Professional Documents
Culture Documents
PATIEN CE
TIENCE PATIENCE MAKES THE MAN!
MAKES Copyright 2004 R. STANLEY
THE MAN!
Printed by
Bapuji Printers
Published by 5 Kurban Ali Street
Woods Road
BLESSING YOUTH MISSION
Church Colony, Vellore 632 006, India Chennai 600 002
Tel: 0416-2242943, 2248943
<bym@sancharnet.in>
www.blessingyouthmission.org
2
Meet the Author... Stanley is a profound Bible teacher,
powerful revival preacher, passionate
The Author was born to devoted Chris- missions challenger, pert youth mobilizer,
tian parents in Nazareth, a village highly practical trainer, prolific writer and a
influenced by English missionaries, in pleasant friend. Several of those influenced
South Tamilnadu, India. He was born again by his life and ministry are pastors,
at 16 in 1962 while a fresher in College, missionaries and leaders in various parts
and since then has been a sincere student of the world. His fruits abide. Besides
of the Bible. He graduated in building giving administrative leadership to the
engineering from the Madras University Blessing Youth Mission, he alongwith his
in 1968, and earned his Master’s in the
wife served in pioneer mission fields also.
Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai
They have travelled worldwide encourag-
in 1970. After teaching for a while in the
Regional Engineering College, Tiruchy, ing God’s people in Conventions and Con-
Tamilnadu, he worked as a Hospital ferences. Their books have been translated
Engineer in the Christian Medical College, to over 10 Indian languages. In apprecia-
founded by Dr. Ida Scudder in Vellore, tion of his significant contribution to the
till 1975. Body of Christ, the Hindustan Bible Insti-
tute, Chennai, conferred on him the hon-
The students ministry Brother Stanley orary degree of Doctor of Divinity in 2000.
started in 1963 grew into a nationwide
revival cum missinonary evangelistic Stanley underwent an open heart sur-
organisation known as Blessing Youth gery in 1996 but enjoys good health now.
Mission in 1971. It now works in 13 After retiring from Blessing Youth Mission
States of India through over 300 fulltime as a staff in 2003, he now spends more
staff and hundreds of youth outreach teams.
time in studying and writing than in preach-
Brother Stanley’s wife, Dr. Lilian, is a
ing. He often thanks God for enabling
medical missionary working among the
poorest of the poor. Their only child and him to pour out the best part and the
daughter, Evangeline, is a professional most youthful years of his life in the
Christian Counsellor working as a Psy- cause of the Kingdom. His most favourite
chologist with her technician husband in Bible text is 1 Corinthians 15:10, “I am
CMC, Vellore. what I am by the grace of God!”
3 4
Contents
PA TIEN
PATIEN CE
TIENCE 1. Patience makes the Man! ... 7
2. Love is Patient! ... 12
MAKES 3. When will I ever Change? ... 39
THE MAN! 4. Waiting on God ... 59
5. How much time for the Bible? ... 75
6. Patience of Jesus ... 95
7. What to Speak when you Suffer ...107
8. Preachers & Patience ...119
5 6
B The young widow Ruth won the heart
of Boaz because she waited patiently accord-
ing to her mother-in-law’s instructions.
B King Saul lost his crown and anoint-
ing because of impatience.
1 B David did not scheme but waited
Patience makes the Man! patiently for his time and God made him
the most celebrated King of Israel.
B Elisha patiently served Prophet Elijah
and received the mantle of double anoint-
ing.
B Nehemiah patiently continued his work
2
Love is Patient!
11 12
Slow to reprimand - Quick to forbear happiness is to learn to accept the im-
Slow to belittle - Quick to appreciate possible, to do without the indispensable,
Slow to demand - Quick to give and to bear the intolerable. Happiness
Slow to provoke - Quick to help comes when we stop wailing about the
Slow to resent - Quick to forgive troubles we have, and offer thanks for all
the troubles we don’t have! “Weeping may
When we talk about love, the passage go on all night, but joy comes with the
that comes to our mind next to 1 Corinthians morning” (Psa 30:5b). We miss happiness
13 is Galatians 5:22,23 where apostle if we are not patient enough until sun-
Paul lists out the fruit of the Spirit. It is rise. Life is a series of tunnels. No tunnel
called the eightfold manifestation of love. is without an exit. Impatience makes the
Patience is one of them. My recent medi- time between entry and exit miserable.
tation of this passage tells me that each When Christ says, “Let’s go over to the
of the seven expressions of LOVE —Joy, other side,” we will not sink in the middle
Peace, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, (Lk 8:22-25). It is of course natural to be
Gentleness, Self-control—is linked to PA- terrified by the towering waves. But when
TIENCE. In other words, without patience we realize who is with us and what is
we cannot mature and blossom in any of promised, we can be patient to witness
the fruits. This article is a practical study the end. We will not then lose the joy of
of this connection. the Lord.
19 20
and understand. Some folks are super- There can be hundred-and-one reasons
naturally endowed, like Mother Teresa why we need not shower kindness on
(1910-1997), with the gift of “showing certain individuals. But Joseph of the Old
mercy with cheerfulness” (Rom 12:8d). Testament and Joseph of the New Testa-
For most of us, kindness is a virtue that ment stand before us to shout into our
has to be cultivated. H.W. Longfellow (1807- ears that it is never right to be unkind to
1882), an American poet, put it this way— anyone. What was the need for Joseph to
Kind hearts are the gardens, be so kind to his brothers for all that they
Kind thoughts are the roots, had done to him? (Gen 50:21). Why did
Kind words are the flowers, the next Joseph hesitate to publicly dis-
Kind deeds are the fruits. grace his pregnant fiancee? (Mt 1:19).
The law was after all on his side (Dt
That’s why we read that Jesus “grew” in 24:1). These were men who had experi-
favour with men (Lk 2:52). enced God’s kindness in their own lives.
