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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.
For starters in the first month of January I would be dwelling on the theme of the
"Christian Journey", with the material being arranged in a Book-like format under which the pages
would be opened ( i,e..displayed on-line) on each succeeding day.
So here's wishing you a happy & an edifying read....
Suresh Manoharan
January 24th
Let's fear God alone
They spoke against God and against Moses.... Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them;
they bit the people ....The people came to Moses and said, "We sinned when we spoke against
the LORD .... Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us." So Moses prayed for the people.
The LORD said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live."-
Numbers 21:5-8
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Before, I we go ahead even by a proverbial step, let me forewarn the readers that this piece,
I am going to present would be an eye-opener for some though not to mature christians,
even as it brings to the fore, the ultimate control of the creator God over all his creation....
including the devil.
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The study of the obedience of the emancipated Jews en-route to the Promised Land provides
us with a mixed fare. Interspersed with a few 'highs' of obedience (eg...generous response
to a call for offerings for the making of the tabernacle) are several 'lows'
(worshipping the Golden Calf, Craving for the food of Egypt etc). A closer look at one of the
'lows' described in the above-captioned scripture portion throws-up an important truth,
that the good Lord can use even the devil to punish his loved ones', with a hope they would
eventually repent. Serpents from the garden of Eden times have been symbolic of the devil
(Genesis Chapter 3)
and what did rebellion of the Jews described above - yet another one in
their long chain of rebellions from the time they left Egypt - result in? Snake bites!
But who sent the snakes? The good Lord, even as He provided a way of forgiveness to
them who repented (verse 8)!
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Now consider the following New Testament scripture portion
(very relevant to Christians, who are on a journey of their own like
their Old Testament counterparts described above) in light of the above &
the truth would emerge
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"Hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be
destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord." -
I Cor 5:5
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These are the words of judgment spoken by apostle Paul in relation with a errant Church member of
the early Corinthian Church who was living in a licentious relationship
with his stepmother & the words of the same apostle Paul, spoken in relation to two
other christians who had soiled their consciences' with sinful acts further substantiate
the truth that sometimes we Christians (when we sin) are also given into the hands of the
devil to be punished, in order we repent.
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"Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I
have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme." -
I Tim 1:20
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By now to the discerning, a fair idea would have emerged that Satan
too is very much in God's control and that he can do no harm, unless God permits.
How misplaced are the fears of some of the Christian lot who quake and cringe in fear
at the very mention of the name of Satan, as though he can swallow us alive for the
truth is that he-the defeated foe- can do us no harm, when we are leading obedient lives,
clinging close to our Redeemer God.
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Let reverential fear of God flood our hearts at all times, for He is in ultimate control.
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Prayer:
Father, let the only aim of my life be to please You and please You alone,
for I know no one, yes no one can harm me, when I am leading a life pleasing
unto You. I banish all misplaced fears in my heart, in Jesus' Name. Amen
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