It was a gloomy day for most of the SriLankan Tamils all over the world. I also felt the impact of what happened in my country. It is amazing how for us Christians' the Lord speaks through His word to strengthen our emotions in Him.

There is so much of struggle for power and control. to possess this, people resort to even violence and bloodshed.The innocent civilians get slaughtered in the middle. The on lookers sympathize and take sides too. I asked myself where to i stand in this.The answer was: 'Be on God's side'.

Those who belong to Jesus Christ, we have everything. Power, peace and wisdom come from Him. We belong to the kingdom, where Christ the king reigns. He rules with righteousness and an fairness.

I corithians1:18 to31 gave me much encouragement and strength: 'The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are saved it is the power of God.---.Christ is our righteousness,holiness and redemption.Therefore as it is written, let him that boasts, boast in the Lord. 'We can boast and rejoice in our Lord who has redeemed us!

God gives his power to accomplish His purposes through his people. He does mot give power to be all we want to be but all He wants us to be.

Our union and identification with Christ results in our having God's wisdom and knowledge; [Col.2:3]His righteousness, that is, right standing with God;[2nd corinthians5:21]; holiness ie, being holy,[1thes.4:3-7]and redemption, that is having the punishment of or the penalty of sin being paid by the death of Jesus.[Mk. 10:45]

If we have Jesus we have it all. So I rejoice. How about you?Let us pray for the suffering and prise god for who He is, what He has done and what He is going to do.

Closed Eyes, Ears And Hearts

When Paul was in Rome, he explained and declared the kingdom of God to the people who came to see him.
From morning till evening he talked to them. Some were convinced of what he said but the others would not believe.They disagreed among themselves. Finally Paul had a statement:
He said the Holy spirit spoke the truth to your fore fathers, through Isaiah the Prophet," Go to this people and say, You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing and never perceiving. For the people's heart has become calloused.They hardly hear with their ears and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn and I would heal them." [Acts28:24 to 27; Isaiah 6:9&10]

As I read this I realized that the same thing is happening today too. People listen and nothing happens to them. Their hearts are hardened.

The lord is waiting anxiously to heal them spiritually, emotionally and physically, but the enemy has blinded their eyes and dulled their ears and hardened their hearts.

It is time for us to storm the gates of heaven to destroy the enemy's power so that the people will turn to God and be healed.It is sad to see many of our loved ones also in this state.

May the Lord help us to intercede for them. May the Lord hear us from heaven and touch these trapped ones and deliver them.

Awake To Righteousness

The news that we hear these days. some times spell a dismal gloom over us.
Even in the church, among God's people, not so encouraging things seem to happen. Amid all this, today's reading from the word of God, showed God's heart and great hope came to me.

Isiah52:1to3 says:
"Awake, awake O Zion. Clothe yourself with strength, put on your garments of splendor, O Jerusalem, the Holy city.
The uncircumcised and the defiled will not enter you again.
Shake off your dust,rise up. Sit enthroned O Jerusalem.
Free yourself from the chains on your neck,O captive Daughter of Zion.
For this is what the Lord says,'You were sold for nothing and without money you will be redeemed'."

I wondered, Am I in a state of slumber? Is my church in such a state? Have we made ourselves captives to things that our Lord hates. As we examine the Holy Spirit will show and convict us. I was encouraged by the promise of our loving Lord to redeem us. We are called to rule and reign.

Our Lord gave us the robe of righteousness which we did not deserve, when we first accepted him. It is His righteousness that gives us strength to live for Him , holy and separated unto Him. That is called the adorning of the saints. When we drift into things of the world that are not pleasing to God, we soil the pure garment and become unclean in God's eyes. How the loving Lord calls us to be set free once again, to be able to boldly proclaim His redemption, salvation and peace to the lost![Isa.52:7]

Then, [when we come back] the watchmen of our souls will rejoice, because we are back with the Lord in Zion.[v.8]

It is good to consider where we are now: Am I in Zion with the robe of righteousness clean and pure and with the strength of the Lord? Or in Zion sleeping? Or defiled weeping? Or one of the watchmen praying?
The Lord reminded me that it takes courage to be on God's side.
It is the place of victory.

Interesting Information

The secrets of the bible.
I read this from a note sent to me from Rod and Janice Hembree and i thought it is worth while sharing and preserving:
'Speaking of paying attention to the Bible I want to show you something hidden in plain sight. Something that Chuck Missler brought to my attention and it is amazing.

