Dear Readers in Christ, "Draw near to GOD, and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8).

Thursday 28 February 2013

Feb 28 - REIGNING PURITY



God’s holiness is connected with God’s reigning or ruling. It is very interesting to note that a number of psalms, where it starts with‘The Lord reigneth’, ends with ‘holiness’. For example, Psalm 93 starts with “The Lord reigneth…” and the last verse ends with “Holiness becometh Thine house.” Similarly, Psalm 97 starts with “The Lord reigneth…” and ends with “His holiness” in verse 12. Again, Psalm 99 begins with “The Lord reigneth…” and ends with “Our God is holy” (verse 9). What we learn from this is that, God wants holiness to rule in our lives so that He may reign or rule over us. The holy God may not be able to rule over those who do not love His holiness.
 
Rulers or leaders should be the ones in whom the Lord reigns in holiness. Leaders in the church who do not love holiness do not have the moral or spiritual right to rule over others. He that hath no rule over his spirit is like a city broken down and without walls. A city whose wall is broken down is always vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy.
 
Dear child of God, are you like a city broken down and without walls? The devil and his agents are playing havoc in your life then. Perhaps the reason for some of your major problems is, you have not let the Lord rule over you or His holiness rule over you.
 
Let the government of your life be “upon His shoulders”; then, of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end. In other words, as God rules in your life with His holiness, He will rule over all the powers of darkness in your life, bringing triumph in all your trials. Let purity crown your spiritual life.
 
 – Taken from Morning Manna – Thoughts for Daily Devotion

Wednesday 27 February 2013

Feb 27 - LIVELY HOPE OR DEAD HOPE?

“Blessed be the God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ which… hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus from the dead” (I Pet 1:3).


Here St. Peter speaks about a lively or living hope. There are two types of hope – living hope and dead hope.

 If you want to become rich, great or famous in this world, yours is a dead hope; all the hopes that you build up to become rich, great or famous will come to an end with your death.

 What is the lively hope then? “If Jesus comes when I am alive, by the grace of God I will be changed or transformed” – this is the lively hope. Even in this matter some people have a dead hope. They think they can never be ready if Jesus comes in their lifetime. Their miserable hope is that they must remain in the sickbed and get sanctified and die to be resurrected when Jesus comes. This certainly is a dead hope.

Look at what St. Paul says: “We which are alive and remain unto the Coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep” (I Thess 4:15); In other words, we who remain on the earth and are lively i.e. those of us who live with athe hope of translation or transformation will meet the Lord in the air.

Dear child of God, what type of hope do you have? Is it a lively hope or a dead hope?

“The grace of God that bringeth salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lust, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world looking for that blessed hope” (Tit 2:11-13). When the grace of God fills our life, we will have a lively hope. Only those who have a lively hope can be lively Christians.
 
– Taken from Morning Manna – Thoughts for Daily Devotion

Saturday 23 February 2013

Feb 23 - PRIDE CAN RUIN YOU


Josiah was a God-fearing king. In the eighth year of his reign, when he was still young, he began to seek the God of David his father, and in the twelfth year, he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places and the groves and the carved images and the molten images (2 Chron 34:3). He did many more things to please God – he removed all the heathen altars and images and broke them down, he repaired the temple, encouraged the servants of God, etc. And the Passover feast that he celebrated was unparalleled (2 Chron 35:18). There are many other good things to say about Josiah. In fact, long before Josiah was born, a prophet of God prophesied about the great things this king was to do for the glory of God.

However, such a saintly king became proud! When the king of Egypt, Necho, went to fight against Carchemish, Josiah also went to fight against Necho. Necho sent word to say, God commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from meddling with God Who is with me, that He destroy thee not (Vs 21). When we fight and quarrel, what we are really doing is, fighting with God. The Egyptian king made it clear that he was going to battle as guided by God, but nothing seemed to restrain Josiah’s proud and haughty spirit. He imagined he was going to show Necho how great he was. “And the archers shot at king Josiah… his servants therefore… brought him to Jerusalem and he died” (Vs 22, 23).

Let us turn to our God with all our hearts and examine ourselves and see whether this foul spirit called pride is hidden in our life. It is rather frightening, and yet true, that although we may have many superb qualities, if we let pride get into our life, we can end our life in disgrace – as if we had no divine virtues in our life.
 
– Taken from Morning Manna – Thoughts for Daily Devotion

Friday 22 February 2013

Feb 22 - BLESSING IN EMPTYING OURSELVES



There were saints in the Old Testament period also who emptied themselves of all their cherished belongings and persons whom they loved dearly.

Abraham was called upon to consecrate his home, country etc., and sometime later, to consecrate his beloved son Isaac also. He obeyed God and became a blessing to many. Joseph had to give up his beloved father, his home, and his country; all these things were taken away suddenly and finally, he lost even his good name. As the Lord wants to give all of Himself to us forever, He may test us by taking away the things or people we cherish, at least for some time. When He does, will it affect our close walk with God? Will it drive us to despair?

Our emptying or consecrating ourselves will benefit us and in turn, we will also become a blessing to many. “Though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich” (II Cor 8:9). When we become poor by consecration, we make others rich, that is, rich in faith, grace and in many other blessings. It is no wonder then that Jesus said that if any man wanted to serve Him, he should hate and forsake his all (Luke 14:26,27,33).

In these last days, the Lord is calling many to leave their all and follow Him – so that He may use them to richly bless others. Child of God, can you hear the voice of the Lord? Will you say, “Here am I, Lord! Use me.”

– Taken from Morning Manna – Thoughts for Daily Devotion

Thursday 21 February 2013

An Evening Digest

Things are not always what they seem - Author Unknown

Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead they were given a small space in the cold basement. As they made a bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, "Things are not always what they seem."

The next night the angels came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest. When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field. The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel, "How could you have let this happen? The first family had everything, yet you helped them. The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die. Why?"

"Things are not always what they seem." the older angel replied. "When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the family was so greedy and unwilling to share in their good fortune, I sealed the wall so they wouldn't find it. Then last night when we slept in the farmer's bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead."

Things are not always what they seem. If you have faith and a good heart, you just need to trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You might not know it until some time later.

-- Story Taken from http://www.christianstories.co

Feb 21 - WHAT IS TRUE BLESSEDNESS?

“Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in His ways” (Psa 128:1).

Moffat’s Bible renders ‘walketh in His ways’ as ‘liveth His life’. Those  who live the life of God or, those who live near to God are the truly blessed people. True blessedness is nearness to God.

