House of God!

My People,

Good Morning! Every day, is filled with so many wondrous things that we can achieve. And our goal should always be to strive for the good of all.

 

 

Then He said, "Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." Exodus 3:5

 

The wedding at Cana, John 2:1-11 – It’s always been my most favourite miracle in the Bible since my childhood days.

The heart understands the unspoken language. Mary knew the family of the married couple. As a Mother, Mary interceded on their behalf to Jesus.

I love this, because no matter what happens in life, we have a wonderful Mother, who intercedes for us.

Everyday is like a celebration when you know and really, really know that your prayers are always heard.

Jesus addressed His mother ‘O woman’, Mary was undeterred. This is what we need to learn from our own Mama Mary, that when we ask for something in prayer, we must wait on Jesus with the belief that no matter what happens, Jesus will answer our prayer. She believed and she leads by example. We need to believe and leave everything to Mama Mary.

To Jesus, through Mary! Amen!

 

 

I love watching Horses, the way they gallop. I love Horse Carriages-they make things look magical, kind of like fairy tales. Every time I see one I know God in His heart full of love is just telling me ‘Hold On’. How beautiful it is and how wonderful God is.

 

A very long time back, my mom wanted to teach me to ride a bike. My answer was a simple no.

My mom loves to ride bikes and she is always in jeans. Thank God, these days the only riding she does is in Mangalore. Don’t ever think my mother gets offended if you call her a man.

My mom once asked me why I did not want to learn the bike, her logic was it would it be useful for me. She is right, you know. This is what I told her, my dad and my 4 brothers including my mom (all men). I told her someone has to be a woman. She laughed for a second or so.

My mother, she is tough and a bull headed woman (and extra emotional- I think Cancerians are).

If ever anyone enquires about my mom, I reply she is strong as an Ox. She would serve well in the military, if they only knew about her. I love my mom but it’s been a long road.

My mother and I have some things in common and some other things are quite the opposites. So when we happen to not agree on things, my mom would feel that I hate her. And when that happens I would have to literally sit and tell her that I do love her. And even though she would listen she would never be convinced. And God knows how hard I try.

One day, The Holy Spirit, inspired me to say this to my mom “If I had a choice, to which parents I could choose, I would always choose you as my parents, because even though you think you have done wrong, you were the ones God chose for me, and you led me to God”. The look on my moms face, said it all. Praise God!

 

 

 

When I pray to God, I often find it the easiest to have a conversation but I did not know how to approach Mother Mary I would often look at her, and wonder and have no words. I could pray. One day, I just said something that came from my heart, something I don’t clearly remember, but something close to this, I prayed with these words, ‘teach me how to pray, to approach you, I don’t know how.’

So some client of my cousins gives him a book-to keep, ’Our lady of Fatima’ with messages on it. My cousin gives me the book, asks me to pray, and then open a page from the book. And the message just spoke to my heart. I mean ever since that book – I am on a constant learning process to being in the company of the ‘Queen of Heaven’ my Mama Mary-The Queen of HEARTS.

 

 

 

My mom, used to always have this golden saying-'When you love something-it will always love you back.’

When we were kids, I remember watching my mom clean the car. My mom lacks patience. But when it came to what she loved, her car-she had all the patience in the world. I need to remind her of that because she thinks she lacks it.

We met with an accident years back, the Car stood upside down with us in it, and we survived the accident with not a scratch, but our car took on the brunt for us.

Growing up, I kept it in mind, that when you love something-it will always love you back. Yes it is difficult with people but not impossible.

 

 

Day 21^st July, 2014-when I was coming back from the Church, the Holy Spirit made me realize this - Think about it-

• When you love some one deeply, possibility is that the person may not love you back.
• You are left feeling broken hearted.
• What do you do, when nobody wants you? What do you say? How do you heal your broken heart?
 

After this I couldn’t recall the other part of it? I tried the whole day through, waited on the Holy Spirit. Then I prayed to the Holy Spirit to make me remember and nothing.
 

When I am hurt, I cry a lot. Tears they automatically roll.
 

Days 26^th-27^th July, 2014-But when your heart is completely broken it’s more than crying. Something in you breaks to minute pieces and you are left to fix the broken pieces of your broken heart.

You know when your heart break’s you are automatically right in the presence of God. Because that’s the way He chooses it to be.

And you don’t doubt in Him. You don’t.

When my heart breaks, Jesus is always with me. He never left me ever. All my life, in all that I ever did, never once did He ever leave my side.

