Are we busy to stop and see the change in us?. Have things changed in me and around me, that I am not aware of?. Are we going through life without noticing the beauty around us but only looking for reasons to be unhappy and complain?. Take time to see the change. It takes an effort to do it, it is a deliberate act.

Lk 17:11-19, is a classic example of how we move on without acknowledging the change and in the process miss out on change maker.

There are four things to notice in this passage

Passage from the Bible – Exodus 17:8-16

And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi.

In this passage we read about a great battle that took place. The battle between Israel and the Amalekites. It happened at the time when Israel was wandering in the wilderness. Moses who was leading Israel, asked Joshua to lead the Israelites into battle while he went up to the hill to pray. As Moses lifted his hands and prayed, Israelites prevailed in the battle but when he let his hands down, Amalekites prevailed. So Aaron, Moses brother, and Hur his assistant held his hands up until the battle was won. Moses built an altar and called the name of it Jehovah Nissi because he understood the truth that God himself is our banner and our victory.

Trials we need to overcome
Some of the trials and spiritual battles we need to win are:

1. Doubt:  Doubt or unbelief is often detected in one’s spirit and attitude (which often includes grumbling). When we fail to see God’s hand in our daily affairs and fail to trust Him for our daily provision, we often begin to fret and complain. We first need to listen earnestly to the voice of God, seeking to know what He is trying to say to us in our present circumstances.
2. Discouragement: Many times we look at the things happening around us and get discouraged. We often magnify the problem and dwell on it more than we need to. We need to remember the past victories and know that our God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
3. Disobedience: When our faith is being tested do we obey? Delayed obedience or partial obedience is complete disobedience. We must be willing to surrender our lives, trust God completely and practice obedience.

Slum Dog Millionaire has caught the world’s attention. The movie brings the squalor, the filth and the stench of the life of the underdogs of Mumbai’s Dharavi slum right before your eyes. It hits you hard with its stunning reality of abuse, poverty and pain. This is only one example of India’s poverty. This article is not about glorifying slums, poverty or the dark under belly of Mumbai. It is not about eradicating poverty either. It is not even about turning a millionaire over night.

No matter who they are – call center workers, sex workers, outcastes, beggars, women, street children, victims of communal violence, the chaiwallahs or the dabbawallahs –each of them is a face in the crowd.

God commands us concerning them. Deut. 15:7, Prov. 31:8. Prov 14:31. He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honours God. We see that His heart goes deeper still: He identifies with the poor; 2 Cor 8:9, Prov 14:31. God not only takes the side of the poor; in the very alarming parable of the sheep and the goats he speaks of salvation as depending on how we treat the poorest and the most afflicted. Another thing to note about God’s Word about helping the poor is the lack of excuses. None of them add “…once a year” or “…when you feel you can” or “…if they’re moral” or “…if they are of your community” or “…if they speak my language”.

And what about the millionaire or the crorepati? Read Lk 18:18-30. This man was a capitalist with the right question but the wrong motive. Perhaps he cared most of all in investing in his own business, wealth and power.

Jehovah Rapha – The Lord you healer

Passage from the Bible- Exodus chapter 15
And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee. (Exodus 15:26)

Jehovah Rapha heals our physical, spiritual and emotional needs. Physical healing is important but man’s greater need is spiritual healing. All around us we see the destruction sin has caused – broken relationships, strife, hatred, bitterness and so on.  We are sick from head to heart to toe (Psalm 38: 3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin). Therefore healing is needed in our personal lives, families, churches, and community for God alone is the source of all healing.

Believe And You Will Be Healed…

1. The Cross (tree) is source of healing for sins. 1 Peter 2:24 who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
2. Confession and prayer for one another can bring healing. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
3. The Word of God is the source of healing. Psalm 107:19, 20 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
4. Fear of the LORD is associated with healing. Proverbs 3:7, 8 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
5. Jehovah Rapha heals the brokenhearted and the souls of men Psalm 147:3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. Psalm 41:4 I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 John: 2

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10

As we live on this earth, we go through times which may be confusing, questionable and difficult. During such times if we meditate on the Names of our God it would be enough to see us through and also help us emerge as victors. I pray that as we meditate on His Name, God will give us a fresh understanding of His Glory and we will worship Him not only for what He does but also for who He is. I pray that you will be encouraged and uplifted as you read the Names of God.

1.   Jehovah Jireh – The Lord Will Provide

Passage from the Bible  –  Genesis chapter 22
And Abraham called the name of that place ‘Jehovah Jireh’: as it is  said to this day, in the mount of the LORD it shall be seen. (Genesis 22:14)

• Where does the Lord provide for our needs?  In the place of His will. Abraham was at the right place, so God could meet his needs. We need to be in the place of His will in order to receive the provision of God.
• When does God meet our needs? When we bring our requests to the throne of grace, God answers with mercy and grace “in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need). Sometimes it looks like God waits until the last minute to send help, but God is never too early or too late. He is always on time.
• How does God provide for us? God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9 – For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.) He knows the need and he also knows the way in which the need will be met. God provided the ram at the time when Abraham needed it and in a place where Abraham could get his hands on it.
• Why does God provide for our every need?

God was glorified on Mount Moriah because Abraham and Isaac did the will of the Lord. God provides for every need because He loves us and for the glory of His Name.

The Lord will provide – God will see to it that we shall not be ashamed and that our needs will be met for the Word of the Lord says – But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19