CHRISTEEN SECTION

THE TRIUMPHANT RIDE

Dear young readers, I pray that you all are doing fine both in your personal and spiritual life. Last week’s inspirational story, am sure, might have helped you to steer your time towards reading the Holy Bible; and it will surely cleanse you like the charcoal basket. Do share in your inputs and experiences!  Meanwhile my prayers go with you all!

With the Holy Week fast approaching it is vital to prepare ourselves and so this week we concentrate on the process to keep ourselves worthy to receive the Victorious Lord. Jesus Christ, the King of kings during His final week of public ministry on this earth, started on a procession to Jerusalem- a royal procession. In contrast to the kings and generals of that time who proudly rode on noble warhorses, our King Jesus chose but an ordinary colt for His journey.

When they drew near to Jerusalem and arrived at Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of His disciples with these instructions, “Go to the village on the other side and as you enter it, you will find there a colt tied up that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you why you are doing that tell him that the Master needs it and will sent it back at once.” The disciples went and brought the colt according to the instructions of Lord Jesus Christ.

The colt that had never been ridden would have been nicely adorned by the disciples for the Lord to get on to it. As the colt stood humbly bowing down eagerly for its first ride, awaiting the next events to unfold the Creator came forth to ride it. The procession began and soon some people spread their cloaks on the road while others reached out to spread leafy branches to overlay the rough patchy road. The multitude comprising of young, old and children raised joyful songs and chants. The entire city was filled with a jubilant uproar. The echoes of the joyful songs might have reached the ears of the Emperor Caesar. Our young colt, his head bowed down,  was filled with gladness for this larger than life event. It was a life fulfilling event to hear chants and shouts  of, ““Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!  Blessed is the coming kingdom of King David, our father!  Hosanna in the highest!”

As Lord Jesus was riding it; many compliments were being conferred on it by the people partaking the procession. Imagine how honoured and happy must the colt have felt?

Dear children, it is a great boon to become a little colt for Lord Jesus. Don’t you also desire to become the beloved one of the Lord without any display of power mingled in majestic splendour or a royal pride? Instead like the young colt resound the trumpet of love and be an example of humbleness and obedience.  An old saying indicates that even the stones lying close to the lily, acquire good scent. Similarly, the colt that carried Lord Jesus also would be recipient to special adulations and blessings. Though the path of journey was filled with stones and thorns but when the Lord got on to it, to ride it the path was overlaid with soft cloths. This indicates that He protects His disciples so much that not even their feet would touch the stones along this life’s path. The world had tied the colt; likewise today, you may be in some bondage, all tied up and unable to do any good. ‘Useless’ may be the word that defines you today . in this world of tough competition, you may not adhere to the fastness of those horses around you. May be at those times you are forced to call yourself unlucky to have missed the chances of survival with those of your status. You might be no different from the circumstances when Lord Jesus instructed the colt to be untied.

Worry not! Let your little hearts fret not! Remember that though everyone may abandon you, but your own dear Lord needs you. The Lord requires and uses those who are not wanted by this world. I pray that my young readers of the ‘Living Word’ become the vehicle of Lord Jesus.

So then let nothing stop you from preparing from today itself!

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

JESUS IS ANOINTED AT BETHANY

Six days before the Passover, Jesus went to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, the man He had raised from death.  They prepared a dinner for Him there, which Martha helped to serve; Lazarus was one of those who were sitting at the table with Jesus.  Then Mary took half a litre of a very expensive perfume made of pure nard, poured it on Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair.  The sweet smell of the perfume filled the whole house.  One of Jesus’ disciples, Judas Iscariot –the one who was going to betray Him –said, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred silver coins and the money given to the poor?”  He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief.  He carried the money bag and would help himself from it.

But Jesus said, “Leave her alone!  Let her keep what she has for the day of My burial.  You will always have poor people with you, but you will not always have Me.”

THE PLOT AGAINST LAZARUS

A large number of people heard that Jesus was in Bethany, so they went there, not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from death.  So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus too, because on his account many Jews were rejecting them and believing in Jesus.

