A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Luke 6:45

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6

Need I say more?

Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Psalm 34:13

I said, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked." Psalm 39:1

Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. Proverbs 13:3

Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Psalm 21:23

I am guilty of talking and talking too much at times, which only results in sin (Proverbs 10:9). For today and for a week I am going to pray and concisely control my tongue.

Would you like to join me? Or if you have already mastered the art, could you please share some tips?

"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:11

Isn't it true that when it comes to buying gifts for our children we only want the best, even if it is a little over our budget? We go above and beyond to get our kids the special something they have been asking for - right?! Well as you know we are all sinners; and yet we care nothing but the best for our children.

Think now of the contrasting nature of God from us humans - He is Holy, sinless, full of grace and mercy, loves us unconditionally. Would it be beyond His means to treat us to the best, when we ask for it? Definitely not!

Though it is in context with spiritual gifts this verse is about, I believe we can hang on to it for our regular needs too. Let's go ask!

Today's reading: Proverbs 14 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God" 14:31

We are not at liberty to look down at those who are poor or relatively poor. Why? Because when we oppress the poor we are actually showing contempt for their Maker who is also our Maker.

So, what is contempt? Dictionary.com defines it well. It is:

* the feeling with which a person regards anything considered mean, vile, or worthless; disdain; scorn.
* the state of being despised; dishonor; disgrace.
Are we guilty of any of these actions? Let us be careful not to show contempt but be kind instead.

When we are kind to the needy, it honors the Lord. Scripture says, in Proverbs 19:17, "He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done."

My Grandparents and parents always opened their hearts and hands to the poor. Because of that, God has blessed us much more.

If we help the needy, God will bless our children, and the blessing flows through for many generations to come. That is how God rewards us back when we are kind to the poor.

Amen!

Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird in the sky may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say. Ecclesiastes 10:20

What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs. Luke 12:13

It is not uncommon to come across people who are opinionated. They are full of complaints about everyone around them, from the President of the country to the local weather man, and disguise it under a broad umbrella called, "Freedom of speech".

May it be far from us believers - the children of God - to be like one of them. Let us be careful about our words about everyone around us. The more we abuse it the more insensitive we become to the effect of our words.

The Bible tells us that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). Which means that if our heart is full of love, grace, joy, wisdom, peace, contentment, fear of the Lord, etc. our mouth will reflect that. It will not complain much. It will build not destroy. It will heal not hurt. It will draw closer not chase far off.

Apostle James has dedicated almost an entire chapter to the topic of taming the tongue. 

In James chapter 3 verses 5-6 we read, "...the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."

Every child of God must master the art of taming the tongue. This is one area we can clearly differ from the ungodly. 

Our Lord Jesus Christ was a perfect example of One who had mastered it all! We read in Isaiah 53:7, "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth."

 Let us make this our desire too. Let us make this our regular prayer: "May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14

"Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done." Revelation 22:12

I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Revelation 3:11

He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming quickly." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20

Jesus is coming soon! It is what we as believers look forward to, or do we?

I remember as a child and as a young adult, I have expected His return every day. Going to bed my prayer would be, "Lord, if you return tonight please count me in"; waking up my prayer would be, "Lord if you return today, keep me holy and take me along".

However, I admit over the years, His tarrying has made me lose the expectancy of His return, to a point where for days together I have gone without much thought about it.I am sure, all of you believers can relate to this one way or another.

Today's message comes as a reminder that indeed He is coming soon. We must stay focused, not giving yield to the distractions life throws our way. A child like faith, that fully trusts the Word of God, without any reservation or bias, is what is expected of us.

Being always ready for the imminent return of the Lord, should be our constant state of mind. The assurance of forgiveness of our sins and the joy of salvation is what it takes to make us ready for His return.

If anyone here does not have that assurance, please seek Him today. I guarantee you, you will find Him. Amen!

Jesus is coming soon. Until then, happy waiting!

