Author: nuggets

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LESSONS LEARNT FROM – ANIMALS IN THE BIBLE

 God has left His fingerprints all over His creations, including us. Each of God’s creation has a divine purpose.  Let us explore how God can use even the weird animals to teach mankind some great truths.

  1. FISH:

When tax time came around, Jesus instructs Peter to go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first to find a piece of money. He then gives direction to pay the tax with that money. (Matthew 17:27).

Lesson learnt: The fish did not want to live with the gold or the talent still within it.  It sacrificed its life to pay the tax money, so that it would fulfill Gods plan. Like the fish let us use our talents to meet the Lord’s purpose. Do not let the gold within you be buried with no use to anyone.

  • DOVE:

Noah sent out a dove to see if the earth was ready for habitation. Then the dove came to him in the evening with a freshly plucked olive leaf in her mouth. (Gen 8: 11).

Lesson learnt: The dove was ready to bring the good news without hesitation or delay. The dove didn’t succumb to the distractions of everything around it, like the Raven. But was prompt to bring the first sign of new life with a herald of salvation. Thus, the dove became a symbol of restoration and peace. So too, may we be quick to spread the message of Salvation to everyone thereby assuring peace during hard times.

  • ROOSTER:

Peter loved Jesus, but when Jesus was arrested Peter let his fear take over him. Peter denied even knowing Jesus. When the rooster crowed, Peter remembered that this was exactly what Jesus said would happen (Matt 26:36).

Lesson learnt: The Rooster when it crowed was boldly pointing out the faults of Peter. By crowing twice, it made Peter remember the Lord’s prophecy and made him weep bitterly, thereby restoring him back to Jesus. Today, are we bold enough to humbly reprove others without criticizing them? Do we tirelessly proclaim the right message to bring the prodigals back to Jesus, like the rooster crowing twice.

TAKEAWAY:

All of God’s creatures try to accomplish their purpose of their Creation and bring glory to His name. God uses even the lowest of His Creations to be a part of His redemption. How much more can He use His Supreme creation that is you and me if only, we choose to stand faithfully for Jesus because Jesus is always faithful to us.

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FOREIGNERS IN THE LAND -SERIES

RUTH

Ruth replied to Naomi, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God (Ruth 1:15)

Barbara moved to a new country after she lost her sons in the army. Initially, she was hesitant and scared of the culture and people of the new country. Incidentally, she met her friend Debra, who introduced her to a local church and its community. Eventually all her anxieties vanished. She again found a circle that welcomed  and accepted her.

Ruth is not an Israelite but a Moabite and a foreigner from Moab.  Ruth symbolizes the Gentile church of the present times. Ruth is a picture of how God includes the Gentiles into His plan of salvation. Naomi urged Ruth to leave her, like her sister-in-law Oprah. Yet, Ruth was determined and urged Naomi, not to intreat her to turn back. This is the reason that Ruth was given membership in the covenant people of God. May we also be unyielding to look back at things that pertain to Moab like Ruth to possess the Kingdoms’ blessings.

The passage mentions, Orpha swiftly applied her reverse gears. Nevertheless, Ruth was not after worldly pleasures. (Naomi said “Even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons,would you wait until they grew up? : Ruth 1:13).  Ruth willingly followed and chose to obey Naomi to marry Boaz, the aged Bride to fulfill Gods’ plan. Similarly, when we follow the Lord, we may not reap worldly benefits and become multi-millionaires. Yet, we will be assured of eternal rewards with our Heavenly Bridegroom Jesus.

Finally, we explore that Ruth’s mission was to raise Judah’s descendants for the baby Jesus to be born that was lost because of Lot. This is figurative to the New Testament church that will re-establish the Israelites connection with Jesus Christ. Thereafter, we see that Ruth’s name is not cited anywhere else in the Bible except in Jesus’ genealogy (Matt : 1) as the passage records Naomi nursed the child. So too, the New Testament church will be taken up in rapture after re-establishing the Israelite church to its Messiah.  And their names will also be written in the Book of Life in Heaven, precisely as Ruth’s name was found in Jesus’ genealogy.   

Considering this, I would like to bring to the fore that the Lord has a plan for each one of us. We might not possess great riches or at times be disregarded like Ruth. Despite everything, let us be determined to accomplish His plans in our life and not to turn back, for our names will be written in the Book of life. This is our phenomenal Eternal Reward!!

