Yellow ribbon

On a Friday evening, on my way home, as we spoke, God said, ‘Don’t worry, I walk with you’. I simply trusted what God said.

Today, being Sunday, after the 10:15 mass, I watched a couple celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Her name is Jasmine I think. If I remember it is because Jasmine is my favorite flower. I sat back and watched them renew their vows. It was sheer joy for me. As a child, I used to pray to God, asking for someone to love me the most in the world. So I never had any fancy dreams. Never did dream of big-wondrous things. What I was actually asking from God, was for the greatest love story ever.

This is one of my favorite childhood-love-stories. I still love it. And often, this is what a love story, should be like. One waits, forever you know. Love is forever, for me it is. Love goes on believing in the impossible. If you have not heard it before, if this is the first time, that you’ve come across this then I hope you love it as much as I do.

This is a story of a man who is on his way home. He has written a letter to the woman who he once was in love with, stating, his thoughts on his home coming. It’s been years now. He further states, that if there is a yellow ribbon on the tree, he will know-that he is welcome. If not then, he would simply pass by. He is not the same man who left many years before. The one who is returning is now a much wiser man. As the bus approaches his home town his heart is filled with apprehension. He wonders how he will be received. There are so many things in his past. But now that is all that is behind him.

As the bus draws close, he wonders if she would still be waiting for him. Years before, when he was leaving she told him that she would wait for his return. That she would keep a yellow ribbon tied to the tree-as an indication of her undying love for him. He wonders if things have changed. Does she still feel the same?

He is too scared to even look. But look he must and he notices that the whole tree is filled with yellow ribbons. From a distance he sees someone. As he comes closer, he sees her waiting at the door. He looks at her as she takes his hand in hers, and says for all the years-for all the love, one ribbon-would never be enough. From the distance-a ribbon would easily be missed-but not a whole tree of ribbons.

Do you see? Love had never quit. Love always PREVAILS . . . . .

Here I am, Abba, Father! Look into the depths of my heart Lord. This is my dream!

Sometimes, life can be tough. And often, we forget how easy it is to approach God. He is the kindest, most sweetest, most gentle, most compassionate, most merciful and most loving God. Get to know Him and there is nothing that He want do for you. These are some of the promises. Know that nothing is impossible. I encourage you to believe. It's really easy. Ask God? He will move the universe to get to you. Try...

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:7-11

Jesus made them a promise; ask the Father for what you want and believe that you will receive it. He continues on to say ask and you shall receive so that your joy may be full.

After close to 2000 years, we still don’t believe that you can ask God for what you want. If you don’t like what is happening in any area of your life, ask God to fix it. Instead of complaining about what you don’t have and what you don’t want; ask God for what you desire.

Read it over and over again until you get to the point that you believe what it says. Notice, the verse does not say, ‘Ask and you may receive’ or it does not state ‘Ask and I will think about it’. No the verse says, ‘Ask and you will receive’ God wants you to be happy. He wants you full of joy. He does not want you beat up and broken down. So believe, that’s what the promise is all about. This is what I tell all my friends, no matter who they are. I tell them believe.

Let’s ask God for what we do want. This is what the Bible has instructed us to do.

God longs to give His children good gifts. He longs to be there for you. He longs to provide support and encouragement, strength, energy and healing. These are good gifts that He wants to give to you.

As you pray, perhaps even pray the Lord's Prayer, seeking day by day that your needs be met, and seeking forgiveness of sins. God, the Heavenly Father, longs to give you good gifts, and wants to bless your heart out of the abundance of His love. Be assured He is listening, and He wants to answer.

And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. Matthew 21:22

Prayer is the way that we communicate with God. The Bible advices us on how to pray; God wants us to pray to Him.  
"Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell you wonderful and marvelous things." Jeremiah 33:3

Much prayer is supplication. We are asking God for something and acknowledging our inability to get it for ourselves.

"I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people." 1Tim. 2:1

Prayer requires faith. It is not a magic formula for getting what we want. One must trust that God is and can hear us. 
"Whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists" Heb. 11:6

When praying, we want to seek the will of God, not change it. 
"We have courage in God's presence, because we are sure that he hears us if we ask him for anything that is according to his will." 1 John 5:14

Jesus taught through parables that persistence is important when praying. In the parable of the widow and the judge, the widow kept on demanding her rights until the judge got tired of all the trouble and granted her request. 

"Now, will God not judge in favor of his own people who cry to him day and night for help?" Luke 18:7

There are some conditions for having our prayers heard. We need to seek God's will and persistence helps. Prayer requires an attitude of humility and repentance. "If I had ignored my sins, The Lord would not have listened to me." Psalm 66:18

"If they pray to me and repent and turn away from the evil they have been doing, then I will hear them in heaven, forgive their sins, and make their land prosperous again." 2 Chronicles 7:14

Jesus was asked by one of the apostles, "Lord, teach us to pray." Luke 11:1. Jesus said, "In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come. Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.

