BLOSSOMS

For unto us a CHILD is born!

2006-12-22T08:02:00.000-08:00

Messiah would be the Son of God
For Unto Us A Child Is Born... Prophecy Fulfilled in the Person of Jesus of Nazareth . Messiah would be the Son of God Prophecy: "Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?" Proverbs 30:4. Fulfillment: "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Matthew 3:16-17 (see also: Luke 1:31-35; John 1:34; 2 Peter 1:17)
Prophecy: "I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee." Psalm 2:7 Fulfillment: "For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him." Hebrews 1:5-6. But God raised him from the dead: And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. Acts 13:30-33 .
Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

"For I know the plans I have for you,"

2006-08-30T19:10:00.000-07:00

At times when you go through a hard phase in life you really do not know what to do. I feel I am in such a phase. I know its going to be a temporaray one yet..

And today morning as I am back home after attending an interview at Chennai I was sort of lost with things. I didn't know what God has in store for me..

This reading gave me a big relief from my present turmoil. Please join with me in reading this portion of THE SCRIPTURE.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
God has a plan for your life. He brought you into this world to fulfill that plan. It is the best plan that anyone could ever make for you. It is a plan that will bring Him the greatest glory and you the greatest good. From the beginning of this calendar year until its end, God is working out His plan.
As you follow God's plan for your life, you do so by faith. It is important to remember that He is the Guide and you are the follower. He does not need to bring you into His planning room as a consultant to help Him decide what is best for your life. God has called you to trust Him and to take the next step of obedience according to His will. God has said, "I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16 NKJV
Here are some ways that God is working out His plan:

He is your Shepherd—

He is leading you.

He is your Provider—

He is taking care of you.

He is your Strength—

He is enabling you.

He is your Counselor—

He is speaking to you.

He is your Shield—

He is protecting you.

He is your Comfort—

He is encouraging you

.He is your Father—

He is blessing you.

Butterfly

2006-08-15T00:17:00.000-07:00

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared,he sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther. Then the man decided to help the butterfly, so he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body (or head) and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that at any moment the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly. What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the
through the tiny opening were God\'s way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved it\'s freedom from the cocoon. Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If God allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. And we could never fly

--
Delphine Victoria
http://blossomsinbloom.blogspot.com/

No Pointing Fingers

2006-08-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

NO POINTING FINGERS

A man asked his father-in-law, "Many people praised you for a successful marriage. Could you please share with me your secret?"

The father-in-law answered in a smile, "Never criticize your wife for her shortcomings or when she does something wrong. Always bear in mind that because of her shortcomings and weaknesses, she could not find a better husband than you."

We all look forward to being loved and respected. Many people are afraid of losing face. Generally, when a person makes a mistake, he would look around to find a scapegoat to point the finger at. This is the start of a war. We should always remember that when we point one finger at a person, the other four fingers are pointing at ourselves. If we forgive the others, others will ignore our mistake too.

Be Patient

2006-08-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

BE PATIENT

This is a true story which happened in the States. A man came out of his home to admire his new truck. To his puzzlement, his three-year-old son was happily hammering dents into the shiny paint of the truck. The man ran to his son, knocked him away, hammered the little boy's hands into pulp as punishment. When the father calmed down, he rushed his son to the hospital. Although the doctor tried desperately to save the crushed bones, he finally had to amputate the fingers from both the boy's hands. When the boy woke up from the surgery & saw his bandaged stubs, he innocently said, " Daddy,I'm sorry about your truck." Then he asked, "but when are my fingers going to grow back?" The father went home & committed suicide. Think about this story the next time someone steps on your feet or u wish to take revenge. Think first before u lose your patience with someone u love. Trucks can be repaired.. Broken bones & hurt feelings often can't. Too often we fail to recognize the difference between the person and the performance. We forget that forgiveness is greater than revenge. People make mistakes. We are allowed to make mistakes. But the actions we take while in a rage will haunt us forever.

CREATING PERFECT RELATIONSHIPS?

2006-07-31T06:12:00.001-07:00

A person visited the government matchmaker for marriage, SDU, and requested "I am looking for a spouse. Please help me to find a suitable one." The SDU officer said, "Your requirements, please." "Oh, good looking, polite, humorous , sporty, knowledgeable, good in singing and dancing. Willing to accompany me the whole day at home during my leisure hour, if I don't go out. Telling me interesting stories when I need companion for conversation and be silent when I want to rest." The officer listened carefully and replied, "I understand you need television."

There is a saying that a perfect match can only be found between a blind wife and a deaf husband ,because the blind wife cannot see the faults of the husband and the deaf husband cannot hear the nagging of the wife. Many couples are blind and deaf at the courting stage and dream of perpetual perfect relationship. Unfortunately, when the excitement of love wears off, they wake up and discover that marriage is not a bed of roses. The nightmare begins.

nice thoughts to end a week and begin

2006-07-31T06:12:00.000-07:00

TRUST is a very important factor for all relationships. When trust is broken, it is the end of the relationship. Lack of trust leads to suspicion, suspicion generates anger, anger causes enmity and enmity may result in separation. A telephone operator told me that one day she received a phone call. She answered, "Public Utilities Board." There was silence. She repeated, "PUB." There was still no answer. When she was going to cut off the line, she Heard a lady's voice, "Oh, so this is PUB.Sorry, I got the number from my Husband's pocket but I do not know whose number it is." Without mutual trust, just imagine what will happen to the couple if the telephone operator answered with just "hello" instead of "PUB".

Glorious Blessings are ours

2006-07-18T06:46:00.000-07:00

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree Romans 11:17 KJV

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

God Has Adopted Us As Dear Children

2006-07-14T07:17:00.000-07:00

God Has Adopted Us As Dear Children I am a Father to Israel, and Ephraim is my first born. Jeremiah 31:9 KJV Doutbless thou art our Father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O Lord, art our Father, our Redeemer; thy name is from everlasting. Isaiah 63:16 KJV But now, O Lord, thou art our Father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we are all the work of Thy hand. Isaiah 64:8 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Romans 8:14,15 KJV __And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. Romans 9:26 KJV I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:17b,18 Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

Forgiven! Glory!

2006-07-09T00:49:00.000-07:00

Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Hebrews 10:17 KJV

Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
Micah 7:18,19 KJV
I will forgive their inquity and I will remember their sin no more.

Jeremiah 31:34 KJV

Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel,
and afterwards receive me into glory.

Psalm 73:24 KJV
God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave;
for He shall receive me.

Psalm 49:
Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee,
Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Luke 23:43

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift:
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God
is the object of our faith; the only faith
that saves is faith in Him.

A Glorious Ressurection

2006-07-09T00:37:00.000-07:00

And many of them that sleep
in the dust of the earth shall awake,
some to everlasting life,
and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Daniel 12:2
Therefore my heart is glad,
and my glory rejoiceth:
my flesh also shall rest in hope.
For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell;
neither wilt thou suffer thine
Holy One to see corruption.
Thou wilt shew me the path of life:
in thy presence is fulness of joy;
at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psalm 16:9-11 KJV
Thy dead men shall live, together with
my dead body shall they arise.
Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust:
for thy dew is as the dew of herbs,
and the earth shall cast out the dead.
Isaiah 26:19 KJV
Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift:
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God
is the object of our faith; the only faith
that saves is faith in Him.

He Pardons all our sins

2006-07-03T06:37:00.000-07:00

He Pardons all our sins... Oh! What a wonderful God we serve! Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, and transgression, and sin.
Exodus 34:7 KJV

As for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away. Psalm 65:3 KJV

I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Isaiah 43:25

Corrie ten Boom used to say that God puts our sins in the deepest part of the ocean... and then puts up a "No Fishing!" sign. Glory!

Men Ought Always To Pray - We need revival, saints. As the household of God first, we are called to repentance; judgement begins with us. If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

Future Blessings are ours:

2006-07-03T06:32:00.000-07:00

Future Blessings Are Ours:

Happiness Immediately After Death The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness. Isaiah 57:1,2 KJV

We are confident I say, and willing rather to be abent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV

Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. Luke 16:25

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

Giants of the Deep

2006-06-26T05:35:00.000-07:00

READ: Job 41:1-11

God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves.—Genesis 1:21

The blue whale is the largest animal that has ever lived. Some are 100feet long and can weigh over 175 tons. The biggest one ever measured had a heart the size of a Volkswagen!

In Genesis we are told, "God created great sea creatures and everyliving thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according totheir kind" (1:21).When the Creator revealed Himself to Job in his time of suffering, Heused the giants of the deep, including the mysterious Leviathan, toillustrate His divine power, His unsearchable nature and incomparablecharacter.

"Shall one not be overwhelmed at the sight of [Leviathan]? No one is so fierce that he would dare stir him up. Who then is able to standagainst Me? . . . Everything under heaven is Mine" (Job 41:9-11).God uses the whale, the Leviathan, and all the giants of the deep toremind us of how awesome He is as Creator of the universe (Romans1:20).

The One who made creatures that cannot be controlled is Himselfbeyond our control and understanding.Just as a frightening thunderstorm makes us stand in awe of theCreator, so should the blue whale. All of God's creation points to Hiseternal power. —Dennis Fisher

Great is the Lord, He is holy and just;By His power we trust in His love.Great is the Lord, He is faithful and true;By His mercy He proves He is love.

Creation is filled with signs that point to the Creator.

The great two fears

2006-06-26T05:30:00.000-07:00

READ: Psalm 107:23-32He guides them to their desired haven.

