Proverbs 27:19 “Just as water mirrors your face, so your face mirrors your heart”.

 

Proverbs 27:19 “Just as water mirrors your face, so your face mirrors your heart”.

 Here is a simple simile, a comparison made by “like” or “as.” In the way a man can see his face and know its features by reflection in water, so a man can know and understand other men through having a similar heart. Your experiences in life should give you the discernment and understanding to help others when they face similar circumstances.

 Just as gazing into the mirror-like qualities of a still water-pool reflect the detailed features of a man's face, so the standards and qualities residing deep within a heart, reflect a man's character and display the innermost caliber of his soul. Face express the same.

 Too often we are quick to identify the qualities, or criticize the defects we see reflected in the life of a fellow believer, but often we are not as swift to identify areas in our own hearts that need to be critically analyzed and spiritually evaluated as unholy or detrimental to our spiritual growth, offered-up to the Lord, and purged. 

 God alone knows a man's heart and can read the secret thoughts in the inner depths of his soul, but it is the outworking of those concealed attributes, which are demonstrated through words, actions, and attitudes, that manifests a man's true identity to his fellow-man.

 

Reverence and respect towards our heavenly Father, a Christlike love towards others, and inner peace, is often identified through the godly works, pure thoughts, and sound speech, that flows through our daily life. It is the inner heart that identifies a life that is walking in spirit and truth. It is careless speech, a critical attitude, thoughtless behavior, and an unrighteous lifestyle that warns us that we have fallen from grace and strayed from the path of peace. Corrupt hearts breed corruption, while a sanctified heart exhibits Christ-likeness.

 Man's countenance is frequently an index of his thoughts, and the fruit of his attitude of mind is often displayed in his words, his ways, his will, and his walk. As a man thinks so is he, and whatever becomes the central focus of that man's mind, influences his attitude of heart and is displayed in the out-working of his life, "As water reflects the face, so the heart of man reflects that man's character."

 Ambitions and emotions, temptations and trials, hope and fear, inner thoughts and expectations, together with spiritual strengths and weaknesses, can all be reflected in the face and mirrored in the expression of the eyes. It is often as we openly gaze into the reflection of our own face, through the mirror of God's Word, that we can identify areas that need spiritual adjustment and God's forgiveness. 

 How important to examine our own heart and scrutinize our inner thoughts, through the mirror-like qualities of a still water-pool and to reflect whatever is good, and pure, and wholesome, and holy.

 The Word of God is the truthful mirror into which we should look carefully. The Bible is the still water-pool in which to gaze day by day - for the face of Christ is the reflection upon which our hearts should rest.

 May we preach this truth to our own hearts and be doers of the Word as well as hearers of God's truth. May we all... with unveiled faces, gaze at the glory of the Lord... as beholding HIM in the mirror, so that we may be transformed into His glorious image, from glory to glory - through the power of the indwelling Spirit of the Lord - as we die to self and live for Him.

 My Prayer

Blessed Lord and Father, what wonderful truths are contained within Your Word. I pray that I may learn to keep the eyes of my heart fixed upon Christ, and to daily search the Scriptures more faithfully, so that I may learn more of You and increasingly reflect the Lord Jesus in all I say and do.

 I pray that my life may be a mirror-image of Him, that I may only say the things that He has taught me, and only do those things that honor Him, so that His grace, and love, and care, and beauty, may be seen in me and flow out to others. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.

 God bless you

ACTIONS ARE THE MIRROR THAT REFLECTS THE SOUL (OURSLEVES)

 

ACTIONS ARE THE MIRROR THAT REFLECTS THE SOUL (OURSLEVES)

 Nothing goes out first without going through our mind. We are the product of our mind. Our words reveal about ourselves how we live our life, Our thinking, our life style as well as our interests. A person’s actions reveal his thinking. Powerful and benevolent thoughts produce actions within ourselves. If our thoughts are confused or selfish, our actions will be the same, and the results will be ineffectual or cause sorrow. A famous quote indicates: -

“Our Thoughts Become Words, Our Words Become Actions, Our Actions Become Habits, Our Habits Become Character, Our Character Becomes our Destiny”.

Paul in Romans 12:2 says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” And 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “Take every thought captive.” When you correctly apply biblical truth, our thought life will change and you will be able to accomplish more than you imagine.

