Anchor to hold the toughest storm...

"We have an anchor that keeps the soul,

Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,

Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,

             Grounded firm and deep in Saviour's love".    Selected

Presently, we all are living in troubled times, having a sort of anxiety and stress. Amidst of all these that is; Covid -19, economic fall, lack of resources, and various unpredictable environmental condition. Recently, reports on 9th Feb 2020, pointed a very rapid melting of the Doomsday glacier in Antarctica. About, 14 billion tons of glacier have melted speedily. But; thank God, who is in control of everything. The latest message showed, the earth is healing, the ozone layer is healing, due to the depletion of environmental pollutions.  God, is our shield, rock, fortress, stronghold . Ps 46:2 "Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into  the midst of sea;" because Ps 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

God, uses troubles at times, to teach His children precious lessons. When troubles, disaster, takes away the peace of mind, check where is the anchor of your boat. If your anchor is on anyone, and anything other than Jesus, it's for sure to get carried away, in the ragging waves of; anxiety, fear, depression, tensions, and the prevailing circumstances.

All, are announcing to maintain social distancing to combat Covid-19; together with it, one should also keep social distance with media too. Especially nowadays, fake news are on rise which scare the public. Individuals should select, which one to see better not to be locked into it 24 hrs.

I just want to share you my experience, when I was diagnosed with M.S on 8th March 2003. In the hospital bed, where I lay after the final investigation of lumbar puncture my sister, broke open the diagnosis. That, moment everything came to a standstill, I cried, Lord why me? He answered " Be still, and know that I am God;" Even though few days I had a struggle with my Lord, for the answers But, His divine grace was sufficient to answer all my queries. His promises Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."Till today 17 long years, Even though some trials come in life, But; He remains my guide, protector, refuge, stronghold, friend, rock, fortress.

The trials, might come in different ways for each of us, and in those storms you might feel 'as'' if you are sinking in depth, remember He is always near you. The anchor, in Jesus Christ will be your stronghold. Don't worry, of your inward, or outward storms of insecurities, health problems, finance, calamities, whatever; it may be. He is enough. He will soothe your soul. He is the Lord of hope. His love and care is always there for you. To assure, encourage, and strengthen you. He rose, from the dead for you, and me. Because, He lives I can face tomorrow laying hold on the anchor. 'Jesus'. Please share comment and like. God bless you. I like that song...

 "You are my refuge, you are my fortress

You are my friend in need, you are my God...

Thanks

 Ann

Stop..and Look Up.

Everywhere, you can see a prominent notice 'LOCK DOWN'. Most of the things are in standstill mode. Busyness is subsided, or say stopped for a while. Everyone is in a 'question mark'. Environment is quiet, no one is visible on the roads, God has made a stop to air pollution,  water pollution, noise pollution, soil pollution. Till today, humans were creating this God's greenery, into dark shades of green and back. It is enough, and God stopped. I think, it might have displeased God, on seeing the man made changes.

The people, were not getting time to look up, most were engaged in work, school, social medias, pictures, marriages, eating, drinking and all other distractions. Anything, you love more than God becomes your God. If, you love your child, wife, husband, phone, gadgets, your purpose in life is much more then revolving around this. Matt 6:21 " For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also". Where your focus is, that becomes your  talk. No one, has time to spend with God, hear what He wants to say, pray, praise, and thank. All shortened, declined and stopped.

We, are blessed people to have so many of God's blessings, looking on to media, newspapers, and our intuition then, comparing all of these with bible, and studying it.

 Last few weeks, Holy spirit was reminding me, constantly and pressing me to pass this message on to you all. He loves each one of you. No one should perish. No one knows what will happen. 10 days lockdown has been increased, to 21 days or more, no one knows the answer to it. But; there is one and only one who knows what will happen next moment. As, written in Matt 24:36 " No one knows about day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."

Looking, on to the present prevailing situations, it's rather surprising to know the cities and countries, who believed of having, the best of medical supplies, best of everything, finance, education, security have surrendered, They say 'it is not in their control'.

When, we read the scriptures God has been reminding, from time to time, in different ways to the people of the world, through different people, to come back from your old ways. Acknowledge the truth, accept God (Trinity) repent, and He will save you. God, spoke through many of His prophets; Noah, Jonah, Amos, even in New testament His disciples Apostle Paul Peter, John etc. To repent and come to Lord so that your sins be forgiven.

In old testament God, sent Moses to raise a pole with bronze serpent on it and whoever was bitten by a snake, to look up, focus and they will be healed. The bronze serpent on the pole would remind the people of the scars, of the judgment, of not trusting God, murmuring always, rebelling etc. Stop!! turn your eyes look up to God for the deliverance. He is willing to give eternity, to those who will repent, and  move closer to Him with a renewed life.

