OBSERVE THE SABBATH AND KEEP IT HOLY

 “…. the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”  (Mark 2:28)

The Pharisees failed to understand that Laws were meant to exercise love; and it so happens that down the lane they are followed without proper reason but under the force of traditions. When Almighty God created the world, He gave us His Laws to govern the world. When Lord Jesus was walking through the cornfields on a Sabbath, His disciples who were with Him, began to pick the ears of the corn to eat it. The Pharisees soon raised their opinion, saying, “Look, it is against our Law to do that on the Sabbath!” Lord Jesus answered, “Have you never read what David did the time when he needed something to eat? He and his men were hungry, so he went into the house of God and ate the bread offered to God….” He concluded saying, “The Sabbath was made for the good of man! Man was not made for Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:23-28)

Sabbath is a day kept aside to recollect the goodness of God; and to celebrate with Him in praise and thanksgiving. A day of rest from the daily routine in order to observe and spend more time with God. However, for the Pharisees the Sabbath turned out to be a day to strictly adhere to fulfil certain rituals and laws. When Jesus’ disciples were accused by the Pharisees for plucking some corn to eat on the Sabbath; Lord Jesus took this opportunity to establish the important principles that concerned human priorities over mere ritual considerations. The Holy Bible indicates that Lord Jesus regularly attended the synagogue on the Sabbath; which proves that He upheld the commandment of observing Sabbath.

From the time of Moses, the Sovereign Lord had commanded the Israelites to observe Sabbath. The Holy Bible says, “Observe the Sabbath and keep it holy. You have six days in which to do your work, but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to Me. On that day no one is to work—neither you, your children, your slaves, your animals, nor the foreigners who live in your country. In six days I, the LORD, made the earth, the sky, the sea and everything in them, but on the seventh day I rested. That is why I, the LORD, blessed the Sabbath and made it holy.” (Exodus 20:8-11)

The Law teaches us that everybody must be given a weekly rest and consider this day in priority for religious nourishment, time for reconciliation, self exercise spirituality imparting it to children and encourage them practice giving honour to God.  A day dedicated in spending time with your family; attending all their basic needs. It is His command to provide rest to your employees to pray and relax. Imposing this practice will lift us above the material concerns, impart sound health, bringing peace and stability to our personal and family life. In the Old Testament, the Sovereign Lord commands us to give rest to the animals and land too. “For six years sow your field and gather in what it produces, but the seventh year let it rest; and do not harvest anything that grows on it. The poor may eat what grows there; and the wild animals can have what is left.” (Leviticus 25:2-7)

How impartial and kind is our Father in Heaven. The love and concern about each of His Creation is marvellous. Accordingly let us practice and allow others to have the same nature of our Heavenly Father. You may think how can we survive if there is no crop for a year? The Holy Bible answers, “The Lord will bless the land in the sixth year so that it will produce enough food for two years. When you sow your fields in the eighth year, you will still be eating what you harvested during the sixth year, and you will have enough to eat until the crops you plant that year are harvested.” (Leviticus 25:21-22) Obey the laws and commands loyally and faithfully; so that you may live safely in the land. How wonderful it is if we could obey and rely on Him!

We torture ourselves, others, animals and the land in search of prosperity; we do research to eradicate diseases, poverty, hunger, violence, calamities, disasters etc. By examining the soil thereafter boost it using artificial fertilizers, chemicals we try to increase the yield of the crops. However, the Creator confidently assures that if we allow the land to rest for a year after six years; He will bless it to produce food abundantly. Lord Jesus said to the Pharisees that the Sabbath was made for the welfare of man and not man for Sabbath. So, Son of Man is master of both man and Sabbath. By saying this Lord taught them to keep God as the centre of their worship rather than concentrate on the man-made customs of Sabbath; as it was never created to oppress people or make their lives difficult and burdened. The Lord says, “If you treat Sabbath as sacred and do not pursue your own interest on that day; if you value My holy day and honour it by not travelling, working or talk idle on that day, you will find the joy that comes from serving Me. I will make you honoured all over the world and you will enjoy the land….” (Isaiah 58:13-14)

May the Lord bless you and take care of you. May He be kind and gracious to you. May the Lord look on you with favour and give you peace.

