Saturday, April 11, 2015

Be extravagant with your praises


     
    Excessive, overgenerous, lavish, costly, rich, abundant, unreserved. Those are just a few words to praise and worship a great God who is greatly to be praised and whose greatness is unsearchable. 

     It is beyond songs and singing. It is an outflowing resulting from an extravagant devotion to an overgenerous God. 

     It is not only a response to the good things that God has given you, but it is arms stretched towards heaven in the middle of an overwhelming grief. 

     When you have seen and tasted the goodness of God, extravagant praise becomes a responsibility.

     Extravagant praise and worship is not only enjoyable; it is achievable.

    That is what extravagant means.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Loving the Unlovable



       Ponder on this...

      The bible tells us that if we are kind only to our friends, how are we different from anyone else?  Even criminals do that.  If we love only those who love us, what reward do we expect?  In other words, if you love only those who love you, then, there is no difference between you and the wicked because even the wicked also love those who love them. In a world where expressions like "An eye for an eye", "Do unto others before they do unto you" or the all-time favorite "I don't get mad, I get even" are as natural as drinking coffee, it is no wonder that hurts, afflictions and distresses multiply and find no end.

     As an antidote, Jesus teaches his followers to "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you".  Hard teaching, isn't it?  Call it supernatural love because that is really what it is.   Jesus expects his followers to be a different breed of people who make a difference in this world.

     Are you a Jesus follower?  If you are, He expects your love to shine without limits, doing good for evil and praying for those who have hurt you.  It won't be easy.  In fact, it is almost impossible. You need to ask for His grace to sustain you in this one.  Applying this teaching in your life is going to be a journey full of challenges. 

     Making a difference in this world is a quest by itself.  Start today by believing in Jesus,  and living out his teachings.  It could be just what the world needs after all.

     Happy Easter everyone!