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* "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. Isaiah 1:18
* "Present your case," says the LORD. "Set forth your arguments," says Jacob's King. Isaiah 41:21
* Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together; state the case for your innocence. Isaiah 43:26

It appears that our Lord is in for a long haul this morning. He is calling us to go reason with Him - to present our case before Him - to argue the matter together - in other words to have a heart to heart conversation with Him!

If something is nagging in your mind and you are not sure what to make of it, this could be the time you get His guidance on! Or the things you have no control on and which are beyond your reach, just surrender those to Him. I am sure He can handle it well. Of course tell Him about the certain things that were quite disappointing lately, the health report, the pressure at work, the weight gain, tell Him all in all. He will listen; you will feel lighter.

Sure, tell Him why you did certain things certain way and why something someone said you do not approve of, what you are really sorry about, etc. Tell Him about everything that has been bothering you lately and the little things that made you smile. Remember the new red shoes you recently found on sale?! Well, don't forget to thank Him for that...

Remember, this is a two way conversation; He may also have something to say to you... Something you said or did that He doesn't approve of, or something you said and did that He is so proud of. He will assure you He loves you and has all your worries in control and will remind you the areas in which he expects you to improve. Overall it will be a great conversation to reflect on! So, let's get started now...

Pin It Now! Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs. Isaiah 61:7

Is there an area in your life where you often experience shame, reproach, ridicule, are you taken for granted, made fun of or treated as a laughing stock?

The word today says instead of your shame, you will have a double portion and that you will enjoy everlasting joy.

Double portion here could be our physical blessings such as job, home, promotion, etc. But more importantly a double portion of spiritual blessings such as more joy, more peace, more love, more infilling of the Holy Ghost, more of faith, more of dependency on the Lord, more adoration for Him, more souls for His kingdom...etc. are definitely sources of everlasting joy.

When we have more of these spiritual blessings we will be "double grateful" for all the blessings we have been granted. When we are well satisfied with what we have, definitely it brings everlasting joy and instead of our disgrace we will rejoice in our inheritance. Amen!

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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.

Pin It Now! You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8

One of the most evident manifestation of the gift of the Holy Spirit is that we will be witnesses for Jesus Christ.

Witness by definition goes:
a. One who can give a firsthand account of something seen, heard, or experienced.

By witnessing we share our story of how we got saved. Every believer has a story to share; a story of three part:

1. How you were before you met Christ
2. What happened when you met Christ
3. What you have become after you met Christ.

More than us God is interested in reaching souls. He will make every opportunity available for us where we can be a witness for Him just by sharing our story - at work, among friends, with neighbors, over facebook, the possibilities are endless!

Now, are you willing?

Pin It Now! "... these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well." ...the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. Mark 16:14-20

"... you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:4
Listed here are few Scriptures that talk about the external manifestation of the indwelling or the infilling of the Holy Spirit within us. I do not think further explanation is needed as these Scriptures are self explanatory.

Yet, I would like to discuss one subject 'Speaking in tongues' here which is constantly argued about among believers - mostly between believers who have received the gift of speaking in tongues and believers who have not received the gift. Some go to the extent to say one cannot go to heaven if they don't speak in tongues and some go to the other extreme that people talking in tongues are evil possessed.

We have to be very cautious about making such statements because any such remarks are against the Word of God. The Scripture says, "Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin." Mark 3:29. So it is extremely important to refrain from doing so.

The Scripture says, "Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever" Hebrews 13:8. Therefore the Scriptures on the manifestations of the Holy Spirit are also true yesterday, today and forever, not just for the first century as some claim.

Just because one hasn't manifested in Spirit certain way doesn't make him any less holy than the one who has manifested and vice versa one who speaks in tongues must not boast against the one who does not. Paul instructs us in I Corinthians 10:31, "whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." and again in I Corinthians 14:40, "...everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way."

So, coming back to our original discussion on Speaking in tongues:

Is it true? Yes, absolutely.
How do I say it so confidently? Because I have experienced it myself.
How does it help? Helps me pray better especially during my personal prayer time and during worship.
What is the advantage? I can connect better with the Almighty, loving Him better with body, mind and soul. The Christian walk has been more rewarding as I can sense a constant companionship in the Father, Son & Holy Spirit. The whole concept of 'being holy like the One who called us is holy' is less challenging with the constant reminder from the Holy Spirit about things good vs. evil.

