Sweeter than Honey!
“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103
Good morning.
Last Sunday I sat next to an elderly woman in the Church. After the sermon started she waved her hand at me and said she would like me to mark the verses the preacher preached, in her Bible. Her Bible looked a bit old with stitches on its velvet cover. I took her Bible and pen to mark a verse as she told me. As soon as I finished marking, I returned it to her. Whenever the preacher mentioned a verse, she handed it back to me for help. To be honest, this was the first time I paid much attention to each and every single reference for all the Bible verses that were mentioned in the sermon. The reason why she needed my help was obvious. She has problem with her vision due to her age. But her thirst toward God’s Word and joy in His presence in spite of all the difficulties she faced surprised me. As I went through the pages of her Bible I could understand that she approaches the one sitting next to her every week for help, as I saw several types of marks made by people. She offered whatever she had with her (hey wait! I didn’t spy on her. It was an accident that I saw her while she offered.) and I guessed that she might have to walk while returning to her house.
I am sure God smiles when He thinks of her! What an awesome moment it would be for someone to have God smiling when He thinks of them!!!
Her seriousness toward His Word is something that cannot be compared with ours, who work in MNC’s, having multiple versions of Bible, in all possible sizes and designs, not only in our hand, but also in all the electronic devices we own, Textual, Audio, Video, what not, yet having no time to turn the pages to actually know what He speaks to us, thereby wasting so much of sacrifices the translators had made and hurting the Omnipotent God. A dusty Bible leads to dirty lives!
The author of Psalm 119 tells us that God’s Word is sweeter than honey to his mouth. Even today there are so many countries who shut their doors to God’s Word, yet, their people long to read. You and I have the most treasurable gift in our hands. Only when we realize that it is not a mortal book written by several authors, but a love letter from our loving Father, which has solutions to all the problems one can face in this cruel world, we would love to spend time reading and meditating it.
Diane Moody in her book, “Confessions of a prayer slacker”, shares with us that she visualizes that the Lord waits in her living room with a coffee pot and 2 mugs (one for Him and one for her) every morning. So she cannot sleep as soon as this scene comes to her mind. My sister-in-law always had an empty chair next to her whenever she studied so the Lord could mentor her. I have seen people counting numbers so they can fall into sleep, but my mother-in-law surprises me when she says she always recite the Bible verses if she doesn’t feel sleepy during her bed time.
Yes, there are so many people who adore God’s Word! Their soul is well! Now it is your turn. I am sure you too can new find ways just like them!
God bless you!
Traffic Lights
Brothers and sisters take note of this: everyone should be QUICK TO LISTEN, SLOW TO SPEAK and SLOW TO BECOME ANGRY. James 1-19
Listen, Speak and Anger are like the colours of the Traffic signal in terms of exhibiting the human nature of us in this world. If you follow the Traffic signals, than they ensure safe and accident free journey. Likewise the above natures or qualities if followed or avoided according to the word of God will help us to lead a life pleasing unto God and a peaceful co existence in this world.
1) Quick to listen: If you are in marketing this word Listen (Listening skill) is very frequently used while interacting with customers. When you listen to them may be it is a complaint or compliment then you show them that you “value” their views. It will help to close your sale or complaint handling very successfully. Likewise Apostle James emphasis on the aspect “Listening and doing”. In the spiritual world just listening and doing nothing about what you hear is deceiving yourselves. In verse 22 gives the Punch word “Do what it says.” He gives the example of a man looking himself in the mirror and as he goes away he forgets what he looks like. Therefore dear ones let us follow the word we hear in letter and spirit then you will be blessed in what you do. If you read John 13-17 the Lord teaches his disciples humility through washing of their feet. In 17th verse “Now that you have heard and seen these things you will be blessed if you do them.” The second most important commandment of Jesus is “love your neighbour as yourself.” Now do you act like a listener or doer? If you practise both then you are doing right.
