O Lord Jesus The radiance of Thy countenance wipes off my gloom-Thy sweet words lets go my sorrows

One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4

E.I Jacob who was born and lived in a traditional Christian home was saved after he heard the gospel. Subsequently he had to face oppositions from his society. He moved to a small house from the place where he was living. Many could not digest the fact that a learned school teacher’s son was saved and living for God.

The Malayalam song starting with “Mahimayezhum Parameshaa” (Oh Amazingly glorious Almighty God) was penned by him glorifying the name of the Lord.

In times which appeared like dark clouds looming, he beheld the rainbow of the covenant of God and was comforted.

When gloom comes upon him, he used to look at the face of Christ. The radiance of His countenance stripped off his gloom. Moreover the sweet words of Jesus washed away the sorrows of his heart and filled it with joy.

Hindrances did not put him down, for by the chains of love the Lord bound him close to His own heart!!!

Jacob used to go every morning into the presence of God for his needs and for the grace needed for every-day’s ministry. The result was that he lived, being filled with holy thoughts.

What a blessed life!

The song (Malayalam transliterated to English) which he sang is attached below. Let us sing and praise the Lord.

Mahimayezhum paramesha

Pahimam yeshu mahesha -Mahimayezhum…

1 Nisthula sneha sagarame ha -2

Prastaviyame thirunamam

Krishto nee thanen vishramem -Prastaviyame

2 Karmukil bheekaramay varumnneram -2

Kanmatho niyamathin

Villannayathil therumen bharam -Kanmatho…

Mahimayezhum…

3 Nin mukha kanthiyen mlanatha neekum -2

Nin mathuramritha vachanam

Khinnathayakave pokkum -Nin mathura…

4 Thavaka sannidhi chernnathikale -2

Jeevanil niranjezhunnelkum

Pavana chinthakalale -Jeevanil

Mahimayezhum…

നിൻ മുഖകാന്തിയെൻ മ്ളാനത നീക്കും - നിൻ മധുരാമ്യതവചനം ഖിന്നതയാകവേ പോക്കും

ഞാൻ യഹോവയോടു ഒരു കാര്യം അപേക്ഷിച്ചു; അതു തന്നേ ഞാൻ ആഗ്രഹിക്കുന്നു; യഹോവയുടെ മനോഹരത്വം കാണ്മാനും അവന്റെ മന്ദിരത്തിൽ ധ്യാനിപ്പാനും എന്റെ ആയുഷ്കാലമൊക്കെയും ഞാൻ യഹോവയുടെ ആലയത്തിൽ പാർക്കേണ്ടതിന്നു തന്നേ.സങ്കീർത്തനങ്ങൾ 27:4 

 *പുരാതന ക്രൈസ്തവ കുടുംബത്തിൽ ജനിച്ചു വളർത്തപ്പെട്ട ഇ .ഐ ജേക്കബ് സുവിശേഷം കേട്ട് രക്ഷപ്രാപിച്ചു.തുടർന്ന് സമൂഹത്തിൽ നിന്ന് എതിർപ്പുകൾ നേരിടേണ്ടി വന്നു. അദ്ദേഹം താമസിച്ചിരുന്ന പുരയിടത്തിൽ നിന്ന് ഒരു ചെറിയ വീട്ടിലേക്ക് മാറി. പണ്ഡിതനായ ഒരു സ്കൂൾ അധ്യാപകൻ്റെ മകൻ മാനസാന്തരപ്പെട്ട്  ദൈവത്തിന്നായി ജീവിക്കുന്നത് പലർക്കും ഉൾക്കൊള്ളാൻ കഴിഞ്ഞില്ല.

കർത്താവിൻ്റെ നാമത്തെ കീർത്തിച്ചു കൊണ്ട് അദ്ദേഹം രചിച്ച ഗാനമാണ് "മഹിമയെഴുo പരമേശാ "

ജീവിതത്തിൽ കാർമുകിൽ ഭീകരമായ് വരുന്ന സമയങ്ങളിൽ നിയമത്തിൻ്റെ വില്ല് കണ്ട് അദ്ദേഹം ആശ്വാസം പ്രാപിച്ചു.

