Prayer List

Let’s commit to pray these things for our Church this year:

1. Prayer to be our priority before we plan, as we plan, and as we serve for meetings/worship, church services

2. That everyone from a young child to an adult will encounter Christ personally allow Him steer their lives

3. To keep the Word of God to be central to all we do - to stand firm on biblical truth to gives us a complete picture of what Christ wants our lives to emulate.

4. For greater unity in our church 

5. For greater intentionality in evangelism, look for people who need to know and experience Christ. 

6. For greater emphasis on cell meetings to get to know each other on a deeper level. 

7. For membership to be more meaningful, pray that our members will be able to give undivided due priority to OCC

8. For plans to remain as a true disciple to Christ.

Thank you Lord for a blessed 2015!!

Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God (Isaiah 40:1) 

It is that time of the year that we look back a year and remind ourselves of how God was faithful despite our unfaithfulness, He remained faithful and unconditionally loving!! Personally this was a year of God’s favour, God’s worked in ways no eye has seen/heard/conspired. Spiritually, a year of learning…with moments: of  being in despair, of exceeding joy, of feeling let down, of being HELD, of tears and moments of reaping, God’s ways were miraculous. Many a prayers were answered in the lives of our brethren, our church got a new face, a new place of worship and some godly new faces. The hall may not be FULL now, but it reminds us of one thing..there are MANY out there who are waiting to fill those seats !!! It was a year of harvest as a church, many a hands prayed, many a hearts were united...We serve a God who is zealous, its our prayer to be a church with the zeal and people who gives priority to the church where they are planted when it comes to prayer and meetings. 

On a personal note, I was weighed down when mum wasn’t well, when things didn't work out in terms of a job, when my second child was always under the weather. There were times I wished to stretch my arms to be of help to ease the burden/pain of all around me. There were times when I sat down and prayed for nothing but "contentment". But,I must say God met all our needs, the same God who sent in a raven to meet the needs of the prophet, sent timely help for us when we were in need. Psalmist said "a thousand may fall at your side a ten thousand at your right hand, yet it will not come near you” and it came true, God sustained us!! 

I’m a mom who has this queer tendency to repeat important words and phrases to my children, especially in when I sense ’trouble’……and sometimes I say it more than three times…words like "It's alright, it's alright"... “don't worry, don’t worry"... "careful, careful." Usually as a parent we tend to be iterative assuming that our children aren't fully attentive to what we say or there is some other frightening fact/thing that has temporarily captured their attention. Sometimes all we wish to do is to implant our words into their minds and hearts during a crisis. 

Like any loving parent, God is trying to comfort His people, His intention is consolation and not consternation. When things around are hideous and harrowing He says "comfort ye, comfort ye". He uses these words to “my people” and “your God”. Know this, even when we shudder and feel the tremor under an appalling trial, we are NO LESS HIS, WE ARE THE SAME CHILD TO HIM. Our wisdom might prompt us to believe otherwise but let us remember, He will never forsake us or leave us as orphans. So as we are at the edge of stepping into another year, let us be assured of this fact that regardless of the trial we may face, regardless of the fear and dismay we may feel, let us listen to the comforting words of our Heavenly Father throughout the year 2016 that “You are mine and I’m STILL Yours” and he repeats himself to us “Comfort ye, Comfort ye”.. God Bless!!

30th December 2015

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness (2 Peter 3:11)

When we see a warning sign of a "Dead End" we still have a choice to alter our current course of life, and make changes. Peter says, knowing that this world is coming to an end should cause us to consider our way of life. Our thoughts, words ambitions, actions, and affections should be different. Our focus should be to seek after the  riches of heaven than the temporariness of earth! There would only be a thin line between pursuing the world and God....what will be our choice ?? The holiness and consuming fire of our God should fill our hearts with a genuine desire for purity and godly passions!!!  The atrocities and rottenness of this world should turn us to the perfections of Christ.
Let us realise each day that all these things that we SEE, HEAR and DESIRE will dissolve like smoke into thin air, what would remain is what kind of person would you and I be before God?

God bless you today as you prayerfully prepare for the new year! Share

Discipleship!

