tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88267775918071682122024-03-12T18:40:58.810-07:00Encounter Grace One Encounter with JESUS can change your Life! Come and Encounter the Love and Grace of Jesus Christ!Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-6676451782649066542016-01-31T23:39:00.000-08:002016-01-31T23:39:44.579-08:00God's Goodness!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greetings to all in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!</span></h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4iOBxlrA8t8/Vq8HcyblrMI/AAAAAAAAB7w/4lrSF94r2QU/s400/ps%2B106.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">God's Goodness to His people!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>It's been a long time that I penned an article here. Because of Lord's immense grace, I am happily married and leading a blessed family life. All glory to Jesus and million of thanks to all those who prayed for me.</i></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><a name='more'></a><br /></i></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>As we are approaching The Great Lenten season, it brings me great joy to share the living word of God with all of you.</i></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Before entering The Great Lent, I want you to read and meditate Ps 106, " The Lord's Goodness to His people."</i></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="color: blue; font-weight: normal;">Ps 106:7, "Our ancestors... did not understand God's wonderful acts... </span><span style="color: red;">BUT</span><span style="color: blue; font-weight: normal;"> He saved them.</span></i></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="color: blue; font-weight: normal;">Ps 106:43, "Many times the Lord rescued His people, </span><span style="color: red;">BUT</span><span style="color: blue; font-weight: normal;"> they chose to rebel against Him and sank deeper into sin.</span></i></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal;"><i><br /></i></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>This verse definitely helps us to understand God's divine fidelity and human frailty.</i></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>For the very same reason we observe fast and lent, not to receive grants from the Lord (because as mentioned in Ps 106:43, He rescued us many times") but to seek His grace so that we do not rebel against Him and sink deeper into sin.</i></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Let us join and pray for one another that we may understand God's wonderful acts and may be thankful to Him and praise His Holy name now and forever.</i></span></span></h3>
</div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-91038210212708307542015-03-09T22:46:00.000-07:002015-03-09T22:46:31.817-07:00What's up with Lent?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Greetings to all in the matchless name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As we have entered into a Mid Lenten season, it's time for some introspection!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8PLFl75Ap34/VP6CERUKt1I/AAAAAAAABSE/bDqgqIqf1fg/s1600/midlent.jpg" height="400" width="276" /></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How was this 25 days of my life?</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Did I spend time to...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="color: #27202e; line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">1) Pray</span></strong></span></div>
<div style="color: #27202e; line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">2) Go to Church</span></strong></span></div>
<div style="color: #27202e; line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">3) Repent/Confess</span></strong></span></div>
<div style="color: #27202e; line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">4) Read the Bible</span></strong></span></div>
<div style="color: #27202e; line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">5) Fast</span></strong></span></div>
<div style="color: #27202e; line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">6) Give</span></strong></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Don't worry!</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I would like to encourage you to observe lent now.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's never too late</span></div>
<h3 style="line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">SIGNIFICANCE OF MID-LENT!</span></b></h3>
<div style="line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>1) G<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">olgotha Cross</span></b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20.1599998474121px;">Answering Moses’ prayer, the Lord commanded him to make a serpent of bronze, and to hang it down from the flag pole. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20.1599998474121px;">Any one looks at the bronze serpent after having bitten by the fiery serpents was to live and not to die. This is the primary text that the Church has decided to highlight for the Mid Lent.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.1599998474121px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It also reminds us of our fallen nature and the hope of eternal life in the shelter of the Holy Cross.</span></span></blockquote>
<div style="line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.1599998474121px;">2) F</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.1599998474121px;">estival of Salvation.</span></b></span></div>
<div style="padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20.1599998474121px;">As we read in the Old Testament, when the Israelites were tired of their journey to reach the promised land they started murmuring and cursing.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.1599998474121px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It also reminds us of our struggle in observing Lent and all the difficulties we faced till now. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.1599998474121px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As we are about to reach the festival of salvation, Easter, let us also not murmur or curse, but in hope and faith, let us pray that we may be able to enjoy our Promise land!</span></span></blockquote>
<div style="line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>3) Bronze</b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">As we all know bronze is an alloy made up of copper and zinc.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">copper is known for its delicacy and purity, whereas zinc is known for its dullness and brittle property.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It reminds us of our dullness and inflexibility towards righteousness (purity) but God formed an alloy, a mixture of contrasting metals (DIVINE-HUMAN) as a way for our salvation.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.1599998474121px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> It is for looking into the Son of Man and believing in Him that the cross is elevated in the midst of the Church during the Mid Lent!</span></span></blockquote>
<div style="line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.1599998474121px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.1599998474121px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">so don't be like the five foolish women.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.1599998474121px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">ask yourself,</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">is my spiritual candle still lit?</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #27202e; line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #27202e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 23.1200008392334px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image Taken: Source Unknown.</span><br />
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-68405099102682591822015-01-28T01:00:00.000-08:002015-01-28T01:00:23.843-08:00JONAH IN NINEVEH <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greetings to all in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!</span></h2>
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As we read third chapter of Jonah, we see Jonah's calling to the service.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ur9UQoqXa0k/VMikPyPNltI/AAAAAAAABRQ/DhBLnnBoAFc/s1600/jonah%2B3.jpg" height="201" width="400" /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u style="background-color: cyan;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">1) </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">God neither </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">reproached Jonah nor Ninevites.</span></u></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"<span style="line-height: 24px;">And the word of the </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 24px;">Lord</span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> came unto Jonah the <u>second time.</u>"</span></span></span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">God did not</span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> hurt his feelings in any way for his running away from his first mission.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">God, in His anger, didn't punish him or harden the mission for him.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was the same mission which He planned the first time.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them, and he did it not."</span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thus, God does not insist on fulfillment of the sentence but rather He announces the sentence so that people would stop their evil and He would forgive them.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">St. John Chrysostom says: In the days of Jonah if God had not threatened destruction, </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">they would not have been spared from destruction. If God had not threatened us with hell, we </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">would have all fallen in it. <u>A threat of danger results in escaping that same danger.</u></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u style="background-color: cyan;">2) </u></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><u style="background-color: cyan;">NINEVEH’S FAITH AND REPENTANCE</u></span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span></h3>
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jonah did </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">not give them any glimmer of hope, nor did he talk to them about God’s love and mercy, nor did </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">he teach them anything about repentance. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Hence Nineveh became a living, beautiful example of </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">true repentance. </span></li>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Let us also have Faith in Christ. We have hope in Jesus.</span><div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Repent for the Kingdom of God is near!</span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">image taken from: nwcrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/for-website-32-286x144.jpg</span></div>
</div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-45468223257519229852015-01-27T02:10:00.000-08:002015-01-27T02:19:01.000-08:00JONAH, THE PSALMIST! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Greetings to all in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!</span></span></span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />We meditated about <a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2015/01/jonahs-reluctance.html" target="_blank">Jonah's reluctance</a> to deliver God's message, but we see a drastic change in His speech and approach in the next chapter.</span></span></h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LJA184PhF0g/VMdipyyfFMI/AAAAAAAABRA/1G-6aPknd60/s1600/jonah's%2Bprayer.jpg" height="400" width="241" /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>1) Pray Ceaselessly</u></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">St. John Chrysostom says: We should not be obsessed with a certain </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">place</span>,<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> but we should think more of the Lord of the place. Jonah was in the whale’s belly and God heard his prayer. Pray, wherever you are, pray, do not demand a place to pray in, because your spirit is a temple.</span></span></h4>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<u><span style="color: red; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">2) P<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">ray</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"> Believing</span></span></u></h3>
<div>
<u><span style="color: red; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><br /></span></span></u></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Isn't it strange that from the belly of the fish, Jonah is offering a Prayer of Thanksgiving and Praise! Jonah was in a terrific situation, but he sings a Psalm.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">In my distress, O</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 24px;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">, I called to you, </span><span class="text Jonah-2-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">and you answered me."</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Jonah-2-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">When God saved him from death by drowning, he isn't complaining about his discomfort in the belly of the fish but he is thankful to the God for delivering him from death. Thus in faith </span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">he sees a pledge of further deliverance.</span></span></span></h4>
