I thought the Gospel meant Good News. But for some, it seems to mean something totally different. For them, it means being right, having the right doctrine, having the right translation of the Bible, belonging to the right church, etc.
But for Jesus, the Gospel of the Kingdom was an invitation. It was an invitation to Kingdom life, where everything flowed from the Father. He is the source of all that we are and all that we have.
Jesus invited people to follow him because he was going to the Father. The things of this world we’re not to be valued much because of the surpassing value of what is to come, in the Father’s house.
So, what is right? Just keep yourself moving toward the Father’s house.

After teaching and preaching for over 30 years, I have observed how people can get confused and begin to doubt God. I’ve seen this in people throughout my life in various places I’ve lived.
At one point their faith seemed sure and determined, but later, it’s completely gone. I’ve asked, but they are not able to give a clear answer why or how they have wavered in the faith. Somehow, their minds are clouded and confused about their relationship with God.
In addition to the common hindrances in our lives, there is a clear impact of the enemy, the devil, or Satan. The Bible calls him the deceiver and the accuser.

And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. (Revelations 12:9)

The Bible clearly states that as we resist the devil, he will flee from us. But as we draw close to God, He will come close to us (James 4:7-8).
When the devil brings doubts and fears into your minds, resist him. Reject the lies and speak the truth of God’s word to yourself. Then, draw close to God. On a consistent basis, continue to draw closer and closer to God – and he will draw close to you.
Your Turn
Join the discussion and add your thoughts. What have you learned?
Please share briefly in the comments section on the website barnabas.in
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I am a pastor, teacher, and writer, devoted to helping people live their potential.
 
* If you enjoyed reading this post, please share it with others who may benefit from reading this.
* For a list of books that I’ve recently read, here is my Reading List.

You got away this time and last time. It may seem like you’re safe. But irresponsibility has a way of keeping score. Eventually it will catch up with you.
Be on your guard. Fill the gaps and fix the leaks. It may seem like busy work, but that’s the best way.

It is one of the greatest desires of our heart to know the will of God for our lives. We want to know what we should do and specifically, we would like to know what decisions we should make. Some seek out prophets with the desire to know God’s will.
So, which prophecy will you select? Some wait till they hear one more prophecy on the same issue so they can select the one that “agrees with their spirit.” Of course, the favorable one, or the one we like usually “agrees” with us, rather than the one we don’t like. Thus we set aside what we don’t like. 
Some people even save phone numbers of several people with prophetic gifting so they can get prophecies from different ones and hopefully get some kind of prophetic consensus regarding what they are facing or the direction they should take.
It is obvious that we are distressed over the decisions we need to take. We are also afraid of making the “wrong” choices in life. Some fear that the troubles we face today are the result of bad decisions in the past. Although this may be true, such thinking just puts us in a mental and emotional “tailspin” that just won’t end. But here’s what Paul has to say:
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good (1 Thes 5:18-21).
So, what is God’s will for my future? What should I do? How do I approach life and the circumstances life presents me with? God’s will for us is clearly expressed in our approach, our attitude. In everything we are to give thanks for this is God’s will for us. We often think of God’s will as a particular decision or direction to take. But here, we are instructed to have a thankful heart.
Having a thankful attitude does not imply that things are going your way. Life can be unpleasant, painful, or even dangerous, but we are to be thankful. Thankful for what? Thankful that God had mercy on us and sent Jesus to die for us as we were headed for eternal damnation. Thankful that God will work out His plans in life regardless of the current circumstances.
So what is God’s will for my life? I am to be thankful in everything. Don’t put life “on hold” until everything gets better. Rather in every circumstance, give thanks, for this is the will of God concerning you.
Your Turn
Join the discussion and add your thoughts. What have you learned?
Please share briefly in the comments section on the website barnabas.in
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I am a pastor, teacher, and writer, devoted to helping people live their potential.
* For a Malayalam video of this post, visit my Facebook page.
* If you enjoyed reading this post, please share it with others who may benefit from reading this.
* For a list of books that I’ve recently read, here is my Reading List.

The prize comes later. For now, enjoy the race. If you’re looking for the prize now, you’ll be disappointed.

For now, you’ll get what you need to successfully run the race. The supply is unlimited. But you get the prize only after the race.

Many have gone before. Their cheers are behind you. The motivation is unlimited. But you get the prize only after the race.

The hindrances are many. They stick to you like they’re part of you. Get rid of them. The possibilities are unlimited. But you get the prize only after the race.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (HEBREWS 12:1).

Recently I heard of several people who have completely given up in life. Due to some tragedy or misfortune they gave up all hopes for the future. One person simply stopped talking to anyone, and began to live a “silent” life. Some completely retreat from society and close themselves in their homes. Some stop attending church. Others walk away from God.
Why should we continue to trust God? Why should we not give up hope for the future? Why should we not retreat when repeatedly faced with tragedy? All of this hinges on the one fact that our God will be victorious and His Kingdom will be established forever.

Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever” (Revelations 11:15).

So the question is not only why we should persevere but how we can hold on to the end. I believe our best option is to live with a kingdom perspective. The perspective of the kingdom will put the struggles of our lives in the perspective of God’s kingdom.
We have confidence that in the end, God’s kingdom will prevail, and my struggles, pain and brokenness will all be consumed/resolved in God’s eternal kingdom. My life here on earth is temporary, but his kingdom is eternal.
So, why should we persevere? It’s a kingdom thing – a kingdom of God perspective.
Your Turn
Join the discussion and add your thoughts. What have you learned?
Please share briefly in the comments section on the website barnabas.in
—————
I am a pastor, teacher, and writer, devoted to helping people live their potential.
* For a Malayalam video of this post, visit my Facebook page.
* If you enjoyed reading this post, please share it with others who may benefit from reading this.
* For a list of books that I’ve recently read, here is my Reading List.

Win them to yourself. Love them genuinely. Be their friend and care for them from your heart. No strings attached. 
Win them to your​ Small Group. Introduce them to others who care. Group caring is always better than individual caring. Still, with no strings attached. 
Win them to Jesus. After all, he is the only one who loved so much that he gave his life for us. His love is the best. Still, no strings attached. 

While we suffer, we may want silence from people around us rather than all the advice they may have to offer. But we don’t want silence from God. We surely want to hear his voice. Thus, his silence may disturb us beyond measure.
In the book of Revelation seals, trumpets, and bowls described the many events that would occur during the end times. Most of these events were calamities that shook the nations. As a result of the troubles, the people suffer severely.
While revealing many hidden things, God decides to hide the contents of “seven thunders.” These would be actual events that are to occur. We certainly want to know about events coming up in the future. But here, God remains silent.

And when the seven thunders had sounded, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down” (Revelations 10:4).

Why would God remain silent regarding the things that are coming up in our lives? How can we make sense of this silence when we want to hear God’s voice about the future? What are we to understand from this? From the text in Revelations we come to the conclusion that it doesn’t matter. God’s will is to be accomplished and His Kingdom is to be established.
The angel promised that at the trumpet call of the seventh angel, that the mystery of God would be fulfilled. That mystery was the establishing of God’s kingdom and rule.

Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever” (Revelations 11:15).

So, what happened during the seven thunders? It doesn’t really matter all that much since we know that in the end, God’s kingdom will be established.
What are we to do with God’s silence in the midst of our deepest struggles? Remember to trust God that as we submit to him, his will and rule will be established in our lives. God has the last word. He will not leave you helpless and abandoned. He will save. He will deliver. He will establish his kingdom in your life.
Your Turn
Join the discussion and add your thoughts. What have you learned?
Please share briefly in the comments section on the website barnabas.in
—————
I am a pastor, teacher, and writer, devoted to helping people live their potential.
* For a Malayalam video of this post, visit my Facebook page.
* If you enjoyed reading this post, please share it with others who may benefit from reading this.
* For a list of books that I’ve recently read, here is my Reading List.

Extra care is necessary in extreme cases. The process may be from the Operation Theatre to the ICU to the room and then finally back home. 
But if too much time is required in any of these places before reaching home, then you’ve got a problem. The same is the case in giving care to people in need. Get them home as quickly as possible.

How far have you gone? Do you wonder if you’ve gone too far to the point of no return? Are you running from God thinking he’s angry with you?
Nothing can be farther from the truth. He is waiting with arms open wide. He offers grace too ridiculous for us to comprehend.
You would think everything is over. All hope is lost. God has begun to judge the sins of people in the last days. How can there be any hope at that time?
But even at that point, God wants to extend his grace to those who are rebellious and disobedient. After many of the plagues and disasters in the book of Revelations, this statement is repeated twice: “They did not repent.” (Rev. 9:20-21) This is a clear indication that God was ready to forgive – even in the last hour.
God continues to give us opportunities to repent. That is his heart’s desire. He wants us to turn from our ways and turn to him. Since Jesus suffered and gave his life for that, he waits patiently.
Maybe you’ve never known God’s love in such a deep and personal way. Or, you may have walked away from God a long time ago. You’re wondering if he would still want you.
Since Jesus gave his life for you, it is his desire and personal interest that you be saved and delivered from everything that binds you. Give yourself to him today.
Your Turn
Join the discussion and add your thoughts. What have you learned?
Please share briefly in the comments section on the website barnabas.in
—————
I am a pastor, teacher, and writer, devoted to helping people live their potential.
* For a Malayalam video of this post, visit my Facebook page.
* If you enjoyed reading this post, please share it with others who may benefit from reading this.
* For a list of books that I’ve recently read, here is my Reading List.