SPIRITUAL AWAKENESS

Then Samuel took a stone, set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and said, “The Lord has helped us all the way” and he named it ‘Stone of Help’.”  (1 Samuel 7: 12)

The parents of Samuel, old Hannah and Elkanah, dedicated their only son in God’s service as per their promise to God. When Samuel reigned, the Israelites when attacked by the Philistines, cried to him for help and he instructed them as, “if you are going to turn to the LORD with all your hearts, you must get rid of all the foreign gods and images of the goddess..Dedicate yourself completely to the LORD and worship only Him, then He will rescue you from the power of the Philistines.”  The people agreed to his order and gathered at Mizpah according to Samuel’s command. They drew some water and poured it out as an offering to the LORD and fasted, offering themselves that whole day confessing, “We have sinned against the LORD.” The Philistines consisting of their five kings, on hearing their enemy gathered at Mizpah set forth to attack them with their armies.  As Samuel and Israelites were offering the sacrifice to the Almighty God,  thundered from heaven against their enemy, sending them into panic and confusion; while the Israelites marched from Mizpah to Shen. Thus Mighty Lord rescued His people. In memory of God’s protection, Samuel took a stone and placed it between Mizpah and Shen, calling it the ‘Stone of Help’.

Dear ones in Christ, this passage reminds you to treasure certain old memories of your life which God your defender has done for you. In His mercy, God has bestowed numerous instances that we ought to regurgitate and be grateful for. Many times you might have tasted the bitterness of life  with roaring waves, stormy dark days engulfed in despair and fear, days overlaid in sickness, poverty, debts, loneliness with no one to extend a finger or a word of comfort yet your God led you to cross such rivers of life. Through those moments were bitter, yet He did not forget to add a spoonful of glucose that refreshed you in your tiredness and made you come out stronger; carrying you till date. All glory and honour to Him! Let us gratefully say a halleluiah! Close your eyes and meditate how good is your God. Have you done anything precious in memory to treasure God’s constant care? Share it with your beloved family and who knows, you might as well lead someone to God. Introduce this blog to those in need of spiritual encounter. Meditate and you will come to the conclusion how those bitter cups have turned into sweet, flavoured delicious experiences to grow in Him.

Another wonderful successor of Moses was Joshua. His experience will strengthen you to a greater extent. His past memorial days when he walked with Moses influenced him and infused in him confidence and determination to lead the people according to God’s will. When it was time to cross the  river Jordan, he reminisced the miracle of the Dead Sea; and confidently assured his people. In tune with the command from the Sovereign Lord, Joshua comforted the priests who carried the Covenant Box, “Put your feet in the water, Jordan will stop flowing and downstream will pile up in one place. The priests must stand on the dry ground in the middle of Jordan until everyone crossed over.” When the whole nation had crossed Lord said to Joshua, “Choose twelve men, one from each tribe and command them to take twelve stones out of the middle of Jordan where the priests stood. Take these stones to the place where you will camp tonight. These stones will be a reminder in future of what the Lord has done.”              

Beloved parents, take some time out to recollect the hardships, brokenness and temptations you and your ancestors had to overcome. Your forefathers had crossed Red Sea by faith in the Living God who abides with them. Similar to Joshua, who remembered his young days and recalled how God used Moses, a perfect vessel; God proves time and again that He is our trust worthy father, who insists to be honoured. Sharing your life’s Red Sea experiences will enable  and assure our children  to cross their River of Jordan  confidently and courageously. They will declare, “My parents courageously crossed the Red Sea with Loving God, so can I too cross my river of Jordan, because the God of Moses and Joshua, who was with my parents, is with me today and all through my life.”  Join together and say a rejoicing Halleluiah!

Nothing was possible for you, if not those incidents were lead by your Father in Heaven who kept you safe and guarded you till date. Let us hope that He will secure your family and the land in His mercy through the Wounded Hands of Lord Jesus.    

                                                                                         

He says to one and all, “Do not be afraid – I am with you!

I am your God – let nothing terrify you!  I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.”  (Isaiah 41:10)

May you be of any caste, creed, any tribe, orphan, disabled child, young or old; sick, lonely, compressed with deadly forces, planning to end life due to darkness of troubles; remember the proclamation of His entry to the world, “People who live in darkness will see a great light, the light will shine on who live in the dark land of death.”  (Matthew 4) .Let us fix our gaze upon Him.

He, the Almighty, Supreme Power and Perfect Light may open your mind and eyes to the goodness of His wonderworks. Even if you walk in the dark valleys, He, the Light of the World, can illuminate your path and turn it positive, leading you to the truth. In the midst of your deadly disease, where there is no other way to cross, turn towards the Word of God, that can steer you to positivity and guide you confidently. Trust His promises! May the Almighty God through the Power of His Passion and Cross of His Beloved Son Jesus, purify your past memories, strengthening you to confess to your family to be never discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

In His constant love, He will be merciful to you. In His great mercy, He will wipe your sins and wash away all evil.

By dying, Lord Jesus destroyed our death.

By rising, Lord Jesus restored our life.

Lord Jesus, we welcome you in our families, in your Mercy and Glory!

 This day marks our 300^th post! We dedicate these 300 days of evangelization through blogging to our Most Sacred Heart of Lord Jesus.

We are glad that you, our dedicated readers, are there for us in the Lord. Do witness your testimonies to glorify the Sovereign God and to draw others to Him.

We are glad to serve the Lord, who chose, called and separated us for His service.

Yes, the wait continues for those who are yet to reach the shore to taste and know the goodness of our Lord!

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