Occasionally foreigners are spoken of and well regarded in the Old Testament. They anticipate the work of Christ, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham (Gen 12.3) blessing all the nations. Rahab the prostitute and her family (Joshua), the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings) and Namaan the Syrian commander are examples that come to mind, centurions servant healed

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SIMON THE CYRENE

“The roman soldiers compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, who was coming in from the country, to carry His cross.” (Mark 15 :21)

I am often bewildered by the strong response to the gospel song “Were You there when they crucified my Lord? Sometimes, I tremble, tremble, tremble”. After reading Simon’s story, I understand the stirring feeling of being informed of, invited to, and included into this unique privilege and sacrifice.

Simon was an accidental tourist. He was a foreigner from Cyrene, a region in Libya (Acts 2:10) of North Africa. He came to Jerusalem for celebrating the Passover with his two sons. But as he enters Jerusalem, he notices an unexpected scene of suffering instead of celebration. As he was curious, he went near Jesus to have a closer look of Him. Momentarily, the Roman soldiers noticed this passerby and compelled him to carry the cross of Jesus. Simon was compelled to take part in the sacrifice.  What do we learn from Simons’ Sacrifice?

1.Sacrifice comes unexpectedly. Simon didn’t have a choice. But today, we have a choice either to embrace or to run away from the sacrifice. How are we going to respond?

2.Sacrifice brings us closer to Jesus. It brought him into contact with the blood of Jesus when he touched the cross. Nobody can touch the cross and be unchanged. It led the way for a life of renewal.

3. Sacrifice is a life of testimony and legacy. The aftermath of an encounter with Jesus impacted him and his children. Paul mentions about Alexander and Rufus saying “Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord and also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well (Rom16:13). Thus, the family of Simon became carriers of the gospel.  

4. Sacrifice is not isolation. We notice that Jesus walks ahead of Simon. We will never be left to walk alone through the sacrifice. Jesus will always go before us. Finally, it was not Simon but Jesus who took the crucifixion upon him at the finish line. Thus, we receive life by His death.

Simon of Cyrene though a foreigner was pushed into the pages of history because of that one divine experience that ended up himself as a Messianic pilgrim coming into faith. If we embrace our sacrifice willingly then the Lord will give the strength to carry His cross. He will also reward us by welcoming us into His eternal abode saying, “Enter into the joy of His salvation”.  His burdens are not unbearable. We are stronger than we think. We are Big Enough for our Sacrifice!!

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FOREIGNERS IN THE LAND -SERIES

ITHAI

Ithai replied to the king, “As surely as the Lord lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be.” (2 Samuel 15:21)

As a child, during summer I remember spending my time at a Christian youth camp. I can never forget the song that focused on deciding to follow Jesus.  The chorus that contained an important phrase: “No turning back” always lingers in my mind.

King David was fleeing from his son Absalom who had taken his kingdom by force. Along with many others who followed David to the wilderness, Ittai the Gittite also followed him.  Ittai was not an Israelite. He was a foreigner who came to Jerusalem only the day before David was fleeing. David proposes Ittai to stay with Absalom. But Ittai takes a stand along with his little ones (vs:21) and resolves to “Stay with the King, whether in life or in death”.

                             At times, we tend to make situational or analytical decisions, that may not be spiritual. Situations will always rise against God’s people. Don’t wait for situations to normalize to follow Jesus the king. Ittai is a representation of the Gentiles which is the People of God. David symbolizes Christ and His Kingdom.                              

Ittai, knew that persecution and death may also engulf him. Nonetheless, he instantly followed David and risked his life when he did not have to. Are we willing to follow Jesus our king, even if it means trials and testing? Moreover, he geared up his children too in following the king. Ofttimes, we tend to position our family in safe zones and then decide to take up the ministry. But Ittais’ decision was firm to follow the king with his family, whatever may befall. Finally, Ittai earned the Kings’ trust and was also rewarded with the position equivalent to the Army Commander Joab, when David entrusted one-third of his army under Ittais’ regiment (2 Sam 18:2).