We must understand that we are made by God and if we go to Him then only can live quality of life but generally we go to the world /people of the world and try to get the things which make us happy but that is temporary and without any quality of life. The things of this world can never make us happy and the world of God also say the friendship with the world is enmity with God. Thus we get bad to worse and it goes on lime this.

No matter how much we claim that we are strong, if our actions are weak and indecisive, no one will believe us as we would not be able to live quality of life. Merely understanding something intellectually, without having an experience of it, is like sitting at home and imagining that we are very clever. However, if our knowledge and intelligence are not applied in the correct way at the right time, who will regard us as clever? It is our actions that prove our worth.

Most people try to hide their weaknesses from others. Some speak of their shortcomings but are unaware of the roots, or the seeds they have germinated from. They only have a superficial awareness of it. The result is that they rid themselves of the external forms of the weakness, and for a while feel as though they have become completely free of it. However, since the seed is still there, the weakness crops up again after some time.

 

Proverbs 4:23 says “Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life”.  Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. "Eat and drink!" he says to you, But his heart is not with you”. 

 

Something similar happens with physical ailments, which are often not cured permanently because doctors do not know the root of the illness. The illness gets suppressed, but is not fully cured.

Spiritual weaknesses can be eradicated only by destroying the seed. Sometimes people know where a weakness stems from, but they are casual about it and say, “Yes, it will be removed one day. It cannot be finished in one go, it takes time!” Instead of being strong and determined in this regard, they resort to clever arguments. Knowledge is a power, but they do not use it as such and get power of the same.

 

The first requirement for self-improvement is not to hide or gloss over one’s defects. Being casual about them or trying to rationalize them is also not a good idea. To bring about the change we want to see, we need to use our knowledge, discernment and other powers in a practical way.

 

When that change is visible in our actions, we are able to inspire others. Even though it is true that actions are gross and thoughts are subtle, it is easier for most people to recognize the value of virtues and spiritual powers when they are demonstrated in action. Serving others by creating an elevated atmosphere with our positive thoughts and pure feelings is a great act of charity, but it is important to give expression to our vision and principles through our actions.

 “Our Thoughts Become Words, Our Words Become Actions, Our Actions Become Habits, Our Habits Become Character, Our Character Becomes our Destiny”.

A small thought can decide our destiny -------> where we would live in eternity. Let us apply Roman 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will”. 

So let us know His perfect will and live accordingly while living in this world so as to be with Him when we leave this world.

 God bless you

The parable of the Sower of see

 

The parable of the Sower of seed (Matthew 13: 1–9, 18–23)

The parable of the Sower is an 'allegory' about the Kingdom of God. In other words, it can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, everything in the story represents something else.

It is a growth parable. Jesus Himself spoke about it and explained also.

S.No:	Parable	Meaning	Significance today
1	A man went out to sow grain.	The man represents God and the seed is His message.	Just as a planted seed starts to grow, the word of God starts to deepen and grow within a person.
2	Some seed fell on the path and the birds ate it.	The birds represent Satan. The seed on the path represents people who hear the message, but it is immediately lost.	There are people who don’t live a good Christian life because they are focused on other things.
3	Some seed fell on rocky ground where there was little soil. The seed soon sprouted, but when the sun came up it burnt the young plants.	The seed on the rocky ground represents people who respond with initial enthusiasm, but the word of God does not sink in deep. When persecution or hard times (represented by the sun) come along they give up at once.	People cannot commit to the Christian lifestyle. They are initially attracted but give up when the going gets tough.
4	Some seed fell among thorn bushes which grew up and choked the plants.	The thorn bushes choke the message of God. It is heard, but people’s concern for riches and their worries about life cause the plants to die.	Some people are too concerned with what others think and they worry too much. They may be jealous, angry or concerned with materialism.
5	Some seed fell on good soil and the plants produced corn.	Good soil represents people who hear the message and live it in their lives.	Some people have strong faith and remain dedicated to a Christian lifestyle, even when things are difficult.

 

Putting the Responsibility on the Listeners?

 

Parables are fascinating. Above all others Jesus was the Master story teller.

 

Parables were primarily not for reading, but hearing. Not for studying but for heeding. And Jesus uses them to expose the hearts of His hearers. In His first parable, and most important parable, Jesus is the farmer, His Word is the seed, and the listeners are like soil. All the soils are essentially the same. It is the preparation that differs. One soil has become hard as stone, another has become shallow, another has become crowded, and the last - has become just right.

