Desert Streams

32. The Centurion's Faith

2008-08-03T06:49:00.001-07:00

Text: Matt 8.5-13

As I was meditating on this passage, several things struck me. First, the very high view or regard that the centurion had of the Lord Jesus. Second, the humility of the centurion. Third, the compassion of the centurion. Fourthly, the authority of the Lord Jesus. Fifthly, the Lord's approbation of the centurion's faith.

First, how do we regard the Lord Jesus? Modern evangelical preaching is largely to blame for reducing our Lord to the status of a divine 'errand boy'. So much stress is made on Jesus as Saviour, without emphasizing that Jesus is Lord. We utter some Sunday School formula and consider ourselves 'saved forevermore', without having any witness of the indwelling Spirit. It is all outward, a mere show. No wonder there is no impact upon the world by evangelical Christians. Jesus is Lord. He is the great and almighty God. He is the Creator of the universe. He is right now a King seated upon the throne in heaven, and worshipped by a host of angels. And, yes, He is Saviour, whose 'so great salvation' is a continuing experience. Once saved we are saved forevermore; but there is the salvation of our souls, there is growth unto maturity, there is a reward and a prize in a high calling which many fail to consider.

How much we need to exalt Him! And if we exalt Him, we need to exalt His Word. The Holy Scriptures are the written Word of God, just as Jesus Christ is the living Word. How necessary then to read the Word of God upon our knees! This is a divine Word, and many have given their lives for it! But we are so casual about the Bible. We do not realize that it has come to us, over the centuries, at great cost.

Secondly, the humility of the centurion. Luke dwells on this aspect much more. The centurion considers himself unworthy to come to Christ, Luke 7.7. He says, 'Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof.' We are too familiar with God. We have no sense of His awesome holiness. We need those crisis-moments of revelation that Isaiah, Job and Peter had. We need to be humbled in the dust before this great and glorious God.

Thirdly, the compassion of the centurion. Most often, our prayers are centred around our self. Very rarely are we concerned about others. Here is a Roman soldier, accustomed to military brutality, and yet having a heart of concern for his personal slave. He implores the Lord Jesus; the prayer comes from deep within. He suffers with his suffering servant.

Fourthly, the authority of the Lord Jesus. The centurion knows what is authority. They say that only those who come under authority know what authority is; but this is learnt by painful experience. We are so proud and stiff-necked. We will not bow before Christ. Very rarely do we consider the Holy Spirit as Lord of our lives. We mock the Spirit by indulging in insane laughter, by talking gibberish, by having weird dreams and visions, and attributing all this to the Holy, yes the Holy, Spirit.

'Say the word'. Lord, speak to me. There is power in the word of God; there is great power in the still small voice of the Lord. And the Lord says, 'Go you way; let it be done to you as you have believed.' This is real faith, faith that is combined with humility and reverence for the Lord.

The Lord says, 'Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.' Didn't Israel know the Scriptures? Did they not faithfully attend the Temple, and observe the feasts and follow the ordinances and the Law? But, in the end, those very chosen people of God crucified Christ. Beware of familiarity. Beware of taking things for granted. The Word is a two-edged sword that cuts both ways. Let is first cut deeply into our heart.

Words to Ponder Over

2008-08-03T06:44:00.000-07:00

It is a testing way, but blessed be God, if we do endure the testing and go on patiently with Him. In His time, when the flesh has been finally laid low, when the voice of natural ambition is no longer sounding and having influence, and we are now utterly at the place where if things are not going to be of the Lord then there is not going to be anything at all - then the Lord has a free way, and He is able to indicate that all the time something has been going on. He shows how He has been at work, and how that in time there will be manifested a work of God, a work that shall have such a large percentage of spiritual value and meaning in it that you are very glad, after all, that you walked with God and not with men in the work of God.

T. Austin-Sparks

Psalm 72

2006-12-13T00:35:00.000-08:00

One of the elders of our church came home for dinner. During family prayer he shared his valuable experiences in studying and meditating on the word of God. This is what he said:

'It is very important to keep meditating throughout the day on what you have read during your morning quiet time. We must reflect on God's word and mull over it in our spare time. Then the word became our life and experience.'

A few days later I remember his words. When my wife and I did our morning joint prayer we read Psalm 72. Earlier we used to read the Bible in a routine way, but now we reflected. And the words came to me clearly from 72.6, 72.12 and 72.18.

Psalm 72.6 says, 'He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass, like showers that water the earth.' Mown grass. Is that the work of the cross? The grass has to be cut; the vine has to be pruned. That phrase and verse is now embedded in my memory.

Psalm 72.12 says 'He will deliver the needy when he cries for help, the afflicted also, and him who has no helper.' I am reminded of the famous phrase, 'poor and needy', which we often come across in the Psalms. The humble and afflicted. Oh, how importance for me to realise that I am poor and needy, and must depend on the Lord for everything. 'Cries for help'. 'This poor man cried and the Lord heard him and delivered him from all his troubles' Psalm 34.6. 'Cried' is a strong word; 'with loud cries and tears', Heb 5.7. 'Him who has no helper' is very touching.

