GOD WILL SAVE YOU

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.“ Psalm 46:1-3.

You are a dear child of God. He will not let you down. No matter what is causing discouragement in you today, He is right beside you to help you in times of need. Sometimes, He waits. He wants you to learn to trust in Him. He wants to train you to walk on the edge. He wants to make you strong. 

You may almost hit the bottom of the valley but, He will come to rescue you at the right time. “He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone” (Ps 91:11-12).

Your Christmas reading: Mathew 1:18-24.

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THE MAN UPSTAIRS CAME DOWNSTAIRS.

I saw this on a T-shirt a few days ago. It was really cool. It also conveys a great message to the world- the coming of the Savior into this world.

Christmas is about Jesus. It is about the world. It is about those in misery. Then, it is about us.

Let this Christmas be one where we care about pleasing God and not ourselves. Let it be one where we care about feeding the poor and giving Jesus to the poor in spirit. Let us watch where we spend our money, time and energy.

Let us make it more meaningful than ever before.

“… good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10.

JESUS CARES FOR YOU

Sometimes, we are too engrossed in our problems that we tend to lose sight of God, our strength and refuge. We try to take everything in hand and pour in a great effort trying to balance what we actually can’t.

Gradually, anxiety builds up and it is everywhere before we realize it. It can kill our relationships and the ability to fulfill our duties effectively. Sometimes it can even kill us. Because we are so anxious, we forget to run to our refuge and the very breath of a purposed life, which is God.

Did He not say that He would be with us? Why then do we fret so much when God said ‘’don’t be anxious’’? Today, we may give many reasons to justify our anxiety but, there is one substantial reason for us not to be anxious- A super-strong God is willing to take care of us.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7.

My Sheep Shall Hear My Voice

MORE THAN YOU CAN ASK OR IMAGINE

Do you know that God has deposited His power in you and is working in your life through His power that indwells you? God’s strength is perfected in your weakness. He shows up to be strong by helping you do what you otherwise cannot.

He is able to do more than we ask or imagine. We ask according to our limited knowledge but God does according to his infinite understanding. He knows the best for your life and He will do accordingly.

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21.

GOD IS ABLE TO RESTORE WHAT IS LOST

We just went through a devastating storm in our area which is announced by the government as a very severe cyclone. People have lost their homes, farms and business places. The situation is disheartening and hopelessness is in the air.

When Israel was in such a state, God called Ezekiel to prophesy in to dead bones to live again. God asked His servant to speak life into what is dead and dry. That was a sign for the revival of the nation Israel. God is a God of restoration. He makes things new.

Even though you feel everything is totally gone, God is able to restore what is lost and destroyed. We need to come to God and rely on Him. Speak life and restoration. God is able to raise a mighty army out of rattling dry bones.

Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live. Ezekiel 37:5.

LET GOD FIGHT YOUR BATTLES

The biggest comfort for those who are in Christ is realizing the fact that God is on our side. God is willing to fight our battles if we learn to commit our lives to Him. You may have the strongest enemy in the world, but your defender is far greater than your enemy.

You can simply sit back and trust God for your defense. Trust in God today and let Him fight your battles.

If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31

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3 POWERFUL INSTRUCTIONS 

FOR SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN LIVING

1 Chronicles 16:11-16.

We often go from one challenge to another. Sometimes, it becomes too trying that we are tired of life. How to live a successful faith-life in such circumstances?

1. LOOK TO THE LORD AND HIS STRENGTH, SEEK HIS FACE ALWAYS:

When your heart and your flesh fail, remember that God is the strength of your heart and He is your portion forever (Psalm 73:26). Surely God does not reject one who is blameless (Job 8:20). He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy (Job 8:21). Whenever Israel sought God in their distress, He rescued them in His strength.

But, remember to seek His face more than you seek His miracles. That is what truly makes God glad.