 

Jesus presents this parable with Himself as the farmer (Matthew 13:37) seeking to grow a crop. Everything, as far as farmer Jesus is concerned, depends upon the harvest. All the soils get the same farmer's sowing, the same seed, the same growing season, the same rainfall, and so on. But only one soil could be harvested; only one gave to the farmer what he needed and wanted. Only one soil made it to the end of the season and was carried home by the farmer. So, from the perspective of the farmer - which soil was good? Only the one that gave a harvest!

 

Jesus explains that the soils are the hearts of hearers. The difference in the soils (hearts) is based on their willingness to accept to seed (Word of God). Jesus puts the responsibility for responding to His sowing - on the hearers.

 

He says some hearts are hardened,

some are shallow,

some are crowded, and

some are ready and willing.

 

Our hearts would think more about where our interest is deep and if we are giving more time to other things/activities than for prayer and Bible reading, in that case our hearts will remain fixed on such things and the word of God will have no root would be like as mentioned at Sr.no: 2 to 4. When our heart give first place to God and His word then it would have fruit like Sr. No:5

Let us see what type of soil is there in pour heart.

God bless you, please read and share

9 Proper Ways to Get an Answer from God

 

                        9 Proper Ways to Get an Answer from God

 

Our God is a living God and when we pray about something, we hope to receive an answer from Him. However, since we cannot hear Him speak audibly, we could miss it if we are not attentive. Therefore, if we want to get an answer from the Lord, we have to make sure that we are ready to receive the response we hope for.

Many people do not know the proper ways to receive God’s answer but we can follow these steps:

 

1. Seek confirmation through the Bible.

The first thing you need to do to get an answer to your prayer is by searching for it in God’s Word. The Bible contains instructions and nuggets of wisdom that are still applicable to everyday situations faced by people. If you can find the answer in the Bible, then you do not have to wait for supernatural confirmations anymore.

Of course, if you are seeking an answer through the Scripture, you need the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For this reason, you have to pray earnestly before opening your Bible. Then, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to the right passage related to your concern.

 

2. Make sure what you are asking for is God’s will.

If you are hoping for a “yes” as an answer, see to it that your prayer is according to the will of God. 1 John 5:14 says, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”

How will you know if what you are asking for is God’s will? You will have to go back to the Bible. First, look for the Scripture that relates to your issue. Then, study it carefully to know if what you want is in accordance with it or not.

 

3. Pray for wisdom.

To understand God’s response to your prayer, you need His wisdom to open your mind. Sometimes, you would not get the exact answer you want to your prayer. Unless you have God’s wisdom, it might discourage you from trusting the Lord again. However, if you are spiritually mature, you would understand that God has a better plan, and you just need to have faith.

Therefore, ask God for wisdom to receive whatever His answer is wholehearted. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

4. Consult with spiritually mature people.

Another way to confirm God’s answer to your prayer is by consulting spiritually mature and knowledgeable people. For example, you can consult your pastor, ministry leader, or Bible study leader about your prayer. With biblical wisdom, they can guide you in seeking and understanding God’s will in your situation.

One good thing about being surrounded by mature believers is that you have people who can help you abide by God’s will. They help you study the Bible and determine what pleases God and not. With them, you are more likely to come up with desires and prayers according to the Lord’s will.  Moreover, they can pray with you as well.

 

5. Prepare your heart to receive His answer.

If you are waiting for God to answer your prayer, you must make sure that your heart is ready to receive His response. If you are too preoccupied with other stuff, you might not be aware that the Lord has already answered your prayer.

So, how should you prepare your heart?

First, see to it that it is pure before the Lord.

Then, get rid of the sins that make your heart calloused to God’s Word.

Also, you need to understand that the Lord’s answer may be different from what you are expecting.

It is possible to receive a “no”, and you need to be prepared for it.

After all, He is still sovereign, and humans have no right to demand from Him.

 

6. Search your heart for whatever hinders you from hearing God.

In connection to no. 5, it is necessary to purify your heart so that you can hear God more clearly. Therefore, if you think God has been silent to you for a long while now, you need to evaluate yourself. Is there any sin that you have to confess and repent from?

If you are unsure, you should ask God to reveal any sin you are unaware of. Even King David asked the Lord to help him recognize his transgression. It says in Psalm 139: 23-24, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

 

7. Do not insist on what you want.

What if God’s answer is a “no”? Are you willing to accept it, or are you going to rebel against Him? If you do not want to take “no” for an answer, then maybe it is the reason why God does not reveal His will to you. He is aware that your heart is not ready to receive His answer.