That was the more-than-enough reason
Kindness is such an important virtue for them to be kind to the undeserving.
that John the Baptist equated the “fruits The story of the unkind debtor Jesus
of repentance” to acts of kindness. He narrated shames us and warns us sternly.
told the people, “Be kind to the have-
When the debtor pleaded with the King,
nots!” To the tax-collectors he said, “Don’t
“Be patient with me,” his debt of millions
overload the tax-payers!” He admonished
of dollars was instantly forgiven out of
the soldiers, “Don’t chargesheet anyone
falsely!” (Lk 3:8-14). The greatest thing a kindness. But he grabbed the throat of
man can do for his Heavenly Father is to his fellow-servant who had owed him just
be kind to His children! Jesus has taught a few thousand dollars, eventhough he
us, “You must be compassionate, just as also pleaded, “Be patient with me!” The
your Father is compassionate” (Lk 6:36). story ends with the moral, “Should we
The problem with us is that we tend to be not be merciful to others as God is to
kind only to those who are kind to us. us?” (Mt 18:21-35). Apostle James put it
But as for God, He is “kind to the unthankful bluntly: “There will be no mercy for you
and to those who are wicked” (v 35b). We if you have not been merciful to others.
must be kind to the unkind people; they But if you have been merciful, then God’s
need it the most! This is where patience mercy toward you will win out over His
is challenged. judgment against you” (Js 2:13).
21
22
Being too busy to be kind is both un- kind!” Acts of kindness are not to be
healthy and unchristian. We speak so much braodcasted (Mt 6:1-4). He who has con-
about the Good Samaritan but walk with ferred kindness should be silent; he who
the shoes of the Priest and the Levite! (Lk has received one should speak of it.
10:30-35). I guess the Priest was hurry-
ing to the Temple to offer sacrifices, and Kindness begets kindness, but be pa-
the Levite was following him to count the tient if your kindness is not positively
offerings! We are too busy if we are too reciprocated. Pray for a short memory as
busy to be kind! It is terrifying to realize to all unkindness. Someone said, “Two
that our acts of kindness will decide our things stand like stone: Kindness in
eternal destiny (Mt 25:34-46). I read on a another’s troubles; Courage in one’s own!”
bumper sticker, “Beware the barrenness Our disappointments are due to over-
of busyness!” We are not to deny kind- expectations. Blessed is he who expects
ness even to strangers (Lev 19:33,34). nothing; for he shall not be disappointed!
Hospitality is included here (Heb 13:2). Gilbert Chesterton encourages kind folks
Abraham never realized he was enter- saying, “The man who expects nothing
taining angels when he was showing kind- sees redder roses than common men can
ness to three strangers (Gen 18:1-8). see, and greener grass, and a more star-
Satan does not appear in black or angels tling sun!” Kindness is like snow; it makes
in white, to our naked eyes! everything it covers beautiful.
Without a spirit of gentleness we can- A little boy cleaned up his fish tank
not be patient with the faults of others. and let four goldfish in. All of them died
Apostle Paul admonished the Galatian one after the other. He was wondering
Christians, “Dear brothers and sisters, why. An expert discovered the problem.
if another Christian is overcome by some The boy had washed the tank with soap!
33 34
Sometimes in our zeal to clean up the mixed a little mildness with it... he might
lives of others, we unfortunately use “killer have done more good than he did.” The
soaps”—condemnation, criticism, nagging, motto of Christlike leadership is: “Be-
and fits of temper. We think we are doing hold, your King ... lowly!” (Mt 21:5). This
right, but our harsh treatment is more call was given at His first advent. The
than they can bear! same call comes to us on the eve of His
second coming: “Let your gentleness be
Gentleness is indispensable to those in known to all men. The Lord is at hand”
leadership responsibilities. The tempta- (Phil 4:5).
tion to crush the opposers with authority
and power will always be there. Moses 7. Patience & Self-control
was a great leader. Matthew Henry (1662- We are exhorted to “add patience to
1714) comments, “When God’s honour was self-control” (2 Pet 1:6). A 16th Century
affected, as in the case of the golden calf, Bishop used to say, “Self-control is nine-
Moses acted as a lion. When his own tenths of Christianity!” Abraham Lincoln
honour was touched, as in the matter of (1809-1865) observed, “Intemperance is
Aaron and Miriam backbiting him, he one of the greatest—if not the greatest—
was mild as a lamb (Num 12:3).” He did of all evils known to mankind.” Solomon
not react but left the matter to God— warned, “A person without self-control is
“God heard it!” (v 12c). Being their apostle, as defenseless as a city with broken-down
Paul had every right to authoritatively walls” (Prov 25:28). Uncontrolled temper
address the Corinthian Christians when is an ugly fruit of sin. It’s a wolf too
they were opposing him. But he wrote, “I, ferocious for the flesh to tame. Our only
Paul, plead with you with the gentleness hope is to let Christ transform our temper.
and meekness that Christ Himself would Temperance is self-restraint in feelings,
use” (2 Cor 10:1a). words and actions.
45 46
ness overnight. Scales from our eyes fall once rebuked the Pharisees, “You brood
off one by one, and then we begin to see of snakes! How could evil men like you
the vanity of riches. speak what is good and right?” (Mt 12:34).
These analogies speak simply of the extent
Little foxes of ungodliness and the futility of mere
Character development begins with small human efforts to change hearts. Other-
things. Excusing ourselves in minor of- wise how can God hold a person respon-
fences usually leads to major transgres- sible for his behaviour which is not his
sions. Jesus taught, “He who is faithful by choice but his by just inheritance?
in what is least is faithful also in much” There was a proverb in the land of Israel:
(Lk 16:10a). Backsliding or deterioration “The parents have eaten sour grapes, but
is usually in stages. Psalmist David has their children’s mouths pucker at the taste!”
drawn it as a graph for us in Psalm But God commanded that this proverb be
19:12,13. First it’s just “errors,” then quoted no longer. He said, “This is My
“secret faults,” then “deliberate sins,” and rule: The person who sins will be the one
finally “great transgression!” That’s why who dies!” (Ezek 18:1-4). Of course children
the call: “Quick! Catch all the LITTLE do what they observe their parents do.
foxes before they ruin the vineyard, for
the grapevines are all in blossom” (SS Unlearning any learnt behaviour which
2:15). Judas had the habit of taking coins
is not Biblically sanctioned is the
from the common money bag for his pocket
individual’s responsibility. That’s why at
expenses (Jn 12:6). We know where it
rebirth we are transplanted with a soft
finally led him to. Character is simply
habit long continued. heart which is flexible and pliable. Un-
learning no doubt takes longer time, but
Leopard & snakes when we patiently work at it the Holy
Spirit helps us strip off sins which easily
Psychologists differ on whether or not hinder our progress (Heb 12:1). We are to
temperaments and traits are genetic. Con- proceed steadily with patience!
