Should we read the Bible Grandpa???? --

An old Farmer lived on a farm in the mountains with his young grandson.. Each morning Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading his BIBLE. His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him in every way he could.

One day the grandson asked, "Grandpa! I try to read the BIBLE just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the BIBLE do?"

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water."

The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You'll have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead.

The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got back to the house.

The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, "See Grandpa, it's useless!"

"So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket." The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean, inside and out.

"Son, that's what happens when you read the BIBLE. You might not understand or remember everything, but when yhen you read it, you will be changed, inside and out. That is the work of Jesus in our lives."

The True Story of Santa Claus……………

Once upon a time a man called Nicholas lived in Patara, a town in the East; It is now in the country of turkey. Because he was very fond of children and was kind and generous to them, they came to think of him as their dear friend and their beloved saint. So it was that after a time the wonderful things he did were woven into a beautiful legend. You know that Santa means Saint and Claus stands for Nicholas, and that is how he came to be known as Santa Claus. In Santa Claus's own town, Patara, lived a great lord who had three daughters. He was very poor, so poor that one day he was on the point of sending his daughters out to beg for food from his neighbors. But it happened that Saint Nicholas not long before had come into a fortune, and as he loved giving to those in need, he no sooner heard of the trouble the poor lord was in than he made up his mind to help him secretly. So he went to the nobleman's house at night, and as the moon shone out from behind a cloud, he saw an open window into which he threw a bag of gold, and with this timely gift the father was able to provide for his eldest daughter so that she could be married. On another night Santa Claus set off with another bag of gold, and threw it in at the window, so the second daughter was provided for. But by this time, the father had grown eager to discover who the mysterious visitor could be, and next night he kept on the lookout. Then for the third time Santa Claus came with a bag of gold upon his back and itched it in at the window. The old lord at once recognized his fellow townsman, and falling on his knees, cried out "Oh! Nicholas, servant of God, why seek to hide yourself?" Is it not wonderful to think that this was so long ago, sixteen hundred years, yet we still look for the secret coming of Santa Claus with his Christmas gifts? At first he was said to come on his own birthday, which is early in December, but after awhile, as was very natural with Christmas so near, the night of his coming was moved on in the calendarthe night of his coming was moved on in the calendar, and now we hang up our stockings to receive his gifts on Christmas Eve. In some countries children still put their shoes by the fireside on his birthday. In others they say it is the Christ-Kindle in or Christ Child who brings the gifts at Christmastime. But it is always a surprise visit, and though it has happened so many hundreds of years, the hanging up of the Christmas stocking is still as great a delight as ever. But one thing we can learn from this true story and we can implement in this coming Christmas, offer help to anyone who needs it.

FEAR NOT

1 King 19:15 "Then the LORD said to him: "Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus; and when you arrive, anoint Hazael as king over Syria."



When the enemies were fast approaching, Adolf Hitler knew his end was nearing; hidden in a bunker and fear of being captured alive by the enemies, he did not want to take a chance. On Monday, 30 April 1945 he consumed cyanide as well as shot himself with a gun, to make sure of his death. Such was his fear, who was a tyrant and a nightmare for many!

The suicide of Germany goalkeeper Robert Enke, on course to play for his country in the 2010 World Cup, cast a shadow over the world of football and left fans in a state of shock. Police said Enke threw himself in front of a train at a level crossing. His doctor Valentin Markser revealed the player had an acute fear of failure. "I tried to give him hope again, to show him that football was not everything, that we had each other," his tearful widow Teresa told the press.

Recently I received an email from a young engineer who said that she felt hopeless in life and feared that she might get cancer and die soon. When I called her up for counseling, she narrated her failure in the office and the low rating she received in her appraisal. Dejected and humiliated, she lost confidence in herself. I think this fear has caught up with many today and I have to preach the word today. Fear drives you crazy and dizzy while faith makes you gutsy and plucky!

Well, from the scripture above we read that the great prophet like Elijah feared a woman called Jezebel and hid inside a cave. Now watch this, when he heard the threatening words of Jezebel, the Bible says "he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, "It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!" (1 King 19:3,4) Look, he ran a great distance covering Israel, Judah, the wilderness and finally arrives to crawl inside the cave. Elijah went on a journey not initiated by God. Many of us suffer today because we have made drastic blunders out of fear. Because time is running out, people marry the first person who come their way only to suffer life long.

God looked at Elijah and said, 'Go, return on your way.' God wanted Elijah to return back to his original destination, though a long and tedious journey. Fear has motivated many of us to take wrong decisions in our life, unless we repent and come back to God, we cannot get further instructions for our life. Fear makes us make negative statements. Elijah said, "I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts." Observe the words, 'I have been'; which meant I am not jealous any more and I am through.