In the sight of God, a blessed man is not one who is rich, famous, educated, talented, healthy etc., but one who lives close to God though perhaps not having riches and other material possessions.

A blessed marriage does not mean that the couple is well placed in society having a big mansion, wealth, health etc., but that the couple lives close to God in spite of all the problems they face in life.

A blessed life (long or short) is one that is lived close to God. Your life’s problems can either bring you close to God or take you far away from God – it all depends on your attitude towards the problems.

Two thieves were crucified with Christ. Both were thieves, both were punished the same day. Both saw Jesus in the same way – hanging with them on the cross and both heard the words of Jesus. However, the penitent thief went to paradise to be close to Jesus for ever and the other went to tormenting hell to be far away from Jesus for ever.

Dear reader, today and every day will be a blessed day for you, provided whatever happens that day brings you close to God. In the same way, every problem in your life will be a blessing to you, provided you take those problems as a means to bring you close to God.

“He exalteth the horn of His people, even of the children of Israel, a people near unto Him” (Psa 148: 14).
 
– Taken from Morning Manna – Thoughts for Daily Devotion

Wednesday 20 February 2013

An Evening Digest - Songs In The Night

"Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night?" - Job (Job 35:10, NIV)

Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the world's greatest musicians, was born into a musical family in Germany. As a child he spent many lonely hours practicing his music every day.

By the age of eleven he was already composing his own music and conducting an orchestra. In his late teens he went to Vienna for further study. There he reached fame though not fortune.

One evening as he was out walking he passed a cobbler's house where he heard someone inside practicing one of his compositions. As he stopped to listen he overheard a girl say that she wished she could hear a real musician play it properly.

Beethoven went into the house and, noticing the young lady at the piano was blind, offered to play the piece for her. He did so for her for more than an hour and while he did, darkness fell and the lone candle in the room had gone out.

Outside in the night sky the moon shone brightly and sent its radiant beams glistening into the room where Beethoven sat playing beautiful music. He was so inspired by the appreciation of his music by the young lady and the beauty of the atmosphere in the room that he composed his famous "Moonlight Sonata."

Do you ever feel that your dreams have been shattered and you feel all alone in the darkness of despair? I certainly have. However, when our life is committed to Christ, it's in these "dark nights of the soul" when God is working in us to give us more understanding of life and compassion for others and in time will bring back the music into our life.

-- Story Taken from http://www.christianstories.co

Feb 20 - THE TRIAL OF OUR FAITH

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (I Pet 1:7).

The trial of faith will bring praise, honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. James says that when we face a trial of faith we must “count it all joy.” “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” (Jms 1:2,3). When our faith is being put to test, as we stand for the truth, persecutions, humiliations etc. may come, but the Lord wants us to rejoice while going through the trial as it finally brings praise, honour and glory when He comes.


      

      “O for a faith that will not shrink

       Though pressed by every foe,

       That will not tremble on the brink

        Of any earthly woe.”

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace. It was a trial of faith and at the end, as they came out in flying colours, God’s name was indeed praised, honoured and glorified by the very king who tried to destroy them. So It was in Daniel’s case too – when he was thrown in the den of lions. Its upto us. If we want our faith to be found unto praise, honour and glory we must endure, we must set our face like a flint. Remember, your faith is more precious than gold, and so are you! 

       “In each trial God would prove you

        He would bring you forth more bright,

        But He’ll never cease to love you –

        You are precious in His sight.”
 
– Taken from Morning Manna – Thoughts for Daily Devotion

Tuesday 19 February 2013

A Interesting Fact..!!! - OH Yeah! HE IS Tall, Dark & Handsome!


It is a 'DREAM COME TRUE' for most girls to meet a cute, handsome and of course, a romantic guy as her future-husband!

Girls..please get a grip! That's  not everything! :)

In general, is this all what a woman should look for in a Man? 

Every female out there should and must know it is very, very important to find that Godly Husband!

So where do you start? How do you find this 'Mysterious Godly Husband'? How would you know 'HE' is THE Mr. Right for you? Find out by reading about the Mysterious Godly Husband portrayed below. Enjoy & make wise decisions before you get married!

Solving the Qualities of THE Mystery Godly


 H-U-S-B-A-N-D

(Book - Becoming A Godly Husband -The Hardest Thing A Man Will Ever Do Is Really Love His Wife by Dr. Stieglitz)

H - Honor, which a woman must receive to stay emotionally connected in marriage. 
U - Understanding, which is essential if a man is to understand the unique temperament, gifts and abilities of his wife.

S -  Security, which is the key to a woman’s spiritual connection to her husband. You should be her best friend for life.

B -  Building Unity, which is the constant job of the man so that the pressures of life do not destroy the marriage.

A - Agreement, which is a system a man must establish and manage so that both husband and wife can enthusiastically support the decisions that are made. Agreeing with God First makes everything smooth. Let go and Let God do the agreement.

N - Nurture, which means that a man must provide all that his wife needs to blossom as a person, mother, worker, friend, and wife. This needs God kind of Help. Husbands needs to work and Trust God for every need and provisions in both good times and bad.

D - Defender, which is what the man must clearly become or his marriage, family, and life will be left unprotected and often destroyed.

HONORS
UNDERSTANDING
SECURES
BUILDS
AGREES
NURTURES
DEFENDS

And Most Importantly HE must LOVE and CARE for his wife and family. Above all He must love  and obey GOD. Now that makes Him the Man of the Household! 



Choosing a Husband
(message from : Garden of Praise)

Our choice of a mate is an extremely important decision. Once a woman chooses a man to become her husband, he is her companion, the father of their children and the ruler of their home! 

Before a woman gets caught up in the planning of a wedding, she needs to give much thought into this serious matter of selecting a mate. It is vitally important that she select a godly man who will understand what it means to be her head. He knows the teachings of  Jesus and he is a committed Christian meaning a God-fearing man.

It is written of Christ,"He is head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything." Colossians 1:18

As God taught the Jews, He gave them commandments to be obeyed. One commandment was their not marrying outside of His people.

"Nor shall you make marriages with them. You shall not give your daughter to their son, nor take their daughter for your son. For they will turn your sons away from following Me, to serve other gods; so the anger of the Lord will be aroused against you and destroy you suddenly." Deuteronomy 7:3-4

God does not want us to marry those who might lead us away from Him. We are warned about marrying mates who are not believers of the Lord and how that can lead us into apostasy. The word apostasy means a rejection of your beliefs (often in favor of opposing beliefs). Another meaning of apostasy is a total desertion or departure from a cause.

