Updated on Sat, Sept 08, 2012 at 07:56 a.m. (EST) & 05:26 p.m. (IST), SEPT 2012 Edition
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“Savior's Truth Apply Now Daily! (S.T.A.N.D)”
Ramesh C. Reddy
SCRIPTURE:
Observations:
Observations/Interpretations: Points 1&2: Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee to be baptized in the Jordan by John. It is interesting that the Bible mentions that Jesus came all the way from Nazareth to the Jordan to be baptized by John, the Baptist as John prepared the way for Him. Nazareth was at least 70 miles or 3 days walking distance from the Jordan River. This showed me Jesus’ commitment to be baptized. It becomes that much more interesting that John baptizes Jesus when John specifically told the people “And this was his message: ‘After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’” (Mark 1:7-8) If anything, people may have expected John to be baptized by Jesus. It did not happen that way.
I asked myself what was
the significance of Jesus’ baptism? “Then Jesus came into Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?’ But Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he allowed Him.” (Matthew 3:13-15, NIV) Jesus did not have to be baptized because He was already perfect but took the long trip and allowed John to baptize Him to set an example to the people of the importance of baptism. Not only that, but Jesus was modeling the importance of humility and commitment. Thank you Lord! It was so cool to read about Jesus’ commitment. Three days is a long trek to take to be baptized and yet Jesus took that trek. He did not allow obstacles to come in the way nor did Jesus have the attitude that He is in control and should be baptizing others rather than being baptized. This also shows Jesus' humility and the stand Jesus takes.
Implications:
I ask you now dear friend, what do you S.T.A.N.D for in life? It will not be easy to take a stand many times for issues you believe in that are biblical but taking a stand for Jesus and the Bible is the best thing we can do. Taking a stand for doing right is the best way to go. Spending time with the Lord Jesus is so important for Him to guide and lead us in taking the right stand in life. Sometimes it can be something that is simple to one person but so hard to another such as getting up early in the morning to have your Quiet Times with the Lord, if the Lord is leading you that way. Don't fight it and use extra sleep as an excuse to stay under the pillow. Pray for me that I don't fight it because I know deep in my heart that the Lord Jesus wants me to get up early in the morning to spend with Him but I use extra sleep as an excuse not do it many times :( I love how my loving wife Chandraleela used to get up at 3:00 a.m. to spend time with the Lord Jesus when she had to be at work at from 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. She did not think to herself, 'Ouch, I have to work a 12 hr shift everyday so I need all the sleep I can get'. No on the contrary, she knew how important it is to start her day by spending in prayer to the Lord Jesus and reading/meditating on His Word. It is her commitment and love for the Lord and the stand she has taken for the Lord Jesus that drew me to her in our courting days. When I think about taking a stand, I cannot also help think about what Dan Cathy from Chick Fil A has had to endure when he took a stand for the biblical definition of marriage. He did not let all the negative comments sway him from turning back. In your life, it may not be to the level of what Dan Cathy had to do but each of us are faced with choices each and every day on doing what is right. We need to go that pathway no matter how hard the obstacles seem depending on the Lord. Trust in the Lord and allow Him to help you through the situations. Many people throughout history have taken a stand on many issues but it was not always peachy. I am not going to say that it is going to be easy but the Lord will strengthen you through the situations. As the Fall 2012 is already underway, your faith could be tested and put through the fire. Satan will try to burn you out and make you charred so you cannot stand up for your faith. He could bring all kinds of obstacles into your presence whether it is through professors who speak out against what is biblical, through doubts that creep in, through peer pressure to do things that go against biblical morality, through family life of those that are not followers of Christ, etc. But, you don't have to give in to the negativity that prevails around you. You can overcome and become a beacon of light to those around you as you depend on the Lord Jesus Christ! Yet friend, you can! You can take a stand! Yes, you can! But it starts with Jesus Christ and the principles of His Word revealed through the Gospel! Friend, more than anything, we should take a stand for Jesus Christ in our lives. We all need Jesus in our lives because sin has marred our relationship with God separating us from Him. Now because of this deadly virus known as sin, it will prevent us from taking a stand for righteousness because it is a slave master keeping us in its bondage but thanks be to God that we can be freed through what Jesus did for us. Thank you Jesus! Jesus will help us take a stand for doing what is right when we yield our life over to Him. It is to save