If you have unanswered questions, bring it on! We will discuss it on the coffee table. God alone be glorified in and through us!

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* And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:5

* Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." Galatians 4:6

First and foremost the gift of the Holy Spirit pours out His love into our hearts - an abundant overflowing love, for Christ our Lord, for the neighbors, for fellow mankind, for the sinners and for all.

In addition to that we now have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us that calls out "Abba, Father" thus giving us a sense of closeness with God.

Clarke's Commentary on the Bible states:

This love is the spring of all our actions; it is the motive of our obedience; the principle through which we love God, we love him because he first loved us; and we love him with a love worthy of himself, because it springs from him: it is his own; and every flame that rises from this pure and vigorous fire must be pleasing in his sight: it consumes what is unholy; refines every passion and appetite; sublimes the whole, and assimilates all to itself. And we know that this is the love of God; it differs widely from all that is earthly and sensual.

The Holy Ghost comes with it; by his energy it is diffused and pervades every part; and by his light we discover what it is, and know the state of grace in which we stand. Thus we are furnished to every good word and work; have produced in us the mind that was in Christ; are enabled to obey the pure law of our God in its spiritual sense, by loving him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and our neighbor, any and every soul of man, as ourselves.

True, speaking in tongues and prophesying are other signs that accompany the infilling of the Holy Spirit. But if we lack the fundamental love the Scripture here talks about then these external signs are of no use or it is voided.

This is exactly what Paul writes in I Corinthians 13:1-3

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

So, now you know if you have received the gift or not. If you have the assurance you have received the gift of the Holy Spirit, Congratulations! Continue to abide in His love! If you are not sure, continue to pray for the gift.

In the next couple of days we will see further manifestation of the Gift of the Holy Spirit such as speaking in tongues and prophesying. May God be glorified in and through us!

Pin It Now! While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”

They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”

“John’s baptism,” they replied.

Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all. Acts 19:1-7

Our discussion on the Holy Spirit continues... Some might ask if these kinds of discussions are even necessary at the coffee table. In John 8:31-32, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

And that is exactly what we are up to - to know the truth...

Many denominations within the Church argue Holy Spirit is received when a person believes Jesus Christ as their Lord & Savior or when the believer takes baptism. True to some extent. When a person is born again he has accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and has an assurance his sins are forgiven. Definitely Holy Spirit dwells in him. However, this is different from the manifestation of Holy Spirit that we are discussing here.

In the above passage we see that the desciples were believers for a while; yet the manifestation of the Holy Spirit as mentioned in terms of speaking in tongues, prophesying, etc. was a new experience for them. That is what we want - this renewing, regenerating gift which is the infilling of the Holy Spirit!

How and why receiving the anointing of Holy Spirit important?
To live a holy life would be the simple answer, as we have discussed earlier. To continue to abide in Him. To be used for His glory.

How do we receive the Holy Spirit?
By inviting Him into our hearts with a sincere desire for Him. Luke 11:9-10 says, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

For those who are not sure, you don't have to take my word for it. Try a simple prayer with an earnest heart and God will reveal it to you.

"Our Father in heaven! We come at your presence this morning with an earnest heart to receive the Holy Spirit Lord. If it is true that there is an experience of infilling of the Holy Spirit, then reveal it to me Lord. Teach me according to the Scriptures Lord. You speak into my heart Lord. You guide me Lord. I too want the same experience of the infilling of the Holy Spirit, Lord. Anoint me Lord; Fill me Lord. Give me the gift of the Holy Spirit Lord! In Jesus's name I pray, amen!"

How do we know we have received the Holy Spirit?
We'll discuss that tomorrow...

Pin It Now! * Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:3

* This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. 1 John 4:2-3

* But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. 1 John 2:20

What are the evidences of the Holy Spirit living in us?

The answer is plain and simple from today's Scriptures. Holy Spirit acknoledges that Jesus is Lord; which means that all of us believers who acknowledge that Jesus is Lord already have Holy Spirit living in us!

How can we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit?

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. Acts 10:45 

What more can we expect from the Holy Spirit?

