AS THE YEAR FADES BY….

The Holy Bible says, “When anyone is joined to Christ, he is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

At the onset of every New Year, it has been a very familiar and easy task to promise God, ourselves and our dear ones that we would be a better person in the coming year. Spiritual progress in every effort, expectations of richness, promotions, appreciations, sound health of mind and body are some of the desires that make up almost everyone’s wish list.

With great enthusiasm, determination and a handful of promises we gladly mark our entry in the young New Year, but as months pass by our eagerness and fortitude begin to fade; turning us into victims of failure and melancholy.

The Holy Bible says, “Don’t deliberately torture yourself by giving into depression…..don’t worry all the time. Worry never did anybody good and it has destroyed many people. It will make you old before your time.” (Sirach 30:21-24)

When His anger was about to destroy the sinful Sodom, God remembered Abraham’s nephew Lot and send His messengers to save him. When hesitant to obey the messengers, Lot and his family were carried by them out of the city.

Then one of the angels said, “Run for your lives! Don’t look back and don’t stop in the valley. Run to the hills, so that you won’t be killed.”

Yes ,dear faithful readers of Living Word, for the past seven months you were led by the message  of the Word Incarnate by me. Am sure that these words  have truly, strongly inspired and influenced your mind and heart; creating assurance and great hope for a simple yet holy way to create a new joyful life and atmosphere.

Through this everyday interaction I could make you realize your miseries and awareness for the cause of it. Due to certain carelessness, derailment from your responsibilities, be it owing to unfavored circumstances, consciously or unconsciously the significance of being a truthful individual to God and self was diminished.

Let your heart not be troubled!

In the present day , you have been united with Jesus Christ, your Savior and Master, who skilled you to live in love with a mind leaning to charity.

Whoever joins to Christ faithfully with an earnest heart is a new person.

You may ask how?

I tell you, for the reason that those who decide to work with Lord Jesus, the light, who is capable to illuminate your darkened area with His brightening Light; by forgiving your errors. For those who thirst for His way His power comforts and consoles.

For His merit, God the Father of mercy, pardons your past trespass events; once again accepting you as  His child. We are made worthy to turn to our Sovereign Lord, who through the passion of Christ not only changed us from enemies into His friends but also handed us the task of making others His friends.

Christ Jesus, without any stain or sin, came down to this earth as per the Will of God, to share the burden of our sins and sicknesses, setting us free. Today, He stands as a mediator between us and God to speak about our good deeds and allow us to merit and share in God’s righteousness.

Let us pronounce His mighty name and glorious deeds.

Just as the angel warned Lot and his family, our guardian angel too constantly advices us when we fall into the bad mood of regurgitating the past sorrowful events.

Don’t look back and stop! Get up! Go forward like a cheerful person with a pleasing attitude that will bless you with a long and worthy life.

I take great pleasure to honor and appreciate St.Paul for his zealous heart filled with Evangelic Spirit  and true conversion from his precedent  malicious past. He, who was a persecutor of the Church himself says—such person can only be righteous and profited in the sight of the world by obeying the commandments of the Law. The very hour he understood the knowledge of Christ is much more valuable than his past life, St. Paul reckoned everything as a complete loss and threw it all away in order to gain Christ and to be absolutely united in Him.

He says boldly, “I have no longer a righteousness of my own; but the righteousness that comes from God is based on faith.”

What matters is your faith which can lead you to hope and generosity; generating the energy to run towards  your goal. He strived hard to win the prize that had already been won for him by Jesus Christ.

Salvation of our soul is the occupation given by God our Father. Let us also run towards the goal to save our soul. A constant spiritual labor is very essential for the success of this run especially when we come across various trials, hardships, failures, rejections etc.. and to overcome the evil which arises from flesh, actions of the devil that surround us.

Like a good soldier, we need to fight against the temptations of sin and overcome the evil one. For this very reason, we ought to focus our direction to God by knowing Him and ceaselessly continue doing good to burn your lamp of faith.