                             Thus, giving ourselves to God, often comes with a price. Sometimes we may look insignificant. Sometimes we may look like a foreigner and be neglected. However, if we decide to follow Jesus our King and are faithful to Him till the end, though the path is dreary, then the Lord will also entrust us. He will also delegate us a regiment to reign and make our name great in earth and in heaven. Nothing compares with what we gain when we continue with Christ. Earn the Kings’ trust by your decision to Follow Him!!

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SACRIFICES MADE BY – ANIMALS IN THE BIBLE

God has done some remarkable things through his fuzzy, winged, flappers and funny creations. In this series we’re exploring how God has used animals to make Himself and His purposes known.

  1. RAVENS:

The Lord told Prophet Elijah to go and hide himself from the wicked King Ahab, by Kerith Brook. Then, God commanded the ravens to bring him bread and flesh in the morning and evening; and he drank of the brook. (I Kings 17:4).

A Fact about Ravens is that they are prone to steal food from others. But at the Lord’s command they Sacrificed their own meal, their time to search for their own food and their own nature, to fulfill the Lords’ command.   

By the sacrifice of the Ravens God fulfilled His purpose of saving the prophet, thereby   Elijah was able to point the True God to the Israelites.

  • DONKEY:

Balak, the Moabite King was an enemy of Israel. He sent for Balaam the prophet to curse the Israelites. On his way, Balaam’s donkey refused to move as it saw the angel, whom God sent to block the path.  Balaam bet his donkey as it would not budge. Then, God gave the donkey the power of speech saying, “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?” (Numbers 22:28). Finally, Balaam’s eyes were opened to see the angel of the Lord.

A Fact about Donkeys is that they are prone to be foolish. But at the Lord’s command. the donkey sensed the oncoming danger to his master and was determined to protect him. It Sacrificed and patiently bore the pains from his masters blow to fulfill the Lords’ command. By the sacrifice of the donkey God fulfilled His purpose of saving the people of Israel, thereby paving a path for Jesus to be born in their tribe thus bringing salvation to the world at large.

  • WHALE:

Jonah the prophet, refused to obey God to preach the good news to the people of Ninevah. He even ran from Him and what God was calling him to do. “The Lord sent a whale to swallow Jonah, and he was in the belly of the fish, three days and three nights” (Jonah 1:17).  After 3 days, at the Lord’s command, the whale spit Jonah on the shores of Ninevah.

 A Fact about whales   is that they are prone to swallow tons and tons of food on a day. But at the Lord’s command, the whale Sacrificed eating and fasted for 3 days and nights so that Jonah would not be crushed by the fishes’ digestive organs. It bore the irritation in its belly and the breathing difficulty only to fulfill the Lords’ command. By the sacrifice of the Whale God fulfilled His purpose of Jonah’s repentance, the salvation of the Ninivites and fulfilling the scriptures about Jesus Resurrection on the third day.

TAKEAWAY:

What is your sacrifice to your Creator to accomplish His plan? Are you ready to sacrifice your time, talent and treasures to redeem souls and to bring Revival to your family, friends and the nation at large.  When God can use animals to make Himself known, how much more can He use you if only you willing surrender to His divine plan of Redemption.

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SMALL BUT WISE –LIZARD

Proverbs 30:24,28: “Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise.

A lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces.

Who has a toddler obsessed with Lizards? The little critters are fascinating. The way they wriggle and squirm and climb the walls capture the attention of many kids. The fourth creature mentioned in the list of Wee but Wise are Lizards.

ILLUSTRATION:

Lizards climb up higher and higher until it reaches the king’s vision. They always aspire for and set their eyes on greater things.

They do not like to stay on a lower level. But has a desire to climb up higher and build their abode in royal palaces. They want to establish their living in the Kings palace.

SCRIPTURE:

Like the lizards, let us “Seek those things which are above, and set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Col 3:1,2). Are you desiring the worldly glory or are you aspiring for heavenly glory? Let us all set our eyes on Christ our precious Jewel. Then all the blessings will follow you.

Even when living on earth, we can build our eternal abode in Heaven. “Store your treasures in heaven for wherever your treasure is, there your heart will also be” (Mat 6:20,21). May we use our worldly resources and make friends. Then, when our earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome us in the eternal home. (Luk 16:9).

