No Regrets

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10

Imagine a clean slate. Just moments ago, the slate was filled with marks. Someone wiped it and cleaned it completely. Nothing, not a mark remains on it. It is spotless. When we sincerely repent and confess our sins before God, He wipes our slate clean, spotless clean and gives us grace to live a new life without sin.

Those who sincerely repent and feel godly sorrow are forgiven by God because He sees their heart. He loves those who come to Him with a broken and contrite heart. He then intervenes and sets the record straight, heals their heart and takes away all the guilt that causes grief.

Worldly sorrow is a source of constant grief. Without real repentance, our memories of the wrong done keep coming back, causing pain and sapping our life out. Our mind keeps accusing us and sooner or later takes a heavy toll. Our heart, unable to bear the burden and guilt wears out and leads to death ultimately.  

No matter how late it is, there is still hope for anyone who sincerely repents and cries out to God for forgiveness. Don’t wait, take your sins before Him because God truly loves you. He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross so you would not perish. Let His death not go in vain… He has extended a lifeline to you… Grab it! Repent for every sin, cry out to God and let Him wash you clean for eternity.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, Thank You for dying on the cross for sinners like me. I am sorry for all my sins. I am sorry for doing things knowing that they were wrong in Your sight. I repent with all my heart and ask You to help me overcome my weaknesses and live a sinless life.  Amen.

Be a blessing to others and eternally transform lives by supporting CBN INDIA’s Ministry. Partner with us to reach millions of Indians to share the love of Christ and a message of hope to the needy ones by making an on-line donation today.

Wiped Out

“When his breath leaves him, he returns to his earth; in that very day his [previous] thoughts, plans, and purposes perish.” Psalm 146: 4 AMP

It takes just one moment for everything we have planned, purposed and done in life to be wiped out. In that one moment when one breath fails to follow another, everything stops.

We need to be aware of where our life is going? We need to be aware of what we are doing to ourselves? Are we living our life in a way that matters to God?

All our well thought of, well laid plans will perish. That is a certainty. However, there is a kind of life that can bless us even after our death on earth. It is a life that is lived in obedience to God. It is a life fortified with good works that glorify God. The Word says that the good work we do will follow us to heaven.

How much of good work have we done? Do we need to change our lives to make them more pleasing to God?

If you had to learn that you have very little time left on earth, what would you do to make your life count?

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I am sorry I didn’t take my life seriously thus far. I want to live a meaningful and good life. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to You, Amen.

Be a blessing to others and eternally transform lives by supporting CBN INDIA’s Ministry. Partner with us to reach millions of Indians to share the love of Christ and a message of hope to the needy ones by making an on-line donation today.

Beyond the Loss

 
‘Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, certain of what we do not see’ ~ Hebrews 11:1

Mary stood at the empty tomb crying in despair and sorrow. She came while it was still dark inorder to embalm the body of Jesus. Jesus had been crucified and laid in the tomb two days ago. But her expectation was crashed when she found the stone removed for the entrance. Running fast she informed the disciple Peter and John who came running to check the spectacle. They found her words to be true and left to their homes, probably more afraid of the Jews. But Mary lingered there still weeping and broken-hearted. Bending over into the tomb she saw tow angels but did not recognize him.  They asked, “Woman why are you crying?” She replied, “They have taken my Lord away and I don’t know  where they have put him.” Having said this she turned around and found Jesus standing there, but again failed to recognize him. This Jesus asked, ‘Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for ?” Taking him to be the gardener, she said, “Sir if you have carried him away, please tell me where you have put him and I will get him.” Then Jesus said, “Mary” Then she recognized him – this time not only as Saviour but as the one who conquered Death.

Mary’s perceived loss brought great distress and sorrow in her heart. Probably she consoled herself that at least she could get to embalm the body of Jesus after his death. But now she stood facing another reality – loss of the one who had brought hope and new life. How could she resolve herself to this?

