Unseen Blessings: Thank You Lord

"One day, a very rich father took his son on a trip to the country to show him what it was like to be poor. They stayed for a few days and nights on a farm where a very poor family lived.

After they returned home, the father asked his son how he liked the trip. “It was great, Dad,” the son replied. “Did you see how poor people can be?” the father asked. “Oh yeah,” the son answered.

“So what did you learn from the trip?” asked the father. The son thought for a moment and said, “I saw that we have one dog and they have four. We have a pool that goes halfway across our garden, and they have a creek that never ends. We have fancy lanterns in our garden, and they have the stars at night. Our patio is big and reaches the front yard, but they have the whole horizon.

We have a small piece of land, but they have fields that go as far as you can see. We have servants who work for us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow their own. We have walls around our property to keep us safe, but they have friends to protect them.” The father was silent, then the son added, “It showed me just how poor we really are.”

This story makes you think: We often forget how much we have and focus on what we don’t have. What one person thinks is worthless, another person might treasure. It all depends on how you see things."

Sometimes, it takes the perspective of a child to remind us of what really matters.

That perspective was brought to us on the 25th of this month. As we close 2024 tonight, let us review our lives in the past year (s), from the perspective of the Child Jesus.

Story Source: Good Thinking

Four Years and Counting....

Dear readers,

Today it's four years that the first post on this blog was published. Through this time, we hope that our posts, curated from across the world, have brought some joy, hope, peace or security to someone out there. 

Our mission has been the revival of the fire of faith, which, naturally, can diminish over time, specially when we face hardship and tough times.

In these four years, when we look back, we see Gods hand at work. He has performed countless miracles and granted numerous blessings on our readers. He has been present in all the good times and bad. He has seen us at our best and at our worst. He has always been faithful and his unconditional love brings each of us peace and happiness. Let us boast of His love and His unfailing presence in our lives. We are ever so thankful for Jesus, His son, sent into the world for each one of us.

As we emerge from the joyous celebrations of Christmas, let us carry forward the true essence of this blessed season into the New Year. Christmas is not just a day but a reminder of the eternal hope and love that Christ brings into our lives.

Now, as the decorations come down and the holiday rush subsides, it's the perfect time for a personal and communal revival. Let us reignite our faith with renewed vigor and commitment. So let us not stop the spirit of Jesus from being born in each of us, every day, day by day.

As we head into the New Year of 2025, we remain thankful for each day we have been blessed with and wish each of our readers Gods fullest blessings every day.

Keep it Shining!

Well, Christmas is a day away. We will all be so busy with the busyness of Christmas, prepping for dinners and special cakes, cookies, gifts, travel and plans.

In this great and busy time, let us not forget the birthday boy! Jesus was born into the world to bring peace and joy and love. He wants to be born in our hearts if we let Him.

What does it mean for Jesus to be born into our hearts? For Him to shine through our lives as light for the world?

Sometime back we talked about the three dimensions of spiritual relationships - within us, with God and with fellow men. Because of Jesus we need not hide our faces and ourselves from God, like Adam and Eve, but have a bold relationship with Him and with others. Which means that because Jesus was born to sacrifice Himself for our forgiveness, we are at peace. The Billy Graham Foundation describes this very well -

"So many people strive for one thing more than any other - peace. The reason they seek it is because there’s no lasting comfort or freedom in their lives. It’s like they are always unsettled. The Bible defines peace primarily in three ways.

• Psychological peace, the comfort within.

• Relational peace, harmony among humanity.

• Spiritual peace, which is between God and man.

The Bible outlines how sin damages or wipes out all three types of peace. When God created man, he was at peace with God, himself, and everyone else. However, that peace was lost when he turned against God. Peace can be restored, but we can’t do it alone. God provided a way".

Yes, God provided the way through Jesus.

Today, we celebrate Christmas because we have the peace Jesus brought, as a gift from God.

https://peacewithgod.net/

Saturday Vespers

 

This Saturday before Christmas, we come before our God, with hearts full of gratitude for His unfailing love and mercy. We thank Him for the countless blessings He has bestowed upon us, even those we may not see or acknowledge. We especially thank Him for the Gift of Jesus Christ, and the hope, peace & joy we have through Him. 

We humbly lift up those who are in need of His divine intervention and care. For those suffering from illness, to grant them healing and strength. Comfort for those who are in pain, physically, emotionally, or spiritually, and to let them feel His presence by their side.

We pray for those who are facing difficult decisions or challenges. Lord, guide them with Your wisdom and grant them clarity and peace. May they find the courage to trust in Your plans and walk the path You have set before them.

We are grateful for our readers from around the world who pray for prayer requests and today we also ask for prayer from all our readers for - 

Ms. Jayasudha for protection and healing from her cancer. Also pray for her peace in Christ as she struggles with negative dreams and thoughts. 