With love filled blessings,

Your Sister in Christ

BEAUTIFUL VINEYARD

The Holy Bible says, “….he dug the soil and cleared it of stones; he planted the finest vines. He built a tower to guard them, dug a pit for treading the grapes.”(Isaiah 5:2)

A landowner beautifully landscaped his land, planted a vineyard and wine press and for protection from thieves built a watchtower.

Infinite centuries passed and our Lord Jesus referred to the song of the vineyard from the Book of Prophet Isaiah and altered it into a parable. Palestine in that ancient era was a war torn country. The landowners would live far away renting out their vineyards. When Lord Jesus narrated the parable He substituted the role of landowner to the Supreme God; the beautiful vineyard to the Jewish nation; the tenants are those whom God entrusted his vineyard i.e the elders of the people. God in His utmost patience, sent umpteen numbers of prophets who would advice and warn them to turn away from their rebellious ways and disobedience; but these prophets would be ill treated and killed. As a final chance, Sovereign God sends His own beloved Son, Jesus Christ with the message of Salvation. Again the superior authorities made arrangements to plot against Lord Jesus and they led Him outside the city of Jerusalem, as their ritual practice to crucify Him. After narrating the parable Lord Jesus asked the public their opinion on what would the landowner do with the evil tenants? At once in one voice they answered that the owner would certainly kill those evil men and let out the vineyard to other trusted tenants who will be capable to give him his share of the harvest. (Matthew 21:41)

The public misinterpreted that Lord Jesus was referring to the Romans who were wrecking the Holy Land. But Lord was referring to the leaders of Israel who rejected Him like the stone which the builders discarded as worthless however which turned out to be the most important stone. Examine the trust that God has in us; it is so deep that He entrusted His kingdom to us; A great privilege and responsibility for us, the people of God. Every creation and occupation has a sense of duty towards nature and God’s creation. Take the instance of the sun that is at task to provide light during the day or the moon and its accompanying stars that necessitate brightness at night. Similarly, the obligation of a person living for Christ is to convey Christ’s Kingdom into this world. We do merely not inhabit this world to add up to the pollution and asphyxiate other creations but to bear good fruit and share its sweetness to all earth’s inhabitants. Jesus said to us you are the Light of the world; unless those who live in the light share its illumination with people in darkness then only will they acknowledge their gloominess. Once they are aware of the blissful life in His Divine Light then they will eradicate their useless struggles.

Almighty God our Father, for long crucial years patiently tolerated the people of Israel and bore all their murmurs and iniquities to bring them out of slavery. The everlasting patience of God, Jesus Christ and the enormous endurance of their followers are valuable lessons to us on how to be sincere and faithful to our responsibilities in service. Jesus concluded by warning us to be faithful towards God and to self; otherwise our inheritance would be snatched off and handed over to those who are more hardworking, sincere and faithful. Whoever rejects Lord Jesus, the Son of God and His divine messages will be punished like Saul. When King Saul rejected God, his kingdom was handed over to David. God took away the Kingdom from the hands of Jews and established it with the Gentiles who were ready to produce good fruit. The Almighty God desires that we, His children remain fruitful instead of running after popularity and vast success of this passing world.

May the Lord bless you and take care of you. May He be kind and gracious to you. May the Lord look on you with favour and give you peace.

With love filled blessings,

Your Sister in Christ

NATHAN’S MESSAGE TO DAVID

King David was settled in his palace and the Lord kept him safe from all his enemies. Then the king said to the prophet Nathan, “Here I am living in a house built of cedar, but God’s Covenant Box is kept in a tent!”

Nathan answered, “Do whatever you have in mind, because the Lord is with you.” But that night the Lord said to Nathan, “Go and tell my servant David that I say to him, “You are not the one to build a Temple for Me to live in. (2 Samuel 7: 1-5)

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ZECHARIAH’S PROPHECY

John’s father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he spoke God’s message:

“Let us praise the Lord, the God of Israel!

