A PRAYER FOR HELP

How much longer will you forget me, Lord? For ever?

How much longer will you hide yourself from me?

How long must I endure trouble?

How long will sorrow fill my heart, day and night?

How long will my enemies triumph over me?

Look at me, O Lord, my God, and answer me,

Restore my strength; don’t let me die.

Don’t let my enemies say, “We have defeated Him.”

Don’t let them bloat over my downfall.

I rely on your constant love;

I will be glad, because you will rescue me

I will sing to you, O Lord,

because you have been good to me.

(Psalms 13)

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

BOOK OF JOEL

“But even now,” says the Lord, “repent sincerely and return to me with fasting and weeping and mourning.  Let your broken heart show your sorrow; tearing your clothes is not enough. 

Come back to the Lord, your God.  He is kind and full of mercy; He is patient and keeps His promise; He is always ready to forgive and not punish.  Perhaps the Lord your God will change His mind and bless you with abundant crops.  Then you can offer Him corn and wine. 

Blow the trumpet on mount Zion; give orders for a fast and call an assembly!  Gather the people together; prepare them for a sacred meeting; bring the old people; gather the children and the babies too. Even newly married couples must leave their room and come.  The priests serving the Lord between the altar and the entrance of the Temple, must weep and pray: “Have pity on your people, Lord. Do not let other nations despise us and mock us by saying, “Where is your God?”

(Joel 2:12 -17)

This is the Word of Lord

Thanks be to the 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

LENTEN MESSAGE

MERCIFUL FORGIVENESS

The Holy Bible says, “You (God) will trample our sins and refute and send them to the bottom of the sea!”  (Micah 7:19)

We often have the inclination to exchange our identities from one to another. The human mind has the tendency to seek liberty and free will. Among us exists some individuals who find pleasure among the company of their parents and elders, fulfilling their responsibility, endure them to great extents in virtue of obedience; on the other hand the younger generation even before attaining maturity, urges to have their will and wish over than that of their parents and elders. Christ Jesus narrated a parable to the Pharisees who accused Him for being available and dining with the sinners. Though the story is familiar and famous for the lesson of humanity; it is particularly targeted for families. Any Lent or Lenten activities would be incomplete without meditating this parable. God’s beloved Son, Jesus Christ has explained His Father’s Infinite Love so beautifully. The curtain rises on this parable with a loyal father and his two sons; both vary from each other in thoughts and personality. The younger son, immature in his thoughts and decisions, wishes to fly high to seek the fleeting pleasures and fulfil his dreams easily. Restrictions and discipline that arose from fatherly care and concern begins to suffocate him and he approaches father for his share in property.  Taking it, he goes far off to enjoy it entirely. On the contrary, the elder son, being very thoughtful and concerned about his father and family; fulfilling his responsibilities was more important to him that his self-seeking desires or dreams.  The third most important lesson observed is the impartial equal love of the father towards both his sons. As the story progresses into years the awaiting father sees his younger son returning. The Holy Scriptures describes the wayward journey of his. He exhausted himself of all the money and had no food to survive. Living and eating food with the pigs brought some sense of what he was reduced to. He visualised the servants of his father who would have plenty of delicious food to eat and drink. This encouraged him to get up and return to his loving father. Do you think his act of conversion was true? He made up his mind to return when he was crushed under hunger, lack of wealth and devoid of friends or any source of luxury or lavishness. However, we can say he decided to return. Let us, nevertheless, turn to God with an intention to fulfil our transitory requirements; but with intent of a holy life; believing that the perfect way for our daily requirements would search their way to us. In this day and age, we, the prodigals fail to return home. The reasons could be many starting from our lack of courage, sensitiveness to feeling ashamed or the worthless prestige. This parable counsels us never to conceal any of our wrongdoings, encourages us to return to our family and apologise. Resembling to the younger son, due to lack of knowledge or patience to endurance, tired of the corrections or advices of parents or elders could have made you take the extreme step. Whatsoever may be the reason, get up and go right back to the right path where there would be someone eagerly waiting to welcome you back. Make up your mind to put an end to ruining your valuable life. Liberty from discipline at home, elders will surely reach and you can enjoy it at the right time. As the parable concludes, we read how the Merciful Father runs out to hug his beloved son, without letting him say a word. All that mattered to the loving Father was the return of his son and restoration of the family. Upon the arrival of his son, he orders a banquet and marks it as an occasion of great celebration that included everyone dancing and rejoicing; while the son might have wondered upon the unusual feast of happiness.

