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Meditation

Impact from your words

Dr. Deb Roy, a researcher and cognitive scientist with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, recorded the first 3 years of his child’s life to learn how humans acquire language. He and his wife rigged their home with recording devices, which they used to collect over 200,000 hours of audio and video footage. Amassing, condensing, and editing the recordings enabled them to hear baby sounds like “gaga” evolve into words like “water.”

If someone wanted to conduct a research project at your home, would you participate if you knew that your every syllable would be recorded and analyzed? What would the study reveal? Proverbs 18 offers insight about some unwise speech patterns. The writer notes that foolish people express their own opinions instead of trying to understand what others have to say (v.2). Does this characterize us? Do we sometimes provoke fights with our words (v.7), or speak impulsively and “answer a matter before [hearing] it”? (v.13).

We need to become students of our speech. With God’s help we can identify and transform destructive dialogue into words of encouragement that are “good for necessary edification” and that “impart grace to the hearers” (Eph. 4:29).

Take my voice and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages for Thee. —Havergal

Our words have the power to build up or tear down.

Our daily bread – Speech Study by Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Just to add to what Jennifer has written…Be careful what you speak to your children, family, partner, relatives and those around you. Your words can influence on who they will end up as in the future.

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Meditation

Triumph over doubt and fear

“This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4)

It is easy to love Him when the blue is in the sky. When the summer winds are blowing and we smell the roses nigh; There is little effort needed to obey His precious will when it leads through flower-decked valley, or over sun-kissed hill.

It is when the rain is falling, or the mist hangs in the air, When the road is dark and rugged, and the wind no longer fair, when the rosy dawn has settled in a Shadowland of gray, That we find it hard to trust Him, and are slower to obey.

It is easy to trust Him when the singing birds have come, And their canticles are echoed in our heart and in our home; But ‘tis when we miss the music, and the days are dull and drear, That we need a faith triumphant over every doubt and fear.

And our blessed Lord will give it; what we lack He will supply; Let us ask in faith believing – on His promises rely; He will ever be our Leader, whether smooth or rough the way, And will prove Himself sufficient for the needs of everyday.

To trust in spite of the look of being forsaken; to keep crying out into the vast, whence comes no returning voice, and where seems no hearing; to see the machinery of the world pauselessly grinding on as if self-moved, caring for no life, nor shifting a hair-breadth for all entreaty, and yet believe that God is awake and utterly loving; to desire nothing but what comes meant for us from His hand; to wait patiently, ready to die of hunger, fearing only lest faith should fail – such is the victory that overcometh the world, such is faith indeed. – George MacDonald.

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Inspiration

Get Somewhere


Are you groping for a blessing,
Never getting there?
Listen to a word in season,
Get somewhere.

Are you struggling for salvation,
By your anxious prayer?
Stop your struggling, simply trust and –
Get somewhere.

Does the answer seem to linger,
To your earnest prayer?
Turn your praying into praise, and –
Get somewhere

You will never know His fulness,
Till you boldly dare
To commit your all to Him, and –
Get somewhere.

Ref: Streams in the Desert book

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Inspiration Message

Ask it in Jesus Name

You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. (John 14:14)

Dearly beloved,

God will fulfill the desires of your heart for His glory. God said to Abraham, “…Do not be afraid Abram, I am your shield, your very great reward” (Genesis 15:1). God had given such a wonderful promise to Abraham. It is so easy to receive God’s promises. But when we go through trials and tribulations, it is very difficult to cling on to them.

The Bible relates, “And Abraham said, ‘You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.’ Then the word of the LORD came to him: ‘This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir…Look up at the heavens and count the stars–if indeed you can count them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’ Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:3-6).

Our God is such a loving God. As promised, He blessed Abraham with Isaac when he was hundred years old. There is nothing impossible for God (Luke 1:37). He calls those things which do not exist as if they do exist (Romans 4:17). He fulfilled His promise in the life of Abraham. Probably, you are living in tears without a child. But the Lord is able to bless you also in the same manner. Cry out to God saying, “Lord, please grant me Your blessings.” It is God’s desire that you should lead a prosperous life in this world.

