Am I doing what I can ?

Luke 23: 50-53

       Trends and fashion leads our day. We go according to the tide. Seldom do we find people who are ready to question the system and do otherwise. Most of them we see around are just flowing with the tide. Discernment seems to be highly influenced by majority.

      The Jewish religious leaders could not be justified for framing Jesus and crucifying Him. Joseph who was from Arimathea was the member of the Jewish council. But he had not consented to their decision and action. He could not stop the crucifixion, but he was ready to do what he could do. He went against the run of play and arranged for an honorable burial for Jesus. He bought a tomb, took permission and laid Jesus' body their. Joseph knew it was right and he did it. He did what he could do. He didn't worry about the council but went ahead.

       We look up to people who have made it big in life in some way. Deep down in their heart they were ready to be different. They were not ready to flow with the world but go for what was right at that time. They are God pleasers. Maybe you and I can't do the so-called great things. But can we go for the things that we can. The good and the right. Simple it might be but that is what God is looking for. Let's do what we can.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

He even takes it away !!!

Luke 23:44,45

There are so many symbols and things that we hold very dear in our life. Those who understand insurance know the fact that the premium is based on the threat perception. As a matter of fact, the present President of USA is considered to be the most powerful person on earth. Yet he needs the highest cover of security.

It is such a contrast that the Jews considered the temple in Jerusalem so dear that they lost the value for God. They would take pride in temple rather than the presence of God. They thought they were around God, but they were no nowhere near. When Jesus breathed His last on the cross it affected the Jerusalem temple. There was a thick curtain which separated the Holy place from the Most Holy Place. The curtain tore from the middle signifying that man can access God without any intercessor but through Jesus anytime anywhere.

We live with the thought that we will always have what we want and what's we feel is good. But that is not the case. Temple was the right provision for Israelites to Worship God. But the Jewish leaders misused the rights and privileges. And God took away the temple veil. Remember if it's not serving the purpose God can take away the temple as well.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

Make Hay while the sun shines

Luke 23: 39-43

Have you ever been wrong and you wanted to make amends for it ? Many people live with a lot of regrets in life. For them the common word is “I wish” I had done that, I wish I had gone for it. I wish I had obeyed you. I wish I was not there. And the list goes on.

There were two thieves with Jesus on the cross and both of them had different approach to Jesus. The first was as rude as he could be by challenging Jesus just like the Jewish leaders and the crowds did. But the other one was way different. He probably got to know about Jesus on the way from prison to Golgotha. He was highly impressed and it changed his destiny. After all that he had done in his life, here was an opportunity to enter into eternal heaven and be in paradise. Not a bad deal. but given the circumstances, it was hard to believe that Jesus is the Messiah. Spirit of God worked in the heart  of this criminal and he prayed to Jesus right there on the cross and God accepted him in HIS Grace.

We get several opportunities in life to do something impactful and change our destiny. Maybe a decision, a Phone call, an email, text, meet people, learn something, do something good, take an initiative, apologize. The list is endless. It just depend on you and me if we are willing. God is always around and giving us several chances to receive His goodness in some or the other way. Are we sensitive to God and ready to respond accordingly ?  

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

Don't be the "man"

March 27th 2015

Don't be the "man"

Luke 23:35

"He is the man". We have heard it so many times. The definition of "be a man" has been so much distorted. It is now connected with things like violence, ruthlessness and rudeness. Is that what being a man is ?????

      Jesus on the cross was such a poor image of humanity. Cross was the most humiliating and toughest form of punishment. But Jesus accepted it most humbly. He was only proving His love for every man and woman on earth. Jesus showed his obedience to God the Father. But He was challenged by the crowds to show His strength and prove His worth. Jesus could have simply come down and taught them the lesson of life. It could have been seen as form of manliness. But that wasn't what God means with being a man.

        Its so easy to lose our cool and get distracted from our purpose. We are so much tempted to teach people a lesson by giving them our piece of mind. We even go out of bounds by doing and saying things which were never meant to be. It all happens when we try to prove things which are actually of no use. You are not a man only when you say but even when you are silent. Chill guys, don't prove your mettle by screaming but be silent and show some nerves of steel.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

BromoZ

Luke 23:27- 31

In a day we walk past a lot of troubled souls. Some are struggling with their finances others emotionally and many of them physically. We feel sorry for them. Somehow we tend to compare their present situation with our own and we think we are well off.

