Today's Word of God

It is unfair!

2012-01-18T23:59:00.000-08:00

Do not grieve; the joy of theLord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:9

Good morning, friends.

During our New Year service whenwe were asked to share the testimonies, people shared how God has been good tothem. It was such a delight to hear from those who experienced God’s hand intheir lives. One girl made a statement when she testified the Lord. “It isunfair if I do not thank Him from the depth of my heart for all the good thingsHe has done in my life.” The catchy thing to my ears was “Itis unfair if I do not thank Him from my heart.” What an awesome statement thatis!

I just think of how many thankswe normally say to people around us. If a person holds the door openfor us, we thank them. If the cashier gives away the receipt for our purchase,we thank them. When the waitress serves the food, we thank them. When the team membersdo a fantastic job, we thank them. When the conductor gives the ticket, wethank them. When someone gives a ride to the office, we thank them. We can addn number of cases in which we thank several people each day because of whatthey have been doing.

When was the last time we thankedour God who has been very faithful throughout our lives? Every morning, we getup from the bed. We speak, walk, hear, smell, eat, sense, and breathe every daywithout any issues. We travel to ourwork places and return safe every day. We are kept safe with wonderful jobs in spiteof all the economic downtimes. When weknow that several people are admitted in hospitals for health issues, we areblessed enough that we just visit the doctors once in a while. When there areseveral couples cry out loud for babies, we have children living very activeamong us. When there are some rich people who never get sleep during thenights, we have peaceful sleep every night. We can add a huge list ofprivileges that we have been granted everyday even without our knowledge.

Are we thankful enough to God whosupports us 24/7 without even a single pause? Or are we still worrying aboutthat few things that bother us for a while? Can we imagine how our world willbe if our God forgets us even for a minute? Whether we worry or not, God stilltakes care of all our needs. We should not be dipped into worries. Thank Him foreverything we’ve been enjoying even when we do not deserve. Nehemiah 8:9 says, “Donot grieve; the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Yes, when we thank Him, the joy of the Lord in us increases which isgreater than our greatest strength. What else do we need? Whatever bothers ustoday, let us keep that under His feet and wait for His deliverance.

It is unfair if we are afraid of anything. Be joyful!Do not grieve! We have an Almighty God with whom all things are possible!!!

Simple prayers from the heart!

2012-01-04T21:38:00.000-08:00

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Matthew 6 : 7

Good morning, friends.

Recently I watched the movie ‘Letters to God’. This is from the producers of the movies ‘Fireproof’ and ‘Facing the giants’. Watch it if you can. It is the true story of Tyler Doughtie.

Tyler is an 8 years old boy suffering from cancer. He writes and mails many letters addressed ‘To God’. He just writes whatever he feels like sharing with God. He doesn’t approach God for only healing, but these letters just reflect his heart to God. He writes even about the simple things like “You know what God? Today was a very good day”. The mailmen don’t know what to do with these letters. This boy doesn't spend his life scared of his disease, instead he writes letters even for others' problems, behaves very patiently toward his schoolmate Alex when he teases him about his disease, and convinces his friend Samantha to behave just like how Jesus would react. After listening to an old man saying, “You have been handpicked by God. When people see how strong and brave you are, that will make them look at their own lives”, this little boy considers himself as a warrior of God. This little boy’s sincere letters and life, touch many and bring them to the truth.

One day in my fellowship when we asked a girl to pray she started like this. “Good morning, God!” We all were surprised. Yes, after knowing much about God and the scriptures we tend to use more words in our prayers and make the prayers so very formal. Just think about your initial days when you have just known the love of Christ. All the prayers would have been very simple and childish. God loves those prayers, because they would have come very innocently. We would have thanked Him even for simple things. I remember I thanked Him when He enabled me to get up at 5 AM several years ago. Now I get frustrated when the alarm wakes me up even at 7 AM. God calls us back to our first love & to the greater heights of intimacy with Him. Shall we go back to Him with an open heart today? I’m sure He is waiting very eagerly to hear our innocent prayers once again.

Have a very happy New Year 2012! May all His promises to you come to pass!

Better than Tom, Ben & Ann?

2011-12-29T20:38:00.000-08:00

It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. 2 Peter 2 : 21

Good morning, friends.

Who are Tom, Ben and Ann? Well, they are my new friends. :)

I bought an iPod Touch recently. I always like to play the Hearts game on it. You know why? Because most of the time I win the game. These three are my computer players who don’t have artificial intelligence. I believe you know the rules of Hearts. When we see someone playing the cards that could make us lose the round, we will make sure that we don’t play the cards with high numbers or face cards. But you know what they all do? They will play the cards as defaulted. They can never think that playing the card will make them lose. So they keep on playing the cards from the same losing family again and again making me a winner all the time. I wonder if I would ever win if they have artificial intelligence and could make wise decisions before they play.

We know that God created us very special. He made us in His own image. Many times we wonder why God gave us free will and enabled us to make our own foolish decisions. Creations blaming God is not something that we learned recently. When we read/hear about Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit, the very popular question that arises is, “Why did God place the tree in front of their eyes?” or “Why didn’t God stop Eve from eating at it?” and “If God had stopped Eve from eating the fruit, sin would not have entered the world.”

When we realize that we are in a big mess we blame God for giving mankind the free will. Now I understand why God has given us the free will. If he hasn’t, then you & I will be like Tom, Ann and Ben. Now the question is, are we better than Tom, Ben & Ann? At least they obey their creators (the gaming programmers). But many times we tend to go away from the default good will of our Creator, breaking fellowship with Him, committing sins, blaming others & Him, hating people, having wrong desires, taking things for granted and doing whatever is not good & ungodly. God didn’t want us to be robots. He wanted us to have freedom. We should not take it for granted. In everything that He gives, we will have to honor Him by utilizing them wisely. After knowing righteousness, don’t turn back, for it is better for a person to not have known the righteousness than for him to reject the righteousness he has known.

You are special!

2011-12-15T02:33:00.000-08:00

For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalms 139 : 13, 14

Good morning, friends!

Here is something which reminded me how special we are in the sight of God.

Recently I prepared ‘Sambar rice’. I thought of using some vegetables in it. I opened the fridge to select the vegetables and you know what I picked up? The brinjals (egg plants) and the tomatoes which would spoil in a few days and left all the fresh ones for future use. I also prepared a lot to save it for another day. This is called cooking for the namesake and try avoid preparing something for the next day. If I were God, I guess I would have written some codes to create a bunch of human beings on a single day and have taken rest all the other days. :)

When I think of how God created us, it amazes me. In my prayer cell, I heard one speaking about how God created us. He didn’t use any reusable tool. He didn’t create all of us alike like how we programmers try creating a generic module first and then inherit it to the specific modules. He created us all unique. He took much care that He created us in His own image. He didn’t use anything that is lesser than perfect. He didn’t feel bored to spend innumerable time on each one of us. When He created us, He felt it was good.

Yes, we are very special to Him. Each one of us is unique with inbuilt skills and talents. When the birds, seas and everything praise Him for who He is, we are supposed to praise Him more for we are created like Him! We are the special among all the creations. You may have some issues that bother you for a long time, but remember how special you are! God will take care of your needs in a special way! So cast your cares on Him and start praising Him!

Some prayer requests:

Recently I am hearing from many that the children are not doing well. Please hold all the new born babies and the kids in your prayers. Please pray that the Lord should be with them all and they would be raised healthy.

Jehovah Jireh, MY Provider!

2011-11-14T00:05:00.000-08:00

My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4 : 19

Good morning, friends! November month is very special for me. You know why? I celebrated my Birthday last Friday (11/11/11). I am completing my 1 year in USA today. Soon I will be completing my 5 years with my work. During all these years, the Lord has been soooooooo good to me. Below is just one incident which explains the Lord’s love & care for me.

On my Birthday (last Friday as I wrote earlier) I felt so hungry by 1.15 PM and as I didn’t take lunch from home I had to eat from the canteen. I knew that the caterers will be done by 1.30 PM every day at my office. By 1.15 PM, I was shocked after I realized that I left my debit card at my home itself and I didn’t have cash too. I don’t bother about lunch usually, but I was starving that day. I quickly searched some of my friends who sit next to me at my office. But they all went for having lunch in a nearby hotel. I was sure that they would not return before 1.30 PM. By 1.25 PM, I saw one coming and after seeing me, he gave me his card which can be used. I was very happy and quickly ran down to have some food.

It was at the last few minutes that I entered in and I found my favorite cheese pizza. I asked it to be cut into 2 pieces and this time unusually the man who parceled it folded it by having the ventral side up. It was baked a little extra.

When I reached the billing counter, the lady refused to get the amount from me saying that the pizza was baked extra. I tried swiping the card anyway, but she didn’t allow me. I strongly know that there were several times before that day I did buy extra baked pizzas from the same caterer at the regular price. When I handed the card back to my friend telling what happened, he told that it should be a Birthday gift.

I know this is a very silly incident. I thought several times why I would come out without even checking my bag. But I felt very happy that the Lord took great care on me. Above all, from many of the Birthday wishes, one of my friends on FaceBook posted this verse as a blessing verse.

Dear friends, so far in my life, I could give innumerable cases where the Lord has blessed me abundantly than I could ever imagine. I am seeing the Lord’s hands in my simple as well as greater things. I faced many struggles, but God has never put my face to shame. He has been always with me, working for me in ways I could not see. Yes, we have an Almighty God who cares about whatever bothers us!

A grateful heart!

2011-10-25T22:21:00.000-07:00

I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart. Psalms 9 : 1

My heart is filled with joy. I am thinking about it over and over again. J

My younger sister is doing her final year Engineering. She is staying away from my home for her studies. She reached my home yesterday and gave a parcel to both my dad and my mom. As soon as they opened it, they saw a beautiful saree for my mom and a shirt for my dad. My mom even thought that it was sent either by me or my brother. She was so surprised that those were bought by her before she boarded the bus to our hometown.

To me, she is always a kid and so to my parents too. She and her friends are always so naughty and sometimes I worry about this. But this act of her shows that she behaves matured.

How great is my joy! I am sure my mom & dad too feel the same. The happiness is not because she bought something for them or saved her pocket money to buy dresses for them, but it is because how she was so thoughtful and she should have saved money for this for quite a few months. I am happy that the amount she has spent for them is way too much that I ever did even after working in IT industry for nearly 5 years. After all, she didn’t start working yet. Whether she meant this or not, to me it is like she has shown her gratefulness through this. She may forget this, but I am sure I and my mom & dad will never forget this.

Imagine how God would feel when He sees His children being thankful for all that He does in their lives! The one who never sleeps nor slumbers needs our attention. Just to have fellowship with someone, He created us. He looks up to us, waiting for the time when we would call up on His name! More than the sacrifices & your offering, God needs you. Relationship gets stronger when enough time is spent. If you have fell down from the first love that you had for Him, then it is a gentle reminder that He still patiently waits for you! Make Him happy!

Stay blessed!

Even my simple desires!

2011-10-19T23:23:00.000-07:00

What is mankind that You are mindful of them, human beings that You care for them? Psalms 8 : 4

Good morning, friends. It’s the time to think about God’s another characteristic. He cares for us! Below is just an incident that happened to my friend.

It crossed the regular office timing, so I and my fellowship hurried up to board a late evening shuttle. By the time we reached the parking space, the bus was full. So we just walked outside of our campus. Then suddenly we planned to have dinner at a hotel. I have eaten fish fry only a very handful number of times in my lifetime. I ordered the fish fry. But after it was served, I was not able to eat it and so I packed it up to my room. I boarded a bus after the dinner where I met another friend.

Before I got down at my stop, I handled the parcel to her and reached my home. The very next morning during our fellowship time, she shared her testimony that she wanted to have fish the previous night. But she didn’t have time to go out. The rest of the story, you know!

This may sound silly, eating fish is not really an important need in one’s life. But who are we that He is mindful of us? Why should He care for even our silly desire? It’s amazing to see how God provides us what we wanted. My needs have been met by Him innumerable times even before I knew I needed them. Isn’t it surprising that God, the Maker of heaven and Earth takes much care of you?

Let us take a few minutes and think about a few circumstances in which the Lord has fulfilled even your simple desires. Write back to me if you want to share it with me. I would like to hear your experience too. Stay blessed!

Unfailing Love!

2011-10-18T22:33:00.000-07:00

Turn, LORD, and deliver me; save me because of Your unfailing love. Psalms 6 : 4

Good morning, friends! Yesterday we read about the ‘Sustaining grace’ of the Lord. Today let us meditate about another nature of God. It is His ‘Unfailing love’.

King David says in Psalms 7 : 8, “Vindicate me, LORD, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High.” I remember Michael Wiebe, a missionary in Campus Crusade speaking about King David. He told that David was a great King, yet he was also an ordinary man. Why? It is very simple. He has committed adultery with Bathsheba. He has murdered her husband by planning wicked schemes. Yet he remained the man of God’s own heart! How is that even possible?

My fellowship leader in one of his sermons told that even though he sinned, as soon as he was convicted by the Lord through Nathan, he immediately turned back to God. He confessed his sins and he didn’t remain in his sinful nature. He learnt a good lesson from the Lord after which he didn’t go back to the sin! He implicitly taught us all what salvation is all about.

We’re the born sinners. We live in our fleshy desires and thoughts. But when the Lord convicts us we turn to Him and choose Him as our personal savior and we don’t go back to the sin again. This is what we call as salvation.

David was son confident that he didn’t do anything against the Lord or to anyone and so he was able to pray, “Lord, vindicate me according to my righteousness.” Can you & I say that? Are we having clean hearts and hands? Are we remaining in the Lord’s salvation all the times? If we go back to the old pits, will the Lord leave us unattended? Cheer up! This is for you. The answer is a big ‘No’.

Lord’s unfailing love will not be diminished even though we are unfaithful to Him. He will come & rescue us. Are you not experiencing the intimate relationship with Him before? Are you falling down from the very first love you had on Him? Does the devil remind you of your old sins again & again? Pray the prayer of David! “Save me because of Your unfailing love!” He knew the secret & he came back to God immediately. You also can always rely on God’s unfailing love. He is always ready to cleanse you & save you from all your sins. Are you ready today to come back to Him trusting His unfailing love?

Sustaining grace!

2011-10-17T22:20:00.000-07:00

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. Psalms 3 : 5

Good morning, friends!

You know how restless a King who rules his dynasty would be! Wars everywhere, troubles from his own son, etc… still made King David a true worshiper! It’s surprising to me how King David worshipped! I would think that King Solomon who was blessed with peace would have worshipped. But it is the reverse that happened! King David worshipped and remained the man after the Lord’s own heart.

A few months back, I was working for my first on site project. Not to mention much about that project here as few of you already know about how it took away all my time. A normal human being has to sleep at least a few hours every night and has to have food at least twice a day. This hectic project took almost all the days and nights and gave me no real sleep or food. The reason why IT companies give holidays during the weekend is, to let their employees refresh themselves leaving all their project issues. But for me the weekends were much stressful than the Business week. I really didn’t live a life at all except the time I spent with some special friends in Nashville.

Out of that 24/7 development project, I didn’t spend my time in the presence of the Lord. I always grumbled against the tough time I was going through forgetting the grace that He has given me in spite of all the hectic schedules. All the excuses I made during those days were, “I am busy.”

When you ask someone why they are not able to spend time in God’s presence, the first answer they would give is, “I am busy.” Why did David worship? Didn’t he have anything else to do? Psalms 3 : 5 - What a meaningful verse it is! King David said, “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.” David clearly knew that amidst of every pain that he has gone through, he could sleep and get up only because the Lord sustained him. Just because he realized this truth, he was able to worship Him without making any excuses.

Recently in my Church the Pastor was talking about ‘The Delivering grace’ and ‘The Sustaining grace’! Which one is more important? David knew that the sustaining grace was the most important and so he was able to tell that “The Lord sustains me” especially when he was running from the eyes of his own son Absalom who tried killing his father.

Friends, there are many who commit suicide without able to bear their pains. But you & I are still surviving through the similar pains till now. We don’t take sleeping pills to sleep. We have no difficulty in getting up every day. Do you think it is by our own strength? NO. Not at all. It is the Lord who sustains us, who strengthens our heart and keeping it from bursting out. His sustaining grace is more than enough for us than anything else to face the world. All we need to do is, to remember His sustaining grace and look up to Him for everything leaving aside all our lame excuses!

Blessed are those who mourn!

2011-09-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5 : 4

Good morning, friends. Real life incidents make more sense and they have much effect in our lives. So here comes one today.

Some of you may remember that I was admitted in a hospital when I was in Nashville for 9 hours due to a pain in the abdomen. The Lord kept reminding me saying, “The Egyptian you see today, you will not see it anymore.” That was the only thing that gave me hope in spite of what the doctors told as I didn’t have my mom or dad next to me. It was in March, 2011.

Now it is Sep, 2011. It has been nearly 6 months since then. Doctors told that the pain may come again and if it comes, then I need to go back to them. But as per the Lord’s promise to me, I didn’t face that pain anymore after that day.

Last Saturday, I went to North Mississippi River Park with my Church friends. It was such a wonderful day that we spent there playing lot of games, eating all that we could. J After coming back I had a lot of pain all over the body. Because of heat and other stuffs, I had a severe stomach pain this evening. I was in a great fear that this one shouldn’t be the same pain I had 6 months ago. I am not willing to go to the hospital again for the treatment. When I rolled here and there over the comforter, all I was reminding myself is the promise from the Lord. My roommate and my friend helped me a lot preparing things which can soothe the pain out. I really thank God for them. But again the name I could keep on calling is the Lord’s. ‘Jesus’! Nothing else came out from my mouth. After vomiting, I started sleeping and the pain started subsiding. After I got up, the pain was no more.

Now back to Matthew 5 : 4. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Does that mean we should mourn all the time? Let us just quickly go through few points before I finish.

1. When things are all going smooth, the Lord’s promises may be forgotten and we may still longing for something that has not come to pass in our lives. At some point of time, there may not be any longing for us to be in His presence.

2. But when something strikes us so badly, we hurry up to God knowing that He alone can rescue us from evil. We don’t need anyone to remind the promises. We keep saying them again and again, crying out and getting delivered.

Now the question for all of us is, are we worried about others who face lot of struggles in their lives? Are we seriously praying for them? Are we trying to console them? In other words, are we still caring about what they go through? When Nehemiah heard that the city was collapsed, he mourned and prayed. He made the difference in people’s lives.

Can we keep others in our prayers considering they are our own Brothers and Sisters? My friends, when we lost our golden chain, my friends’ care and their prayers for me and family gave us strength and we were recovered faster from that loss. Who knows? There may be someone out there waiting for you to show them the way for their recovery.

Mourn for the right things! Mourn for others! Be a blessing!

Jehovah Jireh!!

2011-07-25T23:22:00.000-07:00

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Good morning, friends! I'm here with a testimony.

After returning from office, I was searching for my personal laptop at my house and I didn't find it for a while. Here the maintenance people can come in anytime even when we're not present. But they are trustworthy. So I didn't worry because I knew that I should have misplaced it today. Then I realized how much I'm trusting even the people whom I have never known before.

Many times I worry too much about what will happen to me in the future. But Bible asks me not to lean on my own understanding. I know I will first try out all the possible ways on my own strength before leaning on the Lord. When everything fails me, as I have no other go, I would submit myself and my cares on Him.

It was just a day before I started from Nashville I got a confirmation that I need to move to Minneapolis. I didn't even have enough time for packing my things. I knew no one to help me out with the accommodation. To all the advertisements I posted, I got responses from guys. I'm not too rigid that I would not speak to the other gender, but I am not too modern to share the accommodation with a guy. One of my college seniors with whom I never had a contact for more than 5 years sent me a friend request on FaceBook. After I accepted it, I found out that she stays in Minneapolis with her family. I was surprised and through her husband's friend, I got settled in a house now.

My colleagues started scolding me for choosing this apartment as it would not be possible at all to walk even a single step during Winter as it would start snowing continuously. I don't have my own transportation to office. This troubled me a lot. I attended a family retreat one weekend where I met a few people who also work for the same client and they also stay closer to my apartment. Now they come and pick me up to work. I also return with them. Both my accommodation and the transportation needs were met so sooner, even before I actually prayed.

Isn't it wonderful that God does care about every single detail of our lives? Even before we know that we would need something, God provides it. Remember Elijah was fed by a raven when he was starving. In my life I've come across many ravens who would God bring to the people who are in need. To my eyes it is always surprising when I think of the ways how God leads me in spite of all my weaknesses.

When the next time you think about the problems that threaten you, just make a decision to trust the Lord no matter how bad the situations appear. Don't lean on your own understanding. Remind yourself that all things will work together for good! Worrying can worse the situations. Replace your worries by the joy of the Lord because it alone is our strength. You'll find perfect peace seeing what God does for you!

May God bless you!

Praise Him! Praise Him!

2011-06-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7

Good morning, friends! Let me share something which I read in the book by Leann Albrecht, ‘Screaming on the inside.’ Let me write the same just like she narrates but a little shortened to include the basic essence of her inner heart.

It was the second time I became pregnant after I lost my first unborn baby after many years of my marriage. My body released another unborn child when I was in the middle of a double-header live worship event with Ron Kenoly and Don Moen. It was hard to concentrate on singing. I don’t know how I survived the long hours of agony before we finished the recording and the rehearsals. The longing for children persisted as and when we visited doctors and the specialists we could and had surgeries. We even tried adopting a child, but somehow God said ‘No’ to every child I thought would be Albrechts’ child.

Our hearts were filled with joy when we dreamt about the unborn Jonathan Zachary Albrecht who was inside his 19 years old mom April’s womb who already had a little baby girl. She told that she could not raise her son. We spent countless hours in waiting rooms and birthing clinics with her. Our fingers cramped as we signed and signed the huge stack of legal documents for adopting Jonathan.

Amidst of the excitement, all of a sudden I felt so uneasy and the Lord said to me that April has changed her mind. I didn’t want to believe it at all. The next morning the adoption lawyer confirmed the same and I stood frozen. I was broken to the core asking whether God was not noticing our desperation. I just wanted answers to my prayers. I even felt like God has played with my emotions.

