"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9)
Today's Word
Let's spend our time building people up, not tearing them down! God says that when you honor others, you will receive honor. Bless others, and you will be blessed. If we allow strife and conflict into our relationships, those valuable connections will be damaged. Making peace takes time; it's something we have to work at each day. Here's one idea to get you started. When you begin to feel tension and strife enter a conversation, stop for a moment . . . take a deep breath and consider the path you are taking. The Bible encourages us to "hold every thought captive" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Maybe you need to walk away for a minute — take a break and come back to it later. Whatever it takes, make the decision to be a peacemaker!
A Prayer for Today
God, thank you for caring so much about me. You have given me the strength to love others and make peace with the people You have put into my life. I commit to be a peacemaker, not a person that stirs up dissention. I pray that my relationships will honor You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
By,
Shreedhar Jaysingh
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
The blessing of inconvenience
"He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon and asked him to put out a little way from the shore." Luke 5:3
Once upon a time, three fishermen were washing their nets beside a lake called Gennesaret. They had gone out to fish the previous night and tried their best all night to get a catch. However, their attempts were futile and yielded no result. Despite their hard work all through the night, the fishermen returned empty handed. They had two boats, one that belonged to a man called Simon and the other that belonged to James and his brother John. Meanwhile, Jesus was standing beside the same lake and the crowd around Him were pressing in on Him to hear the word of God.
Jesus noticed these two empty boats on the shore as well as the fishermen who were outside the boat washing their nets. He got into the boat that belonged to Simon and asked him to draw the boat a little away from the shore. Once the boat was a little way from the shore, Jesus sat down in the boat and started teaching the crowd.
Now I want you to notice a few things about Jesus from Simon’s point of view. Simon had guided the boat ashore after a long night’s work. He was now cleaning up and getting ready to shut shop. At this point in time, Jesus gets into his boat and asks him to put out a little way from the shore.
Notice the etiquette:
Notice that Jesus did not ask Simon first and then get into the boat. Jesus got into the boat first and then asked Simon. Talk about etiquettes! I wouldn’t be very pleased if you behaved that way with me. It’s only polite to request my permission first and let me know why you need me to put my boat out.
By,
Sujith Alex
"He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon and asked him to put out a little way from the shore." Luke 5:3
Once upon a time, three fishermen were washing their nets beside a lake called Gennesaret. They had gone out to fish the previous night and tried their best all night to get a catch. However, their attempts were futile and yielded no result. Despite their hard work all through the night, the fishermen returned empty handed. They had two boats, one that belonged to a man called Simon and the other that belonged to James and his brother John. Meanwhile, Jesus was standing beside the same lake and the crowd around Him were pressing in on Him to hear the word of God.
Jesus noticed these two empty boats on the shore as well as the fishermen who were outside the boat washing their nets. He got into the boat that belonged to Simon and asked him to draw the boat a little away from the shore. Once the boat was a little way from the shore, Jesus sat down in the boat and started teaching the crowd.
Now I want you to notice a few things about Jesus from Simon’s point of view. Simon had guided the boat ashore after a long night’s work. He was now cleaning up and getting ready to shut shop. At this point in time, Jesus gets into his boat and asks him to put out a little way from the shore.
Notice the etiquette:
Notice that Jesus did not ask Simon first and then get into the boat. Jesus got into the boat first and then asked Simon. Talk about etiquettes! I wouldn’t be very pleased if you behaved that way with me. It’s only polite to request my permission first and let me know why you need me to put my boat out.
By,
Sujith Alex
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Amazing...
One day a 6 year old girl was sitting in a classroom. The teacher was going to explain evolution to the children.
The teacher asked a little boy: Tommy do you see the tree outside?
TOMMY: Yes.
TEACHER: Tommy, do you see the grass outside?
TOMMY: Yes.
TEACHER: Go outside and look up and see if you can see the sky.
TOMMY: Okay. (He returned a few minutes later) Yes, I saw the sky.
TEACHER: Did you see God?
TOMMY: No.
TEACHER: That's my point.
