SERMONS.

BLESSED FAITHFULNESS OF GOD.

2012-02-29T21:22:00.001-08:00

" FAITHFULNESS COMES FROM GOD "

Colossians 4:7-9

Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord.

I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you.

They will tell you everything that is happening here. (NIV)

This letter to the church, in what is now Western Turkey, had to be delivered.
There was no reliable postal service, no electronic communication, only couriers.

Although some would have made it their trade to take letters for people they did not know,
Paul's message was so precious he sent it with a personal courier, Tychicus.

Whenever possible, the apostolic team did not travel alone (Jesus sent them out in pairs);
so Onesimus went as well.

Both of them had very different backgrounds, but both were described as 'faithful'

Tychicus was originally from 'Asia' (now Turkey).

He had embraced the gospel and travelled with Paul on his last visit to Jerusalem;

later acting as his appointed representative to some new churches, when Paul was in prison.

His faithfulness towards God had been proved by his loyalty to Paul in difficult times,

and his willingness to be a courier and trouble-shooter among the churches.

He administered truth wherever he went.

Tychicus was faithful because he believed and was willing to serve the Lord and His people.

On the other hand, Onesimus, came from Colossae as a run-away slave.

It seems that he came to Rome and was saved through Paul's ministry in prison.

After receiving Christ, Onesimus became a faithful servant of Paul.

The man who ran away from his Christian master, became a willing servant of the Apostle;

he was a changed man who was willing to go back (the whole story is in Paul's letter to Philemon).

So although Onesimus was once untrustworthy, he learned faithfulness as a Christian.

Faithfulness is always in short supply in the world, and alas all too often in the church too.

It is the quality of being trustworthy, consistently loyal, and unmoved by other distractions.

Faithfulness is a characteristic of Father God (Deuteronomy 32:4),

and of the Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:17),
and is one of the evidences of the Holy Spirit's work in believers' lives (Galatians 5:22-23).

Naturally, we are unfaithful: that is seen in business, relationships and personal ethics.

But Christ is faithful (Hebrews 3:6) and those who follow Him should learn His lifestyle pattern.

Reliable instead of untrustworthy, consistent instead of distracted,
loyally serving others instead of serving self. If that is true of you,
rejoice that you are learning how to cooperate with the living God -
if not, then repent of calling yourself a believer but not following Jesus into a changed lifestyle.

Without faithfulness, you are as useless to God as a run-away slave.

But when you allow the Lord to work in your heart, faithfulness to Him will be seen by practically serving others;
it will enable the Lord to use you mightily.

Prayer for the day : -

Faithful God. Thank You for Your faithfulness to me, which I often take for granted.

I am sorry that I sometimes presume that everything You give is just for me; and I fail to be faithful to You by serving others.

Please help me to be grateful for the way You have kindly treated me, and help me to serve You as I serve others.

May my life demonstrate that the Holy Spirit is at work in my heart, by the way I relate to others as well as to You.

In Jesus' Name. Amen.

God Bless You.

DEAR FATHER, I am not worthy to ask You anything,

but now I NEED YOU! Hear me..have mercy on me...

I beg of you! I have NOTHING TO OFFER YOU,

but the love in my heart I give it to You.

Please deliver me . Amen.

BLESSED SERVANTS

2012-02-28T18:50:00.000-08:00

" Serving Even When
It Is Inconvenient "

As they went on their way, a man said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lie down and rest.” (Luke 9:57-58 TEV)

Jesus never calls us to blind obedience.

As we follow him and become familiar with his character, we learn he is always waiting on the other side of our steps of faith.

He forces us into a place where we must trust him and his promises, but he also tells us what to expect when we follow him (John 14:1-4).

He wants us to count the cost of our commitment, because he knows it will demand every thing we have (Luke 14:28).

In essence, Jesus warns us away from a romantic view of following him.

He understands that when we volunteer to go anywhere at any time, our romanticism will wither when our commitment becomes inconvenient — or when it collides with the full cost of discipleship.

Discipleship means we give up any thought that there will be bits and pieces of our lives that can remain unaffected by our relationship with Jesus.

We can’t say “yes” to Jesus and expect to hold on to a portion of our independence. He demands it all.

We no longer have the choice to serve only when and where it is convenient for us.

“Foxes have holes, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lie down and rest” (Luke 9:58 TEV).

When we have a romantic view of discipleship, we may imagine ourselves giving up everything for Jesus as the world admires our faith and people express their heartfelt gratitude for our sacrificial service.

But the cost of discipleship may bring the scorn of the world to your doorstep.

When you follow Jesus and do the things he tells you to do, even fellow believers may think you’re throwing away your future to help people who can give you nothing in return.

Discipleship may mean sacrificing for others who will have no appreciation for what you have done — much like Jesus was ridiculed as he died on a cross.

The grace to go wherever Jesus tells us to go comes only through the call of Christ and the power of God infused into our being.

Grace obligates us to obey Jesus, regardless of the circumstances or consequences.

How much of your service to Jesus is based upon what is convenient for you, and how much of it is based upon you doing what Jesus has told you to do?

Jesus loves you and plans his best for you.

He brings no condemnation; he wants to turn you in the right direction.

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" Who Will Be Next C.E.O ? "

A successful businessman was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business.

Instead of choosing one of his Directors or his children, he decided to do something different.

He called all the young executives in his company together.

He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next C.E.O.

I have decided to choose one of you."

The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued.

"I am going to give each one of you a SEED today - one very special SEED.

I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today

with what you have grown from the seed I have given you.

I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next C.E.O."

One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed.

He went home and excitedly told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot,

soil and compost and he planted the seed.

Every day he would water it and watch to see if it had grown.

After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds

and the plants that were beginning to grow.

Jim kept checking his seed but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing.

Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however,

he just kept watering and fertilizing the soil - he wanted the seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the C.E.O. for inspection.

Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot.

But she asked him to be honest about what happened. He took his empty pot to the boardroom.

When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives.

They were beautiful -- in all shapes and sizes.

Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him!

When the C.E.O. arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives.

Jim just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees, and flowers you have grown," said the C.E.O.

"Today one of you will be appointed the next C.E.O.!"

All of a sudden, the C.E.O. spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot.

He ordered the Financial Director to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified. He thought,

"The C.E.O. knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!"

When Jim got to the front, the C.E.O. asked him what had happened to his seed - Jim told him the story.

The C.E.O. asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim,
and then announced to the young executives, "Behold your next Chief Executive Officer! His name is Jim!"

Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow his seed.
"How could he be the new C.E.O.?" the others said.
Then the C.E.O. said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed.

I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today.
But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow.

All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers.

When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you.

Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it.

Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive Officer!" Proverbs 4:18;
The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
" Wonder if this goes with the Lion and the Lamb? "

" Animals are doing it better than mankind! "

" Just amazing and who knows why ?

Photographer Michel Denis-Huot,
who captured these amazing pictures on
safari in Kenya 's Masai Mara in October last year,

said he was astounded by what he saw:"These three brothers (cheetahs) have been living together since they left their mother at about 18 months old, he said 'on the morning we saw them , they seemed not to be hungry, walking quickly but stopping sometimes to play together. At one point, they met group of impla who run away. But one younger was not quick enough and the brothers caught it easly.' These extraordinary scenes followed.

" And then they just walked away
without hurting him "

May your day be filled with blessings!

Life is short...

forgive quickly,love truly,laugh uncontrollably...and never regret anythingthat made you smile.

BLESSED SAYINGS OF GOD TO US.

2012-02-27T18:45:00.001-08:00

YOU SAY: "it's impossible"........GOD SAYS: "all things are possible"

In Luke 18:27 the Bible says Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." and again the Bible says in Jeremiah 32:17, "Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. And in Matthew 19:26 says, Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

YOU SAY: "I'm too tired"...........GOD SAYS: "I will give you rest"

In Matt 11:28-30 Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

YOU SAY: "Nobody loves me" ...GOD SAYS: "I love you"

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life".

YOU SAY: "I can't go on"...........GOD SAYS: "My grace is sufficient"

2 Cor 12:9 says, But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you,

for my power is made perfect in weakness."

YOU SAY: "I can't figure this" ...GOD SAYS: "i will direct your steps"

Prov 3:5-6 says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding;in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

YOU SAY: "I can't do it" ............GOD SAYS: "You can do all things"

Phil 4:13 again the Bible says, I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

YOU SAY: "I'm not able" ...........GOD SAYS: "I am able"

2 Cor 9:8 says, And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in

all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work

YOU SAY: "It's not worth it" ......GOD SAYS: "It will be worth it"

Rom 8:28 says, And we know that in all things God works for the good

of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

YOU SAY: "I can't forgive me" ...GOD SAYS: "I forgive you"

Rom 8:1 says, Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus

YOU SAY: "I'm afraid" ..............GOD SAYS: "I have not give you a spirit of fear"

In II Timothy 1:7 the Bible says, For God did not give us a spirit of timidity

but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline.

YOU SAY: "I'm worried" ............GOD SAYS: "Cast all your cares upon ME"

I Peter 5:7 says, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

YOU SAY: "I'm not smart" .........GOD SAYS: "I give you wisdom"

1 Cor 1:30 says, It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

YOU SAY: "I feel alone" ............GOD SAYS: "I will never leave you"

In Hebrews 13:5 says, . Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

YOU SAY: "I can't manage" .......GOD SAYS: "I will supply all your needs"

Last but not least in Philippians 4:19 we read in the Bible, And my God will meet all your

needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Mango is the king of fruits, now the season started in India. This is a small mango tree with full of mango.

BLESSED RELATIONSHIP.

2012-02-26T07:00:00.001-08:00

Keeping love alive requires more than a few blessings. It requires an awareness of how very fragile love is. Every thought, word and gesture either makes love grow, or dims its brightness. This brightening process is a mystery worth knowing. One of the more practical ways to know love is through relationship. Here are Ten Tips for a Healthy Relationship:

1. Take care of yourself. Be responsible for your own health and do what you need to do to stay healthy. This means getting the right kind of exercise. We need to stay strong, be flexible, and make our hearts strong. Do Exercise like walk, jog, swim, play tennis, dance. Move your body in ways that are fun for you! Spend time in nature absorbing the blessings of the earth. Nature helps us relax and tune into the elements. We need to feel the earth under our feet, the wind in our hair and get in the water whenever possible. Eat right. Find the balanced diet that appeals to you. Most studies keep finding that a diet heavy in fresh veggies and fruits, and light on heavy protein creates the best health.

2. Take time to nurture the love. Be generous in your appreciation of your partner. Make sure you explore the many ways to express it. The way love is felt is: through loving, kind touch; through spending quality time together where you put the total focus on nurturing each other; through words of affirmation where you express the deep appreciation you have for each other; through acts of service where you do things for each other; and through thoughtful gifts that you give one another. Be creative. Have fun!

