A NEW DAY, A NEW THOUGHT.

Humankind had advanced in many areas of life. Modern society has all technological advancements. Though the human body has and enjoys all comforts of food, cloth, and shelter. Yet, the spirit and soul long for something beyond all these. What are those things? Love, care, concern, peace, and touch. The healing of hurts, conversation with one another, sharing of success and defeats alike in teamwork. So, to know and acquire all the blessings meditate on the WORD of GOD, day and night. It was the command of God to Joshua.  

Hence, sincerely reading the Holy Bible regularly and systematically would help every follower of Christ to keep track of his life in the direction of Jesus Christ. Which will bring a great reward from the Lord Jesus Christ. So, spend time reading the Holy Word throughout life. Surely you will be very much touched and healed by the Words of God which proceeded out of the mouth of our Lord Jesus Christ.  

Remember the words of Psalmist: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2). 

The book of Joshua talks generally about the victories of Israel over their enemies. Here we read through and find the grace of God, the greatness of God, the counsel of God, the command of God, and also the importance of the ministry of the saved. Every believer is expected to be a living witness. All believers must understand that we don’t have any enemy other than Satan. All those who are believers in Christ are brothers and sisters. All those who are not followers of Christ are also our brothers and sisters living without the knowledge of the creator God, they are our mission field. So, reading the scriptures on daily basis is a demand from God. Let’s put them into practice.  

Prayer: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).  

He was divinely chosen by God and was known as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). He was a much-talented man. He was a musician (Psalm 8,19,23…), mighty valor (1 17:34-36), and a champion (1 Samuel 17:40), an intelligent thinker, a man of wisdom (1 Samuel 18:14). He was a great singer (Psalm 1,23,139,51). He was a shepherd boy who later became the shepherd of the people of Israel (Psalm 78:72). His words through Psalms are very inspiring, motivational, and devotional thoughts. Whoever reads the words of David are encouraged to continue in their faith in God.  

However, throughout his life, he was going through suffering and separations. He was a forgotten son (1 Samuel 16:11-12), he was a chased son-in-Law (1 Samuel 18:20), sustenance less orphan (1 Samuel 20:3). But we see in his life that he had a strong faith in the Lord, and he lived very closely with God. He quickly mended his life and lived for God rest of his life. Hence, God exalted him among his brothers and friends. He was anointed by God (1 Samuel 16;13), he had great zeal for God (1 Samuel 17:45), God was with him, wherever David has gone and whatever he was doing (1 Samuel 18:14). The great honor given to David was Jesus was known as the Son of David.  

He was very handsome (1 Samuel 16:12) and had a beautiful family life. Though, he fulfilled the Law related to the care of Widows. However, he had crossed the border (2 Samuel 5:13, 11:1ff), which brought great disaster to his family life of David. He had lost control of his family members. He was tortured by his wives and children. When he became aged, his children became very insubordinate and died one after another because of the infight for the Chair. David set an example to be patient with and forgive his boss, though he was against him in all matters.  

David had a committed team with him. He studied their characters and used their talents accordingly. David had very faithful commanders and soldiers who were willing to sacrifice their own life for the sake of King David. He never used the people who were with him for ill purposes. David was also known for his friendship with Jonathan. He remembered it till his life. David was grateful to his friend Jonathan and took care of his children with concern even after the death of his friend. He was a very perfect example of a faithful servant and worker. David was doing everything to please God and not for men. He has never shown his displeasure to the people around him. 

David was interested in God’s work and the ark. David wanted to build a temple, but God stopped him to proceed because of bloodshed not only in the war even by of his sinful act. However, his love and devotion to God excelled the secular life. David loved the Lord and his Ark. Therefore, he danced before the ark and brought it to the city (2 Samuel 6:5). He desired to build the temple and acquired all the things need for the building of the temple. David died at good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth, and honor (2 Chronicles 30:26-28).  

It swiped away all of them quickly before we could even realize what is happening around us. Many doctors, nurses, and medical and police personnel had lost their lives.  Miracle workers, and gospel preachers have also become victims of this deadly disease. All of us have a standstill experience. Is it an end of Life? No, we are yet to go a long way for God and his Kingdom on earth. God’s purpose for humanity cannot be thwarted but continues. So, there is confidence amidst despair. There is hopefulness amidst hopelessness. Let us look for a bright and blessed future during the gloomy and threatening Coronavirus era. We have beautiful spiritual lessons recorded for all of us in the Bible in every generation. 

The best example that comes to our mind is the Exodus community, they had caught between tyrant ruler Pharaoh who was after them to fight with them and kill them to eradicate them from the phase of the earth and the roaring Red Sea which could swallow them up if they dare to step in. Often, we feel the same on many occasions and struggle. But don’t we read how God delivered them from the hands of Pharaoh and his mighty armies in the book of Exodus (14:13-31). One more similar event, we read in the second book of Chronicles during the reign of the King of Jehoshaphat. The Moabites, ammonites, and Mannites came to make war with Judah. He prayed to the Lord for redemption. The Lord made their enemies rage against one another, and they fought within themselves and died. The Lord saved them while they were singing and praising the Lord (2 Chronicles 20;12-22).   

We read about another experience of Disciples, while Jesus was on the earth, they were traveling together on a boat on a given day, and suddenly there was a great storm to capsize the Boat. Disciples cried aloud, Master! We are almost at the gate of death. Don’t we read how the Lord saved them (Mark 4:35-41)? One more stunning incident has been recorded in the Book of Acts of the Apostle. Paul had a voyage to Rome after he appealed to Caesar, during his trial by king Agrippa, he demanded that he must be tried and heard at Rome. So, he was taken to Rome along with 276 persons by Ship. They caught in a wind of hurricane force, called the “northeaster.” Though they had shipwreck, Paul exhorts them by saying keep up your courage, we would safely reach the shore because there is a purpose for my living. God will not let me down until that purpose is fulfilled (Acts 27). 

In this hour of crisis, we shall not leave our courage and faith. We have to hope in God with unshakable faith in the Word of God. As prophet Habakkuk sings, we must dare to sing the glorious song of Hope. Though the jobs are lost, the bank balances are running out. Still, new avenues of opportunities open up to date. Yet, I will rejoice in the Lord I will be joyful in God my Saviour (Habakkuk 3:17-19). 

Let us take courage in the Lord, and have faith in Him who created us and gave us the grace to live. Let us commit to him who can protect us and guide us all through tough waters. He is our refuge and stronghold on all occasions and situations 

And it is attested again in John 12:24: ‘Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.’ (John 12:24). Jesus taught the importance of his death and its effect on humanity. Therefore, he predicted his death on the cross. Jesus challenged his disciples by calling them to take up the same lifestyle. Jesus predicted his death with the hope of resurrection. Pain, suffering are leading to death but undoubtedly reciprocally to resurrection. If we are in Christ, we must be sure of the same kind of victory over defeat. Our sufferings lead to glory. Paul always says that our awaited reward glory is not comparable to our present sufferings (Romans 8:18). 

Lenten season refers to the 40 days from Ash Wednesday to Easter, excluding Sundays, these days observed as days of fasting, penitent, and self-denial.  It is in line with the imitation of the 40 days fast kept by Jesus Christ. These days are set apart for the time of preparation for the candidates for Baptism and confirmation. Lent usually means giving up and having self-denial for all that you love to do in your life. Fasting is one of the Spiritual Disciplines. So, it must emerge out of volunteer, and not forced on. There must be a reason for fasting. One thing is sure the artificial, ritual, and customary prayers will not go beyond the roof of your room. God sees the innermost heart, and thoughts know what to do with us when we go to him with sincere prayers and repentance. Jesus emphasized the importance of fasting prayer in Matthew 17:21: ‘But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.’ Here, Jesus unfolded the secret of the power and authority available for us in God through Holy Spirit.  

