True Christmas

Life is good, and we are bestowed with numerous mercies by Him. But, the people don't get time to thank God. Especially during the season, busyness about cooking, decorating, shopping makes one tired.

God's plan for humanity. It, is a crucial moment in the history that; God in the form of human came and dwelled among us. The way God signaled this act was through; a star, 3 wise men and shepherds that a Saviour, will deliver the people from sins. All this was kept secret except for few shepherds.

The actual date, and the month of Jesus birth, is not recorded in the bible. Every other stories and happenings are recorded in the Bible even a widow who gave a penny is recorded but; how come this great event was not written. What is important is that Jesus was born, and people need to accept this truth.

Different prophets in old testament told about the birth of a Saviour. In the bible, we come to know the truth that if, Christ would not be born and raised from the dead then; we would not attain salvation, in the same way His resurrection, was a pathway to heaven for the human.

We can see in Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the Lord himself shall  give you a sign: Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son and call his name "Immanuel." 

Another prophet Micah in 5:2 has written "But thou, Beth-lehem, Ephratah  though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me  that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth  have been from of old, from everlasting".

Christmas is the story of God's love, which came down for us. A love that showed peace, A love that was willing to sacrifice His life, A love that wanted to save the dying world from sin. The love of God the Father who gave His beloved son Jesus to die on the cross and, to save the mankind. Here is 'Jesus,' the King, who made a bridge between God and the people.

The importance of Jesus born is shown in the life of each individual, Jesus being born inside us by having His characters in our life.  By loving others , by sharing, by encouraging others. Today we celebrate the truth that God is with us the meaning of Immanuel. He loves you and me and, has not forgotten us. This is the greatest love the world has ever or will ever know. This is the true message of Christmas which Lord wants us to have in our hearts.

Friends, Hope this blog will throw, some light on True Christmas. The important message to be spread is to have Jesus in us. A place in our heart with His characters which will be filled with hope, joy and peace once He is inside. Please do share, and comment your views. God bless you.

Thanks

Ann

 

 

 

Power To Be Happy Practice it......

 

Some days our thoughts crowd in our mind as, we begin our day. Each day is a challenge for us, to make it best by the end as, we retire on to our beds.

We are a social human being. So, it is good thing to know others and talk to them but, wise and better if you know yourself. Nature, has given the power to each and every living thing; to get adapted and change your attitude, behavior, life style and ways of living, to the current situation. It can change your disappointment, your gloominess ,your hatred, your loneliness into encouragement, happiness, love, friendship in your life and environment.

The thing is to, identify your own weakness, and find out the ways to overcome it. The power is, already inside you which is a gift, from the Almighty. All are bestowed; with the gift of kindness, love, joy, peace, truth, gentleness, meekness, longsuffering, temperance within yourself. Despite the turmoil's the difficulties faced, there is abundant source of happiness in each. See, the birds in the sky they are filled with joy, and vigor singing around.

 So, if you have the power to be happy you can remain happy and make others happy. Only thing is to practice this gift which is inside you, so that it can be spread around and multiplied. Whatever you practice in your life the most, that will be seen in your life. If, you are angry always this shows that you've been, practicing it the most. Whatever, you sow that you will reap. As, written in Gal 6:7 "Be not deceived; God is not mocked : for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." The seed, you sow in this soil of your life; that fruit will be produced in the garden of your life. Same, is with your focus in life, if you think of problems and focus on it night and day you will heap up with problems, if your ship sinks in the water it shows  water has got inside it.  If, your focus is on surrounding you, can easily sink. So, keep your focus on the author.

If you want to be happy you should be thankful for all things in your life. When we face trials of different sort we should be happy resting on to God's promises. As written in James 1:2," Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience." . We can see Daniel even in the lion's den he was not afraid but, was fully filled with the joyous presence of victory. His faith did not waver he trusted Lord.

Thank God and trust Him. In the midst of your hardship and trials once you are submitted to Him, see His, amazing work in your life.

I’m just writing a blog post, for your encouragement so as to have power of happiness in you. If, you know this article would help someone or encourage them, please do share with them. I’d also love to hear from you. Please do leave a comment.

