CHANGE

THEME: CHANGE
Bible reading: Acts 3:1-11
INTRODUCTION:
We are in 3rd Sunday of Lent. Lenten season is the time of self examine, reflecting upon our lives, self seeking, a time of repentance, a time of dedication & rededication, fasting and praying, self denial, simplicity, a time to observe our relationship the Lord & work for the Lord and a time of CHANGE ( permanent change, not short term change; inwardly as well as outwardly change).
Friends, Theme for our meditation is CHANGE. Change must be permanent and it must be inside & outside change. This is our God requires from us.

BACKGROUND:
Acts 2:43 says “many wonders and miracles done by the Apostles, which are not recorded by the writer St. Luke in this book but only few.”
Dear Friends, this Acts 3:1-11 is true story of change. Introduction of the book of Acts “It was written so we would have the True Story of how the Christian church began and grew; and also 4:16 testifies “we can’t deny this miracle”
This true story begins with v.1
St. Peter and St. John were going to the Temple for Prayer at 3pm. They had custom to pray thrice in a day i.e. 9am, 12am, 3pm. (Dan. 6:10; Ps 55:17).
We would say it was the leading of Holy Spirit or Holy Spirit led them to temple. B’coz book of Acts also called “Acts of Holy Spirit”.
It was 3pm. They were near the ‘Beautiful Gate’. And there was poor cripple lying and begging. He was crippled or lame from the birth Acts 4:22 for 40 years. He never walked and jumped in his life. He wasn’t allowed to enter into Temple. B’coz Jewish thinks that foreigners, Gentiles, Samaritans, tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers & physically challenged people can’t enter into the Temple. They relate their deceases and sufferings are the reason of their own sins or their parent’s sins.
He used to beg at Beautiful Gate but nothing was beautiful, excited, and joyful and changed in his life. His friends leave him at Temple gate to beg. This was his daily routine for many years.
(This is the picture of spiritual cripple ness without Christ Jesus or Christ less person. He/S can’t enter into the relationship with God, Can’t enter into the Kingdom of God without Jesus Christ. There is no excitement, no reason to live, no joy, no hope, no change, no eternal life, no forgiveness and life is spiritually crippled without Lord Jesus Christ.)

BODY:
V.3- He saw Peter and John and asked them for money.
It seems he was professional beggar. He knew the place to sit (at Temple gate) and when to sit (during prayer hours).
V. 4 – Here is the guidance of Holy Spirit. Both looked at him. And Peter said, “Look at us.” (Strange b’coz we never say to any beggar “look at us” instead of giving money).
V.6 - But Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."
It was command or words of authority.
It wasn’t suggestion - would you pl rise up and walk in the Name of Jesus Christ.
It wasn’t trial – let us see how you rise up and walk in the Name of Jesus Christ.
It wasn’t request – will you pl rise up and walk in the Name of Jesus Christ.
He immediately walked and jumped and praised God. He went into Temple with Peter and John. Earlier he never walked and jumped and entered in the Temple.
He was unstoppable. He was Continuous praising God.
Friends, God has called us to bless people and made us people of Hope Col. 1:27, and call sinners to walk in the Lord’s way. Only Lord Jesus Christ can heal physical and spiritual cripple ness.
There were three Changes took place in his life.
(1) Place:
He changed his place. Earlier he used to sit at Temple’s gate and wasn’t allow to entered in the Temple but now he Immediately went in the Temple.

(2) Fellowship:
Earlier he had fellowship with beggars but now v.11 says he held or clung Peter and John. He changed his fellowship with God’s people.

(3) Life:
Now he wasn’t depended upon others, not begging, but walking, jumping and praising God. There was joy, excitement, beauty and Changed life.

Illustrations:
1) St. Peter, who healed this cripple person, There was Change in his life. Once he denied Lord Jesus Christ but now he was ready to die for Him.
He and other Disciples didn’t cast out demon and heal sick Mark 9:18. When they kept fast and prayed, Acts 2:43 says they did many miracles and wonders.
Fasting and prayer is very essential for believers and both are back bone of the believers.
Even people wondered when Peter preached before thousands of people.
Acts 4:13 says “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” (Greatest qualification they had).
What a Change!
2) A rich honorable man, wise well educated, full of zeal. Act 9; Phil 3:4-6; 1 Corn 15:9. Who saw a great light and he used his wealth, wisdom, education, zeal, life for God’s service. He changed his mission.
What a Change!
3) A demons possessed man, ugly, dirty, violent & naked. When he had encounter with Lord Jesus Christ he totally became new being. People saw him well dressed, clean, calm and sitting at the feet of Lord Jesus Christ. Mk. 5.
What a Change!
These persons never shouted that we are Christians pl look at us. But other people saw them found total change in their lives. (Act 3:11 Came running to them)
This is the Change. This is what God requires from us.

