In the Fullness of Joy...

How does one see you? As, we all are undergoing a different situation. Does everyone see you as a worried, tensed, and anxious person, or a joyful person?

Happiness, and joy are almost the same but, have slight difference. Happiness, is an emotion a feeling, in which one experiences contentment, gratitude, fulfillment or satisfaction, in one’s life; no tensions, and worry of the future but; having tremendous inner joy. 

Illustration:. The happiness can come out through various, circumstances. Like, you will be happy on seeing and eating the pizza first time. The same, pizza if given forcefully, in a full stomach will, make you sad. The outcome, of eating it in full stomach will make you, angry when your stomach gets upset. So, eating a pizza will make you happy, it won't create joy. As, joy is an inner feeling, which comes from your inside.

Joy, is divine and comes from deep within ones heart, which is unwavering. It won't be able, to shake you. Real, or true joy in a person comes when, he has surrendered his life to God, and he knows that; all his sins have been forgiven, and that a place is being prepared for him in eternity. So, he will have a continuous fellowship with Him by; singing, clapping, and praising Him. Thus, it is clear that joy comes from God.

Amazing beauty; of birds, flowers, trees, animals, river, mountains God has created. The nature, teaches important spiritual lessons. I am excited to see, the bird with magnificent colours, feathers, and sweet song. I was awe struck! by, the beautiful humming bird in my sister's house. Near, to my window is a flowery tree. Usually I do wake up with the chirp and hum of the birds. One day I, woke up early to see, the beauty of the humming birds, as soon as it was dawn all came out from the nest and perches, together they started making different sounds as if they are praising and thanking the Creator. This is the joy which we need to have which God expects from you and me. Then I noticed them, flying down, backward, up, forward all; directions as if they were dancing. Fascinating, thing was that they started flying slowly then to full speed. You, can see a joy overflowing in them.

 Certain things can happen, it can cause heartache, make you worn out, make you insecure, fear can grip in, and so on. But; all these should not cancel your inner joy. Like, the story of Paul and Silas in Book of Acts(16:16-34) 2 men of God who were arrested, falsely accused, shackles put, beaten, and imprisoned. But all these horrific situations did not dampen their joy. Instead, they praised God, thanked Him, prayed and sang. God, did a miracle by, releasing them from the chains. Call unto Him, and He will answer and all the tangled threads will be free.

When, I was reading from Book of Nehemiah, I could see how Nehemiah strengthened in the Lord, in his times of fear, frustration anger. Not only did he ask God to fulfill his needs, but also strengthened his fellowmen. Nehemiah 8:10 " Nehemiah said, " Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

When, there is that joy which is inside, you can do everything in life. As the fullness of  joy is your strength.

Famous Quotes:

Ps 16:11 " You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

"We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves".- Gautama Buddha

I’m just writing a blog post, for your encouragement. Don't let the peace, and joy depart from you these days. Keep singing like the birds. 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.

 

Divine Hedge of Protection.

Who doesn't, make a hedge or a fence or a boundary wall for a beautiful house or a precious property or for a floral garden, or a vegetable garden? You, will surely surround it or enclose it so, as to keep away from wild animals, thieves, and for your privacy. 

In today's date, because; of Covid-19 people are protecting themselves from different measures like mask, sanitizers, PPE etc. Just, imagine the need and measures taken to protect from a small virus. Thus, it's time, to ask God to give His, divine hedge of protection.

 During, my childhood  I, remember playing a game,(ghar- ghar) among two or three friends. One of them, will act the role of mother, one will act to be father, and one acted as a child. A normal family set up. Sometimes, we used, bed sheets, or saris, and cover our surrounding so; that no one may enter our privacy.

A hedge, can be seen from the beginning when God, created the world. He placed, Adam and told him to care, and watch over the garden. If Adam, has to keep a watch over the garden for sure he, will have to build a boundary, or a hedge to protect. 