But the keys are fasting and prayer. A desperate situation demands desperate measures of intensity, earnestness, and a desperate plea with fasting. Fasting breaks the bondage of sin and loosens the hold of bad habits and their rulership over your life. Fasting opens new spiritual gifts from God because our spirit is humbled and sensitive to the leading of the Spirit of God. Jesus spent the whole night in prayer before selecting the twelve apostles (Luke 6:12-13). Paul and Barnabas appointed Bishops for the Churches in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch with fasting and Prayer (Acts 14:23). Church leadership had chosen with fasting prayer. Acts 13:1-3 tells that a team of leaders spent time worshipping God with fasting, and God revealed His missionary plans to the missionaries and their supporters.  The revelation of God is available according to the times and availability of the committed people. God never reveals his plan to the ones who are not obedient and unwilling to sacrifice.   

Dear friends, please don’t give up your purposeful pursuit, even if it looks like defeats and failures. FACE THE DEFEAT, THEN RECEIVE THE CROWN.  The Lord has gone through the sufferings and death, and he tells us that he has overcome this world, and we too can. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Let us face the defeats and failures, but we would bounce back with success through the blood of Christ. Bible attests, ‘And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death (Revelation 12:11). 

Purpose of Human Life (Genesis 1:26-31), God has created the world with an ulterior motive of bringing glory to him alone. God wanted to establish a world ruled by Adam, a man after his image and likeness. He succeeded in it. He has given him all the authority over the entire creation on earth. He was created lesser than angels in power but higher than angels in relating to him. He never came to die for the angels but the sons of men. God gave man an extra sense than all other created beings on earth. God has created man to worship Him and to have dominion over the creations.   

But the man quickly deviated from the primary purpose by encountering the fallen angel Satan, called Lucifer. The man easily believed the lie learned tricks of Satan, and he desired to become like God to know the good and evil. The man who was in the image and likeness of God forgot to realize and enjoy the Truth. Therefore, he yielded to lie and embraced the death of his soul. He lost his relationship with God. He separated himself from God due to his disobedience to God and not keeping the Truth.  

The disobedience and wickedness became the lifestyle of the people on the earth till the flood destroy the created world. God found very few obedient and honest men in the pre-historical period. Finally, God found Noah as the only worthy person to be spared among the multitudes and numerous on those days. He completely wiped out the world with a flood (Genesis 6:1-8).  

God has tried with Israel, the descendants of Abraham in Egypt and the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:1-13), and in Canaan, but they utterly failed God. Though Abraham was so faithful to God and obedient to His call (Genesis 12:1-3). But the nation of Israel utterly forgot the purpose of their election through Abraham. So, he has to scatter them all over the world through Assyrians and Babylonians.   

To fulfill the purpose of human life on earth. God finally sent his only begotten son Jesus Christ. Jesus came to this world and taught many lessons to His disciples through his doctrines, actions, and reactions to the given situations. The disciples of Christ are expected to be one in Christ. They must carry the message of love, forgiveness, and grace to all creation. But need to be preceded by their experience in their lives. Every individual has to live a purposeful life in Christ (Philippians 3:7-21). At the same time, we need to maintain oneness through unity in expressing our love to another, care for one another. It is possible only forgiving each other. (John 17:20—24).  

Do we have a message of hope to this world in this pandemic situation? Is religious teaching relevant to the dying and hopeless world? YES. Jesus is the only hope for the world. He is the healer of all our diseases. Doctors are sincerely treating all, but healing comes from the Lord. The purpose of creation and giving life to every one of us is understood and fulfilled only in Christ.   

The congregation has been gifted with multi-talented persons. Bible has the record of few offices mentioned to the edification of the believers. But today, many avenues and services are available to the Church and the Society. It is a blessing to use our time, talent for the benefit of others. God would reward it at an appropriate time (Ephesians 4:1-16). 

The word fruit described in the vegetable world refers to a matured product. John says that the fruit of the True Vine glorifies God (John 15:2-16). The abundant fruit of wheat refers to full-grown life (John 12:24), the fruit of righteousness is characteristics of godly persons (Philippians 1:11; Hebrews 12:11). The fruit gathered means lives brought to Christ (John 4:36; Romans 1:13). Now let us define the nine characters of the fruit. However, we will be studying and learning in detail in the weeks to come.  

Love is the moving principle of the Christian life. The Holy Spirit of God produces this in whom he indwells and works. The spirit of God helps to flow from a person through actions. A tree grows and produces fruit, the same manner a person living in God will automatically show to this world.  Joy is the work of the grace of God, enjoyed in the spirit. Peace with God and oneness with fellow men despite differences are highly appreciable. The men in the flesh never desire these virtues in their life. Peace is a result of the spiritual process and development.   

The word longsuffering relates to two words mean enduring and passion. Through the Holy Spirit, we can wait longer. We become long-tempered rather than short-tempered. The Holy Spirit enables us to have moral integrity with kindness and not get trapped in self-righteous judgment. We articulate it in every condition of life. We show goodness in our actions rather than in words. This word relates to not only being good but doing good to all, particularly to the enemies. Faithfulness is a character trait that combines dependability and trust based on our confidence in God and His eternal faithfulness.  

The word gentleness refers to meekness; of course, it is not a weakness. “Meekness does not identify the weak but more precisely the strong who have been placed in a position of weakness where they persevere without giving up. The use of the Greek word when applied to animals makes this clear, for it means ‘tame’ when applied to wild animals. In other words, such animals have not lost their strength but have learned to control the destructive instincts that prevent them from living in harmony with others.”(Bakers Commentary) 

Self-control refers to our ability to control our body and its sensual appetites and desires both physically and mentally through the power of the Holy Spirit. Self-control relates to both chastity and sobriety, particularly moderation in eating and drinking. Self-control has opposed the works of the flesh that indulge sensual desires controlled by God. May the Lord help us cultivate and exhibit these characters through our day-to-day life in times of good and unfortunate.  

Hence, I Plead with you all to take time to be holy and take time to spend time with the Lord during this month. Call for a solemn prayer season in your family, insist that all of your households must spend at least a day with the Lord in prayer, in fasting, and in studying the Word of God for the things which are unresolved and bothering you and your household for the past few months due to the pathetic situations of the Pandemic. There is no use in entering into another Christmas season for celebration without conquering the personal and family issues and skirmishes. 

We are more than conquerors as per the statement of St. Paul in Romans 8:37. God called all of us to be conquerors and victorious people. We all are called children of God. The success and victory are properties of the Children of God because everyone born of God overcomes the world (1 John 5:4). Jesus is ready to help us to overcome our unbelief about God and his involvement with us (Mark 9:24). The promise given for all of us is that Jesus had overcome the world (John 16:33), and he had given a strong declaration that the ‘gates of hades shall not overcome the church’ which means a believer will not be defeated (Matthew 16:18). Paul challenges every believer to overcome evil by good (Romans 12:21). 

Bible has recorded many victorious personalities in the Bible. The list is given in the book of Hebrews in Chapter 11. The list starts with the first martyr Abel, continues with eminent personalities of the prehistoric period such as Enoch and others, then moves on to Patriarchs, Judges, Prophets, and leaders in exile and post-exilic times. We are crowded with clouds of witnesses for our edification and spiritual growth. The noted persons are Joseph, the man of integrity; David, the man of one God; Daniel and his friends, the great prayer warriors; Mordecai, a man of principle; Jeremiah and Job, men suffered for the truth. Let us strive to conquer the world and its desires in Christ. 

That great God has given us the great peace with great gifts through great Salvation poured out of His great love, and finally, he is going to bless us with a great reward to possess great gain. These blessings are an inheritance or we can call the birthright of all those who believe in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ and renewing the power of the Holy Spirit. The Lord has used great men of the Bible and History to put the world upside down. 
 