Psalm 72.18 says, 'Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone works wonders.' This verse I am still carrying today. It is God who alone can save us, who alone does wonders [Psalm 136.4]. O Lord, prove to be a wonder-working God in my life!

Psalm 72, a psalm which I rarely meditated upon, furnished me three great promises. That evening I shared them with my prayer partner, my wife's cousin, who was going through a great trial. I believe they comforted him; they certainly comforted me.

Psalm 72 speaks of the reign of the Righteous King, our Lord Jesus Christ. We all look forward to that millenial kingdom. In His days the righteous will flourish and there will be an abundance of peace [72.7]. There will be an abundance of grain in the earth on top of the mountains [72.16] and the whole earth will be filled with His glory. [72.19] He will vindicate His children, the poor and needy; 'their blood will be precious in His sight'. Oh, we are so precious to Him. May all the earth worship Him!

29. Military Quarters, Golconda Fort

2006-12-06T01:13:00.001-08:00

photo sharing">
Military Quarters, Golconda Fort
Originally uploaded by remusse.

These old cottages were built
More than 50 years ago
For the retired military personnel
Of the erstwhile Nizam.
Time stands still
Outside the gates
Of Golconda Fort.
Pleasant November sunshine.
This is how life was
In the early 1950s
And it still hasn't changed!
[P.S
This was taken with a camera-
phone, a Nokia N72.]

Muslim Couple, Qutb Shahi Tombs

2006-12-06T00:54:00.001-08:00

Muslim Couple, Qutb Shahi Tombs
Originally uploaded by remusse.

One of the smaller tombs
In the Qutb Shahi Gardens
In Hyderabad,
I found this couple
Emerging from the shadows
In quaint, quiet,
Romantic style.

P.S.
This was taken with a cameraphone,
Nokia N72

'Firmly Anchored' by Harry Foster

2006-05-25T23:40:00.000-07:00

SPLASH! As Donald leaned over the side of the ship he could just see where the anchor had fallen into the water, and presently he watched the chain tighten up as the vessel was held firm to its position. Their journey was near to its end; in most of the ports the ship had drawn alongside the quay, but on this occasion they had to wait out in the bay for a whole day, and so the ship was still and steady, riding at anchor.

His friend, a fellow passenger, was not there when the anchor was released, so later on when the two walked around the deck and remarked on the steady position which they were holding, Donald explained it all to him, adding: 'It makes you feel safe, doesn't it, being anchored to the rock?'

Now Donald's friend knew more about anchors than he did, so he immediately challenged this last remark, commenting: 'anchored in the mud would be more correct'. They were both members of a Crusader class, and Donald had often sung the chorus: "We have an anchor ...", so he rejected his friend's correction, insisting that of course their anchor was embedded in the rock, for otherwise the ship would be drifting away. His friend said that this was nonsense, for the anchor had to grip into the soft sea bottom, and then it could be hauled up again when the ship wanted to sail. Donald disagreed; the argument became fierce and as neither knew much about it they were glad to see the third officer approaching and decided to ask him.

His answer made fun of Donald's idea for he confirmed that the anchor was gripping into the muddy bottom, and said that if the bed of the bay had been rock, then their anchor would have just bounced off it, and by now the ship would have been dragging out to sea again.

Oh dear! Was the chorus wrong? Was the Bible perhaps wrong? What could he believe? Donald's sense of doubt and insecurity grew. He felt that he had been misled, and he got into such a state that when the voyage was over and he was back home again he almost decided not to go to Crusaders any more, as he felt that he was not told the truth.

Happily, though, he did go again, and he was sensible enough to ask the leader what was the truth about anchors. The class leader was not sure himself, but he promised to make enquiries, if possible before the coming Sunday.

He found the right man, and when he had put his question he received an answer which helped him in his own spiritual life as well as settling Donald's doubts. Around the world's coasts, including our own, there are lightships which must remain in a fixed position in order to give navigational help to sailors. These lightships do not have an ordinary ship's anchor, the kind that can be raised and lowered, for they are not made to travel, but to remain stationary. For this purpose they have to be held by special anchors which bore into the rock or solid ground, so remaining permanently fixed.

So the Crusader leader was able to explain this to Donald and to point out to him that it all depends what you want to do with your life. If you want to be always nerving about spiritually, shifting and drifting from one thing to another, then it will be good enough to have an anchor in the mud; but if you want to be spiritually steadfast, giving out to other travellers a light to guide them on their way, then you must have a different kind of anchor, the one that goes deep down into the rock and stays there.

He hardly needed to add to Donald: 'Of course, Christ is our Rock. If we really lay hold of Him by faith', he said earnestly, 'then it will be true that the billows will not move us and -- like the lightship -- we shall be grounded firm and true, just as the chorus says.'

