Obedience

Obedience is the key to our walk with Christ.

The very first encounter we have with Jesus makes us realize the abundant life we have been missing. Many of our mind boggling questions are answered; the needs of the hour are met; the void in the hearts is filled and the peace in our minds is restored. And we seem to be rejuvenated from the very next moment we believe.

I see that few people think that is where the quest for life ends. I think that is where the real search for the true meaning of life in Christ begins. And it would be debatable if any one said that the search has ended while on earth. Christ chose us even before we were born to be His. He had planned our life and our future using the best possible design you and I can ever find. Through all these things the magnification of the sovereignty of God is evident. But what am I to do here? Why am I at all here? That brings me to what I wish to write about – “Obedience”- my responsibility.

I study the Bible and read Christian books which do explain a lot about principles, problems, challenges and obstacles of life in general and specific. Some within the premises of my knowledge and understanding while some beyond my comprehension (which I usually call as OHT- Over Head Transmission!?) As I find a vast amount of words and ink spent on this huge ocean of topics, I find that it all kind of boils down to God’s sovereignty and my responsibility. At the end of the day am I able to explicitly recognize, realize and reemphasis on the sovereignty of God as well as my responsibility is the question I will have to answer and practice for myself.

It is amazing to know and experience the love, grace, mercy and power that God as our Abba Father immeasurably bestows upon us. The joy with which he fills us cannot be matched with any of the kind that we get around in today’s world. For me those serve as fuel to gear up when it comes to playing my role in my relationship with God. Being sensitive to the still small voice of God in the most noisiest and chaotic times of life may be a role that I am called to play sometimes. Being the little shining lamp that dispels the densest darkness in the surrounding environment can be another. Being the silent but most impactful child of God in a wicked generation can be one more. The bottom line is am I “being” the will of God? Am I fitting into that perfect design of His or am I trying to make one for myself?

Obeying God most of my life has been a step wise process. It may be different for different people. When I really seek to obey God which is a manifestation of my love towards God, I see there are 4 steps. This illustration just struck me so let me give it. When a baby is growing and you trying calling it by its name have you observed how it learns to respond?

At first it just hears thinking that it is something like a noise/voice.

After some time it realizes and knows that the name is directed to it because you are repeatedly making the same kind of noise to call its name.

In due course of time it understands, “since it is about me I have to respond or do something about it”

Finally it responds and turns to you or follows you.

Before long it also learns to differentiate the voice of the mother or the father from any other stranger who calls out.

By now you would have got a hint on the steps that I am talking about in obedience.

1) Hear/Listen/Read:

“Hear, my son, your father's instruction And do not forsake your mother's teaching” – Prov 1:8

"See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I am commanding you today; and the curse, if you do not listen to the commandments of the LORD your God..” Deut 11:26-28

“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” –John 5:39

2) Know/ Discern/Study:

“I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me”- John 10:14

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” – 1 Jn 4:1

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” – 2 Tim 2:15

3) Understand/ Acknowledge

“When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road.”- Matt 13:19

“Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God?” – Mk 12:24

“So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” – Eph 5:17

4) Obey/ Follow:

“But this is what I commanded them, saying, 'Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you will walk in all the way which I command you, that it may be well with you’.“ – Jer 7:23

“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete” – 2 Cor10:5,6

“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance” – 1Pet 1:14

When I read the scriptures, I see that keeping God’s commandments and doing His will is very crucial as a child of His. I keep reading and hearing to lot of things about God-the Father, Jesus Christ-the Son and the Holy Spirit- the Counselor. Some I hear as I pass by or turn on the radio or change the TV channel. Some I listen when I am at the Church or during a Bible study or while in a discussion. But truly discerning and differentiating God’s voice was initially difficult because I did not know the scriptures or in other words my roots in the Word were not strong. But gradually as I read and understand by His grace, I can say it is possible to actually know and discern God’s word. It does not stop there but goes on to the next step to understanding what it actually means. The practical application of God’s word in my life is the final stage when I am willingly ready to follow Christ by denying myself and crucifying my pleasures. That kind of obedience comes from the heart (Rom 6:17)

Why I think all the four stages are important because without one the other is not possible. You cannot obey if you cannot understand and you cannot understand if do not know and you will not know if you do not hear. Moreover in today’s world of million denominations, a thousand doctrines and more Christian speakers, I think it is highly essential as individuals for us to go back to the Bible and learn, know, understand and obey Christ for we are called to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29) and to obey is better than sacrifice (1 Sam 15:22)

In giving we receive....