CONCLUSION:
Dear Friends, Ask Holy Spirit to Change your lives.
So that other people may see you and glorify your Father in heaven (1 Pet. 2:12) and they may see you a new creation, new being and totally different person in the world full of hate, corruption, evil and temptations.
Gal. 2:20; 2 Corn. 5:17.

May God bless you.
Rev. Varinder Kumar

Living Epistles

You yourselves are our letter (Epistles), written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 2Cor 3:2-3

Lord Jesus Christ is our saviour and master of our hearts. We received Him as our Lord and saviour of our hearts by faith and we become children of God. We must live a life of children of Holy God. In our daily walk, talk, life, work and all the times and everywhere we must reflect Lord Jesus Christ through our lives.

He is the author and dictator of our lives. He has written each and every word on our hearts not with ink Like the ten commandments but with His Holy Spirit (Eze. 11:19; 36:26). We are far more valuable, and precious, and permanent than any record which could be made by ink. Tablets of stone were frail, and easily broken. There was no life in them. But we are living epistles or living letters of Lord Jesus Christ so other people may read us, experience and see Lord Jesus Christ in and through our lives (Ephesians 2:10).

Lord Jesus Christ was crucified for our sins, transgression, weaknesses to make us holy and worthy before God. In the same manner we must also crucify our own fleshly desires or lust, pleasures of the eyes and pride of the heart (1 Jn. 2:16) and live a new life which is pleasing to Him.

God has given us His Holy Spirit as wonderful Counselor and Helper. Allow Holy Spirit to take control of your lives. So with the power of Holy Spirit we can deny our fleshly desires, pleasures of the eyes and pride of the heart and live a life of living Epistles. Lord Jesus Christ wants to speak through us. He wants to address other people through us.

May God bless you.
Rev. Varinder Kumar

According to your faith will it be done to you

Reading: Matthew 9:27- 31

Lord Jesus Christ is the Fountain of light as well as life (Jn 1:4; 8:121 Jn 1:7). He came to world to open the spiritual eyes as well as physical eyes and to give eternal life (Isaiah 35:5).

The scene of this miracle was near Capernaum (probably at the house of St. Peter). The two blind men probably followed Him with hope and patience till they made the cry of faith "Have mercy on us, Son of David - Messiah" on His leaving the house of Jairus. They were blind. They had not seen Him and His miracles, only heard Him and about Him. They didn’t know much scripture. They simply believed that He is Messiah (Christ – Saviour) and He can give us sight.

But the folly and sin of the chief priests, Pharisees and teachers or experts of the Law they denied and opposed Him. They could not see Him and His miracles (Ephesians 4:18), but faith comes by hearing Romans 10:17. Note, they who, by the providence of God, are deprived of bodily sight, may yet, by the grace of God, have the eyes of their understanding so enlightened, as to discern those great things of God, which are hid from the wise and prudent.

After hearing their cry of faith Lord Jesus Christ treated blind men with mercy, love and compassion (As the blind are to be treated Lev 19:14: Deut 27:18).

"Do you believe that I am able to do this?" Our Lord not only put this question to the further trial of their faith, but to deepen it, to raise their expectation of a cure, and so prepare them to receive it.

It teaches us always to pray, and not to faint: and, though the answer does not come presently, yet to wait for it.

To this question immediately and without hesitation they said, “Yes, Lord.”

“According to your faith will it be unto you.” Lord Jesus Christ touched their eyes. And immediately their sight was restored.

Note, Faith is the great condition of Christ's favors. They, who would receive the mercy of Christ, must firmly believe the power of Christ. What we would have Him do for us, we must be fully assured that He is able to do. “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” Heb 11:6

So with the sinner or spiritual blind person. If he/she has faith in the Son of God; if he/she believes that Lord Jesus Christ is able and willing to save him/ her: and if he/she earnestly desires to be saved, the power of Jesus will be put forth to the full extent of his/ her faith.

This is simple lesson of faith in Lord Jesus Christ. “According to your faith will it be unto you.”