Thanks

Ann

 

Enduring Suffering

 

In the so called trials God, often makes the sweetest discoveries of Himself.

" God sometimes shuts the door and shuts us in,

That He may speak, perchance through grief or pain,

And softly, heart to heart, above the din,

May tell some precious thought to us again"                                         

Sufferings are endured, for each person in one way or other. May it be a rich man, or a poor man, it comes to everyone in one way or other. That, is the time thousand question arises in mind. Why, God had  to endure such a trial in my life?? 

Suffering, comes because He, allowed it to happen in our lives. To walk one step closer to Him, to attain His perfection, and to experience His presence. The sufferings, come in our life to make us worthy of the joy that will be revealed, on that day. It, can come in any form, size or shape, in different forms may; be physical, mental, emotional, economical, familial etc.

 When, a suffering is faced to a loved one, it cause more distressing. God's people are called to suffer. By enduring, the pain and suffering, we get the crown which God, has promised to the one who will receive it.

If, we see in the life of Joseph, and in the life of Jesus, they suffered pain which; was all according to the plan of 'Heavenly Father'. To  grow, in the likeness of 'Jesus Christ' with example of; endurance, love, gentleness, peace, goodness, faithfulness, purity, self control, joy, success, even during the time of sorrow.

As we read in Heb 12:2,3 "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Thus our focus should be fixed. In the same way we have to set Jesus as our example in our painful situations, conforming us into His image. We all, have different cross to carry, and we must learn to deny ourselves and carry the cross.

God, has called each of us uniquely according to our; circumstance, education, fellowship, background, family etc.

Past few month back I was down with some problem. That's the time, Lord revealed me many insights; during my personal meditation. I thank my Lord who guides me and is always my help as, I feel the move off Holy Spirit often.

The time I had to go through the pain, Lord, told me to read James 5: 7-11.

Ø Firstly, we have to be patient in the face of suffering like, many prophets who spoke in the name of Lord. In which; we can see Job's perseverance in which God blessed him.

Ø Next, if a person is suffering, we as a church should pray.

Ø Confess, your sins one to another and forgive.

Ø Inform the elders, pastors , overseers, as the prayer of righteous man is powerful, and effective.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

So, that I might not exalt myself; a thorn in my flesh was given, that is when suffering comes in our life. But, His grace is sufficient in life for His power is perfected in our life. Whole creation, groans with some or other type of pain in their lives. In the life of Job, we see how he suffered, he did cry and questioned God

Instead of crying or keeping a gloomy face, we should try to overcome it and look unto 'Jesus' who is the author and finisher of our story. He, will bring a good end according to His will. As, He knows from the beginning to the end of our life story. He will chirp, and chisel the rough edges, and make us a perfect diamond.

 ’I'm just writing a blog post, for your encouragement. Don't let the peace, and joy depart from you these days. Keep smiling like the flowers and overcome all your difficulties. If, you know this article would help someone or encourage them, please do share with them. I’d, also love to hear from you. Please do leave a comment.

Thanks

Ann.

 

Shine as Stars....

 

When, I was in Kindergarten, the song Twinkle twinkle little star excited me a lot, and I  memorized it very fast. But, I used to really wonder the line..." how I wonder what you are" and who you are? Recently, when I saw stars hanging in social media, houses, shops, all around; made me to go back and ponder once again the lines in my childhood rhyme and, to go to the depth of the scripture.

The creation made by God the Father, in such a magnificent way that words are less to pen them down. He, made the stars on the 4th day. Stars, which gave light in the night time, showing a way in a pitch darkness. Praise God, that He became a light for us.

On going, through the scriptures, in a little more depth, I came to read about the star in Mathew 2 as, to how the star guided the way, to those three wise men who came from far away, and guided them to the Savior, who was going to be born. It, was a sign a guide, to  the wise men. As, they were studying about stars, and followed a peculiar star but, instead of having the focus only, on the star for a while they started, relying on the human wisdom.

Then, for a few moment the star, disappeared, it happened only when they reached Jerusalem, and asked King Herod Matt 2:2 " Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." As, King Herod was disturbed. See, the wonder of Lord God, to make the star disappear.