“But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?” – 1 John 3:17

This is in continuation to my previous post where I wrote about the month of November being the month of prayer for the persecuted Church. One of my readers mentioned that I need to add “giving” in addition to praying, which is true. So I thought I will put that down as well.

Just as it says “It is more blessed to give than to receive” - Acts 20:35, in giving we receive blessings from above. It is important that in addition to praying, our faith needs to be followed in our works. When we see our brothers and sisters being persecuted, being subjected to violence and in need, our aid in whatever way it may be will make a huge difference. Friends, I would like to encourage all to lend a helping hand to those in need so that God’s love shall abide in us.

"Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure--pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return." – Luke 6:38

Persecution....

“If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified” - 1 Pet 4:14

Today the church pastor was talking about the month of November which is recognized as the month during which Christians pray for the persecuted Church. It was mind boggling to hear the facts about our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are being persecuted purely because of their love for their faith.

BBC states that nearly 200 million Christians all over the world are subjected to brutal persecutions. For more details on the Indian Church persecution you can visit http://persecution.in. While I was sitting there in the Church and listening to these startling facts, I was wondering what I could do. How could I share their sorrow? What could I do Lord? I really am not sure what the answer is but one thing I can say with certainty is that it played a strong reminder to me that our prayers are extremely important to support them. Though we may not be in the actual battle field of violence and physical afflictions, our prayers can go a long way to back them up. When a sister is ripped off her clothes, when a child’s face and body are acid burnt, when little girls are sexually assaulted, when the hard earned bread of a poor man is taken away from him, when the only thatched roof of an old couple is burnt, we might question where God is. Well I think he is most assuredly with each one of them because all of us here on earth are called to suffer for Christ. By our sufferings, trials and tribulations do we actually identify ourselves with the pain Jesus underwent. “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” – 2 Tim 2:3. “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry” – 2 Tim 4:5.

It may be easy for me to sit here and write these things but I opine God calls us in different ways to suffer for him and his name’s sake. Counting it a privilege and a joy to suffer for him is not easy but I think that is exactly what we are called to do.

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” – Phil 1:21

When my words are few…

I write this to share the palpable joy of having received a blessing from above. All praise to our God who has been graceful in giving me two jobs in the recent past. It has been a weary journey with ups and downs but it was also a rejuvenating one to recoup my spiritual strengths. I have no words to describe the greatness of his majesty.

God helped me find two jobs - one in Hyderabad and one in Bangalore; and both in interesting circumstances. I decided to take up the Bangalore one and will be starting my work tomorrow at Cypress Semiconductors. Also my family has been waiting for more than three years for my Dad’s transfer to some place close to home. I want to praise God for that waiting has also come to an end few days back.

Thank you all for all your prayers and encouragement.

God is good all the time.

“Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.”- Isa 40:31

FAITH LIKE THAT!

It amazes me when I hear great stories of faith and testimonies by heroes who have had faith filled lives. Having gone through an intensive integrity check over the past few months myself, I can say that faith is what brought me through. Only God knows how well I did, but as far as my conscience is concerned I can say that I fought the good fight and stayed the course. Well anyways this post is not about me but one such hero (or may be I should say heroine!) of faith.

Yesterday I happened to go to my Mom’s home town Nuzvid to visit some friends on the occasion of Ramzan. (Ofcourse it was not all about the biryani but also about meeting some old buddies!). It is about an hour from my home in Vijayawada. At 10:00AM I boarded the bus to Nuzvid. The bus was spacious with not many passengers and so I caught a window seat which I always enjoy during travelling. Since it was a one hour journey, I went fully equipped with books and some music on my ipod to keep myself busy and not bored.

