I LIKED THIS A LOT - TAKEN FROM THE WEB

INSPIRATIONAL SUGGESTIONS TO DEVELOP THE RIGHT (SELF) ATTITUDE - AUTHOR UNKNOWN (TAKEN FROM A FORWARDED MAIL)

1. Hate your sin, but never hate yourself.

2. Be quick to repent.

3. When God gives you light, walk in it.

4. Stop saying negative things about yourself.  God loves you and it's wrong to hate what He loves. He has great plans for you, so you're in conflict with Him when you speak negatively concerning your future.

5. Never be afraid to admit that you've made a mistake and don't always assume that when things go wrong, it must be 'my fault'.

6. Don't meditate excessively on what you've done, right or wrong; both of these activities keep your mind on you!  Center your thoughts on Christ.

7. Take good care of yourself physically. Make the best of what God gave you to work with, but don't be obsessed with your appearance.

8. Never stop learning but don't allow your education to become a point of pride. God doesn't use you because of what's in your head: He uses you because of what's in your heart.

9. Realize that your talents are a gift, not something you have manufactured yourself; never look down on people who can't do what you do.

10. Don't despise your weaknesses they keep you dependent on God.

SONG I LIKE - 26 (YOU NEVER LET GO)

"HE WHO IS THE GLORY OF ISRAEL DOES NOT LIE OR CHANGE HIS MIND" - JESUS CHRIST WILL SURELY FULFILL ALL HIS PROMISES IN YOUR LIFE

“He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind; for He is not a human being, that He should change His mind.” – 1 Samuel 15:29

You might have received so many promises from God, but as you read this today you might feel that there is no chance for certain promises to be fulfilled in your life. You might have longed for the fulfillment of God's promise at a particular time of your life. But it hasn't happened and so you feel like it will never happen. Sometimes you feel like God has given you a promise just to comfort you as you are thinking that the fulfillment of the promises is getting delayed in your life.

Do not get discouraged and do not fear for the Bible says that, He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind. He has not lied you. Whatever He has promised u in your life is true and He will fulfill it. Jesus Christ will never change His mind. Whatever He has told is spoken and it will come to pass in your life. Rejoice, for God is with you.

My elder brother was very weak in his studies and memory power. He studies for hours together, but at the end he would remember nothing. Because of that, he felt so weak in his heart and always thinks that he is useful for nothing. Sometimes, my mom would ask him to buy something from shop. She would ask him to buy 4 products and he will buy only 3 because on the way to the shop, he will forget. This was his condition.

He scored very less marks in his school board exams. No college gave him an admission. But God miraculously opened a way and gave him an admission in a pharmacy college to pursue diploma in pharmacy. He tried hard to study but again he could not get more marks. But by God’s grace he never failed in any of the exam during his college days.

Once he finished his college he got a job for Rs.1500 per month and for which he had to work for several hours. At that time, my eldest brother finished his Engineering degree and I was doing my Engineering. So everyone around us and all our relatives thought that my elder brother's life is gone and that he will never come up in his life.

My elder brother himself has cried in God’s presence thinking about his life and weaknesses. But God heard his cry. My elder brother wanted to get a government job and he was trying for it. Then he found that there was an opening in a government hospital and he had 30 days to prepare for that. He prayed to God with tears and started preparing.

One day Jesus Christ spoke to Him through a prophet and said that He will give him a government job. My brother was so happy and he prepared for the exam with great faith. Finally the results came and my brother could not clear that exam with high marks. He could not believe it. He felt so bad and he didn’t know what to do.

He could not believe that God’s promise was not fulfilled in his life. Sometimes he thought that he will never get a government job .He could not hold on to that promise of God.  But God comforted him and renewed his faith.

We as a family began to pray, holding on to God's promise. After 5 years, there came another advertisement about a government job in a government pharmacy college. My brother applied and wrote the exam holding on to the promise of God. When the results came, he could not believe that he stood first in the state where we lived.

Soon he got the job and now he is working as a lab demonstrator in a government college with a good salary. Also God has opened a way for him to study his degree while working and He is currently studying his final year of Bachelor in pharmacy degree in the government college where he is working.

My dear young friends, Jesus Christ will never lie; He will never change His mind. He had promised you that He will raise you and bless you. Surely He will do it. Do not get discouraged when the promises don’t get fulfilled at your expected time.

Jesus Christ knows that if he gives my brother a job in a government hospital he has to go through lot of tough times and that is the reason he didn’t give a job to my brother at first. God knows what is good for my brother and so he gave him a job in a government college. Now my elder brother is living in peace without much work pressure and he is doing God’s ministry among students and testifies in churches what God has done in his life.

God knows what is good for you and so He will fulfill His promise in your life at His time which will turn as a great blessing to you. So, don't lose your faith. You have a Heavenly Father who will never lie and will never change His mind. He is Almighty God. He is your strength and glory. All the promises that God has given you will surely be fulfilled in your life. Rejoice and stay with God. May God bless you abundantly.

GOD'S PROMISE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY'14

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.