Today being the last day of the year, let us take a look at ourselves and check on our actions and self examine how well we scored in our race this year,  that is passing from us now. It is the right occasion to invite forgiveness for all those duties we failed to do. It is also the best time to scrutinize our errors and selfishness; to check our conscience and our reactions at the time of crises etc..

Meanwhile let us not forget that it is also the right moment to thank God for His abundance mercy, protection. For granting us each day each of the year- irrespective of whether we thanked Him or not.  His caressing comfort we often fail to acknowledge and His leniency to us – His children.

As a resolution, if possible make a promise to God that you will own a personal Bible and take some time out to read a passage daily. During those days when tough and fatigue takes over your routine, do promise that you will not sleep unless you take the Holy Bible to flip the pages and hold it tightly across your heart.

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 favor and give you peace.

With love filled blessings,

Your Sister in Christ

 TOWARDS GREATER  HOPE….

The Holy Bible says, “The royal line of David is like a tree that has been cut down; but just as new branches sprout from a stump, so a new king will arise from among David’s descendants.”        (Isaiah 11:1)

The history of Salvation is the ceaseless effort of God, who apparently wanted to bring back those who drifted away from Him. Thanks to this glorious event of Christmas, eternal hopes were incarnated in order that a new era comprising the Lord’s natives  may be brought into existence.  

The Holy Church continues its efforts to lead people to Salvation, a journey that originated from Christ. Praises to the glorified Lord now and forever for His love filled indescribable grace that He showers on those who are despised, weary, exhausted and on those who had no one to seek refuge in.  His everlasting mercy and unbounded grace is the Mystery hidden within it.

When the events of the Good News unfolded, it was not broadcasted to those who were sleeping peacefully in the palatial palaces of Jerusalem, instead the celestial angels brought the news and gladdened the hearts of some meek shepherds, who spent sleepless nights, taking care of their little lambs in open fields.

Thus, the Word that existed with God from the beginning descended into this universe impart life to it. Jesus Christ- the Word alone is the light of all mankind. All who accept this Light is set free from the drudgery of darkness. He will abide in those who believe in His Name and be their guide forever.

The Lord, born in human likeness, dwelt along those sunk in deep darkness of sin and even today is in search of a human heart to reside and impart the ever-shining Light of Eternal Life.

So let us give up our evil and dark ways; walk His Holy Path which is lit up with the light of truth. Just as the hurriedness of the shepherds to see the long awaited Messiah, let us too hurry to spread the Good News to the far ends of the universe.

May this year ending feast strengthen you to reach out to others the Good News that opens the doors of peace and happiness.

Let us bow down in adoration to the Most Loving Father, pleading for His Light, Love and Mercy for all mankind. Allow the little but most holy and powerful hands of Infant to have a touch to sanctify our thoughts, words ,actions and affections; so we may please God and all whom He wishes.

Holy Mary intercede and guard our mind, heart and sense that we may not be stained with sin or any occasions of sin. Amen!!

May the peace and joy of Christ and blessing of the advancing New Year reach out to you!

With Love filled Blessings,

Your Sister in Christ

A LIFE IN THE LIGHT

PART II

The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has never put it out. (John 1:5)

Click here for the earlier part

The Holy Bible says “Be alert, be on the watch! Your enemy, the devil roams round like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”(1 Peter 5:8)

The Lord is God and He is so good to us; It is normal that whoever belongs to God would be often attacked by the worldly people and its power. The devil aims to cut off our relationship with the Divine Lord; continuously shattering our attempts to lead a holy life, so that he can succeed in pushing us deep down into hell.

His sharpest and most successful weapon to cause distress, hopelessness etc, in our life would be to influence us through our loved and trusted ones.

The very example that would befit this: Judas giving in easily to the devil’s trap to betray His Master Jesus for 30 silver coins. He ended losing the presence of God and been thrown into the valley of darkness.

If you have been a recipient and witnessed His mighty blessings, it is noteworthy to humble yourselves under God’s Mighty Hand, stand firm in your faith all the while resisting the devil having nothing to do with the worthless things, leaving all your burdens and worries unto Him who cares for you. If you succeed in doing this, God in His Mercy will uplift you

The Philistines army had gathered in a large numbers to fight against Israel, when David was king.

