A witness of the gospel before hearing the Gospel

 

"Now Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends" (Acts 10:24).

Cornelius became a witness of the gospel before hearing the Gospel. Before he was saved, he invited his relatives and close friends to hear the good news of salvation.

God richly blessed the meeting at Cornelius' house. On the same day, all those present heard the Word of God, repented, believed, received the Holy Spirit and were baptized with water.

I have a lesson to learn from Cornelius; to invite my relatives and friends to hear the Gospel.

From my diary,

September  14, 2023

The fear of the Lord: fountain of life

 "The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning one away from the snares of death." - Proverbs 14:27

The snares of death are everywhere, but there is also the fountain of life that turns us away from those snares: the fear of the Lord. He who drinks from that fountain receives great strength to resist sin, to put to death the works of the flesh, to reject religious traditions and man-made teachings, and advance on the path of holiness.

He who drinks from that fountain desires to please God and hates sin, resulting in a sanctified life. If a holy life is the most important thing to me, then I will continually drink from the refreshing fountain of life called the fear of the Lord.

From my diary,

September  13, 2023

A Cry for Help, a Promise of Atonement

 "Iniquities prevail against me; as for our transgressions, You will provide atonement for them." - Psalm 65:3

Every perosn who sees his sins makes this confession: ‘’ Iniquities prevail against me.’’ He tries to free himself from the burden of sin, but the harder he tries, the more he loses. All his efforts are in vain and he puts his trust in God. Self-distrust leads to trust in God. No man will know the sanctifying power of God unless he is first crushed by his sin. Only he who has seen the captivity of sin, understands and appreciates the freedom brought by Christ, the power of His holy blood, rejoices in being freed from sin, longs for holiness, and hates sin.

Every person who has tried to get rid of his sins by his own efforts will say in disappointment. ‘’Iniquities prevail against me.’’ Like the hero of Romans chapter 7 will say: " O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?"

But there is hope for every desperate struggler. God will give strength and power to fight against sin, deliver from the power of sin, the cruel tyrant, He will sanctify and give victory. Sins that overcome us are defeated before God.

He who has made this sad confession: ‘’ Iniquities prevail against me’’, receives this blessed confidence, with which he says to the Lord: " As for our transgressions, You will provide atonement for them."

In the first part of this verse we see the helplessness of a person struggling against sin, and in the second part we see the power of God that gives victory over sin. The first part of the verse describes the worst condition, and the second part describes the most blessed state: receiving forgiveness of sins.

From my diary,

September  12, 2023

Read God's Word

‘’Search from the book of the LORD, and read… ‘’ (Isaiah 34:16 )

He who wants to go to heaven must read the Guide to it: it is the Bible. He who wants to win the war against sin must know the strategy and rules of spiritual warfare. They are written in the Bible. He who wants the solution of his problems should read the Book in which there are answers to all questions: it is the Bible.

He who seeks joy should read the statutes that make the heart joyful. They are written in the Bible. He who seeks holiness must read the book that sanctifies. It's the Bible.

From my diary,

September  11, 2023

 

God’s surprises: Unpredictable blessings: The parable of the prodigal son

 

"And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry." - Luke 15:21-24

The parable of the prodigal son serves as a powerful reminder of God's forgiveness, illustrating that God grants the repentant sinner far more than they ask for. The prodigal son had prepared in his heart what he would say to his father upon his return. He hadn't intended to request his former position and privileges but was willing to become a hired servant, working for his sustenance. However, the father's response was one of boundless grace. He didn't utter a reprimanding word or remind his son of his past. There was no scolding, no "After squandering your inheritance, you suddenly remember your father?" Instead, the father warmly received him.

The son didn't even have the chance to deliver his rehearsed speech about becoming a hired servant. While he was ready to toil for his food, his father threw a feast, slaughtered the fatted calf, dressed him in the best robe, adorned him with a ring, and provided him with sandals.

What an encouraging parable for those who have repented of their sins and are returning to God! The Heavenly Father offers them not only forgiveness of sins but also showers them with abundant blessings that they may not have dared to ask for.

In this topical meditation I have seen  how, time and again, our Heavenly Father exceeds our expectations, answers our prayers in ways we cannot fathom, and blesses us in unpredictable ways.

From the remarkable stories of biblical heroes like Ruth, Hannah, Solomon, and Cornelius to the powerful parables of Jesus, I have seen that God's surprises are marked by His boundless love, mercy, and grace. He not only grants our petitions but also enriches our lives with blessings we may not have dared to ask for.

As I reflect on these divine surprises,  I am encouraged to approach God with unwavering faith and persistent prayer, knowing that His surprises are ever-present, waiting to unfold in my life.  I will trust in His timing and His ability to bring about blessings that transcend my imagination, for my  God is the God of limitless grace and unfathomable surprises.

Our journey of faith is filled with wonder, and God's surprises await those who seek Him with open hearts.

Topical meditation 2023

September 10

God’s surprises: Unpredictable blessings: remember Peter's delivrance from prison

"Peter, therefore, was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him." - Acts 12:5

"They came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord…" - Acts 12:10

"When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate." - Acts 12:14

When Peter was in prison, the church prayed for him without ceasing. Of course, they believed that God would somehow deliver Peter. However, the miracle that the Lord performed to free Peter surpassed all their expectations.

The children of God had been knocking at the gate of heaven without ceasing while Peter was behind the prison gates. And because of their persistent prayers, a messenger came from heaven, and the iron gate opened by itself. Shortly after, the very person for whom they had fervently knocked at the gate of heaven with their incessant prayers knocked at the gate of the house where the prayer meeting was taking place.

They had not expected such a miracle and could not have imagined it.

