Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Dr. Johnson's Devotionals From The Word Of God- 8

Indonesia has over 130 active volcanoes, more than any other country on earth. Towering 1,200ft above the Sunda Strait in Indonesia, one of the most terrifying volcanoes the world has ever known- the Krakatoa began to stir once more last year. With an explosive force more than 13,000 times the power of the atomic bomb that destroyed Hiroshima, the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa killed more than 36,000 people and severely changed global weather for years afterwards. The enormous tsunami it generated, destroyed 165 villages and towns. Scientists believe that if Krakatoa were to erupt again, the impact would be far more devastating than that which was experienced in the 19th century. Hundreds of thousands of people could be killed if there were another massive eruption.

Is there anyone human or robotic who can control this time bomb? After all the wonderful inventions and discoveries, man comes to a point wherein he is helpless if he chooses to go ahead on his own strength.

If there is anyone who can control this potential devastator, it's the Creator himself and he is in control of all things seen and unseen. He says,
Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23, 24)

God is in control of every situation in the life of the one who has fear of the Lord.
The Bible says,
The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble. (Proverbs 19:23)

Sunday, March 28, 2010

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Dr. Johnson's Devotionals From The Word Of God- 7

Camels can tolerate the worst of desert climates. They can survive without food and water for long periods of time. This wonderful ability stems from their body being able to store fat in their humps and water in the lining of their stomachs. They can drink 100 litres of water within 10 minutes for future use. They have double rows of long, curled eyelashes to protect their eyes from blowing sand. They can close their slit nostrils by contraction of the circular muscle during sandstorms. They consume anything from thorny shrubs to desert thistles. The broad, padded toes are insulated to avoid the desert sand's heat. Their strong, flexible web of the toes prevent them from sinking into the sand. No wonder they are called "ships of the desert."

God sustains this amazing creature in the worst of living conditions. He did sustain his chosen ones (the Israelites) too in the vast deserts as they traveled from Egypt to Canaan under the leadership of Moses & Joshua long ago.

We read of this in the book of Nehemiah;
Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the desert. By day the pillar of cloud did not cease to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take. You gave your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold your manna from their mouths, and you gave them water for their thirst. For forty years you sustained them in the desert; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen. (Nehemiah 9:19-21)

Are you experiencing a "desert like" situation in your life? Dry, barren, listless, troublesome & stormy events maybe crushing you.
Remember, the Lord who sustained the Israelites in the desert will take care of you too. Trust in Jesus. Be strong and courageous. He will make a way for you to rejoice again.




Thursday, March 25, 2010

Dr. Johnson's Devotionals From The Word Of God- 6

The human tongue can detect five basic taste components: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami. The last one is not a well known taste I guess. It means savoriness. Umami comes from the Japanese language meaning "flavor" or "taste". It describes the flavor common to savory products such as meat, cheese, and mushrooms. The tongue has several distinct physical features, but the Bible also speaks in length about it's spiritual power. Here are a couple of verses that speak of the power of the tongue.

The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. (Proverbs 15:4)

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21)

The Bible speaks of several kinds of tongues. Boastful tongue, deceitful tongue, lying tongue, smooth tongue, perverse tongue, malicious tongue, sly tongue, tongue of the crafty, flattering tongue, tongue that plots destruction, tongue that brings healing, tongue of the wise, tongue of the righteous, tongue that speaks what is just and several others.

The Apostle James wrote in length regarding its destructive power.
Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
(James 3:5-8)

If our tongue brings healing to others it is a tree of life, otherwise as the Apostle James puts it...the tongue is a fire, a world of evil, restless evil, full of deadly poison......
Does our tongue bring healing to others or is it destructive? is a question we should ask ourselves.
Let's take this advice that the Bible gives us and remember it always,
Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. (1 Peter 3:10)

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Monday, March 22, 2010

Dr. Johnson's Devotionals From The Word Of God- 5

Talking in millions and billions.....The average human brain has about 100 billion nerve cells. The average human heart will beat 40 million times a year. Each human lung contains about 600 million alveoli. There are 4 to 6 million red blood cells per cubic millimeter of blood. Three hundred million cells die in the human body every minute. Every day an adult body produces 300 billion new cells. On average the normal eye blinks 6.25 million times a year.