The Old Testament is there for our learning. Over and over we read of people marrying outside their lands into foreign lands. In these foreign lands, the people did not follow the Lord's commands. Anyone who married a person from another land was highly risking falling into apostasy.

"Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?" - II Corinthians 6:14

When I think of a yoke, I have a mental picture of two oxen plowing with a yoke joining them together in that effort. The Jews did not plow a field with an ox and an ass yoked together. The animals had to be of the same breed. God commanded it that way.

"You shall keep my statutes. You shall not let your livestock breed with another kind. You shall not sow your field with mixed seed. Nor shall a garment of mixed linen and wool come upon you. " - Leviticus 19:19

"So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate." - Matthew 19:6

The Lord God has continually wanted His people to keep in the forefront of their minds that they are separate from the world.

"Therefore,come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean and I will receive you." - II Corinthians 6:17

We need to stop and put much thought into any marriage proposal. The man you marry will need to have values close to yours, and he will need to be kind and gentle. We should both want a Christian household.

Is the man you are considering to be your prospective husband a faithful Christian? Ask yourself, "Will he help me get to heaven, or will he turn me away from the Lord's teachings?" We want to make certain he understands we are to be faithful to each other as Christ was to His church. Am I determined to be faithfully devoted to him and him alone?

If the woman wants children, they both need to discuss this before she buys the invitations. In all decisions the woman and the man need to agree.

"And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." - Revelation 21:2

Before the woman chooses her wedding gown, the man and woman both need to sit down and seriously talk about how they would raise their children. The woman needs to ask herself, "Will he provide and care deeply for me and the children and put us second only to God and Jesus Christ? Has he broken the apron strings or will he compare me always to his mother?"

"Haven't you read, he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." Matthew 19:4-6

When we think of what that term "homemaker" really means, it is an honor to be able to stay home and make the home a Godly home. Even if you are only able to stay home for a couple of years with your children, you can give them a firm foundation.

Years ago I heard a story of a young recently married couple. This couple had a car accident. The man's injuries were not serious, but his wife's injuries were very serious, because of the side of the car she was in when the accident occurred. Her face was massively disfigured and she would need a lot of extended surgery to correct her facial injuries. Her surgeries were spread out over a few years. As she was in such pain, her husband rarely left her side. He truly loved and cared for her until her physical beauty was restored. Then he continued to love and care for her, they grew old together. He showed her unconditional love. I was told the story was true.

Now Girl ask yourself these questions: Will he love me as I get older? Does he want to grow old along side of me? Does he want to be married to me until death parts us? Will I be able to balance being a wife, possibly a mother and then needing to work? And will I find happiness being a wife, mother and a homemaker?

Jesus Christ has unconditional love for us. He died for us and rose again and ascended to heaven to be with God, His Father. We need to have unconditional love for our spouses and our children.

"Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband." Ephesians 5:33

Seven Virtues of A Godly Husband
(Message by: Brothers of Christ webpage-for Godly husband)
1. Selflessness  Men, in general, tend to be selfish and it is one of the reasons that marriages are failing in greater numbers. A godly husband is selfless, like Jesus. He never focused attention onto himself, but rather always on the Father and then His bride (the church). A godly husband will follow that example by focusing his attention on God first and then his wife.


Jesus taught husbands how to be servant leaders and that is what every marriage needs. Let us learn from Jesus, as He would first go to the Father for instructions and then focus on the needs of the people. As I started going to God every morning for instructions, He would help me to see how I could serve my wife every day, by showing me what I could do that day to make my wife’s life more enjoyable. My reward has been a wife who wants to serve me and an incredible, loving, passionate marriage.

2: Humility As a whole, men tend to be prideful. We are taught from an early age to be strong and self-reliant. Yet, God isn’t looking for self-made men, He’s looking for men who will humble themselves to His will, just like Jesus did. Jesus humbled himself and set aside His God-nature in order to be a man. In order to become a godly husband, I had to put my pride and ego aside, and submit myself first to God and then to my wife. Instead of lifting myself up as the priest of the household, I began to honor my wife and exalt her as a beautiful and wonderful God-given helper. Godly men are humble servants to God and their wives.

3. Loving  In my counseling, I often hear men say that they have fallen out of love with their wives. This is because they are trying to love their wives in a worldly love. The Apostle Paul taught about a different kind of love in Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” This is a spiritual love that is unconditional and sacrificial and only available from God.

In my quest to become a godly husband, God taught me that in order to love my wife the way Jesus loved the church, I must first come to Him and be filled with His love. Then I could go to my wife and let His love flow through me. We love each other more today than the day we married.

4: Kindness  Wife abuse has become a huge problem in the world, even in Christian marriages. I have never hit my wife, but like many husbands I was an emotional abuser. I didn't use my fists, but I did use my tongue. Proverbs 18:21 -“The tongue has the power of life and death.” Husbands can speak life or death to their wives with the words they use. As I learned to be a godly husband, the Lord taught me to engage my spirit before letting my tongue loose.

Kindness is a real key to becoming a godly husband. Each day you should strive to be kind to your wife. Compliment her looks, surprise her with flowers, a gift, or fix her dinner. Give her short love notes and special cards that tell her how special she is to you.

Take her on creative dates and every once in awhile do the chores she usually does in your house. A godly husband realizes how kind God has been to him and funnels that kindness to his wife.

5. Gentleness  The world’s image of a man is rough and tough – the Marlboro Man, but a wife would rather have a gentle husband. Jesus modeled the perfect man by being both strong and gentle. As husbands we are called to be the same.

Many men struggle with control and anger problems. I was one of those who needed to be in control and when I wasn’t I would explode like a volcano, permanently damaging anyone who was around me. My wife forgave the words and actions, but it took a long time for her to forget. In order to become a godly husband, the Lord had to teach me first that He is the only one truly in control and then how to let my emotions out in other ways – through conversation, prayer, and even tears. Yes, real men do cry! Over time, God removed the anger and filled me with His peace that resulted in a more gentle nature.

6. Honesty  Our world is full of dishonesty and so are many marriages. Trust is a huge area for women and most husbands have done things that have strained that trust. Some women, like my wife, come into marriage with trust issues from previous relationships. Unfortunately, I did things that broke that trust and it took many years to regain it.

