I really don’t deserve it

An atheist said, "If there is a God, may he prove himself by striking me dead right now." Nothing happened. "You see, there is not God." Another responded, "You've only proved that He is a gracious God."

Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”

Now Peter did not see this coming, After hearing God, and then obeying him, He was blessed with a catch of fish. This catch was so big that he could bless other fishermen as well. But Peter’s reaction to the blessing, gives a very graceful understanding of our Christian life. He cries out to Jesus saying, I am a sinful man, I don’t deserve this. Notice even when he says go away from me Lord, Peter is holding on to the knees of Jesus.

Perhaps Peter could have boasted saying that I gave my boat to Jesus as a podium, and this catch is just a returning favor. For sure he was moved so much of his unworthiness, that he realized the love of God at that very moment. Thus, the understanding of God’s grace is to simply accept that I don’t deserve it, whether you are a fisherman or a Teacher of the Law. Praise be to God that he leads us from strength to strength and from glory to glory, But I really don’t deserve 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

Be a blessing

Thomas A Kampis once said “Instant obedience is the only kind of obedience there is; delayed obedience is disobedience. Whoever strives to withdraw from obedience, withdraws from Grace.”

Luke 5:7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

Yesterday we learnt how hearing God's voice helps us to obey God and be blessed. Today we will look another aspect of becoming a blessing unto others by obeying God.

Peter and all the other fisherman had caught nothing throughout the night. All of them would go home, empty-handed and probably disappointing their loved ones. But that was not the case to be.

Once Peter heard the Lord's voice and obeyed him, he not only had enough fish for him but was becoming a blessing unto others as well. Through Peter Jesus ministered to the needs of all the other fishermen as well. Perhaps we need to realize our obedience matter for many around us. When we obey God we can bless many. Be a blessing.

 

http://xfiloz.blogspot.in/

Stanley Thomas Isac

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

Hear Him right

During the terrible days of an intensive military attack, a father, holding his small son by the hand, ran from a building that had been struck by a bomb. In the front yard was a shell hole. Seeking shelter as quickly as possible, the father jumped into the hole and held up his arms for his son to follow. Terrified, yet hearing his father's voice telling him to jump, the boy replied, "I can't see you!"

The father, looking up against the sky tinted red by the burning buildings, called to the silhouette of his son, "But I can see you. Jump!" The boy jumped, because he trusted his father.

Luke 5:4-5 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch. Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

So Peter spend a whole night fishing and caught nothing. As he stood at the shore and washed his nets, he could hear Jesus speak to the crowd that had gathered around. As Jesus was sitting in Peter’s boat, Jesus did have Peter’s attention, and that’s where the miracle had its root and Peter was ready to begin his relationship with Jesus.

So after speaking when Jesus asked Peter to throw the net once more, perhaps in the very place where he had tried and failed. A lot was at stake, all the eyes were on him. And to everyone’s surprise Peter obeyed Jesus. He threw the nets into deep waters and got a large catch of fish. Probably the secret lies in hearing all that he spoke sitting on the boat. He heard the Lord’s voice and His teachings. That made Peter believe in Jesus and then obey. You can stand when you understand. Hear Him right.     

 

http://xfiloz.blogspot.in/

Stanley Thomas Isac

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

Yes you can

The 1992 Summer Olympics featured two tremendously poignant moments. American sprinter Gail Devers, the clear leader in the 100 meter hurdles, tripped over the last barrier. She agonizingly pulled herself to her knees and crawled the last five meters, finishing fifth--but finishing.

Even more heart-rending was the 400 meter semifinal in which British runner Derek Redmond tore a hamstring and fell to the track. He struggled to his feet and began to hobble, determined to complete the race. His father ran from the stands to help him off the track, but the athlete refused to quit. He leaned on his father, and the two limped to the finish line together, to deafening applause.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Perhaps the above verse is several times used out of context. Paul was writing the letter to Philippians from a prison experience. Even then he was joyful and was encouraging the folks in Philippi to be like him.  At the immediate context Paul was talking about the tough times he has been through. The financial struggles and the oppositions that he has faced. Come what may Paul had decided to rejoice in Christ. Because Christ lives in him. For his joy was not in the things and people of the world, but in Christ alone.

If so, then we are often disappointed and taken aback when things don't work our way. Praise be to God that it doesn't because then it's God’s way. Paul’s biggest desire was to go to Rome. And his trials and suffering were only taking him closer to Rome. If he would have got distracted in the journey and lost the Joy of the Lord, then it would have been a big loss. As you dream and desire, pray that it be in the plan of God, and for sure He will take you through. He won't keep you waiting forever, but you better enjoy the journey. Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say Rejoice, Yes you can.