After a few stops within the city there was one young girl probably my age I thought, who got into the bus hurriedly. She came and sat beside me. By then I already had my Bible open and was reading about Lot and Abraham. While she was trying to settle down, I could just get a glimpse of her face. She then took out a book and had it on her lap while she was still trying to get her breath. I was thinking probably she had to run a long distance before she caught the bus. So she looked at my Bible and stared at it for few seconds. I was also very anxious to see what book she had, but before I could get a proper look she opened it and I missed the cover page. All I could see was a 500 number and something written in Telugu on it. So I thought may be some 500 slokas or sayings from the Gita. Because of late, I have been noticing a lot of people carrying books like those while travelling. I casually wanted to make a conversation but then thought would wait for a chance so that she would not freak out.

Nothing happened, so I continued to finish my portion of the Bible and closed it and at the same time the Conductor came to give us a ticket. She closed her book and I read the title which translates into English as “500 Praise verses”. It seemed to me like a Christian book. However I never spoke a word and so did she. Later on she was feeling uncomfortable and asked me if we could switch places as she felt like throwing up. So I obliged and gave her my window seat. I asked her if she wanted water as that was all I had to offer. She drank some and then was resting. And that was how our conversation began.

She started “Are you a Christian?” I said “Yes and you?” With a broad smile, she said “Yes” That was when I actually got a good look at her face. She continued “Are you a Catholic or a Pentecost?” That, kind of puzzled me but I said “Catholic and you?” I of course guessed she was a Pentecost but you know these formality rules among strangers, I had to abide by it! She said “Yes. Do you guys believe in the Holy Spirit? Because I think Catholics don’t believe in a Holy Spirit.” Having once been a core member of the Catholic Church I never heard anyone tag Catholics with that line, nevertheless I knew where she was getting to and said, “You see I am a Christian and I believe what the Bible says.” I guess she got a slight hint or atleast I felt so with her next question,

“When did you accept Christ into your life?”

“In my ninth standard and how about you?” I replied while wondering this girl was on a row and she seems to be the talker though I wanted to be the one.

“Even I in my ninth and I got married one year later in my tenth” I was not at all prepared for the second part and it obviously struck me.

It was then I asked her the question people usually ask in the beginning “What’s your name?”

“I changed my name from Shivani to Mary after I took baptism”

“Oh so you were a Hindu?”I knew that was a stupid question, apparently she was. “Yes and I wanted people to know I am a Christian, so I changed. What is your name?”

“Stella”

She laughed heartily. “Oh! That is my favorite name, I wanted to have that name but then I took Mary” and she continued to say something but the bus was making obnoxious sounds and I hardly could hear her.

I asked her, “So your family is also Christian?”

“No just me and my Mom. My Dad is no more” I felt sorry and was silent but I carried on preventing the awkwardness.

“What about your husband and in laws?”

“No I am the only one who goes to church, the rest are passionate Hindus and they do poojas and all”

“So how did you come to know Christ? Through your mother?”

She chuckled and said, “No actually she got to know Christ through me. I once heard a man speak about Jesus during my school days and it was then I decided to follow him”

Assuming she studied in a missionary school, I nodded my head and was thinking about the influence Christian schools or missionary schools make on school kids. She broke my flow of thought and said, “So where are you going?” She seemed to be a pretty talkative girl. So we did discuss about our whereabouts, qualifications and professions. She continued to openly discuss about her marriage and family too.

She was a very warm and amicable person and I enjoyed listening to her. She saw that I had my ipod in my hand and asked me to go ahead and listen and signaled me that she would rest a while. I thought fine; she might be feeling a little better and a little more tired having talked for quite some time!