Every name has a meaning in the Bible.Did you know that 10 generations of names in the bible have meaning in their individual names?Let us have a look at the first 10 names.
Name Meaning
1 Adam Man
2 Seth Appointed
3Enosh Mortal
4Kanan Sorrow
5 Mahalalel The Bledded Lord
6Jared shall come down
7 Ench Teaching
8 Methuselah His death shall bring
9 Lamech the dipairing
10 Noah comfort
If you put the names of the ten men together, the names say the following
Man appointed mortal sorrow. The blessed God shall come down teaching. His death shall bring the dispairing comfort.
The gospel message of Jesus Christ is buried in the meaning of the first 10 names of the first 10 generations in the Bible.

Be Strong And Do The Work

I was up quite early. Almost 4.30 A M As I read the scriptures, I lifted my heart in prayer:I read Haggai 2:4 "Be strong all you people of the land" declares the Lord,' and work. For I am with you."
This is exactly what I needed to hear from the Lord.' I am with you says the Lord almighty.' Then there is nothing to fear or doubt.

I stared writing from my heart to the Lord:

' Lord, you have a blue print for me
A plan, a purpose, a path specially for me.
Help me run on the track you have set for me.
Not looking back or on to the sides,
Not to watch others- to compare or criticize, Not even to applaud.
I have to run. The time is up.

Help me do the work you want me to do,
Have the attitude you require from me.
The joy and peace that is necessary Lord only you can supply these.
These are the STRENGTHS I need
Specially Your joy is my strength.
Today is the day to begin Lord.

Burn up the thorns that beset,
Let me be the vine that give the fruit you look for
Work on my discouragements and failures. Oh holy Spirit help me!
There is no time to waste
Lord start instantly.Renew.
Let my roots touch your spring of water and be refreshed.
Thank you Lord.'

How wonderful the Lord is! His word revived me.It put a new hope and joy into me.Truly His word is like the rain that refreshes the soul!
Needless to say the day was blessed. I was happy and had opportunities to help some one else.Praise the Lord

God smiled on us

It was an anxious day. Though I prayed and gave me and my family in God's hands, Things have to be attended by us too. We cannot just fold our hands and sit after prayer.

My grand son was returning from Nepal. While attending a camp fire at a beach in an island near Bangkok while on his travel, he got pushed into the fire by accident and his arms and part of the ear got burned. He got treatment over there and was returning home.

It was a two and a half days flight. He informed us that his dressing has to be changed as soon as he arrives lest infection sets in. The flight will arrive at an hour when all clinics will be close or even open no doctors will be there..
We had a friend who was a retired senior nurse and her daughter too was in the same field . We had lost touch with them for a few years. But at our request they offered to do the needful to my grand son . This set the whole family at peace till the news of the flight being late came.Prayer helped us again:

These two ladies proved to be real followers of Jesus. At that late hour, almost mid night, they were up waiting for us. Smiling with pleasure they attended on my grand son. It appeared as if it gave them so much pleasure to be of help to some one. It made me so happy to see that there are such true followers of Christ. Of such only the bible says, 'Jesus will say on that day , 'I was sick you visited me. Then they whey will ask Him, when did we do that. He will reply what ever you did to the least of these, you did unto me.'

We were happy about what the daughter said: Some years ago her mom was seriously ill in the hospital, she was alone with her mother and panicked that she may die. As soon as we heard it in that hour of the night we went and waited with her. We had forgotten it. But she reminded us. If every one of us could remember and be grateful for the help others do, what a beautiful world it will be.

With joy we came home. Though late, like midnight feast we were had dinner. Thanked God for all the miracles he did for us that day and for keeping us in peace and making us so happy. We even had a cake with the lettering, 'God be praised For your safe arrival.'
My youngest grand daughter had something to share, which was like the the lovely topping on a cake: She said when she was rushing to the metro station that morning she saw and old man struggling with some bags trying to cross over. She went up to him, helped him to carry the bags, took him to a sheltered place and asked him where he was going etc. He told his destination. He was very old and panting. She was late for her appointment yet asked him if he liked to go by taxi to his place. The man asked her, 'do you have money to pay for the taxi'. She said, 'I'll give what ever I have in my wallet, there may be about five Dollars'. The man said, 'no I am ok to go by metro. It is only a short walk after that. I was struggling for breath in the cold. I just needed to rest a bit on a side. So many passed by but no one stopped to help me out. Thank you so much' and he opened his wallet took 20 Dollars. and gave her saying, 'this is for you'. She thanked him and refused to take it saying 'I did not do it for money', Then he told her, 'I am old but I have money. I am rich. I want to give this to you' and gave her 40 Dollars. She refused that too. saying that it is not because it was little she didn't take it, she did not help him for any kind of payment. Yet he insisted and she took it.It was fifty dollars!
She was happy she got the money. though she really helped him because he was struggling and helpless and she was blessed.