Rev. Varinder Kumar

Rend Your Heart

“Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.” Joel 2:13

Rending garments was an outward expression of distress, of uncontrollable emotion, of grief, of sorrow, of terror, or of horror either in private or public. Gen. 37:34; Lev. 13:45; Job.1:20; Acts 14:14. In the Bible it was not mentioned as a part of ordinary mourning.

The holy garments of the priests were on no occasion to be rent Lev.10:6; Ex. 28:32. But in Jesus Christ's case the High Priest Caiaphas tore his garments which was the act of greater hypocrisy Matt 26:65; Mk.14:63. It might be done hypocritically. Where there is no true repentance.

Prophet Joel plainly didn’t forbid the use of such outward expression, by which person’s repentance might be expressed, but only requires that it be done not in outward expression only, but accompanied with the inward affections “rend or pierce your hearts rather than your garments, and turn to God with true repentance.” Conversion of heart is important than religious conversion.

It is God’s will that everyone must turn to Him with true repentance and not just outwardly. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite, O God, you will not despise.” Ps.51:17

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 Jn 1:9

He says to all us “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezek 36:26

He forgives him/her sins and changes person into new creation. Anyone can approach Him with repented heart for the forgiveness of sins.

God says “Return, ye backsliding children, I will heal your backsliding.” Jer.3:22

He is slow to anger and kind God. He is gracious and merciful to forgive our sins. He delights not in the death of sinners, but desires that they may turn and have everlasting life. That is why Lord Jesus Christ offered His Life for the sins of whole world. “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Lk. 19:10.

A few examples are given below:

1. Ninevites repented and reformed and saved. Jonah 3:9; Lk.10: 9-10
2. Zacchaeus repentance and received the gift of the salvation; Lk. 15: 17-19
3. Prodigal’s repentance. But Judas and one thief didn’t repent and they perished. Mtt.27:5; Lk.23:36.

Rev. Varinder Kumar

God is with you..

"Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous: Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Josh 1:9

This was a scene where people standing at the bank of the over flowing River Jordan with hope and trust that they are going to be enter into Promised Land and there they are going to be settled. There will be no more slavery and no more wandering.

They were only waiting for a signal to enter into the Promised Land. This Promised Land was unknown and new for them. They didn’t know the way and anything about Promised Land and also they had new leadership of Joshua.

But unchanging and Almighty God was with them, His promise of Promised Land was with them. So as they take every step towards Promised Land God was moving ahead of them.

We must learn from their experience before Joshua could lead his people, he, too, had to put his faith into action. He had to be strong and not be afraid. God had to work by him, not just for him. He could not do anything and watch God do it all.

God has given to us all the good things that we need (Ephesians 1:3). We must take every step with faith towards Promises and claim these promises & blessings. The Israelites could not receive the blessings of God until they moved forward. We will not enjoy the blessings of God if we are lazy. We cannot simply do anything. We need to take step towards His Promises.

It does not matter how often we have failed or tried. Only believe that God is with you. God cannot fail, and will not forsake; be strong, and go forward!

The one thing that God asks of all of us is that we should obey Him. We must meditate upon the Scripture day and night; it must not depart from our heart or mouth.

We must be strong in our faith and take every step towards His Promises.

We, too, can know that the same God is with us (Matthew 28:20).

Rev. Varinder Kumar

The empty tomb

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures: 1 Cor. 15:3-4

The empty tomb is a true picture of us that reminds us once we were sinners and away from God’s Holy presence. It speaks Love of God and According to Scriptures (prophecies) Lord Jesus Christ died for us, paid the penalty of our sins (Isaiah 53:5-12 ) and was buried and rose on third day to deliver us from the power death (Psalm 16:9-10).

St. Paul writes that “First of all” or “First importance” I want to pass on to you. This had been communicated to me. Not doctrines of which I was the author, or which were to be regarded as my own.

Christ did not die merely as a martyr, but that His death was to make atonement for sin. He died as an atoning sacrifice or He died in our behalf. Through Him we have received forgiveness of our sins and assurance of eternal life. And by faith in Him any one would be saved. This is a leading and primary doctrine of Christianity. And like St. Paul we have good opportunity to share our faith with others.

This is a leading and primary doctrine of Christianity. And like St. Paul we have good opportunity to share our faith with others.

Friends, we do not worship a dead God. We worship the Living God. He is the risen Saviour and His name is Lord Jesus Christ. Every time you look at the empty tomb, it would remind us that He is alive forevermore for you and me.

