You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. Psalm 45:7

"Rejoice!" is an often mentioned command throughout the Scriptures.  Yet, that is one area we Christians fail from time to time. All it takes is one criticism or one sickness or one crisis, to offset us from our joy of salvation.

"Rejoice!" by it self implies that it is something within our capacity to do, not necessarily something others can do for us. If it were so, the command would have been something like "Make him/her rejoice".

One may wonder how we can rejoice irrespective of the circumstances. Or is it even possible to rejoice always? Yes, when God anoints us with the oil of joy we can rejoice in all situations! What it takes to be anointed with oil of joy? According to today's Scripture, when we love righteousness and hate wickedness God will anoint us with the oil of joy.

To add, anytime we feel that the joy within us is lost, we need to repent and cry out to the Lord for restoring our joy. We are familiar with Psalm 51 where King David cries out "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

Let this be our prayer too today: "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." Amen.

A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. Proverbs 12:16

How many of us are wise based on the standard set forth here by today's Scripture? I feel ashamed to say I am not.

The fact of the matter is we can be gentle and polished outwardly - at work, in the church, with friends for example; but at home we could be way different, annoyed, irritated, frustrated, angry, whatever you want to call it.

The Scripture teaches us to overlook these insults to stay prudent.

Very hard I am sure. But we can all try and be prudent when time around.

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. Proverbs 29:11

Happy Tuesday everyone! Have a blessed one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

That's exactly what we are going to do. Let us humble ourselves and look beyond our circumstances - beyond our bank balance, beyond the doctor's report, beyond the government statistics, we are going to praise and worship the Lord singing hymns to Him. I myself am going to do the same for complete healing of my husband's skin issues.

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

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

Have a blessed week ahead.

Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty--he is the King of glory. Psalm 24:10

On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:16

Imagine we are standing before our Lord and Savior, the King of kings and Lord of lords Jesus Christ! Now how do we visualize our selves? What is our expectation? Are we seeking His presence as the King's mere citizens forgetting that we are His own children?

A while back I happened to read C.H. Spurgeon's sermon The Throne of Grace and loved a passage from it which perfectly fits our discussion today.

Spurgeon says, "We do not come, as it were, in prayer, only to God's almonry where he dispenses his favours to the poor, nor do we come to the back-door of the house of mercy to receive the broken scraps, though that were more than we deserve; to eat the crumbs that fall from the Master's table is more than we could claim; but, when we pray, we are standing in the palace, on the glittering floor of the great King's own reception room, and thus we are placed upon a vantage ground. 

In prayer we stand where angels bow with veiled faces; there, even there, the cherubim and seraphim adore, before that selfsame throne to which our prayers ascend. And shall we come there with stunted requests, and narrow and contracted faith? Nay, it becomes not a King to be giving away pence and groats, he distributes pieces of broad gold; he scatters not as poor men must, scraps of bread and broken meat, but he makes a feast of fat things, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined."

Indeed we are His children, His royal priesthood!

In Hebrews 4:16 we read, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Shall we?

Today's reading: Proverbs 18 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." 18:10

The Name by itself is very powerful. People like to name-drop to show they have friends in the high places. We feel good if someone remembers us by our name. Names have meaning. Names even determine one's personality. Have you ever seen a Joy who is not always happy? Or how about an Angel who is not beautiful? Or an Israel who is not blessed?

More than any name Jesus's name is the most powerful. How can we say that? Because the Scripture says, in Philippians 2:9: "God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name."

Even while we pray we are taught to end our request in Jesus's Name! We are also warned against misusing God's name in vain: "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain" Exodus 20:7

There are so many beautiful names for our Lord. May be when time permits we will do a Name Month - discussing the names of our Lord. The take away for today is The Name of the Lord is a great tower; we can run into it to take refuge! Amen!

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. John 14:27

Today's Scriptures clearly explain there are two things God has already given to us. Grace & Peace. He has given. Means it is served. But have we availed it? Have we received what He has given?

If you ever feel pressured or in turmoil - without peace, clearly you haven't availed it. If you are calm and composed in all situation surely you have received it. So, what is your story? Which one do you relate to better?

Grace is composed of His love, His mercies, His kindness, His justice. (Your servant has found favor in your eyes, and you have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life.Genesis 19:19)

In Peace we find the rest He promised. (Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Matthew 11:28; My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. Exodus 33:14)

Even the lamenting Prophet Jeremiah writes: The LORD'S loving kindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I have hope in Him."… Lamentations 3:23-24

Let me challenge you this morning to avail His grace. To find His rest.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3

Do we trust in the Lord? Do we have a steadfast mind? Then God will keep us in perfect peace!