We are going to meditate on these great things through our preachers throughout the Lenten season meetings conducted on Wednesdays and Sundays. God’s great call never changes. In every generation, His promises are anew and his power is unchanging. God looks for dedicated, humble, and submissive children of God, they may be the head of the Church or the tail of the Church. They may be popular or unpopular in the sight of the men. Bible very beautifully describes the Power of God, in all occasions and all contexts, God never denied his power and never deviated from the rules and covenant he laid for us. Therefore, all are one, God is not the respecter of men. However, he differentiates men not on the mass of the body and face of the men but the basis of absolute obedience and unquestionable Trust in Him. 

 
The almighty God never can be reduced to the level of human beings though he became like one of us having the weak flesh and in all the ways he was tempted like all of us. He is beyond our valuations and evaluations. He looks at us with great pity for true piety to exhibit among all. We must listen to the powerful voice of God before we utter our useless and powerless words to men. At this great juncture, people live with great fear of viruses and death. The outbreak of epidemics and plagues call us for repentance and taking the Gospel to all. The quarantined life calls for the guaranteed life in Christ. All these events serve as reminders of God’s second coming and sudden coming into the world. Jesus Christ will appear soon on this planet earth. Let us gear up the evangelism through our renewed lives with fewer words. Let people read us and understand that God exists and blesses us all. 

 
The resurrection of Jesus Christ has brought a great revolution in the religious, political contexts of the Greco-Roman world and later in many parts of the world. The purpose of the existence of the Church is to bring justice to the earth. The church must take up the task of the liberation of the people from ignorance to the great light of God. I pray for the great momentum of Anna Nagar Methodist Church once again during the Deeper life convention of our Church. The words of Psalmists be true in our Lives during Lent: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). Take pride in informing the world that ‘you are very close to God’s heart’, to such persons God is close and does wondrous things through them. 

At one point, we comprehend that every day and every time we see ourselves in the defeated situation and circles. Our hidden personalities, talents, and capacities are undermined or undervalued by ourselves because of overpowering and hovering the principalities and powers upon us (Ephesians 6:11-12). But the resurrected Lord says that not only you are unique but exceptional. He has a good plan for us with a great future. The rays which set on us are powerful (Acts 2:2-3).  

Many were fooled that their birthdays and dates determined their future. Some even think that a change of their given name or a letter in their given name can take them to further heights. But we must be sure that neither our date of birth nor letters in our name govern our life. Our life is in God’s hand (Proverbs 8:35). The superior and ulterior power of God takes us further to the greater heights and positions (Psalms 61:2). Nothing can stop the blessings of God. The acceptance of Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ helps the power of the resurrected God to penetrate our being and brings changes in our heart, mind, and spirit (Philippians 3:10-11). Our thinking is changed, our attitudes are changed, our directions are changed, and our values are changed. We become honorable vessels in the hands of God for his glorious kingdom. We put Satan under our feet. Our place in Jesus changes all our stand. 

Accepting resurrected Christ is more than finding a jackpot. When we found Christ, we found everything for life. No perception of good luck when Christ is with us (Philippians 4:13). Christ changes our life on the earth. Without Christ, we were running after many avenues and profits things. But when we are in Christ, everything becomes new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our interest becomes small God’s interest becomes large. Our emotions, financial status, friendship circle, adversaries, fear of powers, rulers, authorities, subordinates, colleagues control our lives on earth. However, all these are changeable and time-oriented. But the New Race in Christ means New Heir and new life. The entry of the resurrected Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Ghost in our life changes all scenarios. 

The right keys to open the right doors of fortunes, success, and blessings are in Christ (Matthew 16:19). Many times, we struggle with our wrong and inept keys. That makes to hope for good days. The best right key is Prayer as promised in Jeremiah 33:3 and John 14:13-14. Often, we stand before the doors without the key, known as Prayer. Many Mathematical problems have Zero as the only answer. The name of Jesus Christ is the valid formulae for many of our problems can be made Zero.   Walking with the resurrected Lord Changed their perspectives on life on earth and beyond (Acts 5:41), changed their understanding of the Word of God (Luke 24:32), changed their standpoints on others.  Let’s live as a new race in Christ, Amen. 

Our Anna Nagar Methodist Church holds Thanksgiving Day on the second Sunday of September every year. The previous day, we have the sale of eatables, games, and sports of various kinds. Due to some unavoidable reasons, it has been shifted earlier or later dates in few years. It is time to renew our fellowship with one another and to raise funds for special projects. We have raised funds for outreach ministries to construct tabernacles and create endowment funds. We have witnessed members, and well-wishers had shown enthusiastic participation in the event as individuals, organized friends’ groups, and organizations of the Church.   

It is good to give thanks to God. For he has enabled us to see one more year of Thanksgiving Day or fest. The last two years had been a challenge for all of us to survive the Pandemic. Day after day, news of the outbreak of the Pandemic, mutilated virus in variant forms, shortage of life necessities, and death of the beloved kith and kins, friends and relatives, and neighbors and strangers. It has been a struggle to understand the course of life and the future of humanity. We are alive today not because we are good and great, not because we are intelligent and know the way to escape but by the grace of Almighty God.  

I request all of you to participate in the Thanksgiving Feast/day of our Church. Let’s share the grace with the Church, needy, and to the glory of God. We have not fixed any target to raise, but that does not mean that we are sufficient. We want to leave the option to every individual to think of the Church and mission needs and contribute as the Lord leads you, as the Spirit of God prompts you on that day.   

We will be meditating on the word of God based on the same thought line of thanksgiving. We can recall the thanksgiving days of Old Testament and New Testament times and implement them according to our times. The demands of God were never modified or changed. But the presentation of the thoughts and events have been modified to suit our times and generation. God has kept his promises alive and available to those who seek sincerely and observe them with sincerity.   

The Lord is concerned about our motive behind every thought and action. Jesus observed the giving in the Temple on a Sabbath day (Luke 21:1-4). He saw many had given a lot. But a poor widow offered very little. Then Jesus passed a notable worthy comment. He said the woman gave more than all others. This statement reveals the sacrifice she made, the risk she had taken, and the faith she had in God and his providence. It had proved her love and respect for God and his projects. She had quietly left without many even noticing her. But Jesus closely watched her and evaluated her thoughts, motives and appreciated loudly and rewarded her richly for this sacrificial giving.  

The promise of God made to Abraham many centuries ago came into reality through this beautiful song. God said to Abraham: “I will make you into a great nation and bless you; … and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:2-3). The birth of this newborn baby called Jesus is going to change the world political scenario, religious affinities, philosophical thoughts of the world. A great revolutionary leader was lying in this newborn baby. No one on the earth is going to replace him forever. He is unique and incomparable in beauty, love and words and actions, and positive attitudes. Christmas always reminds us of the highest giving of God. As John puts in his Gospel (3:16): “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. We, followers, lean on Him and learn from him to give others whatever we can, irrespective of their backgrounds and inabilities. Christmas Love is God’s love for us and the demand of our love to others. Who are those others? They are our friends, neighbors, needy, neglected, and downtrodden people of our society, and even our enemies.   

The ultimate purpose of God’s arrival to the world as a child was to bring peace to the earth. The peace found in an individual affects immediate family, church, community, nation, and even global. As per the statements of St. Paul, the penultimate world will have corruption, confusion, corrosion, and evil coalitions. This doctrine we could see in his second epistle to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:1-5). Paul says, ‘in the last days there will terrible times, such as people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God- having a form of Godliness and denying its power’. Our generation has all these trademarks. Above all, the worst thing is that we find all these behaviors and performances among the so-called children of God. Are you getting into any one of these problems? Come to Jesus, confess them, and continue in the discipleship process of your soul. This Christmas calls us to renew our spirit and mind; revive our soul.   

