Set up your mess...

" Deal with it before it happens. Set things in order before there is confusion" Layozi

God, has programmed the human minds to arrange, and set things in order. Setting up things, is rather very important for a given operation to run smoothly. If, at all the things are not set up just think of the mess, and chaos which is going to happen. Everyone, will be running around like, tom and jerry. Set up, or arranging things in order is almost the same.

When we are going to organize a wedding, a party or any function won't we see if the table is set up, the lights are set up, music is set up. All the arrangements are scrutinized by the leader. Once, you start to set up the things, then only you will know, what is lacking and that brings the quality of best leadership.

When, I was a nursing student, I remember the posting in operation theatre, the table was set up before the operation with; the needle, scissors, blades, sutures and other equipments. A list of items, which is already planned is written down. Instruments autoclaved, and set up. The setting up of the table is usually done by the nurse who is going to assist the doctor for operation.

When the doctor, operates and things are missing; we were sure to get a scolding, same is the case with our heavenly Father, He does not shout, or scold, or get angry, because; He is a kind and compassionate 'God'. It is a reminder for us: to set up things in lives. Many places, in bible importance to setting up things is mentioned. If you see in Genesis He told Abraham to set things for the sacrifice of Isaac. 

Today morning, while going through my reading portion, the word 'set up' enlightened my mind. Have you seen, an Orthopedician, if a limb is fractured, he put a cast to immobilize the limb? The cast is put for the limb to set up in that position from the wear and tear of the ligaments. God, asked Moses to set up the tabernacle, repeatedly He says to set up the lamps, set up the  courtyard, in fact all things to be set in proper order before worship. Ex 40:2 "Set up the tabernacle, the tent of meeting,  on the first day of the first month."

If you see even in new testament He wants to set our minds, our thoughts, set our hearts to God before worship. As He, is the God of order, your mind should be set on things which are above, not on earthly things. As we read in Col 3:2 "Set your mind on things above not on earthly things". God sets things right in our lives. He wants, us to be righteous as He is. Even, though we are living in this earth but; our mind and heart should always be in heaven.

God has set up everything right for us in order. You, just have to follow Him and receive His blessings. He knows the mess in your lives and He is ready to set it up for you. Just go near, a closer walk with Him. He wants everything in order from your lives.

I’m just writing a blog post, please do not see it as my power to control you in anything, this post is only for your reminder and encouragement. As, everyone of you are a good leader who, set up things well beforehand. I’d also love to hear from you. Please do leave a comment. God bless you.

Thanks

Ann

Resting on the hopeful promises of God..

Everyone gets, tired after a week, of work. They, become quite relaxed, when; a break period comes. Weekends are much awaited not only, for school goers but; for college goers, parents everyone. After, rest you are back with full energy. A man, can be happy only if he gets rest, in middle of his hectic schedule. This, is an absolute truth for me. It's not about a week of tight schedule and then rest, but, as soon as my hands get tired by drawing, I rest for a while, then write blog again, if tired rest. The process, goes on till I have made, what God pictures' in my mind, and gives an insight regarding the topic.

While, I was going through the topic my nephew who plays violin and goes for music classes, explained to me about half beat in music which is called as, pause that time we won't hear any sound  of music as though, the song is finished. All of a sudden, the music starts again. Quite interesting! to hear, as I have no much knowledge about music. I am more interested in science topics, if you see in medical science also, it is advised to take rest. The people who take adequate rest does not become sick easily. Not only does it improves memory and concentration, it also helps in retaining the memory. As, I often get the pain attacks, I have observed that my pain is resolved as soon as, I take rest. Researchers, have found that if you get a good night sleep, it relieves pain. See, the importance of rest in our body. In Bible, Jesus tells in Matt 11:28 " Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest".

 From the beginning if you notice, that even God, after working for 6 days, rested on the 7th day. In Gen 2:2 "And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made." That doesn't mean He was tired, But, He kept a day as a HOLY DAY.