On a chilly January day April called me and said, “Leann, this is April. There’s not been a day that is gone that I haven’t thought about you and Carl and how sorry I am that I hurt you. In fact I pray for you every day. I also wanted you to know that I would never have known Jesus if I had not come to your home. I am so grateful for you and Carl pointed me to Him. Because of you, I am raising both of my children in Church. We attend Church every week.”

The mystery was over and I understood God’s plan.After hearing this, my deep pain began to heal. It made every sense when I saw it from God’s view. This experience was SO much than us adopting a son.

I personally know this wonderful husband and wife who serve the Lord throughout all these years irrespective of their situations. I strongly believe that they really have many spiritual children across the world by their musical ministry including me. I could realize their love for others. It’s so stunning to me when I read about Leann undergoing such a stressful situation when she sang for ‘Worship with Don Moen’ live worship event. Because I’m a great fan of that album and have watched in innumerable times. All I see is just her joyful celebration in the presence of God.

Friends, as I wrote in my other email, anyone can praise God when everything is going right as we expected, but it is so very tough to thank and praise Him when nothing is working as we expected. But still when you praise Him in all your situations, God’s peace would rest upon you and after a while you would travel on the mountain of joy and would understand why you have gone through the valley of shadow if death. You and I will see only the present and long for many things but our good God holds our future in His hands and He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us. So let us praise Him when the sun is shining and even in the dark of the night and when the battle rages! He will give us power to overcome! By that time you’ll bless the people with your testimony and with your life!

May God bless you!

Count, count, count!!!

2011-04-01T18:47:00.000-07:00

I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us. Isaiah 63 : 7

Recently I’ve been to a hospital in USA (I think that is the first place I’ve visited in Nashville) and those were the horrible 9 hours. I waited for more than an hour to have the receptionist calling my name and the doctors and technicians without treating my pain started taking all the tests they could. Without my parents standing next to me, in a foreign country, a great fear captured my heart and I could remember my eyes crying silently for all those hours seeing the doctors coming in and giving me all the terrific reasons for why I was there even before the results came.

I was continuously asking the Lord for why I was there like an orphan. Some serious plans of going back to India, or to continue here in US, fear, pain and every kind of emotion literally made me the worst patient ever.

After returning also I spent 2 days crying & thinking about what happened. I asked the Lord n number of times why He has allowed me to pass through that situation.

Last night, I attended ‘The Well of Nashville’ organized by Carl and Leann Albrecht. There I heard Leann talking about the grapes in the vineyard of Italy. These grapes will not be tasty when there is an abundant rain, but they get sweeter only when there is no rain at all. Their roots go deeper and deeper into the soil trying to find some water. By that time they started absorbing all kinds of minerals and that’s the reason they get much sweeter! My critical situation made me realize that work is not everything. Health is much more important. It taught me to lean on Him. Only by Him I was able to recover from the pain. When all the doctors scared me, the perfect Healer alone comforted me.

When I was sick I asked the same questions again and again to the Lord, but then I realized how many times I didn’t surrender my health in His hands, but still He took care of me. I thought of the times when I really didn’t pray for my family and their safe coming and going, but still He kept them healthy. I remembered the times even before I started praying my sister saying to me that she secured very good marks, my brothers reaching home safe after the rash drives, my friends getting better jobs, my simple desires getting fulfilled, my needs met by Him before even I knew I needed them, etc… etc…

Yes, many times we forget to thank God for all the goodness and the mercies that He is showing us unconditionally. But then we think about our own problems all over again and again without getting bored. It’s very tough to stay calm, but I believe God is not a horrible one to test you in your difficult times, but He allows something which will definitely work out for good. In my case, I learnt that the temple in which He lives (our body) has to be taken care.

As a personal note, I would request you all to drink plenty of water and keep you from dehydrating. May God be with you all and keep you & yours sound and healthy.

Just Believe!

2011-03-06T00:53:00.000-08:00

Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” Luke 8 : 50

Below is a very short passage from Luke 8, but it has a whole lot of truth.

A man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.

Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” Then the woman she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.”

Jairus fell at Jesus’ feet for his 12 years old daughter. Jesus filled with compassion started walking toward his house. But a lady who suffered by bleeding for 12 long years touched the edge of His cloak and a great miracle happened. But Jesus stopped and started enquiring who touched Him. Even the disciples told Jesus that there was a very big crowd pressing Him. Then the lady came forward and admitted that she was the one who touched and was healed.

Think of Jairus’ situation. If I were Jairus I would have begged Jesus, “It’s okay, she is healed anyway. Don’t waste the time. My daughter is already dying.” I would have not been impressed much by this brand new miracle. But Bible nowhere says that Jairus was impatient even when someone said that his daughter was dead. Jesus comforts Jairus saying, “Don’t be afraid; just believe. She will be healed.”

The 12 years girl already died. Everyone was wailing and was mourning for her. Later Jesus touched her and she was brought back to life. Another miracle happened!

- When the whole crowd pressed toward Jesus, the one lady who touched his cloak with faith was healed instantly. One simple truth is, Jesus loves you as if are the only person in the world. He takes care of you and your needs though you feel like you’re unimportant.

- Everyone knew that Jairus’ daughter was dead already. But Jesus told that she would be healed. This clearly tells that none of our situations are dead. They all can be healed if you and I fall at His feet. And your situations will be the medicine for someone else’ pain.

- 12 years long suffering has gone somewhere because Jesus was on the way to Jairus’ house. Don’t feel like you’re waiting for some miracle to happen for years. The miracle is on your way!

- I am impressed with the number 12. 12 years long suffering lady and 12 years old girl! Jairus’ prayer for his daughter brought healing not only to his daughter, but also to another woman who was suffering because of bleeding as much years as his daughter was. Today you may be suffering, but please invite Jesus! Not only your need will be met, the people around you will be touched by Him.

- Finally, Jesus is never late! His timing is perfect! The delay caused because of a lady was not a delay at all. It’s the beginning of bringing streams in the desert, roadways in the wilderness. It’s the beginning of impossibilities turning possible before your very own eyes.

All things are possible with God! Amen!

Replace IT!

2011-01-23T23:20:00.000-08:00

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7

Hi friends,

Good morning. I many times wonder why I don’t change the subject to Monthly Word of God. :) I know our God is a God who speaks to our hearts all the time, not on a specific day and time.

I’m very happy. You know why? Because I have severe headache. :) Wondering why this fellow is happy for headache? That’s because I got no sleep. It is 12.50 AM here in Nashville when I started typing this message. When King Ahasuerus got no sleep there came deliverance to the people of God. The next time when you roll over and over on your bed, thank God for He is going to bring deliverance to the you and your people. :)

This week is a busy week for me which starts with code review. I have no idea how it would go. I think I would have gotten this headache just because of that. But somehow I started to pray to God about everything the Lord reminded me of.

In the morning, I listened to a message from Pastor Jim of The Joy Church. He preached about replacing worry with ‘prayer and petition with thanksgiving.’ When Bible says something it really means it. Though I have many many questions about everything, as I started praying with thanksgiving, the peace of God rested on me. I don’t have understanding of how things are going to be alright, but God’s peace rested on me, because now I know I’ve surrendered almost all the things which bothered me a lot.

I thanked God for every person the Lord has brought into my life starting from my fellowships till the new people I’m meeting here in Nashville. As a friend I know many of their tough situations they go through. I prayed that God would meet all their needs and use them mightily. Now I have such a relaxed mind.

People of God, it’s easy to give thanks when we see positive things going on. But only God’s children can give thanks when nothing is going right. It’s only because we surrender our inabilities to our Omnipotent God. I am sure I would share many amazing testimonies when God answers every prayer.

Are you having something in your heart that still bothers you? Take a break for a few minutes and go somewhere where you find a place to pray. Just pray about the things which Lord reminds you about and come back with His peace. Strongly believe that you would see and hear wonderful breakthroughs in every area that you committed to Him. Please be reminded that you didn’t share all the burdens to any mortal man, but to the Living God because of whom you and I can face tomorrow.

Have a blessed week ahead!

Cling on to Him!

2011-01-14T08:42:00.000-08:00

Hi friends,

You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the people. Psalm 77:14

Glad to greet you all today with another testimony!

I have not touched enough my new personal laptop I would say. As my roommate’s husband came here to be with her this weekend and as he didn’t bring his laptop and as they both thought to work from home today, they needed another laptop. She asked me whether she could use mine for today and I don’t know why I was hesitant to say okay, but then somehow I handed it to them and called one of my colleagues to walk with me toward office.

He is not working in my project, but then I was just telling about a question which my client manager has asked me last evening. I came up with many complex things to answer her this morning, but during our conversation he just spoke one simple line. It was highly non-technical. But God gave me a very good hint from his line and I was able to come up with a pretty simple logic which the client gladly accepted. I feel extraordinary glad this morning while I type this message.

Though I didn’t know the reason why my roommate’s husband came here without his laptop when he was planning to work from home, why she asked me my laptop to work from the home, why I handed it to her (not wholeheartedly) which kept her from not accompanying me to office today, why I called my colleague to walk with me (seriously I didn’t even know that I would even talk to him about the issue) today, but I could very much feel now that God was working FOR ME.

I’m very thankful to Him that He always works in the ways I cannot understand. This is not only about a simple project issue. It’s totally about the way how God meets the needs of His people. Sometimes I feel like why everything goes out of my control and why I’m struggling with many things all alone in this new environment. But when I think of how God met my need this morning amazingly, I feel much comforted by Him that He would take care of the rest of the things too wonderfully. Though I don’t have a clear idea on how He is going to do impossible things possible, I very much know that He will make impossible things possible through His own ways. I need not instruct Him. He knows how to meet my needs at the right time.

My friend, do you have a need today? Please be reminded that you have a living God with you! What an awesome God we serve! And with Him all things are possible! You just need to cling on to Him.

His love and His faithfulness!

2011-01-06T08:51:00.000-08:00

"It is good to praise the Lord, and make music to Your Name, O Most High, to proclaim Your love in the morning and Your faithfulness at night." Psalm 92:1,2

Good morning, friends.

Psalm 92:1,2 say that it is good to praise the Lord and sing out to Him and to proclaim His love in the morning and His faithfulness at night. Why do we have to do that? Do you want to know the reason? Here you go.

Last night after my offshore call, I went to sleep and in the morning I got up on time. There are many who have accumulated wealth but still they can’t find a way to sleep peacefully. There are many who can’t eat the food they want to eat. But I have no such restrictions/problems. When I close my eyes the Lord gives me sleep. I can eat whatever I want.

When I got up this morning, I felt that I’m very happy today. Though the situations around me have not changed, I could still feel the happiness inside me. I’m thankful to Him for He is taking care of me 24/7. Even when I sleep, my Savior never sleeps, nor slumbers. He is watching over me day and night without a pause. Then He gives me a new day. Do you know why He does this to me? It is just because He loves me so much. And that’s the reason why the Psalmist says that it is good to proclaim His love in the morning!

When we get up we don’t know what issues/challenges we would face for the day. So we’re surrendering them all in to His hands and after we return from work, we come back to rest. We would have accomplished some tasks at work. God would have guided us in all the things that we surrendered to Him. He would have granted the favor in the eyes of others. He would have used us to be a blessing to a few people around us. He would have enabled you and me to return safely to our home. I can write many things. The Psalmist wants to proclaim Him faithfulness, because He is faithful enough to care about every single detail of our lives!

Now don’t you think that it is good to praise His name and to sing aloud about His love in the morning and about His faithfulness at night? If you do, what are you still waiting for? Just go ahead and start practicing it.

May God bless you!

Count your blessings!

2011-01-03T19:06:00.000-08:00

You would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you. Psalms 81:16

I’m glad to share what I’m experiencing recently!

Before my journey to Nashville one thing I greatly worried about was I didn’t know anyone here and the client was also new. On the other side I felt happy because many worship leaders are living in and around Nashville so I could attend their concerts.

When a few days were left out for my travel to USA, I heard that one of the friends whom I knew from a fellowship works at Nashville and contacted him. Believe me, I was not accustomed with any of the modern devices, not even the dryer and washer, vacuum cleaners, bath tubs, piped gas stoves, etc… He taught me all the basic things that I needed and left me at the hotel. Finding a girl roommate in Nashville is pretty tougher, but at the second week of my stay at hotel, God brought me a wonderful roommate and as soon as she went back to India, He brought another one who now stays with me at my apartment.

I’m able to attend Church every Sunday with the help of my friend. I even shared a short testimony during the New Year service. I have 2 wonderful clients at work who believe in Christ. They are glad to speak to me about Christ. One took me to her Church and the other one even came to my apartment with a blanket when I said I was not able to bear the cold. Above all, she prays for me that I should stay warmer at her 2 AM. Isn't it wonderful? When I was thinking to attend a few concerts, God opened a door for me even to stay at one of the worship leaders (Lenny LeBlanc) to celebrate my first Christmas in USA. Amazingly Chuck from Don Moen’s team also has invited me to his house. I’m planning to visit his family sooner.

Everyday God soothes me a lot when I feel like I’m alone. I’m getting a wonderful chance to listen to many songs that uplift Jesus on high! I remember the times I hurried to my company library to send out the devotional emails. Now I have many chances to send Today’s Word of God as I have 2 laptops. :)

Initially everything seemed to frustrate me, but then I’m noticing God’s hand in all the areas. I could boldly say that I’m more than blessed now. Whenever I start worrying about my work, I’m thinking of how God has guided me thus far. So I believe that the one who was with me till now will also be with me forever and will help me come out with flying colors. When God calls you somewhere, He will never leave you hopeless. Whenever you’re afraid, count your blessings one by one, even before you cross 5, your fear will run away from you. The one who fed Elijah through ravens will also feed you with the finest of the wheat and with the honey!

May God bless you!

Give thanks for the closed doors today!

2010-12-31T01:05:00.000-08:00

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5 : 16 - 18

Good morning. I thought I would share a wonderful testimony which would boost up your patience and faith on the Lord. This day being the last day of 2010 has a message for you all.

I have a friend who came out with a few arrears and that's the reason he was not able to attend any interviews. By the time he cleared all his papers there were no interviews. It was sad that though he had trust in the Lord he was not able to work at all. Not just for a few months, my friends. But nearly for 2 years. The saddest part is, he worked for one company which didn't even pay him a single rupee for all the effort he had put. The one thing he gained was experience. By the time he started getting salary, I think I've nearly completed three years in my company. I remember the tough times he passed through with tears in his heart without revealing it to the world. He took part in all the fellowships without questioning God. I can't even imagine how he would have felt when many of us shared testimonies about our performance appraisals and the salary raises in the fellowships. I remember the tears even in my parents eyes when they pray for him. One thing that surprised us was his endurance. He never confessed anything negative from his mouth. He never blamed God for the long delay. He served the Lord even when he had nothing to eat. You can imagine how painful it is to spend the days in a city like Chennai without salary. And there is a lot of differences between a girl without a job and a guy without a job.

Whenever he prayed for others who were suffering without a job, they all got settled in highly paid jobs. He really felt happy for them all.

Do you think a guy with no job for these many years would ever get a chance like us? But God being an expert in turning impossible things very much possible, finally by this year start (I think) offered him a job with quite a decent pay. When he shared his testimony all our eyes were filled with tears. We all rejoiced for his job. It was an answer for many years' prayers of many.

A few months back we were even more happier when we heard that he got offers from three companies. Now he is working in a very big company with higher salary than me for His glory. He is always a wonderful living testimony! I praise God for him. Through him the Lord has taught me many things.

Are you afraid of some giants today? Be of good cheer. Pray continuously and give thanks for He’s going to make all things possible for you in the coming year. Give thanks for all the closed doors in your life, for He is going to open them up after which nothing/no one can shut. He’ll fight the battle for you amazingly in a way you can never even imagine. Don’t give up when you face problems. Let the problems drive you closer to Jesus! There is always hope in Him. He’ll never reject the brokenhearted. He loves you. None of your tears will go waste. They’ll all be answered. You can trust Him all the time!

I wish you all a very blessed New Year 2011! May God bless you!

Talk the walk!

2010-12-29T09:44:00.000-08:00

Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 21:13

Good morning, friends! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Here I am to share a message to you all who enjoyed Christmas! Do you know who the first Evangelists were? Shepherds! As soon as they received the good news from an angel they were glad and went and saw Jesus! They didn’t stop there, but the Bible says that they proclaimed whatever they heard and saw! So pass on what you’ve been enjoying being in Christ!

Today I had to attend a weekly status call with my client at 8.30 AM. After reaching the office I also had to read a document before the call. I started walking from my apartment at around 8 AM. I and one of my colleagues would walk some days. Due to the cold weather I was not able to walk fast and the time was running like anything. Sweat was all over my body in spite of the cold weather. I thought I would even faint. I prayed in my heart, “Lord, help me walk and strengthen me as I walk.” Though it was painful I was so glad that I didn’t stop in the middle when I reached the office at 8.25 AM. The Lord is great! I thought the Lord would have held the time for a while till I reached.

Sometimes you may think why am I a Christian? I am not able to enjoy as my friends do. It imposes many rules on me that I should not watch this, I should not speak like this, I should not hear this, etc… Why am I restricted in many ways? A loving mother would never allow her child to go anyway that she wants, but carefully allows her to walk on the safer roads. When God tells us not to do something it is just for our good and not to harm us. Bible says in Matthew 7:14, “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.” So walk through the smaller gate and on the narrow road. It’s of really no use when you give up in the middle; you need to walk till the end to reach the destination! When others see you walking on the narrow roads they would understand that it would lead them too to life and not to death. Remember Paul was even ready to die for the name of the Lord if it would save many souls to the life.

Importantly, talk the walk rather than just talk. :) May God bless you!

He deserves!!!

2010-12-18T18:44:00.000-08:00

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Good morning, friends.

It was one fine day when I received a message that one of my friends in USA sent me a mailing package which would have her contribution for one of my friends who is getting treatment for blood cancer. I went empty handed to collect the check at my office dispatch. To my surprise it was a very big package. I even thought that it should not be mine. Upon the dispatch person’s confirmation, I opened the package. I found very big leather bound King James Version Bible which has my name engraved on it in golden color. It also had two beautiful greetings, three spiritual novels and the wonderful notes from two people whom I know just by their names.

You know what I did? I called my parents and few of my friends. I showed them all those things. Whoever asked me why I was looking so glad, I shared them that news. I felt so happy because of these unexpected gifts that I got, especially the Bible which was customized just for me, with the borders for me to write notes! JUST for ME is what matters most!

When someone does something JUST for ME I feel much gratefulness in my heart. Someone out there can identify that I’m really happy. I hope the same applies to you as well.

I just feel giving thanks for everything is mandatory. When someone opens the door for us, when someone greets us, when someone helps us, we are automatically thanking them with all our hearts. And we remember them doing those things to us for long years. Just take a few moments and think whether we remember God has done for us. Are we thanking Him counting all His unfailing love and unconditional blessings, for His mercies and grace? He deserves our thankful heart. He has done so much JUST for YOU and ME.

I always consider my work very serious. I’ll be happier when I receive commendations from the clients, at the same time I also feel hurt badly when something goes wrong forgetting even the sleep and food. Now-a-days I’m grumbling about my work much. But you know how God leads me? One of my clients take her time out and helps me when I don’t understand things, my eyes are literally filled with tears. I even told her that God has granted favor in her eyes. God doesn’t leave me just like that. Today in the morning I was searching for a logic for extracting the data from the poor databases, I was about to give up, I confessed to God that I don’t have any knowledge and I asked him to show the right resources or links. Do you know what happened? I saw one of my close friends coming online. I just asked him about it though He is not a Data Warehousing resource. But he said that he has struggled with the same issue with his database and found out a solution which is like perfectly designed for me. J Yes, God has routed to him at the exact RIGHT time.

This is how God helps His people at the point of their needs. God Himself will be your crow to feed you at the time of famine or He will feed you through other crows. J Cheer up, my friend. There are many out there to know the truth that they have a loving Savior to save them and set them free. You may be in a situation which is too much for you to cross, but He will help you walk through and when you cross it, you will glorify Him on how He helped you cross the river and you’ll be a testimony and a blessing to those who struggle because of the same issue you crossed.

God bless you!

With a thankful heart!

2010-12-10T12:11:00.000-08:00

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Good morning. I’m glad to share another message today. It’s all about the good news of God.

I never used washer and dryer earlier. Not to mention, I’ll heap them up for my mom to wash when she comes to Chennai. :) Now I don’t have any other go. A few weeks back, I started using them. But when I saw one of the trousers after it came out of washer I was shocked that it lost a button. I don’t have a thread and a needle to set it right. That happened a week back.

A few days back, I loaded the next set of clothes into the washer. I was not willing to lose any more buttons. So I prayed just like a kid and asked him to keep all the buttons safe. :) And when I took the clothes from the washer, I was very careful to see every clothe one by one to see if it retains all its buttons or not. Why should I care about it? It is because I paid the price. This reminded me of a wonderful truth.

When I care about the shirts and pants that I bought for a few rupees/dollars, how much will my God care about me when He has redeemed me by paying His own life! Isn’t it amazing? No one will pay for something unless he considers it to be useful and precious. Jesus knows that we’re not useful in anyway, but still we are more precious to Him and that’s the reason He gave His blood for you and I and that’s the reason we are all saved by Jesus. We’re no more under the yoke of sin, but we’re set apart for Him. We owe thanking Him all the time for this.

What else could He do to show His love for us other than dying for our own sins?

I would like to add a story which a pastor shared in one of his sermons.

A man heard someone knocking at his door. He saw another man standing with a handful of fresh vegetables and told him that he brought them for this man and his family. Highly surprised, he took them from his hands and even more surprised when the man came again the next morning with the vegetables at free of cost. Weeks passed by. It became a practice that he didn’t go to the stores to buy vegetables for him. Several months passed by.

One day he was eagerly waiting for the free vegetables, but he didn’t hear anyone knocking at his door. He really got angry as to why the other one didn’t bring him vegetables. His surprises, his happiness, etc… are easily forgotten. He didn’t have grateful heart, rather he started complaining.