He humbled himself before the Holy presence and inquired God if he should proceed with the battle. God answered him not to go straight  but to circle them and get ready to attack them from the balsam trees. The Holy Lord further instructed them to advance quickly when the sound of marching could be heard from the tree-tops for that’s when God would go ahead of David to defeat the Philistines.

Though David had won many battles, yet He would not boast himself.

Every time David would humble himself before preparing for a battle by going to the feet of the Lord and enquired the Will of God by asking: “Lord, shall I go against the Philistines?” and God responded with instructions and commands to lead him to victory.

Lord our protector expects the same humbleness and willingness to seek His will, from us. Crafting us as a source of His blessing He bestows His Supreme and Divine Power, to others.

If you were a person witnessing God and His miracles, healings occurred through you but feel that you have now stagnated in your fruits, take some time out to think if you have taken refuge in your own strength, gradually forgetting the presence and power of God that was the source of your honor. Cause that’s when you meet failures, after striving hard, yet yield no fruits and yourself begin to turn against to blame God the Almighty.

Dear devotees in Christ, when the Lord blesses you abundantly granting you victory in all your endeavors, make it your aim to be more polite and honor God; move closer and listen to His voice instructing you to divert your path towards the Holy Salvation. Be a refugee in God, stand firm in your faith so as to follow Him.

The Holy Bible initiates us not to do anything with a selfish ambition or a cheap desire to boast.

Though Christ Jesus had the nature of God, He did not think that by force He should try to become equal with God instead with His own free will He gave up all He had and took the nature of a servant; He became like men and appeared in human likeness. He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to His death on the cross; because of this reason God raised Him to the highest place above and gave Him the name greater than any other; in order that in honor of the name of Jesus all beings in heaven, on earth and in the world below will fall on their knees and all will openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord to the Glory of God the Father.

He taught us to pray for the people who ill-treat us; also He made known to us that the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

The Holy Bible says, only the person who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God can defeat the world.

So let us keep on acknowledging our faith, confessing Jesus, ‘My Lord, who is the Son of God’, and then we can win victory over the world by means of our faith.

May the light of the Lord Jesus protect you from the storms of destruction and be with you forever. Amen!

With Love Filled Blessings,

Your Sister in Christ

RECONCILIATION

Part II

How wonderful it is, how pleasant, for God’s people to live together in harmony………that is where the Lord has promised His blessings – life that never ends.  (Psalms 133)

Click here for the earlier part.

When you accept God, you will be bestowed with the grace to accept yourself and your partner. The relationship given by God should not be broken.

But, aren't there numerous broken chords that ought to be tied?

 You may be a son or daughter not accepted by your father or mother or it could be that you would not have accepted them.   

It is time to seal the cracks that you have with your parents as it has erected an invisible wall between God and you. Unless you strive to correct it, you will observe a downfall in your life, resulting in you being a unsuccessful individual.

Remember God does not want to see His beloved children like this.

 The more arrogant, stubborn and delay in correcting yourself, your actions will result in many people’s tears which will reach to the Lord, who cannot close His eyes to injustice.

By the arrival of other generation, events turn out to be more serious.

That is why is it more vital to clear the issues as early as possible and be free from misery.

 God is very thorough with the correction of His children; and therefore He chose and sends prophets among the people to deliver His message.

There are also instances when God uses our little children as His tools to correct and reveal His teachings and will for us.

 When you observe that your child reacts to your advice adversely, instead of punishing and reprimanding them, turn to the Lord and ask forgiveness for your wrongdoing. Be humble and eager to correct yourself.

 The Holy Bible says, “The children are a gift from the Lord, they are a real blessing. The sons a man has when he is young are like arrows in a soldier’s hand.” (Psalms 127:3-4)

Some parents tend to be too casual when their little ones get mischievous; forgetting that if they are not corrected at the proper time, may turn out to be serious offenders in the future.

Every moment God is watching such parents and warning them.