I embarked on this thought of Discipleship after I took up the interest to go with a specific reading plans. It was last year I joined the "Hello Mornings" Worldwide, and after reading and being in track for a while, a few thoughts that was came out of my  mind and that was posted by my own hands, led me to this. I  must admit it was hard to keep up with their pace, but the group encouraged me to not stop pressing !!! Another Mum Amber, was a powerful encourgaement for raising kids without raising my voice. Her attitudes, he writings and her trust in God was so inspiring :)

Glad that  I was led to them, a open forum of many women from several different countries around the globe for a single reason to know God and to pray to God. A place where no judgements were made, no expectations other than to be a disciple was intended, a place where no one tried to show their superiority or take the lead. Thank you Lord from bridging nations and countries without boundaries for a good cause :) Feeling blessed totally!!

Regards,
Geeba

Dec 29, 2015

I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. (KJV) ( Psalm 38:6 )

Like David was filled with grief we are also very vulnerable to feeling depressed, hurt and disheartened. And for some of us it is quite a difficult mindset to escape once we allow these inward thoughts to take hold. Although in such moments it is very hard we still need to take heart and realize "God has a plan" and HE still loves us unconditionally beyond our state of mind. Words can hurt us, rip us and tear our joy BUT there is still hope in CHRIST for our happiness. Your happiness will be sustained not by circumstances, but by His enduring love for us. Father help me realize the depth of your love, so that all my burden will turn towards being joyful and loving others.

Dec 28, 2015

Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God (Ruth 1:16)

This statement from Ruth is a commitment, not only to her mother-in-law, but to the God of Israel. Although Ruth grew up as a Moabite in an idolatrous society, she claims that, from now on, she will have only the one true God as her God and is forsaking her emotional, sentimental or religious attachments. Let us ask ourselves if our affections and attention are still splintered in a hundred(if not a thousand) different directions, by every thing around us, that unchecked appetite, the attraction of multifarious luxuries, the bickering and squabble on account of “wants” and not “needs”, the peer pressure, the fear of what others will think? Have you made a hard and fast commitment to God?

Let us be emboldened by Ruth's courageous example to tell all around us and not be dissuaded from our decisions in Christ, the choice you have made and the course that we have set for following hard after God.

Dec 27, 2015

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart(2 Timothy 2:22)

Youthful lusts are many; physical attraction, excessive desire for fame, acceptance, success, or achievement. Paul warns us against such short-sighted cravings of youth. Lusts include any hunger or ambition that distracts from our pursuit of true righteousness, faith, love, and peace!!! This verse complemented a discussion that we had a family! We were discussing about the  'worldly' outlook within the spiritual community, i.e. you say you are a spiritual person yet yearn for fame, acceptance and name!! We are to pursue hard after a pure-hearted devotion to God. We will not experience a fulfilling Christian life until we avoid sin and also seek after Christ out of a pure heart !!! Let us remember to flee away from sinful temptations, and follow after Christ as your Lord!

Dec 24, 2015

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. (1 John‬ ‭4:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬)

God loved us so much that He sent His son Jesus to this world, permitted His son to die on the cross for the remission of our sins! What greater love have we heard about? How many of us will give up our own child to die in place of another person's faults? God loved us so much that He didn't even spare His own son from the cruelty of the cross! God sent Jesus so that we might live through Him. Are we living a life worthy of His call? Worthy of His love? Do we neglect His love or do we take His love for granted by living a life fulfilling our carnal man? Are we nurturing the spiritual man? Are constantly reminded of His love for us?

Dec 23, 2015

Only by pride cometh contention
(Proverbs 13:10)

Arguments or strife comes by way of pride. We can be loud to declare our innocence, or cleverly defend our cause, or furiously justify our position BUT only by pride comes contention. Can we honestly say arguments are because of other people's pride and not ours?? Every conflict in every home needs a constant, honest self-examination from all (husbands, wives, parents, and children alike) Do we contribute to tension at the home? Could we have spoke words seasoned with salt to avoid giving offence? Does our pride escalate a productive discussion or honest disagreement to worse? What is God's role for in our home? If each of us in a home humble before God, the strife in the home will slowly but surely dissipate. When pride is gone, the tension will be gone. So let it then begin with us!