3. Inspire each other. Bring new and fresh ideas into the relationship. Try new things together. Discover what inspires you and share it with your partner.

4. Be committed to intimacy. Allow passion and the joy of being alive and having someone to share it with enliven you. Be fearless in your honesty but temper it with kindness. Spend quality time together massaging, being sensual and playing!

5. Use relationship as a way for you to understand yourself. Meet each other when challenged and share what is true for you without blame or judgment. We are all learning and growing. Be compassionate with yourself and each other

6. Use sexual loving as a way to enhance the intimate connection between you. Allow it to flow beyond the boundaries of expectation. Know that the fire of passion that brought you together must be nourished and stoked.

7. Share your dreams and visions. Imagine your future and move toward it with courage and grace. Look for miracles. Stay positive as much as possible.

8. When you disagree, don't argue or bicker. Communicate carefully. Look at each other in the eye while talking. Listen to each other with respect. Acknowledge what is said. Sometimes when you listen carefully, long enough, you will find a place of agreement. If you can't agree, let the disagreement rest and talk over the problem with a trusted friend or counselor who might bring in a fresh perspective, and pray together for the highest option. When you both know you want what's best for you individually and for the relationship, you will relax and let that highest option percolate into your hearts and minds.

9. Do thoughtful things for one another. When your partner asks you for a favor, do it with a happy heart, if you possibly can.

10. Pray and ask God for guidance daily - alone and together.

OUR BLESSED GOD AND OUR PROBLEMS.

2012-02-22T19:31:00.000-08:00

By John Varghese.

We all have trials, temptations and problems in our life. The Bible says in Psalms 34:19,

A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;

Here we see that even the righteous man also has troubles but fact is Lord delivers him

from them all. Think about Job, Joseph and Daniel. I sought the LORD, and he answered

me; he delivered me from all my fears.(Psalms 34:4)Again in verses 6 in the same

Psalm we read,"This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of

all his troubles."In your time of troubles or fears if seek Lord He will answer and deliver

you. If you call upon Him He will hear and save you out of the troubles. Amen. I like to

share with you now how our good GOD change our problems in to our blessings.

1. To Direct you in the right DIRECTION.

When the fire is burning then only some machines work properly, like wise when we go

through some fiery problems then only we think in Godly ways and understand God's deliverance .

[1.] It is supposed that they have their share of crosses in this world, perhaps a greater share than others. In the world they must have tribulation, that they may be conformed both to the will of God and to the example of Christ (v. 19); Many are the afflictions of the righteous, witness David and his afflictions, Ps. 132:1. There are those that hate them (v. 21) and they are continually aiming to do them a mischief; their God loves them, and therefore corrects them; so that, between the mercy of heaven and the malice of hell, the afflictions of the righteous must needs be many. [2.] God has engaged for their deliverance and salvation: He delivers them out of all their troubles (v. 17, 19); he saves them (v. 18), so that, though they may fall into trouble, it shall not be their ruin. This promise of their deliverance is explained, v. 22. Whatever troubles befall them, First, They shall not hurt their better part. The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants from the power of the grave (Ps. 49:15) and from the sting of every affliction. He keeps them from sinning in their troubles, which is the only thing that would do them a mischief, and keeps them from despair, and from being put out of the possession of their own souls. Secondly, They shall not hinder their everlasting bliss. None of those that trust in him shall be desolate; that is, they shall not be comfortless, for they shall not be cut off from their communion with God. No man is desolate but he whom God has forsaken, nor is any man undone till he is in hell. Those that are God's faithful servants, that make it their care to please him and their business to honour him, and in doing so trust him to protect and reward them, and, with good thoughts of him, refer themselves to him, have reason to be easy whatever befalls them, for they are safe and shall be happy.

In singing these verses let us be confirmed in the choice we have made of the ways of God; let us be quickened in his service, and greatly encouraged by the assurances he has given of the particular care he takes of all those that faithfully adhere to him.

2. To Inspect our own Spiritual Life.

When everything goes perfect we may not inspect ourselves, but when things go wrong we try to find out the reasons or even inspect ourselves where we went astray. In Psalm 119:67 we read, "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word."

David here tells us what he had experienced, 1. Of the temptations of a prosperous condition: "Before I was afflicted, while I lived in peace and plenty, and knew no sorrow, I went astray from God and my duty." Sin is going astray; and we are most apt to wander from God when we are easy and think ourselves at home in the world. Prosperity is the unhappy occasion of much iniquity; it makes people conceited of themselves, indulgent of the flesh, forgetful of God, in love with the world, and deaf to the reproofs of the word. See Ps. 30:6. It is good for us, when we are afflicted, to remember how and wherein we went astray before we were afflicted, that we may answer the end of the affliction. 2. Of the benefit of an afflicted state: "Now have I kept thy word, and so have been recovered from my wanderings." God often makes use of afflictions as a means to reduce those to himself who have wandered from him. Sanctified afflictions humble us for sin and show us the vanity of the world; they soften the heart, and open the ear to discipline. The prodigal's distress brought him to himself first and then to his father

3. To Correct ourselves.

In Psalm 119:71, we read, "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees"

It is good for me that I have been afflicted. Whatever may have been the form of the affliction, it was good for me. The design was benevolent; the result has been my own benefit. This will be the experience sooner or later resulting from all the afflictions of the righteous.

That I might learn thy statutes - That I might be brought more fully to understand what they require; and that I might be led to conform to them. It is implied here

(a) that this is the tendency of affliction; and

(b) that this is an advantage - a good.

Anything that will lead a man to obey God is a blessing and a favor. Whatever leads a sinner to secure the salvation of his soul is a gain to him. No matter what it may cost; no matter what he may be required to give up; no matter to what persecutions and troubles it may expose him; no matter what he may suffer, or how long he may suffer; no matter though poverty, contempt, toil - even the rack or the stake - may be the consequence of his religion - yet it is again to him; and he will be thankful for it in the end - for nothing that can be endured in this life can be compared with the sufferings of the world of despair; nothing on earth can be "compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us in heaven." Dear readers OUR PROBLEMS ARE A BLESSINGS IN DESGUISE.

BLESSED STORY OF VALENTINE DAY

2012-02-18T02:45:00.000-08:00

By John Varghese.

Approximately 250 years after Jesus was born in Bethlehem,

there was a priest by the name of VALENTINE.

He lived in Rome. At that time, Claudius was the

Emperor of Rome. Some people called him Claudius

the Cruel. St. Valentine didn’t like Emperor Claudius, and

he wasn’t the only one! Many people felt the same way.

Claudius wanted a big army. He thought men should volunteer

to join. Many men just did not want to leave home and go

off to fight in wars. They did not want to leave their girlfriends

and wives. So, not many men volunteered for the Roman army.

This made Emperor Claudius very angry. He had a

crazy idea that if men were not married, they would be more inclined to

join his army. So Claudius decreed that there would be no more

marriages. Young people thought his new law was really cruel.

Valentine thought it was ridiculous! One of his favorite duties as a

priest was to marry people. After Emperor Claudius passed his

law, Valentine kept on performing marriage ceremonies – but

secretly. He would whisper the words of the ceremony, while listening

for soldiers on the steps outside. One night, Valentine did hear

footsteps at his door. The couple he was marrying escaped, but

he was caught. He was thrown in jail and told that his punishment was death.

St. Valentine tried to stay cheerful. Many young people came to the jail

to visit him. They threw flowers and notes up to his window. They

wanted him to know that they, too, believed in love. One of these

young people was the daughter of the prison guard. Her

father allowed her to visit him in his cell. They often sat and talked

for hours. She believed he did the right thing by ignoring the Emperor

and performing marriage ceremonies.

ON THE DAY VALENTINE WAS TO DIE, HE LEFT HER A NOTE THANKING

HER FOR HER FRIENDSHIP AND LOYALTY. HE SIGNED IT, "LOVE FROM YOUR

VALENTINE." THAT NOTE STARTED THE CUSTOM OF EXCHANGING LOVE

NOTES ON VALENTINE’S DAY. IT WAS WRITTEN ON THE DAY HE DIED,

FEBRUARY 14, 269 A.D. NOW, EVERY YEAR ON THIS DAY, PEOPLE

REMEMBER. BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, THEY THINK ABOUT LOVE

AND FRIENDSHIP. WHEN THEY THINK OF EMPEROR CLAUDIUS,

THEY REMEMBER HOW HE TRIED TO STAND IN THE WAY OF LOVE,

AND THEY LAUGH -- BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT LOVE CAN’T BE BEATEN!

THESE VALENTINES FROM GOD ARE NOT JUST FOR A FEW. THEY

ARE FOR YOU...FOR ME... FOR EVERYONE! AND THEY ARE NOT

JUST FOR FEBRUARY 14TH..BUT FOR EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR.

EACH DAY IS VALENTINE’S DAY WHEN YOU ARE THE BELOVED OF GOD!

ARE YOU FULLY AWARE OF GOD'S EVERLASTING LOVE FOR YOU?

EVERY SINGLE MOMENT, WHETHER AWAKE OR ASLEEP,

WE ALL LIVE UNDER THE CANOPY OF THE LORD'S WONDROUS

AND ABSOLUTE LOVE FOR US.

BUT TO FULLY EXPERIENCE THAT LOVE, YOU MUST RECEIVE IT.

SAY YES TO THIS AMAZING GIFT THAT GOD WANTS TO POUR OUT ON YOU.

BASK IN IT AND LET IT OVERFLOW TO THOSE AROUND YOU..

With All My Heart And Love, I Wish You The Best Of Valentine's Day In Christ Jesus

Our Loving Lord Who GAVE His Life For Us Because Of LOVE!!

BLESSED MESSAGES FOR ALL

2012-02-17T04:21:00.002-08:00

By John Varghese.

I HAVE A THANKFUL HEART BECAUSE

JESUS SAVED ME SUCH A SINNER......

AND SO UNWORTHY OF HIS WONDERFUL

PRECIOUS LOVE....

HE DIED ON THE CROSS !!!

HE DID THAT FOR ALL OF US !!!

AMAZING LOVE HE HAS FOR US......

AND WHAT HE HAS IN HEAVEN FOR US......

WE CANNOT EVEN START TO COMPREHEND......

IT WILL BE SO BEAUTIFUL.....NO MORE PAIN....

NO MORE HARDSHIPS....ONLY HAPPINESS....

AND JOY....AND LOVE !!!!!!

PRAISE THE LORD !!!!!!!!!

GOD BLESS YOU ALL WITH THIS BLESSED MESSAGE.

BLESSED LOVE

2012-02-14T07:00:00.003-08:00

BLESSED LOVE.