When Jesus was on the way to calvary he was all injured. He was such a bad picture of human body. There was blood oozing out of His body and he was bruised all over. The women of Jerusalem approached him weeping. They knew Jesus was innocent and did not deserve this. But on the contrast Jesus told them not to weep for Him but for themselves and their Children. Jesus knew His future and He was talking on that regard. He would die on the cross and be up on the third day. But the people of Israel were going to pay a huge price by inviting God's wrath on them. As history proves it, they have always been in trouble. Of course God is with them and believers all over the world are supposed to pray and bless them.

Jesus was such a poor picture of humanity while going to the cross. But He knew His future and was completely at rest. We look at the present and doubt our future. Our today and tomorrow is in God's hands. He knows the best and will do the best. Let's be at rest and expect the best.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

On the way !

Luke 23: 26

Most of us travel for some or the other reason. Our travels gives us lots of stories. We also find it interesting to see the world from someone else's eyes. In this age of such technology sharing one's story has only become easier than ever.

We learn of a man from Cyrene whose name was Simon. He was in the city to observe The Religious festival. He did not know that he was in for something big. He was just doing the usual stuff by going to the presence of God. But what happened on the way was terrific. He met with the Romans and a team of Jewish leaders who were going to crucify Jesus. By the virtue of being a roman soldier one could ask any Jew to carry his load for a mile. Simon was forced to carry the cross of Jesus. It happened to him because he was there. He was on his way as usual to be in the presence of God. But He struck gold by having the closest encounter with  on the way.

Simon met and came to know Jesus on the way to the calvary. Bible tells us that his sons became famous in Christ in the following years. God gave the grace to Simon to carry the cross of Jesus. He was blessed by knowing Jesus and became a blessing for the following generation as well. But what really mattered was that Simon was there. It was usual. But remember it was coming at the right time. You just got to be there.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

Are you hurt by accusations ?

Luke 23: 13-25

At some point or the other we have come under the scanner because someone has lied about us. We have been victimized because people did not understand us or they just did not want to understand us. Sometime one becomes an obstacle for the other. Thus begins the battle. And as they say “Everything is fair in love and war”

When the Jews brought Jesus to Pilate they tried to put a political indictment to the case. They said Jesus was perverting the nation, telling people not to pay the taxes and calling himself to be the king of Jews. They just wanted Jesus out of the way. He was becoming a threat to their religious business. So they got even the Pilate on board to get done with Jesus. The pilate tried his level best to save Jesus. He tried talking to the Jewish leaders, sent Jesus to Herod and could not find anything wrong with Jesus. But still he succumbed to the pressure exerted by the Jewish religious leaders. The small crowd led by the High Priest wanted Jesus to be crucified and they got they even got it done. But was Jesus really a criminal. Were the charges that were placed against Him true to the core ?

Jesus did not get a fair trial. In fact the Jewish leaders did not allow a fair trial to take place. He was arrested in the middle of the night and was presented to the roman officials at early morning. There was such a hurry in the matter that the law was indeed blinded and injustice was served in the most haphazard manner.

Who killed Jesus ? Pilate who ordered crucifixion, High priest and the team who wanted Jesus dead, or it was God who was always in Control.

Jesus was always willing to die. The moment he left the heavenlies to be on earth He had already started becoming a sacrifice. Jesus came to die. That’s why nothing could hurt Him or distract Him from His mission not even false accusations.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

He is the Boss, oh yes He is......

Luke 23:1- 12

We appreciate people who can talk well. Somehow they create an effect over us. If someone can speak well, He/She can win over most of us. Jesus lived in a day and age where he could not be recorded or videotaped. All we have is the Bible which has stood the test of time. Bible tells us that Jesus could talk well and he was the finest preacher who ever walked on the face the earth. Children could find it easy to hang out with Him, and religious teachers enjoyed arguing with Him. The Jewish leaders tried to trap Jesus on many occasions but he was too smart to give into them.