Dear parents, God wishes that you own a heart to welcome your children when they return to you rather than hurt them out of your happiness and sadness. As for the elder son, his reaction can be considered expected; as it was natural for him to feel unwanted during those moments.  Being an open hearted person, his anger, hurt feelings, resentment, and envy all proved his possessiveness. But there too, the loving Father, takes a moment to console the elder one, “My son, you are with me always and everything I have is yours. But we must celebrate and rejoice. This brother of yours was dead and has come back to life. He was lost and is found.” Dear elders, let us not come to the conclusion that a change in your integrity thinking all your sacrifice will go in vain. A great reward for your deeds waits solely for you! The father wholeheartedly forgives his prodigal son prior to his confession. This is identity of the heavenly Father’s merciful forgiveness to each sinner willingly returning to Him; all the while being aware that he will fall again but with no compromise in the great depth of the relationship.

Our Heavenly Father bestows His grace upon us, saying, “Be merciful to accept one another as how he accepted his prodigal son.”

Let us ponder over your part in this heart touching parable. Are you the donning the role of the Father or elder son or the younger son. Are you the one who strengthens the weak, uplifts the downfallen or a light to those in dark; or one that gives up your own dreams to restore your family. Let us with complete sense be determined to say, “I will courageously break all walls, run to my Father, saying-‘Father, I have sinned against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’” Reach out to live where true love and joy co exist; be sure that your Lenten resolutions will go on and continue even after the celebrations of the Holy Easter. May the Almighty God and Eternal Father grant you a contrite heart; and your leg will take steps towards His weeping heart. It is only your presence that can transform the weeping into a joyous celebration and feast.

“The Lord is merciful and loving, slow to become angry and full of constant love….. As high as the sky is above the earth, so great is his love for those who honour him.  As far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our sins from us.”  (Psalms 103) He forgives, approaches us with kindness and compassion that can rebuild us. The father in this parable respects his son’s desire to live his life on his own terms. Though the Father knew what would be in store for his son, if he fulfilled his demand; yet proceeded to give freedom. Our Father in Heaven knows that endowing us with liberty is the only way to receive love from us and at certain times allows to our demands; so that we will learn through the hard way. Freedom of choice, if taken in a selfish way might turn out to be risky. St. Paul says, “If anyone of us is in Christ he is a new creation.” So was the prodigal son, all transformed and liberated from self centric desires. This Lenten season when we thoroughly confess through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, never doubt if you are worthy to be forgiven; instead believe that the old has passed away. Lord Jesus is waiting for you, stretching His arms and granting the forgiveness that you badly need this moment. Never reflect on your past cause it has been eradicated from your history. All this has been extended by God in His merciful act.

Meanwhile, continue your penances, overcome the weaknesses, take a new step towards His Holy Way to follow Him and declare to others the merciful marvellous works He has done in your 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

CHRISTEN SECTION

RESEMBLANCE TO HIM

The Holy Bible says, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven.  If anyone eats this bread, he will live for ever.”  (John 6 : 51)

A young boy approximately the age of six to seven years set off to hear stories from Jesus Christ. When he reached multitudes of people were present; He too found a place to sit and began to listen. The journey had made him hungry; but as Lord Jesus continued His teachings, the boy was so enchanted by what he heard that he decided to have his food later on. Meanwhile at the end of His teachings, Lord Jesus sensed his listeners were hungry and decided to feed them. Jesus called his disciples spoke something to them and they soon came closer to the boy who sat with a parcel his beloved mother prepared for him. At the elder’s request, he handed his food packet voluntarily with ultimate innocence that reflected in his eyes. As they moved further; the little boy felt a choke of sadness in his throat. “I should have eaten it earlier. My mother prepared it for me and it is only enough to feed my hungry stomach,” he thought and decided to slowly move further to see why his small parcel was asked for. Stretching himself, he saw his bread and fish were in the hands of Lord Jesus. While his little eyes stared onto the Lord, he saw that Jesus raised His hands that held the food, His eyes gazed onto the sky and His lips moving silently. A hope arose in the boy’s heart and a small smile widened on his lips as he thought Jesus would return His food after blessing it. It was then he witnessed a wonderwork of Loving Jesus, that he would never forget in his lifetime.