I was listening to Chris Tomlin’s “How can I keep from singing?” and was recollecting all that happened and was silently praying for Mary. She said she ran a mobile beauty parlor and that she would travel to places whenever people called for help. Her husband usually dropped her if it was a new place, check out the surroundings and come back only after he was convinced that she could safely stay and come back. I thought how loving a husband he was. He ran a bakery and he was beginning to believe in Christ because of few instances where he was able to witness healing and other miracles. More importantly, once she was forced to carry out some pooja. Inspite of profusely refusing and taking a stand as a Chrsitian, her father-in law was angry and began to create a ruckus and so she had to succumb. Few months later he died due to illness. So her husband and mother in law thought it was the power of Jesus and began to respect her. In other words they left her alone and did not interfere whenever she went to church or read the Bible. I was glad that God was working out things for her good.

After sometime I had an urge within me to continue the discussion and so I stopped my music and asked her since how long she was working. I just wanted to get an estimate of her age. While she was talking, her phone rang and she answered it. She grinned and said it was her husband’s girl friend. I laughed. She said they both knew each other since childhood and Mary also knew that girl well and said she shared the gospel with her. And she needs to make a decision. This girl, Mary was a bubbly character and was excited all the while she spoke with no change of expressions or emotions except laugh and smile all the time. Being smitten by her candid personality, I did not actually register what she was telling me that well. Moreover the noisy sounds of the bus were irritating.

My heart sank when she told her actual story. She was so jolly all the while and I was bewildered.

“I’ve been working in this beauty parlor since three years and I want to give it up, to work for the Lord. I don’t know how and what but I have been praying and preaching the gospel to whomever I meet.”

“Do you have children?” I asked.

“No, I love children but God never gave me (or let me)” she replied. I was wondering if they thought she was too young to have kids or if she actually had some physical problem. But she was all radiant, so I did not want to put her down by asking another question about children.

“I got married to my husband when I was in my tenth. Though I knew I should not be marrying a Hindu, I could not fight long because my husband’s parents were asking for me since many years. They saw me when I attended a wedding and from then on they began to bug my parents and since in villages we get married early, my parents were willing. After I got married within four months my father-in law passed away due to severe illness. My husband now runs a bakery and we earn a little livelihood by which we survive.”

My heart sank even deeper when she opened up about her married life.

“I am planning to get my husband married to his girlfriend and move into ministry for God”

She said it so plainly that I thought I misheard her and asked her to repeat.

“My husband has been having an affair with his childhood girlfriend.” I was shocked, puzzled and dumbstruck. I mean how can one be so calm and peaceful about this? I asked her if she was sure and I told her that I thought she was joking when she mentioned about his girl friend earlier.

“I have seen them move very close with each other and even after marriage he has been going after her but he is nice to me as well”

I was like “Are you sure? What non sense is that? Don’t you ask for an explanation?”

“I do and that is why we have been fighting a lot these days. I don’t know what to do. I have to take a decision very soon. I talked about this to the girl also and I think if they both are happy together, I should get them married and move out.”

“Did you share this with your mother?”

“I lost my mother a year ago. You see I’ve been facing problems at every step of my life”, she said with her evergreen smile.

By then my heart was in my mouth. I did not have any words. My eyes were filled with tears but looking at her faith and confidence in God I was so humbled. I felt how small are my problems of unemployment when compared to this young girl’s life? I mean she was younger to me and the world she has lived in was totally unprecedented.

She continued “So now I am all alone, I have to make a decision and I trust God knows everything I am going through” By then we were almost at our destination.

I did not know what to say. Then I told her, “Be careful and take a decision prayerfully. I will keep you in my prayers, be strong.”

We got off the bus and I put her in an auto and gave her some money I had. She was hesitant and angry. I told her “You are like my sister and you can keep it.” I convinced her, “I will take it back. When you come to Vijayawada I shall avail your beauty parlor services.” She refused but then I told the auto guy to move on. The last look on her face has left an indelible impression on my mind. It was the peace in her eyes, grace in her face, faith in her smile and a frown for what I did! Well I took her phone number and said that I would keep in touch with her and call her up for her services. I did not know how I could help her at that moment.

