You shall have no other gods before me

Lifestyles of the Poor and Unknown

In the 1980s, one of the most popular programs on American television was a weekly show called Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Each week, the host visited celebrities and royalty at their luxurious mansions, fawning over their exotic cars, million-dollar jewelry, and lavish wardrobes. It was conspicuous consumption at its most nauseating, and viewers couldn’t get enough of it.
But don’t we all secretly envy the rich and famous? Don’t we believe that if only we were rich, it would solve all our problems? Don’t we long to be recognized and loved by millions of people?
This craving for fortune is nothing new. Two thousand years ago Jesus said, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:25 NIV)
Why is that? Jesus, who knew the human heart better than anyone ever has or ever will, understood that it's a matter of priorities. Too often, rich people make wealth their number one priority instead of God. They spend most of their time making wealth, spending it, and increasing it. In a very real sense, money becomes their idol.
God won’t stand for that. He told us so in his First Commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3 NIV).

What Riches Can't Buy

Today, we still believe the lie that money can buy happiness. Yet hardly a week passes that we don’t read about rich celebrities getting a divorce. Other high-profile millionaires get in trouble with the law and have to enter drug or alcohol rehab programs. Despite all their money, many rich people feel empty and without meaning. Some surround themselves with a dozen hangers-on, confusing opportunists with friends. Others get pulled in by New Age beliefs and religious cults, searching in vain for something that will help them make sense of their lives.
While it’s true that wealth can purchase all kinds of thrills and creature comforts, in the long run, those things amount to high-priced glitter and trash. Anything that ends up in a junkyard or landfill cannot satisfy the yearning in the human heart.

Lifestyles of the Poor and Unknown

Since you have a computer and Internet service, you’re probably not living below the poverty line. But that doesn’t mean the lure of riches and possessions never tempts you. Our culture constantly hypes the new--new cars, new music players, new computers, new furniture, new clothes. Wearing something that’s out of style pegs you as a misfit, somebody who doesn’t quite "get it." And we all want to "get it" because we long for the approval of our peers.
So we’re caught somewhere in between, not poor but far from rich, and certainly not famous outside of our circle of family and friends. We yearn for the importance that money brings. We’ve seen enough rich people treated with respect and admiration to want a piece of that for ourselves.
We have God, but we want more. Just like Adam and Eve, we desperately desire to be bigger shots than we are. Satan lied to them then, and he’s still lying to us today.

Seeing Ourselves as we Really Are

Because of the world's false values, we seldom see ourselves as we really are. The truth is that in the eyes of God, every believer is rich and famous. We possess the richness of a salvation that can never be taken from us. This is the treasure that’s immune from moths and rust. We take it with us when we die, unlike money or fancy possessions.
We are famous and precious to our Savior, so much that he sacrificed himself so we can spend eternity with him. His love surpasses any earthly fame because it will never end.
It’s time to stop comparing houses, cars, clothes, and bank accounts. It’s time to stop feeling inadequate because we don’t own the outward symbols of success.
Instead, it’s time to turn our eyes to our intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s where we’ll experience our greatest fulfillment. That’s where we’ll finally find all the riches we’ve ever wanted.

Picture of the Heavenly Father

Luke 15:11-32

The Prodigal Son :

The story of the Prodigal Son, also known as the Parable of the Lost Son, follows the parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin. Jesus is responding to the Pharisees' complaint: "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

Jesus tells the story of a man who has two sons. The younger son asks his father to give him his portion of the family estate as an early inheritance. Once received, the son promptly sets off on a long journey to a distant land and begins to waste his fortune on wild living. When the money runs out, a severe famine hits the country and the son finds himself in dire circumstances. He takes a job feeding pigs. He is so destitute that he even longs to eat the food assigned to the pigs.

The young man finally comes to his senses, remembering his father. In humility, he recognizes his foolishness, decides to return to his father and ask for forgiveness and mercy. The father who had been watching and waiting, receives his son back with open arms of compassion. He is overjoyed by the return of his lost son! Immediately the father turns to his servants and asks them to prepare a giant feast in celebration.

Meanwhile, the older son is not one bit happy when he comes in from working the fields and discovers a party going on to celebrate his younger brother's return. The father tries to dissuade the older brother from his jealous rage explaining, "You are always with me, and everything I have is yours."