 Dear little buddies, when the five loaves of bread and two fish were in the Holy hands of Lord Jesus, it was multiplied enough to satisfy to the hunger of five thousand people; who in turn were filled and happy. Though initially the boy was sad as the packed food were the fruit of his dad’s hard work and symbol of his mother’s love but after witnessing the entire episode; overjoyed with a feeling of selflessness, he danced on his way back home; eager to narrate everything to his loving mother. His joy spread in their home as mother thanked God for blessing her handmade bread that fed a crowd of five thousand.  The mother held her son close to her heart, hugged and blessed him saying, “My dear, be always generous and kind to all.” The selfish thoughts of our little unnamed hero were totally abolished when Lord Jesus blessed the food. His small view and thoughts that screamed my hunger, my tiffin, my mother, father, my stomach etc abolished to a wider perspective to observe the hungry crowds. Our heavenly Father do not want anyone to die due to hunger.  He learned the valuable lesson of sharing all his personal treasures with the neediest ones. Lord Jesus blessed Him with a cheerful heart to surrender everything to Mighty Creator and His grace made him a historical hero even after two thousand years. Dear children in Christ, be merciful and kind in your approach to all especially whom you tend to overlook due to tiny jealousy, pride or fear. Lord Jesus can multiply your meals and feed many through you even today. Do you know how? Say the grace before meals and surely unseen Infant Jesus will send His angels out to various places to make a way to feed the hungry. Children, when you sip water, silently invoke Lord Jesus, “I sip for all thirsty children,” and repeat the same for the first portion of each of your meal. When you practice these deeds in faith, you can feed many unseen souls and also heal the stomach ailments of those who prepare food for you; and your dining table/space would be the most joyful and relish able place. As you grow with Lord Jesus hand in hand, His everlasting Love will overflow to your surroundings and attracting many to Jesus – you can march towards God. Take care never to do anything tit for tat. Utilize your leisure times to share these stories and prayers to your friends.

So join your hands, bow your head and pray in reverence.

GRACE BEFORE MEAL

Bless us O Lord and these Your gifts which we are about to receive from your bounty through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

AFTER MEAL

Thank you, Abba Father, for nourishing our body and soul.  Thank you for giving health to our parents to work sincerely with fear of God.  May Your will be done always in Jesus Name we pray.  Amen

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

VICTORY PRIZE

The Holy Bible says, “….Israel’s Holy God is great, and He lives among His people.”  (Isaiah 12:8)

PART TWO

Invite Jesus Chrit as Lord and Saviour, accept Him as the Master of Your way, life and truth. The moment you open your heart to Him; He will rebuke the darkness and the bitterness of sickness, afflictions, sin and its death. You may be a wretched sinner in His sight today, yet He still is the same loving God, patiently knocking at the door of your heart. Your heart may be devoid of love at this moment; do not be disappointed for your Saviour Jesus- the ocean of unconditional love allows anyone to take a sip from Him as per their heart’s desire. One merciful look from Him is enough to melt all the contents of your concrete heart; transforming it into a fleshy one. To those who accept Him and win the victory, Lord Jesus says, “He will be given the right to sit beside Me on my Throne, just as I have been victorious and now sit by my Father on His Throne.”  (Revelation 21)

Get the knowledge of the truth by reading the Holy Bible and you can improve and be steady on your faith which can create a constant hope in future in His Promises.  That will create a new birth in Christ so instead of struggling for momentary pleasures and pleasing the wicked destroyer to perish yourself.  It is hundred percent worth to work for the Lord and conquer the hopeless world and its power.

