2011 - A Happy Voyage.

As this year draws to an end and we wait for the dawn of the New Year, I am sure most of us are in a 'reminisce mode' inserting our "My Journey in 2010" dvd into the player called mind, pressing the pause button at important moments of our life, reflecting upon them, pressing the rewind button to cherish some valuable moments and the fast forward button on events that we wished never happened. All of us have had a wavy 2010, some glorious moments and some darkest lows.Some of you might be saying,"2010,a year I would like to forget" while others are saying,"2010, definitely, a year to remember". I do not know which category you belong to, but I believe that each one us can have a great 2011 if only we chose to believe so. 

When Jesus lived on the Earth, He had 12 disciples who were with Him at all times. On a certain day, He got into a boat with His disciples and said to them, "Let 'US' cross over to the other side of the lake." And they launched out. But as they sailed, Jesus fell asleep. A windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in a jeopardy. The disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying,"Master, Master, we are perishing!"Then Jesus arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. They ceased and there was a calm.

As we enter into this new year, we are all having our own goals and targets set. We are all going to set sail in the boat of life aiming to reach the shore (our goals and targets). As we do that, let us not forget to take Jesus into the boat along with us. But let us also remember that Jesus will enter the boat only if the shore we wanna reach is in accordance with His Mater Plan for our life. If Jesus doesn't enter the boat, we better step out. It is better to enter the boat that is going to take us to the shore that is in line with God's will for us because we will have the assurance of God telling us, "Let 'US' cross over to the other side of the lake." God doesn't say, "You will cross over to the other side." He uses the word 'US' which means He is going to be with us from the start of our voyage until we reach the shore. We are rest assured to reach the shore. If God has said it, then it is said and done. No changing it. But hey, there are going to be storms in our voyage. There are going to be times when we will feel that our prayers are not being answered. God's silence might appear as if He is sleeping but those may be times when He is testing our patience and faith. But thank God! He is still in our boat. He will arise and calm the storm while we stand in awe and watch His mighty power. God hasn't promised a 'no-storm-voyage' to any of us but He has promised to be with us and teach us to sail over them. When the oceans rise and thunders roar, He has promised to help us soar with Him above the storm. He is going to calm the storm for us and help us reach the other shore! Woo.. Aren't you excited?? I definitely am!

Listen to this song. May this be your song of faith as you bid good-bye to 2010 and step into the New Year that has lots in store for you and me. 

If God can move you from January to December, He can also move you from shame to fame, insult to result, sorry to glory, disgrace to His grace, labour to favour and mockery to victory in the New Year. Just ensure to make room for Him in your boat. What a privilege we have if we are going to have Jesus in our boats in the New Year. 

I pray that you sail across to your God-appointed shore for 2011 holding your joy and peace. Wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year 2011 in Christ. Have a fabulous year!!

Don't miss out on this Christmas!

Are you celebrating Christmas today? Make sure you don't miss out on the big event! As I read the Bible yesterday, I could think of three different groups of people who missed out on the first Christmas although they had the invitations for the same right at their door step.

1. King Herod : The Bible says that the wise men saw a star in the night sky which symbolized the birth of Jesus. They immediately started out on the journey to see the new born babe. While on their way, they stopped at the king's place to enquire about the birth of Jesus. They asked the king, 

"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

The Bible tells us that on hearing these words, the king was troubled. Instead of rejoicing over the 'Good News', he sought to kill the Child. He secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared and said to them,

"Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also."

But the wise men were divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod after seeing Jesus. So they departed to their country in another way. The wise men, therefore,never reported back to the king. Because of his evil intentions, Herod missed out on the first Christmas.

2.Chief priests and scribes : When the wise men enquired the king about the birth of Jesus, the king called the chief priests and scribes together and inquired where Christ was to be born. They said to him,

"In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet :

'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

 Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;

 For out of you shall come a Ruler

 Who will shepherd My people Israel.'"

 These chief priests and scribes were those who knew the Bible inside out. They knew when and where Christ would be born. They were the ones who confirmed the words of the wise men to the King.But they did not make an effort to go and see Jesus and worship Him in the manger. They were careless and were not bothered about the 'Good News'. Because of this attitude of theirs, they missed out on the first Christmas.

