* Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22
* Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. I Peter 5:7
* I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. Hosea 14:8
* And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you Matthew: 6:30
* You saw how the LORD your God cared for you all along the way as you traveled through the wilderness, just as a father cares for his child. Deuteronomy 1:31

Today's message is specially for those who constantly worry about this or that. The verses here make it crystal clear that our Lord will sustain us through our tough times as long as we cast our cares on Him. What does it mean to cast our cares on the Lord?

It simply means bringing our burdens to His feet, praying it over from the depth of our hearts, crying it over (if we feel like) at His feet (not to anyone else), and then no longer be burdened by it but rejoice in His love. You might ask how is it even possible not to be burdened by it?

The answer is if you truly believe God will answer your prayers and handle it for you, you will know better to refrain from worrying further. Or in other words if you continue to worry it only means you have not trusted Him to lead you through.

I am casting all my worries right away; hope you will join me too!

This is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord. 2 Kings 3:18

Whatever is your need this morning, however hard it seems to you, remember it is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord!

To read it in context, "This is what the Lord says: Make this valley full of ditches. For this is what the Lord says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink. This is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord..." 2 Kings 3:16-18

It might not seem like it is going to "rain". There may be no signs of deliverance. You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water! You and yours will drink!

The payment you are worried about, the job search that drains you out, the kids who are rebellious, the health condition of a loved one, the refinance that takes forever, it is all an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord.

If you read the earlier portion of the same chapter, Elisha makes a strong statement in verse 14. He says,: "I would not look at you or even notice you"; and we read that he ordered for a musician and sang hymns to the Lord.

That's exactly what we are going to do. Let us humble ourselves and look beyond our circumstances - beyond our bank balance, beyond the doctor's report, beyond the government statistics, we are going to praise and worship the Lord singing hymns to Him.

As we do, let us bring all our burdens at His feet this morning based on these words. His promises are yea and amen for those who believe! You may choose to place your hands on the screen or on the same portion of Scripture in your Bible and claim these very words as your own.

This is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord! Can't wait to hear praise reports on the same...

The ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. Isaiah 35:10

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:4

What powerful promises this morning! Praise the Lord!

Though it is widely applicable for all of us believers here at Coffee with Jesus, I can sense that it comes as a direct consolation message to someone in particular going through crying and sorrow this very minute - with no one around to care.

Don't ever think you are alone; you have a great Redeemer - who wipes away your tears, eases your pain, embraces you fully and loves you unconditionally. Amen!

May God bless you and fill you with the promised joy this very day! Repeat the promises to yourself and claim it as your own:

Everlasting joy will crown your head. Gladness and joy will overtake you. Sorrow and sighing will flee away! The Lord will wipe every tear from your eyes!

Can you say amen?

Today's reading: Proverbs 24 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "Do not say, “I’ll do to him as he has done to me; I’ll pay that man back for what he did." 24:29

Here is a perfect example of a characteristic of human nature in contrast with godly nature. It is natural in human nature to feel the urge to take revenge; however, it is not fit for the faithful, who is to leave it up to God to revenge.

Proverbs 20:22 goes hand in hand with this verse; it says: "Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you."

"It is mine to avenge; I will repay", says the Lord (Deuteronomy 32:25)

It may look like a failure as we can't reciprocate right away; but hang in there, God will repay.

"When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because your people have sinned against you, and when they pray toward this place and confess your name and turn from their sin because you have afflicted them, then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel. Teach them the right way to live, and send rain on the land you gave your people for an inheritance." 1 Kings 8:35-36

This scripture is from King Solomon's prayer of dedication as he dedicated the newly built Temple in Jerusalem. I suggest you please read this chapter in full to get a complete understanding of the context:

King Solomon considers a wide range of requests in his prayer at the dedication. He is standing at the alter, in front of the whole congregation of Israelites, attired in his royal clothes and the royal diadem, his hands raised upwards towards the heavens, his face lifted up, his voice loud and clear as he submits his requests one after another,  which also includes requests to send rain for his people and his land.

A King praying for his citizens is hard to even imagine. Imagine the leader of our respective countries praying for you and me! Prayer comes from deep within ones heart, which only implies how dedicated King Solomon was for his nation and his people and how eager he was pleading on their behalf for their rain.

