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

Worship as a lifestyle

Since the time I had an encounter with God I have been personally learning a lot about worship.

One of my favorite passages on worship is Genesis 22 where Abraham is tested by God to sacrifice Isaac. The word ‘worship’ appears for the very first time here, thus implying this story to be a significant pattern for us to follow on the topic of worship. Three major things that I have learnt from this passage about worship is:

1. Worship is about you and God. You can only take your offering with you.

Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey, and I and the lad will go over there; and we will worship and return to you. (Genesis 22:5)

If Abraham had brought his servants along to the place of worship. they would have not allowed him to sacrifice Isaac. Similarly during worship we cannot bring anything or anyone with us to the altar. It is a personal time between us and God. We do not even need a mediator as we have Christ interceding for us.

2. Worship involves a sacrifice  

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1)

Worship is nothing less than a sacrifice. The whole of old testament talks about sacrifice being worship. And just like Abraham who was about to sacrifice Isaac or the sinful woman who brought her most expensive alabaster jar of oil, we are also called to offer the most precious things of our lives to God. And offering our bodies as living sacrifices should become a daily routine in our lives.  

3. Worship involves a two fold process

“Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” (Genesis 22:12)

Offering oneself as a living sacrifice is not just hard but impossible. Abraham was able to sacrifice because he loved God. Our love for Him automatically leads us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices. We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)

Worship involves a two fold process:

1. Knowing God i.e His love, greatness, faithfulness and so forth
2. which automatically leads us to offer ourselves as sacrifices

My encouragement today to you if you are struggling with regards to worshiping God is to be soaked in His love. Do you know how much He loves you? Do you know how much He cares for you? The more you know God’s love you understand it better. The more you understand you are strongly convinced of His love. Worship will flow automatically when you are convinced of His love for you.

Samuel Thomas (Sam)

Sam is a Christian minister who is serving the Lord in various capacities. He is working through Cross Impact and also involved with Crossway Church. He can be reached on samvthom16@gmail.com