A godly husband will always tell the truth. Little white lies will damage a marriage, as will leaving out key details that you feel she doesn't need to know. Anything that even looks remotely dishonest to your wife, will damage your marriage.

Godly husbands will be honest and up-front with their wives in all areas. They realize that God made her as a helper and in order for a wife to do that, there can be nothing hidden.

7. Faithfulness 
Infidelity, even in Christian marriages, is on the rise. Unfaithfulness falls into two categories – physical and emotional. Most often, men think of physical unfaithfulness as a sexual affair. However, this area also encompasses relationships with other women where you are sharing intimate information that should only be shared with your wife. This area would also include visiting strip clubs. A godly husband never shares his body, or mind with a woman other than his wife.

The second is emotional unfaithfulness. Many husbands get to a point in marriage where they don’t feel sexually fulfilled and rather than discuss it with their wives, they turn to pornography. Because there is no physical contact, it seems ok. However, Jesus said that if we look at women with lust, we have committed adultery. pornography is rampant, even in Christian marriages and it is tearing them apart.



SIXTEEN
- HUSBAND MUST DO'S -
 with Your Wife
1. Love Her unconditionally!
2. must have only ONE wife!
3. Should have Good and Pleasant Authority over Her!
4. Respect Her!
5. Tell her she is Beautiful!
6. Speak Kindly
7. Be faithful to Her!
8. Humor Her!
9. Regard Her as Herself!
10. Comfort Her!
11. Dwell with Her for Life!
12. Consult with Her!
13. NO secret's between the two of you!
14. Not leave Her doubting!
15. Meaningful Communication!
16. Trusting God with ALL your Heart, Soul and Mind!


NOW does't this Kinda Guy sounds like a real cutie for a future Husband? ;)

so Girlfriend!! -- Love is not JUST in His looks, height, weight and color. What matters most is His Heart, i.e, if His heart is right with God. Only Godly characters is what makes Him a Cute, Handsome and of course a Romantic Husband.

Meanwhile, Woman you must start Praying Sincerely & Honestly for God's right time - If you want a Godly Husband in your Life then Your heart should be so lost in God that a man will start to seek God in order to find you. Keep Praying and Your Prince Charming will arrive in God's Perfect Time. 


Mystery Godly Husband Solved :)

..Enjoy a Blessed Married Life..

Monday 18 February 2013

Feb 18 - WHEREFORE BELOVED, BE DILIGENT

“My beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (I Cor 15:58)

The Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it’ (Gen 2:15). The woman should have been ‘a help-mate’ for Adam in this work. As she neglected her responsibility towards Adam, the devil lost no time in making use of her negligence to duty to make her busy in his own pernicious plans. True, the mind (and also the body) is the devil’s workshop. If we are not busy in God’s business, we will be busy in the devil’s business. “At the time when kings go forth to battle,…David tarried still at Jerusalem” (II Sam 11:1). This utter negligence to his duty soon made David an adulterer and murderer, the stain of which sin clings to him eternally (Read II Samuel 11th chapter).

Let us labour with Jesus in His garden, the Church. The devil will come after us only if we are slothful in labouring or suffering in the Church. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Pet 5:8). “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin” (I Pet 4:1).

 – Taken from Morning Manna – Thoughts for Daily Devotion

Sunday 17 February 2013

Feb 17 - Gifted To Serve

There are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. —1 Corinthians 12:6


It occurred to me one day that my right foot does all the pedal work when I’m driving my automatic transmission car. It alone works the accelerator and the brake. The left foot is idle. What happens if I decide that to be equitable, my left foot ought to replace my right foot half the time when I am driving? If you have never done so, please don’t try it!

If we don’t require such equality of the members of our own body, why is it that we sometimes expect it of people in the church? That seems to be an issue that the first-century church at Rome faced. Some were thinking more highly of themselves than they ought (Rom. 12:3) just because they were doing some things others were not doing. But Paul reminds us that “all members do not have the same function” (v.4). We’ve been gifted according to God’s grace (v.6). He gave us those gifts to serve others, not ourselves (vv.6-13). Our service is to be marked by diligence and fervor, for we are serving the Lord, not man (v.11).

So, let’s not look over our shoulders to see what others are doing or not doing. Look at how God may be able to use you in His kingdom today. He has gifted you just as He has pleased (v.3). —C. P. Hia

Lord, lead me today as You see best. Use the gifts You
have given me to encourage others on their journey.
Help me not to compare myself with others
but to be content with who You have made me to be.

We can’t all play the same part in God’s band of service, but we should all play in harmony.

-- Thoughts taken from Our Daily Bread (RBC Ministries)

Saturday 16 February 2013

Feb 16 - YOU ARE CALLED FOR HEAVEN

“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began” (Tit 1:2).


For whom is the promise of eternal life? It has been promised to every human being before the world began; no one is predestinated for hell fire. If God had per-destinated only some people for heaven, He could have sent His only begotten Son to die for only those people. But it says, “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Please note the words “whosoever believeth”. The Lord wants all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth (I Tim 2:4).

“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11: 28). Jesus didn’t say, “Come unto Me, all you who are predestinated for heaven.” Then again we see Him inviting, “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink” (Jn 7:37).“Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out,” He says (Jn 6: 37).

Dear reader, if you ever thought you were destined by God for hell-fire, you are in the trap of the devil. Jesus died for the salvation of everyone. You are called for heaven. Therefore believe the Word, accept the truth and dedicate yourself to live for Jesus. Hurry, for you  may be delaying the Coming of the Lord. For, “the Lord is not slack concerning His promise… but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (II Pet 3:9)
 
– Taken from Morning Manna – Thoughts for Daily Devotion

Friday 15 February 2013

Feb 15 - A RAINBOW FOR YOU

“I do set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between Me and the earth. …and I will remember My covenant” (Gen 9:13,15).


       God knew that the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth. But God was pleased with the sweet-smelling savour of Noah’s offering and He made a covenant with man not to curse the earth any more, and gave him a sign of His covenant, that is, the rainbow. When dark clouds of trials and temptations rise in our lives, we can look to the cross where the Lord has made a covenant of safety with us. If you look at your trial you’ll be discouraged; if you look at the cross you can press on cheerily no matter how threatening the trial.

          A covenant is always two-sided i.e., two parties are equally responsible in adhering to the conditions. God remembers His covenant when the clouds arise in the horizon. We are also expected to remember our covenants with God when clouds arise, i.e. when troubles arise in our lives. Many remember their covenant with the Lord only when everything is going on well in their lives. When unexpected baffling difficulties confront them, they lose the vision of the cross they forget their covenant with God; they forget God’s covenant with them.