<div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<u><span style="color: red; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">3) </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">O </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 24px;">Lord,</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> My God</span></span></u></h3>
</div>
<div>
<u><span style="color: red; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></u></div>
<div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">When Jonah was asked about his identity he replied, "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">I am an Hebrew; and I fear the </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 24px;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">, the God of heaven" but soon he feels a personal relationship with God as</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> he prays,"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, <u><i>O </i></u></span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 24px;"><u><i>Lord</i></u></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><u><i> my God</i></u>".</span></span></h4>
</div>
<div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">4) </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Salvation is of the </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 24px;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">.</span></u></span></h3>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></u></span></div>
<div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Jesus Christ who was persecuted gave </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Himself as a song of praise and a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Father. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">If Jonah offered a sacrifice of praise inside the whale, it was but a symbol of Christ, the </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Lord.</span></span></h4>
</div>
<div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 24px;"><u>5) The Living Jonah</u></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 24px;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
<blockquote style="text-align: left;">
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large; line-height: 24px;">"So the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah into dry land” </span></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"></span></span></span></span></h4>
</blockquote>
<blockquote style="text-align: left;">
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">St. John Chrysostom says that God taught Jonah several consecutive lessons about having </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">pity on people. The whale had swallowed him, then threw him out without any harm, so should </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">not he have</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> compassion on his fellow humans even if they were Gentiles? </span></span></span></h4>
</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">May God Bless You!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image Taken from: </span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/d2/71/e1/d271e1f518feacc0349b51e72d823b90.jpg</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-13130462616837052832015-01-26T02:08:00.000-08:002015-01-26T02:56:08.842-08:00JONAH'S RELUCTANCE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<h2>
<span style="color: red;">Greetings to all in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!</span></h2>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0jlUzfLDx0/VMYQ7hB93XI/AAAAAAAABQw/Wra7kKMX3tU/s1600/Jonah%2Band%2BwhaleFlyer.jpg" height="400" width="286" /></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Often when we read Bible stories, we are amazed at how God helps us to understand His true nature through the character, heroism and failures of Biblical heroes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span> <span style="color: purple; font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">But what I like, about the book Jonah, is God's eternal love and faithfulness. God’s perfect work through imperfect people. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<u><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1) God of Israel saving Israel's deadliest enemy.</span></u></h3>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">God sends Jonah to the people of Nineveh.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The People were Gentiles, but it shows God’s desire to save all mankind. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Nineveh, The great city, was the deadliest enemy of Israel. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Yet God of Israel wants them to repent and be saved.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. (Psalms 103-10)"</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our Lord isn't a Lord of destruction but God of Blessings. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He does not believe in the eradication but in Edification.</span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2) Jonah disobeys God</span></span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">.</span></u></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa".</span></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: purple; font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What made Jonah disobey God's word? </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Jonah was a person whose facts were so clear and who had a firm faith in God's existence and in His </span><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">true</span><span style="color: purple; font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"> nature. How? Let's see.</span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">* "I fear the Lord, the God of Heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land. (Jonah 1:9)"</span></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">* "For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD because he had told them. (Jonah 1:10)"</span></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">* "Take me up and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you. (Jonah 1:12)"</span></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: purple; font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We know we worship Lord, The Creator. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple; font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We know we flee from Lord's presence because we want to stick to our own terms.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple; font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We also know that part of our affliction and sorrows is a consequence of our sin and we need to repent.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">But like Jonah, we would rather sink in the depths of the ocean than to cry out to the Lord!</span></b></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<u><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3) God teaches Jonah obedience.</span></u></h3>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"The Lord detests all the proud of heart... (Proverbs 16:5)". </span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)"</span></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: purple; font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jonah might have a desire to be a great prophet. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple; font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He might have thought,”what if I just cry out against Nineveh, they repent, God forgives...then???</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple; font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What about me? </span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">What if one out of the 1,20,000 people in </span>Nineveh<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"> think that he is not a good prophet? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span> <span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">But here we see our Lord's love!</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">He not only forgives <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nineveh-the ignorant!</b> but also <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jonah-the reluctant</b>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<u><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b style="background-color: white;">4) God saves Mariners.</b></span></u></h3>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the LORD, and made vows. (Jonah 1:16)".</span></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mariners, here, are portrayed as good people. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They pray to their gods. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They don't want to kill Jonah.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They offered prayer before throwing him.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And the most important part, the moment God revealed His Glory to them; they received it and worshiped him."</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">These men were also Gentiles, but we can see that they were men seeking the Lord:</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<u><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>5) <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">God uses the whale to save Jonah</span></b></span></u></h3>
<div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He did not prepare it to destroy him but to preserve him. The great fish was not a punishment but a shelter. Jonah was safer and more comfortable in the belly of the whale than if he were still in the ship struggling against the waves and the sea, and against fatigue, cold and the wind. This whale was sent by God to carry out the Divine will entrust to it-</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">HH Pope Shenouda III</span></div>
<ul>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="contents" id="mainColumn" style="background-color: white; float: left; height: auto !important; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; min-height: 100px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; width: 600px;">
<div class="element" id="element5989476_1942318" style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="textElement" id="MainContent_0_0_pnlDiv" style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Let us put ourselves before our Lord, as humble obedient and faithful servants of the One True God, seeking to hear the message that He desires to give to the world through us.</span></blockquote>
<div style="color: #5a5a5a; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-40935383562416230022015-01-26T00:24:00.001-08:002015-01-26T00:47:44.529-08:00FORERUNNER<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lovely greetings to all in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kjrv91RJDng/VMX4dJ9eJzI/AAAAAAAABQg/ZTpQKsaQyDA/s1600/voice-crying-out.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">By the immense Grace of our Lord, we were able to meditate about the qualities which we should learn from St. John- The Baptist! Today we are going to end our series. What would the last and off course not the least?</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">St. John- The Baptist was known as the forerunner of Christ.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Yes! That's what God expects from you and me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span> </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"PREPARE A ROAD FOR THE LORD"</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"TURN AWAY FROM YOUR SINS, BECAUSE THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NEAR!"</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is always an urgency in the Bible.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Repent for the Kingdom of God is near!(Matthew 3:2)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">2. <span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Zacchaeus, Make haste and come down; for today I must abide at thy house.(Luke 19:5)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">3. <span style="background-color: #faf9f6;">Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead.</span></span><span style="color: blue;">(Matthew 28:7)</span><span style="background-color: #faf9f6; color: blue;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: #faf9f6;">4. </span>And Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">haste</span>, into a city of Juda;</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: blue; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">(Luke 1:39)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-style: italic;">5. </span>And he made <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">haste</span>, and came down, and received him joyfully.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: blue; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">(Luke 19:6)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">When Christ made an urgency to visit Zacchaeus, he</span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: blue; line-height: 20px;"> too made haste and received him joyfully.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: blue; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Show your faith by your action!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: blue; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: blue; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Prepare the way for His second coming..</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: blue; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Today He will abide at thy house but are you ready to quickly respond and receive him joyfully?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: blue; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: blue; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Are you ready to be the forerunner of Christ?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: blue; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: blue; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: blue; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">May God bless you!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">(PREVIOUS)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2015/01/john-baptist-part-1.html" target="_blank">JOHN, THE BAPTIST! (PART-1)</a></span><br />