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

Let us say this all through the day - loud and clear: "He is Mighty to Save!" Amen!

Indeed He is mighty to save us today, tomorrow, the whole week and the rest of our lives. All we have to do is acknowledge Him!

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far has the LORD helped us."

Throughout the Scriptures we read of several people designating stones as monuments for remembering the deliverance or encountering of God in that place.

If you recall Jacob had set up a stone pillar at the place where God had talked with him and called it Bethel (Genesis 35:14,15) and Joshua had set up the twelve stones that had been in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood. (Joshua 4:9). King David confessed several times that the Lord was his rock of salvation (Psalm 18:2).

Here Prophet Samuel sets up a monument to remember the return of the Ark of the Lord and names it Ebenezer which means "Thus far the Lord has helped us".

Now the question is, do you have such a monument that reminds you constantly of God's deliverance from certain situation? If you think about it there are easy reminders in our lives such as birthdays, anniversaries, years of experience, number of children, even scars, we can go on and on and on.

If these are not enough reminders and/or if we would somehow forget what the Lord has done thus far, we might as well put up some monument as reminders. If we remember already, let us praise the Lord for helping us thus far!

The detestable things God saw in the sanctuary;
1. Near the entrance of the temple, near the altar there was an idol. When we lust after the things of this world, it is idolatry and abominable in the sight of the Lord.Always wishing to have more dresses, more jewelry, more land, more money etc etc is detestable to our Lord God. Ezekiel 8:5

2. Inside the court of the Sanctuary, the walls of a room were portrayed with all abominable things like all kinds of crawling things, unclean animals and all the idols of Israel and the seventy elders were offering incense to these portrayals. These seventy elders were anointed by God to lead the people of Israel in the righteous ways. But the elders themselves had gone astray from the holy God. Are the anointed leaders and the people of the Church are backsliding? Do we spend our precious time going away from God and utilizing our time and energy in things that God detests? Ezekiel 8;10

3.Women were sitting near the door of the temple and mourning for god Tammuz. Jesus has asked the women to weep for them and their children. Here the women are mourning for a strange god. women are crying for trivial things and spend their time in learning about other gods and doing the rituals involved instead of learning more and more about the only true God and His son Jesus. Ezekiel 8:14

4.Men inside the temple, showing their back to the Temple of the Lord, facing the sun and worshiping it. It is detestable to God when we forget the Creator but worship the creation. showing our backs to the things of the House of the Lord and bowing to the things of the world. Ezekiel 8:16

God says:
"I will deal with them in anger; I will not look on them with pity or spare them. Although they shout in my ears, I will not listen to them.” Ezekiel 8: 18
God wants us to grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are being done among His people and especially in our own life.” Ezekiel 9:4
God is going to send His judgement and it begins at His sanctuary. Ezekiel 9:5

No harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. Psalm 91:10

Today's Scripture utters a blessing for our dwelling place; however it is conditional. Reading verses 9 & 10 together we get the complete context: If you make the Most High your dwelling even the Lord, who is my refuge then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.

Of course we want no harm to befall us nor any disaster to come near our tents; but the question is how to satisfy the condition - How to make the Most High our dwelling?

There is no better example than King David who often attests to having the Lord as his refuge:

Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Psalm 71:3

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Psalm 90:1

I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91:2

O LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." Psalm 142:5

Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: "The LORD's right hand has done mighty things! Psalm 118:15

Making the Most High our dwelling would therefore mean:

* Finding our solace in Him
* Relaxing at His feet
* Looking to Him for our protection & provision
* Attesting by word of mouth that the Lord indeed is our refuge
* Shouting His praises in our tents etc.

So, let me ask you this morning: Have you made the Lord Most High your dwelling yet? Great! Then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent! Go in peace!

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

One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. Proverbs 11:24

He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done. Proverbs 19:7

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Generosity is a virtue every believer must exhibit; however it is sadly on the decline. The economic downfall in the recent years has only made it convenient to justify our withdrawal.