This is not only true for Donald, but for every reader of this story. The lightship needs firm ground for its anchor; we need the spiritual Rock, the Lord Jesus, so that we can be anchored firm and deep in the Saviour's love. "Which hope we have as an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast ..." (Hebrews 6:19.)

[The lucid and lively articles and stories of Harry Foster, an associate of T. Austin Sparks, can be found in the magazines 'A Witness and A Testimony' and 'Toward The Mark' which are available on http://www.oscar51.net and http://www.austin-sparks.net ]

Daniel Chapter Five

2006-05-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

These are extracts from chapter 5 of the book, The Overcomers' Secret, by Bro Bakht Singh.

1. God's love is everlasting. Even though God may rebuke and chasten us because of our folly, His love will never change. God does not love us a little; He loves us in all His fullness. That is why He gives us all He has. He left all His glory for us. He gave to the very last ounce of His blood for our sakes. Only such a love is perfect love, and only such a love can take away our fears.

2. Sometimes we go through peculiar trials and sufferings, and at such times no mother, however sincere and loving she might be, is able to share it with us. But the love of Christ is perfect, and He is able to share all our burdens, difficulties, sorrows and sufferings.

3. God is His great love and mercy, gives you warning again and again in many ways. Through sickness and calamities He calls you, that you may receive His salvation. It is only when men continually refuse to repent, that God finally sends His punishment upon them.

4. There was a man in France called Voltaire. He was a great scholar, but he was an atheist and a blasphemer. Just before his death, he fell sick, and he was full of fear. Every night he would scream so much that no nurse would stay near or nurse him for more than one night. His face was so full of fear that it was horrible to look at. I have seen people who did not know their God, dying full of fear.

5. These studies in the Book of Daniel show us God's great plan. God's purpose is to raise up overcomers who will completely defeat the devil and all his schemes. God might have chosen to destroy the enemy on the very day of his fall, but in His great wisdom He has desired us, His people, to be partners with Him in His great victory. He has loved us with an everlasting love, and He has chosen us in Him for a very high and lofty purpose, which was in His mind before all creation was made. This is shown to us in Ephesians 1.4-23.

[I do wish that all those who are going through severe trials and sorrows would read this wonderful little book by the man of God, Bro Bakht Singh. It is of great comfort and encouragement, because it is written out of experience.]

25. Tibetan Monks in Monastery, Labha

2006-04-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

The Goodness of God

2006-04-12T04:30:00.000-07:00

I want to talk about the goodness of the Lord. Yes, the Lord is very good. The problem lies with us: we don’t have faith in Him. Two years ago I was posted for special duty. I had done this sort of exercise seven times previously, beginning from 1996 onwards. This was my eight [and last] time. My wife said, ‘You’ve been serving the Commission so diligently, why don’t you asking for a place of your choice?’ I was reluctant. But she kept pressing me, and finally I relented. I rang up the Commission and asked, ‘Is there a vacancy in the region S?’ They said, ‘No, sorry, it’s not possible.’ Then I said, ‘Can you accommodate me in the district D [which is adjacent]?’ They said, ‘Yes, we can work that out.’ My heart raced with hope. When I got my posting orders, yes, it was the district D! The lovely picturesque hills of D! So many friends! So many churches! My heart filled with joy.

Of course, I took my family. We had a wonderful, unforgettable time! Oh, I covered the hills all around. It was a glorious summer and the hills were full of flowers. We stayed for a month! I visited so many places, took so many photos. Visited so many assemblies, preached in so many churches. The photos you see on this web-site and the sister blogs all belong to those halcyon days. God is good, and His mercies endure forever!

Procyon

Faith Walk

2006-04-12T03:50:00.000-07:00

Walking with God is not easy.
Like a horse, impatiently we rush forward
Or like a stubborn mule pull back.
We lack
The calm, steady gait
Of a man of faith.
We cannot wait.

Or often we are still waiting, even when
God wants us to walk
Forward into the sea by divine urging…
(But we would rather wait!)
Till God gives us a push!

And then
It’s a mad rush
Into the surging
Waves (we cannot swim!)
But God says to keep looking,
looking at Him!

How often, like Peter, our fickle faith
Sinks sadly into the Sea of Chinnereth;
The Lord has to stretch out His hand
And bring us into the boat and on to land.

“According to your faith, ” He saith...
But this faith-walk we don’t understand.

Tom Prato

The Power of Psalm 91

2006-04-12T03:31:00.000-07:00

There I was in the room with 25 others. And the Course Director [a lady] was indirectly attacking me. I could feel the hostility. All because I took a stand to be a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. The whole campus seemed to be a seat of Satan. The Management of the Academy was under the control of idolaters.

It was as if Satan was saying: 'You try preaching Christ here, and you are going to be attacked!'. That reminded me of the phrase oft repeated in the Book of Revelation: 'The word of God and the testimony of Jesus'! If we really stand for the word of God, i.e. practise the word of God; and have the testimony of Jesus [which includes being a witness for the Lord] -- then we are going to face the attack of the enemy.