May the Living God bless you.
Rev. Varinder Kumar

God can forgive any one, any time and any where!

Three Crosses were on the hill of Calvary. Hebrew name of the place was Golgotha (John 19:17). In Latin, the word is ‘Calvary’. Both words mean ‘Skull (the bone inside a man’s head)’. This was either because of the shape of the mountain or because crucifixions took place there.

Crucifixion was a cursed, cruel, shameful, disgraceful death under Roman Empire. Only slaves and criminals used to face crucifixion. Crucifixion was a severe form of punishment which meant a very slow and painful death by suffocation.

Three men were crucified on that day. These three represented whole world. The reasons of their crucifixion were sins. Two were dying in their sins (Lk. 23:41) and One on the middle was dying for our sins (Cor. 5:21; 1 Jn. 3:5). He was Lord Jesus Christ who died for your and my sins. Two criminals were on either side of Lord Jesus Christ. The words, ‘People counted Him among sinners’ (Is. 53:12) came true on that cross that day. He was not only treated as a transgressor, but he was numbered with them, even the worst of them.

As Lord Jesus Christ said, “Father, forgive them. They do not know what they are doing” (Lk. 23:34). There were two kinds of response. One blasphemed and laughed at Lord Jesus Christ but another thief responded “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Lk. 23:42). This was the prayer of a dying sinner. He confessed that he is a sinner. At last moment of his life he repented before Lord Jesus Christ. And Lord Jesus Christ saved him with the word of assurance.

Lord Jesus Christ said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Lk. 23:43)

Friends, Praise God! He will be called no more thief. His Sins were forgiven by Lord Jesus Christ and he was saved. But finally we find there was only one thief died in his sins on that day.

When ever and where ever you ask for forgiveness He will forgive you. Our God can forgive any one, any time and any where.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Varinder Kumar

Lead by example - Servitude

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
John 13:15

When we read maundy Thursday account written by St. John in ch.13, here we find that Jesus, a day before the Passover feast had last supper with His Twelve disciples in the upper room and he further writes that Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot was also in the upper room and he had decided already to betray Jesus. Lord Jesus Christ not only knew that Judas would betray Him, but also that the other disciples will leave Him alone and they will run away. Jesus knew that it was time for Him to leave this world. He had to return to the Father. Jesus knew that He had come to the earth for a definite purpose.

So, during the meal, Jesus left the table, wrapped a towel round His body, poured water into a basin and then He began to wash the disciple’s feet. He also dried them with the cloth around his waist. Usually, a slave does such a task. It was custom for slaves to wash the feet of their master’s guests. The slaves would do this as soon as the guests entered the house. But Jesus did it during the meal.

Lord Jesus Christ wanted to show His disciples how to behave, not only with each other, but also with everybody. (Mtt.22:24 because dispute arose among them that who is the greatest among them and also Judas was there). He did not just tell them what to do. He was serving them as He knelt down to wash their feet. He was their Lord and Teacher. But He did what a slave would do on their behalf. And He was the Son of Almighty Lord God and Creator of the universe. But He served His disciples, even after knowing His disciples' betrayal that was to happen. He made Himself humble.

He did a task that slaves did. He set an example by washing the feet of Judas, who betrayed, and sold His Master for thirty pieces of silver. He wanted the disciples to do the same. He meant any kind of act that show love and honour to other people, even to the enemies.

That is what Jesus wants us to do. He has called us and wants us to serve all; it doesn’t mean our loved one or favorite one, but to all. We should be humble. We should not be too proud to serve other people. Jesus - God’s Son did the job of a slave on behalf of His disciples. We should always be willing to serve each other in any way.

Remember, He even washed the feet of the people who sold him and turned their back on Him.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Varinder Kumar

Jesus' Sufferings...

Sometimes, when I reflect, it seems like an easy statement when we say “Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins or He paid the penalty of our sins.” But the gospel accounts of how Jesus paid the penalty for our sins speaks in detail about the great suffering he had went through. Lord Jesus Christ suffered physically, mentally and spiritually for us. Perhaps, the sufferings of Lord Jesus was beyond the verbal expression of Gospel writers.