No wonder that the Psalmist David sang,
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139:14)

He didn't have the detailed data that we have now, but he knew that his being was an astounding work of the Master Creator.

The Psalmist had more to say,
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:15, 16)

The Omnipotence, Omniscience & Omnipresence of God Almighty can be experienced by everyone who is willing to humble themselves, for to such he wills to reveal himself, be he a pundit or be he illiterate.

How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth! (Psalm 47:2)
Praise the Lord.

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Sunday, March 21, 2010

Dr. Johnson's Devotionals From The Word Of God- 4

Ever heard of the Red Devil? No, it's not the color of Satan when he's angry. It's the English translation of a Spanish word- Diablo Rojo, which is the name given to the Humboldt Squid or Jumbo Squid. It is a large, predatory squid found in the waters of the Humboldt Current in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Their tentacles bear suckers lined with sharp teeth with which they grasp prey and drag it towards a large, sharp beak. They are known to be very aggressive and attack divers who venture too close. Their colouring and aggressive reputation has earned them the nickname 'diablos rojos' (red devils). Fishermen have to be very careful while dealing with them.

Even if you are unaware of the 'red devil', it's not a big matter, but Jesus wants every Christian to be aware of the devil(Satan), because he is always trying to bring misery to the believer.

Jesus spoke of him saying,
He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44)

The Apostle Peter warns believers:
...Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

So what must we do? Peter exhorts believers in this manner:
Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (1 Peter 5:9, 10)

Shall we say an Amen to that?

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Dr. Johnson's Devotionals From The Word Of God- 3

The blue whale is the largest animal ever known to have existed. They can be up to 100 feet long and weigh up to 200 tons. They subsist mainly on a diet composed of tiny shrimplike animals called krill. Some blue whales consume up to 3-4 tons of krill per day. Its heart is the size of a small car, and its largest blood vessels are wide enough for an adult to swim through. Their tongues can weigh as much as an elephant. Blue whale calves are born after a year long growth in its mother's womb and weigh 2.5-3 tons and are 20-25 feet long at birth. Blue whales live up to 80- 90 years.

The blue whale and all sea creatures were created on the 5th day of creation according to the Bible.
And God said, "Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky." So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:20, 21)

In fact, the first blessing pronounced by God, that we read of in the Bible was on sea creatures and birds.
God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth." (Genesis 1:22)

When we think of the mammoth proportions of this largest animal, the blue whale, we cannot ignore the magnanimity of it's Creator.
The Psalmist sang,
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? (Psalm 8:4)

Yes, God cares for humanity; more than he cares for his other creations, however mighty they be. Praise the Lord.

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Friday, March 19, 2010

Dr. Johnson's Devotionals From The Word Of God- 2

The Lyrebird is one of the Australian birds, notable for their superb ability to mimic natural and artificial sounds from their surroundings. This bird is not only beautiful but has a naturally strange characteristic. It mimics the calls of other birds, sounds of chainsaws, camera shutters, cars, babies crying, dogs and many other noises. It is an excellent imitator. This clever Bird is one of the most impressive and funny birds in nature. A wonderful creation from the Master Creator.

Christians are also called to be imitators.
The Apostle Paul exhorts the believer's in Ephesus saying,
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1, 2)

Paul also commends the believers in Thessalonica for doing so.
You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. (1 Thessalonians 1:6, 7)

Perhaps we should ask ourselves this pertinent question?
Are we imitators of Christ?
Are we a model for other Christians, especially new believers to watch and follow?

If we are, then we are truly fulfilling God's plan and purpose for our lives. If we are not, we must know that God desires much more than mere lip service. God bless.

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Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Dr. Johnson's Devotionals From The Word Of God- 1

A blue moon refers to the second full moon that occurs in any calendar month. There are 41 months that have two full moons in every century. 'Once in a blue moon' means once every two-and-a-half years. A blue moon was originally cited as something that was impossible; only later did it come to mean unlikely. The year 2009 ended in a "Blue Moon". December 2009 had two full moons; the first on Decebmer 2nd and the second full moon was seen on December 31. Unusual event, yet it did happen.