For Diane that she does not have any scary symptoms and has assurance of it soon

For Jamie and Bob, and their health and wellbeing.

Dr. Moreland requests prayer for Prayers for a 2 year old girl named Isla, in the hospital and her family.

For all those who are feeling lost or alone this Christmas, we ask that You surround them with Your love and light. Send them companions who will support and uplift them, and may they always know that they are never truly alone with You in their hearts.

In our world filled with strife and division, we pray for peace and unity. Help us to be instruments of Your peace, showing love and understanding to all, regardless of our differences.

Lastly, we ask for Your continued blessings upon our families and friends. Keep them safe and healthy, and may our relationships be strengthened by Your grace.

The Old Woman and a Blanket

 

It was December and a cold one at that. An old woman worked in a home for cleaning and washing. One day she complained about the cold to the mistress, about how she could not sleep in the cold at night. The mistress, who was a very thoughtful and kind lady decided to get the old maid a blanket, for Christmas, to keep her warm and so she did.

Next day a beautiful woolen blanket was delivered, in beautiful Christmas colors of green, red and white.

As the maid was getting ready to leave, the mistress gave her the blanket, but instead of being pleased, the maid scornfully stated she did not want it. On being asked why, she said she didn't like it because it had a white color which would get dirty and she would have to wash it, so she would prefer one without white. The mistress got a bit upset because she had gone through a lot of trouble and expense to get the blanket delivered urgently. "Anyway," she said, "don't take it if you don't want. I can't force you. I will see how and when it can be exchanged".

The maid left leaving the blanket behind. That night was the coldest night of that season.

Thinking about this story, one wonders that how many times have we behaved like the maid? How many times we have rejected the warmth of Gods' blessings, which maybe long term, for our short-term demands? In our short sight we cannot see beyond the horizon, but God can and blesses us with His plans which are based on His vision, but we don't see it.

The only way our vision can be in sync with Gods plans is for us to trust Him completely, without reservation or ambiguity or conditions.

Christ Himself was part of Gods long term plan for each one of us. A gift to mankind. But, like the old maid, sometimes we reject the gift and the warmth of Jesus and His offer of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love for short term material gains and pleasures.

This Christmas, will we truly and earnestly and happily accept God's gift? 

A Christmas Story by Helen Steiner Rice

The Story of the Christmas Guest

by Helen Steiner Rice

It happened one day at December's end
Some neighbors called on an old-time friend.
And they found his shop so meager and mean,
Made gay with a thousand boughs of green.
And old Conrad was sitting with face ashine,
When he suddenly stopped as he stitched the twine.
And he said, "My friends, at dawn today,
When the cock was crowing the night away,
The Lord appeared in a dream to me.
And He said, 'I'm coming your guest to be."
So I've been busy with feet astir,
Strewing my shop with branches of fir.
The table is spread and the kettle is shined,
And over the rafters the holly is twined.
And now I'll wait for my Lord to appear;
And listen closely so I will hear,
His steps as he nears my humble place.
And I'll open the door and I'll look on his face."
Then his friends went home and left Conrad alone,
For this was the happiest day he had known.
For long since his family had passed away.
And Conrad had spent many a sad Christmas Day.
But he knew with the Lord as his Christmas guest,
This Christmas would be the dearest and best.
So he listened with only joy in his heart,
And with every sound he would rise with a start,
And look for the Lord to be at his door,
Like the vision that he had had a few hours before.
So he ran to the window after hearing a sound,
But all he could see on the snow covered ground,
Was a shabby beggar whose shoes were torn.
And all his clothes were ragged and worn.
But old Conrad was touched, and he went to the door
And he said, "Your feet must be cold and sore.
I have some shoes in my shop for you.
And I have a coat to keep you warmer, too."
So with grateful heart the man went away.
But Conrad noticed the time of day
And he wondered what made the dear Lord so late,
And how much longer he'd have to wait.
Then he heard another knock, and he ran to the door,
But it was only a stranger once more.
A bent old lady with a shawl of black,
And a bundle of kindling piled on her back.
But she asked only for a place to rest,
a place that was reserved, for Conrad's great guest.
Her voice seemed to plead, "Don't send me away,
Let me rest for awhile this Christmas Day."
So Conrad brewed her a steaming cup
And told her to sit at the table and sup.
After she had left, he was filled with dismay,
For he saw that the hours were slipping away
The Lord had not come as He said He would,
And Conrad felt sure he had misunderstood.
When out of the stillness, he heard a cry.
"Please help me and tell me - Where am I?"
So again he opened his friendly door,
And stood disappointed as twice before.
It was a child who had wandered away,
And was lost from her family on Christmas Day.
Again Conrad's heart was heavy and sad,
But he knew he could make this little girl glad.
So he called her in and he wiped her tears,
And he quieted all of her childish fears.
Then he led her back to her home once more,
And as he entered his own darkened door,
He knew that the Lord was not coming today,
For the hours of Christmas had all passed away.
So he went to his room, and he knelt down to pray.
And He said, "Lord, why did you delay?
What kept You from coming to call on me?
I wanted so much Your face to see."
Then softly, in the silence, a voice he heard.
"Lift up your head - I have kept My word.
Three times my shadow crossed your floor.
Three times I came to your lowly door.
I was the beggar with bruised, cold feet;
I was the woman you gave something to eat;
I was the child on the homeless street.
Three times I knocked, three times I came in,
And each time I found the warmth of a friend.
Of all the gifts, love is the best.
I was honored to be your Christmas guest.