One good turn with out expecting any return as unto God does bring it's reward.

What a happy world it will be if every day every one behaves like this I thought Recalling these incidents this morning brought such sweet refreshing thoughts to my mind.When Jesus reigns on this earth the people will be loving like this, I thought.
God has His ways of speaking to us and letting things happen to put a smile on our face and cheer in our heart. What great friend he is!

I was reminded of two bible verses: 'Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" [Gal. 6:9]
'Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels with out knowing" [Heb. 13:2]

Encouragement To The seekers of Righteousness

Yesterday I took a step in bridging a long standing gap,to do what is right before God.It is amazing how the Lord assists even in minute details: I was planning this in my mind. Weighing the pros and cons.I told the Lord if the weather is good and the path is not slippery I'll walk to this place. The Lord who controls the nature, made a change in it. [I think just for my sake]I was able to walk to the place. He was with me all though the happenings. I trust God to work out the rest according to His will and plan. One day at a time, one step at a time, is His leading. Even blind folded we could trust Him and walk in safety, when our motive and desire is to be right, in His sight.

This morning He encouraged me by giving me Isiah 51 verses 1-6. " Listen to me you who o gave you birth. When I called him he was but one and I blessed him and made him many The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins.He will make her desert like Eden and her waste land like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her. Thanks giving and sound of singing.--- The law will go from me, my justice will become a light to the nations My righteousness draws near speedily. My salvation is on the way and my arm will pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look at Abraham your father and to Sarah whbring justice to the nations."

Abraham was only one person but much came from his faithfulness. He was righteous. He was not perfect but he sought to obey and please God above everything else.

If the faithful few would remain faithful more could come through them. Even we a faithful few remain faithful,imagine what god can do through us!
" Heaven will vanish like smoke. The earth will wear out like a garment and it's inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last for ever. My righteousness will never fail." [Isiah 51:6]

What a great blessing!

It s needless to say that while praising God I decided to follow Him all the way and to pray for others to do the same.

Bring Life To Dry Bones

This morning the Lord encouraged me by a chapter from the old testament.
Ezekiel 37 speaks of how a valley full of dry bone came to life and became a huge army.It happened when the prophet at the command of the Lord, prophesied to the dry bones to come to life. His words had power because it was backed by God. Our words too will have power if we are led of the Holy Spirit and obey His commands,believing.

Dry bone are dead.They have no life in them.There is no hope of any life coming into them.

Spiritually we come to that state at times. I was burdened about the spiritual state of some of my dear ones and some churches. I was happy the Lord gave me the assurance that there is hope .
Who are the dead according to God's word?, I pondered. The man that walks out of the way of understanding, shall remain in the congregation of the dead. [Pro 21:16]
What a terrible state to be in!
In the parable of the prodigal son, the father told the elder brother who was displeased at the father for celebrating when the prodigal returned:
'It was meet that we should make merry and be glad for your brother was dead and is alive again'.
Jesus referred to the prodigal who returned to the father, as one dead and come back.
Ephesians 5:14 talks of the unsaved as dead in trespasses and sin. We were like that at one time.The Lord quickened us when we came to Him for salvation.

We could go back to the dead state if we are careless.The bible says,' she that lives in pleasure is dead while she live'[1Tim5:6
In the book of Revelation He says to the church in Sardis.'I know your works that you have a name that you live but you are dead,[Rev.3:1]
Whichever way we may be dead and be like dry bones with out hope, the Lord is able to give life and breath. He is able to make us soldiers for him!

May we in faith speak to whatever area we or our loved ones are dead. The Lord is able to do the impossible.

Saved To Serve And Have A Safe Arrival

Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven. Luke6:23

Do I shun from hardships, suffering and persecutions,
That come from enemies, dear and near ones alike,
Daily in some form or other, not because I did wrong?
[ though some times it is]
I know now, it is part of the the path~
The narrow way to Glory.