<a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2015/01/first-encounter-between-st-john-baptist.html" target="_blank">FIRST ENCOUNTER BETWEEN ST. JOHN-THE BAPTIST AND JESUS! (PART-II)</a><br />
<a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2015/01/he-must-increase-but-i-must-decrease.html" target="_blank">HE MUST INCREASE, BUT I MUST DECREASE</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Image taken from: </span><span style="line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">https://tworiversblog.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/voice-crying-out.jpg</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<dd style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></dd></div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-75421043720932465352015-01-25T05:26:00.001-08:002015-01-26T00:45:57.289-08:00HE MUST INCREASE, BUT I MUST DECREASE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;">Greetings to all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U5lh4yz3huo/VMTuD8L6WMI/AAAAAAAABQQ/sg_PtRMqFJ0/s1600/John330.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Another beautiful lesson which we can learn from St. John-The Baptist is, "Humility."</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: blue;"></span><br /></span> </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span><span style="color: blue;">We see these days, even a father won't leave his dynasty/position for his son. That is the addiction which power brings!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span> <span style="color: blue;">But, St. John-The Baptist was totally an exception. How could he say, </span><span style="color: blue;">"He that cometh </span><span style="color: blue;"> after me is preferred before me, for he was before me."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span> <span style="color: blue;">If we are mistaken for some Guest of honor, if we are mistaken for something that we aren't..don't we enjoy the feeling of being superior.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span> <span style="color: blue;">From where did he receive, gift of prophesy, gift of wisdom, strength?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span> <span style="color: blue;">That's what God does!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #0b5394;">"He will exalt those who humble himself."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span> </span><br />
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">As written by St. John Chrysostom,"In </span><span style="color: blue;">order to follow the Lord Jesus and enter His Kingdom, we must deny ourselves – all of </span><span style="color: blue;">our self-centered ways of seeing the world around us and our selfish behavior that results </span><span style="color: blue;">from this distorted vision – and pick up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24)."</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span> <span style="color: blue;">It isn't like St. John-The Baptist was having a soft personality. We see in the Gospel according to <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+3%3A7&version=KJV" target="_blank">St. Matthew 3:7</a>, how fearless he was to confront Pharisees and Sadducees!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span> <span style="color: blue;">But for God's work, for God's Glory, for God, he is ready to humble himself and direct all Glory to Him!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span><span style="color: blue;">Let us also pray for His grace to fill us with Spirit of Humility!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">May God bless you!</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="color: blue;"><br /><br />(PREVIOUS)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2015/01/john-baptist-part-1.html" target="_blank">JOHN, THE BAPTIST! (PART-1)</a></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2015/01/first-encounter-between-st-john-baptist.html" target="_blank">FIRST ENCOUNTER BETWEEN ST. JOHN-THE BAPTIST AND JESUS! (PART-II)</a></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">(CONT.)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2015/01/forerunner.html" target="_blank">FORERUNNER</a></span> <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;">Image taken from http://livinghopefoxlake.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/John330.jpg</span></div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-47255529211850137542015-01-19T01:36:00.000-08:002015-01-26T00:43:16.385-08:00FIRST ENCOUNTER BETWEEN ST. JOHN-THE BAPTIST AND JESUS! (PART-II)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</h4>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">GREETINGS TO ALL IN THE PRECIOUS NAME OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST!</span></span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ss4aDzN-jo4/VLzOCBW10UI/AAAAAAAABP0/ameArNscKOc/s1600/JOY.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">
<li>We meditated on this wonderful mystery last time that how <a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2015/01/john-baptist-part-1.html" target="_blank">wonderfully</a> and <a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2015/01/john-baptist-part-1.html" target="_blank">fearfully</a> I am made!<a name='more'></a></li>
</span></ul>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"> </span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Today we will meditate about </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">the first encounter of John-The Baptist and Jesus. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">When Mother Mary visited Mother Elizabeth, We see that the child leaped in her womb for joy.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Don't you want to experience this very beautiful presence! God wants the same for you and me.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">In His presence, you shall leap with joy.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">You may feel dark but remember you are safe </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">inside the </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">womb</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> His love will carry you!</span></span></li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"I will comfort you...as a mother comforts her child." </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">(</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">Isaiah 66:13)</span></b></span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Elizabeth testifies saying: "For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy" </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">(St.Luke 1:44)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, at the sound of St Mary’s greeting. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">In obtaining the Holy Spirit,she also obtained the gift of prophecy and revelation, for she was able to understand that St Mary was the Mother of her Lord and she believed those things which were told her from the Lord.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">She also knew that the leaping of the baby was </span><span style="color: red;">"for joy"</span><span style="color: blue;">.</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>(His Holiness Pope Shenouda III )</b></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">The verb “leap” used in </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">(St. Luke 1:41, 44)</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"> is the same used for David’s joy before the Ark.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">It is used in the Holy Scripture to indicate the leaps of joy which accompany the coming of the Lord</span>(Ps.114:4,6;Mal.4:2)<span style="color: blue;"> and for heavenly joy.</span>(Luke 6:23)</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>(Fr. Tadros Malaty)</b></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Just remember, today also God calls you for the same.Seek this heavenly joy daily in your personal prayer.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">MAY GOD BLESS YOU!</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">(PREVIOUS)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2015/01/john-baptist-part-1.html" target="_blank">JOHN, THE BAPTIST! (PART-1)</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;">( CONT)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2015/01/he-must-increase-but-i-must-decrease.html" target="_blank">HE MUST INCREASE, BUT I MUST DECREASE</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2015/01/forerunner.html" target="_blank">FORERUNNER</a></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-75127696554741596782015-01-15T03:24:00.003-08:002015-01-26T00:39:43.685-08:00JOHN, THE BAPTIST! (PART-1)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">Greetings to all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-50txtjomAJw/VLeiLEVrjSI/AAAAAAAABPk/V8_GrcxzdcM/s1600/fearfully-and-wonderfully-made.jpg" height="257" width="400" /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">We all believe in Holy Baptism of our Lord. But think about this person who baptised Jesus!</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">In his humility, he baptised Jesus! </span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">He was a forerunner of Christ! </span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">He was able to prepare a way for the bridegroom!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">He was the greatest prophet known.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">What can we learn from this biblical hero?</span></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Let us ponder for a while.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">1. Works of God should be made manifest in us.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Do you remember, Jesus' encounter with his disciples? When disciples asked him, saying, </span><br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? </span></span></span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">Jesus </span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: large; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">answered, Neither hath this man </span><span style="font-size: large;">sinned</span>,<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: large; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"> nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him."</span></span></span></h4>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span> </span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">I often think we all are created for this. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">His work should be made manifest in all of us.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">when Elizabeth became pregnant, we see a most powerful verse said to Mother Mary, "For with God, nothing is impossible!"</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Birth of John, the Baptist, was God's miracle. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Same is yours and mine.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Let us pray that we may always remember, </span></span></li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></i></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">"</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">I am fearfully </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">and </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> wonderfully made: marvellous </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">are</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> thy works; and </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">that</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> my soul knoweth right well."</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: blue;">and that,</span></span> <span style="color: red;">"<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">the works of God should be made manifest in me."</span></span></i></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: large; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"> </span></h2>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: large; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: large; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: large; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
(Cont.)<br />
<a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2015/01/first-encounter-between-st-john-baptist.html" target="_blank">First encounter between St.John The Baptist</a><br />