Like Mary we too might stand facing another reality in our walk of life, times when we cannot trace the hand of God in our lives; when we feel abandoned by God and if heaven is silent. And we wonder, “Has God deserted us? Where is God? Why can’t it be like good old days when I first met the Lord? ” The truth is that God has not deserted us. He is there and wants us to grow and mature through the dark valley times of our life, when we grope around seeking for even a miniscule tangible evidence of God’s presence. We only have to look in faith and then we will find Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life.  

Prayer – “Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that you never leave me nor forsake me. Lord help me trust you and look up to you even in the dark valley times of my life. May my life be a blessing. Amen.”

Be a blessing to others and eternally transform lives by supporting CBN INDIA’s Ministry. Partner with us to reach millions of Indians to share the love of Christ and a message of hope to the needy ones by making an on-line donation today.

 

Joseph of Arimathea

‘As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus’ ~ Matthew 27:57

Joseph of Arimathea ministered to Christ in a very unique way. We don’t hear him giving up his profession like Peter, James and John or sharing his wealth with the poor like Zacchaeus. He did something that no one else had probably thought of. He went up to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus, wrapped it in clean linen cloth and then placed it in a new tomb cut out from a rock. The Bible says he was a rich man and also a disciple of Jesus. And true enough, he showed respect, care and concern to his Lord. He did not leave Jesus’ body at the disposal of the angry crowd nor let it be treated as public property.

As disciples of Christ we get several opportunities to minister to him by ministering to God’s people, especially those in need. One such opportunity is to lend support to those experiencing the death of a loved one. Preparing meals, organising the funeral service, ordering the coffin and the hearse van, arranging for delivery of funeral wreaths, booking condolence space in the newspaper, informing church and cell group members, picking up family members from the airport or railway station and much more. Extending support to those grieving the loss of a loved one will sooth their aching heart and uplift their spirits. Its a great feeling to know that someone cares and is willing to go the extra mile and do the needful without being asked or told.

Lets be mindful to help wherever and whenever possible.

Prayer – “Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the many opportunities you give me to minister to you by helping the body of Christ. Give me a sincere and dedicated heart to serve others in need, especially those grieving the loss of a loved one. May your love shine through me. Amen.”

Be a blessing to others and eternally transform lives by supporting CBN INDIA’s Ministry. Partner with us to reach millions of Indians to share the love of Christ and a message of hope to the needy ones by making an on-line donation today.

Beyond the Loss

‘Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, certain of what we do not see’ ~ Hebrews 11:1

Mary stood at the empty tomb crying in despair and sorrow. She came while it was still dark inorder to embalm the body of Jesus. Jesus had been crucified and laid in the tomb two days ago. But her expectation was crashed when she found the stone removed for the entrance. Running fast she informed the disciple Peter and John who came running to check the spectacle. They found her words to be true and left to their homes, probably more afraid of the Jews. But Mary lingered there still weeping and broken-hearted. Bending over into the tomb she saw tow angels but did not recognize him.  They asked, “Woman why are you crying?” She replied, “They have taken my Lord away and I don’t know  where they have put him.” Having said this she turned around and found Jesus standing there, but again failed to recognize him. This Jesus asked, ‘Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for ?” Taking him to be the gardener, she said, “Sir if you have carried him away, please tell me where you have put him and I will get him.” Then Jesus said, “Mary” Then she recognized him – this time not only as Saviour but as the one who conquered Death.

 

Mary’s perceived loss brought great distress and sorrow in her heart. Probably she consoled herself that at least she could get to embalm the body of Jesus after his death. But now she stood facing another reality – loss of the one who had brought hope and new life. How could she resolve herself to this?

 

Like Mary we too might stand facing another reality in our walk of life, times when we cannot trace the hand of God in our lives; when we feel abandoned by God and if heaven is silent. And we wonder, “Has God deserted us? Where is God? Why can’t it be like good old days when I first met the Lord? ” The truth is that God has not deserted us. He is there and wants us to grow and mature through the dark valley times of our life, when we grope around seeking for even a miniscule tangible evidence of God’s presence. We only have to look in faith and then we will find Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life. 

 

Prayer – “Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that you never leave me nor forsake me. Lord help me trust you and look up to you even in the dark valley times of my life. May my life be a blessing. Amen.”

