You are not humble

Clark Clifford shares this reminiscence of his former boss, Harry S. Truman:  Every morning at 8:30 the President would have a staff meeting. One day the mail clerk brought in a lavender envelope with a regal wax seal and flowing purple ribbons. Opening it, the President found a letter from King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia, whose salutation began, "Your Magnificence." "Your Magnificence," Truman repeated, laughing. "I like that. I don't know what you guys call me when I'm not here, but it's okay if you refer to me from now on as 'His Magnificence.'"

Truman subsequently sent a message to the United Nations supporting the admission of 100,000 Jews into Palestine. Soon afterward he received a second letter from King Ibn Saud. This one began: "Dear Mr. President."

Philippians 2:5  In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

Flattery and smooth talk have been there as long as we have had humanity on earth. It’s easy for us to respect and behave well in front of someone who is well above us in some manner or the other. Mostly it can be in terms of money, position, power, information and etc. We tend to respect and behave so well in front of those who can either benefit us or harm us. Perhaps that’s not the real picture of humility. We are so well mannered in front of our boss, and with that very tongue we abuse and speak ill to the rickshaw puller and the waiter in that small food joint.

It is very important to understand that humility is not a concept to be changed as per the situation. It is a frame of mind, it’s a natural behaviour that one develops over a period of time due to our beliefs and learnings in Christ Jesus. Thus Paul reminds us to have the mind of Christ. Just as Jesus humbled himself in front of the father, he was humble to wash the disciples’ feet, enter into Jerusalem on a donkey, prepared to be flogged by Roman soldiers, and even to be buried in a borrowed tomb. The list can go on and on. So it was never the person and the situation that affected the behaviour. It was always the same mind everywhere and for everyone.

So if you pay a nice tip to show off at the fine dining and fight over 5 bucks with that humble vegetable vendor, you are not humble. If you can respect your boss and not address the rickshaw puller respectfully, you are not humble.  

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Stanley Thomas Isac

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

Can we simply obey ?

John Kenneth Galbraith, in his autobiography, ‘A Life in Our Times’, illustrates the devotion of Emily Gloria Wilson, his family's housekeeper: It had been a wearying day, and I asked Emily to hold all telephone calls while I had a nap. Shortly thereafter the phone rang. Lyndon Johnson was calling from the White House. "Get me Ken Galbraith. This is Lyndon Johnson." "He is sleeping, Mr. President. He said not to disturb him." "Well, wake him up. I want to talk to him." "No, Mr. President. I work for him, not you. When I called the President back, he could scarcely control his pleasure. "Tell that woman I want her here in the White House."

Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Today everyone is speaking and only a few bother to listen and a very few bother to obey. In a generation which is so consumed by materialism and love for themselves, we have lost the charm of life. Sadly even God’s grace and blessings are measured in the grades and pay-cheques. But in midst of all these, Apostle Paul writes to the church in Philippi about the obedience of Jesus to the Father. If Jesus humbled himself it was because he obeyed. Humility is displayed in the relationship that we exhibit through obedience to one another. Though it’s tough to write and read about obedience, still let me assert that, Jesus got the highest name above every name because he humbled himself and obeyed.

We are in a culture of protest and even violating others for the sake of our well being and our causes. Whereas Jesus would never do this, He had come to die, and he was ready to die. For the father sent him to save the world. He could save the world only by dying on the cross. That is where obedience mattered and matters even today. Are we obeying God ? Or are we playing the fool by avoiding the question ? Am I obeying God even if it’s about dying for the world, self and anything else? Or Am I justifying myself in the name of some “isms” and making some “schisms”. Can we simply obey ?  

Inspired by Dr. Sanjay Patra’s Sermon in Crossway on 28th Jan 2018

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Stanley Thomas Isac

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

Will you give up your rights ?

American poet and Pulitzer Prize-winner Edwin Arlington Robinson used to spend his summers at the MacDowell Colony near Peterborough, New Hampshire. Arriving at breakfast one morning, he found the writer Nancy Byrd Turner and a new member of the colony already seated at his table. "This is Mr. Robinson," said Turner to her companion.

"Robinson! Not E.A. Robinson -- not the Mr. Robinson?" gushed the other woman.

There followed a long, uncomfortable pause, then Robinson replied, "A Mr. Robinson."