demning the sins of Judah, God asked,
“Can an Ethiopian change the colour of
Friendship & fellowship
his skin? Can a leopard take away its
spots? Neither can you start doing good, Imitation is a human instinct. “Bad
for you always do evil!” (Jer 13:23). Jesus company corrupts good character” (1 Cor
47 48
15:33). If we associate with the humble, Follow or flee?
we will imbibe the spirit of humility (Rom
If you are weak in a particular area,
12:16). Fellowship with saintly Christians
fellowshipping with someone strong in it
will deepen our love for holiness (2 Tim
will strengthen you (Rom 15:1). This is
2:22). Company of those who have a grip
why we are put into the Body of Christ.
on grace will make us graceful in our
Reading of biographies and autobiogra-
dealings with people. Even a brief stay
phies of saints and soldiers of the Cross
with missionaries in remote places will
is a highly profitable exercise for
drive away from us murmuring of all
behavioural change and character devel-
sorts. Working with the poorest of the
opment. The devil will whisper in our
poor fills us with a spirit of gratitude and
ears the bad examples in the Bible so we
thankfulness for God’s manifold bless-
may justify certain wrongs in our lives.
ings in our lives (Dan 4:27).
To this we must not give room. Our fallen
nature will be quick to take refuge under
God purposely puts together two indi-
the ungodly acts of godly men and women.
viduals of diametrically opposite tempera-
The failures of saints recorded in the Bible
ments, as spouses or hostel roommates or
are simply to warn us against pitfalls.
collegues, to shape one another. King
We must not lie like Abraham, lose temper
Solomon wrote in his wisdom, “As iron
like Moses, lust like David, or fight like
sharpens iron, so one man sharpens
Paul with coworkers over small matters!
another ” (Prov 27:17). It may be a tor-
Bishop J.C . Ryle ( 1816 - 1900 ) observed,
turous and excruciating experience. But
“There’s no sin so great that a great
if we separate “what God has joined to-
saint may not fall into it; and there’s no
gether,” He will employ even more rig-
saint so great that he may not fall into a
orous methods to transform our charac-
great sin!” Therefore, beloved, watch out!
ter. I wonder whether the deplored death
of the 29 year old Iranian conjoined twin
Lamp of God
sisters, Ladan and Laleh Bijani, in a clini-
cally successful 52 hour surgery on 8th Conscience is a matchless gift from
July 2003 in Singapore to get their heads God. It is His lamp to search all the inner
separated from each other, does not have depths of our hearts (Prov 20:27). It is
a message to a world which seeks over- sometimes called the “spirit of man” (1 Cor
independence! 2:11a). A sharp conscience is an inesti-
49 50
mable asset for character building. The and explanations right now (v 11). We
conscience must be trained to love what’s reject God’s voice of silence and turn to
right with perfect love and hate what’s wrong sources. The result is further com-
wrong with perfect hatred. It’s easier to plications. Impatience with the dealings
love good than to hate evil. If we choose of God wastes our time and energy. A
the easier one and ignore the other, we minor sprain becomes a major disloca-
will become popular with men but won’t tion (v13b). But “perseverance produces
please God. If we love good and hate evil character” (Rom 5:3,4).
equally, we will earn the smile of God as
well as the sneer of the devil (Heb 1:9). In the beginning of Christian life we
Only when we keep our conscience clear, may only “hear” about the holiness of
we will not mix up black and white. “Woe God. After walking through fires of test-
to those who say that evil is good and ing we will actually “see” His holiness.
good is evil; that dark is light and light Our repentance will be deepened. It’s no
is dark; that bitter is sweet and sweet is more prayers of repentance at the altar,
bitter” (Isa 5:20). Anselm (1033- 1109) an but tears of repentance in ashes! This
Archbishop of Canterbury was able to was Job’s experience (Job 42:5,6). The
testify, “If hell were on one side and sin Bible calls us to follow the “patience of
on the other, I would rather leap into hell Job” (Js 5:11). We must study all our
than willingly sin against my God!” Such lifetime in the School of Suffering and
strength in character is gained by College of Chastisement. God has used
perseveringly training up the conscience sicknesses to break the lifestyle of many
(Acts 23:1; 24:16). an arrogant man and woman. Following
a bitter experience with a killer disease,
A Degree in Patience King Hezekiah decided, “I will walk humbly
all my years because of this anguish of
God sends difficulties and disappoint- my soul” (Isa 38:15b).
ments, and allows defeats and diseases in
our lives to serve as a rod of correction. WWJD
His punishments are not just an expres-
sion of anger. He has the end in view, Any Christian who is serious about chang-
even our transformation (Heb 12:10). Our ing his carnal nature into spiritual-
problem is that we want to have solutions mindedness ought to study the Sermon
51 52
on the Mount diligently (Matthew 5-7). Take time to be holy!
This is the Magna Carta of the Kingdom
Eventhough we learn from our fail-
of God. No better sermon has been ever ures, everytime we yield to temptation
preached to present the Kingdom values. we become weaker and weaker. It is by
This Sermon is the Highway of Holiness. overcoming we grow strong. The first
Its intense practicality is never outdated. preparation to resist temptation is to be
Memorizing this Sermon and frequent watchful in prayer (Mt 26:41). A “willing
meditation of the same will load our minds spirit” that is not strengthened by prayer
with “whatever is true... honourable... right... cannot prevent the “weak flesh” falling
pure... lovely... admirable... excellent and into sin. Two of the seven requests in the
praiseworthy” (Phil 4:8). These virtues Lord’s prayer relate to temptation and
will then manifest in our words and deeds. sin. The first one is to seek forgiveness
Whatever is in our hearts determines for our sins; the next one is to seek strength
what we say or do (Lk 6:45). Jesus lived to overcome sin (Mt 6:12,13). Watchful-
out the Sermon on the Mount to the ness in prayer means carrying the spirit
minutest detail. of prayer throughout the day by being
conscious of the presence of God with us.