—Psalm 107:30Psalm 107 tells of "those who go down to the sea in ships" (v.23).

Along their journey at sea, they see God as the One behind thetempestuous storm and the One who calms it. In the world of sailingvessels there were two great fears. One fear was of a terrible gale,and the other was of having no wind at all.

In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," English poet Samuel TaylorColeridge (1772-1834) describes tempests and doldrums at sea.

Twolines have become household words:Water, water everywhere,Nor any drop to drink.

In doldrum latitudes, the wind dies down and a sailing ship remainsstationary.

Captain and crew are "stuck," with no relief in sight.Eventually, with no wind, their water supply runs out.

Sometimes life demands that we weather a storm.

At other times it putsus to the test of tedium. We may feel stuck. What we want most is justout of reach. But whether we find ourselves in a crisis ofcircumstance or in a place where the spiritual wind has been taken outof our sails, we need to trust God for guidance. The Lord, who issovereign over changing circumstances, will eventually guide us to ourdesired haven (v.30). —Dennis Fisher

I will not fear the howling storms of doubt,Nor shudder when I feel I'm all alone;But I will trust my Savior as I shout:"The Lord's my helper—He is on the throne!" —Hess

God orders our stops as well as our steps.

Smiling...

2006-06-22T07:32:00.000-07:00

Smiling is infectious; you catch it like the flu, When someone smiled at me today I started smiling too.
I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin, When he smiled I realized I'd passed it on to him.

I thought about that smile, and realized its worth: A single smile, just like mine, could travel round the Earth.
So if you feel a smile begin, don't leave it undetected… Let's start an epidemic quick and get the world infected!!

There is always .....

2006-06-22T07:22:00.001-07:00

A Promised Land always lies on the other side of a Wilderness

The Power of God's Grace in Our Lives

2006-06-21T05:37:00.000-07:00

Unto you it is given to believe in Christ. Phillipians 1:29a KJV

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God Ephesians 2:8 KJV

It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. John 6:45-47 KJV

And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; And he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Isaiah 2:3 KJV

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

God gives wisdom

2006-06-21T05:34:00.000-07:00

God Gives Wisdom and Understanding Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. Proverbs 2:5-9 KJV

And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine. Isaiah 29:18,29,24 KJV

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

God is Gracious and Forgiving

2006-06-18T05:41:00.001-07:00

God is Gracious and Forgiving
So Repent...
Turn from Sin.

This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Ephesians 5:14-17 NIV _ Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, Acts 3:19 NIV Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call." Acts 2:38,39 NIVThanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

Teach me..

2006-06-16T10:24:00.000-07:00

Teach me thy ways Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Psalm 119:33-36 KJV

I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart. Jeremiah 24:7 NIV

Restore me, and I will return, because you are the LORD my God. Jeremiah 31:18b NIV

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

An Interesting Story

2006-06-12T07:06:00.000-07:00

several years ago the following article appeared in aSouthern California newspaper: "A young man who lived in the western states had never done anything very wrong: But one day while playing a game of cards helost his temper. Picking up a revolver, he shot and killed hisopponent. He was arrested and tried and sentenced to hang. "Because of the wonderful life he had previously lived, hisrelatives and friends got up a petition for him. It seemed as thougheveryone wanted to sign it. Before long other towns and villages hadheard about it, and people all over the state eagerly signed. "At last it was taken to the governor, who happened to be aChristian, and tears came to his eyes as he looked at the large baskets filled with petitions. He decided to pardon the young man;so, writing out a pardon, he put it in his pocket, then, dressed inthe garb of a clergyman, he made his way to the prison. "As the governor approached the death cell the young man sprang to the bars: `Get out of here,' he cried, `I don't want to see you. I have had enough religion at home. Seven of your kind have visited me already.' " `But,' interrupted the governor, `Wait a moment, young man; I have something for you. Let me talk to you.' " `Listen,' exclaimed the young man in anger, `If you don't get out of here at once, I'll call the guard and have you put out.' " `But young man,' continued the governor, `I have news for you, the very best. Won't you let me tell you about it?' " `You heard what I said,' replied the young man, 'and if you don’t leave immediately I'll call the warden.' " `Very well,' replied the governor, and with a sad heart he turned and left. "In a few moments the warden approached, `Well, young man,' he said, 'I see you had a visit from the governor.' " `What!' cried the young man. `Was that man dressed in the garb of a clergyman the governor?' " `He was,' replied the warden, `and he had a pardon in his pocket for you, but you would not listen to him.' " `Get me pen, ink, and paper,' cried the young man. And sitting down, he wrote, 'Dear Governor: I owe you an apology. I am sorry for the way I treated you"... and so on. "The governor received the letter, turned it over, and wrote on the back, `No longer interested in this case.' "The day came for the young man to die. `Is there anything you want to say before you die?' he was asked. " `Yes,' he answered, `tell the young men of America that I am not dying for my crime. I am not dying because I am a murderer. The governor pardoned me. I could have lived. Tell them,' he continued, `that I am dying because I did not accept the governor's pardon!" (The Arlington Times, August 26, 1954, quoted in New Testament Witnessing, by Elden K. Walter, 1971 edition, pp. 110, 111). Have you accepted from the King of the universe, the pardon foryour sins, which He came all the way down from heaven to this prisonhouse of sin to give you? No one on this earth needs to be lost because he has broken God's law and committed crimes against the government of heaven. Jesus Himself paid the death penalty for you at the cross. Everyone who is lost will be so because he has refusedGod's pardon. If you have not yet experienced the peace of God's forgivinglove, if you do not know the joy of a full surrender to your Savior,won't you give yourself to Him right now, wherever you may be?

Be Faithful to God.

2006-06-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

The Benefits of Faithfulness

The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. Luke 12:42-44 NIV

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 NIV

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

Feeling Dry?

2006-06-09T06:35:00.000-07:00

Feeling Dry? "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. Isaiah 55:1-2 NIV

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. John 3:37-39 NIV

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

Nothing Is too difficult for Him

2006-06-08T05:25:00.000-07:00

Nothing Is Too Difficult For Him! Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee. Jeremiah 32:17 KJV

For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:11-14 KJV And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God.When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:24-26 KJV

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

Does God tempts us?

2006-06-08T05:22:00.000-07:00

When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:13-15 NIV

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:7-8 NIV

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3 NIV

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

Tolerance vs Love

2006-06-07T06:17:00.000-07:00

Tolerance vs. Love

Tolerance says, "You must approve of what I do."

Love responds, "I must do something harder:

I will love you even when your behavior offends me."

Tolerance says, "You must agree with me."

Love responds, "I must do something harder:
I will tell you the truth,
because I am convinced 'the truth will set you free.'"

Tolerance says, "You must allow me to have my way."

Love responds, "I must do something harder:
I will plead with you to follow the right way,
because I believe you are worth the risk."

--
Delphine Victoria

Rest later! work while it is day..

2006-06-06T07:39:00.000-07:00

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13,14 NIV

"He also who is slack in his work is brother to him who destroys." Proverbs 18:9 NASB "Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity." Colossians 4:5 NASB

Each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. I Corinthians 3:13,14 NASB

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

SEE AND FEEL THE PAIN HE SUFFERED FOR US ALL..............

2006-06-04T05:41:00.000-07:00

As I stood outside the doors. I tried to prepare myself for what I was about to see. But when I entered the room I had no idea that my life would be changed so drastically. I sat there in silence, as all did. The room was filled with the flickering light of the screen. As I cried, only a little bit, too shocked to move. I felt like my heart was broken inside me. I wanted to cry , but felt it hard to breathe. I watched in silence. As this man demonstrated what Jesus did for me. It broke my heart and tears began to flow.

I felt helpless and I wanted to make them stop. The pain I felt was like nothing I've ever felt before. Then I began to cry out to God.
I realized at that moment if He had not done this for me. This love that I feel for Him now would have never come to be. He laid in the temple yard beaten. His face disfigured from the punches and blows. The robe he wore was covered in blood as red as a rose. With every ounce of His strength He pulled himself to His feet. Only to be knocked down again. But all that He did was for me , what greater love shown by a friend? When they lead Him away , His body was weaken by the Pain.

