Unity - IV
Phil 2:1-2
One Spirit
Paul is really emphasizing this maybe because it was a very real issue for the Philippians. Is it not one today too? This means being united – not divided over issues i.e when a leader says something about being involved in a certain project/vision, we are quickly able to align our minds, wills and heart to support the leader in that call, not getting all “super spiritual” and saying, ”I’ll have to pray about it”. A church or organization will make very little progress with that attitude in the ranks.
Purpose
The same as above. Am I running in a different direction or am I putting my weight behind that one purpose therefore being effective?
There is so much food for thought here. But I’d like to draw this part to a close quoting one of my favourite authors, Charles Swindoll.
The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.
Navaz D'cruz
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Day 6
Unity - III
Phil 2:1-2
Tenderness and Compassion
Paul is appealing to a minimum level of charity that ought to be in very Christian heart. Am I not capable of some measure of compassion and tenderness? If so the following is something I can do.
Since I have been the recipient of the above it surmises that I am able to the following : to be like minded, having the same love, being one in Spirit and purpose. This is an action packed, loaded passage. I’d like to think about it phrase by phrase as I seek to align my heart to this plum line of truth.
Like minded
Does this mean “uniformity”, becoming a clone? Does this mean there is no room for originality? By no means! Grace celebrates unity in diversity.
So what does it mean? Put in another way I think it means being of “one vision/intent”. It’s not pulling in different directions, in other words, having one goal, working together toward a common purpose. It’s a willingness to put aside the much exalted and celebrated individualism for a common good. It’s willing to compromise wisely, its willingness to let go, to give ground to another’s point of view or way of doing things.
Navaz D'cruz
Phil 2:1-2
Tenderness and Compassion
Paul is appealing to a minimum level of charity that ought to be in very Christian heart. Am I not capable of some measure of compassion and tenderness? If so the following is something I can do.
Since I have been the recipient of the above it surmises that I am able to the following : to be like minded, having the same love, being one in Spirit and purpose. This is an action packed, loaded passage. I’d like to think about it phrase by phrase as I seek to align my heart to this plum line of truth.
Like minded
Does this mean “uniformity”, becoming a clone? Does this mean there is no room for originality? By no means! Grace celebrates unity in diversity.
So what does it mean? Put in another way I think it means being of “one vision/intent”. It’s not pulling in different directions, in other words, having one goal, working together toward a common purpose. It’s a willingness to put aside the much exalted and celebrated individualism for a common good. It’s willing to compromise wisely, its willingness to let go, to give ground to another’s point of view or way of doing things.
Navaz D'cruz
Monday, February 27, 2012
Day 5
Unity - II
Phillipians 2:1-2
“Comfort from His love”
Is that even a question that needs asking? Of course I have been comforted knowing His faithful love will never leave me. His love is complete and unconditionally accepting. His love for me took Him to the cross. Yes, I am comforted by His intense love for me that is unending and pure.
“If any fellowship with the Spirit”
Oh yes!!! The Holy Spirit unlocks the doors to untold mysteries, abilities thus tapping into the power of God in order for me to live the Christian life: to conquer temptation and sin, to release the stranglehold of darkness of sickness and so much more.
Navaz D'cruz
Phillipians 2:1-2
“Comfort from His love”
Is that even a question that needs asking? Of course I have been comforted knowing His faithful love will never leave me. His love is complete and unconditionally accepting. His love for me took Him to the cross. Yes, I am comforted by His intense love for me that is unending and pure.
“If any fellowship with the Spirit”
Oh yes!!! The Holy Spirit unlocks the doors to untold mysteries, abilities thus tapping into the power of God in order for me to live the Christian life: to conquer temptation and sin, to release the stranglehold of darkness of sickness and so much more.
Navaz D'cruz
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Day 4
Unity (Part 1)
Philippians 2:1-2
There is a constant competition from various quarters, fighting to get our attention, mind space, affections of the heart and our devotion. I find it of great value to align my heart to the plum line of scripture as my point of reference. I find it brings balance and tranquility.
I found myself asking many questions and being reminded myself of many truths I have heard being taught over the years.
“If you have any encouragement..”
“If”??? This is obviously a rhetorical statement that does not need an answer to justify it. If is stating the obvious – of course I have received encouragement. What one may ask?
“Any encouragement in Christ”
Here is what I have received – my sins have been forgiven – past, present and future. I have a relationship with God where I can talk to him and He talks to me. My salvation is secure. My prayers are answered. Since I belong to him, He fills me with His Holy Spirit who empowers and energizes me to live a Godly life.