മ്ലാനത വരുമ്പോൾ യേശു കർത്താവിൻ്റെ മുഖത്തേക്ക് നോക്കും. ആ മുഖകാന്തി ജേക്കബിൻ്റെ മ്ലാനത നീക്കി. മാത്രമല്ല യേശുവിൻ്റെ മാധുര്യവചനങ്ങൾ ഹൃദയത്തിൻ്റെ ഖിന്നതകൾ മാറ്റി സന്തോഷം കൊണ്ട് നിറച്ചു .

പ്രതികൂലങ്ങൾ അദ്ദേഹത്തെ തളർത്തിയില്ല കാരണം സ്നേഹത്തിൻ്റെ ചങ്ങലയാൽ  കർത്താവ് അദ്ദേഹത്തെ തൻ്റെ മാർവ്വോട് ചേർത്തണച്ചു!!!

തൻ്റെ ആവശ്യങ്ങൾക്കും അനുദിന ശുശ്രൂഷകൾക്കുള്ള ദൈവകൃപയ്ക്കുമായി രാവിലെ തോറും കർത്താവിൻ്റെ തിരുസന്നിധിയിൽ ജേക്കബ് ചെല്ലുമായിരുന്നു. ഫലമോ പാവന ചിന്തകളാൽ ജീവനിൽ നിറഞ്ഞ് അദ്ദേഹം ജീവിച്ചു '

എത്ര അനുഗ്രഹിക്കപ്പെട്ട ജീവിതം!

അദ്ദേഹം എഴുതിയ പാട്ട് ചുവടെ ചേർക്കുന്നു .നമുക്ക് പാടി കർത്താവിനെ മഹത്വപ്പെടുത്താം.. 

🎵🎵🎵

മഹിമയെഴും പരമേശാ

പാഹിമാം യേശുമഹേശാ -മഹിമയെഴും…

1 നിസ്തുല സ്നേഹ സാഗരമേ, ഹാ -2

പ്രസ്താവ്യമെ തിരുനാമം

ക്രിസ്‌തോ നീ താനെൻ വിശ്രാമം -പ്രസ്താവ്യമെ…

2 കാർമുകിൽ ഭീകരമായ് വരുന്നേരം -2

കാൺമതോ നിയമത്തിൻ

വില്ലൊന്നായതിൽ തീരുമെൻ ഭാരം -കാൺമതോ…

മഹിമയെഴും…

3 നിൻ മുഖകാന്തിയെൻ മ്ളാനത നീക്കും -2

നിൻ മധുരാമ്യതവചനം

ഖിന്നതയാകവേ പോക്കും -നിൻ മധുരാ..

4 താവക സന്നിധി ചേർന്നതികാലേ -2

ജീവനിൽ നിറഞ്ഞെഴുന്നേൽക്കും

പാവന ചിന്തകളാലെ -ജീവനിൽ..

മഹിമയെഴും……

*selected

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalms 34:1

Life is easy, when you're up on the mountain

And you've got peace of mind, like you've never known

But things change, when you're down in the valley

Don't lose faith, for you're never alone

For the God on the mountains

is still God in the valley

When things go wrong
He'll make them right
And the God of the good times
Is still God in the bad times
The God of the day
Is still God in the night

For the God on the mountain
Is still God in the valley
When things go wrong
He'll make them right

And the God of the good times
Is still God in the bad times
The God of the day
Is still God in the night

The God of the day
Is still God in the night

Video 🎵🎵

https://youtu.be/nzHRq2Cswng

But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping..John 20:11(a)

When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. Mark 16:9

A woman who was tormented with seven demons! How terrible would have been her condition. Day and night being tormented by the devil. Several sleepless nights… We have read the life of the demon-possessed from the land of Gadarenes. 

Nevertheless, Christ who delivers set Mary the Magdalene free. From the authority of Satan to the authority of God, from the domain of darkness to the kingdom of His beloved son!!!

The Spirit of God transformed Mary the Magdalene to the one who loves Christ most among His disciples. 

The one who stood at the foot of the cross…

The one who stood early in the morning at the tomb crying for Christ…

The first witness of the resurrected Christ…

How marvellous is the power of God which transforms.!! 