The story of Peter's miraculous release from prison reminds us of the incredible power of persistent prayer and the boundless surprises that God has in store for His children. The church's unwavering faith and ceaseless prayers not only opened the gates of heaven but also the physical prison gates. Their faith moved God to perform a miraculous intervention that surpassed all expectations.

Here is a lesson for me: our prayers, offered with faith and perseverance, can lead to God's surprises.

I will always pray and believe that God's surprises are always waiting to manifest in His perfect timing.

Topical meditation 2023

September 9

  

God’s surprises: Unpredictable blessings: remember Cornelius

"He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, 'What is it, lord?' So he said to him, 'Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.'" - Acts 10:3-6

Cornelius, a devout man, prayed fervently even before he came to know Christ. The specific content of his prayers is not known, but it's unlikely that he ever asked for, or even imagined, that an angel would descend to visit him, providing an address to reach a man who would deliver the message of salvation.

Cornelius' story reminds us that our prayers, offered in faith and sincerity, can have a profound impact in ways we may never anticipate. Just as God surprised Cornelius with an angelic visitation and divine guidance, He is also capable of surprising us with blessings and answers to prayer that go beyond our expectations.

Topical meditation 2023

September 8

 

God’s surprises: Unpredictable blessings: remember the beloved family in Bethany

 "Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, 'Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.'" - John 11:3

"So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was." - John 11:6

"Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come forth!'" - John 11:43

The sisters of Bethany sent a letter to Jesus, expecting Him to come and heal their sick brother. Yet, Jesus chose to delay His arrival for four days after Lazarus' death, and in doing so, He performed a miracle that exceeded the expectations and imaginations of those present. Jesus, in His divine power, raised Lazarus from the dead, to show the glory and power of God. This extraordinary miracle served to strengthen the faith of those who believed in Him.

Jesus' delay was not a sign of a lack of love but rather an evidence of His ove. His purpose was to demonstrate the great power of God and to deepen the faith of His followers.

If the Lord has not yet answered some of my prayers, it does not signify His indifference. Instead, it may signify His intention to perform a greater miracle and increase my faith.

Topical meditation 2023

September 7

God’s surprises: Unpredictable blessings: remember Elizabeth and Zechariah

 

"But the angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.'" - Luke 1:13

"He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." - Luke 1:17

Elizabeth and Zechariah had prayed for a son, and had no idea that their son was written about in the prophecy of Malachi.

Their prayer was answered not in their expected timeline, but in God's perfect timing, when they least expected it. And when the answer came, it was more glorious and significant than they could have ever imagined.

God's timing is always perfect and His answers to our prayers can far exceed our expectations. I will trust in God's timing and remain hopeful, even when it seems like my prayers are delayed.

Topical meditation 2023

September 6

God’s surprises: Unpredictable blessings: remember Solomon

 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. 1 Kings 3:9, 10, 13

Solomon asked God for what he valued most—an understanding heart and discernment. However, God's response was beyond Solomon's expectations; not only did He grant him wisdom, but He also bestowed upon him riches and honor, which Solomon had not requested.

Solomon's prayer pleased God. When our prayers are pleasing to Him, He not only grants us the things we request but also surprises us with blessings we did not even think to ask for.

As Jesus taught, our primary focus should be on seeking God's kingdom and righteousness, and the Lord will add other blessings we need.

Topical meditation 2023

September 5

God’s surprises: Unpredictable blessings: Remember Ruth and Hannah

 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20, 21

This week, I want to remember instances from the Bible when God did more than people expected, gave greater blessings than people asked for, performed greater miracles than people imagined.

Our merciful and generous God delights in surprising us. This is evident in numerous biblical accounts where biblical heroes received blessings far beyond their expectations.

Consider Ruth, who sought food in the field of Boaz. Little did she know that God had an even greater plan – she would become the wife of the field's owner and be included in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Think about Hannah, who fervently prayed for a son. God not only granted her request but blessed her with a son who would later become a prophet. Hannah hadn’t asked for it.

Topical meditation 2023

September 4

The sin of carelessness

 "Rise up, ye women that are at ease; hear my voice, ye careless daughters; give ear unto my speech." - Isaiah 32:9

This verse reminds me of the sin of carelessness. I should not be careless about God's work; I should work diligently. I should not be careless towards the Church of Christ; I should serve willingly and contribute to the edification of God's children. I should not be careless towards the lost; I should testify about God's grace and pray for them. I must not be careless about my spiritual condition; I must mortify the works of the flesh, reject everything that is not pleasing to God, and feed on the Word of God. Let my prayer be unceasing, let my watchfulness be round the clock, and let my self-examination be daily.

I must always beware of the sin of carelessness.

From my diary,

September 3,  2023

 

The joy of the meek

"The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD…" - Isaiah 29:19

Joy is promised to the meek. They are humble; they do not rely on their own righteousness. They attribute everything good in them only to the grace of God, and they are grateful to the Lord for His mercy. They are content with what they have; they do not envy, and they do not look down on others. The Lord gives grace to the humble. God's grace gives strength to live a holy life, and holiness is joy.

The joy of the meek will increase. As holiness increases, so does joy.

From my diary,

September 2,  2023

 

He went without knowing because he believed

"...And he went out, not knowing where he was going." - Hebrews 11:8

Abraham's faith was expressed in perfect obedience and trust in the Lord. He didn't even need to know where he was going because he knew on whose orders he was going. He didn't know where he was going, he didn't know what would happen on the way, but he knew who had called him, and he knew that the one who sent him knew the way. He knew that the one who sent him would be with him on the way. He went without knowing because he believed.

We, who have heard the Lord's call and come out of Egypt and Babylon, don't know what awaits us on the road, but we know where we are going. We are going where our Lord is. We know that He will guide us along the way, give us strength, and bring us to safety. He deserves complete trust.

From my diary,

September 1,  2023