John 3:14,15"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life". In the New testament we have to look up on the Son of God. If you look on the cross and focus on Jesus, removing all the distractions coming near you then you can have a sure hope of eternity as He is in control of all things.

Let us believe in Jesus, and have an everlasting life. Watch( be on alert), pray and prepare. Look up on to Jesus and focus on Him. Let, us together spread the Gospel of Salvation. If you find value to this blog, please do share with your family and friends. God bless you.

Thanks

Ann

Overcoming Fear through Faith...

20th March, was 'International Happiness day'. It was the happiest day as, Nirbhaya got justice after 7years and few month. Nirbahya's parents, friends, and to say the whole country, especially girls were quite relieved and happy, because; the 4 convicts, who gang raped her were hanged. According, to her mother as her name says; she was a fearless girl. But, Alas ! poor Nirbahya was caught up,... Pet 5:8" Be alert and sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

We human beings, have to face challenges daily of different sorts. The world, is presently going through a rather tense situation, the main highlight 'Covid-19'. Fear has gripped everyone. It is an emotion which causes the adrenaline to rush. Fear can lead to stress. It is also known as phobia. Different people have different phobia.

But, anxiety and fear is not a solution to  it. Good hygiene, good nutrition, rest, good sleep, and prayer are the precautionary measures; which will help. People, around are living in phobia. Fear breeds fear. The person, who feels fear is good as dead'. In Hindi we tell 'jo dar gaya voh mar gaya'.

 Do not fear, or fear not has been written, 365 times in the bible. God, is reminding us everyday, through different verses for all 365 days. My child, do not worry or Don't fear. Actually, this emotion of fear started very long ago in human history during the time of Adam and Eve. They sinned, and this caused a fear in themselves, so they hid among trees, thinking God, won't see their nakedness. They feared, a God who is omnipresent, and knows all your secrets. Even, the thoughts which run across your minds.

If you fear that, you will fall from scooter or cycle, you, overcome that fear by; putting a helmet, In the same way, we can overcome the fear by; keeping God's promise close to our heart, and mind always. It, is one of the most popular weapon, for an enemy that he uses. But, if you trust God, and have a strong faith, then like the psalmist David you too can say, Ps 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through  the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

Worry, and anxiety can overwhelm us, and cause dark shadows over our head but, if; your focus is on God, no distractions going around, can remove your peace, and paralyze you with fear. Depend, and trust on God. He, is in control of everything. Focus, on 'Jesus' and run your race, for the victory set before you.

 2 wks back, I wrote, about how God, provided food, for the prophet Elijah. He, knew God is with Him to feed Him. God, prepared a widow to give him food. We, can see how Elijah told, the widow in 1Kings17:13 " And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son." For, he knew God has ways to feed him.

In the life of David, he overcame His fear, by the trusting the Lord, and the spirit of power filled him and he killed Goliath. Is : 41:10 says  "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Dear friends, Whenever fear surrounds you, say a memory verse and then see the magic. Let us bow down before the Lord our maker, Repent your sins, Praise Him, Believe on His promises, Trust Him, and pray to Him, let His will be accomplished in our lives. Let holy spirit guide you to overcome all your fear, and that you may stand without blemish before Him. Please do share with your friends and family to overcome ear and find solace in their heart.

Thanks

Ann

Awake...Follow Jesus

The universe has shaken everyone; small, big rich, poor, strong, and weak. Things happening around, is a warning sign, just like, a tremor, caused before an earthquake. When, a person gets up in the morning, he follows a certain plan, set up in his mind. The, word follow means to move behind, or walk behind, go behind, a particular person or thing. It's a familiar word, coming across nowadays, due to Covid-19, we are advised; to carry out certain command, to follow, or carry out, instructions by, the Government authorities.

A child, always follows his, or her parents. Some children; have fan, or a role model, and they just follow him, or her. The way they eat, things they wear, the dressing style, walking style and so on.. They just follow, the ways of that person. Usually, It is common to see ducks, or chicks following the mother hen, or mother duck. The follower, follows the leader who is a guide, caretaker, a security-guard, and gives his life, for the follower. In case of sheep there is no leader but; the sheep is guided, and led by a shepherd. The sheep, follows the shepherd, and knows the voice of the shepherd.

You, and me are like sheep, which go astray at times. In Isaiah 53:6 it is written "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."  We, need a shepherd who, takes care of his sheep, and knows each sheep by name. How amazing! if the shepherd has 100 sheep, he knows which is lost, because he calls them by name. It is true, I have seen, a person who has many cows and many goats but, he calls them blacky, milky, brownie, sundari, etc etc. The shepherd, has a special attention to, the weak ones. If a danger comes, the shepherd is even ready to lay down his life. The good shepherd, stays at the entrance of the sheepfold to protect every sheep inside it. Jesus says in John 10 :11" I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep"  It is true, He will knows each one of us, and He will equip us with, what we need, once we follow Him, and obey His commands.