For God so loved the world - Such a love as that which induced God to give his only begotten son to die for the world could not be described: Jesus Christ does not attempt it. He has put an eternity of meaning in the particle οὑτω, so, and left a subject for everlasting contemplation, wonder, and praise, to angels and to men. The same evangelist uses a similar mode of expression, : Behold, What Manner of love, the Father hath bestowed upon us.( 1 John 3:1)

From the subject before him, let the reader attend to the following particulars.

First, The world was in a ruinous, condemned state, about to perish everlastingly; and was utterly without power to rescue itself from destruction.

Secondly, That God, through the impulse of his eternal love, provided for its rescue and salvation, by giving his Son to die for it.

Thirdly, That the sacrifice of Jesus was the only mean by which the redemption of man could be effected, and that it is absolutely sufficient to accomplish this gracious design: for it would have been inconsistent with the wisdom of God, to have appointed a sacrifice greater in itself, or less in its merit, than what the urgent necessities of the case required.

Fourthly, That sin must be an indescribable evil, when it required no less a sacrifice, to make atonement for it, than God manifested in the flesh.

Fifthly, That no man is saved through this sacrifice, but he that believes, i.e. who credits what God has spoken concerning Christ, his sacrifice, the end for which it was offered, and the way in which it is to be applied in order to become effectual.

Sixthly, That those who believe receive a double benefit:

1. They are exempted from eternal perdition - that they may not perish.

2. They are brought to eternal glory - that they may have everlasting life. These two benefits point out tacitly the state of man: he is guilty, and therefore exposed to punishment: he is impure, and therefore unfit for glory.

They point out also the two grand operations of grace, by which the salvation of man is effected.

1. Justification, by which the guilt of sin is removed, and consequently the person is no longer obnoxious to perdition.

2. Sanctification, or the purification of his nature, by which he is properly fitted for the kingdom of glory.

For God so loved the world,.... The Persic version reads "men": but not every man in the world is here meant, or all the individuals of human nature; for all are not the objects of God's special love, which is here designed, as appears from the instance and evidence of it, the gift of his Son: nor is Christ God's gift to every one; for to whomsoever he gives his Son, he gives all things freely with him; which is not the case of every man. Nor is human nature here intended, in opposition to, and distinction from, the angelic nature; for though God has showed a regard to fallen men, and not to fallen angels, and has provided a Saviour for the one, and not for the other; and Christ has assumed the nature of men, and not angels; yet not for the sake of all men, but the spiritual seed of Abraham; and besides, it will not be easily proved, that human nature is ever called the world: nor is the whole body of the chosen ones, as consisting of Jews and Gentiles, here designed; for though these are called the world, and are the objects of God's special love, and to them Christ is given, and they are brought to believe in him, and shall never perish, but shall be saved with an everlasting salvation; yet rather the Gentiles particularly, and God's elect among them, are meant; who are often called "the world", and "the whole world", and "the nations of the world", as distinct from the Jews; see Romans 11:12, compared with Matthew 6:32 The Jews had the same distinction we have now, the church and the world; the former they took to themselves, and the latter they gave to all the nations around: hence we often meet with this distinction, Israel, and the nations of the world. If you believe Jesus Christ and His death and resurrection is taken place for your sin, YOU WILL BE SAVED.

Bible says in

Romans 10:9-13 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Dear Reader Believe In Jesus Christ, Call upon the Name of Jesus You will be SAVED. GOD BLESS YOU.

BLESSED PRAYER OF HANNAH.

2012-02-12T17:03:00.000-08:00

By John Varghese ( I SAMUEL 1:9-18)

I. It brought her to her meat. She ate and drank, v. 9. She did not harden herself in sorrow, nor grow sullen when she was reproved for it; but, when she perceived her husband uneasy that she did not come and eat with them, she cheered up her own spirits as well as she could, and came to table. it is as great a piece of self-denial to control our passions as it is to control our appetites.

II. It brought her to her prayers. It put her upon considering, "Do I well to be angry? Do I well to fret? What good does it do me? Instead of binding the burden thus upon my shoulders, had I not better easy myself of it, and cast it upon the Lord by prayer?" Elkanah had said, Am not I better to thee than ten sons? which perhaps occasioned her to think within herself, "Whether he be so or no, God is, and therefore to him will I apply, and before him will I pour out my complaint, and try what relief that will give me." If ever she will make a more solemn address than ordinary to the throne of grace upon this errand, now is the time. They are at Shiloh, at the door of the tabernacle, where God had promised to meet his people, and which was the house of prayer. They had recently offered their peace-offerings, to obtain the favour of God and all good and in token of their communion with him; and, taking the comfort of their being accepted of him, they had feasted upon the sacrifice; and now it was proper to put up her prayer in virtue of that sacrifice, for the peace-offerings, for by it not only atonement is made for sin, but the audience and acceptance of our prayers and an answer of peace to them are obtained for us: to that sacrifice, in all our supplications, we must have an eye. Now concerning Hannah's prayer we may observe,

1. The warm and lively devotion there was in it, which appeared in several instances, for our direction in prayer. (1.) She improved the present grief and trouble of her spirit for the exciting and quickening of her pious affections in prayer: Being in bitterness of soul, she prayed, v. 10. This good use we should make of our afflictions, they should make us the more lively in our addresses to God. Our blessed Saviour himself, being in an agony, prayed more earnestly, Lu. 22:44. (2.) She mingled tears with her prayers. It was not a dry prayer: she wept sore. Like a true Israelite, she wept and made supplication (Hos. 12:4), with an eye to the tender mercy of our God, who knows the troubled soul. The prayer came from her heart, as the tears from her eyes. (3.) She was very particular, and yet very modest, in her petition. She begged a child, a man-child, that it might be fit to serve in the tabernacle. God gives us leave, in prayer, not only to ask good things in general, but to mention that special good thing which we most need and desire. Yet she says not, as Rachel, Give me children, Gen. 30:1. She will be very thankful for one. (4.) She made a solemn vow, or promise, that if God would give her a son she would give him up to God, v. 11. He would be by birth a Levite, and so devoted to the service of God, but he should be by her vow a Nazarite, and his very childhood should be sacred. It is probable she had acquainted Elkanah with her purpose before, and had had his consent and approbation. Note, Parents have a right to dedicate their children to God, as living sacrifices and spiritual priests; and an obligation is thereby laid upon them to serve God faithfully all the days of their life. Note further, It is very proper, when we are in pursuit of any mercy, to bind our own souls with a bond, that, if God give it us, we will devote it to his honour and cheerfully use it in his service. Not that hereby we can pretend to merit the gift, but thus we are qualified for it and for the comfort of it. In hope of mercy, let us promise duty. (5.) She spoke all this so softly that none could hear her. Her lips moved, but her voice was not heard, v. 13. Hereby she testified her belief of God's knowledge of the heart and its desires. Thoughts are words to him, nor is he one of those gods that must be cried aloud to, 1 Ki. 18:27. It was likewise an instance of her humility and holy shamefacedness in her approach to God. She was none of those that made her voice to be heard on high, Isa. 58:4. It was a secret prayer, and therefore, though made in a public place, yet was thus made secretly, and not, as the Pharisees prayed, to be seen of men. It is true prayer is not a thing we have reason to be ashamed of, but we must avoid all appearances of ostentation. Let what passes between God and our souls be kept to ourselves.

2. The hard censure she fell under for it. Eli was now high priest, and judge in Israel; he sat upon a seat in the temple, to oversee what was done there, v. 9. The tabernacle is here called the temple, because it was now fixed, and served all the purposes of a temple. There Eli sat to receive addresses and give direction, and somewhere (it is probable in a private corner) he espied Hannah at her prayers, and by her unusual manner fancied she was drunken, and spoke to her accordingly (v. 14): How long wilt thou be drunken?-the very imputation that Peter and the apostles fell under when the Holy Ghost gave them utterance, Acts 2:13. Perhaps in this degenerate age it was no strange thing to see drunken women at the door of the tabernacle; for otherwise, one would think, the vile lust of Hophni and Phinehas could not have found so easy a prey there, ch. 2:22. Eli took Hannah for one of these. It is one bad effect of the abounding of iniquity, and its becoming fashionable, that it often gives occasion to suspect the innocent. When a disease is epidemical every one is suspected to be tainted with it. Now, (1.) This was Eli's fault; and a great fault it was to pass so severe a censure without better observation or information. If his own eyes had already become dim, he should have employed those about him to enquire. Drunkards are commonly noisy and turbulent, but this poor woman was silent and composed. His fault was the worse that he was the priest of the Lord, who should have had compassion on the ignorant, Heb. 5:2. Note, It ill becomes us to be rash and hasty in our censures of others, and to be forward to believe people guilty of bad things, while either the matter of fact on which the censure is grounded is doubtful and unproved or is capable of a good construction. Charity commands us to hope the best concerning all, and forbids censoriousness. Paul had very good information when he did but partly believe (1 Co. 11:18), hoping it was not so. Especially we ought to be cautious how we censure the devotions of others, lest we call that hypocrisy, enthusiasm, or superstition, which is really the fruit of an honest zeal, and it is accepted of God. (2.) It was Hannah's affliction; and a great affliction it was, added to all the rest, vinegar to the wounds of her spirit. She had been reproved by Elkanah because she would not eat and drink, and now to be reproached by Eli as if she had eaten and drunk too much was very hard. Note, It is no new thing for those that do well to be ill thought of, and we must not think it strange if at any time it be our lot.

3. Hannah's humble vindication of herself from this crime with which she was charged. She bore it admirably well. She did not retort the charge and upbraid him with the debauchery of his own sons, did not bid him look at home and restrain them, did not tell him how ill it became one in his place thus to abuse a poor sorrowful worshipper at the throne of grace. When we are at any time unjustly censured we have need to set a double watch before the door of our lips, that we do not recriminate, and return censure for censure. Hannah thought it enough to vindicate herself, and so must we, v. 15, 16. (1.) In justice to herself, she expressly denies the charge, speaks to him with all possible respect, calls him, My lord, intimates how very desirous she was to stand right in his opinion and how loth to lie under his censure. "No, my lord, it is not as you suspect; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, not any at all" (though it was proper enough to be given to one of such a heavy heart, Prov. 31:6), "much less to any excess; therefore count not thy handmaid for a daughter of Belial." Note, Drunkards are children of Belial (women-drunkards, particularly), children of the wicked one, children of disobedience, children that will not endure the yoke (else they would not be drunk), more especially when they are actually drunk. Those that cannot govern themselves will not bear that any one else should. Hannah owns that the crime would have been very great if she had indeed been guilty of it, and he might justly have shut her out of the courts of God's house; but the very manner of her speaking in her own defence was sufficient to demonstrate that she was not drunk. (2.) In justice to him, she gives an account of her present behaviour, which had given occasion to his suspicion: "I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit, dejected and discomposed, and that is the reason I do not look as other people; the eyes are red, not with wine, but with weeping. And at this time I have not been talking to myself, as drunkards and fools do, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord, who hears and understands the language of the heart, and this out of the abundance of my complaint and grief." She had been more than ordinarily fervent in prayer to God, and this, she tells him, was the true reason of the transport and disorder she seemed to be in. Note, When we are unjustly censured we should endeavour, not only to clear ourselves, but to satisfy our brethren, by giving them a just and true account of that which they misapprehended.