2. REMEMBER THE WONDERS HE HAS DONE, HIS MIRACLES AND HIS JUDGMENTS:

Remembering God’s wonders and miracles works in four ways:

• Glorifies God
• Shames Satan
• Testifies to people
• Lifts your heart

You are tremendously encouraged when you take time to reflect on the way God had brought you out of your past challenges. Never lose sight of the miracles you have experienced.

3. REMEMBER THE COVENANT HE HAS MADE WITH YOU THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS:

God made His covenant with Abraham walking between rows of animals cut into two separate pieces and each piece lay opposite to the other (Genesis 15:17). His life was counted for His covenant with Abraham. Time and again, God reminded the Israelites with the phrase, “As surely as I live” (Ezekiel 33:11).

And then, He sent Jesus to make a better covenant with us. Jesus died in order to bring the covenant into force (Hebrews 9:1-18). The Bible says we are in a better covenant than the one made with Abraham (Hebrews 8:6). Realize that the covenant you are now in brings you into forgiveness (Mathew 26:28), sonship (Galatian 4), righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21), eternal life (Romans 6:2), healing (Isaiah 53:5), deliverance (Ephesians 1:7) and the list goes on and on. 

Remember, God’s promises never fail. Every blessing God has promised in His Word is yours.

FROM DISTRESS TO LAUGHTER

Sometimes, despite our continuous struggle to obey God, we may have to face great hardship in our lives. We may not understand what God is trying to do with us. When we lose our patience, we begin to complain about our circumstances. God seems so unfair and unmoved. Today, God is calling us not to lose our patience in seemingly unfair situations.

GOD WILL NOT REJECT THE RIGHTEOUS
During a time of intense suffering, Job’s friend turns to him and speaks at least one biblical truth: God will not reject the righteous. Sitting in dirt and living in sickness, failure and rejection, future didn’t seem too happy for Job. Many of us may be going through a taste of what Job had gone through. In such a state, our only hope is in the promises of God.

REMEMBER GOD'S PROMISES

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26.

The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. Psalm 34:19.

GOD WILL BRING BACK LAUGHTER IN YOUR LIFE

Surely God does not reject one who is blameless… He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Job 8:20-21.

RUN TO GOD TODAY

Will you run to God in your distress? He will bring forth laughter back in your mouth in due season. Remember, God gave Job double for the trouble.

CAN I TRUST IN GOD 

EVEN THOUGH IT SEEMS REAL TOUGH?

When God tries to do something unusual with our lives, we tend to resist His leading. It is hard for us to trust in Him when He leads us out of the way as we intend it to be. But, the fact is: God’s plans are never to harm us.

WE MAY NOT KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO US BUT GOD KNOWS IT ALL

We essentially don’t have an idea of what is happening to us. We have the slightest clue of what will happen to us either. But, the truth is: God knows it all. He knows why He made you, where he is taking you and what the end result will be.

WE NEED TO WALK THE PATH TO REACH THE TREASURE

When we fail to trust in God and instead take a different route, we miss out on the invaluable treasure that is kept in store for us. But, if we understand that we are in safe hands- hands that created the universe and hands that work with deep sense of love- we will go to any extent to love and obey Him and that’s where we stand in the center of His plans for our lives which, in turn will help us prosper and have a great future.

CHALLENGES ARE INEVITABLE BUT BLESSINGS ARE GUARANTEED

Following Him even when it is tough may bring us into momentary challenges, but the end will certainly be glorious. After all, God is a Father that has great plans for His children like you and me- to prosper, to do good, to give hope and future.

Will you trust in God today and let Him have His way in your life, even if it means to face the toughest challenge you have ever faced. It’s going to be awesome.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11.

THREE SPIRITUAL KEYS TO SUCCESS

Trying so hard to achieve something and not seeing the desired results is quite disheartening to us. We need to know that God is backing us in our endeavors but He expects us to do the following:

1. Trust in God with all your heart: Faith is the key to seeing God work on our behalf. Jesus constantly encouraged His disciples to trust in Him. Faith moves mountains or it gives us strength to walk over them. Either way, you've got it under control. The biggest idea for success is placing our faith in God and trusting Him whole-heartedly.