I present below the testimony of Sis. Swetha Manuri of Kolkata who received such a blessing from God: “I have had abortions twice. Hence, I was going through much agony. I participated in the Jesus Calls Prayer Festival held in Kolkata in 1991.

“During the prayer time Sis. Evangeline Paul Dhinakaran sincerely prayed, ‘Lord, grant the gift of a child to those who do not have children. Remove all problems from their uterus. Let all cysts disappear. Place a child in their womb right now.’ The Lord heard her prayer and blessed me with two lovely children. I have enrolled both of them in the Jesus Calls Children Blessing Ministry. I give all glory to God.”

Our God is such a loving God. He will bless us in an abundant measure. Sis. Swetha had problems in her uterus. She might have thought that she would never get a child. But God proved that there is nothing impossible for Him. Whatever we ask in His name, He will give it to us (John 14:13,14). The Bible says, “What the righteous desire will be granted” (Proverbs 10:24).

Prayer:

Loving Lord Jesus,

I praise your wonderful name. You are glorious and worthy to be praised. I bring my requests before You. I ask You to shower your blessings upon me. I believe in You and cling on to your promises. Accept my prayer and bless me according to your promises. Fulfill the desires of my heart. Let the miracles bring glory to your name.

In Jesus name I pray.

Amen.

In Jesus Name by Sis.Evangeline Paul Dhinakaran (Jesus Calls Ministry)

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Inspiration

Lesson from Ants

In his book Adventures Among Ants: A Global Safari with a Cast of Trillions, Mark Moffett reflects on his early childhood fascination with ants—an interest that didn’t die as he grew older. Moffett’s preoccupation led to his earning a doctorate at Harvard and then embarking on worldwide travel as an expert on the subject. His study has given him marvelous insights about these industrious creatures.

Long before Moffett discovered some of the wonders of the ant world, the Scriptures remarked on the ingenuity and work ethic of these tiny insects. Ants are held up by wise King Solomon as an example of industry for those who tend to be lazy: “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain . . . provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest” (Prov. 6:6-8).

The marvels of God’s creation are beautifully illustrated as God uses His creatures to instruct us. For instance, from the ant we can see the importance of planning ahead and laying away provisions for the future (30:25). God built spiritual lessons into nature itself, and we can learn from creatures even as tiny as an ant.

In the open book of nature faith remains unmoved—
Patterns of the Master-Builder by each fact are proved;
So with reverent hearts we ponder all the grand design
Of the universe around us, wrought by hands divine. —Peterson

In God’s pattern book of nature we can trace many valuable lessons.

Ants Safari from Our Daily Bread by Dennis Fisher

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Devotion Inspiration Meditation

Grace and Salvation Misconception

In today’s Christianity, Grace is one of the most talked about subject. Pastors and preachers from around the world explain of the richness and importance it brings to our daily lives. I am sure many of the people who have been raised up in a Christian family have heard this term ‘grace’ being used in almost everything from getting up each day alive & well to achieving successful outcomes in various tasks.

This wonderful term ‘grace’ as one brother has put it is “God’s riches at Christ’s expense”. It has been given to us as a free gift just as our Salvation. It was not because we deserved it or because of our works in this world (Ephesians 2:8-10). It was purely God’s unmerited favor to mankind. In our quest to understand this term ‘grace’, it is important to realize that God’s grace is available to all men just as it says in Titus 2:11. Despite this, not all men have been saved. You see God gave people a choice to make for themselves.

He is not a God who forces people to do what his will is. Although, he knows very well that being submissive to Him will leads you to a life full of Joy and Peace. He took so much effort into making each one of us unique so much so that not one single finger print is same as another person who lived thousands of years ago. He did this to not make us robots controlled by what he likes and dislikes but that we would have a choice to come as we are and accept him to be our Lord and Saviour.