Philippians 2:5-6 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

Humility doesn’t seem to be the trend for majority nowadays. Sadly majority is not always right. The very reason Jesus came down to earth was simply because he humbled himself. Perhaps the very beginning of Christian life is humility. Unless we are able to come under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, one cannot be saved. As we look at the above verses, we realize that Paul is writing to ordinary people to be humble in their day to day lives. So Jesus volunteered to stoop low, and became like us, to save sinners like us. He gave up the highest position in the universe, and that’s where God was more glorified and honored.

Perhaps it’s not in the snatching and fighting in the issues of life. It’s not even about being recognized, but it’s more about pleasing God by doing God’s will. If we remain consumed by our will, we might receive some recognition, but that will not last. The greatest recognition comes from God when we are ready to give it away, and are least bothered about it. Will you give up on your rights ?

Inspired by Dr. Sanjay Patra’s Sermon in Crossway on 28th Jan 2018

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Stanley Thomas Isac

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

God bless India

J.B. Priestley once said that We should behave toward our country as women behave toward the men they love.  A loving wife will do anything for her husband except stop criticizing and trying to improve him.  We should cast the same affectionate but sharp glance at our country.

I Timothy 2:1-2 – I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

The constitution of my great land of India turns 69 today. As we celebrate Republic day in India, it's our duty to pray for our country and for all the leaders of our nation. I feel privileged to be born in this nation. Bible teaches us to pray for the country where we live and work towards the development of the same. Yes there are lot of things to be worked out and setup. We might be a land full of superstition and many other social evils. Even then I love my India. We have come a long way and for sure there's more to go if the Lord tarries. The name of India is mentioned twice in Holy Bible in the book of Esther. Let's do the best as those who live in this country and be a blessing.

Perhaps the constitution of India is one of the greatest gift to free India. The untiring efforts of Dr. B R Ambedkar and the rest of the team to draft and present the constitution is the guiding light to the nation which is full of diversity. My country can stay peaceful and in the right track only when the constitution is followed in the proper way. You and I as responsible Christians in India and all the readers of this blog are invited to bless my country with your prayers. Let the constitution be followed and the country progress. God bless India.

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Stanley Thomas Isac

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

Holy, blameless and righteous

A businessman well known for his self-righteousness once announced to writer Mark Twain, "Before I die I mean to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. I will climb Mount Sinai and read the 10 Commandments aloud at the top." "I have a better idea," replied Twain. "You could stay in Boston and keep them."

1 Corinthians 11:27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.

If not the most, but still the verse above is a prominent one taken up to condemn the church goers and sadly a poor attempt  to undo the work on the cross. It’s important to understand the context of the verse and the larger text in itself. Apostle Paul is talking about the eating of food in an unworthy manner. It would so happen, while celebrating the “Lord’s Table”, those who would come early into the small room, would finish off everything and the ones who were coming later and standing out were ignored. This was a poor reflection of fellowship and the family of God in itself. How can those who love God and follow Jesus be selfish ? So Paul tells them to wait for everyone in v.33, and better have a snacker from home in v.34.

It was never about being Holy and blameless by your own works and be fit to partake, if so then none of us would be able to participate in the Holy Communion. You and I can partake of the Lord’s table only because of the cross. And when we proclaim the Lord’s death until HE comes, we are reminding ourselves of what he did to make us Holy, blameless and righteous.   

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Stanley Thomas Isac

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

Meet them

A group of invading Japanese cavalry was billeted in a Chinese village. On their arrival, they discovered a mud church bearing the notice, "This is a Jesus Chapel." Eight of the cavalrymen proved to be Christians, and they fairly hugged the old Chinese pastor, explaining how glad they were to find a Christian home in the place. During the time they were in the village, they attended worship, praying and singing hymns with their Christian brethren. When they left, they gave every house where they had stayed the equivalent of two dollars, as well as a large bag of oats.

Acts 20:9 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight.

In our journey on this side of heaven, we might go places. But it's important that you and I do connect into a fellowship wherever we are. People who stay away from fellowships are scared of accountability and for some, it's  responsibility. While Paul was in Troas, he made sure that the Church was in order. Order here basically means that were willing to meet each other and grow in the Lord. This is ultimate for any Christian, because this is God's plan. The design of a family to understand each other and help each other. You will only understand it when you connect to God and to God's people as well. So make use of every opportunity and meet them.