And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.

For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6: 9-13

The Lord's Prayer: gives us the words while our spirit connects to God on a deeper level. God wants to hear our prayers. He wants us to have faith in Him and be persistent with our requests, be humble and ask forgiveness, be bold and make our requests known to Him. Jesus gave us a prayer that we can learn to pray on.

Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; Matthew 9:29

“And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” When he entered the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be done to you.” And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, “See that no one knows it.” But they went away and spread his fame through that entire district.”

It’s a scary world and many are afraid to reach out because we choose, instead, to conform to society. 1 Peter 3:15 “… Always be prepared to make a defence to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence.”

The devil, does his best to keep all from receiving the Father’s healing touch. We may not see his hand, but let us not be deceived that he is not present because he is invisible to our human eyes. 

We need to pray for God’s grace and courage to take a stand and to speak boldly and yet in love, so that the rest of the world will know that there is Jesus (the Son of God), who is waiting to be invited and to heal.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  Matthew 19:26

We have to firmly believe that God will work our circumstances to our good. When God told Abraham and Sarah that they were going to have a baby in their old age, Abraham was 86 years old and Sarah was 76 years old. Knowing they were well past the age of childbearing, they didn’t see how they were now going to become parents. However, just because they didn’t see how it was possible, didn’t mean it was impossible. Unfortunately, despite this promise, they chose to jump to conclusions and take matters into their own hands, forfeiting God’s perfect will, for His permissive will.

We have to trust God to work out His perfect will in our life.

Despite how bad our situation may look, God’s plans are and will always be, to prosper us, not to harm us, plans to give us a hope and future. Jeremiah 29:11

Remember the promise and know that with God all things are possible.

 

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done.      Matthew 21:21

Throughout the Bible, the position that people hold is represented by trees.

Being able to forgive requires faith–faith that God is using the troubles to change you into the child of God that you need to become. It requires faith that you will not only survive the current situation, but grow and become mature. Just like the mustard seed that starts tiny and becomes a great tree–you will become a person of influence for others. And as a tree you will produce fruit–fruit of the Spirit.

Jesus begins with stating that He healed ten lepers and only one of them gave thanks. In one way or another, we are all like the nine lepers that didn't give thanks. Jesus trusted His Father to work out all things for good. Likewise, we too can see the results of our faith when we turn our weaknesses over to God–wanting with all our hearts to forgive without ever again remembering the offence. Feeling the release from anger toward the offending person is like seeing your mustard seed begin to grow.

The grace of God that brings salvation teaches us to live righteously and godly in this present world Titus 2:11-12.

The mountains and trees that seem they are here to stay must be uprooted and moved, and nothing shall be impossible for the one who believes. We must become co-workers with God to that end, sowing consistently to the Spirit and refusing to sow to the flesh.

When the twelve spies were sent to search out the land of Canaan, only Joshua and Caleb came back confident that the land could be taken with God leading the way. The rest brought an evil report of giants, and the dismal view that overcoming the land was impossible. Their view infected the whole camp like a disease.

We need to be like Joshua and Caleb, men of faith in God. If God says the land can be taken, it can. If God says that mountain can be made to move, or that tree can be uprooted and thrown into the sea, they can. He will lead the way, and give patient instruction and supernatural power; only continue to live by faith in His words and do not draw back, lest He have no pleasure in you Heb. 10:38

There is no giant in the land of your life except such as commonly faces all men, but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be faced by a giant stronger than you can withstand with the strength of God in you. But in every single case will provide the way to overcome and get the victory. There is neither mountain nor stubborn tree that cannot be made to move out of your way, so that you can run your race with the endurance necessary to reach the finish line–if you have faith as a mustard seed. Grab hold of the precious promises of God and believe them. Make straight paths for your feet to walk in, so that your lameness may be healed. Heb.12:13

Whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith I Jn. 5:4. Amen.

CONCLUSION: God took the Israelites through many journeys. Whenever there were difficult encounters, they saw Him at work. He took them across the sea and the river; He gave them food and drink; He drove out their enemies before them. They piled up stones as reminders of what He had done for them at these junctions. Remembering His faithfulness is like looking at the mustard seed to remind your-self that He is real–that He gives life its purpose. Our heavenly Father provided our Sacrifice for all times –His Son– as redemption for us all! That's why we are reminded to give thanks in all situations and to praise Him for all that He is and does.

The great miracles that took place in the Bible are a result of people trusting in God; not past experience, or human endeavor. Be encouraged today.