<a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2015/01/he-must-increase-but-i-must-decrease.html" target="_blank">He must increase but I must decrease</a><br />
<a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2015/01/forerunner.html" target="_blank">Forerunner</a></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: large; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: large; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">image taken from: </span><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">https://chasingafterjesus.wordpress.com/tag/fearfully-and-wonderfully-made/</span></span></div>
</div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-35878988838737190182015-01-15T01:56:00.000-08:002015-01-15T01:56:03.500-08:00NEW YEAR RESOLUTION<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Greetings to all in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5CDYkg8XdkY/VLeI7cPxZLI/AAAAAAAABPU/omxDmSRYtKI/s1600/new-year-resolutions.jpg" height="393" width="640" /></u></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Just because of the immense Grace and Mercy of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we have been set into yet another promising year, 2015!</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Many might be struggling with a New Year Resolution.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Many might have failed by now. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Many might have just totally forgotten about their New Year Resolution.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It is always a wise step to set role models for our life. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I completely agree, Jesus is the one and only role model we should have and we must always strive to live according to what he has shown us.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:(1 peter 2:21)</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But at the same time, it is also good to learn from our Biblical heroes. God-willingly in upcoming days, we will be setting our thoughts and mind on few of our Biblical Heroes. Let us see what we can learn from them. They too struggled like you and me in keeping their resolution.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But you know what! Be of Good Cheer!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus never fails! His new year resolution never fails!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">and you will be amazed to hear it from the Lord!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">"NOTHING CAN SEPARATE YOU FROM MY LOVE. MY LOVE FOR YOU IS ETERNAL."</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">and this promises has kept us alive until now...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">May Good God, in His abundance Grace and Mercy, sustain you and me! Amen!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year to all!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Just remember God has plans for you, plans for your prosperity!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Image taken from: http://www.ccsouthbay.org/blog/tag/jesus/page/3</div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-49885613947941493902015-01-01T02:52:00.002-08:002015-01-01T02:57:12.033-08:00HAPPY NEW YEAR!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Greetings to all in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6kJKVMkyyU/VKUmjt3OkhI/AAAAAAAABO4/_m4q4bOTal8/s1600/1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Another Year</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">will bring lots of fear</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Come to me, Oh weary</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Come to me, Oh tired</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You are my dear</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You are my beloved</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When its January</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">I tell you, do not </span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">worry</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">By the time its December</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">you will thank me in wonder:)</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-82405090807892480222014-11-05T08:29:00.001-08:002014-11-05T08:36:46.664-08:00Introvert? Don't be sorry!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Greetings to all in the matchless name of ,our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bT1OI-QDc_Q/VFpQNc0hqBI/AAAAAAAABOE/37Skh3rR1FA/s1600/introvert1.jpg" height="146" width="400" /></div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I was enjoying my Tea break with my colleagues. Usually I listen to their stories or else I prefer my way out of the discussion.But something strange happened to me. One of my colleague just wanted to know something personal about me and I was dodging her question cleverly. To that she replied, "I know you are an introvert!"</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That came as a shocking encounter for me...A shocking outcome which definitely was not a "Eureka" moment for me. I did a bit of introspection (as usual) and yeah, to an extent I agree.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So the concern is, "Is it wrong for a Christian to be an introvert?"</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Introverts...</span><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Just don’t talk unless they have something to say.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They need a reason to interact.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They want everyone to just be real and honest.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They intensely value the few friends they have.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They crave an authentic and sincere connection with ONE PERSON at a time.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They don’t make most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"> So when Christianity is all about, "</span><span style="color: red;">G</span></span><span style="color: red;">o and make disciples</span></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"<span style="background-color: white;"> isn't it a hard task for introverts?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But again we see in the Bible, God can change a reluctant person to His messenger...</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God can help a poor speaker, slow and hesitant to rescue a large number of captives.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God can help a murderer to be an Apostle...</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So it's never about being an introvert or extrovert.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As it is written,</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"If God is with us who can be against us!"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">-God Bless You</span><span style="color: red;"> </span> </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Have a question or testimony from this series, I would love to hear them. Please share with us.<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"> Coming week we have more on “Introverts”. If you haven’t already, <span style="border: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"></span><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/OneEncounterCanChangeUrLife" style="border: none; color: #e74c3c; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">SUBSCRIBE</a> to receive these posts in your email as soon as they are published.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 28.7999992370605px;"> </span></div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-31453825468131539462014-10-23T21:46:00.000-07:002014-10-23T21:46:02.094-07:00NEITHER DO I CONDEMN YOU!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We need to hear these words of Jesus more often!</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A few circumstantial details describing the scene are worth pondering.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XuPQtl_5Y3I/VEnZBB-_S-I/AAAAAAAABNg/_yuN9hwt1EU/s1600/not-guillty.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>1) It was daybreak.</u></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A new day had dawned.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The dawn is always a sign of light, of a fresh beginning, of change.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">No matter how dark the night of our sin may have been, the dawn of God's merciful Love and amazing Grace has the power to dispel that darkness.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We need never stay on in darkness.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If we do, strange though it may seem, we get not only accustomed to it but also, and this is worse, we begin to feel comfortable in it.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Darkness provides a safe cover for evil.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The break of day challenges us to break away from the darkness of the night.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It reminds us that good can overcome evil.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>2) Jesus was in the Temple.</u></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The woman caught in adultery according to the Scribes and Pharisees, was the embodiment of sin.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sin is brought into the presence of the Sacred, The Holy One, God Himself.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What an encounter!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Human frailty meets Divine Fidelity.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Human misery meets Divine Mercy.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A victim of lust meets the God of Love.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>3) He straightens up.</u></span><div>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span><ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus was seated (posture of a rabbi)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now Jesus straightens up.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What he says come straight from the shoulder.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He does not mince words.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He tells them the truth and with the authority that comes from God Himself.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>4) Jesus offers her the challenge of...</u></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Conversion.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Grace to repent.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and return to Goodness.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>5) Fresh chapter of life.</u></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He opens for her door to understand that the evil into which she had fallen does not express the totality of her person.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She need not be a slave to the shackles of sin.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Night is over and day has broken.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>6) Confession.</u></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sacramental confession is the celebration of God's love for us.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The focus is on His love and not on our sins.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Indeed! A good penitent makes a good confessor!</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Neither do I condemn you"-</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I need to hear these words myself.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taken from the book, "Eyes Opened Hearts Afire"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">GOD BLESS YOU!</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-2284084991611410082014-10-21T01:11:00.000-07:002014-10-21T01:11:15.194-07:00I DO IT FOR YOU! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Greetings to all!</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANG1V-XjlMk/VEYSsiJHbcI/AAAAAAAABNQ/-GZvw2AByMI/s1600/for-his-glory.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></div>
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It is always good to be on knees. That's just the perfect position to pray. Amidst all the storms, I do see my Savior holding within the veil. One of the biggest struggle and at the same time one of the biggest desire of a person is to be accepted. Especially in today's competitive world, we want our work to be acknowledged and appreciated. Isn't it difficult to do everything for the Glory of God?</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Often we read about the Triumphant entry of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem and think about the crowd. On that day, they sang, "Hosanna" and just a few days later we hear them shout, "Crucify Him."</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But what really amazes me is our Savior's response.</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Do you remember the incident when Jesus fed the multitude with five loaves and two fishes? We also see there how Jesus perceived that they would come and take Him by force, to make Him a King, He departed again into a mountain Himself alone. (John 6:15)</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">At the same time, when the Lord raised Lazarus from death, many people came to meet Him shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord...the King of Israel! "</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Even in Jesus' moment of Glory, the scripture says the people praised God for the signs they had seen. Jesus was a great example of directing Glory to God. We should be as well. (Author unknown)</span></blockquote>