The same holds with you and me. When we accepted Christ as our personal Savior we enjoy His presence. We long to wait in His presence. We long to hear from Him. But as days pass by, we easily forget the greatest gift He gave us at free of cost with no ‘conditions apply’. The price He paid for, is the highest one, His own life! When situations don’t work in the way we expect, the grateful heart vanishes bringing a grumbling heart. Are you thankful for the salvation you’ve received today? I know that how much you earn, or how intelligent you have doesn’t matter. How peaceful you’re internally that matters!

No matter how big our problem is, as we have a big God for whom the biggest problem is like the dust. Ask God to give you a thankful heart today!

May God bless you! May His peace rest on you!

Victory belongs to Him!

2010-12-03T20:29:00.000-08:00

The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord. Proverbs 21:31

Good morning, friends.

David, the youngest son of Jesse, a shepherd was sent by his father to bring back the news of his brothers, who were the soldiers serving in the army of Saul. When David went, all he could see was a giant Goliath who roared like a lion that his entire army would surrender if someone would fight against him boldly and kill him, but if he fails then the entire kingdom would be his army's. No one dared to go against him in fear, including the first king of Israelites, Saul.

David was a very young one, but when he saw an uncircumcised man shouting at the Lord's children he asked who he was to defy the army of the living God. He went up to Saul and said that he would go fight against Goliath. When Saul questioned him how he would be doing this being so young, he didn't hesitate to reply that he has always killed lions and bears when he took care of his father's sheep. He didn't stop there. He also added that the Lord who saved him from the paws of those wild beasts would rescue him from Goliath.

He didn't take any of the weapons the king gave him. Instead he just took a sling and five stones. Goliath laughed at him. But you all know what happened. Yes, David proclaimed boldly, "You have come with spear and javelin. But I come with the Lord's strength. I'll kill you and everyone will know that it is the Lord who saves. It is not by the spear or by the javelin, but by Him, because the battle is His."

When Goliath approached him, he took a stone and slung it and struck the forehead of the Philistine. With one shot, Goliath was dead.

Was it not amazing? Do you think you're struggling with your own problems today? Never mind, because it is not your battle. It is His. He will gain victory on it. No one can stand against the Lord Almighty. The situation I'm writing this is very difficult, my friend. I feel like I'm not fit for the role I'm playing in my project. But whenever I think of giving up on it, it is only the Lord's strength that sustains me and allows me not to give up. Then He reminds me of all that He has done. On November 27 I completed my four years of work in my company, but I never realized it because of my busy schedule. When I got an email from my batch mate wishing everyone, I was reminded that I've been working for 4 long years with nothing out of my knowledge. Not only in work, but in everything I've seen God's hand. He never let me down in front of others. He is always good to me. When I think of His goodness and mercies, I don't care about my potential, be it really small, I should not mind it. When I'm weak, He is strong! Amen? Only then I can boldly say, "It is not by my strength nor by my power, but by Him." David never was used to spears and javelins which were mandatory those days for a battle. But all he had was, 5 stones and a sling. Moses didn't have anything except a stick. But God used those simple things and proved that He is mighty.

You serve the same Lord today. His power the same yesterday, today and forever. Don't give up! Your Lord is with you and He will lead you to victory.

Be blessed and be a blessing! P.S: This is the first Today's Word of God I'm sending from my brand new laptop. I've reserved the laptop afresh to first send God's Word. God enabled me to send this today. :)

What a mighty God we serve!

2010-11-21T06:21:00.000-08:00

You are the God who performs miracles; You display your power among the peoples. Psalms 77:14

Good morning, friends.

It was the year 2008. My project manager called me and asked me, “Jansi, are you willing to travel on site?” I was very surprised to hear from him that my client liked me very much and he wanted me on site. I told, “Yes, I’m.”

There were many issues one after the other that I could make it up going on site. But on Nov 11, 2010 I thought it was a Birthday gift from my God that I got my flight tickets to Nashville, USA. And now I’m at Nashville purely by His grace.

With that said, I was not patient for nearly 2 and a half years. I even went for resigning my job. I had several opportunities from other Big companies. Whenever an on site opportunity came and got delayed for some reasons, I was not able to digest it. I blamed my managers & my situations. Today the reason why I’m telling this is, the Lord wants me to tell you something very special.

The main reason why the trip delayed this much was, I’ve been working as a single resource directly interacting with the Customers with no one at my company to track my performance. In all these nearly 4 years of my work, I never did anything that could be added to my credit, but I can boldly say that God was with me and He elevated me and my work exactly at ALL the necessary times. Only God was my portion! He took care of everything. All my clients were very much pleased thus far.

I usually ask God, “But still God, why do you delay certain things in my life?” God answered me. Please go ahead to know what it is.

Last night, I was not able to sleep, I rolled on and on, but it didn’t help. Then many things striked my mind that I could not hold them in my heart, but to shout out to you all what He has done to me. Yes, when my on site opportunity came in 2008, though I was willing, I had a heap of fear raising in my heart toward the American slang. But now I realize, in all these years, the Lord made me interacting only with the American Customers and the Business users and he trained me a lot in this area and he slowly, and slowly and slowly removed this fear from my heart. Now I know one of the reasons for the delay!

In Exodus, the Lord hardened Pharoah’s heart so that he would not let Israelites go and worship the Lord. The Lord performed many miracles in front of Pharaoh, his officials, the Egyptians and the Israelites, but still he hardened everyone’s heart. Do you know why?

Exodus 9:13-16 says:

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Rise up early in the morning and present yourself before Pharaoh and say to him, 'Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, "Let my people go, that they may serve me. For this time I will send all my plagues on you yourself, and on your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth. For by now I could have put out my hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth. But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.””

Exodus 10:1-2 says:

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go in to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may show these signs of mine among them, and that you may tell in the hearing of your son and of your grandson how I have dealt harshly with the Egyptians and what signs I have done among them, that you may know that I am the LORD."

The Lord sometimes harden the hearts of certain people not only to show them that He alone is God, but also for you and your own children to know that He is God. Yes, He is interested in every detail of your life. Your family members and friends should see Him in you and the ways he trains you for a battle field.

In my fellowship, my friend often says that the reason why the current generation forgets their God and lives in sin is because their ancestors failed to tell them that they served a mighty God and how awesome in power He was!

Are you telling who God is to your children, your parents, your parents who don’t know about God? If no, then this is the right time for you do it. Catching people for Him doesn’t mean that you’ll have to wait for your time to go and tell them about Him, but living a life that is pleasing to Him in each second. Your life is the only Bible which many would read!

P.S: I would like to take this time to thank all my friends who have constantly remembered me in your prayers! I'm so grateful to you!

Don't complicate things!

2010-11-08T05:52:00.000-08:00

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5 : 6,7

Good morning, friends! This one is another reminder for all of us who take too much effort to set things right by our own strength.

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could, and it could go no further.

So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.

In my fellowship an uncle always says, “Life is very simple. We are making it way too complicated.” When Don Moen came to Chennai for the very first time he shared this to the crowd gathered there. “My bass guitarist Robin and alto singer Leann were not able to come with us due to visa issues at the last moment and for 6 long weeks I was not able to hear anything using my left ear. But God performed wonders and it is not by our might nor by our power, but by the Spirit of God we were able to lead worship.” How true it is!

What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

In the film ‘Facing the giants’ by Sherwood Pictures, the little boy David asks his father, “Why am I so small and weak?” The father answers, “For God to reveal His glory.”

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our lives. If God allowed us to go through our lives without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. We could never fly! Yes, our real strength is God and nothing/no one else. Bible says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” When we’re weak He becomes stronger. So why do you worry? Just humble yourself under His mighty hand; He will lift you up!!!

Days of restoration!

2010-11-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

The Lord restores my soul. Psalms 23 : 3

Today are you feeling that you have tried out all the ways to come out of the darkness that surrounds you, but still your efforts end up only in vain? Then this is exactly for you!

Believe me, everyone has their own problem. The girl who faces problems with her marital life will think that she has the world's toughest problem and the student who failed in his important exam will think that he has the worst problem than anyone does.

Peter was fed up when he saw his empty net even after he tried an entire night. Jesus came to Peter by the time Peter was washing his net. He was thinking to go to his place, but Jesus asked him to cast his net again in the water. Peter being a fisherman would have thought what the hell was happening. He knew every trick to catch a fish, but none of his tricks worked out that night. Still he did obey to Jesus and went back to the same water and to his surprise he was able to see many fishes in his net.

Sometimes you may worry why the Lord keeps on sending you to a place which you don't like or which you like most, but was seriously disappointed because you've been hurt. Remember God doesn't want you to give up. He doesn't want you to turn your back on those shameful areas. He wants you to go, face your battle, restore things up and stand victorious in the same place.

To cite a practical example, when I was a fresher, I was into a development team. We all worked day and night. But the clients thought that they were paying for nothing as their expectations were very high. We were not able to win their confidence. After a year or so, I was asked to work on the very same project as a single resource. I was not at all willing to work on it again. I even thought of leaving my company because of that. But the Lord put me onto the same project, that too as a single one working directly with the client. He didn't leave me helpless. He was with me everyday that I worked and you know what? My client has given lot many commendations on my work and everyone noticed it and it was added to my credit, so that even today people could remember that.

If He cares for your projects, will He not care for your future and what you're going through in your life?

I know my friends, many of you're worrying too much about their lives, because you face unbearable pain, but God tells you today that He will set everything right for you. He will fight the battle for you. He will not leave you ashamed in front of the wicked eyes. Believe me, He is restoring you. You'll never be put to shame. With God, you'll gain victory over all the giants you face today.

What is the starting point of restoration? Nehemiah stood up finding God's favor and gathered the weak people and restored the wall of Jerusalem. Why was the wall considered so important? Because it is the main strength of a city. If it is strong, the entire city is secured from the hands of enemies. If the wall is broken, then the people are prone to any attacks. Similarly when your relationship with God collapses, you're prone to anything. When you set things right with God, nothing can collapse your peace, no matter whatever happens to you. Is your soul weary today?

Creating things are easy. Destroying anything is far easier. But restoring things are not that easy. But with God anything is possible. He is your creator. No one knows much about you as He does. He can restore your soul! Psalms 23 : 3 talks about it.

May this November be the month of restoration. No matter whatever we're losing, wherever we're back sliding, in whichever area we're growing weary, our God is a God of restoration and this is His restoring period. He can still restore anything, especially your soul which none can restore. Enough is enough. Shall we surrender the broken pieces to Him for restoration today?

I would like to finish this with a famous saying. 'The losers are those who give up without knowing that they're just 2 steps away from their winning point.' Never give up! He is turning your sorrows into joy. Yes, it's almost done. :)

Anyone looking down on you?

2010-10-01T03:36:00.000-07:00

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

Good morning, friends. Here comes the second one which the Lord wanted me to share for quite a long time. I didn’t have an idea on how to share this till my friend shared it very beautifully in a Church’s Youth meeting last week. Please share this with everyone whom you know so they will be alerted by God.

Dinah, the daughter Leah had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the women of the land. When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the ruler of that area, saw her, he took her and violated her. His heart was drawn to Dinah daughter of Jacob, and he loved the girl and spoke tenderly to her. And Shechem said to his father Hamor, "Get me this girl as my wife." When Jacob heard that his daughter Dinah had been defiled, his sons were in the fields with his livestock; so he kept quiet about it until they came home.

Then Shechem's father Hamor went out to talk with Jacob. Now Jacob's sons had come in from the fields as soon as they heard what had happened. They were filled with grief and fury, because Shechem had done a disgraceful thing in Israel by lying with Jacob's daughter—a thing that should not be done. But Hamor said to them, "My son Shechem has his heart set on your daughter. Please give her to him as his wife. Intermarry with us; give us your daughters and take our daughters for yourselves. You can settle among us; the land is open to you. Live in it, trade in it, and acquire property in it." Then Shechem said to Dinah's father and brothers, "Let me find favor in your eyes, and I will give you whatever you ask. Make the price for the bride and the gift I am to bring as great as you like, and I'll pay whatever you ask me. Only give me the girl as my wife."

Okay, the above passages are from Genesis 34. Please read the entire Genesis 34 if you have time to recollect what happened to Dinah and Shechem after this incident. Let me come to the point now. It might be harsh. But this is the actual thing that happens with most of the youth now-a-days. So please bear with me and pray that youth should be touched by God and they should be under God’s mighty hand to protect them from all the evil that surround them.

Dinah –She was the daughter of Jacob, whom God has chosen. She should be privileged to be a part of Jacob’s family. When Jacob settled down in the place Shechem, Dinah just came out to visit the women of Shechem. She started walking out of her tent. Dinah didn’t have any idea on that new land. In fact she didn’t roam around for a wicked cause. But she moved out of her own boundary for a normal visit which turned to be destruction to her virginity with or without her knowledge.

Shechem, the son of the ruler Hamor, saw Dinah, pleased with her, took her and raped her. He later said his father that he loved her and he wanted her to be his wife. The idea was good in his sight though he didn’t wait to be with her till the marriage. Moreover she was from a different family which normally didn’t have grooms and brides from another family that served a different God. He didn’t think of anything else, but ended up doing wrong against the God fearing family.

Later they were speaking of marriage, but what happened was, the brothers of Dinah said that they would not give their sister to an uncircumcised family. Poor Shechem agreed to their condition, and not only Him, but His entire men were circumcised. But 2 of Dinah’s brothers held grief and fury those men just because they felt Shechem has treated their sister like a prostitute. So they killed every men of Shechem’s family.

The point here is just because of a girl’s carelessness & a guy’s lust, the girl’s virginity was collapsed and the guy and his entire city were destroyed.

Paul advises the youth, “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” Yes, friends, never ever let anyone look down on you just because you’re young. In my fellowship the leader often says, “Based on your purity in your youth, the Lord will bless your future.” Yes, just imagine your appraisal process, you’ll write whatever you did extraordinary in your self comments and the appraiser would rate you based on that and finally you’ll be surprised or shocked when the rating is revealed to you. In Fireproof movie, the father of the hero says to his son, “God will never use your standards. He will have His own standards. When you say adultery is a sin, He considers even a filthy look as sin.”

Now let us come to the major practical issues.

Phone provides an easy way of reaching someone. As knife can be used both for cutting vegetables and also for killing others, mobile phones can also be used for good and bad. I know how a mobile phone can change the life of a girl or a guy. A simple forwarded message turning into a hi, how are you?, slept?, ate?, I’m not feeling sleepy, etc… is mostly the starting point of all the troubles which one brings to himself/herself. A one minute call for conveying important and necessary information can turn out into a very long conversation from the evening till the dawn. Doesn’t it consume the time that we used to spend with the Lord? Or of all the things you speak with the opposite gender in phone, how many words we speak usefully? I even know many people hanging around the phone all the time without the knowledge of their parents. They usually wrap themselves under the bed spread and will continue their conversation on phone giving a pose of a good sleep. Remember if you’re doing something which is right and useful, you’ll not hide yourself under anything. You’ll be very open even when your parents & others look at you. Whom are you cheating? You and your thought life are naked before God’s eyes.

The other case is you may speak with the clear conscience, but you never can control the mindset of others who’re speaking with you continuously. Don’t tempt others, I would say.

Just because of Dinah’s carelessness, she was ruined and an entire community was killed. Are we created to spoil and to be spoiled by one another? Aren’t we created by God for special purposes? Mobile phones are not the only way to destruction, but it is the major weapon that satan uses more often. Other communication channels, internet, anything and everything can be used for good and for bad. Please take a few minutes in your busy schedule and think if you or yours misuse any gift which God has given. If you find any, my friend, it is not too late. God wants you to get rid of that immediately. After all He created us to communicate with Him. One day we committed in our fellowship that we’ll not use mobile phones, our cars and bikes for unwanted purposes. If God has blessed you with many things, take a decision to use them for the glory of God. I again want to remind you of 1 Timothy 4:12.

The main reason for all these troubles is ‘Satan doesn’t allow the prayerful people to stay as they’re. He will distract them by introducing many temptations. Bible asks us to stand against satan, but to run against the temptation. Yes friend, run from the place/weapon which tempts you. Never let anyone look down on you!

May God bless!

Life is too short!

2010-08-31T21:59:00.000-07:00

"If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6: 14, 15

The Lord has placed a deep burden inside me to share with you all two things. Let me bring the first one today and the next one tomorrow. This is my personal unforgettable incident, but I’m sharing this to you all for your edification. Please read it fully.

My father got voluntary retirement when I did my Engineering second year. Till then I used to spend my vacation at my grandparents home. My father used to be their son, rather than their son-in-law. We all loved one another. He helped my uncle financially with the entire amount he got after his retirement upon the advice of my grandfather. One day came when my family stood shocked when we were not able to pay my college fees. My parents and I went to my uncle’s home just to know that he would not return even a single rupee for my fees. Somehow God provided graciously and only with His mercy I got graduated. Only by his grace I got placed even before I came out of the college.

But the other side was, we had hatred developed deep inside our hearts toward them all. IT was my mom who constantly longed and prayed for unity and peace between us once again. But I, my father and siblings felt that they didn’t deserve to be forgiven. Somehow God spoke to me and I reconciled with few of them, especially with my grandfather.

Few months back, when we went for a prayer meeting, by God’s grace my father met my grandfather and spoke to him. Things started changing one month back. My grandfather fell sick. To take care of him, my father took off and was there outside the Critical care unit day and night along with my uncles and soon everyone was united. We wholeheartedly prayed for one another. We felt the love growing from within.

Within a month, the Lord wanted my grandpa and on last Saturday he entered the eternity. We all cried and cried till no more tear was left out in the eyes. IT was very tough. But I could see the oneness again. That’s what my mother longed for a very long time, which I thought was never possible at all. But now I know with God all things are possible!

Before my grandpa died, he saw everyone together and though he was not able to speak or express it, I know definitely he was very happy on the reunion. And my dear God showed us the grace to reconcile with everyone through this incident. We have peace in our hearts when we think at least we have taken good care of him before he left us.

Dear friends, it’s not too late to forgive someone who cheated you! Though they don’t deserve it, please forgive them. Because, you never know whether you’ll get yet another chance to forgive them. Life is too short to hold grudge against someone. As far as possible live in peace with everyone. It’s not so easy. But through Him we can do anything and everything. Jesus Christ forgave even those who spat at Him. He showed His love even to us when we were the worst of all the sinners.

May God bless!

Wings like Eagles!

2010-08-03T22:25:00.000-07:00

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Good morning. One of my friends shared this wonderful message which I wanted to share today. If you feel like you’ve lost your hope, then this message is for you. So please read this without skipping lines.

The Eagle can live up to 70 years. But to reach this age, the eagle must make a hard decision. In its 40th year its long and flexible talons can no longer grab prey which serves as food. Its long and sharp beak becomes bent. Its old-aged and heavy wings, due to their thick feathers, stick to its chest & make it difficult to fly.

Then, the eagle is left with only two options: DIE or go through a painful process of CHANGE which lasts 150 days. The process requires that the eagle fly to a mountain top and sit on its nest. There the eagle knocks its beak against a rock until it plucks it out. Then the eagle will wait for a new beak to grow back and then it will pluck out its talons. When its new talons grow back, the eagle starts plucking its old-aged feathers. And after 5 months, the eagle takes its famous flight of rebirth and lives for 30 more years.

What do you understand from the life of Eagles? It’s not easy for an eagle to live till 70 long years with the same strength it has when it is young until it undergoes some painful months. Are you in such a situation? Remember the Lord doesn’t want you to die due to lack of strength, but He teaches you today that you may soar up again. You’ll have to regain the strength you had before.

Unless the eagle strikes its beak and plucks its feather it can no longer fly at all. Similarly unless you and I don’t pass through the valleys of difficulties, we’ll not understand the mighty power of the hands of God in our lives. All things will work together for good. Your tears will be wiped off. Your mourning will be turned to joy! But when & how?

1.   Be patient in times of struggles and be assured that God the Lord is with you wherever you go! His presence will never leave you. In fact during these tough times it’s not you who walk, it is the Lord who carries you on his shoulder.
2.   Strike your beak against the rock. You cannot escape from temptations unless you hate it. If you love it, then there is no way to come out of it. The sin it leads to, is really cheap. Make efforts continually to preserve your relationship with God by not giving a chance to sin. It’s not easy, I know. But it’s achievable through Him as Bible says; we can do all things through Him who strengthens us.
3.   Pluck out your old feathers. When you really prepare your mind not to sin against God as Joseph did, you’re ready for the battle. Start plucking out your dark areas one by one with the renewed beak. Sometimes it hurts. But the end is very near; you’re going to have the beautiful fresh feathers which will take you to heights no matter how forceful the storms in your life are!

If you have ‘I will sing’ album of Don Moen, please listen 12th song “Like eagles.” There is another song ‘Everlasting God’ which says ‘Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord’. I heard it in NLAG worship. They convey the same message. You’ll enjoy!

May God bless!

Goodness on your way!

2010-07-26T23:32:00.000-07:00

All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Good morning, friends! I heard this testimony last evening and would like to share the same with you today. If you love God, you can be sure that all things are working for good, no matter how big your problem is!

A young girl wanted to do her B.SC Nursing at CMC, Vellore. She is from Southern part of Tamil Nadu, India. She went to CMC for attending interview. As we all know many people from all over India went there for the same. A few girls joined together and they got ready to the interview. This girl wanted to buy a new high heels sandal. She bought a new pair and hurried into the campus as she had to be there on time. But she was shocked when one of the sandals tore. She had no time to buy another one. So with all the girls laughing at her and with a heavy heart, she went in and waited for her turn to attend the interview. As she was troubled, she kept on submitting herself to the will of God. By that time God reminded her of Romans 8:28.

All she could see was everyone coming out with a dull face. They all conveyed that the interview was very tough and they didn’t get selected. When this girl was called, she moved in after removing the sandals from her feet as they were of no use to her anymore. As soon as she entered in, a lady doctor among all the doctors seated there to handle the interview stood by her feet and was amazed saying, “I have not seen such a modest girl.” With no other question, they selected this girl and she was glad.

Yes, all things will work together for good to those who love Him! Are you in deep worries today? Are you feeling that every door is closed before you? No matter what happens, remember God is working in ways that you cannot see! Yes, He will bring out the best for you! He can make rivers in the deserts! What else do you need? Just hold on to Him.

May God bless!

