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