us when we turn our lives over to Jesus and take a stand for what Jesus stands for. We can know what Jesus stands for by reading His Word, meditating on it, and following it. Friend, there will be those that tell you that this is the 21st century and the Bible is outdated but it is not friend. The Word of God stands the test of time and is the same when God gave it to His people to share with all those that would be born later such as you and me. It will be easier to take a stand when we believe 'The Bible is the Word of God', instead of believing 'Bible becomes the Word of God' or 'Bible contains the Word of God'. Believing in the other two statements will only make us pick and choose what parts of the Bible we want to follow. We cannot choose which instructions to follow and which instructions to skip when we want to assemble something. No, all the instructions have to be followed in its context. In the same way, God the Author of Life has given us an instruction manual here on earth to follow for our well being. It is the Word of God from Genesis to Revelation for us to follow. We cannot follow the Bible or take a stand on our own without the help of the Holy Spirit. Allow the Lord Jesus to help you to take a stand for Him, for He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit, guiding and leading you! Yes, He will! As the presidential election nears, we all will be faced with making a stand for what we believe is the right thing to do. Let our decision be based on taking a stand for what is biblical in issues such as sanctity of life, sanctity of marriage, etc. You can let obstacles control you or let the Lord of Heaven and earth help you through the obstacles. It starts with taking a stand for your faith regardless of how tough the journey will be. Friend, the Lord will get you through so don't give up regardless of the days that go by! When you have to take a stand for a particular issue or reason and it glorifies the Lord, may you be given the strength and endurance to come through in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth! Amen! Ask the Lord Jesus to reign in your life and He will! You maybe asked to take a stand that you alone are supposed to do just as Queen Esther was chosen to free the Jewish people from the evil clutches of Haman. She fasted, prayed, and decided to take a stand against evil when even she knew her life could be at stake. For you your life may not be at stake, but your career could, your family could, etc. With the Lord's help and your love for the Lord will help you through the obstacles to be commitment as you walk and talk with Jesus daily. Thank you Jesus. Come as you are and find help at the throne of grace for als your needs. Praise the Lord! What about you friend, are you willing to give up your life for Jesus Christ, your job for Jesus Christ, your sleep time, etc? We cannot on our own without the love of the Lord and His strength permeating in us. As we turn to the Lord, He will give us the strength. May we always put Jesus Christ first taking a stand for Him in our family, in our career, in our academics, job, etc. Whatever the outcome, we would have taken a stand for the Lord of the Universe. Help us Jesus! "Savior’s Truth Apply Now Daily!" (S.T.A.N.D)/”What do you S.T.A.N.D for in life?”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are my all in all. You are my Prince of Peace, Rock, Savior, and Friend. You are my Holy Father guiding me through to live a life of righteousness, holy righteousness. Oh God, I need you more than ever. I need to feel your hands around me holding me tight. I need your love to surround me so that you can glow in my life. Help me please Jesus. I desire in your presence. Thank you for guiding me to live a life of righteousness. Oh God you love me more than ever. You hear my voice when I cry out to you. When I seek your face, you fill me up. You are my all in all. Thank you Jesus so much for your help no matter what I face, your grace is available and you take my case. Thank you for hearing us and answering us. In Your Name I Pray Jesus! AMEN! (Most of the prayer is from a vineyard song called “All in All”) No matter what you feel in your heart, know that Jesus has come in and resides with you! You are not alone! To make your walk strong with the Lord, spend time in prayer talking to Him as you would to a friend. You don’t need special words to talk to the Lord. Spend time in His Word reading Psalms and turning them into prayer. Next allow God to heal you and speak to you through the Gospel of John or Gospel of Mark before moving on to other Books of the Bible! Slowly, let the Lord show you to which Scriptures He wants you to go to next. It is also important to be part of a body of believers to help you grow in the faith. Find a Bible believing church that preaches the Word of God from Genesis to Revelation proclaiming Jesus Christ our crucified and risen Lord who brings us hope, healing, and help! No matter who you are, it is not ever too late to join a Bible-believing church or a college fellowship. I highly encourage each of you to come to Transformers Small Group on Friday nights at 7:00 p.m. and Oakland International Fellowship on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. for prayer, 11:30 a.m. for worship, 10:30 a.m. for Sunday School, and 12:30 p.m. for fellowship lunch.
