WHY ARE YOUR FACES SO SAD?

                                       WHY ARE YOUR FACES SO SAD?

The chief cupbearer and the chief baker offended the Pharaoh for which they were put into the prison, where Joseph was confined. One morning when Joseph looked at them, he saw that they were sad and depressed. So he asked them: “Why are your faces so sad today?”(Gen 40:7)He came to understand that they were troubled because of their dreams. With the help of God, he did interpret the dreams.

During the time of King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah was his cupbearer. When Nehemiah served wine, the king asked Nehemiah “Why does your face look so sad….? This can be nothing but sadness of heart. (Nehemiah2:2) Nehemiah was troubled and depressed when he heard that people in Jerusalem were in disgrace and the wall was broken down.

There are people with us or those working under us who go through dejection and sadness of heart. Do we recognize such sad faces? You might be going through tough times but like Joseph we should be able to care for the sad and weary ones though he himself was in prison. You have an anchor in Christ Jesus, which others do not have. You got to bring the hope into others by your care and concern. Your words of care will bring a smile of hope in their sad faces.

I remember a Kids song which goes like this:

“I saw a man the other day, He looked so sad and down. He had a frown upon his face, like everything was bad; I walked up to the man and said How do you do? He looked at me with a great big smile when I said God loves you.”

Reach out to the sad and lonely with the love of Jesus. Show a little bit love and kindness, never go along with hatred and blindness and take a little time to reach out to the ones who are weary and dreary. Try it; I’m sure you can do it.  

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HOW DO YOU KNOW ME?

                                   HOW DO YOU KNOW ME?

Philip answered the call of Jesus and followed him as his disciple. He was from the town of Bethsaida, like Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathaniel and told him about Jesus. When Jesus saw Nathaniel approaching him, He said: “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no guile.”

Hearing this Nathaniel asked Jesus: “How do you know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”(John1:48).

Dear friends, our Lord knows us and watches us even before we draw near to him. The Lord says “..I have even called thee by name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.” (Isaiah 45:4).

David says in Psalms 139:2 to 4 “You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar……. before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.” The Lord knows everything! Job replies amidst all his sufferings: “But He knows the way I take…” (Job 23:10). Very true the Lord knows who we are and what we need. The word of God says: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” (Jeremiah 1:5). He has written the diary of your days even before they made a start.

Lord Jesus knew and saw Nathaniel even before they met, He is still with us. He knows you and keeps a close watch over you. He promises in Psalms 121:7, “He will watch over your life”. 

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HOW CAN I?

                                                       HOW CAN I?

Joseph was next in command to the pharaoh when there was a great famine in the land; His brothers had come to Egypt to purchase the grains not knowing that the one whom they had sold as a slave was in charge of supplying the food.  Joseph supplied the grains to his brothers, and as they were going back to their father’s house in Canaan, he cornered them to leave behind their youngest brother in Egypt. On hearing this they were very much troubled and Judah replied to Joseph saying “How can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me?” (Genesis 44:34) Judah had taken the responsibility of bringing back Benjamin; the youngest of them all safely back to his father.

At this juncture, I want to remind you of the responsibilities that we carry. The Lord has bestowed us with friends and family. We need to make sure that none will be left behind on the last day. May be there is a lost sheep in your family. Did you ever think of how you could meet the heavenly Father without him or her? As a child of God you have the responsibility for your fellow brothers. There are people dying in their sins, death eternal they receive. Who will answer for them going there?

Don’t settle for ninety nine, Our God is concerned about that last and the lost one. It might be your brother or sister or son or a friend. Remember the words of Esther to King Xerxes, She said: For how can I bear to see the disaster of my people? How can I bear to see the destruction of my family? (Esther 8:6)

Let us take up this challenge, for how can we meet the Lord without the ones whom He has given to us as our kin?  

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                                           GOD MEANT IT UNTO GOOD.

Romans 8:28 says “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” Yes we are assured that for those who love the Lord, ‘all things’ work together and are fitting into a plan which is for good.

Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob, who was sold as a slave by his own brothers to the Midianite’s merchants, who in turn sold him to Potiphar one of Pharaoh’s officials. He was put behind bars, for no fault of his. He went through a lot of agony and pain,”… until the word of the Lord tried and tested him” (Psalm 105:19). Later he was set free by the pharaoh and made him in charge of the whole land of Egypt (Genesis 41:40). 