Jesus, told his disciples, many times to 'follow Him'. 'Follow Him' does not mean to leave your family or home or near and dear ones. Following Him, is to obey Him, and do His will; that is what He wants. He tells us to follow Him, he did not tell to follow or pray to Mother Mary, or other saints, or disciples. We, should respect them, they are holy. But, pray, obey, love, and follow only; God. Luke 4:8 and Deut 6:13 says 'Love your God and Him only shall thou serve'. 'Jesus', didn't tell his disciples, go to mother Mary and pray to her, or follow her. One and only one, name can deliver: 'Jesus'.

It's written in 1 Tim 2:5 " For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,." This is the first commandment to 'Love your God'. God the father, Jesus is God's Son and God the spirit only these three( Trinity), should be obeyed, and loved. He is the lamb of God, Messiah, Immanuel, Alpha and the Omega, The Beginning and the End.

Apostle Paul, a learned scholar, a good leader, also tells us to follow Jesus. In Eph 5:1, he says " Be ye therefore follower's of God, as dear children."

Dear friends, This is my insight, which I like, to share as a blog. The truth should be revealed. Hope you all, may understand it's depth. He, loves each one of us, and He doesn't want anyone to be lost. If this article has been a blessing to you and enlightened you, please do share with others. I love to hear your comments too. God bless you all.

Thanks

Ann.

Hope for the hopeless

Panic among people due, to increase in number of positive cases of Covid-19, economic struggles, terrorism, riots, and so on. These are driving human beings crazy. All, are in world of insecurity, and fear. It is obvious for the people to be, anxious, and have a crush, on the inner peace of mind. Since, the quarantine measures have been advised, people are told to stay indoors. Supply of food, and water is being provided by, the government authorities to, some districts. When one faces such crisis, people start losing hope. God, has a  great purpose behind what all you, and me face. He, will display His work in the correct time. Don't look on situations around us, rather view from God's scripture. He will speak to you from the verses, and fill your mind with peace. He, is in control of everything. If you trust Him, He, will never leave you disappointed.

God, knows each of us. He, is the creator so, He knows where, you will flourish well, and He, will plant you there. Like, a gardener knows about each plant, where and what climate is suitable for cactus, a rose, an orchid, and other flowering plants. God, knows exactly what, how much, and when you need. He will supply you, from the sources you cannot imagine. While, I was pondering on the word of God, in the life of Daniel, Esther, Elijah, Ruth, Paul, Moses, and other great heroes; God, provided help from unlikely sources.

When, I was reading my bible portion, Exodus 17: 6 " I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink." See, how Almighty God  provided from the most unlikely sources, to provide help for the Israelites feared; death for lack of water but, Moses who didn't have any ability, was used by God to, provide water for them. That to, from the rock which was struck by, a rod and water gushed out....He takes care not only by, providing water even bread and meat from the source we cannot imagine.

I was wonderstruck how, God, directed the ravens to; feed His faithful prophet Elijah. The black bird, crow, or a raven who is so smart to snatch, other people's food and be self satisfied, that bird satisfied the  hunger of Elijah, every morning, and every evening as commanded by, God. Not only, God's people the nature around us too, obey God's, word. In 1 Kings 17:4 "You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there."

Recalling an incident which I, like to share, about ravens. When my mother, used to clean the scales of fish, and cut into small pieces the ravens, irritated us by caw-caw, till they; didn't get anything. Sometimes, if our concentration is on something else, it would dart in, and take a piece in it's beak and fly away. God could have provided the food in a bulk, no but for the faith of Elijah to grow stronger, He provided for each day. "Give us today our daily bread".

Good people also face hardship, trials, and problems in life.. Don't lose your hope. Circumstances, can deplete us but, if your hope is strong God, will do wonders in your life. As Paul said, in Phil 4:19 "My God shall supply all my need". The hope you have in Jesus, cannot be taken away by anyone, Rom 8:36 "Nothing can separate us from the Love of Christ, who gave Himself as a ransom for us". His word is true, and His promise will never fail. Keep up your faith and hope.

 Friends, I am just writing a blog. 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

Be on Alert...