 

• Jesus is the one who loves us deeply all the time. We are the ones who don’t show our love to Jesus.
• Jesus heart breaks over us. He breaks for us.
• Jesus waits for us in the Tabernacle. Jesus waits for us in the Host.
• Jesus hurts and yet He waits patiently for us.
• He hurts when we come to Church and receive Him as an obligation, never realising of His love.
• He hurts when we have no time for Him.
• He hurts when other things in our lives take precedence over Him.
• He hurts when we don’t rely on Him.
• Love hurts. We hurt Jesus a lot. 

 

When we hurt, when we feel unwanted, unloved and uncared for we always have Jesus, waiting for us.

Jesus says in Matthew 11:29-30 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

When He is constantly hurt are we with Jesus?

This is the message that the Holy Spirit tried to make me understand on the 21^st of July, but when I came home, I fell asleep and when I woke up it just skipped my head. Thing is my heart had to be completely broken for me to understand what the Holy Spirit wanted to convey. When I was so deeply hurt, I surrendered every part of my hurt, to Jesus, I kept nothing. I am nothing.

Only in my brokenness, everything came back to me. I understood. Praise God for the sweet pain of love!
 

Jesus meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto thine!

 

 

When in pain, it’s easy to get discouraged and to talk about the thing that causes the pain.

The devil will always use your words against you. The enemy utilizes your words to create situations that will make you give in.
He has no control over your thoughts.

Don’t listen to the enemy. Don’t give in to fear. ‘Be not afraid’ (Do not be afraid/fear) is repeated all over the Old testament and the New testament, 145 times.

 

 

Day 18th July, 2014 - The 8th day of the Novena, to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. I loved the words that were spoken by Fr. Jude.

I admire the quality of being bold. Fr. Jude spoke of reverence to God – and reverence in the House of God.

He spoke of ones behaviour in the Church and during the mass – which must be totally exemplary.

With this being said, I remember Fr. Larry. He did not approve of people keeping their cells 'on' during Church hours or in the Church. It was mentioned a number of times and I remember, him being serious about it. He did not bother himself to peoples thinking.

In one of his homilies - he spoke of people with regards to – being for an interview. He said, people always wear their best for an interview. In other words they would not want to be wearing just about anything. But when it comes to Church, there is no thought attached. To me what he said reflected the utmost reverence to God.

 

I think it was nearly two weeks back when in Church, Abba Father, told me that I had nothing to fear from the devil. I was told it was okay not to understand now, but in time, I will.

Ephesians 5:1 states-“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

STAND FIRM – stand bold.
 

Jesus meek and humble of heart make my heart like unto thine.

 

At mass,

·         THE PRIEST: taking bread says, ‘This is My Body which will be given for you, do this in memory of me.’ — I pray for all (The order of Priests and for all the Nuns).

·         THE PRIEST: and taking wine says, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My Blood, do this in memory of me.’ - I pray for my family, I pray for all the people who have asked me to pray for them. I pray for all the innocents. I pray for everyone.

• I always pray and offer the mass for the holy souls in Purgatory. I pray for all the souls from the beginning of time and for the souls who will leave the world today, until I attend mass the next day. I don’t ever want for any soul to feel that they have no one to pray for them.

 

 

Matthew 21:13 - 'My house will be called a house of prayer,'

No one speaks better of the need for reverence in the Holy Mass than Padre Pio. If only we would all heed this advice he gave to one of his spiritual daughters:

The below passage has been taken from a Letter from St. Padre Pio to Annita Rodote  -  Pietrelcina, July 25, 1915.

In order to avoid irreverence and imperfections in the house of God, in church - which the divine Master calls the house of prayer - I exhort you in the Lord to practice the following.

Enter the church in silence and with great respect, considering yourself unworthy to appear before the Lord's Majesty. Amongst other pious considerations, remember that our soul is the temple of God and, as such, we must keep it pure and spotless before God and his angels. Let us blush for having given access to the devil and his snares many times (with his enticements to the world, his pomp, his calling to the flesh) by not being able to keep our hearts pure and our bodies chaste; for having allowed our enemies to insinuate themselves into our hearts, thus desecrating the temple of God which we became through holy Baptism.

Then take holy water and make the sign of the cross carefully and slowly.

As soon as you are before God in the Blessed Sacrament, devoutly genuflect. Once you have found your place, kneel down and render the tribute of your presence and devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Confide all your needs to him along with those of others. Speak to him with filial abandonment, give free rein to your heart and give him complete freedom to work in you as He thinks best.