The month of December calls us once again to come closer to God, who is the creator and provider of everything. Isaiah boldly declares that the people walking in darkness have seen a great light, and on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned. He further affirms that a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. But certainly, Jesus enthroned now with all these qualities. Therefore, Christmas brings light to us, life to all, peace to the entire creation. Whenever we come closer to the Lord, that is CHRISTMAS. I bless you all to have a more meaningful and blessed Christmas. 

The Gospel writer John describes the change in the lives of the individuals and the world at large with the sentence ‘The Light shines in the Darkness’ (John 1:5). The world has been horrified with the Break of the Pandemic. Yet, it has come out of the shock of this great fear. The year 2020 has been with losses of economy, health, and lives. People move everywhere not because they have courage but to survive need to work. Every day, humanity lives with the fear of death (Hebrews 2:15). Therefore, the words of the Gospel writer are a great encouragement, and it dawns the hope of life once again in Jesus Christ during this Christmas occasion.  

Light is life, joy, and pleasure. I all love lights. After the full moon, the dawn brings joy and hope to the eyes of the people in distressing and disgusting. The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ brought joy to the world, and the people who lived in the land of darkness had seen a great light. Jesus is the embodiment of light. He is the father of lights. John the Baptist was a man who came to testify that light but people took it very lightly. But he was shining to make to rejoice over his light rays. He was daring to disburse the light to dispel the darkness from his hearers. His listeners had surrendered their lives for change and spiritual progress.  

Today, the Word of God is a lamp to our path and light to guide our ways and paths of righteousness and justice. What’s our hope apart from Jesus Christ who is the LIGHT of the lights. He has given that light to all those who trust in him, would become the lighthouse. Jesus Christ is the morning star, a superstar, and a great role model for all in all generations. His coming to the world, the first advent brought life to the lifeless and taste tasteless and hope to the hopeless. The second advent of Christ going to be the terrible days for all those who have rejected the grace. 

When Jesus Christ was born a STAR led the wise men of east to Christ, but in the second advent all great lights would vanish, stars will disappear, and who claim as stars and superstars of the world, the celebrities of all walks of life will be doomed forever. But, the bodies of the saints are going to have a glorious resurrection to abide with Christ. 

While the world is looking around to find the right vaccine candidate fight against Coronavirus to save the perishing, and hopeless human beings from COVID-19. The scientific knowledge, research skills, and collaborative sharing of information have failed to reach the peak of healing. But God tells us: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19). “And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the watercourses” (Isaiah 44:4). The grass refers to Human lives in many biblical references. So, the healing will spring up. The hope of survival will spring up. 

It is good to look into a few biblical passages on this theme to strengthen our faith in God. King Solomon sings, “See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves has been heard in our country. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me” (Songs of Solomon 2:11-13). I am sure we can trust in the Lord for the Blossoms of blessings amidst uncertainties and dryness of life. God calls his beloved to enjoy such grace daily. Who can be His beloved apart from those who love him and are washed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ? We are his beloved, and all those who are tasting this faith are his beloved. They will see the blossoms of blessings. 

The preacher lists various times of life. Let us look into the energetic creative and motivating times mentioned in the Bible. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born, a time to plant, a time to heal, a time to build, a time to laugh, a time to dance, a time to gather them, a time to embrace, a time to love and a time for peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). Of course, sickness, cries, misfortunes, and even the death of near and dear ones in the recent past have not shaken us. However, we are motivated to look into the promises of God about the progressive and growing times.  

It is interesting to read the promise of Yahweh to Moses about the staff belonging to the man whom he will choose will sprout (Numbers 17:5). On that day the staff of one person sprouted, but today God promises to all those who put their confidence in Him and Obey his commandments with love and fear will spring up and sprout with greenery and yield fruits. Then, the unfailing love of God will sustain all of us, till He completes His purpose in and through us (Isaiah 54:10). 

Psalm 85 starts with the favor of God shown to the Land and the restoration of fortunes of Jacob. He pleads to God for the restoration of blessings. Here, the picture of the cross does beautifully define through prophecies about the Love and faithfulness of God will meet at kissing each other. Then Psalmist sings the faithfulness springs forth from the earth and righteousness looks down from heaven. The dramatic expression of Father and Son meeting each other on the cross has vividly pronounced for our meditation. Yes, Jesus Christ has brought change. Believers have found new life in Him. Prophet Jeremiah cries, ‘Lord, you are the hope of Israel; all who forsake you will put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the Lord, the spring of living water’ (Jeremiah 17:13) by giving rains in seasons of our life journey (Jeremiah 5:18-25).  

God revealed the name Yahweh Ropheka to Moses and Israel during their wilderness journey. They struggled with water-bound diseases while they looked to quench their thirst. The Lord referred to Egyptian plagues and declared him as a healer of diseases in Exodus 15:22-27. The healing of the physical body makes the soul rejoice in the Lord with a state of an ecstatic spirit. The new realm of spirituality experienced by the redeemed body mind and soul will take us. Then new songs will emerge from all of us (Psalm 40:1-3). The healing of an individual and Nation belongs to the Lord. Only he can restore humanity to its original standing because he is the Creator.  

The ways of the men are blind leading the blind, both will fall into the ditch and an inescapable bottomless pit. Therefore, Christ has declared to his disciples at the end of his life and mission that ‘He was the Way the Truth and the Life. Our God journeys with us in every odd and bad scenario like poverty, sickness, and loneliness. Jesus journeyed in the same boat with the disciples during storms, whirlwinds and high tides, and worst situations, in the same way, he accompanied during the Pandemic and He continues.    

It is amazing to learn the ways of the Lord throughout the Bible. We always admire the history of Abraham. He was a young man chosen by Yahweh for his deeper devotion and commitment. He was commanded by the Lord to commence his journey to the unknown land without Map. He has to just listen to the Lord and make every step. His steps were ordered by God. Bible records that Abraham believed and obeyed the Lord. He observed all that God taught him to observe, and carefully dealt with the people, and nations according to the guidance of the Spirit of God. Hence, God established the ways of Abraham. The faithfulness and trust of Abraham in God were counted as righteousness (Genesis 12-17). What is the greatest threat in your life to disobey God, what is that sin? What is that desire of your heart?  

God made ways through the Red Sea, He made roads through overflowing Jordan, He made streams in the desert, and He provided food in the wilderness to the Children of Israel. The long binding bond of Christ continued between Yahweh and Israel for several centuries. From the day they were released from the Bondage of Egypt to the day they were scattered throughout Assyria and Babylon Kingdom, the care and protection of God were with them. The experienced and trained army officers were stumbled, perplexed, and requested Prophet Jeremiah to find out from the Lord through prayers and petitions which are the right ways to go and right things to do to save the people (Jeremiah 42:3). Righteous must level his ways to the righteous ways of the Lord (Isaiah 26:7). Prophet Hosea said the ways of the Lord are right (Hosea 14:9).  

Divine ways are described, and inscribed in the tablet of God. Today, we are given in the printed form as Bible (Psalm 18:30). The Lord is righteous in all His ways, that means, in all his dealings with his beloved and chosen people (Psalm 145:17). His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). So, Habakkuk called the people to look into their ways (Habakkuk 3:6). Jesus also talked about the high way and narrow ways (Matthew 7:14 and Luke 1:79). Jesus Christ has created access to the throne of grace, where we could find love and forgiveness of God (Hebrews 10:20).  

Let us strengthen our foundation strong in Christ and His word (Matthew 7:24-27). Our foundation can be strengthened through a personal relationship with Christ on daily basis, must be guarded by the Holy Spirit, let every walk of our lives be prompted by the Holy Spirit. Spending time with God in prayer makes a person strong. No one is too busy not to pray. Daily discipline to pray, read the word, and apply it in your life.  

