Greetings in the marvelous name of Jesus!! 🌹💐

Topic : "If You And I Know Life Ends In Two Weeks What Would You Do? Or I Do??" - Daily Bread.

There was an evangelist who at the close of his sermon asked a question, "How many of you would like to go to heaven?" Many responded positively

with smile. The preacher asked another question, "How many of you would like to die now and go to heaven" Well, there was hush and 'pin drop silence'. As you listen to these devotional words, If Christ returns now, Are you ready? Am I ready? Are we ready?

Will the Lord say to you and me, "Well done thou good and faithful servant; thou has been faithful over fewer things. Mt. 25:21. Or will the Lord say to us, verily I say unto you, I know you not. Mt. 25 :12.

Redeem the time, days are evil. Bro. Joshi a renowned man of God and great Bible teacher who slept in the Lord two days back once said when there was power struggle in Vishwavani, and he was pushed aside, he said these beautiful words. "I have the Word of God within me. Nobody can take it away. It's not going to go in vain. I will go and preach where people are hungry for Word of God and precious souls be saved rather than wasting time where God's genuine ministry is hampered and stopped for power."

"I'm not scared of death certainly. But would like to keep my slate clean from all blemishes. I would rather lose many wars of this world and the rights to fight by keeping my conduct and testimony than losing my name. But our aim is to win the final battle with satan and it's foes which passes over from this death to life where there is no bitterness, no envy and no injustice but justice in what we did in this passing world." - Benedict

Life is uncertain. No life is guaranteed to anyone whatsoever. A healthy person might suddenly die which happened to so many.

I read a very challenging and interesting article in daily bread which led me to share those above thoughts.

A portion from the article I read would like to share.

"Live like you were dying within two weeks." It's a song's title.

In it he describes some of the exciting bucket list things a man did after receiving some bad news about his health. He also chose to love and forgive people more freely, speaking to them tenderly. The song recommends that we live well, as if knowing our lives will end soon.

This song reminds us that our time is limited than we dream and expect. So, it's important for us not to put off for tomorrow what we can do today, one day we'll run out of tomorrows."

This is particularly urgent for believers in

Jesus, who believe that Jesus may return at any moment perhaps in this very second you are listening now. Jesus urges us to be ready, not living the five "foolish virgins who were caught unprepared when the bridegroom returned.

So, don't live like you are dying, because it's God's time over us. Rather instead of thinking of uncertainty and fear of life, share, rejoice, and live like Jesus is coming.

Have a blessed and joyful time!! 🙏🌹💐🙂

Benedict James

#Jesus #God #dailydevotional

Greetings in the marvelous name of Jesus!! 🌹🙂🙋

Topic: How Can We Be A Living Sacrifice? How can people see the Light of Christ In Us?

Would Someone Mistake Us For Jesus Because Of Our Acts?

Romans 12 : 1 says, Be a living sacrifice.

Certainly not by our gifted preachings, certainly not by our inspiring singing but by the acts of ours which remind people instantly of Jesus!

I've read a familiar real life story wherein a small girl sees Jesus in a young salesman.

Let me recall this familiar story which I read and was blessed........

Do people mistake you for Jesus?

That's our destiny as Christians, isn't it?

We need to be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to HIS love, life and grace.

(Let HIS words ring)

If we claim to know

Him, we should live,

walk and act as HE would. [Micah 6:8].

Knowing Him is more than simply quoting scripture and going to

church.

It's actually living the Word as life unfolds

day to day.

You are the apple

of His eye even though you too, have been bruised by a fall.

HE stopped what HE

was doing and picked

you and me up,

on a hill called

Calvary and paid

in full for our damaged fruit.

For complete devotion let us watch the short video. Kindly, share it to others.

Have a blessed time!💐🙋🙂🌹

Benedict James

#Jesus #God #dailydevotional

Greetings in the glorious name of Jesus Christ!!🙋💐🙂

Topic: Fearful And Timid Peter Became Bold And Courageous Peter After The Resurrection of Christ.