 Secretly, after enquiring from the scholars, and astrologers, the location, and the exact time when; the star appeared, he sent the wise men to go, and find out in Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, and advised; them to search for the child and report to him.

After hearing from the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the in the east reappeared and went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.

 Old testament is a shadow showing the way to our Savior; Micah 5:2, Num 24:17 "a star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel."

The meaning of a star quality Christian in your life is the message for this Christmas.

A quality Star Christian everyone likes to be a star in school, in note books from class teacher, in work place, every field, an all rounder. If, something important we make a star. So, let's be a star, alight to show forth Christ.

It, is good and, nice to hang around Christmas star, all around reminding us of the day when, our Savior came to redeem our lives, from sin and death. Let's, make it practical with Christ, like attitudes in our life. Let us, sacrifice our life and, our time our energy, our wealth, health, and whatever, He has given to seek our Savior as; those wise men, and shepherds.

God, provided signs for the whole world through, different way . For the rich, intellectual and learned a star, and even for the common and poor shepherds, a baby in the manger with swaddling clothes. "For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life". He showed us a way.

Friends, Hope this blog will throw, some light to Christmas, as the stars in the sky. Let us shine as stars for Him in the universe. Please do share, and comment your views. God bless you. Happy Happy Christmas to you.

Thanks

Ann

 

Make a Room....

 

Cover photo of today, a bunny a butterfly can be seen, happy as they can play, eat, and enjoy. But; there are animals which are not loved be it a pet dog.

Lately a news on Friday morning, of a gruesome act done to an unspeakable animal. This, brutal and horrific news made me to have goose bumps. A dog, was tied to the boot of a moving car, and was dragged along the road; in one of the place in Kerala on 12/12/2020, and the news went viral.

After which, I started thinking about the fall of a man. Not only is the human doing nuisance to the human but; animals as well. For all such instance and wickedness does Rom 1:18 says "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness." Though the man got his punishment, it is a reminder for everyone to be kind.

Away from the headlines let's move to this month. December is in it's full bloom, reminding us of Christmas. We can read in the scripture during the birth of Jesus, when Mary and Joseph, went to search for a room, they could not find a single room. How, desperate the situation might had been to Mary and Joseph, when they wandered from place to place for a room! Some of us, will surely guess why a miracle didn't happen. But, the scripture had to be fulfilled that the King of Kings had to be born in a stable. In Luke 2:7 " and she gave birth to her first born, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn". Jesus, left the Heaven and came to the earth to find a room to live. But, did not find any. 

I, am not asking to make a space in your house. Let's use, this opportunity to make a room for Him. Your heart which doesn't need decorations or white washing, or new linens. An, empty space to accommodate your Savior in your heart.

If, we see in the life of 'Jesus'; there was no room for Him. From, the time of birth, we can see the innkeepers did not have a room, some of His close friends who doubted didn't accept Him. Judas, to whom money was important, He, was despised and rejected by all men, even the one who ate with Him. He, was nailed to cross, and everyone shouted we don't need Him. Everyone, was full as they all had miracles, blessings, teachings, healings etc. But; no room for Him. He; came into the world to save the lost, to bring light from darkness, to seek the lost, to mend the broken hearted.

Our Savior showed us how to live

With charity, faith and service.

It makes the holiday a joy,

More peaceful and less nervous."

Lines taken by Joanna Fuchs

 What do you feel? Do you have a room for Him. Invite Him in your heart today. This, is the true message of Christmas.  He sacrificed His life for us, so this Christmas let's sacrifice for Him our time, our energy, our effort. He, wants  you and me to stay with Him.

Friends, Hope this blog will throw, some light to Christmas, as the stars in the sky. A, place in our heart which will be filled with hope, joy and peace once He is inside. Please do share, and comment your views. God bless you.

Thanks

Ann

 

 

 

The day of the Lord...

 

There, are many ways of suffering in the world. Each one, has suffering in life which, comes in different shapes and size and form. In form of;  basic needs for poor, the impurity in world like rape, corruptions around of political leaders, idol worshiping, drugs and alcohol intake. Last week, most of my loved ones, friends, were having varied problems in health, finance, needs, troubles of all sorts. I had a burden for each one which; I laid on 'Jesus' feet. For, He alone is the answer to everyone and everything.