Greater things!

2010-06-30T20:02:00.001-07:00

Eagerly desire the greater gifts. 1 Corinthians 12 : 13

Good morning.

A young lady was so surprised to hear from her friends that they're visiting her. She went to many shops and bought many things to cook for her friends. She cooked taking much of her time and was satisfied with the items she prepared. When the door was knocked she was more happy than she was before. At lunch time, she invited her friends to eat, but when they said, "Hey, sorry, we already had lot stomach full of food just before we started to your house and we don't have any idea to eat now. Just give us fruit juice." This lady was so depressed on hearing this. Her entire day's effort has gone vain.

Friends, the same happens when we go to pray to the Lord. Our God holds everything we need in surplus, but we are very foolish to ask silly things from Him. We don't know the values of the spiritual gifts He has in store for us, instead we cling on to what we want in our lives. When we seek His kingdom and His righteousness, not only what we need but ALL the other things will be added unto us. God is not of favoritism. If He says something, He does it to everyone who obeys Him. He is not a liar. So while you go to the Lord, ask for Heavenly things because what we build here don't last, whereas what we store up in Heaven will last forever. And God never leaves us just with the eternal blessings. He wants His children to prosper in the world too. Remember the plans He has for us is for our good and to prosper us and not to harm us. So whatever your worry is, just put them on a plate and give it to the Lord; He'll take care of them. When we are too much focused on the things which we want, we will not be able to value the greatest thing that God has for us!

May God bless you!

Life is precious!

2010-06-17T00:06:00.000-07:00

Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. Romans 12 : 17

Good morning, friends. Below is the story/incident that describes how easily we can put others’ hopes into a trash.

Jack took a long look at his speedometer before slowing down: 71 in a 55 zone. The cop was stepping out of his car, the big pad in hand. Jumping out of the car, he approached Bob whom he saw every Sunday, a man he’d never seen in uniform. “Hi, Bob. Fancy meeting you like this.” “Hello, Jack.” No smile. “Guess you caught me red-handed in a rush to see my wife and kids.” “Yeah, I guess”, Bob replied. “I’ve been some long days at the office lately. I’m afraid I bent the rules a bit-just this once.” Seventy-one? Jack would you sit back in your car, please?” saying this, Bob scribbled away on the pad. Why hadn’t he asked for a driver’s license? Jack rolled down the window a mere two inches, just enough room for Bob to pass him the slip. Bob returned to his car without a word. Jack unfolded the sheet of paper. How much was this one going to cost? Wait a minute. What was this? Some kind of joke? Jack began to read out of curiosity:

Dear Jack,

Once upon a time I had a daughter, Rosy. She was six when killed by a car. You guessed it - a speeding driver. A fine and three months in jail, and the man was free, free to hug his all three of his daughters. I only had one, and I’m going to have to wait until heaven before I can ever hug her again. A thousand times I’ve tried to forgive that man. A thousand times I thought I had. Maybe I did, but I need to do it again. Even now. Pray for me. And be careful. My son is all I have left.

- Bob

A full 15 minutes later, Jack started his car and drove slowly home, praying for forgiveness and hugging a surprised wife and kids when he arrived.

Yes, life is precious. Handle with care. Remember whatever you do, that will somehow impact others. Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10 : 24.When you do something wrong knowingly or even carelessly, please be reminded that you’re damaging many than you create something positive when you do good to others. Pay more attention before you do anything. Never use your life for granted and use this single life to leave sad non erasable traces in the hearts of Bobs and Rosys anymore. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5 : 16. Let us be a true blessing to others in everything.

May God bless!

Because He lives...

2010-06-08T22:22:00.001-07:00

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Good morning, friends. I’m sorry for not sending/posting for the past few days. I pray that you would be comforted by His Word if you’re in need of His touch in any area that hurts you.

Gilbert hit his knees clutching his funny looking block of wood between his hands which he prepared by himself while others were on good cars which were made by their fathers. With a wrinkled brow he set to converse with the Lord, his Father. He prayed in earnest for a very long minute and a half. Then he stood, smile on his face and announced, “Okay, I am ready.” Gilbert leaped into the air with a loud “Thank you” as the crowd roared in approval.

The Scout Master came up to Gilbert with microphone in hand and asked the obvious question, “So you prayed to win, huh,Gilbert?” To which Gilbert answered, “Oh, no sir. That wouldn't be fair to ask God to help you beat someone else. I just asked Him to make it so I don't cry when I lose.”

Children seem to have wisdom far beyond us. Gilbert didn't ask God to win the race, he didn't ask God to fix the outcome, Gilbert asked God to give him strength in the outcome. When Gilbert first saw the other cars he didn't cry out to God, “No fair, they had a fathers help.” No, he went to his Father for strength. Perhaps we spend too much of our prayer time asking God to rig the race, to make us number one, or too much time asking God to remove us from the struggle, when we should be seeking God's strength to get through the struggle. “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

Gilbert's simple prayer spoke volumes to those present that night. He never doubted that God would indeed answer his request. He didn't pray to win, thus hurt someone else; he prayed that God would supply the grace to lose with dignity. Yes, Gilbert walked away a winner that night, with his Father at his side. The greatest win is having the Father at your side and nothing else. Whenever I’m troubled the very line that comes to my mind is, “Because He lives I can face tomorrow”. Yes, He comforts me a lot by His Word through Bible, through songs, etc… I can boldly say that whatever happens, I have a hope that Jesus lives and He has everything in His control. And only because of this I'm strengthened and can move forward. Are you too willing to move forward today keeping your worries unto Him?

May God bless!

Jesse's need your attention!

2010-06-02T02:27:00.001-07:00

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Deuteronomy 4:9

Good morning, friends. Below is a funny story by which we can learn something great from a small boy.

The boy listened closely as the rabbi read the Bible. “May I ask a question?” he asked. “Sure. Go ahead. Ask your question”, replied the rabbi. “Well, the Bible says that the children of Israel crossed the Red Sea, the children of Israel built the temple, the children of Israel did this and the children of Israel did that. Didn't the grown-ups ever do anything?”

Quite funny, right? Deuteronomy clearly says that whatever the elders have known and seen, they have to pass it on to the younger generations. I watched a movie about Abraham, the father of Faith. It showed Abraham as one who taught his son Isaac and other children about the God whom he knew. Let me write something more which I read just now from the book ‘White cane religion’ by Stephen Hill.

“I’m Jesse. What do you want?” asked the young man with bloodshot eyes to Steve who replied, “I’m a preacher of the gospel of The Lord Jesus Christ. I want to come in and talk to you.” This young man opened the door and sat down without a word and so Steve said, “I know you Jesse. I know what your life is like. You go out every night with a gang of 35 guys who call you as their leader and terrorize the country. Your bunch is known for the meanest gangs. You’ve vandalized neighborhoods and you’ve raped girls. You’ve involved in thefts & fights every night. I also know the man inside you. You return home and you cry yourself to sleep at night. Jesse, you’re the unhappiest man on the face of the earth.” Do you know what the gang leader did? He didn’t rise up to beat Steve, instead he started crying like a baby!

There are so many Jesse’s all around you showing themselves as the toughest ones outside, but their hearts are just like this Jesse. What are you going to do today? Don’t you think that God has allowed this Jesse to come into your life? Don’t you think that the peace you enjoy should also be enjoyed by him? Are you not having this Jesse inside your own family? Did you ever have a thought of sharing your precious Jesus with him? Do you like telling him that Jesus is the only one who could give him the peace and joy he looks for? What is holding you today from showing the only Healer who can heal any sickness & sins? Already the clock started ticking. It’s your time to do something for Christ and for the ones who desperately need Him. It’s never late, still there are so many Jesse’s. Let them not stand against you in the Day of Judgment.

May God bless!

Come in or stay out!

2010-05-24T21:38:00.000-07:00

Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6: 9,10.

Good morning, friends. I read ‘Even greater’ book written by Reinhard Bonkke, a German Evangelist. It has many incidents which really inspired me a lot. I would like to share one with you.

Kimberley, was an isolated mountain community which was known for the largest diamond mines. Reinhard was invited to preach in a church. He was shocked when he didn’t find even a single young guy or a girl. When he asked about where they were, Howard took Reinhard to a discotheque, where the entire youth of Kimberley were dancing to such an ungodly music which could even shake the ground. Reinhard at first didn’t have an idea to visit inside, but then the Holy Spirit urged him so much. He entered in.

He very quickly found that not even one was dancing there out of joy. Their faces showed that they were searching something but ended up in vain. As the Holy Spirit urged him he just went to the owner of that discotheque and asked him if he could give him just 5 minutes to share something to the youth. The owner refused his request until he heard Reinhard asking him, “Do you really think they found what they need desperately in this discotheque?” Then he agreed saying, “Well, I too have young children. Take 5 minutes to say whatever you want to, but not tonight, tomorrow.”

Reinhard then cursed himself for asking just 5 minutes, but then he believed that if God could create everything in 6 days, He could also touch stony hearts in just 5 minutes. He waited eagerly for the Saturday night and after he started sharing the Word, before the first 4 minutes passed, he could see everyone looking for their handkerchiefs to wipe away the tears from their eyes and when he declared the altar call, almost everyone came and surrendered their lives to Jesus!

The very next year when he went to Kimberley, he was surprised to the core when he saw a white cross on the same building and when he heard the songs from the youth from inside which exalted Jesus about whom he shared for just 5 minutes!

Now here comes a funny bonus story.

An exasperated mother, whose son was always getting into mischief, finally asked him, 'How do you expect to get into Heaven?' The boy thought it over and said, 'Well, I'll run in and out and in and out and keep slamming the door until St. Peter says, 'For Heaven's sake, Jimmy, come in or stay out!'

It’s very important for you and me to prepare ourselves and others to inherit the Kingdom of God. There is no way we can go into the Heaven after reaching hell. Either one will happen! Going in to inherit the eternal crown that is made for us or staying out spending the time eternally in the cruel darkness. If God can use just a 5 minutes message to change the hearts of the youth of Kimberley who were the real precious diamonds, He can use us mightily. Just believe, sowing is what we need to do, the harvest is His!!!

May God bless!

Confusing gospel

2010-05-20T02:09:00.001-07:00

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned! Galatians 1 : 6 – 9

Good morning, friends. Today let us see about something which I heard from a pastor on Sunday. And kindly please read even though it’s long. We all should be aware of it certainly. Before that, here comes a funny incident.

After a worship service at Church, a mother with a fidgety seven-year-old boy told me how she finally got her son to sit still and be quiet. About halfway through the sermon, she leaned over and whispered, “If you don't be quiet, Pastor is going to lose his place and will have to start his sermon all over again!” It worked, indeed.

I don’t know how many of us would agree that we feel sleepy/boring when sermon is preached sometimes in churches. But this is really not a time to sleep in churches. The Lord will definitely speak and reveal things through the churches in these days. We may convince ourselves that we’re good in personal prayers and meditation, but the Lord wants you and me to grow together and that’s why the concept of Church came. Jesus could have actually found out disciples and could have taught them separately. But He didn’t do that. He wanted His disciples to be together while He taught them all. Through something or the other the Lord will speak to us. It may be a worship song that consoles you, comforts you. Or a prayer or a sermon or everything God can use to talk to you. God wants us to grow more and He doesn’t want you and me to be a kid always. Truth alone can set us free. Truth should be preached and listened in churches.

Last Sunday, I heard from the pastor about a Church that is coming nearby. Now please read the above verses in green if you’ve skipped. ‘The church of Mormons.’ It was new to me as I didn’t hear even this name earlier. As we know that a book cannot be judged by its cover, so is this church. If we see the principles in depth, you and I can clearly say that it’s nothing but the other gospel which Paul clearly talks about. I’m highlighting some of the Mormons’ principles in red and the truth in blue below.

1.   There are two sources of authorities. The Book of Mormon and the Bible. Bible is the only authority from God.

2.   God is the Supreme Being of the universe. However, He gradually acquired that position over a long period of time by living a perfect and righteous life. God is eternally and infinitely supreme. And He is the Alpha and the omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the Ending.

3.   If the person lived by a satisfactory standard, (including the fulfillment of Mormon temple obligations) that person has the potential to become a god in the after-life. There is no other God and no man can ever be a God.

4.   Jesus and Satan as spirit brothers and sons of God. As Jesus chose to be righteous, He progressed to a Godly level. The character and life of Jesus is attainable by anyone who performs at such a righteous level. There is no connection between the light and the darkness.

5.   Forgiveness of sins requires faith, repentance and baptism by an approved Mormon priest. We are unable to live a life righteous enough to meet God's perfectly holy standard. Therefore, we establish a relationship with God by faith in the work of Christ on the cross, not by our own works.

6.   Jesus Christ will establish a new kingdom that will consist of three levels: the celestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, and the telestial kingdom. There are only two possible fates after death, heaven or hell. These locations are final, both physically and spiritually.

7.   Polygamy and Mormonism are inseparably entwined. One of the most offensive aspects of Mormon-based polygamy is the rampant practice of taking underage girls as polygamous wives. Even if someone looks at the other with lust, it is adultery.

I thought it is good that I heard about it. And I wanted you also to know about this. No wonder Jesus, Paul, John and others said something again and again! If your friends or your children are attending some other churches, have an extra care as to see what kind of faith they’re taught of. Beware of all these false teachings and preachers. Above all ask God to cover you and yours under His wings, so that satan cannot deceive you at any cost by some fashionable gospels which lead us to sins and in turn into the hell. Test everything and hold on to what is good.

May God bless!

Mind your own business!

2010-05-18T22:24:00.001-07:00

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29 : 11

Good morning, friends.

A little girl was sitting on her grandfather's lap as he read her a bedtime story. From time to time, she would take her eyes off the book and reach up to touch his wrinkled cheek. She was alternately stroking her own cheek, then his again. Finally she spoke up, “Grandpa, did God make you?” “Yes, sweetheart” he answered, “God made me a long time ago.” “Oh,” she paused, “Grandpa, did God make me too?” “Yes, indeed, honey,” he said, “God made you just a little while ago.” Feeling their respective faces again, she observed, “God's getting better at it, isn't He?”

A little girl giving comments on God! That was a funny story. Leaving it aside, how many of us believe that God does things better? One day I and one of my friends were speaking, “How can we find the will of God in marriages? Many are saying that they seek the will of God in their daughter/son’s marriage and finally choose a partner of the same caste/race. So going according to what the parents decide often doesn’t end in inter-caste/inter-denominational marriages. Parents themselves add another condition which God doesn’t speak about at all. Coming to the love marriages, it’s true that the two really love one another, but do they really seek the will of God or just go by their desires for one another. So how shall we pray for our marriages?”

This confusion is not only for marriages, but in almost everything. The long list includes choosing to stay with the same employer or to look for a job change, which school to decide for the kids, which course to choose, etc,… We can list almost everything which we can take in our own hands and we can also easily confuse others who think that they got the right choice.

Just think of a situation. If I go and ask my delivery manager, “How are we going to deal with this particular customer for many projects in the next financial year?”, will he not hit me saying, “Will you please mind your own business?” The same holds with the Lord too. He is the supreme one who knows everything. When you, a wicked one say, “Oh, marriage is for lifetime and it happens only once. What shall I do if I choose someone by mistake?”, will not your Lord think of it many times well before he created you and give you the right partner? When you by your limited knowledge say, “getting admission in this college is good for my career”, will not your Lord give you the course which He wants you to do because He knows that you would excel at it?

The Bible clearly says that the Lord has engraved us on the palms of His hand. Isaiah 49:16 and He knows all the plans for us and those plans are to prosper us and not to harm us. Jeremiah 29:11. It again asks us to be still in spite of the circumstances. Psalm 46:10. It instructs us to trust Him with all our heart and lean not our own understanding. Proverbs 3:5. Let Him do His work. Don’t try to interrupt Him by your own ways. He does things better. No, I’m wrong. He is the best at doing things for you and me!

Omnipresent God!

2010-05-15T01:36:00.001-07:00

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." Psalms 14 : 1

Good morning, friends.

A college student was in a philosophy class which had a discussion about God's existence. The professor presented the following logic:
"Has anyone in this class heard God?" Nobody spoke.
"Has anyone in this class touched God?" Again, nobody spoke.
"Has anyone in this class seen God?" When nobody spoke for the third time, he simply stated, "Then there is no God."

One student thought for a second, and then asked for permission to reply. Curious to hear this bold student's response, the professor granted it, and the student stood up and asked the following questions of his classmates:
"Has anyone in this class heard our professor's brain?" Silence.
"Has anyone in this class touched our professor's brain?" Absolute silence.
"Has anyone in this class seen our professor's brain?" When nobody in the class dared to speak, the student concluded, "Then, according to our professor's logic, it must be true that our professor has no brain!"

Recently at some nights in my room we had power shutdown. You know how hot India (Chennai) is during the summer. I don’t need to explain it at all. We needed the air so badly and only when we were not having power supply, we realized our desperate need for air. In fact I remember an entire night sitting in the balcony and calling up EB people continuously.

Though we don’t see the existence of air, we can definitely feel it. In other words when you don’t get oxygen to breathe you would not survive and I’ve seen in TVs how some people struggle to breathe when they hung up themselves. Though many can argue that there is no God and everything is an imagination of some religious folks, the ones who truly feel Him can boldly say that He is always there everywhere. It’s very true that we are still living because of His grace and mercies. I can strongly say that it’s only by His grace I’m not yet consumed.

Unless you don’t know about someone, you cannot feel what he/she is to you actually. No matter how Science and Technology are developing rapidly, they can’t disprove the existence of God! That’s what God is! No one can measure His greatness and endless love! Nothing can express His limitless availability and sacrifice for you and me. Bible clearly asks us to acknowledge God. Only then you can feel how great and good He is! Allow Him to speak to you, rather complaining that He is not speaking to you. Allow Him to act on you, rather than being so rigid. Even the clay should be flexible to the potter to bring out a beautiful pot out of it. Else it would remain useless to anyone.

May God bless!

The Alphabet Prayer

2010-05-10T22:08:00.001-07:00

“Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say.” Exodus 4 : 12

Good morning. I was deeply burdened to share you a message for which I searched a short story. Unbelievably, God allowed me to read this story and yes it conveys exactly what I wanted to share today. I bet you would be inspired by this story. Every child comes with the message if you carefully notice what they do. Now the story goes.

A little shepherd boy was watching his sheep one Sunday morning and he heard the bells of the church ringing. And watching the people walk along the pasture where he was, he happened to think to himself, “I would like to communicate with God! But, what can I say to God?” He had never learned a prayer. So, on bended knee, he began to recite the alphabet. Repeating this prayer several times, a man passing by, heard the boy's voice and peaked through the bushes. He saw the young boy kneeling with folded hands, eyes closed, repeating the alphabet.

He interrupted the boy. “What are you doing, my little one?” he asked. The boy replied, “I was praying sir.” The man seemed surprised and said, “But why are you reciting the alphabet?” The boy explained, “I don't know any prayers, sir. But I want God to take care of me, and to help me care for my sheep. And so I thought, if I said all I knew, He could put the letters together into words, and He would know all that I want and should say!” The man smiled and said, “Bless your heart, God will!” And he went on to church knowing full well that he had heard the finest sermon he could possibly hear that day.

As I started working on Saturday and having an off on Monday, I get the whole day to spend in my room all alone. I feel so lonely for the entire day. I desire to spend time with God as much as I can. The same happened yesterday too. I thought of reading the Bible and praying for many things. All of a sudden, I took handful of spiritual books that would help me to pray and meditate more. You know what happened? I read and read them but never started praying.

I finally understood unless I start praying at least a few words in faith, reading thousands of books on prayers will never help me. And unless I start reading at least a few verses from the Holy Bible, reading thousands of books on Bible reading will never help me. Books do help, but they are just guides and not the alternatives. The Lord spoke to Moses, “I’ll put my words in your mouth.” The same God will give the right words in your mouth to pray, my friend. It’s the time for renewing ourselves in prayers and meditation and not the time for mere reading/listening to some books/audios and videos.

Maybe if we thought like that little boy and let God put together the letters, what we should want, and what we should say, things would probably work out a lot better than we planned!!!

Try seeking Him first!

2010-05-05T05:15:00.001-07:00

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6 : 33

Good morning.

It happened exactly when we were doing our 5th semester. We had a prayer cell in our hostel. But praying is strictly prohibited there. The warden was too strict on this. But whenever we were free, we joined together and prayed. On knowing about the prayer cell, the warden and her friends fired a lot of questions to us many days, especially during our exams. She blamed us in all the ways she could. Really we felt so sad. It was our toughest time. During such an enquiry, she told us, “Let me wait and see your results. At that time you people will realize me. And you all will definitely feel badly for why wasted your precious time in praying than studying”.

We all never opened our mouths to reply, but we prayed. That was the only thing which we could do at that time. One fine day the result came. All the girls who were in that prayer cell secured nearly 80 %. In fact we ourselves could not believe that. Not a single person secured lesser than that. When scolding, the warden pinpointed 3 girls. Those three girls secured the top rankings in the very same semester itself. And all the others got around 80 %.

I am happy that we’re not blessed only in the marks we scored, but also in everything. I am sure that that happened only by the Lord. It clearly conveyed us all a message. “The horses will be prepared for the battle, but the victory belongs to God.” We also realized the real meaning of the verse Matthew 6:33. The warden too came to know our results. She didn’t open her mouth regarding marks thereafter.

Yes friends, when people begin to blame or irritate us for doing God's work, please don’t worry. He won’t sit idle. He is a powerful God clothed with splendor and majesty. When you do His work willingly, He does great things for you! When we wicked generation know how to bless our children, how can He stay silent without repaying what we actually deserve? When you invest your time for His glory, you’ll see His hands in all your situations. It doesn’t mean that you’ll get everything so easily, but you’ll get the right things. He will act accordingly so that all who curse you will definitely feel how good our God is. Today the situations may seem worse. Be patient, because the Lord, the blessed Redeemer will redeem us without even leaving the traces behind!

Be watchful; the end is near

2010-05-04T02:11:00.001-07:00

Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21 : 36

Good morning. This is the story which we told the kids when we visited the orphanage last time.