Friend, do not allow fear to paralyze you, Jesus looks at you today and says, 'Fear not, for I am with you!'

Fisherman story

One day a fisherman was lying on a beautiful beach, with his fishing pole propped up in the sand and his solitary line cast out into the sparkling blue surf. He was enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun and the prospect of catching a fish. About that time, a businessman came walking down the beach, trying to relieve some of the stress of his workday. He noticed the fisherman sitting on the beach and decided to find out why this fisherman was fishing instead of working harder to make a living for himself and his family. "You aren't going to catch many fish that way," said the businessman to the fisherman, "you should be working rather than lying on the beach!" The fisherman looked up at the businessman, smiled and replied, "And what will my reward be?" "Well, you can get bigger nets and catch more fish!" was the businessman's answer. "And then what will my reward be?" asked the fisherman, still smiling. The businessman replied, "You will make money and you'll be able to buy a boat, which will then result in larger catches of fish!" "And then what will my reward be?" asked the fisherman again. The businessman was beginning to get a little irritated with the fisherman's questions. "You can buy a bigger boat, and hire some people to work for you!" he said. "And then what will my reward be?" repeated the fisherman. The businessman was getting angry. "Don't you understand? You can build up a fleet of fishing boats, sail all over the world, and let all your employees catch fish for you!" Once again the fisherman asked, "And then what will my reward be?" The businessman was red with rage and shouted at the fisherman, "Don't you understand that you can become so rich that you will never have to work for your living again! You can spend all the rest of your days sitting on this beach, looking at the sunset. You won't have a care in the world!" The fisherman, still smiling, looked up and said, "And what do you think I'm doing right now?" Contentment is a difficult attitude to learn, but so important.

It's easy to get caught in the world's trap of working harder and harder to earn more and more, when we may well already have what can provide us with the greatest possible happiness. May you know true contentment today? "Now Godliness with contentment is great gain, For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content." (1Timothy 6:6-8).

Victory is yours!

Joshua 10:24"So it was, when they brought out those kings to Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the captains of the men of war who went with him, "Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings." And they drew near and put their feet on their necks."


Satan is under your feet when you are at His feet! Understand this. Praise the Lord! Come on, gear-up for a powerful breakthrough this morning! God is about to scatter the enemies that have tormented you and your family so far. Get ready to get satan under your feet!

Five kings had gathered together to fight against Joshua and his people; but Joshua tells his people, 'pursue the enemies.' Friend, it is one thing to attack the enemy yourself, but it needs true dedication to teach someone else to fight the same way. You get that kind of nerve, audacity and confidence only after you hear the voice of God. Hallelujah! The LORD said to Joshua, "Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you." What a Word!

The five kings escape into a cave and hide themselves there; but who can escape from the eyes of God? Almost eight years after the Sep 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the US, the Americans have not managed to track down Osama bin Laden, the head of Al Qaeda. Despite a price of $25 million on his head and the use of missile-firing drones, special forces and intelligence services, the location of the world's most-wanted terrorist remains a mystery. The 6 ft 4" man would be trapped like a rat one day. When Joshua comes to know of the kings hidden in the cave, he sends word: "Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings to me from the cave." I'm anointed as I write this! We need leaders like Joshuas' today to drag the enemies out from the cave! When they bring the kings out, Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the captains of the men of war who went with him, "Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings." And they drew near and put their feet on their necks. Boy, this is awesome! Lord, help me preach the word today! Instead of keeping his feet on the neck of the kings, Joshua calls the men of war to do that. He was teaching them some faith lessons, he was tutoring them to wring the neck of satan without fear. Are you there? It's one thing to take all your prayer requests and pray myself but today I want to teach you to do some hard wrestling all by yourself. We are content in shooting off a prayer request to a ministry and then swing in the easy-chair. No, get ready to fast and pray yourself.

I may not be talking to everybody but I am talking specifically to somebody out there! Look at the kings as 'satan's agents' that have been torturing you for long. It can be a cruel disease that has been bothering you for long, it can be an addiction to alcohol, pornography, drugs etc., it can be deep attraction to the world or laziness, it can be an unsaved person who refuses to accept Light; whatever, crucify it in the name of Jesus today.

Let us sing like David: Psalms 18 :40"Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me."

A great gardener mixes the right soil for each plant…………..