So there I was in this room, and this woman was being hysterical in her anger. She was indirectly referring to me. I did not open my mouth. I held my peace. All the while I was reading Psalm 91. What a powerful psalm. Oh, the word of God is so powerful, if only we exercise faith in it! And I was literally claiming every word in that Psalm by faith. I could sense the presence of the enemy.

It turned out that the woman was telling a pack of lies -- outrageous lies. What would have happened had I confronted her? She would have broken down into tears. I would have been made a fool. I held my peace. It takes God's strength to hold your peace.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for Psalm 91. Thank you for Your powerful trustworthy word.

[Referring to an incident that took place up in the hills during April 2006, when I was witnessing for Christ.]

In a Small Restaurant outside Darjeeling

2006-01-24T21:37:00.000-08:00

20. The Blood of Christ as it operates Satanward

2006-01-17T23:43:00.000-08:00

Satan's most strategic activity in this day is as the accuser of the brethren [Rev 12.10] and it is as this that our Lord confronts him with His special ministry as High Priest 'through His own blood' [Heb 9.12].

How then does the Blood operate against Satan? It does so by putting God on the side of man against him. The Fall brought something into man which gave Satan a footing within him, with the result that God was compelled to withdraw Himself. Man is not outside the garden...because he is inwardly estranged from God. Because of what man has done, there is something in him which...renders God morally unable to defend him. But the Blood removes that barrier and restores man to God and God to man. Man is in favour now, and because God is on his side he can face Satan without fear.

'The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from every sin.' [1 John 1.7 JND]... It is a marvellous thing! God is in the light, and as we walk in the light with Him everything is exposed and open to that light, so that God can see it all - and yet the Blood is able to cleanse us from every sin. What a cleansing!

Some of us...may at times have been tempted to think that there are sins which are almost unforgivable. Let us remember: 'The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from every sin.' All sins, conscious or unconscious, remembered or forgotten, are included in those words - 'every sin'. The Blood cleanses from every sin, because in the first place it satisfies God.

Since God...can forgive our sins on the basis of the Blood, what ground of accusation has Satan? Satan may accuse us before Him, but 'If God is for us, who is against us?' [Rom 8.31]. God points him to the Blood of His dear Son. 'Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth; who is he that shall condemn?'[when God Himself declares there is no 'condemnation'! Rom 8.1; and when 'we are justified by the Blood', Rom 5.9]. Moreover, 'It is Christ Jesus, who is at the right hand of God, who makes intercession for us' Rom 8.33,34.

We need to recognize the absolute sufficiency of the precious Blood. 'Christ...through His own blood, entered in once for all into the [most] holy place, having obtained eternal redemption.' Heb 9.11, 12. Christ stands in the presence of God, and 'He is the propitiation for our sins' 1 John 2.1,2. Note the words of Heb 9.14: 'How much more shall the blood of Christ...' The Blood is sufficient for God!

Satan accuses us in our conscience also... Our temptation is to look within and in self-defence to try to find in ourselves, in our feelings or our behaviour, some ground for believing that Satan is wrong. Alternatively, we are tempted to go to the other extreme and yield to depression and despair. Thus Satan's accusation becomes one of his greatest and most effective weapons.

Now the reason we so readily accept his accusations is that we are still hoping to have some righteousness of our own...Satan has succeeded in making us look in the wrong direction...But if we have learned to put no confidence in the flesh, we shall not wonder if we sin, for the very nature of the flesh is to sin...It is because we have not come to appreciate our true nature and to see how helpless we are that we still have some expectation in ourselves...

God is well able to deal with our sins; but He cannot deal with a man under accusation, because such a man is not trusting in the Blood. The Blood can speak in his favour, but he is listening instead to Satan. Christ is our Advocate but we, the accused, side with the accuser. We have not recognized that we are unworthy of anything but death; that...we are only fit to be crucified anyway. We have not recognized that God has already answered the accuser through the shedding of the precious Blood.

Our salvation lies in looking away to the Lord Jesus and in seeing that the Blood of the Lamb has met the whole situation created by our sins and has answered it. That is the sure foundation on which we stand. Never should we try to answer Satan with our good conduct but always with the Blood. Yes, we are sinful, but, praise God, the Blood cleanses us from every sin. God looks upon the Blood whereby His Son has met the charge, and Satan has no more ground of attack. Our faith in the precious Blood and our refusal to be moved from that position can alone silence Satan's charges and put him to flight [Rom 8.33, 34]. And so it will be, right to the end [Rev 12.11]. Oh, what an emancipation it would be if we saw more of the value in God's eyes of the precious Blood of His dear Son! [our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!]

[Extracted, and somewhat abridged, from The Normal Christian Life by W.N.]