Two friends Sam and Dany chose different paths. Sam became an advocate and Dany went away from the Lord and started committing sins and once he stole something and was in the court. Sam advocated for Dany and won the case though he knew that his friend stole things. He advised Dany and then let him go. The next time also the same happened. Dany was again set free by the help of Sam. Dany then was not afraid to do anything as he knew that Sam was on his side. Now he murdered someone and was in the court searching for Sam. This time he saw Sam not as a lawyer, but as the judge. He was so happy that by any chance he would escape. But he was shocked when he heard his friend declaring a death sentence to him.

Spiritually seeing, Dany is like you and me doing what is not right. Sam is like Jesus who advocates & pleads for us when we commit sins. But as we see lot of things are happening around us which indicate that the end is near. I'm hearing lot of preachers preaching about the last days. In my devotional studies too Lord clearly speaks that His coming is very close by and His kingdom is near. Yes, Christ is coming back again, but not as a baby or as an advocate, but as a judge who is going to judge us rightly according to what we deserve actually.

Watch carefully. Be as the 5 wise virgins who’re well prepared with sufficient oil to meet the bridegroom. Be as the 2 faithful servants who multiplied the talents their master entrusted them with. Be as the wise and honest servant who treated his fellow servants whom his master gave to him. Be as if you’re a little kid to enter into the Kingdom of God. Bible says He would come like a thief who comes with no prior notice. Be alert to live holy, to reconcile with one another, to never give up when you face struggles, to bring lot many people into His flock. Be alert, as you don’t know on what day He would come. Be alert to help the needy people around you so that you’ll be standing as one of the sheep in the right side to enter into the place which the Lord has for.

May God bless!

Gideon - Part V

2010-04-30T05:44:00.000-07:00

Gideon said, “I do have one request, that each of you give me an earring from your share of the plunder.” Judges 8 : 24

Good morning, friends. Today let us see the last part of Gideon.

The land enjoyed peace in Gideon’s time. The Israelites said to Gideon, “Rule over us—you, your son and your grandson—because you have saved us out of the hand of Midian.”

But Gideon told them, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you.” And he said, “I do have one request, that each of you give me an earring from your share of the plunder.” They answered, “We'll be glad to give them.” So they spread out a garment, and each man threw a ring from his plunder onto it. The weight of the gold rings he asked for came to seventeen hundred shekels, not counting the ornaments, the pendants and the purple garments worn by the kings of Midian or the chains that were on their camels' necks. Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.

No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. They set up Baal-Berith as their god and did not remember the LORD their God, who had rescued them from the hands of all their enemies on every side.

When the Lord strengthened Gideon and used him to deliver the Israelites from the hands of Midianites, Israelites were greatly happy and they even wanted to make Gideon to rule over them. Till that period, there was no king concept among Israelites, as the Lord Himself was their king. But when people asked him Gideon gave them the right answer that he was not the ruler, but the Lord who protected and led them thus far was the ruler. His reply was good. He requested them to hand over earrings and this request was not good at all because, he made ephod out of the gold and Israelites started worshiping it. This was considered as prostitution. So indirectly Gideon not only led the people to enjoy safe pasture, but he also made something bad which led them go astray. He paved a way for them to forget their only God.

Here is a careful warning to all the leaders today. They should be very careful, as they lead others. People whom they lead will watch them. They should never lead people go away from the Lord. I know many people who are Christians by birth, but they never know the love of God. They don’t go to Churches. If asked they would say, “Why should I hear that preacher’s Word, while he himself is the biggest sinner?” The fear of the Lord is not there and no wonder why we get to see many pastors’ names in the newspapers in the unwanted sections. We hear many pastors coming and openly say that they are gays. They divorce and remarry many times, when Bible asks them to have only one wife. They long for money for their luxurious lives while Bible asks them not to go behind money. But still they lead a church. I’m sure God would cry when He sees them leading His people. Think carefully. Are you today leading someone away from God? If yes, God is warning you not to play with that soul. So it’s not at all about how happy when people are with you, but how safe they’re in God’s hands listening to His Word, living a life He wants and preparing themselves to enter into His Kingdom.

Kids at orphange!

2010-04-29T01:57:00.001-07:00

Please read http://littleangelsinneed.blogspot.com/2010/04/kaakum-karangal-on-28-april-2010.html

May God bless you!

Gideon - Part IV

2010-04-27T02:38:00.001-07:00

During that night the LORD said to Gideon, “Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands.” Judges 7 : 9

Good morning.

The LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands. In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her, announce now to the people, 'Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.' " So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained. But the LORD said to Gideon, "There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there. If I say, 'This one shall go with you,' he shall go; but if I say, 'This one shall not go with you,' he shall not go." Dividing the three hundred men into three companies, he placed trumpets and empty jars in the hands of all of them, with torches inside. "Watch me," he told them. "Follow my lead. When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do. When I and all who are with me blow our trumpets, then from all around the camp blow yours and shout, 'For the LORD and for Gideon.' "

Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the edge of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after they had changed the guard. They blew their trumpets and broke the jars that were in their hands. The three companies blew the trumpets and smashed the jars. Grasping the torches in their left hands and holding in their right hands the trumpets they were to blow, they shouted, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!" While each man held his position around the camp, all the Midianites ran, crying out as they fled. When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords.

Gideon was again and again confirmed by the Lord that He would deliver Midianites into his hands. We saw in the last email that Gideon demanded so many signs. But this time when the Lord told him that 23000 men were too many and asked him to have just the 300, he didn’t question God. He didn’t need anymore confirmation. But this time God himself asked him once and go to the place where Midianites’ troop were sleeping and then God again confirmed Gideon through a Midian’s dream. Normally in wars, the warriors trust the weapons they carry though they believe in God. But here to our surprise, Gideon’s men were having just a torch and an empty pot. Doesn’t sound silly? But the one who asked so many signs one day, later completely trusted God. With just a torch and an empty pot, he was willing to lead his army believing that the Lord who spoke to Him would deliver as He promised. When they shouted and broke the pots and blew the trumpets, the enemies themselves started killing themselves.

Going around the wall for seven days to conquer a place is too stupid actually, but when they didn’t think too logically on that as they had faith on God’s Word, Joshua and his men went around the wall for seven days and shouted praise to the Lord, the wall of Jericho fell down. Similarly having asking 20000 men to go back and 300 alone with just a torch and an empty pot going for a battle was too illogical, but when Gideon and his people believed and blew the trumpets, the enemies were destroyed by themselves.

Dear friends, many of us sometimes feel that we’re left alone with all our problems. You may think you’re not fit to solve these problems as you don’t have anything to fight against the biggest problems you have today. But remember God’s people can stand in the battle without even a weapon in their hands. As Paul says when we’re weak and empty, He becomes stronger and fills us in abundance. A trumpet sound (the praise) is enough to deliver us. Your enemies (the problems) will be scattered from you. Don’t rely on the weapons/strengths you have, just trust Him because the battle is not yours, it is His.

Gideon - Part III

2010-04-23T03:09:00.001-07:00

Then I shall know that You will save Israel by my hand, as You have said. Judges 6 : 37

Good morning. Let us resume the Character study of Gideon.

Gideon considered himself as the least among the least, but God made it clear that He would deliver Israelites from the hands of Midianites through Gideon. But he was not so confident. Gideon said to God, “If You will save Israel by my hand as You have said; look, I shall put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor; if there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that You will save Israel by my hand, as You have said.” And it was so. When he rose early the next morning and squeezed the fleece together, he wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowlful of water. Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me, but let me speak just once more: Let me test, I pray, just once more with the fleece; let it now be dry only on the fleece, but on all the ground let there be dew.” And God did so that night. It was dry on the fleece only, but there was dew on all the ground.

Though the Lord spoke to him, Gideon was not willing to believe it, he again and again wanted the Lord to confirm by signs. Today how many of us are longing for signs. Lord if this happens, then I believe you spoke to me. Lord if this problem comes to me at my work place, then I believe that you ask me to look for another offer outside, if…if..if…. When we have the close relationship with Him, there is no need for any signs other than the Word which comes from His mouth. Though His voice is so silent, we can listen to it. If we place so many Ifs before the Lord, it is nothing but we doubt Him. And when we add ‘True’ part to these Ifs, we command Him as if He is our servant. How can a creation command its Creator? Jesus strongly rebuked those who looked for signs about His divinity and He gave them no sign other than the Prophet Jonah’s reference! What signs do we need more? He holds our future. He knows our history, present and also the future. We’re safe in His hands. Did He promise you? If He says, He will do for sure. God is never a liar.

Jesus' Word 5, 6 and 7 on the cross

2010-04-21T23:21:00.000-07:00

Good morning, friends.

I feel so guilty in not sending this email everyday. But when it came to annual appraisal, on the last day I tried my best to write about me in spite of the heavy work. I know that God is greater than all these appraisals and His work has to be given the highest priority. This is the shorter message which the Lord revealed to me.

Today let us close this meditation on His Word on the cross.

Word 5

Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” John 19:28

Jesus refused the initial drink of vinegar, gall and myrrh offered to alleviate his suffering. But here, several hours later, we see Jesus fulfilling the Messianic prophecy found in Psalm 69:21, He said, “I’m thirsty.” In Matthew 27 : 34 we read, there they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it.

It can be interpreted both physically and spiritually. Physically He lost even the last drop of His blood and water started coming out and His body longed for water. In those days they gave such bitter drinks in order to reduce the pain felt in the body. But Jesus never wanted to have lesser pain and that’s why he didn’t accept it. He paid the full price for us. I’ve heard from another preacher that He referred to the thirst for souls. Even today His thirst for souls is greater.

Word 6

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Jesus knew for what He came into this world and one by one, He fulfilled everything. He accepted all the spits, mocks, beats and every wicked things we did to Him and finally when He was about to hand over His spirit to the Lord, He told the world that it was not an ending. It’s the beginning actually. It was an end only to sufferings and to pains. There came a new meaning for all of us after His death and resurrection. Our Savior lived and died for us. He rose again for us and is living now amidst us.

But He placed a challenging question to you and me, “I’m done with my work. I created everything in the first six days. You being stonehearted never accepted it. I came down to the world to prove my love towards you and to wash away the sins you bore. But you sentenced me to death. I was silent even when they mocked at me. Now I’m going up to ordain a place for those who love me. But I’m going to send down the Holy Spirit, your friend and comforter all the days of your life. Are you ready to get into the battlefield? You’re not alone, for the Holy Spirit is with you. I already won the battle. Now it is the time for me to stand for me in the world?” What’s your reply to Him today?

Word 7

Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. Luke 23:46

Being the son of God of all the powers surrendered Himself to the Lord. He teaches us submission and humbleness. No matter whatever you achieve, you need to be humble for the Lord loves those who humble themselves.

Now a question comes here. Were these 7 Words just for popularity? Or to prove that He was great? No. Each Word was for a purpose. He taught several lessons to you and me even when He was hanging on the cross. Let us analyze each Word carefully and start following it.

1. Let us forgive one another wholeheartedly. 2. Let us not forget for what He has chosen you and me as His children. 3. Let us be more caring and loyal towards our own family. 4. May the sin become so cheap to us. 5. Let us have a deep desire to bring many souls into His Kingdom. 6. Let us start living the live He wants us to. 7. Above all, let us stay humble.

Jesus' Word 4 on the cross

2010-04-15T20:05:00.001-07:00

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Matthew 27:46

Good morning.

Jesus took all our sins on Him. From the sixth hour to the ninth hour, the darkness came all over the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried aloud and said, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Have you ever seen God forsaking you? I haven’t. Because I would have gone to nothing if He has forsaken me, for it’s His grace and mercy that sustains me.

We see in Bible many times Jesus going and having an individual fellowship with God. Always He had a deep desire to speak to God. He rejoiced in the presence of Lord. But once He took all our sins, those sins created a very big wall in between Jesus and the Lord which Jesus could not bear at all. When others beat Him, spat Him and mocked at Him, He was silent. But once He was not able to see His Father’s face He was not able to be silent and out of His inability He cried unto the Lord.

What is the moral? Sin separates us from God. When you and I commit any sin, we’ll not be able to freely pray to Him and worship Him.

I’m a member of BOB forum which is for BusinessObjects tool. From my client machine, I opened google and in the search field I tried searching for BOB forum. For this I entered B and you know what? Immediately as the very first search result, I got Blue film.

Sin has taken its own place everywhere. We Christians may not see such films or kill or steal something, but Jesus very clearly says, “Are you angry on your brother? You’re sinning. When you look at a lady out of lust, you’re sinning?” How many of us will agree to record all our thoughts and show it to others if such a machine is available? It’s very important to see how our ‘thought life’ is. We can hide many things from others, but the Lord looks deep into our hearts. Nothing can be hidden from Him. The Psalmist says, “Search my heart, Lord.” Are we bold to say this to Him?

Jesus' Word 3 on the cross

2010-04-14T02:22:00.001-07:00

Jesus saw his own mother, and the disciple standing near whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son". Then he said to the disciple, "Behold your mother". And from that hour, he took his mother into his family. John 19: 26, 27

Good morning, friends.

One fine day when the Church was full of its members worshiping God, a gang of folks came in with pistols and shouted, “Those who want their lives can go out, else be ready to be shot dead.” That’s all. Everyone stopped their worship and started running towards the door, forgetting their own children who sat next to their friends.

Jesus’ third Word on the cross gives us how great His love towards His family in spite of the pain he bore on His body and soul. He cared for His own mother even when he felt the unbearable pain. He was much satisfied when He handed His mother to John, the disciple whom He loved very much. He didn’t ask His mother to go with someone else, but to a great one who loved the Lord and shone for Him.

This tells us very clearly that we’re responsible for whatever happens to our family members. If they’re going astray, it is you and me who need to pray even more for them. Sometimes I feel content after transferring my salary to my mom and dad. I don’t usually take off / time to go to my hometown often. But I know very clearly that sending money alone doesn’t make them feel happy. They need our love and care.

A young man found his son packing up an old blanket and some stuffs. He went to his son and asked, “What are you doing?” He was shocked when his boy said, “I’m packing this for you so that I can leave you at old-age home when I marry.”

It’s really shameful to see the young people leaving their mom and dad who spent almost all of their time, love and everything to bring them up. Listen! Your children watch you more carefully and you’re the root cause of how they would behave.

Paul clearly says that if one is not guiding for his own family, he is not eligible to be the member of priests/deacons in the Church. Jesus very clearly says that when we have something against our own brother, we have to keep our offering aside and go to the brother to be reconciled first before offering something to the Lord. Solomon in Proverbs very clearly says that a wise woman first fulfills her duty to her family. Where do you stand today? Are you really loyal to your own family? How much do you love them? If no, then you definitely need to troubleshoot yourself and find out what hinders/degrades your love towards your family and friends.

Jesus' Word 1 and 2 on the cross

2010-04-01T00:01:00.001-07:00

Hi all,

Friends, as this is the Holy week, let us see something about what Jesus spoke when He was on the cross. Yesterday we had a meeting where we shared the Word of God based on these seven Words. There can be n number of emails that can be sent. But I try to make things short. Read a verse and then take a break and then proceed, if it is too long.

Word 1:

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Luke 23:34

The people who shouted, “Hosannah!” and who prepared Him way on Palm Sunday, started shouting, “Nail Him on the cross” a few days later. He was beaten up like anything. People spitted on Him. They slapped Him. They made lot on His garments. They made Him bear a heavy cross. He was completely ill-treated by them.

Jesus – is the one who forgives the sins of the people. The primary purpose of Jesus to leave the place of the highest glory to the worst world is to forgive our sins. He insisted the same when He was on the cross when He was completed rejected and despised by men. He accepted all the spits, beats, mocks, etc,… without uttering a word. He was God and He could have cursed them for He didn’t deserve the cruel punishment. But still as He knew His purpose He chose to forgive everyone.

He teaches forgiveness in the Lord's prayer: "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us" Matthew 6:12 We have no rights to pray this prayer when we don’t forgive others. Let us forgive others even if they don’t deserve it.

Word 2:

“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43

One of the thieves who hung there insulted Jesus while the other one rebuked him saying, “We’re punished justly for what we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” And then he said, “Lord, please remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Then Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Out of all the pains He bore, Jesus didn’t curse anyone, but remained silent. He prayed for their forgiveness. This really touched the thief’s heart. He would have never listened to any of the sermons Jesus preached. But he should have felt divine power of Jesus on the cross and he believed that Jesus would reign. His sins were forgiven and his faith was honored by Jesus. He just asked Jesus to remember him, but Jesus granted much generously that HE reserved a place for him in Paradise.

This again reveals that even at the death pain, Jesus was able to forgive others and He never allowed anything to divert Him from the primary purpose.

To be continued…

Happy Good Friday and Easter to everyone!

Gideon - Part II

2010-03-30T01:38:00.001-07:00

Tear down your father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. Then build a proper kind of altar to the LORD your God on the top of this height. Judges 6 : 25, 26

Good morning, friends.

Israelites after getting delivered from the hands of Sisera, again turned to evil and went astray. For seven years they were under the Midianites. They cried unto the Lord when they were not able to withstand the pressure given by the Midianites. So the Lord chose Gideon as a mighty warrior who could lead Israelites. Gideon considered himself as the least among the least, but God made it clear that He would deliver Israelites from the hands of Midianites through Gideon.

Gideon asked, "But Lord how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." The LORD answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together."
Gideon was very happy that he spoke to the Lord and so he built an altar to the LORD there and called it ‘The LORD is Peace’. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

That same night the LORD said to him, "Take the second bull from your father's herd, the one seven years old. Tear down your father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. Then build a proper kind of altar to the LORD your God on the top of this height. Using the wood of the Asherah pole that you cut down, offer the second bull as a burnt offering."

Gideon spoke to the Lord. He loved to build an altar to this Lord and he did it. But he didn’t cut down the altars which his father established.

To put it concrete and short, speaking to God, strengthened by His Word, building an altar to the Lord with the throne of praise and sacrifices are not at all enough. It’s good to sing praises to His name and giving offerings. But the true deliverance will come only when we tear down the extra altars which we ourselves built inside our hearts for anything other than God. God will guide us, will speak to us, will strengthen us, but if we want God to be pleased by our lives, we need to remove and tear down all the other altars we built so far by our own flesh. Be it for money, for pleasures, for our own job, family or anything you can add to the list. Bible clearly says we can not serve two masters. It also says anyone who loves anything/anyone more than God is not a follower of Christ.

Friends, as you read this today, just search your heart and if you see you have other altars deep inside, the true deliverance has not yet come. You’ll see it only when you throw aside all the things that are standing as barriers between you and God. God doesn’t only want you to tear down the altars, but He also wants you to build the altar on the top of the other altars. I understand it like, we should prioritize God than to the anything else, because He alone is worthy of our love. Nothing can match His matchless names. Deliverance is on your way! Are you willing to be really delivered?

To be continued…

Gideon - Part I

2010-03-30T00:56:00.000-07:00

“If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?” Judges 6 : 13

Good morning, friends. It has been long since we’ve done character study. Let us read something about Gideon day by day.

Israelites after getting delivered from the hands of Sisera, again turned to evil and went astray. For seven years they were under the Midianites.

When the Israelites cried to the LORD because of Midian, he sent them a prophet, who said, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I brought you up out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. I snatched you from the power of Egypt and from the hand of all your oppressors. I drove them from before you and gave you their land. I said to you, 'I am the LORD your God; do not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live.' But you have not listened to me."

The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the LORD has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian."

The LORD turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" "But Lord ," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." The LORD answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together."

Gideon was found threshing wheat in a winepress. He was called by the Lord. He could have astonished when God called him. He could have searched here and there to see who the Lord was actually calling. Such a man, who didn’t know to go for a war was called by the Lord a mighty warrior. Before God called him Gideon was nothing. But when the moment the Lord called him he was blessed a mighty warrior. Are you feeling inferior that you don’t have power to do things? Blow it away! The God has called you and now you inherit His power and you stand as a mighty warrior conquering souls for Him.

But did he get ready for the battle when God called him? No, he asked the Lord, “Why has all this happened to us, if the Lord is with us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the LORD has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian.” This clearly explains that Gideon was an ordinary man with ordinary questions. We have such questions very often. “If you’re with me, why am I going through this? How are you letting this happen to me and my family? Has Your power gone? Is Your hand too short to save me now? Bla bla..” Don’t forget Gideon was a man who asked such silly questions in times of troubles, but God used him mightily.

The next one to be noted is, Gideon knew all the things that the Lord has done to his fathers. He kept a record of all the wonders the Israelites have ever seen. What about you? Are you having records of what He has done for you? Or just having a long list of unanswered prayers?

To be continued…

A busy prayer!

2010-03-24T04:08:00.001-07:00

“Lord, save me.” Matthew 14 : 30

Good morning, friends.

In my fellowship we have Fasting Prayer on all Thursdays. We have some worship teams and I’m one among the fifth team. It was my turn to lead worship, last Thursday. Actually I was not only busy with my work, but also deeply burdened in my heart about various things. I was not so sure whether I would lead the worship or not. My shift ended by 2.30 PM, but as I was stuck up with some more activities, I stayed at my office for more time. Before leaving for the fasting prayer, I went into the dormitory and opened my Bible to read few passages. And then I just prayed to Him, “Lord you know how I’m today. I’m not having the strength to go and lead people in worship. But still, please be with me and let everyone feel your presence when we worship.” Though it was a busy prayer (lesser than 5 minutes), I prayed sincerely, because I knew I could do nothing without Him.

Worship started. I led worship many times so far. But that was a very different one. I knew I was not the one who actually spoke. It was God who led me in worship first and with His help I led others in worship and I believe everyone felt His presence.

When you surrender everything to Him you can actually start seeing His hands in everything. Never do anything by your own strength, but by His strength, for yours is week and He’s strong.

The reason why I write this today is, friends, if you think you’re busy, tied with lot many things that you’re not able to manage and not willing to pray as it would be a very shorter one, I would say, “Just go ahead; at least pray that busy prayer. God will answer you, because He knows your situation.” The shortest prayer in Bible was prayed by Peter when he was about to be drowned into the water. “Lord, save me.” It was answered. If you’re not having words to pray, just be still, go and sit silently in His presence. That will do. He’ll understand you very well. He does look your heart and not your mouth.