Dec 21, 2015

This is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day(John 6:40)

Jesus Christ came to fulfill the purpose for which the Father sent him into this world. Jesus says, every one who sees the Son, and believes on him, will have everlasting life pls note there are are no exceptions.Even if we see ourselves as too dirty, or unworthy, or flawed to hope for forgiveness and healing and salvation Jesus unmistakably and intentionally promises eternal life to every individual who believes on him regardless of our lineage, regardless of the mistakes we have made, or how low we may feel. Not only will Jesus raise sinners from the miry clay of our past, he will raise even from the grave one day.
Is this salvation ours? Have we "seen" and "believed" on the Son??

Dec 20, 2015

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. (Isaiah‬ ‭30:21‬ ‭KJV‬‬)

We have placed our life and future in the hands of the Heavenly Father. Our aim is to live for Christ, and if we truly wish to live according to His will, we need His voice daily! When our mind gets distracted, when things seem out of control, when we have our own doubts, when there are  uncertainties all around let us be certain of this, that He will guide us through prompting us the way to choose and the steps to take regardless of our situation IF we allow/ask Him. He will guide us both in trivial and significant matters when we are unsure of our tomorrow there is one who can guide us until end of times!

Dec 19, 2015

But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. (1 Samuel‬ ‭16:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬)

Samuel was a prophet, a man of God, yet he gets a clear instruction from God not to look at the outward appearance when trying to choose a King! We who claim to be a child of God may also need / take heed to instructions from God to make the right choices in life. Samuel was very close to finding a King in the house of Jesse yet he needed God more than ever till the very end to anoint the God chosen man. Even if we are one step close to our promises we still need to rely on God and not our wisdom. Samuel obeyed God and not the appearances or the outward gestures. Let us leave all our decisions to God, allow him to work, and obey His voice today!

Dec 18, 2015

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. (KJV) ( John 15:10 )

One of these days, I was disturbed in my time with God, I kept "feeling" heavy, and troubled. My thoughts were: "I am not good enough (and never will be) for Christ', considering the fact that I don't live up to His standard and how easily I am defeated; a misbehaving or disobedient child can make my tongue to sin, my anger to erupt and my peace to be snubbed!!! On other side I said 'no God forgives if we repent and correct' but other voice kept telling me 'u are a failure'. What should have been a prayer turned into few minutes of disturbed state of being. I spent several minutes with absolutely no peace then after a tug of war within me, a thought flashed 'He holds my future He alone can change things around' all I have to do is 'pray without ceasing for me to overcome all the difficult areas'

After all that, I read this verse and I say I want to abide in His love. It takes the right attitude to be obedient! It comes natural to us to fight against submission but a loving relationship with God makes our will/desire to be aligned with His will. That submission must come out of our love for Him because we know He works for our best even when it's hard for us to understand. What joy must it be for our Heavenly Father to know that we are happily obeying Him! Are we self-willed even though we call ourselves child of God? What is our attitude towards obedience? Is it out of love or fear or expecting something in return? Are we abiding in His love the way He intended it to be??

Dec 17, 2015

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (KJV) ( Psalm 23:4 )

If we want to nurture a relationship with someone that will stay until the end of days, it is it only possible with Jesus. Even when we are old, not in a great health, or when we fail to meet our our expectations, or when we are alone, let's have a faith strong enough to still know that we are a child of God. Let us continue to nurture that relationship with Christ, when our day isn't perfect can we look back and see if Christ was our priority that day, or if He was then although it looks imperfect remember He sees us through our imperfections each and every day. He will provide protection and comfort us in all our troubles!

Dec 16, 2015

Whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward(Mark 9:41)

I love the way Jesus looks at acts of service and devotion He even notices  the smallest of acts or devotion and He says even that will not go unrewarded!!!. God remembers even though we forget the service the moment after we render it. Although we may not all be required to be tortured for the sake of Christ All of us have to die daily to self, to think of how the kingdom of God can be served by us. We may not be "known" by others but if we willingly serve in the kingdom of Christ with what we have/are and out of our love for Christ then, we shall not lose His reward. Notice Jesus didn't just say he will receive a reward, but he shall not lose it!