Many times, we suffer; and get withered, worn out, tensed up, tired, and worried forgetting that, 'Jesus' has told us, to reduce our heavy burdens by giving it to him. He promises us that He will give us the yoke which we can bear, and the heavy yoke of our sin, worries, strivings, He will take. As its written in Matt 11:29,"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."   Like an animal, is paired up to plough or pull heavy loads; so that the burden doesn't go to one animal alone, both participate. If one is tired, the other helps. You, have just to be partner with Him. Just bind up, with Jesus and see how your burdens will, become light. Lean upon Him, and trust Him. He will carry all your burdens away.

God, gives us the time to rest, or pause, or a break by taking up His yoke, in order to be productive for the Lord and people around us. Take time to rest on His promises.

This is my blog, for those who face life's trials, difficulties and burdens in life, which are different for different people.  I have written a small article which, I suppose you will understand. Accept Jesus and be bounded with Him closely. The hand of God is always on his loved ones. Trust him who called you. Share with your friends and be a blessing. God bless you.

Thanks

Ann

Living with a Hope for Eternity....

While drawing the picture, my imagination that, each person will come in their own life boat, step down and go to attend the viva inside the heavenly house.

Most students, are filled with anxiety, and stress as; Final exams are fast approaching. My both nephews, are busy with the burden of exams. One of them asked, Why do we have exams? Can't we just escape exams? find a job, finished no tensions of writing an examination, and waiting for result. My sister explained, not only you, we all have to face an exam every day. This is life, which we live as a blank paper, given by God.

The physical body, which we have now is a tent which God, has given a  temporary living. I remember, when I was in Muscat, some of my friends planned, to see the turtles hatching in a place called Ras Al khaimah. A desert place, where the turtles hatch during a certain period at early dawn.

As soon as, the sun rises the hatchlings move to the sea.. So, to watch this process we stayed in a tent, which we took along with us. It is interesting to stay in the tent but, when a storm or wind is there, it is very difficult to stay, as the tent cannot hold such terrible storms. They break down easily even, the strong ones cannot hold. Our  body, is also  like that; we will have pain, persecutions, longings, desires, temptations, struggles, which can break us.

But, we all should have a glorious hope to leave this temporary house, and replace it with, an eternal house. When we are in this body, we are burdened and we long, to be clothed with a heavenly dwelling. We all prefer to live away from the body, and be with our Lord. You and me, have been given the time, which starts at our birth, and the time finishes when our breath stops. It's true, when our breath stops we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. He will assess our answer sheet of life. As, said in Bible in 2 Corn 5: 10, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in His body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."

No one can bargain, or say a  word. We can only do one thing, that is we should be pleasing to Him. The final answer sheet, will be prepared by Him for each of us according to the work done here. He knows your actions, the motives behind your actions, the thoughts, in fact you cannot hide a single thing. The judgment, will be related to all this.

Even King Solomon who was a man of wisdom. He too gave one valuable advice to "Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil". Eccl 12:13,14

This blog, is only to motivate you, to be please God in whatever you do. The court date, is set for each of us. So, each one of us let us prepare ourselves, do not look on to your husband, or wife, or children, or parents, individual presence will be seen by Lord, as we stand for viva we will stand before Him.

If this article has been a blessing to you and enlightened you, and you would like to help someone, please do share with them. I love to hear your comments too. God bless you all.

Thanks

Ann.

Time to do God's will.

As, you get up from your bed, and open your eyes, just thank God for everything. Put God, first and watch the calmness settling on your face and heart. You might, have gone to your beds with  heartache, and frustration but thank God that you were able to enjoy, the morning light.. Last night, I was down with overwhelming tensions and pain all over my body. I  prayed Lord whatever happens to me You are in full control. Help me to accept whatever happens, I know you will surround me with strength and songs of deliverance, with such a hope I prayed, 'Let thy will be done' and retired on to my bed. Praise God next morning light I was perfectly well. Many of us might, have gone thru such a situation of pain, and agony in life thinking, whether a new colourful, blooming morning will come. Seeing God, in everything will make us patient to the tribulations, and challenges we face.