When I’m familiar with shortcut keys, I no longer wait to use them. I’ll use them very often. Again Peter’s shortest prayer can be prayed at anytime, no matter where you are. If you are walking on the road and you see an ambulance, you can pray it. When you see someone who lives by the road with no basic needs, you can pray it. When you see some kids playing in the shopping centers, you can pray it. So pray it! When you have your colleagues who struggle with their assignments, you can pray it! Or let me frame it as ‘You should pray it.’ Because, you learned this secret today.

Count your blessings!

2010-03-15T00:10:00.001-07:00

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name. Hebrews 13:15

Good morning, friends.

Last year I bought a very big diary. But I’ve not used it to the full extent. I’ve scribbled some prayer points, some devotionals, some daily experiences for the first few days. That’s all. When I looked at it a few days back, I opened it again and when I started reading all the prayer points with a pen to tick whichever has been answered by the Lord, I couldn't stop praising Him. It reminded me of the days when me and my friend woke up and sang some songs, read few passages with partial sleep and prayed for many prayer points. We finished one notebook very sooner and almost all the prayer points were marked with a tick, which showed us the Lord's faithfulness in answering our prayers.

I had the same experience when I read this new diary. For some of my friends I've prayed for their marriages and even before I started praying to the Lord they would have kids, they were pregnant and gave birth to wonderful kids. For some of my friends I've prayed for jobs, whereas now I pray for their promotions/confirmations. And much more to mention here. Not even at a single point of time, I put a wrong mark (a cross mark) saying that the Lord has rejected the prayer requests.

Friends, just start thanking Him for what He has done to you so far. If you're not having a grateful heart, here comes a beautiful way to be thankful. Just start counting the blessings one by one. You'll be filled with joy and will have a grateful heart even before you cross five. The song 'Count your blessings' tell exactly what we've to do when we're troubled with lot many things.

Count your blessings, name them one by one.
Count your blessings, see what God hath done.
Count your blessings, name them one by one
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Sometimes you may forget what you prayed for, but the Lord will never forget it. He’ll answer it in His own way! I’ve experienced it in my life many times. Here comes the vital question. Is there no prayer point that is not marked at all? Yes, I do have. But I believe that the Lord is preparing them and will hand it over to me at the right time. It’ll be granted at His own time. Sarah & Abraham after a long waiting got Isaac who was the father of nations. Elizabeth and Zachariah after a long waiting gave birth to John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus in the wilderness. Hannah got the great Prophet Samuel after a long waiting. Do you understand one thing? If something is getting delayed, there will be a special blessing definitely. In my fellowship, we love the phrase, “The longer the waiting time/preparation, the better the future is.” The one who carried you thus far is more than faithful. So never give up!

Be a doer!

2010-03-05T04:01:00.001-08:00

We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. Hebrews 2:1

Good morning, friends.

I’m working for a new project since the last month. I’m the only one working from my organization interacting with the client teams at on-site. This is altogether a very different project. Clients give knowledge transfer everyday and they assign some tasks to me. When I listen to them over the phone, or when I watch them doing things on their system, I’ll be pretty sure they’re very easy to perform. But when they all go to sleep assigning me the same tasks, I’ll be in such a pathetic situation if I get stuck somewhere. Mostly I’ll hesitate to wake them up at night. But if I face any problem, there is no way I can perform the tasks which need to be done at the scheduled times. So what we planned is, whatever they tell me, I’ll do in front of them by remote desktop sharing and once they feel I’m comfortable, they’ll go for a happy nap. This is how I learn and implement things as this is the start.

When I read Hebrews 2:1, I really understood why Paul insisted us to pay more attention to what we hear. The more we lend our ears, the more careful we listen. But what is the use of hearing all the time? When we don’t implement what we hear and what we are taught, if we’re left alone, certainly there comes a day when we are digging a deep pit for ourselves. When I say ‘left alone’ I really mean it. It is very easier for me to be good in front of others. I know how to speak when others look at me. I know how to do things when I see someone next to me. But what I do when none is with me, is what that matters. God gives instructions to us through His Word. As Paul says, we have to listen to what the Lord speaks to us when we read Bible or when we hear ministers preaching to us. Mere listening is not enough. That’s why the Bible clearly asks us to ‘Be a doer’. When you implement things by your own, you’ll really know your own potential. If you’re lacking anything, you can ask God the wisdom you need. Still if we are just listeners, it is much clear that we’re going to be drifted away. We have to stand firm in our faith, else we’ll not stand at all. To stand against the wrong desires and all the other unwanted stuff, we should not be just a listener. Did you ever think of Paul and his ministry? He was a great persecutor, but when God spoke to him ONCE, his life got completely transformed. How many years are we hearing to great preachers? How many times have we read the Bible completely? But still, we are nowhere nearer to Paul. Why? We pathetically fail to implement. My suggestion to you and me is ‘read one letter of Paul everyday.’ And be a doer!

He never sleeps!

2010-03-02T23:44:00.001-08:00

Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalms 121:4

Good morning, friends.

Now-a-days I’m working in first shift. I’ve to get up at least by 4.15 AM everyday. I’ve to be in office at around 6 AM in the morning. You all may know how tough it is to get up so early especially when the weather is too cold. I’m staying away from my parents for work. I set up an alarm every night before I go to sleep. You know what happens? My hand will automatically snooze the alarm every now and then as I’ll be so sleepy. But my father will call me everyday at around 4.15 AM. That’s normal. But one day he returned to my hometown so late by 2 AM and then as usual he called me. I asked him if he could call me after ten minutes. He agreed and then when he woke me up again, he told me that he didn’t sleep at all for the entire night as he knew if he slept, he would have not waken up at 4 AM to give me a call. Though I was worried for not allowing him to sleep, I felt so happy that my mom and dad are always thinking of me even beyond their sleep.

My friend, when I think of their love, I also think there is someone who is greater than my mom and dad who works in ways I cannot see. The prophet Jeremiah says that the plans the Lord has for me is to prosper me and not to harm me. But sometimes we question God, “Aren’t you seeing me walking through such a pain that I cannot bear?” “If I’m the apple of Your eyes, why is this happening to me?” and the questions list grows. The Psalmist boldly says, “Though I walk through the valley of shadow of death, I fear no evil for Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.” Shall we say that to Him today?

In my fellowship, one uncle always says, “Life is so simple; we are trying all that we can to complicate it.”

In Don Moen’s ‘Hiding Place’ album, there is a wonderful song ‘He never sleeps, He never slumbers.’ It is written so beautifully. I love the lines below.

Do you think that the Lord has forgotten your needs? Just remember that the Lord is always working in ways you cannot see. He never sleeps; He never slumbers; He never tires of hearing our prayer. When we are weak, He becomes stronger. So rest in His love and cast all of your cares on Him. And his song ‘God is good’ has ‘Though I may not understand all the plans You have for me, my life is in Your hands. And through the eyes of faith, I can clearly see.’

Do you think the saints who stand up for God have no problems? No, they too have. But they see the problems through their eyes of faith. We keep them closed. That’s the only difference. Trust Him to the core and overcome the problems you have, because the battle belongs to Him. And through Him the victory is ours. Cheer up.

May God bless you all!

A cloak to Jesus!

2010-02-24T03:36:00.001-08:00

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Proverbs 3 : 27

Good morning to you all. For so many days, I was not able to send out this email, but today God gave me a wonderful chance to send this across. Kindly go ahead and read the following with burden. If God speaks to you, don’t forget to reply me.

St. Martin of Tours was born as the son of a senior military officer of the Roman army. Attracted by the Christian doctrines, he went to the church as a candidate for baptism at the age of ten, even against the wishes of his pagan parents. At the age of fifteen he had to join the military.

On a bitterly cold winter day, he was passing through the city gates of Amiens. He saw a scantily dressed poor beggar, shivering in the snow storm. No one cared for him. Out of compassion, Martin cut his fine military cloak into two pieces with his sword. He gave one piece to the poor man who thankfully wrapped himself with it as a shawl. Martin covered himself with the other half. That night, Martin had a dream. Jesus appeared before him, dressed in the half-cloak which he had gifted to the beggar. Jesus showed the mantle and said to the surrounding saints and angels “Martin has covered me with this cloak.”

Martin remembered the words of Jesus: “I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did this for me” Matthew 25: 40. He renounced the army and announced that he would be a soldier of Christ. He spent the rest of his life as a zealous missionary, preaching the word of God and suffering humiliation and punishment to uphold his faith. He lived as a monk and formed the first monastery in France. Later he was ordained as the Bishop of Tours. The piece of the cloak kept by him became a holy relic, known as ‘St. Martin’s cloak’.

The early Christians cared for everyone, especially the sick and needy and shared their assets equitably to benefit everyone. Acts 4: 32-37. “Suppose there are brothers or sisters who need clothes and don’t have enough to eat. What good is there in your saying to them, “God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!”- if you don’t give them the necessities of life? So it is with faith: if it is alone and includes no actions, then it is dead” James 2: 15-17. St. John advises, “My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action” 1 John 3:18. “If someone says he loves God, but hates his brother, he is a liar. For he cannot love God, whom he has not seen, if he does not love his brother, whom he has seen”1 John 4: 20, 21. “Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. Never tell your neighbour to wait until tomorrow if you can help him now” Proverbs 3: 28.

Now comes the main thing for you to act. In our organization we have an employee who is just 27 and right now he is suffering from Cancer and he is very serious. He needs many lakhs of rupees to undergo Chemotherapy. We have a plan to visit him at CMC, Vellore to pray for him and help him financially. If God creates a burden in you, please reply back to me. I’ll share with you the email he sent along with the attachments. Kindly support him. Your little help (may be the money you spare for a coffee in Coffee Day) will save a life. Above all pray for him, as our Lord alone can heal him.

May God bless you all!

William Carey, the Father of Modern Missions

2010-02-08T20:43:00.003-08:00

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28: 19,20

Good morning friends. In my fellowship, the guys are going to Surat to share the love of our Christ. So I thought that knowing about the missionaries will help increasing the burden to sow the seeds of Jesus, the only hope to mankind. I’ve already shared this last year. Now I added a few more to it.

I saw the film ‘Candle in the dark’ which tells about 'William Carey' and his awesome work for God.

William Carey was an English protestant missionary. He was called as 'Father of Modern Missions'. He along with his family left his country and reached Kolkata, India. He longed to preach in India. He was very intelligent that he began to learn Bengali when he was in travel to India. He mastered in Bengali and he translated the Holy Bible in Bengali, there after in many other Indian languages. In those days, he and his family members had to support themselves. They suffered a lot, because they even lacked basic needs like shelter and food. In spite of all these things, he struggled hard to work for the vision he had. His wife Dorothy didn’t render any support to him. In the mean time he lost one of his sons and he was not even there to bury him. Dorothy buried her son. There were years of discouragement (no one accepted Christ for seven years), debt, disease, deterioration of his wife's mind, death, but by the grace of God and by the power of the Word Carey continued and conquered for Christ! When he saw the practice of 'Sati' - young women were burnt along with their dead husbands, he was so burdened. He cared a lot for the people around him. He spent nearly seven full years to translate the Bible in Bengali. But all his efforts ended up in vain, when he and his team saw fire eating the work of their hands. With the strength of God, his team again started working on the translation. In the mean time, he joined with 'Raja Ram Mohan Roy' of India and by their joint effort 'Sati' was abolished from India.

On his deathbed Carey called out to a missionary friend, “Dr. Duff! You have been speaking about Dr. Carey; when I am gone, say nothing about Dr. Carey, but speak about Dr. Carey's God.”

His famous quote was, “Expect great things from God; accept great things for God.”

It is because of this man who sacrificed a lot, the Indians have Bible in our regional languages. Later many schools and colleges were also established. Many superstitious beliefs were eradicated. Without the thirst in his heart, he could not have suffered and done these many things in a foreign country where he gave up all his pleasures.

This is the thirst which our Lord wants from you and me. Are you not having many friends around you, who don't know what the solutions to their problems are? Are you hunger enough to show them the right path? Are you longing to live righteously, in spite of the problems you'll face as you are righteous? Once you do, the Lord will use you mightily and you'll be a blessing to others, even to nations. May the Lord strengthen us to live righteously without giving up while facing difficulties, so that we can enter Heaven one day along with many souls for Lord!

May God bless you all!

Wanna spread EAFLU? Part VI

2010-02-01T21:29:00.001-08:00

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7 : 12

Good morning, friends. Let us read about the last letter ‘U’ today. It’s nothing but ‘Understand.’ The following is narrated by someone on Emotional Intelligence.

One day I was trying to get a defective product replaced before I started a trip overseas. I made several phone calls and tried to explain the situation several times to several different people. I kept getting passed around from one department to another. People kept debating with me and telling me what the company policies were without listening to me. No one seemed to understand or care that it was important to me that the product be replaced before I left for my trip. I was feeling more and more frustrated, even exasperated. Finally I found someone who understood what I was trying to say and what I needed. I could literally feel the tension releasing from my body. I thought to myself," Finally. Someone who understands!" I realized then how important understanding was.

Now you could have realized how understanding is needed. In any argues, you can hear people saying, “Please try to understand me.” That is when the people explicitly tell others that they have to be understood. In judicial courts, we see the accused getting chances to explain his situation that caused him to go wring. The pathetic situation with us is many times, we always stay at a point where we leave no place for others to explain things to us and so we don’t spend our times in understanding them. In short, we always judge others even before we know the truth. Remember if you judge someone, you can never understand them. While the accused gets a chance to explain him, why don’t you give a few more chances to your friends, your family members and beloveds?

My grandfather and my grandmother love me so much. In fact when I was young almost all my vacations were spent in their home. No other dares to stay there as it’s a village, but I loved to stay there and serve them. I always expected when my vacation would start to go there. One incident happened when I was doing my Engineering and that broke the relationship. They told some statements against my father (their son-in-law) to defend their son. I was not able to forgive them. But as years passed by, I forgot what they did to us, instead remembered how much they loved me before. As they are getting older, they now don’t remember what happened exactly. But one thing they know for sure that we’re here and we would go and meet them when we get time.

‘F’orgiveness and ‘U’nderstand go hand in hand. Do you want someone to explain themselves to understand them? Friends, not always you’ll get a chance to hear them asking for forgiveness. Give up your ego. Just try to understand people even if they don’t confess things to you.

The world is craving for love. If you’re lacking in any of these five, Encouragement, Appreciation, Forgiveness, Listening and Understanding, just workout something to possess them. I’ll show you a shortcut to it. You can win the whole world by practicing what the Holy Bible says. I’m able to feel that the entire ‘Be attitude’, in other words ‘Sermon on the mount’ Matthew 5, 6 and 7 collectively speaks about all these qualities. Kindly take some time to read these three chapters, by which you can get a good idea on how to possess them all and to inherit Eternal Kingdom.

May God bless you all!

Wanna spread EAFLU? Part V

2010-02-01T05:34:00.001-08:00

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7 : 12

Good morning, friends. Let us read something about what the letter L means. Listen!!! I’ve shared this incident earlier. But I’m sending this again as this is very much related to our study.

One day while I was waiting for a train, an old man sat next to me. He was to rush to Egmore to catch a train to his native place. He started talking to me. He told about his family in spite of my silence. He told that he was working in a foreign country to earn lots and lots of money. He spent some 50000 to 100000 rupees to visit India once in a year. After getting the satisfaction of earning money, he returned to India to spend the rest of his years with his lovable family. He invested his money in share market which he earned after so many years of hard work, that too in a foreign country where he survived without his family. Soon the profit went down and he lost almost all his money. And he told that he was feeling a lot for he had left his family to earn money which went away in vain. He too told that he didn't even spend a little of his huge amount. He believed that his son would help him restore things back to normal. But that too didn’t happen. Bla bla… And then we saw a train coming over there and I left him and came.

He didn't know me before. I didn't start the conversation even. But by keeping all the worries within himself, he needed a person to lend his/her ears for his burdens. He wanted to share his pains with someone. He definitely knew that I would never be able to help him out, but he shared that to me. Whether you realize this or not, we all want to be listened by others. I’ve heard people saying, “Sharing the burden with others give them a little relief.” My mom and dad are too far from IT world. They don’t know anything related to software. But still, whenever I’m depressed, I’ll call them and tell everything to them both. I know that they are not able to understand in depth about what I’m talking, but I’m pretty much sure that they care for me. The next moment I disconnect the call, I know that they’ll kneel down to the Lord to pray for me.

When we want others to listen to us, then definitely we’ve to listen to them. Mere listening will never help them. We’ve to pray for them. We should have a burden for them. Only the Lord can take away their pains and give the rest to them. Your job is to lead them to Christ.

Jesus tells, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. Joyce Meyer tells, “When you’re depressed, run to the throne of our King of kings and not to the phone.”

Though you want others to listen to you, don’t depend on them. We don't even know whether the person is interested to hear all our stories or not. But we want them to. They too may not be in a good mood to hear you always. We should never expect anyone to hear us always. They too have their own worries. Friend, His arms are wide opened and He calls us all to Him. And He too promised us that He would give rest which we need. Is there anyone who could give the rest? No. Certainly not. No one could give a secured rest as Jesus gives.

Wanna spread EAFLU? Part IV

2010-01-29T01:01:00.001-08:00

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7 : 12

Good morning, friends. Today let us read about ‘F’orgive.

John’s father had suffered a stroke and his mother had been in a serious accident. They both are now unable to respond to him in anyway. There are areas in John’s life in which he needs and wants his parents’ forgiveness, but because they are physically unable to communicate, he cannot be sure that they understand him. Everyday he goes to the hospital and asks their forgiveness, but he gets no response. The situation is robbing him of any joy.

There are countless Johns in the world who want more than anything else than to be forgiven. In fact Jesus gives much importance to forgiveness when he showed His disciples how to pray. “Forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” He also says, “If you have grudge against anyone, first leave the offering and go and reconcile with them and then come to offer.” So the first step you do to be forgiven is to forgive others! I know some people don’t deserve it, but still remember God has forgiven us even when we were sinners. Forgiveness should be given as quickly and as totally as possible. Do it now. Too often we wait too long to forgive others. Don’t be in a position of John who no longer has the opportunity to communicate to his parents. Make hay while the sun shines. And the next important thing is you should also forget whatever happened. Many times, even if we forgive others, we’ll keep the history in our heart and mind. We have a very small heart, then why to dump waste things into it? Use it fruitfully. I know it's quite easy to say, but too difficult to follow. Through Him, we can do anything.

Wanna spread EAFLU? Part III

2010-01-27T22:56:00.001-08:00

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7 : 12

Good morning, friends. Today let us read about ‘A’ppreciate. William James said, “The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.”

A young politician in his first campaign speech was very eager to make an impression on his audience, but when he arrived at the audience he found only one man. After waiting for others to come, he gave up as no one came. He said to that man, “Look, I’m just a young politician starting out. Do you want me to deliver the speech or to dismiss the meeting?” The man thought for a moment and then said, “Sir, I’m just a cowhand. All I know is cows. Of course, I do know that if I took a load of hay down to the pasture and only one cow came up, I’d feed it!”

Don’t underestimate the value of a single person.

With the advice of the cowhand, the politician began his speech and talked on and on for two full hours as the cowhand sat expressionless. Finally he stopped and asked the cowhand “Is my speech alright?” The man replied, “Sir if only one cow came up, I surely wouldn’t dump the whole load on him.”
Don’t take advantage of people.

A simple formula to appreciate others is to treat them as if they’re important. The Bible says something like this, “When you have the good thing in you but you don’t give it, then you’re not doing the right thing.” When people are craving for appreciation, why don’t you just give it away? I know sometimes it is tough to appreciate others, but still if you carefully look at them, you’ll find at least a couple of reasons for which they deserve your appreciation. Appreciate your wife for the food she prepares for you. Appreciate the boy who comes and delivers news paper in the morning. Appreciate your security folks who protect you all day and night.

During the last day of Chennai Hope Festival, Franklin Graham thanked everyone and he specifically asked us to appreciate the police officers who served there. He told, “We often go to the police with the complaints. Just for a change, today while you leave, please appreciate them for without them we could have not accommodated nearly 90000 people in the venue.” I saw many guys who greeted the police men with a smile that night for the very first time.

As many of us are software professionals, we all know the happiness we get when we receive appreciation emails from the customers and awards from our bosses. Don’t we? This will enhance the interest to work willingly. In the same way, people will start responding according to the way you perceive them.

Wanna spread EAFLU? Part - II

2010-01-27T07:48:00.001-08:00

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7 : 12

Good morning, friends. Now it’s the time for us to read about ‘E’ in EAFLU. In fact you often expect others to do this to you. Did you guess it right? It is nothing but ‘Encourage.’ You realize it or not, but most of your friends are those who encourage you. Go ahead to read about what Eugene Lang did.

Entrepreneur Lang was success magazine’s ‘Successful man of the year’ in 1986. 61 six graders were assembled in an auditorium in blue caps and gowns. Lang addressed them this way. “This is your first graduation and is the just perfect time to dream. Dream of what you want to be, the kind of life you wish to build. Believe in that dream. Be prepared to work for it. Always remember it’s your dream and it’s so important and it’s your future. And it is worth working for. You must study.” The children blinked their eyes and so their parents as their place a poverty stricken, drug-ridden neighborhood. But when Lang said, “You must study. You must attend junior high school, high school and then college. So stay in school and I’ll……. Give each of you a college scholarship”, there were joyful expressions like cheering, waving and hugging one another happened. Not just he spoke, but he did. He began the ‘I have a dream’ foundation and now the entrepreneurs in New York City are also going into classrooms offering the same kind of scholarships.

How amazing it is even to read! Eugene Lang believed in these kids and it all made the difference in how they lived the rest of their lives. There is no way to describe the joy of having a young person touch your arm and smile because you have taught him new values and touched his heart and mind. The happiest persons are those who invested their time in others.

In my personal experience, I would like to say this.

We all went to an orphanage to greet the children and offer something they needed. It’s been more than a year since I’ve visited for the first time. Recently, I visited there again. To my surprise, they all remembered my name and the story I’ve shared with them. They taught me songs and more importantly, they wanted me to sit next to them, to touch me. And another thing that amazed me was, they have a notebook in which they wrote all the names of the people who helped them and at 4 AM they all wake up everyday and pray for each one of them.