4. The atonement Eli made for his rash unfriendly censure, by a kind and fatherly benediction, v. 17. He did not (as many are apt to do in such a case) take it for an affront to have his mistake rectified and to be convinced of his error, nor did it put him out of humour. But, on the contrary, he now encouraged Hannah's devotions as much as before he had discountenanced them; not only intimated that he was satisfied of her innocency by those words, Go in peace, but, being high priest, as one having authority he blessed her in the name of the Lord, and, though he knew not what the particular blessing was that she had been praying for, yet he puts his Amen to it, so good an opinion had he now conceived of her prudence and piety: The God of Israel grant thee thy petition, whatever it is, that thou hast asked of him. Note, By our meek and humble carriage towards those that reproach us because they do not know us, we may perhaps make them our friends, and turn their censures of us into prayers for us.

5. The great satisfaction of mind with which Hannah now went away, v. 18. She begged the continuance of Eli's good opinion of her and his good prayers for her, and then she went her way and did eat of what remained of the peace-offerings (none of which was to be left until the morning), and her countenance was no more sad, no more as it had been, giving marks of inward trouble and discomposure; but she looked pleasant and cheerful, and all was well. Why, what had happened? Whence came this sudden happy change? She had by prayer committed her case to God and left it with him, and now she was no more perplexed about it. She had prayed for herself, and Eli had prayed for her; and she believed that God would either give her the mercy she had prayed for or make up the want of it to her some other way. Note, Prayer is heart's-ease to a gracious soul; the seed of Jacob have often found it so, being confident that God will never say unto them, Seek you me in vain, see Phil. 4:6, 7. Prayer will smooth the countenance; it should do so.

BLESSED SAMUEL.

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BLESSED SAMUEL. (I Samuel 1:1-8)

The history of Samuel here begins as early as that of Samson did, even before he was born, as afterwards the history of John the Baptist and our blessed Saviour. Some of the scripture-worthies drop out of the clouds, as it were, and their first appearance is in their full growth and lustre. But others are accounted for from the birth, and from the womb, and from the conception. What God says of the prophet Jeremiah is true of all: "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee," Jer. 1:5. But some great men were brought into the world with more observation than others, and were more early distinguished from common persons, as Samuel for one. God, in this matter, acts as a free agent. The story of Samson introduces him as a child of promise, Jdg. 13. But the story of Samuel introduces him as a child of prayer. Samson's birth was foretold by an angel to his mother; Samuel was asked of God by his mother. Both together intimate what wonders are produced by the word and prayer. Samuel's mother was Hannah, the principal person concerned in the story of this chapter. I. Here is her affliction-she was childless, and this affliction aggravated by her rival's insolence, but in some measure balanced by her husband's kindness (v. 1-8). II. The prayer and vow she made to God under this affliction, in which Eli the high priest at first censured her, but afterwards encouraged her (v. 9-18). III. The birth and nursing of Samuel (v. 19-23) IV. The presenting of him to the Lord (v. 24-28).

Verses 1-8

We have here an account of the state of the family into which Samuel the prophet was born. His father's name was Elkanah, a Levite, and of the family of the Kohathites (the most honourable house of that tribe) as appears, 1 Chr. 6:33, 34. His ancestor Zuph was an Ephrathite, that is, of Bethlehem-Judah, which was called Ephrathah, Ruth, 1:2. There this family of the Levites was first seated, but one branch of it, in process of time, removed to Mount Ephraim, from which Elkanah descended. Micah's Levite came from Bethlehem to Mount Ephraim, Jdg. 17:8. Perhaps notice is taken of their being originally Ephrathites to show their alliance to David. This Elkanah lived at Ramah, or Ramathaim, which signifies the double Ramah, the higher and lower town, the same with Arimathea of which Joseph was, here called Ramathaim-zophim. Zophim signifies watchmen; probably they had one of the schools of the prophets there, for prophets are called watchmen: the Chaldee paraphrase calls Elkanah a disciple of the prophets. But it seems to me that it was in Samuel that prophecy revived, before his time there being, for a great while, no open vision, ch. 3:1. Nor is there any mention of a prophet of the Lord from Moses to Samuel, except Jdg. 6:8. So that we have no reason to think that there was any nursery or college of prophets here till Samuel himself founded one, ch. 19:19, 20. This is the account of Samuel's parentage, and the place of his nativity. Let us now take notice of the state of the family.

I. It was a devout family. All the families of Israel should be so, but Levites' families in a particular manner. Ministers should be patterns of family religion. Elkanah went up at the solemn feasts to the tabernacle at Shiloh, to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts. I think this is the first time in scripture that God is called the Lord of hosts-Jehovah Sabaoth, a name by which he was afterwards very much called and known. Probably Samuel the prophet was the first that used this title of God, for the comfort of Israel, when in his time their hosts were few and feeble and those of their enemies many and mighty; then it would be a support to them to think that the God they served was Lord of hosts, of all the hosts both of heaven and earth; of them he has a sovereign command, and makes what use he pleases of them. Elkanah was a country Levite, and, for aught that appears, had not any place or office which required his attendance at the tabernacle, but he went up as a common Israelite, with his own sacrifices, to encourage his neighbours and set them a good example. When he sacrificed he worshipped, joining prayers and thanksgivings with his sacrifices. In this course of religion he was constant, for he went up yearly. And that which made it the more commendable in him was, 1. That there was a general decay and neglect of religion in the nations. Some among them worshipped other gods, and the generality were remiss in the service of the God of Israel, and yet Elkanah kept his integrity; whatever others did, his resolution was that he and his house should serve the Lord. 2. That Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli, were the men that were now chiefly employed in the service of the house of God; and they were men that conducted themselves very ill in their place, as we shall find afterwards; yet Elkanah went up to sacrifice. God had then tied his people to one place and one altar, and forbidden them, under any pretence whatsoever, to worship elsewhere, and therefore, in pure obedience to that command, he attended at Shiloh. If the priests did not do their duty, he would do his. Thanks be to God, we, under the gospel, are not tied to any one place or family; but the pastors and teachers whom the exalted Redeemer has given to his church are those only whose ministration tends to the perfecting of the saints and the edifying of the body of Christ, Eph. 4:11, 12. None have dominion over our faith; but our obligation is to those that are the helpers of our holiness and joy, not to any that by their scandalous immoralities, like Hophni and Phinehas, make the sacrifices of the Lord to be abhorred, though still the validity and efficacy of the sacraments depend not on the purity of him that administers them.

II. Yet it was a divided family, and the divisions of it carried with them both guilt and grief. Where there is piety, it is a pity but there should be unity. The joint-devotions of a family should put an end to divisions in it.

1. The original cause of this division was Elkanah's marrying two wives, which was a transgression of the original institution of marriage, to which our Saviour reduces it. Mt. 19:5, 8, From the beginning it was not so. It made mischief in Abraham's family, and Jacob's, and here in Elkanah's. How much better does the law of God provide for our comfort and ease in this world than we should, if we were left to ourselves! It is probable that Elkanah married Hannah first, and, because he had not children by her so soon as he hoped, he married Peninnah, who bore him children indeed, but was in other things a vexation to him. Thus are men often beaten with rods of their own making.

2. That which followed upon this error was that the two wives could not agree. They had different blessings: Peninnah, like Leah, was fruitful and had many children, which should have made her easy and thankful, though she was but a second wife, and was less beloved; Hannah, like Rachel, was childless indeed, but she was very dear to her husband, and he took all occasions to let both her and others know that she was so, and many a worthy portion he gave her (v. 5), and this should have made her easy and thankful. But they were of different tempers: Peninnah could not bear the blessing of fruitfulness, but she grew haughty and insolent; Hannah could not bear the affliction of barrenness, but she grew melancholy and discontented: and Elkanah had a difficult part to act between them.

(1.) Elkanah kept up his attendance at God's altar notwithstanding this unhappy difference in his family, and took his wives and children with him, that, if they could not agree in other things, they might agree to worship God together. If the devotions of a family prevail not to put an end to its divisions, yet let not the divisions put a stop to the devotions.

(2.) He did all he could to encourage Hannah, and to keep up her spirits under her affliction, v. 4, 5. At the feast he offered peace-offerings, to supplicate for peace in his family; and when he and his family were to eat their share of the sacrifice, in token of their communion with God and his altar, though he carved to Peninnah and her children competent portions, yet to Hannah he gave a worthy portion, the choicest piece that came to the table, the piece (whatever it was) that used to be given on such occasions to those that were most valued; this he did in token of his love to her, and to give all possible assurances of it. Observe, [1.] Elkanah loved his wife never the less for her being barren. Christ loves his church, notwithstanding her infirmities, her barrenness; and so ought men to love their wives, Eph. 5:25. To abate our just love to any relation for the sake of any infirmity which they cannot help, and which is not their sin but their affliction, is to make God's providence quarrel with his precept, and very unkindly to add affliction to the afflicted. [2.] He studied to show his love so much the more because she was afflicted, insulted, and low-spirited. It is wisdom and duty to support the weakest, and to hold up those that are run down. [3.] He showed his great love to her by the share he gave her of his peace-offerings. Thus we should testify our affection to our friends and relations, by abounding in prayer for them. The better we love them the more room let us give them in our prayers.

(3.) Peninnah was extremely peevish and provoking. [1.] She upbraided Hannah with her affliction, despised her because she was barren, and gave her taunting language, as one whom Heaven did not favour. [2.] She envied the interest she had in the love of Elkanah, and the more kind he was to her the more was she exasperated against her, which was all over base and barbarous. [3.] She did this most when they went up to the house of the Lord, perhaps because then they were more together than at other times, or because then Elkanah showed his affection most to Hannah. But it was very sinful at such a time to show her malice, when pure hands were to be lifted up at God's altar without wrath and quarrelling. It was likewise very unkind at that time to vex Hannah, not only because then they were in company, and others would take notice of it, but then Hannah was to mind her devotions, and desired to be most calm and composed, and free from disturbance. The great adversary to our purity and peace is then most industrious to ruffle us when we should be most composed. When the sons of God come to present themselves before the Lord Satan will be sure to come among them, Job 1:6. [4.] She continued to do this from year to year, not once or twice, but it was her constant practice; neither deference to her husband nor compassion to Hannah could break her of it. [5.] That which she designed was to make her fret, perhaps in hopes to break her heart, that she might possess her husband's heart solely, or because she took a pleasure in her uneasiness, nor could Hannah gratify her more than by fretting. Note, It is an evidence of a base disposition to delight in grieving those that are melancholy and of a sorrowful spirit, and in putting those out of humour that are apt to fret and be uneasy. We ought to bear one another's burdens, not add to them.