While I was reading the Bible Matt 6: 10 brought my attention closer "Thy will be done". It's the way we should pray. Jesus showed us an example or a model as how one should pray from Mathew 6:9-14 where Jesus prays for thy kingdom to come, then in verse 10 He, asks God the Father thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

I remember, when I was young, my mum used to ask, which dress you will want to wear for the birthday party, and I would say, mom you select one ad give it. When we are young, mostly all, of our decisions were taken by our parents. Each, parent wants His child to obey the decision, which they take. They, want the good only, for their children as, parents have full control. But, once the child grows up, and is mature, the parents ask him or her to take decisions. Very few of the grown up, ask a final decision from their parents. This happens, in the earthly  relationship with our parents. In the same way, our heavenly Father, waits for us to ask His will. You are His child, so it's good for you to ask His permission.

When we pray we should tell your plans to God, but; ask Him.

His will to happen in your lives. As, a man has a lot of plans in his mind, but the will of God and His plans only succeed ultimately. If you want God's will to happen in your lives, first thing is to pray, ask God to handle the situation according to His will, and take time to  listen, Don't jump into decisions. Sometimes, your inner conscience will tell you. After that Submit as a clay in the hands of a potter. Lord is your potter, and you the clay. You cannot tell the potter to make the pot this way and that way, So it's with our Lord, let His will happen in your life. Let Him mould you, and make you as His perfect will. I like a  beautiful song in Hindi...".Teri iccha, puri hojaye, hatton mein, tere jeevan hae yeh...which means... Let your will happen in my life, My life is in your hands. You mould me and make in your perfect will.  My, only prayer to be pleasing in His sight and to accept, and obey His will. After, you submit your prayer in this manner you will see the joy and peace, which fills your heart.

If this article has been a blessing to you and enlightened you, and you would like to encourage someone, please do share with them by using “share” button. I love to hear your comments too. God bless you all.

Thanks

Ann.

Least in seeds, yet with a great purpose...

Mind gets disturbed, and perplexed, while seeing to, the horrific news going around the world. News, of America v/s Iran, bushfire in Australia, CAA in India, volcanic eruptions in Philippines, which are a few in the list. Few days back, same scripture for 2 consecutive days used to strike my attention, while reading thru it  I had a doubt, a small mustard seed, a shrub, how come it will become a tree, later on going to the depth it was written mustard is a bush, a herb looking on to a herb plant in my garden, I wondered as; to such a small seed growing to as a small herb plant, how can the birds rest in its branches.

I think, everyone knows about a mustard seed. A, very common ingredient in the kitchen shelf. If you look into it, though a tiny thing but it's so compact, round which, cannot be broken easily. Even though, it is so tiny, that if it falls from our hands, its difficult to search.  It grows, into a plant somewhat up to 10 feet high or more, in articles. Yet, there is growth in this seed. It, becomes big with stem but not the woody and hard stem, soft but, has flowers and seeds. In bible it's written, "the birds of the air" will perch on its branches and can even build a nest..Matt 13: 32 "Which indeed is the least of all the seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becomes a tree so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches therof."

God, uses the smallest thing to accomplish great things. He used a rod or stick in hands of Moses, a sling and few stones in the hands of David, a red rope in the hands of Rahab, Samson had a jawbone, Mary had ointment, a young boy had 2 fish and 5 loaves in the hands. These all tell us about the size of things and person,  Don't be discouraged with the size,  just see the hand that is behind them. You, may think that you are of no use, you don't have a role to perform, but; you are indeed important to God. The impact of the thing which God does is great. Though it was just plain water in the jars filled by the servants in Cana of Galilee, and simple 5 loaves and 2 fish brought by a young boy, but; see how Jesus, changed, or rather  transformed them into; wine and feed for 5000 people.