As today's Scriptures remind us, we need to develop a generous heart. We can do that only when we fully  understand His generous grace on us.

When we believe that the Lord is our everlasting Source and not our jobs or savings or name or fame or anything else we are a step closer to realizing generosity in us. Trusting that He holds our future and desiring to be a blessing to others will land us on opportunities that will enable us to reach out.

Not just money; our time, our talents, our abilities, our fortune can all be used to glorify the Lord. Afterall we are homeward bound; let us act like one!

Freely you have received; freely give. Matthew 10:8 

Happy weekend!

As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart. 2 Samuel 6:16

A familiar portion from the Scriptures. For those who are not sure, here's the cotext: King David was bringing the ark of the Lord into the city of David and he is so full of joy and merriment that he danced on the street, in front of the cart that was carrying the ark of the Lord. Seeing this from the palace window, his wife who was Saul's daughter despised him.

Not sure whether King David counted it against her or not, but looks like God did not approve of that as in the verses that follow we read, "And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death." 2 Samuel 6:23

How often do we despise our spouses - first in our hearts - and then by our words - and next by our actions?! Let us be aware that this is the reason for our lack of blessings.

Let us sincerely respect our spouses. Let us use our words carefully while discussing with them about things we don't agree with. Every thought or word or action we do by despising our spouse is recorded against us - true for both guys and girls.

And with that we wrap up the week. Happy Friday folks! Enjoy your weekend.

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. Matthew 6:28

Any of us not worry about what to wear? It seems like a great worry at times, is it not? Looks like it was true in Jesus's time also and hence this message. Instead of trying to elaborate it in my own words I thought we will read the rest of the passage as spoken by Jesus Himself. Here we go...

...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 6:28-34

Jesus asks us a few questions to make us think and then finally He derives at His message. It is a great message to start a new day - is it not?

Instead of worrying, let us seek His Kingdom first; then all these things (like food & clothing) will be taken care of by Him. Amen!

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. Malachi 4:2

What a wonderful God we serve! Do you revere His name this morning? Then this promise is yours today! The sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings! And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall! Amen!

I am sure all of us have seen the rising of the sun and the leaping of the calves released from the stalls, have we not? There is immense joy, health and power in both events. To know that we will leap like the calves and find healing under the sun of righteousness, it is equally joyful; is it not?!

For the rest of the day, let us repeat this verse to ourselves, to our situation, to our concerns, and more importantly let us continue to revere His name. Surely healing and leaping is sure to follow! Amen!

We will discuss the same verse again in more detail tomorrow...

For those who would like to recollect rising of sun and leaping of calves, here's sharing some videos:





God bless you all! Have a great Tuesday!

"If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the LORD, am your healer." Exodus 15:26

We are often worried and troubled by the news of sickness among our friends, family, church members, colleagues, community etc. Our hearts melt in fear when we have to wait for certain test results at the doctor's office. But these are unnecessary worries. If we worry the same way as a non-believers what difference does our faith make in us?

Instead of worrying over things beyond our control let us praise God for what we have - the joy of salvation, the hope of eternal life,  that we still have breath, that we are able to move around and for everything that works fine in us that we often take for granted.

Even when we are diagnosed with some sickness, however life threatening it is, it does not help to worry. I am sorry if that sounds insensitive. But that is what the Scripture tells us.

Jesus said in Luke 12:25,26: "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?"

Only as long as we have the breath in our nostrils we can praise the Lord; so like King David let us make the most of our life praising the Lord: In Psalm 115:17,18 he says,"The dead do not praise the LORD, Nor do any who go down into silence; But as for us, we will bless the LORD  From this time forth and forever. Praise the LORD!

He is our Healer! Whether He heals us for life or decides to take us home, no denying that He is our Healer. He paid the price for our sickness too on the cross along with our sins. Let us rebuke all fear, doubt, worry and sickness away from our dear ones and get protection under His wings. Let us not take things for granted but remember to praise Him for the countless blessings in our lives.