REMEMBER: I will obey the Word. Instead of complaining about what I don’t want, I will ask God for what I do want. I rejoice and I am grateful for the promise that whatsoever I ask the Father in Jesus name, He will give it to me.

PRAYER: Father, when you promised Joshua, victory over their enemies, Joshua, dared to stand in your presence and ask that the sun stand still and so it was done. There has never been a day like it ever, where at a command of a man the sun and moon stood still for the whole day. That is the day when You listened to a human being (a warrior). I love you Father, and I dare to stand before your mighty presence asking for that which You have promised me. Like Joshua, I dare to believe. And Father, this I ask in Jesus name. Amen.

The CROSS of Christ

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! – I Praise You, my ever-loving God!

As a nine year old, I remember, clearly the thunderous voice of God the Father, calling for my name. I was alone. Never knew, it was God. So the first thing I did was run.

Then eight years back, I felt the call of God and I answered ‘Yes’. My heart was set to join the order of the Carmelites. But then, God told me that it was just a test. ‘The thoughts of the lord are not our thoughts; His ways are not our ways.’ What I was told to do instead, was to love everyone with all of my heart.

At fourteen, that was the last I saw Jesus, in my dreams, I think.  This is what Jesus said to me ‘I forgive you’, I looked at Jesus, and asked Jesus, what about tomorrow, and Jesus smiled and said ‘for all’. Do you know how comforting those words were?

There was this one instance, I felt like praying for a soul. So I got up and lighted the candle and recited the mercy prayer on my rosary. At the end of the prayer, the candle lit off. I felt the Heavenly peace, I can never be able to describe. It’s a completely heavenly feeling. I felt like I had died and gone to Heaven. The feeling continued till I fell asleep. Every time, I call to remembrance, my heart skips a beat.

The other instance I clearly remember is when I was in school, I was just going to my seat, and there on the ground, I found a picture of Padre Pio. That was my introduction to Padre Pio and what can I say I feel like I know him for ages. You know I love you, Padre Pio.

Do you wonder, as to why I am recalling all of Gods goodness? Why I am bringing everything to memory. I’ve had a hard month-It’s been nothing short of hells fury. Do you know that the devil throws everything at you? Do you know why he does that? Do you know that he wants you to be abusive? He wants you to think and question God? The devils only mission is to make you feel miserable, lonely and that God doesn’t care. Do you know that the devil fears love? Do you know why?

My answers are, I know when he throws everything at me, I must be doing something right. I will continue to speak about God, in every way I can. I will Glorify God always. From the breath I take to every heart beat, my God I love you and praise you. To you ‘My Holy Mighty God’, all praise and Glory for evermore.

Remember, the devil is known to be the father of all lies and deception. He is all hate. The Cross is what he fears the most, because it is and will always be the greatest sign of love. A love from God the Father to sacrifice His only Son, and Jesus to lay down His life for us-to save us from eternal damnation. Only love-Jesus saved us on a Good-Friday and came back on a Sunday, thus defeating death and promising eternal life to the one who believes. BELIEVE in love-Believe in the POWER OF THE CROSS. The CROSS is your only saving grace.

Padre Pio, please in this hour of mine be with me and watch over me, I pray.

“…if God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

…and that’s a GREAT question to ask in the midst of pain and confusion.

After attending Sunday school, when we were kids; Fr. Joe would administer the blessed-sacrament. Fr. Joe would make us all sing out our loudest-best. I still recall the way the church would echo with all the voices together, especially when we sang this hymn (it was all hearts singing a song of praise, it was simply wonderful, sadly that is something we don’t hear much these days). If God is for us, who can be against? For the Spirit of God has set us free. I know that nothing in this world, will ever keep us from His love.

At the end of the day as long as you know, that God, your Father and creator… is FOR YOU and ON YOUR SIDE… then you come to the realization that NO ONE can stand against you!

If God be for you… people may come against you, but you will have the strength to overcome them!

Paul wrote to the Christians being persecuted: "… we are being put to death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us." Realize that God says: “In ALL these things, we overwhelmingly conquer!” We overwhelmingly conquer, through the power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And it is this amazing power – the power of the Creator of the universe – that will help you pick yourself up, brush yourself off, and turn your setback into an overwhelming victory. May that victory be triumphed for the glory of God!

God said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor 12.9-10

I have learned to believe that everything happens for a reason and if all that I have gone through is what lead me to this place ... then it was all worth it.

When I’m weak then I’m strong. Paul knew that even in his weakest moments when he felt like losing his mind… that the Holy Spirit would come and lead him… and guide him through all things… and make a way out of no way for him!