 

http://xfiloz.blogspot.in/

Stanley Thomas Isac

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

You can bless anyone

No treachery is worse than betrayal by a family member or friend. Julius Caesar knew such treachery. Among the conspirators who assassinated the Roman leader on March 15, 44 was Marcus Junius Brutus. Caesar not only trusted Brutus, he had favored him as a son. According to Roman historians, Caesar first resisted the onslaught of the assassins. But when he saw Brutus among them with his dagger drawn, Caesar ceased to struggle and, pulling the top part of his robe over his face, asked the famous question, "You too, Brutus?"

John-13:11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not everyone was clean.

So Jesus washed every disciples feet in the room. He surely knew that Judas Iscariot was going to betray him. But that did not stop him from exhibiting humility in serving. Now this sounds foolish to the world but the kingdom principles are way too different. You just leave it to God and be faithful in what you are expected to do.

We are often disappointed by the behaviour and response of people around us. Perhaps we expect so much from them. Now that everything is relative and sadly diplomatic as well. But Jesus really loved his father and was on a mission to please him all the time. So that made him bless even Judas. Cos his ministry was out of the love for the Father. If you love Daddy, you can bless anyone.  

 

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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 are clean

One man said to his friend: "Say, you look depressed. What are you thinking about?"

"My future," was the quick answer.

"What makes it look so hopeless?"

"My past."

John-13:8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

Jesus washing the feet of his disciple was a great example of humility and the kingdom practice to serve one another. Perhaps if all of us are willing to grow in this attitude, the Church of Christ will surely make a deeper impact in this degenerating society.

While Jesus was washing the feet of the disciples, Peter the smart one, tried to fake some humility and stopped Jesus from washing his feet. But Jesus insisted to do so. By washing the feet, Jesus was removing all the dirt which no one wants to associate with. Legs help us stand and take us to places. Jesus was also removing all evidences of the places one has been to. Perhaps he was making it look fresh, healthy and telling them to walk like me without any fear of the world. No more hurts and pains of the past. Don’t be bothered about where you have been. Stay at Daddy’s feet. You are clean.       

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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 wanna try it out ?

General Douglas MacArthur in Reminiscences recalls a strategy he carried out while at West Point.

The first section was studying the time-space relationship later formulated by Einstein as his Theory of Relativity. The text was complex and, being unable to comprehend it, I committed the pages to memory. When I was called upon to recite, I solemnly reeled off almost word for word what the book said. Our instructor, Colonel Fiebiger, looked at me somewhat quizzically and asked, "Do you understand this theory?"  

It was a bad moment for me, but I did not hesitate in replying, "No, sir." You could have heard a pin drop. I braced myself and waited.

And then the slow words of the professor: "Neither do I, Mr. MacArthur. Section dismissed."

John-13:6,7 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

Most of the leaders in the world will follow strategies that others have used and have been successful. They seem to get the rationale and put it on every disciple under them. Perhaps in the fast- paced world of cut throat competition, we too are tempted to take short-cuts and give a cut or two here and there. Everyone wants that, and takes that route, then why should I stay behind.

Jesus the teacher was from a different school and wants his disciples to have that same effect on their life and ministry. He knew exactly what he was doing. The intensity was only rising in the New Testament. We are called to make a change, but not by becoming and behaving like the world, but by being more like Jesus. Several things which Jesus teaches doesn’t make much sense, cos we don’t understand several things of the kingdom. A teacher, washing his disciples feet looks ridiculous to this world. But for Jesus that’s how the Kingdom of God works. You wanna try it out.

http://xfiloz.blogspot.in/

Stanley Thomas Isac

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

What's your outer clothing ?

During World War II, England needed to increase its production of coal. Winston Churchill called together labor leaders to enlist their support. At the end of his presentation he asked them to picture in their minds a parade which he knew would be held in Picadilly Circus after the war.

First, he said, would come the sailors who had kept the vital sea lanes open. Then would come the soldiers who had come home from Dunkirk and then gone on to defeat Rommel in Africa. Then would come the pilots who had driven the Luftwaffe from the sky.
Last of all, he said, would come a long line of sweat-stained, soot-streaked men in miner's caps. Someone would cry from the crowd, 'And where were you during the critical days of our struggle?' And from ten thousand throats would come the answer, 'We were deep in the earth with our faces to the coal.'"

Not all the jobs in a church are prominent and glamorous. But it is often the people with their "facs to the coal" who help the church accomplish its mission.

John-13:3,4 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.