🎵🎵

Change my heart Oh God, make it ever true.
Change my heart Oh God, may I be like You.

Change my heart Oh God, make it ever true.
Change my heart Oh God, may I be like You.
You are the potter, I am the clay,
Mold me and make me, this is what I pray.
Change my heart Oh God, make it ever true.
Change my heart Oh God, may I be like You. 🎵🎵

എന്നാൽ മറിയ കല്ലെറക്കൽ പുറത്തു കരഞ്ഞുകൊണ്ടു നിന്നു. യോഹന്നാൻ 20:11 (a)

 

അവൻ ആഴ്ചവട്ടത്തിന്റെ ഒന്നാം നാൾ രാവിലെ ഉയിർത്തെഴുന്നേറ്റിട്ടു താൻ ഏഴു ഭൂതങ്ങളെ പുറത്താക്കിയിരുന്ന മഗ്ദലക്കാരത്തി മറിയെക്കു ആദ്യം പ്രത്യക്ഷനായി. മർക്കൊസ് 16:9

ഏഴു ഭൂതങ്ങളാൽ ബാധിക്കപ്പെട്ട ഒരു സ്ത്രീ!
അവളുടെ അവസ്ഥ എത്ര ശോചനീയമായിരിക്കും. രാപ്പകൽ പിശാചി നാലുള്ള ഉപദ്രവം, ഉറക്കമില്ലാത്ത രാത്രികൾ.. ഗദരദേശത്തെ ഭൂതഗ്രസ്തൻ്റെ ജീവിതം സുവിശേഷത്തിൽ നാം വായിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്.

എന്നാൽ സ്വതന്ത്രമാക്കുന്ന ക്രിസ്തു മഗ്ദലക്കാരത്തി മറിയയെ വിടുവിച്ചു. സാത്താൻ്റെ അധികാരത്തിൽ നിന്ന് ദൈവത്തിൻ്റെ അധികാരത്തിലേക്ക് ഇരുട്ടിൻ്റെ രാജ്യത്തിൽ നിന്ന് സ്നേഹസ്വരൂപനായ പുത്രൻ്റെ രാജ്യത്തിലേക്ക് !!!

പുതിയ നിയമത്തിലെ ക്രിസ്തു ശിഷ്യരിൽ ഏറ്റവും സ്നേഹിക്കുന്ന ഒരു വ്യക്തിയായി മഗ്ദലക്കാരത്തി മറിയയെ ദൈവത്തിൻ്റെ ആത്മാവ് രൂപാന്തരപ്പെടുത്തി.

ക്രൂശിൻ്റെ ചുവട്ടിൽ നിൽക്കുന്നവൾ ....

കല്ലറയ്ക്കൽ അതിരാവിലെ യേശുവിനായി കാത്തു നിന്ന് കരയുന്നവൾ...

ഉയർത്തെഴുന്നേറ്റ കർത്താവിൻ്റെ ആദ്യത്തെ  സാക്ഷി!

രൂപാന്തരം വരുത്തുന്ന ദൈവത്തിൻ്റെ ശക്തി എത്ര ഉന്നതം.

🎵🎵
മറിയമതിരാവിലേശുവേ കാണാഞ്ഞിട്ടുള്ളം
തകർന്നു കരയുന്നതെന്തതുല്യ സ്നേഹം
മനമേ നിനക്കതുണ്ടോ(അതിരാവിലെ തിരുസന്നിധി)🎵🎵

ദൈവമേ എന്നെ രൂപാന്തരപ്പെടുത്തേണമേ.
കർത്താവേ ഞാൻ പ്രാർത്ഥിക്കുന്ന................... (പേര് ) വ്യക്തിയെ  രൂപാന്തരപ്പെടുത്തേണമേ. യേശുവിൻ്റെ നാമത്തിൽ ആമേൻ.

I enter the Holy of Holies , Lord I worship You, I worship You Lord, I worship You, I worship You For Your name is Holy, Holy Lord For Your name is Holy, Holy Lord🎵🎵🎵

 

*Paul Wilbur’s For Your Name Is Holy is a short song about worshipping God.  We enter into the holiest inner-sanctum through the sacrificed blood of Jesus, worshipping and praising God.  This glorifies God. 