I believe that Paul’s thumb rule in any Our sense of sin is in proportion to our
situation was WWJD (What Would Jesus nearness to God (Isa 6:1-5). We must view
Do?). Whenever there was the slightest the sins of omission as seriously as the
deviation he would withdraw himself and sins of commission.
say, “We have not so learned Christ!”
(Eph 4:20). Sermons from the four Gos- In the kind of busy world we live, we
pels these days are mostly on the miracles at times do not become instantly aware of
of Christ rather than His manner of life. our failures. Unhurried time before God
We want to experience His power without in self-examination is a must. This is
emulating His pattern. This explains the what prompted William Longstaff ( 1822-
hollowness in our ministries. Holiness is 1894 ) to compose the hymn—
nothing more or less than Christlikeness. Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
The one who occupies himself with the Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone.
study of the life of Christ is sure to be- By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
come like Him. Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.
53 54
This was the only hymn Mr. Longstaff Miracle of miracles
wrote in his life. Is it not enough?
Growth in holiness is comparable to
the construction of a building. “It is
The other side
neither by (our) might nor (our) power,
Most of what we have considered so but by God’s Spirit!” (Zech 4:6). Progress
far speaks of what “we” are to do to in holiness is comparable to a race. “It is
change our nature. We will now turn to not of him who desires, nor of him who
the other side of the coin. Otherwise we runs, but of God who shows mercy” (Rom
will end up with a religion of works. Of 9:16). Ripening in holiness is comparable
the 39 books of the Old Testament the to cultivation. “He who plants is not any-
theme of Holiness is not so bountifully thing, nor he who waters, but God who
dealt with in any book other than the gives the harvest” (1 Cor 3:6). God is
Book of Leviticus. It is from this Book more interested in making us holy than
apostle Peter quoted the curt command- we are in becoming holy! All the three
ment: “Be holy!” (1 Pet 1:16; Lev 19:2). If Persons of the Trinitarian Godhead are
God had stopped just with this command- working together to change us into the
ment, we only will have to perish in guilt image of Jesus the central Person in
and condemnation. How can I in a sinful Godhead. The miracle of miracles happens,
earth with a sinful nature be holy like which is this : God takes an unholy man
God who indwells a sinless Heaven and from an unholy world, makes him holy,
who has not known sin? His expectation puts him back in the unholy world, and
is lofty but not logical! That’s why He keeps him holy!!! Shout, Glory!
sent His Son in flesh and blood to give us
a followable pattern for holiness. If God God cannot lie!
the Father says, “Be holy,” God the Son
would add, “Be holy, AS I am holy!” Here The promises of God are as bright as
again we may argue, “Jesus does not God Himself! His “exceedingly great and
have the sinful Adamic nature like us precious promises” are just to make us
because He was born of the Holy Spirit!” “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Pet
Here’s where God the Holy Spirit comes 1:4). As I have pointed out several times
with an ultimate solution: “I am the Lord in this article, transformation of character
who makes you holy” (Lev 20:8). Sing is a process which must be patiently worked
Hallelujah! at. Just like mountaineering, oftentimes
55 56
we may slide down but we must keep Therefore, beloved, don’t allow men or
climbing. God is working in us all the Satan to condemn you whether you stand
time. We are “being transformed” into or fall (Rom 8:31-34; 14:4). Keep on keep-
the very likeness of Jesus “from glory to ing on! Faithful is He who has called you
glory” — from one state to the other (2 to be holy; He will also do it! God Himself
Cor 3:18). After listening to me preach on shall sanctify you completely; and your
the theme, Like Jesus, a bank official whole spirit and soul and body will be
with eyes full came running and asked kept blameless at the coming of our Lord
me, “Brother, Do you really think a person Jesus Christ (1 Thess 5:23,24). There-
like me can ever become like Jesus?” I fore, “be patient; take courage; for the
instantly replied, “If an unseemly cater- coming of the Lord is near!” (Js 5:8).
pillar can transform into an attractive
butterfly, you surely can become like Jesus!”
He is now a growing and glowing Chris-
tian because of this faith. With Patriarch
Job let’s keep confessing, “All the days of
my appointed time will I wait, till my
change comes” (Job 14:14).
57 58
not been so, everyone of us would have
perished long ago. As He is patient with
us, it is only right that He expects us to
be patient in our relationship with Him.
This is what the Bible calls as “Waiting
on God.” So much is preached and pub-
lished on the subjects of prayer, worship
and meditation. But specific teaching on
waiting on God is scarce though this
exercise is quite essential for Christian
4 discipleship and growth. In this article I
Waiting on God have attempted to lead the reader to a
Biblical understanding and experience of
waiting on God.
83 84
How can we find answers to these ten or three years. Choose a plan that suits
questions without spending time? They you and be regular to read the daily
are only fundamental! If the Bible is to portion. Early hours of the day are the
get into us, we must get into it. best because your mind will be fresh
enough to absorb a lot. This is just read-
When we are stingy with the time to ing. Close meditation can be on a few
be spent with the Bible, we tend to be verses from the daily portion or from
choosy with the passages. We read certain elsewhere. When you read through the
portions of the Scriptures again and again Bible again and again, comparing Scrip-
and leave out the rest. The result is that ture with Scripture becomes easy. Thomas
we don’t get “wholesome” food. We miss Watson has interestingly said, “Nothing
the “whole” counsel of God (Acts 20:27). can cut the diamond but the diamond;
The Bible claims that “all” of it is inspired nothing can interpret Scripture but Scrip-
by God (2 Tim 3:16,17). We cannot be- ture!” There are two outstanding benefits
come “complete” and be “thoroughly” of this method of studying the Bible. One,
equipped if we neglect portions of it. On very difficult passages suddenly become
the face of it certain books and passages clear when other passages throw light
may appear disinteresting. But when we on them. Second, we can be saved from
discipline our minds and force ourselves wrong interpretation leading to false doc-
to read and meditate them, we will be trines. False doctrines, like false witnesses,
amazed at what we get out of them. God agree not among themselves!
unrolled a scroll before Prophet Ezekiel.
Its both sides were writings of “lamenta- The unnamed Ethiopian government
tions, mourning and doom.” God asked official had the habit of reading through
him to eat it! When he overcame his hesi- the Scripture even if he didn’t under-
tation and ate it, it tasted “as sweet as stand it. He had picked up the Book of
honey” (Ezek 2:8-3:3). Isaiah for his recent trip to Jerusalem.