The Roman soldiers had no pity on Him and began to beat Him again. They slapped Him in the face and knocked Him to the ground. No idea that this was all for them as well. That this man would one day rise up and reign over all man and save many from Hell. As He carried the cross on His back to the place where He would soon die . You could hear people weeping all over the room. As many in the crowd cried. We all knew what was next and it made it hard to bare. All our eyes fixed on the screen. All you could hear was the sobbing cries of the weeping. The sounds of those mourning in despair. The actor laid on the cross as they drove the nails in his hands and in his feet. But I could see only Jesus there giving His life for me. The movie became real, the pain was real, the tears ,and the blood. And then it was like God spoke to me and said" There is no greater love. My son did this for you. He laid his life down so you wouldn't have too.He traded his crown in Heaven for a crown of thorns and a beating you would never endure." I knew at that moment that this had to be. Even though it seemed so unfair. But the greatest thing happened! God caused my eyes to open and see. The crucifixion became clear.
I could truly see what really happened. No greater love was shown to me. Than the day Christ was nailed to the tree. Written and copyrighted by Patricia Montgomery

“Life is short”

2006-06-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

“My days are like the evening shadow,
I wither away like grass”. Psalm 102:11
Most of us are afflicted in one way or other in our life and we feel so distressed that we keep lamenting. It is better to lament before GOD for He is the cure of all our distress. Our life passes, sometimes swiftly, at times like a thunder roaring and filled with tragedy and unhappiness. We do not know what is going to happen tomorrow.
Sabitha, a 25 year old girl was in love with a man for nearly 5 years, waited patiently for her parents to approve of her love and finally got married to him. She became pregnant and came for regular check ups with her handsome husband. This girl too was very beautiful, very calm and quiet. It used to be a real good sight for us to watch them coming and going. They used to wait for their turn patiently. (The hospital I work is like a mini general hospital). Well! She delivered a beautiful girl baby weighing about 3.5 Kg. The husband was all the time near her taking good care of her. We were all delighted. After 45 days, the child was brought for immunization accompanied by Sabitha’s sister and mother, so we asked them why Sabitha didn’t come? The sister replied that she was little ill. We could notice some sadness in the face. The grandmother brought the child for the second immunization and before we could ask her about Sabitha, she started sobbing and told us that she died of a deadly cancer of the ovaries at Apollo hospital. It was just intolerable. Within a year of her married life she was gone!
GOD took her away- we donot know the purpose. So our life is like a grass that is green and fresh in the morning and withers before the evening shadow fall.
‘You sweep men away in the sleep of death
They are like the new grass of the morning
Though in the morning, it springs up new,
By evening it is dry and withered. Psalm 90: 5,6.
Our life blossoms for a moment like a flower – and withers; like the shadow of a passing cloud we quickly disappear. We are strangers to this land for we live just for a moment and gone as soon without any trace. We grow old like a worn out garment. You change our life like we change our clothes and throw the old ones out.
“Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of days;
Let me know how fleeting is my life
You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
The span of my years is nothing before You
Each man’s life is but a breath”. Psalm 39:4,5.
Our days fly away without a glimpse of joy and it is like an eagle swooping down on its prey. Job: 9:25. Our life is fading away, LORD GOD, help us to realize how brief our time will be on this earth. Everything in this world perish but You, You alone go on forever. You never grow old and tired.
So, “Delight Yourself in the LORD
And He will give the desires of your heart,
Commit your way to the LORD;
Trust in Him and He will do this”. He will make the righteous shine like the dawn. Wait patiently for Him. When the LORD delights on us, He makes our steps firm. Though we stumble, we will not fall, for the LORD upholds us with His Right Hand. Psalm: 37.
Our life is short. Make it the best as possible as we can.

Our Duty with Faith

2006-06-03T07:20:00.000-07:00

Most of the time I feel that s doctor’s job is a thankless job especially when we work in the maternity side. We spend hours together with the patients, giving them hope and consoling them. We monitor their pains and contractions. Though we do not have sophisticated instruments as we mainly cater to the rural people whose financial status is below par, yet with the palm of our hands that GOD has given us we manage to monitor the patients. Day and night we spend with them and when finally when the baby is born everything is over. They leave the hospital not even saying a word of thanks. I do understand my duty is to help them, but yet as a human being we expect just a word of ‘thanks’. So I always remember the parable that Jesus told His disciples in Luke chapter 17. This is about a servant who worked in the fields plowing, attending the sheep and when he comes to his master’s home, the master doesn’t take any pity on him, instead asks him to prepare food. He never thanks the servant for what he has done throughout the day. Jesus says, “Does he thank that servant because the things that were commanded to him? I think not”. So when we have done our duty we must consider it as a privilege and in obedience to GOD and not for men. Any work that is assigned to us, we must do it without grumbling or grudging. We don’t need to get any profit from men but from The Almighty. He is the only One who can understand our difficulties in our job and He will reward us accordingly. We don’t need any extra credit for serving GOD. Love, gratitude and obedience should be towards GOD and not towards men. Jesus never considers our service as useless or meaningless. True love expects nothing in return. As Jesus said, “So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘we are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do”.
“Fear GOD and keep His commandments,
For this is the whole duty of man,
For GOD will bring every work into judgement,
Including every secret thing,
Whether it is good or evil”. Ecclesiastes: 12: 13,14.

Delphine Victoria,

Don't Quit

2006-06-02T05:53:00.000-07:00

When things go wrong,

as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging

seems uphill,
When the funds are low and

the debts are high,
and you want to smile,

but you have to sigh

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest, if you must . . . but don't you quit.

Success is failure turned inside out,

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt.

And you never can tell

how close you are,

It may be near when it seems afar.

So, stick to the fight when you're hardest hit . . .

It's when things go wrong that you mustn't quit.

Think Positively

2006-06-02T05:45:00.000-07:00

Think positively!

Thoughts become actions!

Actions become habits!
Habits become charecterand charecter decides the destiny!

Let anything or everything go wrong,But keep thinking positively and find solutions.Never give in to negative thoughts. The seeds pf positive thoughts will surely yield a beautifu harvest one day!

Did these words make you happy?

Then send it across to your friends and make them happy too.

My Sheep Hear My Voice

2006-06-01T05:39:00.000-07:00

The Power of God's Grace in Our Lives:
For Perseverance

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.
1 Thessalonians 5:23,24 NASB

All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

John 6:37-39 KJV

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
John 10:27-29 KJV

God, Whose grace is irresistble and all sufficient, be glorified!

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift:
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God
is the object of our faith; the only faith
that saves is faith in Him.

Who Am I?

2006-06-01T05:35:00.000-07:00

Who Am I... in Christ?

In The Lord Jesus Christ -

I am secure... nothing can separate me from His Love!

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-9 KJV

... I am now a citizen of Heaven! For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; Philippians 3:20 NASB

... I can live without fear For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

"We don't change the message, the message changes us."

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

HONESTY

2006-06-01T05:21:00.000-07:00

HONESTY

The month of June has begun and the children are back to school after their summer vacation. The children all in new uniforms, with new school bags, note books, lunch box, water bottles- well it’s a real sight to see them. Some holding their father’s hands, some rich children in cars and some others by bus. The book stores, the shoe marts and super markets are crowded, all wanting to buy new and the best things.
A couple of day’s back I went for shopping to a supermarket. I was just picking up the groceries, when a small girl aged about 12 years caught my eyes. She was standing and viewing the different school items displayed in the super market. She picked up a bag, looked up the price tag and then she replaced it back. Then she shifted herself to the ‘sales’ counter. There again, she picked up a few bags and then put it back. Then I lost sight of her as I was busy picking the grocery items and as I was standing in the queue in the billing section, I found this girl, just in front of me. She must be of the lower middle class group. This young girl had bought a school bag, a pencil box, few notebooks, pens etc. the bill came to Rs280/-. She opened up her tiny little purse to pay, but she had only Rs250/-. She was terribly embarrassed and asked the cashier to take away a few notebooks. Watching this I motioned to the cashier to add the money (Rs30) to my bill. At first the young girl refused, but then she accepted.
I started leaving the supermarket and at the entrance of the super market, the little girl was standing and she called me, “aunty". I just smiled at her. Then she came near me and said, “ aunty, would you please give me your house address, so I could ask my brother to repay the amount?” Well! I was speechless- astonished. I could see the honesty in her eyes. I said, “O! Young lady. Don’t bother, its just for your education”. She wouldn’t leave me. She said, “aunty, my mother has advised me not to accept any gifts or loan from others without her knowledge and so kindly give me your address, so I can return back the money.” I thought for a while and I told her, “please tell your mother to pass on this amount (Rs30/-) to a church that is closer to your house”. (I don’t know her religion). She seemed to be really impressed and I was pretty sure that
She will pass on the money to the church.
There are two things I admired in this young girl. First her honesty, second, her denial to accept the money as a free gift or as a loan as her mother advised her not to take anything from others. This shows her obedience and respect towards her mother. One of God’s commands to us is honesty. We will lose our credibility if we are not honest. Dishonesty with GOD hinders our relationship with Him. Even in poverty, when we are honest, GOD will raise our integrity. GOD expects us to be honest, because GOD is truth and naturally we should be like Him. GOD delights in honesty and in those who are truthful. He is pleased when we do what is just and right.
‘To do what is right and just
Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice’ Proverbs 21:3.
Another commandment of GOD for righteous living is ‘Honor your father and mother as the LORD your GOD has commanded you that your days may be long and that may be well with you in the land which the LORD your GOD is giving you’. Deuteronomy 5:16. Honoring and obeying our parents and going by their advice especially when we are young is the most important thing in life. Our parents teach us so many good virtues in life. We get wisdom from them. They take care of our tiny needs. Honor our parents by practicing good morals in life. Our responsibility is to honor our parents for life.
“Honor your father and mother”- which is the first commandment with a promise- that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” Ephesians 6:2,3.

Our Faithful God

2006-05-28T05:15:00.000-07:00

Our Faithful God Israel, you are the chosen people of the LORD your God. There are many nations on this earth, but he chose only Israel to be his very own. You were the weakest of all nations, but the LORD chose you because he loves you and because he had made a promise to your ancestors. Then with his mighty arm, he rescued you from the king of Egypt, who had made you his slaves.

You know that the LORD your God is the only true God. So love him and obey his commands, and he will faithfully keep his agreement with you and your descendants for a thousand generations. But if you turn against the LORD, he will quickly destroy you. So be sure to obey his laws and teachings I am giving you today. Deuteronomy 7:6-11 CEV

Stay away from ungodly Charectors

2006-05-28T05:10:00.000-07:00

Why should I stay away from ungodly characters? The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them. Proverbs 12:26 KJV You will be seduced by the wicked...