The song says we enter into the Holy of Holies through Jesus, worshipping Him.

We offers these prayers to God, that the Holy Spirit would continue to work on us, convicting us of sin, righteousness, and judgment . .

  In Israel’s history, there existed a temple with an outer and inner-sanctuary, separated by a veil.  Within the inner-sanctuary was a tabernacle, or the “most holy place”, which contained the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant.  Only the high priest could enter once a year to make atonement for Israel through the shedding of the innocent blood of animals.  These elements are temporary and point to a greater and more permanent tabernacle.

Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.Hebrews 9:14 

🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵

I enter the Holy of Holies
I enter through the blood of the Lamb
I enter to worship You only
I enter to honor I am

Lord I worship You, I worship You
Lord I worship You, I worship You
For Your name is Holy, Holy Lord
For Your name is Holy, Holy Lord

I enter the Holy of Holies
I enter through the blood of the Lamb
I enter to worship You only
I enter to honor I am

Lord I worship You, I worship You
Lord I worship You, I worship You

For Your name is Holy, Holy Lord
For Your name is Holy, Holy Lord
For Your name is Holy, Holy Lord
For Your name is Holy, Holy Lord

Let the weight of Your glory cover us
Let the life of Your river flow
Let the truth of Your kingdom reign in us
Let the weight of Your glory
Let the weight of Your glory fall

For Your name is Holy, Holy Lord
For Your name is Holy, Holy Lord

*selected

2023..Year of knowing and doing God's will

 

Eric Liddell, known as the “Flying Scotsman,” is most widely known for his refusal to run on Sunday in the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris.

 Liddell, a committed Christian, withdrew from his strongest event, the 100 meters—a decision that would years later make him the subject of the Oscar-winning film Chariots of Fire. As an alternative, Liddell registered to run in the 400 meters instead. Just moments before the race, an American handed him a piece of paper with words from 1 Samuel 2:30, which reads, “Those who honor me I will honor.” Liddell ran the race with the verse in his hand and claimed Olympic gold and a new world record with a time of 47.6 seconds.

What was the secret of Eric's Victory? 

He said "I believe God made me for a purpose.God…made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” 

He went to China and served God in His vineyard rest of his life. 

May God reveal His will and give grace to fulfill His purpose throughout this year. 

Whatever you do, Do it for the glory of God and feel His pleasure. . Blessed New year!! 

‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’Acts 13:22 (b) 

For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation.. Acts 13:36 (a) 

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.John 4:34 

Blessed New year 2023

 

Another year is dawning,
Dear Father let it be,
In working or in waiting,
Another year with thee.

Another year of progress,
Another year of praise,
Another year of proving
Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies,
Of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness,
The glory of thy face.

Another year of leaning
Upon thy loving bosom
Another year of trusting,
Of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service,
Of witness for thy love,
Another year of training
For holier work above.

Another year is dawning,
Dear Father, let it be,
On earth, or else in heaven,
Another year for thee.

.... Francis Ridley Havergal

Each New Year’s Day Frances reconsecrated herself to living for Jesus. As a result, she wrote several New Year’s hymns, “Another Year Is Dawning” being the most popular of those. She composed this particular poem near the end of 1873 as a prayer for New Year’s 1874. She had it printed on a greeting card to be sent to friends. The card’s caption read, “A Happy New Year! Ever Such May It Be!”

Song video

https://youtu.be/_iTn6HFOKhI

Preparing our hearts to share the good news

There was a naughty boy lived many years ago. He constantly made promises to his daddy but he never kept them. He spoke unloving words and his attitude became quite a problem.

Finally the daddy got so tired of his son's nature and he told him he was going to do something about it.
For every promise he broke, for every lie he told he would hammer a nail in to doorpost of their home. The boy shrugged his shoulders. But soon the doorpost looked horrible. There was hardly a place where a new nail could be hammered to the door post.
One day boy was so sad and decided to live a new life. He spoke to his father and the father pulled out every nail from the doorpost.
The boy was jubilant and exclaimed "All gone"..
"Yes". Said daddy..
The nails are gone but the scars are still there......
**
But when we go to Jesus and confess our sins He will forgive all our sins and all the scars are permanently removed with out a mark.. The door post seems to be brand new!!
**how??
The nails on the doorpost are transfered to the hands of the Son of God JesusChrist..