See how a brief exposition by Evangelist
Reading & Rereading Philip could bring him to a consummate
understanding of Gospel truth! (Acts
There are several Bible reading calen- 8:26-40). Keep a fine ballpen or pencil,
dars which will take us through the Bible whenever you open the Bible, to underline
from Genesis to Revelation in one or two words, phrases and sentences which have
85 86
a special appeal to you. Because the Bible a King, he went through almost all the
paper is thin, don’t use poor quality ballpens problems and crises we face as average
which bleed and smudge. Leave a ques- citizens. He had his failures, struggles,
tion mark on the margin against a verse questions, puzzles, oppositions, betrayals,
or passage you don’t understand. You will sicknesses, loneliness, and name what.
have the joy of striking out some of them Many of his Psalms were born out of deep
in your next reading! Questions will dis- stirrings of the heart. He verbalised them
appear one by one in subsequent read- as songs of prayer and worship. Everyone
ings. God reveals His truths to us in of the 176 verses of Psalm 119 is a prayer
stages according to our level of under- of praise or confession. Interestingly 171
standing and maturity. Once Jesus told of these verses refer to God’s Word. David
His disciples, “Oh, there is so much more formatted this Psalm in alphabetical order
I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it from “aleph” to “tav”, as from A to Z. Dr.
now!” (Jn 16:12). Growth in Biblical un- Ravi Zacharias writes in his recent book,
derstanding will be in proportion to our Recapture the Wonder (2003), “God’s Word
response to the illumination of the Holy exhausts the very alphabet !”
Spirit (v 13). On another occasion Jesus
said, “You don’t understand now why I Study Aids
am doing it; someday you will” ( Jn 13:7).
Keep a notebook exclusively for jotting If only we know how much time the
down points which make your heart glow. Bible translators take to translate a single
Laziness will prevent you to do this, and portion of the Scripture, we will not
the loss will be heavy. consider Bible meditation an extracur-
ricular activity! What a privilege to have
Bible & Prayer the entire Bible in our mother tongue,
that too in so many versions! There are
The time we spend with the Bible will still over 1000 languages without a single
enliven and enrich our prayertime. The line of the Scripture translated into them.
Bible is a book of prayers. Out of 667 This generation is enviably blessed with
recorded prayers, there are 454 recorded an abundance of Study Bibles and study
answers. We can articulate the very words aids. I could not afford to buy a single
of the Scripture when we lift up our hearts Study Bible during the first eight years
to God in prayer. Even though David was (1962-1970) of my spiritual life as a student
87 88
in the college. Oh, how I prayed for one message. Because of impatience, we jump
with my campus prayer mates! God granted from observation to application, skipping
the desire of my heart in 1970 when my the essential step of interpretation. Inter-
father-in-law presented me a Dake’s pretation is time-consuming. If we hurry
Annotated Reference Bible when I got through this middle step, we usually end
engaged to Lilian. It was a 1965 edition up in falsehood and distortion of truth.
and the price was Rs. 161 /- It took Finis We are admonished to “rightly divide the
Jennings Dake (1902-1987) about 100,000 Word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15b). This involves
hours during a span of 43 years to produce patience and hard work (v 15a). You may
this Study Bible. Today I own dozens of not be able to look into study aids everytime
Study Bibles. I handle them with reverence you read the Bible. But you must atleast
because as a Bible teacher I can under- take advantage of the cross references
stand what it would take for the authors given in the central column or at the foot
of Study Bibles to complete such works. of verses. What’s the use of possessing a
It’s good to buy Study Bibles but do we Reference Bible if you don’t turn to the
set aside time to study them? For most of references? Cross references which connect
us Sunday is the only holiday. If you the Old and the New Testaments are of
attend more than one worship service or inestimable value. Your heart will revel
meeting on Sundays, you will hardly be in finding that the New Testament had
left with any time for the family and been concealed in the Old, and the Old is
personal study. Sunday afternoons after a revealed in the New. Time will fly off in
siesta may be set aside for rigorous study this exultation!
of the Scriptures through study aids. Try
and see! Which Translation?
There are three steps in Bible study. New versions of the Bible are a stupen-
(1) Observation: What does this passage dous asset to people like us who have not
say? (2) Interpretation: What does this studied Hebrew and Greek. No one trans-
passage mean? (3) Application: How does lation is absolutely perfect or totally faulty.
this passage apply to me? In the step of Each has its strengths and defects. Don’t
observation, we discover the message; in be dominated by sentimentality and get
interpretation, we digest the message; closed to other versions. Take time to
and in application, we demonstrate the read your daily portions in one or two
89 90
other versions. You will be thrilled at Just 71 hours!
the fresh insights and understanding
you receive! Let the King James Version Satan uses our Biblical illiteracy to
addicts who are averse to other transla- his advantage. We are tossed to and fro
tions remember that the KJV is not the by every wind of false doctrine (Eph 4:14).
first version of the English Bible but a Though we possess the Sword of the Spirit,
revision of dozen versions. Several Indian which is the Word of God, we don’t know
vernacular editions of the Bible are also how to wield it against evil powers (Eph
being updated and they are welcome. 6:17). On the face of trials and tribula-
tions we lose our song and joy (Psa 119:92).
Hard to understand Reading and rereading of the Scriptures
is the surest way to keep our faith in tact
The Bible is both “milk” and “meat.”
and overcome temptations (Rom 10:17;
For beginners it is milk, and for the
Psa 119:9,11). “It is written” becomes
grown-ups and the mature it is meat (Heb
effective only when “It is read!” To go for
5:12-14). Chewing of meat takes longer
picnics and attend spiritual meetings we
time than drinking milk. As we grow in
our Christian life, we must allot more apply for leave. Why not go on leave for
and more time for Bible meditation. We three or four days every year exclusively
will come across several Bible difficulties for reading through the Bible from Genesis
and tough questions. Bible Dictionaries to Revelation? The entire Old and New
explain the cultural background against Testaments can be read aloud slowly and
which each book of the Bible was written. with expressions in less than 71 hours!