Physical suffering: - Lord Jesus Christ faced six long trials. He was on His feet for nine hours during which He was taken place to place, whipped, slapped, spat upon, humiliated and beaten by soldiers & own people, physically broken by carrying the heavy cross among other physical assault. His body was dangling on two hands and legs that were nailed to the cross he carried up the mountain which severed his bones and joints causing unbearable pain. Ps.22:6,7; Is. 53:2-5 describes the dreadful condition of His physical sufferings. Lord Jesus Christ hung on the cross for six hours. Crucifixion was a severe form of punishment which meant a very slow and painful death by suffocation.
Friends, Jesus had gone through sever physical suffering which is beyond our description. He knows our physical suffering, sickness & pain very well because in the flesh He experienced far more than us. So, let’s call Him for His healing touch.

Emotional suffering: - He was crucified outside the city to make an example to everyone who passed by that road. He was numbered among criminals. His cross was raised few inches above earth so He should not touch earth and to show that even He not belongs to heaven and He was left hanging in mid-air naked on the cross. This was emotional shame & humiliation for a Jew, more worse for a Jewish Rabbi. There were people mocking and calling him names Lk.23:35-38.

Friends, In spite of His emotional & physical suffering He was thoughtful to take care of His mother. He teaches us that how to overcome emotional suffering, tensions & depression while he was still suffering. We learn that comparing to the pain & suffering of others, we’ll find that our own pain & suffering are nothing He taught by an example that we need to Pray & help others, even those who are hurting us.

Spiritual suffering: - His spiritual sufferings were worse than His physical & emotional. He had not only taken our sins but became sin for us. He bore the sins of all the people, generations once for all. When the nature grieved and darkness covered the whole earth for three hours. It was Lord God’s judgment that He turned His face away from Lord Jesus Christ because He was carrying our sin, shame and disgrace. With agony He cried out loud “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” First time Father and Son were separated.

Friends, He had adequately provided for God’s judgment by paying with His life for us and rose up from the dead, so we will be never separated from God. He has reconciled us with God. All we need to do is ‘Accept him as our personal Lord and Savior, and follow his path in obedience. Praise God! He is Emmanuel - always with us. I encourage you to share this good news with as many of your friends as you can. God bless you.

Rev. Varinder Kumar

The humility of Christ

Philippians 2: 5 – 11

St. Paul wrote this one of the greatest passage on Lord Jesus Christ. This passage reminds us during lenten season that Lord Jesus Christ humbles Himself to pay the penalty of my sin and yours sins and offered Him for our redemption.

This passage is beautiful & wonderful story of Lord Jesus Christ’s humility, love, obedience, suffering, death and self denial for our sakes. In early Church Christian used to sing this hymn during Lord’s Supper. Human beings always wants to become rich and powerful. No one wants to become poor and weak. But the passage tells us that how Rich & Almighty God became poor & humble for us. “Jesus Christ who was rich yet for our sakes He became poor” 2corn. 8: 9.

(1) What He was (is)?

• Gen. 1:1; 14:22 Jn. 17:5 Creator
• Jn.1:1-3, 17; Col. 1:15-17 Image of invisible God, before the world.
• Is. 6:1-5: Rev. 5:11-12 Holy of Holies Lord, Glory of God
• Jn. 8:58 Greater than patriarchs

(2) What He became for us?

• He became the picture of true humanity. He left His throne in heaven and came down on the earth. Creator Himself became creation for us.
• He had no home on the earth. Lk. 9:58
• He became servant for us. Jn. 1:14; Mtth. 20:28; Heb. 2:17
• He became curse, shame, numbered with criminal for us. Is. 53.

Because of

1. His love. Jn. 15:15 (friends); Jn. 10:11, 15 shepherded
2. To satisfy God’s judgment. Rom. 3: 25-26
3. For our salvation. Heb. 9:12, 26-28; 10:10-14; 13;12; Col. 1:20-22

In contrast Adam & Eve committed sin. They wanted to become like God. Gen. 3:5

Satan or Lucifer wanted to make his throne above God. Is. 14: 12-15 (1st sin in the universe).

Friends, He was rich yet for our sakes became poor. 2Corn. 8:9

Than why or for what most people boast. Even in this world there are many educated, handsome, rich, talented etc. than us.

St. Paul says if you have to boast than boast on the Cross. Gal. 6:14; PS. 34; 2; 44;8: 1corn. 1:31

(3) He emptied Himself: -Vv. 7-8

a. Empty – Kenoun (Gk)
Pouring out from the container until it’s fully empty.

b. He took the form of human. He was (is) God and became human for us.
Lord Jesus Christ was morphe (form of God, divine nature), schema (form of)
fully God and fully human.

