The key point in the life of Joseph the dreamer is that he kept himself pure. Even when temptation came in the path of duty, he said “No” to the wrong moves made by Potiphar’s wife towards him. Therefore when Potiphar’s wife took hold of his cloak one day to make him sleep with her, … Read the rest
For Children: Be Prepared
Be Prepared
Man first landed on the moon after years of preparation. Likewise, a team which wins the cricket or football world cup or an athlete who wins gold at the Olympics does so after years of hard work and preparation. Again, no one clears a national level examination without long years of preparation. … Read the rest
For Children: How to Make Right Decisions
We all make decisions every day. As a young person, it is important that you learn to make good decisions. Let us try to find out some steps that can help you make the right decisions in life.
Wisdom
The first thing needed to make good decisions is wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to apply … Read the rest
For Children: The Importance of Having Goals in Life
Young people like football. It is a fast moving game and is very exciting. Even though there are many interesting moments in football, the crowning moment happens when a goal is scored. Then there is a great celebration among fans and teammates. At that moment everyone rushes to congratulate the person who scored the goal!… Read the rest
For Children: Utilize Your Time Wisely
Time Is Precious
If time is wasted, there is no way to get it back. Those who have succeeded in life are those who made the best utilization of time.
Your childhood and youth are the best times of your life. You can make best use of time by following some simple principles.
Plan
Make … Read the rest
Leadership Lessons from Nehemiah–a Man with a Burden and a Man of Prayer
Nehemiah was the leader whom God used to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. A study on his life will help us understand how to be an effective leader.
First of all, Nehemiah was a man with a burden in his heart. As the Book of Nehemiah opens, we find Nehemiah weeping as he heard the … Read the rest
Be Confident in the Lord
Are you confident? If the answer is yes, the next question is on what are you basing your confidence? Some people put confidence in their family background, education or riches. All these are good but not good enough. As a believer in the Lord Jesus, you have better things to be confident about.
God loves
… Read the restThe Road to Freedom
The Road Map
Think about road maps. It helps people who are not familiar with the routes to proceed in the right direction. You need not stop to ask anyone. What you need to do is follow the directions; recognize the landmarks properly and proceed. You will reach your destination quite comfortably.
So to reach … Read the rest
A Lamp that Burned and Gave Light
John the Baptist has a unique place in human history. He was the one who came to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. Like a pilot vehicle he went ahead announcing the coming of the Messiah—the anointed One for whom all Israel was waiting for.
Preparation in the Desert
God always takes a long time … Read the rest
Do You Have an Attitude of Praise!
In Old Testament times the people of God brought animal sacrifices to the temple. These sacrifices pointed to the great sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God on the cross of Calvary. Now no more sacrifices for sin is left. The only sacrifice that we are asked to continually bring to God is praise (Hebrews … Read the rest
Why Did God Remember Noah?
Why did God remember Noah? In fact, this is the first time the word remember is used in the Bible (Genesis 8:1). God remembered Noah for reasons we can try to follow in our lives as well.
God remembered Noah because he was blameless
Noah lived in a society that was full of violence and … Read the rest
Leave the Past Behind; Look Forward to What Is Ahead!
God speaks a word of hope to all who trust in him when he says, “Forget the past.” There is no one else in all the universe who can deal with our past and give us hope for the future. God speaks about making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. He … Read the rest
The Temptation of Jesus Christ
Jesus was tempted. Yet he did not sin. This tells us that temptation in itself is not sin. Temptation is like a stranger knocking on the door. It does not matter as long as the stranger keeps knocking. But temptation becomes sin when you open the door for the stranger and give him a seat … Read the rest
When Wishes Come True
Bohnfi couldn’t believe his eyes! He’d wished for it just a few days ago. And now right before his eyes his wish had come true!
But Bohnfi hadn’t told anyone about his wish. So it was a complete surprise to him when it came true.
But when boys of his age tell their parents their … Read the rest
At the Bridge
“Mom, your eyes are full of tears! Why are you crying?” asked Bohnfi.
Miriam was silent for some time. Then ran her hand over Bohnfi’s playful hair and said: “Sonny, it’s your younger sister’s sixth birthday today. I just remembered her.”
On hearing this, Bohnfi ran to his room. He came back holding a small … Read the rest
Pleasing God
“You can do this. But you shouldn’t do that.” Are these not the words that you have heard from your childhood? Yes, isn’t it?