2) Slow to speak: In Proverb 10-19 exactly defines why we should be slow to speak, when word is many, sin is not absent but he who holds his tongue is wise. Read James 1:26 says if any one does not keep tight rein on his tongue he deceives himself. Further we read the tongue is also a fire, it corrupts the whole person and set his life span on fire. Let us introspect ourselves that with the tongue we praise the Lord and father or curse men who are made in god’s likeness. Our speech if it is controlled by Satan it will be full of bitter, envy and unspiritual. But if it is ruled by God that it will be full of righteousness, love and grace. Read 2 Timothy2-16, Avoid godless chatters because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Make a decision today that with the help of the Holy Spirit you will rein in your tongue and use it as an instrument of praise and speak word of grace.
3) Slow to anger: James gives a fine explanation about anger, James 1:20 for anger do not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Just I would like to bring in a picture of Paul and Barnabas. If you read Acts 15:36 to 41 you will understand what I want to say. Read verse 39, they had such a strong disagreement that they have parted company. Here this disagreement was fuelled by anger. Even great apostle like Paul and Barnabas when temporarily influenced by anger, they parted company. 2Timothy 2-23, don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. That is to do things which God does not like. Therefore do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Throw away your anger and reconcile so that the peace of God will fill your mind and soul and devil cannot enter your life.
May God bless you with good nature so that you can Arise and Shine.
If you want, I will!!!
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “Be it unto me according to Your Word.” Luke 1: 38
Good morning!
Yesterday early in the morning when I was getting ready to go to office, I heard my husband speaking to me with a thin voice and to hear him better I went close to him without expecting him to wave his hand (without knowing that I went close to him) over my face with his nails on. A portion of skin under my eyes was peeled off. Since it was near the infraorbital furrow, it is not visible outside. But it pains.
This incident has nothing to do with the message today, except this reminded me of all the hurting moments (not physical hurts, but emotional) I experienced in my life thus far because of the ones I trusted and I didn’t reciprocate, I felt like I have been sacrificing so much for nothing, to the point that, those who hurt me didn’t even know that they did. As I think too much about it, it pains. But I believe everyone who trusts in the mortal men/women, would have the same feeling. I also understand that without my knowledge I would have also hurt others.
Every coin has two sides. I will share about the first side today, and the other side tomorrow. If you feel what you undergo is too much for you to carry, and you do not know why someone who you trusts have to do all these things to you, then the following message is for you.
I read a beautiful story which was about a young woman who was climbing the mountain and when she was hanging there on a rock ledge with hundred feet below her, lost her contact lens. Her blurred vision and the height scared her. She looked unto the Lord and prayed when she reminded herself “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole world.” After her friends helped her reach the bottom, and she was startled to hear someone screaming, “Hey, anybody lost your contact lens?” pointing out to an ant moving very slowly carrying the contact lens. Maybe the ant told God, “God, I don’t know why You want me to carry this load. I cannot eat it and it’s awfully heavy. But, if you want me to carry it, I will.”
Friends, you are where God wants you to be. When moments like this happen, don’t try escaping from the situation, rather, obey to Him just as Mary said, “Be it unto me, Lord.” Mary obeyed to God and there was born, the Savior, to fulfill God’s plan!!! Just say to God, “Lord I do not know why You want me to carry this load. I can’t see any good out of it, and it is awfully heavy. But, if You want me to carry it, I will.” Maybe you are the ant which God uses to help someone who needs you in their struggles! God’s will for your life will not let you go places where He cannot go with you. Whatever you go through, will be for your good and God will make things happen in His time! Just stay there! Never give up!
May God bless you!
It is contagious!
Be kind and compassionate to one another… Ephesians 4:32
Good morning, friends!
Dr. Howard Kelly was a distinguished physician who, in 1895, founded the Johns Hopkins Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Johns Hopkins University. According to Dr. Kelly’s biographer, Audrey Davis, the doctor was on a walking trip through Northern Pennsylvania one spring day when he stopped by a farm house for a drink of water. A little girl answered his knock at the door and instead of water, brought him a glass of fresh milk. He visited with her briefly, then went his way. Sometime later, the little girl came to him as a patient and needed surgery. After the surgery, the bill was brought to her room and on it were the words, “Paid in full with one glass of milk.”