TAKE AWAY:

 We are called to have the perspective of a lizard, destined to live in the presence of the King of Heaven. Thus, our Eternalhome ought to be our Creator’s castle. It ought to be the residence of everything that is royal, where we can take hold of those silver sockets of redemption for ourselves.

May God help us to have the exceeding wisdom of these FOUR Wee but Wise Creatures.

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SMALL BUT WISE – LOCUST

Proverbs 30:24,27: “Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise.

Locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks.

In the 1999 NBA semifinals, the San Antonio Spurs knew the wisdom of the locusts. They destroyed the LA Lakers like a plague. The Spurs were out there as a team, swarming around that basketball court until they swept the Lakers in 4 out of 7 games. That is lesson of the locusts—the power of teamwork and unity.

ILLUSTRATION:

Locusts have no king but all of them go out in ranks. When they are in unity, they can topple kingdoms. They have oneness of mind and spirit. They move like an army with unbroken ranks under the strictest discipline.

Locusts’ movements are amazingly incredible. While in flight, Locusts skillfully move in the direction of the wind. The Bible records, when the Lords anger was on Egypt, “The LORD brought an east wind upon the land and brought the locusts (Exo  10:13).

Thirdly, they heed to sounds and they rise up together. By rubbing their legs and wings against their body, locusts make a humming sound. When they hear this hum, they react immediately and Rise up.

SCRIPTURE:

Let us take the lead from locusts. Even king David affirms “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.” The gospels also document Jesus building a team of 12, which later multiplies and divides into many teams for spreading the gospel. That is the power of unity and oneness of spirit.

Secondly, moving in the direction of wind denotes the Holy Spirit’s Guidance. If we are wise like the locust, we will yield ourselves to Spirits direction. Then our life will fulfill His divine purpose. “The wind blows wherever it pleases. So, it is with everyone born of the Spirit. (John 3:8).

Thirdly, are we heeding to the voice of God in our lives? (Exodus 15:26) says, “If you diligently heed the voice of God and do what is right in His sight” then He will be our Redeemer. When we learn to tune in to the frequency of God’s voice, then when the trumpet sounds and Jesus comes in glory, we can Rise up like the locust and be with Him forever.

TAKE AWAY:

If insects can achieve such remarkable things through unity, moving as the wind leads and heeding to the voices for Rising up, then how much more the children of God could accomplish for His glory. May this become our Lifestyle!

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SMALL BUT WISE – CONIES

Proverbs 30:24,26: “Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise.

The conies are but a feeble folk yet make they their houses in the rocks.

Not many people take conies out for a walk on a lease. They are considered as poor and weak beings. They do not have stings like the scorpions or horns like the Rhinos for protection.

ILLUSTRATION:

Conies are not strong enough to defend themselves. So, what do they do? They are wise to make their houses in the rocks by digging deep. When a predator attacks them, they know where their security lies. They run to their hiding place of refuge. Conies move to higher ground and position themselves in rocks, which is also a place of strength. 

I love Conies because they are wise to build and establish themselves in a solid foundation. This protects them from all the turmoil of nature and makes them fearless.

SCRIPTURE:

To whom do you run during your hard times? Bible tells us that Jesus is our Rock of Refuge. Like David we should boldly proclaim “He will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble, He will lift me high upon a rock. Lead me to the Rock. That is higher than I, for you have been my refuge”.

Secondly, build your life on Jesus Christ the Rock of firm foundation. For no one can lay a foundation other than on Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 3:11). He will be a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm and the shadow of a great rock. (Isaiah 32:2). Even when troubles and storms blast your life nothing can harm those who build their houses on Jesus the solid Rock.

TAKE AWAY:

Learn to make Jesus your Refuge and Solid Foundation. That is a Conies Rationale! Why fear when the enemy comes with an ammunition to use against you! For the ROCK is on your side!

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ANIMALS IN THE BIBLE SERIES SMALL BUT WISE – ANTS

Proverbs 30:24,25: “Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise:

Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer.

Every parent wants to see their children grow in wisdom and live a God-honoring life. Agur was so wise that the Spirit of God included the musings of Agur in the pages of Proverbs. Have you ever seen people owning a pet ant. Sounds weird! Isn’t it? Yet, in Proverbs, the ants are portrayed as a Role Model.