So today, if you are feeling like everyone and everything is coming against you my friend… hold your head up high and stand tall and make this declaration: “If God is for ME… who in the world can be against ME?”

…and the answer to that question is “Nobody and no-one can be against you… because God is for you!”

CONCLUSION: Know that God loves you, He is on your side, God desires to bless and prosper you, know that He offers the hope of eternal life this is what makes life abundant. This is the victory in God and we experience this victory as we believe in Him and give thanks to Him for all He provides us. It is what changes your spirit in a moment from one of failure to one of success, from one of disappointment to one of rejoicing. It is the quiet assurance, the faith, the confidence that you see in every great man or woman. When we truly know the love of God, we become more than conquerors no matter what difficulty we face.

REMEMBER: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Jude 1:24-25-“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen”. God's got us; God is for us. In Christ we are forgiven, accepted, kept, and sealed until we are one day glorified. By the death and resurrection of Christ we know and understand that God is for us.

There are many accusers of the faith. Our greatest accuser is Satan. If we are Christ's then every sin past, present, and future are forgiven and covered by the blood of Christ. Our salvation is not determined on our ability or us trying to be perfect but it is based upon our God who has justified us through Jesus Christ (His suffering, death, & resurrection). Because Christ provided for our salvation and when He finished that work the Bible says the He “sat down at the right hand of God – Heb. 10:12”.

St. Paul faced persecution and eventually martyrdom. Paul states the truth that we are “more than conquerors” in Christ in spite of any attempt that this world or Satan tries to throw at us. Let me finish with this verse of this passage: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”. There is nothing in heaven nor earth, no angel nor demon, no king nor president, no high mountain range nor ocean depths, and no human nor beast that can ever steal my salvation or destroy the love that Christ has for me.

PRAYER: Father, look upon your servant’s misery and remember me. Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. This i ask in Jesus name, Amen.

You are my Strength!

I called my friend, who had taken the 16:15 hrs. transport and apologized for not making it. I told her I was on my way to Goregaon station. She said she would meet me there. On reaching I gave her a call, and was informed she had not reached Malad station. On Gods guidance, I took to the other platform and moved forward as guided. The 16:25 train was a Churchgate-fast and I knew I had to let it go as I had given a word that I would meet her. Then there was the 16:33 Fast-and no call from her so I thought-I would miss this too. Just then, I saw her standing at the entrance of the train. I called her name-and she got down from the train. Of-course, we did climb the train together.

So this is what I’m trying to say, I must have missed the bus and the connecting train (that’s what I thought), but God had something different on mind. God-lead me the other way and I still got to that train, way before time.

I was praying for something. And I know that I have God’s 'go -ahead' on it, I have God’s Word. But there were certain factors that seemed to worry me. What God, did was put me in the situation only to realize my folly. See what I was doing, I was trying to understand how God would do God’s job. For a moment, I was trying too hard to see something from my point of view. And God is all understanding. God put me in a situation where I would understand. 
Moral of the story: God makes things happen, no matter which route you take. So never worry, trust in Him and let God lead you to victory.

I would say this, remember God’s goodness. Remember, God will always make a way even especially if you see none. Remember God is God!

Then the LORD said: ‘I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all-the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the LORD, will do for you’. Exodus 34:10

A covenant is God's solemn promise that He will give the covenant people certain benefits if they will keep the covenant. Keeping the covenant means obeying the terms of the covenant. So a covenant involves three things:

• Promises-which God will perform if the people keep the covenant.
• Commandments-or terms-which the people must keep in order to receive the promises.
• Warnings-of what will happen if the covenant is broken.

God's-part of this covenant-what He would do for the Israelites:

1. Joshua was the leader of God’s people the Israelites. God had promised Joshua victory.  The Bible, states the sun stood still at the command of Joshua. Joshua-was just a warrior but he dared to believe and asked for the sun to be still-and so it was for a whole day. AND
2. The Walls of Jericho, that came down at the shout of praise-now all this was done-as per what the Lord had commanded Joshua and his people. AND
3. Crossing-the river Jordan which the Lord-God had caused to dry up like God had done to the Red-sea when God had parted it for His people to cross over. etc.

Marvels indeed, such as have not been done in all the earth. The Israelites were the terror of their enemies; It is a terrible thing that I will do, says the Lord. God, as King of nations, plucks up some, to plant others, as it pleases Him.

Think about that for a moment and let it take root in your spirit. God is saying, “I’m going to do something awesome in your life.” The key found in the next verse; states, “Obey what I have commanded.” God’s ready to do His part, and we have to do ours. When we do things God’s way, we get God’s results. He promises to do what has never been done before!

Do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.  Hebrews 10:35

 

I believe that one of the greatest temptations that we have is the temptation to lose our hope and our confidence that God is actually leading us.