... 

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.Isaiah 1:18
As the whole mankind celebrate Christmas don't forget Jesus is the reason for the season.

🎵🎵🎵It's not just about the manger

Where the baby lay

It's not all about the angels

Who sing for him that day

It's about the cross

It's about my sin

It's about how Jesus came to be born once

So that we could be born again

It's not all about the shepherds

Or the bright and shining star

It's not all about the wise men

Who travelled from

afar

It's about the stone

That was rolled away

So that you and I could have real life someday

It's about the cross

It's not all about the good things

In this life I've done

It's not all about the treasures

Or the trophies that I've won

It's not about the righteousness

That I've find within

It's all about His precious blood

That save me from my sin

It's about the cross

It's about my sin

It's about how Jesus came to be born once

So that we could be born again

It's about the stone

That was rolled away

So that you and I could have real life someday

It's about the cross

The beginning of the story

Is wonderful and great

But it's the ending that can save you

And that's why we celebrate

It's about the cross

It's about my sin

It's about how Jesus came to be born once

So that we could be born again

It's about God's love

Nailed to a tree

It's about how every drop of blood

That flowed from Him when it should have been me

It's about the stone

That was rolled away

So that you and I could have real life someday

So that you and I could have real life someday

It's about the cross (it's about the cross) (it's about the cross)

It's about the cross

It's about the cross

 Neenu counted her coins which she had collected for a long time. 

“Oh there is thousand rupees!”     Christmas is approaching. “I must buy a pretty dress.”

There is a cage of birds on the way to her school. In her language “Papa, mama and 2 little birds”.

Neenu is in good friendship with these birds.But today these two little birds are crying a lot. 

What happened? The little birds answered her that a bird-merchant has taken their father and mother.

Neenu was shocked. She ran to the shop which was in the town.

“Hey, they are there in that cage!”

“What do you want?” Growled the merchant.

“I need these two birds…” Neenu answered.

“It would cost you Rs 1000.”

“I will give you.” Saying this she ran home.

This poor girl who had collected money to buy a dress for Christmas, gave all that she had to the merchant.

Everywhere there was the sound of the festival.People were rushing to buy gifts.

Neenu walked back carefully holding the birds she has purchased.

“Here are your papa and mama.” “Happy Christmas”

All of them were in tears.

Neenu’s heart was filled with joy… One drop of tear of joy fell from her eyes onto the floor. 

There was a star twinkling in the sky…

In her heart too…

**Now someone’s name may be coming into your mind.

An orphan, a widow, an alien…

Let the sound of God be trumpeted… Let this year’s Christmas, and the new year be fruitful…

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40

 

വളരെ നാളുകൾ സ്വരൂപിച്ച നാണയത്തുട്ടുകൾ നീനു എണ്ണി നോക്കി '

"ഓ. ആയിരം രൂപയുണ്ട്! 

ക്രിസ്മസ് അടുത്തു വരുന്നു. "എനിക്ക് നല്ല ഒരു ഡ്രസ്സ് മേടിക്കണം"

സ്കൂളിലേക്ക് പോകുന്ന വഴിയിൽ ഒരു പക്ഷിക്കൂട് ഉണ്ട്. നീനുവിൻ്റെ ഭാഷയിൽ പറഞ്ഞാൽ " അച്ഛൻ, അമ്മ പിന്നെ 2 പക്ഷിക്കുഞ്ഞുങ്ങൾ." 

അവരുമായിട്ട് വലിയ ചങ്ങാത്തമാണ് നീനുവിന്...

എന്നാൽ ഇന്ന് 2 കുഞ്ഞുങ്ങൾ വലിയ കരച്ചിലാണ് .

എന്തു പറ്റി? നീനുവിൻ്റെ ചോദ്യത്തിന് കുഞ്ഞുങ്ങൾ മറുപടി പറഞ്ഞു.. പക്ഷി വിൽപ്പനക്കാരൻ ഞങ്ങളുടെ അച്ഛനേയും അമ്മയേയും പിടിച്ചു കൊണ്ടു പോയി.