ILLUSTRATION:

Ants are feeble creatures that has little strength, yet it stores up food for the winter. Ants know the seasons and times and stores food. They know how to redeem the time better. They use the summer to prepare for the winter that is lying ahead.

SCRIPTURE:

Like the ants, we are called to redeem our time, while we live in this earth. Even, Jesus demonstrated this through His life. He redeemed His time on earth by even sacrificing food and sleep. He went about doing good and redeeming souls. Jn 9:4 says: “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” Day time refers to the period of grace. They do not last forever. So let us use our time wisely.

TAKE AWAY:

Today our world is also moving towards days of darkness. Isaiah 60:2 points “Darkness shall cover the earth and deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over His people”. May we redeem our time by memorizing the scriptures. Because there will come a time of famine for the Word of God. Happy are those who, like the ants, take thought for things to come! For they are laying up stores in heaven against the times to come.

Dear children of God – Be like the ants. Think of time to come—and be wise to know the seasons and redeem your time.

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ROOM FOR  JESUS

Have you ever been in a situation where you had visitors paying a surprise visit. Most of us are not ready for such guest. Unless you have a big house, making room for guests, take some work and planning. When Jesus was born there was no room for him in the inn. Has anything changed today? Is there room for Jesus in your life?

Let’s examine the Role model of the Shunamite Women who provided not just a room for Elisha but also furnished the room with furnishing. [II Kings 4::8 -10]. Let’s analyze and follow the lead of the Shunamite women by these steps:

  1. DISCERNING: She discerned that Elisha is a holy man of God. This is the first step in our spiritual walk with God. Today we are surrounded with many confusing voices. But if we call on to the Holy Spirit, then He can give us the discernment to identify God’s will in our lives.  Let’s open our hearts and minds like the Shunamite women to discern the right direction.
  2. PREPARING BY FURNISHING: The women furnished the room with a chair, table, lamp and a bed for Elijah. [II Kings 4:10].
  3. Room – Place for God

The Shunamite women said to her husband, “Let’s make a small room on the roof”. Elisha passed once and she wanted it to continue. Therefore, she prepared a room. Today, the Lord wants to pass by us. Let’s reach out and touch him, when He is near. Let’s remodel our lives by using our time, talent and treasures to receive and maintain Him.  Then the Lords dwelling an ongoing process. Have you given him a Room in your heart?

  • Chair – Throne for God

A chair is used for supporting. This symbolizes our dependence on God. Whom do we depend on for our family life, work life, personal and spiritual life. Chair also symbolizes Authority. Let’s ponder who’s sitting on our throne of life. Is it Sin and Self or Jesus Christ? The one whom we serve and yield is the one who’ll sit in our hearts throne.

  • Table – Fellowship with God

The table represents a source or supply of food. Today, the word of God is our supply of spiritual food. It also denotes Fellowship. Having a continuous fellowship with the Lord will bring divine visitations from the Lord. Can we affirm like David – Thou preparest a table before me and my cup runs over. If the master of the universe is dining at our hearts table, then our cup will run over. There will be no lack but only abounding blessings.

  • Lamp –Presence of God

The purpose of the light is to dispel darkness. The presence of God will dispel all darkness in our lives. In his presence we find guidance and direction just as the Israelites found their way in the wilderness. Lamp also helps to find the lost, like the women who found the lost coin. If we have lost our communion with Him, let’s run to Jesuswho is our lamp and light.  Do you desire His presence? 

  • Bed – Rest with God

When we sleep at night all the cares of this world vanish. It’s because we are resting. God wants us to enter into that state of rest. Jesus lived in that rest. If we cast all our cares upon Him, we’ll find that rest in Jesus Christ alone.

In reflection, let’s place the Lord Jesus Christ First in our lives by preparing a Room for him. Give him a throne or a Chair and your authority to him. Have constant fellowship at your hearts Table. Experience the Light of his presence. Then you will find the desired Rest in his bed.

The Shunamite women prepared a room and furnished it for her own miracle. Therefore, she received:

Multiplication which came back in the form of a son.  

A Miracle which came back in the form of her son being raised from death.

And Restoration When her lands were restored after seven years of famine because she proclaimed the miracle. When she proclaimed the miracle, the blessings came back sevenfold.

Let’s give Room for Jesus in our lives to experience Miracle, Multiplication and Restoration.