RELATION AND RELATIONSHIPS - 4 (HAVE PEACE WITH ONE ANOTHER)

“...have peace with one another.” – Mark 9:50

Recently I went to my wife’s place and there in her relative’s house I met a girl who was studying a course on animation. I like animation and so I was talking to that young girl about her course. As I was talking to her, a woman came and took hold of her hand and asked her about her well being. She never turned to that woman but politely removed her hand and then moved aside and said in a low voice that she was fine. Again that woman came to her and asked something. She repeated the same behavior but she didn't reply anything.

I felt so embarrassed to stand there but I don’t know what to do. Later I asked my wife who was that woman to whom the girl was hesitating to speak. My wife said that the woman was the younger sister to that girl’s father. She also said that her father did something wrong and so this girl stopped talking to her father and to all who belongs to her father’s family. Later I met some other person who told me that the young girl won’t speak much to her sister also and even if they speak it will end up in fight.

There were times even in our lives we hesitate to talk to someone for some reasons. We may think that we have a valid reason for not talking with someone. They might have done something to us at some point of time and we carry the wounds created by that incident till we die. We struggle to forgive them and we feel that there was no wrong in our part.

But Jesus Christ clearly tells us to have peace with one another. If you keep on fighting with those around you for any reason you cannot have peace in that relationship.

The young girl I spoke with carried a wound in her heart and as she doesn't allowed Jesus Christ to heal her wound and so she could not forgive her own father and because of that she had no peace with anybody around her.

Today you might be carrying a wound because of the words of someone or by their deeds. You have to allow Jesus Christ to heal your wound so that you can have peace with them. Do not carry the wound forever. It will hurt you and it will hurt them also. Take a step forward and allow God to bring peace into your relationship.

One of my uncle begun to hate his brothers and sisters after his marriage. He stopped talking with them for no reason. Some of his sisters tried talking with him but he never responded. Years passed by. His character was watched by someone who hated him and so he thought that if he do some harm to him no one will come to help. And one day when a fight arose he had beat him a lot. But then the news came to his siblings. Without thinking about what he did to them everyone went and stood by him at that time and helped him in that tough time.

You have to take one step forward out of your comfort zone and try to have peace with people around you.

Judas betrayed Jesus. Facing betrayal was a tough one but yet Jesus referred Judas as friend when he came to betray Him. That was the love of Jesus upon the one who came to betray Him.

You might also have gone through betrayal but do not hate the person who betrayed you. Call them as your friend, love them and stay in peace with them. You have to stay in peace with one another because you are the child of God who loves everyone.

Today Jesus Christ wants you to have peace with those around you and also He wants to heal your wound. Allow Jesus to heal you and stay blessed. God bless you.

THOUGHT - 22 (YOU ARE NOT ALONE AND YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN)

MEMOIRS - 3 (VOICE OF THE WOMEN WHO CAUGHT IN ADULTERY) - WRITTEN BY MS. AYSHWARYA

One fine day, there heard usual knock at my door. When I opened, there stood a handsome man casting his longing eyes upon me. I know he has come to lie with me behind him I could see someone running in the street shouting at top of His voice saying, “Come all, Jesus was back again at the temple to teach us”.  At once I heed these words I felt urge to go temple to listen His teaching because I heard lot about Jesus oh, He is as a great prophet, the miracle worker, even some declare him as Messiah. But then my handsome was waiting for me so let me lie with him first later will hear from Jesus.

 After a while, there was terrific banging at my door, I was stunned to look at group of Pharisees and Scribes gather at my doorsteps. They caught us red handed in adultery but they dragged me alone to the street and made the man who lay with me to escape.  I thought according to Law of Moses, they were taking me out of the city and succumb to stone me.

But they ceaselessly dragging me towards the road which leads to temple and brought me through the midst of multitudes gather there and cast me down at the feet of someone. When I slowly lifted my head I saw Jesus the holy one of Israel before me. I was broken, ashamed and distraught that my secret act of sin has come to light and even common people of the city has come to know me as harlot.