Let us see the life of dynamic and dashing Peter. Let us see his life before crucifixion of Christ and after resurrection of Christ.

Before the crucifixion of Jesus, Peter was a sort of a leader with full of thrills and excitement. Life full of highs and lows with burst of emotions too! Never was he consistent in life. His faith would be up a moment, and another moment even a little girl could disturb his faith. That's Peter for us before the crucifixion of Christ.

After the resurrection of Jesus Christ Holy Ghost fell upon him. We then see a totally transformed Peter.

An emotional Peter truly become courageous and compassionate Peter too!!

Secondly fearful and timid Peter became a fearless and bold Peter sharing the Word of God with power and authority, and l testifying the crucifixion of Christ, resurrection and salvation. An ordinary fisherman Peter became an extraordinary Peter. Both Peter and John after healing the lame man at the temple gave all glory to the Lord!

For complete devotion let us listen to the short video and be blessed!!

Have a blessed and joyful day! 🙂💐🌹

I. Benedict James

#Jesus #God #dailydevotional

Greetings in the amazing name of Jesus Christ!!🙂🌹💐

Topic : The Lord God Will Be Our Shield, Our Strength, Our Fortress When We Truly Fear Him And Trust Him..

For devotion, let us mediate Psalm 3rd chapter.

1.

Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.

2.

Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.

3.

But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

4.

I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

5.

I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.

6.

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

7.

Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

8.

Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

Blessed are those who fear the Lord!! Blessed are those people who share the redemptive salvation of having Christ within who died for our sins and rose again.

Here also we observe David also was also no strange to family and personal problems. He had plenty. The great man of God found himself overhelmed because of the rebellion of his very own son who looks beautiful to look at, but deceit, greed within and wrong companion ruined him to upsurge his own beloved father.

Rather than stay and fight with him, he chose to flee from home and his throne. Though many thought David was forsaken by God, David thought it otherwise. Even amidst severe unbearable trials, he still saw the Lord has his shield, protector and fortress.

Even in our lives, when doctor's reports are discouraging, financial crisis, family issues, death of our lived ones, may too rise like David and be encouraged and strenthened to say, Thou are my shield and strength.

For today's complete devotion, let us listen to the the short video.

Have a blessed and glorious time! 💐🙂🌹

Benedict James

#Jesus #God #dailydevotional

Greetings in the sweet name of Jesus Christ!🙂💐🌹

Topic : John Mark - From Spiritual Relapse Rose To The Pinnacle Of Glory And Success.

Apostle Paul writing to Timothy in 2 Tim. 4:11.

Only Luke is with me. Get John Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.

Though we fall, we fail and get defeated, God gives us several opportunities to rise, get a worthy name and be successful. Though many encounter failures and setbacks, few make a strong comeback and become highly successful be it in their studies, jobs, business, family life and in their spiritual lives too!

We recall the renowned scientist, Thomas Alwa Edison who has performed 1000s of experiments which failed. But, he did not look back neither did he give up. He learned through those failures and invented electric bulb and perfected it in October, 21st, 1879 for the world to enjoy light in the nights.

Yesterday we had the devotion wherein Paul refused to take with them John Mark in the mission work as John left them abruptly in their earlier mission work. And Paul felt John was "good for nothing" and not worth taking him.

And we know that Barnabas encouraged him and took him.

Now, John Mark worked so passionately and with sincere dedication and hard work, he soon got a very good name in the mission field. The news spread so much so, apostle Paul who initially refused to entertain to take John, now is requesting the mission team to send John Mark and feels he will be much useful to him in his ministry.

John Mark stands out on the pages of the New Testament as a great character - but from that position of spiritual relapse he “turned again” and was a most useful servant of the Lord and one whose ministry the apostle Paul valued tremendously (2 Timothy 4:11). In addition, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he wrote the Gospel of Mark one of the synoptic gospels along with the gospel of Matthew and Luke. which bears his name (2 Timothy 3:16).

Nothing comes easy in life. We need to count the cost. With passion, discipline and dedication to rise from repeated failures to conquer the focused frontieres.

Let us rise and press on....

