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
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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.

When life seems completely out of control, we may begin to panic. We wonder if there is any hope for us. Will we ever get things back in control?
In the book of Revelations, there was destruction, and unparalleled calamities all over the earth. Right in the midst of all this, here is what happened:

When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. (Rev 8:1)

Silence in heaven for half an hour indicates to me that before that “silence” there was constant activity. We’re not told what kind of activity was going on, but the context indicates that it would have been in response to the calamity on the earth. This indicates two things:

1. There was constant response in heaven to things that happen here on earth. For example:

• God responded to the misery of his people in Egypt (Exodus)
• When God’s enemies speak against him, “the one in heaven laughs” (Psalm 2)
• When one sinner repents, all of heaven rejoices (Luke 15:7)

2. When God commands silence, that indicates to me that he is in control. Even when there is utmost turmoil and devastation, God has not lost control. He is always in control. Here are a few examples:

• “Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases” (Psalm 115:3)
• “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:17)
• “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God” (Psalm 90:2)

So, is your life out of control? Remember, heaven responds and remains in control. Be firm and continue to trust God.
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.

What is your most severe suffering? In which area have you suffered to a level that is unimaginable? Others may be aware of your suffering, but there is not much they can do to help. Sometimes, that suffering is so deep and personal that you just can’t share it with anyone.
In the end times, when people’s suffering reaches a level greater than ever before in history, their single solution is God alone.

And crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the lamb (Rev 7:10).

A large, countless number of people from all nations, tribes, peoples, and languages spoke those words. This was their testimony as they went through the greatest tribulation ever. This was their only consolation in the midst of their gruesome troubles. What an amazing perspective.
What about your deepest troubles? Would you join this multitude and say “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb”? Try repeating those words as you face the sufferings of life. Get it firm in your heart, and make it a source of constant strength and encouragement.
In my problems (name the situation), salvation belongs to my God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.
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.

Is God responsible for the trouble you face today? The answer is yes and no. Although God is not the author of tragedy, sickness, devastation, or any kind of evil, nothing happens without his permission. God is never caught by surprise by any tragedy.
In Revelations chapter 6 when the seals are opened, we see that those who cause calamity and evil were “given” permission or authority to do those acts. Although God is not the cause of evil, nothing bypasses him.
In some circumstances, the evil is caused by the sinfulness that exists in this world. There are plenty of other situations when our own sinfulness invites the tragedy we face.
So the answer to our question is “no” God is not the author of evil, and “yes” there are times he gives permission for certain events to happen that are evil. So give yourself to the merciful and sovereign God who is truly in control.
Maybe you need to cry out for mercy in the midst of tragedy. At other times, it is best to confess our sins. Or, we may need to forgive others. After taking the appropriate actions, take authority over the evil in Jesus’ name.
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.

Why bother praying when God already knows what you need? Is it also necessary to spend extended time interceding for others, the nation, and the church?
The Bible explicitly describes how our prayers are presented at the throne room of God as “golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints” (Rev 5:8). A similar imagery is given elsewhere as our prayers are coupled with incense as it rises to God as a fragrant offering to the one who sits on the throne as King of kings (Rev. 8:3-5).
As our prayers rise to God along with the sweet fragrance of incense from the altar, there is an immediate response:

Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightening, and an earthquake (Rev 8:5).

There is no doubt about it, that God responds to the prayers of his children. In the verse above, it was a response of judgement as the people cried out to God because of their suffering and oppression. God responds according to the need of each person.
What is your need today? What is your heart’s desire? What are you longing for? What do you want God to do in your community? Go ahead and intercede in prayer knowing it rises up to the very throne room of God as he waits to respond with swift action.
Believe and pray.
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.

Is it hard for highly skilled people to worship God? Their capabilities and skills place them clearly above others in every way. So when it comes to worship, would these people find it difficult to humble themselves before God? 
When John saw a vision of the throne room of God, this is what he observed:

The twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Rev 4:9-11)

These elders each had crowns that signified their honor and accomplishments. But in recognition of God as the creator and sustainer of all things, they fell down before him and cast their crowns before the throne in worship.
We all value our work and accomplishments. We also want others to recognize our work. It is certainly the accumulation of a lifetime of hard work on our part. But in worship, we lay all of that at the feet of our Master and King, the creator of the universe.
So let’s take our accomplishments and accolades before God and recognize God as the creator and sustainer of all things. As we understand who God is, let’s cast our accomplishments at God’s feet, for he is the only source of all things.
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.