Today, decide to do one thing before you retire to your bed. Let the day end with a family Altar. Have at least a short service with your family members. I am sure you were busy the whole day in your business but spending a few minutes with your son, daughter and parents will build your home for eternity. Never go to bed with your TV serial or movies or YouTube or WhatsApp, even with NEWS. You are going to be Captivated by them all and disturbed throughout the night without proper rest, peace, and sleep. Never go to bed with an unforgiving spirit or spirit of fret and jealousy on others. If you do these things on daily basis and the given day, I am sure that the Unknown ways and unfamiliar Paths in your life would turn into a blessed way year with successful ways. 

Who is God’s elect? Deuteronomy 7:6 and 14:2 express that God has elected Israel as his nation and people. Chosen not for their credibility and reliability but God’s love, mercy, desire, and for his pleasure. Then where is justice? Some may argue that why can’t he do?  

In John 15:16, Jesus said, “you did not choose me but I have chosen you”. The election is, by the way, God’s desire as well as the response of the elected. Nothing is demanded, and nothing is forced. The Love of God and the free will of humanity play the role. The foreknowledge of God has known you, determined to fix you and to own you (1 Peter 1:20).  Human questions, human understandings, and human explanations may not suffice and are used to human satisfaction about the election of God.  Election of God is not based on one’s pure work and credit but by heart, not by works but by calling and sovereign choice of God (Romans 9:11). 

Divine election in the New Testament is not corporate but individual. God elected Abraham, and through him, he elected the Jewish nation but not all the sons of Abraham were elected, not all the sons of Isaac were elected, not all the sons of Israel were elected. Not all the sons of their generations were elected. Not all the sons of Aaron were elected. Though God indeed wants everybody to be saved. However, the reality is that everybody could be saved or may not be saved. 

It all depends upon their acceptance and responses as well God’s acceptance and response. God doesn’t reject anyone. He calls all of His creation to be with him. We articulate God’s grace and salvation to all. Nevertheless, he denied some to follow him because of their hearts’ intention. In a few cases, he even questioned their desire to follow him. He told them that he doesn’t fit with their designs of life. An election is according to the purpose, mystery, and council of God (Ephesians 1:5,9, and 11). The election is in perfect harmony with his justice and love and nothing else. The election brings glory and honor to God (Ephesians 1:6 and 12). Election doesn’t rule out the faith and repentance of an individual, the importance of mission, and evangelism. 

Calvin believed in TULIP (Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, irresistible grace, and Perseverance of the saints). Methodists strongly believe in Evangelism and Inclusiveness. No doubt that Christ died for all and not just for a limited group. Thus, everyone is entitled to God’s grace. It is believed that God has predestined and elected few based on their responses. But eternal life belongs to all.  

What are the privileges of God’s elect? Romans 8:33 that no one can stand, they are adorned with holiness, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind and meekness and longsuffering. God’s election is based at the end of our walk with God, obedience and washed by the blood of Jesus Christ with use of FREE WILL (I Peter 1:2). 2 Peter 1:10 says ‘give the diligence to make your calling and election sure. Amen.  

Here, we have two words, one is knowledge, and another one is foreknowledge. Knowledge means knowing a person and his/her skills, talents, wisdom, and personality. The biblical word Foreknowledge is equivalent to Predestination. The Greek word is proorizo conveys the simple idea of defining beforehand. OT uses the phrases such as foreordination and election. Foreordination means the act of God in the Universal formation and functions eternally.  

The divine providence is in everything of small or great. Small such as the numbering of hairs and death of a sparrow (Matthew 10:29f), greatly such as overthrowing the kingdoms and change of governments (Acts 2:23). This can be better realized through comprehending the theology of divine teleology. This explains that the divine counsels stand forever and cannot be defeated (Psalm 33:1, 46:10), all that God wills he does (Psalm 115:3, 135:6, Daniel 4:35). Also, we understand that whatever God purposed it, it comes to pass (Isaiah 14:24,27, 37:26). God is the disposer of all events (2 Samuel 17:11f).  

This understating was explained to us in Isaiah 46:10. Yahweh says that he ‘declares the end from the beginning’, and in Isaiah 42:9 affirms that He ‘declares the new things before they spring forth., Also, Isaiah 44:7 says that He ‘declares and orders the things going to happen. Daniel 2:28 affirms that ‘Almighty makes known the things going to happen in the last days. Acts 3:18 confirms that ‘God announced beforehand about the things target is going to happen. Yahweh told Prophet Jeremiah that “I knew you before you were formed in your mother’s womb” (Jeremiah 1:5), Psalmist says that “He knows the words of the mouth before it is formed” (Psalm 139:4). 

According to John Wesley ‘the foreknowledge of God – Strictly speaking, there is no foreknowledge, no more than after knowledge, with God: but all things are known to him as a present from eternity to eternity. God is always the God of the present. There is no time to say that God was not or God will not. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  So, we must be very clear that no one is preordained or predestined for good and bad life and death. But all of us are predestined for Eternal life. However, the result is the award according to the act of each man and rewards according to the deeds of all. God has predestined the whole universal events at the same time he had given the freedom for individual response to those events with responsibilities and to have eternal life accordingly. The righteous and holy God will not compromise His character. Hence, foreknowledge is not the privilege of a few to do as they want.  

So, we will meditate this month on the Theology of foreknowledge with our day-to-day experiences and Biblical History and Secular History. We are given the titles as “I Saw You beforehand” (Jn 1:43-51), “I Knew You beforehand” (Jeremiah 1:4-19), ‘God decided beforehand’ (Acts 4:27-31), ‘God orders the world events’ (Daniel 2:29-35), ‘Foreknowledge of Jesus’ (John 6:60-71). And finally, “You saw my unformed body” (Psalm 139:1-23)

Old Testament understanding of those vocations was Prophetic, Priestly, Judiciary, Kingly, warriors, and servants. New Testament understanding of those callings is entirely different such as Apostles, Prophets, Pastors and Teachers, workers of miracles, healers of physical infirmities and emotional imbalances, helpers to others economically and in many other ways and means, administrators, speakers in different tongues, interpreters and Evangelists.  

The Old Testament gives us the records on the call of Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, Saul, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and many other saints for various offices and purposes. When Jesus began his ministry, he called disciples, men, and women, and after his resurrection, he called Paul, Barnabas, Timothy, Titus, numerous believers, and saints. Likewise, God called all of us for a purpose in our context. Everyone on the earth needs to do God’s holy will.    

1 Corinthians 1:26 describes our incompetence for called. God called us when we were not the people of wisdom or possessed with standards of this generation, we didn’t have any influence in the society, or we were not in a position to boast of our noble birth as some boast. We were fools, were weak, were lowly, and despised by people. But God never looked into all these things. But he honored us by calling us to be the children of God and bestowed us with a higher degree of respect.   

Peter declares that we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people belonging to God. He called us from the darkness to wonderful light. This calling has given us an identity as people of God and the privilege of having his mercy (1 Pet. 2:9-10). The humility, gentleness, patience, love for one another and keep the unity of the spirit (Ephesians 1:18, 4:1). Our calling is to have the kingdom of God and glory (1 Thessalonians 2:12). The honor of sharing with the glory of Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:14), which is eternal (1 Peter 5:10). God called us to a holy life, not because of anything we have done but because of His grace (2 Timothy 1:9). We are called to win the prize, to receive an award, and finally to be crowned (Philippians 3:14). So, this is a heavenly calling, and we have to fix our thoughts on Jesus (Heb. 3:1). Therefore, make your calling and election sure (2 Pet 1:10). 

Even those who believe in the cycle of births also believe that eternity is assured. But, among all beliefs and religions, Christianity is unique in declaring that there is bodily resurrection.  It has to appear before God at the end of the age or yuga to give an account one has done on the earth. The accountability and its integrity will decide the course of the future.  

