That I may not cause pain…

The prayer of Jabez became famous suddenly a few years back and everything from wall hangings to promise cards to read, "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory…." (1 Chronicles 4:10). We do not have much information about Jabez. We know that he belonged to the tribe of Judah. The Bible tells us that he was more honorable than his brothers and that his mother called his name Jabez because she bore him in pain. The Bible also tells us that Jabez called on the God of Israel. Jabez prayed seeking God's blessing, and he listed four ways by which those blessings be bestowed upon him - that God's hand would be with him; that God would enlarge his territory; that God would keep him from evil; and that he may not cause pain (NKJV...

Never give up!

This phrase has been immortalized by Winston Churchill. But there is a lesson for us to learn!

I am always amazed at the persistence of the Syro-Phoenician woman. We read about her in Mark 7:24-30 and Matthew 15:21-28. This gentile woman had a great need. Her daughter was severely demon possessed. She must have known that Jesus had healed Gentiles before (Matthew 4:24-25; 8:5-13). This Gentile woman also understood who Jesus was. Many of Jesus' own countrymen did not know who Jesus was, but this woman of Canaan knew Jesus as ‘Son of David' and addressed Him as ‘Lord.' So, when she heard that Jesus was in the region of Tyre and Sidon, she decided to seek His help.

The meeting itself was very extraordinary. Though the mother interceded for her...

El Roi, The God Who Sees!

Epiphany refers to the revelation of God; of Jesus coming to us so that we can see Him and surrender ourselves to Him! But God sees us at all times for the Bible says in 2 Chronicles 16:9, "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him."

When Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away with just a little bread and a skin of water, she departed and wandered in the Wilderness of Beersheba. There she sat down at a distance from Ishmael not wanting to see the boy die. Sitting alone in that wilderness she lifted her voice and wept. And the Bible says that God saw her (Gen 21:17). Then the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and told her not to fear, for God h...

Give me also Springs of Water!

The story of Achsah, daughter of Caleb, is nestled in the first chapter of the book of Judges. It was the period after the time of Joshua, and all military conquests had not been completed. The Lord commanded the tribe of Judah to start the conquest of the Canaanite tribes. Caleb the son of Jephunneh, of the tribe of Judah, said, "Whoever attacks Kirjath Sepher and takes it, to him I will give my daughter Achsah as wife (Judges 1:12)." Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it and so Caleb gave him his daughter Achsah as his wife. Caleb had given his daughter Achsah land in the South. Achsah wanted to ask her father for a field. So, she came to her father said to him, "Give me a blessing; since you have given me land in...

Walking, Leaping and Praising God!

Victor Manoharan uncle of Youth for Christ Ministries was a frequent speaker at the CSI Redeemers Church in the seventies! One day he shared testimony from his life. While he was on his way to a speaking assignment in an auto rickshaw, due to the rash driving of the auto driver, it seems the auto rickshaw went in for a somersault! After one complete turn, by the immense grace of God, it had landed right side up, and uncle got out unhurt! Immediately, he had burst forth thanking God for His protection. It was at that moment that he had heard the voice of God in his heart saying, "Son, how many times you have had uneventful journeys but you never thanked me for them." How very true! We thank God profusely when we have great escapes but all our safe travels, we tak...

Joy to the World!

There are many questions people ask about the birth of Jesus. Some of them are: Where was Jesus born? When was Jesus born? How was Jesus born? Also, why was Jesus born? Matthew says Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Luke tells us about the miraculous conception. He tells us that Jesus was born during the time of the first census called for by Caesar Augustus while Quirinius was governing Syria. Luke also tells us that He was named Jesus for He will save His people from their sins. However, in my mind, the most crucial question that needs an answer is: who were those for whom Jesus was born?

The birth of Jesus was announced not only to the shepherds who were watching their sheep in the local Judean hills but also to the Magi from the Far East! Jesus' birth was...

The Four Sundays of Advent!

Generally, the four Sundays that precede the Christmas day are called ‘Advent' Sundays. Four different themes are assigned for each of those Sundays by the Church for reflection. The first advent Sunday stands for hope or promise and points to the many prophecies that were fulfilled in the birth of Christ. The second one stands for faithful preparation for the fulfillment of the prophecies of His second coming. The third advent Sunday stands for Joy for Jesus came for the humble, unimportant people like the shepherds, too. The fourth one stands for peace! Jesus came to bring peace between God and man. He came to go to the Cross so that your sins and my sins can be forgiven. The four Sundays are celebrated by lighting advent candles for Jesus came as the ‘Light of...

Watch and Pray…

Just after we got married we were supposed to travel to Vellore for a reception (Maru Veedu). My father had booked our tickets by Brindavan Express which was scheduled to leave Chennai central by 7 AM. All of us were ready much ahead of time but before we could leave, our wedding photographer arrived with the album! We thought we had time and started glancing through it and by the time we reached the station, we were able to see only the back of the Brindavan Express receding at a distance. Distraction spoiled the day!

As we get ready to celebrate Christmas, we have to ready ourselves and await the second coming of the Lord! While His first coming provided for our salvation, His second coming heralds our life with Him for eternity. Jesus taught us the importance o...

Praying for one another

Two weeks back my husband had to be admitted in the hospital for a health issue. What started as a simple thing developed into something very serious and it was a traumatic time for me. Apart from the extended family that stood with us and prayed for us, many friends also supported us in prayer. It was a miracle and answer to prayer that he has been healed. All glory to God!

Praying for others is a Christian responsibility. Our willingness to walk through a difficult time in prayer with someone means more to that person than we will ever know. Sometimes the Lord Himself brings somebody to our mind and puts a burden in our hearts to pray for them. The church in Jerusalem after Pentecost "devoted themselves to … the prayers" (Acts 2:42). James 5:16...

The Real Man

Raymonds advertises about becoming a ‘complete man’ by wearing their suits. The beauty industry promotes products to pamper the ‘real you’ to make you look more beautiful! The fitness industry and the garment industry also thrive on the outward looks of a person. We may do many things on the outside to look beautiful and acceptable in our society, but who are we really on the inside, the real you and me?

All through life we put up many faces. We put up a friendly smile even when we hate the person. Some are very good with colleagues and friends but very unkind to their spouse and children. While the friends and colleagues think that person is an angel, the people at home will think that person is a devil. Who are we really? How can we know the real you and me!