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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!

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* 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!

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Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

The hard thing about this verse is, often times we do not recognize the devil. On the contrary to our imaginations he doesn't come with baring teeth and twisted horns...

He is so subtle and cunning that at times it is hard to even recognize it as the devil. We might mistake him for self pity, temptation, depression, tiredness, sickness, sadness, etc.

Remember this: Anything that spoils our joy of salvation is the devil - or from the devil. So right away resist him and he will flee from you.

That brings us to a very important question: How to resist the devil?

* In the same verse we read, "Submit yourselves, then, to God"
* I Peter 5:8 says, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour"
* In I Peter 5:9 we read, "Resist him, standing firm in the faith..."
* Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. Ephesians 6:11


And when you do recognize him say, "I command you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to stay away from me satan... I take victory in the blood of Jesus Christ!"

He will take off! As simple as that!

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If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath

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Beloved: "I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys." Song of Solomon 2:1
Lover: "Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the maidens." Song of Solomon 2:2

Where is Sharon? What is so special about the rose of Sharon?

Sharon is a fruitful pasture land, a place where even David's cattle were fed (1 Chronicles 27:29). Isaiah 35:2 mentions about the splendor of Carmel & Sharon which gives a better picture of Sharon. Barnes's notes on the Bible says: "Sharon" is usually the proper name of the celebrated plain from Joppa to Caesarea, between the hill-country and the sea, and travelers have remarked the abundance of flowers with which this plain is still carpeted in spring.

A rose of Sharon therefore is a common scene, it is not extraordinary. Same way lilly of the valleys is quite common. It is like the bride saying, "I am just a commoner; not quite fit to marry you". But the Lover reassures her that she is very special; in the very next verse He says: "Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the maidens."

Of all the "flowers" of the pasture, our Christ has found us to be special, worthy of His love! Isn't that awesome! We are commoners, ordinary folks, fishermen if you will, but our Lord has chosen us to be His bride; His flawless bride is what He is making of us.

To conclude, it is not Sharon that is special neither it's roses, it is the love of the Lord that makes us special. Let us cherish His love for the rest of the day...

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My beloved spoke and said to me, “Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.

The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.” Songs 2:10-13

It is call of love we hear this morning, from our first love - the Lord Jesus Christ.

We can't keep on ignoring the call. All the excuses we normally give are all taken care of. Winter is gone. The climate is moderate. It is the season for singing, cooing and blossoming. He is intent on taking us away to be alone with Him.

Are you ready? Do you hear Him? Ever so lightly - yes, that is Him. Wake up. Go away with Him. Spend some time together before the rush of the day. Even if it is for a short few minutes, it is so worth it. His grace fills you. His love engulfs you. His words lead you.

"Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.”

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Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

What do mean by a pure heart? In simple terms a heart which is not impure or dirty is what we mean by a pure heart.

Is our heart pure or dirty? If our heart is filled with good stuff it is a pure heart; if filled with junk stuff it is a dirty.

What are some of the good stuff we can fill our heart with? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, humility, honesty, integrity, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Chronicles 29:17)

What are some of the dirty stuff one could have in their heart? Evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. (Mark 7:21)

How good is your heart?

Now that the facts have been laid out, if your answer is that you have a pure heart, very well; keep it pure.

In case you answered 'impure' please get it cleaned by the Blood of Jesus Christ! Repeat a sincere prayer after King David as in today's Scripture: Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Few more Scriptures for you to ponder over...
"Be holy, because I(Jesus) am holy." 1 Peter 1:16

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23

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We have had a number of prayer requests in our midst in the last couple of months. Let us pray in unison for each of these needs. The least we can do for each other across the miles is to lift up one another in prayer.