There was joy in heaven,
When Christ finished the work of salvation.
There was rejoicing in heaven,
When I came to Christ and accepted Him.

Now I run the race to get my prize,
I work for him to bring others to Christ.
I live for Him to show His love and light,
To the world in darkness lies.
I keep myself under, to become like Christ
The Holy,just and righteous one in all His ways.

True, at times the path seems hard,
This I consider: how great the suffering Christ went through,
To bring me to Him , when I strayed away!
Mine is light, for a short time, soon it will be over!

I know there was joy in heaven at my salvation.
There will be greater joy at my glorification,
When I reach that blissful land~
Angels will welcome me, on arrival
To congratulate me with loved ones around ,
It's Grace and Grace alone I'll shout with joy.

My savior's love filled face I long to see.
with his smile so sweet to greet me,
His arms wide to embrace me,
I'll rush to meet Him in humble adoration.

Oh I realize! Heaven's atmosphere is He.
He is there all the time, hovering, embracing every one.
His glorious presence fills all heaven!
Comparable to none.
A novel experience indeed for me,
What an ecstasy it'll be!

These thoughts of comfort,I share with you:
O drooping, humble suffering saint~
Heaven assures a safe journey for you
And a rich reward on arrival.
Be strong, short is the night and travail
Fight the good fight

Ample is the strength, power and love
[Christ gives to enhance your might]
which make afflictions light.
Take courage, You are not alone.
Millions trod this path a fore,
Await to greet you at the dawn!

Here is a verse that gives me strength,
Trust it to enhance your strength:
"Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us,
An eternal glory that far out weighs them all.[2nd Cor. 4:17]

My Walk today

"Enoch walked with God and he was not.[Genesis6:24] Daily Enoch walked and by his side was the holy, almighty Lord directing his path. He would have consulted God about every little thing and obeyed Him. Thus he walked and he walked and walked and one day he was not to be found on earth. He walked with God into eternity! He went to be with the Lord for ever. No more trials , sorrow, pain or parting in that blissful eternity.

Enoch was not a single man. He had a wife and many children. He worked to provide for his family. He had a life like you and me. But he was doing everything to please his Lord God. His walk was with God.

He lived for three hundred and sixty five years!It is amazing that he was able to please God in such a way that God just took him to be with Him. He did not die like all humans.

This is what I desire. I want to walk with the Lord today, every day and when my walk in this world ends, I will be with the Lord for ever.

The end may be at the rapture, when Jesus comes to take away those who are waiting for His appearing or it may be my death. What ever it may be, my walk with the Lord is all I need.

That walk is a walk in the light and in truth. A walk of faith trusting in God for every thing. It is a Holy Spirit guided life filled with the fruit of the spirit.It is a walk in love. It looks as if I am aspiring very high. True. But with God all things are possible.

You and I are called for such a life, to be imitators of Christ.[Ep.5:1&2] He who has called us is faithful. He will help us to walk with Him as Enoch did and we will go with him when the trumpet sounds.

My prayer is, ' Lord, let me walk with you today. Let your presence be with me all the time.

We need Danial's steadfastness

Daniel 6th chapter tells the story of how he was thrown into a den of lions because he refused to bow down to the statue of the king of Babylon. It was a plot by those who were envious of the favor Danial received from the king. The plot did not not work the way they planned: The lions just waited as though Danial too was one of them! Or one stronger than them that, they dare not touch him! It was the Lord's work. He miraculously shut the mouth of the lions!

Danial was eighty years old when he dared to defy the command of the king even at the risk of his life. What a great faithfulness toward the Lord God of his fathers and his childhood.

Danial was just a teenager, may be thirteen or fourteen when he was taken a captive from Israel to Babylon. None of the elders were with him. He did not go to that new civilized country to study like some youth of today. He was not a refugee or an immigrant seeking better life. He was forcibly taken by an enemy country. He had no say in it.

Danial was taught by his parents to fear God and worship Him alone. He could have become bitter and angry with the God whom he worshiped for letting this happen to him. Or he could have doubted that God and his existence when he saw the glamor and prosperity of the Babylonians who were idol worshipers.
Danial was strong in the Lord . His faith in God was firmly grounded.even as a child, so that left alone in a hostile land, he did not want to compromise!