When assisting at Holy Mass and the sacred functions, be very composed when standing up, kneeling down, and sitting, and carry out every religious act with the greatest devotion. Be modest in your glances; don't turn your head here and there to see who enters and leaves. Don't laugh, out of reverence for this holy place and also out of respect for those who are near you. Try not to speak to anybody, except when charity or strict necessity requests this.

If you pray with others, say the words of the prayer distinctly, observe the pauses well and never hurry.

In short, behave in such a way that all present are edified by it and, through you, are urged to glorify and love the heavenly Father.

On leaving the church, you should be recollected and calm. Firstly take your leave of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament; ask His forgiveness for the shortcomings committed in His divine presence and do not leave Him without asking for and having received His paternal blessing.

Once you are outside the church, be as every follower of the Nazarene should be.

 

Christ’s words to Saint Gertrude: One unnecessary word in Church is worth a thousand days in Purgatory.

 

When you are before the altar, believe that there are troops of angels and archangels trembling with respect before the sovereign Master of Heaven and earth. Therefore, when you are in church, be there in silence, fear, and veneration. - Saint John Chrysostom

 

If you never give up, you will see the sun shine, like it’s never ever shone before.

 

With all my Love,

For Love Prevails!

AnitA.

 

PRAYER: Abba, Father, keep me obedient and always faithful. Remember, this your servant.

Mama Mary keep me humble, I pray. Amen.

Day 22nd July, 2014. Song of Solomon 3:1-4--Thank You, Abba Father. 1313.

 

‘May we be like Mary’

My People,
 

Good Morning!  Love makes you find a way with words. Love will make a way for you and me. Love will always win!

 

In grace Mary understood the goodness of Abba Father, and She rejoiced in this understanding: “He Who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is His name!” Luke 1:49.

 

‘May we be like Mary’ – most beautiful way to begin a prayer, simple words, really but such a tough task-to follow with.

• Mary said yes to God.
• Mary lived the life of surrender – a surrender of love. The Holy Spirit had complete dominion in her heart.
• Mary was humble.
• She took pleasure in helping others and to remain in the background.
• She didn't fear scorn: we didn't see her in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, when the people welcomed her Son with so much praise, but she wasn't afraid to appear on Calvary where she was recognised as the mother of the condemned man.

 

Luke 1:45 states-And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

Mary didn’t question God’s plan for her life, she just believed.

 

All God asks is for us to have a willing heart and an open spirit. God loves us in spite of our mistakes.

It’s hard to fathom the degree of Gods love for each one of us, but in all honesty our human minds aren’t capable of understanding that kind of love. God calls us to believe. God expects trust.

I want to believe like Mary. 

No mater how many times I stumble, I have to know with an unshakable faith that He will always be there to catch me.

My PRAYER: ‘May we be like Mary’

 

 

Haven’t you heard this ‘Times have changed?’- Sometimes I wonder, is it time or is it people? People change with time, don’t they? Time has 24 hours. There can be no change to it. Unto this moment, we know it to be constant.

There are days, when I look around and I think, oh my God, what have we become? And there are days, when I feel it so ridiculous, that I could laugh out loud, that you would have to stop me, and I don’t think you would.

Sometimes, it’s hard for men too. Think about it. The things women do and can do. So picture this, Tim comes home to his wife Tessie, who has had a hard day too. Tessie realizes that Tim is not well, and she gives him the required medication and attention and then she starts off with all her tales of the day. And just when he thinks she is done, she knows she has still a lot to tell.

Tessie is frustrated and she can’t hold on to the feelings of rage and she has to blow off steam, what she does is what is normal to every woman-to do--scream/yell at her husband at just the slightest provocation.  

The remaining hours-she spends at home, is in nagging her husband and making his life miserable.

For tessie, Patience is the key.

My PRAYER: ‘May we be like Mary’

 

 

We women, by and large find it very difficult to control our tongues. We see something and we need to criticize it. If a beautiful woman walks down the road, oh boy, how difficult it is to say something nice. Does that happen? You tell me.
If a woman climbs the ladder of success we have all nasty things to say, why? Why is it that we cannot support and just be happy for her, instead of criticizing.

For us, we need to hold all our criticisms.

My PRAYER: ‘May we be like Mary’

 

 

I see women being abusive.

I see them drink and smoke, never thinking for once that they are women. (A wife, a mother)

I see married women, being immoral (promiscuous-just to get ahead in their careers/or maybe just for fun).

For us, we need to not speak everything we think.

We need to have principles and we need to be faithful.