1. Please pray for Jessica (our daughter). To be free from epilepsy, depression, suicidal thoughts and a complete return to Jesus as she once knew. Thank you so much. ~ Anonymous

2. Pray that Jesus Christ heals my hernia, body producing gas, flatulence, and loose stools, gall bladder, heals my body, physical health ~ Michelle M Triska

3. This is Elizabeth from India- Tamilnadu. Basically am from different religion. Came to know about Almighty at the age of 11 and started believing to Jesus from then. He is the only way and the reason for all my success in my life. Currently am working as a software Engineer.My Siblings are elders and am living with them (brother family and sister's family). The time has come for my marriage. As my parents are not alive, So my siblings started searching alliance for me. My wish is to marry a gentleman who is spiritually Good,strong in faith and who is settled well in life . My siblings looking out for a person in my ancestral religion.But am converted into Christianity and baptized at the age of 17, So I would like to marry a Christian boy.Please Pray for it. Am coming out from my family for this religious problem. Hope my almighty wont leave me and let me Down. ~ Elizabeth

4. My wife never takes advise from me. Whenever I bring a topic, we never come to a conclusion at all. This has made me always to confess to God that am sorry. I makes me feel am in the wrong all the time. ~ Anonymous

Let us pray:

Abba Father! Thank you for this Friday Lord. Thank you for helping us through this week Lord. Thank you for your presence which has joined us together from all over the world Lord. Thank you that you are the same yesterday, today and forever Lord.Thank you that your grace is sufficient for us Lord. We have now gathered together in your name praying for the prayer requests in our midst Lord.

We pray for healing of Jessica and Michelle Lord. Touch them this very minute Lord. Touch them with your healing hands Lord. May your healing power pass through them this very minute Lord.May them be engulfed in your loving presence Lord. Let them be healed Lord. Please heal them Lord. Please make them a testimony for your glory Lord.

We pray for Elizabeth who has no one but you Lord. Thank you for the joy of salvation she has received Lord. Thank you that she has found you Lord. Now we pray that you take care of her future Lord. Bring a suitable alliance for her soon Lord - a godly man who loves you first Lord. Bless Elizabeth's future Lord. Let her not be ashamed Lord. Use her too for your glory Lord.

We pray for the relationship need shared by 'Anonymous' Lord. We do not understand the whole situation Lord, but you know it all Lord. You have seen it all Lord. You have heard it all Lord.Please Lord right this very minute knit their hearts together Lord. Bond the couple with your love Lord. Let them learn to seek you first so that all these things will be added unto them Lord. Thank you that you are bringing about a deliverance in this couple's life Lord.

We also surrender all of us at your feet Lord. We all have needs - big and small Lord. You are our provider Lord.Thank you that your are in control Lord. Bless us Jesus. Use us for your glory Lord.

We ask these in Jesus's name, Amen!

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Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

For the explanation of today's Scripture let us read the complete passage - in Jesus's own words:

I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.

If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:25-34

It makes perfect sense; does it not? Yet, we run after the wordly things first - putting aside "seeking His kingdom and His righteousness" as the very last item in our day's agenda as if to say, "if we get to it well and good; if not we can skip it, no big deal".

Then we worry why we can't make the ends meet or whatever happened to our joy and toss and turn through sleepless nights, worrying more and more about how to make things work - still forgetting to seek His kingdom and His righteousness.

When all else fail we get back to our senses and come back to Him. But by then our need is so great we can't really seek after His kingdom but only beg and plead for our rescue. That's why our prayers are always like, "give me, give me, give me" rather than "thank you! thank you! thank you!"

Now, let me challenge you all - for the next couple of days, as soon as you wake up, before you even do anything I want you to sit at His feet - seeking His face, His kingdom and His righteousness. When you have raised up enough thank you's remember your needs, submit it at His feet and go about your day's business. Do this for a week and let me know if indeed the promise worked in your life or not...

God bless you!

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"He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm" Mathew 8:26 (KJV)

"He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm" Mark 4: 39 (NIV)

"He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm" Luke 8:24 (NIV)

Some of us could be experiencing a great storm in our lives at this very moment. It may look like the storm may never end; the wind might seem to have the upper hand; that we are about to sink into the depth of our sorrows. I encourage you to please meditate on the verses above, where Jesus rebukes the storm and the wind and it was "completely calm" or "a great calm" or "all was calm" as the Gospel authors put it.

Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever! Amen! Is He not powerful enough to calm your storm? Does He not have the authority to rebuke your wind? Why are you afraid? Why do you doubt Him? Repeat these words, "Quiet! Be still!" against all your stormy situations.