It happened in the days that Joseph’s cruel brothers came to Egypt to get food during famine. When Joseph revealed himself to them, they were terrified, but he reassured them saying “..do not be distressed..for selling me here…it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you”(Gen 45:5). Here, we see in Gods hand, the intended evil becomes eventual good. In Genesis 50:20 we read, Joseph said “You intended to harm me, but God meant it for good…”

Very true my friend, whether it is disappointments or failures, remember that God will indeed turn it for your good. “Not a shaft can hit till the God of love sees fit.” Though it seems like evil it will work for good. 

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How long……….?

                                                           How long……….?

Psalmist David says, How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Psalm 13:1, 2. These questions may arise in your minds too.

Sometimes the road seems long and energy is spent. There is no more strength    to combat the thoughts and doubts within. There are lots of times you wonder what will be the end? You kneel down to pray but you just don’t know what to say. You are struggling with negative thoughts, which hamper your faith and trust. These words ‘How long’ may be haunting you night and day.

The Lord says “For surely there is an end (a future and a reward), and your hope and expectation shall not be cut off” (Proverbs 23:18). You might have already waited long for the promise or a vision to come to pass. “Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:3).

Daniel saw two others in a vision, where one said to the other man who was clothed in linen “How long will it be before…. things are fulfilled?” (Dan 1:6).  In Revelation 6:10 we read, the souls of them that were slain for the word of God and the testimony , cried with a loud voice saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true dost thou not avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

The Lord says “Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me…” (Rev 22:12). You will be richly rewarded for all your waiting. The ‘How long…..?’ questions of your heart will be answered. “There will be no more delay” (Rev 10:6).

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                                                         I have decided………

The Psalmist says in chapter 17:3 “I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.”  It means to decide, to be determined or sometimes we say we have made up our mind.  Yes David, had made a decision not to say anything sinful. I think these days which are observed as Lent is a good time, for us to reflect on our fasting and decision of purposing our heart to be undefiled before the Lord.

In Daniel chapter 1 verse 8 we read “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself..” He basically decided not to defile himself with the royal delicacies and later at the end of three years he was far better than the Babylonians in the Kingdom of Babylon.

It is difficult to make such decisions especially when you have to stand alone. Let the Holy Spirit be your guide, resolve to do the right, today? Like David can we say, I am determined, I will say nothing sinful. He who guards his lips guards his life. (Proverbs 13:3) He who holds his tongue is wise. (Pro: 10:19)

Every step you take and the decisions you make will certainly be seen by your heavenly Father and you will be greatly and richly rewarded. 

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GOD WILL MAKE ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL IN YOUR LIFE.

     GOD WILL MAKE ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL IN YOUR LIFE.

Dear friend, Are you in despair? Are there untold sufferings in your family? Are you shedding tears in secret? Are you feeling lonely and forgotten? Is your problem persisting for many years?  Are you thinking there is no remedy to your present situation?  Are you living in anxiety and fear? Cheer up friend, Our God is so BIG, so strong and so mighty there is nothing our God cannot do!!

Your problems may be big, but He is bigger than your problems and He is bigger than all your fears. Yes He is bigger than any mountain that you can see!!

When Hagar was fleeing away from her mistress, she was in great agony and in distress. While she was in the desert the Lord spoke to her and blessed her and she said “You are the God who sees me.”(Genesis16:13) Very true my friend, our God sees us in our misery and pain. He sees your tears, In Isaiah 38:5, we read that the Lord answers King Hezekiah saying, “I have heard your prayers and seen your tears...” The Lord added fifteen years to his life. Sometimes all that we have, to offer before God is brokenness and strife, I can assure you that He will make everything beautiful in your life.

Therefore, This is what the Lord says: “Refrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears …there is hope for your future” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 31:16)   

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BE STILL AND ……KNOW!

                                                    BE STILL AND ……KNOW!

Dear friend this is a command. It comes as a climax of Psalm 46. The Psalmist begins the chapter by saying God is our help in troubled situations. The psalm ends with a command: “Be still and know that I am God.” To be still means to let go in order to see the strong hand of the Lord. It also means we need to “surrender” and even to die to ourselves.

We surrender, to know that God is in control. We need to give up trusting in ourselves to experience the power and might of God’s all sufficiency.

When the Israelites were caught between the Egyptians and the Red sea, they were terrified and cried out to the Lord. And Moses answered the people, “Fear ye not, standstill, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show you today. The Egyptians whom you have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you; and you need only to be still.”         