My PRAYER: ‘May we be like Mary’

 

Women never want to relinquish their titles. They want to hold on to it. The position, becomes primary matter of concern in their lives.

Some women are really-really bad company. But here’s the thing.

Mama Mary, was humble.

Mama Mary, went to aid her cousin Elizabeth-as soon as she got the news, of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. That inspite of herself carrying Jesus in her womb.

Mama Mary, was obedient to her husband Joseph.

Mama Mary, was helpless (when she had lost sight of Jesus, at the temple) & (at the Cross).

Mama Mary, was always sensitive to knowing the need of others. (The wedding at Cana)

 

MARY was a simple, uncomplicated woman. She faced the worst, but never doubted in the ability of God.

 

In today’s world, women’s role has changed. Women no longer believe in the qualities of humility, obedience and [faithfulness (maybe to a certain degree)]. And yet these are the most essential qualities in a relationship-in marriage.

People have come to believe the word ‘faithful’ to be such a bad thing. I love that word. I love being faithful. I am.

My friends and I were once having a conversation of wearing sarees and I most politely turned them down – so they came up with this question - what if my husband insisted that I wear a saree? I told them that I would be obedient to him. I guess I had them all shocked. Anyway, God knows best.

 

  

Just the last week, all of us friends were on a break together and they were on their cells on whatsApp?

I was totally amused. They were all chatting with the people who were off on that day. Once they would be at home they would carry the chat session with the ones who were on the table-but they had no time when they were face to face.

See the world is getting complicated. Isn’t it?

I don’t like manipulation. I don’t like treachery. I don’t like dishonesty. I don’t like bad mouthing people.

I love simple things. I love the times when we as a people cared about each other. I love when you call the colour white as white and black as black.

 

I love life. I love goodness. I love a promise. I love God.

HE is uncomplicated-SIMPLE.

HE makes a promise. He dies to keep it.

HE is love.

 

 

 

Day 16th July, 2014 - My cell does not have a display and it’s more than a week now.  We have a 81/2 years bonding. Every year my cell goes for a mini vacation (stops working) and it’s back after 4 days or so.

When I looked at my cell, today, it automatically started and I could check all my messages. So I leave home, 10 minutes late-at 6:15 a.m. and my cousin make’s sure that I take a rickshaw, but just five minutes on the road and the rickshaw breaks down. I call up my cousin and he comes up with a rickshaw.

After that call, my cell went dead again. So why am I writing these details? I mean what is so extraordinary about this event in comparison with other things in life.

Every year that my cell decided to go off, I never realized it was Gods way of getting my attention. I would have patience for my cell to get back to me.

This day, it was different, because I understood, perfectly and that very moment. I understood that God was teaching me to rely on Him completely. Not just a 90% or so but completely.

Every move, every breath, every thought that comes from me must come with a total reliance from me and towards and with God.

 

From the wedding feast at Cana, it is clear that Mary interceded for the wedding party and she continues to be the advocate for us, her children. As Queen of Heaven and Earth, she continues to intercede on her children's behalf.

• Mary the Advocate - It is comforting to know that we can turn to her in our time of need. Mary's humility and obedience makes her pleasing in the sight of God. Mary was free from original sin from the moment she was created in her mother's womb. For this reason, her prayers are more powerful than even the angels before the throne of God. Jesus would deny nothing she asks of Him.
• Mary the Mediatrix - Mary mediates for mankind. Mary said yes to God through her consent, the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. Mary offered Jesus as a sacrifice to God when she presented Him in the temple. At this time Simeon prophesied that her heart too would be pierced by a sword. Mary suffered along with Jesus at the foot of the cross.

Isaiah 7:14 - "Therefore the LORD Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel." Immanuel means "God with us."

The angel convinces Mary, by telling her that God has chosen her to fulfill these prophecies.

In response, she asks: "How can this be? He replies to: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you," and then he defines what he means: "And the power of the Highest will overshadow you." He defines the Holy Spirit as the power of the Highest; it is God's ability to effect this miracle.

Through Gabriel, God was telling Mary, There is no need to worry.

God then gives her a sign to confirm what He has just said. He tells her to visit her cousin, Elizabeth—a barren woman, who was six months with child! This was also a sign to show Mary that everything would be fine. When she went to see her cousin Luke 1:39-42, the baby leaped in Elizabeth's womb, confirming to both Elizabeth and Mary that everything that they had heard was true. Moreover, Elizabeth repeats what the angel said to Mary: "Blessed are you among women. Blessed is the fruit of your womb". Verse 42

 

Verse 37, "For with God nothing will be impossible," is a comforting statement. Another way of looking at it would be from Isaiah 55:11 "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."

