Greetings to all in the matchless name of ,our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

 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!"

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.

So the concern is, "Is it wrong for a Christian to be an introvert?"

Introverts...

• Just don’t talk unless they have something to say.
• They need a reason to interact.
• They want everyone to just be real and honest.
• They intensely value the few friends they have.
• They crave an authentic and sincere connection with ONE PERSON at a time.
• They don’t make most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.

   So when Christianity is all about, "Go and make disciples" isn't it a hard task for introverts?

But again we see in the Bible, God can change a reluctant person to His messenger...
God can help a poor speaker, slow and hesitant to rescue a large number of captives.
God can help a murderer to be an Apostle...

So it's never about being an introvert or extrovert.
As it is written,
"If God is with us who can be against us!"

-God Bless You  

Have a question or testimony from this series, I would love to hear them. Please share with us. Coming week we have more on “Introverts”. If you haven’t already, SUBSCRIBE to receive these posts in your email as soon as they are published. 

We need to hear these words of Jesus more often!
A few circumstantial details describing the scene are worth pondering.

Greetings to all!

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?

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."
But what really amazes me is our Savior's response.

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)

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! "

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)

Let us surrender all our doings that they may serve Him and only Him.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye

do, do all to the glory of God.(1 Corinthians 10:31)

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the

name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the

Father by him. ( Colossians 3:17)

- GOD BLESS YOU

Hello friends,
Greetings to all in the matchless name of, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

click here to read part-1 (Deceiving Heart) 
click here to read part-2 (We deceive our Heart)
 
MOTHER:- Dear Justine and Gracie, I want you to know where your enemy is attacking you?

Justine, when you were angry that I gave a fair chance to Gracie, you were mad at me.
Maybe, at that time you wanted me to scold her and to punish her.
But when I asked you to place yourself as the 11th hour laborer, you started defending him.
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.
Gracie, So Justice didn't prevail. We deceive our heart and we mould justice in our favor.
We seek Justice for others and mercy for our very self.

1) GOD IS A RIGHTEOUS JUDGE. (Psalm 7:11)

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.
You receive blessings as per your deeds plus His Grace also.

2) GOD IS LOVE. (1 John 4:8)

But our Lord, also loves the sinner. He gives them a fair chance to repent and to lead a new life.
You receive blessings as per His Grace and Compassion.

3) DO NOT BE JEALOUS. (James 3:14)

So the one who is sincere in his work should not be jealous, when God showers his free gift of Grace to all.
At the same time, Our eyes should not be fixed on the reward but we should strive to do more good works for God.
Believe that he will surely reward you. That again is His Grace...

4)GOD'S GRACE: NOT A LICENSE TO SIN. (Romans 6)

Grace of God is not cheap. It is in fact priceless.
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.

So always remember, Lord constantly keeps on asking you,
"why are you standing idle here?"

Justine and Gracie kissed their mom and they prayed together. Both understood the concept of...

"LOGIC OF JUSTICE AND LOGIC OF GRACE."


Have a question or testimony from this series, I would love to hear them. Please share with us. Coming week we have more on “GOOD SAMARITAN”. If you haven’t already, SUBSCRIBE to receive these posts in your email as soon as they are published.

-GOD BLESS YOU.

click here to read PART-1 (DECEIVING HEART)


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.

Mother reminded Justine to study about the parable of "LABORERS IN VINEYARD"

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.

How can you,
O Lover of my Soul,
Wash the feet of your disciple,
And here I stand so stubborn and unfaithful
As I can't even do it of my Master

Greetings to all in the priceless name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

• 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.

Greetings to all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Deep down my heart I strongly believe, Our Soul is really thirsty for the Lord. As the Psalmist sings,

“As the deer panteth for the water;

So my soul longeth after thee…”

Greetings to all in the matchless name of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ!

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!”

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:

Let us be filled with the grace of giving as mentioned in the Old Testament.

(A) FIRST FRUIT OFFERINGS GIVEN OUT OF LOVE FOR GOD.

 

 

Last week we saw Purpose Of Our Creation and Recreation(BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH FOR WORKS). This week let us meditate on Purpose of Good Deeds, taken from the Book,"Disciplines Of Godly Woman"

GLORY TO HOLY TRIUNE GOD!

GREETINGS TO ALL,

This month when we commemorate visitations of Jesus to the disciples as well as Works,Fruits and Gifts of Holy Spirit, Let us meditate on few topics. This week let us meditate on the purpose of our creation and recreation.

 

 

My Father Commanded

Why aren't you Listening,

Get me the best robe

Robe of Righteousness. 

See the stone is rolled away
Behold the empty tomb
Hallelujah God be praised
He's risen from the grave- Hillsong Live

GLORY TO HOLY TRIUNE GOD.

GREETINGS TO ALL,

Dear Friends, Can you just imagine this scene for your Father.
What if your Father is accused of some false charges and he is going to have the most shameful punishment for it? You know your Father is blameless but all witnesses and charges are against him. Your Father is then dead going through the most shameful capital punishment ever.

         This image has a story to tell. Read and stay Blessed.

Dear Friends in Christ,

It's Palm Sunday tomorrow. What message can I share with you other than "Hosanna"?

But while I was about to write on the word "Hosanna", I just thought let me instead limit this article about the message of the CROSS and let God speak to your heart as you read ahead.

My friend Divya Susan Jacob wanted to share this song which really touched her with readers of Encounter Grace Community.

Listen and stay Blessed!!!

  CLICK HERE

# THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS #

 

 1) “If you are God's Son, order these stones to turn into bread.”

2) “If you are God's Son, throw yourself down, for the Scripture says,

         ‘God will give orders to his angels about you;
    they will hold you up with their hands,
    so that not even your feet will be hurt on the stones.’”