Grace on its own doesn’t redeem us of our sin, it is Jesus Christ who redeems us of our sin. It’s not there to forgive our sins since its Jesus Christ who forgives our sins and makes us new creatures in Him. The biggest misconception comes when ‘new-age’ preachers tell their congregation that where sin abounds, grace abounds even more. That sinning against God is ok as long as you ask for forgiveness.

Forgiveness comes only after true repentance from your sinful life. “True repentance is not only sorrow for sins and humble penitence and contrition before God, but it involves the necessity of turning away from them, a discontinuance of all evil practices and deeds, a thorough reformation of life, a vital change from evil to good, from vice to virtue, from darkness to light. Not only so, but to make restitution so far as is possible for all the wrongs that we have done, to pay our debts and restore to God and man their rights, that which is due them from us. This is true repentance and the exercise of the will and all the powers of body and mind is demanded to complete this glorious work of repentance” – President Joseph F. Smith.

Doesn’t sound like what your pastor has told you or your counselor? It may not be but it’s what God has said in the Bible according to Titus 2:11-12. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”.

How does Salvation fit into all this? Salvation is given to man as a gift from God by His grace. People are here to share the good news of Salvation and new life in Him but has no part in God’s salvation to people. You see that in Philippians 2:12 where Paul says, “work out your salvation with fear and trembling”. He did not say to work out God’s salvation but your own. No man or No minister can forgive your sins or give you salvation. It is Jesus Christ alone who can give you salvation. He is the only one who died on the cross and rose again to forgive our sins. Salvation is received not achieved.

Another biggest misconception is when preachers tell you that once you believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior, ask him to come into your heart and forgive you of your sins, and pray a simple prayer, you are saved. Not so, as this forgiveness of your sins depend on the topic we just explored. The topic of True repentance.”True repentance is not only sorrow for sins and humble penitence and contrition before God, but it involves the necessity of turning away from them, a discontinuance of all evil practices and deeds, a thorough reformation of life, a vital change from evil to good, from vice to virtue, from darkness to light. Not only so, but to make restitution so far as is possible for all the wrongs that we have done, to pay our debts and restore to God and man their rights, that which is due them from us…”

Are you ready to truly repent of your sins and ask God to come into your life. Do you want to be submissive to His will and plan for your life? Do you want to be assured that when you die, you will go to heaven? Do you want to have peace and rest in the midst of trouble and restless world? Do you want to have freedom and liberty from the bondages of this world? Do you want to live a life pleasing God’s sight and live to be all that God wants you to be? Do you want to have joy and peace that surpasses all understanding in your life?

If your answer is YES to all those questions above, pray this simple prayer and believe in God. You will surely experience a life of abundance, joy, peace and tranquility.

“Lord Jesus Christ,

I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. I ask your forgiveness and now turn from everything which I know is wrong. Thank you for dying on the cross for me to set me free from my sins. Please come into my life and fill me with your Holy Spirit and be with me forever.

Thank you Lord Jesus, Amen.”

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Reference:

God’s Saving Grace

Have eternal life

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Devotion

Sweet Slumber

Photographer Anne Geddes has made an art form out of taking pictures of sleeping babies. Her photos evoke smiles. Nothing is a better image of peace than a sleeping child.

But between naps and nighttime, caring for children is an exhausting and relentless responsibility. In their innocence and enthusiasm, children can get themselves into life-threatening situations in no time. After a hectic day of chasing, entertaining, protecting, feeding, dressing, guarding, guiding, and making peace between squabbling siblings, parents are eager for bedtime. After the toys are put away and the pajamas are put on, the sleepy toddler slows down, cuddles with mom or dad for a bedtime story, and finally falls asleep. Later, before putting themselves to bed, parents check on their children one more time to make sure all is peaceful in dreamland. The serene beauty of a sleeping child makes all the day’s frustrations worthwhile.

Scripture indicates that God’s ideal condition for His children is peace (Lev. 26:6), but too often in our immaturity we get into trouble and cause conflict. Like parents of young children, God desires for us to become weary of wrongdoing and to rest in the safety and contentment of His loving ways.

Lord, help me not to squabble and cause friction with others about unimportant matters. May I instead find rest in Your love and wisdom, and seek peace. Amen.