My husband wanted me to watch an inspirational video on YouTube which resembled the above event. It was about a poor boy whose mother was sick and in need of medicine and a local food seller who helped him provide his mom, expecting nothing in return. Later after many years, his kindness was paid, by a surgeon (the poor boy), who wrote “Paid in full several years ago with soup and medicine”, on the hospital bill for the food seller’s surgery.
The kindness that is sent, will return to you! What goes around comes around! Being kind to someone who is kind to you is pretty easy, but being kind to someone who is rude to you/who hurts you is not that easy. But you still can extend your kindness to them! It is a gift from God which you can freely share with others! Each one has their own battles. You never know what they go through! ‘Tit for tat’ is the pattern of this world! But you, as a child of God, spread the ‘Kindness’ germs! It is contagious! Remember God’s kindness toward you, whenever you are tempted to shout at someone. The other person may or may not deserve it. But God loved you when you were quite unlovable.
Speak words of kindness to have attractive lips! You will look amazingly pretty/handsome without lipstick! Kindness is a language which a deaf can hear and a blind can see! Kindness provided in excess will definitely speak to hearts one day. And when you are kind to strangers, be glad that you are showing them the way to be kind, even though you may not come to know about the wonders their kindness make!
What is your situation today?
Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18
Easter is the most special day in the history that gave hope to the mankind!
Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary was dead four days before Jesus reached Bethany. Jesus loved that family and they loved him as well. He was not there when Lazarus was sick. Lazarus was buried when Jesus reached Bethany. His sisters were weeping. Jesus also wept. They told Jesus, “Lord, if you have been here, Lazarus would not have died.” They moved on to Lazarus’ tomb. There was a stone across the entrance. Surely there was bad odor. Yet, Jesus said, “Take away the stone. If you believed, you would see the glory of God.” He prayed and there came Lazarus alive with his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
God’s love is the same toward everyone! He doesn’t show favoritism. He loves you as much as He loved Lazarus and his sisters. He knows when you are sick. He longs to be with you in all your struggles. He himself was buried; but He rose again. The grave could not hold Him. Death was defeated. The ultimate victory was made possible by the perfect lamb, Jesus who sacrificed Himself on the cross for us!
Friends, today you are in any of the three situations listed below.
1. Maybe you are still living in your past glory. You are proud to say that you had spent countless hours in prayer and meditation several years ago. But the truth is, your past glory cannot do any good to you! You should be revived each moment in your life. Bible says, “The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:13. You are hesitant to go back to where you were, as things distract you and lead you away from Christ. His arm that was stretched out on the cross is still open for you. It is time to make U-turn and come back to Him as soon as you can. Don’t take chances.
2. Or maybe you are living a life full of guilt for the sins you have committed. You want to be out of the habits which lead you to sin, but you are not able to ask God to forgive you of your sins. Because you know you have gone to him countless times for forgiveness on the very same thing. You may feel that your prayers will not be answered. Bible clearly says, “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.” Lamentations3:22. He can wash you from any sin and can set you free. If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36. You no longer need to live in guilt.
3. Or maybe you are living a life that is pleasing to God. The best time to pray for anything is, before it happens. You may not know what is awaiting you (Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8), or what your family or friends are going through right now. In the outside people may pretend to live a holy life, but deep inside they are hurt because of the unwanted things that have done. “You are meant to be the salt of the earth and light of the world.” Matthew 5:13, 14. Breathe Jesus into someone’s life. This is the time for you to stop being content that you are safe and have a free coupon to enter into Heaven, but to stand in the gap for them and to pray for them that perish.
To summarize, what you have done thus far, doesn’t matter. God still loves you. And He wants to restore everything that you have lost so far. He can bring back life into your holiness, deadest parts in your marriage, finances, work place, parenthood, etc…! Things that are buried deep inside can be brought to life only by the risen Lord! He knows how it feels to be buried. Pray to God that He would help open up the door that you have shut to Him long back, and guide you to take off the ugly clothes you have chosen for yourself and bring you back to the life He meant for you. He only can give you victory over the things which are defeating you over and over again!
God bless you!