wealth and possessions. How often do we hear and read about the fall or demise of mighty, wealthy, influential people! The more we realize the brevity of our life, the more we should plan to make a long-lasting impact through our life.
Application: My life on this earth is short. But Jesus makes my life sweet and useful for others. Whatever I face, “my hope” is in God. For HE is the eternal one. Jesus called me to live and to prepare for the eternal life he has stored for me. By living according to God’s will and plan, my short life can be beneficial to all, not just to me. Instead of focusing on temporary things, I will fix my eyes on eternity.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for helping me to understand the true nature and span of human life. Lord, you are the Alpha and Omega. You know everything. So I submit my life to your hands. May my life be an aroma that spreads your goodness and greatness. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 39
Scripture: Matthew 20:24 When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Observation: If Jesus asks us the question, “What is it that you want?” many of us would have given him the same answer, like the mother of Jacob and John. The other disciples who were present with Jesus also might have responded similarly. They were indignant because they were jealous of the two disciples as their mother asked for a coveted position that everyone desired. However, Jesus brought them together and taught an important lesson for Christian Leadership. He sternly warned them not to be like the rulers of the world but to be like him by doing humble service to humanity. Rulers, Lords, and officials of this world may exercise their authority to rule and control the people. But for a follower of Jesus, his message is, “Not so with you.” Every Christian is expected to be a leader, not in worldly ways in the way how the world functions, but in the exact model Christ has shown us through his sacrificial life. Remember, it is not an option to choose or to reject.
Application: When I think of leadership, my mind naturally looks at the existing models in the world, especially in the corporate world. The worldly organizational structures, strategies, and methods of exercising leadership prowess are appealing to me. However, I must remember that even great leaders or organizations are prone to fall. In fact, many of them are wiped out when a new phenomenon or idea emerges. However the model Jesus has shown to his followers is appropriate at any time and highly beneficial to humanity. Jesus’ leadership model continues to impact the world through every Christian who would like to follow him and serve the people with a humble spirit. I have the best leadership model to follow, a great leader who successfully practiced this model till his last breath on the cross. I will follow Jesus’ leadership model.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your ever-green truth and the leadership model that is appropriate for all times. Lord Jesus, help me to serve my people with all my heart by following your footsteps. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️: Day – 40
Scripture: Exodus 32: 22 “Do not be angry, my lord,” Aaron answered. “You know how prone these people are to evil. 23 They said to me, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.’ 24 So I told them, ‘Whoever has any gold jewelry, take it off.’ Then they gave me the gold, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf!”
Observation: While the Holy God gave his ordinances for the Israelites through Moses, the Israelites grew impatient and demanded Aaron to make gods to lead their journey. Aaron yielded to the pressure and led the people to idolatry by collecting jewelry and making a calf their god. On the other hand, although Moses pleaded for God’s mercy to cool off the wrath of God against the Israelites, when he came down, he openly confronted Aaron. In Aaron’s response, we see a suppression of the fact, i.e., what exactly Aaron did, and he made a wrong statement as if an idol automatically came out of the fire. Instead of accepting his mistakes and failing to keep up his responsibility, Aaron blamed the Israelites with lame excuses. He might have feared the people and worried about the consequences of not accepting their demands. Eventually, it led the people to sin against God, and they started to do abominable things that were not pleasing to God. The Exodus story would have had a different end if it were not for Moses and the Levites who stood firm for the Lord.
Application: At times, I may get pressures and demands to do something against God. It may come from within the family or workplace or from friends and relatives. Every person who lives in the world has these possible dangers of acting against his/her conscience. However, how I respond to such a situation will make a vast difference between me and others. If I ever yielded to the pressures of others and sinned against God, I would ask God to forgive me instead of justifying my failure. As a Christian, I should not give space to anything that could lead me to sin. I will fearlessly take a stand for God and pray for the people who go away from God.