നീനു ഞെട്ടിപ്പോയി. അവൾ ടൗണിലുള്ള കടയിലേക്ക് ഓടി.

" അതാ അവർ കൂട്ടിനുള്ളിൽ കിടക്കുന്നു"

എന്താ വേണ്ടത്? കടക്കാരൻ്റെ പരുഷമായ ചോദ്യം

എനിക്ക് ഈ 2 പക്ഷികളെ വേണം... നീനു പറഞ്ഞു '

"1000 രൂപയാകും.. ''

" ഞാൻ തരാം": അവൾ വീട്ടിലേക്കോടി.

ദരിദ്രയായ അവൾ ക്രിസ്തുമസിന് ഡ്രസ്സ് മേടിക്കാൻ വച്ചിരുന്ന മുഴുവൻ പണവും വിൽപ്പനക്കാരന് നൽകി.

എല്ലായിടത്തും ആഘോഷത്തിൻ്റെ ശബ്ദം .

ഗിഫ്റ്റ് മേടിക്കാൻ ആളുകൾ തിരക്ക് കൂട്ടുന്നു.

നീനു വാങ്ങിയ പക്ഷികളേയും കൊണ്ട് ശ്രദ്ധ യോടെ നടന്നു .

"ഇതാ നിങ്ങളുടെ അച്ഛനും അമ്മയും "

ഹാപ്പി ക്രിസ്മസ്...

എല്ലാവരുടേയും കണ്ണുകൾ നിറഞ്ഞൊഴുകി.

നീനുവിൻ്റെ ഹൃദയം സന്തോഷം കൊണ്ട് നിറഞ്ഞു.... ഒരു തുള്ളി സന്തോഷത്തിൻ്റെ കണ്ണുനീർ നിലത്തേക്ക് വീണു.

ആകാശത്ത് ഒരു നക്ഷത്രം പ്രകാശിച്ചു കൊണ്ടിരുന്നു...

അവളുടെ ഹൃദയത്തിലും....

*ആരുടേയോ മുഖം ഇപ്പോൾ മനസ്സിൽ തെളിഞ്ഞു വരുന്നുണ്ടാകാം.

അനാഥൻ, വിധവ ,പരദേശി :..

ദൈവശബ്ദം മുഴങ്ങട്ടെ.... ഈ വർഷത്തെ ക്രിസ്തുമസ്, പുതുവത്സരം ഫലമുള്ളതാകട്ടെ....

അപ്പോൾ രാജാവ് അവരോട് തീർച്ചയായും ഇങ്ങനെ പറയും: ‘എന്റെ ഈ ഏറ്റവും എളിയ സഹോദരന്മാരിൽ ഒരുവനു നിങ്ങൾ ചെയ്തതെല്ലാം എനിക്കുവേണ്ടിയത്രേ ചെയ്തത്.’ മത്തായി 25: 40

Preparing our hearts to share the Joy.. Part 2

 

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”Luke 2:10‭-‬12

*The first time Jesus came, a star marked His arrival; the next time He comes, the whole Heaven will roll up like a scroll, and all the stars will fall out of the sky, and He Himself will light it.
The first time He came, wise men and shepherds brought Him gifts; the next time He comes, He will bring gifts, rewards for His own.

The first time He came there was no room for Him; the next time He comes the whole world won’t be able to contain His glory.

The first time He came, a few attended His arrival – some shepherds and some wise men; the next time He comes, every eye shall see Him.

The first time He came as a baby; soon He comes as sovereign King and Lord.

In Daniel 4:37 He’s called the King of heaven.

In Matthew 2:2 He’s called the King of theJews.

In John 1:49 He’s called the King of Israel

In 1 Timothy 1:17 He’s called the King of the ages.

In Psalm 24:7 He’s called the King of glory.

In Revelation 15:3 He’s called the King of the saints

And in Revelation 19 Jesus is called King of kings and Lord of lords.

And so His kingdom is a superior kingdom to any other. Listen, this is no helpless infant, this is the sovereign Ruler of the universe.