Charity Wrapped in Dignity

"Leave it for the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands"

Christmas is around the corner and a time of joy, love, and giving, and is often intertwined with the spirit of charity. It's a season when people are more inclined to think of others, especially those less fortunate. The story of Christmas, especially the birth of Jesus, is often associated with humility, compassion, and selfless giving. By helping others, we not only bring joy to their lives but also experience a sense of fulfillment ourselves.

But here is the thing: when we help someone with money or some material things, it often jolts their own self worth. So while we may help them temporarily, we may hurt them permanently. So, taking a cue from Christmas, we try to understand what charity should mean.

Jesus took birth to die. We all do. But He took birth to die for us. He knew from the very beginning that he was the scapegoat! He knew His fate and yet He did it and went ahead. Why?

A. God, in His compassion wanted us to attain salvation and yet, needed to follow His own rule for forgiveness of our sins: There had to be a sacrifice.

B. God understood human nature and knew that the desire to rebuild a relationship could be kindled in the human heart.

C. God in His infinite wisdom also gave us the honour to choose - a life with God or a life without God.

To be able to offer man a chance at forgiveness and to wipe the slate clean, He sent His son, with this great mission: The salvation of mankind. 

Yes, that is the story of Christmas and it is the very definition of charity as well. A charity which we need to practise through out year and throughout the time we have here on earth.

Christmas defines true charity which is not merely about giving material possessions. It is about offering compassion, understanding, and the opportunity to rebuild one's life. By treating others with dignity and respect, we can empower them to overcome adversity and achieve their full potential.

Interestingly, many , many years before Christmas, Jesus's ancestor Boaz, showcased dignified charity when he told his workmen not to glean all the corn, but to leave them for Ruth. He not only redeemed her, but he did it with love and respect. 

Similarly, when Jesus was with the Samaritan woman at the well, He did not dwell on her sin. He did not scorn. He already knew what she had done. Instead, the Lord continually focused on her salvation. 

Today, we can reflect on that great sacrifice our God made for us. Without scorning us, without counting our sin, He gave us the greatest gift mankind can ever receive, so that we can live a joyous and abundant life. Let us pass on a little of the joy and abundance we have received. 

Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

 

The Peace of Christmas

Peace is a word most sought after, most misunderstood and most misinterpreted. We are in the second week of advent, with the theme of peace, and yet According to recent data, there are currently around 56 ongoing conflicts worldwide, with some sources stating this is the highest number since World War II, involving numerous countries engaged in conflicts outside their borders.

So then, what is this peace? What does it look like? What does it mean? What is the peace of God? 

In the Bible, the word Jesus uses for peace in most of these passages comes from the Greek word eiréné, which means harmony, tranquility, and reconciliation. It’s the concept of being in perfect unity and accord with the Lord, living in tune with his commands and ways.

It is a deep, inner peace that surpasses human comprehension, a calmness and serenity that can be experienced even amidst difficult circumstances, and is considered a gift from God that guards one's heart and mind through faith in Christ Jesus. This peace may not be logically understood but is visible in anyone who has experienced it. Visible in thier faces, ther manner, their talks and their behaviour, specially under extreme stress, because that stress or situation is passed onto Jesus in the full belief that He will carry that burden.

Jessica Brodie goes on to say that "in the short term, the peace of God doesn’t always look like world peace. But in the long-term, it is. For the peace of God comes when we know the God of peace". Jesus. Name above all names.

Which essentially means that till we as individuals experience God, believe in salvation, want salvation and believe that the way to salvation is through Jesus, the world cannot experience eiréné, the peace that Jesus talked about.

In fact, The "peace of God" can be considered a direct result of salvation, meaning that when a person accepts Jesus Christ and is saved, they receive a sense of peace and tranquility with God that comes from the forgiveness of their sins and the knowledge of their secure relationship with Him. They are no longer tormented souls on earth but, tranquil and peaceful beings.

This peace isn't just the absence of conflict, but a deep sense of security, contentment, and trust in God's plan, even amidst life's challenges.

John Blanchard made it quite simple when he commented there that the peace of God is being grateful for past mercy, conscious of present mercy, and certain of future mercy.

It is the peace from knowing God is with us. Emmanuel.