Prayer: Father God, whenever I face the pressures of this world, help me be strong and bold. Protect me from yielding to the ungodly demands of the people. As Luther once said, “Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me.” Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 41
Scripture: Psalm 42:5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Observation: The psalmist must have been in a difficult time of his life when he wrote Psalm 42. Obviously, he had many “Why?” questions and no immediate answers to those who taunted him. Instead of looking for answers, the psalmist desperately seeks God. As he prays for his deliverance, he remembers the good past time when he was in the house of God and makes a self-talk to remind himself what he should do at such a time. While his enemies made him cry day and night, the psalmist expresses his hope in God that God sends his love for the day and songs for the night to comfort and be with him. So he asks himself, “Why, my soul, are you downcast?”
Application: Being a Christian does not mean that the person is free from problems, troubles, and worries. God did not promise a life without any worries. While everyone in this world has their own problems and struggles at varying levels, what I do when I face a problem shows the difference between me and others. As a Christian, I seek God and his answers. God is my hope. My soul, you can experience his peace and rest as you seek God with all your heart!
Prayer: My God, you are my deliverer, and you are my hiding place. When I have no immediate answers for the questions of my life, when others ask me difficult questions, I can put my hope in you. Instead of worrying within me, I praise my God and pray to him. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 42
Scripture: Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?”… 21…Then he(Jesus) said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
Observation: Here, we see an interesting and important passage that teaches something applicable to our day-to-day life. Pharisees were against Roman rule, but the Herodians accepted the imperial power of Rome. However, they both came together and tried to trap Jesus with evil intentions. Of course, their description of Jesus was true. In fact, it was a prelude to their tricky question. Jesus' "yes" would be an opportunity for the Pharisees to portray him as an anti-Jewish (or an anti-national). His "no" would have invited Roman's wrath. Jesus stunned them with his astounding response that everyone needs to be proper in his/her earthly responsibilities as well as in their godly responsibilities. Indirectly, it was a message to Caesar, who falsely claimed he was a son of God and inscribed his name on the Roman coin. Jesus confounded his questioners and made them think about doing the right thing.
Application: When people ask my opinion on anything, I need to be faithful to God in my response to them. I should not compromise my integrity for anything and should not be swayed away by anything or by anyone. Importantly, when people provoke or tempt me to do something wrong, I should not give space to my emotions. Instead, I should help them understand the difference between the Godly obligations as a child of God and the obligations to the State or government as a citizen. Although I am a citizen of my country, I am a child of God and am saved by his divine grace. As a Christian, I need to practice what I say in my words.
Prayer: My Lord Jesus, thank you for helping me to understand my responsibilities. I need your strength to walk with integrity and to live a blameless life. Help me to be faithful in my words and deeds. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 43
Scripture: Matthew 22:34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Observation: After the Pharisees and Sadducees failed in their joint venture to trap Jesus to prove their beliefs and teaching, they started to ask questions that were considered to be tough to answer in their time. Once Jesus silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees might have thought that they were better than the Sadducees as they were strict adherents of the Law of Moses and were well-known for their emphasis on the Law. So they asked Jesus a popular question among the Jews during that period. In those days, people had divergent opinions regarding the greatest commandment in the law. Based on their viewpoint, they emphasized the law of sacrifices or the law of circumcision or the law of the Sabbath, and so on.
But Jesus precisely summarized the entire law in two sentences. Loving God is always the first and the greatest commandment. Next to this, loving every other person as one loves herself/ himself is the second greatest commandment. We should not change this order. Only by love can we fulfill or practice the law of God, not by any conditions or rules. God is love. He loves us and expects the same that we must love God first and then love other people.
Application: If I do not have love, my education, social status, scriptural and theological knowledge, and my long experience have no value in it. I need to love God first and should not keep any human being in place of God. When I love God and my neighbors, I should do it with all my heart, all my soul, and all my spirit.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your words that give a new perspective on the law. Help me to seek and love God first and then love others. May your Holy Spirit help me to do this with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my mind. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 44
Scripture: Exodus 39:42 The Israelites had done all the work just as the Lord had commanded Moses. 43 Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them.
Exodus 40: 34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle....38 So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels.
Matthew 23: 13 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.