Royal Lion, Victoria Memorial, Calcutta

2005-12-26T21:57:00.000-08:00

The Conquest of Jericho

2005-12-19T00:52:00.000-08:00

This is a last of a series of postings on Jericho, keeping in view the study on 2 Kings 2, the journey of Elijah and Elisha from Gilgal to Bethel to Jericho and then to the Jordan. The other postings may be seen in other blogs [http://procyon6x.blogspot.com, etc].

The world hates the children of God, John 15.19. See also Matt 10.22; 24.9. The world hates us, because we are not of the world. We are a heavenly people and our citizenship is in heaven. The world persecutes the children of God; all who live a godly life in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Jesus said, 'In this world you will have trouble; but take heart, I have overcome he world.'

This hostile world crucified our Lord Jesus. Not only the Jews, but the Romans were involved. Both the religious and political authorities were involved in crucifying our Lord Jesus. This world is a perishing world, a world under judgment. The Cross is an indictment of the world. The book of Revelation speaks of the terrible judgment coming upon the world.

Which is why we are called out of this world. We are the 'called out' ones, ekklesia. We have come out of Egypt; we have to come out of Babylon. Read Rev 18.4 along with 2 Cor 6.16. We must live a separated life. We are not of the world, and yet we must live in this hostile world. We cannot become monks or ascetics. We have to face the world.

We function as bright lights in a dark world, Phil 2.15. Furthermore, we have to go out into the world and preach the gospel, Mark 16.15. All true believers are witnesses for Christ. Onward Christian soldiers! The nations are our inheritance, Psalm 2.8. A living church is a missionary church, sending out evangelists to preach the gospel in unreached areas and pastors to shepherd the 'called out' ones. What we have learnt from the Bible has to be tested in the field. We have to go out into the world, preaching the good news and conquering for Christ.

This involves the good fight of faith. Paul was a missionary. He had a burden to save souls. But when we go out, we must ourselves be spiritual [and not carnal] and we must wield spiritual weapons. You will find that only a small group went around the walls of Jericho; the priests and the armed men [including the rear-guard]. It is impossible that all the children of Israel [few million!] went around.

Similarly, there is only a small group or spiritual remnant who are warriors of faith and prayer. They are David's mighty men, they are the firstborn ones, they are the overcomers, the Levites; they are the ones who obtain the victory of the Lord on behalf of the whole church. Oh, yes, there are rewards to be gained in this battle of faith; there are prizes to be won in the enduring race.

Orange Bells

2005-12-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

16. Chariots of Fire

2005-11-17T01:00:00.000-08:00

We are meditating about the appearance in 2 Kings 2 of the chariot of fire and horses of fire which separated Elijah from Elisha. We are told how Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven. 2 Kings 2.11

What does it mean? Elisha saw it and cried out, 'My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!' Now the same words are uttered by Joash the king of Israel who came down to see Elisha when he became sick with the illness of which he was to die, 2 Kings 13.14. Joash wept over him and cried, 'My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!'

What does it mean? We are told in Psalm 68 of the chariots of God which are myriads, thousands upon thousands, Psalm 68.17. Surely, this speaks of the mighty power of God.

We are reminded of the chariots of Pharaoh in Exodus 14. Six hundred select chariots, and many other chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them, Exod 14.7. But the same chariots and horsemen, Pharaoh's army, were drowned in the Red Sea. And Israel sang the wonderful Song of Moses after that great deliverance, in Exodus 15.

Psalm 20.7 speaks of those who boast in chariots and in horses, but 'we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.' Isaiah 31.1 warns those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong. Isaiah goes on to say that the Egyptians are men and not God, and their horses are flesh and not spirit. And it is shameful that Israel seeks the help of [a broken reed like] Egypt and is not looking to the 'God of deliverances', Ps 68.20.

Habakkuk speaks of God who comes in great power and wrath ... who rides on His horses of fire and His chariots of salvation, Hab 3.8. The LORD of hosts is with us. He burns the chariots [of Egypt] with fire, Ps 46.7,9. He breaks the chariots of iron. We will not fear. The hosts of heaven are there to aid us; the angels are there to render service to those who will inherit God's salvation, Heb 1.14.

May we have faith in the Lord of Hosts! May we see the chariots of fire! May we have the holy boldness and divine power of those two wonderful prophets of God!

Children, Passing through Jor Bungalow, Darjeeling

2005-11-02T02:12:00.000-08:00

Umbrellas, on the Road to Bijanbari

2005-11-02T01:58:00.000-08:00

Twilight Serenity, Mungpoo, Summer 2004

2005-10-16T23:58:00.000-07:00

Flowers

2005-10-12T22:54:00.000-07:00

11. The Mind of Christ

2005-10-04T00:48:00.000-07:00

[This is a transcript of a message that was given recently in Kalimpong. ]

The theme for this Sunday School programme is from Phil 2.5, 'Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus'. This morning I want to share with you some thoughts relating to the mind of believers. It is with the mind that we think, but our thoughts must be under control. With the mind we decide, but we must decide to choose good and refuse evil. With the mind, we form attitudes; we all have likes and dislikes, and often they harden into prejudice.