I became anxious about our younger generation. My children and grand children facing the world of today with so many new philosophies find it not easy to not to be shaken in their faith. It's like the storm raging against the house as in the parable Jesus said in Mathew. Only the house built on the rock was able to stand. The rock is Christ and his teachings. Only those who have an intimate relationship with God and a personal revelation of who Christ is will make them with stand the onslaught of the enemy.
'Lord, make them strong in faith like Danial', I prayed.

The Lord gave me an assurance from Isaiah 49:24-25. "Can plunder be taken from warriors or captives rescued from the fierce? But this is what the Lord says,'Yes the captives will be taken from the warriors and plunder retrieved from the fierce. I will contend with those who contend with you and your children I will save."

It is our responsibility to pray for our children. While keeping our foundation firm. let us fight for our children that they stay firm and not shake and stumble. Even if they have become a prey to the enemy,and back slid, the Lord is able to deliver them. Let us believe and pray

The Joy Of The Lord

We sing ' When I am down He lifts me up.' This was my experience this morning.

Yesterday afternoon we visited some spiritual people. When I returned, some how the joy and gratefulness I had in the morning seemed to have ebbed away. A kind of void and anxiety about my stand with God clouded my mind. Instead of praising God , I earnestly prayed to show me what I should do.

My God is so good. He ministered the instruction I needed during my meditation this morning:
' That joy may remain in you that your joy might be full' [Jn.15:11] This was the Joy what I needed and this is what I am seeking after.

I read from' My Utmost for the highest,' the following: 'The full flood of my life is not in bodily health, not in external happenings, not in seeing God's work succeed.' [I remembered that I was praising God joyfully last morning exactly for these things but that did not last] 'But in the perfect understanding of God and in communion with Him that Jesus himself had.' This is what I really needed.

I also saw the things that hindered the continuity of this flow of joy: [1] The irritation of thinking of circumstances we face. [Jesus called it the cares of this world] Before we know we are caught up in the show of things.
How true what the book said: 'All that God has done for us is mere threshold. He wants to get us to the place, where we will be His witness and proclaim who Jesus is'

By being rightly related to Jesus we find our joy. It is in that place "out of you shall flow rivers of living water,' begins. We become a center for Jesus Christ to pour the living water through. My heart cried, 'I want to be there Lord.'

I was also taught how we should not hinder that kind of flow:
[1] Stop being self conscious.
[2] Stop being a sanctified prig.

I realized that I had both these failures: While at worship I become self conscious and that prevents the intimate connection with Jesus. Also a self righteous attitude comes up in me and and the enemy swells it up and prevents my corporate whole heared worship .I asked the Lord to help me out of it.

The positive thing to do is to Live a life hid in Christ.
The life that is rightly related to God is as natural as breathing where ever it goes! [ That is what I am after I cried] The lives that have been of most blessing to others are those who were unconscious of it.

I remembered how simple I was some time back, thinking of pleasing God alone. Then people have remarked, what I said or did unconsciously, blessed them. But after a certain incident in my life, self consciousness crept in. I became concerned about peoples' opinions. I told the Lord all these things.

What we used to sing as children' Just a little talk with Jesus makes it right,' is so true. As I prayed,' Lord help me to be rightly connected to you all the time. Let my cup run over and bless others with your ioy, ' God's peace and Joy filled me.
I wish and pray that all who read this will be blessed.

A Much Needed Prayer For Today

I read Philippians I verses 9 to11 . It blessed me much.
" And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in judgment; that you may prove things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and with out offence, till the day of Christ ; Being filled with the fruit of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God".[kjv]

Isn't this what we need today ?

Paul's desire was that those believers be united in love. That love, he is referring to is not carnal love or lust. It is not based on feelings. It was to result in greater knowledge of Christ and discernment of what is right or wrong, good or bad, and vital or trival. It is based on what Christ has done for us. Christ is the Truth. What He taught is to be taken as our lifes' guide line.
As we grow in him, our hearts and minds gets renewed. Our knowledge and understanding affects our judgement and discernment. This in turn has an effect on our approval of the best for us or others. Unless we pray for these we cannot maintain our Christian morals or values.

I like to quote what Henry Drummond said about this love." He who loves will rejoice in the truth. He will rejoice not in what he has been taught to believe, not in this church doctrine or that, not in this ism or that ism, but in the truth. He will strive to get at facts. He will search for truth with a humble heart and unbiased mind and cherish whatever he finds.
Love for truth includes self restraint which refuses to take advantage of others' faults; the charity that delights not in exposing the weakness of others; the sincerity of purpose that endeavors to see things as thay are and rejices to find them better than suspicion feared."