Do you remember the times when you were excluded? When you were small, you experienced the pain of being excluded from fun things your friends were engaged in. In the family, you might have been excluded from important decisions. At work, you may have been ignored when the time for promotions came up.
Although you weren’t an outsider, you became an outsider because of the neglect of others who really shouldn’t have neglected you. You were an integral part of the group. The group would never be the same without you and the valuable contributions you bring. But you became an outsider because of the rejection you faced.
Jesus also felt like an outsider. Even now he is made to feel like an outsider by us his children, his church, the body of Christ. The church was purchased by his own blood. He has every right to enter. In fact, it is his right to enter and to rule. But he is on the outside knocking on the door like an unexpected stranger.

Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)

The church at Laodicea was lukewarm. They were neither hot nor cold. It was this condition that caused Jesus to be on the outside.
I suppose it is true that God is a gentleman. He doesn’t force his way in. Although it is his rightful place, he waits at the door of our hearts. He wants us to willingly open our hearts and invite him in. The lukewarm will not do that as their hearts are divided.
So now, do you hear him knock?
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
—————
Alexi George is a pastor, teacher, and writer. He is 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.

All of society goes in one direction, but since you follow Jesus, you must go in a different direction. In such a situation, there are two great struggles: Who am I and how will I make it?
The believers at Pergamum struggled to live a life honoring God. Since their society was so vehemently opposed to God’s ways, it was an identity struggle as well. They constantly faced rejection because of their faith in Jesus. God promised two things to them: Hidden Manna and a white stone with a new name. (Rev 2:17) These were promises of sustenance and identity.
Surely it is a war within us when we go against the flow of the society. The one who overcomes will be sustained by God. This was represented by the words “hidden Manna” as the Manna sustained God’s people through the wilderness.
Your identity as God’s child is also firm. There’s not need to fear, no need to doubt. The believers at Pergamum were also reminded that they will be given a white stone with a new name. The new name is their identity as God’s child.
So go ahead and face society head on. Live a life pleasing to Christ. He will sustain you. You are his child.
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
—————
Alexi George is a pastor, teacher, and writer. He is 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.

In the situation that you’re facing today, how do you need God to respond? Do you require a powerful, fierce approach that knocks out everything that threatens you? Or do you need a gentle touch from God that soothes your soul?
John experienced both facets of God. Here is what happened when he saw the powerful, magnificent side of God:

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one.” (Revelations 1:17)

This duality of God is wonderful. His magnificent power is beyond compare. When he observed the fierceness of that power, John fell at his feet as though he was a dead man. But at the same time, God remains kind and compassionate.
What are the difficulties you face today? What impossibilities have blocked you and kept you from moving forward? Our God is awesome and fully capable of intervening on your behalf.
In what areas do you need God to be fierce? How about his mercy and gentleness? In each of those areas, God will place his hand on you and speak according to your need. 
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
—————
Alexi George is a pastor, teacher, and writer. He is 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.

Are you troubled about the way the world is headed? Does it seem like everywhere you turn, God is ignored? For many, God’s grace is used as a crutch or license for their sinfulness. Someone said “God likes to forgive and I like to sin.” You look around you and realize that there is no fear of God.
Then you look within you and notice all your inconsistencies. Your good intentions just fall apart in the face of trials and temptations. In the past, you judged the world around you for its total disregard for God. You even judged the family of God for their lack of commitment to God’s ways. But now you realize you are guilty of the same things.
What can you do? Some will suggest you try harder to live holy and righteous. Others will condemn you for you inconsistencies. You have looked within and realized that the situation is helpless.
The Bible says Jesus is the only one who can keep you from stumbling and present you blameless before the presence of God. (Jude 24,25) Throw yourself at his mercy. That’s when his grace will begin to work in you to transform you into the image of God’s son, Jesus.
Are you still trying to please God? He is already pleased with you because of Jesus and what he did on the cross. Now as a result, he has given you his Holy Spirit to transform you from within.
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
—————
Alexi George is a pastor, teacher, and writer. He is 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.