Dec 15, 2015

And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; (KJV) ( 2 Samuel 22:2 )

When things around us seems to be still, when we are troubled and the rest of the world keeps on moving, when no one knows our biting issues, worries or concerns  remember to look at Jesus our rock!! When we are disturbed within and when it seems that people turn a blind eye, when we falter, remember, Jesus is our rock, the only fortress and deliverer who we can rely on. Sometimes He teaches us by having to wait upon Him, so even if the answer seems afar pray without ceasing, have faith we might be taught "perseverance" in the process! The only one who really feels our pain and knows what we are going through He alone can carry us through it. Let us lean on Him today and forever!

Dec 14, 2015

And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (KJV) ( Isaiah 58:11 )

When we are struggling with a burden when no one can help when you wish to say everything will work out fine. Remember there is our Lord who will give us strength and will never leave us. So shall we simply say to all our gnawing problems that Lord can do it, embrace it faith in God!!

Dec 10, 2015

When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple(Jonah 2:7)

Prayer can take us to God, Jonah had ran away from God, disobeying Him. Because of Jonah's disobedience to preach in the city of Nineveh the ship was caught in the great storm, Jonah was thrown out of the ship and swallowed by a great fish. In verse 2 Jonah describes his predicament as being in "the belly of hell". Verse 4 says Jonah felt as being cast away from the presence/care of God. Yet, he says, "I will look again toward thy holy temple."

When we suffer for our own sins, out of guilt, or pride, or embarrassment we turn away from God rather than turning to Him in prayer. But like  Jonah let us realise that afflictions can draw us to God. Even as Jonah suffered "in the belly of hell" he was able, through prayer, to come to God in his holy temple. If we find ourselves far away from God let us, through prayer go to Him! 

Dec 9 , 2015

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 41:14)

God says to Israel in exodus 6:6  "I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from ...... I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments" This verse is a picture of a greater, gospel redemption that would be for ALL of God's people. We are worms by nature, slaves to sin and to Satan but God has emancipated us, taking on the role of redeemer. Jesus Christ came to give his life a ransom for many! 

So today "let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer" (Psalm 19:14).

Dec 8, 2015

So encourage each other and give each other strength (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NCV).

The ones who need love most is those who are hard to love.. Those that are hard to love might be the ones who desperately need the love of those around them. They need the love of those who can look past their flawed behavior and even  the hidden pain....remember Jesus loved us when we were unlovable. 

Let us allow God to fulfill His plan in our life. If we try to take things into our hands there will be a limitations but if we allow God to take control we can be more useful! Our thoughts are not His thoughts our plans may NOT be His plans. So let's ask God to open our eyes and hearts !!

Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I judge others instead of loving. Give me Your eyes of love and mercy, guard my tongue, guard my heart to build others up and not destroy them. Help me grow up to be like Christ.

Dec 7, 2015

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth(Matthew 7:7-8)

Only when there is a sense of neediness we do ASK, why would one ask when there is no need? Around 11 years ago I asked God for a child although married for only 3 months! There was a specific incident that led to it, not in the mood to come out with it, will save it for another time! Something's don't come my way without needing, without asking and knocking. It was a time that I recognized I needed to follow God's plan and started to pray rather labor in prayer. As in this verse when we are awakened to pray God will promise with an answer. After a year we were blessed with a healthy boy weighing 3750grams on a December 7th. There are several such prayers that each of us will have to share:) Everyone who asks will receive!

There might be times when we haven't found the answer or we seem to be still knocking at a closed door and God hasn't answered, do not give up. Just believe God will either give us what we have been asking for, or he will give something better. No one will go away disappointed in praying although we may have to linger there for a long time. What are you thankful for today?