Holy Spirit prays for us in accordance with God's will. The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. (Romans 8:26-27)

Holy Spirit brings us a step closer to God. We are no longer mere mankind but His sons and daughters! Amen! We read in Romans 8:15, For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." Amen!

Why do we need more of the Holy Spirit?

It is the power of the Holy Spirit or an overflowing abundance of the anointing of the Holy Spirit we need to strive for, so that we can be His witnesses wherever we go. You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8

The more Holy Spirit anointing we receive the more holy our way of life becomes and our thought process, our actions, our hobbies, our prayers will be holy molding us more and more in the image of God.

Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14

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Pin It Now! When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:1-4

The portion of Scripture we read above describes exactly what happend on that first day of Pentecost.

What is Pentecost? Pentecost is the fourth festival following Passover. Passover, Unleaven Bread & First Fruits are the three festivals celebrated before Pentecost. The first three are celebrated in the same week however Pentecost is celebrated 50 days later, following the festival of First Fruits.

What is the significance of the day of Pentecost? It is not a coincidence that Jesus was killed as our Passover Lamb, broken as our unleavened bread, rose again on the third day as the First Fruit! Forty days later our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven promising that He will soon send a comforter. Ten days later, that is fifty days after His resurrection, Holy Spirit - the promised comforter descended on His desciples on the day of Pentecost!

How does Pentecost apply to us?
The very same Comforter is available for us to experience the very same infilling of the Holy Spirit in us, even today! Some argue Holy Spirit lives in us since the time of our birth; some argue the Holy Spirit dwells in us when we get saved or born again; each of these arguments are true. However, the human spirit in us or the sin nature would overtake the evidence of Holy Spirit if there is no fanning of the fire if you will.

Why do we need to experiece Pentecost?
Pentecost or the baptism of Holy Spirit is the third most important experience ( after being born-again and baptised in water) we as believers should strive for. It was not an experience for just the first generation followers of Christ. Holy Spirit is alive and well even today. He can reignite the fire in us, helping us to become an image of God. The more infilling of Holy Spirit we receive the more we will repel our sin nature.

What 's next?
What stops you from desiring the Holy Spirit?  How can you overcome your inhibitions of the infilling of Holy Spirit? How do we ask and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit? We will discuss each in detail in the coming days... May the Lord Himself make things clear to us from His Scriptures. Please come expecting His touch. God bless you!

Pin It Now! 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

Some among us are spiritually barren. We are so overwhelmed by the worldly affairs of life that there hasn't been much fruits in us. Our love has gone cold. Our hearts have gone dry.

Just like when the land is dry it gets parched and broken and non-pliable our hearts become hard and non-flexible, insensitive. It takes Divine intervention to heal the dry land. The rains come down and the water softens the land.

As rain starts pouring season after season, the land starts to come alive with plants and trees and birds and flowers and fruits and what not! The land becomes much desired. It is now a fertile land that people flock to. It yields its fruit in season making it profitable. The air is fresh, water is plenty and there is an abundance of healing and blessing around it.

Same way, we need a Divine intervention in our Spiritual barrenness! We need rain. We need the pouring out of the Holy Spirit! Only the continual infilling of the Holy Spirit can make us thrive with joy and health and life! The Spirit empowers us to be refreshed in His love thus making us refreshing to others. The Spirit dwells in us teaching us, guiding us, showing us the way to go.

It takes the Holy Spirit to enable us to become an image of God. Our hearts become sensitive to His touch. Our lives become fruitful for the Lord! We will be barren no more but fertile!

How many of us wish to become such a fertile land this morning? Are we thirsty for His Spirit this morning? Let us ponder over these thoughts and get thirsty for the Lord.

Please stay tuned for more discussion on Holy Spirit in the coming days. If you have any questions on the topic bring it on to discuss at the coffee table. God bless you!

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If you are not feeling up to going to church today, here's a reminder for you:

“If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath

and from doing as you please on my holy day,

if you call the Sabbath a delight

and the Lord’s holy day honorable,

and if you honor it by not going your own way

and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,

then you will find your joy in the Lord,

and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land

and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.”

The mouth of the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 58:13-14

It doesn't matter which day of the week we choose to gather to worship the Lord; whichever day it is, let us do it willingly. Then we will find our joy in the Lord and all of the other blessings promised above will be ours!