(John 12 : 1 – 11)

This is the Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

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

THE WOMAN CAUGHT IN ADULTERY

Then everyone went home, but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.  Early the next morning He went back to the Temple.  All the people gathered round Him, and He sat down and began to teach them.  The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees brought in a woman who had been caught committing adultery, and they made her stand before them all.  “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery.  In our Law Moses commanded that such a woman must be stoned to death.  Now, what do you say?”  They said this to trap Jesus, so that they could accuse Him.  But He bent over and wrote on the ground with His finger.

As they stood there asking Him questions, He straightened Himself up and said to them, “Which ever one of you has committed no sin may throw the first stone at her.”  Then He bent over again and wrote on the ground.  When they heard this, they all left, one by one, the older ones first.  Jesus was left alone, with the woman still standing there.  He straightened himself up and said to her, “Where are they?  Is there no one left to condemn you?”

“No one, sir,” she answered.

“Well, then,” Jesus said, “I do not condemn you either.  Go, but do not sin again.”

(John 8 : 1 – 11)

This is the Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

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

A CALL TO PRAISE GOD

Come, Praise the LORD, all his servants,

All who serve in His Temple at night.

Raise your hands in prayer in the Temple,

And praise the LORD!

May the LORD, who made heaven and earth,

Bless you from Zion!

                     (Psalms 134)

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

YOU CANNOT GO WHERE I AM GOING!

Again Jesus said to them, “I will go away; you will look for me, but you will die in your sins.  You cannot go where I am going.”  So the Jewish authorities said, “He says that we cannot go where He is going.  Does this mean that He will kill himself?” 

Jesus answered, “You will belong to this world here below, but I come from above.  You are from this world, but I am not from this world.  That is why I told you that you will die in your sins.   And you will die in your sins if you do not believe that ‘I Am Who I Am’”

“Who are you?”  they asked him.

Jesus answered, “What I have told you from the very beginning.  I have much to say about you, much to condemn you for.  The One who sent me, however, is truthful and I tell the world only what I have heard from Him.”

They did not understand that Jesus was talking to them about the Father.  So He said to them, “When you lift up the Son of man, you will know that ‘I Am Who I Am’; then you will know that I do nothing on my own authority, but I say only what the Father has instructed me to say.  And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.” 

Many who heard Jesus say these things believed in Him.

(John 8 : 21 – 30)

This is the Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

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

A PRAYER FOR HELP IN TIME OF TROUBLE

Lord, don’t be angry and rebuke me!

Don’t punish me in your anger!

I am worn out, O Lord; have pity on me!

Give me strength; I am completely exhausted

and my whole being is deeply troubled.

How long, O Lord, will you wait to help me?

Come and save me, Lord;

in your mercy rescue me from death.

In the world of the dead you are not remembered;

no one can praise you there.

I am worn out with grief;

Every night my bed is damp from my weeping;

my pillow is soaked with tears.

I can hardly see; my eyes are so swollen

from the weeping caused by my enemies.

Keep away from me, you evil men!

The Lord hears my weeping;

He listens to my cry for help and

will answer my prayer.

My enemies will know the bitter shame of defeat;

in sudden confusion they will be driven away.

(Psalms 6)

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

HUMILITY

Mary said, “He –the Lord- has brought down mighty kings from their thrones and lifted up the lowly.”  (Luke 1:52)

Lord Jesus was invited on a Sabbath after the synagogue prayer for a meal as was the common practice of the Pharisees.  Noticing the immature behaviour of people, rushing to occupy the important seats inspired Lord Jesus to provide a good prescription about humility and hospitality to be observed in a social human life.

The Lord told them this parable, “When someone invites you to a feast don’t select the best places, instead choose the lowest place.  If you sit in the best place, then, when more important guest than you comes, the host will ask you to move back and it will be a great insult for you. Wherein, if you are seated in the lowest place, the host may ask you to take a better seat.  Then you will be honoured in the presence of all.” 

Lord Jesus concluded, “Everyone who makes himself great, will be humbled and everyone who humbles himself will be made great.”