Have a blessed day!💐🙂🌹

Benedict James

#Jesus #God #dailydevotional

Greetings in the triumphant name of Jesus Christ!!🌹💐🙂

Topic : The Glorious And Triumphant Comeback By John Mark Seizing The One Opportunity Given By Barnabas.

The beauty of his comeback was more glorious than his returning back home abruptly in the mid of the 1st missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas.

For it to happen, the great encourager in his life has been Barnabas.

Often times these words are more heard from the world, "You cannot do it, you are good for nothing, you are not capable, you are unstable, you are moody. You do not have vision..."

Many a times these words are taken seriously to heart and we give up languishing in self pity instead of rising up. God hates people who idle themselves in self pity. Some try to take revenge on those who whispered such words of defeat against them. This too the Lord condemns it. For the Lord said in His divine word, "bless them who persecute you."

The best way to make a comeback is by our noble deeds and modest conduct to win back from the same people.

Let us read today's bible portion from Acts 15 : 36-40

Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them,

but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphyllia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,

but Paul chose Silas and left in another direction.

When John Mark abruptly decided to part with Paul and Barnabas in the first missionary journey, Paul did not like it....

But Barnabas thought otherwise. He loved John Mark unconditionally. He wanted to give him one more opportunity. In my opinion, at this juncture, Barnabas behaved more wisely, more matured and more righteous than Paul.

Like Barnabas, let us give one more opportunity to those who are not upto our expectations. The opportunity we recive, do we use it to change the world within us like John Mark? Let us hear tomorrow how John Mark used the one God given opportunity and became a victorious and fruitful vessel for the Lord.

Have a joyful and victorious day!🙂🌹💐

Benedict James

#Jesus #God #dailydevotional

Greetings in the marvelous name of Jesus Christ!🙋🌹💐

Topic : If We Knew The Pains And Sorrows Which Make Life Hard With Whom We Are Tempted To Be Impatient...

1 Thes. 5 : 11. Therefore encourage one another and build each other.

We should learn to look at the faults of others only through love"s eyes , with charity, patience and compassion. We do not know the secret history of the lives of others. We do not know how piercing sorrows have produced the scars which we see in people's souls.

We do not know the pains and trials which make life hard to many with whom we are tempted to be impatient...

If we knew all the secret burdens and the heart-wounds which may carry hidden beneath their smiling faces, we would be patient and gentle with all men.

Let's be an encourager like Barnabas..It was Barnabas who stood with Paul when the disciples refused to accept Paul. It was Barnabas encouragement in the initial stages of Christian life of Paul.

Otherwise Paul would have not written more than half of the new testament and there would been not so many churches had Barnabas encouraged him. With his influence he stood with Paul when disciples opposed Paul and he was the encourager to accompany Paul initially in the missions.

Barnabas had also encouraged and supported John Mark who went back home from the middle of the missionary journey. He pursued with John Mark though Paul opposed. Had he not pursued with John Mark inspite of his earlier mistakes, there would not have been the Mark Gospel for us.

Let's be an encourager in small ways. Who knows? One you helped might become great instrument in the Lord's hand. We never hear after a certain period regarding Barnabas, but his good work continued in the lives of John Mark and apostle Paul.

Have a blessed and joyful time!🌹💐🙂

Benedict James.

#Jesus #God #dailydevotional

Greetings in the marvelous name of Jesus Christ!🙋🌹💐

Topic : If We Knew The Pains And Sorrows Which Make Life Hard With Whom We Are Tempted To Be Impatient...

1 Thes. 5 : 11. Therefore encourage one another and build each other.

We should learn to look at the faults of others only through love"s eyes , with charity, patience and compassion. We do not know the secret history of the lives of others. We do not know how piercing sorrows have produced the scars which we see in people's souls.

We do not know the pains and trials which make life hard to many with whom we are tempted to be impatient...

If we knew all the secret burdens and the heart-wounds which may carry hidden beneath their smiling faces, we would be patient and gentle with all men.