Do not associate with a man given to anger; Or go with a hot-tempered man, Or you will learn his ways And find a snare for yourself. Proverbs 22:24,25 NASB You will become like those with whom you associate!

We are encouraged to be with other believers: And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24,25 NASB

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

Fulfulling Our Duty to God:

2006-05-26T06:11:00.000-07:00

By Repentance from Dead Works "Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone", declares the Sovereign LORD. "Repent and live!" Ezekiel 18:30-32 NIV

"How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? Give heed to my reproof; behold, I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will make my words known to you. " Proverbs 1:22,23 RSV

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Psalm 51:10-12 KJV

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

The DaVinci Code Lie Exposed

2006-05-25T00:49:00.000-07:00

The movie "The DaVinci Code" staring Tom Hanks, directed by Ron Howardwill soon be released this year. This movie will havethe potential to deceive billions of the world's population. The story lineattacks the very heart of the Gospel and attempts to destroy the very natureand character of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God. (Why do theheathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earthset themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, andagainst His anointed? Psalm 2:1, 2)

Satan knows his time is about up and now he will attempt to take oneof his best shots by enlisting all of hell to belch out its worse deceptionin that of stripping Jesus Christ of His Divine nature and turning him intoa mere man who secretly marries Mary Magdalene. To add insult to injury thestory depicts the idea that certain shadowy Christian groups for 2,000 years have purposely and secretly hidden this so called "fact" behind the scenesand thus it is finally revealed in a coded message buried in Leonardo DaVinci's painting. Even the movie trailer for this story presents it as"the truth" finally revealed about Jesus! (this is just what the IslamicFascists need to give added credence to their bloody, destructive campaignof global terror!)

It is time for Christians (the Body of Christ) everywhere to rise upand expose this lie from the pit of hell that will be perpetuated on thewhole world in just a couple of short months. This is no time to back downin the "day of battle". It is a time to pray and fast like never beforethat God will raise up a standard against the enemy as he comes in like aflood. Satan always "overplays his hand" and once again he is about tooverplay it big time because as usual he overplays it right into God's planto present the "truth" to the whole world. "..and this Gospel of the kingdomshall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and thenshall the end come".Matthew 24:14 Oswald Chambers states in his timeless writing My Utmost For HisHighest ."Our calling is not primarily to be holy men and women but to beproclaimers of the Gospel of God. The one all-important thing is that theGospel of God should be recognized as the abiding reality." Yet we have toask ourselves today when this abiding reality comes under direct attack whowill defend it? The answer can only be that those of us who have beentransformed by it's truth for eternity will and must defend it here and now.

Pray that Christian lay people, prayer leaders, writers, pastors, andall those in Christian media outlets will get the message out and exposethis deception of hell and reveal the lie this movie will present before itever hits the theaters. We can only say about Tom Hanks & Ron Howard "Father forgive them forthey know not what they do" but to the enemy of the cross we can onlydeclare to him, "go ahead take your best shot because your time is up andyou will soon be cast into the lake of fire"

God gives wisdom and undertanding

2006-05-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

God Gives Wisdom and Understanding

Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD. Hosea 6:3 KJV __________________ My people shall know my Name; therefore they shall know in that day that I am He that doth speak. Isaiah 52:6 KJV __________________ I thank thee o Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and the prudent and hast revealed them unto babes. Matthew 11:25 __________________ And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true; and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son, Jesus Christ. 1 John 5:20 __________________ "Coincidence... When God chooses to remain anonymous." __________________ Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

Wisdom and understanding from God

2006-05-21T19:06:00.000-07:00

Wisdom and Understanding from God

And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. Jeremiah 31:34 KJV

To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:77-79 KJV

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Proverbs 3:7,8 KJV

"You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him."

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

Flying Turtle

2006-05-19T06:23:00.000-07:00

Flying Turtle
Deep within a forest a little turtle began to climb a tree.After hours of effort he reached the top, jumped into the air waving his front legs and crashed to the ground.After recovering, he slowly climbed the tree again, jumped, and fell to the ground.

The turtle tried again and again while a couple of birds sitting on a branch watched his sad efforts.Finally, the female bird turned to her mate."Dear," she chirped, "I think it's time to tell him he's adopted."

I hope you sleep well.

2006-05-16T06:18:00.000-07:00

Years ago a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops. As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received a steady stream of refusals.
Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. "Are you a good farmhand?" the farmer asked him.
"Well, I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the little man.

Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, hired him. The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man's work.
Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand's sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and yelled, "Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!"

The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows.."
Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down. Nothing could blow away.
The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.

MORAL: When you're prepared, spiritually, mentally, and physically, you have nothing to fear.
Can you sleep when the wind blows through your life? The hired hand in the story was able to sleep because he had secured the farm against the storm.
We, as believers in Christ, secure ourselves against the storms of life by grounding ourselves in the Word of God..

We don't need to understand, we just need to hold His hand to have peace in the midst of the storms.
I hope you sleep well!

A Mother... truly words can't say...

2006-05-16T06:01:00.001-07:00

your touch is petal soft, Mother,you kept all the thorns yourself and gave me only smoothest touch of love.
Actually I wanted to post this on Mother's day. But it was so unfortunate that I was very busy and My Broad band connection did not work. If still you have not wished your mother, even now it is not too late.Tell her how much you love her....

Respect your father and mother

2006-05-14T19:34:00.000-07:00

Children - Bless Your Mother: Do These Things! Be wise... My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad; The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him. May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice! Proverbs 23:15,24-25 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother Proverbs 10:1 NIV A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. Proverbs 15:20
Speak what is right... My inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right. Proverbs 23:16 NIV What 5 Things Should Children Never Do To Their Parents? A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. Proverbs 15:5 KJV - Never despise their instruction
He who robs his father and drives out his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace. Proverbs 19:26 NIV - Never mistreat them
He who robs his father or his mother And says, "It is not a transgression," Is the companion of a man who destroys. Proverbs 28:24 NASB - Never rob or steal from them
Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness. Proverbs 20:20 KJV - Never curse your parents
The eye that mocks a father and scorns a mother, The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young eagles will eat it. Proverbs 30:17 NASB - Never mock your parents
If you have ever done these things, today is a good day to go and ask for forgiveness, confess your sin to them and seek reconciliation!

Lavender fields

2006-05-11T05:34:00.000-07:00

Sailing away

2006-05-11T05:30:00.000-07:00

Live your Day

2006-05-10T06:53:00.000-07:00

Today we have bigger houses and smaller familiesMore conveniences,

but less time
We have more degrees,

but less common senseMore knowledge, but less judgement
We have more experts, but more problemsMore medicine,

but less wellness
We spend too recklesslyLaugh too littleDrive too fastGet too angry too quicklyStay up too lateRead too littleWatch TV too muchAnd PRAY too seldom
We multiply our possessions,

but reduce our valuesWe talk too much, love too little, and lie too often
We've learned how make a living,

but not a lifeWe've added years to our life, not life to our years
We have taller buildings,

but shorter tempersWider freeways,

but narrower viewpoints
We spend more, but have lessWe buy more,

but enjoy it less
We've been all the way to the moon and back

But have trouble crossing the street to meet our neighbors
We've conquered outer space

But not inner space
We've split the atom

But not our prejudice
We write more,

learn less....plan more, but accompolish lessWe've learned to rush, but not to waitWe have higher incomes, but lower morals
We build more computers to hold more information to produce more copies

But have less communications
We are long on quantity

But short on quality
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion

Tall men and shorter character
More leisure, less fun.....more kinds of foods, but less nutrition

Two incomes...but more divorcesFancier houses...but broken homes
That's why I propose, that as of today, you do not keep anything for a special occasion, because everyday you live is a special occasion.
Search for knowledge, read more, sit on your front porch and admire the view without paying attention to your needs
Spend more time with your family and friends, eat your favorite foods, and visit the places you love.
Life is a chain of moments of enjoyment, not only about survivalUse your crystal goblets, do not save your best perfume - use it everytime you feel you want it.
Remove from your vocabulary phrases like "one of these days" and "someday"Let's write that letter we thought of writing "one of these days".
Let's tell our families and friends how much we love themDo not delay anything that adds laughter and joy to your life.
Everyday, every hour and every minute is specialAnd you don't know if it will be your last.
-Author Unknown

Walk in the Light..

2006-05-10T06:49:00.000-07:00

Abstain - Keep Away - Walk In the Light... Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. I Peter 2:11 NIV

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. Romans 13:14 NASB

So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. Galatians 5:16,17 NLT

Be not thou envious against evil men,neither desire to be with them. For their heart studieth destruction,and their lips talk of mischief. Proverbs 24:1,2 KJV

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

My mother....

2006-05-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

To my mother who has been a willing vessel through which the grace and kindness of Jesus Christ has flowed to the heart of a child,
I honor you.

To my mom who has put personal goals and dreams aside to give her all to the upbringing of her children,
i praise you.

For being a grandmother who has lovingly taken on the role of teaching her grandchildren the goodness and mercy of our heavenly Father,
I thank you.

For my mother who has chosen life and allowed God to knit together a child in her womb to fulfill His purpose and reveal His glory,
I celebrate you.

For praying countless days and for all the time that you have sacrificed, exercised patience, given tirelessly, loved unconditionally, and prayed faithfully,
For giving us the strength, joy, comfort, wisdom, and hope.
I adore you....
You have been my world, my strength, my everything.. amma... There is not oneday when I don't think of you not a minute passes by... I am in this world holding the strings of hope that you left with me...
I thank God for giving me to you. Thank you ma.