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Stanley Thomas Isac

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

God is Love

Watching a trapeze show is breathtaking. We wonder at the dexterity and timing. We gasp at near-misses. In most cases, there is a net underneath. When they fall, they jump up and bounce back to the trapeze. In Christ, we live on the trapeze. The whole world should be able to watch and say, "Look how they live, how they love one another. Look how well the husbands treat their wives. And aren't they the best workers in the factories and offices, the best neighbors, the best students?" That is to live on the trapeze, being a show to the world. What happens when we slip? The net is surely there. The blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ, has provided forgiveness for ALL our trespasses. Both the net and the ability to stay on the trapeze are works of God's grace. Of course, we cannot be continually sleeping on the net.

Mark 14:19 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, “Surely you don’t mean me?”

Jesus was about to be arrested by the Romans, then the unfair trial and the cross to follow. But before all that, Jesus says that one of you will betray me. It's interesting that all of the twelve disciples responded, “are you talking about me ?”. Plainly speaking everyone had some or the other issue which was kinda betraying Jesus. But even then they were called the disciples of Jesus. The apostles who were chosen to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Isn't that fantastic to realize that we have a God who knows our weaknesses and yet let's us walk with Him. That’s His love. For sure the love of God will accept us the way we are but won't let us remain the way we are. God is Love.

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Stanley Thomas Isac

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

Are your eyes on HIM ?

It is said that Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, once had captured a prince and his family. When they came before him, the monarch asked the prisoner, "What will you give me if I release you?" "The half of my wealth," was his reply. "And if I release your children?" "Everything I possess." "And if I release your wife?" "Your Majesty, I will give myself." Cyrus was so moved by his devotion that he freed them all. As they returned home, the prince said to his wife, "Wasn't Cyrus a handsome man!" With a look of deep love for her husband, she said to him, "I didn't notice. I could only keep my eyes on you- -the one who was willing to give himself for me."

Mark 14:22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.”

Perhaps never in history was this ever witnessed and won’t be ever repeated. The cross became a sign of God’s love simply because of the sacrifice. Not that Jesus was willing to die for us, HE went ahead to die for you and me. That is how much He values us. He gave it all.

But what are we doing in response to HIS love. Of course we will never be worthy of His love. In fact we just don’t deserve it, and we can’t do anything to deserve it. But are we able to love Him back ? Can we just focus on Him who truly loves us, who was not only willing but even died for us. Are your eyes on HIM ?

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Stanley Thomas Isac

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

Just do it

When James Calvert went out as a missionary to the cannibals of the Fiji Islands, the ship captain tried to turn him back, saying, "You will lose your life and the lives of those with you if you go among such savages." To that, Calvert replied, "We died before we came here."

Philippians 1:20  I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,whether by life or by death.

All of us are scared of bad things happening to us. And the worst of them is death. In fact the probability is so high that one out of one dies. To be honest some are so engrossed with the thought of failure and bad things, that they never tend to try it or even put their best effort. In this way life just goes on and someday gets over.

Apostle Paul was prepared for death while in prison. He was glad that either he could meet Jesus or can serve Jesus more. In this manner, he had eliminated the element of fear which could have affected his performance to bless many.

Most of us operate in fear due to the risk of failure and the shame involved with it. But if we can completely give our lives to Jesus, then there is nothing to fear. When we are prepared for the worst, everything around becomes easier and we operate in freedom. Don’t hold back by thinking toooooo much, Just do it.

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Stanley Thomas Isac

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

Chill man, Chill….

Two men who lived in a small village got into a terrible dispute that they could not resolve. So they decided to talk to the town sage. The first man went to the sage's home and told his version of what happened. When he finished, the sage said, "You're absolutely right." The next night, the second man called on the sage and told his side of the story. The sage responded, "You're absolutely right." Afterward, the sage's wife scolded her husband. "Those men told you two different stories and you told them they were absolutely right. That's impossible -- they can't both be absolutely right." The sage turned to his wife and said, "You're absolutely right."

Philippians 1:18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

Every now and then we hear of a brother or a sister serving Christ differently than us. Sometimes a pastor or a preacher seems to be offending to us in nature and through there acts. But what we often tend to forget is that we are not called to judge. Moreover everyone is right from there point of view. So there’s no point of criticizing someone because of their approach or for that matter anything they do which they call ministry.