Observation: In today's bible reading passage, we see two kinds of people. The first is those who diligently did things "as the Lord Commanded." Secondly, we read about the hypocrites who were warned by Jesus for not doing what God required of them but doing things that pleased them. When the people of God finished their work "as the Lord commanded," they received God’s blessing and were able to see the glory of the Lord, which would guide them in their remaining journey to Canaan. On the other hand, we read Jesus' condemnation against those hypocrites. Obedience to the commands of the Lord always brings blessing and helps us see God's guidance for our lives.
Application: God honors my obedience when I do things as he commands. At the same time, if I practice hypocrisy in my life, he condemns it. I cannot hide anything from God. God sees my heart that obeys, not just my external actions. When I obey God, I honor Him and receive the Lord's blessings and guidance for my life. So always, “I will do" the commands of God "just as he commanded."
Prayer: Father God, help me today to see your glory and guidance through my obedience. Holy Spirit, help me to overcome my weaknesses and strengthen me to obey God with love. Keep me away from any form of hypocrisy. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 45
Scripture: Psalm 46: 1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Observation: Psalm 46 tells us why there will be no fear among the people of God. The Bible does not say there will be no calamity or problems in our lives. Instead, it speaks of the availability of "an ever-present help" during those difficult times when we struggle or suffer. Here, the Psalmist reminds us, "God is our refuge and strength." The world we live in may collapse upside down, and even big mountains may fall, but God is available to help us. We can hide in him, for he is our refuge. Even if we go through a challenging or trying period, we can be strong, for God is our strength. As long as we trust God and place our hope in him, we will be free from any fear. We can call on him any time. He is available to help us all the time—24/7. We may be/become weak in times of trouble. But we can find our strength in God.
Application: There were times when I was reluctant to call somebody for help, thinking that the person who could help me may be too busy to offer his/her help. Sometimes, even if they were available to help, they could not help as it was beyond their capacity. Here, the almighty God is available to help me. He shows no partiality to the calls that seek his help. I can go to him any time of the day to find my real strength. The sooner I go to God, the sooner I find my help. So, in my testing times,
"I will call upon the Lord Who is worthy to be praised. So shall I be saved from my enemies I will call upon the Lord."
Prayer: Father God, thank you for always encouraging me to trust you. You are able to help me in any situation. My loving Lord, give me your strength to face the trials of the day. For you are with me, I will not fear. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 46
Scripture: Matthew 24:4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you... 25 See, I have told you ahead of time.
Observation: When Jesus' disciples asked him about the signs of the end days, Jesus warned them about the dangers of deceptions of the end days. Here, the word "watch out" calls us to see, perceive, and discern what is right or wrong to protect ourselves from any deception. In his Olivet discourse about the end days, Jesus spoke about the internal and external struggles of a believer. Among these struggles, attempts to deceive a follower of Christ would cause more damage than any other disasters he mentioned in his speech, for it could separate a person away from God.
Instead of blindly or uncritically believing something, we should be alert when propaganda diverts our attention. Even if someone comes in sheep's clothing, it is the responsibility of every believer to discern whether it is from God or not. Jesus informed us well ahead of time about all these dangers of soon-coming and existing deceptions. We need to be alert and of a sober mind.
Application: As a Christian, I need to prepare myself to face everything that comes against me. Christ Jesus already told us about what would happen in the end days. As I watch out for what is happening in the world, I understand that his words are true. His words are sufficient to feed my spiritual hunger and to warn me of any dangers. I need no other source other than Jesus and his word to escape the dangers of the world. All I need is open eyes, ears, and a discerning heart to reject anything that misleads or deceives me.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your prophecy and warning about the end days. Help me stand firm in the truth and guard my faith against deception. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 47
Scripture: Leviticus 6: 8 The Lord said to Moses: 9...‘These are the regulations for the burnt offering: The burnt offering is to remain on the altar hearth throughout the night, till morning, and the fire must be kept burning on the altar. 12 The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out. Every morning the priest is to add firewood and arrange the burnt offering on the fire and burn the fat of the fellowship offerings on it. 13 The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.
