"Don’t Quarrel on the Way"

Genesis 45: 24 

This was the instruction that Joseph gave to his brothers while they were departing from Egypt after realizing that the supreme authority of Egypt was their brother Joseph whom they tired to kill, a long time back( Gen 37:12-36). Whatever happened to Joseph was God’s plan. Joseph knew that a quarrel could have broke out between his brothers on whom to responsible regarding the plot to kill or sell off their brother Joseph. The reality was that, everything in Joseph’s life went according to God’s plan. But an eruption of quarrel amongst his brothers would have worsened the God’s plan of reuniting Joseph’s family in Egypt at the time of famine in all countries. Joseph realized this and that’ why he instructed them to not quarrel on the way.

From the above passage, we must realize that we are also on our way to fulfill God’s will. But many of our sins divert us from God’s plan. Quarrelling is also one amongst sins which spoil our life (Proverbs 17:19). People quarrel to justify themselves, whether right or wrong. But, quarreling never brings justice, rather turns into an unquenchable fire leading to disaster (Proverbs 17:14). Hence, we must avoid quarrels in our family life, in our schools, colleges, neighborhoods or working places because a righteous man never quarrels rather he maintain silence (Must read 2Timothy 2:24, 1Thessalonians 4:11).

-SAJO VARGHESE

WHO DECEIVED THE SERPENT?

Genesis chapter 3(read it)

From our childhood,we see the serpent(snake) as an evil creature. For instance if we see a snake in a nightmare,we say that something terrible is going to happen. It's all because of what happened in Genesis chapter 3. On that day, snake got cursed by God and became the enemy of christians

But we know, snake is just a living creature, a wild animal created by God(Gen 3:1,first line). The snake had no intention to destroy the god's valauable creation i.e human being by deceiving Eve and Adam and turn them away from God.

It was the devil that used the snake to deceive human being. The devil used the snake instead of any other wild animal because the snake was more crafty than any other wild animal(Gen3:1)

The snake's craftiness helped the devil to use it and lead it to be cursed by God(Gen 3:14). Hence, the snake(serpent) got deceived by its own craftiness. Just like that we human beings should take a lesson from snake and realize that its our own craftiness or sinful nature that leads to a depleted bond between ourselves and God. Also our sinful nature or bad habits permits the devil to use us and make us his slaves which inturn leads to our own destruction.

Hence, let's not deceive ourselves!!

(Read Galatians chapter 6:7-8)

-SAJO VARGHESE

The Blood of Jesus

Forwarded by Ajin..One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at her heart.

She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

The young woman had a very rough past,involving alcohol, drugs, and prostitution.

But, the change in her was evident. As time went on she became a faithful member of the church.

She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children.

It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor's son.

The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans.

This is when the problems began.

You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son.  The church began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decided to have a meeting.

As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand.  The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past.

As she began to cry the pastor's son stood to speak. He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife to be. He began to speak and his statement was this:

"My fiance's past is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin or not?"

The whole church began to weep as they realized that they had been slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon against our brothers and sisters.

Forgiveness is a very foundational part of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then it cannot cleanse us completely.
If that is the case, then we are all in a lot of trouble. What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! End of case!!!!

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."  Psalm 55:23

It is a misconception that 'christians are perfect'..being a christian does not prevent you from struggling or feeling down, discouraged or defeated... Life is a journey and at times its hard, frustrating and lonely...so in our daily life we need a tool that would help us to be spiritually encouraged and inspired..and would help us in our daily walk with Christ passing by all the obstacles and shackles of the devil . The tool is " FAITH" in God.

Havent we ever seen a child looking up to his father when he needs help? Its is so simple , so natural , and yet so beautiful picture of this seemingly 'esoteric' substance we call as faith.
Sometimes we concentrate or focous so much on faith itself...that we tend to complicate matters for ourselves and forget that its not the size of our faith ,but Who we trust in that truly matters...
Isnt that why Jesus told us that even the tiniest amount of faith can move mountains( Luke 17:6)? For at the end of the day,its not the size of our faith , but the almighty power of the One we put our trust in that causes miracles and wonders to come to pass in our lives.

What is our problem today??
Is it sickness?Look to Jesus ! For He willingly suffered tortorous strikes after strikes so we can confidentally declare " By His stripes, I am healed"
Is it something we have been desiring for so long now? Look to Jesus! For He is our good Shepherd, and He has promised to always provide for us.
Is it our financial lack? Look to Jesus! He is the richest ...the King of kings
Is it a temperory problem in our families? Look to Jesus! For His word says..He will extend his salvation to both you and your household(Acts 16:31)
Whatever it is that we lack..whatever it is that we need ..our Lord had already forseen it and purchased it on the Cross for us.

When Peter got distracted by the boisterous winds and waves around him and began to sink( right after he miraculously walked on water from simply trusting Jesus' words), he did the exact same thing. Again he looked upto Jesus for help....n what did Jesus do..? At his first cry for help..Jesus reached out and saved him !

The good news is He 's exactly the same today! Ever willing to reach into our lives and deliver us... Jesus has never dissapointed anyone who looked to Him for help...
Godbless:)