         When John the Baptist was eating the sweet wild honey and the de1icious locusts he was very boldly declaring, “Behold, the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” But when he was imprisoned and fed with the bread of sorrows and water of afflictions, he doubted the very lordship of Jesus. If Jesus was the Messiah or the King of the Jews, why did he, John, have to suffer in prison, he being the forerunner of Christ? There are many John the Baptists even today. When everything is alright we can see them in the meetings, boldly testifying about Christ. But when they are imprisoned with weaknesses and privations, they doubt the all-sufficient, all-surpassing grace flowing from Calvary.

         Child of God, what are you looking at – the dark clouds or the rainbow?
 
– Taken from Morning Manna – Thoughts for Daily Devotion

Thursday 14 February 2013

Feb 14 - DEEP SLEEP

“The Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made He a woman, and brought her unto the man” (Gen 2: 21,22). 

Like a mother, God gave Adam a deep sleep when he had completed the great work of naming every living creature. Our God is able to help us rest in Him once we complete the great work He has begun in our life. God CAUSED A DEEP SLEEP. Oh, what a sound sleep it must have been! “He giveth His beloved sleep.” Indeed He is still ‘Elshaddai’, the mother-like God!

The first sleep was given to saintly Adam. He gives His saints a deep sleep after their life on earth is over – till the day of resurrection. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours”(Rev 14:13). In both cases, it is rest from labour.

He ‘took one of his ribs’ and ‘made He a woman’. The removing of this rib in the process of making a bride was not at all painful to Adam; it could have been agonizing and disturbing had he not been resting in deep sleep. Making a Bride for Christ is the work of God and He will do it faithfully and in the best way if we have learned to rest in God.

“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matt 11:28).

Let us learn to rest in God. Even today, as we labour for God, our God is more concerned than we are about our rest.

 – Taken from Morning Manna – Thoughts for Daily Devotion

Wednesday 13 February 2013

Feb 13 - THE WORST PERSON ON EARTH



The worst person on earth is not a murderer or adulterer, but one who had a good chance to serve God, and didn’t. Judas Iscariot was one such person. The Lord said of him, “It would have been better if he hadn’t been born!” Is the Lord saying of you, “I called him to serve Me. I gave him a great and high calling, but he messed up his life. He doesn’t want to serve Me”? Today you can repent and return to the Lord.

Do you know what the worst type of fear is? The fear to do the will of God. In Revelation 21:8 we read of a group of people going to the Lake of Fire. The first among them are the fearful. The fear they had is the fear to do the will of God. Some are afraid to give their heart to Jesus. Some know about water baptism but are afraid to obey. Some have a clear calling to serve God but they hesitate in fear. “Will I be able to continue till the end?” they query, “Will I be able to continue till the end?” they query, “I know it is the will of God for me. But I am afraid of the sufferings involved.

Dear child of God, let’s suppose your father owns the biggest company in the world. If he calls you to come and work in it, will you hesitate to resign your old job and join the company? Will you say, “I must consult my friends”? Will you be afraid your father may suddenly fire you. Child of God, you cannot find a better employer than Jesus. He is gracious and good and full of kindness and compassion.

So, if God has given you a calling, to serve Him don’t let it slip. If the Lord is saying to you “Launch out into the deep” or “Come ye apart into the desert place,” do not hesitate. He’ll give you the grace to live that higher life. Your Heavenly Father is holding you in the hollow of His hands. His Hands are so wide that all the water in the ocean can be held in them. How can you fall then? Even if you were to fall, it is into His Hands that you will fall. If you are exhausted and faint, you will only fall in the Hands of the Lord. The only way you can really fall is by running away from God. So rebuke that spirit of fear and come into the center of God’s will.
 
 – Taken from Morning Manna – Thoughts for Daily Devotion

Tuesday 12 February 2013

Feb 12 - CLEANSING POWER OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS

The blood of Jesus is incorruptible. It is the blood of God, the eternal God. See Acts 20:28. True, our God is a Spirit and in a spirit there is no flesh and blood; but thank God, God became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn 1:14).


In the Old Testament time sins were only covered(Psa 32:1). From Hebrews Chapter 9 we understand that the corruptible blood of bulls and of goats could not purge the conscience. The conscience can be washed only by the precious blood of Jesus. As Jesus offered His precious blood through the Holy Spirit or through the eternal Spirit, God the Father accepted that blood, and hence there is wonderful power in the blood of Jesus. “For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, Who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Heb 9:13,14).

The blood of Jesus, which is the blood of the eternal God, was offered through the eternal Spirit. So the blood of Christ has eternal efficacy, and it has eternal blessings. Its power is eternal. ‘Eternal’ means having no beginning or end. There is no change in its power, in its character or in its efficacy; there is no decay or corruption – it never grows old; it’s always new.

Dear reader, the incorruptible blood of Jesus is able to cleanse your conscience eternally. “The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin” (I Jn 1:7).
 
– Taken from Morning Manna – Thoughts for Daily Devotion

Monday 11 February 2013

Feb 11 - MAKE ME TO GO

       

       At the last supper, when Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray Me,” Peter was eager to know who was going to betray Jesus (Jn 13:21- 24). Guess what Peter would have done if Jesus had mentioned the name of the betrayer. In all probability, he would have taken up his sword against Judas. How many times the Lord knowing our weaknesses, delivered us from tempting situations! The Lord never fails us or forsakes us in our utterly foolish and impetuous ways, but protects and preserves us. How much we ought to thank Him!

      Peter was also a symbol of self-confidence and stubbornness. When Jesus was about to go to Gethsemane, He wanted to warn Peter that Satan was planning to destroy him. He wanted to show him that he was very weak in faith and that he needed a real conversion, “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Lk 22:31,32). But Peter was not prepared to listen to these warnings. He straightaway said, “Lord, I am ready to go with Thee, both into prison, and to death” (vs. 33). Look at vast difference between Peter and the Psalmist. Peter said, “I am ready to go,” when he was least ready. The Psalmist says, “Make me to go” (Psa 119:35).

       Peter mistook his desire to follow Jesus for ability to follow Him. Many of us make the same mistake. We don’t realize we are acting in self-confidence. When anyone feels he is ready (or able) to do anything for the Lord he is, in fact, least ready.

        Dear child of God, you cannot do anything with your own trying or striving. So humbly ask the Lord to teach you, lead you, guide you. Yes, tell Him, “Lord, make me to go in the path of Thy commandments.”
 