Selected.. Grace to you

The story of cracked pot

 

*A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master’s house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you. “Why?” asked the bearer. “What are you ashamed of?” “I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot said.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, “As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.” Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it somewhat. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house.”

""We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.[b] This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.  We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 nlt

*story... Selected

 *One small word of counsel on prayer:

Healthy prayer necessitates frequent experiences of the common, earthy ordinary life. 

Like walks, and talks, and good conversations. 

Like work in the yard and talks with neighbours and washing windows. 

Like loving our spouse and playing with our kids and working with our colleagues. 

To be spiritually fit to scale the Himalayas of the spirit we need regular exercise in the hills and valleys of ordinary life.. 

Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. I Peter 3:7 

Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23‭-‬24 

And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. Matthew 6:12 

And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:25 

*Richard foster

⭐⭐⭐Preparing our hearts to share the joy ⭐⭐⭐

 

*Christmas is not just a time to decorate your house or to spend time with loved ones, to open the long awaited presents. 

Christmas is a time to remember that salvation doesn't come from within but it comes from above. 

To remember that infinitely  better than celebration of Christmas,... It is the miracle of Emmanuel.. 

To remember that God was not and is not untouched by the pain and suffering of this world.. 

To remember that there is no grace without the cross and no cross without the manger. 

To remember Jesus doesn't want just to remember what He did.. But to join Him in what He is doing. 

So this year let the lights reminds you of the Light of the world who came in to this dark world for us. 

Let the gifts remind you of the greatest gift of all. 

And this year let your heart be like Bethlehem to receive the King.. or to rejoice with the King. 

And to share this great joy and good news with your friends, colleagues, neighbours, relatives.......... 

🙏Heavenly Father, 

Let me prepare my heart to share this great news and joy with others in the coming weeks. Help me. 

In Jesus Name. Amen

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

*selected

He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite. Psalms 147:3‭-‬5

 

*God knows the temperature of every star, the composition of every planet, the size of every galaxy, and the course of every comet. 

He knows the shape of each snow flake and the design of every sea shell. He understands the mysteries of depths below and the heights above. He knows what lies above the galaxies and beyond the grave. 

His wisdom is as high as heavens, as deep as the oceans, as broad as the cosmos, as long as the eternity. 

God has instant access to every fact of reality and to every factor of every decision. 

His intelligence is limitless, His brilliance boundless, His perception is unfailing and unerring. 

He neither panics nor puzzles over the problems of His creation, for His thoughts  are not our thoughts. 

Jesus knows all about you.. Every ancestor in your family tree, every strand in your DNA, every quirk in your personality, every bump and bruise in your childhood, and every trail, tragedy, hurt, and heart ache you have ever encountered or ever will. He numbers both your steps and the very hairs of your head. He sees every rejection and failure. 

He rejoices in every victory and records all your faithful deeds.... 

Jesus loves you!!!!! 

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.

Psalms 139:13‭-‬18 

*selected.... Robert J Morgan

His Lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; ..Enter into the joy of your Lord.’ Matthew 25:23(a)

After forty years of faithful service to the Lord as a missionary to Africa, Henry Morrison and his wife were returning to New York.  As the ship neared the dock, Henry said to his wife, “Look at that crowd.  They haven't forgotten about us”.  However, unknown to Henry, the ship also carried President Teddy Roosevelt, returning from a big game hunting trip in Africa.  Roosevelt stepped from the boat, with great fanfare, as people  were cheering, flags were waving,  bands were playing, and reporters waiting for his comment, Henry and his wife slowly walked away unnoticed.  They hailed a cab, which took them to the one bedroom apartment which had been provided by the mission board.

Over the next few weeks, Henry tried, but failed to put the incident behind him.  He said to his wife, “This is all wrong.  This man comes back from a hunting trip and everybody throws a big party.  We give our lives in faithful service to God for all these many years, but no one seems to care. 

His wife then said,   You need to tell this to the Lord and get this settled now.”

Henry Morrison then went to his bedroom, got down on his knees and  began pouring out his heart to the Lord. 

After about ten minutes of fervent prayer, Henry returned to the living room with a peaceful look on his face.  His wife said “It looks like you've resolved the matter.  What happened?”