The Bible makes it clear that unbelievers have a defiled body, a darkened soul [mind] and a dead spirit. When we are born again, the spirit becomes alive, but the mind [still dark] has to be enlightened and renewed [Rom 12.2]

The minds of unbelievers are described as debased, reprobate, evil, Rom 1.28,29. Their minds are blinded by the god of this world [Satan], 2 Cor 4.4

In Romans 8:5-7 we are told about two types of mind -- the mind 'set on the flesh' and the mind 'controlled by the Spirit'. The carnal mind is hostile to God. You would have noticed how sharply nominal Christians react when you ask them, Are you born again? They are offended.

There are seven ways in which this carnal mind [or carnal mentality[ is described in the Bible.

1. There is the proud mind, Rom 12.16, which sets itself on 'high things' and refuses to associate with the humble and lowly; it is the mind that is 'wise in its own opinion'. Col 2.18 refers to those who are puffed up in their fleshly mind. In contrast, we have Christ's mind of humility seen in Phil 2.5-7; where He made himself of no reputation. We have to put on 'humbleness of mind', Col 3.12.

2. There is the selfish mind. Paul complains that 'all seek their own, not the things of Christ', Phil 2.21. By nature, we are self-seeking. In contrast, we have the unselfish attitude described in Phil 2.3,4 - where we esteem others better than ourselves, and look to the interests of others. That lowliness of mind is seen in Timothy and Epaphroditus, two examples of the attitude of selfless service in the same chapter. We are saved, not for ourselves, but in order to serve the Lord and to serve one another.

3. Then we have the earthly mind, Phil 3.19, the mind set on gratifying the appetite and seeking to possess material things. Paul speaks of such people as being 'enemies of the cross'. He declares that we must set our minds on heavenly things, Col 3.1,2. Alas, how few of us have experienced 'open heaven'.

4. James warns us of double-mindedness, Jas 4.8; or what is called a fickle and wavering mind. The solution is to have a single mind, a single eye, focused on Christ. 'Thou wilt keep Him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee,' Isa 26.3. We need to look away from all distractions and keep a steady gaze on Jesus, seated on the Throne in heaven, Heb 12.2.

5. Then, there is the greatest plague of all, the suspicious mind. The mind that mistrusts and even thinks evil of others, 1 Cor 13.5. Satan often surrounds us with a cloud of fears, doubts, suspicions and worries - like a cloud of gnats or troublesome insects. [So we have the believer/sheep declaring to the Shepherd, 'You anoint my head with oil,' Ps 23.5.] We need a sound mind, 2 Tim 1.7; a pure mind, filled with pure thoughts, Phil 4.8. The mind has to be controlled by the Holy Spirit, who brings life and peace. We need to rebuke every fear and worry and wayward thought and imagination in the Name of Jesus Christ. Only a prayer life can do that, and a mind and heart that feeds on the word of God.

6. If our mind is not renewed, Rom 12.2, and if we do not realise that God's will is best for us, then we develop a cantankerous spirit, or what Paul calls a stubborn and corrupt mind, 1 Tim 6.5, i.e. a mind which is full of arguments and disputes. God is known, not by intellectual argument or philosophy, but by divine revelation granted to a humble mind, Ps 25.9. We can never argue a person into the kingdom of God; we may win a debate and lose a soul!

7. The greatest danger of all is that 'light rejected becomes darkness'. If we do not allow our minds to be filled with God's word and enlightened by God's Spirit, there is a possibility of our minds becoming blinded. We must always pray, 'Lord, open the eyes of my understanding,' Eph 1.18.

So we conclude that a man may be born of the Spirit and yet be darkened in soul [mind]. Our minds need to be renewed, our thoughts must be pure, our soul must be filled with light. There is the salvation of the soul; and though Satan battles for our minds, through faith and the Word of God and prayer, we can still obtain the 'mind of Christ'.

School Children, Govt School, Darjeeling

2005-10-03T22:49:00.000-07:00

Road to Peshok, September 2005

2005-10-03T22:44:00.000-07:00

Two girls, road to Relli, late evening, summer 2004

2005-10-03T03:33:00.000-07:00

Pink Blossoms, Darjeeling

2005-10-03T03:28:00.000-07:00

6. Darjeeling Orchids

2005-10-03T03:25:00.000-07:00

CHM on the Red Sea Experience

2005-03-29T03:22:00.000-08:00

Exodus 15

This chapter opens with Israel's magnificent song of triumph on the shore of the Red Sea...Up to this moment, we have not heard so much as a single note of praise...It was when they emerged from their significant baptism "in the cloud and in the sea"...that six hundred thousand voices were heard chanting the song of victory. The waters of the Red Sea rolled between them and Egypt, and they stood on the shore as a fully delivered people, and therefore they were able to praise the Lord.