 A little girl was enjoying the beauty of the garden in her home. Her father had a good collection of rare and exotic plants. He grew them with tender care. The girl was fascinated by a plant full of fine and fragrant flowers. She went near the plant and enjoyed its beauty and the fragrance of its fine flowers. Suddenly she noted that the plant was growing in a heap of filth. She could not tolerate the presence of dirt at the bottom of the plant with such fantastic flowers. She conceived a plan to clean the plant. She pulled the plant with all her might and uprooted it. She then carried it to the tap and washed the shoot and roots in running tap-water till all traces of dirt were washed away. She then placed the plant on a clean stone and went away, thinking that she had done a great deed indeed. Later her father came to the garden and saw the uprooted plant. Its flowers and leaves had wilted and the plant had almost died in the scorching sun. His little daughter ran to him to exhibit her achievement. “I have cleaned it, Daddy”, she reported innocently. “It was placed in dirty soil. Now it is clean.” The father showed her how her treatment had almost killed the plant. He told her that he had collected the filthy soil and placed it to cover the plant’s roots as it was the best medium to grow that plant. It could grow up healthily and produce fine flowers only if grown in filthy soil. She was sad that the plant had suffered and withered by her cleaning. Pain, poverty and illness may cause agony in our life. Sight of successful persons may make us depressed and envious. A great gardener mixes the right soil for each plant. In the same way God provides each of us with the best environment required for optimum spiritual growth. But it may appear to be unpleasant to us and we may even complain to God about our plight.

Today's sin

Jeremiah 39: 6,7 "Then the king of Babylon killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes in Riblah; the king of Babylon also killed all the nobles of Judah. Moreover he put out Zedekiah's eyes and bound him with bronze fetters to carry him off to Babylon."




While I read these scriptures, I just shivered at the punishment Zedekiah had to face by the Hands of God. Prophet Jeremiah continuously advises Zedekiah, the king of Judah to mend His ways and listen to God but Zedekiah rebels against the Word of God and does things according to his ways. Just read this, " he put out Zedekiah's eyes and bound him." Just note here that his little children were also killed and even all the men working under Zedekiah were killed because of the sin of one man. . The wages of sin not only affects us but all those around us. Sin is a matter that we cannot allow ourselves to take lightly. When we daringly continue in our sins and grieve God and others, He would send enemies our way and punish us.



Did you know there are separate counters opened for young women drinkers with women serving the drinks? Did you know women stay out for midnight parties and dances? Did you know drugs and cocaine are served inside dance halls in order to give them the extra energy to dance throughout the nights?



This may not be a comforting message today but we all need severe warning signals in our life to instill fear of God in our hearts. We live in an atrocious and wicked world where morals and integrity have been thrown and cast away in the wind. I once happened to sit next to a young girl in the train who was traveling to her home town. As usual I started a conversation with her, found that she was a student and I spoke to her about Jesus and His Holiness. She was impressed. She confessed certain things to me which absolutely horrified me. Many of the students studying in colleges lived with their boyfriends like husband and wife. Since their parents stay far away in different cities, they are free to live their lives. If their parents suddenly visit the PG(paying guest ) rooms, their friends come to their rescue and save them by telling lies. Parents innocently trust their children to be safe. Youngsters living far away from their parents live a hectic life, hanging around late with their friends. Even Christian youth are no better, they visit church as well as take their girl friends and boy friends to their rooms. Someone out there needs to hear me out today! People who reject counsel run far away from me. But I warn you today, you will never have peace unless you listen to servants of God, stay close to them, seek their advice and walk out of every sin in your life!



Proverbs 12:15 says "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise."



Is the momentary enjoyment of sin worth the price tag that it carries???

Hope in the midst of Storm…….. (Must Read)

I remember of a true incident that took place during World War II when the German soldiers were preparing to attack the city of Holland. There lived an old lady with her only son in Holland. This lady had great faith in God from her very young age and looked unto God alone for everything she needed. She also taught her son to trust in God. One day she heard on the radio that the German soldiers are all set to attack the city that night and destroy it. The son, trembled with fear, asked her mom how God would let such a thing happen to someone who trusted in Him. Their house was at the entrance of the city and there was no way for them to escape the destruction. The mother, still strong in her faith, knelt down on her knees and prayed. She assured her son that God will protect them. That night, they heard great explosions outside the house. They also heard the soldiers marching outside entering each home and destroying it. To their surprise, not one soldier entered their house. They sat awake until dawn and by early morning German soldiers passed Holland, When they went out to see why the soldiers surpassed their house without causing them any harm. Ah!! What a great scene to see, their home was completely covered with snow throughout the night. God had covered them with His protection throughout the night so that the soldiers could not see their house… That’s how God works in a wonderful way, above our thoughts, to protect those who love Him and those who trust in Him…

Lighted Candles………..