He gave His glory (shakina) and became like us.

He felt hunger (Mk. 11:12); thirst (Jn. 4:7); wept (Jn. 11:35); happy (Jn. 15:11);
tired (Lk. 8:23).

But He didn’t sin. Heb. 4:15

c. He became slave. Is. 53; Mtth. 20:28: Jn. 13:5 (washed disciple’s feet).
He did many miracles and healings to glorify His Father, not for own glory and
for the benefit for the others.

d. V. 8:- Obedient even to the death of a cross.
Death on a cross was cruel & painful punishment during Roman reign. It was
only for hard criminals & slaves.

Jew believes that person who dies on cross he/she is beyond God’s grace. Deut.
21:23; Gal. 3:13; Heb. 13:12-13; 1 Pet. 2:24

Nervous parts of His body was nailed (hands & feet), hanged on cross and had
full weight on nailed parts.

(4) Humble shall be exalted. V. 9

• God made Him Lord or Master – Kyrious (Gk.)
• God will exalt humbles. Mtth. 23:12; Lk. 14:11; 18:14
• Every nee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Amen, Hallelujah). Whether rich or poor, good or bad, small or great, righteous or evil, believers or atheist. Is. 45:23; Eph. 6:12.

Conclusion:-

Dear Friends, St. Paul reminds us through this beautiful passage that we should have the humility or attitude of Lord Jesus Christ who was God but for our sakes He became like us. Learn His love, obedience, self denial; sacrifice for others and for Father’s glory. Leave aside your personal issues, personal ambitious, prestige issues etc. and humble yourself. Than surely God will exalt you.

May God bless you.
Rev. Varinder Kumar

He cares for you...

Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you: He will never let the righteous fall... Psalms 55: 22

King David was in great distress when he wrote this psalm. This psalm is an earnest prayer for his relief, and an outcome of his problems, difficulties, sorrow, fear and great terror on account of his enemies and was grieved by the treachery of a friend. Probably the remembrance of his sin in the matter of Uriah added much fear to him. He prays to God that He would show His favour to him during this time. He was fully surrounded by his enemies. He had no other hope except on God who called him, chose him, anointed him and made him king over His people. He assures himself that God would appear for him against his enemies in due time. With that affirmation he was filled with renewed hope and confidence. That’s why he wrote, “Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you.”

He encourages us to trust in God in all the circumstances. In every trial let us call upon the Lord and He will save us. He will hear our prayers and He will never blame us for approaching Him again and again during times of fear, worries, struggles and problems etc. He will always welcome us. David had thought all were against him; but after prayer and trusting upon the Lord, he found there were many with him, more than he supposed; God raised his friends and faithful for his help and to stand with him. All the glory from his triumphs over enemies and situations, he gives to God. Even whenever we feel we are alone, hopeless, remember that it is He that rises up friends, and makes them faithful to us.

Friends, look to Christ who bore our sins, shame, curses, pain, suffering, sickness and disgrace on the cross. He dealt with our greatest problem of sin by offering His Life, then why will He not deal with our other smaller problems, worries and fears (Romans 8:32). Whatever we would ask Him or desires. He will give us. We must leave it to him to give it in His own way and time. We must commit our fear, worries, struggles and problems etc to the Lord; He will do what is best for us (Eph. 3:20). To cast our burdens upon God is to rest upon His providence and promise. And if we do so, He will carry us in the arms of his power. He will never allow us to be shaken by any fear, worries, struggles and problems etc.

May God bless you.
Rev. Varinder Kumar

Dead to sin, alive to God!

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Romans 6:11-12

Lenten season reminds us that Lord Jesus Christ suffered, crucified, died and rose again for our sins. He has released us from the slavery of sin & death. We are no more alive to sin but we are dead to sin and alive as a new creation in Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corn. 5:17).

He has redeemed us from our old sinful nature by shedding His Holy & Precious Blood on the Cross of Calvary. We are no longer slaves of sin and sin should not be our master. Like after the death slave he is frees from the slavery of his master. In the same way Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins to make us living to God. As Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead to leave this world (Jn.13:1) and He rose to live to God. We are also in and through the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ rose to live to God.

These verses show how we must behave in our new resurrection life. Our whole attitude to sin must change. Every part of the body can sin. With our eyes, we can look at wrong things. With our ears, we can listen to bad talk. With our mouth we can say things that can hurt other people. With our hands we can work in bad ways. With our feet we can go to places that we should avoid. We should not use ourselves as instruments of sin but in and through the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ we should do what God wants.