Points of Interest from the Story:

• Typically, a son would receive his inheritance at the time of his father's death. The fact that the younger brother instigated the early division of the family estate showed a rebellious and proud disregard for his father's authority, not to mention a selfish and immature attitude.

• Pigs were unclean animals. Jews were not even allowed to touch pigs. When the son took a job feeding pigs, even longing for their food to fill his belly, it reveals that he had fallen as low as he could possibly go. This son represents a person living in rebellion to God. Sometimes we have to hit rock-bottom before we come to our senses and recognize our sin.

• The father is a picture of the Heavenly Father. God waits patiently, with loving compassion to restore us when we return to him with humble hearts. He offers us everything in his kingdom, restoring full relationship with joyful celebration. He doesn't even dwell on our past waywardness.

• Reading from the beginning of chapter 15, we see that the older son is clearly a picture of the pharisees. In their self-righteousness, they have forgotten to rejoice when a sinner returns to God. Bitterness and resentment keeps the older son from forgiving his younger brother. It blinds him to the treasure he freely enjoys through constant relationship with the father.

Questions for Reflection:

Who are you in this story? Are you a prodigal, a pharisee or a servant? Are you the rebellious son, lost and far from God? Are you the self-righteous pharisee, no longer capable of rejoicing when a sinner returns to God? Maybe you've hit rock-bottom, come to your senses and decided to run to God's open arms of compassion and mercy? Or are you one of the servants in the household, rejoicing with the father when a lost son finds his way home?

The Last Supper - Story Summary:

Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-25; Luke 22:7-20.

The Last Supper - Story Summary:

On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread or Passover, Jesus sent two of his disciples ahead with very specific instructions on where to prepare the Passover meal. That evening Jesus sat down at the table with the 12 apostles to eat his final meal before going to the cross. As they dined together, he told the twelve that one of them would soon betray him.

One by one they questioned, "I'm not the one, am I, Lord?" Jesus explained that even though he knew he would die as the Scriptures foretold, his betrayer's fate would be terrible: "Far better for him if he had never been born!"

Then Jesus took the bread and the wine and asked his Father to bless it. He broke the bread into pieces, giving it to his disciples and said, "This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."

And then he took the cup of wine, sharing it with his disciples and said, "This wine is the token of God's new covenant to save you--an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you. He told all of them, "I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father's Kingdom." Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.

Points of Interest from the Story:

• The Passover commemorated Israel's escape from bondage in Egypt. In Exodus, the blood of the Passover lamb was painted on the door frames, causing the plague of the firstborn to pass over their houses sparing the firstborn sons from death. The Last Supper was very significant because Jesus showed his disciples he was about to become the Passover Lamb of God. His blood would open the door to freedom. His followers would exchange slavery to sin and death for eternal life in God's Kingdom.

• Typically wine is served four times during the Passover meal. According to Jewish tradition, the four cups represent four expressions of redemption. The first cup is called the cup of sanctification; the second is the cup of judgment; the third is the cup of redemption; and the fourth is the cup of the kingdom.

• These verses surrounding the Last Supper form the biblical basis for the practice of Communion.

• There are 3 main Christian views regarding the blood and the wine during the practice of Communion:

-The bread and the wine become the actual body and blood of Christ. The Catholic term for this is Transubstantiation. - The bread and the wine are unchanged elements, but Christ's presence by faith is made spiritually real in and through them. - The bread and the wine are unchanged elements, used as symbols, representing Christ's body and blood, in remembrance of his enduring sacrifice.

• Judas had already determined that he would betray Jesus, yet still he shared in the communion of the Passover meal.

Question for Reflection:

At the Last Supper, each of the disciples questioned Jesus (paraphrased): "Could I be the one to betray you, Lord?" I would guess at that moment they were also questioning their own hearts. A little while later, Jesus predicts Peter's three-fold denial. Are there times in our walk of faith when we should stop and question, "How true is my commitment to the Lord?" Do I profess to love and follow Christ, yet deny him with my actions?

So why don't we laugh more?