I read through these Dictionaries from The Church itself can organize such Bible
beginning to end at the rate of one or two Reading Retreats for its members in
pages per day. The entries in Dictionaries gardens, hills and quiet camp centres. I
are of course in alphabetical order, but challenge that the Church then will not
oftentimes I find myself reading just be what it is now! This would accomplish
exactly what is necessary for the Bible in the lives of Christians what million
passage I am meditating at that time! dollar seminars and conferences have
The Holy Spirit is simply anxious to help failed to do!
sincere seekers. Jesus said, “Seek, and
you will find” (Mt 7:7). I understand it as, Three day fasting prayers have become
“Seek until you find!” common. We need them and we can never
91 92
pray too much. However, praying without dous access preachers have to computer-
an equal dose of Biblical intake is the ised Biblical information. The laptop should
shortcut to deception. Many false doctrines not become lecterntop. When there’s no
and questionable practices have had their message to inspire people we resort to
birth during seasons of fasting where theatrical performances and sensational
sufficient time was not spent for Bible practices to impress the audience. Revival-
reading and meditation. The spirit world ist Leonard Ravenhill (1907-1994) lamented,
is filled with deceptions (1 Tim 4:1; Eph “Too many dead preachers are preaching
6:12). That’s why the Bible clearly teaches too many dead sermons to too many dead
that hearing from God should precede speak- congregations!” The only way to get back
ing to Him (Eccl 5:1,2). Audiotapes of the life in the pulpit is to strip pastors and
entire Bible in English and also ver- preachers off all administrative and finan-
naculars are available. We can play them cial management responsibilities and shut
and read along. This way our reading them inside closets with their Bibles until
style also will be refined. they hear from God! (Acts 6:3,4). Then
will the long-awaited revival come!
Fire in the Pulpit!
Thank God for Bible software that’s
flooding the market. But remember, it
cannot become a substitute for your
personal meditation of the Book on your
knees. The extensiveness of Biblical
knowledge one can acquire through these
software is unimaginable. However, breadth
is not the same as depth. The software
can save us time in gathering facts but
they cannot shorten the time we need to
spend with God’s Word to understand His
mind. Knowledge is not the same as life.
The Tree of Knowledge is not the Tree of
Life. This explains why our pulpits are
still void of message inspite of the tremen-
93 94
60 years, apostle John at the end of his
life declared that he was a “companion in
the PATIENCE of Jesus” (Rev 1:9).
We are taught to “be always thankful, “The Lord God arranged for a leafy
no matter what happens, for this is God’s plant to grow and spread its shade over
will for us who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Jonah’s head... But God also prepared a
Thess 5:18). We may not “feel” like praising worm! The next morning at dawn the
God while we are crushed by pain and worm ate through the stem of the plant,
problems. It doesn’t matter, praise God so that it soon died and withered away”
anyway. Praise God when you don’t feel (Jon 4:6,7).
109 110
“I am the Lord, and there is no other. teach us His ways, will the Heavenly
I am the one who creates the light and Father spoil us by sparing that rod?
makes the darkness. I am the one who
sends good times and bad times. I, the The testimony of Psalmist David is
Lord, am the one who does these things” that of all prophets, patriarchs and people
(Isa 45:7). who walked closely with God in their
generations. He confessed to God, “The
Only when we are thoroughly convinced suffering You sent was good for me, for it
of the sovereignty of God and that noth- taught me to pay attention to Your prin-
ing goes beyond His control and happens ciples... I used to wander off until You
without His permission, we can sing with disciplined me; but now I closely follow
apostle Paul that all things work together Your word” (Psa 119:71,67). Our lips may
for good even if it is calamity or danger not instantly utter such words when
(Rom 8:28,35). This conviction leads us adverse winds blow on us. But if we
to unshakable confidence and we are recollect the outcome of the sufferings of
enabled to “be patient in trouble” (Rom the past, we will stay patient instead of
12:12). Folks may guess and say hundred turning bitter. The unknown author of
and one things about our suffering. But the Epistle to the Hebrews has written
we can assure ourselves by asking, “Who for us these timeless words: “No discipline
does not know that the hand of the Lord is enjoyable while it is happening—it is
has done this?” (Job 12:9). painful! But afterward there will be a
quiet harvest of right living for those
3. I am open to correction! who are trained in this way” (Heb 12:11).
“Teach me, and I will be silent; and We have these days short-term courses
show me how I have erred” (Job 6:24). and distant education as substitutes for
rigorous training and systematic learn-
God has no pleasure in our suffering. ing in classrooms for long years. Substi-
If we sinful people desire that our chil- tutes are invented to save time and enjoy
dren should be happy and healthy, how ease. But as for God, He never changes
much more will our heavenly Father desire and He is not in a hurry. Times are in
so for His children! But if suffering is an His hands. Life’s lessons are not learnt
incomparable means to correct us and overnight. Patience and perseverance are
111 112
inevitable. No wonder the saints of old doesn’t in the strict sense need us; we
called suffering a school! need Him. The right confession would be
what a man like Paul made: “I am not
4. I am unworthy of God’s favour! worthy to be called an apostle... But what-
ever I am now, it is all because God
“What is man that You magnify him, poured out His special FAVOUR on me... I
and that You are concerned about him?” have worked harder than all the other
(Job 7:17). apostles, yet it was not I but God who
was working through me by His GRACE”
Have I not walked in integrity? Why (1 Cor 15:9,10; Eph 3:7,8).
then does God let me suffer like this?
Have I not served Him faithfully all these Job seems to have had a better under-
years? Why then did He allow this calamity standing of God’s grace than we who are
in my life? Have I not been unselfish living in the dispensation of grace. He
and sacrificial in my dealings with people? said, “Who am I, that I should try to
Why then did He permit this loss in my answer God or even reason with Him?
business? Have I not loved Him so dearly Even if I were innocent, I would have no
that I never enjoyed any ungodly pas- defence. I could only plead for MERCY ”
time? Why then does He punish me like (Job 9:14,15). More the thorns in life,
this in displeasure? These questions flood greater the appreciation of God’s grace (2
our minds and fill our mouths when we Cor 12:9).
suffer.