Asian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, animism, Confucianism, and Taoism, with their internal cults and external offshoots, believe in transmigration and reincarnation, a process terminating eventually perhaps in nirvana, a state of a universal oneness or perhaps nothingness. They promote the immortality of a soul. But, Individual resurrection. It is never considered even a possibility. So, there is no anastasis. The theology of Hell is found in all religions.  

As far as Judaism, OT has few references to resurrection. The prophet Daniel predicts that “many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2). Prophet Isaiah promises that “Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead” (Isaiah 26:19). Prophet Hosea 13:14 writes that “I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction.” However wonderful assurance found in the book of Job: “For I know that my redeemer lives and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. Yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another” (Job 19:25-27). Muhammad Nabi affirms the bodily resurrection and its accountability to God on the Day of Judgement.  

“And just as it is appointed and destined for all men to die once and after this judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).  So, life on earth is fixed as only once. Death leads to judgment. No rebirth, no cycle of birth according to our faith. It is not the belief of a Christian that life reincarnates or the soul transmigrates to another or the animal form. Every form of creation is final. Yes, of course.  The flesh of the human body or any dead animals finally decayed to a worm and vanished. But the soul of a person or the spirit of animals would never get into another person or strange body to torment or destroy. Jesus cast out demons by commanding them to go out and to go to the destined place.    

Jesus has emerged out of these cultural and religious beliefs around the world. He had to face the various teaching of the Greek Philosophers, Judaist sects, and other ancient religions. Added to that, Jesus had faced questions from the Pharisees and Sadducees about the resurrection and its efficacy. Both of them approached Jesus to establish their belief and teaching.  He had proved that there is the resurrection of the body in Johannine theology. Pauline’s theology strongly supported the resurrection of the body. Since Paul comes from the background of Pharisees and personally had the vision of the resurrected Christ. New Testament has several references to affirm the resurrection and its importance to humanity and the entire creation. The New Millennium and eternity is the greatest hope in Christian Life. The resurrection of Christ is the only foundation for all these eschatological beliefs and faith.  

“Now to Him who can keep you from stumbling or falling into sin, and to present you unblemished [blameless and faultless] in the presence of His glory with triumphant joy and unspeakable delight” (Jude 1:24- Amplified). 

It is always clearly seen by others who are looking at us from near and far. While flipping through pages of the Bible, we encounter many fallen characters from the grace and calling because of their arrogance, lust, and desires for evil ways and means to reach power.   

Even before the world was created, God created many angelic forces; he divided and ranked them according to their capacities reason known to Him. Not only that but God also created Lucifer as one of the mighty angels. God gave power to Lucifer to rule His created world. Lucifer had access to all created beings, such as planets, heavens, earth, visible beings, and invisible beings. But suddenly Lucifer developed a desire to be like God. So, he became disobedient and wanted to lift his throne equal to the throne of God. Though Lucifer was a morning star, God rejected him and denied him entry to his throne room. He was outcast forever from the Light of God. So, he became dark forever (Isaiah 14:12-15).  

In the beginning, God spoke to the first couple Adam and Eve about being careful not to fall. He created everything for their existence and sustenance. However, they were quickly attracted to the Tree of Knowledge rather than to countless blessings of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:16-17, 3:5-8). Then, we read about the Sodom community. The king of Sodom and his subjects had evil passions for sexual immorality. They were interested in unnatural pleasures. God gave them up according to their lustful deceits. Hence, God rained fire from heaven to eradicate Sodomites from the phase of the earth. So, the Sodom community had fallen (Genesis 19).   

Samson was a great man of God. He was a Nazarite from his birth. Samson’s parents brought him up according to the promise of God. He had good parental care and didactical education. But, his youthful desires and his willingness to yield to lust misled him to break the covenant of Nazarite wow and ended up in the great fall of a leader (Judges 13:4, 14:2, 16:1).  

God exalted Saul to the position of a king of the twelve tribes of Israel, and he was bestowed with a beautiful wife talented child, and an extremely skilled army to tackle his enemies. God favored him beyond what he never thought over. However, he did not respect the Prophet of Yahweh. Saul became a man of jealousy and wanted to establish his kingdom against the will of God (1 Samuel 18:9; 20:30-31; 13:13-14). King David had a spiritual fall. Then he immediately realized an emptiness in his heart and soul. David cried to the Lord with a contrite heart for retribution and reinstating the image of God in him. The Lord was merciful on David. He loved David with extreme compassion. The Lord sent his prophet Nathan to David to bring David back to the relationship (Psalm 51)  

Psalmists used to sing about the fall of the saints and mighty. However, he ends those hymns and songs with beautiful notations of hope. The Lord always helps saints whoever calls on his name despite their sins and iniquities (Proverbs 24:17; Psalm 37:17, Jeremiah 8:4). The arrogance leads to falling humility and repentance brings grace (Proverbs 16:18, Romans 3:23).   

Dear friends, where we stand in our faith is matters a lot. God counts everything what we do and what we think. Let’s relook into ourselves and have a self-assessment of our spiritual strength. Assessment should have the scales on prayer, bible reading, fasting, ministry, witness, and secret and outward actions. God bless you. 

It’s appropriate for us to remember the four fundamental thoughts of our founder Rev. John Wesley while we think of his theology: 1. A person is free to reject or accept salvation by an act of his free will. 2. All obedient to the gospel according to the measure of knowledge given to them will be saved. 3. Salvation is assured to the person by the Holy Spirit through an inner experience. 4. Christians are capable of Christian perfection in this life and are commanded by God to pursue it. He also taught us to strongly believe in creation, man’s fall, the reality of Sin, the grace of God, Redemption, and Salvation to all. Justification by faith alone and sufficiency of the scriptures.  

Today, worldwide Methodists are known for 5 things: 1. Logic and Reason, 2. Evangelism and Missions, 3. Covenantal services, 4. Inclusiveness, and 5. Music. It’s also good to remind us that Methodist mission has four essential dimensions: Proclamation (proclaim the Gospel); Evangelism (invite people to a personal decision for and commitment to Jesus Christ for their salvation); Incorporation (call persons to be incorporated into the Body of Christ); and Servanthood (serve as agents of God’s liberation and reconciling grace among the nations).  

Here I would like to end with John Wesley’s saying: “A Methodist has the love of God shed abroad in his life by the Holy Ghost given unto him. One who loves the Lord his God with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his mind, and with all his strength. God is the joy of his heart and the desire of his soul.”  

The claims of Jesus is correct, and no one can come nearer to his personality, and nothing can come nearer to the claims of Christ as the Way, the Truth and the Life. 

Then how do we need to serve such a wonderful and awesome God in our daily lives and walks? The word serves always brings us to the understanding of the Sunday Worship or worshipping God on special days and festive. End of November, usually marked by an Ecumenical Carol through which we used to remember that we have come into Christmas seasons. Though this year, we are not going to have an Ecumenical Carol on one Sunday. But it would be on all Sundays of December. From first advent Sunday, we would invite a group on each Sunday to present their carols. It is a service to the name of God and to serve Him through music and songs of the First Advent of Christ.   

The Psalmists calls us to serve the Lord with the beauty of the Holiness, with fear and trembling in Psalm 100. This Psalm proclaims that we need to worship the Lord with shouts of acclamation. He calls the whole earth to recognise the maker, bow down before him and worship him. It starts with worship service and progress to acknowledge him in all our ways.  

During his final oration to the people of Israel, Moses told them that they should serve Him alone without compromise (Deuteronomy 6:1-14). Prophet Jeremiah told his readers that serve the Lord sincerely. If someone wants to serve the Lord grudgingly and leisurely, such one is a cursed man (Jeremiah 48:10-13). God’s ministry and service to God, his agencies of Gospel cannot be taken for granted and done with free time. Prophet Jonah openly declared at the time of Trouble that he serves the Living God who created the Eartha and the heavens (Jonah 1:1-9).   