 

Be a blessing to others and eternally transform lives by supporting CBN INDIA’s Ministry. Partner with us to reach millions of Indians to share the love of Christ and a message of hope to the needy ones by making an on-line donation today.

Joseph of Arimathea

‘As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus’ ~ Matthew 27:57

Joseph of Arimathea ministered to Christ in a very unique way. We don’t hear him giving up his profession like Peter, James and John or sharing his wealth with the poor like Zacchaeus. He did something that no one else had probably thought of. He went up to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus, wrapped it in clean linen cloth and then placed it in a new tomb cut out from a rock. The Bible says he was a rich man and also a disciple of Jesus. And true enough, he showed respect, care and concern to his Lord. He did not leave Jesus’ body at the disposal of the angry crowd nor let it be treated as public property.

 

As disciples of Christ we get several opportunities to minister to him by ministering to God’s people, especially those in need. One such opportunity is to lend support to those experiencing the death of a loved one. Preparing meals, organising the funeral service, ordering the coffin and the hearse van, arranging for delivery of funeral wreaths, booking condolence space in the newspaper, informing church and cell group members, picking up family members from the airport or railway station and much more. Extending support to those grieving the loss of a loved one will sooth their aching heart and uplift their spirits. Its a great feeling to know that someone cares and is willing to go the extra mile and do the needful without being asked or told.

 

Lets be mindful to help wherever and whenever possible.

 

Prayer – “Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the many opportunities you give me to minister to you by helping the body of Christ. Give me a sincere and dedicated heart to serve others in need, especially those grieving the loss of a loved one. May your love shine through me. Amen.”

Be a blessing to others and eternally transform lives by supporting CBN INDIA’s Ministry. Partner with us to reach millions of Indians to share the love of Christ and a message of hope to the needy ones by making an on-line donation today.

 

But… they doubted

‘When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted.’ ~ Matthew 28:17

Jesus had risen. He broke bread with His disciples and showed them that the prophecies had all been fulfilled in His death and resurrection. He walked with them, met with them in person, showed them His wounds… did everything so they knew it was Him.

Many accepted Him and worshipped Him, knowing that this truly was the Messiah they were waiting for. They counted it a privilege to be with Him. Yet there were some who doubted.

Everything happened before their very eyes but their minds could not perceive the wonderful things that were happening before them. They had seen the Messiah and yet they didn’t accept Him for what He truly was. How unfortunate for them!

Aren’t we too like that sometimes? There have been countless times when God stepped into our lives giving us what we want, doing miracles, moving mountains for us. Yet when we are struck with some calamity we fear, we fret and fume about things being so bad for us. God stands right before us with His Word, His promise as a surety that He can get us through no matter what comes our way. Yet we doubt Him.

Look into the past and you will see His faithfulness, look beyond into the future and you will find He is true to His promise. You just have to hold on and wait, that’s all.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, I am sorry, I got carried away with my doubts and fears. Help me Lord to keep my eyes on You as I wait for Your will to be done, Amen.

But… they doubted

‘When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted.’ ~ Matthew 28:17

Jesus had risen. He broke bread with His disciples and showed them that the prophecies had all been fulfilled in His death and resurrection. He walked with them, met with them in person, showed them His wounds… did everything so they knew it was Him.

Many accepted Him and worshipped Him, knowing that this truly was the Messiah they were waiting for. They counted it a privilege to be with Him. Yet there were some who doubted.

Everything happened before their very eyes but their minds could not perceive the wonderful things that were happening before them. They had seen the Messiah and yet they didn’t accept Him for what He truly was. How unfortunate for them!

Aren’t we too like that sometimes? There have been countless times when God stepped into our lives giving us what we want, doing miracles, moving mountains for us. Yet when we are struck with some calamity we fear, we fret and fume about things being so bad for us. God stands right before us with His Word, His promise as a surety that He can get us through no matter what comes our way. Yet we doubt Him.

Look into the past and you will see His faithfulness, look beyond into the future and you will find He is true to His promise. You just have to hold on and wait, that’s all.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, I am sorry, I got carried away with my doubts and fears. Help me Lord to keep my eyes on You as I wait for Your will to be done, Amen.