Observation: Israelites offered burnt offerings as an act of voluntary worship, to make an atonement with God, and to express their devotion, commitment, and absolute surrender to God. Whatever is offered as a burnt offering should be burnt to ashes. For this, keeping the fire on the altar burning throughout the day and night is very important. Once the sacrifice is burnt completely, the burnt offering becomes "an aroma pleasing to the Lord." The priest has a day-to-day responsibility to add firewood and remove the ashes. The burnt offering is a voluntary sacrifice, not a mandatory one. However, when a person brings it to the Lord, there are regulations to offer it as "an aroma pleasing to the Lord."
Application: Jesus Christ sacrificed his life on the cross to make atonement between man and God. Therefore, for atonement with God, all I need to do is nothing but accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Offering my life and my "SELF" to God is a voluntary act of worship. However, I need to keep the flame burning to keep my relationship intact with God. Then, my life will be an aroma pleasing to the Lord. Whatever hinders the fire from burning, I should be ready to remove it from me. It is a continuous and everyday responsibility to keep my spiritual life alive.
Prayer: Father God, I offer my life to you on the altar of sacrifice. Thank you for accepting me. Cleanse me, and purify my thoughts every day so that my life may become an aroma pleasing to you. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 48
Scripture: Psalm 49:16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; 17 for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them.
Observation: Psalm 49 gives us a warning about those who trust their wealth. Here, the psalmist explains what a person cannot buy with his wealth and the destiny of those who trust in wealth. Further, in Ps 49:16, there is an advice for the reader. In the world we live in, many of us think that money determines many things. To some extent, it may be true. But here, we see a practical warning that money cannot save a person. With mere money, nobody can redeem the life of another person.
The psalmist expresses his hope that God can redeem his life. Indeed Jesus gave his life as a ransom for all the people. So we need to trust God instead of keeping our eyes on wealth or putting our trust in any worldly riches. Jesus rightly said, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" (Matthew 16:26).
Application: Whether I have wealth or not is not a matter. Nevertheless, where I put my trust really matters till eternity. If I have wealth, I need proper understanding to use it wisely. If I do not have riches, I should not be in awe of those who have them. God is my trust and strength. Any of the worldly treasures cannot redeem a person. However, as the psalmist says, "But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself."
Prayer: Father God, thank you for the words of wisdom that we read today. Thank you for the price you paid on the Cross for my redemption and salvation. Lord, help me always put my trust in you and store treasures in heaven. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 49
Scripture: Psalm 50:23 He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.
Observation: God wants his people to praise him and acknowledge their dependence on God. Thank offering is "an expression of thankfulness" to our God. Thank offering is an act of gratitude for the grace and blessings we received, the deliverance from our chains, sickness, trouble, and death. As we read in Ps.50, our thank-offerings honor God and prepare the way for God to show his salvation to us. When we make our thank offerings, we need to do it with a heart of gratitude for the blessings we receive and the blessings we will receive. The author of Hebrews says that our sacrifice of praise is "the fruit of lips that openly profess his (God's) name," and we should continually do it through Jesus (Heb.13:15).
Application: God answers my every prayer, delivers me from all troubles, and shows his way. However, as I count his blessings and mercies, I regret that I did not thank him for everything I received. My thank offering honors God; He is worthy of all praises and worship. God has done his part to deliver me and is always ready to guide me. I know well that I can do nothing without him. But how many times in a day do I acknowledge my dependency on God? When I continually offer thanks and praises through my lips, it keeps me away from the many perils of life. However, I must do it with a heart of gratitude. I should not do it as a ritual or just for the sake of doing it as a duty.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for everything you do in my life. Today, I want to thank You, Lord. Help me be thankful and prepare my ways to walk with you always. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 50
Scripture: Leviticus 11: 44. I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy...45. I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.
Observation: The book of Leviticus is a manual of laws and regulations for the Israelites to worship God, to keep themselves ceremonially clean, to offer sacrifices, and to live as God's holy people. God brought them out from Egypt and expected them to live HOLY because he is HOLY. This call to holiness is unique in various ways. God wants us to be like him. He says, "Be holy, because I am holy."