When I, was reading from my daily portion, I noticed in Book of Job, how God protected him. When, Satan came to tempt Job Satan saw a hedge. He, told God that it is difficult for Job, to be tempted as, he is inside a hedge. He asked God, As written in Job 1:10 " Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has?"

 Job's qualities (perfect, upright, God fearing, shunned evil) were the raw materials by which, a hedge was made. God, was so pleased by his qualities that He could testify to Satan, about Job. As written in Job1:1 "This  man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil."

Like God, protected Him by a hedge in the same way He will surround you, and me with a hedge. This, boundary or hedge is invisible, to our naked eyes but, visible only to spiritual eyes. God, sends His angels to protect and take our care. As, written in Ps 91: 11 " For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all the ways." Satan cannot touch us, unless he asks the permission from Lord. Satan hates hedge, as he knows it will block his way.

We being children of God, there will be grief's, troubles, trials, pain, affliction; as Job had in his life. But, these troubles intend to deepen our character and become blameless and follow His commandments and be filled with the 9 fruits of Holy Spirit.

If we are close to God, he will provide a greater hedge of protection. In scripture it's written that in the garden of Eden, the 'tree of life' is  guarded by cherubim, and flaming sword.

It's important, for afflictions to come in our life. But, how we face and what we do, with the trials is what God, sees. He, will remove the hedge and see our love towards Him. You, should surrender your life and Honor Him, for His divine protection. During, this challenging times, let's pray to God for the divine hedge of protection. 

I’m just writing a blog post, for your encouragement, to give your full control to God. 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

 

Remembering the Bygone memories..

During this lockdown, and partial lockdown, you and me have got the most blessed time. The fear of Corona outside, has kept our feet inside. Ample of time, to spend with family, and time to grow spiritually.

 One, day my sister was narrating her bygone memories, about her childhood, to her children. How, she used to play the outdoor games, climbed on trees, about studying, about spending summer vacations. Those, time when there; was no television, no phone, no internet, no computer, like that of today. Presently, if you see everything is in the finger tips. A  modern world, with different means of luxury. If, you closely observe, most of the people are addicted to these modern gadgets. The children, especially are more prone. It, is good to let children know your background, your struggles, the challenges you had to face, without the modern gadgets in your time. It, is then that, they will fear God and live for Him.

The other day, book of Joshua from scripture, attracted me with few heart touching verses. Joshua, practiced a true religion, he could have adopted the religious belief of his family heritage, during the stay in the pagan land of Egypt. He, could have adopted the idol worship of his neighbors.  But; he saw God's faithfulness, and was convinced to follow, the true God. He, did not give smooth promises to  the Israelite's but; gave a clear cut instruction, and with a serious and stern voice, he spoke to the Israelite's, about the bygone memories of the fore fathers.

 He told them in Josh 24:14, "Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshipped beyond the River and in Egypt and serve the Lord." Joshua, wanted the Israelites to serve the Lord, God only. He, wanted them to renew their covenant with Almighty. So, he warned them in verse 20 " If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you." The Israelites used to worship idols. They used to prostate, in front of the shrine, of an idol. God, is against all these type of worship. God, warns us to keep away from idols. He, is a zealous God. In Lev 19:4 "Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the Lord your  God." not only in Old testament in New testament, also its written to keep away from idol worship. 1 John 5:21 "Little children, keep yourselves from idols." 1 Cori 10:14 "Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry,"

Idols, are not only the molten images but, even the things of this world. If, you love anything more than God, it is an idol. For example; some people are obsessed with, doing certain things that, they spend their time, and energy to do it, which is equal to an idol worship. Some, love to sleep a lot, or some continuous use of phone, for some adopting ways to impress the public. An obsessive compulsive person is worshipping a foreign God. You should worship the true, living God with all your body, soul, and mind. Worship the creator not the creation He made.