He loves to use; small and weak things, the disciples He, called for the ministry, were fisherman and tax collector. He, inhabits a tiny seed and empowers it, and accomplishes His will on earth, like that, mustard seed. So, don't think you can't do anything for Him. Whatever, you are called for, do it sincerely and, leave it in His hands. People may not value you, but you are great in the eyes of our Lord. It is good, to share your faith with others. You and me, are a part to Kingdom of God. Just obey Him and let the truth be revealed, God will speak. As, there is no much time to waste. Rev 3:11 "Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." The kingdom of God is at hand, and God wants us to wake up. We have the power. Be in the hands of God and see how God, uses small seeds into sheltering trees.

Friends, I am just writing a blog post for your knowledge to move one step forward to attain the kingdom of God. Trust and obey Him. Leave the result in God's hand. He is in control. Please do leave a comment and try to share with others also. God bless you.

Thanks

Ann

A Contented Life...

In this world, everyone a small baby, to an old granny, in their lives they want and want...like; a small baby wants to be fed, carried, loved so it is with a granny, she too needs to be cared, to be fed, to be loved. Seeing, to all these one thing is sure, every man wants to get attention, encouragement, help from others, comfort and so all these are the wants of a human life. I am not saying, that you should not want to be loved from someone, or need help from others, but; I want you all to be assured, that during the time of your trials, and difficulties you should be able to say, "I SHALL NOT WANT".

I would like, to share my personal experiences. Years back, when I came down to settle in India, a lot of questions were buzzing on my head, as if a stone is thrown on the honey comb, and all the bees start buzzing, and attacking from everywhere. In the same way, I was being attacked mentally in different ways. My health, my needs without a job, and so on, with all these I was swayed in panic, and was down in spirit with; 'a big question mark', BUT, my Lord, my shepherd, changed it into an exclamatory mark ! Praise God, I survived, and am surviving all His grace alone. This, is all because He dealt with me in my quiet time, and assured me that He is enough for me. I shall not want anything.

If, your God is your shepherd, you shall not want anything else or anyone else. For, He will provide for you. In your least, He will be more. In your struggles, and difficulties, He will give you grace, In fact, He will fulfill all your desires, and wants. You will be, content of everything. As, written in Ps 84:11," No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly."

The sheep, which walk with the shepherd, they don't have any worries as, they know that all their needs will be carefully seen and taken care. This reminded me of my family members, who take care of me, each moment in my life, and satisfy my needs. 'How much more' will our Heavenly Father care for you and me. He not only pays attention, and gives us our needs but; even our wants are fulfilled.

A contented life, is what your Lord expects from you and me. Because, my Lord, my God will make me satisfied and content by; giving me rest, peace of mind in the disturbed surrounding, health to my bones when they are tired and wearied, lead me and guide me when the way cannot be found, a strong confidence to shun away with fear, a comfort as found in mother's lap, and a eternal home forever. I am happy and joyful as my life is content. If, all these things are there in my life, shall not I say ' I shall not want' as King David said in Ps 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want".

 He provided me with all the resources I wanted and needed in my daily life. I can thus say together, with the psalmist, " Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever".

Friends, I am just writing a blog post, in this life of our, we may have certain ups and down. As life, is a circle of good times, hard times, bitter times, happy times. In all these, if 'Lord is your shepherd, You will not want'. Please do comment your opinions and share with your friends, those who have hard and bitter times, it may encourage and boost the energy levels. God bless you.

Thanks

Ann

In His Time...

We, all have been blessed by God, in varied ways, if you turn and see last year, you can see the list of blessings. There, are blessings not only on your inside; but your family, your surroundings, your relatives friends, your country. He, has blessed in a big way not only a, small way to each one of us.

During, a visit to my house I, was thrilled with, the beautiful scenario of a still river with some cranes sitting near the bank, at sunrise. The cranes were, waiting patiently in the depth of water, to get a catch of fish. How wonderfully! in the  stillness with a single leg in water, and other in the air as if doing (vriksasana) Tree pose, ( a yoga position) Waiting patiently, to catch hold of a tasty meal. In one gulp straight to its stomach, they were all waiting for an appointed time for a hearty meal.