Let's enjoy the 'Son'day!

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The Lord said to Moses, “Gather the people together and I will give them water.” Then Israel sang this song: “Spring up, O well! Sing about it, about the well that the princes dug, that the nobles of the people sank - the nobles with scepters and staffs.” Numbers 21:16-18

Interestingly this scripture from the Old Testament has a striking resemblance to the New Testament where Jesus offers Living Water to the thirsty (John 4:13)! Also John reminds us: "Whoever believes in Him, streams of living water will flow from within him." (John 7:38)

The Lord talks through Prophet Jeremiah, "My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water." Jeremiah 2:13

The question today is, is this our story? Have we forsaken our Spring of Living Water? Have we dug our own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water?

In other words, have we forsaken Him and served other "gods" that never satisfy us such as - our forms of entertainment, ways of recreation, kinds of socializing, you name it - anything and everything that is our top priority in terms of our time, finances and energy? Hope not!

OR can we gladly say, "With joy I will draw water from the wells of salvation" (Isaiah 12:3) Then we can sing like the Israelites sang: “Spring up, O well!"

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* 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. Zechariah 4:6
* It is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves... I Samuel 17:47
* The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. Ecclesiastes 9:11

Do we need anymore assurance than what we have in these Scriptures that our victory belongs to the Lord? Our might or power can not compare to the Spirit of the Lord. No sword or spear against us can stand before the Lord. There is no guarantee that the swift will win a race or the strong the battle. Can't take it as a fact that if we are wise we will be fed and wealthy or favored if we have education.

To sum up, nothing in us is worth anything when it comes to providing for our needs. It is all by grace we survive. It is a little too hard to accept; as we mostly believe we make our living. But that is not true. There are so many things beyond our control that need to work together for us to live our life. No amount of money can ever buy love, joy or good health. It is all His grace and only GRACE!

Let us say in unison, "Not by my might nor by my power, but by His Spirit".

Amen! God bless you and have a wonderful weekend!

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Be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 1 Samuel 12:24

Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." Psalm 126:2

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13

And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good? Deuteronomy 10:12-13

Throughout generations, the plea remains constant - Fear the Lord and serve Him with all your heart!

Do we?

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Then Samuel brought Saul and his servant into the hall and seated them at the head of those who were invited—about thirty in number. Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the piece of meat I gave you, the one I told you to lay aside.”

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"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

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Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. Psalm 2:12

Kissing is a token of expressing affection. We don't just kiss anybody, but people related to us. So, if we are to kiss the Son, we should have established a personal relationship with Him.

Who is the Son? How do we develop a personal relationship with Him? In I John 4:15 we read, "If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God."

Romans 10:9 says, "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

I John 5:5 we read: "Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."

So, to answer our question: Jesus is the Son of God and by believing in Him we can develop a personal relationship with Him.

Then we can kiss the Son, lest he be angry and we be destroyed in our way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are we who take refuge in him. Amen!

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Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! Isaiah 49:15

Happy Mothers Day! As we all honor our mothers today, just wanted to remind you about our Heavenly Father who is more than a mother to each one of us!

It is highly impossible for a mother to forget her child. But even if she were to, the Lord promises He never will!

King David took this promise to heart; he sang: Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. Psalm 27:10

Amen!

Especially when a parent passes away we feel forsaken, lonely and unloved. Instead of brooding over sorrows, let us find our solace in the embrace of our Lord this morning! He is the one thing constant about this life and the next! His words are yeah and amen!

Few Scriptures here to encourage you celebrate and honor your mothers:

Keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching. Proverbs 6:20

Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Poverbs 23:22

Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:32

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Ephesians 6:1

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According to your faith will it be done to you. Matthew 9:29

What is Faith? Complete trust, strong belief are some words used to describe faith. Hebrews 11:1 gives us a clear definition of what is faith; it reads: "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

Hebrews 11 is known as the Faith chapter. Please check it out if you have a few minutes today by clicking here. It lists a few scenarios of faithful people such as Enoch, Abraham, Noah etc.

They chose to believe the promises of God without looking for a logical reasoning and it sure it came true in their life.It was credited to them because of their belief. No doubt, if they had not believed it would not have been fulfilled. That's what happened to the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years, since leaving Egypt.