I have a lot of candles in my home. Most of them just sit on the shelves gathering dust and waiting for another power outage to take out those pesky electric lights. Every now and then, though, I do take the time to light up one or two of them. It feels good to sit quietly and watch their flickering, little fires beat back the darkness around them. It puts me back in touch with the candles burning within myself as well. Enlightenment for me hasn’t come from flicking on a single switch but rather from lighting one candle at a time in my heart, mind, and soul, I know that I still have a long way to go too, but I am lighting more candles every day. Most of the candles burning inside of me, in fact, weren’t even lit by me. They were lit by other shining souls I met along the journey of my life. The brightest flame they lit is the truth that God loves you, me, and everyone in this world. With this flame you can light enough candles to brighten the whole universe. Some of the other flames they ignited in me and that I want to pass on to you are these. Love is stronger than hate. Giving brings more joy than receiving. Forgiveness heals our hearts. Love and joy are both choices we make and gifts we share. Hate comes from ignorance, but love brings wisdom. We are all Children of God. And we should not only claim our birthright, but live up to it as well. We are all one family here and we should do our best to help each other’s candles burn as brightly and beautifully as possible. Take happiness then in lighting the candles of learning and love inside of yourself. Take joy when others light them inside you as well. And with love and goodness share their light with everyone everywhere. Remember that we all come from God’s light. Until we return to it we all should do our best to burn brightly and cast the darkness out of this world.

WAY TO LIVE

You are strong . . . .


when you take your grief and teach it to smile.


You are brave . . . .

when you overcome your fear and help others to do the same.


You are happy . . . .

when you see a flower and give it your blessing.


You are loving . . . .

when your own pain does not blind you to the pain of others.


You are wise . . . .

when you know the limits of your wisdom.


You are true . . . .

when you admit there are times you fool yourself.


You are alive . . . .

when tomorrow's hope means more to you than yesterday's mistake.


You are growing . . . .

when you know what you are but not what you will become.


You are free . . . .

when you are in control of yourself and do not wish to control others.


You are honorable . . . .

when you find your honor is to honor others.


You are generous . . . .

when you can take as sweetly as you can give.


You are humble . . . .

when you do not know how humble you are.


You are thoughtful . . . .

when you see me just as I am and treat me just as you are.


You are merciful . . . .

when you forgive in others the faults you condemn in yourself.


You are beautiful . . . .

when you don't need a mirror to tell you.


You are rich . . . .

when you never need more than what you have.


You are you . . . .

when you are at peace with who you are not.

Remember the Duck………..

There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with, out in the woods. He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back to dinner. As he was walking back, he saw Grandma's pet duck. Just out of impulse, he let fly, hit the duck square in the head, and killed it. He was shocked and grieved. In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile, only to see his sister watching. Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing. After lunch that day grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes." But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen today, didn't you Johnny?" And then she whispered to him, "Remember, the duck?" So Johnny did the dishes. Later Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing, and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper." But Sally smiled and said, "Well, that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help." And she whispered again, "Remember, the duck?" So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed. After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's, he finally couldn't stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he killed the duck. She knelt down, gave him a hug, and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing. But because I love you, I forgave you. But I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you." I don't know what's in your past. I don't know what one sin the enemy keeps throwing up in your face. But whatever it is, I want you to know something. Jesus Christ was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing. But because He loves you, He is ready to forgive you. Perhaps He's wondering how long you'll let the enemy make a slave out of you. The great thing about God is that He not only forgives, but He forgets.

EARLY MORNING PRAYER

Joshua 8:10 "And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and mustered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai."

Joshua rose up early in the morning, that he might lose no time, and to show how intent his mind was upon his business. Someone said, “Those that desire victory must not love their ease”. For each one of us we have our part to play in order to taste the success and victory that God has in store for us. We have a battle to fight!

God gave Joshua a promise in the beginning of the eighth chapter, Joshua 8;1 ” Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land”. Joshua did not sit with folded hands to taste victory, he had work to do. What a brave commander Joshua was! We see his meticulous planning and concentration to the tiniest of details which brings him victory. Ecclesiastes 7:19 says “Wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.”.