Time is important in one's life, and that to appointed time. There may be people  waiting for an appointed time, to get a baby, for a job, appointed time for a marriage, appointed time for a deliverance from sickness, whatever the situation may be. Wait patiently for the actual appointed time. Never, hear the opinions of other people, and get discouraged. You, just wait  on the Lord in His time. Sometimes, people get the blessings little late, sometimes after a long wait, and sometimes, they don't get it, at all. No problem... if one has to wait for an answer, or didn't get an answer; God, knows it and He is in full control. As said, in Is 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord." If God has promised you something, as for Sarah who conceived and gave birth, at a very old age .He has an appointed time, for everything. Then, only His glory shall be revealed. He, will surely fulfill it. He has a time. Let, it happen In His time. As, said in Eccl 3:1 "For everything, there is an appointed time and an appropriate time for every activity on earth."

God, is always on time not early, not late. The time, scheduled for a train to arrive, does arrive on time. People rush, into it excitedly, the train can be late at times, may not come sometime, because of some fault it gets cancelled. But, no one can interfere with the scheduled time table, of the train other then the engine driver. Same way, our life's driver only has the full authority to run our train, how and where, it is in His hands. The time is in His hands. You, too should wait for God, in His time to move in your life. Like, Habakkuk the prophet who waited for an answer, and believed in God, to get an answer for  his problem, and after a long wait Lord, answered him, in Hab 2:3 " For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry" Keep your hopes alive, even in our wildest dreams we can't fathom, the glorious things He is going to accomplish in your lives so, just wait for the thing to happen In His time. I like that song: In His time...(2) He makes all things beautiful In His time..

If, this article has been a blessing to you, and enlightened you, please do share, with those who are downcast thinking of their time, share this post, and let them know God, has His timing and He, will do it; in a perfect way. I love to hear your comments too. God bless you all.

Thanks

Ann.

The Pillar

Have you ever, experienced the presence of God, around us like a pillar of cloud and fire? How do you protect yourself, when it is scorching heat, and sun shines brightly, or when it's raining? Won't you, search for a cover, or a protection? Then, during summer when, the power goes off especially, during night and it becomes, difficult to invade the rooms without, a torch or a candle or else you are sure to bump, into something and fall down that's, the time we experience His presence.

The weather, in south India is just unpredictable. When, it is sunny afternoon with scorching sun above our head, within a short span, you will have showers of rain. For this reason, my sister always holds an umbrella, in her hand bag when; she goes for duty. So, that she has a protection from sun or rain. In one of my imagination, as I, imagine quite a lot of things; one of it is, our Lord God; who acts as an umbrella, and a torch for us.

While going through, my reading portion God, reminded me that He is a strong pillar during, my trials and sufferings. As, he helped the Israelites in the same way, He will lead me. Exodus 13:21,22  " And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and by night: He took not away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people." He, spoke to me that He, will be a pillar of cloud to lead me along my way with peace and joy, as I step onto this new year. In the night He, will be a pillar of fire and give me light and provide His, warmth from the bible verses. God's, peace evaporates like water in the dry ground.

God, knows when and how, to intervene us during, tough times as He knows what is going on with you and me. In our journey, He will guide us, protect us, and cover us with His wings like a hen protects it 's chicks. The hen walks in front chuckling and chicks follow hearing the voice of the mother hen ,time to time the hen also watches the movements of chicks in the same way our God also watches our movements. We can also see another eg. of a sheep which follows the voice of shepherd. As, in John 10:11,"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. He, is our shepherd we have to just trust Him and walk behind Him as He will take care of us.

There might be turbulence and bad weather sometimes in our flight journey of 2020, He allows suffering in our life to teach us other times He provides rest to His beloved also. As, said in Ps 105:39, " He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to illumine by light." The pillar of cloud though we cannot see with our naked eyes, but God is there for us protecting, guiding and assuring us. Sit relaxed in the flight thanking him with a blessed hope.

I’m just writing a blog post, for your encouragement so as to trust Him as His presence is all-around every moment. He will guide you just follow Him. He will cover you with His wings. 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