The Book of Proverbs provides further guidelines to us, “When you stand before the king, don’t try to impress him and pretend to be important.  It is better to be asked to take a higher position than to be told to give your place to someone more important.”  (Chapter 25 : 6 – 7)

Humility is an important virtue to be practiced by a follower of Christ.  Lord Jesus is the owner of a heart full of meekness and humbleness.  St. Paul provides insight regarding the humility of Christ Jesus, “He always had the nature of God, but He did not think that by force He should try to become equal with God.  Instead of this, of His own free will, He gave up all He had and took the nature of a servant...”  (Philippians 2 : 6 – 7)

Here St. Paul advises us to imitate Christ Jesus and to realign ourselves according to the teachings of the Word of God to adorn the nature of the Lord.  So also he instructs us, “Don’t do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble towards one another, always considering others better than yourselves.”  (Philippians 2: 3)  The Lord reprimands the proud and blesses the loyal.  St. Peter puts it this way, “God resists the proud, but shows favour to the humble.  Humble yourselves, then, under God’s mighty hand, so that He will lift you up in His own good time.”  (1 Peter 5 : 6 – 7)

God cannot tolerate pride and arrogance.   Humility is a gift from the Holy Spirit and to avail it one must get rid of pride and arrogance.  Lord Jesus sternly corrected the pride, prejudice and cowardness of the Pharisees.  If the Lord is against you, human wisdom, brilliance and insight are of no help.  The ‘superiority’ or ‘I know everything’ attitude makes you to do foolishness and thereby become a victim of insult.  It will push you to interfere in others’ matters and take you to unworthy places. 

Those who are honest and accept their status modestly, choosing to remain in a position of humility can be honoured in the Kingdom.  Let us take stock of our lives and learn to be content with what we have and be a stronger person.  Lord Jesus clearly indicates that God will carry out His judgment on the same principle. 

And finally He turned to the host and added, ‘When you give a lunch or a dinner do not invite your friends or brothers or your relatives or your rich neighbours, for they will invite you back and in this way you will be paid for what you did.’ People are often mistaken when this sentence is taken out of context.  In fact, Lord Jesus very beautifully informs us that if you feed the rich people for the sake of a mercy deed, the reward for your good deed will be repaid by them.  Lord Jesus never meant not to invite benefactors or well wishers to your feasts; instead He depicts in attractive human terms to feed the poor and hungry who are unable to repay your good gesture.

The Lord was reminding us that the Gracious God has provided and blessed the world in abundance so that all the people can enjoy and have sufficiently. Only if the rich would open up their hearts and store rooms generously to the poor and deprived people, then no more will there be any poverty.

…. by a Guest Writer

CHRISTEN SECTION

A LESSON IN CHARCOAL BASKET

An old man lived with his young grandson on a beautifully landscaped farmhouse. From his childhood days, he would see his grandpa regularly wake up at dawn for morning prayers and regularly read his old worn out Holy Bible. The grandson admired his grandpa and would always imitate this. One fine morning during breakfast, the child asked him, “Grandpa, I try my best to read the Holy Bible, just like you, but I fail to understand it. Not only that it so happens that I forgot what I read as soon as I close the book. What then, is the use of reading it? Neither do I understand it nor do I remember it!”

Grandfather thought for some time. He then moved towards the stove and emptied the coal basket, saying, “My dear, would you mind taking this basket to the river and return with a basket of water.” “Sure, dada anything for you.” Saying this he ran off to the river. Grandpa waited at the courtyard, waiting and watching for him. By the time his grandson reached home, the water leaked off. The old man encouraged him saying, “Don’t worry, you have to move a bit more faster. You can do it! Come on! Rush now.”This time the child ran faster, as faster as his legs could take him; but the result was the same with the tiredness and breathlessness increasing. After trying repeatedly he told his grandpa, “Dada, it is impossible to bring water in a basket; let me get it in a bucket.” “But dear, basket of water is what I need; not a bucket of it. Try a bit harder. I know my boy can do it.”

By this though the boy knew it was impossible yet did not want to hurt grandpa and tried to prove his mettle. He tried harder; his heart saying it was impossible began to beat faster; yet he tried to cover the voice of his heart by the swiftness of his legs. However determination overcame tiredness, and as he sat near his grandpa with his wet empty basket saying, “O grandpa! Its useless!”

“Do you really think it’s useless? Look at the basket, my child!” He looked at the basket and was astonished. The coal basket had been spotlessly clean as new! The wise grandpa now took his grandson in his lap as he continued saying, “This is exactly what happens when you regularly read the Holy Bible. You might not understand a word; there would be days when you would not remember anything; yet when you regularly read the Holy Book; it will change you inside out.  That is God’s work in our lives that changes us and slowly transforms us into the image of His beloved Son.”