He has come to the help of His people

and has set them free.

He has provided for us a mighty

Savior,

                                         a descendant of His servant David.

He promised through His holy prophets long ago

that He would save us from our enemies,

from the power of all those who hate us.

He said He would show mercy to our ancestors

And remember His sacred covenant.

With a solemn oath to our ancestor Abraham

He promised to rescue us from our enemies

And allow us to serve Him without fear,

So that we might be holy and righteous before Him

All the days of our life.

“You, my child, will be called a prophet

of the Most High God.

You will go ahead of the Lord

to prepare His road for Him,

to tell His people that they will be saved

by having their sins forgiven.

Our God is merciful and tender.

He will cause the bright dawn of

Salvation to rise on us

and to shine from heaven on all

those who live in the dark shadow of death

to guide our steps into the path of peace.”

(Luke 1:67-79)

This is the Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

COMMEMORATION OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED
“I am the Resurrection and the Life, whoever believes in Me will live.” (John 11: 25)

During some months ago, at the onset of my dawn worship around 4 am, the usual calm and peaceful surroundings was replaced by bitter cries. All I could hear was a girl’s loud moans. It echoed, “Papa, Papa.” Sometime later, news spread that her dad had died due to massive heart attack at their home. She was their only child born after nine long years.

The demise of a beloved one is always bitter and heart breaking.

When his son Absalom died, David moaned deeply, “O my son! My son Absalom! Absalom, my son! If only I had died in your place, my son! Absalom, my son!” (2 Samuel 18:33). 

Again when his friend, Jonathan died David wept saying “I grieve for you my brother Jonathan; how dear you were to me! How wonderful was your love for me, better even than the love of woman.”  (2 Samuel 1:26)

It is factual that we can no more see the face or experience the love of those who have left us. The very thought transports anguish and helplessness to us who are left behind.

At the same time one can neither prevent nor delay death which makes it all the more bitter.

For the Holy Bible says, “No one can keep himself from dying or put off the day of his death.  That is a battle we cannot escape; we cannot cheat our way out.”  (Eccl.. 8:8)

King David while conversing about death was not very sure where he would go after death. So he described it as the valley of deepest darkness.  Before the death of Christ Jesus, people had no clear picture of death and resurrection so they talked about it with bitterness. 

“In His life on earth Jesus made His prayers and requests with loud cries and tears to God, who could save Him from death.”  (Hebrews 5:7) 

Many times Lord Jesus told His disciples about His death.

“The sorrow in my heart is so great that it almost crushes me.” 

(Matthew 26:38) 

Lord Jesus moved with compassionate heart to those who were broken and desperate because He Himself was a victim of sorrows and rejection.  He gained courage and grace to overcome it through His fervent cries to His Father in Heaven.

Even before His death on the Cross, Lord Jesus told His disciples, “For I tell you that the Scripture which says, ‘He shared the fate of criminals’, must come true about Me, because what was written about Me is coming true.”  (Luke 22:37) 

He bore His sufferings patiently and might have reported to the Father that He had finished experiencing death on the cross as well.  So Lord Jesus told His Father, “Father I have fulfilled all that You commanded me to do on earth even the last – the death on the cross.”

By raising His friend Lazarus from the dead, Jesus demonstrated to the world that God has given Him the authority to raise the dead and through that the people on earth may not have the wrong belief that their lives ends with death. 

The Holy Bible says, “Listen to this secret truth: we shall not all die, but when the last trumpet sounds, we shall all be changed in an instant as quickly as the blinking of an eye.  For when the trumpet sounds the dead will be raised, never to die again and we shall all be changed.”  (1 Cor. 15 : 51-52)

From the above said holy verses we might know the truth about what will happen at the end of the world.  There is a life after death - the true life in eternal.  

The graveyard is the altar of each body to be adorned for the resurrection.