 In Col 3:5 " Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:"

Even 'Jesus Christ' spoke of the necessity, of denying self, and taking up the cross, and following Him. In this journey, you will have to bear trouble, persecution, hatred, and difficulties, but; in all these circumstances: serve the living God, and teach your children to follow God, in truth, as Joshua did. Enlighten others, by sharing and please do comment your views.

Thanks

Ann

 

 

One Day At A Time...

Life is full of challenges, but God gives you the strength to overcome these challenges each day.

A small virus, has caused worry, starting from China, slowly to all the countries. 2020 is a 'year of Anxiety'.  Nowadays, if you turn and look, everyone is worried; from a simple housewife, to a teacher, doctor, nurse, actor, businessman, political leader, beggar etc in fact everyone. People are smiling less, and are more apprehensive these days. Worrying about daily provision, about job, health status, children's future, finances. Worry is hopeless, useless, needless, sightless and harmful. It has robbed the joy, and the hope from people. It can develop, into anxiety with devastating effects in each and every system of  the body.

The situation, can be overwhelming, to each individual, as; what will happen? Nobody knows. But, we need to stay positive, and encourage others that God is in control. It's only human beings, who worry so much for little things. That is why, 'Jesus' spoke 3 times about worry in Matt 6: 25-34 'Take no thought, or Don't worry'.

While, going through the scriptures some verses, touched me when, thinking of the present situations. Matt 6:26 "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store' away in barns, and yet  your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much valuable then they?" By worry who can add a single hour to his life? This made me think of the fact that, God loves us so much. He gave, His Son for us to die on the cross. Will, He not clothe and feed us? We are His, precious ones: more than the grass, or birds of the field.

We should try to overcome worry, by Casting all your care on Him, trusting, and praying to Him. As, written in Phil 4:6" Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God."  and also in

 Phil 4:19"But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus". If  the Lord is your shepherd, the Lord is your life, keep in mind that He, will provide( food, clothes, shelter) all; the basic needs so; no need to worry.

You, will surely be able to face any situation in life. It is true, that some days will be difficult, and some easy. Start your day, by submitting it to God, and ask Him, to instruct the way to you  should go. There is an antidote for the problem, a medicine for this problem 'PRAYER'. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and you will get all the other things. Trust Him, and pray to Him, to give you the power, and grace each day. God, wants a perfect peace, to rule over every heart. Let, Him have control of our lives.  At the last, I just want to quote from, Matt 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own."

Song:  "I don't know about tomorrow,

I just live from day to day,

I don't borrow from it's sunshine,

for it's skies may turn to gray.....

So, dear friends,

 Thus; we can wind up with a great assurance, that; God knows you deeply, minutely, perfectly, and with a fatherly concern is always beside you. Keep worry at bay. If you know, someone who is in a worried state you can encourage them, and  give a solace in their heart. I’d also love to hear from you. Please, do leave a comment.

Thanks

Ann

 

 

PEARLS OF WISDOM

Designing  Children for God

World now is facing many challenges: health, economic, job, finances, education of children, war, riots etc. When, we scrutinize the matter closely to which, the world is heading we feel, as if everything is being drifted from our hands slowly, as the sand slowly slips out from our closed fist. The recent opening, of lockdown has brought in many positive cases. The major impact, has come upon the children's education by keeping the schools closed, and starting online classes. It is true, that our next generation is slipping from our hands if measures from parents side is not taken.

1week ago, there was a shocking news of 9th grade student from Kerala, who committed suicide as, she was unable to join online class, made me think the impact or burden, which the children and parents are facing. The people, who can afford laptop, or smart phone, in a developing country like India, is; minimal. The internet charges, a new smart phone is very hard for a normal man to think, for a family where there are 2 or 3 children, all; which is not so practical. But, as per the requirements of the school and government they have to adhere to it.

