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
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
Is God Your Hiding Place?
We all hide when we do wrong; don’t we? That is our first instinct. We love to move away from the light and hide in the dark.
But if we confess our sin and turn to God with a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17) we have a hiding place in God.
So let us … Read the rest
Communication Landmines in a Marriage That Blow Up
Assumptive Talk
These are based on assumptions arrived at by husband or wife about what the other is going to say or do in a particular situation. This assumption is usually based on past experiences. And partners assume that they can precisely predict the other’s behaviour or communication. The reality is that often these assumptions … Read the rest
What Hurts Most In Marital Relationships!
What matters most in martial relationships is communication, what hurts most is also related to the same.
The Sting of Criticism
Some husbands find fault all the time. Some wives nag all the time. Both are equally dangerous. The problem that criticism creates is two-fold. It generates a spirit of ill-will and a sense of … Read the rest
What Matters Most in Marital Relationships!
If someone asks you what matters most in marital relationships, you will probably say, “Love,” “Trust,” “Faithfulness,” “Finance,” “Intimacy,” and so on. All these are true and have their own importance.
But what about “communication?” Failure in many a marriage can be traced to lack of proper communication:
It is not just about avoiding conflicts.… Read the rest
We Always Claim To Be in the Group of the Five Wise Virgins; Don’t We?
The story of the five wise virgins and the five foolish virgins should strike terror in our hearts. If it doesn’t; there is every chance we will be rushing to buy oil when Jesus comes back.
The first thing we need to note is how the chapter (Matthew 25) opens. It begins with Jesus’ words: … Read the rest
The Response of Mary Made Christmas Possible
Christmas is about a response to good news.
Mary accepts the plan God had for her. It is not easy for us to imagine the trembling that might have come to Mary who was a village teenage girl when twenty centuries ago angel Gabriel told her that she was going to become pregnant as a … Read the rest
Old Testament Walk Through: Elijah and Elisha
Thought for the Day:
“Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” 2 Kings 2:14
Introduction
Elijah (“My God is Jehovah”) and Elisha (“God is my salvation”) are two prophets who demonstrated God’s power in their generation. They were different in character and temperament, but were willing channels of the Spirit of God. Both … Read the rest
Mocking–The Sin We Are Not Even Aware Of
From childhood we have been brought up with the idea that murder and adultery are big sins. We also have a wrong impression that if we escape from committing these two sins we are in God’s good books.
Is it true? Sad to say, the answer is No. The Bible points out many sins which … Read the rest
See Problems Through God’s Lens
Innocent remarks made by others in our troubled times trigger emotional reactions in us; don’t they? Why is it like that? It is because we have made our problems seem bigger than it really is. So what steps can you take to see them differently?
Look to God for help. He will help you see … Read the rest
But When You Pray–the Prayer in Secret!
Prayer is in an invitation to be in a closed room with God the Father.
It is a privilege given to you–to be alone with God. It also means that God is giving you absolute attention when you pray.
A closed room means that this is a private meeting. What you talk with God is … Read the rest
Seek God: Return to Your First Love!
Where have we failed?
God has his moments of disappointment with each one of us. Often we think that it is limited to times when we sin. Sadly, that is not true. There are many more occasions when we bring pain to the heart of God.
First and foremost we need to understand God seeks … Read the rest
Start to Rebuild the Walls of Your Life Now
It is never late to start rebuilding the walls of your life. Start with trust in God and prayer.
Your strength and resources might be limited. But when you are plugged in to God, who is unlimited in every way, there is no end to what can be accomplished.
Joshua — The Preparation of a Leader
A Time of Change
Chapter 1:1—9
Life is full of change. It demands of us greater trust in God than before. But often we tremble in fear; both real and imagined. As we look at the opening chapter of the Book of Joshua we find a change in leadership and a change in direction of … Read the rest
Make Money Grow Little By Little in a Post-Pandemic World
Make money grow little by little. You never know how much power 1 rupee has until you try to get a train ticket when you are having 1 rupee less than needed. So it doesn’t matter if your saving is small; but store it up little by little. One day you’ll be surprised that it … Read the rest
Tips on How to Overcome Temptation
Is there any man or woman who has not been tempted? With what or by whom is not the point. The whole question is about how do you respond to temptation; whatever that be.
Now if that is the case, you need to know that if something keeps on knocking at the door of your … Read the rest