Navaz D'cruz
Philippians 2:1-2
There is a constant competition from various quarters, fighting to get our attention, mind space, affections of the heart and our devotion. I find it of great value to align my heart to the plum line of scripture as my point of reference. I find it brings balance and tranquility.
I found myself asking many questions and being reminded myself of many truths I have heard being taught over the years.
“If you have any encouragement..”
“If”??? This is obviously a rhetorical statement that does not need an answer to justify it. If is stating the obvious – of course I have received encouragement. What one may ask?
“Any encouragement in Christ”
Here is what I have received – my sins have been forgiven – past, present and future. I have a relationship with God where I can talk to him and He talks to me. My salvation is secure. My prayers are answered. Since I belong to him, He fills me with His Holy Spirit who empowers and energizes me to live a Godly life.
Navaz D'cruz
Friday, February 24, 2012
Day 3
The period of Lent, is a time for us to reflect on not only the life of Yeshua haMashiach, but also our own lives. Let us all pray for God to reveal our trespasses that have bypassed our consciousness. May He reveal the stumbling blocks in our path of progression. Whatever hindrances we may have in lives, particularly in our hearts - so we can turn away from them, and bring into fruition His plan. The plan made before the foundations of the heavens and the Earth were ever created. The plan not to harm us, but for us to................PROSPER.
So let’s seek to become what He’d have of us, be where He’d have us be and do what He’d have us do.
Vishal Chauhan
So let’s seek to become what He’d have of us, be where He’d have us be and do what He’d have us do.
Vishal Chauhan
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Day 2
Psalms 42 & 43, Job 13:15
The psalmist here is in what seems to be a confused state of mind. He's drifting between a time of trouble where he's wondering where God is and the reaffirmation of his faith in God. He keeps calling out to an at-the-time unanswering God asking him why he has left him to this fate and then states that wonderful verse repeatedly:
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Similar to Job many times over, this speaks of faith regardless
Regardless of your troubles
Regardless of everything around you and happening to you
Inspite of all your problems
Regardless of what he does
Regarding only the Person himself
Praising him who is the health of your countenance...
No frown shall wrinkle your face
Nor shall doubt settle in that He is almighty, supreme, over all things, and most importantly, your God in whom you trust.
Sunil Noronha
The psalmist here is in what seems to be a confused state of mind. He's drifting between a time of trouble where he's wondering where God is and the reaffirmation of his faith in God. He keeps calling out to an at-the-time unanswering God asking him why he has left him to this fate and then states that wonderful verse repeatedly:
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Similar to Job many times over, this speaks of faith regardless
Regardless of your troubles
Regardless of everything around you and happening to you
Inspite of all your problems
Regardless of what he does
Regarding only the Person himself
Praising him who is the health of your countenance...
No frown shall wrinkle your face
Nor shall doubt settle in that He is almighty, supreme, over all things, and most importantly, your God in whom you trust.
Sunil Noronha
Monday, February 20, 2012
Day 1
Psalms 46:1, 4-5, 10; Romans 12:1, 2 Chronicles 16:9
God is our refuge and ever present help in trouble. But what's more amazing is that in the midst of the turmoil, the fear of the earth being removed, the mountains being carried to sea, and the sea roaring, there is a river that makes glad the city of God. She will not be moved and God shall help her at the break of dawn. Verse 10 goes on to exhort us to be still and know that I am God.
We become that river when we live a life worthy of Him(makes glad the city of God) - an everyday offering to Him, holy and acceptable. And that river He will be in the midst of; she shall not be moved. That is the promise. That is the faith in which we be still and know that He is God indeed. No storm need make us fearful. The same God who made Heaven and Earth, and the God who can snap it to cease and turn it as he pleases. The almighty loving God who watches out for those whose heart is perfect toward him.
Sunil Noronha
God is our refuge and ever present help in trouble. But what's more amazing is that in the midst of the turmoil, the fear of the earth being removed, the mountains being carried to sea, and the sea roaring, there is a river that makes glad the city of God. She will not be moved and God shall help her at the break of dawn. Verse 10 goes on to exhort us to be still and know that I am God.
We become that river when we live a life worthy of Him(makes glad the city of God) - an everyday offering to Him, holy and acceptable. And that river He will be in the midst of; she shall not be moved. That is the promise. That is the faith in which we be still and know that He is God indeed. No storm need make us fearful. The same God who made Heaven and Earth, and the God who can snap it to cease and turn it as he pleases. The almighty loving God who watches out for those whose heart is perfect toward him.
Sunil Noronha
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