In spite of witnessing the miracles of God in their day to day life, they did not have complete trust or strong belief that they would indeed inherit the promised land. We read that not one of them entered the land except for Joshua and Caleb who had chose to believe the promises.

So,the bottom line is, we are blessed according to our faith. I think it is fair; what do you say?

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* A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much. Proverbs 20:19
* A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. Proverbs 11:13

What is gossip? (noun)

A person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others.
A person who chatters or repeats idle talk and rumors, esp. about the private affairs of others.

The Bible instructs us to stay away from gossip. How do we stay away from gossip? The simple straight forward answer would be to put an end to a gossip then and there. I mostly tell people, "Let's not talk about it". It comes out awkward I am sure, but I would rather end it there than listening to the other person go on and on and on.

In my honest opinion listening to a gossip is equally bad as spreading the gossip. Also, remember a person who gossips about someone to you would definitely go around gossipping about you to others.

As believers we should not get trapped by the habit of gossipping. If someone shares a prayer request with you, don't feel the urge to go and share it with someone else. Keep it confident and pray over it. No act can justify a gossip.

Some people say, "I would like a good gossip or two". There is nothing "good" about any gossip. It is a waste of time and will surely come back to bite us. At any cost, let's avoid gossip!

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Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21

All believers have experienced this "voice" leading our way. This is the Holy Spirit or Counsellor promised to be sent to us as Jesus was ascending to Heaven.

There are times we would prefer the voice to be a little louder or even audible to know for sure it is Him talking. We expect to hear thunder and lightning or some extravagent display of God at work.

In I Kings 19:11-12 we read about Elijah encountering this voice from the Lord. It says:

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by."

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.

However often times we neglect this still small voice or the gentle whisper and continue on our journey as we please. We are quick to be angry, quick to argue, quick to defend ourselves, quick to blame others, quick to take credit, etc.

All the while the Holy Spirit gently directs: "This is the way; walk in it." Are we listening?

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O God, do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God, be not still. Psalm 83:1

From time to time in our Christian walk we experience a kind of  'silence' from the Lord. We don't immediately realize it and for a day or two we can ignore it and then suddenly we start to panic.

Looking up the Scriptures we can see a few did relate to similar terms.

In today's Scripture Asaph the music director of King David cries out to God: O God, do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God, be not still.

King David on several occasions has shared the same sentiments:

O LORD, you have seen this; be not silent. Do not be far from me, O Lord. Psalm 35:22
O God, whom I praise, do not remain silent Psalm 109:1
O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer Psalm 22:2
To you I call, O LORD my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit. Psalm 28:1

If you were to read each of these psalms you will note that this is when the psalmists pour out the contents of their heart about their enemies, what they did to them and how God can punish them etc etc. and almost always they find solace at the end of the psalms just from doing that. It works wonders like a therapy if you will.

We can try it too - speaking openly with God about the unfairness around us and asking Him to work wonders on our behalf. He does listen and lessen our burden in no time.

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Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

Filthy words proceed from corruption in the speaker, and they corrupt the minds and manners of those who hear them: Christians should beware of all such discourse. It is the duty of Christians to seek, by the blessing of God, to bring persons to think seriously, and to encourage and warn believers by their conversation. Be ye kind one to another. This sets forth the principle of love in the heart, and the outward expression of it, in a humble, courteous behavior.

For a second time this week we are reminded of the same subject: about how our talk should be. I am sure it is the Holy Spirit in the works.

It is put in plain and simple words so that we can understand it as is, without much explanation. Let us not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths. Let us not use fillers to fit in or feel good in a gathering.

Let our words be helpful for building others up spiritually;  let our conversations be beneficial for those who listen and as per yesterday's message, let our words be few!

God bless you all! Enjoy the Tuesday!

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Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2

As we start a new week today, I want to put a challenge in front of us - to make our words few.

Through the week, anytime we feel the urge to talk more, to explain our cases, to judge someone, to argue, why not even in our prayers, let us remind our self about this very verse and make a conscious effort to make our words few.

The chances are, we will be tempted more. But with the grace of God we can handle it the way the Scripture teaches us and before long it could become our very nature!

Shall we try?