When a righteous man’s body dissolves in the dust, the soul will join its Owner -that is God Almighty; that is called Eternal Life.   “He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.  He keeps me from the grave and blesses me with love and mercy.”  (Ps 103)  

And again Christ Jesus says, “I am telling you the truth, whoever hears My words and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life, he will not be judged but has already – passed from death to life.”  (John 5 : 24)

But overlooking the life after death,  just to enjoy this worldly life, denying God’s commandments and when you die, the soul will join its owner, that is the Devil – that is life in eternal abyss (hell). 

After the death of a devotee of Christ, still the soul needs purification because God cannot accept the soul until it is fully holy.  So the soul is sent for purification in the place called ‘purgatory’.  Once the souls leave this world they cannot help themselves in their purification.  That is why the Holy Bible teaches and urges us to offer mass, sacrificial prayers, fasting, abstinence, almsgiving, acts of mercy, etc. on behalf of the poor departed souls. 

However some take it in a very casual manner and ignore to pray for the departed souls of their loved ones.  It is our responsibility to save the souls in purgatory.  There are many families suffering with various misfortunes, hereditary disorders, sicknesses, and lack of prosperity, accidents and unhappiness with reasons unknown.  If such hardships and brokenness is troubling you then surely a cry of a departed soul is behind it. 

We are the only mediators given by God to comfort the departed souls and help them to attain eternal life.  Christian love is a covenant relation, which exists even after this earthly life.  The sacrificial sin offerings and prayers done for departed souls especially on ‘commemoration day of the faithful departed’ (i.e. 2^nd November) are precious in the sight of God.  If you will save even one soul, that soul will pray for you and save you from all adversities here as well as the soul will assist you in your death bed and your soul will be safe. 

The Holy Bible says about the destiny of the righteous.   “But righteous people are protected by God and will never suffer torment.  It is a foolish mistake to think that righteous people die and their death is a terrible death.  They leave us but it is not a disaster.  In fact righteous are at peace.  They have suffered punishment but they have the confident hope of immortality.”  (Wisdom 3)

So let us prepare ourselves to welcome the month of November which is dedicated for the departed souls. It is a noble thing to do sin offerings to save souls, as God wishes that everyone be saved.

 “Do not be worried and upset,” Jesus told them, “Believe in God and believe also in Me.  There are many rooms in my Father’s house.  I am going to prepare a place for you….. I will come back and take you to Myself so you will be where I am.”  (John 14)  

Let us commit our deeds and prayers to save the souls in purgatory awaiting the Mercy of Eternal Father. 

Can you imagine the pain of a father who spent all what he had to build a home for his child receiving the news that he is dead and no more to enjoy that joy of living in that home?   So let us pray for our co-brothers that the perpetual light may shine upon them and may their souls enjoy the eternal life in Father’s home. So that none of the rooms in our Almighty God’s home would remain vacant.

Here is a powerful prayer for souls in purgatory.  (Our Lord told St. Gertrude the Great that the following prayer would release 1000 souls from purgatory each time it is said.  The prayer was extended to include living sinners as well)

Prayer

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family.  Amen.   

(You may learn the prayer by heart or keep it in your wallet. I request you to join us in reciting the above prayer once a day at least throughout this month for the departed souls.)

With love filled blessings

Your Sister in Christ

Kindly Note:

As per the message from God of KLWC, our team will be conducting an in-house Night Vigil service from 11 pm (1/11/2015) to 6 am (2/11/2015)   Your Thanksgivings and Prayer Requests are welcome.

GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

 The Holy Bible says, “The hope does not disappoint us, for God has poured out His love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God’s gift to us.”(Romans 5:5)

WISDOM

The Spirit of the Lord blesses us with the gift of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of Lord.

Wisdom is the foremost gift which though similar to knowledge is different. 

Knowledge is the gift to know the truth and is connected with all other gifts while wisdom enables us to experience the truth and its togetherness.  

For example, the knowledge of honey may give you an idea of what it is, but taste an ounce of honey once; then you truly know what it is.  Similarly, with the gift of wisdom one can directly experience the presence of God. 