(4.) Hannah (poor woman) could not hear the provocation: She wept, and did not eat, v. 7. It made her uneasy to herself and to all her relations. She did not eat of the feast; her trouble took away her appetite, made her unfit for any company, and a jar in the harmony of family-joy. It was of the feast upon the sacrifice that she did not eat, for they were not to eat of the holy things in their mourning, Deu. 26:14; Lev. 10:19. Yet it was her infirmity so far to give way to the sorrow of the world as to unfit herself for holy joy in God. Those that are of a fretful spirit, and are apt to lay provocations too much to heart, are enemies to themselves, and strip themselves very much of the comforts both of life and godliness. We find that God took notice of this ill effect of discontents and disagreements in the conjugal relation, that the parties aggrieved covered the altar of the Lord with tears, insomuch that he regarded not the offering, Mal. 2:13.

(5.) Elkanah said what he could to her to comfort her. She did not upbraid him with his unkindness in marrying another wife as Sarah did, nor did she render to Peninnah railing for railing, but took the trouble wholly to herself, which made her an object of much compassion. Elkanah showed himself extremely grieved at her grief (v. 8): Hannah, why weepest thou? [1.] He is much disquieted to see her thus overwhelmed with sorrow. Those that by marriage are made one flesh ought thus far to be of one spirit too, to share in each other's troubles, so that one cannot be easy while the other is uneasy. [2.] He gives her a loving reproof for it: Why weepest thou? And why is thy heart grieved? As many as God loves he rebukes, and so should we. He puts her upon enquiring into the cause of her grief. Though she had just reason to be troubled, yet let her consider whether she had reason to be troubled to such a degree, especially so much as to be taken off by it from eating of the holy things. Note, Our sorrow upon any account is sinful and inordinate when it diverts us from our duty to God and embitters our comfort in him, when it makes us unthankful for the mercies we enjoy and distrustful of the goodness of God to us in further mercies, when it casts a damp upon our joy in Christ, and hinders us from doing the duty and taking the comfort of our particular relations. [3.] He intimates that nothing should be wanting on his part to balance her grief: "Am not I better to thee than ten sons? Thou knowest thou hast my entire affection, and let that comfort thee." Note, We ought to take notice of our comforts, to keep us from grieving excessively for our crosses; for our crosses we deserve, but our comforts we have forfeited. If we would keep the balance even, we must look at that which is for us, as well as at that which is against us, else we are unjust to Providence and unkind to ourselves. God hath set the one over-against the other (Eccl. 7:14) and so should we.

BLESSED CHOICE OF DAVID.

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BLESSED CHOICE OF DAVID.

The most important fact in the whole story is that David refused to kill King Saul when he had many golden opportunities. We have no control over how people treat us - what they say or what they do. But we do have control over how we respond. How should we respond when we have been hurt? There are two options, and only two. We can try to get even, or we can do what David did in
1 Samuel 24.

DAVID DID NOT SEEK REVENGE BECAUSE HE RESPECTED SAUL'S AUTHORITY.

In verse 8, David called Saul, "My lord the king!" He recognized Saul was still the king no matter what he did or how he did it. As long as Saul was the king, he deserved respect by virtue of his position. In the army you will hear the saying, "You don't salute the man, you salute the rank." The matter is stated in another way in verse 10: "I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the Lord's anointed." Who chose Saul to be king? God did. Therfore, to attack Saul is to indirectly attack God Himself. If a man is God's anointed - good or bad - he is not to be touched.

DAVID DID NOT SEEK REVENGE BECAUSE HE WAS WILLING TO WAIT FOR GOD.

David's second reason is stated in 1 Samuel 24:11-13 "See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. Now understand and recognize that I am not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. As the old saying goes, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds,’ so my hand will not touch you." There are two interesting facts here: First David was not shy about pointing out the truth. He plainly says Saul had wronged him. David also understood a second fact many of us never grasp: When it comes to revenge, God is much better at it than we are. He know that God was ready, willing and able to take care of him. And in God's timing, Saul would be out of the way and David would ascend to the throne.
We can take great personal comfort in knowing that God will take care of matters when we suffer for doing what is right, God sees , and He remembers. That is a promise you can count on.

... .... .... BECAUSE DAVID DID NOT WANT TO DESCEND TO SAUL'S LEVEL.

David was saying , "If I attack him, I am only sinking down to his level." I've heard it said this way: never wrestle with a pig. You're bound to get dirty, and the pig loves it. Moreover, my father,.... So he was in a natural sense, as having married his daughter; and in a civil sense, as he was a king, and was, or ought to have been, the father of his country, and to treat his subjects as his children, and David among the rest: see, the skirt of thy robe in my hand; look on it again and again; view it with the eyes of thy body intently, that thou mayest be satisfied of it, and behold with the eyes of thy mind and understanding, and consider that I could as easily have had thine head in my hand as the skirt of thy robe; and here see an instance and proof of the integrity and sincerity of my heart, and cordial affections to thee, and an evidence against all the charges and accusations of my enemies, and that I have no ill design upon thy person and life, and am far from seeking thy hurt, as they say: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not; not only did that to show that he was in his power, but did not cut off his head, as he could: know thou, and see, that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand; this might be a full conviction to him that he had no ill, neither in his heart nor hand, to do unto him: and I have not sinned against thee; done nothing to offend him, never acted against his will, nor disobeyed any of his commands, or had been guilty of one overt act of treason or rebellion, but all the reverse: yet thou huntest my soul to take it; pursued him from place to place, hunted him in the wildernesses of Ziph and Maon, and upon the rocks of Engedi, as a partridge on the mountains, and lay in wait for him to kill him, as the Targum: he may be thought to have penned the "seventh" psalm at this time, or on this occasion; at least there are some passages in it, which seem to refer to his present circumstances, Psalms 7:1.

You see what happend to king Saul and how was his end. See also how God lifted David though he did many sins he got forgiveness from God. He accepted his sins and pleaded to God for His mercy and pardon; he accepted the authority of God and His anointed people. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ also came through him. What a blessed life.

BLESSINGS THROUGH HIS SCARS.

2012-02-07T18:19:00.000-08:00

By John Varghese.

After the crucifixion, Mary recognized Jesus' familiar voice. The disciples at Emmaus recognized him in the breaking of the bread. The weary fishermen knew it was him because of the miraculous catch. We too can recognize the resurrected Jesus in all these ways, by his voice, at his table, by the miracles he still performs.

When Jesus wanted to be recognized the first thing the Bible says he did was show them his scars. He didn't point to his face and say, "Look, it's me" He showed them his hands and feet and side and gently said, "Look, it is me." Jesus is known by his scars....

At the far end of history, John, weeping because no one could open the special scroll, was told by an elder standing beside him in the heavenly crowd, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Revelation 5:5).

John looked up, expecting to see a lion. But what did he see? A Lamb. And he knew who that lamb was precisely because it was wounded.

Jesus is known by his scars. When we stand in his presence he won't point to his face but to his scars and say, "Look, it's me!"

Modern-day evangelists point to material wealth and say, "Look it is Jesus!" But true followers of all ages... will tell you, "This is Jesus, for I bear in my own body the marks of his death" (see Galatians 6:17). As Jesus' resurrected body was recognized by its scars, so his body, the church, should be known by its scars and tears and the unspeakable joy it knows in spite of, and indeed because of, it all.

After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. (John 20:20)

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

He had wounds for me and for my transgressions and iniquities that become a blessed scars for me. If there is deep wounds then only we will have scars. Yes, Jesus bless us with your wounded hands and heal us.

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. ( I Peter 2: 21-24) I like to quote the comments for these verses from one of the commentaries... It is as follows...(Matthew Henrey's whole Bible Commentary):

Lest any should think, from what is said, v. 21-23, that Christ's death was designed merely for an example of patience under sufferings, the apostle here adds a more glorious design and effect of it: Who his own self, etc., where note, (1.) The person suffering-Jesus Christ: His own self-in his own body. The expression his own self is emphatic, and necessary to show that he verified all the ancient prophecies, to distinguish him from the Levitical priests (who offered the blood of others, but he by himself purged our sins, Heb. 1:3), and to exclude all others from participation with him in the work of man's redemption: it is added, in his body; not but that he suffered in his soul (Mt. 26:38), but the sufferings of the soul were inward and concealed, when those of the body were visible and more obvious to the consideration of these suffering servants, for whose sake this example is produced. (2.) The sufferings he underwent were stripes, wounds, and death, the death of the cross-servile and ignominious punishments! (3.) The reason of his sufferings: He bore our sins, which teaches, [1.] That Christ, in his sufferings, stood charged with our sins, as one who had undertaken to put them away by the sacrifice of himself, Isa. 53:6. [2.] That he bore the punishment of them, and thereby satisfied divine justice. [3.] That hereby he takes away our sins, and removes them away from us; as the scape-goat did typically bear the sins of the people on his head, and then carried them quite away, (Lev. 16:21, 22), so the Lamb of God does first bear our sins in his own body, and thereby take away the sins of the world, Jn. 1:29. (4.) The fruits of Christ's sufferings are, [1.] Our sanctification, consisting of the death, the mortification of sin, and a new holy life of righteousness, for both which we have an example, and powerful motives and abilities also, from the death and resurrection of Christ. [2.] Our justification. Christ was bruised and crucified as an expiatory sacrifice, and by his stripes we are healed. Learn, First, Jesus Christ bore the sins of all his people, and expiated them by his death upon the cross. Secondly, No man can depend safely upon Christ, as having borne his sin and expiated his guilt, till he dies unto sin and lives unto righteousness. Amen.

BLESSED MESSAGE FOR ME

2012-01-16T20:15:00.000-08:00

By John Varghese.
" Soul Stirring Beautiful Message "

Hello, sorry to bother you, but it is very urgent!
I have a friend who came
from far away and need a place to stay.

As well, I suggested your place.
I ask you to receive and love him.
His name is Jesus Christ.

Now say quietly: You can enter,
Lord, I need you, cleanse my heart with
your blood and bless my family.

HE WAS ON HIS WAY TO YOUR PLACE.

When He gets to your PC,
escort Him to the next stop.

Please don't allow Him to sleep on your PC.

The message He's carrying is very important
and needs to go round.

May God bless you as you do this! AMEN...

BLESSED CALLING.

2012-01-14T05:07:00.000-08:00

BLESSED CALLING. By JOHN VARGHESE.

