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.

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.