How wondrous is the deeds a Word of God can do in your life! It always delights us; so it is never a matter of boredom or feeling of waste of time. God’s Word can protect you from sinning; also clean your present sinful human nature. Presenting you with a new and fresh understanding about the love of God; it will reveal His awesome plans for your life. The more you read His Word, you will discover the wonderful things He has stored up for your life. How would you get to know a person thoroughly unless you take an effort to meet or communicate with that person? So is it with God! Many people know about God, but dear children, only few know God. More than a religion ‘Christianity’ is about a relation with God. To meet up a friend would you not take the effort to go and convene them personally? Similarly if you desire to be God’s friend-you need to work on your friendship; the bond will be stronger and tighter as per your effort in it. The time you dedicate with Him will be greatly rewarded. So shall we make Lord Jesus, our friend by reading a small portion of the Word of God daily? With your parent’s permission allot some time during this summer vacation to read the Holy Bible with your friends and yes, do share the Holy Book if any of friend requests you for it.

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

GREAT FEAST

“… Jesus concluded, “Many are invited, but few are chosen.”

(Matthew 22 : 14)

The word ‘feast’ delights our mind.  It is common phenomenon in our society to accept an invitation, be a part of it in its proper disposition. It was a custom of the Jews to send out invitations to weddings or a banquet to guests publicly prior to the event. God’s invitation comes numerous times in different manner in our life. It was through various prophets and prophetess that the descendants of Abraham were handed over God’s invitation. It was in this context Lord Jesus told this parable:

Here the host of the banquet is the Almighty God; who had sent out invitations to the Jews- chosen people of God to enjoy the Messianic Kingdom which His Son Jesus proclaimed. His servants were sent out to tell the invited guests to appear to the feast, but they refused. Again God sends out another set of His servants with His message but again those invited refused citing various excuses in regards to their – farm, shop etc. Initially privilege was given to the chosen race, but they chose to defame and prove their disliking to the king and his rules.

We humans tend to be tired of repeated advices or warning through our benefactors to repair a broken relationship or to break off a particular bad habit or to repent of deadly sins. Forgetting their goodness and loving care, we seldom abuse and accuse them falsely to avoid their presence in our life. Similarly, when we simply chose to ignore His messengers or refuse to accept them, a time will come sooner when we will be cut off from God.

The Holy Bible says, “The axe is ready to cut down the trees at the roots, every tree that does not bear good fruit …..” (Luke 3 : 9)  It is wise to remember that you may not get such valuable days, so let’s take this blessed day to turn to the Lord and accept His message.

Later on, the king commanded his servants to go to the main streets and lanes; gather all the people good and bad alike, and the wedding hall was filled with people. 

Though originally the invitation, a great privilege in itself, was extended to His chosen ones; but as the Holy Bible says, “It was necessary that the Word of God should be spoken first to you, but since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we will leave you and go to the Gentiles.”  (Acts 13:46) The King of kings, widely opened the door of His Majestic Kingdom to the Gentiles who were confused and disturbed.  “If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear His voice behind you saying, ‘Here is the road follow it.’  (Isaiah 30 : 21)  The king gave great opportunity to those who listened to his invitation without any discrimination.  Thus, unexpected people were given the opportunity to enter the Kingdom of heaven and to relish the banquet.  Here we see it was not the respectable and rich ones of the society but the ones despised by the Jews who got the opportunity.  Once Lord Jesus said in His teaching, “I assure you that many will come from the east and the west and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of heaven.”  There was a belief and the attitude of Jews that whoever received baptism was worthy for the Kingdom of God (salvation).

It was the custom that one must attend the wedding feast with the attire that was given freely by the king.  The hall symbolised the Kingdom of God which has enough space for everyone who wishes to enter.     Then, the enthroned king’s eyes was fixed to one guest who was not properly dressed for the wedding feast.  Each event and its place have its own dress code, mode of behaviour and decoration. The invitation was free but it does not absolve the rules of the event. 