Moses had experienced the presence of God and through Moses people came to know about God.  The gift of wisdom pours out the burning love of God and it brightens us with cheerfulness.  As the sun’s rays give light and heat, heavenly wisdom enlightens the knowledge of God and his creation.  It showers the joy and warmth of His love in our mind. 

Apostle John shouts out about the love of God because he was blessed with holy wisdom.  St. Thomas Aquinas in his poem undoubtedly explains the wisdom of God.  The one who achieves it can grasp the mysterious truth that is even beyond his understanding and is free from death as he accepts it happily. 

No worldly passions are attracted and exercising it brings uneasiness and discomfort.

Lust and gluttony, bad attitudes, bad company will not make a person blessed with wisdom happy.  The holy wisdom leads a person to the true fact that the passions, pride and worldly knowledge will be perishable and work for it is merely in vain. 

The heavenly wisdom makes a person grow towards the fruits of spirit especially self control, humility and joy.  Hard-work, hardships and carrying out penance draws his attention. 

Heavenly wisdom reveals the truth that Lord Jesus went through great agony and bitter passion for my sake and for the sake of human race, and it is my duty/ obligation to accept sufferings and pain for the love of Lord Jesus. 

The one who is blessed with wisdom can analyze the events of his life which eventually leads him closer to the teachings of Lord Jesus.  A man who fears the Lord is worthy of the gift of heavenly wisdom.  It is more profitable than silver and more worth than gold, also more valuable than jewels.  Wisdom offers you long life as well as wealth and honor.  Similarly it can make your life more pleasant and lead you safely on your way and never even stumble. 

The Holy Bible says never to ignore wisdom.   Do not abandon wisdom.  She will protect you.  Love her and she will keep you safe and she will be your crowning glory.  (Proverbs 4)

The one who faithfully obeys and follows the laws and rights of God can easily obtain true wisdom.  “Is there anyone among you who is wise and understanding? He is to prove it by his good life, by his good deeds performed with humility and wisdom.” 

(James 3:13)

To gain insight, knowledge, sound judgment, one must honor the Lord and hate evil, pride and arrogance.  The word of wisdom created all and poured out immeasurable way of His wisdom to all who loved him. Daniel, King David, Joseph, Ezra, etc. etc. were graciously blessed with gift of wisdom.  The Holy Bible says the child Jesus grew and became strong.  He was full of wisdom and God’s blessings were upon him. 

(Luke 2:14)

Wisdom reigns with the Almighty God.  

King Solomon had only asked for God’s wisdom and he was given it. Sincerity and faithfulness are required to obtain wisdom.  

King David also prayed for wisdom (Psalm 51).  

Apostle James instructs us that whoever lacks God’s wisdom should pray to God and the Generous and Gracious God will provide it.

LIFE IN HOLY SPIRIT

PART VIII

The Holy Bible says, “The Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22)

FAITHFULNESS

Sovereign God says, “I will not break my covenant or take back even one promise I made.”

Glory to God and His faithful promises that strengthen us.

The Holy Bible reveals that God is constantly pleased with His faithful people. For God, Moses was more humble than anyone else on earth. God said, “It is different when I speak with my servant Moses. I have put him in charge of all my people of Israel. I speak to him face to face.”

Here it proves that Moses was faithful and loyal to God’s command and by practicing faithfulness he deepened his faith which brought God down to the midst of clouds. Amen!

Mission of King David and Daniel were also filled by the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Added enthusiasm and faithfulness were evident in their call.  

Honest people will lead a full and happy life and the one who belongs to Christ will also obtain these virtues.

It is important to put into practice the virtue of faithfulness so as to please God in his status of life.

The faithfulness of the spouse of Holy Mary- St. Joseph is also admirable. God submitted His own life into the hands of Joseph, who lifted his eyes and ears towards God, throughout his mission. He underwent immeasurable sacrifices in his life to be an obedient servant to set us an example to build a family according to God’s will. Devoid of any worldly support he teaches us that God will never forsake those who loyally follow His advice and confess God’s promises.