The Jewish leaders ran out of patience and finally got Jesus arrested on false basis. They thought eventually they were in control of the proceedings. But it was just their thought. God was always in control. Even the Pilate thought he was judging Jesus, but it was simply the other way round. That's why Jesus did not speak at all. He could have easily won the argument but lost the cause. So He stood silent to let things be as he had always wanted.

Cross teaches us to be silent. It helps us to know the fact that God is in complete control and every answer is found at the cross. There are places where we have to let God speak. If we don't allow God to speak and do things His way, we are affecting ourselves. Remember the battle belongs to the Lord. He is speaking even when it seems silence.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

Be good when it matters

Luke 22 : 47- 53

Most of us have a story of pain and hurt to tell. We have an amazing memory to talk about friends and family who have hurt us at some point of time. Some of us carry it all the way till we get an opportunity to settle scores else the grave takes it all.

The arrest and crucifixion of Jesus was one of the most illegally done trial till date. He was arrested in the dark hours and was not given a fair trial before embracing the cross. But Jesus made a huge impact even during the fag end of His earthly ministry. There was a troop of soldier with some Jewish leaders who came to  arrest a good teacher who was no harm to anyone. But what really startles is how Jesus responded to the situation. The big troop was all prepared to counter any kind of opposition. But they just did not have to do anything as such. He behaved like a gentleman. He trusted His Father was in control.  Jesus in fact went on to put back the ear of the guy who was injured by Peter.

Jesus behaved good even when times were like real bad. He alone is good and that's why he could behave good. Anyone can be good to those who respect you and love you. But the real worth of a true follower is tested when he/she meets with people and situations which are unkind.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

Smart & Selfish ?

Luke 22: 39-46

These days we hear of prayer warriors & towers. Jesus himself was a prayer warrior. But His understanding of prayer was entirely different. We see prayers more as damage control now, but there's more to it. We limit things to  our little understanding and that doesn't help the cause at all.

Jesus was in a habit of prayer. He would always be connected to His heavenly Father. In fact he would go away from everything for a while and take out time to pray. We often pray when we are in need of some kind. Even though there's nothing wrong about it. But We are expected to be connected to God always and not be need driven. When Jesus went to pray in garden of Gethsemane, he was doing it out of habit. But this time he was very sad and agonized. Without the shadow of a doubt Jesus was always ready for the cross. But He was worried of His absence from the trinity for the time he would be on cross. That's what explains the sweat like drop of bloods.

Jesus woke up his disciples to pray that you will not fall into temptation. Now that's a great prayer to pray. It is always valid and useful. Our needs and desires might differ with time, but vulnerability to sin is always active. This can only happen when one has the habit of prayer.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

With Christ and Christ like ?

Luke 22:23-38

All of us love to call the shots. Infact one finds great pleasure and satisfaction in being the Lord over another. There is rarely anyone who may not be superior to someone in someway. They like to keep it up and bring more under them. Human beings are born that way. We are happy when our views are taken and disappointed when we are not honored

There arose a dispute among Jesus’ disciples as to which one of them is the greatest. For a moment it seemed that Jesus’ efforts of last 3 years of teaching and training them had gone down the drain. But lets be assured of the fact that neither Jesus nor the disciples left the mission midway. To err is human and its so true in our personal lives. But to get back to life is awesome. The problem here is not simply about ego but it is blinding one from the great reward lying ahead. This can only be achieved when one goes through the motions of Life as placed by God. The disciples were fighting for such small positions in the roman empire which were always at threat. They valued themselves only to those little towns and cities. Even though the roman empire stands so tall in history, Yet its history. Jesus was preparing the disciple to be the judge and rulers over all and also hold the keys of heaven.

Several times we lose the bigger things in life both on earth and heaven due to our ego and irresponsible behavior. We are called to be servants and only the servant would hear those golden words : Well done My good and faithful SERVANT.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

Have you let your guard down ?

Luke 22: 15-23

God always knew the past, present and the future. But the mystery is that even when God is in complete control, He lets human decide their will. Jesus was always going to go to the cross. But Judas chose to betray and get Jesus arrested. In spite of being one of the 12 disciples, Judas became an instrument in the hands of the enemy.