The Bible says in Genesis 12:1-3, The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.“I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Here we see that God called Abram to bless him, to make a blessing to others, to be a blessing through him. To receive this blessings from God he has to leave his country and his people and his household and go to the land God will show to him. He obeyed and received God's blessings. Again in 1 Peter 3:9, the Bible says, Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. God called us also to inherit blessings through Jesus Christ His son, so do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult but bless those who insult you or do evil to you, bless them then and you will inherit the blessings of Christ. Amen.

The Bible says in Ephesians 1:3, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ." What a wonderful calling we have in and through Jesus Christ! He chose us before creation or before Abraham. So our calling is a more blessed calling than Abram's calling. Amen.

The word of God says in Hebrews 3:1-6, "Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be said in the future. But Christ is faithful as a Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast." Fix our eyes and thoughts on Jesus who called us to bless us and lead a radiant life for God's glory on this earth in this period. God bless you...

BLESSINGS AT HIS FEET.

2012-01-12T20:44:00.000-08:00

By John Varghese.

The Holy Bible says in Luke 10:39, She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said. In Luke 10 we read that Jesus's visit to the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Martha opened the door for Him and she was involved in all the preprations that had to be made. She complained to Lord Jesus that her sister left her to do the work herself and asked him to tell her to help her. What was the response of Jesus? We read in Luke 10:41,42, "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, 'You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Dear friends chose the better that nobody can take away from that is to be at our Master's feet. Learn from Him and have the blessings from His feet and words.

Again the Holy Scripture says in John 11:32, When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw Him, she fell at His feet and said, "Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died." This shows her faith and trust in the Lord. In her time of need she also came in sorrow to the feet of Jesus. When read the remaining verses you can understand that what Jesus did for her. Dear readers, come to Jesus's feet. He will bless you, comfort you, Heal you, Save you. Amen. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and Mary got her brother alive. Praise the Lord. Come to the feet of Jesus, pour out your sorrow and sufferings to Him; He will solve all your problems and bless you beloved.

Then again the Bible says in John 12;3, Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. Mary heard the word of God at His feet, she wept at His feet in her time of need and she worshiped Him also. This is an expensive worship of thanksgiving and the fragrance filled the house. Worship Him with praises and thanksgiving which are pleasing to God. Receive His blessings. Mary received. You also can. COME TO THE FEET OF JESUS AND RECEIVE HIS BLESSINGS. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

SEVEN "I Ams" of CHRIST.
(Meeting Man's Need)

1. "I am" the Bread (for the unsatisfied one)
John 6:35.
2. "I am" the Light (for the Blind one)
John 9:5.
3. "I am" the Door (for The unsafe one)
John 10:9.
4. "I am" the Shepherd (for the lost one)
John 10:11.
5. "I am" the Way (for the ignorant one)
John 14:6.
6. "I am" the Life (for the dead one)
John 11:25.
7. "I am" the Vine (for the fruitless one)
John 15:1.

***********
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14. NIV.

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14. NLT.

PRAISE.

2012-01-10T04:08:00.000-08:00

By John Varghese.

Praise is the joyful thanking and adoring of God, The celebration of His goodness and grace. This is fundamental to the life of believers everywhere. Most of the Psalms are full of praising God and give thanks to His goodness. The last verse in the book of Psalms says, Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. So if you have the life, the breath of God you have to praise the Lord. In Psalms 146:2 says, I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praises to my God as long as I live. The whole Bible is asking us to Praise God for all His wonders in our day to day life, for all the blessings we received in our life.

In Acts 16:25, the Bible says, "About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God and the other prisoners were listening to them." The next verse we read that suddenly God worked for the release of them and see how God worked. Even the jailer tried to kill himself thinking all the prisoners might have escaped and he'd have to give answer for it. Paul shared the gospel with him also and God prepared a way for his salvation. If we pray and praise God in our suffering God will prepare a way of escape and also salvation for others. Amen.

In Joshua 6:20 we see that when the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and the took the city. Here we see how Joshua got victory over Jericho, a well protected walled city. When the people of God shouted in the name the Lord, they got victory. If make a joyful sound to the Lord and praise His name. He will give victory to you..Believe it and and make a joyful noise and lead a victorious life.

Again the Bible says in 2 Chronicles 20:21, After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: "Give thanks to the LORD, for His love endures for ever." They got victory in the battle. God wants our praises and thanks giving in very loud voice.

In Psalm 100:1 the Bible says, Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Give a big Shout in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He died for our sins and lives for us and He will come again to gather us and we will be with Him for eternity. Praise the Lord. Amen..

A Small Mango tree with full of Mangos..

A Big Jack Fruit Tree with lot of Jack fruits, It is very sweet and taste fruit.....
I Praise GOD for the wonderful fruits God provided for us according to the seasons.. Thanks God....

God Bless US all with this words... Amen.. Rev.John Varghese. Mumbai, India.

PRAYER.

2012-01-08T23:16:00.000-08:00

By John Varghese.

The Bible says in Acts 12:5, So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. If you read this chapter you can understand that the Church was in persecution during the time of King Herod. He arrested some, killed James with sword. It pleased the Jews, so he arrested Peter also and put him in prison. What the poor Christians can do in this time of trouble only prayer. Yes, they prayed, they prayed earnestly to God for Peter. Are you able to pray earnestly for the persecuted Christians in the present world. If you pray earnestly God will send His angels to deliver from the bondages Beloved in Christ pray, pray earnestly for those who are in prison, sufferings and in persecution in and around us.

When the Church prayed earnestly God worked for the Church read the remaining verses from the same chapter. This was beyond Peter's thinking, beyond the expectation of the people who prayed for him see verses 12, 15 and 17 of the same chapter. God will work beyond our understanding and expectation when we pray earnestly. Amen.

Again the Bible says in Luke 22:42, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." In verses 44 we see that He prayed more earnestly. Yes dear beloved pray, earnestly pray, more earnestly, then God will work for us. Here in verses 43 we see, An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. He was in anguish and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. This is the more earnest way of praying for the deliverance you and me, for the whole mankind. He did not pray for take away the cup, that just shows his human nature of prayer. He prayed for the will of Father be done in his life. To fulfill the will of God. God sent His angels to strengthened him and fulfilled His. Beloved our prayers also be like this. If we are able to like this God will enable us to deliver many from the bondage of sin, sickness and Satan. Amen

The Bible says in Hebrews 5:7-10, During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek. This prayer of Jesus we see in the above paragraph. He prayed with loud cries and tears to God. That is the more earnest prayer. Do we have the burden and pain of the perishing souls in the world then we can able to pray like this. This kind of prayer comes from our love to the fellow people and love to God, not from our theological studies. If we pray like our Master God will use us for the deliverance of many people around us. Beloved readers of this pray for the deliverance of Christian leaders, pray earnestly, pray more earnestly, pray with loud cries and tears for the deliverance of the people in darkness and sinful life. God bless you all.

***********************

Once a solid spiritual foundation has been set in place, we are able to grow into the new life God has promised us. The Bible calls this “maturing in Christ.” As I can readily attest, it is a lifelong process.

God’s intent is that as new believers, we become different people. We are “under construction.” We’re being transformed from the inside out. The chief architect of these changes is God himself. As a loving father, he comes alongside to personally direct our growth.

From my experience, and in observing others, some dramatic new patterns emerge. Harmful habits change. Attitudes, thinking and language move to a new level. Motives come under scrutiny. We ask, “Why on earth did I do that!” God shows us how to behave differently and we move on.

The process continues. Selfishness gives way to service. Relationships with others are restored. Bitterness, envy, jealousy and hatred diminish as love increases. We experience a new dimension of joy. Not overnight, but steadily, progressively. Profound adjustments are underway. We realize it is true – we really are new creations because Christ is living in us!

In its simplest form, prayer is just talking to God. But sometimes we just don't know what to say. Don't feel awkward if you don't know how to pray-even Jesus' own disciples asked for help, "Lord, teach us how to pray" (Luke 11:1). Many Christians do not devote consistent time to prayer because they don't know how or because they do not realize the power of their prayer. Just like a child must learn to walk, so a Christian must learn to pray-and just as a person will not do much in his life without first walking, so the Christian will not accomplish much without praying.

In response to His disciples' request, Jesus taught them a model prayer that holds six keys to powerful prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). The first and most important thing is to praise God-acknowledging who God is and thanking Him for what He has done. Next is praying for the purpose of God to come-in your life, family, church, country, and world-by asking God for His will to be done. Thirdly, you can ask for provision, for God to meet your daily needs. Jesus also taught us to pray for purity-that God would forgive us our sins just as we forgive others who sin against us. We are to also pray for protection and deliverance from the Devil. And finally, we set our priorities when we acknowledge to God that "Yours in the kingdom, the power, and the glory."

Just like a good parent will give his child what he needs, God loves to give good gifts to His children. As you set out to pray faithfully, you begin on a lifelong adventure of answered prayer from your heavenly Father!

Verses
"Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him" (1 John 5:14, 15).

"The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles" (Psalm 34:17).

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:6-7)

This is a good Prayer, see how they are standing and be in Prayer time. Praise God.

BLESSINGS FROM GOD.

2012-01-06T09:34:00.000-08:00

By John Varghese.

In Revelation 1:3 we read, Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. For blessings we need to read and hear and practice the Word of God. Amen.

In Proverbs 22:4 , the Bible says, Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honour and life. We all are working for getting any of this three ie., wealth, honour and life. Of course we have to work but God is the one who gives this and we get it only if we have humility and fear of the Lord. Amen.

Then for blessings we need to give the whole tithes if not we are robing God and will be under curse.
In the book of Malachi chapter four we read Bring the whole tithe into the store house . test me in this, "says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out to much blessings that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the wines in your fields will not cast their fruit", says the Lord Almighty . Before this verses the prophets reminds us from the Lord that Will a man rob God? yet you rob. Yes a man is not able to rob God because God almighty, omnipotent and omniscient. He knows us our thinking doings and all all. He knows everything in that perspective man can not rob God. Yet you rob.. How do we rob God. In tithes and offerings. Tithes belongs to God and if we are not giving it to God we are robing Him. If we give the tithes God will protect the 90% and bless it for our use and savings. If we are not paying it God will not protect the 100% which includes the 10% of God' share. Another fact is everything belongs to God if He gives then only we receive for us. In I Chronicles 29: 14, we read, But who am I and who are my people that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you , and we have given you only what comes from your hand. If this is so why we have to give tithes. You see in our homes we give somethings to our little ones and and ask again to give us some kids gladly gives some says no. We wants to know whether they share the things they have with others those who have not. Like God don't wants anything from us He is the owner, creator of all this universe. He provide everything to us and He wants us to share the things with others and glorify His name.