It is time to bring changes in your behavior towards God and your child.

Break the walls that were build up because of you and your attitude, as the wicked world with its fast, foolish growth is awaiting to swallow your next generation for the reason that if you are the cause for it, it is truly terrible for you.  

Check and reconcile with all the relationships so as to bring up your child with God’s blessings. Accept Lord Jesus as your Spiritual Teacher, learn about Him and as parents spend time together with God, because Lord Jesus says, “I tell you more : whenever two of you on earth agree about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.”  (Matt 18:19) 

You have been trying this for many years, but in vain.  Why? 

Take a look back again, there could be much many more walls put up by you against your blessings.

Don’t think Sister is being too harsh with you.  Never! dear ones. I am a lady who sacrificed her family for the sake of the Gospel as per the Will of God to win families.

It is my responsibility to help you with true spiritual knowledge, so that families may be saved. By spreading the knowledge we would be able to help save each other, successfully defeating the cunning enemy. It is only for your peaceful future and for the salvation of your soul from the cruel foe fighting against out Heavenly Father, who is so full of pure love.

If you have ears, listen!

Let’s take a walk down the memory lane to the early days of your life. Engraved in your thoughts will be your home a dwelling of  your family— be it poor, middle class, or rich, orthodox consisting of grandparents, parents, siblings, other relatives etc. surrounded by good neighbors, teachers, friends, and other well wishers etc;

Where are they now? How are they doing? Are you in good terms with them ? Do you visit, help or console them often? Are they in good health or bedridden? Or are you bed ridden? Could be that some are leading a lifeless and meaningless life? Are they visiting you? Do you invite them or they keep inviting you? Deep in your heart are you cheerful when they reflect in your memory?

Where is the good Samaritan who helped you to progress in your life by bringing up your child? There are other few who emptied themselves by helping you and your siblings etc;

These are the few among the numerous questions God your Creator is raising over you!

God wants us to renew every relationship for the welfare of our descendants.

How can you forget the old home where you were born and lived with your siblings in limitations? In the absence of your parents, how you overcame the fear of the heavy thunderstorm by tightly holding your sibling. The meals she/ he fed you when in hunger, sat, cried and consoled you when sick in bed, the roads traveled without caring the distance, be it to school, church etc; games you played together; learning the initial lessons of sharing and caring for each other; the movies you watched together, etc;

If possible, put a pause to your busy life to recollect and reconcile with them to make a complete family tree to introduce them to your children, inviting them to take a dip in the blessings that God has showered over you.

Our Good Loving Father desires a unity like the Holy Trinity i.e. the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. A tri-chord will not break easily. So reconcile with yourself, parents, siblings, children etc and then soon God will bless you and your dream home.

Certainly it is not easy to reconcile and patch up the differences because evil has pierced through it. But the Lord Jesus who is the same yesterday, today and forever can penetrate into our past and remove the obstacles. Certain incidents may be fresh and cancerous.

You may deny all this, saying that you have nothing against them.

But analyze for yourself, if you are peace when alone? Is your soul safe in God’s hands? Are you content when you offer prayer and sacrifices? Are you able to present peace to your partner and children? Are you truly guilt free?

The Lord is giving an opportunity to recollect and repent truly for having forgetting them when life was greener on your side.

Let us make use of this opportunity to discard any miscommunication and reach out to our siblings and relatives, forgetting what so ever may be the reason we drifted apart.  

The greatest gift we can give each other is the ‘gift of prayer’.

The Holy Bible instructs us: “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, requests and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people.” (1Timothy 2:1)

The Lord is always looking for someone who will to pray. As their names or any memory comes before you simply lift them to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to help them and release His Power and Love on their behalf.

Talk to the Lord as you would to your dad.

“Father, I pray, please meet their needs, as Your heart desire be done.”

The best way to begin reconnecting is by lifting them in Prayer to the Father.

“You are the God who works miracles; You showed your might among the nations.” (Psalms 77:14)

Lord, grant me your blessing and let your light adorn and shine on my family tree.

With Love filled Blessings,

Your Sister in Christ