Flowers for my mother who is in Heaven

2006-05-06T06:24:00.000-07:00

My mother loved flowers. We had jasmine, roses, and malligai flower plants at home...
A woman of great strength.... she was a lady dedicated to family and God.. Missing her a lot...

Voice Mail

2006-05-06T06:16:00.000-07:00

We have all learned to live with "voice mail" as a necessary part of modern life.
But have you wondered what it would be like if God decided to install voice mail?
Imagine praying and hearing this:
Thank you for calling My Father's House. Please select one of the following options:
Press 1 for Requests
Press 2 for Thanksgiving
Press 3 for Complaints
Press 4 for All Other Inquiries.
What if God used the familiar excuse...
"I'm sorry, all of our angels are busy helping other saints right now.
However, your prayer is important to us and will be answered in the order it was received, so please stay on the line."
Can you imagine getting these responses as you call God in Prayer:
To find out if a loved one has been assigned to Heaven, Press 5, enter his or her social security number, then press the pound key. (If you get a negative response, try area code 666.) For reservations at "My Father's House," please enter J-O-H-N, followed by 3-1-6. For answers to nagging questions about dinosaurs, the age of the earth and where Noah's Ark is, please wait until you arrive here.
or...
Our computers show that you have already prayed once today. Please hang up and try again tomorrow so that others may have a chance to get through.

Mother's Day.

2006-05-06T05:54:00.000-07:00

a mother is a giver and what sets her apart is is that she gives of her the best for she gives it from the heart
because mother, you have given so much so often
may you receive more blessings than your heart can hold.
"give and it will be given to you" Luke 6:38

Mother's Day is on the 14th May... I have so much memeories about my mother. She is not with me now. Yet I always remember her with flowers..

The Sermon- humour

2006-05-06T05:50:00.000-07:00

Fear Not

2006-05-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

Fear NOT! Be bold... But now, this is what the LORD says - he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; Isaiah 43:1-3a NIV

"Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." And the LORD opened the servant's eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:16,17 NASB

Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalm 37:1-4 KJV

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

children of God

2006-05-05T07:12:00.000-07:00

As children of God we should learn obedience... As parents of children, we should teach it. During the days of Jesus' life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One Who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission. Although He was a son, He learned obedience from what He suffered and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him. Hebrews 5:7-9 NIV
_ "If his sons forsake My law And do not walk in My judgments, If they violate My statutes And do not keep My commandments, Then I will punish their transgression with the rod And their iniquity with stripes. But I will not break off My lovingkindness from him, Nor deal falsely in My faithfulness. My covenant I will not violate, Nor will I alter the utterance of My lips. Psalm 89:30-34 NASB
A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. Proverbs 10:1-2 KJV ___ Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God
\

A smile

2006-05-05T07:09:00.000-07:00

God's uplifted hands

2006-05-02T06:22:00.000-07:00

Dawn

2006-05-02T06:20:00.000-07:00

Believe

2006-05-01T06:12:00.000-07:00

Only believe... But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12,13 KJV

...and after he brought them out, he said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." Acts 16:30,31 NASB

"But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." "'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:22b - 24 NIV

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

The Lord is my Shepherd

2006-05-01T06:04:00.000-07:00

Psalm 23.

2006-04-30T07:22:00.000-07:00

There was once a Shakespearean actor who was known everywhere for his one-man show of readings and recitations from the classics. He would always end his performance with a dramatic reading of Psalm 23. Each night, without exception, as the actor began his recitation -- "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want" -- the crowd would listen attentively. And then, at the conclusion of the psalm, they would rise in thunderous applause in appreciation of the actor's incredible ability to bring the verse to life.

But one night, just before the actor was to offer his customary recital of Psalm 23, a young man from the audience spoke up. "Sir, do you mind, if tonight, I recite Psalm 23?"

The actor was quite taken aback by this unusual request, but he allowed the young man to come forward and to stand front and center on the stage to recite the psalm, knowing that the ability of this unskilled youth would be no match for his own talent. With a soft voice, the young man began to recite the words of the psalm. When he was finished, there was no applause. There was no standing ovation as on other nights. All that could be heard was the sound of weeping. The audience had been so moved by the young man's recitation that every eye was full of tears.

Amazed by what he had heard, the actor said to the youth, "I don't understand. I have been performing Psalm 23 for years. I have a lifetime of experience and training, but I have never been able to move an audience as you have tonight. Tell me, what is your secret?"

The young man humbly replied, "Well, sir, you know the psalm...but I know the Shepherd." It makes a difference.

Concerning Anger

2006-04-30T07:20:00.000-07:00

Concerning Anger... Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31,32 NIV

The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass. Proverbs 19:11,12 KJV

Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing. Psalm 37:7,8 NASB

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

God, Speak to me.

2006-04-29T06:26:00.000-07:00

God, SPEAK TO ME...
The man whispered, "God, speak to me." And a meadowlark sang.But, the man did not hear.
Then the man yelled, "God, speak to me!" Thunder rolled across the sky.But, the man did not listen.
The man looked around and said, "God, let me see you."And the stars shined brightly.But the man did not notice.
And the man shouted, "God, show me a miracle."And a life was born.But the man did not know.
So, the man cried out in despair, "Touch me God, and let me knowyou are here." Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man.But the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.
So remember, don't miss out on a blessing because itisn't packaged the way that you expect.Take notice of the blessings around you.

why worry and have wrinkles

2006-04-29T06:20:00.000-07:00

Blessings

2006-04-27T08:05:00.000-07:00

Future Blessings Are Ours - Deliverance from Hell For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment; and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly... then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority... 2 Peter 2:4,5.. 9,10 NASB

Israel shall be saved in the Lord, with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end. Isaiah 45:17 KJV

The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. Proverbs 15:24 KJV

For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. Psalm 86:13 KJV

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

Grow in Grace...

2006-04-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

Grow in Grace
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteous- ness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11 NIV
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8 KJV
But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day. Proverbs 4:18 NASB
Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

The Lord made us and He will complete that which concerns us...

2006-04-20T07:27:00.000-07:00

I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD , endures forever - do not abandon the works of your hands. Psalm 138 2, 8 NIV

The LORD was pleased for His righteousness' sake To make the law great and glorious. Isaiah 42:21 NASB

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by. I will cry out to God Most High, To God who performs all things for me. Psalm 57:1,2 NKJV

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Philippians 1:6 KJV
Your hands fashioned and made me, and now you have destroyed me altogether. Remember that you have made me like clay; and will you return me to the dust? Job 10:8,9 ESV

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

God, our Almighty

2006-04-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

"Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you." Ruth 1:16,17 ESV

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Psalm 139:7-9 NKJV

__if anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. John 12:26

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

Heart of compassion

2006-04-18T07:08:00.000-07:00

A heart of compassion So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Colossians 3:12,13 NASB
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV
But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, 2 Corinthians 6:4-6 NKJV
'And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.' "For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions." Matthew 6:13-15 NASB
Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

2006-04-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

He was raised on the third day I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 NIV

For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:"Death is swallowed up in victory." "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always\nabounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:53-58 ESV

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift:Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.hat I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 NIV

ever wondered -- Easter has no fixed date..

2006-04-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

Easter has no fixed date.

The point is often made that if we can establish December 25 as the day for celebrating Christ’s birth, why can’t we set a date for Easter, the commemoration of His resurrection? In some years, the clamor to have a fixed date becomes louder, because Easter is very early or very late. In fact in Western countries the feast can occur at any weekend between March 22nd and April 25th.

Originally Easter had nothing to do with the Christian calendar. Our word for the festival comes from eastre or ostara the goddess of spring among Germanic tribes of northern Europe. Pagan tribes rejoice the coming of spring, which is why many of our Easter customs, such is the giving of eggs, pagan and or not Christian origins.

Many Europeans take their word for Easter from the Hebrew word pesach which means Passover. The French for, example, call the festival Paques and the Italians pasqua. Jews celebrates the Passover, an eight day festival to commemorate their flight from slavery in Egypt. Easter is associated with the Jewish Passover because Christ was arrested, tried and crucified at that time. The Jewish calendar is based on lunar months, and the Passover always begins on the day of the first full moon after March 21, the northern spring equinox.

Easter’s date fluctuates, because it is linked with the Passover. For centuries, the date has caused arguments and doubts even among leaders of various churches. Early Christians celebrated the Easter during the Passover. Later, clerics wanted to give Easters holy days special significance, and try to separate them from the Jewish festivals. In A.D 325, the council of Nicaea ruled that Easter, the day marking Christ resurrection, would always be a Sunday but after the start of that Passover.

Because some churches use different calendars, Easter’s date may vary from country to country by a matter of weeks. According to the Gregorian calendar which most of us follow, Easter’s day is the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after March 21. If there is a full moon on Sunday, March 21, Easter is the following Sunday.

However the eastern orthodox churches, strongest in Eastern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean, use the Julian calendar to decide when Easter falls. (For fixed feast such as Christmas, they follow the Gregorian calendar) the orthodox Easter can occur up to 5 weeks after the western.
Church leaders have tried many times to solve the problems caused by the movable feast. An obvious solution would be to fix the date, but Easter, could then fall in the middle of the week. In 1963 the Roman Catholic Church recommended a set date, but none of the other denominations agreed with the suggestions.