There is peace; then there is perfect peace.

I believe this is the peace God promised us, peace as defined in John 14:27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

There is a trick to earn this peace, which is explained in Philippians 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Here's wishing you all this perfect peace from above! Happy Thursday! And Happy Thanksgiving!

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

praise the Lord! Have a blessed Wednesday. And for those in the United States of America, wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Today's reading: Proverbs 19 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD" 19:14

"He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD" Proverbs 18:22

Happy August 2013! On this first day of the new month let us ask ourselves these questions:

Are we good? 
Are we worth to be called 'a favor from the Lord'? 
Are we prudent wives?

What does it take to be a prudent wife?

In Proverbs 31:30 we read, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised"; verse 10 says, "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies."

A prudent wife/girl:

*Fears the Lord
*She is of noble character

Let us look at ourselves upclose. Then we will know if we have what it takes to be a prudent wife.

It goes without saying, the same is true for guys too: A man of noble character, the one who fears the Lord is a hard find. Take best care of yours if you have found one. :)

Don't I have a right to complain? Don't wild donkeys bray when they find no grass, and oxen bellow when they have no food? Job 6:5

Have you ever felt the way Job did? In Job 10:1, we read of Job saying, "I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul."

Some people complain for everything. They complain when it rains, they complain when it shines, they complain if they are late, they complain if they get early, they complain if they have plenty, they complain when they don't, they complain about the neighbors, co workers, spouses, kids, you can go on adding to the list.  

What kind of complaints do you most often hear? Does complaining serve any purpose or does it do any good?

There are lots of ways to describe us when discontentment boils over: whiners, grumps, moaners, mopers. We get snappish, crabby, and edgy. You know the type - sort of like Eeyore, the gloomy donkey of Winnie the Pooh fame. No matter what cheerful circumstance he and his friends are in, his melancholy mindset makes his ears and tail droop ever lower. We can always find something to complain about if we try.

But this is not a godly attitude.

Luci Swindoll, a famous Christian Author writes:

My most painful experiences have given me my greatest strength and fiber - what I most needed to mature. Through them I was forced to rely on the Lord, deal with reality for what it was, defer reward - in short, quit griping and grow up! The very things I hated have been the making of me.

Being grateful in all circumstances is what the Bible teaches the believers to do. The idea is to be content. Shall we strive for it?

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation. Psalm 91:16

Who is the man who desires life and loves length of days that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil And your lips from speaking deceit. Psalm 34:12

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

Did you notice one thing? It is not we who are holding His right hand, but the Lord holds our right hand. That clearly shows how protective He is of us. It is like we care for our children when they are little. We always hold their hands not trusting that they will hold our hands.

We know that they could be easily distracted by things around and get lost if we do not hold them. We know that they could fall and get hurt if we do not hold them. Same way, our Lord doesn't expect we will hold on to Him as strongly as He is holding on to us. Isn't it comforting to know our Lord holds our right hand?

Whatever it is you are facing today - may be an interview, may be a corporate decision, may be a test result, may be about a transfer order, whatever it is, remember He holds your right hand.

King David sings in Psalm 16:8, "I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." True! Because He is at our right hand we will not be shaken! Praise God!

Let us repeat the verse, slightly altered: For you are the Lord, my God, who takes hold of my right hand and says to me not to fear and that you will help me. Amen!

"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?!

We are human, sinful, limited in our capacity to love unconditionally. Yet we care nothing but the best for our children. Now think of the contrasting nature of God who is Holy, sinless, full of grace and mercy and 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 Scripture is about, I believe we can hang on to it for our regular needs too. It will be given; we only need to ask!

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10

Many have promised us many things in the past. Most have been broken.

During childhood there were friends who said they would stay connected no matter what, only to find our self drifting far and away from them. As young adults we were given promises only to end up in heartbreaks. Even as we married our spouses promised in front of the guests, the priests and God Himself that he/she would be with us thru' everything; yet there have been countless instances when we have felt alone.

All promises ever given to us by any human being are broken one way or other. Of course they will come up with solid excuses for breaking their promises; and most likely it would be "our fault". They would easily blame us and move away.

Well, if we think about it we too are no different. We break promises all the time, don't we?

This morning we are given a TRUE promise however. One unlike any other "promise" we have ever received or given.

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

God the Father, the Lord Himself promises us that His unfailing love will not be shaken and His covenant of peace will not be removed from us! Amen!

He quotes the mountains and hills which are not so easily removed and even if they did shake or move, His love for us will stand firm! The Lord Himself has said this! Amen!