In this, as in everything else, they were our types. We too must know ourselves as saved, inthe power of death and resurrection, before ever we can present clear and intelligent worship...The Spirit of God reveals with unmistakable clearness in the Word, that the Church is united to Christ in death and resurrection; and, moreover, the risen Christ at God's right hand is the measure and pledge of the Church's acceptance...It is the privilege of the very feeblest member of the Church of God to know that he was represented by Christ on the cross; that all his sins were confessed, borne, judged, and atoned for there. This is a divine reality and, when laid hold of by faith, must give peace...But there is no other possible way in which to get the sense of sin entirely removed from the conscience, but seeing it judged in the Person of Christ, as a sin-offering on the cursed tree. If it was judged there, once for all, it is now by the believer to be regarded as a divinely and therefore eternally-settled question. And that it was so judged is proved by the resurrection of the Surety.

Many find considerable difficulty in making a personal application thereof...They are looking at themselves instead of at Christ in death, and Christ in resurrection. They are occupied rather with their appropriation of Christ than with Christ Himself. They are thinking of their capacity rather than their title. Thus they are kept in a state of the most distressing uncertainty; and as a consequence they are never able to take the place of happy, intelligent worshippers. They are praying for salvation instead of rejoicing in the conscious possession of it. They are looking at their imperfect fruits instead of Christ's perfect atonement.

God is the object [of this song]. He fills the entire sphere of the soul's vision. There is nothing of man, his feelings, or his experiences, and therefore the stream of praise flows copiously and uninterruptedly forth. How different is this from some of the hymns which we so often hear sung in Christian assemblies, so full of our failings, our feebleness, our shortcomings. The fact is, we can never sing with real, spiritual intelligence and power when we are looking at ourselves... With many it seems to be accounted a Christian grace to be in a continual state of doubt and hesitation; and as a consequence their hymns are quite in character with their condition. Such persons, however sincere and pious, have never yet, in the actual experience of their souls, entered upon the proper ground of worship. They have not yet got done with themselves. They have not passed through the sea; and, as a spiritually baptised people, taken their stand on the shore, in the power of resurrection. They are still, in some way or another, occupied with self. They do not regard self as a crucified thing with which God is for ever done.

May the Holy Ghost lead all God's people into fuller, clearer, and worthier apprehensions of their place and privilege as those who, being washed from their sins in the blood of Christ, are presented before God in all that infinite and unclouded acceptance in which He stands, as the risen and glorified Head of His Church...Is it not evident that a doubting spirit virtually calls into question the perfectness of Christ's work—a work which has been attested, in the view of all created intelligence, by the resurrection of Christ from the dead?...Wherefore, it is the Christian's sweet privilege ever to triumph in a full salvation. The Lord Himself has become his salvation; and he has only to enjoy the fruits of that which God has wrought for him, and to walk to His praise while waiting for that time when "Jehovah shall reign for ever and ever."

CH Mackintosh on Exodus 15. [How Worship arises from the Red Sea Experience]

Stand Still

2005-01-29T02:35:00.000-08:00

Stand still.
Don't go back, don't give up.
Don't run hither and thither. Don't fret. Don't worry.
Don't rush forward.
Just stand still.

In times of uncertainty, wait.
If you have any doubt, wait.
Don't force yourself into a fret or hurry.
If you have a restraint in your spirit, wait.

Wait till all is clear.
Things are bound to clear up.
God is faithful.
He will do it.

3. As an Eagle

2005-01-29T01:29:00.000-08:00

NATURE often provides a mirror of man's soul and his relationship to God.

Moses, for example, chose an eagle for the illustration given in Deuteronomy 32:11-12, to clarify God's dealings with men. "As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: so the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him."

Those to whom Moses was writing would have little difficulty in picturing an eagle and her care of her brood, and the parallel of God's concern for His people. Likewise we also should have little difficulty in understanding the analogy. It certainly is not beyond our imagination.

Yet with all the obvious comparisons which come quickly to our minds, it would be well for us to pause and examine carefully some specific examples.

Notice the first action of the eagle. "An eagle stirreth up her nest." When her young have matured to the point where they are able to learn to fly, the eagle stirs the nest, making it just as uncomfortable as possible and shaking the eaglets loose to accept the challenges of flight more readily.

As the eagle must stir up the nest to dislodge the young who will not of their own accord fling themselves out into space, so the Lord must stir up our nest to free us from the easily acceptable comforts and securities which we enjoy so that we may see and accept the challenges of a closer fellowship with Him.

However, the eagle does not simply shake the eaglets loose and then leave them to their own resources and experiments to learn the art of flying. Rather she flies over the nest, giving her brood practical examples to follow. "An eagle ... fluttereth over her young."

Is there any better parallel to the Lord's training of us? He never stirs us loose merely to cause grief or ruin, nor does He leave us without example. [45/46]

If the Lord has stirred your nest, dislodged you from your comfortable rut, keep your eyes wide open for His training example.