The king ordered his servants, “Tie him up hand and foot, and throw him outside in the dark.”  A proper attitude and disposition are essential to please God and to enjoy the Kingdom of heaven.    The Holy Bible says, “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.” (Revelation 22 : 14)

Every day before the clouds break and the sun rises, the heavenly banquet is set by the Gracious Lord. In front of all your enemies –the worldly forces- the Good Lord Himself sets the table for His children to relish. We may have many excuses ranging from occupational, material, family to personal obligations to ignore God’s call and invitation. Not only do we neglect it, but with a word of apology we move to our personal obligations. Practice first to relish from His Holy Table – personal prayer - that provides love, joy, peace, wisdom, self-control, etc. and weave the eternal garment by the Gospel values and virtual deeds.

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

PARABLE OF THE GREAT FEAST

When one of the men sitting at the table heard this; he said to Jesus, “How happy are those who will sit down at the feast in the Kingdom of God.”  Jesus said to him, “There was once a man who was giving a great feast to which he invited many.  When it was time for the feast, he sent servant to tell his guests, ‘Come, everything is ready!’  But they all began one after another to make excuses.  The first one told the servant, ‘I have bought a field and must go and look at it; please accept my apologies.’  Another one said, ‘I have bought five pairs of oxen and I am on my way to try them out; please accept my apologies.’  Another one said, ‘I just got married, and for that reason I cannot come.’

“The servant went back and told all this to his master.  The master was furious and said to his servant, ‘Hurry out to the streets and alleys of the town, and bring back the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’  Soon the servant said, ‘Your order has been carried out, sir, but there is room for more.’  So the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the country roads and lanes and make people come in, so that my house will be full.  I tell you all that none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner!’”

(Luke 14:15 – 24)

This is the Word of God

Thanks be to the Lord

LENTEN MESSAGE

IN MEMORY OF HER

Jesus said, “I tell you, then, the great love she has shown proves that her many sins have been forgiven….”  (Luke 7:47)

Lord Jesus was invited by a Pharisee named Simon for a meal at his home, when a woman rushed in with a jar full of perfume and sat by his feet. She would wet His feet with her tears; dry them with her hair, kiss them and pour the perfume on His Holy Feet. The sight was enough for Simon to silently judge the woman and Lord Jesus on the basis of their Laws. The Righteous Lord, who was aware of justice as well as His host’s thoughts, took this as an instance to remove the veil of false teachings from their eyes. 

The Holy Bible says: Jesus spoke up and said to him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Yes, Teacher,” he said, “tell me.” “There were two men who owned money to a money-lender,” Jesus began. “One owned him five hundred silver coins, and the other owned him fifty. Neither of them could pay back, so he cancelled the debts of both. Which one, then, will love him more?” “I suppose,” answered Simon, “that it would be the one who was forgiven more.” “You are right,” said Jesus. (Luke 7:40-43)

Here Jesus Christ indicated that while the woman resembled the man who owned five hundred silver coins and Simon to the one with fifty silver coins; it was He, the Lord Himself who portrayed the role of the owner. He explained them, “She believed she was offered more concession, so showed more love to the Master who forgave all her sins.” Jesus turned to her saying, “Your sins are forgiven.” The feeble and pathetic nature of some Pharisees was that they considered themselves so upright that there was hardly any scope for them to repent. Their minds were always ready to justify themselves that it was unable to prepare them towards the essence of repentance and its benefits.

 Though seated beside Lord Jesus, Simon never wholeheartedly accepted or acknowledged Him as the Son of God who has the authority to forgive the sins of mankind and set them free. This Pharisee in fact symbolises all those people who confess Lord Jesus only with their lips and those who have shut the doors of their hearts to be far away from what they converse. Jesus Christ came to invite sinners to Salvation. Here, the woman and Simon identify with the Lord in a truly different manner. The Pharisees pretend to be righteous all the time and even if they tend to commit a sin; their belief that they can be purified by carrying out the Laws overpowers them; they are anything but adamant to receive the redemption that came through Christ.  It is impossible to obtain repentance and its freedom if one cannot evaluate their deeds in light. Being a host, Simon failed in his hospitality that befit Lord Jesus.

Dear readers, I would like to draw your attention to a unique character of Jesus Christ. In the entire description we are thoroughly versed with the Pharisee’s name; but look, the name of the woman is not mentioned or revealed. Our Lord never publishes the name of the sinners. The prime message is, “I tell you, then, the great love she has shown proves that her many sins have been forgiven….”  (Luke 7:47) Only when you realize and appreciate that you have received freely plenty from God, can you love Sovereign God more than everything. But if an individual thinks that everything he/she has achieved is only through self effort, they cannot imbibe the merciful love of Jesus. This parable can be summed up in two ways:  

1) one who loves God wholeheartedly receives more love and forgiveness.