Dear Friend, God speaks to those who diligently listen to Him. God speaks to the diligent and not to the indolent! After we meet Christ, our life style must change. I know many youngsters who have never trained themselves to wake up early and wait upon the Lord for instructions during the day. No wonder their lives are messy and untidy. Look what king David says in Psalm 5:3 “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” God helps you to patiently evaluate the events of the day, helps you to be a better organizer when you have to manage your home and office. There would be no “mad rush” or “morning rush”. Remember, we need to learn to balance our life and time management is a skill which cannot be achieved by a lazy person. No wonder families are splitting, homes rocking and children suffering because of lazy moms and dads. When you don’t seek God in the morning, the rest of the day goes crashing: the boss screams at you, your friends misunderstand you, you shabbily perform at the presentation and your performance is below average because you lack the wisdom of God. Joshua was able to lead his huge army without a flaw and squash the enemy because he arose early in the morning, listened to the instructions of God and followed the commandments carefully.

I had disciplined myself to wake up very early for prayer everyday from the initial days of my salvation. Back when my son was an infant and while working for a multinational bank, I still separated precious time for my Lord. All talk and no work reveals our empty heart. Your quiet time with the Lord determines your intimacy with Him. It is this determination and dedication that has now enabled me to teach in Pastor’s Conferences and Bible Colleges about the importance of prayer. Start today!

Bridge’s of Blessing for the year 2010…………

A young girl who was traveling on train for the first time heard that it would have to cross several rivers. She was troubled and fearful as she thought of the water. But each time the train came to a river, a bridge was always there to provide a safe way across. After passing safely over several rivers and stream, the girl settled back in her seat with a sign of relief. Then she turned to her mother and said, “I’m not worried anymore. Somebody has put the bridges for us all the way!” When we come to deep rivers of trial and the streams of sorrow, we too will find that God in His grace “has put bridges for us all the way.” So we need not fall into hopelessness and anxiety. In delightful though often untraceable ways, He will meet our needs. We can be sure that He will provide a way. Those who have given their situations over to God can exclaim with the psalmist, “The Lord is righteous in all His ways and gracious in all His works…The Lord preserves all who love Him” (Psalm 145: 17, 20).

Lets thank God; For every blessing what He has done and every bridge what he is made to overcome the trials and tribulations in the year 2009, Lets pray; God we come to your throne of Grace and mercy, We come to You seeking Your protection and Your goodness for the entire new year 2010, often harried and driven by life's pressures and temptations. But we come to You, not demanding, but submitting our self’s to be used for your glory -- not just today, but for the rest of my life. In Jesus we pray. Amen.

God is in control

Recently I read of a heart-rending event. A few scientists went to the snow-capped North Pole for research. One of them was caught among the ridges of the ice. Snow enveloped him but he found one small slit to which he put his nose and breathed. Unfortunately, some poisonous gas emanated from the stove which he carried and blocked the slit. He was choked and he began thinking of his wife and children whom he had left far behind. There was no one to take care of them if he did not survive. Then, for a moment he composed himself and looked at the blue sky and the stars above. He realized that God was on His throne above all and was watching him. He knew God is in control and would not forget him. This thought was a ray of hope to him in his solitude. At that North Pole he was not alone but God was with him. God had concern for that scientist and in good time he sent few men to look for him. They split the blocks and miraculously saved his life. Our Heavenly Father who is on His throne is in full control of all that happens in our life. Nothing can touch us without His will

THE OBSTACLE IN OUR PATH

In ancient times, a king had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it.

Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the big stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. On approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. As the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many others never understand.
Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve one's condition.
            "EVERY IMPOSSBILE THINGS ARE POSSIBLE BY JESUS".

Obstacles are foundation to come closer into lord presence and a time to accpect JESUS as our saviour.

MORNING PRAYER BRINGS VICTORY

Mark 1:35 "Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed."

"Quiet time with God is essential in order to calm our raging spirits and emotions. "

Rev. Billy Graham says, "Happy is the man who has learned the secret of coming to God in daily prayer. Fifteen minutes alone with God every morning before you start the day can change circumstances and remove mountains! But all of this happiness and all of these unlimited benefits which flow from the storehouse of heaven are contingent upon our relationship with God. Absolute dependency and absolutely yielding to His will are the conditions of being His child."
I have personally enjoyed the benefits of spending the first fruits of the day with the Lord. As a young mother of two children, when my second son was an infant, I would put him over my shoulder, move into a separate room in the wee hours of the morning and pray. I was very determined about sticking to my prayer timings in the morning and I still am, which is one of the main reason I am able to overcome the many hurdles and pressures in the ministry. I would prepare the previous evening to wake up early the next morning to meet 'My King.' Nothing happens without the unwavering will to do it at any cost.
Helen Roseware while she was working as a missionary doctor in Africa, during the initial days she was struggling hard to maintain fellowship with God. Loads of work and lack of people kept her on her toes all the time before she realized that she was moving far away from God. She then determined to wake up at 5.30 am for prayers and no sooner she lit the lantern at 5.30 am, there would be a knock at the door. The moment they saw light in her room, they either called her for some emergency in the general hospital or maternity compound. She told God that she would now wake up at 4.30 am but she heard the same knock on the door summoning her for an emergency in the hospital. She finally worked out means to share the work and thereby found time to be with God, this gave her immense strength to do her work and also rest in Him.
We see that Jesus was able to handle the pressures of his ministry because he had a strong prayer life. Jesus took time out of His busy schedule to talk with God. We read in our scripture how Jesus had a habit of getting up early to spend time alone with God, away from everyone and everything. He always found a time and a place to be alone with His Father.
We must spend quiet time with God in prayer in the morning to draw upon His power, say 'NO' to every interruption.