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Let us surrender all our doings that they may serve Him and only Him.</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye </span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">do, do </span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">all to the glory of God.(</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">1 Corinthians 10:31)</span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, </span><i style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">do</i><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> all in the </span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red;">name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the </span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Father by him. ( </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">Colossians 3:17)</span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- GOD BLESS YOU</span></div>
</div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-23967133847422835892014-10-19T23:16:00.000-07:002014-10-19T23:16:35.507-07:00GOOD SAMARITAN<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Hello friends,</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Greetings to all in the matchless name of, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DIlViZxVuWw/VESieqC28oI/AAAAAAAABNA/1QDdLCNG538/s1600/good-samaritan.jpg" height="640" width="464" /></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Past few days I am struggling with a fight inside, Flesh Vs Spirit. Without my intention I started hating a person and no matter how hard I try, I fail.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">It is really good to find your answer in the Bible and I meditated about the parable-The Good Samaritan.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">click here to read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2010:25-37&version=KJV" target="_blank">THE PARABLE.</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I was just too sad I don't know how many of you go through the same.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Once you know you are wrong, you try to talk to the Lord and His advice is very loud and clear.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">You know what you ought to do but it is equally hard to kill your flesh. When God asked me to appreciate that person which I really could not, I started behaving as if I don't understand what my Lord is talking about.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I still kept on crying for a solution in fact an easy solution for me.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">When we read the parable of the Good Samaritan, we understand following important points...</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1) Teacher of the Law tried to trap Jesus.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And i found myself...</span><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Often we know the truth.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Often we know what we should do.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">But what is difficult is to implement the same and not to trap the Spirit.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">He also asked a question with no intention of living out the implications of its answer.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">2) Priest</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">You might be the one preaching but are you the one practicing?</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">3) Levite</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">You might be the one practicing in front of people for your own glory but are you the one sincerely doing it for the glory of the Lord.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">4) Good Samaritan</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">People might despise you but God' standard of judging is entirely different.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">5) Our stubbornness.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Here we see how even when the Lord explained about being good to others,good to your neighbor(any person you encounter is your neighbor) the person failed to understand that.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">He said, "the one who was kind to him" and not the "Samaritan"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"The one who was kind to him" indicate a reluctance to name the Samaritan.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Jesus is drawing a strong contrast between those who knew the law and those who actually followed the law in their lifestyle and conduct.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">we are now forced into an uncomfortable situation of self-analysis. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">There we understand our stony heart.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">It is difficult to appreciate people if we are not ready to let God correct us.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">It is difficult to appreciate people if we are not accepting the fact that we need help.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The man had asked, ‘Who is my neighbor?’ but Jesus faced him with the question ‘To whom am I neighbor?’” (Tyndale Commentary on Luke 1975: 208)</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Let the Holy spirit guide you, more and more and drive out all your bondage.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND : AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF."</span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">-GOD BLESS YOU.</span></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
</div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-35608163948586936022014-09-05T01:45:00.003-07:002014-09-05T02:27:29.233-07:00HIS GRACE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">click here to read <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2014/09/deceiving-heart.html" target="_blank">part-1 (Deceiving Heart)</a> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">click here to read <a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2014/09/we-deceive-our-heart.html" target="_blank">part-2 (<span style="color: blue;">W</span>e deceive our Heart)</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">MOTHER:- Dear Justine and Gracie, I want you to know where your enemy is attacking you?</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MpdIe3HhdCw/VAl26lZ3HXI/AAAAAAAABJ0/AuaV9EygOlU/s1600/mom-with-kids.jpg" height="400" width="332" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Justine, when you were angry that I gave a fair chance to Gracie, you were mad at me.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Maybe, at that time you wanted me to scold her and to punish her.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But when I asked you to place yourself as the 11th hour laborer, you started defending him.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Dear Children, Our enemy always do this thing with us. We often play the role of God, we judge others and defend our very self.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Gracie, So Justice didn't prevail. We deceive our heart and we mould justice in our favor.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We seek Justice for others and mercy for our very self. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1) GOD IS A RIGHTEOUS JUDGE. <span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">Psalm 7:11)</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2ISrigSu0Y/VAlz_1UBPnI/AAAAAAAABJM/j1qlSC6QViw/s1600/JUST.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When you observe your duties as a sincere elder Son of the parable of the Prodigal Son, Father would obviously help you inherit all that He has.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You receive blessings as per your deeds plus His Grace also.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2) GOD IS LOVE. <span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;">(1 John 4:8)</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-js78xLcv-fs/VAl0OKiUrNI/AAAAAAAABJU/qtErgYV5-j8/s1600/god-is-love.jpg" height="145" width="400" /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But our Lord, also loves the sinner. He gives them a fair chance to repent and to lead a new life.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You receive blessings as per His Grace and Compassion.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3) DO NOT BE JEALOUS. <span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;">(James 3:14)</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bEmA8b0hX-A/VAl1CPUZ-eI/AAAAAAAABJo/Eup7uu9VS4s/s1600/james314.jpeg" height="232" width="400" /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So the one who is sincere in his work should not be jealous, when God showers his free gift of Grace to all.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">At the same time, Our eyes should not be fixed on the reward but we should strive to do more good works for God.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Believe that he will surely reward you. That again is His Grace...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4)GOD'S GRACE: NOT A LICENSE TO SIN. <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #741b47;">(Romans 6)</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4HbJdfkRIAA/VAl05GyF6QI/AAAAAAAABJg/nGZTKVfLnnY/s1600/romans%2B6.png" height="255" width="400" /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Grace of God is not cheap. It is in fact priceless.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Because we receive all gifts from the Lord, out of His Grace, which is purchased not by any burnt-offerings not by money not by power but by the BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So always remember, Lord constantly keeps on asking you,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"why are you standing idle here?"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Justine and Gracie kissed their mom and they prayed together. Both understood the concept of...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"LOGIC OF JUSTICE AND LOGIC OF GRACE."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Have a question or testimony from this series, I would love to hear them. Please share with us.<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Coming week we have more on “GOOD SAMARITAN”. If you haven’t already, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/OneEncounterCanChangeUrLife" target="_blank">SUBSCRIBE</a> to receive these posts in your email as soon as they are published.</span></span> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">-GOD BLESS YOU. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-86708153140185975212014-09-05T00:05:00.000-07:002014-09-05T02:26:05.907-07:00WE DECEIVE OUR HEART !!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">click here to read <a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2014/09/deceiving-heart.html" target="_blank">PART-1 (</a>DECEIVING HEART)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Next day early morning, as a family all started praying. After family prayer, it is a usual practice that mother sends the tiny tots to their room and ask them to spend personal time with the Lord.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mother reminded Justine to study about the parable of "LABORERS IN VINEYARD"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ad_aH7mXzDw/VAld_Pp7TOI/AAAAAAAABI0/O5Q_nsZHv04/s1600/man-reading-with-glasses-clip-art.jpg" height="400" width="393" /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PFDDSZ0C2uE/VAleClmOfaI/AAAAAAAABI8/3tHP9uC0hEM/s1600/screen568x568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"click here to read the <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2020:1-16&version=KJV" target="_blank">parable of Laborers in Vineyard</a>"</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Justine started thinking about the laborer who started working at the 11th hour and placed him in that situation. He thought about it the entire day and even discussed it with his friends at school and with Gracie also.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Later at night, when they were about to retire at bed, Mother asked Justine about the homework assigned.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Justine narrated as below:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Justine:- Mom, I think it was just fair that the landowner gave a penny to the 11th hour labourer.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mother:- (Smiled) Why?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Justine:- You never know, Mom! Maybe,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1) He tried for other jobs but didn't get any</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2) Maybe, he was not confident and the owner's invitation was what he was waiting for...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3) There can be many reasons...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am happy that the landowner gave him a fair chance to work and not only that he also rewarded him. Trust me, Mom! that gesture of giving a penny to him might have boosted his confidence to work even harder next time.