On the other hand, Pharisees and Scribes pointed me and said to Jesus, “This woman was caught in the very act of adultery. The Law of Moses says to stone her, what do you say?”  I thought Jesus too will surely accuse me and this day is the day of my judgment and end of my life. But Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with the finger, Pharisees and Scribes kept demanding an answer to Jesus. So He stood up again and said “All right, stone her, but let those who have never sinned throw the first stone on her”. Then He stooped down again and wrote in the dust. On hearing that they all were being convicted by their conscience and left that place one by one beginning with oldest and even the last. Now, I know for sure there is none to stone except the unblemished Jesus Christ who is alone worthy to condemn me. He will surely pass final verdict on me. My terrible musings were interrupted by the sweet voice of Jesus. He politely asked me “Women, where are your accusers? Din’t even one of them condemns you?” with trembling voice I replied, “No, Lord”.

Jesus said to me, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more”. I was astonished by His graceful forgiveness towards me. I know I’m not worthy of it.  Compassionate Words of Jesus transformed my entire life forever. Earlier I thought I would die but this graceful second chance made me to realize my sin and to repent for it. I was never the same.  Holiness of Jesus made me holy from then I had a new beginning.

Even today, Jesus Christ will never condemn you for He loves you so much. Go to Him in prayer and you will never be the same. 

GHG - 16 (SEEK GOD'S COUNSEL WHEN YOU FACE TEMPTATIONS)

“…by His light I walked through darkness.” – Job 29:3

In the year 2002, God gave me an admission in a government college to pursue my UG Engineering course. I felt so happy on that day, when I got admitted to college because I knew very well that my parents can’t afford to pay the fees of any private colleges. As I’ve already completed my diploma, I was directly admitted into the second year.

We were admitted one week after reopening of the classes. I was a bit afraid because the students studying there were the toppers of that place. But on the other hand, I entered the first day’s class with so much pride. Classes got over and as everyone was leaving, I saw a very beautiful girl in that class.

As she was so beautiful, I got an immediate attraction towards her. Since it was the first day, I just came out of the class without thinking much about it. As days passed by, I came to know that she is also a Christian and that she’s from a very rich family.

She had a friend who was also beautiful. Somehow, I became a friend to her friend and our friendship was going on well. One fine day, her friend asked me to try loving a girl of foreign nationality. I casually told her that I knew none like that. Instantly she told the name of the girl (who was her friend) who was studying in our class and asked me to tell openly if I have any interest on her, so that she will make her propose me the very next day.

I could not believe what she said. I just laughed over her sayings, but she said it very seriously. Next day also she insisted me to reply. At that time, I understood that it was a serious matter. Now temptations began to rise in my heart prompting “Why can’t I go for it?”

One side, I was thinking about her wealth and riches which were so high compared to our family. During that time my father had a Bajaj scooter, whereas her family owned two cars. Our family savings were in Hundreds but their savings were in Millions. Also her beauty was incomparable with anyone I knew. I could understand the reality so well, that I knew I would never get her.

But on the other side as I was undergoing temptations, I wished to accept this. Whenever I lied in my bed, I used to get dreams about that relationship and things like that. As I had great struggles in my heart I took this matter to God in prayer and also to an experienced Christian counsellor.

The counsellor advised me not to fall into the trap and asked me to seek God for His guidance. The next few days, I waited at God’s presence and one day God spoke to me saying, this relationship won’t even last for few months and if I enter into this relationship I won’t complete my UG degree.

I felt great peace in my heart when God spoke to me. The very next day, I politely refused to her friend and also insisted her not to speak talk on that matter anymore. The next day, the actual girl came and said not to think about that matter anymore and asked me to be casual.

Today as I write this, God has given me His grace to pursue my doctorate degree. By God’s abundant grace I finished both my U.G and P.G degree in first class.

What would have happened if I had fallen in love with that girl during my college days? Surely I would not have experienced the blessings that I have received today.