Mary's response reflects that she is completely convinced by this: "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word" Luke 1:38.

 

Joseph is a kind, caring and thoughtful man. In those days, a woman could receive lifelong shame for becoming pregnant out of wedlock. He desired to "put her away" as quietly as possible without bringing any further shame upon Mary.

Once he is awoken from sleep, Joseph does just as the angel commands him.

Gabriel tells Joseph that the boy would be named Jesus. All that Joseph needed to know was that God through the Holy Spirit had accomplished Mary's pregnancy, and that the divine Child, in fulfillment of prophecy, would one day save His people from sin.

In His sovereignty, God prepared the perfect couple to raise His Son. They selflessly submitted themselves to God.

When its love you want, then its love you find, and I pray that it’s everything in this world to you.
 

  

With all my Love,

For Love Prevails!
AnitA.

 

It is the love that sets the beat of my heart
And we know that nothing will ever keep us apart
Memories they hold us tight
To you, my love.
In all my thoughts all day and night.

I could search the whole world over,
and I know this to be true,
I would never find another love,
Because it was always you.

  

PRAYER: Abba, Father, keep me obedient and always faithful. Remember, this your servant.
Mama Mary keep me humble, I pray. Amen.
 

Walk of Life...

 

 

My People,

Good Morning! I am glad that we are here in this amazing world, You and I.  Love lifts us high. It lifts us so high that I could almost touch the sky. Thank God for you.

Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, it would be utterly scorned. Song of Solomon 8:7

 

I love listening to country and all of country. I love Kenny Rogers. The below two verses of the song are from ‘Love lifted me’.

Love lifted me, love lifted me
When I was down and out
You know love lifted me

Love lifted me, love lifted me
When nothing else would do
You know love lifted me.

YES to me it always did. Love always lifted me. If you have ever given up on love, I ask with my most humble point of view, I ask of you to “TRUST”, not for anyone else but for yourself. It is your life, and it is most precious to me. “Trust” a little bit more.

If you never TRY you will never know.

 

 

 

 

They say, once in a while… or once upon a time, that’s how a fairy tale begins, isn’t it? Let’s begin, again….

Once in a while, right in the middle of life, Love gives you a chance, it gives you a fairytale. Isn’t it wonderful to love?

 

When you love someone, what is it that you can’t or won’t do? I think IMPOSSIBLE become POSSIBLE.

That is precisely one of the reasons why Paul would in 1 Corinthians 13:13 state - So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Love crosses all boundaries.

Love makes you believe and it always is hopeful.
Love tolerates everything, and stands everything.
Love makes the world go round.
Love makes everything new.
Love makes the sun seem to shine-when days are cold and weary.
Whatever the world is to others-Love makes you top it all.

I love this song ‘Top of the world’ by Carpenters. This has been my all time favourite. And this is how I think anyone, should feel with LOVE in their hearts. This is how I thought love should feel from my childhood days, and now my heart won’t stop singing.

Such a feelin's comin' over me
There is wonder in 'most ev'ry thing I see
Not a cloud in the sky, got the sun in my eyes
And I won't be surprised if it's a dream

Everything I want the world to be
Is now comin' true especially for me
And the reason is clear, it's because you are here
You're the nearest thing to heaven that I've seen

CHORUS-I'm on the top of the world lookin' down on creation
And the only explanation I can find
Is the love that I've found ever since you've been around
Your love's put me at the top of the world

Somethin' in the wind has learned my name
And it's tellin' me that things are not the same
In the leaves on the trees and the touch of the breeze
There's a pleasin' sense of happiness for me

There is only one wish on my mind
When this day is through I hope that I will find
That tomorrow will be just the same for you and me
All I need will be mine if you are here
CHORUS (2 times)

 

Love is a highly misunderstood word. It’s not merely what causes your heart to skip a beat or a rhythm of beats, but it is in the real essence what will cause you to think less of yourself and more of the other. Love is based on sacrifice. You die to self.

Currently the world is set on the false notion of love. Love is not based on gifts of the material kind, that aint love.

 

Day 11th July, 2014- Starting today, I have taken five days off from work. Being the first day, I had planned on going for the 6:45 am mass, just so that I could catch up on my sleep. I had set the alarm for 05:25 hours. When the alarm rang, I kept it on a snooze. At 05:30 hours, I heard Jesus calling me ‘COME'. All I could think was I won’t make it on time for the 6:00 am mass. Holy Spirit, told me I would. Somehow the 41/2 hours of sleep was good enough.  