While she left, I was walking to my friend’s place and all the while my heart was crying, I did not know how to pray for her. Even now as I write my eyes are filled with tears to see that young Mary who had faith like those heroes of the Bible, who was not even 21 years yet has gone through a lifetime. Losing her father when she had to survive, getting married to a completely strange person at a very young age, fighting the battle with her in laws all by herself and having only God on her side, having to accept the brutal truth of her adulterous husband, losing her mother when she needed her the most and now in the process of making one of the most pivotal decisions of her life. Amidst these, how is she able to be so peaceful and laugh about it? I mean she either must be a very good actress or a woman filled with faith. I cannot but pick the latter.

All I can say is I want faith like that!

First things first!!

The first time I heard this saying “First things first” was from my Mom who kept drilling that into my brain during my school and college days. Whenever she knew I was messing up with my time and priorities she would simply say “Stella, what did I teach you? Always remember, first things first.” Ever since then, that simple but powerful principle continued to be the guideline to manage my time and priorities rightly. I opine that if once our priorities are set right, then our time will follow to be managed rightly.

For me my priorities have always been based on two different objectives. One is need based priorities and the second is my time based priorities. When time is not a factor for me, like say during my vacations and other leisure times I would set my priorities based on my need or sometimes others needs. But when studying at college or while working, it has to be a good combination of both need and time because as we all know time does play a crucial role. Jesus, who knew we are anxious beings and tend to fumble with our lives by mixing up our priorities, says in one of his very first disclosures “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”- Matt 6:33. But interestingly man in his carnality still continues to seek the fleshly things first. “And He(Jesus) said to another, "Follow Me." But he said, "Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father."“Another also said, "I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home."- Luke 9:59,61. Even Peter was reprimanded when he was lost in his worldly wisdom and forbid Jesus from suffering. His priority was man and not God. “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's.” - Matt 16:23.

I have always observed a sense of urgency in Christ teachings especially because he knew that he had very less time left on the earth “My time is near; I am to keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.”- Matt 26:18 and he also knew his focus and his priority was doing the Father’s will. “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” – John 6:38. Jesus understood beyond doubt what was needed of him and the importance of the time that was left with him. It was a perfect blend of time and need.

So as we are called to be imitators of Christ, I think it is essential for us to reflect on what are those “First” things in our lives and if they are truly in deed coming “First”. If they are not, then we have a problem and I think there can be no better judge of your situation, no better manager of your time and priority that You. It has always been a challenge for me to break my fast moving busy life and say “Hey, wait a second are the first things coming first?” Putting it another way, “Are we asking God to wait at any point in our lives?”

“Who comes first and what comes first? What is my priority and how do I manage the time I have?” It is for you to decide. Because in the end, it all boils down to- “What do I need and what does God need from me? Where is my heart and what am I called to do?”

“The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds”- Jer 17-9-10.

Have we become oblivious to the power of the word of God?

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” – Heb 4:12 (KJV)

When I sit back for a moment and think about the influence the word of God has had in my unstable life, I am awe-struck. If it were not for the Bible, I would have been in the pits of darkness groping for a hold, just to remain alive. My faith has built so much just by standing on his promises and completely trusting and obeying him, no matter what the consequences might be. In today’s world of principalities, philosophies and false doctrines, I see the misuse or “no use” of the power that we inherently have with us as Christians. And that is the Word of God! “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God” – Matt 22:29

The key to our faith is obedience and obedience to God’s word. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” – Rom: 10:17(KJV). James speaks about being the doers of the word of God and not just hearers. “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” Jas 1:25(KJV). If only I can know and obey what God commands me; will I really be able to enjoy the fruits of my deeds. If our hearts, minds and consciences are not set right with God, our works are no good though it might be good in the sight of the world.

The more I read and understand His word, the more I see my old self chipping off and the new me taking shape. In fact it is like a mirror which unravels the incredible and darkest truths of my life; judges the thoughts and intentions of my heart. It can sometimes be hard to believe but it is the truth. All this is possible only if I give due respect, time and importance to the role of God’s word in my life. Our obedience to the word of God is nothing but bringing Christ into our lives and living. It is a token of our love for Him.