Our hardships and brokenness leads us to faith. Faithfulness leads us to deepen our growth in faith, which ultimately grants us righteousness.

It is worth to mention the faith of Abraham the Father of our race here.

The Scripture says, "Abraham believed God and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous."

A person’s wages cannot be considered as a gift because that is something he has worked for and earned, but the person who depends on his faith – who believes in the God who declares the guilty to be innocent, it is his faith that God takes into account in order to put him right with Himself. 

The one who accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior are eligible to have these virtues because the Love of God inspires him to love and serve others faithfully.  This is what Jesus asks us to do – Love your neighbor as I have loved you. 

Christ Jesus, the Faithful and True Witness who is the origin of all that God has created, wants us to be faithful to one and all.

The Holy Bible explains to us that- The one who grows in the skills and abilities which God our Father gifted him is the one who is faithful.  The Lord Jesus continued teaching through the parables and was pleased with the faithful one.  

“Who, then, is a faithful and wise servant?  He is the one that his master has placed in charge of the other servants to give them their food at the proper time.  How happy that servant is if his master finds him doing this when he comes home.  Indeed I tell you the master will put that servant in charge of all his properties.”  (Matt 24)

Being His servants let us examine how faithful we are towards our calling.  You may be a parent, spouse, laborer, officer, businessman or doing direct service of the Lord such as a preacher, priest, evangelist, etc.  We all are called by God for serving the Lord.  So then, each one of us should receive the anointing that befits our calling. 

The Bible says “He who calls you will do it, because He is faithful.” (1 Thess.5:24). 

A faithful man is always alert of his duties.  He does it with sincerity and punctuality.  Selflessness adorns the beauty of a faithful man.  Every responsibility either big or small, he considers equally important.  Whoever is faithful in small matters will be put in charge of large ones. 

The Bible says, “The one who have not been faithful to worldly wealth cannot be trusted with the true wealth.”

The Bible again asks us, “If you have not been faithful with what belongs to someone else who will give you what belongs to you?”

Let us examine Biblically what is mentioned about an unfaithful servant. 

The Holy Bible says that,  “If he is a bad servant he will tell himself that his master will not come back for a long time and he will begin to beat his fellow- servants and to eat and drink with drunkards.  Then that servant’s master will come back one day when the servant does not expect him and at a time he does not know.  The master will cut him in pieces and make him share the fate of the hypocrites.  There he will cry and grind his teeth.”  (Matt. 24:48-51)

So devotees of Christ, let us hold on firmly to the virtues of the Holy Spirit awaiting for the King who has said, “I am coming soon.”  And He says, ‘I will bring my rewards with me to give each one according to what he has done.  Happy are those who wash their robes clean and so, have the right to eat the fruit from the tree of life and to go through the gates into the city.  Amen.

A CALL TO REPENTANCE

PART III

The Holy Bible says, “When anyone is joined to Christ, he is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.”

 (2 Cor. 5:17)

We have learnt that, the more you invite the Holy Spirit; the more you will be aware of those areas of your life where Jesus is not fully revealed in you.

Whenever you begin to feel, that life is a failure, remember, the power of God’s forgiving love as expressed on Calvary. Then praise Him for a while. God’s unconditional love will shower upon you. You don’t have to stay stuck with guilt.

Sin has a power to hold us down and to block the unconditional love of God. This is how we hide when we feel guilty.

Repentance has a power to lift us up again and release the flow of God’s love into us.

“If we live in the light – just as He is in the light--- then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son purifies us from every sin.” (1 John 1:7)

After John the Baptist was put in prison, Jesus continued the call for repentance. “Turn away from your sins, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near!”      (Mark 4:17)

Repentance is an ongoing process. Regularly reading and meditating the Word of God, inviting the Holy Spirit to lead you accordingly to His Will is the process.

Christ Jesus says, if My words remain in you and you abide in Me, then you shall ask for anything you wish and you shall have it.