Be it peace in the family, joblessness, financial difficulties, health conditions, disobedient children, abusive relationships or bondage to sin - whatever your storm may be, however strong your wind may appear, when you call unto Jesus He will say "Quiet! Be still!" Soon there will be a great calm. He will fill you with the peace from above. You will start rejoicing in the Spirit and before you know it, the storm will subside and the wind will die down! Hallelujah!!

Let us pray, Our Father in Heaven! We come to your presence in one accord, as one family Lord. You see some of us are struggling with huge storms Lord. Please command against our storms Lord so that there will be complete peace and a great calm Lord. Please help us rid of all our doubts Jesus! Please help us overcome our fears Jesus! We trust and believe you are still able to rebuke our storms Lord. Thank you for the complete deliverance you are granting us Lord. Thank you for the peace from above Lord, for the joy of salvation Lord. Thank you that we are soon going to praise your name seeing the calm you have ordered Lord. Bless this day for each one of us Lord. We completely surrender us at your feet Jesus. In Jesus mighty name we pray, Amen!

Remember to share your prayer requests and praise reports. The best way we can help each other is to pray for one another.

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Hear us, O our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads... Nehemiah 4:4

Nehemiah the slave cup bearer of King Artaxerxes has this urge to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He gets permission from the king to go and build it himself. He also requests for needed wood, metal and letters of support for other rulers so that he can do the work.

As he starts to rebuild, the locals Sanballat and Tobiah give him a hard time - ridiculing him, falsely complaining of his intent to the king, making fun of him constantly, sending letters of opposition to leaders of the land, etc. In one instance they even insulted his work so far, saying it is no good, it won't withstand even a fox running over it.

How Nehemiah responded to these nuisance is what sets him apart. He did not argue with them. He brought it up to God in prayer. In Nehemiah 4:4 we read how he prayed: "Hear us, O our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads... "

His prayers were answered and he was able to successfully complete the work he had started, putting to shame the very people who ridiculed his work.

Matthew Henry has expressed the exact thought I wanted to share; here's to quote from his Concise Commentary:

Many a good work has been looked upon with contempt by proud and haughty scorners. Those who disagree in almost every thing, will unite in persecution. Nehemiah did not answer these fools according to their folly, but looked up to God by prayer.

God's people have often been a despised people, but he hears all the slights that are put upon them, and it is their comfort that he does so.

Nehemiah had reason to think that the hearts of those sinners were desperately hardened, else he would not have prayed that their sins might never be blotted out. Good work goes on well, when people have a mind to it. The reproaches of enemies should quicken us to our duty, not drive us from it.

So, our take away today is, do not react to insults from others, take it to God and lift it up in prayers. He will handle it all for you! Amen!

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Do not imitate what is evil but what is good 3 John: 1:11

Here John writes to Gaius his dear friend, about Diotrephes - a bad example. We do come across several such bad examples in our lives. It is very important to take special care not to "become" a bad example ourselves.

Let's see what Diotrephes did that made him a bad example:

* First of all, he loved to be first (the me, me, me syndrome - sounds familiar?)
* He Gossiped maliciously (talking ill of Pastors and other ministers doing the work of God)
* He refused to welcome the brothers (not having to do anything with people from different denominations)
* He also stopped those who wanted to welcome the brothers (discouraging friends who do...)
* He put those who welcomed the brothers out of the church (worst, barring such friends from "our type" of gatherings)

Sadly we can immediately associate these characteristics of Diotrephes with some people we know... Let us analyze ourselves too to see if we fall through the crack somewhere...

Let us strive to be good examples.

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Glad you could stop by for some Coffee with Jesus on your busy Sunday morning. Let's read Psalm 136 together and have some fun doing it. I will read each verse and you say: "For His mercy endureth for ever" Shall we?! Here we go...

Me: O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever.

Me: O give thanks unto the God of gods:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever.

Me: O give thanks to the Lord of lords:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever.

Me: To him who alone doeth great wonders:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever.

Me: To him that by wisdom made the heavens:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever.

Me: To him that stretched out the earth above the waters:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever.

Me: To him that made great lights:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever:

Me: The sun to rule by day:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever:

Me: The moon and stars to rule by night:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever.