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Pin It Now! do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7

"Be still and know that I am Lord" Psalm 46:10

How to be still?
A well known verse from the Bible, yet one we all struggle with. When situation calls for a panic we start running wild, trying to figure out a solution for the issue at hand, instead of submitting it at the Lord's feet and doing things in accordance with His divine guidance.

Only when all our "resolutions" fail we come to the Lord - as our last resort. All the while He was there saying, "Be Still"!

Only when we are still we can know that He is Lord

For example when a child gets hurt with a thorn of some kind, we as parent can't help much unless the child calms down and allows us to intervene. In the same way, our Father Lord asks us to be still; so that He can intervene and take care of our pain and suffering. Why is it hard for us to do? Can we at least try?

Let us make it part of our prayer going forward: "Dear Lord, Please teach us to be still so that we can see your glory. In Jesus' name - Amen"

Pin It Now! trust in him and he will do this:

the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Psalm 37:5-6

Amen! What a great promise for us this morning. In fact, I believe this is a direct message for me as much as for the rest of you around the coffee table.

The world around us is tough. It speaks foul language. It hates the godly. It ridicules the righteous and deny justice to their cause. On the other hand, it supports the ungodly, goes hand in hand with the foul mouthed and loves their ways. It is difficult to survive such a world on a daily basis - almost impossible on our own!

That's when promises like these encourage our spirits and speaks directly to our souls. It is an assurance that the Lord support our righteous cause; and bring us justice like the bight sun. Just as bright and powerful the sun is at noon, everyone will see us shine through!

However, it all starts with a commitment on our side - to commit to His ways and trust in Him. Which then brings us to our today's discussion: How to commit our ways to the Lord?

When Moses summoned all Israelites and gave them the ten commandments from the Lord, he had given an important instruction which holds true for us even to this day:

Be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Deuteronomy 5:32

Prophet Isaiah's message for Judah and Jerusalem can be as is applied to our lives:

Wash and make yourselves clean.
Take your evil deeds  of my sight!
Stop doing wrong, learn to do right!
Seek justice,
encourage the oppressed.
Defend the cause of the fatherless,
plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:16-17

King Solomon shares a wise word: Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3.

He repeats in Proverbs 3:6, In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Yet again He says, in Proverbs 4:27, Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

The Bible is full of instructions on how we can continually commit our ways to the Lord. We only need to read it and apply it in our lives - with a conscious effort.

Then the Lord will bring forth our justice as bright as the noonday sun and our righteousness will shine like the dawn!.

May God bless each one you. Love you all in Christ. Thank you for joining me for coffee this week. Check back on the weekday as we wrap up the series on Psalm 37:3-8

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Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Psalm 37:3

As you recall, we are meditating on the same Scripture portion this entire week, Psalm 37:3-8, focusing on specific instructions each day. Today's discussion is: How to dwell in the land?

 In verse 27 of the same Psalm we have the answer; it says: "Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever."

Apostle John insists in his letter to Gaius, "Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God." 3 John 1:11

For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it. Proverbs 2:21

"Because you have made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, your habitation; There shall no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come nigh your dwelling. "  Psalms 91:9-10

King David sings, I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6

Can we sing the same song?

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Trust in the Lord and do good. Psalm 37:3

"Trust in the Lord!" is a common phrase we have often heard in sermons, Scriptures and from family and friends. Sure enough it is vital for our Christian walk. The question is: How to trust in the Lord?

Looking up the word 'trust' in the dictionary we see:

trust/trəst/

So, to trust in the Lord actually means to firmly believe in the reliability, truth, ability and strength of the Lord! The key is "firmly believe".

The more we know about someone the more we can develop a trust in him/her; developing trust in the Lord is no different from that. We need to spend more time with the Lord, learning more about Him.

The best way to learn how is from examples; what better examples than the great men of faith who have often professed about their trust in the Lord. Let's see a few examples below:

* Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:4
* Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD. Psalm 4:5
* Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
* He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:3
* Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Psalm 40:4
* "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him." Jeremiah 17:7

Kings and Prophets don't just use empty words. Each words uttered by them are of great value and given utmost importance.

If such mighty men confess they firmly believe in the reliability, truth, ability and strength of the Lord, than their mighty chariots or fast running horses or their great wealth or fame or any of the obvious things, how much more we ordinary folks need to trust in the Lord?!