“If you hear God’s voice today, do not be stubborn.” (Heb 4:7)

Again in the Bible, Jesus says: “How wrong you are! It is because you don’t know the Scriptures or God’s power.” (Matt.22:29)

Meditating on the above holy verses we realize the importance of a repentant heart.

Repentance is intellectual; Repentance of the Samaritan woman acknowledged that she listened to the Word of God and accepted her mistakes.  (John 4)

“After you had punished us; we hung our head in grief.” (Jer. 31:19)

Repentance is emotional: “When the people heard what the Law required, they were so moved that they began to cry.” (Nehe.8:9)

“Just when the cock crowed a second time, Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the cock crows twice, you will say, that you do not know me.” And he broke down and cried. (Mark 14:72)

A discerned person himself takes the decision to have true repentance.

Here it is wise to remember the prodigal son. (Luke 15:17-18)

“Return to God is the Biblical message to one and all.”

Let us invite Christ Jesus into our hearts and venerate Him as Lord and Savior. Ask Him for the Holy Spirit to enlighten. Invite and enthrone Jesus as your Lord. Allow the majestic power to rule you. He knows what to break and rebuild.

He will do it and make you a new being. These are all the work of our Loving Father, who calls us to enjoy a life in its fullness in His Kingdom.

Let us obey to the voice shouting in the desert (Luke 3:4-6) and break the mountains which are the pride, prejudice, disobedience, hatred, greed etc., demolish the hills that represent our immoral behaviors, depraved, dishonesty etc., and fill the valleys that indicate the Loneliness, gloominess, depression, spiritual weakness within us and smoothen the path of our life with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

“So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to-- the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. Your hearts and mind must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God’s likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy. (Eph. 4: 22-24)

“The One who sits on the Throne said, “And now I make all things new!” ……These words are true and can be trusted…….I am the first and the last, the beginning and the end. To anyone who is thirsty I will give the right to drink from the spring of the water of life without paying for it.  Whoever wins the victory, will receive this from me. I will be his God and he will be My son.” (Rev.21:5-6)

Glory to God!!! Amen!!!

ARC OF PRAISE

PART IV

The Bible says, “Come, let us praise the Lord! Let us sing for joy to God, who protects us! Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and sing joyful songs of praise. For the Lord is a mighty God, a mighty king over all the gods.”     (Psalms 95: 1-3)

An attitude of openness and expectancy are essential to approach God.  As I mentioned earlier, a yielded heart which expects a transformation or you can say, a relaxed mindset will gain good result. The Lord is awesome in His greatness and 

the Majestic  power is overwhelming.

Therefore, the Bible tells us, to praise Him with all your skills and might.

The Heaven above is adorned by angels array, praising His Glory and Honor whereas on earth (i.e) his footstep, He has created us with His skills and wisdom to ordain His glory.

Our Glorious Lord wants “His will be done on earth as in Heaven.”

So it will be more acceptable to God if we praise and worship Him as how it is in Heaven.

The Book of Revelation to John, in his heavenly vision explains to us that, “it sounded like a large crowd, like the sound of roaring waterfall, like loud peals of thunder; I heard them saying: Praise God, Lord Almighty, God is King.” (Rev.19:6)

During the assembly of prayer service, the devotees witness the above experience.  When a faithful one starts exalting His Name and Praise Him, Heaven truly opens and joins us and we build the Kingdom of God.

It is an amazing experience to be in this Kingdom and in His Kingship on Earth.

He commands His Authority and eradicates all unwanted interference. Alleluia!!

Here are few testimonies from children under the age of twelve:

·         I hesitated to raise my hand when asked to witness all who heard thunder, echoes and seen visions of heavenly beings. Many witnessed by raising their hands. But today in writing, I am testifying the experience. Alleluia!!

·         On the 15^th April 1995, while praising with closed eyes, I clearly saw Lord Jesus adorned with crown, seated in the Most High. I was extremely happy and ran ahead to witness. Alleluia!!

·         I was unable to sleep due to nightmares and fear engulfed me all the time. As I began to praise God in my mind, my fears as well as my nightmares vanished. Praise the Lord!!