Bereans were considered noble people because they searched the scriptures – “And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:10-11 and Jesus clearly says that in the scriptures, you have eternal life. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”- John 5:39. That discernment of what is right or wrong and what is Biblical or not, does not come to us if we fail to go back and search and verify with the scriptures. And when we fail to do so, we become followers and pleasers of men and not God.

I will leave you with a thought, if we want to enjoy a abundant life, we need to know what it is all about; if we want to be imitators of Christ and not “Hero- Worshipers” or “Friends of the World”, we need to know what it means to follow Him; if we claim to be the salt and light of the world, we ought to live up to our calling. “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you”- John 15:14. “My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it”- Luke 8:21

So friends- “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”- 2 Tim 2:15

When the Waiting gets too long…….it is Wonderful! (Lam 3:25)

It has been a long journey since I lost my job in February 2009. God has been leading me ever since, holding my hand and walking beside me through fears and tears, through pains and gains, through nopes and hopes! Its like the darkness which keeps getting denser and blinding my eyes from the power of the light within me. My apprehensions and my fears seem so real that they keep preventing me from setting my eyes on things above. The beautiful road I travelled thus far had many destinations some good and some bad. The moment I say to myself “I’m fine”, I find myself in a thought of despair the very next, saying “Why me?” However it is God’s lovingkindness which he bestowed upon me that makes me say “I’m still alive and so is my God and that is all that matters to live!”(Rom 8:28)

Surviving in this world of pace, technology and competition is not easy unless you ensure that you are not gripped by the rat race of power and riches. I have been learning to stand on solid ground so that even though the world around me collapses I can still bank on the corner stone. It is the Spirit of God that comforts and assures me of a hope in the future when I think of the chaotic present and contemplate the hopeless tomorrow(Isa 40:31). If only I had the eyes of God to see how this crisis of mine would end!

I always felt like Job in the beginning when I lost my job. God gave me one of the best jobs on campus and took it away even before a year passed by. Having declined the offer at Qualcomm and taking up BCS is something that my family regrets now. But I can only see God’s hand. It’s hard to understand the decision but it is easy to trust and say it was God’s planning for my best. Each time I try to understand the unfortunate turn of events in my recent past, it is humbling to see how God has rescued me from things worse than I could dream of. Whenever my fears and doubts take over me the only words that come to my lips are “I need you. More of you and less of me in my life.” Though I could never make complete sense of what I kept telling myself, there was a peace that calmed me down. (Jn14:27)

The character of Joseph has been another real encouragement to me. I mean if only Joseph could question God saying “What have I done to deserve this?” for all that he underwent. It was nearly two years that he had to wait in the prison until the butler who was supposed to request the King for his release actually did. I am sure he might have spent nights filled with tears and hope in his heart, waiting to be delivered. From the age of 17 when he was happily shepherding his father’s cattle until the age of 30 when he stood before the King, it was a remarkable journey. Times of tests, trials and temptations but each time God was with him(Gen 39:2,3,21,23). It becomes tough when the waiting exceeds the time we initially thought it could be. It gets tougher in the end and only real strength that comes from God can help calm the storm within. It was easy for me to convince others that I was doing fine but then I cannot but ask God at the end of the day, “How long O Lord would you turn your ears away from me?” Especially when all my attempts fail and when nothing seems to be moving, it is hard to understand if God is really hearing my prayers. That is when waiting taught me to trust God and put my hope in Him alone and not relying on my wisdom and my thoughts.(Prov 16:3,3:5)

There were times when I tried to put myself into the shoes of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Can I really say, “Even though God does not give me a job (may be for one full year!), I will still worship him and continue to love him.” I get Goosebumps when I think of myself in that situation. When I go to church will I be able to sing meaningful praises to God along with the others? It may be easy to say but surely very hard to live it out loud. Waiting has given me the ability to stand still and know that God is God.(Exo 3:14,Psa 27:14). God has always been faithful to me and has brought me out from difficult situations. It is that confidence that keeps me going from one crossroad to the next. It is difficult sometimes to bring your family along with you in this journey. While you need them, they need you as well. My family has been a big support in the sense that they always tried to ease the pressure of me. God also sends beautiful people all through the journey to help you keep moving. It is amazing to see how God orchestrates things according to his plan and pleasure which are beyond our human understanding.