What else do we need in this life, friends? A simple kind word or a help touches people’s heart more than anything! Encourage others as much as you can. You’ll see the world so beautiful around you.

In His time!

2010-01-26T21:02:00.001-08:00

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5 : 6

Good morning. Let us read more about EAFLU from the next post. Today I wanted to share something about His perfect time.

We had 'Chennai Hope Festival' on 21st - 24th, this month. It was conducted by Franklin Graham and his team from USA. It was such a wonderful festival through which the Lord touched many lives. I too attended it three days. On the first day, when I reached my room, the time was 11:15 PM. There was no bus service to my place. I really got scared. But I believed that the Lord would protect me. And He did and I reached home safely by a share auto.

The second day, I didn't stay there till the end as I didn't get bus last night. When Franklin Graham declared the altar call, those who gave their hearts to Christ started going towards the platform, where as others started leaving to their home. I too stood up, but Franklin Graham said to everyone, "Please don't leave. That may hinder others who ought to respond to the altar call." So I sat for a few more minutes. After that I visited a book stall, where I was able to see many books at cheaper rates. But as there was a huge crowd, I again started walking towards the entrance. I thought how I would get a bus to my place.

It's really difficult for anyone to find someone they know among 35000 - 40000 people. But to my surprise, I saw my friend who came along with her family. Then I waved my hands at her and called her. Then they helped me reach home very safe, as they came there in their car.

I couldn't stop thanking God for what He has done to me. Here the important thing is the delay. If I had left as soon as I planned to leave, again it would have been so tough for me to reach my room alone. If these two delays can bring such a great safe journey, imagine how great are all our delays!! A baby has to stay silent till his/her mother delivers. Israelites had to travel 40 long years to enter into the promised land Canaan. It took many years for Joseph to see his visions come true. 1 Peter 5 : 6 clearly tells us that God would exalt us if we stay under His mighty hand. When? In His time!!! Do you believe that our God is a mighty God, King of Kings and the Lord of Lords? Then stay patiently until He delivers you and fulfills His promise, for He never works sooner or later. In His perfect time, He would bring everything to pass. Hallelujah! You and I just have to thank God for all the delays, for He is preparing the best for us!

Wanna spread EAFLU? Part I

2010-01-20T07:04:00.001-08:00

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7 : 12

Good morning, friends. I’m feeling guilty for not posting this for many days. Kindly pray that the Lord would enable me to continue this. Okay, let us come to the point. After reading the subject EAFLU, what do you think? Is it something like Swine Flu? I would like to say, “It is not.” If you spread this EAFLU, you’re obeying to what the Lord says.

I don’t lend my ears to others’ problems, when they don’t have time for me. I don’t like to greet someone who often gnashes his teeth at me. I don’t like to mingle with someone who often keeps track of my long list of wrongs. I don’t prefer appreciating others, unless they’re worthy of it. I don’t try to understand someone who doesn’t understand me even at a single instance. I don’t have to always encourage others, when they treat me so bad when I’m depressed. Am I right? Here comes the truth. All these facts are applicable to others too. Aren’t they?

I’m giving an overview on what I read from the book ‘Be a People Person’ by John C. Maxwell. March on!!

John went to a restaurant along with his daughter Elizabeth and they were really surprised when they saw the waitress made them feel that they were really inconveniencing her. She was grumpy, negative and unhelpful. Anyone who saw her identified that she was having a bad day. Everything John ordered was met only with a look of disdain. Now John tried to change this lady’s negative attitude. What did he do actually? He called her and said, “Could you please get me some change for $10 bill, because I want to give you a good tip today.” Wow! What a surprise! For the next fifteen minutes, she spent her time hovering over them. John thanked her service and told her how important her service was to him and how helpful she was and also left her a good tip. That day, little Elizabeth would have learnt one precious thing from her father. ‘If we want people to act right towards us, we should act right towards them.’

EAFLU is nothing but the five important things you want others to do to you. Keep your fingers crossed to know what they are. See you all with one of them each day!

The book ‘Up Your Service’ by Ron Kaufman gives some idea on achieving great customer service. There may be hundreds of hotels around you. You would never like to go to a hotel where you can get highly delicious food if no one feels your value. But you’ll often visit the hotels where you get great service. What does it mean? You certainly want others to treat you well.

The Bible tells a short cut to achieve what you want. Jesus says, “Do unto others as you like them to do to you.” Is it not simple and true? Many times, the truth is always simple!

Vain, vain, vain!

2010-01-12T05:06:00.001-08:00

“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” What does man gain from all his labour at which he toils under the sun? Ecclesiastes 1:1-3

Good morning to you all.

One day a father and his rich family took his son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose to show him how poor people can be. They spent a day and a night on the farm of a very poor family. When they got back from their trip the father asked his son, “How was the trip?” “Very good, Dad!” “Did you see how poor people can be?” the father asked. “Yeah!” said the son. “And what did you learn?”

The son answered, “I saw that we have a dog at home, and they have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of the garden. They have a creek that has no end. We have imported lamps in the garden. They have the stars. Our patio reaches to the front yard, they have a whole horizon.” When the little boy was finished, his father was speechless. His son added, “Thanks, Dad for showing me how poor we are!”

Earlier I used to wonder at the people who work in shifts. They get shift allowances, free food, free pick ups and drops and many other benefits. But when I hear about the disadvantages of working in the shifts, I know what is exactly making the employers to give such benefits. It’s all like showing small fishes to catch bigger whales. The luxurious and sophisticated life style can really create an illusion. But it doesn’t mean that rich are so peaceful. I know that having a good sleep on an old mat is far far better than the sleepless nights on the costliest mattresses. The young boy was clever enough to get it correctly. So it’s not about how we spend, but about how we live and it’s not about how we were born, but about how we die and it’s not about the riches and wealth that we heaped for us and children, but about who we are at our last breath. Now-a-days, I’m hearing lot of sad incidents which say about the people who die when he/she had no one when they’re in their last moments struggling for lives. How pathetic it is to earnestly search for the family members at that time! When it comes to death, everything is vain except God’s love, my friends. No one can come up with us when we die. Even if have nothing in our hands, but our Savior in our hearts, I assure you that it will bring enough joy which lasts forever. And the heaven would rejoice when we ascend up to welcome us. Satan will be put to shame if we have no part in the hell. To adore the beauty of Heavens? Or to spend the eternity in hell? It’s already late. Decide today!

Leave it alone!

2010-01-08T01:25:00.001-08:00

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all. 1 John 1 : 7

Good morning to you all.

Jimmy (a dog) could hunt quite well in the woods. None of the small animals were safe, once he decided to track them down, that is, not until he met "Mr. Porcupine." His strength, his fierce growl and his great hunting ability didn't do him one bit of good when he met the porcupine. Since he had never seen a porcupine before, he pounced on the porcupine and tried to bite him. The porcupine arched its back so that its quills, which come out easily, stuck not only into his nose, cheeks, chin and paws, they also stuck inside his mouth and even in his throat! Poor!

When his master arrived home, he found Jimmy whimpering in agony and about as sick as any dog could be. His master got a pair of pliers and pulled out as many quills as he could, but the ones in his throat had to be removed by the vet. The poor dog was in pain for at least another week and had to take medicine so the quill punctures wouldn't get infected.

He went after the porcupine again! He didn't attack quite as forcefully as he did the first time, but he still had to go to the animal hospital to have more quills removed and have more medicine. This happened six times before he learned to leave porcupines alone!

We may tell that what Jimmy did was nothing less than stupid. But when we think of ourselves who often fall into the same traps again and again without getting tired, we can very easily arrive at ‘we are more stupid than Jimmy’. We all would have died if our Savior had not come to this world. Only He can save us from all the sins that are very close to us. In my fellowship they often say a line, ‘The sin should become so cheap’. How true it is! Only when we consider it as so cheap, we won’t enter into it again. Else we cannot even count how many times we’ve fallen so far. The one thing I wanted to convey is, ‘Leave the sin alone.’ Let it not have any fellowship with you. Else you’ll have much more punctures, no matter whether you say it is a small sin or a big sin, for the Lord sees every sin as equal.

Show your love!

2010-01-04T03:58:00.001-08:00

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7 : 12

Good morning to you all. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a New Year celebration.

We had a wonderful family festival in my Church on Sunday. The family which came to lead us on that day enacted and conducted pretty simple games to reveal the simple but powerful truth behind them. A ninth grade girl told us a story which really would have touched the hearts of many. Please go ahead to know what it was.

A lady who was quite busy with cooking for her guests got tensed when her little son walked behind her so closely wherever she went. At one point, she yelled at him and pushed him badly which made him cry. He ran out as fast as he could into his bedroom and wept a lot till he slept. The lady after she finished all her work at the kitchen remembered what she did to her son. When she went into his bedroom, she found him on his bed. Then the Lord reminded her to go to the kitchen again. When she went, she saw so many beautiful flowers in various colors scattered on the floor. She came to know that the small boy followed her wherever she went just to surprise his mother with her favorite flowers. She realized how badly she hurt him without realizing his love for her. She could no longer control running to the boy. He took him into her arms. She hugged him and kissed him as if she saw him after a very long time.

What does this convey? Love has to be shared with those who deserve it. Hurting others will take just a few minutes, but bringing the relationship back in track may take years. In some cases, that would never happen. The company for which we work may remember us if we die till they find a resource to replace us. But the members of our family, especially the parents and our beloveds are those who will carry the pain throughout their lives. I love kids. I can watch and play with a kid to some extent. But watching and playing with him/her all my days is really not that easy. But the precious parents look after their children with great care. A man who is 50 years remains always a kid to his old mom and dad. And the children deserve the full love of their parents. Those who have children, please take an oath that you would never show your tensions at work place to them at home. And let us all love our parents, because they are the ones who deserve it next to the Lord. Forget whatever happened in the past years. Take this year as an opportunity to be kind and to show the love to others. Be kinder than necessary to everyone, because we don’t know what pain they’re carrying in their hearts. May God bless us all!

Who is the greatest?

2009-12-17T02:13:00.001-08:00

So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12 : 5

Good morning to you all.

One fine day it occurred to the Members of the Body that they were doing all the work and the Belly was having all the food. So they held a meeting, and after a long discussion, decided to strike work till the Belly consented to take its proper share of the work. So for a day or two, the Hands refused to take the food, the Mouth refused to receive it, and the Teeth had no work to do. But after a day or two the Members began to find that they themselves were not in a very active condition: the Hands could hardly move, and the Mouth was all parched and dry, while the Legs were unable to support the rest. So thus they found that even the Belly in its dull quiet way was doing necessary work for the Body, and that all must work together or the Body will go to pieces.

The above would have clearly explained the importance of working together. The Bible talks much about the team work. It may be your work place or your fellowship or Church or family or wherever you’re, working as a team matters. www.dictionary.com shows ‘a number of persons, forming one of the sides in a game or contest’ as one of the meanings of a team. The members of the team are to be like minded and they all should focus on a unique goal. There is no work which is less significant when we do for God. Delivering the Word of God, praying, worshiping, driving the people towards God, playing instruments for God, behind the scene works, etc… are equally important if they all try to glorify the Lord. We are all the parts of Christ body. When one part stops functioning, automatically the vision and the missions will fail. Again don’t keep on looking who gets the credit at the end of the day. Serve and support one another to do their part. That’s what Jesus told His disciples, when they argued with one another, “Who is the greatest?” Mark 9 : 36.

4:12 AM!

2009-12-14T02:34:00.003-08:00

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6 : 2.

Good morning to you all. The below is the wonderful story which talks about the salvation and its importance.

The school children came to visit the dairy farm of a kind farmer. The farmer had a big sign on the wall which said, “Prepare to meet thy God.” AM 4 : 12. They had many questions about the cows and the farm and also one about the sign. When they asked what the sign implied, the farmer said, “The Lord is coming soon, and we must be ready to meet Him. If we are still in our sins, we will not be ready. But God has sent His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die for us on Calvary's cross. If you tell Him you are sorry you've been naughty and want Him to forgive you, you will be saved. Then you will be ready to meet Him when He comes.”

Little Johnny went home that afternoon, he told his mother, “I've got to get saved before I go to bed tonight.” “Why do you have to be saved tonight?” his mother asked. “Well, the farmer said Jesus is coming soon, and on the wall in the barn it said, ‘Prepare to meet thy God, AM 4:12,' and I never wake up that early, so I need to be saved before I go to sleep.”

You may smile at the child's mistake in thinking that the AM on the sign meant "morning," when really it is the abbreviation for Amos, the book in the Old Testament where the verse is written. But the little boy knew this was something he should not put off. He was going to look after the most important thing in his life right away. What about you? “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” 2 Corinthians 6 : 2. “The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1 : 7. I hope you all will remember Amos 4 : 12 from now on and the only way to prepare yourself for the day is to be cleansed by the blood of the precious lamb, Jesus. Be prepared!

Better late than never!

2009-12-11T02:33:00.000-08:00

For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Luke 12:2

Good morning to you all.

Mr. Barnes was a very wealthy man. He often noticed a particularly fine herd of cattle. He paid for it with the agreement that the cow would be delivered to his estate the following day. The next day as Mr. Barnes was out for his morning walk he saw a young boy trying his hardest to lead the cow over to Mr. Barnes's field. The boy, who did not know Mr. Barnes, called to him. “Please sir, would you come and help me with this cow? She is so stubborn!”

Mr. Barnes went over to help. As they walked along together he asked the boy, “How much do you expect to get for delivering the cow?” The boy stammered, “I don’t know, but I'm sure to get something because the people who are buying the cow live in that house, and those people are very kind to everyone.” By now the stubborn cow was walking along nicely, so Mr. Barnes excused himself and took a path through a wooded area that led to his back door.

As soon as he got into the house he gave one of his trusted workers a fifty-dollar bill and told him to give it to the boy who was delivering the cow. After the cow had been left at the estate and the boy was returning to the ranch, Mr. Barnes went out again and met the boy on the road. “Well, how much did you get?” asked Mr. Barnes. “Five dollars,” answered the boy. “Only five dollars? You must have gotten more than that,” said Mr. Barnes. “No,” answered the boy, “that's what I was given, and that was plenty, don't you think?” “No,” said Mr. Barnes. “I'm surprised it wasn't more. I know Mr. Barnes well, and I believe that if you come back with me you'll get more than five dollars.”

The boy agreed, and they walked back to the house together. When they went in Mr. Barnes called his hired worker. Mr. Barnes said to the man, “Your dishonesty has cost you your job and your good name. I hope you soon learn that dishonesty is not only very foolish but a terrible sin as well.” And he fired him on the spot.

I hope no more words are needed, as the story very clearly says breaking up the loyalty is sin. When the Lord created Adam and Eve, He longed to commune with them. He trusted them and He left them in Eden garden. But they listened to the serpent and sinned. We’re all the sinners by default. No one teaches a kid to tell lies when he does something wrong. As he grows, automatically the lies list grows longer, by default and so the other lists too. Stop here and think once and ask yourself these questions. “Am I worthy of the trust my Lord has on me?” “Is there any place or situation where I make my Jesus feel shy?” “Am I worthy of His great love?” “Am I really loyal to Him?” “Am I honest up to His expectations?” Remember there comes one day, when all our sins are exposed. It’s not too late to confess them and get out of them.

Stay focused!

2009-12-09T02:05:00.000-08:00

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1 : 17

Good morning to you all. This is another wonderful story I got from the Internet.

General Bradford was definitely an unusual general. He was known far and wide for both his infinite patience and love as well as for His justice and wrath. His soldiers loved him dearly and for good cause. His orders were always good, and he personally found a way to care for each of the soldiers who volunteered for his little band.

Michael had recently joined his band, and was now quite anxious to prove himself a good soldier. His first task was to learn to march. “The key to marching is to stay focused and to listen for my commands constantly,” the general explained. “See that distant horizon? Fasten your eyes fifteen degrees above the horizon line. Don’t let them wander to the circumstances or people around you. Keep your eyes focused above the horizon, and your ears tuned to my voice. You’ll find that many, many things will try to distract you.” Michael couldn’t imagine anything distracting him from the horizon or the general's voice. He’d soon find out, however, just how easily he could get distracted. The first time Michael actually had the opportunity to march, he lifted his knees up nearly to his chest each step in an effort to look like a good marcher. He desperately wanted to do a good job to please the general! The general shook his head and gently admonished the young private, “Don’t let your desire to show off distract you. True marching isn’t about lifting those knees in show; it’s about putting one step in front of the other in sync with my commands.”

Michael hung his head. He had allowed the thought of what others would think to distract him from really doing his job. Michael tried again, this time not worrying about how he looked.

We have a beautiful thing to learn today. In fact it is a great learning for me too. I was disturbed a lot by some factors. When I shared about it to my friend, he sent me a wonderful quote which he got from the one he admires. The quote is this. “You can accomplish much if you don't care who gets the credit.” And he added this too. “I prefer to simply do my job as best I can, and let that speak for itself.” I thanked him wholeheartedly for sending this. This is what the above story also conveys. I believe that this is yet another confirmation from my Lord asking me not to keep looking on what others will think of me. Another example for this is, my friends at my fellowship do each and every single thing as much as they can, but most of them never showed them up on stage. Many times, their efforts may not be visible to the audience. But I’m sure that the Lord sees it all and will definitely bless them for their unseen works. Now I somehow prepared myself to give out my best in whatever I do, with whomever I got assigned and wherever He places me. When we do our best for the glory of Lord, He is able to lift us up at the right time, no matter whether anyone notices our work or not. I’ve experienced this many times in my life. Friends, please do not give up. Give your best for His glory and honor. He alone knows when and how to exalt you. As James 1 : 17 says, all the good and perfect things will come only from the Creator and not from any creation. No one can ever hijack your blessings. Stay focused!

The Forgotten Diamond!

2009-12-08T02:30:00.000-08:00

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3 : 16

Good morning to you all. This is a wonderful story I got from the Internet.

Ashley whispered in awe and wonder to her father, “Are you really giving this to me?” The thought that her father was giving her this priceless diamond seemed almost too much to comprehend. “Yes, my darling daughter, I am giving you that diamond. Love and cherish it, and keep it ever in your thoughts.” Ashley threw her arms around her father’s neck. How she loved him! She couldn’t imagine life without his love.

She guarded the diamond and spent hours gazing upon it, then went and told everyone she knew about her father’s marvelous love. Her heart of gratitude showed in everything she did. She was kind and loving toward others because her thoughts were focused on her father’s kindness to her. She was always eager to serve and praise her father because her thoughts were completely consumed with him.

Ever so gradually, Ashley began to become accustomed to the diamond she’d been given. Although the diamond itself never diminished in value one bit, she stopped thinking of it as much throughout her day. While she was still kind toward others and told others of her father’s love, she did so more from habit and duty than from gratitude and joy. Her words sounded like hollow recitations instead of heartfelt realities. When her friend reminded her about how much she talked about the diamond and about her father, Ashley knew how she had neglected his treasure. She had forgotten how beautifully it glittered and glistened! Her heart felt overwhelmed once again by the incredible gift that her father had given her. “Oh, Father, please help me to never forget!” she whispered, looking up in love and admiration into her father’s face.

Now just compare the diamond with the salvation, father with the Lord and the daughter with us. That’s what exactly happening. The Heavenly Father gave it to us (the worst of the sinners) free, at the cost of His only son, Jesus. We experienced the great peace, when our sins were forgiven. We delighted in His presence and we explained how great He was to us at the beginning. We didn’t realize how the time passed by when we were praying and meditating. We continuously gazed upon Him and rejoiced. But gradually, our love towards Him decreases. We think we don’t have too much time to have a fellowship with Him. We neglect His love and the free gift we received from Him, not by our power or might, but by His grace. In fact we totally forget how beautiful the Salvation was to us earlier. Every now and then, when we listen to some powerful sermons by powerful God’s people, we get goose bumps and we go back to Him. Or at the time when we need Him desperately for our rescue, we rush to His feet. When everyone ignores us and when we’re left alone, we long for Him and want Him to comfort us. How selfish we are! Just think of the Father’s love. When He proves again and again that He still loves us, is it a wrong that He expects that love in turn? Are we still in need of reminders to go back to Him? Reading daily devotions or 'meditating the Word and praying' just for the sake of doing is not at all enough. I know many Christians today just read a single verse from the promise calendar or a devotional email or daily bread and there they stop. It’s the wonderful celebration time. People spend lots of time in decorating their houses, getting ready for the Christmas programs, concerts, anything and everything except sitting at His lovely feet. Do you think it is right? It’s really a shame on us to forsake His only true love for us!

The Prayer Killers - Part II

2009-12-02T04:26:00.001-08:00

Joshua said, “Ah, Sovereign LORD, why did you ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan! O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has been routed by its enemies? The Canaanites and the other people of the country will hear about this and they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. What then will you do for your own great name?” Joshua 7 : 7 - 9

Good morning to you all. Today let us see about the next three prayer killers which Joshua 6 and 7 speak about.

“But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the LORD and must go into his treasury.” Joshua 6 : 18, 19

“Go, consecrate the people. Tell them, ‘consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow; for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: That which is devoted is among you, O Israel. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove it.’” Joshua 7 : 13

Disobedience:

The Lord has clearly given what the Israelites were to do when the wall of Jericho fell down. But Achan disobeyed Him, even though he very clearly knew about it. This is the extreme disobedience, because he also knew that if he disobeys, it would bring a great disaster to the entire Israelites. He was so dare and he took some devoted things for himself. This was the only cause for why Israelites were defeated by the men of Ai, though they were not that strong to Israelites.

The Lord gave the second chance and asked them all to consecrate them. The first thing of consecration is nothing but removing the unwanted things from them. Achan didn’t consecrate himself. He showed his disobedience once again.

The Holy Spirit is very sensitive. When He points something to us that they are to be removed from us, we should act immediately. If we don’t pay enough attention, we may no longer hear His silent voice, which will result in great trauma. Sometimes, our disobedience is the main reason for the disobedience of our next generation. One good example which I hear very often is, “The father used to smoke when he was young and now, his son follows the same even without knowing that his dad did the same.” What you give returns to you one or the other day. Beware!!!