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And because of the kind gesture, many may come to the land-owner in search of work. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">GRACIE:- Yes Mom, Anyways the land owner didn't pay less to anybody. So I think it is fair. Since no injustice happened.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"JUSTICE PREVAILED..."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(<a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2014/09/his-grace.html" target="_blank">to be cont.</a>)</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span>Have a question or testimony from this series, I would love to hear them. Please share with us.<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Coming week we have more on “GOOD SAMARITAN”. If you haven’t already, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/OneEncounterCanChangeUrLife" target="_blank">SUBSCRIBE</a> to receive these posts in your email as soon as they are published.</span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-52860980200689508882014-09-04T23:31:00.000-07:002014-09-05T02:24:43.488-07:00DECEIVING HEART<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Justine and Gracie (Brother and Sister) were fighting over a trivial matter. Loving mother comes and sorts out the differences between them. She understood Gracie was wrong so embraced her, kissed her and gave her a fair chance to repent. Justine gets angry and leaves.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aoO5y6ZOqkg/U__91dSQiSI/AAAAAAAABIY/o0GX9M6BjlE/s1600/Sibling-Rivalry.jpg" /></i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Justine cries a lot but his mother always taught him to bring every matter and every concern to the Lord! So he opens up the Bible and read the story of the "PRODIGAL SON".</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">click here to read the parable of <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?dc=5&utm_expid=13466113-10.DRY5Q0U2TpaXvRe49bTgCA.5&search=Luke+15%3A11-32&version=KJV&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.biblegateway.com%2Fpassage%2F%3Fdc%3D5%26search%3DLuke%252015%3A11-32%26version%3DGNT" target="_blank">PRODIGAL SON</a></span> </i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Satan comes as a stealer as a thief and tries to tempt him. Because of his presence, Justine's heart deceives him.</i></span></span></span><br />
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">Jeremiah 17:9, "</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="text Jer-17-9" id="en-KJV-19367"> T</span></span><span class="text Jer-17-9" id="en-KJV-19367"><span style="font-weight: normal;">he heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?</span></span><i><span class="text Jer-17-9" id="en-KJV-19367"> "</span></i></span></span></span></h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i> He started thinking about the elder son in the parable and started talking to himself.</i></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VlZJdLlOPAU/U___GQqJDjI/AAAAAAAABIg/jNuJXyFlKeE/s1600/PRAYING_CHILD.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>JUSTINE:- What is wrong if he is mad at his father?</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i> He takes care of his parents but his stupid brother runs away with all the money, brings great disgrace and loss to the family and he gets a big party? What about his reward? Doesn't he deserve more than him?</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Because of the great pain in his heart, he closed the Bible and didn't read further. He started crying more bitterly and as usual Satan was very happy and left him alone there.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>At such a time, her mother comes IN SEARCH OF HIM. Because he was mad at her, he didn't talk to her.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>But his mother "ENTREATED HIM."</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Mother:- My dear Son, what happen? Tell me, let me hear your case. Son didn't at first, but with more expression of love from his mother, he started narrating how he felt and also about the Prodigal Son interpretation.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Mother:- Just listen to me, I LOVE YOU! </i><i><span class="text Luke-15-31" id="en-ISV-25620"><span class="woj">My child, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.</span></span> Please do me a favor.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Pray for more grace of God and read the parable of "LABORERS IN VINEYARD" and place yourself as the 11th hour laborer and tell me what you think about it?</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Son agreed and Mom kissed him and embraced him. She united both Justine and Gracie. By the time it was evening, they forgot about their fight and started playing.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>(<a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2014/09/we-deceive-our-heart.html" target="_blank">to be cont.</a>) </i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Have a question or testimony from this series, I would love to hear them. Please share with us.<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Coming week we have more on “GOOD SAMARITAN”. If you haven’t already, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/OneEncounterCanChangeUrLife" target="_blank">SUBSCRIBE</a> to receive these posts in your email as soon as they are published.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div>
</div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-40770985632643453992014-07-31T22:38:00.001-07:002014-07-31T22:57:40.080-07:00Humility<p dir=ltr>How can you,<br>
O Lover of my Soul,<br>
Wash the feet of your disciple,<br>
And here I stand so stubborn and unfaithful<br>
As I can't even do it of my Master</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CGLfsCtbTjQ/U9sn4qnG_kI/AAAAAAAABGU/rg01ycnvH4g/s1600/IMG_11163463824502.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CGLfsCtbTjQ/U9sn4qnG_kI/AAAAAAAABGU/rg01ycnvH4g/s640/IMG_11163463824502.jpeg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eM3fdy06040/U9ssQHBAgXI/AAAAAAAABG0/MP2ZQuhBOP8/s1600/IMG_11163463824502.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eM3fdy06040/U9ssQHBAgXI/AAAAAAAABG0/MP2ZQuhBOP8/s640/IMG_11163463824502.jpeg"> </a> </div>Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-65809428098121420372014-07-06T07:58:00.001-07:002014-07-06T08:10:55.520-07:00Where Was God, When I Was Tempted?- BONDAGE III<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Greetings to all in the priceless name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!</span></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HD8dMFhMmg0/U7lg7dSrtEI/AAAAAAAABEI/vl0ZnQLyjCc/s1600/passing+by.jpg" height="329" width="400" /></div>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Just few days back while I was chatting with my friend, she asked me a strange question, "Where was God, When I was tempted?" I asked her to trust the Lord and we logged off. This question still hurts me.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But soon I heard a beautiful sermon on </span></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="st"><i>Zacchaeus </i></span>and somehow I could connect with the story.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="st"><i>Zacchaeus </i></span>was a wealthy man, chief tax collector. He was enriching himself at the expense of poor people. Though he was of middle age and well dressed, yet he climbs tree to see Jesus.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And the most powerful verse in this entire story is, "<span style="color: red;">Jesus</span> went on into Jericho and <span style="color: red;">was</span> <span style="color: red;">PASSING THROUGH.</span> -LUKE 19:1"</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Do you think Jesus was unaware of </span></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="st"><i>Zacchaeus</i></span>'s hunger to meet Him?</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Do you think Jesus did not know he was a chief tax collector?</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Do you think Jesus was not aware of his life?</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But when </span></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="st"><i>Zacchaeus </i></span>made just one step towards God, Jesus not only called him by name but dined with him, stayed with him and gave him the best gift for his soul, "SALVATION".</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What we understand from this small story is that nowhere in the Gospel, Jesus ever imposed Himself on anyone. He announces the Kingdom of God, He invites Faith but never imposes it on anyone.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Next time when you are tempted, do you hear a cry within, "Dear Son/Daughter do not do it?" That's Jesus passing by.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We must take the opportunity to respond to Him!</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Then strive to renew your mind with His
Word. Instead of seeing Him passing by, see Him living in you and
working through you. </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Instead of trying to get His attention, start
paying attention to His indwelling presence. He’s right there, in your
spirit, ready to fellowship with you anytime.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Stop asking for what you
already have and let your faith become effectual by continually
acknowledging every good thing you have in Christ Jesus (Philemon 6). </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Read Bondage Series</span> </span></span></span>(<a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2014/06/bondage.html" target="_blank">BONDAGE-I)</a> (<a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2014/06/why-we-get-addicted-to-addiction.html" target="_blank">BONDAGE-II)</a></div>
<div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></span><div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">GOD BLESS YOU AND DO PRAY FOR ME! </span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-68526270658174491512014-06-23T06:43:00.000-07:002014-06-23T06:43:06.470-07:00Why We Get Addicted To Addiction? Bondage-II<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7aPHrwqEeic/U6grUf6kUKI/AAAAAAAABDo/MT6hPqhNHio/s1600/addiction.jpg" height="329" width="640" /></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Greetings to all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ!</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Deep down my heart I strongly believe, Our Soul is really
thirsty for the Lord. As the Psalmist sings,</span></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">“As the deer panteth for the water;</span></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">So my soul longeth after thee…”</span></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Now when this desire for the Lord (which is infinite), is
placed under something else than Lord (which is finite),then that object will
never satisfy me.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Once I read a beautiful prayer:</span></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">“Lord you made us for yourself and therefore our hearts will
be restless until we rest in thee…”</span></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">We have an infinite hunger for God’s Goodness. When that
desire is hooked on to something less than God, sex or money, power or material
things, we will now obsessively run around and around that object, convincing
ourself if we just get enough of it we will be satisfied. <b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>THAT’S ADDICTION.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Now that object has taken over my life. Now it dictates to
me how to do and when to do.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I believe addiction and temptation come from our enemy but
we surrender to his evil plan when we fail to have a constant fellowship with
Christ. I have friends suffering from addiction of alcohol,greed, pornography… But
what amuses me is when I see their thirst for Lord’s touch in their life.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">It's easy then to understand our Father’s forever enduring
love for us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us -Romans 5:8.</span></span><span class="st"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Before you deal with your <a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2014/06/bondage.html" target="_blank">bondage</a>, it's necessary to deal
with the root cause. Understand the basic fact, all you need in your life is
Christ and His presence.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text John-4-13" id="en-GNT-29210">Jesus answered, ...</span><span class="text John-4-14" id="en-GNT-29211">but
those who drink the water that I will give them will never be thirsty
again. The water that I will give them will become in them a spring
which will provide them with life-giving water and give them eternal
life.” -John 4: 13-15</span></span></span></span> <br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Seek Lord,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Delight in His ways, and you shall thirst no more!!!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">God bless you and do pray for me.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-10489973151345612202014-06-09T23:10:00.000-07:002014-06-09T23:33:28.366-07:00BONDAGE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">Greetings to all in the matchless name of our Lord and