I wished that all of us had this kind of love that sees the bright side .

I prayed the same prayer that Paul prayed for the Philippian believers, for all believers and me. I said,' Lord help us to grow in Christ, the truth, and in His love every day of our lives till Christ returns'.

The New Year

We entered the year 2009, singing:
Lord the light of your love is shining, in the midst of the darkness shining,
Jesus Light of the World shine upon us,
Set us free by the truth you now bring us,
Shine on me.
Lord I come to your awesome presence, from the darkness into your radiance,
By the blood I may enter your brightness,
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness.
Shine on me.
As we gaze on your kingly likeness,
Ever changing from glory to glory,
Mirrored here, may our life tell the story,
Shine on me.
The chorus says:
Shine Jesus shine, fill the land with the father's glory, Spirit blaze, set our hearts on fire.
River flow, flood the nations with Grace and Mercy,
SEND FORTH YOUR WORD LORD AND LET THER BE LIGHT.

Such a wealth of, much needed, meaning in the song! God will surely answer every one who sang it sincerely.

This morning the Lord reminded me, what ever fears that lurk in our hearts about the future, we cannot see, are just like shadows. They appear scary but they have life to harm us. The loving God who created you and me is almighty. He has a plan and a future for you ans me. He says in Jeremiah 29: 11, 'I know the thoughts I think toward you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.' Imagine He thinks about you and me and has great plans for us!

I wish to share my conviction with you: God's word is the 'food' that gives us strength to go on and grow in Him. Feed on it daily. And remember the simple fact that, this great God who gave the promises and the word, is in us and with us.
If we build our life upon this truth, we will have no difficulty or fear in facing anything that comes our way in 2008!

Let anyone say anything to scare us, the Lord and His word has more power to see us through to victory.

May we be blessed with His peace mercy and grace May He make us a blessing to others through out this year!

God's Will Is Always The Best

"If I will that he tarries till I come, what is that to you. You follow me." [John 21:22]When Jesus revealed about his end, Peter asked ' what about him' [referring to John] Jesus' answer was 'If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You follow me.' Peter was told not to be concerned about God's will for others.

Often we tend to compare ourselves with others,whether to rationalize our own level of devotion to Christ or to question God's justice. Jesus tells us also the same thing: 'You follow me'
My concern should be, am I doing God's will and am I following Jesus the way He wants me to follow Him.

God has a plan and purpose for each one of us Each one is different in nature. But all of us are expected to come to the knowledge of the love of Christ and reach out to conform to His character. Perfect in holiness.That is the expected standard.Perfection comes to each one at different levels in different areas. Like a building, we are all under construction. We ought to just follow His leading.That is God's will for you and me.

Prayer is essential to attain this.As We too should pray as David prayed: [Psalms.143:10] 'Teach me to do your will, for you are God. Your spirit is good. Lead me into the land of righteousness.'

Doing God's will or desiring and asking God to show His will, will establish a divine relationship.Jesus said' For whoever will do the will of my father which is in heaven, the same is my my brother, sister and mother'[Mt.12:50]
Christ is the perfect example of doing God's will: Just before the betrayal He prayed,'O my father if this cup may not pass away from me except I drink it, Thy will be done'.What a surrender of his own will to the will of his father's!

I prayed: Lord I pray like you. I do not know what the out come of all these things that are taking place. It is scary. I step out depending on you.I know acting according to your will , will bring peace and joy. Your wisdom is the best for me. There is no one else greater than you Lord. You are able to see me through in any situation.Your wisdom is the best for me.

I decided and wrote the letter as the Holy spirit prompted me to write and went on reading God's word.

Doing God's will tends to spiritual knowledge. " If any man will do his will he shall know the doctrine whether it be of God or whether I speak of myself' Jesus said
Doing God's will should not be with eye service as pleasing men. It should as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.'[ Eph 6:6]
When we take one step to do His will, He works in us to make us the kind of people who will please Him. He equips us to do the kind of work that will please Him.
Doing God's will should be the rule of everyday life. James 4:15 says 'For that you ought to say If the Lord will , we shall live and do this or that.'

It gave me much hope and joy when I read 2nd John2:17' The world and it's desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives for ever.
A prayer rose from me: Lord help me to desire and always do what ever is your will for me.

The Lord gave me this on the 28th December 2008 at5AM. As I surrendered my will to the Lord and wrote the letter that the Lord prompted me to write, a joy that I am pleasing the Lord filled me. I praise God for it.