When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.” (Proverbs 16:7)

Unseen Anguish - II

While the world celebrates Christmas with merriment & laughter, there are many whose hearts are filled with anguish. Unseen and unknown. Beneath the façade of smiles and laughter, a silent storm often rages within the them. Unseen anguish can manifest in various forms. It may be the quiet desperation of a person grappling with a chronic illness, the silent suffering of a victim of abuse, or the internal turmoil of someone struggling with mental health issues. It can be the gnawing loneliness of an isolated soul or the profound grief of a bereaved heart.

The world often overlooks these silent struggles, dismissing them as mere fleeting moments of sadness or temporary setbacks. However, for those who endure them, unseen anguish can be a relentless force, consuming their thoughts and emotions. It can lead to feelings of isolation, worthlessness, and hopelessness.

Yet, even in the darkest depths of despair, there is a flicker of hope. Jesus Christ: offering a lifeline, offering understanding, empathy, and a life of His peace, if we so want.

What can we, as Christians do to help? Share Christmas! 

By fostering empathy and compassion, we can create a more supportive and understanding world. We can offer a listening ear, a comforting word, or a helping hand to those who are struggling silently. Above all, we can provide reassurances of Gods help in any situation, may it seem ever so hopeless and Jesus's birth in our lives. We can share and offer Jesus's peace.  

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Sunday Quotes

                      

“Here lies the tremendous mystery: that God should be all-powerful, yet refuse to coerce. He summons us to cooperation. We are honored in being given the opportunity to participate in his good deeds. Remember how He asked for help in performing his miracles: Fill the water pots, stretch out your hand, distribute the loaves.”(Elisabeth Elliot)

“The terrible, tragic fallacy of the last hundred years has been to think that all man's troubles are due to his environment, and that to change the man you have nothing to do but change his environment. That is a tragic fallacy. It overlooks the fact that it was in Paradise that man fell.” (Martyn Lloyd-Jones)

“For God to reveal His Son in us is not the result of research or searching; it is entirely a matter of mercy and revelation. It is an inward seeing, an inner knowing.” (Watchman Nee)

“You cannot go outside of A and Z in the realm of literature; likewise Christ Jesus is First and Last of God's new creation, and all that is in between; you cannot get outside of that.” (T. Austin-Sparks)

“Be still, and know that I am God. We must not interpret that ‘Be still’ in a sentimental manner. Some regard it as a kind of exhortation to us to be silent; but it is nothing of the sort. It means, ‘Give up (or ‘Give in’ and admit I am God’. God is addressing people who are opposed to Him.” (Martyn Lloyd-Jones)

“We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.” (Oswald Chambers)

“I have heard of some good old woman in a cottage, who had nothing but a piece of bread and a little water, and lifting up her hands, she said, as a blessing, “What! all this, and Christ too?” (Charles Haddon Spurgeon)

“To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.” (Timothy Keller)

“Tears shed for self are tears of weakness, but tears shed for others are a sign of strength.”

(Billy Graham)

“Only one life, 'Twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last.” (C.T. Studd)

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows; it empties today of its strength.” (Corrie Ten Boom)

“Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines.” (Robert H. Schuller)

Revive Your Spirit!

Revivals have been a part of Christian history for centuries, and they continue to occur today. Once such annual revival concert called "Revive", happens in India, every year in November, at the Bethel Methodist Church in a Place called NOIDA, bringing in the Christmas. Today we bring you a short glimpse of this years' concert. 

 

The Toothpaste Experiment

 

"Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips" , Psalm 141:3

There is a super power given to us and that is the tongue. It produces words and Words have power. They can heal or they can destroy. They can also make you a laughing stock.

God's Word mentions the tongue in over 120 passages, and many of those are cautions about using it wisely. Learning to control how we speak – to the Lord and to others – is one of the vital parts of our growth as Christians. The tongue reveals our hearts. It is a window.

If you want to see the effect of your tongue, take a tube of Toothpaste and squeeze some onto your hand. Now try putting all that you squeezed back into the tube. Impossible right? Trying to put it back in the tube will further mess your hand.

The tongue is like the tube. Once it has spoken words, you cannot put them back in your mouth. They will leave a mark. If they are good, kind words, you will leave a good kind mark. If they are harsh and or filthy words they will leave a filthy mark. They can never be taken back.

Kind words come from kind thoughts, and through Gods words.

Evil words come from our ego, jealousy, hate, and all those negative emotions which are not part of Christian thoughts.

Most of us suffer from this (what I call) silent sin. And like all sin, God is happy to help us overcome it. We need but ask.

Controlling the tongue is a basic part of living a Godly life. As Peter says in 1 Peter 3:10

For, whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech” .

Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

 

Monday Quotes

 

“No one sets out to become an apostate—it's never the result of one abrupt, drastic turn away from the Lord. Instead, apostasy is most often the product of a pattern of sinful compromises that harden and gradually steer a professing believer away from the truth.” - 

(John MacArthur)

“True weanedness from the world does not consist in being beat off from the world by the affliction of it, but a being drawn off by the sight of something better.” - (Jonathan Edwards)

“Discipline is not inconsistent with love. It is lack of discipline, in fact, that is inconsistent with love. The Lord disciplines His children because He loves them, and we will discipline our brothers and sisters in the Lord if we truly love Him and truly love them.” - (John MacArthur)

“The Christian is not superficial in any sense, but is fundamentally serious and fundamentally happy. You see, the joy of the Christian is a holy joy; the happiness of the Christian is a serious happiness. ... it is a solemn joy, it is a holy joy, it is a serious happiness; so that, though he is grave and sober-minded and serious, he is never cold and prohibitive.”

(Martyn Lloyd-Jones)

“Every temptation, directly or indirectly, is the temptation to doubt and distrust God.” - 

(John MacArthur)

“If God is the Creator of the entire universe, then it must follow that He is the Lord of the whole universe. No part of the world is outside of His lordship. That means that no part of my life must be outside of His lordship.” - 

(R.C.Sproul)

“The issue of faith is not so much whether we believe in God, but whether we believe the God we believe in.” - (R.C.Sproul)

“To see lonely, selfish, empty individuals transformed slowly but surely into warm, loving, wholesome, and happy people is to become aware of why Paul describes Christ as ‘unsearchable riches’.” - (Ray Stedman)

“Seek to have your life in God, not in things, not in people, not in places, not in circumstances, not in arguments, not in human intelligence, but in God.” - (T. Austin-Sparks)

“The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.” - (C.S.Lewis)

Saturday Vespers

 

We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. You come to us through other people and their love and concern for us. You come to us through men and women who need our help. You come to us as we worship you with your people. We remember your presence with the pastors wife with stage 4 cancer and the hope you bring this advent to all those who call upon you for a miracle. We remember a lady in India suffering from back and hip pain and who needs the relief you can give.

Mr. Crane says - Today I would like to have a prayer request for the health of the father of one of my co-workers who is very dear to me. He has problems with his lungs and is in the ICU being treated. He has been with this problem since he had his accident at the age of 42. He is now 57 and still fighting...

Stephanie prays for God to repair, restore, connect, and heal in every way her relationship if it’s in His will and He will show them how to put Him in the center.

A lady in the USA needs prayer as she tries to free herself from a marriage full of domestic abuse. She needs your prayers and a lawyer as well as a strong will not to back slide. She needs her job as well as she is on hard times, even without electricity this winter.

Richin asks for a prayer for a Third Great Awakening in the US

May the Holy and blessed occasion of Advent bring peace, joy, love and hope to all.

The Day After....

 

We have just finished Thanksgiving yesterday with a lot of celebrations possibly all over the world, even though it is more of an American tradition. In reference to our giving thanks to God, recently Pastor David Jacobs wrote -

"A common misconception among young people.... is that we pray to God to ask for something. Perhaps there have been times when you yourself have prayed for good and righteous things. But we shouldn't forget thanking Him for what has already been provided. God is not our concierge: in fact, we serve God.

Trust in Him, for God gives us what He deems is necessary for His children, and for this, we should continually show our gratitude".

While Thanksgiving is a day dedicated once a year to give thanks, we have received so much that once a year may not suffice. Instead of asking for more, will it not be a good thing to dedicate a Friday or a Saturday or any one day in the week, (or maybe everyday) to give ONLY thanks for what we have received during the week gone by?

We, for one, give Him thanks for ALL our readers, and pray for each one to be blessed. You give us the encouragement to go forward everyday with an inspired message which we hope reaches someone who needs to hear it.  God Bless you all. 

Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

 

Too Many Miracles

 

           “I’ve Seen Too Many Miracles to Doubt God’s Existence”

Miracles happen around us everyday, we only need to open our eyes to them. In our own family, we realized our blessings in a hospital.

Standing there at the foot of her bed in the emergency room, all one could was pray as the Doctors and nurses tried to find the cause of her illness. And then you see the miracle happen as your prayer gets answered.

(If you have a healthy family, you are blessed; count the blessings you usually take for granted).

Since some time now I have noticed prayers being answered and realized they always had been. We were too busy in the business of life to notice. Covid also brought a realisation that He was looking out for us, everyday, in every way. We never felt a days want for food or any necessity. It was always provided in some way.

Each day we lived, and live, is a miracle. Whether it was health, sickness, finances, jobs, business, relationships - you name it. We are grateful and thankful for each one because in retrospect, when we look back we realize what a blessing it has been.

In truth, we should not be celebrating thanksgiving once a year but everyday, because each day He blesses us with Miracles. Small or big does not matter.