Nehemiah's enemies wanted to make him afraid so that he would lose his confidence. Nehemiah had the discernment to realize what was going on, and prayed to God. He determined to stay the course, and complete that task that God called him to do. We must continually fuel our faith with the promises of God.

Why is it that the enemy is bent upon trying to rob us of our confidence? Because our confidence has great reward! Through faith (another word for confidence) we have been justified. Through faith, we accomplish the goals that God lays out for us. The rewards are too great to lose!

All things come to us through faith-Confidence(that we have in God), boldness(that we can walk up to His throne), and assurance(that everything will be according to God's will-not a minute later-than God's intended time). Trust in God-be assured of His love for you. Faith has great rewards; peace of mind, freedom from anxiousness, love and acceptance for others. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Sometimes we pray and believe for something that seems to be taking ages to be answered. Often, people give up when they are close to achieving their dreams. Don’t let that be you! Be encouraged today; your answer is closer than you think! If it seems like things are getting more difficult, that means you are closer to your victory. Remember, we serve a faithful God, and He’s working behind the scenes on your behalf. Don’t cast away your confidence today because your reward is coming. While you are waiting, keep an attitude of faith and expectancy(the feeling-I know, that I know, that I know.... Don't you quit believing! Don't you give up on His promises. Stay in faith!

Friends, do not throw away your confidence today. Trust God. Keep your eye on the reward.

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.  Psalm 9:10

God is my refuge. In Him alone, I trust. Remember, to rest on God’s unchangeable promise. And remember darkness may endure for the night but joy cometh in the morning.

His power-is sufficient to sustain us.

His wisdom-will guide us.

His grace-will teach us to triumph in our endless salvation.

God is always faithful. Our God is a powerful, wise and there is none like Him.

The seeking soul is precious in the Lord's sight. The seeking soul is sure to obtain His blessing.

The grace to seek—He gives;

The blessing sought—He has provided and promised;

The sense of need—He imparts;

The feeling that urges them to go to His throne—He produces.

A seeking soul was never forsaken of God. Such a circumstance never occurred in all of time. He has tried them, and tried them very severely—but He never forsook one of them.
He may try them . . .
by delays, as He did Abraham;
by the oppression of men, as He did the Israelites in Egypt; 

by a fiery furnace, as He did the three Jews in Babylon; but forsake them — He never will, He never can.

He tried Joseph, and tried him long, but even in prison it is said, "The Lord was with Joseph." "The word of the Lord tried him," but at length, "Then Pharaoh sent for him and set him free. Joseph was put in charge of all the king’s household; he became ruler over all the king’s possessions."

He tried Daniel, and tried him very sorely, so that his enemies appeared to prevail against him; a cruel sentence was passed upon him, and that sentence was executed — but we read, "When Daniel was lifted from the lion's den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God." There never was such a thing as a forsaken saint; or, which is the same thing, the Lord never did forsake those who seek him.

Everyone that finds the Lord — proves Him to be faithful. 

His word is true.

His grace is infinite.

His mercy is everlasting.

His truth endures forever.

He is a refuge to all those who trust in Him.

Anytime something good happens, give God the glory. If you do this, I believe that you’re going to come into more of God's goodness; that His blessings are going to chase you down. God is going to turn negative situations around. Get ready! You’re on your way to fulfill your God-given destiny because God never forsakes those who seek after Him!

CONCLUSION: When you’re enthusiastic, it simply means you are full of God. Wake up with an excitement. Know that God is for you. And when God is for you, no-one can be against. Keep smiling, love with all your heart. Walk with a spring in your step. And do not be afraid of anyone-because God is the most powerful force in the world. Fear only the lord-your God and Him only shall you serve. Remember, God breathes in your direction. When you’re full of passion, you have the favor of God.

REMEMBER:  God created us in His image, crowned us with His favor, and equipped us with His power. God made you to be victorious. Always remember that. You may have had some setbacks, but this is a new day! You need to get your fire back. When you’re in agreement with God, He can cause the winds of favor to shift in your direction!

PRAYER: Keep me always obedient and faithful to you, I pray. Amen.
Thank You, Abba Father. (26.05.2013 updated)

A word is a WORD . . .

 

A pastor once was preaching and he made the statement: "GOD SAID IT, I BELIEVE IT, THAT SETTLES IT!" A little girl was in the audience and she raised her hand and when acknowledged she said, "Pastor, you're wrong!" The surprised Pastor said, "What do you mean? Why am I wrong?" The girl answered, "Pastor, God said it and that settles it whether you believe it or not!"

THE SAFEST AND SMARTEST THING A PERSON CAN DO IS TO BELIEVE WHATEVER GOD SAYS!