In Proverbs 17:22, it says, "A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones." (NKJV) I like how the New Living Translation says it even better: "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength."
With the high cost of prescription drugs these days, we can all benefit from some good medicine that's free!
According to a 1988 Health Update published in The New York Times, a group called "Nurses for Laughter" at Oregon Health Sciences University wear buttons that say: "Warning: Humor May Be Hazardous to Your Illness." A family practitioner at New Jersey's School of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Marvin E. Herring, said, "The diaphragm, thorax, abdomen, heart, lungs and even the liver are given a massage during a hearty laugh." And Dr. William F. Fry of Stanford University said that "laughter stimulates the production of the alertness hormones catecholamines. These hormones in turn cause the release of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins foster a sense of relaxation and well-being and dull the perception of pain."

 

So why don't we laugh more?

More recently, the Humour Foundation reported that a Brazilian health center is treating patients who suffer from depression, stress and diabetes with "laughter therapy." Patients are encouraged to "laugh out loud together." This same report claims that laughter therapy cuts health care costs, burns calories, helps arteries, and boosts blood flow. Over the years, many physical benefits to laughter have been reported by doctors and health care professionals. Here are just a few:

• Decrease in stress hormone levels
• Strengthening of the immune system
• Muscle relaxation
• Pain reduction
• Lowering of blood pressure
• Cardiovascular conditioning
• Natural anti-depressant

Don't Take Life Too Seriously
Remember to focus on the lighter side of life. Take time to enjoy your friends, watch a comedy, read the funnies. I'm sure you've heard this before, but life really does go by too quickly to spend it being miserable.
Spend Time with Children
Being around my little nephew is the perfect cure for depression. He's in that stage of rapid discovery and he giggles over every new thing he does and sees. Making him smile is pure contagious joy!
Subscribe to a Joke-a-Day Email List
I'm a terrible joke-teller. I can never remember exactly how it goes, and I always mess up the punch line! But I love to hear a joke and share one with a friend who might be able to tell it better than me.

So why don't we laugh more? Let's get started now ...

Why did the chicken cross the road halfway?
She wanted to lay it on the line. A police recruit was asked during the exam, "What would you do if you had to arrest your own mother?"
He said, "Call for backup."
Why don't oysters give to charity?
Because they're shellfish.
Hopefully you're at least smiling by now. So go on—start laughing more!

Imitinef Mercilet

The Adyar Cancer Institute is a real health facility. "Imitinef Mercilet" is apparently an alternative spelling of the cancer drug, Imatinib mesylate. It is true that Imatinib (or "Imitinef") is available free of charge for patients who have been admitted to the Adyar Cancer Institute hospital for cancer treatment. However, the Institute is not handing out the drug freely to all as suggested in the message. Moreover, the drug does not actually cure all blood cancers as claimed in the message.
http://www.cancerinstitutewia.org/

அழுகுரல்

மாலை மயங்கும் நேரம்
குழந்தையின் அழுகுரல்
கீதமாய் ஒலிக்கின்றது
உறவினர்கள் புன்னகையோடு
கொஞ்சி மகிழ, கண் திறக்கும்
முயற்சியில் வருங்கால ராஜாத்தி

சிறந்த மருத்துவர் ஆக வேண்டும்
தந்தையின் கனவு
ஒழுக்கமுள்ள தாயாக வேண்டும்
தாயின் ஆசை
என்ன பெயர் வைக்கலாம்?
சகோதரனின் யோசனை
ஒரு தோழி கிடைத்து விட்டாள்
சகோதரியின் சந்தோசம்
நேர்த்தி கடன்கள் செய்ய வேண்டும்
பாட்டியின் கடமை

ஆசை அன்பு பாசம் செல்லம்
ஊட்டி வளர்கபட்ட ரோஜாவை
விவரம் அறியா மென்மையான
அவள் அழகிய மனதை
குதறும் மிருகங்களுக்கு
இறைவனின் பரிசு தான் என்னவோ? -ஷாலினி சாமுவேல்
http://www.ansarburney.org/womens_rights-violence.html