St. Paul continues encouraging us that the victory prize is not only for him, but for all who wait with love for Lord Jesus to appear. Through His teachings Lord Jesus emphasises us to practice justice, mercy and a superior faith. So disregarding our past, let us from now on strive for a holy life and be put right with God; pray for His mercy that can guide and for good faith that will lead you to be a true follower of Christ. From a desire arising to dwell in His presence and performing His will alone ; He will open a Holy Way for your needs; let us fast from usage of harsh cursing words, cruel thoughts, plotting to take revenge against the hurts received. Instead train your ears to listen to His call by reading, listening and meditating the Holy Word of God and spiritual hymns.  Can a mother give up her child saying I am tired of carrying him?  So also how can we get tired of our Redeemer who lived for us keeping aside all His personal needs?  In order to make all the laws of God become easy for us to follow, He was a wanted and an accused person.  He was humiliated because He mingled with all poor and under privileged.  Being the King of kings He refused the kingship and throne , walked through the streets barefoot.  The love for everyone He stood in front of the worldly king like a lamb who was about to be slaughtered, never murmured a word against their plot for your sake because He took all our sins and iniquities on His body means He became in the form of a sinner. 

Dear ones, if you have a heart towards your Creator spare few minutes with Him, your ears and eyes will be opened.  There will be life-giving streams running through your heart.  Does not matter whether you follow Christianity or not?  What matters is He paid His life for you and God raised Him from dead and made Him to conquer the perishable world.  If you have little sense remaining accept your wrongdoings, be truly sorry for it, ask pardon to Him, take wise and holy decision that you will work hard to avoid sin and sinful atmosphere, to comfort your Lord who is still loving you and is so kind enough to be patiently knocking at the door of your heart.

How many years passed since the Saviour is knocking and waiting at the door of your heart? How do you react when you are made to wait after knocking at a doorstep? So let us bring an end to testing the Lord’s patience and not keep Him waiting anymore! Your victory prize awaits you at your doorstep!

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

VICTORY PRIZE

The Holy Bible says, “….Israel’s Holy God is great, and He lives among His people.”  (Isaiah 12:8)

PART ONE

Our daily life is buzzing with so many activities and filled with priorities to fulfil before the day ends and we fail to ponder over our blessings or to spend some time with our loving Saviour. We fail to understand the necessity of our Lord’s presence in our busy schedules. Lord Jesus too worked constantly, yet He made it clear on various instances that His prime priority was to meet the Father and fulfil His desire. In every crowd, His eyes searched for the neediest, afflicted ones and His heart yearned to set them free in order to honour God His Father. Aware of the emotion’s that ruled the heart’s of the poor, Lord Jesus moved with compassion to make them happy. His enemies were tight lipped by his wise teachings.

Let us take the instance when Lord Jesus was invited to a leading Pharisee’s home for a meal. The crowd gathered were busy merry- making, while our Lord was seated in the centre. The plan of God for His Son to be there, was to set free a man who was seated far in a corner, with his body swollen and heart filled with the bitter pain of loneliness. Lord Jesus gazed into the man’s heart; He healed him with just a consoling pat and sent him away. “Do not be worried and upset! I am your true friend and refuge. Go in peace!” The divine Lord’s look exchanged silent words of reassurance with the troubled heart conveying comfort and happiness. Lord Jesus calls all of us to His side to draw our share of joy, peace and love of the Father which are the true essence to survive on this earth; the fruits of its goodness and be the share of true eternal life. We are all created to be happy. We often ask our loved ones what they desire as a gift over our preferred choices; so that it is useful to them.  It is indeed truly heart touching to see our Lord Jesus in the last day of His mission with a profound departure pain encouraging His disciples, saying, “Until now you have not asked for anything in My Name; ask and you will receive, so that your happiness may be complete.” (John 16:24); Lord Jesus observed that they did not respond to Him.

Yes dear readers, sometimes owing to our inner confusion, we fail to understand other’s emotions. We may pray fervently but there are times when we don’t know what to pray for. Lord Jesus, who knows every human heart says to us, “Be still, know that I am your God.” He comforts us in our miserable and pitiable state. After being seated at the right side of the Father, He continues His work saying, “Listen, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into His house and eat with Him and He will eat with Me.”  (Revelation 19:20) We, too in this earthly life, must have come across situations when we were made to wait after knocking; its instances like these that make us impatient and irritated; and we almost consider the waiting more of a nuisance. But look at our Lord! Untiringly Lord Jesus waits near the door of every human heart for a response. He is knocking continuously to enter into your life, invite you to sit near Him and to share all that is in your life; to brighten up your bitterness, furthermore to comfort and hug you. He wants to help you to live and be victorious enough to achieve the prize. St. Paul teaches us that this is the time to run the best of your race. He said, “I have done my best in the race.  I have run the full distance and I have kept the faith and now there is waiting for me the victory prize of being put right with God, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

(to be continued..)