He prayed: when God has shut up the heavens from rain because of the people's wrong doing, and if and when they repent and come back to Him, then God should be merciful to forgive them of their sins and open the heavens of rain.

I absolutely love how he ends this passage. He prays: "Teach them the right way to live, and send rain on the land you gave your people for an inheritance."

I can't help relating his prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ's plea to the Father intervening for us. Which means that even in this modern age we have a King pleading our case. Let us live up to His expectations and get forgiveness from the Father so that our rain won't delay any further.

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Trials could be overwhelming. Every human being suffers one way or another. Daily decision making, child rearing, balancing workload, relationship issues, physical health, financial needs could all add to our trials.

Many run away from the Lord, during tough times, instead of clinging closer to the Lord. They might even go to the extent of denying their faith to satisfy their own agenda and come to their own conclusion of matters.

But enduring the trials with steadfast faithfulness on God Almighty, will surely be rewarded.

Even Paul the great apostle writes, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

Jesus confirms, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 

Paul insists:
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Attitude is key in all. How we handle our trials? How we react to temptations? 

Job had the best attitude we can learn from:

Job's wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!”

Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong 1 Kings 3:9

A very interesting conversation goes on between God and King Solomon in the book of I Kings 3rd chapter. Agreed, it was a dream but we all know the dream very much came true.

God tells King Solomon to ask for anything he wants and very clearly, of course very cleverly, King Solomon asks for a discerning heart to govern and to distinguish between right and wrong. What was God's response to that? God gave him what he had asked for plus everything else he didn't dare asking for. Isn't that amazing!

If God is to appear in our dreams tonight, what will be our plea? What do we consider as the most important thing we need?

Are we seeking for a discerning heart to distinguish between right and wrong? Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. If we have the fear of the Lord in our heart, we already have a 'seed of wisdom' in us. We only need to ask for more to cultivate that 'seed'.

Is asking for wisdom part of our daily prayer? We will discuss the "how to" tomorrow.

He split the rocks in the desert and gave them water as abundant as the seas. Psalm 78:15

One thing that truly amazes me is a Water Fall. It seems almost magical to see water gushing out between huge rocks. Does it not?

During the Exodus the Israelites experienced it first hand - water came gushing out from the rocks in the desert, not just little - but as abundant as the seas! Can you imagine that?

Same way our Lord can provide for our needs out of any rocky situation where there seems like no way out. Not just a little; but as abundant as the oceans! Praise the Lord!

Thought sharing a video of a waterfall will help us understand the context better... As you enjoy the video be reminded that the Lord who met our needs in the past is still capable of meeting our needs in the present and the future! So, let's stop worrying and start praising the Lord's holy name.

Amen!

"Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him." 1 Samuel 1:17

We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests. Psalm 20:5

What strikes me most in these Scriptures is the goodness of heart from which such abundance of blessings flow. The first was Prophet Eli's response to Hannah crying and praying for a child.

The latter was a song written by King David possibly to bless his son or someone very significant to him; or may be it was to be sung by the choir to him who was the king.

We all would love these blessings for us this morning. Fair enough! Why not wish the same blessing to someone else in need of a word of encouragement today?!

I believe it is an awesome idea to bless others which would then fill our hearts with an abundance of goodness as well.

Whoever believes in me (Jesus), as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. John 7:38

Within such Streams of Living Water will flow abundant blessings for others; in turn we will be blessed too. Amen!

Have a great week ahead!

He is not here; he has risen! Luke 24:6

Amen! He is risen! Happy Resurrection Sunday to all who are joined here from all over the world. The only thing that brings us together is His Holy name.

The only thing that binds us closer is His love! Isn't it amazing how we all can unite under His Holy presence from far off places and still feel so connected!

We have all the more reason to rejoice this morning as we celebrate the resurrected Christ! Our Savior! He is risen!

Not only that, we too will be risen one day. If the Lord tarries and we pass on, at a twinkling of an eye when the trumpet calls we will rise and be caught up with the Lord in the skies. (I Corinthians 15:52) How awesome is that!