We are living in a sinful world and we are always vulnerable to give into sin in some or the other way. We can be born in the best of the families, educated in the highest ranked school, attending the finest Church, working in the top most company, yet we can fall in sin and be a bad example for many around and after us.

The bottom line is let's be on our guard. Let's search into our own lives and hearts. Have we allowed sin to get in and destroy us and others around us. We must be careful.

The cross reminds us that's their is sin and that's why Jesus died of the cross. But He died not just for the forgiveness of our sins. But to give a new life, a life in abundance.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

He knows what you need now

Luke 22:7--14

An average prayer today is full of needs. We have prayers which sound more like requests or demands rather than a real talk with God. All we want to hear is God say yes and amen to all our desires. Yet it can be such a breather to be reminded of the fact that God knows our needs even before we tell him.

Jesus and His disciples needed a place to eat the Passover. It would have been hard for disciples to fix a place during the busy festival time in the city. Every lodge must have been expensive and every house must be full of friends and family from all over. But God already had arranged for it. But Jesus again let his disciples know him a little more. In the last phase of His earthly ministry, Jesus told John and peter, who were one of His favorite disciples to go and look out for a place. But he sent them with an instruction. They just had to believe Him totally.

In those days it was not common for men to carry a jar. But God does unique things when he works for His children. As they followed the man, they were led to one of the finest place in the city to celebrate Passover. That's how God works. He gives us the best for now. Because He knows what we actually need for now.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

When discouragement leads us !!!

Luke 22:1-6

Every age has witnessed one or the other atrocities. It is interesting that most of the things had to do something with money. Money can always be considered synonym to power and fame. In these times it is still the same. Out of all the times the biggest exchange for the greed of money took place when Jesus was arrested. Judas was one of the 12 disciples and was with Jesus all this while. Yet he was ready to betray Jesus for just 30 silver coins.

But what really surprises is the fact that 30 silver coins was never a huge amount in those days. But it seems Judas was discouraged of the outcome of Jesus' ministry. He thought Jesus would overthrow the roman empire and become the ruler. In that it would benefit the disciples and for sure Judas who was the treasurer would get an influential position.

But that's were everything went wrong. In his discouragement Judas allowed the evil Spirit to control him and he went totally wrong. He was so discouraged that he couldn't think straight even after Jesus was crucified. He went and committed suicide.
When we are led by discouragement we are not in the right path. We need to control our emotions and be ready to go through the tough times with a positive attitude. Our God is a good God and knows how to take us through.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

Why do you lead ? Luke 21:5-8

15^th March 2015

The word leader actually means one who guides or one with authority. But several times we forget that leadership is always with a purpose. The position is actually to help others work towards realizing the vision. He/she as a leader is just, first among the equals to make sure things keep moving in the right direction for a larger cause.

Therefore, if leadership means larger cause, probably we are in a big trouble these days. Today we are witness to great individualism and solo heroics. Then as time progresses, one witnesses concentration of power for the selfish motives and narrow intentions.   In these last days those who claim to be the Messiah actually are so selfish and very narrowly placed. They only seek a fan following and some material benefits out of the whole effort. It is never to lead the followers to the eternal.

You and I must lead must lead them to the eternal. If not this will die down as it has happened in the past.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church. He can be reached on Stanleytisac@gmail.com

Unsung Heroes

Luke 21:1-4
The unsung heroes
Its so interesting that the Bible is so very silent regarding the widow who had put two small copper coins in the temple. All that we know is that she did her part. But what a marvel that she was willing to give it all. Guess she knew the simple rule. Its about giving it all.

Several times we hold back so much from God. Mostly because we feel there's not going to be much benefit out of it. One even feels that there no one acknowledging me. So what's the point.

Whether it be financial, physical or spiritual. Our God demands and deserves it all. He can't work with the little surrender we make. He is the boss and He likes to do it all the way on His own. Whether we are acknowledged by people or not. The moral of the story is whether you feel like doing it or not you still got to do it. Not just because its the right thing. But because you know the truth.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church. He can be reached on Stanleytisac @gmail.com