Heart to Heart

Ask rain from the Lord in the season of the spring rain, from the Lord who makes the storm clouds, and he will give them showers of rain.   Zechariah 10:1

It’s a wonderful life. And today, it has been a beautiful rainy day. I’m alive and I will speak of God’s faithfulness always. Believe and declare God’s blessings and favor.

The heart warms up to this notion, of the monsoon season. But not all of us feel the same way. I used to be this kind of person, who partly loved the rains and partly just wished that it would not rain at particular times. Matter of convenience, I guess. But things change. I had just completed my work. Had a really stressful day, thought it was the worst day ever. Felt miserable, thought I could cry my heart out. But somehow that did not happen. And when leaving from the workplace, noticed it raining. I forgot to carry my rain gear. I prayed that the rain would stop. Came out and noticed more heavy showers, and felt could this get any worst? Saw a passer-by with an umbrella and walked along till the gates. But getting there noticed no transport. Walked on, and stood along with a friend of mine, who kindly covered my head with her shawl. By the time the vehicles came, I was completely drenched. Once I was seated in the vehicle, I realized, I was completely wet but not miserable. I felt really wonderful. To this day, I remember the good feeling; I simply cannot recall what made me feel miserable. God had cast my burdens away.

What I’m trying to say, is a million people everyday, pray for the rains to be at times that are best suitable to them. I used to do the same. Is it a surprise then that with the same tongues we pray for the rain? And yet we wonder why God does not listen? God is listening to a million people complaining. Being all wise and understanding, He takes all our wishes into considerations.

What I have come to understand, is God uses all the means possible to speak of His immense love, for us. With every drop of rain that you feel know that you are loved very much.

We must in our prayers ask for mercies in their proper time. Rain in the scripture represents God’s favour.  This verse tells us, to ask for rain even though it’s raining. In the season of rain, ask for rain, simply means to ask for God’s blessings, ask for God’s favour. Because we cant receive something unless we ask.  God is showering, His blessings and favour. But we have to do our part to get our words in line with what God wants to do.  We have to ask for that favour. We have to release our faith with our words.

Prayer: I’m wishing you an understanding that only God gives, I’m wishing you everything that is wonderful more than you can expect or imagine. From my heart to yours, I’m wishing you LOVE.

Only Words..........

We need wisdom when it comes to our speech – what we say, when we say it, and how we say it – is a reflection of our character and our relationship with God.  The words we speak matter; they matter to God and they matter to those around us. The Bible is God's Word, God speaks to us in so many ways, are we listening? 

With our words we can either bless our future or we can curse it. We have to give life to our faith by speaking words of victory.

What I have learned of life, is it can be unpredictable. It’s beautiful, when you believe in God. And love somehow, makes all your words come out alright. When you love God, you want to be encouraging everyone. You want everyone to know that nothing is impossible with God. Below are passages from the Bible. Kindly, reflect.

Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. Luke 6:45

Jesus said that, out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.  What we say is ultimately a result of what we think and feel. This is my personal favourite. Because I truly believe, when you love, that’s what you are going to speak about.

And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed and therefore I spoke,’ we also believe and therefore speak. 2 Corinthians 4:13

Faith is activated when you speak. When you speak with faith and send forth the Word of God out of your mouth, the Bible says that He watches over His Word to bring it to pass in your life. Don’t allow words of defeat or negativity to come out of your mouth.

I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I confidently trust. Psalm 91:2

The promises of God are activated, when we speak with faith. If, we’re not saying anything, we’re not releasing our faith.  We need to declare the promises of God, knowing that God is our Healer, our Provider and our Vindicator. In Psalm 91 we are assured of God's protection. In these troubled days, we need not fear, because God is watching our backs.

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.  Proverbs 12:18

The truth of the matter is when we use words recklessly or in a way that hurts others, we are not being wise. There is nothing benefited, from hurting a person, except our pride could just win. Is it that important? And would you feel right? Would you be able to stand before the Almighty and say you did right? I, think not.

Find something nice to say about someone or share an encouraging word. You never know how you can bring healing to a person's heart by sharing a kind, gracious word. Choose your words wisely. Be a healer.

I create the fruit of the lips.  Isaiah 57:19

Words, they have power. In the future, our words are going to produce exactly what we're saying. It's so important to make positive declarations over our lives every single day. When we do this, we are standing in agreement with God's Word.

The tongue has the power of life and death. Proverbs 18:21

Our words have the power to lift people up or push people down. We can say something to make others feel better about them or make them feel worse. It’s amazing what a simple compliment will do. Simple words can brighten and bless someone’s day.

That’s the power God has given each one of us. Let us try to utilize our words in a blessed manner. Let us try

To everyday have a goal of finding at least one person that we can encourage.

To be, free with our compliments.

To appreciate what somebody is doing right, not what they are doing wrong. There are already enough people, pushing people down.

To uplift a person and with our words bring joy to them.

To make people feel better about themselves.

Never tell anyone especially kids, that their dreams are outlandish/impossible. What a tragedy it would be if they believed.

Never use words that could create or cause chaos.

Never use the word hate. Hate is a strong word.