Let us sing Hosanna to our King all the more louder this morning and rejoice in His presence during the worship service. Let us not allow anything or anybody spoil the joy of our salvation this morning.

We will Rejoice! For He has risen!

Praise the Lord!

As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. Psalm 84:6

It is commonly understood that Baca stands for weeping or lamenting and hence the term Valley of Baca is understood as Vale of tear. It could mean a tearful journey or a fearful valley. Either way we can cherish it becoming a place of springs where the autumn rain also covers it with pools. It shows God can make a way out for us even when there is no possibility.

There is a mention of a similar valley in a very familiar psalm: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

King David relates to many such valleys as he was mostly on the run - running for his dear life. He kept praising the Lord even as he walked through these difficult valleys and in the end God brought him victory! Praise can make our valley of tears to be filled with springs and autumn rains and pools.

What then is stopping us from doing just that?!

Let's praise Him; shall we?!

 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. John 19:34

Today being Good Friday I thought we will meditate on a scene from Golgotha. I know many of us are devastated remembering the sufferings our Lord bore on our behalf. Rest assured He is alive and well! Indeed He overcame the sting of death!

John accounts for an incident at the cross. As part of making sure Jesus was dead, one of the soldiers pierced a spear through Him bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. Medical terms explain this to be a ruptured pericardium membrane which surrounds the heart. Clearly He suffered much deeper than our common perception of just the nails to the hands and feet and the crown of thorn. His body was literally torn... It's all for me, for you, for us, for humanity... to once for all atone for our sins!

There is a striking similarity to this scene in the old testament which reads, "Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank" Numbers 20:21

Let us pray that not a single drop of His blood go wasted but save the mankind for which it was shed. He is our Rock and Living Water flows from Him. Let us pray that not a single drop of this flowing water go wasted but refresh the weary souls of the mankind.

Let us remember His sufferings not just today, but every single day! Blessed Good Friday to you all!

Good morning! Just thought we can enjoy some music for a change. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did... Suggested reading for today: Ezekiel 47

It is hard to understand if Ezekiel is talking about a literal river or as some people interpret it, a symbolic river. To tell you the truth I believe it is a literal river which is going to change part of the dead sea into fresh water. How it will come about, I have no clue, but since the Word of God says it will come true, I believe it will!

Google search doesn't reveal much which makes me wonder why, but I am sure God is in the works however hard man tries to keep Him under covers. His words are Ye and Amen!

As we listen to the song here, let us believe for the spiritual river of God in our lives today!

Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." John 19:28

As we are in the passion week remembering the suffering of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, it is only fitting to meditate on the Scriptures from 'ground zero', at the very scene where the events took place.

I was pondering over the scene of the cross where Jesus was bruised and beaten to the point where not an inch of His body was spared. In addition to it all, he also suffered the agony of thirst! Why was it necessary to suffer Him thus even with thirst? Few thoughts that crossed my mind I wish to share with you here:

* So that the following Scriptures which were foretold about Him would be fulfilled:

- They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst. Psalm 69:21 &
- My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. Psalm 22:15

* To prove beyond doubt He was 100% human
* To prove beyond doubt He gave His very last for our redemption from sin.
* He expressed His thirst for our love.

 Remember, the same Jesus is also called the Living Water and says, "To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life." Revelation 21:6

Whatever you are thirsty for today, He is capable of fulfilling it. But first, let us make an effort to give our hearts to Him to quench His thirst at the cross, thus in turn quenching our own thirst or void or wants. He is the Spring of Living Water;yet He thirst for our connection with Him.

This is what the LORD says: "Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded," declares the LORD. Jeremiah 31:16

As part of our 'April showers of blessings' series we have been looking at all kinds of water such as rivers, showers, streams, rain etc and for today we will do a different kind of water - tears!

I can sense that today's verse is meant for someone for whom it is much needed! Whoever is crying continuously over something, this message comes from the Lord to you: "Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded".

King David cries out in Psalm 56:8: "You tell my wanderings: put you my tears into your bottle: are they not in your book?"  Indeed our every tear drop has been recorded and accounted for by our Lord.