The Lord said, “In the morning, present yourselves tribe by tribe. The tribe that the LORD takes shall come forward clan by clan; the clan that the LORD takes shall come forward family by family; and the family that the LORD takes shall come forward man by man. He who is caught with the devoted things shall be destroyed by fire, along with all that belongs to him. He has violated the covenant of the LORD and has done a disgraceful thing in Israel!” Early the next morning Joshua had Israel come forward by tribes, and Judah was taken. The clans of Judah came forward, and he took the Zerahites. He had the clan of the Zerahites come forward by families, and Zimri was taken. Joshua had his family come forward man by man, and Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken.

Lack of transparency:

When Joshua asked the tribes to present themselves before him, Achan didn’t come forward to admit the truth. When he asked them to show up clan by clan, he didn’t admit. When Joshua asked them to come family by family, Achan didn’t confess his sin. When the chosen family was asked to come one by one, Achan could have admitted, but he didn’t. At last alas! He was picked by the Lord. And then he was stoned to death by others. If he had revealed what he did to Joshua, his end would have been changed. But he kept it as secret. He was not open to his leader. Friends, no matter under who you’re, you’re expected not to hide things from them and from the Lord.

Idols in lives:

Running for what is not stored for us, is also idol worship. It was pretty clear that the devoted things were not for the Israelites, they were to be burnt up. But Achan even after knowing that, he kept his heart on it and took some from it. That became his idol. And that led him to death. These idols were the stumbling block which prevented him from confessing his sins and from to be saved.

Only after Achan was stoned and the devoted things were burnt, the Lord gave them victory over Ai and answered the prayers of Israelites.

These four prayer killers (Unconfessed sins, disobedience, lack of transparency and idols in lives) are not four actually. They are very interrelated. If there is one inside us, we’ll automatically have all the others. Get rid of these prayer killers. May the Lord answer all your prayers without any barriers!

The Prayer Killers - Part I - Unconfessed sins!

2009-12-01T05:07:00.001-08:00

Joshua said, “Ah, Sovereign LORD, why did you ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan! O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has been routed by its enemies? The Canaanites and the other people of the country will hear about this and they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. What then will you do for your own great name?” Joshua 7 : 7 - 9

Good morning to you all.

The Israelites acted unfaithfully in regard to the devoted things; Achan son of Carmi took some of them. So the Lord’s anger burned against Israel. Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, told them, “Go up and spy out the region.” So the men went up and spied out Ai. When they returned to Joshua, they said, “Not all the people will have to go up against Ai. Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary all the people, for only a few men are there.” So about three thousand men went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai, who killed about thirty-six of them. They chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the stone quarries and struck them down on the slopes. At this the hearts of the people melted and became like water.

Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the LORD, remaining there till evening. The elders of Israel did the same and sprinkled dust on their heads. Joshua said, “Ah, Sovereign LORD, why did you ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan! O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has been routed by its enemies? The Canaanites and the other people of the country will hear about this and they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. What then will you do for your own great name?”

The Lord said to Joshua, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction.I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.”

Doesn’t the subject tell you what today’s Word is all about? Friends, we know about pain killers, but do we know that there are some prayer killers inside us, which act as the barriers for our prayers? Let us see the background of this passage and also about the first prayer killer.

The wall of Jericho was broken just by the shouts of praises by the Israelites, as commanded by the Lord. They did nothing other than marching around the wall of Jericho for seven days. They marched seven times on the seventh day and when the trumpet was blown, they all shouted the praises to the Lord and the wall of Jericho fell down. But the Lord also has commanded that they should not keep any devoted thing for themselves, but they were to be burnt away. The one who fail to do it would bring destruction on the entire Israelites. As we read Joshua 7, we see Achan took some devoted things for himself and not revealing this to anyone. When they went to conquer Ai, which had very few men, they were routed by the men of Ai. So Joshua prayed to the Lord complaining him, without knowing about what Achan did. At that instant, the Lord pointed out the mistake of Achan to Joshua. Achan knew very well about what God told about the devoted things. Yet he stole something for himself and he didn’t even confess it to the Lord and to Joshua, his leader. So the first prayer killer is ‘the unconfessed sin’.

Are you praying for a miracle to happen in your life for a very long time? Are you longing for the fulfillment of the promises the Lord has given you? Are you taking steps to attain your goals, but failing without even a reason? Are you at the point of giving up your hope? Just think of it. Are you having any unconfessed sin within yourself? If yes, then it may be the reason for all the above questions. Proverbs 28:13 says, “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Just close your eyes for 2 minutes and pray to the Lord right now and ask Him to show you the sins which are acting as the hindrances for your prayers. Then confess them to Him and get your sins washed away by Him. If you want to see the miracles sooner, then don’t delay confessing your sins anymore.

Elisha, the sincere follower!

2009-11-25T01:00:00.001-08:00

“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. 2 Kings 2 : 9

Good morning, friends. We’ve recently meditated on the same topic. Previously it was for the study on Elijah. But this time it is for Elisha.

When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel” But Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?” “Yes, I know,” Elisha replied, “but do not speak of it.” The same happened when Elijah told Elisha that he was going to Jericho and Jordan. He followed wherever Elijah went.

At Jordan, Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground. When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise not.” As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.

He picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the cloak that had fallen from him and struck the water with it. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over. The company of the prophets from Jericho, who were watching, said, “The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.

Here we can see the other qualities which Elisha had.

One: Elisha was the follower of Elijah. He knew that his master was going to be taken up. He didn’t worry for taking such a greater task after his master. Elisha was sincere to follow his master till the end without the feeling of ‘left alone’. There was a higher risk to standalone for God at that time. King Ahab and his wife Jezebel hated Elijah. Eventually it would have turned to Elisha too. Yet he chose to stand for God.

Two: Jordan’s water got divided just like the waters of Red Sea. They both walked on the dry ground. Elisha didn’t fear when he saw Jordan in front of him. Instead he too walked on the dry ground with Elijah when it got divided. He was so sure that they both will not be drowned. He didn’t have disbelief. I hope we all know that the disciple Peter didn’t have belief when he was walking on the waters towards Jesus and hence he was about to be drowned. Many times, we hear someone leaving a ministry or the partnership when they see problems in front of them, instead of trusting the Lord with all their heart.

Three: Elijah never ignored his follower. He didn’t fail to recognize his sincerity. He granted Elisha a wish. He fulfilled his duty as a master. We have appraisals in our offices. Not all the employees get outstanding rating. And not all the employees will be asked what they want to continue their service. Only a very few employees get these chances. Why? It is because of their dedication. Elisha was dedicated and he truly served his master. That’s why he was honored by God and Elijah. What about you? You may be a software professional or a teacher or a student or a wife or a husband. God has placed you where you’re today for a purpose. Are you fulfilling your duty everyday? I believe everyone knows that our prime duty is to be the witness of Him and to proclaim the good news of Christ.

Four: When Elijah asked Elisha what he wanted, he got a very difficult and a rare thing as reply. Elisha didn’t ask money or fame or anything ordinary. But he asked an extraordinary thing. The double portion of anointing! He valued anointing more than anything in the world and he was so wise enough to ask a pleasing thing. That too, in double fold of what his master had. In Bible we read about another man Solomon asking the Lord wisdom and He granted it to him.

Five: When Elisha received the double portion of anointing, he had to come back to his place. Again he got stuck on his way by Jordan’s water. Previously his master was there to accompany him. But this time, he alone had to walk. He never hesitated to do what Elijah did. He struck the water and it got divided to the right and to the left. He crossed over the river. He exercised his faith. This clearly conveys that our leaders or masters will not be with us all the time. At that time, we have to exercise our faith. We know the power of His love and we have to take steps for Him.

Six: I know a famous saying. The first generation starts, the second generation builds and the third generation destroys. This is not true in the case of Elisha. When other prophets saw Elisha they could feel the spirit of Elijah in Elisha. He was a blessing to many.

The call of Elisha!

2009-11-23T05:47:00.000-08:00

Elisha set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant. 1 Kings 19 : 21

Good morning to you all. Let us meditate on Elisha for a few days just as we already meditated on his master Elijah.

Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother good-bye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.” “Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you?” So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant.

The above are just three verses 1 Kings 19 : 19 – 21. But they convey a lot to us. Let us see one by one. If any of you has any other point, kindly do send it to me to my inbox or drop your comments here, so that I can post them along with tomorrow’s message.

One: Elisha means "God is Savior". This great man carried a wonderful gospel even in his name. Carry the gospel wherever you’re.

Two: Elisha’s call was initiated by God Himself. Now-a-days many people, who run for ministry without God’s calling, fail terribly. So your ministry should be initiated by God and God alone.

Three: Elisha was not reading any Book of Bible, but he was plowing the field. The world may look for external appearances or the talents you have. But the Lord looks at your heart. If you’re humble enough and sincere and dedicated in your heart, you’ll never miss the notice of God and remember He’ll definitely honor you, though you’re not very special. I remember this one, which I love most. God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Are you humble enough to work for God? But are you depressed that you’re not fit for the call? Don’t be worried. Just remind yourself of Elisha and his call.

Four: Though Elisha was not expecting this great call at anytime, he was so quick to respond to the call. He knew that delayed obedience is disobedience.

Five: Elijah didn’t force Elisha; as he was very well aware that as it was initiated by God, He would make Elisha accept the call. And that’s why when Elisha asked time to say good bye to his family, Elijah didn’t deny it. When God has called you for greater purpose, believe that He would never let you go out of that purpose.

Six: This new servant knew that the worldly pleasures such as family should not disturb his ministry. He wanted to stay away from home and natural ties. He knew very well that no one can serve two masters. He was clear cut in God’s call. He was such a sincere man who wanted to engage himself in such a wonderful service to God. Though he was warmly attached to his family, the call to serve was much more important for him than his family and own desires. God’s ministry deserves the highest priority.

Seven: He didn’t run away to say good bye to his family. Instead he asked prior permission to his master, Elijah. Such a humble spirit he had. When you’re into ministry, obey your master whom the Lord has appointed. You should have a humble spirit when you serve God.

Eight: Elijah had more and more enemies. King Ahab and Jezebel were the prime enemies who disliked Elijah. But Elisha had no fear in following Elijah. He didn’t look upon the hindrances to his ministry; rather he focused so much on God’s call. Are you into ministry? Are you too much disturbed because of the troubles or barriers you see today? Please stop doing it. The God who has called you for His greater purpose will take care of you and all the barriers you see today will be vanished just like the snow vanishes when the sun rises.

Nine: Finally, Elisha never felt sad to leave all the properties and the blessings from his father. He valued God’s call more than anything in the world. This clearly shows that he knew very well that he would not lose anything when he loses it for Christ. Remember we are co-heirs with Christ. We’ll inherit whatever the Lord has. Value God’s call more than anything in the world.

Definition of success!

2009-11-19T03:05:00.001-08:00

The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD. Proverbs 21 : 31

Good morning to you all.

A young man asked Socrates the secret to success. Socrates told the young man to meet him near the river the next morning. They met. Socrates asked the young man to walk with him toward the river. When the water got up to their neck, Socrates took the young man by surprise and ducked him into the water. The boy struggled to get out but Socrates was strong and kept him there until the boy started turning blue. Socrates pulled his head out of the water and the first thing the young man did was to gasp and take a deep breath of air. Socrates asked, “What did you want the most when you were there?” The boy replied, “Air.” Socrates said, “That is the secret to success. When you want success as badly as you wanted the air, then you will get it.” There is no other secret.

How do you define success today? Do you believe that you can do whatever you deeply desire? Do you believe in your self today? Friends, the world may define success in that way. But The Holy Bible says the victory belongs only to the Lord. It doesn’t belong to you, your hard work, your talent, your knowledge or anything else.

Because my Bible says, the Israelites did nothing, but the Lord fought the battle for them. David did nothing, but singing praises and by the help of the Lord he killed the giant Goliath with just a stone and a sling. Moses did nothing, but he could make a snake out of the stick. Without anything on their own, Moses and Joshua walked on the dry ground when the great Red sea and Jordan were divided. Without any great effort, because of Joshua’s prayer the sun stood still. With a prayer, Hezekiah was able to get fifteen more years added to his life. The Lord was with Joseph. He was taken from the prison and was made a Governor in Egypt, a foreign country. The Lord was with Daniel. He faced victory in whatever he did. He even came out of starving Lions’ den. The Lord was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed Nego when they were thrown into the fire. Not even their dresses or hair burnt. Are these not the amazing victories? Do you believe anyone can achieve it by sincere and hard work? No... No one can do it, except with the help of the Lord. The Almighty is our only strength. If He is with us and for us, who/what can shake us?! Let us learn to define success this way.

Piano Lessons!

2009-11-18T04:16:00.000-08:00

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name. Psalms 92 : 1

Good morning to you all.

I got an email from the Worship Leader Don Moen sharing his experience. He is the composer of the famous songs like 'Give thanks', 'God will make a way', etc... 'God is good all the time' is yet another familiar song which almost we all know. Read what he says below.

When I was a kid growing up in MN, my mother forced me to take piano lessons and I hated it! All of us kids, my older brother, my two younger sisters had to take 6 years of piano lessons. Six years! It seemed like an eternity! Oh gosh did I hate it. I’m sorry to say that I used to pound on the keys and say, “I hate piano!” –my poor mother… However, my mom was unphased and would tell me she’s not counting that as part of my practice time. I had to practice 30 minutes every day and she had the audacity to tell me, “one day you’ll be glad you can play the piano.” Yeah…right, I thought. (Had I known that I was going to be doing what I’m doing now, I certainly would have practiced harder!) Mom used to say to me, “Donny, you wear the clothes we provide for you, you sleep in the bed we provide for you, you eat the food we provide for you, YOU WILL PLAY THE PIANO! I determined that I would never do that to my children.

Well, we have 5 children, and every one of them had to take (you guessed it), 6 years of piano lessons! And…I heard my mother’s words coming out of my mouth! We provide the clothes you wear, the bed you sleep in, and the food you eat, you WILL play the piano. Funny! Sometimes I wonder what I would be doing today if my mother hadn’t forced me to play the piano? I didn’t like any part of it, but you know what? I’m thankful I can play the piano. And sometimes, God allows us to go through things that we don’t like because He knows that someday, we will bet better because of the experience. So if you’re going through something that is causing you frustration, maybe even some pain, don’t give up…don’t be discouraged. God will not allow you to go through anything that has not already been sifted through His fingers of love.

Romans 5:3-5 says "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Now, I know I used a humorous example, but truly, the Lord is using these frustrating things in our lives for good. So let's try and see that today, I know I need to be reminded of that more often!

The Father with the rod!

2009-11-17T06:13:00.001-08:00

He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. Proverbs 13 : 24

Good morning, friends.

Today morning, while washing my dress I found some stains on it. Though I washed each and every area of that dress, I gave more importance to the area where I found stain. I applied more and more washing soap over that area and brushed and brushed that again and again.

The other day, when I was boiling the milk, I was very careful to watch it continuously. But when I turned to take my Bible, the milk overflowed and spilled outside.

I got two different messages from the above two incidents.

One: Sometimes though we don’t commit the greater sins like murders, adultery, etc…, we often fall into smaller sins like telling lies just like that. We’ll also justify why we told lies. There is nothing like great sins and small sins. Every sin is equal. Satan is too wicked and he is like a roaring lion in search of a prey. The very next moment he sees something wrong with us, he will go to Jesus to make Him stand ashamed in front of him for our sins. So be careful all the time. That’s why Jesus asks us to watch and pray to not to enter into temptations. If you give up a small place for it, it’ll occupy you. If you say that you’ll be careful even if you stand in the temptation, no matter how careful you’re, you’ll fall just like the boiled milk spilled out when I turned for a second. The result will be miserable. We all know that the greatest enemy for one’s happiness is the guilty feeling he has in him after committing sin.

Two: Sometimes you may feel that the Lord teaches you something, which you don’t like at all. A little son doesn’t like when his mom doesn’t allow him to touch knife. When he touches, his mom will ask him to leave it, very softly many times. But when he doesn’t pay attention, definitely his mom will spank him. It doesn’t mean she hates him, but it means she loves him and she doesn’t want him to get hurt by the knife. The same thing holds true with our Father in Heaven. He loves us like anything. But He spanks us sometimes, just like I brushed and applied soap and brushed and brushed again and again until I saw the stains disappeared. The ultimate aim was to get the dress clean. His ultimate aim is to cleanse us till He sees His image in us, just like a goldsmith refines and refines the gold till he gets it pure. He spanks us until we leave the knife (unwanted things) we took in our hands(hearts).

Elijah taken up to Heaven!

2009-11-16T03:45:00.001-08:00

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4 : 7, 8

Good morning, friends.

When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel” But Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?” “Yes, I know,” Elisha replied, “but do not speak of it.” The same happened when Elijah told Elisha that he was going to Jericho and Jordan. He followed wherever Elijah went.

At Jordan, Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground. When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise not.” As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.He picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the cloak that had fallen from him and struck the water with it. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over. The company of the prophets from Jericho, who were watching, said, “The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.

These are the things which I get from the above.

One: Elisha was the follower of Elijah whom he has chosen. I believe the follower will be sincere only when his master is sincere. The same happened with Elisha and Elijah. Elisha was sincere to follow his master even at his death. Elijah was that much dedicated, which automatically formed a dedicated follower Elisha. When you serve God sincerely with all your heart, mind and soul, definitely many will follow you. And you’ll be a good leader whom one can follow. You can lead others to Christ easily.

Two: Jordan’s water divided just like the waters of Red Sea divided. They both walked on the dry ground. The Lord was with Elijah in whatever he did. This was because Elijah was with God. Be with God! He’ll be with you in all your steps. He’ll divide all your problems; allow you to overcome them all and multiply your peace and rest.

Three: Elijah when he knew that he was going to be taken up didn’t confess his sins to enter into heaven. But he was taken up to Heaven. How was that possible? He remained a good one doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord.

Four: Elijah never ignored his follower. He didn’t fail to recognize his sincerity. He granted Elisha a wish. He fulfilled his duty as a master. What about you? You may be a software professional or a teacher or a student or a wife or a husband. God has placed you where you’re today for a purpose. Are you fulfilling your duty everyday? I believe everyone knows that our prime duty is to be the witness of Him and to proclaim the good news of Christ.

Five: Elijah raised a very wise follower, who asked him a very difficult and a rare thing. He didn’t ask money or fame or anything ordinary. But Elisha asked extraordinary thing. The double portion of anointing! Yes, if you’re anointed, you can raise many extraordinary anointed wise followers.

Six: When Elijah was taken up to Heaven, he didn’t leave Elisha alone. Instead he left him with the double portion of anointing. Friends, you can never leave yours alone. Yours will definitely inherit what you’ve and above all, they will receive everything in multifold. But when? Only when you stand alone in righteousness, fight the good fight, finish your race with faith .

Do you believe it? The choice is yours. If your choice is yes and if you really want to be a blessing to others, the Lord is faithful enough to raise so many Elishas and widows of Zarephath.

Amazing love towards the unworthy!

2009-11-13T01:17:00.000-08:00

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Mark 12 : 30

Good morning friends. I got an email which has this story. It is really touching.

A boy was born to a couple after eleven years of marriage. They were a loving couple and the boy was the gem of their eyes. When the boy was around two years old, one morning the husband saw a medicine bottle open. He was late for office so he asked his wife to cap the bottle and keep it in the cupboard. His wife, preoccupied in the kitchen totally forgot the matter. The boy saw the bottle and playfully went to the bottle fascinated by its color and drank it all. It happened to be a poisonous medicine meant for adults in small dosages. When the child collapsed the mother hurried him to the hospital, where he died. The mother was stunned. She was terrified how to face her husband. When the distraught father came to the hospital and saw the dead child, he looked at his wife and uttered just 5 words.
What were the five words? Any guess?

The husband just said "I am with you Darling"

The husband's totally unexpected reaction is a proactive behavior. The child is dead. He can never be brought back to life. There is no point in finding fault with the mother. Besides, if only he had taken time to keep the bottle away, this would not have happened. No one is to be blamed. She had also lost her only child. What she needed at that moment was consolation and sympathy from the husband. That is what he gave her.

This story is really worth reading. How amazing this love is! And how wonderful and fruitful when it is shown at the time of need! Friends, it is the time for us to remember our Beautiful redeemer who has rescued us even when we were sinners. He showed His love on the cross when he shed even the last drop of His blood for the worst sinners, who have not even acknowledged Him. Did you ever think 'what we did to get this great love?' The answer is 'nothing'.. Or it could be 'we CRUCIFIED' Him. Who will care for someone who never understands the love that is shown to him/her? No one else other than our Lord. The above said story illustrates how good it'll be if one gets such a loving and caring partner. Friends, in the same time, we should not forget our everlasting Bridegroom who has already shown more than that love toward us, even before 2000 years. Let us feel His love on us, which is really really selfless, unconditional.

Helping at any cost!

2009-11-13T01:12:00.000-08:00

Give, and it shall be given unto you; .....For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." Luke 6:38

Very Good Morning.

I hope many of us are familiar with Mr. Bean(probably in Pogo channel). He is a humorous character, liked by many of us(especially kids). Yesterday while watching his film, I saw one thing which is more funnier of course, but highly thought provoking.

Mr. Bean walks along the road. He saw a beggar playing a musical instrument and collecting money from the people. Mr. Bean seas a man giving a coin to the beggar. So he too wishes to give him something. But he doesn't have change. So he thinks for a while and then he takes his hand kerchief and places it on the road and starts dancing. It seems as if the beggar sings and Mr. Bean dances for him. A man comes that way. He saw Mr. Bean dancing so seriously, then he takes some penny and lends it onto Mr. Bean's hand kerchief and goes away. Then Mr. Bean bends and takes the penny and gives it to the beggar and makes his own way...

It is so nice to watch that. Even though it might have taken just for fun, the thing which we have to notice is "Giving others" at any cost. There is nothing wrong in giving others what they need. Having this precious life, we have to earn more hearts, just like Jesus earned a lots and lots of hearts by His care and Love. Life is good only when it is lived for others too. The help which we do, may be small for us. But it will be everything to those who are in need. Help and be helped.