If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:8

So why worry? Only praise!

He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5

Birth is the beginning of life; to be born again, is to begin to live anew - redeemed, reformed &  regenerated. A second chance at life. A life with Christ. A life born in Christ. A life filled with Christ. A clean slate. A baby you! Brand new. Just born. Now growing in Christ, cherishing His bread (Word of God), drinking from the streams of living water (Holy Spirit), and ever evolving to reflect Christ. Amen!

What it is to be born again? Good question. Nicodemus the Pharisee, a member of the Jewish ruling council had the very question one night.

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
 
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. II Corinthians 5:17

The next day Moses entered the Tent of the Testimony and saw that Aaron’s staff, which represented the house of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds. Numbers 17:8

Numbers Chapter 17 speaks about the miracle of Budding of Aaron's rod by which the Lord separates the tribe of Levi for His ministry, to help along with Moses. You may read it by clicking here...

I was reading about it in the commentaries and absolutely loved what Clarke's commentary on the Bible says about it and decided to share the passage below:

Everything in this miracle is so far beyond the power of nature, that no doubt could remain on the minds of the people, or the envious chiefs, of the Divine appointment of Aaron, and of the especial interference of God in this case.

To see a piece of wood long cut off from the parent stock, without bark or moisture remaining, laid up in a dry place for a single night, with others in the same circumstances - to see such a piece of wood resume and evince the perfection of vegetative life, budding, blossoming, and bringing forth ripe fruit at the same time, must be such a demonstration of the peculiar interference of God, as to silence every doubt and satisfy every scruple.

It is worthy of remark that a scepter, or staff of office, resuming its vegetative life, was considered an absolute impossibility among the ancients; and as they were accustomed to swear by their scepters, this circumstance was added to establish and confirm the oath.

Thought for the day: It is not difficult for our Lord to make our rod bud, blossom and yield over night, as long as we are willing to serve! The question is: Are we?

Also, anyone in the Lord's ministry are hand-picked by Him. We have no rights to criticize servants of God who are our Pastors, leaders and evangelists. Many - sadly even Christians - get carried away with accusing God's chosen servants. Let us not be counted one among such accusers. Let us leave it up to God to correct His servants.

Be careful that you do not forget the LORD Deuteronomy 6:12

Have we ever forgotten the Lord? In order to answer this question, we need to understand the accurate meaning of the word 'forget'.

Online dictionary defines forget as follows:

1. To be unable to remember (something).
2. To treat with thoughtless inattention; neglect.
3. To leave behind unintentionally.
4. To fail to mention.
5. To banish from one's thoughts.
6. To disregard on purpose.
7. To cease remembering
8. To fail or neglect to become aware at the proper or specified moment.

Now that we know what it actually means to 'forget', let us repeat the question to ourselves: Have we ever forgotten the Lord?

I am afraid we are all guilty of doing just that based on the definitions above. Unable to remember, cease remembering, neglect, fail to mention... does any of these sound familiar? Yes, unfortunately.

That is why King David kept reminding his soul: "Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." Psalm 103:2

Let it be our reminder too. Happy Friday!

My lover is to me a cluster of henna blossoms from the vineyards of En Gedi. Song of Solomon 1:14

Looks to me the bride here loves henna blossoms and especially those from En Gedi; so she compares her lover to a bouquet of henna blossoms from En Gedi. Since we haven't been to En Gedi or seen those henna blossoms, let's pick our favorite flower or perfume so that we can relate to the context better, shall we?

Now, let's see if we can compare our Lord to our favorite perfume. Does His sweet fragrance constantly attract us to Him? Do we want to smell like Him? Do we remember to "spray" some of Him before we step out to start our day?

Elsewhere in Proverbs we read, Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart (Proverbs 27:9) I believe this truly fits the description of our Lord. His love surely brings joy to our hearts, does it not?