2) we ought to love God so much because He showed  us so much love and forgiveness.

This parable has amazingly described the beautiful relation between God and man! Out of His fount of mercy and unconditional love we are showered countless and inexpressible blessings every moment. But if we continue to be ingratitude and freeze our hearts from loving Him we would not grow in His love and forgiveness. St. Paul says, “....God has shown us how much He loves us—it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us. By His sacrificial death we are now put right with God; how much more then will we be saved by Him from God’s anger. We were God’s enemies, but He made us His friends through the death of His Son.” (Romans 5:8-10) But there were also many Pharisees who sought Salvation through Lord Jesus Christ. During a journey Saul, in spite of being a Pharisee, after his interaction with Jesus Christ, wrote a new history. “For no one is put right in God’s sight by doing what the Law requires; what the law does is to make man know that he has sinned.”(Romans 3:20)

What guarantee do you have in your confidential friends? Who is there to love and forgive you without publishing your name or deeds? There is no replacement for the love and relief that Jesus Christ offers. Dear ones in Christ, what is there in your claypot? Adversities? Brokenness? Struggles? Etc.  Let us imitate her deed faithfully by being with Jesus Christ, who has the power to forgive and re-mold your clay-pot. He will certainly give you rest and a light heart that can sing a new song of His mercy and thanksgiving. Let us cry out in one accord for the Will of God. May His Spirit of Mercy fall upon the universe; to crush and sweep off the ancient serpent family.

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

EVENING PRAYER FOR HELP

Answer me when I pray,

O God, my defender!

When I was in trouble, you helped me.

Be kind to me now and hear my prayer.

How long will you people insult me?

How long will you love what is worthless

and go after what is false?

Remember that the Lord has chosen the

righteous for His own,

And He hears me when I call to Him.

Tremble with fear and stop sinning;

Think deeply about this,

when you lie in silence on your beds.

Offer the right sacrifices to the Lord,

And put your trust in Him.

There are many who pray;

“Give us more blessings, O Lord,

Look on us with kindness!”

But the joy that you have given me

 is more than they will ever have

with all their corn and wine.

When I lie down I go to sleep in peace;

You alone, O Lord, keep me perfectly safe.

(Psalms 4)

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

FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD THROUGH CHRIST

When anyone is joined to Christ, he is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.  All this is done by God, who through Christ changed us from enemies into His friends and gave us the task of making others His friends also.  Our message is that God was making all mankind His friends through Christ.  God did not keep an account of their sins, and He has given us the message which tells how He makes them His friends. 

Here we are, then speaking for Christ, as though God Himself were making His appeal through us.  We plead on Christ’s behalf; let God change you from enemies into His friends.  Christ was without sin, but for our sake God made Him share our sin inorder that in union with Him we might share the righteousness of God.

(2 Corinthians 5:17 -21)

This is the Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

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

PRAISEWORTHY IS HER

LIFE LONG COMMITMENT

“…How happy is the woman who bore you and nursed you.”  (Luke 11:27)

Often do I come across people who would appreciate my parents and family as I am chosen and selected by the Almighty to spread the Word of God to many. The response to all these valuable words would be a silent smile. Often during these instances I would remember the woman from the crowd, who after being thoroughly impressed by Lord Jesus’ message and teachings. With great enthusiasm and rejoicing she shouted, “How happy is the woman who bore you and nursed you.” Lord Jesus turned His Spirit filled attention towards her, “How happy are those who hear the Word of God and obey it.”(Luke 11:28)

Our Lord knew the greatness of His Mother; who so well obeyed the Word of God from the Annunciation, deserves greater praise and her quality much higher than a biological mother.  By the above word of God, Lord Jesus turned the crowd’s attention to the fine quality of His Mother who obeyed the Holy Messages from the Sovereign Ruler. She, Mother Mary, inherited the perfect spirit of God; the only one to hear the Word of God and obey it till her last breath. Her wholesome Spiritual character that abided in her even before ‘motherhood’ can be relevant by her response to St. Gabriel, enveloped in simplicity, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” Her permanent and sole quality of excessive submission and acceptance to God’s Word remained in her during the most crucial times of her life. With an unfailing lifelong commitment she supported and followed her Son silently unto the foot of the cross. When the woman appreciated His Mother, Lord might have visualised the depth of her love and sacrifices towards the Word of God.