Another, more sweeping proposal is for the world to have a new calendar by which, year in and year out, any date would fall on the same day of the week. By this system, Easter would always be Sunday, April 8, about midway between its current extremes. To many people, that sounds like a perfect compromise, but to the worlds decision makers the idea has all the appeal of the stale hot cross bun.

Easter Eggs…. A pagan custom.

2006-04-16T08:12:00.000-07:00

As Christians we have every reason not to give Easter eggs on Easter.
Just as pagan customs figure in our Christmas festival, so too they have become associated inextricably with Easter. Long before the beginnings of Christianity, Egyptians and Romans gave gifts of eggs as symbols of life. Easter was originally a pagan festival to celebrate the coming of spring which marked the rebirth of life in plants, a time when many birds mated and produced young. The hen’s egg, from which new life could spring, was a potent sign of regeneration. Often its shell was decorated with colors representing certain flowers and aimed at encouraging the growth.
Early Christians continued the custom of giving eggs, and gradually the practice was linked with Easter. The egg became an appropriate emblem of Christ’s resurrection, and shell decorations were adopted to have religious significance. Often, for example eggs were painted or dyed red to represent the blood of Christ.
Almost everywhere in the Christian world, old rituals associated with spring continued alongside those of the holy feast. Anybody opening a boiled egg on Easter day and finding two yolks was blessed; it was said, with a double stroke of luck. Ploughmen put an egg in the first furrow they cut, believing it would boost their yields. In the Eastern Europe, farmers planted scarlet eggs to ward off storms.
In England, children received gifts of hard boiled eggs, which they rolled down hill sides in an ancient game. In pagan times, the rolling egg was believed to imitate the sun’s movement as it returned after winter’s darkness. The last egg to break supposedly brought good luck. Later, egg rolling became part of the Christian festival and was said to symbolize the stone rolling back from Christ’s tomb. Egg rolling is still popular in England and, until recently was played in every Easter on the lawns of the white house, home of the united state’s president.
Spanish conquistadors took chocolate to Europe after discovering it in México in 1589. Before long, its use was widespread in cooking and for confectionery. In many countries, the chocolate egg- at first, small and solid- replaced the decorated hen’s egg. Interestingly, many chocolate eggs today are embossed with sugar, flowers, another link with our pagan past.
(Reader’s Digest-1994)

Discourage….. Easter bunny…..

2006-04-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

The rabbit, as a good luck omen, is undoubtedly an impostor. It owes its magical significances to popular ignorance in confusing it with the hare, the true talisman of ancient times. Hares are born with their eyes open and they are nocturnal. Because of this, the Egyptians made them, sacred to the moon. Later ancient Britain’s gave the hare magical powers, using it in rites such as fortune telling. Some villages in Ireland refuse to kill or eat hares, believing that they carried the souls of the grand parents.

Later, Germanic tribes who worshiped eastre (or ostara), associated the fecund hare with her, their goddess of life and spring. Good children, they said in age-old form of bribery, would be rewarded with eggs laid by the Easter hare. Elsewhere in Europe, the more prevalent rabbit, which was often confused with the hare, took over as a good luck symbol.
The rabbit’s foot frequently carried for luck, owes its existence to this confusion. In America, which had no hares, the rabbit was a convenient replacement for the hare as a talisman and as an Easter symbol. Confectioner’s boosted the rabbit’s takeover by fashioning such popular Easter offerings as candy rabbits clutching hats filled with eggs.
In one country at least, the Easter bunny is under threat. Nobody in Australia disputes the rabbit’s claims as a fertility symbol because, despite shotguns, poisons and myxomatosis, its offspring by the million, threaten constantly to ruin the nation’s farmers. What is in doubt is whether this acknowledged pest should woo children’s affections. Moves are afoot to replace the bunny with a more deserving Easter symbol, such as the bilby. This long eared bandicoot is an animal under threat- partly because the ubiquitous rabbit has invaded its territory in such force.
Reader’s digest-1994.

OUR RISEN LORD.. HE BRINGS GLORY TO US.

2006-04-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

'SING HALLELUIAH TO THE LORD. MAY THE RISEN LORD BRING PEACE AND HAPPINESS TO OUR HOUSEHOLD, NATION AND THE WORLD AT LARGE '

He is not here....

2006-04-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

He is not here...

BUT on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing; and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living One among the dead?" "He is not here, but He has risen!" Luke 24:1-6 NASB

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:26-31 NIV _

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

Redeemed from sin

2006-04-14T07:14:00.000-07:00

Redeemed from sin - glory! The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1:29 KJV

Because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: "This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds." Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." Hebrews 10:14-17 NIV
He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. Ephesians 1:5-8 NASB
Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

Who can you trust?

2006-04-13T06:55:00.000-07:00

Who can you trust?

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

1 Peter 5:6,7 KJV

Trust in the LORD and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.

Delight yourself in the LORD;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it.

He will bring forth your righteousness as the light
And your judgment as the noonday.

Psalm 37:3-6 NASB

But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

Luke 12:31,32 NIV

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift:
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God
is the object of our faith; the only faith
that saves is faith in Him.

Read through the Words of God.

2006-04-13T06:52:00.000-07:00

Trusting in The Rock Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Proverbs 3:5-8 NIV

__ For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in You! Psalm 84:11,12 NASB

Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. Psalm 40:4,5 KJV

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

Bible verses

2006-04-09T05:34:00.000-07:00

Seek wisdom from The Lord... If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 NIV

I will bless the LORD who has counseled me; Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:7,8 NASB

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

Get Ready...

2006-04-05T05:48:00.000-07:00

Spring-- Blossoms and blooms

2006-04-05T05:46:00.000-07:00

Seek Him Always...

2006-03-30T05:41:00.000-08:00

Seek Him Always... Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:1-4 NIV .

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. Psalm 9:9,10 KJV .

The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. I will satisfy them with a long life and give them my salvation." Psalm 91:14-16 ESV
He never said all the sailing would be smooth or all the walk would be easy... He did promise never to leave us or forake us... Keep seeking His face!

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

our God is an awesome GOD

2006-03-29T05:49:00.002-08:00

A young man had been to Wed. night Bible Study. The pastor had shared about listening to God and obeying the Lord's voice. The young man couldn't help but wonder, "Does God still speak to people?" After service, he went out with some friends for coffee and pie and they discussed the message. Several different ones talked about how God had led them in different ways. It was about ten o'clock when the young man started driving home. Sitting in his car, he just began to pray, "God...If you still speak to people speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to obey." As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought to stop and buy a gallon of milk. He shook his head and said out loud, "God is that you?" He didn't get a reply and started on toward home. But again, the thought, buy a gallon of milk. The young man thought about Samuel and how he didn't recognize the voice of God, and how little Samuel ran to Eli. "Okay, God, in case that is you, I will buy the milk." It didn't seem like too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk. He stopped and purchased the gallon of milk and started off toward home. As he passed Seventh Street, he again felt the urge, "Turn down that street." This is crazy he thought and drove on past the intersection. Again, he felt that he should turn down Seventh Street. At the next intersection, he turned back and headed down Seventh. Half jokingly, he said out loud, "Okay, God, I will." He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop. He pulled over to the curb and looked around. He was in a semicommercial area of town. It wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst of neighborhoods either. The businesses were closed and most of the houses looked dark like the people were already in bed. Again, he sensed something, "Go and give the milk to the people in the house across the street." The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it looked like the people were either gone or they were already asleep. He started to open the door and then sat back in the car seat. "Lord, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going to be mad and I will look stupid." Again, he felt like he should go and give the milk. Finally, he opened the car door. "Okay God, if this is you, I will go to the door and I will give them the milk. If you want me to look like a crazy person, okay. I want to be obedient. I guess that will count for something but if they don't answer right away, I am out of here." He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise inside. A man's voice yelled out, "Who is it? What do you want?" Then the door opened before the young man could get away. The man was standing there in his jeans and T-shirt. He looked like he just got out of bed. He had a strange look on his face and he didn't seem too happy to have some stranger standing on his doorstep. "What is it?"
The young man thrust out the gallon of milk. "Here I brought this to you." The man took the milk and rushed down a hallway,speaking loudly in Spanish. Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward the kitchen. The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face. The man began speakingand half-crying,"We were just praying. We had some big bills this month and we ran out of money. We didn't have any milk for our baby. I was just praying and asking God to show me how to get some milk." His wife in the kitchen yelled out, "I asked him to send an Angel with some milk. Are you an Angel?" The young man reached into his wallet and pulled out all the money he had on him and put in the man's hand. He turned and walked back toward his car and the tears were streaming down his face. He knew that God still answers prayers.

A Happy Child is a Blessed child!

2006-03-19T06:31:00.000-08:00

A Child’s mental and physical abuse.