– Taken from Morning Manna – Thoughts for Daily Devotion

Sunday 10 February 2013

Feb 10 - LOSS OF ALL THINGS

“Ye… took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance”(Heb 10:34).
            Once a Chinese missionary lost all his life’s precious things while traveling in a train; his long – used Bible, his book of favourite hymns collected over the years, a diary with the addresses of all his friends, and all the notes of his messages. He was depressed. Then the Lord spoke to him. “My son, you lost your Bible but not the Author of the Bible; you lost the song book but not the songs I gave you in your heart. True, you lost your message notes but you didn’t lose your actual message which is Myself (Christ). You lost your diary with the addresses of all your friends but you’ve not lost your friends.” On hearing this, the missionary was greatly encouraged and started rejoicing.

Dear friend, perhaps you have recently lost your money, house, property, job, or something that was precious to you. Remember, you have not lost your God, the Author and Owner of all spiritual and material blessings. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness (II Pet 1:3).

          When Job lost all his material blessings, his physical health and even his children, he clung tenaciously to his God – though even his wife suggested he give up the  Lord. Eventually he came to know his God more intimately. “I have heard thee with the hearing of the ear. Now mine eye seeth Thee,” he says. He was a wonderful witness for the Lord.

          Let not the loss of earthly things upset us or make us doubt the goodness and faithfulness of our God.
 
– Taken from Morning Manna – Thoughts for Daily Devotion

Saturday 9 February 2013

Feb 09 - BE FRUITFUL AND MULTIPLY

“God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters” (Gen 1:22).


This is the first blessing recorded in the Word of God – the blessing to become fruitful and to multiply. We should be fruitful in character and also multiply in number. Both these aspects of our life should be balanced and go hand in hand. The second mention of ‘God blessed them’ (Gen1:28) also indicates the same truth.

It is not of much use saying, “I am a great saint,” if I have no passion for saving perishing souls and multiplying souls for the kingdom of God. And, there isn’t any use in winning souls if we are not fruitful in divine character.

The Lord does not want us to have a barren experience in our spiritual life. He has blessed us with all spiritual blessings, and He tells us, “Be fruitful and multiply!” Let us be filled with the fruit of the Spirit, with love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance, let us help others also to grow in these divine natures.
 
We read that Joseph was a “fruitful bough whose branches run over the wall.” Our branches must run over the wall – to feed the hungry and the hungering around us.

“Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
 
– Taken from Morning Manna – Thoughts for Daily Devotion

Friday 8 February 2013

Feb 08 - ‘FOR A SEASON’

“Perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever” (Philem 15).


        Although the context here is different, it is applicable to the dear ones who have departed from this earthy abode for their heavenly mansions. In a true sense, they “departed for a season” ; we are going to miss them only for a short time. “Death is not a period; it’s only a comma.” Any moment there can be the Rapture or our departure. Then we will join our departed dear ones to part no more. What a comfort this is for us and what a blessed hope we have beyond the grave! Let us “sorrow not even as others which have no hope” (I Thess 4:13).
 
“We shall sleep but not forever,
There will be a lorious dawn;
We shall meet to part – no, never,
On the resurrection morn!”

      Our life on this earth is only ‘for a season’. In fact, every stage of our life, every problem, every trial, every joy – are all only ‘for a season’. Shall we then make the best possible us of every moment we have? Let us live every day of our life to the fullest.
 
– Taken from Morning Manna – Thoughts for Daily Devotion

Thursday 7 February 2013

February 7 - LIFE–CHANGING TRUTH

“Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

“The truth shall make you free.”  ‘Free’ from what? Free from bondages to sin and to Satan, physical, mental and spiritual bondages.

Here is the test of any teaching or doctrine. Whatever the truth you may believe in or teach, if it does not change your stubborn, proud and arrogant nature, there is something wrong with the teaching or with your understanding of it. “Acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness” (Tit 1:1). The Living Bible puts it as, “to lead them to the truth – the kind of truth that changes life.” Yes, the test of the truth is whether it changes our lives or not.

When Amy Carmichael was a young girl, she was struggling to live a holy life. When she heard the verse “He is able to keep you from falling,” instantly her addled mind cleared; nothing ever mattered to her since then but things were not eternal. She dedicated her whole life to the Lord’s service and served as a missionary in India till her death.

Perhaps you know many doctrines and deeper truths; if they do not have any impact on your character, it’s all vanity of vanities.

       “Freedom from all the carnal affections,
         Freedom from envy, hatred and strife,
         Freedom from vain and worldly ambitions
         Freedom from all that saddened my life.”
 
– Taken from Morning Manna – Thoughts for Daily Devotion

Wednesday 6 February 2013

An Evening Digest - God's Plan For Your Job


An Evening Digest - God's Plan For Your Job_by Mugendi Elizaphan

        Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 10 and verse 10 that a worker is worthy his dues. Your labor should never be for nothing. God wants you to enjoy the fruit of your labor. When He blesses you with a job, he expects you to enjoy maximum benefits from it. It should be a source of livelihood and fulfillment and never a burden and frustrations.

       The story of Jacob and his uncle Laban in Genesis chapters 29 to 31 should inspire you to pursue the fulfillment of God's plan in your job. You should always get a salary commensurate with your work. Never allow oppression because it is not the will of God for you. When you negotiate with your employer, it should always be clear what your responsibilities are and the amount of pay.

       While at your job, God expects you to perform excellently, keeping time and set deadlines. You should be reliable and predictable. This is one of the ways to accumulate confidence to demand what is rightfully yours. God desires that you be counted as one of the faithful employees at your place of work. Both your employer and colleagues should testify of your honesty and diligence at work.

      Your employer and colleagues on the other hand should accord you sufficient respect and support so as to perform well. God's will is that you get paid your salary and other benefits in full and on time. His plan is that you progress in your job to get promotions and salary increment accordingly. Your working environment should be friendly, peaceful and ideal for the nature for your duties and responsibilities.

Feb 06 - SOWN LIGHT

“Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart” (Psa 97:11)


       Light is “sown” for the righteous. What is the difference between ‘sown light’ and ‘shining light’? A thing that is sown, like a seed, is buried for the moment and appears dead also. In other words, you may not see any light at the moment. Similarly, gladness is also sown and not seen.