2. Lean not on your own understanding: It is good to know things. Education and thorough knowledge of your assignment are certainly essential. But, there are quite many things that are beyond our knowledge. They have to do with more than what we know. Trusting in your own instinct, knowledge and ideas is not sufficient at times. This calls us to a life that continually relies on God’s wisdom. Lean not on your own understanding.

3. Acknowledge Him in all your ways: Do you realize that your Heavenly Father is right there with you? Do you ask Him, “Lord, what must I do now?” Acknowledge His Presence as you go by your path. Acknowledge Him when you reach your goal. After all, if it were not for Him, we would not be where we are. All the credit goes to Him alone.

And guess what? He will make your paths straight!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6.

THE SECRET OF VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIVING

God has called you to a holy life. He wants you to live a life led by His Spirit. But, it is truly challenging to live a God-pleasing life in this world. You might have always desired to live out the Gospel but your constant defeat may have deeply disappointed you. Never give up on what God wants you to be. It does not matter how many times you have failed doing this. You are not called to worry, fear or defeat.

The secret of living a victoious life is to multiply your passion for God. God has given you a spirit of power, love and self-discipline. Revel in His Presence every day. Worship Him with all your heart, spirit and strength. Receive an increasingly impacting touch of God spending quality time with Him.

Fan into flame the gift of God you have received. The more you are connected to Him the stronger you get. Spend enough time conversing with Him so you can build yourself in His love. This will help you to love the loveless.  As you spend more time in His Presence, you will build your ability to practice self-discipline every day and grow in holiness.

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:6-7.

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THREE THINGS TO REMEMBER 

DURING TOUGH TIMES

Going through challenging times may lead you to think that God has forgotten you forever. It may seem to be overwhelmingly hard for you to go through your course. There are three important things you should never forget in such times:

1.      God will not let you be tempted beyond your ability: The manufacturer of a glass knows how much he has tempered it and how much pressure it can take. God is your Master Designer and He knows best how tough you can be when tough times arise. He will not let you break into pieces.

2.      He will provide a way to escape: When the trials come, God will provide a way to escape. Remember, you are not a trapped sparrow. You are more than a conqueror. Instead of sitting in despair, look out for ways that God has opened for you to be free of anything that is causing bondage. Break free!

3.      He will enable you to endure it: If you have to hang on there for a season, He will give you added strength so you can take it all. He will make your forehead as hard as flint, like He did with Jeremiah. He is faithful.

Consider yourself worthy to be put to test. It is tough. Really! But, your patient endurance will get paid off well enough.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13).


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DOES GOD HEAR MY PRAYER?

"When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles." -Psalm 34:17.

This is a wonderful promise that makes my heart leap in joy. I know problems are sure to come our way. Yet, we are more than sure of God’s hand of salvation to be with us right in the midst of our problems. Sometimes, it may take time, but delays are for a reason. God will come in the right time; not one second late. He will rescue His people. He will never leave us, nor forsake us.

Build your faith in God today. Let no worry lead you to doubt His promises, even when your prayers seem to go unanswered. The Lord hears and He rescues. Cry out for help and wait for His salvation. Be strong and do not give up.

YOU ARE TRULY PRECIOUS

Dear child of God, remember that you are created by God in His own image and likeness. Circumstances in your life may be so discouraging that you may begin to think that you are of no value and life is so meaningless.

You need to begin to look at yourself the way God looks at you. He is the Father who loves you more than you can understand. Your worth is not what your circumstances show it to be. You are more precious than what you are going through. Whether you are standing on a hill or crawling in valley, your value does not change. You are what you are inside of yourself and not what is around you.

"How much more valuable then is a man than a sheep!...” Mathew 12:12.