Long back, or I should say before the lockdown children, were advised not to touch the phone, not to take it to school. Now, the school is inside the phone. We, can think the negative, and the positive aspects, it carries. Positive is lesser, than negative aspects. All; sorts of games, pictures, scenes, information's, and even demonstrations are stored in it. The parents, are not present with the child 24hrs. The, internet is free for the children to do surfing, with their finger tips. Not only the teenagers, young boys, and girls will be in the process to find out innovative things from it.

Children, are God's gift. God, teaches a principle, a rule for parents, caretakers, teachers, of children to: fulfill the purpose for which He, created them. It's wonderfully written in Prov 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." The way to salvation, to eternity, is to be taught to them. Teach, your children to fear God, trust God, love God, and seek Him daily.  Let, them learn God's word as, it will bear fruits one day. It will, strengthen their abilities, to cope with any situations.

In the book of Job 1:5 "When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would send and have them purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them thinking, "Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God  in their hearts".

Satan finds ways, to attack our children as, written in 1 Pet 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"

Thus, it is very important to pray for the children. Susanne Wesley, mother of 13 children, would find time to pray for each child. When, the children used to sleep she would keep her hand on each child, and pray for them. The children, grew up for Lord, to do His ministry.

Famous Quotes:

"What we instill on our children will be the foundation  upon which they will build their future"- Steve Maraboli

"We cannot get grace from gadgets"- J.B. Priestley

 

Unshakable hope...

Do you feel down, and tired by the present ongoing situation? Is your hope shaking?

"Trials make the promise sweet; Trials give new life to prayer; Trials bring me to His feet, Lay me low, and keep me there." As, a small virus has made a havoc globally, and everyone is facing one or other type of trial; mentally, emotionally, or physically. God, will test your faith and hope by different measures. He, will remove the comfort zones and check, but He won't leave you in the midst of suffering. Like an eagle He, will teach you how to fly through the difficult storms, or carry you then will He fill your, hope by His grace preparing you for the eternity. Pray, when you fall into diverse trials and temptation. Remember, the promises of God as, His promises are unbreakable so your hope should be unshakable.

We, can see it in the lives of many great men in bible who were not shaken, and desolate when they faced many dark and grave situations. In the life of Job, Daniel, Abraham, Paul are a few. Once, you go through the path of trouble, pain, afflictions, despair then only will you go through the process to forgive others, pray earnestly waiting for the answers, motivate others through your incidents etc.

I, want you all to be encouraged in your lives. Trials, sorrows, difficulties, afflictions, pain are part and parcel of life. The steadfast hope of the Lord never fails. As its written in Heb 10:23 " Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering;( for he is faithful who promised;)"

 Like Daniel, when he was put in the lion's den because of his prayer life. Three times a day he gave, thanks to the Sovereign God. He had to face trials and persecutions from the administrators and advisers who set a trap for him. But, Daniel knew one thing that, the God whom He serves will rescue him. Dan 6:22 " My God sent His angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions". Daniel had a strong hope that God will rescue him. In the life of Job, when he was faced with pain, grief, hurting words from wife, and friends, yet he said in Job 13:15 " Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face". These both characters had a strong hope without doubt.

At times, I feel awkward, and desperate when I face uncertain situations in life. My confidence staggers, or shakes when people watch me doing something. Sometimes, I shake in my boot, when I need to walk, or climb steps and someone is watching me, all the more my movement ceases. My concentration, gets diverted easily. All, this is because of  my disease condition. But; even though I have to shake or stagger in my walking, the hope inside me should not shake, like Job, I too will say, though he slay me, yet will I hope in Him. This, is only my prayer. It's God's, grace that he keeps me going without shaking.

Famous Verse: Titus 2:13 "Looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus."

Friends,  When, we are in this world we will have problems, sickness, troubles, difficulties, & much more all; this is momentary. ..Keep on living a good life with hope, patience, endurance and hardships...I, am writing a blog post for your encouragement. If you find value please do share it.

Thanks

Ann