There was a quiz program in our congregation few days back, that was the time my eyes opened to many things from the book of Amos. The burden, which prophet Amos, had for his people. Even today we see few people who really have burden, this is what God expects from you and me.

He, wants us to have a close relationship, or a companionship with Him. It grieves His heart when we walk in our ways not obeying and following Him. He has told us, He will direct our path. When, a person spends time in prayer, studying the word of God, that's the time He will reveal His secrets, and give a burden for others in one's heart. Lord does not want us to carry our burdens. In Ps 68:19 " Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burden"

In the bible, we can see many prophets who has warned us, time to time of the things which; are going to happen. In Amos 5:18, we can read how the prophet describes the day of the Lord will come. It will be unexpectedly as a thief comes in the night. In 1 Thess 5:2 " For you yourselves know that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night."

When Jesus, came to the world for the first time all were happy to receive Him, as a 'Saviour'. But, now He is coming for a judgment to reward us with our work. We can read in the scriptures in Rom 14: 11 It is written :" As surely as I live,' says the Lord, every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God' ".

For which, if the people repent the sins and come close to Him, He will forgive. As, He is a loving and compassionate God. After, you repent you have to prepare yourself to meet your God. As, the time is short and, He is standing at the door with, a welcoming hand, we should be on our feet mark get, set go.

In 2 Cor 5:10 " For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each  one may receive the things done in the body , according to what he has done, whether good or bad."

So, friends let us prepare to meet our God. We all have to appear before His throne. Time is short,  He is coming to judge. Hope this blog helps you to be prepared and keep a watch. God bless you. Share with your friends and family.

Thanks

Ann

 

 

 

 

House on the Rock

 

" When my plans are in the dust,

When my dearest hopes are crushed,

When is passed each foolish whim,

Then, my soul," consider Him."

When I track my weary way,

When fresh trials come each day,

When my faith and hope are dim,

Then, my soul," consider Him."

Anonymous

When we see the news of pandemic; everyone everywhere is facing fear and a big question mark on their faces. As; there is Economic crisis, decline in stock market, tourism down, small business down, education system down. Life may be, sailing along with you with these thoughts as to what, when and how. Leaving it all aside, people still builds a house, for their shelter.

Who doesn't, like the idea to build a big house? If, the weather is good the house looks good. If, the weather is bad and stormy the house too looks bad. Before; laying the plan to build a house, one selects the place, where water doesn't enter into the house if there is storm. Place which is; quiet, away from noise pollution, air pollution, water pollution.

My, thoughts ran to the parable 'Jesus' spoke of two builders, in Matt 7: 24-28. " Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Jesus, explains that, the life of each man is hard work. It takes effort to attach your house on strong base.

Each, house faces a storm. Storm of Finance, Relationship, Marriage, Children, Sickness. The storm, will reveal how strong is your house, and how solid is the foundation of your house.

 It is just, like the man who built on the sand. Even when you stand in the beach and waves, touch your feet you won't feel the grip and for a second, you feel as, if you will fall down. The sand, here shows the pleasure of this world, wealth, beauty, reputation in life. When, a storm creeps inside the house of beauty, with disease and sickness; it falls down if, it is build on sand.

But, if you stand on a solid ground and the foundation that is on the word, though; any storm of sickness, finance, relationship, children  anything may invade it won't fall. Our foundation should  be on Christ which is a strong foundation. Our foundation should, be laid with a precious corner stone of Christ so that even though overwhelming scourge sweeps by, you will not be beaten down. Just, trust Him and no storm can unsettle you.

One, should live a life which is pleasing to the Father. They should be doers of the word, and not just hearers. The, one who listens to the word should understand it, and apply in your life.

So, friends where will you build your house ? On the rock, or on the sand. Decision is yours.

Friends, God wants us to lay our foundation on Him. The starting point of our lives should be on Him. As he will take care of us when flood waves or storm attack our life houses. Hope this blog will encourage you and if you are encouraged please do encourage others, share and comment. God bless you.

Thanks

Ann