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

LENTEN MESSAGE

TAKING THE NAME OF GOD IN VAIN

The Holy Bible says, “Not everyone who calls me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only those who do what my Father in heaven wants them to do.”  (Matthew 7:21)

During various public outreaches, our ministry comes across parents who after tasting the goodness of the Lord, wish to dedicate their children in the Lord’s service.  They come with much enthusiasm pulling the child, detailing his/ her attitudes and wish that the child will see the heights of progress in this world. As long as God’s plan aligns to that of the parents; everything goes smooth. But when His plans vary; it becomes unacceptable to them. The same hands that dedicated the young ones, snatch them from the ministry. If at all God increases the speed of the wind; and the waves enter the ship, these parents will act immediately as the lifeboats to save their children from the service of God, forgetting their commitment.

Taking the name of the supreme God and promising Him is a common act that is carried out casually without realizing the consequences. The Sovereign God through His holy commandment warns, “Do not use My name for evil purposes; for I the Lord your God will punish anyone who misuses My Name.” (Exodus 20:7)

Do you know truly the God whose name you utter so often in vain? In a Holy vision the prophet Isaiah describes the Lord whom He saw, “I saw the Lord. He was sitting on His throne, high and exalted, and His robe filled the Temple. Round Him flaming creatures were standing, each had six wings.  Each creature covered its face with two wings, and its body with two, and used the other two for flying.  They were calling out to each other: ‘Holy! Holy! Holy! The Lord Almighty is holy!  His glory fills the world.’  The sound of their voices made the foundation of the Temple shake, and the Temple itself was filled with smoke.”  (Isaiah 6) The height of your ignorance makes you blind and deaf towards the truth and existence of God. Those habits that once began casually, becomes the part and parcel of Your daily life; leading you to absurd character. The power of the world is continuously striving and becoming successful in its efforts to keep you busy and exhausted with no time to worship and honour the Lord and ultimately skipping it. To gain wisdom in abundance, one must practice the Lord’s law. It educates us about the qualities of loyalty and humility which are essential to have reverence to God and brings fortune and success to those who respect God. During the Sermon on the Mount, Lord Jesus explained to the crowd the meaning of the Holy Law and its importance. During that discourse He reminded them, “...do not use any vow when you make a promise. Don’t swear by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by earth, for it is the resting place for His feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is city of the great King. Do not even swear by your head, because you cannot make a single hair white or black.” (Matthew 5:33-36)

Let us not arrogantly, brush off this advice thinking, “Nothing happened so far; in spite of me doing this from ages. It is not just me but many others too who do this..” The important matter is that this practice is disrespectful to your Holy God and it brings disgrace to Him and to you all the while you are unaware of its consequences. In God’s sight it is evil and dishonorable when people say, “I swear by God’s name........’ or ‘I take oath in God’s name that......’” for the Holy Bible instructs, “Just say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ –anything else you say comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37) Our Lord Jesus clarifies that these actions are a clear trap set by the devil to trick you into disobeying your Lord. You may not be aware of the serious plans the evil one has to defame the Creator using His own creation. Such matters though minute have a great effect on spirituality and robs you off your blessings.

I had been invited to meet a group- that comprised of all ages and majority of the host were Christians. Bringing me to attentiveness about the people around, I was embarrassed to realize how many times casually the name of ‘Jesus’ popped up in their conversations.  Discussions began or ended with ‘O My God…. O Lord I am sorry….. I swear by God…….. I promise you Lord…… In Jesus Name I do…..etc, etc.’ Not an irony but I observed that anxiety, worries, mistrust, pride, confusion, miscommunication overspread there quickly. When your heart is not aware what your lips say or if your brain is naive to what the hands does; its a sign that you are under the control of other forces. As days pass these hearts slowly hardens against the mercy and wonder works of God and dependence on God also vanishes.