Although God has set us apart from others, we need to do something to consecrate ourselves. In the O.T. times, there were laws to keep a person ceremonially clean. But they need to be practised. When David sinned against God and prayed for forgiveness, he pleaded with God to cleanse and wash him (Ps.51:7). He must have understood that God alone can make a person holy and clean. Our Lord Jesus offered his body as the perfect sacrifice and shed his blood for the forgiveness of sins. All we need to do is accept Jesus and take God's provisions for us to live holy.
Application: Living a holy life for the Holy God is a blessed responsibility. It is not about the do's and don'ts of life but about following God in every aspect of my life. Knowing my weaknesses, God sent His son Jesus to the world, and through him, I can live a life that pleases God. The blood of Jesus purifies me from all sins. I confess my inabilities and weaknesses that hinder leading a holy life. I seek God that he may forgive and sanctify me. Not for me or not according to my expectations, but for you, oh God, I should live a holy life.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your desire for us to be holy. Thank you for your loving provision through your son Jesus to purify us. Lord, help me take it in my life and to live a holy life every day. I, too, want to be like you and be holy. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 51
Scripture: Matthew 26: 69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. 70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said...” 72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”...74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word... And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Observation: When we read the denial of Peter, we wonder how come a person who boldly declared that " “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you” could completely deny Jesus. Some think Peter's denial was worse than Judas Iscariot’s betrayal. We read how Peter progressively denied Jesus when sitting in the courtyard. He was there to see what would happen to Jesus. Many false witnesses came forward before the Sanhedrin; they said many things against Jesus and distorted or misrepresented what Jesus had spoken earlier.
Here, we see a false witness who spoke against himself and his conscience. After knowing the plan of the Sanhedrin to kill Jesus, Peter might have been afraid of the possible punishment for being a disciple of Jesus. However, a rooster gave him a wake-up call, and he remembered Jesus and his words. Peter no longer sat in that place but wept bitterly as he was repenting from his grievous act of denying Jesus. Concerning these tears of repentance, Spurgeon says, "True repentance is always the gift of God, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the soul.
*Application* Did I ever disown Jesus through my words, actions, and in my thoughts? It may be easy to sing of my commitment and dedication to the Lord during Sunday worship and in songs. I may even sing that I will live faithfully for the Lord God throughout my life. However, in testing times, during temptations, and when I face opposing environments, what I do will speak louder than my words. Peter's repentance helped him come back and dedicate his life to the cause he was called for. At times, I may have to face situations like this to speak against my beliefs and conscience. Instead of denying the Lord, I should deny any opportunities to those temptations. I should seek the help of Jesus.
Prayer* Father God, help me be strong and bold to testify my faith in you in any situation. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 52
Scripture: Psalm 53: 1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. 2 God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
Observation: The difference between a theist and an atheist is primarily based on how he or she reads the space between the words/things. For example, how you read today's title would give two different statements that are opposite to each other: A theist would read "God is now here"; an atheist would read "God is nowhere." A person's belief in God is connected to what he or she thinks about God in his/her heart. A person's actions would reflect what s/he believes about God.
When someone says or thinks that there is no God, as the Scripture says, he or she is a fool. As we observe, Psalm 53 replicates Psalm 14 with some minor changes. This repetition conveys the importance of the message of these two Psalms. God never has a selective or biased view when he sees all of humanity. When God sees the world, he notices those who understand and seek him.
Application: Sometimes, some people believe something in their heart but do something else that contradicts their belief due to compulsion. However, concerning God, my beliefs and actions are like the two tracks of a railway track. It cannot go in different directions. I should live with a sense that God watches over me.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for giving me the heart to trust and to believe you. Since you are seeing me from above, I am under your protection. My God, help me to understand you and live accordingly and seek you first before I seek anything or anyone else. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 53
Scripture: Matthew 27:46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). 47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
Observation: When Jesus was on the cross, people around him could not understand his cry. They might have thought that he was calling for Elijah's help as he was mocked and insulted by the people, soldiers, and chief priests. Although Christ went through a cruel form of human torture, he did not cry out of body pain. Instead, a momentary separation from God when he bore the sins of all the world must have been more painful than anything else, and that made him cry. The crucifixion of Jesus was a prophetic fulfilment for the salvation of humanity. Jesus, the sinless lamb of God, willingly gave Himself as the perfect sacrifice to make way for every person to be redeemed from the clutches of the bondage of sin and to enjoy an eternal relationship with God the Father. It was so unbearable for him. But he had to taste it to set us free from the slavery of the fear of death (Heb.2:14,15).