The Birhday Boy Is missing

People are preparing for a grand Christmas celebration. Though buying of gifts, organizing parties and dinners, the time and energy spent, and the expense involved, wear them out, they some how look forward to the excitement that is awaiting them. The thought of feasting and dancing with friends spur them up despite the difficulties they face today.

I am reminded of a story I heard: It was a fabulous birthday party. It was well organized . Any one could see that much money and time had been devoted to make it so grand. The choice invitees were from the rich and famous class. Compliments were being given lavishly to the hostess. Greetings and laughter thrilled the every one.

Suddenly one of the guests asked, 'Where is the birthday boy? I saw him as a baby. I can't believe he is one year old today.'
'Oh we left him with the baby sitter. Can we have a good time if he is here?'
'Quite true.' Her friend agreed. " You did a wise thing." Both of them emptied their wine glasses and went to get a stronger drink, little realizing that the baby's birthday was the reason for that grand party!.

Our Christmas celebrations should not be like this party. Let us have Jesus in the midst of our celebrations. It will prevent us from including things that He does not approve of in our parties.

It is a good opportunity to introduce Jesus Christ to our friends.

Let us remember to include Jesus, who is the reason for the season in all that we do during these festive days this year.

Instruction For The Youth

I read Proverbs 7th Chapter this morning. I thought of the Young men and women of today. Most of them go with the flow of the culture, where sexual sins are accepted. It says, there are no absolutes. Every one does whatever pleases oneself. It is sad that they fail to realize how they lose their purity of life and eternal life by following this kind of culture.

The word of God says, " Keep my words and store up my commands and you will live" [Pro.7:1]
Some of the verses reminded me of our youth: " I saw among the youth a young men who lacked wisdom.[Pro.7:7] Then the author talks of how a woman seduces this young man ." all at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into the noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost his life."[Pro.7:22-23] How sad!

A person who has no purpose in life is simple minded like this young man. Easily swayed. An empty life with out God, is unstable and vulnerable to many temptations.

There are definite steps one can take to avoid sexual sins:
(1) Guard your mind. Don't read books, look at pictures or movies, or encourage fantasies that stimulate wrong desires.
(2) Keep away from settings and friends that tempt you to sin.
(3)Don't think only of the moment; focus on the future. Remember, today's thrill may lead to tomorrow's ruin.
Paul gave a sound advise to young Timothy." flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."2nd Tim. 2:22] He clearly says, what to avoid and whom to associate with and what to seek after earnestly.

I was reminded how in my young days I tried to keep myself. 'These are not those days', is the argument of the youth of today. They forget, it is the same devil of those days that is lureing them and it is the same unchanging Holy God who is warning them, and it is He who is able to keep them. The eternity is the same for people of any age!

I was sad to think of the way the devil has blinded the eyes of our children. It is high time we pray for their eyes to be opened to reality and truth.

Celebration Is Good

" Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews, -----near and far to have them celebrate the 14th and 15th days of the month of Adar, the time when the Jews got their relief from their enemies, when their sorrows were turned into joy and their moaning into a day of celebration. He wrote them to observe the days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor.' [Esther9:20-22]

Thus the celebration of Purim stared among the Jews. Any one who has read the book of Esther will know how Haman plotted to exterminate the Jews and how through the courageous intervention of Esther, they were saved and the enemy was destroyed. It is a fascinating story.

The deliverance was so wonderful that the Jews had a great celebration. Mordecai, [Esther's uncle who was encouraging Esther] wanted the people to celebrate this event annually. Even today it is being celebrated. Mordecai put down the reason for the celebration, so that the people will celebrate it meaningfully. He knew that people tend to have short memories when it comes to God's faithfulness! Then the celebrations become hollow and meaningless and the blessing is lost.

The Christmas celebration has so much in common to Purim . Today the whole world is celebrating Christmas, to remember the birth of our savior Jesus Christ.[ Although the date 25th of December is not exact, it is a historical fact the Jesus was born during that time] Some do not even know the reason for the celebrations. Christ is sometimes not even in the scene. The Santa, the rain deer, the Christmas tree, gifts, food, cakes, lights and decorations are given much prominence that the spiritual significance is completely lost.