Jesus told his followers and disciples to preach the Gospel to expedite the return of Christ (Matthew 24:1-14). Also, he told his disciples to serve the Son of Man. Then they would be honoured by the Father (John 12:26). Paul urged young Timothy to serve Jesus Christ pleasingly in every walk of his life. He warned him to set an example in everything he does in earthly lives. He told Timothy to look carefully at what he speaks and does in his life (2 Timothy 2:1-7).   

Jesus has warned his followers and hearers to serve only one master at a time. He explained that no one could serve two masters (Luke 16:13-15). Jesus demanded absolute service to him. No one can have two faces, two values systems, to convictions and morality. Only one option for a living is to either love him or hate him. Either serve the master truthfully or live a hypocrites life. Hope to meet you every Sunday and enjoy the word of God. Service means to worship, ministry, the duty to society, faithful in all walks of life and exhibit the character of God in every life situation. There cannot be two lifestyles, two ways, two attitudes. Only one way is to serve the Lord.  

2022 is another challenging critical year with the variant of Omicron. So many long term goals are pending, modified, cut short because of the difficulties, defeats and failures we faced for the last two years due to the Pandemic turning into an endemic living with Corona. Already irreparable losses and hardships we had experienced because of these situations. We need to redo and rewrite the long term plans for another five years or ten years, or till retirement. Retired persons have to plan to survive with health with limited resources. Church committees to have Conference year plan, and Church has to think of Quadrennial plans.   

If you are a newlywed, you have a different plan. If you have a young child or if your kid goes to school, you have varied ideas. If your children are in high school or college studies, you need to plan accordingly. Are you thinking to make new friends? Do you want to reconcile with old friends? God would help it to happen in 2022.     

Some of us are looking for new opportunities and additional responsibilities to exercise God-given ability and capability for kingdom values and the benefit of people and God. Some of us may have financial challenges to take care of needs and unplanned and non-budgeted expenses because of static business and non-negotiable medical emergencies.    

Now let me take you to the theme for 2022: “Do well in everything and Everyplace” (1 Kings 2:3). It was a piece of advice offered to young and new King Solomon by his experienced emperor king, who happened to be his father. The writer of the Books of the Kings states that David told his son Solomon: “I am going the way of all the earth. So be strong. Show yourself to be a man. Do what the Lord your God tells you: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses. Then you will do well in all that you do and in every place you go” (1 Kings 2:2-3).     

It is good to read and complement this theme passage from 1 Chronicle 28:20-21: And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD. The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the work on the temple of God, and every willing person skilled in any craft will help you in all the work. The officials and all the people will obey your every command.” (1 Chronicles 28:20-21).    

In brief, we can understand that Solomon advised being strong, keeping the word and doing the service, getting along with experienced and talented people. Then you will do well in everything and in every place you go.   

Solomon has called to complete the work of the service of the house of the Lord. King Solomon built a beautiful temple for God. But today, What service God expects from us? Yes, we need to construct sanctuaries for congregations to meet. We need to build a healthy society, to build a healthy believing community/Congregation. It is our service, our target, our aim. Because we are the Temple of God, and all are honourable vessels for God. Your physical body with sound health and a well-built body is needed for God. God has given us what we are not worthy of.? For what? To serve him means to do his work until we complete the assignment of God.    

Yes, God indeed needs full-time Pastors, Evangelists and gospel workers. But more than that, God looks for committed government officials, company CEOs, Noble Doctors, Loving Nurses, Sacrificial health personnel, exemplary teachers, lecturers, and professors, and honest professionals. That means whatever you do, you have to complete the service of God. We have to complete the service for God. Then “you will do well in all that you do and in every place you go” (1 Kings 2:2-3).   

The theme is a mixture of commandment and promise to all of us. It is not an unconditional but a conditional promissory note. The actions of Solomon and the rewards of God are put together in these bible passages. Everyone on the earth would like to do well. No one has the idea of being dull, useless and fruitless. We count our progress and recount the blessings of God. Success and victory are guaranteed. The completion of joy promised for all of us. We preach more powerfully through silence than louder. Our reactions are vehicles of God’s qualities and characters to the people around us. Once again, I bless you to do well in all your endeavours in all places.  

Abraham, the father of Faith was struggling to realize the full benefit of his obedience, faith, and righteous act as long as his cousin brother Lot was part of his life. With good intention and love, Abraham had him. But the life and motives of that man were not coinciding with the love and devotion of Abraham. Lot departed from Abraham, then Abraham was blessed by God (Genesis 13:14-18). The man Lot, who was almost equivalent in wealth, herds and flocks, and servants became null and void at the end of life. He had lost his entire property, wife, and the life of his daughters because of his inherent character and conduct. On a few occasions, we are having certain habits without realizing it’s evil. So, depart from LOT.  

The story is of a Moabite woman called Ruth. She was a young lady with a vision. She accepted Naomi and her God. She left the God and goddess of the Moabites. She chose Yahweh to be her God. The story of Ruth began on a negative note and the family has lost all the breadwinners. Ruth, the young widow decided to be with Naomi and resolved to follow the God of Naomi. Orpah left Naomi and her God but Ruth clung to this God (Ruth 1:6-18). Change of place and friendship may bring glorious life to us. Instead of living and cherishing in the old habits and past vain glories move on to the new era with new resolutions for greater avenues and blessings.   

Identifying our enemy at right time will help us to come closer to God and safeguard the seed of righteousness and salvation. The Parable of the Sower of the seed reminds us that the Enemy can spoil the growth and blessings of men. How many useful sermons, communications, and powerful words of the servants of God have gone on vain and futile grounds. Rather than being fruitful, the words of life were eaten up by the Birds, which means the enemy of the Gospel. Some seeds fell on the rocky ground and some seeds on the thorny bush and destroying the greenery part of the plant and completely ruining the future of the tree (Matthew 13:18-23). How do you respond to the call of God on Sundays? How do you receive the Word of God which comes to you with energy, life, and might?   

Prophet Jeremiah was known as a suffering and weeping prophet. He spoke with confidence on the words of God. He had more clarity on his call and mission. He warns the readers not to give a place for men to overtake your life for granted. He told people not to put their trust in men and the flesh. Flesh refers to self, human wisdom, and power. Always put your trust in God and his power. Believing men is believing in the bush of the wastelands but trusting God is like a tree planted by the living stream. Having faith in God and His word is everlasting greenery life on the earth and to eternal (Jeremiah 17:5-10). Most men believe in men and their strength because they have an object before them. Many times, they don’t yield their lives to the living God because he is invisible and could be reached by faith alone. We are challenged to come to God.  

Another hindrance to our spirituality is Gluttony. Proverbs say that put a knife on the throat when you sit to dine with the ruler. He warns not to grave for his delicacies for that food is deceptive. He further warns not to eat the food of a stingy man. Do not crave his delicacies. He is always thinking of the cost rather than the human values. He does not have inner love but evil thoughts. Going to multicuisine must not be with anyone or with any unknown person. Not go with a man who is a friend to your friend. Relationships determine the cuisine and dining. Some people may comment on something in front of you and bad behind you. They comment about the way you eat, and the way you desire the food, and they weigh your comments. So better not to eat with men unknown to you (Proverbs 23:1-8).  