In Revelation 21:4 we read, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

So, the message today comes loud and clear for whoever needs to hear: "Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded". Amen!

Lift up your heads, O you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
the Lord mighty in battle.

Lift up your heads, O you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty—
he is the King of glory. Psalm 24: 7-10

We celebrate Palm Sunday today, remembering the day our King of Glory entered Jerusalem, fully knowing that only six days later He would be crucified. In today's Scripture we read of a Triumphant King entering a city with gates. Let us take this opportunity to check our hearts and ask this question:

Do I have any ancient doors that are shut for my King?

Barnes Notes on the Bible has this beautiful explanation on this passage:

Lift up your heads ... - The repetition here is designed to give force and emphasis to what is uttered. The response is slightly varied both times; but the same general sentiment is expressed. The design is to announce in a solemn manner that the symbol of the divine presence and majesty was about to be introduced into the place of its permanent abode, and that this was an event worthy to be celebrated; that even the gates of the city should voluntarily open themselves to admit the great and glorious King who was to reign there forever.

In Revelation 3:20 we read, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me"

Imagine our King standing at the door and knocking... Shouldn't we all open our gates for Him already? 

Happy Palm Sunday everyone! Let's sing Hosanna to our King!

 For I will pour 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

"Water" in today's scripture clearly stands for the Holy Spirit.Whoever is thirsty for it, will be filled. This leads us to a question of What really is Holy Spirit?

Holy Spirit is the third person in the Divine Trinity. Trinity is a hard subject to grasp, but the easiest way to understand is, even we humans are a form of trinity - body, mind & soul - three unique forms of the one individual - person. Same way, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit are three unique forms of the one and only God Almighty!

Father God is our Father in Heaven, the Alpha, the Omega, the beginning and the end - whom no one has seen face to face except for Jesus Himself. Jesus Christ is the Son who was born without sin in human form to die for the sins of you and me. Jesus was crucified as a flawless lamb, as a sacrifice for our sins, resurrected the third day, ascended to heaven and lives forevermore intermediating between us mortals and God the Father.

Father God has given the name above all names 'Jesus' to His son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Days before Jesus was taken in to the clouds, He had promised of a Comforter who will be sent after Him to guide and lead the believers through this journey called life. That Comforter is the Holy Spirit.

Every person when they accept Jesus Christ as their Savior receives the Holy Spirit who abides in him guiding him in the paths of righteousness. However when the believer does not follow the directions of the Holy Spirit or gets overwhelmed with worldly pleasures of life, Holy Spirit could depart him. When we repent, leave the old ways and get back to God, we are infilled again with the Holy Spirit.

That's what today's scripture talks about. When we thirst for the refilling of the Holy Spirit in us, God will pour it abundantly on us. Not only that, He will also pour out the Holy Spirit on our children and children's children, all because we thirst for it.

Holy Spirit is a must have in our Faith journey without whom we cannot successfully complete the walk. Let's stop now to get some. On our part all we need to do is to be thirsty for Him...

 The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters. Psalm 29:3

Thunder surely feels like God's voice, does it not?! If you have some time today, please read Psalm 29 and see whatelse God's voice is capable of doing. This is a beautiful passage.

When I visited Niagara Falls for the first time, I was so filled with the Holy Spirit that I was only speaking in tongues and praising and worshipping the Lord - the creator of such a magnificient thundering water fall! That's when I truly understood the meaning of this verse.

Many times we talk about only the love of God and forget how powerful He really is. He is Almighty! All Powerful! Yet loving! Isn't that something?!

Psalm 81: 7 says, "You called in trouble and I rescued you; I answered you in the hiding place of thunder...". Let's remember this as we start the weekend.

"Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing.

It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 

The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground." Joshua 3:15-17

If you haven't already read this passage that narrates the crossing over of the river of Jordan, I strongly recommend you take a few minutes to read it today. Click here to read online.