A child can be easily exploited. It is vulnerable to lots of abuses both physically and mentally. A child goes through a lot of mental and physical agony both in the school and at home. Recently a news column appeared in the daily newspaper that a child studying in the eighth standard committed suicide the reason being that the child did not do well in her school exams. It is not very uncommon to see such news item in the dailies. There are both school related and home related deaths occurring in our country. The present day situations of the children alarm us.
No one can deny that the children are put to a lot of stress just to overcome the competition. Where does such competition arise? Right from home! Yes. The parents want their children to come first in the class. Not only in the studies but also they want them to take part in all the cultural events. Teachers label the children as good, average and bad. A child labeled as bad however much she or he tries to do well is not appreciated. As a result the child goes into a state of depression that might lead to violence. Boys beating each other are not an unusual affair in the school. There are instances where a boy has killed another one. In co education schools rivalry is created among the students just because a teacher or a co student becomes a favourite of one particular student.
Students who are exposed to violence at home either as a victim or an observer are more prone to violence. The punishment given by teachers makes them still more worse. Students who are bullied by the teachers or by students become very violent. School students try to inflict injuries with the weapons that are easily available.
Learning is no more considered happy by the children. The children have to start their day at 5 A.M. Apart from their regular school curriculum they have to attend different classes like learning a new language, music and dance. And after the school is over they have to go for private tuitions for the regular lessons. The play ground is a totally forgotten thing by the teachers and students. The school authorities are expanding their school by building classes on the ground that were once used as play grounds for the children. The principal wants to show 100% result for his school. Their energy is just burnt out. Due to the increasing burden of the children the parents also get exhausted. The children never enjoy an outing or vacation.
How can we prevent such emotional and physical conflicts? Analysed it looks very simple! The teachers have to build a good relationship with the children. A good listening will help to overcome so many difficult and tough situations. A teacher should be able to communicate well with the student and her parents. A certain degree of encouragement will do wonders in a child’s life. The capacity of a child should be understood and then we have to proceed accordingly. They should realize that learning is a joyful thing. There should be an unconditional positive approach by both the parents and the teachers. The parents should have a continuous relationship with the school authorities. The teachers should not be partial to students. Regular Parent teachers meeting will do a lot of good. Every student should be recognized for his or her unique strength in whichever area he or she focuses on. They should not be restricted to the academics alone. It could be sports, music, arts, dance or writing. The children should develop a sense of belonging to the school. Psychologically affected students could be given counseling.
The child should enjoy learning. Learning should become a joyful activity. They should have quality time with the teachers. They should look forward to being in the school amidst their friends and teachers. Then their vulnerability to violence would come down.
Delphine Victoria
March 19, 2006

Prayer for today

2006-03-16T06:38:00.000-08:00

Children - The Heritage of the Lord Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call." Acts 2:38,39 NIV

"For I will pour out water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring And My blessing on your descendants" Isaiah 44:3 NASB

Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Psalm 128:1-3 KJV

Rescue me from the power of my enemies. Their mouths are full of lies; they swear to tell the truth, but they lie. May our sons flourish in their youth like well-nurtured plants. May our daughters be like graceful pillars, carved to beautify a palace. Psalm 144:11b,12 NLT

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

2006-03-14T05:07:00.000-08:00

Fear God! He will hear, and remember and bless! Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Isaiah 8:13,14 KJV

Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to his blessings in the last days. Hosea 3:5 NIV

Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Malachi 3:16,17 KJV

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

2006-03-07T16:38:00.000-08:00

Morning Blessing

A blessing cannot be kept.If it stops with you, then the blessing will disappear.The blessing will only keep working if it is continuously passed around.If you are a recipient of a blessing, keep the blessing working by being the source of blessing to other people. This morning when I wakened And saw the sun above, I softly said, "Good morning, Lord, Bless everyone I love." Right away I thought of you And said a loving prayer, That He would bless you specially, And keep you free from care.I thought of all the happiness A day could hold in store, I wished it all for you because No one deserves it more.I felt so warm and good inside, My heart was all aglow.I know God heard my prayers for you, He hears them all, you know.

2006-03-06T04:37:00.000-08:00

Enjoy daily happiness.
Keep yourself motivated for self-actualization.
Feel pumped up for a happy day.
Enjoy a happy thought or an inspirational quote.
Discover what is happiness.
Discover new tips for personal growth.
Get inspired about your life.
Beat the "joy-busters" that derail your happiness

2006-03-06T04:33:00.000-08:00

A FEW THOUGHTS ON APPRECIATION
"I murmured that I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet." -- Persian Proverb
"I have been blessed, with so much more than I deserve, to be here with the ones who love me, to love them so much it hurts." -- Martina McBride
"Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings each morning, thank-you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf." -- prayer
"The human race has had long experience and a fine tradition in surviving adversity. But we now face a task for which we have little experience, the task of surviving prosperity." -- Alan Gregg
"The world can be a horrible, cruel place -- at the same time it can be an abundant, wonderful place. These are both truths." --Lee Ross
"Now I know we had no money, but I was rich as I could be, in that coat of many colors, my Momma made for me." -- Dolly Parton

My children - Thank you

2006-03-06T04:25:00.000-08:00

well, I did not think that I will get such response for my write up about the 'Old age' Home. I thank every one who responded to it. Specially I want to put about my son and daughter-in-law's views. Here goes!
BEN & JEN said...
Mom, I feel that it will be a Privilege for me to Look after ya'll once u grow old. I owe you a lot and if i am here workin in the World's best Technology company it is just becoz of the Education that u have given me and i will always be grateful to u all. I love you Mom. Your visit to that Old Age Home will be the Last and u will never ever have the chance to Be there. What are Children for? Only to Take care of their Parents when they grow Old. It's Every Children's Responsibility. I love u both!

Yes, we too love you both.

2006-03-02T06:07:00.000-08:00

God Bless the Children..

2006-03-02T06:05:00.000-08:00

2006-03-02T05:57:00.000-08:00

John 3:16 A little boy was selling newspapers on the corner,the people were in and out of the cold. The little boy was so cold that he wasn't trying to sellmany papers. He walked up to a policeman and said, "Mister, you wouldn't happen to know where a poor boy couldfind a warm place to sleep tonight would you ?You see, I sleep in a box up around the corner there and down the alley and it's awful cold in there for tonight. Sure would be nice to have a warm place to stay."

The policeman looked down at the little boy and said, "You go down the street to that big white house and you knock on the door. When they come out the door you just say John 3:16, and they will let you in." So he did. He walked up the steps and knocked on thedoor, and a lady answered. He looked up and said, "John 3:16." The lady said, "Come on in, Son." She took him in and she sat him down in a split bottomrocker in front of a great big old fireplace, and she wentoff. The boy sat there for a while and thought to himself:John 3:16...I don't underst! and it, but it sure makes a cold boy warm. Later she came back and asked him "Are you hungry ?"He said, "Well, just a little. I haven't eaten in a couple of days, and I guess I could stand a little bit of food," The lady took him in the kitchen and sat him down to a tablefull of wonderful food. He ate and ate until he couldn't eat any more. Then he thought to himself: John 3:16...Boy, I sure don't understand it but it sure makes a hungry boy full. She took him upstairs to a bathroom to a huge bathtubfilled with warm water, and he sat there and soaked for awhile. As he soaked, he thought to himself: John 3:16... I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a dirty boy clean. You know, I've not had a bath, a real bath, in my whole life. The only bath I ever had was when I stood in front of that big old fire hydrant as they flushed it out.The lady came in and got him. She took him to a room, tucked him into a big old feather bed, pulled the coversup around his neck, kissed him goodnight and turned out the lights. As he lay in the darkness and looked out thewindow at the snow coming down on that cold night,he thought to himself: John 3:16...I don't understand it but it sure makes a tired boy rested. The next morning the lady came back up and took himdown again to that same big table full of food. After heate, she took him back to that same big old split bottom rocker in front of the fireplace andpicked up a big old Bible. She sat down in front of him and looked into his young face."Do you understand John 3:16? " she asked gently. He replied, "No, Ma'am, I don't. The first time I ever heard itwas last night when the policeman told me to use it," She opened the Bible to John 3:16 and began to explainto him about Jesus . Right there, in front of that big old fireplace, he gave his heart and life to Jesus. He sat thereand thought: John 3:16 -- don't understand it, but it suremakes a lost boy feel safe. You know, I have to confess I don't understand it either, how God was willing to send His Son to die for me, and how Jesus would agree to do such a thing. I don't understand the agony of the Father and every angel in heaven as they watched Jesus suffer and die. I don't understand the intense love for ME that kept Jesus on the cross till the end. I don't understand it, but it sure does make life worth living. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shouldnot perish, but have everlasting life. If you aren't ashamed to do this, please follow the directions . Jesus said, "If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamedof you before my Father." Pass this on only if you mean it. I do Love God. He is my source of existence.. He keeps me functioning each and every day. Phil 4:13

2006-03-02T05:48:00.000-08:00

Tsunami and Diabetes.

What has Tsunami to do with Diabetes? The report given by Dr.A.Ramachandran, Managing director of M.V. hospital for Diabetes is amazing!
It is a well known fact that stress and diabetes go hand in hand. It is one of the precipitating factors for diabetes. But it also plays a bigger role when patients go through a tough time in life when they lose their beloved ones and their property due to natural calamity. In such cases the intensity of stress is higher and hence the contribution to cause diabetes and hypertension is more.
The tsunami that struck India and other countries on 26th December 2004 brought large scale destruction of property and loss of human lives. More people suffered from severe psychological stress. Dr. Ramachandran, conducted a study on people who suffered heavily by the killer waves has been able to show a higher incidence of glucose intolerance- a precursor to diabetes and full blown- diabetes. The team led by him studied the fishermen living in North Chennai. Two populations of fishermen living in the same area –one group affected by the tsunami and the other were not. They belonged to the same age group and income level. The group that lived near the sea feared the most than the other population that lived away from the sea. The study done in April – June last year studied nearly 1400 persons from both groups.
He said that some individual’s scores did not correlate with diabetes or IGT but as a population the increased stress score in fishermen who suffered from tsunami did correlate with the increase in incidence undiagnosed diabetes and IGT. The possible non-correlation of stress and diabetes on an individual basis according to him is because each person would react to stress in a different way. And women were found to be more stressed than men. This is not the first time that a positive correlation between stress and diabetes has been found. A study done in people following the earth quake in Kobe, Japan found that the glycemic control was aggravated in diabetic patients after the earth quake than the control group in Osaka which was unaffected by the earth quake. It is also well known that people suffer from cardio vascular disease following stress. Catecholamine a natural hormone is responsible for increasing the heart beat and the blood pressure. In under severe stress the hormone goes up and it causes an increased in blood pressure. So stress is always a contributing and a risk factor in diabetes and hypertension.

