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In more than three decades of my Christian life, I have been blest by 2 types of Daily devos'
(matter not exceeding 500 words) in universal Christian literature. Not only those Devos'
which have a different theme everyday but also the ones which revolve around a certain
theme over a period of time, say a fortnight, have richly edified me. In fact, both
styles have their own inherent advantages. If the former style caters to the varying
spiritual needs of a christian from day-to-day, the latter aims 'to ground'
a child of God in a certain subject in order he derives the full benefits of the
deep insightful study of a certain topic, spread over a fixed span of time.
In my Daily devo page, I have consciously tried to go in for 'a blend of both the
styles' whereby within a constant theme, I would be aiming to focus on different
facets of it which admittedly is a closer imitation of the 'Constant theme' style
than the 'Varying topics' one.
Having dwelt on the topics
- “The Christian journey”
- “ The Conquest of Canaan” and the
- “Lent season”.
in the previous months, now in the months of April and May, considering that
post resurrection of Christ (one of our concluding themes’ you would remember
in the meditations of March, was Resurrection), birth of the Church was a
landmark event in Biblical history, I want to cast the spotlight on the Book of
Acts (which records the birth and growth of the Church). This would ensure to a large
extent continuity of thought albeit under the ambit of new subject.
Once again, let me wish you a happy and an edifying read…
Suresh Manoharan
April 22nd
Being fully filled!
An Empty bag being filled Bags full of contents
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men,
they were astonished…”- Acts 4:13
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While dwelling on the theme of the Early Church growth, let’s look again on what made the Jesus’ disciples tick!
Whilst on the subject…what a difference the weight of the contents makes to a bag! The empty bag cannot
stand by itself; it needs to be held before it is fully filled. ONCE FULL, IT CAN STAND BY ITSELF!
Disciples were not really World-shakers before the Day of the Pentecost arrived. In fact, they were easily shaken
up by rough events, such as the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Without any exception, all had fled
as the frightening prospect of suffering miserably along with their Master hung before them
(Matt 26:56b). It was
as though the looming shadow of the cruel Calvary cross, had cast a shadow on their hitherto resplendent (?) faith!
However Post-Pentecostal experience, they were different men. Being fully filled up by the Heaven-sent Holy Spirit,
they could offer a spirited defense of their faith before not only the biased Jewish leaders time and again but
also before the Roman authorities who were keen to nip the growing popularity of the Church in the bud. Just as
their Lord had prophesied
(Matt 16:18), now “no power on earth or hell” could prevail against them. Two thousand
years later, doesn’t history bear witness to the fact that the Church has successfully withstood all the
onslaughts of its foes from within and without? This is one more reason to praise our faithful and POWERFUL GOD! Hallelujah!
Prayer:
Father, weak as we are in our frail flesh, we not only survive but also thrive in the midst of all
adversities, because You keep strengthening us from within. Enable us to continue bringing glory to
Your Holy Name at all times. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.
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