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. Isaiah 55:11

Jesus is the Word. John 1:1

The only word that God guarantees is the word that proceeds from His mouth. Therefore no one, not even Satan himself, can frustrate the purposes of God’s word, which is the means by which He has determined to work. God is all-powerful and His purposes always find fruition.

A promise from God is something God will do. A promise must be believed. When God gives a promise He says, "I WILL"

The promises of God are directed towards His intention of bringing full redemption to the whole of creation. And God expects us to know that He keeps His promises, and can thus be trusted, that is, relied upon to do what he says He will do.

The yet to be fulfilled prophecies must also be considered as promises since God promised they would happen. What a wonderful God that He would make so many promises to mankind.

Even at times if you feel that God is a million miles away, its then at that moment that He's the most closest. During those painful moments recall all the promises that God kept and you will realize that it was never the best of circumstances that brought about the promises. But it came about not a second then the God intended time.

Paul was right—anguish, distress, persecution, famine, peril—wars, the collapse of nations, none of this can separate us from God. Only sin, which comes from within us, can do that. But even when we do sin, we should recall that we’ve already done the worst possible thing—we’ve sinned in killing Our Lord on the Cross. And even that did not stop Him. God even then kept His promises.

Through the words of the Scripture-The Bible, we learn of God's saving plan for mankind.

Number of promises given in the Bible:     1,260

Fulfilled prophecies:                      3,268 verses

We read in Titus 1:2, "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began." What a wonderful truth to know that God CANNOT lie. God is Holy, that is, He is moral perfection.

The rainbow is a token of God's promise to never destroy the earth again by flood, but it is much more. The rainbow is a constant reminder to mankind that God keeps ALL of His many promises. God cannot lie! Genesis 9:13-16:

PROMISES:

• The Apostle Paul, in writing about the promises of God to Abraham: "For the promise that he should be heir of the world, was not to Abraham or his seed through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith . . . God's promise to Abraham 22:18-And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
• God promised David, “I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm…. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. … I will not withdraw my favor from him … Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever” 2 Samuel 7:12-16.
• The example of Joshua can teach us how faith in the living God can help us to overcome fear. In Joshua 1, the Israelites were camped on the eastern bank of the Jordan River. The promised land stretched out in front of them to the west. The Israelites had heard about the land of milk and honey for 800 years. Four hundred years passed from Abraham to Joseph and another 400 were spent in Egypt. Living in Canaan had been a dream that gripped Israel for 15 generations. Now the people were on the verge of fulfilling that dream. But the greatest obstacle to moving into the promised land was neither the Jordan nor the well-fortified cities throughout Canaan. No, the greatest obstacle before Israel was fear. This is why in Joshua 1: God repeatedly says, “Be strong and courageous!”
  To help Joshua (and us) overcome fear, God outlines a series of amazing promises. In verse 3, God says He will give Joshua every place he sets his foot. In verse 4, God promises the Israelites their land will extend from the Mediterranean Sea to the Euphrates River. Then in verse 5, He promises that no one will be able to stand against them. God promises to be with Joshua just like He was with Moses. God says he will never leave him or forsake him.
  Few things push back fear and inspire courage more than claiming God’s promises. God makes these incredible promises, but many times we can’t bring ourselves to believe they’re true. Finally, when we’re overcome by fear or despair, we eventually cry out to God. We claim His promise, and then the Lord comes through.
  Before He sent the Israelites across the Jordan River, God made a series of promises to Joshua to give him courage and strength. We read about these promises being fulfilled in Joshua 11:16-23. God always keeps His promises! We can face our fears by resting in God’s promises.

• GOD has promised to supply every need we have. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19.
• God has promised that His grace is sufficient for us. II Corinthians 12:9. It is through an obedient faith that we have access into the grace of God. Romans 5:2.
• God has promised that His children will not be overtaken with temptation. He assures us that a way of escape will be provided. I Corinthians 10:13. Jude wrote: "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy" Jude:24.
• God has promised us victory over death. He first resurrected Jesus by way of assuring our resurrection. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:57
• God has promised that all things work together for good to those who love and serve Him faithfully. Romans 8:28. God has promised it, and He will deliver.
• God has promised that those who believe in Jesus and are baptized for the forgiveness of sins will be saved. Mark 16:16 
• God has promised His people eternal life. John 10:27-28.