II Corinthians 8:4 says, For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. Jesus Christ give up all the riches in glory in heaven He had to make me and you rich inheritance in His heavenly home, we are now co-heirs in His riches in glory. Amen. Again in verses 11 of the same chapter Paul says, You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. We are made rich by God to be generous and that is thanksgiving to God. Give thanks to God through our generosity..

So beloved shall we ask God to help us to read, to hear and to practice the word of God in our day to day life and claim God's blessings in our life. Shall we pray to our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ to make us humble like Him and have the fear of God and Obedience to God like Jesus when He was in the earth as a human. Shall we ask the Holy Spirit to help us to give the whole tithes and receive the abundant blessings from the triune God. Amen. God bless you all with these Holy Words.

An Indian Elephant,

Peacock..

THE GREATEST GIFT.

2011-12-21T17:31:00.000-08:00

THE GREATEST GIFT IN THE WORLD.

By John Varghese.

The Author of the Gift : GOD.

The Incentive of the Gift : So Loved.

The Content of the Gift:His only begotten SON

The universality of the Gift: Whosoever.

The means of Appropriation : Believes.

The benefits in the Gift:
1. Negative- Not Perish
2. Positive - Have Everlasting Life.

Christmas is a time of giving and receiving GIFTS from our beloveds. The greatest gift from God to us is His Son Jesus Christ, and Salvation through the blood He shed on the Cross. This we receive through faith in Him. If we believe in Him through faith we have eternal life if we are not believe we perish. Dear friend believe in Jesus and receive the eternal life God prepared for you in this Christmas time.
WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY CHRISTMAS
AND
BLESSED NEW YEAR 2012.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL WITH THIS
MESSAGE.

If you likes to receive this gift of God kindly inform me by joining in this blog..

Happy New Year to all my readers.
Don't worry. God is watching YOU.
Our God is wonderful.
AMEN.

GOD WHO REMEMBERS US

2011-12-15T05:02:00.000-08:00

By John Varghese.

God is our loving heavenly father who remembers us always in all our situations. We human being may not remember all our friends and relatives in their time of needs. In Psalm 136:23 we read, to the one who remembered us in our low estate, His love endures for ever. Many a times people may not remember us in our low estate or in our pathetic conditions, but our God remembers us. If they remembers also there is time limit for that but our God remembers us always.
He remembers us to deliver us:

When we cry to God He remembers and makes ways of deliverance. In Exodus 2: 24, 25 - we read, God heard their groaning and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So He looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them. He not only remembers us but He is concerned about our conditions also. He prepared a way of deliverance for the children of Israel from the slavery of Egypt.The children of Israel cried to God in their sufferings at Egypt God heard their cry and remembered His covenant with Abraham and concerned about them and delivered them with His mighty Hands. The people who are in the bondage of sin and sufferings, if they turned to God He will deliver them through the blood of Jesus Christ. In Gen 19:20 we read that, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham, and He brought Lot out of the catastrophe that over threw the cities where Lot had lived. In Genesis chapter 18 we read that Abraham is pleading for these cities from 50 then45, 40,30,20 and finally 10 righteous people are there will you destroy it, God said no for the sake of ten righteous people He will not destroy it. But there is not even ten righteous people there. But God delivered Lot, when we pray for the cities where we live though it may destroyed because of its sinful condition but God will deliver us in His own way. What a wonderful loving God He is!! He deliver us from our sinful nature to His righteousness Amen!!!. Through the death of His son Jesus Christ on Calvary Cross !!!!.

He remembers us to bless us:
In Psalms 115:12,13 - we read that, The Lord remembers us and will bless us: He will bless the house of Israel, He will bless the house of Aaron, He will bless those who fear the Lord small and great alike. When our God remembers us His blessings also follows. In the book of Esther we read about Mordecai was honoured when Haman plotted against him and the children of Israel. King could not sleep he asked for the chronicles and found out that Mordecai exposed Bigthana and Teresh and their conspiracy of assassinating King Xerxes. Then he remembered that nothing has been done for this good work of Mordecai. This is the work of God in the time his trouble and suffering, he cried to God. God remembered him and reminded this to King Xerxes to honour him. God is able to change our problems into dancing and rejoicing.
HE REMEMBERS US FOREVER.
In Psalms 105:8 the Bible says He remembers His covenant forever, the word he commanded for thousand generations. We may remember for three or four generations not more than that but God remembers the words He commanded for thousand generations. What a wonderful God He is !! We are not able to remember the words we say for even some hours or days or months. Today with the help of electronics gadgets we record some of our sayings and when we replay it we remember it for some more years. But see the greatness of God. This gives us a clear assurance of our eternity and about out eternal life which He provided us through His son Jesus Christ. We will leave with God eternally. God remembers all His promises He promised to us. We many times not at all remember our promises even when the other person reminds us about it because we are not willing to be faithful in our promises. In Psalms 105:42 we read in the Bible, For he remembered his holy promise given to His servant Abraham.

CHRISTIAN.

2011-12-13T00:54:00.000-08:00

CHRISTIAN.

The word CHRISTIAN is used only three times in the Bible. First time at Antioch for the followers of Jesus. In Acts 11:26 we read, The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. To be a Christian means first we become the disciple of Christ or a real follower of Christ. Disciple of Jesus means a pupil or follower or a learner of Jesus Christ the great Master and Lord. Learning was both by listening and watching and imitating what the master is doing in our life. Those who were called apostles were also disciples. Jesus is still calling all the man kind who were weary and burdened to follow Him. In Matthew 11: 28-30 we read, " Come to me, all you who were weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." To become a disciple of Jesus we need to follow Him, we need to take the yoke and learn from Him and we need to practice it in our day to day life. When we really learn from Him we become humble in heart like Him. When we learn from Jesus we get the wisdom that comes from heaven which is pure, then peace - loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Jesus said you are the light of the world, we need to shine for Jesus and show the way to God through Jesus to the perishing souls. Again Jesus said You are the salt of the earth, we know the grate work of salt which make taste for our food. Like that we Christians have to give taste to mankind in the earth. This we learn only from Jesus our Master who came to this world ministered here in this world and died for our sins and lives for us and interceding for us.So first the disciples become known as Christians, or in other words to be a Christian we need to be a disciple of Jesus.

Then the word is used in Acts 26:28, Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian ?" Paul is in chains and he is speaking about himself or arguing his own case in front of King Agrippa. During that time also he is evangelizing or sharing the gospel. When a true disciple become a christian he will use all opportunities to share the gospel and make others to become a disciple of Jesus or a Christian. Salvation is found in no-one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved Acts 4:12, we need to declare this truth to others. In Romans 10:9 we see That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord", and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead , you will be saved.Salvation only through Jesus and through faith alone.

Finally the word Christian is used in I Peter 4:16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. There is sufferings in our life but we should not be ashamed of our suffering as Christian. Christ suffered a lot for our sin and salvation. When we compare the sufferings of Christ our sufferings are nothing. We need to rejoice in our sufferings as we participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that we may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. In 2Timothy 3:12 Paul says, in fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. There is persecution and sufferings in our life during that time if we pray and sing and praise God, He will work for us as mentioned in Acts 16:25, in the life of Paul and Silas.

PRAYER:
God our heavenly father, the giver of every good gifts, there is so much for which we ought to give thanks. Thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who died for our sins and through that you adopted us also in your family and the eternal life which you given to us. Thank you for your call and making us your disciples and worthy to be called as Christians, help us to make others also in to this fellowship of Christians. Help us not to be ashamed in time of sufferings and persecution as a Christian. Give us strength through thy Holy Spirit to rejoice in such times and praise you. Bless us and use us for your glory in this earth. This we ask in the name of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. Amen...

I like to hear from my viewers, their comments/corrections/ feed backs so that I can improve in the coming days. Kindly pray for me also as I am ministering here in Karnataka State in India, where we have persecution and sufferings. If the reading of this blog is a blessings to you kindly inform me. You can contact me in my e-mail address - jv15560@gmail.com - God bless you all..

THE GOSPEL OF SALVATION.

2011-11-29T01:06:00.000-08:00

By John Varghese.
THE ATONEMENT FOR SIN.
1. IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:
A. God's basic law requires the shedding of blood for remission of sin. Hebrews 9:22 says, In fact the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
B. God's plan allowed 'substitution' of another life in the Old Testament. In Leviticus 1;4 we see, He is to lay his hands on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him.
C. Hence sacrifice system developed. Gen 4:4 says, Abel brought fat portions from some of the first born of his flock. The Lord looked with favour on Abel and his offerings.

2. But This is Inadequate for Atonement:
a. Animal sacrifice was invalid. because animal do not have a soul. In Heb 10:4 we read, Because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
b. They are already God's so even an increased quantity cannot suffice. I Chronicles 29:14.
c. Sacrifice must be of the same kind and value.
A human sacrifice becomes a murder in man's sight and inadequate in God's sight. If a person is willing to die for me, can he pay for my sin? But each man is a sinner and under penalty. Even a holy man sacrificed equals only one man. He can save only one, if at all. But he can offer his body, not soul. Hence man can not redeem man!
3. In The New Testament:
a. Jesus Christ is the only adequate Redeemer.
b. He came from God to make atonement.
c. Prophecies prove it. Gen 3:15, 22:8.
He is God. Is 7:14
He is man. Is.53.
He is eternal.
4. HE IS THE ONLY TRUE ATONEMENT.
a. He is holy and hence not under penalty.
b. He was willing to offer himself, hence not a martyr.
c. He was both God and man, so he could equal man in kind(body) and degree(soul): and could offer His
soul.
d. As God, His soul had infinite value to atone for all the world.
e. Hence all can be saved through Him.

The Definition of Gospel: The Good News that God sent His son Jesus Christ to the world to give His life to save sinners from eternal punishment.
He is the only saviour.
hence we must either accept Christ's payment for our sins, which is already made: or pay for our sins ourselves in hell.
What do I do to accept Christ's payment for my sins and there by be saved? We must be born again and with the following SEVEN STEPS OF SALVATION we will understand it.

1. CONVICTION.
2. REPENTANCE.
3. SAVING FAITH.
4. REGENERATION.
5. CHRISTIAN GROWTH.
6. ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION.
7. GLORIFICATION.