In this world of pomp and show, we often get carried away. Just like the world our flesh also seeks for recognition, position and lots of power. Apostle John talks about Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. What, Jesus washing the feet of the disciples ? You heard that right. Over next few days we will try to learn some spiritual truths in this Audio-Visual teaching moment of Jesus’ ministry.

Right before Jesus washed the feet of disciples, he took off his outer clothing and was dressed like a servant. Cos it won't be easy to clean while wearing the traditional Jewish dress. He donned the dress of a servant and yet He was Savior of the world and the teacher and the healer and what not. Coming down did not put him down. Being a Son/daughter of God, you are called to serve, but you might have to take off that robe once in a while. What is your robe ?

http://xfiloz.blogspot.in/

Stanley Thomas Isac

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

Do I trust him with all my being

Each morning, a woman walked to her front gate and shouted, "Praise the Lord!" And each time the atheist next door would yell back, "There is no Lord!" One day she prayed, "Lord, I'm hungry. Please send me some food." The following morning, she discovered a big bag of groceries on her front porch. "Praise the Lord," she shouted. Suddenly, her neighbour jumped from behind a bush. "I told you there was no Lord," he said. "I bought those groceries for you." "Praise the Lord!" the woman said. "He not only sent me groceries, He made the devil pay for them.

Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Inflation is always on the higher side and we often lack in resources to meet our needs, let alone desires. It is interesting that in v.19 Apostle Paul talks about God’s provision only after sharing about giving to the Lord’s work in v.10ff. Perhaps Paul is painting a picture that those who trust and love God won’t lack anything. When you really love and trust someone, you don’t hide anything from them, whatever belongs to you, belongs to them.

As we hit the weekend and are in the middle of the month, for sure the struggle is to last till the month end. But Apostle Paul reminds that God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. This promise is still true for all who are in Christ and who are faithful to God as the Philippians were. It is such a breather to realize that God knows my needs, and Daddy is really rich. He has provided, and will continue to. But do I trust him with all my being?

http://xfiloz.blogspot.in/

Stanley Thomas Isac

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

There is joy in giving

A man had a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital. He could receive little company and was not to be excited. While in the hospital a rich uncle died and left him a million dollars. His family wondered how to break the news to him with the least amount of excitement. It was decided to ask the preacher if he would go and break the news quietly to the man. The preacher went, and gradually led up to the question. The preacher asked the patient what he would do if he inherited a million dollars. He said, "I think I would give half of it to the church." The preacher dropped dead.

Philippians 4:15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;

We are in times when our needs are unending and our desires stay unfulfilled. In midst of all these, how do we help servants of God, contribute in Church our family and do works of Charity from our income. Indeed it’s the work of God’s kingdom and it’s our responsibility to be involved in all the ways. Sometimes we do it out of force, obligations, but praise be to God for those who do it out of Love for God, His Kingdom and His people.

The Challenge is when we consider the income as our money and then give it to God, it becomes really difficult. We think it’s too much. But when we look at it as blessings received from God and then give out of it, we will always feel it’s not enough. Apostle Paul is glad to talk about the Church in Philippi in matter of giving. They were not very rich from their wallets and bank balance, but they were very rich in their hearts and were always willing to give, even when others were not doing. To remain joyful it is important that we are involved in the work of the Lord. whether in need or content, let's give like the Philippians,  cos there is joy in giving.

 

http://xfiloz.blogspot.in/

Stanley Thomas Isac

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

Little things matter

In Pulpit Digest William H. Willimon used this illustration; "Philip Haille wrote of the little village of Le Chambon in France, a town whose people, unlike others in France, hid their Jews from the Nazis. Haille went there, wondering what sort of courageous, ethical heroes could risk all to do such extraordinary good. He interviewed people in the village and was overwhelmed by the ordinariness. They weren't heroes or smart, discerning people. Haille decided that the one factor that united them was their attendance, Sunday after Sunday, at their little church, where they heard the sermons of Pastor Trochme. Over time, they became by habit people who just knew what to do and did it. When it came time for them to be courageous, the day the Nazis came to town, they quietly did what was right. One old woman, who faked a heart attack when the Nazis came to search her house, later said, 'Pastor always taught us that there comes a time in every life when a person is asked to do something for Jesus. When our time came, we knew what to do.'"

Philippians 4:9 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Everyone is busy today. We have one or the other thing to do. If not at some kind of work, we are fiddling with our phones or watching TV to stay occupied. Perhaps the word like hobby has no meaning for this generation. The little time we have after our studies or work is taken by the gadgets. We need to realize that the things that we watch, hear and feel has its own influence on us. In a very soft way it determines our worldview and most importantly the understanding of God.