I take this opportunity to remind you that misusing the Name of God is against His commandments. Let us not harden our hearts by disrespecting, misusing or abusing the Most Holy and adorable Name of our God, during this short pilgrim journey. Refrain soon from these unholy practices that can steal your faith and fear of God, instead try to live a penitent life.

The Sovereign Lord, through the Book of Deuteronomy, says to us, “When you make a vow to the Lord your God, do not put off doing what you promised, the Lord will hold you to your vow and it is a sin not to keep it.”  (Chapter 23 : 21)

Various acts of your daily life can imprison you to disobedience of God. Remember that God has not asked you to take His Name in promise; but it is your human nature that has trapped you. When intentions are not favourable to fulfilling what you have promised; these will lead to harder situations. Dear ones, examine yourself, pray to the Holy Spirit, your constant Helper to be with you in times of distress; patiently and constantly communicate your desires with the Blessed Trinity. May be it is God’s will to blossom you into a good intercessor for many than fade away making unfulfilled promises; He may have found you worthy to be obedient to Him in your suffering  for the salvation of you, your family and neighbours. It would be His wish that you practice forgiveness and offer a good consoling smile to your enemies. Our God is a provider, who would not hold back from fulfilling your needs; let us learn to imitate Him. Think twice, thrice or ample numbers of times before you make a promise to God. Be wise enough to crush and squeeze the plan of the wicked, cruel devil. Keep up the dignity of your Sovereign Lord. May the Almighty and Living God of KLWC grant you the grace to fulfil your pending promises as early as possible; to gain freedom from the Lord’s punishment. I aspire you to spend time in reading the Holy Bible loudly in your room /home as a penance of delayed vows. Certain debts and delayed issues can be cleared by this penance.

O Most Sovereign Lord our God, May your glorious holy name be held in most honour and highest reverence forever and ever.

May Your Name be honoured and worshiped in the dome of the heavens.

May Your splendour brighten the whole earth.

May Your honour and praises fill the presence in our families. Amen.

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

CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD

I trust in the Lord for safety.

How foolish of you to say to me,

“Fly away like a bird to the mountains,

because the wicked have drawn their

bows and aimed their arrow

to shoot from the shadows at good men.

There is nothing a good man can do when everything falls apart.

The Lord is in His holy temple;

He has His throne in heaven.

He watches people everywhere

and knows what they are doing.

He examines the good and wicked alike;

The lawless he hates with all his heart.

He sends down flaming coals and

burning sulphur on the wicked;

He punishes them with scorching winds.

The Lord is righteous and loves good deeds;

those who do them will live in His presence.

(Psalms 11)

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 TRANSFIGURATION

Six days later, Jesus took with Him, Peter and the brothers James and John and led them up a high mountain where they were alone.  As they looked on, a change came over Jesus; His face was shining like the sun, and His clothes were dazzling white.  Then the three disciples saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus.  So Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, “Lord, how good it is that we are here!  If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”

While he was talking, a shining cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased – listen to Him!” 

When the disciples heard the voice they were so terrified, they threw themselves face downwards on the ground.  Jesus came to them and touched them, “Get up,” He said, “Don’t be afraid.”  So they looked up and saw no one there but Jesus.

As they came down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Don’t tell anyone about this vision you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from death.”

(Matthew 17:1-9)

This is the Word of Lord

Thanks be to the 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

PROVERBS 16

We may make our plans, but God has the last word.

You may think everything you do is right, but the Lord judges your motives.

Ask the Lord to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out.

Everything the Lord has made has its destiny; and the destiny of the wicked is destruction.

The Lord hates everyone who is arrogant; He will never let them escape punishment.

Be loyal and faithful, and God will forgive your sin.  Obey the Lord and nothing evil will happen to you.

When you please the Lord, you can make your enemies into friends.

It is better to have a little, honestly earned, than to have a large income gained dishonestly.

You may make your plans, but God directs your actions.

The king speaks with divine authority; his decisions are always right.

The Lord wants weights and measures to be honest and every sale to be fair.