Paul while talking about death and resurrection, suddenly refers to the bad company. He says that bad company and unwanted friendship circles will spoil your spiritual growth. Men can build you or break you. Men can elevate your spirit’s the higher spiritual realm or pull you down to the bottomless pit. Our measuring rod must always be the word of God. Never trust a man who puts himself first and who gives a place for pride and evil intentions. Throw off the pride and never allow those haughty looks and thoughts to overtake you. Be subject to the Spirit of God and his words. Humility will build you and take you to the blessed rocks. (1 Corinthians 15:30-34 & James 4:1-12). Jesus spent the whole night in prayer after spending considerable time in ministry during the day. He warned his disciples to spend time in prayer. What a pitiable condition of the Disciples, even being friends of Jesus and even after experiencing the power of the prayer of Jesus, they could not stay awake in prayer during the time of problems and panic situations.  So, Jesus asked them to pray (Matthew 26:36-46).  

Let this lent help us to grow deeper with the Lord. 

The theme reminds the critical situation the people of God were going through during the time of King Xerxes. Esther, the captive, was exalted as queen of the empire after Queen Vashti was dethroned for her disobedience to the command of her husband King. Esther was replaced as per the providence of God to save his chosen race and inheritance. But there was an officer named Haman in the king’s palace who was looking for an opportunity to eradicate this Jewish race because of his enmity between him and a guard named Mordecai. Haman thought it was a little thing to kill this single Jew, so he wanted to eliminate the entire Jews from the face of the earth.  At this juncture, Mordecai sought the help of Esther to redeem her kinsmen through speaking to King Xerxes. She told the custom and rules of the Kingdom and wanted to escape from the responsibility. But Mordecai told her that if she remains silent at this time, she can’t escape from the punishment coming upon her nation even though she was at the Palace (Esther 4:12-14).    

This passage is relevant even today in our daily context. God has placed each one of us in some important position, and responsibility in the heathen world. We move with and work among the ungodly, in midst of the enemies of the Gospel. But, how do we respond to the issues faced by fellow citizens, believers, and followers of Christ? What we are reading through the media, watching through social media are seems to be far away from us. But those things will come upon us suddenly and destabilize us and destroy us at any moment and we can’t escape from the dangers of life. So, make use of the opportunities to share the gospel, love of God, and the salvation of God to all.  

This month we have lent services, deeper life conventions, and passion week meetings to draw us closer to the Lord and to draw others to Christ. It urges us to recommit ourselves to the great God and live for him as a living testimony. Palm Sunday is not only a commemoration of the triumphal entry of Jesus into the Jerusalem City as King, Messiah but also the celebration of the victory over the evil forces which exist in the name of religious practices and burdens upon the worshippers. The humility of Christ is picturesque. It was amazing to see the work of God through Christ and setting an example for his followers on how to deal with the corruptions and confusions in the Churches and fellowships (Mark 11:1-11).  

John 11:45-57 narrates the inquiry scene of Jesus Christ at the Sanhedrin and Jesus stood before the religious leaders and priests. They condemned Jesus for creating false witnesses and accused him, finally sentenced him to death. The High priest made this statement that it is good ‘if one dies for all’. It was a prophecy and revelation came through the high priest. Yes, Jesus died for all. He was the only eligible and acceptable propitiation to God, the Father. No one can replace his position as an acceptable sacrifice to the highest.  

The day of resurrection reminds us to run with the good news that he has risen.  Mary ran to the disciples, Peter and John ran to the tomb. The Emmaus disciples ran at once after they had a burning experience with the Word of God expounded by Christ (John 20:1-9, Luke 24:25-35, John 20:24-31, Matthew 28:11-15). Our missional zeal only comes when we realize, experience the greatness of the Gospel in our lives. Mission can’t be a program of the church it must be the life of the congregation.  

May the Risen Lord lead you into the resurrected power and immerse you into his heavenly power. Our Mission continues till we complete our race.  

I greet you all in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! This month I would like to meditate with you all on the subject of rest. Rest and relaxation are forgotten concepts in this modern world. We are not promoting a Rest of what the world talks of, such as going to a place, merry with gluttony, and fulfilling the worldly desires to have pleasures. But I would like to make you understand the covenant of rest with work, worship, reading the word of God, and having fellowship with one another. Hence ‘Enter in and Enjoy the Rest’ (Hebrews 4:9-11)  

Covenant of Rest looks like a new thought but exists from the creation narratives (Genesis 2:1-3). A covenant is a partnership, an agreement between God and men. The covenant refers to the laws given by YHWH through Moses. These are the regulations and requirements of man’s behavior toward God and toward his fellow humans. These commandments are also Heavenly kingdom principles. The New Covenant of rest is found in Christ.  To start with, we enter that rest when we trust God for our salvation. Jesus called his followers to find rest for their souls (Matthew 11:28-29). It also includes rest from the burden of man-made rules, regulations, and rituals (Luke 11:46), and from the never-ending ceremonial obligations of the Old Covenant (Hebrews 10:1b). This rest impacts our day-to-day living and helps us not to worry about the future (Matthew 6:24-34). 

God created everything on six days and rested on the seventh day. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so, on the seventh day, he rested from all his work. God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because on it he rested from all his work. Why did God rest on the seventh day? He created everything with his word. Only, He created man out of the mud and woman out of the rib. Does this work demand him a lot of energy? Does God need rest? Never. Because God is the same from eternity to eternity. He never became tired and never exhausted according to the scriptural references. Then why did he rest? He made it holy so that we could observe and get all the benefits of rest.  

What are the benefits of the rest to the body, soul, and spirit? Rest and sleep boost the immune system improve memory, improve concentration and productivity, restore and energize the body system, and stimulate creativity. Without giving rest to your body if you follow a restrictive diet, healthy diet, and even exercise regularly, you will not enjoy the full benefit of them. Rest helps you to stay mentally and emotionally fit and healthy. Regular time away from work, help you even love your job. Rest reduces your stress and helps you to improve your productivity. God rested to set an example for all of us. So, we must retreat on Sundays.  

Moses adds one word to this passage is that God made the seventh day HOLY in Genesis. Exodus 20:8-9, God gave it as one of the commandments to observe the Sabbath. Carefully read the words: ‘remember, keep it Holy, six days do all your work, do not do any work, blessed and made it holy.’ Every word communicates a deep theology and life values in it. God brought the observance of the Sabbath as a Commandment, not a voluntary act but a mandatory one.  Those who disobey the commandment were cut off from community living. Shabbat is a Jewish holiday that symbolizes the connection of Jews with God. Shabbat is a tie between God and the Jews. Jews light candles 15 minutes before the sunset on Friday to mark the beginning of Shabbat. Then special meal together with family. Then move to Synagogue for prayer, then rest in the night, next day morning gathered at Synagogue for Torah preaching. The whole day is spent only with divine matters. Shabbat is given at a specific time to a specific people group for a specific purpose. Yet the wisdom of that law is enduring. The commandment is not binding us but the principle and promise. Sabbath rest is an invitation to practice for eternity. Our rest has connectivity with worship.  

Rest must accompany the reading of the Word of God, which will make us noble and wise (Deuteronomy 8:1-3). Rest connected with worship, and reading the Word of God. Shabbat is meant for holy deeds and holy acts. Such as, reading the Word, proclaiming the Word, and praying. Our resting days are days of renewal of fellowship with one another (2 Corinthians 2:12-17). It does matter the time we spend together to inquire about the well-being of one another. We worship for the pleasure of God and not just bring our desires, demands, prayers, and petitions (Ecclesiastes 4:7-9).  

Honor God with your bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Our bodies are temples of God. God loves to dwell in us and he expects us to present our bodies as holy and acceptable to God. God was so concerned about the purity, holiness, and sacredness of the tabernacle. Then think of his demands for us to present our bodies to him.  Will God dwell in every heart? There are occasions when the Spirit of God is left from people? Samson lost the Spirit of God. Saul lost his relationship with God. David cried out to God for the restoration of the Spirit. Moses prayed unless you go before me, I will not go. He is a Holy God. He never compromises his standard. He did not allow Moses and Aaron to enter the promised land as a symbolic expression of his judgment on the last days.