Please understand that God is not your genie. He does not exist to make your wishes come true. On the other hand, we exist to fulfill His purposes. For this reason, you should trust His will in everything, even if it is contrary to your original desire. However, if you align your decisions and to His directions, you will discover that He has the best plans all along.

 

8. Go for prayer and fasting.  

If you are really eager to know God’s answer to your prayer, you can also pray and fast. You can decide to skip a meal or two a day and devote those moments to prayer. If for health reasons you cannot fast on food, there are other ways to fast. You can fast on social media or other stuff that is usually part of your daily routine.

Just to make things clear, though. Fasting is not done to bribe or force God to give you what you want. It is done to give more time to prayer and make your spirit stronger than your body. You do this so you can be more sensitive to God’s will.

 

9. Patiently wait for God’s timetable.

Be patient when waiting for God’s answer. Please know that His timetable is different from yours. He will answer you at the right time according to His will—not according to yours. Do not accuse God of being delayed or uncaring. Instead, use the waiting season to strengthen your faith in Him.

While waiting for your prayer to be answered, work out your relationships with the Lord. Seek more of His presence, fellowship with other believers, and study the Bible with hunger. Furthermore, devote more time to prayer and strive to live a blameless life to glorify Him.

 

We must come to Him searching every thing in our life, with a repenting heart, regret for all wrong done, setting aside all bitterness, hatred, resolving all grudges towards self and others with a clean heart etc. with a desire to get answer and He is a living and loving God and will answer our prayers. The above are just very few things addressed and we can also seek guidance through the Holy Spirit who is perfect guide to lead us to Christ and receive answer from Him

 

God bless you

 

Doctrine of demons

 

Doctrine of demons

What is doctrine of demons? There can be inlet of demon’s power among God’s people through the ever-widening door of false doctrine and mushrooming cults around us. The scripture clearly warns of latter day rise of demonized religion (1 Tim.4:1-7). Bible predicts how the alluring substitute of doctrine of demons would compete with pure biblical Christianity and capture the hearts and minds in order to enslave them in error and demons’ power. 

What happens to the believers/Christians who fall away from the faith which was once of all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3. They listen to the demons’ spirits speaking through false teachers and as result they take away the doctrines of demons (demons energized doctrine) that means teaching originated and propagated by spirits not from God (1John 4:1-2). Such preachers of false doctrines are expressed in realistic terms as “Liars” so blinded and set in their errors that their conscience is said to be entrenched to utter insensitivity to the lie that they are not able to see the truth of God’s word. So those who listen to them are caught in a net of demonized religion (demons energize religion) they cannot see that they are struggling like an insect caught in spider web.

 So, we must read our Bible and Bible verses in between the lines and trust Holy spirit the best teacher who can explain the scripture as well as Pastors / Bible teachers who explain the Bible with purity. If we do not read our Bible, how can we know what is what or what I am listening is pure and correct.

May the Lord Bless you.

 

The power of darkness and believers

 

The power of darkness and believers

 Scripture nowhere declares that the believers cannot be invaded by the evil powers but the God’s word contains details that the power of darkness may invade the believer under certain conditions.

1.Saul was a believer (1 Samuel 10:9) and God gave him “another heart”. Early in his life he enjoyed the anointing of the God’s spirit (1Samuel 10:12). Through sin and disobedience, he forfeited God’s presence and became invaded by the demon spirit (1 Samuel 16:14). It is called an evil spirit from the Lord (1 Samuel 16:14) because it was permitted by God as a chastening upon his disobedient child. To argue that Saul was not a believer is to argue that the spirit of God anoints an unbeliever (1 Samuel 10:1,10) and God would appoint an unbeliever over His inheritance. Saul declared “Rebellion is as sin of witchcraft” (1 Samuel 15:23) and in the very next chapter Saul was invaded by demon (1 Samuel 16:14,23).

 2.King Ahab and Jehoshaphat when they proposed to fight against the Syrians inquired of the Lord by gathering 400 prophets (1 King 22:6). It is hard to imagine that Micaiah was the only believer in the Lord, among the Large Company, because they all inquired, not Baal. Yielding to the pressure of wicked Ahab, Micaiah received a spirit of deception and came under demon control.   