Kings cannot tolerate evil, because justice is what makes a government strong.

A king wants to hear the truth and will favour those who speak it.

A wise man will try to keep the king happy; if the king becomes angry, someone may die.

The king’s favour is like the clouds that bring rain in the springtime – life is there.

It is better – much better – to have wisdom and knowledge than gold and silver.

Those who are good travel a road that avoids evil; so watch where you are going – it may save your life.

Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall.

It is better to be humble and stay poor than to be one of the arrogant and get a share of their loot.

Pay attention to what you are taught, and you will be successful; trust in the Lord and you will be happy.

A wise, mature person is known for his understanding.  The more pleasant his words, the more persuasive he is.

Wisdom is a fountain of life to the wise, but trying to educate stupid people is a waste of time.

Intelligent people think before they speak; what they say is then more persuasive.

Kind words are like honey – sweet to the taste and good for your health.

What you think is the right road may lead to death.

A laborer’s appetite makes him work harder, because he wants to satisfy his hunger.

Evil people look for ways to harm others; even their words burn with evil.

Gossip is spread by wicked people; they stir up trouble and break up friendships.

Violent people deceive their friends and lead them to disaster.

Watch out for people who grin and wink at you; they have thought of something evil.

Long life is the reward of the righteous; grey hair is a glorious crown.

It is better to be patient than powerful.  It is better to win control over yourself than over whole cities.

Men cast lots to learn God’s will, but God Himself determines the answer.

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

YOUTH CORNER

GOD WHO CAME IN SEARCH OF ME

The Holy Bible says, “I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the wonderful things you have done. (Psalms 9:1)

PART TWO

Click here to read the first part.

The pray over and the relaxation experienced urged me to revisit; but hesitance obstructed. After a couple of days opportunity knocked in the form of few youth from the ministry, who approached my friend, a guitarist to play for an special occasion and he in turn approached me. The heart whispered a ‘yes’- and lips replied the same. In spite, being a moody person; who has often opted out at the last moment- I participated with sheer enthusiasm in the practice of charismatic hymns recitals; music that was totally new to the ears. It was the beginning of my musical journey with KLWC.

Each Saturday, being one among the multitude that gathered faithfully at the centre; everything seemed new. Regular attendance made me a part of His mission and to enjoy the revival spirit; that eradicated any hesitancy from following the instructions. The prayer service was very unique and during the preaching Section; the Word of God discoursed would wash off the stains of ignorance and be as if said solely for each individual present. Praise be to God! Introvert as I am, voluntarily began to mingle with the service ministry and enjoyed any small tasks that were accessible. Their approach and outlook towards each other made me feel belonging and welcome and I would look forward for the upcoming service. 

During one such outreach our Spiritual Teacher explained about God’s Love and the powerful Word of God penetrated deep into the pillars of my heart thoroughly shaking it. “Even if a mother should forget her child, I will never forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15) Now, in the furnace of these comforting words melted away the impurities-the pain of losing dad, childhood sorrows, hurt feelings, burdens, the adolescent changes.. God’s reassuring love that He would stand by me in all circumstances; without ever taking His divine eyes from me and the Love that flows from Him is so strong that nothing can obstruct it. These realization medicated enough to ask God for forgiveness, to receive inner healing, forgive others unconditionally including all those the Lord brought to mind and to accept myself. The reassuring Word of God that He has a plan for me even though I did not have one gave me great comfort and security. “I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

The Word of God preached at KLWC made me conscious about God’s Infinite Love and how He could turn all the bad into good in His time.

JESUS –A TRUE FRIEND

Gradually the good Lord through our Spiritual Teacher opened the door of invitation to the KLWC music ministry. The practice sessions that would be held in her presence and in the company of other dedicated youth helped in drawing myself closer to the Lord. These devotional songs lifted and assisted in absolute surrender to my Creator; they have been a faithful and trustworthy companion even today.

Yes dear ones, the lips that once sang worldly songs, began to praise the Almighty God. The hands and feet that would clap and tap to the worldly tunes, began to sway to the tunes of the Greatest Musician, Lord Jesus!