No legs—But he is a great missionary…………

There was a little boy who once heard how many people in the world do not know the love of Jesus. The boy had a great desire to become a missionary so that he can travel places sharing the love of God. Unfortunately, one day he met with an accident and lost both his legs. He was laid on the bedside of a window and was supplied with his daily needs. The boy grieved in his heart that he can no longer go places to share the love of Jesus. He was so disappointed. Then one day an idea struck him, everyday he made small chits with one liners in it that read messages like Jesus Loves You, Jesus Heals You, Jesus Saves You etc. He threw these chits from the window on the travelers who passed by the road. He did these for years but did not see any response. One day a stranger knocked at the door. He asked if there is anybody on the window-side throwing chits on the road. The stranger was led to the boy. The stranger said, “I am a rich industrialist. Two years ago I was struck by a strange disease which had no medicine in the medical world. I was then being taken in an ambulance for an emergency surgery. The ambulance happened to stop by the signal that is beside the window when a paper came flying and stuck to the glass window of the ambulance. It read, “Jesus heals you”. The message renewed my spirit and encouraged me. Jesus healed me miraculously and today I’m completely restored with good health. Thank you for sharing His love with me” No matter in which state we are, we can still share the love of God with others and change their lives...

BUTTERFLY……….

BUTTERFLY……….


A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could, and it could go no further. So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly. What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon. Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our lives. If God allowed us to go through our lives without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. We could never fly! I asked for Strength......... And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong. I asked for Wisdom......... And God gave me Problems to solve. I asked for Prosperity......... And God gave me Brain and Brawn to work. I asked for Courage......... And God gave me Danger to overcome. I asked for Love......... And God gave me troubled people to help. I asked for Favors......... And God gave me Opportunities. I received nothing I wanted........ I received everything I needed! Trust in God. Always

Help in the Rain

Help in the Rain……….

One night, at 11:30 PM, an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her - generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxi cab. She seemed to be in a big hurry! She wrote down his address, thanked him and drove away. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes but my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others." Bible tells us in Matthew 7:12, Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. Offer help to anyone who needs it, Thank others for helping you. If you help someone, someone will help you. Treat people the way you want them to treat you. If everyone bears that in mind, there will be joy & peace

You are great in the sight of God………..

You are great in the sight of God………..


There was a musician who was exceptionally talented and a gifted player of fiddle. He was once performing before a large audience, who were enjoying the heavenly melody with rapt attention and great appreciation. He was playing his own favourite fiddle which had four strings and a bow. As the program progressed, one of the strings broke. But he continued to perform without interruption. Then a second string also broke. Still he continued the music without break. After a while, the third string also broke. He continued his magic performance with a single string, with excellent expertise. His music was so melodious that no one could feel the great tragedy that occurred during the performance. This incident teaches us that for a really talented and gifted musician, a single string is sufficient to create a miraculous melody. The mighty Goliath was felled by a single small stone in the gifted hands of David, because God was with David {1 Samuel 17: 49, 50}. Jesus employed the simple and humble gift of five loaves and two fish from a boy to feed the thousands who had assembled to hear His sermon {John 6: 9-13}. God has given every person a generous gift of special talents, which we often hide and refuse to use. (Matthew 25: 14-30 and Luke 19: 11-27). “Each one of us has received a special gift in proportion to what Christ has given” {Ephesians 4: 7}. We must serve God and our fellow men utilizing fully, all the talents and gifts God has given to us (Ephesians 4:11, 12}.

A carrot and an egg to examine

A carrot and an egg to examine……..