Friends, now choice is before us either to allow old sinful nature to master over us or continue to allow Lord Jesus Christ to be our Master and Saviour.

May God strengthen you through His grace and the power of His Holy Spirit to live for Him and to serve Him.
God bless you.

Yours in His service,
Rev. Varinder Kumar

Worship the Lord

In the book of prophet Daniel, in Ch. 3 we come across three young Jews. They present an exemplary behaviour and teach us that we, in all circumstances we should always trust and worship the Lord. We should never miss an opportunity to worship Him. They were very faithful to God even in the times of difficulties, extreme pain and troubles.

Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar commanded his people to worship his image that was made of gold. These three young men were in great trouble because they were very faithful to their living and almighty God and they knew it very well that worshiping other gods or giving priority to other gods is a great sin. Since they were under the bondage of Babylonian king, there was a great penalty for them; because saying 'no' to the king's command only meant death. However, they did make a choice of who's command to follow, because worshiping other gods meant committing a great sin against God Almighty.

Friends, finally they decided to say no to earthly king’s command and follow their kings of King’s command (Ex.20:3-4). The result: they were thrown into the midst of the fiery burning furnace, which was heated seven times more. Soon king Nebuchadnezzar saw there were four persons walking in the midst of that furnace instead of three. All were unhurt and unharmed, and he saw that the fourth person who was walking with them, who was none other but the Son of the God.

Finally Nebuchadnezzar said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has delivered His servants who trusted in Him”. This changed the king's word, and he yielded their bodies, so that they might "neither serve nor worship any other god, except their own God."

We must praise God that we are not under the bondage of anyone and do not have any command from worldly authorities. So lets worship God even in the time of pressures, difficulties, troubles and uncertainties. If we give time and place that belongs to God then we would always experience with us the presence of the Son of God.

Not everyday, but just count how many Sundays in the month of February did we not worship the Lord?

Yours in His service,
Rev. Varinder Kumar

Weekly Meditation: New Year's Resolution

Let's look to the resolution of man aged 110 years from the Holy Bible. It is Joshua, who was born in Egyptian slavery. He had seen affliction, tears, sufferings, pain and the yoke of slavery. He had also seen deliverance from his bondage, the crossing of Red sea, the parting of river Jordan, wandered in the wilderness for 40 years; experienced God’s presence in clouds and a pillar of fire, God’s care & protection, the falling down of great city of Jericho, and many other victories.

Now he was free man, settled in the promised land with possessions and enjoying God’s blessings. It was because he didn’t grumble or murmur, he didn’t worship idols as other Israelites did. Instead, he waited upon God, and he wasn’t afraid of enemies and problems. For he believed God is greater and stronger than all his problems and enemies, he fully depended upon God in all the circumstances. That is why God made him leader of His people and he led Israel into the Promised Land.

He had gone through all the tough circumstances. He experienced God’s greatness, faithfulness, fulfillment of promises.

Having experienced all these things he said before all the people that this is my resolution; “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
(Joshua 24:15b)

The reading of the verse throws up a question to us from Joshua “What is your New Year’s Resolution?”

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Varinder Kumar

Weekly Meditation: Moving towards 2009

“Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Php 3:13-14 KJV)

Friends, we thank God the year 2008 and ask for His presence with us during 2009. In 2008 we have gone through the time of joy and sorrow, good and bad experiences of the life. In all these we have experienced His continuous Holy presence with us.

We may have bitter experience or a great loss during 2008. That time seems unforgettable.

Let’s look to the life of St. Paul. When he wrote this letter to Church in Philippi he was aging, weak, sick, losing eyesight, in prison, facing trials, his death was near and sure. In spite of all these things he says “Rejoice in the Lord and again I say Rejoice. Look towards future or press toward the goal and forget those things which are behind” (Php 3:13-14). These words encouraged St. Paul and he happily gave his life for Lord Jesus Christ. This was the secret of St. Paul’s life.

During this New Year God Says forget your past failures, problems, difficulties, things that troubled you, pain, and grief. “...Come boldly unto my throne of grace, that you may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16)

May God bless you and your household during 2009.

Wish you blessed New Year.

“And our God shall supply every need of yours, according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Php 4:19).

Yours in Christ,

Rev. varinder Kumar, Sangeeta, Riya