 At least Some of the false prophets of Israel were regenerated and initially God called (Deaut.13:1-5), Jermiah 23:21-22). Zachariah connects “prophets” with the unclean spirit (demons power energizing the false prophecies).

 3.Luke a physician diagnosed the strange physical disability of a certain believer as demonic. The woman with spine disorder, bound by a spirit of infirmity means demons caused here problem. Apparently, she was a regenerated believer “a daughter of Abraham” (Luke 13:10-16, refer Romans 4:11,16 & Galatians 3:7). Mary Magdalene was also believer.  

 Demons attack the mind to gain foothold in the life of the people. To resist the demon influence, a Christians must guard against what they read, which social sites they view and what sort of television program they view and they are not wary, demon influence may merge into demon obsession and if not curbed the demon invasion may take place.

So, the Christian/believers mental life must be renewed by dedication to God’s word and will (Romans 12:2, Ephes.4:17-18, 22-23). Importance of guarding thought life is also stressed by the Apostles as well as also bringing every though captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinth. 10:4-5).

 The imaginations and speculations the demons build in minds (if thought life not guarded) and they entrench themselves there and attack. To drive them out (2 Corinth.11:3-4) these fortresses must be destroyed. Demons hang on and do not leave until such ideas, imagination, speculation are not eradicated from the mind.

 Bible also says that in the later times some will depart from the faith (1 Timoth.4:1). Propagating error/perverting the Gospel is the main occupation of satan and demons through which they can turn the believers /Christians from God to serve themselves.

 God bless you all, please read and share with others

In lord your brother – Ramesh C koundal

Jesus said on the cross “It Is Finished”

                                      Jesus said on the cross “It Is Finished”

      (Hindi Translation below)

 Gospel John Chapter 19:28-30, After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” Now a vessel full of sour wine was kept there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth.  So, when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

The above verse says Jesus knowing that all things are now accomplished that the Scripture might be fulfilled. Now the question arises why Jesus came to this fallen world, what was His purpose and meaning of last words uttered “It is finished”. There is a very high price paid and work is already finished, Let us look through the scripture for what Christ finished on the cross.

1.Jesus was Propitiation and ransom for us:

1.Propitiation

 a) Romans 3:25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed.

 

b) Hebrew 2:17, Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

 c) 1 John 2:2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

 2.Ransome:

a) 1 timothy 2:6, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

I would like to summarize based upon above just for example imagine that “God said, “If I punish man for his sin, man will die and go to hell. On the other hand, if I don’t punish man for his sin, My justice will never be satisfied.”

The solution? God said that Jesus would become our substitute. He would take the sin of mankind upon Himself, a righteous judgment and substitute for sin to fulfill the righteous demand of the God.

2.Jesus redeemed us from the Sins as well as consequences of the Sins also:

a)  Galatians 4:5, To redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

b) Titus 2:14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

 c) Ephes.1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

 d) Hebrews 9:15. And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

 e) Isaiah 44:22 I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, and return to me, For I have redeemed you.

 So, with the death and resurrection of Jesus, sinfull man who trusts on Him, has been redeemed. We do not have to dobwork or do some deeds for atonement of  our sins. Just confess your sins and believe that on the cross Jesus said "it is finished" and believe that our sins are paid off. 

 3.Reconcilation with God.

1) Eph.2:16 “and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity”.

 

2) Colo. 1:20 “and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross”.

 3) Romans 5:10 -11 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.  And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

 4) 2 Corinthian 5 :19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

 We all stand in need of God’s forgiveness. Our relationship with was God was broken. We need to be reconciled to him. And the good news is that God has provided us with what we most need: forgiveness and reconciliation which is through His Son only.

 The above work is just the grace of God alone and we have not done anything for this. Let us believe in the same way. If we still believer on performance based Christianly then it is not possible to walk in Victory because performance based Christianly will make us to continue to perform every day and there is no end of it. Let us not do whatever is finished by our Lord Jesus on the Cross but just proclaim and believer on it for ourselves.

 If we have to overcome the sin and satan in our life we must go to the Father trusting on the first and finished work of the Lord Jesus as mentioned above and stand under His grace keeping in our mind what He has done for us. We must remind the satan by proclaiming the work Lord has done for us on the cross and heavenly Father himself will lead us into the victory which He has been completed through His Son Jesus Christ.

 God bless you

 Your brother in Christ

Ramesh C Koundal

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