(Exodus 14: 13, 14). We need to be still in order to know the saving power of God in our lives.

Friend, you may be in great trouble and fear, not knowing which way to go. I want to remind you about King Jehoshaphat, when the Moabites and Ammonites came to make war with him he cried to the lord and said ….we have no power, we do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you. He was assured by the Lord saying: The battle is not yours, but God’s. (2 Chronicles 20:15)

Therefore we need not fear, even though the present world be shaken and the nations roar and kingdoms fall. (Psalm 46:2, 6) The world is in fear but “let’s be still” in order to know …..”The Lord of host is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge.”(Psalm 46: 11)           

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                                                     WHO AM I?

In 2 Samuel Chapter 7 we read about King David’s Prayer before the Lord after he heard the words of revelation through the prophet Nathan. He starts his prayer saying “Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and What is my family that you have brought me thus far?” (2Samuel 7: 18) David was raised as a King of Israel from following the sheep. David was the eighth and the last son of Jesse, who was not even present when Samuel the prophet came to sacrifice unto the Lord. As the seven older brothers passed by the Lord did not choose them, So Samuel asked Jesse “are these all the sons you have?” and Jesse replied “there is still the youngest …..   he is tending the sheep.”1 Samuel 16:11. On hearing the Lord the prophet Samuel anoints David the king.

Are you sulking that you are the least? Are you saying that you are not known? Or are you thinking you are not fit for the great task? Maybe you are unknown unsung and unnoticed, But the Sovereign Lord knows you and calls you by your name. “God doesn’t call the qualified but qualifies whom he calls” is a famous saying. It is true, Jesus chose the ordinary fisherman to be his disciples.

1 Samuel 2:8 says “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honour.” Such great are the works of our God. Our Lord Jesus will sure raise you to high standards and positions. “For God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” 1 Corinthians 1:28. Throw away the doubts in you, You are his chosen and his masterpiece!!

Like to end this message saying, when you have inherited the honour  “…..think of what you were when you were called.” 1Cor 1 :26. King David remembered his humble beginnings and that is why he said to the Lord “Who am I?”

     WHO AM I?

In 2 Samuel Chapter 7 we read about King David’s Prayer before the Lord after he heard the words of revelation through the prophet Nathan. He starts his prayer saying “Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and What is my family that you have brought me thus far?” (2Samuel 7: 18) David was raised as a King of Israel from following the sheep. David was the eighth and the last son of Jesse, who was not even present when Samuel the prophet came to sacrifice unto the Lord. As the seven older brothers passed by the Lord did not choose them, So Samuel asked Jesse “are these all the sons you have?” and Jesse replied “there is still the youngest …..   he is tending the sheep.”1 Samuel 16:11. On hearing the Lord the prophet Samuel anoints David the king.

Are you sulking that you are the least? Are you saying that you are not known? Or are you thinking you are not fit for the great task? Maybe you are unknown unsung and unnoticed, But the Sovereign Lord knows you and calls you by your name. “God doesn’t call the qualified but qualifies whom he calls” is a famous saying. It is true, Jesus chose the ordinary fisherman to be his disciples.

1 Samuel 2:8 says “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honour.” Such great are the works of our God. Our Lord Jesus will sure raise you to high standards and positions. “For God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” 1 Corinthians 1:28. Throw away the doubts in you, You are his chosen and his masterpiece!!

Like to end this message saying, when you have inherited the honour  “…..think of what you were when you were called.” 1Cor 1 :26. King David remembered his humble beginnings and that is why he said to the Lord “Who am I?”

     WHO AM I?

In 2 Samuel Chapter 7 we read about King David’s Prayer before the Lord after he heard the words of revelation through the prophet Nathan. He starts his prayer saying “Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and What is my family that you have brought me thus far?” (2Samuel 7: 18) David was raised as a King of Israel from following the sheep. David was the eighth and the last son of Jesse, who was not even present when Samuel the prophet came to sacrifice unto the Lord. As the seven older brothers passed by the Lord did not choose them, So Samuel asked Jesse “are these all the sons you have?” and Jesse replied “there is still the youngest …..   he is tending the sheep.”1 Samuel 16:11. On hearing the Lord the prophet Samuel anoints David the king.

