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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 28th
When minds and hearts meet
Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said,
"The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses." The apostles and
elders met to consider this question. - Acts 15:5-6
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What did the Early Christians do, when they did not see eye-to eye on certain issues?
Praise God, they walked hand-in hand and resolved the differences, by way of a meeting
where “peace-loving, willing to yield to others’ ” spirit pervaded in ample measure
(James 3:17).
The First Church council in Jerusalem in 49 AD is noted, for the peaceful way, the Church ironed-out
the differences’ amongst its members. We see in the Book of Acts, the devout men of God barring one
notable exception
(Acts 15:36-39)
not only going shoulder to shoulder in furthering the cause of
Christ but most importantly peacefully resolving the differences’ amongst themselves.
What a lesson, for all of us in modern times. While different levels of maturity in a fellowship
may inevitably result in some of us not seeing eye-to-eye, it ought not to lead into
eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation. Remember now as it was then, “Peacemakers” alone would qualify to
be called “sons’ of God”! There is much at stake, isn’t it?
There ought to be no “bones” of contention, within the “Body” of Christ!
Prayer:
Father, enable us to stay united within Your Holy family. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.
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