3.Inn keeper : Joseph and Mary had traveled all the way from Nazerath to Bethlehem for the census and it was time for Mary to give birth to Jesus. The Bible tells us that when they searched for a room, they had no room in the inn. If only the inn keeper had known that Mary was going to give birth to the Savior of the world, he would have somehow managed to arrange a room for them. If only he had managed to provide them a room, his guestbook would have had a page written,"Best wishes. With love, Jesus." How wonderful that would have been! How much of fame he and his inn would have received! Because of his ignorance, the inn keeper missed out on the first Christmas.

All the people above had the opportunity to be a part of the celebrations on the first Christmas night. But they all missed it. They all missed the opportunity to see Jesus, to worship Him and to experience His love and peace. We see that in all their cases, it was a choice that they had made. They chose to remain the way they were.Today, most of us find ourselves in one of the three categories mentioned above. We may be like King Herod who chose not to participate in the celebrations because of His stone-heartedness and refused to break free from it.Are you someone who has heard about the love and mercy of Jesus but is not ready to accept it whole-heartedly? You are then,like King Herod. The chief priests had learnt everything in the Bible by-heart but never chose to impplement it in their lives. Are you a Christian born and brought up in a Christian family, reading the Bible every morning and saying a hurried name-sake prayer? Do you celebrate Christmas by going to church just because your parents want you to go? Is it just a family tradition according to you?Then you are just like the chief priests. The innkeeper chose to remain ignorant. Do you belong to this third category, where you have never heard of Jesus and His love. Then here goes the  'Good News' my friend. 'Jesus came to this Earth on this beautiful Christmas day to give you a new life full of joy and peace. He died on the Cross for your sins so that you can reign with Him forever in Heaven.' Now that you know the good news, you cannot be ignorant like the inn keeper any more.

I do not know which category you belong to. But all that I can tell you is that no matter which category you find yourself in right now, you need a change. And you can receive that change if you choose to accept the 'Good News' on this Christmas day. Unlike King Herod, the chief priests and the inn keeper, the wisemen and the shepherds chose to accept the invitation they received to be a part of the first Christmas.Now it is your turn. The initation to meet with Jesus is for you and me today. The wisemen and the shepherds had to travel a long distance in order to meet with Jesus on Christmas. But today, you needn't travel that far. You needn't go in search of Him. He is right at the doors of your heart. All you need to do is to open your heart and welcome Him on this Christmas day.

So what are you waiting for? Make sure that you don't miss out on this Christmas. I pray that the Jesus who was born on earth over 2000 years ago will be born in your hearts on this day. Have a Christ-centered Christmas!

Letter from Jesus at Christmas

"Season greetings to all. It's the month of cakes and candles, joy and surprises, music and cards, fun and enjoyment, gifts and greetings, happiness and decorations. Have a fabulous and colourful month!"

I am sure that all of us got a similar text message at the start of this month.  The television and the Internet have found their way into our homes with options on how we could gift our family and friends, how we could give our homes a makeover, where to stop 'n shop and what not! Yes! It's Christmas time. What does it mean to you? Does it mean just the fun and frolic associated with it or does it mean more to you?

We celebrate the birthday of Jesus on this 'Christmas Day'. Let us read what He thinks of the revelries we involve ourselves in, during this season. Is He happy with what we do? A letter from Jesus. Read on!

(P.S.: This letter was a mail I had received from my friend a few years back! What better time to share it with you than now.)

My Dear child,

     As you well know, we are getting closer to My birthday. Every year there is a celebration in My honour and I think that this year it will be repeated.

     During this time, there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer. It is really nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of Me.

     As you know, the celebration of My birthday began many years ago. At first, people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for this celebration.

     Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration. I remember that last year there was a great feast in My honour. The dinner table was full of delicious food, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many many beautiful wrapped gifts.

    But do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honour and they didn't remember to send Me an invitation. The party was for Me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in My face. I wanted to be with them and share their table. In truth, that didn't surprise Me because in the last few years, all close their doors on Me. Since, I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner.

    Everyone in the house was drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a grand time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red, wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-ho-ho! He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him saying, "Santa Claus! Santa Claus!" as if the party was in his honour! At midnight, all the people began to hug each other; I extended My arms waiting for someone to hug Me and none of them gave Me a hug. Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for Me. What would  you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one? 

      I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left!

      Every year it gets worse. People only remember the gifts, the parties, to eat and drink, and nobody remembers me. 

     I would like this Christmas that you allow Me to enter into your life. I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago, I came to this world to give My life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart.

    I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite Me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements. And to be a part of it, all you need to do is say, "Jesus, come into my life. I accept you as my Saviour. Forgive me of my past. Give me a brand new future. I invite you to be the Lord of my life."
     Today,I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invite will be left outside. Be prepared because when all is ready, you will be part of my great party.
See you soon.
With lots of love,
Jesus.