A student complained to his learned teacher about the difficulties he has to endure in his life. He came from a very poor family and had to look after his home and support his aged and sick parents and his younger siblings by working hard every day after the classes in school while his wealthy class-mates could play and rest without any stress or strain. He was almost exhausted and had even thought about committing suicide. The wise teacher gave him a carrot and an egg to examine. He was asked to comment on their hardness. He said that the carrot was sufficiently hard that it cannot be crushed by hands. The egg could be easily cracked and the liquid contents would leak out with ease. Then the teacher put the carrot and egg together in a pan, added some water to cover the articles and then boiled the water over the flame. After some time, the teacher took out the articles from the pan and asked for the comments of the student. The boy observed that the carrot, which was hard earlier, had become very soft after boiling. The egg, on the other hand, became very hard during the boiling. Its contents had solidified and now would not flow out even when the shell is shattered. The teacher told the boy, “Earlier, you were like the carrot. Your courage and strength of mind were lost when you were exposed to the hard realities of life. You became weak and could be smashed easily.” Next, he displayed the egg and told, “Be like the egg. You are soft and tender by nature, but the adversities of life should make you bolder and stronger. Then you can gain the courage to face any harsh moments with confidence.” He then narrated the biography of successful persons who could overcome the hard times of early life with confidence and earnest efforts. Bible tells in John 12:24, a grain of wheat remains no more than a single grain unless it is dropped into the ground and dies. If it does die, then it produces many grains”.

The Victorious Life

The Victorious Life……..


1 Samuel 17:24-47; The Philistine army was ready to fight. Merely a boy, David traveled from his home to the battlefront in order to check on his brothers and supply them with food. There, he heard the notorious Goliath threaten Israel. The young Israelite was outraged: Who was this giant to challenge the Lord's army? David sensed God's direction and obeyed. A battle ensued between a giant and a boy, but the almighty God stood with the youth. Goliath, along with the entire Philistine army, was defeated. This is truly an amazing story--we rarely hear of anything this miraculous in our world today. But we, like David, can live triumphantly, even in the midst of terrifying and "impossible" circumstances. First, we need to understand success from the Lord's perspective: Goals should align with Scripture; then our heavenly Father directs us, and we follow with confidence. Second, we--like David--ought to have a clear picture of what needs to be accomplished. Good goals should be clear enough to write in a sentence or two. For example, David's aim was to free God's people from their enemies. Our goals may be huge and lifelong, like modeling dependence on Jesus for our children. Others, such as creating a weekly family night, are simpler to achieve. Whether facing a daunting challenge like David's or an easier undertaking, you should live intentionally. Ask the Lord for direction and purpose as you write down goals, both big and small. The same God who led David in victory desires to lead you today

Unfolding of a Rose………

Unfolding of a Rose………

A young, new preacher was walking with an older, more seasoned preacher in the garden one day and feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do, he was inquiring of the older preacher. The older preacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals. The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the WILL OF GOD for his life and for his ministry. Because of his high respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to TRY to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact... It wasn't long before he realized how impossible it was to do so. Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud while keeping it intact, the older preacher began to recite the following poem... It is only a tiny rosebud, A flower of God's design; But I cannot unfold the petals, With these clumsy hands of mine. The secret of unfolding flowers, Is not known to such as I. GOD opens this flower so sweetly, When in my hands they fade and die. If I cannot unfold a rosebud, This flower of God's design, Then how can I think I have wisdom, To unfold this life of mine? So I'll trust in Him for His leading, Each moment of every day. I will look to Him for His guidance, Each step of the pilgrim way. The pathway that lies before me, Only my Heavenly Father knows. I'll trust Him to unfold the moments, Just as He unfolds the rose. 

A Matter of Focus

A Matter of Focus……….

My friend Marge had an experience aboard a plane bound for Cleveland, while waiting for takeoff. As she settled into her seat, Marge noticed a strange phenomenon. On one side of the airplane a sunset suffused the entire sky with glorious color. But out of the window next to her seat, all Marge could see was a dark and threatening sky, with no sign of the sunset. As the plane's engines began to roar, a gentle Voice spoke within her. "You have noticed the windows," He murmured beneath the roar of the engines and thrust of the takeoff. "Your life, too, will contain some happy, beautiful times, but also some dark shadows. Here's a lesson I want to teach you to save you much heartache and allow you to "abide in Me" with continual peace and joy. You see, it doesn't matter which window you look through; this plane is still going to Cleveland. So it is in your life. You have a choice. You can dwell on the gloomy picture. Or you can focus on the bright things and leave the dark, ominous situations to Me. I alone can handle them anyway. The final destination is not influenced by what you see or feel along the way. Learn this, act on it and you will be released, able to experience the "peace that passes understanding."

Faith Can Move Mountains……..