Are you sulking that you are the least? Are you saying that you are not known? Or are you thinking you are not fit for the great task? Maybe you are unknown unsung and unnoticed, But the Sovereign Lord knows you and calls you by your name. “God doesn’t call the qualified but qualifies whom he calls” is a famous saying. It is true, Jesus chose the ordinary fisherman to be his disciples.

1 Samuel 2:8 says “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honour.” Such great are the works of our God. Our Lord Jesus will sure raise you to high standards and positions. “For God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” 1 Corinthians 1:28. Throw away the doubts in you, You are his chosen and his masterpiece!!

Like to end this message saying, when you have inherited the honour  “…..think of what you were when you were called.” 1Cor 1 :26. King David remembered his humble beginnings and that is why he said to the Lord “Who am I?”

     WHO AM I?

In 2 Samuel Chapter 7 we read about King David’s Prayer before the Lord after he heard the words of revelation through the prophet Nathan. He starts his prayer saying “Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and What is my family that you have brought me thus far?” (2Samuel 7: 18) David was raised as a King of Israel from following the sheep. David was the eighth and the last son of Jesse, who was not even present when Samuel the prophet came to sacrifice unto the Lord. As the seven older brothers passed by the Lord did not choose them, So Samuel asked Jesse “are these all the sons you have?” and Jesse replied “there is still the youngest …..   he is tending the sheep.”1 Samuel 16:11. On hearing the Lord the prophet Samuel anoints David the king.

Are you sulking that you are the least? Are you saying that you are not known? Or are you thinking you are not fit for the great task? Maybe you are unknown unsung and unnoticed, But the Sovereign Lord knows you and calls you by your name. “God doesn’t call the qualified but qualifies whom he calls” is a famous saying. It is true, Jesus chose the ordinary fisherman to be his disciples.

1 Samuel 2:8 says “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honour.” Such great are the works of our God. Our Lord Jesus will sure raise you to high standards and positions. “For God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” 1 Corinthians 1:28. Throw away the doubts in you, You are his chosen and his masterpiece!!

Like to end this message saying, when you have inherited the honour  “…..think of what you were when you were called.” 1Cor 1 :26. King David remembered his humble beginnings and that is why he said to the Lord “Who am I?”

     WHO AM I?

In 2 Samuel Chapter 7 we read about King David’s Prayer before the Lord after he heard the words of revelation through the prophet Nathan. He starts his prayer saying “Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and What is my family that you have brought me thus far?” (2Samuel 7: 18) David was raised as a King of Israel from following the sheep. David was the eighth and the last son of Jesse, who was not even present when Samuel the prophet came to sacrifice unto the Lord. As the seven older brothers passed by the Lord did not choose them, So Samuel asked Jesse “are these all the sons you have?” and Jesse replied “there is still the youngest …..   he is tending the sheep.”1 Samuel 16:11. On hearing the Lord the prophet Samuel anoints David the king.

Are you sulking that you are the least? Are you saying that you are not known? Or are you thinking you are not fit for the great task? Maybe you are unknown unsung and unnoticed, But the Sovereign Lord knows you and calls you by your name. “God doesn’t call the qualified but qualifies whom he calls” is a famous saying. It is true, Jesus chose the ordinary fisherman to be his disciples.

1 Samuel 2:8 says “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honour.” Such great are the works of our God. Our Lord Jesus will sure raise you to high standards and positions. “For God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” 1 Corinthians 1:28. Throw away the doubts in you, You are his chosen and his masterpiece!!

Like to end this message saying, when you have inherited the honour  “…..think of what you were when you were called.” 1Cor 1 :26. King David remembered his humble beginnings and that is why he said to the Lord “Who am I?”

                                                              WHO AM I?

In 2 Samuel Chapter 7 we read about King David’s Prayer before the Lord after he heard the words of revelation through the prophet Nathan. He starts his prayer saying “Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and What is my family that you have brought me thus far?” (2Samuel 7: 18) David was raised as a King of Israel from following the sheep. David was the eighth and the last son of Jesse, who was not even present when Samuel the prophet came to sacrifice unto the Lord. As the seven older brothers passed by the Lord did not choose them, So Samuel asked Jesse “are these all the sons you have?” and Jesse replied “there is still the youngest …..   he is tending the sheep.”1 Samuel 16:11. On hearing the Lord the prophet Samuel anoints David the king.