In the third comparison there is a glorious confidence. "An eagle ... spreadeth abroad her wings." This speaks of the eagle's self-sacrificing protection for her brood. Many writers have indicated that if danger seems imminent the mother bird will place herself in a position to receive the enemy's onslaught before her young are attacked.

There are few pictures which reveal more of the Lord's care and protection for us. Certainly we are aware of this care in the physical realm. Everyone can point to at least one particular event in his life when the Lord demonstrated His protection unmistakably.

But beyond this, in the spiritual realm, the Lord has placed Himself again and again between us and our soul's enemy to keep him from destroying our spiritual life. When he attacked at our weakest point, when failure seemed inevitable, the Lord Himself hedged us in under His protection.

The final parallel re-emphasises and expands the third. "An eagle ... taketh them, beareth them on her wings." It has long been noted that when a young eagle is learning to fly and for some reason, be it lack of strength or lack of confidence, it suddenly flounders in air, the parent will dive under the young one and spread her wings, offering support to the infant bird.

What a peace-giving promise this is! As we can expect the Lord's stirrings, as we can look to Him for a guiding example, so we can trust for His speedy and sufficient support in time of weakness and failure.

We may not always understand all the Lord is doing. He will provide an example, a call, which we cannot follow in ourselves. Yet He will not desert us. Rather He has promised to be our ever-present help. Why then do we hesitate to follow Him?As with all the Lord's dealings with Israel, so with us; He has a specific purpose which dictates His actions. Moses concisely stated this purpose: "The Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him."

The Lord dealt with Israel in this eagle-like manner -- stirring them loose from the comfortable nest in Egypt, leading them through the vast wilderness, protecting against their numerous enemies, always providing His strength, His support -- in order that Israel might follow the Lord alone. None of the attachments of Egypt, none of their own strengths, none of their own abilities, was to be their god; the Lord alone was to be God.

His purpose has not changed. When we would become too attached to the nest of this world He stirs us. When we would wonder how or where to follow He provides an example. When we would be overcome by the enemy He protects us. When our own strength is insufficient He supplies His -- all for one purpose: that Christ alone would be our God.

Can you see yourself in the picture of the indolent, ignorant, defenseless, frail eaglet? Can you see the Lord's stirrings, lessons, protection and provision in your experience? Are you accepting each of them as His best for you?

Prayer Battle

2005-01-29T01:16:00.000-08:00

'Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words.
'But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for 21 days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.' Daniel 10.12, 13.

We have wonderful teaching here on prayer, and we are shown the direct hindrance from Satan.

Daniel had fasted and prayed 21 days, and he had a very hard time in prayer. The difficulty arose because of the special attack of Satan, who had sent the prince of Persia to resist the angelic messenger sent to Daniel from God.

The messenger had been dispatched the moment Daniel began to prayer, but an evil angel met the good angel and wrestled with him, hindering him and holding him up. There was a conflict in the heavens, and Daniel seemed to go through a battle on earth the same as was going on in the heavenlies.

‘We wrestle not with flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers….against wicked spirits in high places.’ Eph 6.12

Satan delayed the answer for 3 full weeks. Daniel nearly gave up, he nearly succumbed. Satan would have gladly destroyed him, but for the hedge that God put around him. God will not suffering anything to come to us that is more than we can bear.

Many a Christian prayer is hindered by Satan. But you need not fear when your prayers pile up, for after a while they will become like a flood and will not only sweep the answer through, but will bring new blessings.

Hell does it worst with the saints. The rarest souls have been tested with high pressure and tensions, but Heaven will not desert them. ‘He will not fail you, nor forsake you’

[Extracted from May 16, Streams in the Desert, a book of daily devotionals by Mrs Charles Cowman.]

Psalm 13

2005-01-25T03:56:00.000-08:00

Paraphrase of Psalm 13

Lord, I have been waiting so long.
O Lord, have you forgotten me?
Why do You hide Your face from me?
Why are You not speaking to me?

How long should I suffer like this?
How long should I sorrow?
How long shall the enemy prevail against me?
How long shall I remain in this valley of depression?

Lord, look at me, hear me, have mercy on me!
Lord, open my eyes that I may see You.
Lord, open my ears that I may hear You.
Lord, reach out and touch me,
Revive me and refresh me,
Otherwise I will sleep 'the long sleep of death'.

The enemy prevails against me.
He continually troubles me.
He is forever trying to shake me
So that I may stumble and fall.
Lord, let not my enemy prevail against me.

I trust in Your mercy.
I trust in Your grace.
I rejoice in Your salvation.
You are a merciful and gracious God.
You will not fail me.

I will praise You, for Your mercy endures forever.
Though outwardly I sorrow,
I will yet sing to You with a heart full of praise,
Because You will deal bountifully with me,
O God of my salvation.