Yet the fact remains that, it is the birth of Jesus Christ, who is able to set us free from sin and it's consequences, free us from all burdens and give us eternal life and joy.
The story is recorded in the gospels by Christ's disciples. It is good for us to read it to refresh our memories of this wonderful birth of our Lord and savior. If we celebrate this Christmas meaningfully, then Christ will be born in our hearts, so that the joy of Christmas will continue through out our life even to eternity.

Like Mordecai, let us remind every one the reason for our celebration!

Grace, The Source Of power

"Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus"[2nd Timothy2:1]

It is sad that there are so many weak Christians in the body of Christ today . They are offended over something or other and hurt. what we need is the grace of Jesus Christ.

Grace is such a beautiful word. It means unmerited favor. It also means being able to bear up or go through situations which are normally unbearable and difficult. Grace comes only from God.

What is the grace that is in Jesus Christ? God's love towards humanity made Christ Jesus, give up Heaven, come down to Earth as a man, take all the punishment of the sinful humans upon Himself and die the cruel death on the cross, just to bring salvation to us. By this He reconciled the sinful humanity to the Holy God. All this He did for us, not because we deserved it. We were yet sinners, unwilling to to live the way the holy God's laws said. He need not have done that. That love and willingness to suffer for no wrong of His, just to set us free from the clutches of the enemy, who made us sin against God and others , is Christ's grace toward us.
He had to humble Himself. He was selfless.

It is because of the grace that He showed to you and me, today we are saved . We have the assurance that we will spend eternity with this savior in heaven. It is freely granted to any and every one who comes to Him believing in his sacrifice of grace. God tells us, 'I will remember your sins no more,' when we repent and ask forgiveness. It is because of what Christ Jesus did to reconcile us to the holy God!

To be strong in the grace of Christ Jesus, we should be able to show the same grace to those who wrong us, offend or hurt us. Forgive them unconditionally just as Christ forgave. It calls for humility and unselfishness. Forgiveness and grace say to the offender,' I forgive you with out demanding back anything.' Hurt says, 'you hurt me I am going to somehow punish you for it.'
Being unable to bear up or forgive the wrongs of others makes us weak. It gives the enemy a chance to enter into our lives.[2nd Cor.2:10-11] The result will be hardheartedness leading to sin and deception.

Showing the same grace that Christ Jesus showed us will make us soft righteous and pleasing to God which will destroy the power of the enemy over us.
There is strength in Forgiveness and grace.
Hate, unforgiveness and revenge are the enemy's strongholds. Kindness, love and forgiveness will bring them down. God reconciled us to him through Jesus Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. [2nd Cor.5:18] It is essential to have the grace of Jesus Christ to do this ministry.
It is not easy to develop this nature by ourselves. God has given us the holy Spirit to help us out. By the Holy spirit God's love is shed into our hearts. When we are filled with God's love we can love and show mecy and grace even to our enemies.

' Lord help us to be like Jesus, full of grace to forgive, to set others free and for us to be free.' I pray.

Are You Strong In The Lord?

" Finally, be Strong in the Lord and in His mighty power" [ Ephesians.6:10 NkJ] This is a sound advise to us, the Christians, to keep the enemy, the devil, away from us.

Paul begins the verse with the word, ' finally' after teaching about how the children, the parents , the employers and the employees should behave to be pleasing to the Lord by obeying God's commands to them. [Eph.6:1-9] Being diligent to obey what ever the Lord says, is an essential requirement to have victory over the enemy.

There are times we feel distort and weak spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. It is just the right time for the enemy to attack and defeat us. I had such a moment yesterday. I went to the Lord and He strengthened me with His word.

He said,' Be strong in the lord and in the power of His might' I searched the scriptures for more 'food' to strengthen me. The following scriptures helped me much:
'Be strong therefore and let not your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.' [11chron.15:1] There are so many scriptures like this to strengthen us.

I meditated on our God's power and strength too. Psalms 62:11 says, ' God has spoken and twice have I heard that power belongs unto the Lord.'

I came to the conclusion, when I have such an a mighty God as my friend and savior, I can face anything with boldness. I was happy to read what Paul wrote to the Ephesians, 'I pray, that out of His glorious riches, He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being. What a prayer! I said, ' Amen!', to it.

I wonder if you know this God who strengthens us when we are weak? Have you experienced the Holy Spirit who revives and refreshes us when we feel dry. If you have that experience, I praise God with you.
If not , I wish to tell you that, you can have it just by asking God sincerely for it, in the name of Jesus. He will gladly lead you into it.