         Child of God, perhaps, God is permitting you to go through a dark path in which, instead of light you find darkness and instead of gladness you find sorrow and suffering. Be of good cheer. “Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of His servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God”(Isa 50:10). Yes, you are obeying God the servants of God above you, and you may be thinking, why I am going through darkness? Why have I no light? Dear child of God, light is sown for you and you just have to wait. Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning. “The people which sat in darkness saw a great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up” (Matt 4:16).

       When morning breaks and shadows flee away, the light that is sown is going to spring up. It’s only for a short time that you walk through this valley of darkness.

– Taken from Morning Manna – Thoughts for Daily Devotion

God loves us.  May be pain in the night, but joy comes in the morning. Bcoz We know that he still loves us. And his lover never fails.- Don Moen

Tuesday 5 February 2013

An Evening Digest - Titanic’s Last Hero

 
John Harper was born to a pair of solid Christian parents on May 29th, 1872. It was on the last Sunday of March 1886, when he was thirteen years old that he received Jesus as the Lord of his life. He never knew what it was to “sow his wild oats.” He began to preach about four years later at the ripe old age of 17 years by going down to the streets of his village and pouring out his soul in earnest entreaty for men to be reconciled to God.

As John Harper’s life unfolded, one thing was apparent…he was consumed by the word of God. When asked by various ministers what his doctrine consisted of, he was known to reply “The Word of God!” After five or six years of toiling on street corners preaching the gospel and working in the mill during the day, Harper was taken in by Rev. E. A. Carter of Baptist Pioneer Mission in London, England. This set Harper free to devote his whole time of energy to the work so dear to his heart. Soon, John Harper started his own church in September of 1896. (Now known as the Harper Memorial Church). This church which John Harper had started with just 25 members, had grown to over 500 members when he left 13 years later. During this time he had gotten married, but was shortly there after widowed. However brief the marriage, God did bless John Harper with a beautiful little girl named Nana.

Ironically, John Harper almost drowned several times during his life. When he was two and a half years of age, he almost drowned when he fell into a well but was resuscitated by his mother. At the age of twenty-six, he was swept out to sea by a reverse current and barely survived, and at thirty-two he faced death on a leaking ship in the Mediterranean. Perhaps, God used these experiences to prepare this servant for what he faced next…….

It was the night of April 14, 1912. The RMS Titanic sailed swiftly on the bitterly cold ocean waters heading unknowingly into the pages of history. On board this luxurious ocean liner were many rich and famous people. At the time of the ship’s launch, it was the world’s largest man-made moveable object. At 11:40 p.m. on that fateful night, an iceberg scraped the ship’s starboard side, showering the decks with ice and ripping open six watertight compartments. The sea poured in.

On board the ship that night was John Harper and his much-beloved six-year-old daughter Nana. According to documented reports, as soon as it was apparent that the ship was going to sink, John Harper immediately took his daughter to a lifeboat. It is reasonable to assume that this widowed preacher could have easily gotten on board this boat to safety; however, it never seems to have crossed his mind. He bent down and kissed his precious little girl; looking into her eyes he told her that she would see him again someday. The flares going off in the dark sky above reflected the tears on his face as he turned and headed towards the crowd of desperate humanity on the sinking ocean liner. As the rear of the huge ship began to lurch upwards, it was reported that Harper was seen making his way up the deck yelling “Women, children and unsaved into the lifeboats!” It was only minutes later that the Titanic began to rumble deep within. Most people thought it was an explosion; actually the gargantuan ship was literally breaking in half. At this point, many people jumped off the decks and into the icy, dark waters below. John Harper was one of these people.

That night 1528 people went into the frigid waters. John Harper was seen swimming frantically to people in the water leading them to Jesus before the hypothermia became fatal. Mr. Harper swam up to one young man who had climbed up on a piece of debris. Rev. Harper asked him between breaths, “Are you saved?” The young man replied that he was not.

Harper then tried to lead him to Christ only to have the young man who was near shock, reply no. John Harper then took off his life jacket and threw it to the man and said “Here then, you need this more than I do…” and swam away to other people. A few minutes later Harper swam back to the young man and succeeded in leading him to salvation. Of the 1528 people that went into the water that night, six were rescued by the lifeboats. One of them was this young man on the debris. Four years later, at a survivors meeting, this young man stood up and in tears recounted how John Harper had led him to Christ. Mr. Harper had tried to swim back to help other people, yet because of the intense cold, had grown too weak to swim. His last words before going under in the frigid waters were “Believe on the Name of the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.”
 
Does Hollywood remember this man? No. Oh well, no matter. This servant of God did what he had to do. While other people were trying to buy their way onto the lifeboats and selfishly trying to save their own lives, John Harper gave up his life so that others could be saved.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for the people to save…” John Harper was truly the hero of the Titanic!

-- “The Titanic’s Last Hero” by Moody Press 1997


Feb 05 - BY FAITH ‘WENT’

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went” (Heb 11:8).

        By faith Abel WENT DOWN to the grave as a martyr. By faith Enoch WENT UP to heaven without seeing death. By faith Noah WENT INTO the ark. But by faith Abraham WENT OUT not knowing whither he went.

       “By faith … obeyed.” Faith is a great incentive to obedience. Disobedience is a clear sign of doubt and unbelief. Please note, it is very hard to obey, particularly in old age, when one’s ideas and thoughts are fixed based on past experiences. Abraham was the first missionary to go out with the gospel and die in the country to which God sent him – unlike many modern missionaries who go to their native country to retire and die.

       “By faith Abraham… was called to go out.” Though he didn’t know where he was going he knew with Whom he was going. By faith Abraham was separated from his country, people, home etc. for the sake of the truth. We too need a separation for the sake of the truth. People who are called to be the children of God sometimes mix up with the world, and are conformed to the world – all because they do not have a true faith.
 
 – Taken from Morning Manna – Thoughts for Daily Devotion

Monday 4 February 2013

An Evening Digest - God will send His angel before you

Unknown Author

      On July 22nd I was in route to Washington, DC, for a business trip. It was all so very ordinary, until we landed in Denver for a plane change. As I collected my belongings from the overhead locker, an announcement was made for Mr.Lloyd Glenn to see the United Customer Service Representative immediately.

       I thought nothing of it until I reached the door to leave the plane and I heard a gentleman asking every male if he were Mr. Glenn. At this point I knew something was wrong and my heart sunk. When I got off the plane, a solemn-faced young man came toward me and said, "Mr.Glenn, there is an emergency at your home I do not know what the emergency is, or who is involved, but I will take you to the phone so you can call the hospital."