Finally I would like to close with James 1:2-4

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Team Work - Basket Ball Analogy

Today I was playing basketball with one of my friends and it struck me how big a lesson of team building can be learnt from it. Since I was told that the article I wrote about the basketball analogy is too technical I will try to put my point across in a way a layman can understand. In a basketball 5 players are actually on the court playing the game. If you have followed a basketball match closely you would have noticed that the players usually take a shot from specific points frequently. For example Shaquille O'Neil is good at pivot shots close to the ring and in collecting rebounds. Similarly the one who feeds the ball and gets it is the play maker. You cannot have a team which has all 5 rebounders or all 5 play makers. Ultimately each one plays what he can do the best and performs well to win games.

Though the game we watch might be entertaining, that would not have been possible without the strenuous physical training they undergo and the way they discipline their bodies and develop their skills and strategies each time they have a game or a tournament coming up. All of them have to go through the same basic physical training to be graded as fit for the game. They are coached by one Leading Coach who is also their manager with the same goal of winning games. Huh! If you think I am blabbering yeah you are probably right but you can just imagine some other game you know where each player requires diversified abilities (I guess any game will)!!

Technical stuff apart, I see that today's churches, Christian organizations or ministries are very enthusiastic and prayerful about starting off a ministry or an organization or an activity with let’s say one vision, mission, objectives, goals or whatever. They are doing tremendous work and I have seen amazing results coming out of them. Many testimonies and a lot of change in people attending the camps and events happening around. That is really good. Praise God for that! But one big thing I see that is missing is the "Principles" on which they are built and held together as a team. I think God would surely be watching that missing link. I have seen great musicians, preachers, speakers, helpers and teachers in different Christian circles but what are the principles they are based on is something that puzzles me. I am not looking for a monotonic or a flat system where everyone is a preacher or everyone is a musician but one where the value system is strongly built with the diversifications adding beauty, strength and glory to the team.

In Ephesians Paul says that God gives people as gifts to the church by His grace.(Eph 4:11). So God provides people enabled with Spiritual gifts to different churches accordingly. What he says we need to be doing as a team is something not easy but challenging. We cannot be tossing to and fro with every wind of doctrine or by the sleight of men. (Eph 4:14) There will always be people waiting to deceive, both within and outside the organization but then we ought not to be deceived because by being deceived we are going to become partakers with them (Eph 5:6,7). The only way we can be saved from deception is by being renewed in the mind and walking as the children of God.(Eph 4:23, 5:8) It is interesting to see that Paul says we need to be trying to learn what is acceptable unto the Lord. (Eph 5:10) But there will be people who will be learning for ever but never be able to come to the knowledge of the truth.(2 Tim 3:6) I was wondering how can this be? I mean on one hand we are trying to learn and prove what is pleasing to God but on the other hand there will be people doing exactly the same but based on the principles of darkness.

So I think the only way we can work as team is when our physical training, disciplining of our bodies and development of skills and strategies happens based on one value system and a given set of principles that is of the Bible. I mean what other way do we have to know what pleases God and not men! If that is not common then we can never be working together or stand united. If we are not letting the Holy Spirit our head coach to teach us and correct us and to be wise in keeping away from darkness then we can never win games. (Eph 5: 15-17) This is where we are called to be united, this is where we are to be one and simultaneously play our distinct and irreplaceable roles in the ministry. (Eph 4: 13,17)

If you have observed that most of the references are from Ephesians then yes you are right, I’ve been studying Ephesians and just wanted to restrict mostly to Ephesians.