I will praise you O God with all my heart: and tell of all the wonderful things you have done. I will sing for joy because of you. I will sing praise to you, almighty God. (Psalms 9:1-2)

Just as Mother Mary led the apostles to receive the Holy Spirit and us to her son Lord Jesus, so did our spiritual Teacher through numerous bible classes, sharing her personal experience, conducting inner healing sessions and through spiritual counseling brought us very close to the Savior. Her anointed prayers and classes for the youth, assisted me to receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit and be anointed in the Gift Of Tongues to experience and feel Lord Jesus waiting with open arms and all I had to do was to unlock the door of my heart to Him, share with him all joys and sorrows. . He is the true friend who gave His life and the last breath for us. I can count on him till the very end because He is the only one that suffered and died on Calvary; He didn't let go of the heavy cross till the end, thinking of me. The Holy Spirit received, enabled me to humble myself to worship and adore the Living God for whom Heaven is the throne and earth is his foot stool.

The changes in me were obvious and it was a surprise to family and friends, who found it difficult to digest and turned away. My family that had brought me to the shore of renewal also found it complicated. Dear Readers in Christ, Lord Jesus the giver of courage to the discouraged gave  me the courage to stand for him and to fulfill all responsibilities at work and home in a better way. Though I had no formal technical training Lord Jesus gave me the grace to grasp it and is taking care of all my needs.God of KLWC, Abba Father our daily provider has made available all my necessities since then. I could offer my blooming youth; remain single till date and dedicate the rest of my life at His feet. I am indebted to my spiritual teacher and her family for accepting me as I am. They have sacrificed their personal time and precious life to groom and provide for me time to be with my Lord.

So if you are tired of loneliness, chasing your dreams, weary of running round and round. Pick up all the shattered dreams of your lifeat the feet of Jesus lay them down.

Give them all, give all, give them all to Jesus and He will

certainly remould you for Him.

WISDOM OF SOLOMON

ORIGINS OF IDOLATRY

Sexual immorality began when idols were invented.  They have corrupted human life ever since they were first made.  Idols have not always existed, nor will they exist forever.  It was human pride that brought them into the world, and that is why a quick end has been planned for them.

Once there was a father who was overwhelmed with grief at the untimely death of his child, so he made an image of that child who had been suddenly taken from him.  He then honoured a dead human being as a god, and handed on sacred rituals and ceremonies to those who were under his authority.  As time went on, this ungodly custom became stronger.  Finally, it became law, and idols were being worshipped at the command of powerful rulers.  When people lived too far away to honour a ruler in his presence but were eager to pay honour to this absent king, they would imagine what he must look like, and would then make a likeness of him.  The ambitious artists who made these likenesses caused these worship to spread even among people who did not know the king.  An artist might want to please some ruler and so he would use his skill to make the likeness better looking than the man himself.  Then people would be so attracted by the work of art that the man whom they had earlier honoured now became the object of their worship.  So all this became a deadly trap, because people who were grieving or under royal authority would take objects of stone or wood and give them the honour reserved for the one God. 

THE RESULTS OF IDOLATRY

One thing led to another.  It was not enough to be wrong about the knowledge of God.  They lived in a state of evil warfare, but they were so ignorant that they called it peace.  They murdered children in their initiation rituals, celebrated secret mysteries, and held wild ceremonial orgies with unnatural practices.  They no longer kept their lives or their marriages pure.  A man might kill another by an act of treachery or cause him grief by committing adultery with his wife.  Everything was a complete riot of bloody murder, robbery, deceit, corruption, faithlessness, disorder, falsehood, harassment of innocent people, ingratitude, moral decay, sexual perversion, broken marriages, adultery and immorality.  They worship of idols whose name should never be spoken, is the beginning and the end, the cause and results of every evil.  People who worship them lose control of themselves in ecstasy, or pass off lies as prophecies of live wickedly or break their word without hesitation.  They tell lies under oath and expect no punishment, because the idols they put their trust in are lifeless.  But punishment will finally catch up with them, for two reasons.  First, they were in error about God when they worshipped idols, and secondly, they had so little regard for holiness that they made false statements to deceive people.  When unrighteous people commit sin they will be hunted down, not by the power of whatever thing they swear by, but by the punishment that sinners deserve.

(Chapter 14:12-31)

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