Me: To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever:

Me: And brought out Israel from among them:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever:

Me: With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever.

Me: To him which divided the Red sea into parts:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever:

Me: And made Israel to pass through the midst of it:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever:

Me: But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever.

Me: To him which led his people through the wilderness:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever.

Me: To him which smote great kings:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever:

Me: And slew famous kings:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever:

Me: Sihon king of the Amorites:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever:

Me: And Og the king of Bashan:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever:

Me: And gave their land for an heritage:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever:

Me: Even an heritage unto Israel his servant:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever.

Me: Who remembered us in our low estate:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever:

Me: And hath redeemed us from our enemies:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever.

Me: Who giveth food to all flesh:
You: For his mercy endureth for ever.

(Let's read the last verse together...)
Us: O give thanks unto the God of heaven:
Us: For his mercy endureth for ever.

Great! We did it!! It was fun doing it together; was it not? Have a great "Son"day folks! Remember: His Mercy endureth for ever...

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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

The answer to the title question depends on who/what we have chosen as foundation to build our life on.

There are 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  elements and the builder is refered 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.

In his letter to the Ephesians Apostle Paul writes:

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22

What kind of builders are we?

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You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. Psalm 65:9

Living Water is yet another name for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is no wonder there are so many scripture verses referring to this refreshing Living Water. The water that flows from Him does nourish our body, mind and soul.

He cares for the land (us) and waters (provides) for it. When He blesses it is not by human measures; He enriches us abundantly! I would like to insist blessing is not always in material form. Blessing is the joy, the salvation, the peace, the faith, the walk, the leading, the slow still voice, the daily providence, even our very breath, the fact that our systems work the way it should, etc. Don't we have these things in abundance? Are we not enriched by countless blessings already?! Amen!

And of course, blessings are not always spiritual form. There are these material blessings too such as the house, the job, the children, the vacation, the bonus, the new tires in the car, the flowers your special someone brought, the robins that visit your window sill, and the rest in those lines. Remember, the streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain.

As long as our focus is on the One who blesses us and not the blessings in itself, we will continue to be blessed. Stay blessed today!

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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 all thru' the day today.

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

Today's Scripture is an excerpt from Jesus's final address to His disciples - before His death & resurrection that is.

Soon after these words, Jesus prays for Him to be glorified, prays for His disciples, prays for all believers and then they cross over the Kidron Valley, into the Garden of Gethsemane where He gets arrested; the crucifixion follows..

The passage starts with these words: Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” 

The disciples were totally confused. What was He talking about? They had left everything to follow Him and now what?

Jesus clarifies their doubts in the preceding portion of the Scriptures in the same chapter, the highlights of which I wish to share:

* Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. (verse 20)

* Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. (verse 23)

*  Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. (verse 24)

What is in these portions for us today? That we will have trouble. Yet we will rejoice. In Him. Because of Him. 

I know for some these words are vague, just plain words. But for those of us who believe these are great promises. It ascertains our future. It confirms our faith. Let us take heart!

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Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalm 16:5-6

The passage here has amazing resemblance to something our Lord spoke about, as written in the Gospel of John 6:51-56:

"I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."

Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"

Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."

Don't you see the remarkable resemblance here? One is the offer made by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to share in His body (which is our portion) and His blood (which is our cup); the other is King David's claim that his portion and his cup was is from the Lord, due to which he is assured of his delightful inheritance.

Isn't that what is promised for us who share in His broken body and His shed blood? Our delightful inheritance is our eternal life. Amen!

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Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Joel 2:13 

In the book of Joel we read of many end time prophesies and here in Chapter 2 a detailed description of an army of locusts. If you have some time today I encourage you to read the full chapter to get a glimpse of the impending danger by an invasion of locusts. It is dreadful to realize that such destruction could be caused by swarms of locusts. It is absolutely horrifying even to read.

The chapter does not end with just the warning; but goes on to explain how we can escape the ordeal. This clearly shows the love of the Lord to protect us from these calamities. In verses 12-13 we read:

“Even now,” declares the Lord,

“return to me with all your heart,

with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Rend your heart

and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity. Joel 2:12-13

You may ask, what does rending our hearts or repenting have to do with escaping the army of locusts. The answer is in verse 32: And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Joel 2:32 Amen!