May the Lord's presence and peace fill you with His love now and
forever! Amen! Feel free to email me at reddy4hisglory2004@yahoo.com if you want to meet to study the Bible, pray with, talk about Spiritual issues or whatever is on your mind! My number is 412-641-9426 "This is my work and I can do it only because Christ's mighty energy is at work within me." (Colossians 1:29, TLB)
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 2012 DEVOTIONALS: 1 Thessalonians 1:3: "What does your L.A.B.O.R show in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sept 03, 12, 06:30 a.m.) Mark 4:4-8: "Who do you P.O.I.N.T to in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sept 01, 12, 10:10 a.m.) Mark 1:1-4: "How seriously do you T.E.S.T.I.F.Y about prophecy?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Aug 29, 12, 09:57 a.m.) Mark 1:1: "Why bother with the G.O.S.P.E.L when you see yourself as a good person anyway?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Aug 28, 12, 09:00 a.m.) Mark 1:40-42: "How do you deal with the L.E.P.R.O.S.Y of sin?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Aug 07, 12, 11:21 p.m.) Mark 10:10-12: "When have you become an A.D.U.L.T.E.R.E.R in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Aug 02, 12, 12:54 p.m.) Mark 10:6-9: "What should your take be for M.A.R.R.I.A.G.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Aug 02, 12, 12:54 p.m.) John 6: "What kind of B.R.E.A.D do you eat to live forever?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Aug 02, 12, 12:48 p.m.) John 10:9: "What D.O.O.R is the only Door that will save you?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 31, 12, 09:08 a.m.) John 8:12: "How can the L.I.G.H.T impact your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 30 12, 08:28 a.m.) Matthew 25:14-30: "What are you doing with the T.A.L.E.N.T the Lord Jesus has given you?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 28, 12, 10:38 a.m.) Matthew 22:36-40: "How are the dimensions of L.O.V.E in your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 27, 12, 09:13 a.m.) Matthew 18:12-14: "What hope is there for the L.O.S.T in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 26, 12, 09:50 a.m.) Mark 4:22-23: "What happens to a sin you C.O.N.C.E.A.L in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 25, 12, 07:23 a.m.) John 15:18-21: 'Is it better for you to experience H.A.T.E or love, why or why not?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 24, 12, 01:01 p.m.) John 10:14-16: "Who will you make your S.H.E.P.H.E.R.D in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 19, 12, 06:03 a.m.) John 15:10-14: "What does it mean to remain in the V.I.N.E always?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 18, 12, 10:13 a.m.) Matthew 18:21-22: "What stipulation do you put to F.O.R.G.I.V.E. someone?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 17, 12, 09:17 a.m.) Philippians 4:20-23: "How do you see F.A.T.H.E.R in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 13, 12, 07:39 a.m.) Philippians 4:19: "What are your N.E.E.D.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 12, 12, 08:51 a.m.) Philippians 4:15-18: "Who will you F.I.N.A.N.C.E in ministry?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 11, 12, 05:42 a.m.) Philippians 4:14: "How do you S.H.A.R.E in others troubles?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 10, 12, 08:30 a.m.) Philippians 4:12-13: "Where do you need S.T.R.E.N.G.T.H in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 09, 12, 08:59 a.m.) Mark 5:24b-29: "Where do you need F.R.E.E.D.O.M to move on?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 07, 12, 10:43 a.m.) Philippians 4:10: "Why show C.O.N.C.E.R.N for others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 03, 12, 09:18 a.m.) Philippians 4:9b: "How do you know your P.E.A.C.E is real?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 02, 12, 08:33 a.m.) Philippians 4:9a: "What kind of S.O.L.D.I.E.R will you be?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 30, 12, 09:58 a.m.) Philippians 4:8: What is your T.H.I.N.K.I.N.G based on?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 30, 12, 09:56 a.m.) Philippians 4:6-7: "How do you handle A.N.X.I.E.T.Y in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 28, 12, 08:05 a.m.) Philippians 4:5: "What measure of G.E.N.T.L.E.N.E.S.S do you have?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 27, 12, 08:57 a.m.) Philippians 4:4: "When do you R.E.J.O.I.C.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 26, 12, 09:26 a.m.) Philippians 4:3: "How have you C.A.M.P.A.I.G.N.E.D for Jesus in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 25, 12, 08:58 a.m.) Philippians 4:2: "How do you respond to a P.L.E.A.D in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 23, 12, 10:45 a.m.) Philippians 4:1: "Where do you S.T.A.N.D on love in your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 23, 12, 10:40 a.m.) Philippians 3:20-21: "What C.I.T.I.Z.E.N.S.H.I.P should you desire the most?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 21, 12, 07:28 a.m.)