Through His short teachings He educated us that such a privilege was not exceptionally for His mother but this benefit can be enjoyed by each of us. Let us take a lesson from Mary our Mother who accepted the Holy Word, challenged herself to abide by it as she experienced through steady faith it was God’s purpose for her. Her mission, heavenly wisdom along with divine dreams joined her to do the Will of God.

Dear devotees of Christ, you would have many unanswered questions; and several unsatisfied approaches to find a solution would have tired you out. Let me re-assure you from my own experiences that the Holy Bible knows you! All your fears, frustrations, dreams, your sin and its ways, your thoughts be it about your welfare or your life; everything may look okay and colourful at the periphery but in moments of solitude you may feel incomplete. Take a friendly approach to your Holy Bible and experience the contentment and seek answers for all your queries there. It will surely not disappoint you! Grow with Him (the Word of God), live with Him, accept Him as your encyclopaedia-a source you can truly trust.

I will tirelessly write that it is the Word of God that created all things and imparted its perfect wisdom in it. It is the Life-giving Spirit. (John 6:63) Are we not tired by living on bread alone? Listen! The Word of God says, “Man cannot live on bread alone; but needs every Word that God speaks.” This Holy verse itself clears many doubts that are rooted in us. How long has it been we are tuned to leading a life in negligence towards the Word of God. “The Law of the Lord is perfect, it gives new strength.” (Psalms 19:7) and “His Words give Eternal Life.” (John 6:68)

If you are dead in sin, only the Words of Sovereign God can grant the grace of repentance and enable you to turn towards Lord Jesus, the True Life.  “Jesus drove out the evil spirit with a word and healed all who were sick.”  (Matthew 8 :16) Whoever understands and values these Holy Words, memorizes them in their heart will receive life and health. Is anyone in your home critically or chronically ill? Care to spare some time reading the Holy Bible near the patient regularly with great belief and witness the miraculous changes in the person as well as the family.

It is their ignorance in the Holy Scriptures that easily leads many to the path of superstitions and carries out all wrongdoings without the fear of the True God. Blessed are those who read the Holy Bible regularly as it helps them discern the good and the bad; assists them to take wise and appropriate decisions in life. The Holy Spirit dwelling aids them to be glad and remain in peace at all times. It not only strengthens their faith but sanctifies the soul taking them to the path of salvation. Fears of enmity, sorcery, witchcraft, black magic etc. get ridden off and the Power of Word of God eradicates all such evil acts from your family. The Holy Words comfort the heart, also it begins to burn and shine with His Love. Such a person can feel the presence that God is alive and active in them and their prayers would be answered.

The Holy Bible says, “If you remain in Jesus, His Words remain in you, then you will ask for anything you wish and you shall have it.”  (John 15:7)  All it takes is a pinch of sincerity to avail the benefits.

A person whose life is based on the Word of God is blessed. He will be firm footed and nothing can shake his faith. He overcomes temptations by confessing his faith silently and publicly when need arises. “If you obey My teaching you are really my disciple.  You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  (John 8: 31)

An individual who regularly and diligently follows Lord Jesus’ teachings will be capable to handle burdens and brokenness of his life in a divine manner and will be bestowed the name ‘A child of God’. The Supreme God will bless his home, children and land. His presence will bring life to those in dark. Ask yourself, dear readers, do you think the God, who did not keep back His own dear Son but offered Him for us, would He do anything against the welfare of your life here as well as Eternal?

 Of course Not!

It is time you find out the culprit standing between God and you. It is without a doubt the work of a destroyer. Dear readers, It is a disgrace to us, humans if we do not give proper honour to the Mother of our Lord Jesus. She offered her only Son to be the victim for our sins. The Holy Bible warns us numerous times, “Be on guard and don’t let anyone deceive you.”

Just as we struggle to educate our children for their welfare to be successful in their life; so also our Father in Heaven wants us to be well educated in the truth and march towards the victorious Eternal Life.

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

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