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

Please pray with us for those who need it at:  

https://thisweekwithjesus.blogspot.com/p/prayer-requests.html

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Monday Quotes : Integrity is keeping a commitment even after circumstances have changed

 

“How strange this fear of death is! We are never frightened at a sunset.” (George MacDonald)

“When all is said and done, the life of faith is nothing if not an unending struggle of the spirit with every available weapon against the flesh.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

“Since God knows our future, our personalities, and our capacity to listen, He isn't ever going to say more to us than we can deal with at the moment.” (Charles Stanley)

“If your friend is sick and dying, the most important thing he wants is not an explanation; he wants you to sit with him. He's terrified of being alone more than anything else. So, God has not left us alone.” (Lee Strobel)

“There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful, than that of a continual conversation with God; those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it.” (Brother Lawrence)

“A little lifting up of the heart suffices; a little remembrance of God, an interior act of adoration, even though made on the march and with sword in hand, are prayers which, short though they may be, are nevertheless very pleasing to God, and far from making a soldier lose his courage on the most dangerous occasions, bolster it. Let him then think of God as much as possible so that he will gradually become accustomed to this little but holy exercise; no one will notice it and nothing is easier than to repeat often during the day these little acts of interior adoration.” (Brother Lawrence)

“King David, after all the things he done wrong, is still mentioned in Acts 13:22 as a man after God’s own heart. That stands, it wasn’t left out in the New Testament because David had failed to live up to God’s standards; God saw the man who, in spite of all his weakness, That stands, it wasn’t left out in the New Testament because David had failed to live up to God’s standards; God saw the man who, in spite of all his weakness, , kept seeking him and longed to become what God already saw in him: a man of God!” (Eleonore van Haaften)

“No matter how just your words may be you ruin everything when you speak with anger.” (John Chrysostom)

“Correct him, but not as a foe, nor as an adversary exacting a penalty, but as a physician providing medicines.” (Martin Luther King)

“Faith makes all things possible…love makes all things easy.” (Dwight L. Moody)

“Integrity is keeping a commitment even after circumstances have changed.” (David Jeremiah)

“You were made by God and for God and until you understand that, life will never make sense.” (Rick Warren)

“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.” (Mother Teresa)

“Afflictions are but the shadows of God's wings.” (George MacDonald)

“Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary, use words.” (St. Francis of Assisi)

“The holier a man becomes, the more he mourns over the unholiness which remains in him.” (Charles Haddon Spurgeon)

Saturday Vespers: Care for Each Other

                                           

Just as Adam was made responsible for the care of the garden, God commits some special responsibilities to us as well. It could be the care of our children and bringing them to God, it could be caring for the sick, or caring for some elderly people, or maybe helping someone financially broken, or the elders in our circle and our parents. How we deal with what has been committed to us as responsibility is what will determine our success in Gods world. That will determine whether, at the end of it all, Christ will say - "well done my good and faithful servant..." . Let us therefore pray for discernment to see our responsibilities and strength and mind to fulfill them.

This week we pray once again for the Pastor in India and his wife who is suffering from Stage 4 cancer. We pray for a miracle of Jesus to heal her.

we pray for a senior lady in India for relief from back pain which she is suffering from.

For a senior gentleman in India who is suffering form cancer and in great pain, undergoing start of dementia. We pray for your peace and relief

MJ Gates requests - Dear family in Christ; please pray with me for my friends May and Vincent. They're marriage is suffering from many choices that have caused them to separate

Anon requests praying saying - My husband is generally unhappy & has been since I met him over 30 years ago. He needs Jesus. He's been coming to church with me, but it's hard for him to open his heart. Please pray for him

Emily praises God for giving her direction

Tanu says - I continue committing my mum, sons Michael & Shawn, daughters Emmy & Tiffany, my wife Joyce in prayer, protect my father remember the rest of my family I also pray for complete healing of my children keep us safe forgive us of our sins for it’s in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ

God's leadership Team

Have you ever wondered what kind of a man could be on Gods leadership team? Not in terms of riches or power or might but in terms of righteousness, because unreasonably and unconsciously, we expect that of God's leaders.

For the answer we looked at the great leaders in the Bible, and found shortcomings in many many of them.

Some Bible figures who had shortcomings include:

Moses: Moses had a tendency to get angry, and once killed an Egyptian

David: David was an adulterer and a murderer

Peter: Peter denied Christ on the night of his arrest

Abraham: Abraham lied about his wife, Sarah, and had a child with Hagar, instead of not trusting Gods promise.

Jacob: Jacob tricked his father into giving him Esau's birthright

Aaron: Aaron made an idol for Israel to worship

Paul: not only persecuted early Christians to the extant of death but his attitude to women in the church (among other things) was somewhat questionable. For example, the First letter to the Corinthians says, "Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says".

Joshua: Made a peace treaty with the Gibeonites without fully investigating the situation

Jacob: Was a cheater

Noah: Got drunk

Samson: Had problems with lust and anger

Rahab: Was a prostitute

The list goes on.

And then we realize that God does use people with flaws to accomplish great things, which can mean you and me as well. 

