THOUGHT - 5 (JESUS WILL SAVE YOU)

I WILL MAKE YOU AS A SIGNET, SAYS HOLY SPIRIT

Haggai 2:23 “In that day..... will I take you....and will make you as a signet: for I have chosen you, says the Lord of hosts.”

This is what God is promising to you today. There are three important things that Holy Spirit wants you to understand.

1.      God’s love upon you

In the 22^nd verse, God says that He will overthrow and destroy the kingdoms. But yet He chooses to bless one particular person. Even if God decides to destroy kingdoms, He will not destroy you for He loves you a lot. That’s what God says to you today: “For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from you, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed.” Listen carefully. Mountains may depart, kingdoms may perish and hills be removed but God’s kindness and peace will not be taken away from your life. Why so? Holy Spirit says to you today, “Fear not: for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name; you are Mine.”(Isaiah 43:1). Remember my friend, you are His and His love is upon you. God loves you. So He will be patient with you and He will not let your foot to slip. Not only that, He will protect you from all kind of evils.

2.      He has chosen you

Why God loves you and why He protects you? Because He has chosen you. Why God has chosen you? He has chosen you that you have to be a Holy generation. God wants to do something through you that He wants you to be segregated from the world. He has chosen you for a purpose. In His time His purpose will be fulfilled in your life.

3.      God will take you and will make you as a signet

Holy Spirit wants you to carefully understand this verse. It’s not that you will be made as a signet by your own self. God says clearly that I will take you. It’s His grace that will make you as a signet. Do not worry about the present situation of your life. God does not want you to dwell in guilt feelings thinking your weakness and sin. He just wants you to lean on Him fully so that He will take you and make you as a signet.

Let us just try to understand the specialty of that signet:

1.      The signet dwells in the hands of the king. (i.e The signet belongs to king and king alone. You belong to Me alone says Holy Spirit)

2.      King uses the signet to seal the things. (i.e The decrees which are sealed by king’s signet will alone be valid. I will bless whom you bless and I will curse whom you curse says Holy Spirit)

3.      The signet has to be with the King to receive the respect. (i.e The signet which is in the hands of king alone will be respected. Without Me you can do nothing says Holy Spirit)

My dear friend, God promises you today that you will be a signet. No evil powers or manly powers can destroy the plan that God has on your life says Holy Spirit.

But one thing you have to do to receive God’s blessing in your life. God tells you to do today: “Abide in Me”. My dear friend, you have to learn to Abide in God and you have to learn to be in the centre of God’s will. If you abide in God, He will abide in you and you will be a signet in God’s hands. Surrender your life to God and be blessed. God bless you, friend.

WEEP NOT - A WONDERFUL ILLUSTRATION ON DEATH

SONG I LIKE - 5 (WHO AM I)

WOMEN, DO YOU DARE TO CHANGE GOD’S WRATH?

There stood a Prophet of God in the midst of a town named Nineveh and shouted: “Yet forty days and Nineveh shall be overthrown.”

What made him to cry against an entire city? Let’s read Jonah 1:2

“Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before Me.”

It is not the cry of a prophet alone; it is the cry of the God that came through a Prophet to that entire town.

God’s wrath came on that entire city because it was filled with wickedness. God gave them only forty days to see their reaction to His wrath. God in His divine wisdom and anger, decided to overthrow the entire city.

But Bible says in Jonah 3:10 “And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that He had said that He would do to them and He did it not.”

It is true that God decided to destroy Nineveh but it is also true that God changed His anger and He had not destroyed the city.

Why God has not destroyed Nineveh?

The wicked people of Nineveh repented from their evil way and pleaded to God having little faith that God might change His mind. And indeed God’s anger is changed. It took only few days for the people of Nineveh to change God’s wrath.

Let’s now turn our attention to another incident in which God’s anger revealed.

Genesis 3:16 To the woman He (God) said: “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children…..”

Eve has done a wicked thing and that brought God’s curse on the entire community of woman. But it is really sad to know that how we took it in our lives as a normal issue. Even so many hundreds of years after that incident which has happened at the Garden of Eden, till now women are suffering due to the pain of the child birth.

“The pain of childbirth shock modern mother and having a baby has become a terrifying and shocking experience for mothers” says a recently concluded survey.

It took only few days for the wicked people of Nineveh to change God’s wrath but it is taking several years for us to change God’s wrath but still we have not succeeded in that.