savior, Jesus Christ!</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2kBgUSAzVYs/U5agjU5SuoI/AAAAAAAABDY/Oix6_1tEldc/s1600/chains.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last week, I had a great time with my cousin. She is just 8
years old. While I was teasing her as schools are reopening, I could sense her
feelings were getting too strong and she was getting sad. I asked her why don’t
you like your school? With a childlike innocence, she replied, “I know I will
get accustomed within days but the freedom of a vacation, the joy it brings;
I’m going to miss it all!”</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Dear friends, isn’t our life similar to this. During
vacation when we attend camps, conferences and Bible classes our heart is full
of divine joy but the moment we get into our secular life, we lose it all. Somehow
the beautiful fellowship with Christ is limited within the area of Church and
conferences and we fail to apply it in our personal lives.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Are we going to enter
this new academic year along with the bondages of the past or are we ready to
let it go?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">BONDAGE:</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>DICTIONARY MEANING:</b> ‘A State of being bound usually by compulsion.’</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BIBLE: </b>‘It is a
spirit that makes people to be subject to fear-ROMANS 8:15.’</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">We are under various bondages which never leave us or to
frame it correctly we are under various bondages about which we are unhappy yet
unwilling to let it go. Seems strange!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">But then it’s true!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dear Friends, whatever be your bondage, just remember our
Lord said in Romans 8:15, “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again
to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of <a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2014/04/prodigal-son.html" target="_blank">ADOPTION</a>, whereby we cry, Abba,
Father.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wow! The Lord who created the entire universe is not our
master but our FATHER! </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Lord who created the entire universe doesn’t call us as
slaves but as a CHILD!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is a very powerful verse and do not neglect the power within
the verse. While we previously rebelled against Him, He has now adopted us
(8:15); we can therefore address Him as “<a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2014/03/blessed-lamb.html" target="_blank">ABBA</a>, Father”. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Think about this for a
moment: the Sovereign God has brought us into a familial relationship with Him
that is so close and personal that we can address Him as “Father.” This should
add a new and deeper meaning to your privilege of saying, “Our Father,” in the
Lord’s Prayer! Whatever is your bondage, it might be addictions like alcohol,
pornography, drugs or any other bad habits but then there is an antidote for
everything.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">With series of topics on bondages, I am willing to share
with you some of real life encounters with the creator.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">But then are you ready to let go of your bondages? What I
love about the Christian life is that we have <a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2014/03/what-is-in-me.html" target="_blank">HOPE</a>, no matter what our present
situation is!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Till we meet next time, just take time and converse with the
Lord about your bondages. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">It does not matter what we suffer, it does not matter
how terrible our circumstances may be: God will always be with us, and will
always love us. Look at the things Christians can endure, secure in the
knowledge that they cannot separate us from the love of Christ: tribulation,
distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril and sword (Romans 8:35).</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">In
fact, St. Paul even expands this thought in Romans 8:39: "...Nothing can separate us from the <a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2014/02/matthew-2820.html" target="_blank">LOVE</a> of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">I firmly believe, “THERE IS <a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2014/03/you-loved-people-undeserving.html" target="_blank">FREEDOM</a> IN CHRIST” </span></span></div>
</div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-2418392978020228482014-06-01T19:28:00.000-07:002014-06-01T19:28:21.935-07:00GRACE OF GIVING- III<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iA1u-cKJZ50/U4vc-c26QRI/AAAAAAAABC0/sRimJRdSG9E/s1600/tabitha.JPG" height="400" width="326" /></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last month we meditated about the purpose of our creation
and recreation, “BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH FOR WORKS”. We reached the last
session of this series, where we are going to study about Grace of giving in
the New Testament. If you missed any article, here is the link:</span></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a name='more'></a> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2014/05/purpose-of-our-creation-and-recreation.html" target="_blank">Purpose of our Creation and Recreation </a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2014/05/the-purpose-of-good-deeds.html" target="_blank">The Purpose of Good Deeds</a> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2014/05/grace-of-giving-ii.html" target="_blank">Grace of Giving</a> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the New Testament, the law is replaced by GRACE. God now
mentions about Grace of giving ‘voluntarily’ rather than Tithing as a ‘fixed’
rule.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">One biggest and strongest message about giving is mentioned
in 2 Corinthians 8, 9 where we study how Macedonians were cheerful givers even
when they were in a great trial of affliction. But let us just walk towards the
road, less trodden.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">People often mention about Macedonians and Corinthians when
they talk about charity but there is another story in the Bible which really needs
our attention.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Small prayer: “Holy Spirit, Fill us with your Word of Wisdom
and Knowledge.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In Acts 9:36, we read about Tabitha (Dorcas), A Believer.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Bible mentions her like:</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“This woman was <span style="color: red;">full of good works and almsdeeds</span> which she
did” -KJV.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“She was always <span style="color: red;">doing kind things</span> for others and <span style="color: red;">helping</span> the
poor.” –NLT.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“She spent all her time <span style="color: red;">doing good</span> and <span style="color: red;">helping the poor</span>.”
–GNB.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Further as we read, all widows crowded round Peter, crying
and showing him all the shirts and coats that Dorcas had made while she was
alive.(Acts 9:39)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This passage indicates that the widows were the recipients
of Dorcas’ charity.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Her reputation was made from something as simple as sewing
clothing for the poor but then she was called a disciple! It was out of
gratitude for Jesus that she dedicated her one gift to Jesus. Can we do that?</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thoughts to ponder:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>What are you good at? </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>What do you enjoy doing? </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>What energizes you?</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span> </span>What
lights your fire? </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>What are you passionate about? </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>Are you channeling that gifting or passion for Jesus? </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>What are you doing for Jesus?</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It can be as simple as sewing or baking, fixing or driving. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What do you have in your hands this morning? </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If God could use Moses with
something as simple as a staff and Tabitha with something as basic as a needle,
what might he use on your hands? </span></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 Peter 4:10, “As every man hath received the gift, even so
minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of
God.”</span></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do take time and think about it!</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If God wants you to be a cheerful giver, then</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1) Give a portion of your money.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2) Give a portion of your time.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3) Give a portion of your energy.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit may help you to use all that you have for the
Glory of the Lord.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Amen.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-77509522915132833712014-05-16T00:05:00.000-07:002014-05-16T00:05:16.276-07:00GRACE OF GIVING-II<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Let us be filled with the <a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2014/02/grace-of-giving-i.html" target="_blank">grace of giving</a> as mentioned in the Old Testament.</span></span><br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;">(A) FIRST FRUIT OFFERINGS GIVEN OUT OF LOVE FOR GOD.</span></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nJdMzkARAK4/U3SY2yK5MkI/AAAAAAAABCc/TdIsMiTY2JM/s1600/Picture1.png" height="266" width="400" /></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<u><span style="color: blue;">(1) THE LORD'S TITHE.</span></u></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<u><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></u></h3>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">It went <b>to support the priest's ministry.</b></span></span></span></li>
<li><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Num-18-26" id="en-GNT-4025"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Num-18-29" id="en-GNT-4028"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers+18%3A26-29&version=GNT" target="_blank">Numbers 18:26-29</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Num-18-26" id="en-GNT-4025"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Num-18-29" id="en-GNT-4028"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Num-18-29" id="en-GNT-4028"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(click to read the verse)</span></span></span></span></span>,</span></span></span></span>“<span style="background-color: white;">When you receive from the Israelites the tithe that the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> gives you as your possession, you must <span style="background-color: cyan;">present a tenth </span>of it as a special contribution to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>....</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Num-18-27" id="en-GNT-4026"><sup class="versenum"></sup></span><span class="text Num-18-28" id="en-GNT-4027"></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Num-18-29" id="en-GNT-4028">Give it from the <span style="background-color: cyan;">best</span> that you receive."</span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<u><span style="color: blue;"><span class="text Num-18-29" id="en-GNT-4028">(2) THE FESTIVAL TITHE</span></span></u></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<u><span style="color: blue;"><span class="text Num-18-29" id="en-GNT-4028"><br /></span></span></u></h3>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Num-18-29" id="en-GNT-4028">It went <b>to build religious celebration and mutual community in God's people</b>.</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Num-18-29" id="en-GNT-4028"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+12%3A10-11&version=GNT" target="_blank">Deuteronomy 12:10-11</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">(click to read the verse)</span>, "...</span><span class="text Num-18-29" id="en-GNT-4028"><span class="text Deut-12-10" id="en-GNT-4922"></span><span class="text Deut-12-11" id="en-GNT-4923">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>
will choose a single place where he is to be worshiped, and there you
must bring to him everything that I have commanded: your sacrifices that
are to be burned and your other sacrifices, your <span style="background-color: cyan;">tithes</span> and your
offerings, and those special gifts that you have promised to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord.</span></span>" </span></span></span></span></blockquote>
</li>