5. I trust God in darkness!
Though these questions may appear
sensible, they are wrong. We need to “God’s great works are too marvellous
correct our thinking. We don’t add any- to understand. He performs miracles without
thing to God by our offerings or service. number. Yet when He comes near, I can-
He is absolutely absolute in Himself and not see Him. When He moves on, I do not
He doesn’t need anything from us (Acts see Him go” (Job 9:10,11).
17:25; Psa 50:7-13). He won’t feel miser-
able or helpless if we desert Him. We It is the “why” and “what” questions
don’t do Him favour by serving Him. Rather which disturb our equillibrium and make
we are fortunate to be called by Him. He us pour out words of impatience while
113 114
suffering. There will be calm in spite of selves to Him, saying, “Father, I entrust
storm if only we know “who” is in control. My spirit into Your hands!” (Mt 27:46; Lk
23:46). Dr. Raymond Edman (1900-1967),
God is light and He is in the light. a longtime President of Wheaton College,
This is only one side of divine revelation. calls this the “discipline of darkness”
Solomon the wise had known the other (Isa 50:10).
side. He once prayed, “O Lord, You have
said that You would live in thick dark- 6. I serve a God worth suffering for!
ness” (1 Ki 8:12). Glittering light and
pompous show will there be where earthly “Though God slay me, I will hope in
kings are seated. It’s different with the Him” ( Job 13:15).
King of kings. “The Lord is King... Clouds
and darkness surround Him” (Psa 97:1,2). “Bless God when He blesses you; but
curse Him when He crushes you!” This
Christian life is comparable to a walk was the philosophy of Mrs. Job (Job 2:8-
from the outer court to the innermost 10). Sadly many Christians are ruled by
sanctuary through the holy place of the this philosophy. We may not actually “curse”
Tabernacle. There is sunlight in the outer God, but what do we do when we don’t
court, candlelight in the inner court, but praise Him? If we follow Jesus only “be-
no light in the innermost court. One has cause of” the blessings we receive from
to walk there only in faith and not by Him, our relationship and religion are
sight or any other sense (2 Cor 5:7). In utilitarian. Following Him “in spite of”
Heavenly Jerusalem also there will be no buffetings and brickbats is true service
lamplight or sunlight, but the Lord Him- and pure worship.
self will be the Light (Rev 22:5). When
we walk in faith, quit asking questions, What the three Hebrew young men spoke
and quiet the turbulent mind, it will be before King Nebuchadnezzar weakened
heaven on earth even if the times would his strategy. They politely but firmly said,
be worst ever. “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace,
the God whom we serve is able to save us.
In our humanness we may cry out, But even if He does not, Your Majesty
“My God, my God, why have You forsaken can be sure that we will never serve your
Me?” But we should quickly commit our- gods or worship the gold statue you have
115 116
set up!” (Dan 3:17,18). The early disciples What lies beyond death and grave is
had the same spirit. When they were flogged the greatest strengthener of our feeble
for their dauntless witness, they rejoiced hands and weak knees. We have every
that God had counted them worthy to reason to be agitated and lose patience in
suffer dishonour for the Name of Jesus suffering if there is no life after death.
(Acts 5:40,41). How many long hours we sometimes wait
in visa issuing offices to travel overseas!
As we approach the end of endtimes, How much we rejoice when the visa is
finally stamped on our passports! How
our days of adversity seem to outnumber
much more patient should we be today
the days of prosperity. That will be no
for the glory land we would enter tomor-
excuse for our murmuring and complaints.
row! “What we suffer now is nothing
Because, in the very first instance we are
compared to the glory God will give us
called not only to believe on Christ but later” (Rom 8:18).
also to suffer for Him (Phil 1:29). The
New Living Translation renders it as the When we lose patience in any situa-
“privilege of suffering!” An active Chris- tion, virtues leave us one by one, and
tian earns the frown of the devil. The vices lift up their ugly heads. We suddenly
devil will attack him in all areas of his realize that we have spoken detestable
life—physical, mental, spiritual, financial words which are too many to be taken
and social. If Christ died for us, no suf- back. If we are quiet and confident, we
fering of ours will be too much, and no can declare, “God knows the way I take;
sacrifice too great! when He has tried me, I shall come forth
as gold” (Job 23:10).
7. I look forward to the future glory!
I quote Paul (Rom 5:3-5b) in conclu-
“I know that my Redeemer lives, and sion: “We can rejoice when we run into
that He will stand on the earth at last. problems and trials, for we know that
And after my body has decayed, yet in my they are good for us — they help us learn
body I will see God! I will see Him for patience. And patience develops strength
myself. Yes, I will see Him with my own of character in us, and character strengthens
eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!” our confident expectation of salvation. And
(Job 19:25-27). this expectation will not disappoint us!”
117 118
The Bible speaks so much about being
patient in suffering. Every Christian goes
through some suffering or other. This
being so, preachers always find them-
selves in a position to exhort “others” to
be patient. Hardly does a preacher realize
that he is the one who is expected to
exercise untiring patience more than anyone
else. In this article, by preachers I mean
anyone in Christian service and leader-
ship whatever be the size of his group or
8 the level of his responsibility.
Preachers & Patience Father & Mother
The Bible uses various word pictures
for those in Christian work. A servant of
God is compared to a nursing mother.
Apostle Paul testified to the Christians in
135 136
As Elisha did? glory of God, we must wait patiently
before Him. Jesus had already given His
The descent of the Dove-like Spirit on
Jesus at the riverbank and His forty day disciples power over unclean spirits (Mt
fasting in the desert charged Him with 10:1). But when they could not cast out a
God’s power beyond measure. But when demon from a young boy, the explanation
the devil prompted Him to try it out by of Jesus was that they should spend enough
turning stones into bread, Jesus refused time unhurriedly with God in fasting and
(Mt 3:16-4:4). This is patience that’s prayer. Faith and power alone won’t do
perfect. In contrast, prophet Elisha, who (Mt 17:19-21). Why did Jesus delay His
was patient before getting the mantle, visit to Lazarus when he was dying? He
started acting in haste once he received took time to receive specific instructions
it. He struck Jordon immediately with
from His Father about the situation.