Application: Jesus' crucifixion says how much God loves us/me. The cross of Christ reminds me of the price Jesus has paid for me and shows the way to my salvation. Jesus is the source of my eternal salvation. I am no longer a slave to sin, for Christ saved me. I am no longer a slave to fear, for I am a child of God. I belong to Jesus. Through Christ, I can experience God's love and show it to others every day.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your love to save us. There is none like you! Lord, I offer my life to you; Use it for your glory. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 54
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Scripture: Matthew 27:46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). 47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
Scripture: Matthew 15:1 Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 2 “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!” 3 Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?... 6...Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.
Observation: In the world we live in today, we see that preservatives are added to many food products, medicines, cosmetics, and so many other things. Although preservatives prevent the decomposition of these products, they would spoil the health and well-being of those who use them. Here, David says, “The LORD preserves the faithful.” In Psalm 31, David expresses his trust in the Lord despite all the unfavorable situations in his life. As he describes his distressing thoughts, pains, and slanders that terrorized him and weakened him both physically and emotionally, his confidence is in the Lord, and he says, “But I trust in you” (Ps.31:9-14).
Observation: Finally, in a dramatic way, the Israelites left Egypt and started their journey to Canaan, the promised land. Instead of taking the short and direct route, God led them to a desert (Ex.13:17,18). However, God assured them of his presence and guidance with the pillar of cloud and fire at the start of their journey. With God’s presence and guidance, the people of God were able to “travel by day or night.” With the pillar of the cloud, they had an assurance that God was going before them and received guidance. Because of the pillar of fire by night, they had no darkness but light. However, when the Egyptians changed their hearts and pursued the Israelites, the same pillar of cloud that guided the Israelites “brought darkness” to the Egyptians (Ex.14:19,20). Eventually, God made the Israelites pass through the Red Sea as if they walked on dry ground. On the other hand, all the Egyptians were drowned in the sea. This exodus journey is a familiar Old Testament narrative that reminds us, “Do not be afraid” of your situation, but “stand firm” in the Lord. “The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you” (Ex.14:13,14).
Scripture: Exodus 15:11 Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
Scripture: Psalm 34: 4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
Scripture: Matthew 18: 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.
Scripture: Psalm 37:3 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Scripture: Matthew 19:25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” 26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Scripture: Psalm 39:4 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. 5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.
Scripture: Matthew 20:24 When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Scripture: Exodus 32: 22 “Do not be angry, my lord,” Aaron answered. “You know how prone these people are to evil. 23 They said to me, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.’ 24 So I told them, ‘Whoever has any gold jewelry, take it off.’ Then they gave me the gold, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf!”
Scripture: Psalm 42:5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Scripture: Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?”… 21…Then he(Jesus) said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
Scripture: Matthew 22:34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Scripture: Exodus 39:42 The Israelites had done all the work just as the Lord had commanded Moses. 43 Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them.
Scripture: Psalm 46: 1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Scripture: Matthew 24:4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you... 25 See, I have told you ahead of time.
Observation: God wants his people to praise him and acknowledge their dependence on God. Thank offering is "an expression of thankfulness" to our God. Thank offering is an act of gratitude for the grace and blessings we received, the deliverance from our chains, sickness, trouble, and death. As we read in Ps.50, our thank-offerings honor God and prepare the way for God to show his salvation to us. When we make our thank offerings, we need to do it with a heart of gratitude for the blessings we receive and the blessings we will receive. The author of Hebrews says that our sacrifice of praise is "the fruit of lips that openly profess his (God's) name," and we should continually do it through Jesus (Heb.13:15).
Scripture: Leviticus 11: 44. I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy...45. I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.
Scripture: Matthew 26: 69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. 70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said...” 72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”...74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word... And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Scripture: Psalm 53: 1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. 2 God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