<li><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+12%3A17-18&version=GNT" target="_blank">Deuteronomy 12:17-18</a></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Num-18-29" id="en-GNT-4028"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(click to read the verse)</span></span></span></span></span>...<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Deut-12-18" id="en-GNT-4930">are to <span style="background-color: cyan;">eat these offerings</span> only in the presence of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God, in the one place of worship chosen by the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God. And you are to be <span style="background-color: cyan;">happy </span>there over everything that you have done."</span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<u><span style="color: blue;"><span class="text Deut-12-18" id="en-GNT-4930">(3) THE POOR TITHE.</span></span></u></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<u><span style="color: blue;"><span class="text Deut-12-18" id="en-GNT-4930"><br /></span></span></u></h3>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Deut-12-18" id="en-GNT-4930">It went <b>for the social welfare of those who couldn't provide for themselves</b>.</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Num-18-29" id="en-GNT-4028"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Num-18-29" id="en-GNT-4028"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+14%3A28-29&version=GNT" target="_blank">Deuteronomy 14:28-29</a></span>(click to read the verse)</span></span></span></span></span>,...</span><span class="text Num-18-29" id="en-GNT-4028"><span class="text Deut-14-28" id="en-GNT-4984"></span><span class="text Deut-14-29" id="en-GNT-4985"><span style="background-color: white;">This
food is for the Levites, since they own <span style="background-color: cyan;">no property</span>, and for the
<span style="background-color: cyan;">foreigners</span>, <span style="background-color: cyan;">orphans</span>, and <span style="background-color: cyan;">widows </span>who live in your towns</span>. They are to come
and get all they need. Do this, and the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God will bless you in everything you do.</span>" </span></span></span></span></blockquote>
</li>
<li><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Num-18-29" id="en-GNT-4028"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Num-18-29" id="en-GNT-4028"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+19%3A9-10&version=GNT" target="_blank">Leviticus 19:9-10</a></span>(click to read the verse)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>...<span class="text Lev-19-10" id="en-GNT-3224">leave them for <span style="background-color: cyan;">poor people</span>
and foreigners. I am the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God."</span></span></span></span></blockquote>
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<u><span style="color: blue;"><span class="text Lev-19-10" id="en-GNT-3224">(4) OCCASIONAL TAXES.</span></span></u></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<u><span style="color: blue;"><span class="text Lev-19-10" id="en-GNT-3224"><br /></span></span></u></h3>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Lev-19-10" id="en-GNT-3224">It went <b>to pay for materials used in temple offerings.</b></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Lev-19-10" id="en-GNT-3224"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Num-18-29" id="en-GNT-4028"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Num-18-29" id="en-GNT-4028"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah+10%3A32-33&version=GNT" target="_blank">Nehemiah 10:32-33</a></span>(click to read the verse)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>,..."</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Lev-19-10" id="en-GNT-3224"><span class="text Neh-10-32" id="en-GNT-11848">Every year we will each contribute one-eighth of an ounce of silver to <span style="background-color: white;">help pay the expenses of the Temple</span>.</span></span><span class="text Neh-10-33" id="en-GNT-11849">.."</span></span></span></blockquote>
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"><span class="text Neh-10-33" id="en-GNT-11849">(B) FREEWILL OFFERINGS</span></span></span></h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OtiRszKSIQM/U3SalIPWx7I/AAAAAAAABCg/nWbqEXUwDOY/s1600/GIVER.jpg" height="370" width="400" /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<u><span style="color: blue;"><span class="text Neh-10-33" id="en-GNT-11849">(1) FIRST-FRUITS OF CROPS/LIVESTOCK.</span></span></u></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<u><span style="color: blue;"><span class="text Neh-10-33" id="en-GNT-11849"><br /></span></span></u></h3>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Neh-10-33" id="en-GNT-11849">The Israelites would bring the first fruits of Crops/Livestock to the Lord before they'd even finish harvesting. It was <b>faith giving</b> and totally <b>voluntary</b>.</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<h3>
<u><span style="color: blue;"><span class="text Neh-10-33" id="en-GNT-11849">(2) OFFERING FROM HEART.</span></span></u></h3>
<h3>
<u><span style="color: blue;"><span class="text Neh-10-33" id="en-GNT-11849"><br /></span></span></u></h3>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Neh-10-33" id="en-GNT-11849">EXODUS 25:2,</span></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Neh-10-33" id="en-GNT-11849">“Tell the Israelites to make an offering to me. Receive whatever offerings anyone <b>wishes</b> to give."</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Neh-10-33" id="en-GNT-11849">Let us not cheat our God in the matter of tithes and offerings as mentioned in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Malachi+3%3A8&version=GNT" target="_blank">Malachi 3:8</a></span></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Neh-10-33" id="en-GNT-11849"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Neh-10-33" id="en-GNT-11849"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Neh-10-33" id="en-GNT-11849">Let us strive to be a Cheerful Giver. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Neh-10-33" id="en-GNT-11849"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Neh-10-33" id="en-GNT-11849"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span class="text Neh-10-33" id="en-GNT-11849"><span style="font-size: small;">#Inspired from the book, "Disciplines of a Godly Woman"</span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826777591807168212.post-29361701509404230242014-05-12T01:27:00.000-07:002014-05-12T22:40:33.573-07:00THE PURPOSE OF GOOD DEEDS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJoBL1a6G9c/U3CCpo26URI/AAAAAAAABCI/w2PyLNJrKq8/s1600/helping-others.jpg" height="245" width="400" /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last week we saw <a href="http://anu7.blogspot.in/2014/05/purpose-of-our-creation-and-recreation.html" target="_blank">Purpose Of Our Creation and Recreation</a>(BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH FOR WORKS). This week let us meditate on Purpose of Good Deeds, taken from the Book,"Disciplines Of Godly Woman"</span></span></span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a name='more'></a></span></span></span></h4>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;"><u>1. FOR THE SAKE OF THE CHURCH.</u></span></h2>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">GALATIANS 6:10, "<span class="text Gal-6-10" id="en-GNT-32225">So then, as often as we
have the chance, we should do good to everyone, and especially to those
who belong to our family in the faith."</span></span></span></span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Of course, we can't neglect to care for those outside the faith, but our family-that is, the family of God-comes first.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Good deeds are important to God because they nurture and care for the needs of His family here on earth.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">God's purpose for good deeds, however, goes beyond His own family. </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<u><span style="color: red;">2. FOR THE SAKE OF THE WORLD.</span></u></h2>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Leviticus 19:9-10, <span class="text Lev-19-9" id="en-GNT-3223">“When you harvest your
fields, do not cut the grain at the edges of the fields, and do not go
back to cut the heads of grain that were left. </span></span></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Lev-19-10" id="en-GNT-3224">Do
not go back through your vineyard to gather the grapes that were missed
or to pick up the grapes that have fallen; leave them for poor people
and foreigners. I am the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God."</span></span></span></span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Old Testament speaks again and again of the responsibility of God's people to help the poor.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Gleaning", the practice of allowing people to gather leftover crops from fields farmers had harvested, was one of the provisions established by the Israelites to provide food for the poor.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But the Scriptures are clear from Genesis to Revelation that more important than man's physical need is his need of God Himself.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;"><u>3.FOR THE SAKE OF POOR.</u></span></h2>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">ISAIAH 58:7, "<span class="text Isa-58-7" id="en-GNT-21787">Share your food with the
hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those
who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives."</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">JAMES 1:27, "<span class="text Jas-1-27" id="en-GNT-33315">What God the Father
considers to be pure and genuine religion is this: to take care of
orphans and widows in their suffering and to keep oneself from being
corrupted by the world."</span></span></span></span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Jas-1-27" id="en-GNT-33315">A person's spiritual need is greater than physical needs.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Jas-1-27" id="en-GNT-33315">Although material needs are not unimportant.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Jas-1-27" id="en-GNT-33315">Let us strive to be Cheerful Giver. </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;"><u>4. FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOSPEL.</u></span></h2>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">MATTHEW 4:4, "<span class="text Matt-4-4" id="en-GNT-26260">But Jesus answered, “The scripture says, ‘Human beings cannot live on bread alone, but need every word that God speaks.’”</span></span></span></span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">JOHN 6:35, "And
Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me
shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."</span></span></span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There are people all around us who need the Gospel demonstrated to them through good deeds that are done out of hearts changed by the Gospel.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Our friends, coworkers, and neighbours(even the difficult ones) need the Bread of Life, the Lord Jesus Christ.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Our good deeds are meant to be a means to this end-to make the Gospel known.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">5. FOR MY SAKE.</span></u></span></h2>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <span class="text 1Pet-2-20" id="en-GNT-33441">1 Peter 2:20, "For what credit is there
if you endure the beatings you deserve for having done wrong? But if you
endure suffering even when you have done right, God will bless you for
it."</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text 1Pet-2-20" id="en-GNT-33441">1Peter 3:13-14, "</span></span></span></span><span class="text 1Pet-2-20" id="en-GNT-33441"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text 1Pet-3-13" id="en-GNT-33459">Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? </span><span class="text 1Pet-3-14" id="en-GNT-33460"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>But even if you should suffer for doing what is right, how happy you are! Do not be afraid of anyone, and do not worry." </span></span></span></span> </span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">God has called us to be a people who do good even in the face of adversity.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">God is at work in us and through us-through good deeds-sometimes in the face of adversity.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now is not the time to "sit down"</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It is a time to work. "As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me; night is coming when no one can work. -John 9:4"</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;"><u>6. FOR GOD'S GLORY</u></span></h2>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 PETER 2:12, "<span class="text 1Pet-2-12" id="en-GNT-33433">Your conduct among the
heathen should be so good that when they accuse you of being evildoers,
they will have to recognize your good deeds and so praise God on the Day
of his coming."</span></span></span></span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever heard unbelievers give their excuse for avoiding church:"There are too many hypocrites in the church!"</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">That's because all too often our deeds don't glorify God.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">If the good news isn't clothed in good deeds motivated by love and gratitude, our action probably would not in the end bring glory to the God. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<br /></div>
Anu Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05326472672549632676noreply@blogger.com0