We live currently in a world, where everything is going in a tense situation. The warning signs, according to the scriptures, are worth comparing to the happenings, going around globally. Signs of wars, and rumors of war, nation rising against nation, kingdom against kingdom, global attack of COVID-19, global warming, falling of economy due to downfall of trade, internal conflicts, protests, murders; all these are just the fearful descriptions for one to get panic, and tensed. Fear, is gripping everyone in one or other form. This fear of any sort, should not lose our hope of the kingdom Jesus, has prepared. Instead, we should prepare ourselves and be watchful( be on alert) and ready of His coming which, is very soon.

When, I was a child I enjoyed the game of Hide and seek. After counting 1to 50, the search begins. So, I used to start counting slowly then all of a sudden, increase the speed and would announce 50 over. I, am coming be ready. Now, this childhood game has come to a reality the second coming of Jesus Christ. In the bible, you will find the second coming in many places in New Testament ; Book of Matthew, Hebrew, Revelation, 1 Pet,2 pet, Acts, 1 John, Philippians, Ephesians, Thessalonians almost everywhere His arrival is soon. Thus, we have to be ready like the childhood game, the seeker will come anytime with no announcement. As, Christ will return, and it is certain. He will come in an unpredictable time and hour which no one knows not even the angels. As, written in Matt 24:42," Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come". So, be ready. We are living in a grace period. He has promised, He will surely fulfill it.

An article I read, about parenting. A nursery kid when she is dropped to the school always expects her parents to say, I will come soon. which develops inner security, hope and a bond with parents. I remembered, my situation too when I read it. I used to hold my mother's hand when, I entered the classroom. As soon as, she used to leave me, I would start crying. Later,  my teacher and mum used to console me that, she will come soon. Then after recess, I used to wait for her as, she promised that she will come. Same, is the case now we should be waiting for our Lord to come soon as He promised us.

It is true, that humans are causing the wrath of God. But, because He is a merciful, compassionate, and forgiving God. He will wait, patiently. Once He, closes the door of grace, it will be very difficult. The life here is temporary, we have a home an eternal home a secure future without end. We, don’t have enough time to dispose. Let us believe in Jesus, and have an everlasting life. Watch( be on alert), pray and prepare. Adjust your lens, and focus your eyes. Let, us together spread the Gospel of Salvation.

If you find value to this blog, please do share with your family and friends. God bless you.

Thanks

Ann

Strength in Weakness...

There may be situations or circumstances which, make you feel weak. Suffering, is a tool to make us more strong. Hardships press us up against God. It is good in life, to have some hardships when, your strength fails, and you become worried, anxious, broken down, that's the time you move closer to God. The moment, you think without His help you can do nothing that's, the time He steps into your life. He strengthens us in our weakness. He can change our weakness into strength as nothing is impossible for Him. He has 10,000 ways, to solve our difficulty or our problems. He will not allow a problem, or trial beyond what you can bear.

You, can see certain people in the world; when all around of them think, they are weak, and cannot do anything. Even, circumstances seem impossible see, how God acts in their life. Weakness is turned into strength. You can see in the life of David, Gideon, Samson by faith, they accomplished great things. God, strengthened them He, can strengthen you and me too.

Slanting and weak papaya plant

We can see the heroes of bible David, Gideon, Paul and many more though they were weak with thorns in the body yet God strengthened them and used them. I too, have fatigue, illness, weakness in my body but; I know he will strengthen me. When, I was thinking all these I remembered a photo which, I took in my sister's house. A papaya plant, growing wonderfully with fruits. Though; it cannot stand straight, because of its crowded surrounding of other trees and plants, lack of sunshine, soil, etc yet; it strengthened, and grew with fruits. That, was an eye opener to me. A beautiful verse, came in my thoughts 2 cor. 12:10 "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong".

It is in weakness that, we can admit our mistakes, and correct ourselves by confessing it to God. Self weakness helps, us to identify other people's weakness and, helps us to encourage them, and strengthen them.

 "George Matheson, the well known blind preacher of Scotland, said: "My God, I have never thanked thee for my thorn. I have thanked a thousand times for my roses. I have been looking forward to a world where I shall get compensation for my cross; but I have never thought that my cross itself is a present glory. Teach me the glory of my cross; teach me the value of my thorn. Show me that I  have climbed to thee by the path of pain. Show me that my tears have  made my rainbows".

 It is normal, to feel discouraged by your limitations, and feel how weak you are. At times, you aren't able to do certain work. Many times I, too have the same feeling then, I look unto God for His, grace gives me  strength and power, to move on and be, fruitful for His kingdom. He fills, my thoughts with strengthening verses from bible.

So, friends keep thanking God like, George Matheson, Apostle Paul, and other heroes. Ask Him, to strengthen you even in your weakness, so that; you remain fruitful for Him, and can honor Him . If you, find value to this blog share with your friends who need encouragement. God bless you.

Thanks

Ann