Are you sulking that you are the least? Are you saying that you are not known? Or are you thinking you are not fit for the great task? Maybe you are unknown unsung and unnoticed, But the Sovereign Lord knows you and calls you by your name. “God doesn’t call the qualified but qualifies whom he calls” is a famous saying. It is true, Jesus chose the ordinary fisherman to be his disciples.

1 Samuel 2:8 says “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honour.” Such great are the works of our God. Our Lord Jesus will surely raise you to high standards and positions. “For God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” 1 Corinthians 1:28. Throw away the doubts in you, You are his chosen and his masterpiece!!

Like to end this message saying, when you have inherited the honour  “…..think of what you were when you were called.” 1Cor 1 :26. King David remembered his humble beginnings and that is why he said to the Lord “Who am I?”

      

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HE WILL TURN YOUR SORROWS INTO JOY.

                  HE WILL TURN YOUR SORROWS INTO JOY.

It might be a shattered dream or a wounded heart or a broken toy! Whatever it may be Jesus says, “Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Mathew 11: 28.

Are you tired of chasing rainbows…..? Are you tired of spinning round and round….? Are you weak and feeling forgotten..? At the feet of Jesus lay them down! Dear friend don’t lose hope, I urge you to, Give them all to Jesus for He said: Your grief will turn to joy. John 16:20. To your knowledge things may sound impossible, you may be in the dire straits, thinking there is no more way to go, but with Jesus all things are possible.

Jesus is concerned about you. 1 Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Do you want to know how much he cares? Read Mathew 10:30, “And the very hairs of your head are numbered.” Remember the parable of the Lost Sheep. All though ninety nine were present, the Shepherd went in search of the one that was lost. Very true our Lord is seeking for that one who is feeling lost. Your past might have been dark and gloomy, just as you are, throw your life into His hands, and see the miraculous ways of God unfold in your life. He promises you in Isaiah 43:19 “Behold I do a new thing….. I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”

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                              YOU ALSO MUST BE READY!!

In 2 Kings chapter 2 we read the incident of how Elijah was taken up to heaven. Elisha followed Elijah all the way from Bethel to Jericho to Jordan. Before being taken up Elijah asked Elisha what he wanted from him. Elisha replied that he wanted to have a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. To this request Elijah replied saying “If you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours - otherwise not.” As they kept walking suddenly a chariot and horses of fire appeared and separated the two and Elijah went to heaven. It happened so suddenly, but Elisha was so watchful that he received his blessings.

                                                                                                                                      

In Mathew 24, we read about the Signs of the End of the Age but no-one knows about the day or hour when the Lord will come. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and other left. Two women will be grinding; one will be taken and the other left. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”(Mathew 24:42). If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.  

Would like to remind you of one more parable which talks about the importance of being ready all the time. Among the ten virgins who went out to meet the bridegroom, five were wise and five were foolish. The foolish ones took the lamp but did not take the oil, whereas the wise ones took along with them the lamp and the oil. When the bridegroom arrived, those who were ready went in to the wedding banquet. Those who were not prepared could not make it for the door was shut. “Therefore keep watch.”(Math25:13)

                   

Mathew 24:46 says It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. So all of us must be watchful and be ready to meet the Lord when He comes again. Rev: 10:6 says “There will be no more delay”.

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                                    Excuse me, I cannot come…

Luke chapter 14 verses 15 to 23 talks about the Great Banquet. A man once gave a great banquet and invited many guests. When they had to come each of them began to make excuses. One said that he bought a field and wanted to see it. Another said ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen and I am going out to examine them. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I just got married, and I cannot come.’ The servant reported this to the Master, He replied saying, Go into the streets and invite everyone to the wedding banquet, they gathered all the people they could find… and the wedding hall was filled with guests. (Mathew 22:10) 

Dear believer, it is true, that we often give excuses. We are not ready to give our first priority to God that is where we stumble. We should be prepared to meet the Lord our God in His glorious second coming. Let this parable, be a reminder to us that if we are slow in responding we might be left behind. The Lord is preparing a banquet for that great and glorious day. Now dear friend I hope when the Lord and Master calls you, be certain not to say: “hold me excused, I cannot come.”

Mathew 22:14 says “For many are invited but few are chosen.”  When the King came to see the guests he noticed a man without wedding clothes, and asked “Friend, how did you get in here without your wedding clothes?” as he stood speechless, he was finally thrown into the darkness at the kings order. For it is written in Revelation: 19:10 “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” Let us get ready for the wedding. Revelation 10:6 says “There will be no more delay!” 

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