CONCLUSION:   

• It is God’s purpose that will not return empty, not ours. We cannot use the verse to proclaim that God will cause our desires to become a reality. For this reason, we must learn to pray as Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before His crucifixion: yet not as I will, but as You will Matthew 26:39. We will find that when our will aligns with His will instead of our own yearnings, that God will give us the desires of our heart Psalm 37:4.
• God is all-powerful and unconquerable. We must remember, though, that nothing happens in the universe without God’s permission, and He is triumphant over satan, sin and death. So we have nothing to fear.
• God the Father purposed to send His Son to pay the price for sin, and this sacrifice makes salvation possible to all of the earth’s population. The Lord has purposed to save all who confess their sins and follow the risen Lord Jesus, and His word will succeed in bringing them to Himself!

As the children's song says:

"Faith is just believing what God says He will do!"
He will never fail us His promises are true.
If we but receive Him, His children we become - John 1:12,
Faith is just believing this wondrous thing is done!"

 

REMEMBER: 
Paul wrote to the Romans that death could not separate us from the love of God. We know that even death did not stop God’s plan. Jesus rose from the dead. The Cross, a device of torture used by us sinners to reject God’s ultimate gift of grace, Himself, has become for us a symbol of God’s complete, self-giving love, a love that overcomes even death.

Perhaps you find yourself stuck and fearful. You can’t go back and you can’t go forward. But today Jesus reaches out His hand and says, “I’m here. I keep my promises. Step out in faith and I’ll pull you past your fears into the incredible future.

The Bible is the greatest promise ever kept. Every verse every passage that is written, points to the coming of the Lord. Nothing could change the course of Jesus coming. The Truth (that is Jesus) shall set you free. Jesus-The promised Messiah-was our liberator, our redeemer. We were ransomed-because He became the victim-so that by His death and resurrection-we would be the victorious ones. From Bondage to Freedom-we are God’s children-we are the ones who know the meaning of a PROMISE. Let us always remember, what it means to have a God who lives to keep His promise-at the cost of His only begotten Son.
From God to Us A word is a WORD . . . that is J.E.S.U.S . . .

PRAYER: Father, this is your promise. I thank You for Your faithfulness. I know your promise will come to pass. I don't see it, but I know it is-because You are my encouragement. Your will be done. Amen.

You Be BLESSED!

You asked if I loved you, and this is my reply, ‘to the day I die’. I will always love you, forever and ever. Amen.

To love and to be loved is a blessing, not many of us realize. And if you have love, then you have GOD and you are the most blessed person on the earth.

Face your worst fear. If you recognize this sentence then chances are you might have watched mortal combat maybe more than once. If not then that’s OK. It’s just that sometimes even the smallest sentence when spoken, can be life changing, or maybe just can make an impact. As for me I loved watching mortal combat part 1. I have watched that movie about six times or more.

Normal reaction to any fear is to worry. That’s what fear makes you do. Anyway, when surrounded by it, I sat maybe for nearly three to four hours feeling really miserable. I recalled two things actually, one Jesus in Gethsemane garden, where Jesus prayed for His Fathers will and  second, how, Jesus when crucified, said Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. You might ask what this has to do with fear. Patience my friend, I’m getting there. And I thought, oh my God. Jesus was in such terrible pain, felt completely ignored, by His people. And as if being crucified for us was not enough, He still chose to pray for us. He thought of us, even amidst the pain. Think about it, how often do we think about others when we ourselves are in the situation? When faced with a fearful situation, what is our normal reaction? When things don’t go our way, we get bitter. We get impatient, nasty and abusive. When Jesus prayed in Gethsemane garden, He knew, He would be crucified, He knew the humiliation, the pain and the abandonment that He would face. Jesus being human, faced fear. But in that fearful moment, He prayed ‘Not my will, but yours be done.’

Knowing fully well, that His Father’s will was that He(Jesus) be crucified. As these thoughts came to me, I got up and went to do all the wonderful things I could think of. When I thought, on my own, I could do nothing. But when I went up and going, it was no longer me, but God with me.

It’s so vital to receive what God wants to freely give you! It’s simple, but so many people believe exactly the opposite. God is for you!
And He desires for you to have every blessing and every good thing that He promises to you in His Word.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. I Thessalonians 4:13-14

“If we believe.” Do you believe that Jesus died and rose again? I do.

That’s all you have to believe. That’s the whole message of Easter. If God raised His own Son from the dead, He will not leave in the grave those who believed in Jesus while they were alive, and accepted Him as the Son of God. Because He rose, we too will rise. Because He lives, we too will live.

And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9

We all go through seasons of difficulty and face storms in life. But during those times, we have to remember that Almighty God is greater than any struggle we face! He’ll take those challenges and use them to strengthen us, but we have to do our part and take a step of faith toward the victory.