Dec 6, 2015

Exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin(Hebrews 3:13)

Every testimony we hear should be exhortation! Today's baptism service made me look back, 'twas in my 4th yr of B.E on a weekend that I took baptism at a Pastor's church in Dindigul. The time we choose didn't make it possible for family to be with me although mum and dad n few were praying! I was the last one to take water baptism at home. There was no church to witness just the pastor's family and an evangelist of the church. The day following my baptism I attended church meeting and wasn't asked to testify coz my Tamil was poorly or may be the Pastor thought I wouldn't be up to it! 

I knew I had a different standard but even slightest sin lies to us, causing us to harden our hearts and draw away from God in unbelief (verse 12). 

Whether the sin is lust, anger, pride, greed, it deceives us into thinking that satisfaction or fulfilment is found somewhere else than in God through pleasure, or gaining more "stuff." But God has taught me that it is all a lie. Today when I see a prayer answered in the life of others, there is a profound joy only found in the path/presence of our living God. My needs, wants or even aspirations seem dead and limp.

The fellowship of saints brings exhorting, lest sin have its hardening effect on our hearts. We may walk faithfully for a week, a decade, or half a lifetime but  constant vigilance, and the exhortation of others, is needed in order to avoid sin's pitfalls today, no matter how successful we've been so far!!  So once again Father God in the name of Jesus I ask you to accept me, mould me in to your likeness to run this race for You!! 

Dec 5, 2015

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. (KJV) ( Mark 10:15 ) 

Children aaccept things at face value giving a fair amount of faith  and trust in what they are told.  As adults, we have prejudgment, knowledge or acquired wisdom which makes it more difficult to blindly place our faith in the Kingdom of God.  But if we receive like a little child, our Lord is trustworthy, He will not fail us. Today shall we dig a little deep within us to bring out that inner child and step out in faith.  Today I have many unanswered prayers, several questions that bring tears even when i think of it, I am willing to look through the lens of my younger self, to trust God today…Would you too do it today??

Dec 4, 2015

This is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:40)

Jesus came to accomplish the will of his Father which is God's predestinated purpose which will be fulfilled. Jesus says, every one who sees the Son, and believes on him, will have everlasting life. Even if we see ourselves too bad, or unworthy, or with several flaws Jesus unmistakably and intentionally promises eternal life to every person  who believes on him regardless of our which family we came from or our past sins!

Not only that He says "I will raise him up at the last day". Jesus will raise sinners from the miry clay of each one's past and will also raise them finally from the grave one day!! The everlasting life that is promised includes the resurrection of our body in the last day.

Dec 3, 2015

Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: and he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings (Daniel 2:20-21)

There is only sovereign ruler who rules over all creation, who is sovereign over all wisdom/ knowledge, over all might/ power, it is none other than our Heavenly Father! No one has wisdom and power without God giving it. It is God who changes the times and seasons on earth, and it is God who removes and sets up kings according to his pleasure. The seasons on earth can change if our God commands! Rulers are set up or brought down by God. 

With Daniel shall we also say this exclamation of praise: blessed be the name of God for ever and ever! He is worthy of praise because he owns all wisdom and power, and he is forever worthy of praise because he will always be sovereign. Let us take a moment to pray for Chennai again! Let us ask God to change the condition of that city!! He is the only sovereign God who can change seasons and conditions! 

Dec 2, 2015

I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin(Psalm 32:5)

Two things we see here is sin  confessed and, when confessed sin will be forgiven! 

The psalmist reports that he was brought to the place of acknowledging his sin. He was not trying to hide it, or justify it, or excuse it. He held nothing back during his confession; he admitted to God his every fault and failing.

As he freely admits his sin to the Lord, we should notice, the psalmist also freely acknowledges it as sin (not just a mistake or personality flaw). He confesses his transgressions to the Lord. They are his (no one else is to blame) and they are transgressions (willful offenses against the law of God).

Have you gone to the Lord in confession and owned up to your own willful disobedience and pride? Have you utterly opened your heart to him, acknowledging the wrongs you have done against his good and just law?

Then -- but only then -- will we have the same assurance in which the psalmist rejoices, that our sin is forgiven and every transgression pardoned. What a sweet, powerful thing is a clean conscience before our holy God!

Do not delay the repentance that God deserves or the forgiveness that you need.