2006-02-28T05:49:00.000-08:00

Gideons Bible Reading Calendar-

Meditation26thFeb- 4 th.March

Feb: 26…Numbers ,16,17 The Israelites kept on grumbling and they did facethe consequences. While the air was filled withrebellion God told Moses that “the rod of the man whomI choose will sprout”.17:15. We can also prosper andlead a fruitful life only when we get the favour ofGod. The rod was placed in the tent where God’spresence came down. The rod of Aaron had sprouted..We also must meet God and have contact with Him. Onlythen we can bear fruits.Prayer: -God, help us to seek your presence alwaysso that our life yields good fruits.

Feb: 27…Numbers 18,-,20There was no water for the Israelites. God told Mosesthat the rock would yield water if Moses spoke to it.When the people became rebellious Moses became angryand struck the rock twice with his rod. He disobeyedGod. God said that Moses would not enter the promisedland. Sometimes when situations become unmanageable,we tend to forget the presence and promise of God. Webecome impatient and begin to behave in ways contraryto God’s commands. We are warned to be careful and payattention to God’s words.Prayer: - God, we recall the situations which became tough and unpleasant because we failed toobey your command. We seek your forgiveness andbeseech you to help us obey you in all things.

Feb 28 Numbers 21,22,Inadequate knowledge of God and inordinate love formoney and wealth turned out to be the cause forBalaam’s fall. He was prepared to disobey God for thesake of material prosperity. His half hearted desireto follow God did not do him any good. His eyes wereblind to the presence of God because his heart wasfilled with earthly considerations. He could not seewhat his donkey saw. Eyes that focus on earthlybenefit will be blind to heavenly experiences.Prayer: God, help us to identify the factors thatmake us blind to your presence in our lives

Feb 29 Numbers 23-,25,Phinehas, the son of Eleazar got angry when Zimri failed to respect God. Of course anger can not bejustified. The anger of Phinehas was the result of his zeal for the Lord. As one becomes more and morelike God, he/she will be angered by sin. How do we react to the injustice , oppression and otherrelated evils that we find in the society? If we areangry, what have we done about it?What are the things that make us angry?Prayer: God, help us not to compromise with evil. Giveus the strength to identify and fight evil

MARCH

March 1 Numbers 26-27 Moses prayed to the Lord for a leader who would lead the people after him. He asked for God’s guidancein the choice of a suitable leader. When God showsthe right person, people will benefit. How are ourleaders chosen? Many institutions crumble because ofbad leadership. When people look up to God forguidance in the choice, they will never bedisappointed. Prayers before the selection andelection of leaders can work wonders. It is theresponsibility of the leaders to train people whowill take over after they quit the position bearing inmind that the work should go on.Prayer: God, when we are called to choose leadersfor responsible positions give us the grace to seekyour guidance. Help us not to fall a prey to pettypolitics and personal motives.

March 2

Numbers 28,29In these chapters God gives instructions about theofferings and celebrations of Passover, Feast ofWeeks, Feast of Tabernacles and Day of Atonement. Hewanted the burnt offerings in the morning and in thenight. This is similar to our prayers in the morningand night. In the morning we thank God for taking careof us in the night, pray that His presence be with usin all the work we do that day, ask Him to take careof all our loved ones and friends and commit allthose who work for the expansion of His kingdom in Hisloving protection. When we reach the end of the dayagain we thank Him for His mercies, look back upon theday and conduct a brief self evaluation asking Him tostrengthen our weak areas. The celebrations givepeople time to sit back and think of God’s grace andguidance. When a person becomes very busy with notime for reflection, his life will become chaotic. Unless a busy person learns to spend some quiet timeat the feet of God everyday, he/she can not work withefficiencyPrayer: Father God, we thank you for the occasionswhen we are able to think of your mercies in ourlives.

March 3 Numbers 30 – 31The Midianites were descendents of Keturah, Abraham’s second wife. Moses took refuge in the landof Midian. His wife was from that land yet theIsraelites and Midianites were enemies. The finalassignment for Moses was to fight with theMidianites. So they attacked and vanquished them. TheLord asked Moses to give a portion of the booty toGod. The rest of the booty was to be divided betweenthe warriors who went to the war and all the rest whostayed back. Those who fought could not claim all thebooty. God wants us to have this sensibility when wedeal with money. One portion is for God. The rest ofour own money is for us and also for others who mightneed our help. We can not enjoy all that we earn. Weare expected to act like wise stewards who willenjoy material possession with fair discernment. Prayer: God, we thank you for the opportunities toearn money and the privilege to share what we earnand possess with others who might need help.

-March 4

Numbers 32 -33The tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe ofManasseh wanted to settle east of the Jordan River.This area was conquered and all the tribes worked hardto do this. Moses misunderstood their request. Hethought that they were being selfish and were hesitantto cross over Jordan with others to conquer otherlands. But they said that the men would cross theriver to help the rest of the tribes to conquer thepromised land. Before that, they wanted to buildsheepfolds to protect their flocks and cities toprotect their families. Moses jumped into wrong conclusion about them. They did not forget theirresponsibilities to those who helped them to conquertheir land .Are we grateful to those who help us ?Prayer: God, help us not to jump into wrong conclusions.

2006-02-28T05:31:00.000-08:00

To day I had the chance of visiting a senior citizen’s home run by Sheela hospital. I am completing two months of my service here in Sheela Hospital. I am slowly getting used to my new job. Initially I had every feeling to abandon this job. You know it takes some time to get adjusted. The new city, the new people and everything around you is so strange... and people also look at you very strangely if when you do some thing... Well, I seem to have crossed all these barriers now and I am little comfortable.. I have to start liking what I do.
So my visit to the senior citizens' house came as an invitation rather than a request. A lady was sick and so a doctor was needed. I happily acknoweledged the invitation to see her. The home is about 8 Kilometers from the hospital, but within the boundaries of Coimbatore city. I was assisted by a nurse Deepa, a sweet looking one, very soft and gentle. Kamala was the patient, too shy to get admitted as she was huge and she thought that she could not fit into a stretcher of an ambulance. Well it was tough convincing her as she had very sharp pain due to the cellulitis and an abscess in the leg . The pus has to be removed. She needs to be investigated. The other inmates helped her to get into the ambulance.
I went around the home. I had very mixed feeling.... strange... bizarre.. is it the right word? in some rooms, husband and wife were living together. Most of them from very rich family. Highly educated,knowledgable.. retired as class one officers in the government service... some doctors, some engineers, Phds.. why should people prefer to go to homes? Can't they live with their children? unadaptable?.. children too much educated as to settle down in Phoren countries...how do we answer this..
Most of us come from joint families. The old take care of the young ones and the young take care of the old. This has been our culture. Why is there a deviation now? Old age homes are coming up now. The younger generation do not want to take care of the old people. They feel as though they are a burden. The present day generation is running after money,and fame. They are leading a fast life.There is so much of compettition,. They want to come to the top position in a short time. It is good, but they still have to look after the parents who gave everything for them to come up in their life.
I could see the hungry eyes lookin up for somebody to vist them. No doubt they are comfortable. They did tell me that they have the best facilties including medical facility, yet....There were posters in many rooms sent by their grandchildren that how much they love and care for them/. One senior citizen in particular was too happy as her three male children are in U.S.A as highly qualified doctors. She was so proud as her son is coming to Delhi to deliver a speech at Delhi A.I.I.M.S. What a joy! but she also felt that if she had a female child probably she could have stayed with them. The two sons of her got married to American girls and they don't have time to look after her. To her, this home is a heaven as she could not get adjusted with her American daughters-in-law. Both her sons talk to her every week end and she told me she was waiting for the weekend. Today is Just Monday!.
I spent about three hours talking to them examining them. It definitely did bring cheers to them and to me too. Suddenly I felt very insecured! May be one day I may also have to go in search of a Senior citizens home. O! Not that my children will abandon me, but it is going to be a way of life soon. Thank God for more and more of such homes are coming up in India. What a solace!!!!!.

2006-02-23T04:30:00.001-08:00

Walking in the light - Counting the cost Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Matthew 5:11,12 KJV __________________ "Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have my law in your hearts: Do not fear the reproach of men or be terrified by their insults. For the moth will eat them up like a garment; the worm will devour them like wool. But my righteousness will last forever, my salvation through all generations." Isaiah 51:7,8 NIV __________________ Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light. And your judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Psalm 37:5-7 NASB __________________ Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

2006-02-23T04:30:00.000-08:00

The Lord loves determined prayers. When you pray remember to be determined and give God no rest. Never stop seeking Him for your answer.

Luke 18:1 states “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;”

Elijah prayed seven times for rain in I Kings 18:44. While he remained on his knees, he told his servant, to go outside and look for rain. “And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.” Elijah prayed and did not give up until his answer came. That is an example of determined prayer.