When Apostle Paul was in prison many got the opportunity to preach, he knew that some were doing it out of selfish ambitions, and some simply putting up a show. But even in such a situation the greatest theologian of all times was happy that Christ is being preached. If so, then let’s not get irritated when that guy starts getting more followers. Don’t bother when He/She is becoming more famous than you while preaching in some way or the other. Instead of criticizing and putting anyone down, let us rejoice that Christ is being preached. Chill man, Chill….

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Stanley Thomas Isac

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

Let’s keep going

After William Carey was well established in his pioneer missionary work in India, his supporters in England sent a printer to assist him. Soon the two men were turning out portions of the Bible for distribution. Carey had spent many years learning the language so that he could produce the scriptures in the local dialect. He had also prepared dictionaries and grammars for the use of his successors.

One day while Carey was away, a fire broke out and completely destroyed the building, the presses, many Bibles, and the precious manuscripts, dictionaries, and grammars. When he returned and was told of the tragic loss, he showed no sign of despair or impatience. Instead, he knelt and thanked God that he still had the strength to do the work over again. He started immediately, not wasting a moment in self-pity. Before his death, he had duplicated and even improved on his earlier achievements.

Philippians 1:14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

Some lives indeed have that strength and vigor to impact generations. Luxuries and riches can only lure this generation, but the tough experiences and the willingness to go through the hardships encourages many. Paul while being in prison was so joyfully going about his life and ministry that the ones outside were surprised and indeed encouraged. People thought that prison would be the end of it and his ministry has ended forever. But to the utter surprise he stood strong to serve the Lord in prison and this became a great lesson for the those without the chains to serve Christ more effectively.

When we go through hardships and difficult situations in life, we tend to neglect God and His presence. We forget that He is with us and can lead us through if we trust Him. When we are able to stand firm during a loss and a tragedy, surely we become a great testimony and an encouragement to those around us. Thus we can make an impact unto generations even while being in prison and the darkest of situations. Let’s keep going.

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Stanley Thomas Isac

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

You got a complain ?

A monk joined a monastery and took a vow of silence. After the first 10 years his superior called him in and asked, "Do you have anything to say?" The monk replied, "Food bad." After another 10 years the monk again had opportunity to voice his thoughts. He said, "Bed hard." Another 10 years went by and again he was called in before his superior. When asked if he had anything to say, he responded, "I quit." "It doesn't surprise me a bit. You've done nothing but complain ever since you got here."

Philippians 1:12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.

We often hear of excuses and complaints when pushed out of comfort zones. To add to it for some, things of God and to involve in it becomes very difficult due to their circumstances. We are today surrounded by people who have one issue after another in life. Situations are indeed true, and makes life tough. But when the going gets tough, tough gets going.

Paul in spite of being in prison was advancing in the work of the gospel. He was writing the eternal Word which would impact generations after generation. He was sharing the gospel to every palace guard and leading many to Christ. Every adversity was an opportunity for him to trust in God’s grace and live a victorious Christian life even in prison. This makes it clear that our circumstances do not stop us from being joyful in life and serving Christ. If we are willing to serve God, He can use us anywhere and make us a blessing for generations. As we go about living in God’s purpose can we enjoy everything that comes our way ? You got a complain ?

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Stanley Thomas Isac

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

Are you at it ?

A man put this sign in front of his auto repair shop: "Beware of bargains in life rafts, brain surgery, parachutes, and auto repairs." There are truly some points in life at which bargains are no good.

Philippians 1:9-10 says And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, So that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ

Most of us struggle to take the right decision at the right moments. In fact once the moment is over, we always know what the right thing was. Had we spent some time thinking over it and had a better understanding of the whole thing, we won’t be regretting. We tend to miss the right thing simply due to lack of knowledge.

Unless we know God, we will never know His plans for us. Life is fun, when we are enjoying and living it in God’s way. So Paul writes to the folks in Philippi to grow more in their love for God and fellow brethren and also in their understanding of God. In this way they will stay prepared for every challenge that comes their way. When you have the true knowledge of God you will look for fellowship with God and His people. And when you have genuine fellowship you will continue to grow in the knowledge of God. Are you at it ?

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Stanley Thomas Isac

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