GREAT GAINDate: 26-07-2010
Speaker: Sis. Stella Dhinakaran Gist: Many were amazed to see the ‘unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit’ in her.
Let us learn the art of being content (1 Timothy 6:6). We should not covet the riches of this world and thus go far away from faith. The Bible warns us that it would lead us to pierce ourselves with many griefs (1 Timothy 6:10). These thoughts are unnecessary for those who would like to be the saints of God because the Bible says, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
When we give first place to God in our heart, He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Instead of receiving this privilege so easily, when we try to accumulate riches through our own effort, own wisdom and own strength, problems crop up in our life. Let us try to lead a godly life praying, “Oh Lord, please come into my heart. Hold me by Your hand and lead me to do only those things which are pleasing in Your sight.” Then we can lead a godly life pleasing God.
I met a woman who is doing the Lord’s ministry. While her youth, she used to dress immodestly, read filthy books and did as per her whims and fancies (Ecclesiastes 11:9). On the other hand, she showed regular attendance at church. Her appearance never revealed her reality. However, God looked directly into her heart and waited for the right moment to transform her life just like His encounter with Saul.
One fine day, her ship that sailed smoothly got caught in whirlwinds and she had to traverse through tough terrains. In despair and loneliness she cried out to God. Exactly at that moment the loving Lord came in search of her. Upon experiencing the unconditional love of God, she was convicted of her wrong doings. She knelt and pleaded for pardon saying, “Loving Lord Jesus! Please forgive me. I surrender myself without any reservation to Your will. There is no one beside You to guide me.” The lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life fled from her. Her life blossomed reflecting the glory of God according to, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Many were amazed to see the ‘unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit’ in her.
Dear Friend! What is your choice? Is it the worldly life which is decorated outside? Or, is it the godly life decorated with the unfading beauty? If you decide to follow the world, you shall certainly suffer without knowing how to come out of your struggles. But those who would follow godly life shall receive the privilege of feeling the presence of God always (Deuteronomy 4:7). It is certainly a blessed privilege to have the Almighty God – the Creator of heaven and earth always with us.
Prayer:
Loving Lord Jesus,
I praise and thank You for all the goodness that You have bestowed on my life so far. Help me to keep an account of all the blessings which You have granted me and keep praising and singing of Your glory always. In Your immense grace and mercy help me to have a contended life. Help me not to covet the riches of my neighbour, friends, family members, co-workers or other fellow beings. Please enable me to lead a life that is pleasing before Your sight.
In Your matchless name I pray.
Amen. |