Let's be an encourager like Barnabas..It was Barnabas who stood with Paul when the disciples refused to accept Paul. It was Barnabas encouragement in the initial stages of Christian life of Paul.

Otherwise Paul would have not written more than half of the new testament and there would been not so many churches had Barnabas encouraged him. With his influence he stood with Paul when disciples opposed Paul and he was the encourager to accompany Paul initially in the missions.

Barnabas had also encouraged and supported John Mark who went back home from the middle of the missionary journey. He pursued with John Mark though Paul opposed. Had he not pursued with John Mark inspite of his earlier mistakes, there would not have been the Mark Gospel for us.

Let's be an encourager in small ways. Who knows? One you helped might become great instrument in the Lord's hand. We never hear after a certain period regarding Barnabas, but his good work continued in the lives of John Mark and apostle Paul.

Have a blessed and joyful time!🌹💐🙂

Benedict James.

#Jesus #God #dailydevotional

Greetings in the marvelous and joyful name of Jesus Christ!💐🌹🙂

Topic : Why Often We Are In Spiritual Poverty?

Rom. 3 : 23. Everyone has sinned and is far from God's saving presence.

Are we a victim of spiritual starvation? Satan does not have to tempt us to wander off into sin to hinder our faith. He simply has to keep us out of God’s Word.

If we do not feel spiritually healthy. If we are not growing in Christlikeness may be we are malnourished. Spiritual starvation will sap our strength, steal our joy, and hinder our witness.

That means every person - regardless of titles, bank accounts, possessions, and accolades and praises - is spiritually destitute. Our sin puts all of us in a helpless hopeless and desperate state, unless we seek the Lord and heavenly blessings which are true, lasting and eternal.

We are greedy after the worldly things and lie in spiritual poverty for longer season. We are greedy after the world's things and never get satisfied of them. But of the real things that will last through eternity, we are satisfied with very small portions.

"What seek ye? asks the Master, His hands filled with precious blessings, and we ask for some little thing, some trifle, when we might have glorious fullness of blessings. How very strange it must have seem to the angels to see us poor mortals giving our life, our very soul, to get some paltry thing of the earth that will perish tomorrow, and then not taking the precious spiritual boons that we might have for the mere asking.

If you wish to have a prayer or talk to us to have a victorious and joyful life, Pl feel free to contact Benedict James @whatsapp number 91 9704028977 or at [email protected]

Have a blessed time! Joyful new week!🌹💐🙂

I. Benedict James

#Jesus #God #dailydevotional

Greetings in the amazing name of Jesus Christ!💐🙂🌹

Topic: Exodus 20:12. Honour Your Father And Mother. One Great Bible Teacher Once Said, "If You Cannot Honour Your Parents, You Are Not Fit To Be Their Children."

It's really good and wonderful for parents to make the children study nicely, come up in life, get into a good job or thrive in a very good business venture. But, during that time, if the children do not understand the sacrifice, the pain, the struggles the hurdles the parents faced, it's the greatest tragedy.

As you can watch in the video how the son became a wealthy business enterpreneur because of the untiring efforts and sacrifice with which father made him to come upto that highest level in the society.

It's so, so sad to see the rich level headed son humiliating, insulting and threatening his own father before his father's close friend!😨

How much he grieved, stabbed and hurt his father for lifetime? How such fathers can live with such misbehaving son??

One of my favorite Bible teacher who used to teach once in a month during my "Youth times" often admonished and reprimanded such children saying, "how big you may be, if you cannot respect your parents, you are not fit to be his child."

It's indeed truly deep regret and anguish for such parents to have such ungrateful and disrespectful children who create hell for parents.

Other hand, we see though the other son was working as an officer in a small company, his respect, obedience and taking good care of his father is clearly evident in his behaviour. His father would be savouring and enjoying every moment like heaven with his son though they may not be wealthy. But father has peace and happiness. God bless such children.

Cleary teaches us education and wealth cannot give peace. But being a good human, and being a good child of the parents does.

Let us watch this video.

Have a blessed time!!🙂

Benedict James

#Jesus #God #dailydevotional