You will certainly be amazed at the wonderful hand of God as He prepared the way for the Israelites to cross over. You will notice that it was against all odds God stopped the river that day. Let's pay close attention as we read this passage once again. Few things that stand out are:

* Jordan was actually flooding that day (as it was harvest time)
* As soon as the priests' feet touched the water's edge, the upstream water stopped flowing. It was instantaneous, almost magical!
* It piled up in a heap at a great distance away, nowhere close to the people lest they be afraid
* The second half that flows into the sea was completely cut off - as if there was no river at all!
* The priests stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan
* The whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground

There have been similar 'flooding Jordan' situations we have passed through in our lives. If we look back now we will realize how the 'upstream water' had stopped flowing and the 'downstream river' was completely cut off and how we had passed through 'dry land' as if there was no trace of a 'flooding river'.

I can testify for it in my life and I am sure each one of you can too. Let us give praises to God Almighty every time we think of His wonders. From what we know of our past deliverance we can fully trust Him for our future too. Amen!

 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you." Isaiah 43:2

Today's scripture is a promise verse from God. We are familiar with the Israelites journey across the red sea and the river of Jordan. Just as how God was with them when they passed through these waters, He has promised to be with us also.

Here water represents turmoil or calamity or sudden danger or why not real water too! Whatever is the circumstances none of these waters can sweep over us. The waters may be too close, the rivers may seem too wild at times, the floods could overwhelm us, but remember these waters can never harm us. How can we say that for sure? Because that's exactly what our Lord has promised us.

King David sings in Psalms 29, "The LORD sits enthroned over the flood", which is true of any flood like situation too.

Let us repeat the verse to ourselves and claim it as our own today: When I pass through the waters, God will be with me; and when I pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over me. Amen!

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:25

We are all familiar with the two builders Jesus spoke about in His mountainside preaching in Matthew 7. The wise builder built his house on the rock which withstood the heavy downpour of rain, floods and the wind. The other house which was built on the sand could not withstand these natural forces of elements and the builder is referred to as foolish.

In this context the rain, wind and flood relate to the day-to-day struggles of life. Jesus goes on to explain that anyone who puts the words of Jesus in practice is like the wise builder and others are like the foolish builder.

"Rock of Salvation" is another name for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You will be amazed to see how often King David refers to God as his Rock; for sure he was a wise builder. In Deuteronomy we read: Jeshurun (Israel) ...abandoned the God who made him and rejected the Rock his Savior. 32:15; surely he was a foolish builder.

What kind of builders are we?

"Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain." I Kings 18:41

You must read Kings if you haven't read already, which is full of accounts of kings and prophets. The scripture here is a conversation as it happened between Prophet Elijah and King Ahab. Ahab was an evil king and he had married Jezebel who was a devote worshipper of Baal. Elijah had prophesied three years ago that there would be no rain on the land for three years until he prays for it again.

At the end of the three years, Elijah appears before Ahab and invites the prophets of Baal for a sacrifice of bulls. Baal's prophets were to sacrifice one bull and Elijah was to sacrifice another and whoever serves the true God their sacrifice would be accepted. We learn that Baal's prophets screamed and shouted and even hurt themselves but no answer to their prayers.

When it was Elijah's turn he prayed: "Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.  When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!”

That's when Elijah tells Ahab, "Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain". It comes true shortly that there is a mighty downpour of rain after three long years of famine and draught.

What I wish to point out for today's take away is that we must also analyze ourselves and remove our Baals and any other idols such as fame, fortune or whatever else we are after. Then our years of drought will be exhausted by abundant rain, promised in today's Scripture.

Happy Monday all! His mercies are new every morning! Every week! Every Monday! Amen!

 "Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God." Hebrews 6:7

Today's verse hits the nail strong and hard: The land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God.

We are the land that drink the rain falling on us often. If we produce useful crops to Him who farms, then we will receive blessing of God. As we long for our abundant rain this season let us keep this in the back of our minds that our abundant rain should be a source of rain for someone less fortunate than us.

Wishing everyone a wonderful "Son"day!

"Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before." Joel 2:23

Joel 2nd chapter is a beautiful chapter and filled with beautiful promises. Please read it if you have a minute today.

I want to leave you with just the verse today:

"Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before."

Have a blessed day!

 "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven,and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish,so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:10,11

Once again a beautiful scripture here on rain but this time rain is symbolized as the Word of God. It is not a mere interpretation by man; but by God Himself through Prophet Isaiah, which makes it even more special.