We can't see God because he isn't there. He doesn't exist.
A little girl spoke up and wanted to ask the boy some questions. The teacher agreed and the little girl asked the boy: Tommy, do you see the tree outside?
TOMMY: Yes.
LITTLE GIRL: Tommy do you see the grass outside?
TOMMY: Yessssss (getting tired of the questions by this time).
LITTLE GIRL: Did you see the sky?
TOMMY: Yessssss
LITTLE GIRL: Tommy, do you see the teacher?
TOMMY: Yes
LITTLE GIRL: Do you see her brain?
TOMMY: No
LITTLE GIRL: Then according to what we were taught today in school, she must not have one!
By,
Saji
One day a 6 year old girl was sitting in a classroom. The teacher was going to explain evolution to the children.
The teacher asked a little boy: Tommy do you see the tree outside?
TOMMY: Yes.
TEACHER: Tommy, do you see the grass outside?
TOMMY: Yes.
TEACHER: Go outside and look up and see if you can see the sky.
TOMMY: Okay. (He returned a few minutes later) Yes, I saw the sky.
TEACHER: Did you see God?
TOMMY: No.
TEACHER: That's my point.
We can't see God because he isn't there. He doesn't exist.
A little girl spoke up and wanted to ask the boy some questions. The teacher agreed and the little girl asked the boy: Tommy, do you see the tree outside?
TOMMY: Yes.
LITTLE GIRL: Tommy do you see the grass outside?
TOMMY: Yessssss (getting tired of the questions by this time).
LITTLE GIRL: Did you see the sky?
TOMMY: Yessssss
LITTLE GIRL: Tommy, do you see the teacher?
TOMMY: Yes
LITTLE GIRL: Do you see her brain?
TOMMY: No
LITTLE GIRL: Then according to what we were taught today in school, she must not have one!
By,
Saji
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
The struggle of the flesh:
Galatians 5:16-21:So I say,live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit,and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other,so that you do not do what you want.But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.The acts of the sinful nature are obvious:sexual immorality,impurity and debauchery;idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy;drunkenness, orgies,and the like.I warn you,as I did before,that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
When the word "flesh" appears in the New Testament,it usually doesn't refer to the human body's physical covering.The flesh is the humanness within us that wants to indulge in self-gratification.
Our natural impulses are geared,not toward pleasing the Lord,but toward personal comfort and pleasure.People go to great lengths to fill the emptiness within—even participating in the acts of sexual immorality,contention,idolatry,and carousing listed in today's passage.But nothing can truly appease the flesh,which always selfishly wants more.
When an unbeliever acts out of self-interest,believers cannot say he should know better.There's no Helper inside him to sound the alarm when he is wrong or to enable better conduct.But the Christian has no such excuse,since God's Spirit dwells within,prompting appropriate behavior and thoughts.However,the tug of the flesh remains,since we do not shed our humanity until we reach heaven.So we still have the capacity to give in to sinful inclinations and sow corruption into our life.
To protect ourselves from fleshly desires,we must place our complete trust in the Holy Spirit.
Only He can point out wrong actions,thoughts,and attitudes.What's more,He can fill us with the desire to obey and enables us to make right choices.
By,
Deep
Galatians 5:16-21:So I say,live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit,and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other,so that you do not do what you want.But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.The acts of the sinful nature are obvious:sexual immorality,impurity and debauchery;idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy;drunkenness, orgies,and the like.I warn you,as I did before,that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
When the word "flesh" appears in the New Testament,it usually doesn't refer to the human body's physical covering.The flesh is the humanness within us that wants to indulge in self-gratification.
Our natural impulses are geared,not toward pleasing the Lord,but toward personal comfort and pleasure.People go to great lengths to fill the emptiness within—even participating in the acts of sexual immorality,contention,idolatry,and carousing listed in today's passage.But nothing can truly appease the flesh,which always selfishly wants more.