3) “All this I will give you,” the Devil said, “if you kneel down and worship me.”

1) FORTI_fied Friday is actually a grand celebration for us.

2) Our Lord was tempted in every way by the devil, yet he stood against the devil.

3) Jesus FORTIFIED us.

4) All the answer and confronts of Jesus to the devil was, “As it is written”

5) This fortieth Friday, let us pray to the Lord for...

TODAY'S PROMISE:

"In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you." -Isaiah 54:14

TODAY'S PROMISE:
"Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you- the sure mercies of David." -Isaiah 55:3

   
                 Once, a woman called Ann was working with a family in a foreign country.She was very good in her work but the moment she got angry, she would fling the vessels all over the place. She will make a big hue and cry. Therefore, the people in the family saw to it that she did not get irritated or lose her temper.

One day, suddenly she lost her balance and became very angry. Somehow, she realized her weakness instantly. She felt an aversion for her own indecent behaviour. 

Immediately, she knelt down and prayed, "Lord! You are the only one who can change this bad habit of mine. Yes, Lord! Change me now and make me Your dear daughter."  

As written in Romans 5:20,"Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more." Lord adorned her with the power of Redemption.When people saw the grace and the gifts she has received from God, they started seeking her for prayers. For many people, she became, "A Daughter of Comfort."
 

PRAYER:

LOVING LORD! I am sinful and evil. Wash me with the blood You shed on the Cross and make me clean. From today onwards, make an everlasting covenant with me so that I may receive all Your sure mercies. IN JESUS' PRECIOUS NAME I PRAY. AMEN.

-Taken from the Book  "A Good Word For The Day."

TODAY'S PROMISE:

"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." -Luke 12:7

GLORY TO HOLY TRIUNE GOD.

 

OVERCOME UGLY GOSSIP... FROM YOU

• Gossip is like a secret craving. We say we don't like it, but when it is within reach, we almost can't resist it.

 GLORY TO HOLY TRIUNE GOD.

SCRIPT: X and Y both are same team members. Mr. Z is their STRICT Boss.

 
 

I believe there is a very good Spirit inside us, who always warns us! Last week I came to know about a shocking incident. I was very curious to know just because the headlines were too catchy. The more I listened, the more I came to know, its mere a foolish discussion. Just lend my deaf ears to it and I continued enjoying my tea.

Love one another...
As Christ loves you

Blogging for Christ helped me! It gave me friends of God,each with unique qualities.I received this post on my mail from Renchu P Johnson.How zealously he wanted to contribute to spread the Word of God through this blog.Thank you Mr.Renchu for writing your thoughts down so I can share it with our Encounter Grace community.With that I’ll let you read in today’s guest post. 

 TRUE STORY!

• I was just thinking about this day. Last year in 2013, this same day I was going through the worst phase of my life. I remember how I was crying all through the corridor at the hospital.

SCENARIO 2000 YEARS BEFORE:

Biggest trial ever! Court of Pilate! Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? They said, Barabbas.

So who was this Barabbas?

 

According to

Matthew 27:16 “Notable Prisoner”

Mark 15:7 “Insurrectionist, Murderer”

Luke 23:19 “Seditious, Murderer”

John 18:40 “Robber”  

•  He was a person who believed in self-redemption, not in redemption through a Messiah.
• He was an insurrectionist- A person who takes part in an armed rebellion against the constituted authority (especially in the hope of improving conditions).
• He was Seditious- Arousing to action or rebellion.

What Jesus tells about these qualities?

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.” – John 10:1
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."- John 10:10

1. Meaning Of Barabbas- Son of Father.

 
"You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him."-John 8:44 

2.Meaning Of Jesus- Savior. (Ironically, Son of God)

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." -John 3:16

So the people chose son and denied Father.

SCENARIO 2000 YEARS LATER:

Every day of our life we confront this problem, Barabbas or Jesus? I find myself as one of the audiences then, shouting “Release Barabbas”. So maybe indirectly, even after 2000 years of this greatest trial ever at the court of Pilate, History is repeating.

So who is Barabbas in this generation?

 

• We can find our very self as Barabbas, the robber. Because like him our senses rob us of all that we could be.
• We do not believe or wait for his kingdom, we do not believe in his way of dealing with people.
• We are jealous when he is kind to others.
• We doubt his existence when affliction surrounds us.
• And in this whole process, we release our inner Barabbas, our rebel and crucify JESUS!

So Jesus died because we chose Barabbas?

• DID THE JEWS KILL JESUS CHRIST?
• DID PONTIUS PILATE KILL JESUS CHRIST?
• DID SATAN KILL JESUS CHRIST?
• DID THE SINS OF THE WORLD KILL JESUS CHRIST? 

                    NO!!!

•  IT WAS GOD'S AND CHRIST'S LOVE FOR HUMANITY THAT ULTIMATELY KILLED JESUS CHRIST.

 MESSAGE:

• ARE WE READY TO STOP CRUCIFY JESUS AND RELEASE HIM?
• He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
• Jesus is the way. He is our door towards everlasting Kingdom.
• Seek him.
• Stop rebelling.
• Stop following father of lies and follow Son of Rightousness.

• Just because of willing substitution of sinless Jesus, Barabbases like us go free. 
• God offered us our pardon. If we are still seeking back door, Just remember we are shouting, "Release Barabbas, Crucify JESUS!"
• He died for you,Barabbas! will you live for him?

 - GOD BLESS YOU

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discuss: Can you recall those phases in your life when you felt you are releasing Barabbas and crucifying Jesus?so shall we refocus? I am eager to know how did those moments strengthen your walk with God?