Dear friend, Jesus isn't put off by the pleasure that we have. The fact that He is not in the midst of it all saddens Him. But Jesus isn't pushy either. Had He been pushy, He wouldn't have chosen the inn to enter this world. When it was Time for Him to be born, there was room for Him only in the inn.He gladly accepted it. In the same way, He isn't pushy to enter our hearts. He only knocks. If we open our hearts and invite Him, He will gladly come and reside with us forever.

  Yea! So let's celebrate the reason for this season! Celebrate Jesus! Merry Christmas friends!

        

         

Let it go!

It's Christmas time and like most of you, I am doing my shopping as well. There is such a huge collection of stuff for me to choose from. I can't buy them all although I would love to. I have to make a choice. I need to let go of some. We find ourselves in a similar situation during most times. We are at the crossroads, wondering which way to go. Which is the road I need to let go of? Some say, "Do what everyone is doing. That's better." While others say, "Don't follow the crowd!"

Different people come up with different opinions for us to choose from which leaves us all the more bewildered. God gives us an option too:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take." - Proverbs 3:5,6

In all that we do, God wants us to make sure that we are on His track. In other words, God wants us to let go of  the track that is not according to His will although that might be an easier path to go in. Sometimes, the path that God has for us might be full of trials and temptations and at times, walking in those paths might demand us to let go of some of our most priced possessions like our comfort zone, our status and dignity, our cultural practices and the way of living that the world says is right. But God wants to tell each one of us, "Hey!  Be still and know that I am God. I have overcome the world and so you too can."

What better example can we take during this Christmas season than that of the birth of Jesus and find out who had to let go of what to give us a reason to celebrate this day.

Before Jesus was born, there were over 360 prophecies that were foretold about Him in the Bible and each and every one of them were fulfilled through His coming into the world.

One of the prophecies were, 

"Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a Son." - Isaiah 7:14

When we look into the Bible, it tells us that this is exactly how Jesus was born. Matthew 1:18(NLT) says,

"Mary was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit."

An angel had appeared to Mary before and had told her that she would be with a child while she was a virgin. In those days,(we are talking of over 2000 years ago) it was a disgrace for a woman to be pregnant before marriage. If Mary had prioritized her dignity in the society over the fulfilment of God's will, she might well have gone for an abortion. What a grave mistake she would have done then. But then she let go of her dignity to come under God's will.

Another prophecy was,

"And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah,are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a Ruler will come from you who will be the Shepherd for my people Israel." - Micah 5:2

This prophecy tells us that Jesus had to be born in Bethlehem. Luke 2:1-5(NLT) says,

"At that time the Roman Emperor, Augustus,decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. This was the first census taken when Quirinius was Governor of Syria. All returned to their own ancestral town to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home. He travelled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary,his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant."

This is interesting. Geography says that the distance between Nazareth and Bethlehem was about 80 miles. History says that the only mode of transportation available at that time was walk or a donkey or at the maximum a caravan. Now, Joseph was a carpenter, so obviously a poor man. Say, he managed to get a donkey for Mary because she needed extra care and protection. A donkey can travel 20 miles a day on an average. The donkey had to be extra careful because it was carrying a pregnant woman. With all these calculations, we can safely say that it might have easily taken Joseph and Mary about a week to reach Bethlehem from Nazareth. Agreed? Imagine what would have happened if Mary had gone on a strike and told Joseph, "I am pregnant and you want me to travel that far to get myself registered? No way! I am not coming!" That would have meant another prophecy of Jesus not being fulfilled and hence, Mary not being a part of God's will.

Mary obeyed. She let go of what the society might think of her. She let go of her comfort zone. Only to be a part of God's master plan. End reward :  She got a name that none of the women on earth could ever get. She became known as 'Mary, the mother of Jesus.!' It was a very special blessing. It was exclusively for her. But the path to earn that reward was not a bed of roses. She had to endure a lot.

This is how it works in our lives as well. Sometimes, we need to take the difficult path if we want God's will to be done in our lives. When we decide to let go of what God wants us to let go of, we are assured of our blessings.  So, if you are wondering why nothing is going right with you at this point, sit down and search your life. Find out what God wants you to let go of. Just shake it off and receive your blessings! He has the best in store for you. 

Yep! Don't wait. Let it go!

Listen to this song by Tenth Avenue North and you'll know why you need to 'Let it go'.