WHEN GOD LEADS YOUR BATTLE....

"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." -Deuteronomy 31:8

Do you think that you are left alone to fight the battles of your life? Remember, God will go before you, if you let Him to. Therefore,  if anything has to touch you,  it has to touch God first. If you let God take His place in your battles, there is no question of failure. He says, "I will not let you fail."

Today, quit worrying and begin to let God lead. 

FALLING OFF THE CLIFF, LANDING IN ICE-CREAM

Psalm 119:65-72

“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees
The law from your mouth is more precious than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.”

It is indeed inexplicably difficult to face the same challenges over and over again every day. At such perilous times, we ought to ask God like the psalmist, to teach us knowledge and judgment. Affliction is a great time to draw one more step closer to God. The more we seek God, the more the sight of this world and its cares will fade away from us. That is where we learn to walk in the Spirit and begin to grow to the next level in our relationship with the Father. 

What if you have lost your job or some valuable possessions? If your loss could give you a better opportunity to grow in your spiritual life, you would also say, “The law from your mouth is more precious than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.” What value do those perishable things of this world have in comparison with the eternal blessings we are going to receive?

When we are facing challenging times, let us seek more of God’s direction in His Word. Let us obey Him even if it seems to be the craziest thing in the world. Remember, you may fall of the cliff, but you’ll land in  ice-cream.

SAY NO TO ANXIETY

Wish there is someone to care for you? The Heavenly Father is watching over your life. Today’s circumstances might be adverse and disappointing. But, look back and see how God led you through all those dark days of your life. He still cares for you. He will carry you even when you are old.

Will you cast your cares upon Him? You may say, ‘’But you don’t know what I am going through.” True. I don’t know a bit of what you are going through. But, I know the truth that God knows everything you are facing today. And He cares for you. If only you can submit your life to God, sit and watch, God will lead you through this amazing path of faith and righteousness.

Cast all your anxiety in him because he cares for you. 1 Pet 5:7.

FOUND GRACE IN THE WILDERNESS

Photography: Mable Susan

Somehow survived the last peril you faced? You may still be in a shock of what had just happened to you. It might seem as though there is no hope for your future. On such a dry ground, God is ready to pour out the rain drops of His favor. He is ready to help you because he chose you to be His favorite child. 

His grace does not count your past mistakes. He only wants to see your present transformation that will last for the rest of your life. His grace is a giving grace. He gives according to His measure, not yours. 

His grace draws you closer to Him. He will build you again no matter how much your life may have been ruined by your circumstances. Submit to Him today to see the extent of transformation He can bring in your life.

The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness. Jeremiah 31:2.

PRICELESS LOVE

God’s love for you is unlimited. This is what God wants you to remember today. Proof? Christ on the cross. The Son of God died so you could live life full of joy. He wants you to know the same.

You may be feeling unloved and lonely. But God’s love for you has no boundaries. No matter what your past is or what people think of you. It is priceless because, you can’t buy this a great love by doing anything and it is totally free. He just loves you because you are His child. Amazing! Isn’t it? May you experience the unfathomable love of God every moment of this day.

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”  Ephesians 3: 19-20.

PEACE OR PIECES?

At times, we feel broken into pieces. Nothing seems to be working in life. Don't know what to do and which direction to go. On top of all this, being a Christian is not an easy job. 

Jesus knew we would go through this. You will have trouble in the world. He gave us three important instructions that can give us the right perspective at such times.

1. Stay Connected: There is no other source but Jesus that can make your life more fruitful despite your challenges (John 15:5).

2. Just do it: Doing what God says could be challenging. But, do it. He knows the best for you. (John 15:5).

3. Get some help: Doing it God's way is not as easy as we say it. Good News! God sent help. Holy Spirit will help you to move on. Ask Him to help you today. He is an amazing person and is ready to help you. (John 15:26).

Having said all that, Jesus says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33.