As apostle Paul writes to the friends at Philippi in the letter carrying joy as its central theme, he reminds them to be full of good things. Perhaps the Church in Philippi too had gadgets and things of their time to keep them occupied. But Paul reminds them to  spend time in things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely,admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Well, can you pause for a minute and look into your schedule. If you are not filling yourself with good things, then you are bound to bring out rubbish. Little things matter.

 

http://xfiloz.blogspot.in/

Stanley Thomas Isac

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

He will see you through

An average person's anxiety is focused on :

1. 40% -- things that will never happen 
2. 30% -- things about the past that can't be changed 
3. 12% -- things about criticism by others, mostly untrue 
4. 10% -- about health, which gets worse with stress 
5. 8% -- about real problems that will be faced

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

In a world of unending needs and never dying challenges, anxiety and worry has become a forceful companion for most of us. Every time we think and plan of something, we tend to be worried about it and are so anxious. It is a very common phenomenon now and is pretty much accepted as part and parcel of our lives.

As Apostle Paul wrote to the folks in Philippi, he understood their struggles and realized that we will always have struggle.

Bible never denies the harsh realities of life. Issues of life are indeed very hard to face and the journey becomes very painful when there is one challenge after another. We are reminded to pray and entrust it to God’s hand at every juncture. The simple reminder to us is that our journey thus far is because of God, and so will be the days ahead. When we realize that God is leading us and He will provide at every moment, then nothing can rob our joy. When in midst of crisis we have praise in our mouths and faith in our hearts, the devil is frightened and God is glorified. He will see you through.  

 

http://xfiloz.blogspot.in/

Stanley Thomas Isac

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

You are good when the team wins

The Carnegie Technological Institute has stated that 90% of all people who fail in their life's vocation fail because they cannot get along with people.

Philippians 4:3 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

It is often seen that people with brilliant skills and high expertise are unable to work within a team. Individualism often takes the lead and that makes them dominate others. They always want to set the highest standard. It is different thing to lead from the front, perhaps disappointing to expect everyone in the team to perform like them and be effective. A selfish nature and a lazy attitude with lack of discipline is also another extreme of individualism in a team. Paul while writing to the Church in Philippi addresses to the issue of accepting and working with people who are different from us.

It takes humility to work with others, especially if they are not of your kind in some way or the other. Yes, it’s hard to see folks not being able to produce results as you can or cannot. But that’s what the kingdom of God is about. We have people from different backgrounds and different skill set coming to one place. So Paul reminds them to have the same mind in the Lord. Causing conflicts and having issues in the team, will only hamper your growth in the Lord and also affect the work of the kingdom. Perhaps when you have the same mind of the Lord it’s easier to accept people as they are and love them. So Jesus was fine with Judas Iscariot on his team and even the doubting Thomas. You are good when the team wins.       

 

http://xfiloz.blogspot.in/

Stanley Thomas Isac

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

A good example

David Wheeler tells of a funeral procession that illustrates a leader’s influence. David officiated at a funeral. In accordance with custom, after the funeral, the attenders filed out of the funeral home and into their waiting cars to form a processional to the cemetery. The hearse led the processional, followed immediately by David the preacher, then all the deceased’s family and friends. During the drive to the cemetery David needed to stop at a restroom. He could not wait much longer, and, even if he did try to wait, few cemeteries have public restrooms available. So, as the processional came upon an old, abandoned roadside picnic area that included an outhouse, David veered into the picnic area to use the outhouse. He assumed the remainder of the processional would follow the hearse to the cemetery, then he would catch up. He assumed incorrectly. When he emerged from the outhouse, he discovered the long line of cars patiently waiting!

People follow leaders. We must ask before placing people, where will this person lead? Will he lead me to the Cross or to an outhouse?

Philippians 3:17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.

Knowingly or unknowingly most of us model our lives on one or the other person’s life. It can be the way we talk, do things, the way we think, our understanding and decisions. Such is the impact one has over those in the influence area. My mother has on several occasions reminded me that as a teenager I was crazy about a Youth leader and was very influenced by his life and ministry.

God has helped me observe several men and women of God who have taught me one or the other thing. It has surely helped me learn a lot of things and I continue to be impacted by many.

It is so important that we find the right kind of examples in front of us. Apostle Paul makes it clear from his life and ministry that, look for people who are really passionate about God and are concerned. Sadly we often take our advices from those, who might not know God and His love. On other occasions we go to people who neither have a burden for us nor have anything to do with the consequences of the decision. Let us be able to have the right kind of example before us so even we can become a good example.    

http://xfiloz.blogspot.in/

Stanley Thomas Isac

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