For example, God used Samuel to anoint David, who led the nation in spiritual reform.

Let us not, even for a moment think that God did not know these weaknesses.

The point is that every one of us, so called good or bad, has the potential to be used by God at some point in time. Yet we tend to judge someone in a leadership role and critisize them for their shortcomings. At the same time, we use our own shortcomings to run away from God's responsibilities.

But no one is too far gone for His grace and to be used by Him for His work. 

Therefore let us not absolve ourselves but be ready for His call, with our mind, eyes and ears open and waiting.

The Peacemakers

The Colt Peacemaker revolver was named for the sentiment that an armed society was a polite society. The presence of a Colt revolver was thought to discourage troublemakers from picking a fight. The Colt Peacemaker was also seen as an equalizer for women, the elderly, and those who were physically smaller.

In a warped sense, the very instrument of violence was thought to bring about peace.

But Christ talked of a different peacemaker. Men and women who are empathetic to others.

The peacemaker initiates reconciliation when others have wronged them. The peacemaker is also quick to repent when they have wronged others. In a world, where we have been discipled to avoid conflict, peacemaking takes a commitment to move toward it.

The human peacemaker does not enforce peace with the threat of violence but brings about peace with love.

When we contemplate the profound words of Jesus in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God,” we understand the inheritance that peacemakers receive – the kingdom of heaven itself.

Sunday Quotes

 

“God’s purpose for my life was that I have a passion for God’s glory and that I have a passion for my joy in that glory, and that these two are one passion.” (Jonathan Edwards)

“What you are is God's gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.” (Hans Urs von Balthasar)

“Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” (John Wesley)

“We may speak about a place where there are no tears, no death, no fear, no night; but those are just the benefits of heaven. The beauty of heaven is seeing God.” (Max Lucado)

“We need never shout across the spaces to an absent God. He is nearer than our own soul, closer than our most secret thoughts.” (A.W.Tozer)

“Men are never duly touched and impressed with a conviction of their insignificance, until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God.” (R.C.Sproul)

“When we are securely rooted in personal intimacy with the source of life, it will be possible to remain flexible without being relativistic, convinced without being rigid, willing to confront without being offensive, gentle and forgiving without being soft, and true witnesses without being manipulative.” (Henri J.M. Nouwen)

“Of all the knowledge that we can ever obtain, the knowledge of God, and the knowledge of ourselves, are the most important.” (Jonathan Edwards)

“As the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, so the denial of God is the height of foolishness.” (R.C.Sproul)

“If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

“Jesus tends to his people individually. He personally sees to our needs. We all receive Jesus' touch. We experience his care.” (Max Lucado)

“Satan is so much more in earnest than we are—he buys up the opportunity while we are wondering how much it will cost.” (Amy Carmichael)

“A truly Christian love, either to God or men, is a humble broken-hearted love. The desires of the saints, however earnest, are humble desires. Their hope is a humble hope; and their joy, even when it is unspeakable and full of glory, is a humble broken-hearted joy, and leaves the Christian more poor in spirit, and more like a little child, and more disposed to a universal lowliness of behavior.” (Jonathan Edwards)

“He that loveth little prayeth little, he that loveth much prayeth much.” (St. Augustine)

“I have never met the man I could despair of after discerning what lies in me apart from the grace of God.” (Oswald Chambers)

“If by doing some work which the undiscerning consider ‘not spiritual work’ I can best help others, and I inwardly rebel, thinking it is the spiritual for which I crave, when in truth it is the interesting and exciting, then I know nothing of Calvary love.” (Amy Carmichael)

“God wants the whole person and He will not rest till He gets us in entirety. No part of the man will do." (A.W.Tozer)

“Truth is the agreement of our ideas with the ideas of God.”

(Jonathan Edwards)

“The Christians are right: it is Pride which has been the chief cause of misery in every nation and every family since the world began.” (C.S.Lewis)

“Oh, will you pray? Stop now and pray, lest desire turn to feeling and feeling evaporate.” (Amy Carmichael)

“A truly humble man is sensible of his natural distance from God; of his dependence on Him; of the insufficiency of his own power and wisdom; and that it is by God's power that he is upheld and provided for, and that he needs God's wisdom to lead and guide him, and His might to enable him to do what he ought to do for Him.” (Jonathan Edwards)

Saturday Vespers: Christian Responsibility

As the day and this week draws to a close, we thank you for your love and guidance. Thank you for the blessings and challenges, and we look to your guidance, protection and provision for the coming week, in hope and faith. We are humbled by the vastness of Your creation and the diversity of Your people. We lift our hearts in prayer for the entire world, acknowledging Your sovereignty over all nations and peoples.

We pray for peace to reign in every corner of the globe. May conflicts cease, and may understanding and compassion prevail. Touch the hearts of leaders and inspire them to seek peaceful solutions, fostering harmony and cooperation among nations.