I am not a holy person; even after this incident, I failed in so many things. But on that day, by God’s light I walked through the darkness. Because of the counsel of Jesus Christ, I overcame that temptation which might have cost my own future.

Even today, I thank God for helping me to make that decision on that day, to come out of that temptation.

My dear young friends do not fall into the trap of anyone. Even if you have already fallen in someone’s trap ask Jesus Christ to help you; He will surely save you. Seek the face of Jesus Christ; He is there to save you anytime.

There were times I made some silly stupid prayers to which God has never responded and do you want to know what lesson that I learnt through that?

                                                                       -         To be continued in GHG - 17

SIX INCH CHRISTIANS - A DEVOTIONAL TAKEN FROM A FORWARDED MAIL (AUTHOR UNKNOWN)

"You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8.      

I met a young man not long ago who dives for exotic fish for aquariums. He said one of the most popular aquarium fish is the shark.

He explained that if you catch a small shark and confine it-- it will stay a size proportionate to the aquarium. 

Sharks can be six inches long yet fully matured. But if you turn them loose in the ocean- they grow to their normal length of eight feet.

That also happens to some Christians. 

I've seen the cutest little six-inch Christians who swim around in a little puddle. But if you put them into a larger arena- into the whole creation-only then can they become great.

Jesus commanded all believers to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything [he has] commanded." Matthew 28:19-20.

There is no room to grow inside the walls of a Sunday school classroom, church building, or your own home. 

We have been called to go outside of those walls and reach out to the lost world that needs to know Jesus.

Get involved in doing missions and evangelism-- in your neighbourhood, city, or state through your church, local seniors group, or Bible study class. 

If you are physically unable to get involved-- become a prayer warrior for the cause of Christ. 

Your prayers are needed both on and off the mission field. Get out of the puddle you've been swimming in!

And take your faith to a larger arena-the world.

Pray that God would open the doors for you to reach out to those who are lost in your Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth.

TEACH ME TO FORGIVE - AN INSPIRATIONAL STORY (TAKEN FROM THE WEB)

One day a while back, a man, his heart heavy with grief, was walking in the woods. As he thought about his life this day, he knew many things were not right. He thought about those who had lied about him back when he had a job.

His thoughts turned to those who had stolen his things and cheated him. He remembered family that had passed on. His mind turned to the illness he had that no one could cure. His very soul was filled with anger, resentment and frustration.

Standing there this day, searching for answers he could not find, knowing all else had failed him, he knelt at the base of an old oak tree to seek the one he knew would always be there, and with  tears in his eyes, he prayed: "Lord - You have done wonderful things for me in this life. You have told me to do many things for you, and I happily obeyed.

Today, you have told me to forgive. I am sad, Lord, because I cannot. I don't know how. It is not fair Lord. I didn't deserve these wrongs that were done against me and I shouldn't have to forgive. As perfect as your way is Lord, this one thing I cannot do, for I don't know how to forgive. My anger is so deep Lord, I fear I may not hear you, but I pray that you teach me to do this one thing I cannot do - Teach me To Forgive."

As he knelt there in the quiet shade of that old oak tree, he felt something fall onto his shoulder. He opened his eyes. Out of the corner of one eye, he saw something red on his shirt. He could not turn to see what it was because where the oak tree had been was a large square piece of wood in the ground. He raised his head and saw two feet held to the wood with a large spike through them. He raised his head more, and tears came to his eyes as he saw Jesus hanging on a cross. He saw spikes in His hands, a gash in His side, a torn and battered body, deep thorns sunk into His head.

Finally he saw the suffering and pain on His precious face. As their eyes met, the man's tears turned to sobbing, and Jesus began to speak.

"Have you ever told a lie, He asked?" The man answered, "Yes, Lord."

"Have you ever been given too much change and kept it?" The man answered, "Yes, Lord." And the man sobbed more and more.

"Have you ever taken something from work that wasn't yours," Jesus asked? And the man answered, "Yes, Lord."