If we are intune with the Lord, we will be caught up in the sky when Christ returns to gather His Church before such calamities strike the earth. Praise the Lord!

We have been warned. Let us heed to it. It is time to return to the Lord with all our heart! Yes, today!

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“I am sending you grain, new wine and oil,
enough to satisfy you fully;
never again will I make you
an object of scorn to the nations.

“I will drive the northern army far from you,
pushing it into a parched and barren land,
with its front columns going into the eastern sea
and those in the rear into the western sea.
And its stench will go up;
Its smell will rise.”

Surely he has done great things.
Be not afraid, O land;
be glad and rejoice.
Surely the Lord has done great things.

Be not afraid, O wild animals,
for the open pastures are becoming green.
The trees are bearing their fruit;
the fig tree and the vine yield their riches.

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.
The threshing floors will be filled with grain;
the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.

“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—
the great locust and the young locust,
the other locusts and the locust swarm—
my great army that I sent among you.

You will have plenty to eat, until you are full,
and you will praise the name of the Lord your God,
who has worked wonders for you;
never again will my people be shamed.

Then you will know that I am in Israel,
that I am the Lord your God,
and that there is no other;
never again will my people be shamed.

~ Joel 2:19-27

Amen! What powerful promises we have received this morning! Remember it is yea and amen for those who believe. Let's go enjoy the 'Son'day!

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Lay open thy works to the Lord: and thy thoughts shall be directed. Proverbs 16:3
Open your ears to my words, O LORD. Consider my innermost thoughts. Psalm 5:1
May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD. Psalm 104:34
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

In the last few days we have prayed for opening our eyes, opening our ears, opening our mouth, opening our hearts and learnt about opening our hands.

All this is only possible when we open our thoughts to Jesus; when we surrender it at His feet. Taking a toll of our thought process every now and then surely helps. When we are in tune with the Holy Spirit He guides us in the paths of righteouseness by correcting our thoughts right then and there.

This is exactly what we as believers should aim for - to be in tune with the Holy Spirit. Ask and it will be given. Invite Him in; He will come in, fill you and take you to a whole new experience in your faith journey.

Let us for a moment forget all the different denominations, practices, policies, beliefs of our church background and concentrate on seeking the Holy Spirit. Let us invite Him in to make our thoughts straight. Seek and you shall find.

So, how are you all doing? Enjoy the weekend!

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She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. Proverbs 31:20

He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done. Proverbs 19:17

The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously. Psalm 37:21

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward. Matthew 10:42

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
2 Corinthians 9:6

If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Deuteronomy 15:7

Rather, be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. Deuteronomy 15:8

A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. Proverbs 22:9

He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses. Proverbs 28:27

Need I say more? Do something. Start today!

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One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. Acts 16:14

He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Luke 24:35

Listen! My lover is knocking: "Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one. My head is drenched with dew, my hair with the dampness of the night." Songs 5:2

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. Revelation 3:20

Let us pray:

Our Heavenly Father: Thank you once again for the opportunity to gather in your name Lord. It is such a joy rejoicing in your presence with fellow believers Lord. We praise you Lord. We glorify your name Lord. Today we seek you to open our hearts Lord.

Please open our hearts Lord. Thank you that most of us have open our hearts and accepted you into our hearts Lord. If there is anyone among us who is unsure of it, right now we pray that the Holy Spirit gently prompt them once again Lord. They may not have all the answers they are looking for at this very moment; but let them take a leap of faith to trust in you Lord. You will then open their hearts to understand your Scriptures more Lord. We pray that many will come to know of you Lord.

Please open our hearts so that we too can respond to your prompting Lord, the slow still voice that we keep hearing to do your will Lord. Let us be sensitive to your speaking Lord.

Please open our hearts so that we can be a source of love, joy and peace to others Lord. Open our hearts so that we too can forgive others Lord.

Thank you Father. Thank you Holy Spirit. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Savior. Thank you for your grace Lord. Thank you for your forgiveness Lord. Thank you for your love Lord. Thank you for the joy of salvation Lord.