There is a good thing about it. It clearly teaches you what is wrong. But then there is a bad thing about it. It tells you nothing about what to do … Read the rest
Men in Uniform
Have you seen men in uniform? For example, take the case of a group of soldiers. What a lovely sight it is to see them march to the tune of the army band! There is beauty, order, rhythm and harmony in their march. They follow the Commander wherever he leads. And they obey him without … Read the rest
Bohnfi’s Angel
“Mom,” … “Dad!” Bohnfi screamed.
Hearing this cry, his parents were awakened from their sleep. They rushed to his room and switched on the lights .
Bohnfi, who usually slept well, was sitting up on his bed, wide awake, eyes popping out; filled with fear!
Steve (actually Stephen) and Miriam, his parents, looked at each … Read the rest
You’re a God
… Read the restYou’re a God who knows the way I take,
No path can be hidden from your eyes:
Though I do remain in the dark often;
Still, O God, you are my guiding light!You’re a God who sends your angel
To touch the lone discouraged man;
Lifting him up, giving him hope,
Bidding him walk
The River of Life
… Read the restThere flows a river;
A river, a river of life.
Of its abundance
I drink deeply
Till from within my heart
Its streams, living, overflows!Clear as a crystal
Flowing from God’s throne
And of the Lamb.
It’s a river, a river, a river
Of life-giving power
As its peaceful torrents flow.On the banks
Still I Am His Child
… Read the restWhen the pain of sin
Clouds my broken heart
And shuts heaven’s light–
Amid this grave’s darkness
A pearl does shine:
“Still I am His child!”When that beautiful vase
Slips from my hands ‘n falls,
Cracks ‘n breaks and scattered lies–
From its broken pieces
I see emerge a grand design:
“Still I am
Someone was Waiting
… Read the restSomeone was waiting for me;
Though from His loving care
And all that was good ‘n dear
I had walked away one day
Through the open gate across the lawn
With not a backward look.Someone was waiting for me;
While I in youthful pleasures
Swam to my heart’s content,
Spent all at wayside inns
My Care, His Care!
… Read the restThere was a care in my heart
That I could not wish away.
So, in prayer, I took it to the Lord;
Yet the pain, its weight, remained!Was it that God did not care
To look upon my wearied soul?
When in such big a world
He had bigger things to do?I waited
Have You Seen Real Angels?
During Christmas celebrations at schools and churches, we often see many young children dressed up as angels in bright and shining clothes and waiting in the wings behind stage. The very spectacle reminds us of the first Christmas when angels played key roles in the unfolding drama.
Many wonder who the angels really are? Angels … Read the rest
When Love and Loyalty Clashed ?
A Christmas Story
Susan started to walk deliberately to the Coffee Shop. It was now five to three in the afternoon. As she opened the door and gazed at the dimly lit hall, she could see Rohan at the far end; the corner with a view of the sea. That had been their favourite spot … Read the rest
Even Our Failures
The good news account in Matthew’s gospel begins with a long list of names.
In this list of names there are many who failed God at some crossroad in their lives. There are blemishes in the lives of many of the people mentioned here. Even a prostitute who turned to God in faith finds mention … Read the rest
Our Burden-bearer
There are roads each one of us has to travel alone. In those moments, someone walks along with us. Often we are unaware of his presence.
But at some point in the journey our eyes are opened to see the stranger who accompanies us. There is something about him that is more than a mere … Read the rest
The Preacher’s Christmas
A Christmas Story
James opened the bedroom window. A cold gust of wind made the curtains flap. There was unrest in his heart. It was like chaotic voices of birds coming back to roost on trees at dusk. A sense of loss was in the air.
“Daddy, Daddy!” James was startled to hear that familiar … Read the rest
Is Happy Holidays the Reason for the Christmas Season?
I have seen a strange thing happening. Invited guests often ignore the newly wedded couple. They are more interested in eating the good food provided for and meeting friends and relatives. All this is good. But they forget that the reason for the joyous occasion is the joining together of the bride and groom.
I … Read the rest
“Abba, Father!”
In prayer, Jesus showed us his total dependence on his heavenly Father. It was his goal to please him. In fact, Jesus did nothing without seeking God’s approval.
He addressed God as “Abba, Father (Mark 14:36).” (Abba is an Aramaic term which young children used to address their fathers. It can be translated as “Daddy.”) … Read the rest