We pray for those suffering from injustice, poverty, and oppression. May Your divine hand bring relief to the afflicted and empower them to rise above their circumstances. Grant them strength, hope, and the resources they need to rebuild their lives.

For a lady in Australia who will need to under cancer surgery next month

For the Pastor in India who's wife needs your healing for her stage 4 cancer

For a lady in India who need your healing and relief for her back pain

Ted fuller requests prayer saying:

Please pray in Jesus' name for the postal strike to lift and for them to come to a fair agreement in Jesus' name, Amen

RK requests to "please pray for our sales to continue".

Jason says "Please pray for The Lord to help my elderly Mother heal from a fall and help help pain go away"

Trishey requests prayer for healing for Carla.

We pray for strength for a senior citizen in India suffering from cancer : may he overcome his pain and gain strength.

Someone requests "Please pray for my family that God will have mercy and grant us a miracle that we can be freed from a terrible curse, all of be healed and be able to live our lives in the peace that passes understanding".

Talmid says "Please kindly lift me up to throne of grace for mercy and timely help through the blood of Jesus".

Beat Swords Into Ploughshares: Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

 

Temptation is Beautiful

Good for the Eyes, Bad for the Soul (Adapted from the KJV Devotional) 

“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise…” Genesis 3:6 KJV

Satan never lures people with repulsive bait, but he always uses things that appeal to our greatest desires. The truth is that God has already provided everything that we need, but Satan incites a dissatisfaction that began in the Garden of Eden. He creates counterfeits of God's blessings and falsely presents that he can give even more, as in the case of Eve and the forbidden tree. The tree was not just pleasant to look at and with good fruit to eat, but it offered something extra—it seemed to make one wise. But in the end, what the devil offers may look good, but it is always destructive to one's soul.

Monday Quotes

When the Christian faith becomes defined by who we are and what we do and not by who Christ is and what he did for us, we miss the gospel - and we, ironically, become more disobedient. Tullian Tchividjian

The truth is the real Christian experience is truly about repenting every day because there is no Christian that doesn't sin. Stephen Baldwin

I'm excited to create more awareness about the importance of giving the youth of America a choice. There's a 24-hour music channel. There's a 24-hour comedy channel. I believe there's a 24-hour gay channel coming. Why isn't there a 24-hour Christian channel that's edgy and hip and cool and new and different, like all that other stuff? Stephen Baldwin

Some of us live a Christian life as if we're always under the stern, watchful eye of our Father and he is very impossible to please... No, God delights even in our heartfelt attempts at obedience. Kevin DeYoung

If creators of Christian culture hope to produce work that will bear good fruit, we must draw our life from the true source - our living Savior. He is real. He is present. But all too often we reduce him to an abstraction, giving him intellectual assent, but not our hearts. Michael O'Brien

I never heard a Christian sermon preached in a church. Lincoln Steffens

Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened. Billy Graham

The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith. Billy Graham

You're born. You suffer. You die. Fortunately, there's a loophole. Billy Graham

Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can. John Wesley

Is it not hard that even those who are with us should be against us - that a man's enemies, in some degree, should be those of the same household of faith? Yet so it is. John Wesley

Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction. Blaise Pascal

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. Mahatma Gandhi

You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty. Mahatma Gandhi

I'm a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican, in that order. Mike Pence

We relish news of our heroes, forgetting that we are extraordinary to somebody too. Helen Hayes

The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own. Benjamin Disraeli

O never give me over to my own heart's desires, nor let me follow my own imaginations! John Wesley

It is not talking but walking that will bring us to heaven. Matthew Henry

He whose head is in heaven need not fear to put his feet into the grave. Matthew Henry

It is common for those that are farthest from God, to boast themselves most of their being near to the Church. Matthew Henry

Saturday Vespers

Image contributed by Coral Keogh

As the day and this week draws to a close, we thank you for your love and guidance. Thank you for the blessings and challenges. May we rest peacefully tonight, knowing that You are always with us.

We lift up our hearts in prayer for all humanity.

For Peace: May peace reign in every nation, and may conflict be resolved through dialogue and understanding.

For Justice: May justice prevail, and may the oppressed find relief.

For Healing: May the sick be healed, the wounded be comforted, and the brokenhearted be mended.

For Love: May love abound, and may we learn to love our neighbors as ourselves.

For Hope: May hope ignite the hearts of all, and may despair be replaced with faith.

For a lady in Australia who will need to under cancer surgery next month

For the Pastor in India who's wife needs your healing for her stage 4 cancer

For a lady in India who need your healing and relief for her back pain

For Jerry who was diagnosed with early-stage pancreas cancer. We pray for your healing and guidance as he gets treatment

Smurfs requests prayer that the Lord would provide them with funds they need for a new roof and that they can get the boiler to light up for heat

Maxime prays that God may use her talents

We entrust the world to Your loving care. Guide us, protect us, and lead us toward a brighter future.