The trusting heart always says, "All my steps are ordered by the Lord. He permits my sufferings and trials—but never more than I can bear. He has an eternal plan and purpose for me. He is Lord over every situation in my life."

A perfect heart is also a broken heart! The Psalmist said, "The Lord is near to the broken hearted, and saves the crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18.

This is a broken heart: one that first sees the church and families in ruin and feels the Lord's anguish. Such a heart grieves over the reproach cast on the Lord's name. It also looks deep inside and sees, as David did, its own shame and failure. But there is a second important element to this brokenness, and that is hope. The truly broken heart has heard from God: "I will heal, restore and build."

 

There are moments that I wish that things would just move along. I know God has scheduled an appointed time for everything. Waiting when you know-makes the wait harder.

I wait everyday. I wait expectantly.
The first picture of this topic is my desktop wallpaper. It's been for more than a year now. When I am down and out, this picture is a reminder of God's promise to me. (Daniel & Emmanuel)
Holy Spirit, please lead us by your understanding, show us the path to walk on. Be with us, I pray.  

It is not enough to be troubled by the attempts of Satan to harass you! Acts 16 states Paul was troubled but the Spirit of God welled up in Paul, and he said to the demon power, “That’s it—that’s enough! In the name of Jesus, be gone!” Acts 16:16–18

We too must stand up in the power of the Holy Spirit and say, “Enough—that’s it, I command you in Jesus’ name to go!”

When you take authority and command the devil, he has to flee. Satan will come at you with everything he has.

We must believe God for supernatural deliverance from every bondage of Satan.

Satan will try to bring upon you the most dreadful trial you have ever faced. Don’t try to figure it all out. Start praising and trusting God—and He will deliver you!

 

 

 

 

The official believed that Jesus could heal his son. He had exhausted all of his own resources and yet his son was getting worse. In his desperation he sought Jesus out, perhaps as a last resort. When he heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee, against all hope, faith kindled in his heart.

To accomplish anything, you first have to believe that Jesus can help you, accomplish the impossible.

• Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. Faith begins where man’s power ends.

 

 

Faith needs to be tested to show if it is genuine. Jesus therefore said to him, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe." John 4:48. Jesus seemed displeased that people want to see and experience miracles more than they want God. The official could have become discouraged and could have left in despair.

How do you respond when your faith is tested?

 

Faith is to accept God for who He is and to believe that He is able to help us in the way He sees fit. Faith needs to persevere and deepen.

Jesus was telling the noble official that the number-one issue was his faith. Jesus could have gone into that family’s house, laid hands on the dying son and healed him. Yet all that this family would have known of Jesus was that He worked miracles.

 

The official said to him, "Sir, come down before my child dies." John 4:49. The official persevered in his faith. Initially he begged for Jesus to come and heal his son. Now he requests that Jesus comes before his child dies. Surely, his desire is that Jesus heals his son. The testing of his faith strengthened his faith.

 

“Jesus said to him, "Go; your son will live." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went his way.” John 4:50. The official could have been disappointed with Jesus' response. Jesus was not granting both his pleas: He was not going with him to heal his son; he was not going with him to meet his son before he dies. Instead, Jesus said, "Go,". The official could have taken this as Jesus' rejection of his urgent plea and close his heart. However, Jesus also said, "Your son will live." It is a promise to him.

Jesus desired more for this man and his family. He wanted them to believe He was God in flesh.

 
Faith is to take Jesus at His word.

"As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was living. So he asked them the hour when he began to mend, and they said to him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him." The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live"; and he himself believed, and all his household." John 4:51-53

Hebrews 11:6 says, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

When the official was on his way home, his servants met him and told him that his son was well. When he inquired what time his son became well the servants told him, at the 7th hour, the fever left him. Then he realized that this was the exact time Jesus had said to him, "Your son lives."

 

Believe - take Jesus at His word.

 

There comes a time when certain situations are beyond human hope. At that moment we have to hold on to Jesus and we have to be determined that I won't leave until I hear Jesus tell me, It’s done, now go your way.

 

 

With all my Love,

For Love Prevails!
AnitA.

 

I Found You!

As I walk down the avenue,

All the memories come walking through,
I think of the dream-
That has finally come true,
And everything that I ever wanted - I found in you!

 

PRAYER: Abba, Father, keep me obedient and always faithful. Remember, this your servant.
Mama Mary keep me humble, I pray. Amen.