Bible tells us in Galatians 3:13 “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree.”

If at all today you believe Jesus Christ as your savior, why are you carrying God’s wrath even in your life now. You should learn to overcome God’s wrath. Jesus Christ bore all your curses on the cross but yet why are you still holding onto His wrath that came on the mankind several years ago.

Put your faith in God. Claim God’s blessings of cross. I strongly believe that if we claim what Jesus Christ has done for us in the cross and plead to Him in faith, He will remove the curse and wrath that we are carrying for years together. And if we suceed in doing so, surely there won’t be any pain during the child birth.

Nineveh people changed God’s wrath in few days. Then why can’t we do that in our life. 

My dear women, do you dare to change God’s wrath?

HOW DOES GOD FEEL? (TAKEN FROM INTERNET)

There was once a bridge which spanned a large river. During most of the day the bridge sat with its length running up and down the river paralleled with the banks, allowing ships to pass thru freely on both sides of the bridge. But at certain times each day, a train would come along and the bridge would be turned sideways across the river, allowing a train to cross it.

A switch man sat in a small shack on one side of the river where he operated the controls to turn the bridge and lock it into place as the train crossed. One evening as the switch man was waiting for the last train of the day to come; he looked off into the distance thru the dimming twilight and caught sight of the train lights. He stepped to the control and waited until the train was within a prescribed distance when he was to turn the bridge. He turned the bridge into position, but, to his horror, he found the locking control did not work. If the bridge was not securely in position it would wobble back and forth at the ends when the train came onto it, causing the train to jump the track and go crashing into the river. This would be a passenger train with many people aboard.

He left the bridge turned across the river, and hurried across the bridge to the other side of the river where there was a lever switch he could hold to operate the lock manually. He would have to hold the lever back firmly as the train crossed. He could hear the rumble of the train now, and he took hold of the lever and leaned backward to apply his weight to it, locking the bridge. He kept applying the pressure to keep the mechanism locked. Many lives depended on this man's strength.

Then, coming across the bridge from the direction of his control shack, he heard a sound that made his blood run cold. "Daddy, where are you?" His four-year-old son was crossing the bridge to look for him. His first impulse was to cry out to the child, "Run! Run!" But the train was too close; the tiny legs would never make it across the bridge in time. The man almost left his lever to run and snatch up his son and carry him to safety.

But he realized that he could not get back to the lever. Either the people on the train or his little son must die. He took a moment to make his decision. The train sped safely and swiftly on its way, and no one aboard was even aware of the tiny broken body thrown mercilessly into the river by the onrushing train. Nor were they aware of the pitiful figure of the sobbing man, still clinging tightly to the locking lever long after the train had passed.

They did not see him walking home more slowly than he had ever walked: to tell his wife how their son had brutally died.

Now if you comprehend the emotions which went this man's heart, you can begin to understand the feelings of our Father in Heaven when He sacrificed His Son to bridge the gap between us and eternal life. Can there be any wonder that He caused the earth to tremble and the skies to darken when His Son died? How does He feel when we speed along thru life without giving a thought to what was done for us thru Jesus Christ?

SONG I LIKE - 4 (YENTHAN YESAIYAA)

THOUGHT - 4

THOUGHT - 3

THOUGHT - 2

THOUGHT - 1

TETELESTAI - IT IS FINISHED

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with small index-card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I Have Liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.

And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match.

A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed."

The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I Have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed At." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've Yelled at My Brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger," "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped.

I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my 20 years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I Have Listened To," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.

An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.

But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus.

I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?

Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.

"No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood.

He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

Orginally published in New Attitude Magazine. Copyright New Attitude, 1995.

SONG I LIKE-3 (VETKAPATTU POVATHILAI)

POEMS BY WATCHMAN NEE-3

(This maxim, which was composed by Watchman Nee around the year 1930, could very well sum up his life and ministry)

Let me love and not be respected;

Let me serve and not be rewarded;

Let me labor and not be remembered;

Let me suffer and not be regarded 

‘Tis the pouring not the drinking;

Tis the breaking, not the keeping —

A life suffering to seek others’ blessing,

A life loving and true comfort giving

Not expecting pity and concern,

Not accepting solace and applause;

Even lonely, even forgotten,

Even wordless, even forsaken.