Let us always keep this in mind. No matter what, God's love for us is constant. Amen!

Have a blessed Wednesday. God bless you!

Have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son?

It says,

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?

If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.

Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!

They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. ~ Hebrews 12: 4-13

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 Monday 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 week.

You may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:4

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. Psalm 23:1

Those who fear him lack nothing Psalm 34:9

Those who give to the poor will lack nothing. Proverbs 28:27

The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Psalm 34:10

Happy Sunday everyone!

Glad you could join for some Coffee with Jesus this morning.

For all of you gathered here the Lord gives a promise this morning - that you will lack nothing. In other words you will lack no good thing. Praise the Lord!

Let us cherish this promise holding on to the above Scriptures shared over the coffee table this morning. His promises are yeah and amen.

May God bless you all! Have a blessed day!

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 be 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!

Enjoy your weekend!

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—

"You are all together beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you." - Song of Solomon 4:7

This is one of my favorite verses from the Bible. It amazes me at all times. I take the verse personally for me and encourage all of you to take it personally for yourself too! It is for every one of us indeed, where God says, "You are all together beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you."

I am sure it makes us pause & analyze our self, to see if it truly fits us; you would agree it always fails. If we were to take an inventory of our flaws it would go miles long... No matter how hard we try, we would still be full of flaws, but the unfailing, unconditional love of God sees beyond our flaws and lovingly calls us "Beautiful" and "Flawless".

I sometime wonder if these are the exact words Jesus uses to plead our case with the Father, "... there is no flaw in him/her"

I turn to this verse anytime I need an assurance of the Divine Love which brings instant joy to my heart & music to my soul.. Hope it does to you too.

Have a blessed Thursday!

"Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you." Isaiah 60:1

"...it is light that makes everything visible ...and Christ will shine on you."" Ephesians 5:14

"the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;" Numbers 6:25

"You are the light of the world. ...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Mathew 5:14-16

Today's reading: Proverbs 5 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "For a man’s ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths. " 5:21

If you have not already done so, please click on the link above or turn your Bibles to Proverbs 5 and read it completely, slowly, taking in all the beautiful instructions very clearly written - not sugar coated - not grey - but clearly tells us what is right and what is wrong.

There is nothing hidden from the Lord. Even our deepest thoughts, our fondest desire, our sincere prayer are all in FULL view of the Lord. Sure, why not?! It is all good.

But how about the Lord knowing all about our secret sins, dirty thoughts, perverse heart, gossiping tongue, envy, pride, etc. ? Definitely not something we would like to bring to God's view. But guess what?

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13

Indeed we are uncovered and laid bare before the Lord. Would it be a pretty sight or are there things we need to take care of first?

Let us make a commitment today and pray as King David did below:

* See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:24
* How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Psalm 19:12 (NLT)

Amen!

"The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD." Proverbs 21:31

Today's Scripture reminds us that God indeed is in control of all things. Another verse in similar lines is: "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord" Proverbs 15:16

Doesn't mean we shouldn't train the horse for the day of battle or that we shouldn't be prepared to meet the worst. What it really means is that when we are finally granted victory, it is not because of the strength of the horse or our merits. The victory is from the Lord. It is because He fights our fight! Amen!

Even as the governments discuss many situations, as the corporate managements deal with different issues, we need not fear. Because ultimately what God allows for us will only happen, not what man intends.

I encourage you all to hold dear to these verses as you practice dependency on God every single day.

And for those of us in the United States of America, let us remember our nation as we gather at the polls to elect our new leader tomorrow. Be assured victory rests with the Lord.

Have a blessed week.

Nehemiah was a cup bearer for King Artaxerxes - king of Babylon. Most Israelites had been taken exile during that time and the wall of Jerusalem was broken down. When Nehemiah heard it he wept, prayed and had a desire to rebuild the wall. Since he has found favor with the king the king sanctioned his pettition and rebuilt the wall.

When it was all set and done, Nehemiah made sure the city was concecrated for the Lord, the temple grounds reestablished by bringing in Levites and Priests to serve there, appointing a choir, and reminding people about the laws and festivities Moses had taught their forefathers to do.

This is in this context he restored the Sabbath the day of rest God had commanded us to follow. The following text explains exactly how he restored it.

In those days I saw in Judah some who were treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sacks of grain and loading them on donkeys, as well as wine, grapes, figs and all kinds of loads, and they brought them into Jerusalem on the sabbath day. So I admonished them on the day they sold food.