        My heart was now pounding, but the will to be calm took over. Woodenly, I followed this stranger to the distant telephone where I called the number he gave me for the Mission Hospital. My call was put through to the trauma center where I learned that my three-year-old son had been trapped underneath the automatic garage door for several minutes and that when my wife had found him he was dead. CPR had been performed by a neighbor, who is a doctor, and the paramedics had continued the treatment as Brian was transported to the hospital. By the time of my call, Brian was revived and they believed he would live, but they did not know how much damage had been done to his brain, nor to his heart. They explained that the door had completely closed on his little sternum right over his heart. He had been severely crushed. After speaking with the medical staff, my wife sounded worried but not hysterical, and I took comfort in her calmness.

        The return flight seemed to last forever, but finally I arrived at the hospital six hours after the garage door had come down. When I walked into the intensive care unit, nothing could have prepared me to see my little son laying so still on a great big bed with tubes and monitors everywhere. He was on a respirator. I glanced at my wife who stood and tried to give me a reassuring smile. It all seemed like a terrible dream. I was filled-in with the details and given a guarded prognosis. Brian was going to live, and the preliminary tests indicated that his heart was OK, two miracles in and of themselves. But only time would tell if his brain received any damage.

       Throughout the seemingly endless hours, my wife was calm. She felt that Brian would eventually be all right. I hung on to her words and faith like a lifeline. All that night and the next day Brian remained unconscious. It seemed like forever since I had left for my business trip the day before. Finally at two o'clock that afternoon, our son regained consciousness and sat up uttering the most beautiful words I have ever heard spoken.. He said, "Daddy hold me" and he reached for me with his little arms.

       By the next day he was pronounced as having no neurological or physical deficits, and the story of his miraculous survival spread throughout the hospital. You cannot imagine, when we took Brian home, we felt a unique reverence for the life and love of our Heavenly Father that comes to those who brush death so closely.

       In the days that followed, there was a special spirit about our home. Our two older children were much closer to their little brother. My wife and I were much closer to each other, and all of us were very close as a whole family. Life took on a less stressful pace. Perspective seemed to be more focused and balance much easier to gain and maintain. We felt deeply blessed. Our gratitude was truly profound.

The story is not over (smile)!

      Almost a month later to the day of the accident, Brian awoke from his afternoon nap and said, "Sit down Mommy... I have something to tell you." At this time in his life, Brian usually spoke in small phrases, so to say a large sentence surprised my wife. She sat down with him on his bed, and he began his sacred and remarkable story.

       "Do you remember when I got stuck under the garage door? Well, it was so heavy and it hurt really bad. I called to you but you couldn't hear me. I started to cry, but then it hurt too bad. And then the ' birdies ' came." "The birdies?" my wife asked puzzled. "Yes," he replied. "The birdies made a whooshing sound and flew into the garage. They took care of me."

       "They did?" "Yes," he said. "One of the birdies came and got you. She came to tell you "I got stuck under the door." A sweet reverent feeling filled the room. The spirit was so strong and yet lighter than air. My wife realized that a three-year-old had no concept of death and spirits, so he was referring to the beings who came to him from beyond as "birdies" because they were up in the air like birds that fly. "What did the birdies look like?" she asked. Brian answered, "They were so beautiful. They were dressed in white, all white. Some of them had green and white. But some of them had on just white."

      "Did they say anything?" "Yes," he answered. "They told me the baby would be all right." "The baby?" my wife asked confused. Brian answered. "The baby laying on the garage floor." He went on, "You came out and opened the garage door and ran to the baby. You told the baby to stay and not leave."

      My wife nearly collapsed upon hearing this, for she had indeed gone and knelt beside Brian's body and seeing his crushed chest whispered, "Don't leave us Brian, please stay if you can." As she listened to Brian telling her the words she had spoken, she realized that the spirit had left his body and was looking down from above on this little lifeless form. "Then what happened?" she asked.

       "We went on a trip," he said, "far, far away." He grew agitated trying to say the things he didn't seem to have the words for. My wife tried to calm and comfort him, and let him know it would be okay. He struggled with wanting to tell something that obviously was very important to him, but finding the words was difficult. "We flew so fast up in the air. They're so pretty Mommy," he added. "And there are lots and lots of birdies." My wife was stunned. Into her mind the sweet comforting spirit enveloped her more soundly, but with an urgency she had never before known. Brian went on to tell her that the "birdies" had told him that he had to come back and tell everyone about the "birdies." He said they brought him back to the house and that a big fire truck and an ambulance were there. A man was bringing the baby out on a white bed and he tried to tell the man that the baby would be okay. The story went on for an hour.

      He taught us that "birdies" were always with us, but we don't see them because we look with our eyes and we don't hear them because we listen with our ears. But they are always there, you can only see them in here (he put his hand over his heart). They whisper the things to help us to do what is right because they love us so much. Brian continued, stating, "I have a plan, Mommy. You have a plan.. Daddy has a plan. Everyone has a plan. We must all live our plan and keep our promises. The birdies help us to do that cause they love us so much."

      In the weeks that followed, he often came to us and told all, or part of it, again and again. Always the story remained the same. The details were never changed or out of order. A few times he added further bits of information and clarified the message he had already delivered. It never ceased to amaze us how he could tell such detail and speak beyond his ability when he talked about his birdies.

       Everywhere he went, he told strangers about the "birdies." Surprisingly, no one ever looked at him strangely when he did this. Rather, they always got a softened look on their face and smiled. Needless to say, we have not been the same ever since that day, and I pray we never will be. You have just been sent an Angel to watch over you. Some people come into our lives and quickly go.. Some people become friends and stay a while...leaving beautiful footprints on our hearts .. and we are never quite the same because we have made a good friend!!

      Yesterday is history. Tomorrow a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present! Live and savour every moment...this is not a dress rehearsal! THIS IS A SPECIAL GUARDIAN ANGEL send from above.

      YOU MUST PASS THIS ON TO 5 PEOPLE WITHIN THE HOUR OF RECEIVING HER...IF YOU HAVE PASSED HER ON, SHE'LL WATCH OVER YOU FOREVER...IF NOT, HER TEARS WILL FLOW...

      Now don't delete this message, because it comes from a very special Angel.  I passed this on, not because it says to, but because I hope everyone I send it to, will be as blessed by reading it, as I was.  Life is too short... Cherish Every Moment Friends are Angels without Wings
"See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared." - Exodus 23:20

Psalm 121

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.


God Bless.