When an unbeliever acts out of self-interest,believers cannot say he should know better.There's no Helper inside him to sound the alarm when he is wrong or to enable better conduct.But the Christian has no such excuse,since God's Spirit dwells within,prompting appropriate behavior and thoughts.However,the tug of the flesh remains,since we do not shed our humanity until we reach heaven.So we still have the capacity to give in to sinful inclinations and sow corruption into our life.
To protect ourselves from fleshly desires,we must place our complete trust in the Holy Spirit.
Only He can point out wrong actions,thoughts,and attitudes.What's more,He can fill us with the desire to obey and enables us to make right choices.
By,
Deep
Today let King Jesus be glorified.
God made His people for praise, fame and honor. God said "people whom I formed for Myself will declare My praise". Praise is very relational, because it originates from love. You never praise a total stranger. Praise proclaims who God is and ridicules the devil. Praise describes the awesomeness of God to all creation in all generation. Praise is a glorious spark from our inner man's life with Christ. Praise crushes the devil under your feet and puts him in the lake of fire.
Praise is the key to the Throne Room of God. Praise signifies your momentum in approaching God for intimate worship. Praise is the act of triumphant warriors. Praise declares nothing is impossible for God. Praise is a proof of your tongue's submission to God. Praise is a firm decision applied by your mind. Praise shows that you love to give God the glory. Praise frightens the enemy camp because God abides on the praises of His people. Praise is a thunderous shout of astonishing faith.
Where we hear the deafening sound of Praise and we see the sheen of unapproachable light. Praise destroys the power of darkness; Praise also means shine in Greek. Praise is an explosive weapon in the spiritual warfare. Praise is the evidence of your absence in the enemy camp. Praise is the display of inner joy flowing from a heart that is engaged with Jesus. Praise is the mark of a saint. Praise proclaims God and His people are not dead. Praise invites God to fight your war.
In war Praise brings victory against the enemy and destroys the lies of the devil. Praise proves that you don’t quench the Spirit of worship. Praise is not the meaningless clichés spoken by fake worshipers, Praise is the sincere act of the saints [1Pet2:9]. Praise signifies the unity in the Church Worship. Praise fills God's glory in the Temple [2Ch5:13]. Praise is a great celebration of joy and it shows you are not a stumbling block in Congregational Worship. Praise is lovely, when we kiss the King of Glory.Come together in song and dance, let's make His praise glorious. Amen...
By
VJ Traven
God made His people for praise, fame and honor. God said "people whom I formed for Myself will declare My praise". Praise is very relational, because it originates from love. You never praise a total stranger. Praise proclaims who God is and ridicules the devil. Praise describes the awesomeness of God to all creation in all generation. Praise is a glorious spark from our inner man's life with Christ. Praise crushes the devil under your feet and puts him in the lake of fire.
Praise is the key to the Throne Room of God. Praise signifies your momentum in approaching God for intimate worship. Praise is the act of triumphant warriors. Praise declares nothing is impossible for God. Praise is a proof of your tongue's submission to God. Praise is a firm decision applied by your mind. Praise shows that you love to give God the glory. Praise frightens the enemy camp because God abides on the praises of His people. Praise is a thunderous shout of astonishing faith.
Where we hear the deafening sound of Praise and we see the sheen of unapproachable light. Praise destroys the power of darkness; Praise also means shine in Greek. Praise is an explosive weapon in the spiritual warfare. Praise is the evidence of your absence in the enemy camp. Praise is the display of inner joy flowing from a heart that is engaged with Jesus. Praise is the mark of a saint. Praise proclaims God and His people are not dead. Praise invites God to fight your war.
In war Praise brings victory against the enemy and destroys the lies of the devil. Praise proves that you don’t quench the Spirit of worship. Praise is not the meaningless clichés spoken by fake worshipers, Praise is the sincere act of the saints [1Pet2:9]. Praise signifies the unity in the Church Worship. Praise fills God's glory in the Temple [2Ch5:13]. Praise is a great celebration of joy and it shows you are not a stumbling block in Congregational Worship. Praise is lovely, when we kiss the King of Glory.Come together in song and dance, let's make His praise glorious. Amen...