We praise your Holy name and your name alone Lord. In Jesus' wonderful name we pray, amen.

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He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means, “Be opened!”). At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. Mark 7:34-35

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 19:5

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27

Let us pray:

Dear Father in heaven! Thank you once again for the opportunity to gather in your name Lord. Thank you for this beautiful morning Lord. Thank you that your grace will be sufficient for us all through the day Lord. Thank you for your presence here amidst us joining hearts in one accord from all parts of the world Lord. We come together praising your holy name Lord.

Please open our ears today Lord. Open our ears to hear your word Lord. Open our ears to pay attention to your instruction Lord. Open our ears so that we can increase in our faith Lord. Open our ears so that we can obey your commandments Lord. Please open our ears so that we can listen to your voice and follow you Lord.

Thank you Lord for listening to our prayers. Thank you Lord for keeping your ears open to our plea. Thank you Lord for hearing our cry.

We praise you Lord.We glorify your name Lord. We love you Jesus. We surrender all of us at your feet Lord. Bless this day for us Lord. Use us for your glory Lord.

In our Savior Jesus Christ's name we pray, amen!

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"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." Mark 10:51

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18

Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:17

Let us pray:

Our Father in Heaven! Thank you for this beautiful morning, for uniting us together in your presence Lord. Thank you that your grace was sufficient for us for the first two months of this year Lord. Thank you for the new month and the new week and this new day Lord.

We have come before you Lord in unison with a single prayer - with a simple request - to open our eyes today Lord. There are times we have been totally blinded Lord. There are times when our eyes are open but we don't see Lord. Many a times we have missed out on the answers to our prayers because of this Lord.

Today we request you to open our eyes Lord. Open our eyes so that we can see. Open our eyes that we may see the wonder of your law. Open our eyes so that we can see the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around - the army you have set before us to fight our adversaries Lord. The angels surrounding us this very minute fighting the evil that is against us Lord.

Thank you for your love Lord. Please help us see you are our deliverer Lord. Please help us know you are in control Lord.

Please help us see clearly Lord. We give you all glory, honor and praise.

In Jesus's most powerful name we pray, amen.

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* His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. Psalm 112:8
* Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. Hebrews 13:9

Different translations have different words for "secure" such as: confident, steady, upheld, established, resting safely, strengthend, maintained etc. So we get the point!

The question is how to keep our heart secure or established or steady?: I believe the answer is given in the second verse above: Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.

When will we be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings? : Only when we do not know the fundamentals of our christian faith.

How to learn the fundamentals of our faith?: Of course, by learning the word of God.

How to learn the Word of God?: By reading, meditating, studying, listening and why not - by googling too! :)

Any teaching or doctrine or "vision" or "calling" that can not be traced back to B-I-B-L-E which is the Book for you and me; has to be dismissed as 'strange teachings'.

Then our heart will be secure, we will have no fear; in the end we will look in triumph on our foes! Amen.

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You would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you. Psalm 81:16

He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat. Psalm 147:14

Okay, this is what we are going to do today. We are going to claim these promises for us!

How do we claim them? First of all we need to understand what is the condition behind these blessings.

If you read these Scriptures in it's context you will understand this is for those who fear the Lord. That means for us to claim these promises, we should fear the Lord, in other words, revere His name. Jesus says  in John 14:15, "If you love me, you will obey what I command." So, fear of the Lord implies obeying His commands.

It is not a difficult thing to follow His commands. In Matthew 11:30,Jesus has said,"My yoke is easy and my burden is light."

So, let's fear the Lord and claim these promises for our lives.

God bless you all!

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"The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephania: 3:17

Today's reminder for us is "He is Mighty to Save". Whatever is your care and concern for the day, whatever you are worrying about, whatever was going through your mind all night long keeping you wide awake, however bad the situation is, please remember "He is Mighty to Save". Indeed He is.

How powerful these words are! What an assurance we as believers have! Let me repeat the verse once again: "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

Now let us all say it together: "The LORD my God is with me, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in me, he will quiet my with his love, he will rejoice over me with singing."

Let us say it all through the day - loud and clear: "He is Mighty to Save!" Amen! Have a blessed day and a blessed weekend ahead! God be with you!