Interestingly Apostle Paul also has shared similar thoughts in his letter to the Ephesians church, in which he says: "...and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:2)

It feels so good to be associating our Lord with our favorite perfume. Now I can almost smell Him! I am sure you do too. Let's enjoy His sweet presence rest of the day!

Happy Thursday!

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Psalm:23: 5

I would often think I had no enemies only to realize that not everyone I know of think of my well being all the time. There would be jealousy, hatred & grudges against us from very familiar people. They may not be genuinely happy when things go well for us and may secretly rejoice when things go bad for us, thus becoming an "enemy". Also, not to forget our real enemy - the roaring lion prowling around looking to devour someone.

I am sure all of you have faced such enemies one time or other in your life. But when you sit back and think about how God led you through those circumstances you can boldly say like King David said: "My God prepared a table for me in front of my enemies. He anointed my head with oil; my cup was full". Yes, I can say that & I am sure you can too.

Let's pray:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you Lord for this beautiful day. Thank you for this wonderful time with you Lord. Thank you for always preparing a table for me in front of my enemies in the past circumstances Lord. Thank you for always lifting up my head and anointing me with oil Lord. Thank you that you gave me in abundance that my cup ran over Lord. I continue to trust that your glory will be revealed in the coming days too Lord. Thank you for your protection and for your anointing Lord. I praise you again for all your mercies Lord. Bless this day Lord. Bless each and every one of us who gather here to spend few minutes with you Lord. I Love you Jesus! In Jesus' mighty name I pray, Amen!

Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the LORD our God to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison. Deuteronomy 29:18

See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15

The first scripture here is an excerpt from Moses's address to the Israelites at the end of their journey; the second is from Paul's letters to Hebrews.

The idea is the same: Do not develop bitterness yourself; neither do let others induce it in you! Both will lead to falling short of the grace of God. Let us see how we can work on these.

How do we get rid of our bitterness? Ephesians 4:31-32 has the answer. It says, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

How do we safeguard against people who produce bitterness? For one, by praying the Lord's prayer "Lead us not into temptation  but deliver us from evil" (Luke 11:4).

Blessed is the man who does not sit in the seat of mockers. Psalm 1:1

Different translations use different words for mockers such as, scoffers, scornful, pestilence, scorners, etc. We have an idea who a mocker is however, it doesn't hurt to start with the dictionary; does it?

Who is a mocker?

Webster's online dictionary defines a mocker as, a person who causes repeated emotional pain, distress, or annoyance to another.

Another gives this detailed explanation for the term 'mock': 

* To treat with ridicule or contempt; deride.

Greetings to all at the table for Coffee with Jesus this beautiful Sunday morning! We will read Psalm 136 together and have some fun doing it. Let me read the first portion of 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...

Ship your grain across the sea;
after many days you may receive a return.

Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight;
you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.

If clouds are full of water,
they pour rain on the earth.

Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north,
in the place where it falls, there it will lie.

Whoever watches the wind will not plant;
whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.

As you do not know the path of the wind,
or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb,
so you cannot understand the work of God,
the Maker of all things.

Sow your seed in the morning,
and at evening let your hands not be idle,
for you do not know which will succeed,
whether this or that,
or whether both will do equally well.

~ Ecclesiastes 11:1-6

Praise the Lord! Happy Saturday morning!

Today's Scripture comes as an answer to all those at the cross roads thinking if it is okay to start a new venture. Yes! It is absolutely okay! For the Word of God says so. Go ahead! Just remember to give Him praise at all times.

God bless you! Enjoy the weekend.

Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Utterly abhor and detest it, for it is set apart for destruction. Deuteronomy 7:26

What are these detestable things mentioned here? Verse 25 reads: The images of their gods you are to burn in the fire. Do not covet the silver and gold on them, and do not take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it, for it is detestable to the Lord your God.