I. CONVICTION: Conviction is that operation of the Spirit which produces within man, a sense of guilt and condemnation because of sin. The Holy Spirit and our own conscience causes us in to conviction. John 16:7-13 says that the Holy Spirit convicts us of Sin, of Righteousness, and of Judgement. Conviction is a scriptural term (John 8:9, Acts2:37)
A. Methods of conviction. For out side the church - The lives of believers. Matthew 5:16. For those inside the church - God's word Heb 4:12. And for all - through circumstances such as sickness, accidents, natural calamities and death of dear ones. The holy Spirit brings us face to face with eternity and convicts us of our failures. A person's mind is quickened to a consciousness of his lost condition. The Holy Spirit reveals the truth of knowledge within us and give an insight and understanding of our sinful nature, God, Christ, Cross, the blood of Christ, the necessity of holiness in our life. The truth become personal, to awakening is added personal blame. Paul realised he was the chief of sinners. David - Psalms 32;3-4, it is my sins which crucified Christ on the Cross.
B. Reactions of Conviction: Uneasiness in the presence of saints. Feel like every sermons is directed to us,
can't look a saint in the eyes. Tendency to rationalise and argue; asking questions, the uneasy heart attempts to cover by questions and rationalisations. Example woman of Samaria John 4:16-20. efforts to reform ourselves - give up drinking or smoking. Lack of appetite, sleep. Extreme pounding of the heart during the alter call. Conviction can be stilled warning I Thes.5:19, quench not the spirit, by rejection, disobedience, putting it off.
C. Results of Conviction: Mental picture is formed of what to do - Remedy revealed - the way out is revealed
Conviction may be general or particular. The Lord may lay his finger on the sore spot to lead to purity and conversion. There is no relief until there is full obedience.

II. REPENTANCE: Repentance is a basic requirement for salvation, in Luke 13:3 Jesus says Except ye repent, ye all shall likewise perish. In Matth.9:13 Jesus came to call to repentance. Repentance is an emotional grief accompanied by a moral change in views, disposition and conduct. It is a sorrow for sin - not just because you were caught. It is a sorrow for sin which leads to turning from and forsaking sin. A person sees sin as God sees it, hates sin as God hates it and turns from sin. It is not merely good resolutions - person gets sick, decides to go to church, live better. Not merely fear alone - Felix trembled but did not repent. Acts 24:25.Not merely religious feelings - unregenerate may have a change of attitude towards religion. Not merely regret - selfish sorrow when caught. Not remorse - sorrow without hope - Judas. It is Godly sorrow - a sorrow which turns from sin.

III. SAVING FAITH.
The Bible command us to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith is necessary for salvation. Eph.2:8 says by grace you are saved through faith. In Rom.1:17 says the just shall live by faith, this is Martin Luther's conversion verse and in Rom. 5:1 we see Justified by faith.The three ways of salvation presented by the religions of the world are Good works, that is we must do good works to out weigh our evil deeds. But the Bible says in Is. 64:6 Good works are as filthy rags. Then rites rituals and ceremonies, ideas that performance of some rite or ceremony in some mysterious way saves us. And finally Saving faith by Christ alone.
There are three different kinds of faith, General faith: A confidence in the reliability and trust worthiness of people and things. Every one has general faith. Then religious faith, it is faith in a set of religious beliefs - may believe in bible, Christ, salvation, Heaven and hell. Christian or non-christian. Finally Saving faith, it is the complete confidence in and acceptance of Christ as Saviour. Saving faith is that belief of the intellect, consent of the affections and act of the will by which the soul places itself in the keeping of Christ for salvation. The mind, emotion and will is involved in saving faith.
When I believed in Jesus Christ in my mind I fully convinced of the divinity of Jesus Christ. He died and rose again from the dead - lives today that through His power there is a possibility of a new life of victory over sin and joy in the spirit. In Heb 11:6 says, He that come to god must believe that He is. There must be evidence for faith - without any proper basis it is presumption. We have confidence in Jesus as Saviour. A confidence in God's ability, Eph 3:20 - able to do abundantly above. Rom 10:17 - faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. A confidence of His willingness to save. When all evidence have been presented to the mind and heart God then commands us to believe, Acts 16:30 God has given us the ability to believe and commanded us to exercise it. The exercise of saving faith always results in the new birth.
a. Acts 16:31 - Believe and you shall be saved.
b. II Cor. 5:17 - He that is in Christ is a new creature.
c. John 20:31 - Believing - you might have life.

IV. REGENERATION:
This is the great experience of the Gospel, a mystery - Christ in you and you are in Christ. Other names given in the Bible for this experience: the new birth, being born again, saved, redeemed..There are two books kept in heaven book of works - where all our deeds are recorded. Book of life - the record of the names of the redeemed. When a person accept Christ the record of his past sins are all erased Is.1:18, PS.103:12. When God forgives He forgets. My name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Then God adopts us into His family as His child/daughter and we got the great privilege of son ship, heirs of God, confidence and love towards God.(Gal.3;26, Rom.8:17, Gal.4:6-7, Rom 1:15)
Regeneration is that mighty change brought in man by the Holy Spirit by which the dominion of sin had over him in his natural state is broken abolished and he serves God freely with a full choice of will and energy of right affection. It breaks the bondage and power of sin over us John 8:36, we become a whole new persons or new creature II Cor. 5:17. my heart bears witness that I have wholly obeyed God. There is no more condemnation Rom 8:1, The immediate fruit of the spirit ruling in heart Gal 5:22,23. Victory over sin, sense of fellowship with God and believers, love for the word of God and prayer.
V. CHRISTIAN GROWTH:
The newly born believer is described as a new born babe I Cor 3:1, I Pet.2:2. A soldier who has just entered the army Eph.6: 11-18. A new recruit is not yest a soldier, new equipment for a christian soldier Eph. 6:10-17. The necessity of growth , it is a law of nature either grow or die, no standing still. If a babe does not grow we are concerned. Natural growth necessitates enlargement, expansion of vision and knowledge. Growth physical, mental and spiritual is needed for us. Source of spiritual food for Christian Growth is the word of God, Prayer, Fellowship with other Christians. The source of spiritual exercise is Obedience, Praise, Testimony, submission to the word of God.
VI. ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION:
Entire sanctification is that act of God received by faith after conversion where by the believers heart is cleansed from all sin and is filled with the Holy Spirit, empowering him for life and service. To fully understand this work of grace it must be experienced for spiritual things can only be known by experience. Holiness has been called the central idea of the Christian system and the crowning accomplishment of human charcter. Holiness is the Biblical requirement for a christian. Holiness required Heb 12;4, Eph 1:4. Holiness offered
I John 1:9, Heb.13:12. Holiness attainable Math.5:8, I Thes.5:23.

VII. GLORIFICATION:
The first six steps deal with the salvation of the soul in this life. Glorification deals with the resurrection and salvation of the body. Not only is man's soul saved from destruction but the body also will be raised from the dead by the power of Christ. Read I Corinthians chapter 15. God bless all of us with these words.

GOD WHO CARES FOR US.

2011-11-25T05:26:00.000-08:00

Read these Bible Portions. Gen.22:1-24, 1 Peter 5:1-14, Phil. 4:1-7, Mathew 6:25-34.

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.

1. Cast all your anxiety/burdens.
2. On Him/God.
3. He cares for you

INTRODUCTION: We all have anxieties/worries/burdens in our life though the Bible says do not worry. Concerning our life, when I get a good job, when I get marry and settle in nice home. What will I eat or drink?, what will I wear? as mentioned in Math.6:25-34. Now a days it may be where I will park my car, where I find a resting place or where I will sleep tonight. But we never think about the Lillis or lotus, not even about the birds or animals and the way God is taking care of them. It is must for we Christians must stop worrying and trust fully in our good God. By worrying we can't do anything good to us but we harm ourselves by bringing many diseases in our body. We are limiting our life as mentioned in Mat.6:27. Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life. God asks not to worry. By worrying we can't do anything good but still we worry. Even the Old Testament Fathers also worried. I want to give the example of Abraham. In Gen.12 we see that God called Abraham, he obeyed. God gave promises he believed at the age of 75 (Gen 12:4) he got the promised son at the age of 100 (Gen 21:5) He waited a long time. In Gen 15:2 Abraham asks God what you given me I have no children. In Gen 17:5 God changed his name from Abram to Abraham and his wife's name from Sari to Sarah. Then God given the blessings and now he says he don't want Gen 17:8 Ishmael is enough but God said no and fulfilled His promise also. Abraham worried, he heard the advice of his wife and the problems are still continuing. God will bless us in His time, can we wait up on Him and for His time without worry/anxiety.

I. CAST ALL YOUR ANXIETIES: It is amazing how some people who suffer a lot worry very little, while others who suffer little worry a lot. Jesus says, do not worry in Math.6:25, literally stop being anxious. Paul says do not be anxious about anything in Phil.4:6.
A. Dangers of worrying: Physical. Medical experts says Ulcers, Headaches, Backaches, Blood pressure, Heart attacks, Depression are caused because of anxiety/worry. Spiritual. We focus only on ourselves and find little time for Prayer, Bible Study and have fellowship with God and other believers. Social. It affects our attitude towards others. When we are anxious we may use harsh words to our friends and others without any reason. Someone said "worrying is like a rocking chair, it will give you something to do, but it won't get you anywhere".
B. Turn our worries into prayer then we have the peace of God. Lay our worries in His shoulders/Hands. Peter says cast all your anxieties on Him.. After giving your worries to Him don't worry yourselves again. Because He cares for you and He is able to take care of your worries also.
C. Live one day at a time Math. 6:34. Worry too much about the past and the future leads us very difficult to live in the present and waisting our present life.
D. Stop worrying about things that are out of our control. Stop worrying about what people think about us, the end of the world, or even our own end/death. Instead give our worries to God and fully trust in Him and His care.
II. ON HIM/ON GOD.
A. He is Almighty GOD: . Read Isaiah 41:8-10. here God says fear not because He is our God and He is with us, He will strengthen us and help us, and He will uphold us with His righteous right hand. Again in Is.41:14 says Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel, for I myself will help help you, declares the Lord. God is able to help us and strengthen us, He is mighty and powerful. He is the everlasting God the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. (Is.40:28).
B. He is compassionate GOD: Isaiah 54: 10 says our God is a compassionate God what ever happened in the world His love towards us will not change, nor He remove His covenant of peace. So we no need to worry about our life a mighty and powerful God who is compassionate will help us. Read Psalms 46 also. (We can add all the attributes of God and expand it.).

III. HE CARES FOR YOU.
A. He Daily Bears Our Burdens. Psalms 68:19 says, Praise be to the Lord, to God our Saviour, who daily bears our burdens. Our God is not weary or tired in helping us. He helps us daily. Not one day, one month or some years but every day. Praise the Lord.

B. His Faithfulness Continues. Psalms 100:5 says, For the Lord is good and His love endures for ever; His faithfulness continues to all generations. He was good and faithful to our forefathers, He is good and faithful to us and He will be good and faithful to our children also.

C. He Never Leave Us Nor Forsake Us. Hebrews 13:5,6. God is able to take care of all our needs and no body is able to do anything against us. Finally Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Heb.13:8).

(Kindly read the other topics also. GOSPEL OF SALVATION.,CHRISTIAN By John Varghese.
email: john_varghese68@yahoo.com/jv15560@gmail.com)