If you think that in life’s battle you are alone, know this that you never are. Jesus went through the feelings of being human and understanding what it meant to be one of us. You may argue that He was the Son of God. But don’t forget he was flesh and blood, like you and me. Yes He was the Son of God. He was obedient, to His Father. We need to learn, this characteristic. We need to be so much like Jesus. He is faithful unto death. He is compassionate. He is mercy. He is love that no other can ever be. From God the Father, to His Son Jesus and to The Holy-Spirit, there will never be any one on this earth or the entire galaxy to love you the way they do. Our God is a loving God.

As I stated above, Jesus prayed for His Fathers will, in Gethsemane garden. We need to keep that in mind. We need to do God’s will no matter how difficult.

Today, no matter what you may be facing, remember His grace is sufficient for you. His strength is made perfect in you. He has given you everything you need to overcome in this life.

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

On Good Friday, when they crucified Jesus, it was the darkest, most painful day of His life. Jesus carried the weight of all of our sins on Himself. Being the Son of God. He chose to become the victim for us. Just remember, when you face a calamity or struggle, you never will be alone. Jesus, will always walk with you. Because He is all love, and love will never ever leave you to be alone.
It looked as if His enemies had gotten the best of Him. On Sunday morning it was a different story. The grave could not hold Him! Death couldn't contain Him! The forces of darkness couldn't stop Him!

With the resurrection of Jesus, we learn that God will always finish what He started. No matter how horrible a situation; if you will stay in faith, God will always take you from Friday to Sunday. He will always complete what He started in you! God is faithful!

But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 8:11

Tonight, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Tonight, we celebrate victory! Jesus overcame sin and death so that we can have abundant life. Because of Jesus, we have total victory over anything that would try to hold us back in this life!

Sin can't hold you back any longer because when the Son sets you free, you are free indeed! John 8:36.

I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6

The last thing Jesus said on the cross was, "It is finished." It was a statement of faith. Jesus did everything that was in His Fathers will and in accordance with the scriptures.

Remember, when things look bad in your own life, dare to make a declaration of faith. God is always faithful. God will always complete what He has started.

He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.

Matthew 28:6

We have a reason to celebrate every day because we serve a God who is alive and filled with resurrection power! Not only did He resurrect Jesus from the dead, but He wants to extend His resurrection power to every area of your life, today!

I would like to state, something here. My brother had gone for two months to Dubai. On the last day of the first month, they realized that was the last day for him in Dubai. So that would be the last interview he could attend, after which he would have to come back. I did not want my brother to feel disappointment, being so far from home. When I was informed of this I told my brother I am going to church, which I always do. But this time, I would storm Heaven with my prayers.

On my way to church, God told me not to worry, my brother would get to stay there and he would get the job that day itself. So I believed. God is faithful. My brother did get the job on that day itself. He got the job as an accountant. Never having worked a day as an accountant, that is a miracle. God does the impossible.

I invite you to walk into Gods resurrection power. One touch of Gods grace will thrust you to a whole new level. Only God can open up doors that no man can shut, like God did for my brother.

God can bring the whole universe to a halt just for you. If you only believe anything is possible. I believe. Do you?

Your part is to keep believing today, knowing that He wants to bring you into supernatural increase. Remember, He is risen, He is alive, and He is faithful to His Word. Trust Him today and let His resurrection power work in your life!

CONCLUSION: If you will believe God and stand on the promises of His Word, He promises you will see incredible and wonderful things happen.
The next time you feel overwhelmed by sickness, challenges or despair, remember, the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you through Christ Jesus. Rise up and declare by faith, "He whom the Son sets free is free indeed".

REMEMBER: At some point in our lives, even if we didn’t recognize it, we have all experienced God’s favor.
Favor is the undeserved, unexplainable goodness of God in your life.

PRAYER:

• May you be blessed-with God.
• May your joys, be innumerable like the stars at night.
• May the struggles you face make you-strong.
• May every pathway you choose lead you to-success.
• May every doubt and fear be replaced by a deep abiding trust in God as you observe evidence Of His Power all around you.
• And when you are surrounded by darkness may you remember the Light of the world (JESUS) is with you.
• May you always know that you are loved by the Almighty God and it is Him that you serve.
• May you always feel protected and cradled in the arms of the Almighty God-knowing that you are His world.
• Never judge, knowing that God is the judge of all
• Always be giving.
• May music move your heart and laughter be your medicine.
• May the promise of a rainbow follow you every-where.
• May you always be happy.
• May you have the wisdom of God that brings-understanding.
• May you be a blessing to all.
• May you never lack for love. May the Cross of Christ be all the love you know.
• This is my prayer for you. YOU BE BLESSED!

          HAPPY EASTER!

P.S: On February 29th - Amazing Grace: I called to You and You reconfirmed

And you reconfirmed again yesterday with the reading of Isaiah. Date: 7th April 2012

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. Isaiah 55:11

Father, REMEMBER ME! I wait on YOU!