Philippians 3:18-19:
"Why shed T.E.A.R.S for others in
life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy
(June 20, 12, 08:37 a.m.)
Philippians 3:15-17:
"Who or what are you willing to P.A.T.T.E.R.N your life after?" By Ramesh C. Reddy
(June 19, 12, 07:30 a.m.)
Philippians 3:12-14:
"How can you deal with the P.A.S.T in your life?" By
Ramesh C. Reddy
(June 18, 12, 11:43 a.m.)
Philippians 3:1-11:
"Why for R.E.F.O.R.M.A.T.I.O.N do you need the transaction of the
cross?" Philippians 2:25-30: "When will your H.O.M.E.C.O.M.I.N.G begin?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 15, 12, 6:43 a.m.) Philippians 2:19-24: "How can you Q.U.A.L.I.F.Y well in other people's lives?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 14, 12, 8:18 a.m.)
Philippians 2:17-18:
"How do you live out your F.A.I.T.H in life?" By
Ramesh C. Reddy
(June 13, 12, 6:58 a.m.) Philippians 2:13: "How do you W.O.R.K out your Salvation?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 11, 12, 8:36 a.m.) Philippians 2:12-13:"What path have you taken for S.A.L.V.A.T.I.O.N in your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 09, 7:50 a.m.) Philippians 2:12-13: "What is the point of O.B.E.D.I.E.N.C.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 08, 7:51 a.m.) Philippians 2:9-11:"How do you handle the N.A.M.E of Jesus in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 08, 7:47 a.m.) Philippians 2:8: "Why should you make a C.R.O.S.S transaction in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 06, 7:26 a.m.) Philiippians 2:5-7: "How do match Jesus' A.T.T.I.T.U.D.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 05, 9:09 a.m.) Philippians 2:3-4: "How do you respond to C.O.M.M.A.N.D.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 03, 6:19 a.m.) Philippians 2:1-2: "What C.O.N.D.I.T.I.O.N are you in?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 02, 6:52 a.m.) Philippians 1:29-30: "How do you handle S.U.F.F.E.R.I.N.G in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (June, 01, 6:52 a.m.) Philippians 1:27-28:"How do you C.O.N.D.U.C.T yourself in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 31, 12, 7:32 a.m.) Philippians 1:22-26: What are your C.H.O.I.C.E.S based on?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 30, 12, 6:27 a.m.) Philippians 1:21: "Why D.I.E for Christ?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 29, 12, 4:59 a.m.) Philippians 1:20: "Where do you need to have C.O.U.R.A.G.E in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 25, 12, 8:08 a.m.) Philippians 1:19:"Who do you C.A.L.L often in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 24, 12, 8:32 a.m.) Philippians 1:19: "What reason do you have to R.E.J.O.I.C.E in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 22, 12, 8:21 a.m.) Philippians 1:15-18: "How are your M.O.T.I.V.E.S in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 22, 12, 8:21 a.m.) Philippians 1:13-14:"What have your C.H.A.I.N.S done to others in your life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 21, 12, 9:04 a.m.) Philippians 1:12: "How can you feel so S.P.E.C.I.A.L when things are going so wrong in your life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 18, 12, 8:20 a.m.) Philippians 1:9-11: "What is your L.O.V.I.N.G response in life based on?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 18, 12, 8:20 a.m.) Philippians 1:8: "How can your A.F.F.E.C.T.I.O.N grow towards others in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 17, 12, 6:32 a.m.) Philippians 1:7: "Why cannot you be saved by G.R.A.C.E. alone?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 16, 12, 9:55 a.m.) Philippians 1:6: "Where are you C.O.N.F.I.D.E.N.T in?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 15, 12, 10:54 a.m.) Philippians 1:3-6: "How can you attain a P.A.R.T.N.E.R.S.H.I.P in the Gospel?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 14, 12, 08:38 a.m.) Philippians 1:3: "How will others R.E.A.C.T towards God when they remember you?" (May 11, 12, 09:53 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy Philippians 1:1-2: "When do you B.L.E.S.S others in life?" (May 09, 12, 7:30 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy Philippians 1:1: "Why bother to let others T.R.A.I.N you when you are already a leader?" (May 10, 12, 9:01 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy Philippians 1:1: "Why should you believe you are H.O.L.Y instead of being a sinner?" (May 08, 12, 8:05 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy Philippians 1:1: Who will you be a S.L.A.V.E to in life? (May 07, 12, 7:06 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy
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