the mantle (2 Ki 2:13,14). In his impa-
tience he cursed fortytwo youths who
mocked at him. They were instantly de- A.W. Tozer (1871-1963) observed, “We
voured by wild bears (vv 23-25). What did hear a great deal about GO YE, but not
Elisha gain by the death of so many young- much about TARRY YE !” This was the
sters? God forbid that we in impatience worry of the 18th century Scottish preacher,
do any destructive thing “as Elisha did!” Andrew Bonar (1810-1892), who warned
Gifts of the Spirit and His fruit are two ministers of his day, “One of the gravest
different things. Charisma is not the same perils which besets the ministry is a rest-
as character. It is possible to excel in
less scattering of energies over an amaz-
prophesying, exhibit mountain-moving faith
ing multiplicity of interests which leaves
and even embrace martyrdom without love
which is perfected by patience (1 Cor 13:1- no margin of time and of strength for
4a; Js 1:4). Emerson commented, “A man receptive and absorbing communion with
is a hero, not because he is braver than God.” A prepared messenger is more im-
anyone else, but because he is brave for portant than a prepared message. We cannot
ten minutes longer!” cultivate a spirit of prayer unless we
acquaint ourselves with divine patience.
With God for God! We should begin to pray before we kneel
God endows us with gifts of power. In down, and we should not cease when we
order that they may be operated for the rise up!
137 138
My own vineyard sail against God’s wind. Financial diffi-
culties, fruitlessness in work, material
When we become overoccupied with the losses, failures in life, family problems,
work of God and neglect personal devo-
physical ailments, deaths of dear ones,
tions, our spiritual growth will be stunted.
and the like may be God’s attention-
Then we will have to lament like the
getters. Stay sensitive.
Shulamite in the Song of Solomon, “They
made me the keeper of the vineyards, but
Perhaps today!
my own vineyard I have not kept” (SS
1:6b). Jesus was always watchful to avoid Fulfilment of visions, accomplishment
this pitfall. When the work increased, He of goals, answers to prayers, solution of
increased His quiet time with His Father. problems and several such things may be
Historian Luke gives a firsthand report: inordinately delayed in our work for God.
“Despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of But he who waits on God loses no time.
His power spread even faster, and vast We will not be frustrated if what we
crowds came to hear Him preach and to primarily look forward to is the Return of
be healed of their diseases. But Jesus Christ rather than any of the above things.
often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer” Horatius Bonar (1808-1889) was called
(Lk 5:15,16). the prince of Scottish hymn-writers. He
served God for over sixty years. When he
Attention-getters gets up in the morning, he would say,
“Perhaps today, Lord!” When he retires to
The saintly Robert Murray M’Cheyne
bed, “Perhaps tonight, Lord!” God knows
said, “Every wise workman takes his tools
away from the work from time to time that it is a struggle for us to be patient.
that they may be ground and sharpened; That’s why Christ repeatedly says, “Be-
so does the only-wise Jehovah take His hold, I come quickly!”
ministers oftentimes away into darkness
and loneliness and trouble that He may
sharpen and prepare them for harder work
in His service.” Blessed thought! God
allows crises in our lives to slow us down
in the rat race. We should not be discour-
aged, but at the same time we should not
139 140
A New Book by the Author Visit...
for Daily Reading... StanleyOnBible .com
A WEBSITE FOR BIBLE LOVERS.
CONTENTS
p My Letters
Stanley talks heart to heart
with the Visitors of this Website.
p General Messages
Enlightening Articles for Christian Growth
p Sermon Outlines
Outlines on miscellaneous subjects for
Personal Meditation and Pulpit Preaching
p Bible Studies
Studies on specific themes
and select books of the Bible
p Doctrinal Essays
432 Pages 23 cm x 16 cm x 2 cm Corrective Teaching to uphold
Quality Paper, Attractive Wrapper, Plastic Cover Sound Doctrines of the Bible
Price Rs. 150/- p Youth Matters
Forwarding Charges Rs. 25/- Practical Guidelines to Young Men
and Young Women for Successful Living
(Available in Hindi, Kannada , Oriya and Tamil also) p Leaders Column
Biblical Insights and Practical Lessons
An ideal Gift for Birthdays, Weddings, Anniversaries,
on Christian Leadership
Graduation and the New Year !
p Missionary Challenge
Calling Christians to obey
You can start reading this from any part of the year!
the Great Commission of Christ
p My Answers
Available from
Answers to Questions
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road frequently asked but rarely answered
Chintadripet, Chennai 600002, India p Quotable Quotes
Tel: 044-28450411 Stanley’s analytical Statements
<bymliterature@vsnl.net> about Christian Life and Ministry
141 142
Other titles by the author— Blessing Youth Mission
r Apples of Gold A transdenominational ministry dedicated to
r Balanced Christian, The Revival and Evangelism, functioning since 1971.
r
r Better Everyday (Daily Devotional) Conducting Revival Camps,
r Blessed are the Obedient! Bible Studies and Training Programmes.
r Dare to be Different ! r
r Enlightening Essays Establishing witnessing groups in schools
r Faith Life and colleges through Campus programmes.
r
r Fire in My Bones
Visiting villages, slums, hospitals, etc.,
r Five Loaves & Two Fish through hundreds of outreach teams
r Frank Answers (Volume One) of laymen and laywomen.
r Frank Answers (Volume Two) r
r Happy Harvest Church planting and Church revival ministries in
r Higher Ways Higher Thoughts Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chattishgarh, Delhi,
Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya
r How to be Anointed with the Spirit Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Rajasthan,
r How to be Saved Tamilnadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal
r Inspired Insights through over 300 fulltime missionaries.
r Little Foxes r
r Open Heaven Publishing books, tracts and a periodical titled
BLESSING in Assamese, Bengali, English,
r Power Belongs to God! Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi,
r Preachers & People Oriya, Tamil and Telugu.
r To Dear Students... r
r Wild Honey Helping the poor, downtrodden
r With God Again! and neglected people through
medical, literacy and relief works.
These books are available Pray for this Mission.
in several Indian vernaculars also. Participate in its activities.
The author’s sermons in DVDs are also available with us. Support it with your offerings.
Blessing Youth Mission
Blessing Youth Mission
Church Colony, Vellore 632 006, India
Church Colony Tel: 0416-2242943, 2248943
Vellore 632 006, India <bym@sancharnet.in>
www.BlessingYouthMission.org
143 144