"Have you ever sworn, using my Father's name in vain?" The man, crying now, answered, "Yes, Lord."

As Jesus asked many more times, "Have you ever"? The man's crying became uncontrollable, for he could only answer, "Yes, Lord."

Then Jesus turned His head from one side to the other, and the man felt something fall on his other shoulder. He looked and saw that it was the blood of Jesus. When he looked back up, his eyes met those of Jesus, and there was a look of love the man had never seen or known before. Jesus said, "I didn't deserve this either, but I forgive you."

It may be hard to see how you're going to get through something. But, when you look back in life, you realize how true this statement is... "If God brings you to it... He will bring you through it." 

THE WALL - 19

CELEBRATING GOD'S FAITHFULNESS - TO GOD BE THE GLORY (STEPPING INTO FOURTH YEAR)

“Though your beginning was small, yet your latter end would increase abundantly.” – Job 8:7

Exactly three years ago, on this same day God had put a thought in my mind to start a blog. Before that I used to write articles for God’s glory about His love that carries me whenever I feel low about myself. Then I used to upload those on a website named 'shelovesgod'. After some days I visited and find out how many people saw my articles. That site has quite a good number of visitors and so I got some good page hits. Whenever I saw those page hits, I would fly in air thinking that people around the world are reading my articles.

   

Since I was an ordinary guy these things meant a lot to me and it brought so much comfort to me. Then on one particular day, God had put a thought in my mind to put all those articles in a blog. I visited several blogs both secular and spiritual and learnt a lot from those blogs. God taught me several things about blogging and through His grace I could start a blog on 16^th January 2011.

On those days I used to put many articles on one day and then I'll never update. One year passed like that.In first year of the blog, I have uploaded only 57 articles in which I never wrote many. Later Holy Spirit spoke to me about updating the blog on the daily basis. 

Also He told me to open several sections and put article under several heads. I loved that idea because I felt that if I kept on writing without any change, people will get bored and so on. As Holy Spirit directed I learnt to put articles written by others also under several heads which is bringing blessing to so many people even now.

When I started this blog I never had an idea about advertising. I wanted to advertise about this blog wherever I can so that so many people will visit my blog. Knowing my idea God told me not to advertise about this blog anywhere and He promised me saying that, He will bring people who are in need to visit this blog at anytime He wanted them to visit. Also He told me not to worry about the number of visitors I get daily, but to be focused and pray for the articles I have uploaded waiting for Him to speak and lead.

Initially I had very few visitors who were my sisters given by God to me. Most of my family people never knew anything about internet and so even to this day none of my own family members have visited my blog. I could not forget the encouragements given to me by Aishwarya and Shalina. They both were the only visitors at the time when I started the blog and whatever I write even to this day, they say that it was a great blessing to them. Their words encouraged me a lot. Some friends of my sister Aishwarya also started to read the blog later based on her recommendations.

Slowly other people who were very close to me started visiting the blog and encouraged me. I could not forget the words of my dearest God given brother Ravi at my difficult times which encouraged me a lot. Also another brother George Esli and sister Shasti priya, Melinda;they all supported me and stood by me.

After my marriage got fixed, my sister-in-law started to visit the blog and her words of appreciation is motivating me even to this day. My wife appreciates me when I write a good article but her support is really great. She never disturbed me when I do something for God and she stands by my side always. I thank God for all these people who were so close to me and supported me thus far.

Apart from these people, nowadays God is bringing in some people from all over the world. I don't even know them by name. Also I do not get many comments for the article written. But one thing God has assured me that whoever He brings to this blog will be blessed at least through one of the articles. 

Even to  this day, I look up to God alone for writing articles and He has led me thus far. I know even in this fourth year He will speak to me and lead me to continue this blog for His glory and  for the blessing of others.

I know I am nothing. I thank God for His Golden Hands of Grace that has carried me thus far. I know He will carry me in the coming days. I also thank God for choosing me to start a blog even when I stood far away from Him. 

To God be all the glory. 

“He must become greater; I must become less.” – John 3:30