Tears and blood my price for the righteous crown shall be;

Losing all, my cost for a faithful pilgrim’s life.

‘Tis the life, O Lord, that You chose to live

In those days when on earth You walked,

Gladly suffering all injuries and loss

So that all might draw near and repose.

I cannot see how much farther I shall go;

Still I press on knowing there is no return.

Let me follow Your pattern so perfect and true,

Bearing ingratitudes without complaint.

In this time of trial, O Lord, I pray

That You’ll wipe all my hidden tears away;

Let me learn, O Lord, You are my reward,

Let me be others’ blessing all my days.

IS GOD REVEALED THROUGH YOU?

This is a story about a little girl who, on the way home from church, turned to her mother and said, "Mommy, the Preacher's sermon this morning confused me."

The mother said, "Oh! Why is that? The girl replied, "Well, he said that God is bigger than we are. Is that true?"

"Yes, that's true," the mother replied. "He also said that God lives within us. Is that true too?"Again the mother replied, "Yes."

"Well," said the girl. "If God is bigger than us and He lives in us, wouldn't He show through?"

SONG I LIKE-2 (NAMBIKAI NAYAGAN NEERE)

SONG I LIKE -1 (THUTHIPAEN THUTHIPAEN DEVANAI)

JESUS WON'T LET YOU GO

Some years ago on a hot summer day in south Florida a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore. 

His mother, in the house was looking out the window; saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, she ran toward the water, yelling to her son as loudly as she could. Hearing her voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his mother. 

It was too late. Just as he reached her, the alligator reached him. From the dock, the mother grabbed her little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. 

The alligator was much stronger than the mother, but the mother was much too passionate to let go. A farmer happened to drive by, heard her screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.

 Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his mother's fingernails dug into his flesh in her effort to hang on to the son she loved. The newspaper reporter, who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my mom wouldn't let go." You and I can identify with that little boy. 

We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, or anything quite so dramatic. But, you might have the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go. 

In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you. The Scripture teaches that God loves you. If you have Christ in your life, you have become a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way. 

But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations. The swimming hole of life is filled with peril - and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-o-war begins, and if you have the scars of His love on your arms, be very, very grateful. He did not - and will not - let you go. My dear young friend, Jesus Christ is waiting for you. If you surrender your life today to Him, He will carry you and He will protect you from your enemies. Whatever be the cost, He will not let you go.

CAST YOUR BURDEN ON JESUS

My dear young friend,

   Today you might be filled with sorrow and pain in your heart. You are struggling because you don’t know the way to come out of your sorrow. You might hate your life for all the pain it brings. Don’t be discouraged my dear young friend.

Jesus says in Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Do not hold onto your sorrows and pain. Cast all your burdens on Jesus and He will care for you. He will take away all your sorrows and burden. He will fill your life with His peace which brings rest and happiness.

A Professor began his class by holding up a glass with some water in it. He held it up for all to see & asked the students “How much do you think this glass weighs?”
'50g!' .... '100g!' ..... '125g' ..the students answered. “I really don't know unless I weigh it,” said the professor, “but, my question is: What would happen if I held it up like this for a few minutes?” 'Nothing' …..the students said. 'Ok what would happen if I held it up like this for an hour?' the professor asked. 'Your arm would begin to ache' said one of the student.
“You're right, now what would happen if I held it for a day?”
“Your arm could go numb, you might have severe muscle stress & paralysis & have to go to hospital for sure!” … ventured another student & all the students laughed …
“Very good, But during all this, did the weight of the glass change?” asked the professor.
‘No’…. Was the answer. “Then what caused the arm ache & the muscle stress?”
The students were puzzled. “What should I do now to come out of pain?” asked professor again.
‘Put the glass down!’ said one of the students. “Exactly!” said the professor.

Life's problems are something like this. Hold it for a few minutes in your head & they seem OK.
Think of them for a long time & they begin to ache. Hold it even longer & they begin to paralyze you. You will not be able to do anything. But if you put away all your sorrows in the presence of Jesus, He will not let you go weary.

Bible says in Psalms 55:22 “Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you…”

My dear young friend, cast all your burden and sorrow upon Jesus. He will sustain you. Surely Jesus will carry you in His hands. You will not be put to shame. Jesus Christ will surely fill you with joy and happiness. Your days of grief will come to an end. He will fill your life with everlasting joy.