Henry replied, “The Lord settled it for me.  I told Him how bitter I was that the President received this tremendous homecoming, but no one even met us as we returned home.  When I finished, it seemed as though the Lord put His hand on my shoulder and simply said, 'But Henry, you are not home yet!'”

Selected*

 

On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”Mark 4:35‭-‬41 

Why storms?? 

💦Storms are coming not to destroy us but to better us. ( character) 

💦Storms are God's microphone to arouse us. 

💦We are not insulated from storm, we are educated through storm. 

💧Storms doesn't come to punish us but to polish us. 

💧Jesus is with us in the storm. 

💧Christian faith is strong in the valley . 

🌊Jesus calmed 2 storms. 

🌬One in the sea and other in the hearts of disciples. 

🌧When Jesus said "Peace" Be still"

🧎The waters and the wind obeyed and surrendered before their Creator. 

Praise the Lord.. Let us sing.... 

🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵

Hide me now

Under Your wings
Cover me
Within Your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still and know You are God

Find rest
Find rest, my soul
In Christ alone
Know His power
In quietness and trust

*selected

In His Time

 

*Andrew Murray was suffering from a weak back, the lingering result of an injury he had sustained a few years earlier when he was thrown from a capsizing cart while ministering in Natal, South Africa. While resting that Lord’s Day morning, Murray penned the following thoughts for his own encouragement:

In Time of Trouble Say:

First, He brought me here; it is by His will I am in this strait place: in that fact I will rest.

Next, He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace to behave as His child.

Then, He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow.

Last, In His good time He can bring me out again – how and when He knows.

Let me say I am here,

            (1) By God’s appointment.                 

  (2) In his keeping.

            (3) Under His training.          

    (4) For His time.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.Ecclesiastes 3:11 

*selected

 

*I was riding a subway on Sunday morning in New York. People were sitting quietly, reading papers, or resting with eyes closed. It was a peaceful scene. Then a man and his children entered the subway car. The man sat next to me and closed his eyes, apparently oblivious to his children, who were yelling, throwing things, even grabbing people’s papers.

I couldn’t believe he could be so insensitive. Eventually, with what I felt was unusual patience, I turned and said, “Sir, your children are disturbing people. I wonder if you couldn’t control them a little more?”

The man lifted his gaze as if he saw the situation for the first time. “Oh, you’re right,” he said softly, “I guess I should do something about it. We just came from the hospital where their mother died about an hour ago. I don’t know what to think, and I guess they don’t know how to handle it either.”

Suddenly, I saw things differently. And because I saw differently, I felt differently. I behaved differently. My irritation vanished. I didn’t have to worry about controlling my attitude or my behavior. My heart filled with compassion. “Your wife just died? Oh, I’m so sorry. Can you tell me about it? What can I do to help?” Everything changed in an instant.

******Stop judging based on the superficial. First you must embrace the standards of mercy and truth.” .John 7:24

 
🙏Heavenly Father, forgive me..i have judged many seeing outwardly.Give me grace and strength to love and understand others.
In Jesus' Name... Amen 🙏

*

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People...Stephen Covey

 

The year was 1916 and Nelson had just graduated from medical school in his native Virginia. Later that year, he and his bride of six months arrived in China. At the age of twenty-two, he became a surgeon at Love and Mercy Hospital, the only hospital in an area of at least two million Chinese residents. 

Nelson, together with his family, lived in the area for twenty-four more years, running the hospital, performing surgeries, and sharing the good news with thousands of people. Nelson Bell later became known as “The Bell Who Is Lover of the Chinese People.” His daughter Ruth was to later marry the evangelist Billy Graham.

Although Nelson was a brilliant surgeon and Bible teacher, it wasn’t his skills that drew many to Jesus; it was his character and the way he lived out the gospel.

Dr. Bell believed that spiritual gifts were more important than any other talent. Under glass on his desk, he placed a note where he had listed the fruits of the Spirit: “Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Meekness, and Self-Control” and daily tried to exude these gifts among those he served.
 

From a rural American childhood to an international ministry, Dr. Lemuel Nelson Bell was used by God to touch thousands of lives.