·         From the past one year, many times I have been able to see Jesus in different visions amidst a huge ball of light. Two  weeks ago before the reading of the Bible, when we were thanking and praising God in Christen section, I could again see the above part of Lord Jesus, who was standing with outstretched hands. Surrounded with a fluorescent color. My eyes were filled with tears of joy and did not feel like opening them. I soon told Miss that Lord Jesus is present with us. Alleluia!! Amen.

·         In the new prayer ground, when we were praising God together, I saw a beautiful light. Amidst the light I vividly saw Mother Mary riding on a donkey with a little boy in her arms. I was filled with great joy. When asked to witness, soon I lifted my hand and glorified my Lord. Henceforth, my bad habit of biting nails, saying lies due to fear departed from me. Today I love my Jesus and Mother Mary very much.

Yes, our children are evidence of the fact that whenever two or three gather in Lord Jesus’ name anywhere He descends amidst them. Their eagerness and enjoyment in witnessing the Lord is indescribable. Praise God!!

It proves that the King of Israel is pleased and honors the humble with victory.

Let’s refer to the Biblical way to Praise God

The book of psalms will guide and urge us to praise Him in spiritual manner. It says, “Praise God with all your musical instruments by clapping, lifting and waving hands and by dancing too.”

Psalm 47:1, tells us to “clap our hands for joy, all people. Praise God with loud songs.”. It is one of the most efficacious acts of prayer.

So the ignorant leading unhealthy life feels restless to be with people of praise.

King David, with his best soldiers in Israel, a total of 30,000 men were dancing and singing with all their might, to honor the Lord. They were playing harps, lyres, drums, rattles and cymbals. Saul’s daughter and few were disgusted and criticized about it.

Yet David said, “I will go on dancing to honor the Lord and I will disgrace myself evermore to honor Him.”

We are sure that even today there are faithful people to stop and ridicule people of praise.

Never mind, the Bible says to us, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to depend on men.” (Psalms 118:8)

So never lose heart!! We, great and small are called to praise our Creator (Book of Rev).

Memorizing His virtues, Highness, Royal Power and Loving Kindness to all creatures will encourage us to exalt Him as well as recollecting God’s compassion, well planned promises and His Majestic authorities will help us to bow down our pride and prejudice. So, let us humble ourselves to make us worthy to be His children.

It is vital and wise to confirm our faith that the Lord, who is able to create good out of bad, will definitely change the bad into two fold goodness.

When you meditate the above said qualities and glorify His Name, then spontaneously the lips will start the sacrifice of praise in its own way and God’s power will lead us towards the praise. 

Once you start exercising this act daily, the Holy Spirit, himself will take charge of your spiritual growth.

Let’s go through a testimony:

As I was standing along with the entire community, asking God how to praise, when unknowingly my lips began to move continuously and I experienced an inexpressible tranquility. My tears were overflowing. After that I was relieved from fear, anxiety and sorrow. (Oct 1995 edition of LWE 2000)

If you had a past joyful life in union with Christ and now you feel the doors of blessings bolted up and a bed of hopelessness? Never mind: Begin today, believe the truth that the light is still flickering with you. Perhaps the oil in the lamp is evaporated. Yet do not be worried!!

Since it is your desire and decision, confess it, “I will always Praise the Lord, I will never stop praising Him, I will proclaim Your greatness every day, I will thank You and Praise You forever and ever. I will praise Him as long as I live and sing to my God my whole life.”

By taking pleasure, confessing truly and a steady mind by removing the moles in your eyes and looking into your heart deeply, you can find your little light.

You can rekindle your lamp by praising God. Allow the lamp to burn like the flickering lamp to lead your path and share your good experiences to many.

Then you will be able to stand as a bright lamp in the commemoration of the second coming of our King Jesus Christ.

May Lord grant you the grace to proclaim the Good News of He, who is calling You from darkness into the anointing brightness of His Light.

Thus obtain the grade of being His own Chosen People.

Happiness makes for a long life; and makes it worth living. (Sirach 30:22)