The Bible speaks of unusual events too. Things that are slated to happen; but things that most of the people who live in the world do not believe in. Here's such an event that speaks of the moon itself.
The prophet Joel prophesied,
The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. (Joel 2:31)

Jesus himself said,
"But in those days, following that distress, "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' "At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. (Mark 13:24-27)

These verses speak of the second coming of Jesus Christ. God's judgement is coming upon this world and it's inhabitants. Only those who have placed their trust in the Son of God, Jesus Christ, will escape these judgements.
Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior and Lord? If not, you must do it without any delay. If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, live a life that is pleasing to him at all times. God bless you.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Simple Thoughts On Promises- 296

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)

Ever wondered why Jesus, after the 40 day fast, was not supplied with a sumptuous meal by angels or why he didn't turn stone to bread as the devil asked him to. He could have done it but he didn't.

Ever wondered why Jesus, who fed 5000 and more people had to cry out on the cross, "I thirst" but no angels brought him any water or why he didn't choose to do a miracle and have his thirst quenched.

Ever wondered why Jesus, who had the angelic host for his help, did not choose to ask the Father for the same when he was being caught in the garden of Gethsamane.

The above verse explains it all. For your sake and my sake, he chose to keep aside, for a while, his liberty as Son of God to do as he pleased. That's what the Apostle Paul writes to the Philippians.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5-8)

Yes, for your sake and my sake, he chose to become poor, so that we through his poverty might become rich. Rich spiritually and inherit the eternal glorious riches that are promised to everyone who accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior and live a life obeying the Word of God. God bless you.


Sunday, March 7, 2010

Simple Thoughts On Promises- 295

Like birds hovering overhead, the LORD Almighty will shield Jerusalem; he will shield it and deliver it, he will 'pass over' it and will rescue it." (Isaiah 31:5)

God is your shield against the attacks of satan. The blood of Jesus is your protection. The enemy fears the blood of Jesus. It is oppressive and destructive to them. Every day, in prayer you must cover yourself, your family and everything that God has given you with the blood of Jesus.

Have you seen helicopters sent for protection of places against terrorists? They hover around the area repeatedly to spot the offenders to destroy them and protect the innocent.

In Psalm 7, the psalmist sings:
My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart. (Psalm 7:10)

Do you believe that God is your shield?
The Psalmist was sure of it, so he says,
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2)

God is watching over you and your family continuously because you have made him your refuge by accepting his only son Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
The Bible says,
He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless. (Proverbs 2:7)

Yes...If your walk is blameless, he is a shield for you and he holds victory in store for you. The satanic forces that come against you will continually be defeated. Praise the Lord.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

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Simple Thoughts On Promises- 294

Then the LORD said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams' horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in." (Joshua 6:1-5)

Your problem has an unique solution. There are several things that we have to look into when we encounter problems that are unusual. Here was a situation where God provided a specific solution to a problem that Joshua encountered.

First things first, our relationship with God must be such that He be willing to give us the strategy of how to go about getting the deliverance. If we are not living close to him and there is sin, often the deliverance is delayed even though we pray. Not only with God, our relationship with people should also be right. When Daniel got a deliverance from the lions, this is what he said,
My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king." (Daniel 6:22)... Innocent in God's sight and not doing wrong to others.

The next step is prayer and when prayer touches the heart of God, he will either deliver us from the problem or give us a strategy to overcome the situation. Acting upon God's strategy with faith is the final step and when one does that, the miracle happens.

Not only with this situation that Joshua encountered, but with every problem that the Israelites encountered in the wilderness, God gave Moses & Joshua unique strategies to overcome the situation. Be it at the Red Sea, be it at Marah, be it at Rephidim, be it in the case of lack of food or water, be it at the Jordan and so many other places, God did a miracle when Moses & Joshua prayed and then acted with faith obeying God's counsel.

One thing that one should not do when all the other things have to be done is MURMURING, for that invites disaster. May God bless you and deliver you from the problem that you are encountering these days.