The message is simple: Like how rain and snow flourish the earth and brings us yields, the Word of God always brings us its bounty. Both never return empty. Rain and the Word of God will both accomplish what God desires and achieve the purpose for which He sends it.

It is safe to rephrase it as: When there is no rain, there will be no yield. Sameway when there is no consumption of the Word of God, there will be no yield from within us. If we were to bear fruits, we need to drink from the rain of the Word of God. It is not a once in a life time kind of rain or a seasonal rain. It has to be our regular practice.

Let us consume the Word of God to be yielding fruits to our Master. Remember not one of the Word is in vain, including this very message. It is like a double edged sword which is sent to fulfill a definite purpose in our lives. I plan on getting wet today, how about you?

"So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul— then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and oil. I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied."  Deuteronomy 11: 13-15

For those of you who are not aware we have started a new series called April Showers of  Blessing for this month which explains why we have a "rain" scripture everyday.

Today's scripture is self explanatory and so I am not inclined to explain it further. But just wanted to point out that the promise of rain is a conditional blessing.

If we faithfully obey His commands, He will send rain on our lands in its season. Let us stop worrying about the seasons that are going to come. Let us just obey His commandments; God will send us the rain even where it doesn't seem possible. He will provide for our retirement, for our children's education, for all our needs; in its season the showers will be sent from heaven.

So, let us stop worrying and start praising because that is our command!

"Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime; it is the LORD who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to men, and plants of the field to everyone" Zechariah 10:1

The message comes loud and clear - Ask the Lord for rain. Rain? What rain? Showers of blessings of course.Whatever pressing needs we have let us bring it all at His feet today. Ask and you will receive! Let us ask our Lord to send us the showers of blessings we have been longing for.

It could be a job, it could be a much needed vacation or financial freedom or spiritual freedom or physical healing or mental healing - whatever it is, you know your need. Let us together bring it all at His feet and pray over these days; let's hold hands:

Dear Father in Heaven! We praise your name as we begin the 4th month in this new year Lord. Thank you for your provisions in the last three months Lord. Thank you that you are going to provide for us throughout this new month too Lord. Dear Lord, the scripture asks us to ask for rain Lord. We are here gathered in your name - asking for the rain you have promised us Lord. Please send your rain at this very moment Lord, this very day Lord. Thank you Jesus! 

Please send the rain according to each need we have brought to your feet this morning Lord! Please Lord, we know you are mighty to save! We know your promises are ye and amen! We know you said if we ask we will receive it Lord. Now we are asking Lord. We do believe you are sending us the showers Lord. Please Lord, let the people not be disappointed Lord. Please meet their needs Lord. You alone can do it Lord. Send them the much needed rain Lord! In your beloved son our beloved Savior Jesus Christ's name we pray, Amen!

As we enter April, I thought it will be a good idea to discuss the many showers scriptures talk about in various aspects, hence the series: 'April Showers of Blessings'. This is a repeat from a couple of years ago, but trust me His grace is new every morning and I am sure the Holy Spirit will teach us something new each time we repeat/learn the same Scriptures.

Today's verse: "I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing." Ezekiel 34:26

This is a very interesting passage, you must read it if you have time. Here's the link: Ezekiel 34

To set the context, this chapter is a prophecy of Ezekiel who foretells that Israel will be scattered all over the world and yet God will bring them back together to the pastures of Israel.

It can also be applied to us - the Spiritual Israelites - that it is a warning or reprimand against Pastors (Shepherds) who do not take care of the sheep (the church) but take care of themselves, and the sheep (us) who are constantly fighting with one another and who are never content with what we have; not only that we trample down the left over pasture (word of God) and muddy the left over water (Spirit of God).

When we accept the reprimands and shun from wrong doing and get back to our Good Shepherd, then He will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. As you see here, the Lord reprimands the shepherds and the sheep alike, yet you can clearly see He has a soft corner for the sheep over the shepherds.

I understand reprimands are not a pleasure and it is hard starting a new month on this basis. But the love of our Good Shepherd is much stronger than this little scoldings. So, be encouraged it will be a great month! Happy April everyone!