By
VJ Traven
Overcoming obstacles to victory
"A wide door has been open to me and with it are many adversaries." (I Corinthians 16:9)
Today's Word
God is always giving you opportunities to move forward in life. It is God's desire that you grow and reach your full potential. Anytime you take a step forward, the enemy will try to bring opposition and adversity against you. But God also promises that through Him, you can overcome any opposition the enemy brings your way.
When you step out in faith and the opposition comes, stand your ground and keep doing what you know to do. Keep on praying. Keep reading the Word. Keep going to church. Keep walking in love and forgiveness, and keep your heart tender. When the enemy sees that you are more determined than he is, he'll back down and you will move forward to new levels of victory! Stay focused and full of joy no matter what comes against you. As you do, you will overcome opposition and discover the champion in you!
A Prayer for Today
God, I will be the steadfast Christian You called me to be with the help of prayer, Bible study, and Christian fellowship. I have faith that I will overcome whatever comes my way. In Jesus' Name – Amen.
By,
Shreedhar Jaysingh
"A wide door has been open to me and with it are many adversaries." (I Corinthians 16:9)
Today's Word
God is always giving you opportunities to move forward in life. It is God's desire that you grow and reach your full potential. Anytime you take a step forward, the enemy will try to bring opposition and adversity against you. But God also promises that through Him, you can overcome any opposition the enemy brings your way.
When you step out in faith and the opposition comes, stand your ground and keep doing what you know to do. Keep on praying. Keep reading the Word. Keep going to church. Keep walking in love and forgiveness, and keep your heart tender. When the enemy sees that you are more determined than he is, he'll back down and you will move forward to new levels of victory! Stay focused and full of joy no matter what comes against you. As you do, you will overcome opposition and discover the champion in you!
A Prayer for Today
God, I will be the steadfast Christian You called me to be with the help of prayer, Bible study, and Christian fellowship. I have faith that I will overcome whatever comes my way. In Jesus' Name – Amen.
By,
Shreedhar Jaysingh
Monday, July 30, 2007
The divine stamp of approval
"Before you were ever formed in your mother's womb, God saw you and He approved you." (Jeremiah 1:5)
Today's Word
You are approved by Almighty God! You are created in His image and you're the apple of His eye. You did not choose God, but He chose you and He is pleased with you–His most precious creation.
Notice that verse doesn't say that God approves you as long as you don't have any faults, or as long as you don't make any mistakes. No, God approves you unconditionally. No matter how many weaknesses you may think you have today, no matter how many times you fall in your walk with God, you've got to get right back up again and hold your head up high. Don't allow the enemy to bring strife into your life by deceiving you into thinking that you are not "good enough" for the plan of God. Stand strong in your thoughts about yourself knowing that not only have you been chosen, but you are approved by Almighty God.
A Prayer for Today
God, Thank you for your unconditional acceptance. I was made in Your image and born with your approval...and that makes me good enough for any challenge I face in this life. I will hold my head up high and look for opportunities to share this message with my brothers and sisters and friends in Christ. In Jesus' Name – Amen.
By,
Shreedhar Jaysingh
"Before you were ever formed in your mother's womb, God saw you and He approved you." (Jeremiah 1:5)
Today's Word
You are approved by Almighty God! You are created in His image and you're the apple of His eye. You did not choose God, but He chose you and He is pleased with you–His most precious creation.
Notice that verse doesn't say that God approves you as long as you don't have any faults, or as long as you don't make any mistakes. No, God approves you unconditionally. No matter how many weaknesses you may think you have today, no matter how many times you fall in your walk with God, you've got to get right back up again and hold your head up high. Don't allow the enemy to bring strife into your life by deceiving you into thinking that you are not "good enough" for the plan of God. Stand strong in your thoughts about yourself knowing that not only have you been chosen, but you are approved by Almighty God.
A Prayer for Today
God, Thank you for your unconditional acceptance. I was made in Your image and born with your approval...and that makes me good enough for any challenge I face in this life. I will hold my head up high and look for opportunities to share this message with my brothers and sisters and friends in Christ. In Jesus' Name – Amen.
By,
Shreedhar Jaysingh
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