Also men of Tyre were living there who imported fish and all kinds of merchandise, and sold them to the sons of Judah on the sabbath, even in Jerusalem. Then I reprimanded the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil thing you are doing, by profaning the sabbath day? “Did not your fathers do the same, so that our God brought on us and on this city all this trouble? Yet you are adding to the wrath on Israel by profaning the sabbath.”

It came about that just as it grew dark at the gates of Jerusalem before the sabbath, I commanded that the doors should be shut and that they should not open them until after the sabbath. Then I stationed some of my servants at the gates so that no load would enter on the sabbath day.

Once or twice the traders and merchants of every kind of merchandise spent the night outside Jerusalem. Then I warned them and said to them, “Why do you spend the night in front of the wall? If you do so again, I will use force against you.” From that time on they did not come on the sabbath. And I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves and come as gatekeepers to sanctify the sabbath day. For this also remember me, O my God, and have compassion on me according to the greatness of Your lovingkindness. Nehemiah 13:15-22

The question to us this morning is: Have we restored the Sabbath?! Do we give it the atmost reverence to spend in the fellowship of believers to worship the Lord? OR Have we allowed certain "merchants" in?!

Let us restore our Sabbath!

In days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit. Isaiah 27:6

This is a prophetic verse about Israel which has already come true since the late 1900s. Israel which was barren for many years has been reestablished and the agriculture industry is in full bloom, flourishing with exports to all over the world. Also, Jesus Christ - the seed that was sown in Israel has been yielding fruits in all corners of the world! That is in the literal and spiritual sense of the verse.

But what is in there for you and me? Well, is it not a great promise? Then let's claim it! Let's also work on our Fruits of the Spirit so that our fruits can fill all the world around us...

Several times in the past we have discussed each Fruit of the Spirit in detail. For ease of use here's the links to our discussions on each fruit to refresh your memories.

* Love
* Joy
* Peace
* Patience
* Kindness
* Goodness
* Faithfulness
* Gentleness
* Self-control

Happy day!

Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. I Chronicles 16:8

Giving thanks - okay we can understand; but what does it have to do with 'making it known among the nations'?

Words have the influence to claim someone for or against a matter. Marketing specialists, can assure you that "word of mouth" is one of the most effective way of marketing technique out there. James chapter 3 goes on and on about the power of the tongue, associating our tongue to the rudder that can steer a huge ship.

In the Gospel of Luke we read of the scene when Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem where people put down the palm branches and their cloak for His colt to walk on. The crowd was singing and praising in loud voice of His many miracles and the disciples rebuked them. Jesus's response was, "if they keep quite, the stones will cry out."

That is true for us too. If we keep quite from proclaiming of His wonders, the stones will cry out - putting us to shame.

So, to answer our question, making known among the nations, means to make a bold statement that we acknowledge or support or affiliate with the brand called Jesus! We are not just stopping with a quick thank you, but we will announce, proclaim, make known of what He has done for us among the nations!

You are with me on that - right?!

So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner? Luke 17:17-18

Jesus healed all 10 men with leprosy  from verses 11 to 19. But only ONE came back and thanked him.  Jesus asked above three continuous questions.

Are we among the Nine men who didn’t came back with Thanks giving after getting all blessing from God or Are we the ONE person who came back with Thanksgiving. Let us thank god for everything.

Let us pray: Dear God, Thank you for your grace, mercy, forgiveness, protection, guidance, friendship, peace, unfailing love, for being my savior. Amen.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:18

Easier said than done, you would agree- to give thanks in all circumstances. We all have something to be thankful for; but honestly can we say we are thankful for everything? Paul instructs us we should be!

There  is an illustration I had read somewhere, where everyone was asked to  bundle up their problems and throw it in a basket; and later each person  was asked to take one bundle from the basket; interestingly most of  them walked away with their original bundle. What this tells us is that  what one might frown as "problem" is nothing compared to what someone  else is going through.

Once I fell down in an airport  elevator trying to handle two toddlers by myself. Got some scratches on  my foot and felt terrible about the situation. What my little daughter -  hardly four at that time - told me, made me to think. She said, "It's  okay Mommy! It could have been worse!"

How true! Since  then I have learnt to take things in the lighter sense which has helped  me remain grateful in most circumstances - if not all, which I am  striving for.

As we get ready for our annual feast of  Thanksgiving let us learn to look at our problems from a different angle  today, from an outsider's perspective; see if it is not something to be  grateful for after all?!

Let me remind you once again: Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Amen!

Greetings to all at the table for Coffee with Jesus this morning, start of a new month! 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? Happy November!

 Remember: His Mercy endureth for ever...