In His will is our peace. —Dante

By Julie Ackerman Link

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Devotion

Every day is Christmas

I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. – Luke 2:10-11 (NRSV)

Every time I visit Martha at the assisted-living facility, she asks, “Are you getting ready for Christmas?” Dementia makes her unaware of the actual date. This reality does not trouble Martha, and over the years it has ceased to trouble me.

Some have said, “Correct her. Help her understand that Christmas is months away.” For a long time, I attempted to do this, but now I see the value of expecting the birth of Jesus every day. I watch Martha’s face light up with joy when she asks, “Are you getting ready for Christmas?” Her eyes dance, and her smile changes the mood in the room. She expects Christmas to come and for Jesus to be born today or maybe tomorrow — very soon. And this brings her joy that is contagious.

In the midst of all that could attempt to defeat the message of Christmas, Martha reminds all of us around her that Jesus is coming. Jesus is coming soon. Her simple question has changed me. I now leave a nativity set on a table in my office throughout the year to help me remember the truth, “to you is born a Savior.” I give thanks for the gift of Martha’s question and for its reminder to expect Jesus to come — today and every day.

Devotion by Karen Greenwaldt (Tennessee, USA)

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Devotion

Trust the Lord

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.    (Matthew 6:33)

Dearly beloved, the Lord promises to provide for those who trust in His goodness. He comforts them, “…Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink” (Matthew 6:25).

One day, I was going through all the letters that I received that day. A particular sister wrote, “Brother, I am weeping for the past 23 years. I have absolutely no peace in this world. I have four children. We have nothing to eat. We are shedding only tears.”

“My husband is addicted to alcohol. He is doing witchcraft against me and my children. On account of that, I am losing my memory quite often. Even if I try to love him, I am unable to do it. How long can I live like this? Please pray for me.”

The Bible says, “An anxious heart weighs a man down…” (Proverbs 12:25). Worry and anxiety cause depression. Worry is a tool used by the devil to torment people. But the Lord says, “Do not worry. I will make you a special person.”

The Bible recounts, “As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.”

“She came to Him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’”(Luke 10:38-42).

Even today, you must accept Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour. Leave all your burdens at His feet. Then He will transform you into a special person. The Lord Himself has said, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). Seek the Lord with wholehearted devotion and yield yourself to carry out His will in this world. Then He will generously provide all you need.

Prayer:

Loving Lord Jesus,

You are good. I seek You with wholehearted devotion. I leave all my burdens at your feet. I trust in your goodness. Bear my burdens and offer comfort to my weary soul. Fill my heart with your divine peace. I yield myself to carry out your will in this world. In your generosity, provide all my needs and make me glad.

In Your matchless name I pray.

Amen.

Daily Devotion by Dr. Paul Dhinakaran

 

Categories
Inspiration

The Viral Gospel


The term “viral video” refers to a short clip posted on the Internet that spreads rapidly as the link is sent from one person to another. The video may be funny, inspiring, or thought provoking, and it can quickly spread around the world and be seen by millions of people. It’s an advertiser’s dream, but few marketing experts are able to exploit it. Lacy Kemp wrote: “How do you make something spread like wildfire? The answer is that you can’t. It’s not something to plan for or else everyone would be doing it. It has to be awesome enough on its own to get there.”

The gospel of Jesus Christ is “viral” in the way it spreads from one person to another. After Stephen, a leader in the early church, was stoned for his faith, the followers of Jesus in Jerusalem were persecuted and forced to leave their homes (Acts 8:1-3). Instead of fearfully holding back, these Christians told people about Him wherever they went. “Those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the Word” (v.4).

When we truly know Christ we cannot keep the good news about Him to ourselves. Even in the most challenging circumstances, we want to keep on telling others about our Savior and Lord.

Lord, You have been so gracious to save us
and give us eternal life. We love You and want
to tell everyone we can
about Your amazing grace. Lead us, we pray.
Spread the gospel; it’s contagious!

Devotion from Our Daily Bread by David C. McCasland