Remember: Always, encourage. Always build people

When we speak God's Word, the moment His promises come out of our mouth, in the unseen realm, something happens. No matter how long it takes, or how it looks, we should keep declaring God's favour over our situations. Get into the habit of speaking faith filled words, and see those negative situations turn around. Be amazed as God shows up in big ways in your life.

Speak Blessings and Favour always. God Bless!

FAITHFULNESS....

Our need and prayer should be, “Lord, help us to be faithful to the gifts, abilities, and opportunities you have given us according to the strength you give us. Then give us the grace and faith to leave the results to you. Col. 1:28-29

Where there is faithfulness to do ones duty regardless of the results there is success in God’s sight. We are to be faithful to God and leave the results to Him.

Usually, the first idea that comes to mind when God is called faithful is that He keeps His promises. That God is faithful means that His character is unchangingly consistent. God Himself is the model we must study for examples of faithfulness to encourage us to trust and to emulate Him. Paul (I Thessalonians & II Timothy) had proved it in a thousand struggles; he found that, when all was said and done, God had never failed him.

This is one of my testimonies, of what I know of God’s faithfulness. I always had these recurring scary dreams. The waves in the sea would come from all angles and I would see myself drowning. With every passing year, it just got worst.
This was six years back. I don’t remember this person. All, I know is as she was getting off the vehicle, she just said, no matter what happens don’t give up. And I thought that was weird. But, I thanked her any way.
on the way home, passing by the hospital, there was that eerie feeling. I saw myself being there and I was the very next day. Reaching home, its nearly midnight, I meet a family friend, an aunt, in the building, and she just gives me this hug. All these things and I know and feel something in my heart. I come home and recount all the incidents to my cousin.
The next, day  everything in my world collided. My younger brother met with an accident and went to be with the Lord. It was the most painful time. I felt completely lost. But God, remembered me always. He had taught me to watch for signs and He had built in me the resilience to bear everything that would come my way. What, I have learned over time, is to be obedient and to walk on the path He tells me to.

Of what value would the promises of God be without His faithfulness? And of what value would we be to God and to our families without faithfulness? Absolutely none! The faithful person is one who can be counted on at all times, no matter how bad the situation. In today’s world the willingness to be faithful and to continue on, or in spite of the circumstances, must be appreciated.

God is not like man; He does not begin a work and leave it undone. He never gives up. Men do this, but God never stops until He is finished. He does not finish until He is satisfied. He does not simply create and then leave His creations to their own ways. His obligation to all life and its care and sustenance continues unabated.

Then God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind to pass over the earth and the waters subsided. Genesis 8:1

Noah, his family and animals were imprisoned in the ark for months, sailing about alone on an endless sea. Noah could have easily thought himself as forgotten. Though he could remind himself that God had promised him protection, where was God now—wherever he looked he saw only empty waters and a sky that seemed to hold no hope?

We all have been drifting in the sea of problems, for a very long time. And at those times, it is natural to wonder if God is watching and does He hear and know the pain, we feel? Would God, know what it feels like being abandoned? In my last topic, I did mention, Jesus in Gethsemane Garden. Jesus was distressed and prayed if the cup could be lifted (problems could be gone) but Jesus continued praying, not my will, but yours be done. Does this answer the question of abandonment? God understands.  

Back, to the topic, GOD NEVER FORGETS. God never forgot Noah. He will never forget us, ever. The story of the Flood does not end on a note of hopelessness. The Floods went down. Mountaintops appeared, and the ark came to rest. Noah and his family resumed life on God’s green Earth.

Does God speak and not act? Understand that when God's Word goes forth, it accomplishes what He sent it to do. God's promises are sure. He never deceives, and there is never any inconsistency in Him. He is always true. He is called 'The Old Faithful'.

Because God is faithful, the strength to be faithful is promised to us. Always, work your way to be faithful.

REMEMBER: To those who feel lost in the depth of an ongoing trial, We are not lost to God.
If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

I Believe

Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. Luke 24:7

The Cross is a symbol of God’s amazing love for all. I could speak on Love for hours together. But that I leave for some other time. My focus, here is on the troubles which we all encounter in various stages of our lives.

First, from my home front, I begin with my mum, who was diagnosed with womb cancer, and was told to have it operated (removed). All I remember is, just saying this little prayer, please give my mum, what she wants. At that moment, that was all the prayer I knew, other than what we prayed as a family. There were complications. But, all said and done, my mother was completely cured. This much I know, God has always been faithful, and I never want to ever let go of God.

As a family, we have had our share of drastic accidents, and every-time I remember, God’s protection over us. Troubles are a vital part of life. One that keeps us all connected to God.

Troubles, come and go. At certain moments, you could feel like its never getting over.  But even if you are surrounded by the ocean on all sides (that roughly is 71% water), you will find land.

It may seem, horrible, hopeless, and like no good is going to happen. It may seem like no one cares. Things may look like they are never getting any better. And you have been with this too long, to even see the ray of light.

Praying to His father, in Gethsemane Garden, Jesus had to accept the fact, knowing wholly well that He was up for being betrayed. Jesus prayed, that the Fathers will be done, accepting death, even death on a Cross, so that we might be saved.  Jesus was made to wear a crown of thorns, flogged with a whip, mocked, humiliated and brutally tortured.