I recall an incident that my brother shared with me once. While shopping for furniture in India he was given a gold coin for purchasing items over a certain amount. He accepted the coin but later when he took a closer look at it, it had an engraven image of a hindu idol on it's face. He immediately took it back to the store keeping it in his shoes - he didn't even want to keep it in his shirt pocket or wallet. The store owners were very surprised someone would actually return a gold coin for any reason let alone for it bearing the image of an idol.

As a child I used to collect comic series from Newspaper not knowing those were about hindu gods. When I fell very sick once my Aunt realized it was those books that caused me sickness and when we removed it I was quickly recovered.

It hurts me to see some Christian friends who keep idols in their homes not knowing those are idols, they believe these are cultural ornaments from Asia or elsewhere but in fact these are graven images people in those culture worship as god. Then they wonder why there is no peace in their home.

Be very careful not to bring in any detestables inside your home. As today's verse says, Utterly abhor and detest it, for it is set apart for destruction.

"How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." 1 Kings 18:21

We are not getting into details on the context of today's text. However, if you wish to understand the context, please click here to read the full chapter.

How many of us can relate to wavering between two opinions? What causes us to waver? When a promise is delayed we waver; when our faith is tested we waver; out of fear of someone or something we waver, to avoid conflicts we waver... To sum it all up, in plain and simple words, we waver between hope and fear.

We do want to believe in God's promises (hope) but at the same time we want to consider the 'what if it is not true' scenario (fear or doubt). The Scripture says: A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. James 1:8

Wavering or being unstable has huge consequences. If you recall Reuben, he received curse from his father Jacob instead of blessing. Jacob's words in Genesis 49:4 goes: "Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel"

King David sings in Psalm 26:1 "I have trusted in the LORD without wavering". In his letters to the Hebrews Apostle Paul writes: Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm Hebrew 10:23 As part of His sermon on the mount, Jesus said: "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." Matthew 5:37

Let me challenge you (& also me) this morning: How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is god, follow him!

Continue to work out your salvation Philippians 2:12

In order to understand this verse first we need to fully understand what is salvation.

Thinkexist.com has a beautiful explanation which goes, "Salvation is the redemption of man from the bondage of sin and liability to eternal death, and the conferring on him of everlasting happiness."

So, salvation has two parts to it: (a) redemption from sin & (b) everlasting happiness.

If that is the case, the true meaning of today's Scripture is:

(a) Continue to work out your redemption from bondage of sin
(b) Continue to work out your everlasting happiness

How do we go about doing just that? How do we continue to work out our salvation?

The best part about God's commandments to us is that, it never lacks instructions or in other words each command comes with an user manual or key if you will that will enable us to follow it.

If we continue to read through the same chapter we can find the following instructions on the how-to: 

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe... Philippians 2:14,15

Now that we know the how to, let us put it into practice - to continue to work out our salvation! May God bless you. Have a nice day!

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!

Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. Isaiah 54:2

Isaiah 54th chapter is titled 'The fertility of Zion' and is full of blessings for Zion which is the Church; or in other words you and me who make up the church! If you have some time this morning you may click here to read the entire chapter.

I can't help but relate to the Prayer of Jabez as I read these Scriptures, the words of which are posted here: Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.1 Chronicles 4:10

* Jabez cried to the Lord to enlarge his territory; Zion is being asked to enlarge her territory.
* Jabez prayed for expansion; Zion has received the blessing already and therefore has to expand. 

I believe for those of us here at the coffee table, the same message as that was given to Zion by Prophet Isaiah holds true this morning: Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.

Let us free our hearts from hurt, ill feeling, envy, pride and the likes to make room for joy, peace, love, humility and the likes. Let us not hold grudges on things of past, completely overlooking the here and now. Let us not turn back to look at our Sodom or Egypt when God has already led us out of it to our Promised Land.

Let us be prepared to spread out, expand, to be able to hold in our blessings!

Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. 

Happy June 2015!