Learn from Him

B. A. Manakala And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing. (Ps 71:9 nlt) Some time ago I visited an old age home with my friends. It was heartbreaking to hear some of their stories. They are sad because they have children and other relatives who are well to do, but have no time to care for them! Long life is a blessing (Ps 91:16); short life is also a blessing when God blesses it. As we get older we may naturally have some physical challenges. However, do not ignore the fact the elederly have great treasure that the younger ones may not. The wisdom and the maturity they have play an important role in the harmonious existence of any society. God’s promise for the elderly is wonderful: "I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you." (Isa 46:4) How would you assure yourself that God is always with you, even when no one else is?...

B. A. Manakala That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long. (Ps 71:8 nlt) We blink our eyes involuntarily all day long. It helps the eyes to remain lubricated and clean. Generally we blink our eyes once every four seconds. The time varies based on various factors like concentration, emotions etc. I am glad winking is involuntary and does not require a reminder. And often I do not need a reminder to pick up my phone and check if I have missed a message or call. However, often I need reminders to praise God and declare His glory (Ps 71:8), forget about doing it all day long! If we want just one thing that can change our lives, it is nothing but praising God always. Something that we are persistent in doing can change our lives. What is it that I would like to never stop doing? If each breathing-in of our lives can be converted into a praise to God, each breathing-out will become a blessing! Prayer: Lord, let me never stop praising and declaring your glory...

B. A. Manakala My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. (Ps 71:7 nlt) The building in the town looked spectacular with all kinds of decorations with different coloured lights. The spectators were amazed by the scene and everyone passed by stopped and gazed at the building. Suddenly something went wrong and the electricity to the building was cut off! For a few minutes the whole building and the surrounding was gone pitch-dark! The psalmist acknowledges that the Lord enabled him to be an example to others (Ps 71:7). We must acknowledge that we are able to be examples just because He enables us. We do not have anything to boast just as the beautiful building could not shine without the electricity. Who we are is because of the One who is in us. We are the light of the world because of the One who is in us, who is the light of the world. Christ is the visible image of the invisible God (Col 1:15); however, we are to reflect the image of God in the w...

B. A. Manakala O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood. (Ps 71:5 nlt) I was taught to brush my teeth every night before I went to bed. I follow this pattern regularly even today. Knowing the Lord from childhood is a great privilege. Parents or guardians also have an important role in helping the children know the Lord from their childhood. If we train up a child in the way he should go he will not depart from it even when he gets old (Pro 22:6). As children can be easily taught and influenced well when they are young, use every opportunity to get involved in their lives to help them grow in the love of God. At the same time be willing to learn from them too as Bryan McGill said "our children can be the greatest teachers if we are humble enough to receive their lessons". How would I help my own and others' children to get closer to the Lord? What is invested IN children will last longer than what is invested FOR them. Prayer: Lord, give me w...

B. A. Manakala My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked, from the clutches of cruel oppressors. (Ps 71:4 nlt) Recently on a long trip as I was driving uphill, the clutch became unresponsive and the car brokedown! I tried everything I can, to move the car to a workshop. Finally, it had to be towed to the workshop where it was diagnosed that the clutch plates were damaged. The Psalmist's prayer is to save him from the clutches of his cruel oppressors (Ps 71:4). Satan's clutches are highly deceptive. They seem to be powerful and attractive from outside. God has given us the freedom to choose our way. Whichever way we choose once the clutches are connected, life gains momentum in that direction. Are there deceptive clutches in my life? Commending ourselves to the godly clutches is the best way to escape from all unwanted clutches! Prayer: Lord, help me to yield myself only to the godly clutches. Amen

B. A. Manakala My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. (Ps 71:7 nlt) The building in the town looked spectacular with all kinds of decorations with different coloured lights. The spectators were amazed by the scene and everyone passed by stopped and gazed at the building. Suddenly something went wrong and the electricity to the building was cut off! For a few minutes the whole building and the surrounding was gone pitch-dark! The psalmist acknowledges that the Lord enabled him to be an example to others (Ps 71:7). We must acknowledge that we are able to be examples just because He enables us. We do not have anything to boast just as the beautiful building could not shine without the electricity. Who we are is because of the One who is in us. We are the light of the world because of the One who is in us who is the light of the world. Christ is the invisible image of God (Col 1:15); however, we are to reflect the image of God in the world. The wor...

B. A. Manakala Be my rock of safety where I can always hide. Give the order to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. (Ps 71:3 nlt) There are twenty four high courts in India that oversee all the other courts in the respective states. But there is just one supreme court that has authority over all the high courts in the country. However, there is just One, who has the ultimate power to order anything to anyone! The Psalmist desires that the order to save him come from the supreme authority (Ps. 71:3). We are given authority to govern and reign over the creation (Gen 1:28). A Roman officer in the Bible recognised that he is under the authority of his senior officers and about his authority over his soldiers (Mtt 8:9). Let us be prudent in submitting to the authorities and be more careful about exercising our authority. How am I doing in exercising my authority? How am I submissive to the supreme authority? Be submissive to the human authorities and never ignore the orders from ab...