A little boy was spending his Saturday morning playing in his sandbox. He had with him his box of cars and trucks, his plastic pail, and a shiny, red plastic shovel. In the process of creating roads and tunnels in the soft sand, he discovered a large rock in the middle of the sandbox. The boy dug around the rock, managing to dislodge it from the dirt. With no little bit of struggle, he pushed and nudged the rock across the sandbox by using his feet. He was a very small boy and the rock was very huge. When the boy got the rock to the edge of the sandbox, however, he found that he couldn't roll it up and over the little wall. Determined, the little boy shoved, pushed, and pried, but every time he thought he had made some progress, the rock tipped and then fell back into the sandbox. The little boy grunted, struggled, pushed, & shoved; but his only reward was to have the rock roll back, smashing his chubby fingers. Finally he burst into tears of frustration. All this time the boy's father watched from his living room window as the drama unfolded. At the moment the tears fell, a large shadow fell across the boy and the sandbox. It was the boy's father. Gently but firmly he said, "Son, why didn't you use all the strength that you had available? Defeated, the boy sobbed back, "But I did, Daddy, I did! I used all the strength that I had!" "No, son," said the father kindly. "You didn't use all the strength you had. You didn't ask me." With that the father reached down, picked up the rock, and removed it from the sandbox. Do you have "rocks" in your life that need to be removed? Are you discovering that you don't have what it takes to lift them? There is One who is always available to us and willing to give us the strength we need. Isn't it funny how we try so hard to do things ourselves? Sadly, many adults who have been Christians for years are trying to do everything themselves and only turning to God as a last resort. God wants to be your first resort

Tax Free Blessing………

Tax Free Blessing………








A tax assessor came one day to a poor Christian to determine the amount of taxes he would have to pay. The following conversation took place: “What property do you possess?" asked the assessor. "I am a very wealthy man," replied the Christian. "List your possessions, please," the assessor instructed. The Christian said: "First, I have everlasting life, John 3:16, Second, I have a mansion in heaven, John 14:2, Third, I have peace that passes all understanding, Philippians 4:7, Fourth, I have joy unspeakable, 1 Peter 1:8, Fifth, I have divine love which never fails, 1 Corinthians 13:8, Sixth, I have a faithful wife, Proverbs 31:10, Seventh, I have healthy, happy obedient children, Exodus 20:12, Eighth, I have true, loyal friends, Proverbs 18:24, Ninth, I have songs in the night, Psalms 42:8, Tenth, I have a crown of life, James 1:12", The tax assessor closed his book, and said, "Truly you are a very rich man, but your property is not subject to taxation." So, here are some suggestions to help you become blessed with the riches of God. Try the above suggestions in order to become a blessing to your Heavenly Father as well as those around you, known as your neighbors. And, remember, as long as He is meeting your needs and you have the promise of eternity in Heaven, You Are Blessed! I pray that all of us will have this kind of tax free "wealth." God Bless You!

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good
An old story is told of a king in Africa who had a close friend with whom he grew up. The friend had a habit of looking at every situation that ever occurred in his life (positive or negative) and remarking, "This is good!" One day the king and his friend were out on a hunting expedition. The friend would load and prepare the guns for the king. The friend had apparently done something wrong in preparing one of the guns, for after taking the gun from his friend, the king fired it and his thumb was blown off. Examining the situation the friend remarked as usual, "This is good!" To which the king replied, "No, this is NOT good!" and proceeded to send his friend to jail. About a year later, the king was hunting in an area that he should have known to stay clear of. Cannibals captured him and took him to their village. They tied his hands, stacked some wood, set up a stake and bound him to the stake. As they came near to set fire to the wood, they noticed that the king was missing a thumb. Being superstitious, they never ate anyone that was less than whole. So untying the king, they sent him on his way. As he returned home, he was reminded of the event that had taken his thumb and felt remorse for his treatment of his friend. He went immediately to the jail to speak with his friend. "You were right," he said, "it was good that my thumb was blown off." And he proceeded to tell the friend all that had just happened. "And so I am very sorry for sending you to jail for so long. It was bad for me to do this." "No," his friend replied, "This is good!" "What do you mean, ‘This is good'? How could it be good that I sent my friend to jail for a year?" "If I had NOT been in jail, I would have been with you." "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." (Rom. 8:28) Situations may not always seem pleasant while we are in them, but the promise of God is clear.

If we love Him and live our lives according to His precepts, even that which seems to be bleak and hopeless will be turned by God for His glory and our benefit. Hold on, God is faithful! May God bless you all the days of your life, as you seek His will in every situation. Bible tells us in Genesis 50:20 (NIV) "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."