Jesus was crucified with two criminals. One of the criminals, asked Jesus, to remember him, when Jesus came into His kingdom. I feel God gives meaning in even the smallest details and events. What Jesus did next was a wonderful example of understanding, acceptance, love, and compassion all wrapped up in one conclusive act. Jesus, told him, that very day he would be with Jesus in Paradise. The forgiveness that Jesus gives to this man before dying is yet another act of love even as he is dying himself.   

When was the last time you remember being nice to someone, especially when you had a bad day? Hard to remember, isn’t it? I don’t blame you. Tough times, do that to all of us. But now go back to the last paragraph. You will notice, Jesus not only gave His word, but kept it as well. (It shows, Jesus kindness, to the man, overlooking what he was) Do you notice, the word, criminal, Jesus, did not condemn, him. He came not to condemn. We are all Gods, wonderful creation. You, who are reading the article, right now, He loves you. And, He has heard you. You are always on His mind.

Coming, into this world, Jesus knew what His role was. The really great weight upon Jesus was the terrible weight of all our sins upon Him. Jesus, cried from the Cross, My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? Matthew 27:47-49. Jesus not only suffered physical pain on our behalf, He suffered more importantly spiritually and emotionally. He felt rejected by God in that one atoning instant; so then, the cry that came from Him was truly a personal cry of deliverance to the Father on His behalf, because He was at that point carrying the sins of the world upon His shoulders.

As powerful as Jesus is, He could easily have avoided all of this. But He chose to do none of these things. Rather, He willingly chose to genuinely be “wounded for our transgressions” and “bruised for our iniquities” so that He could truly pay for our sins and suffer human death.

But, this is not the end. It is, actually a splendid beginning. From a Good Friday to a Easter Sunday, from death to ressurection. Just remember, that no matter how hopeless a situation may look, it's not the end. There is always victory. The Word that stands out is ….. BELIEVE. 

Prayer: Thank you GOD, for the conformation with the reading of Isaiah 55:11 yesterday. (“Dreams do come true”-January)

So is my word that goes out from my mouth:

It will not return to me empty,

but will accomplish what I desire

and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Is anything too wonderful for the LORD?

There are so many times, that we fall short on believing.  And yet the Bible records so many instances where we are told of the wonderful things that the Lord has done.  

‘Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.’ Genesis 18:14

Here, I am reminded of Abraham and Sarah who were way past child-bearing years. Both were in their 90’s. At the time appointed the Lord told Sarah, she would have a son. Almost teasingly, the Lord answers Sarah’s laughter from outside the tent, asking a simple question, “Is anything too wonderful for the LORD?” (It could mean ‘Is anything too hard or impossible’ for the LORD?”, ‘full of wonder beyond the imagination, beyond description.’).

The words are repeated not to remove Sarah's unbelief, but to encourage her faith in the divine promise. Sarah bore a son Isaac within the year the LORD had promised.

To this day, God asks us, “Is anything too wonderful for the LORD?”. We need to move beyond our doubts, and trust that nothing is too wonderful for our God who loves us.

‘Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?’ Jeremiah 32:27

Jeremiah had been very faithful in his preaching of the Word. When you don't like a man's message, you want to do something about it. He couldn't be bought off, so King Zedekiah put him into prison. God came to Jeremiah and He told him, that for a while, at least, everything is going to be desolate. Jeremiah believed and was told by God, to buy the piece of ground, from his cousin, that was for sale.

Jeremiah said, ‘God, what is the point in my doing that? But because you told me to do it, I will do it.’

Jeremiah spoke, ‘Ah Lord GOD! Behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee’

God challenges your faith and my faith today with the question, “Is there anything too hard for the Lord?”

‘For with God nothing shall be impossible.’ Luke 1:37

Gabriel(the Archangel) was sent by God to announce to Mary, that she was to conceive Jesus. Mary said, ‘how can this be?’ If there is something standing in the way of God's doing the thing that He needs to do in your life, yes, God can and will overrule the forces of nature.

‘But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.’ Matthew 19:26

A rich young man wanted to follow the Lord, and asked Jesus what must be done. Jesus told him to sell all that he had and give it to the poor and come and follow Him.

The man found that difficult and left. Jesus, told His disciples, that it would be difficult for a rich man to give up everything and follow God.

The apostles then asked who can be saved? Here is the question in the realm, for and of the salvation of men: “There is nothing that is not possible with God.”

If you read your Bible you can't help but see a loving God that worked miracles in various life situations for His people. Our Father is still willing today to undertake for any of His children that will trust Him first and depend on Him alone. We are all tempted to think that our situation is too complex for God to work His solution on our behalf. But our challenge comes from God's own heart to us...............

"IS ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR THE LORD?"

He will not and He cannot suffer his faithfulness to fail. If at the moment you are discouraged and you feel like it has been so long since God has answered your prayer and you are saying, “Is anything too hard for God?”, remember He can do anything but fail.

If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: He cannot deny himself. II Timothy 2:13

That means He keeps on believing. He believes for you when you can't believe.