Clay pot

The emotion of despair can paralyze and debilitate even the strongest of souls. Pressures from every side can be perplexing; persecution can make us feel as though we've been struck down. When life is filled with despair, we must not give up. Instead we can turn to God, our loving Father, and His powerful Word to regain focus.
In 2 Corinthians 4:7 we read about a treasure, but the treasure is kept in a jar of clay. That seems like an odd place for a treasure. Usually we would keep our valuable treasures in a vault, in a safety deposit box, or in a strong, protected place. A jar of clay is fragile, and easily broken. Upon further inspection, this jar of clay reveals flaws, chips, and cracks. It's not a vessel of great worth or monetary value, but rather a common, ordinary vessel.
We are that earthen vessel, that fragile clay pot! Our bodies, our outward appearance, our essential humanity, our physical disabilities, our shattered dreams, these are all elements of our jar of clay. None of these things can bring meaning or a sense of value to our lives. If we focus on our human side, despair is bound to set in.
But the wonderful secret to overcoming despair is also revealed in these verses in 2 Corinthians, chapter 4. Kept inside that broken, fragile, ordinary jar of clay is a treasure, a priceless treasure of immeasurable worth!
2 Corinthians 4:7-12; 16-18 (NIV)

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Let God's truth refocus your eyes today on the treasure that dwells within you. This treasure can fill the emptiest of vessels; after all, a jar is designed to hold something! That treasure is God himself, living within us, bringing his abundant life. In our own humanity we have no sense of wealth or worth, no value in this jar of clay. We are simply an empty jar. But when this humanity is filled with diety, we receive what we were created to hold, the very life of God. He is our treasure!
When we look only at the frail clay pot, despair is the natural result, but when we look at the glorious treasure we hold, we are inwardly renewed day by day. And those frailties and cracks in our clay pot? They are not to be despised, for they now serve a purpose! They allow the life of God, our cherished treasure, to seep out for all those around us to see

இறைவா, எங்கள் பிரார்த்தனை

இறைவா,

சுட்டெரிக்கும் சூரியன்
கொதிக்கும் புகலிடம்
வியர்வை குளியல்
அமைதியில்லா நித்திரை
குடைகளுடன் அழகிகள்
கதிரவன் கதிர்களால்
கருகும் கதிர்கள்
என
இயக்கமற்ற நொடிகளில்
உறைந்து நிற்கின்றோம்
உறைந்து நின்ற நீரும்
உருகி கரைந்தாயிற்று

கரைபுரண்டோடும் காட்டாறு
பச்சை புல்வெளிகள்
புன்சிரிப்புடன் பூக்கள்
ஈசல்களின் கொண்டாட்டம்
தவளைகளின் இசைவிருந்து
யாவும் எங்கள் கனவுகளே

கனவுகளை நினைவாக்கும்
உன் அருளே
எங்கள் பிரார்த்தனை

-ஷால்னி சாமுவேல்

Becoming More Like Jesus

We become more lovable by becoming more like Jesus. We do that by surrendering our life to God.

We all have personality traits that irritate or offend other people. When you surrender to God, he files down your rough spots. He carves away any pettiness or smallness in your life, and ironically, your personality is not diminished, but is softened and beautified.

Jesus knew when he surrendered to his Father's will, God's limitless love would flow through him and into others. When you empty yourself enough to be a conduit for God's love, God will reward you not only with his love, but with the love of other people as well.

There's nothing wrong with wanting others to love you. Loving others always takes a risk that you won't be loved in return, but when you know that God loves you no matter what, you can love like Jesus:

"A new command I give you: Love one another," (Jesus said). "As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35 )

If you take a genuine interest in people, if you consistently look for the good in them and love them as Jesus would, you truly will stand out from the crowd. They'll see something in you they've never seen before.

Your life will become fuller and richer, and you will become more lovable.

Prayer for Survival

Summer Started Speedily
Scorching Sun, Sweating Stupidly,
Stressful Sleep, Shrubs Suffering,
Studies Stopped, Shelters Searing,
Standstill Seconds. . .
Splashing Stream
Still Seem a Dream.
Superior, Share thy ear
 Seeking Sufficient Shower
                                                    Is our prayer for survival
                                                                                  Lyric-Shalini Samuel

What are the Beatitudes?

Question: What are the Beatitudes?

A Study of the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount

The beatitudes come from the opening verses of the famous Sermon on the Mount delivered by Jesus and recorded in Matthew 5:3-12. Here Jesus states several blessings, each beginning with the phrase, "Blessed are ..." (Similar declarations appear in Jesus' Sermon on the Plain in Luke 6:20-23.) Each saying speaks of a blessing or "divine favor" bestowed upon a person resulting from the possession of a certain character quality.

Answer: The word "beatitude" comes from the Latin beatitudo, meaning "blessedness." The phrase "blessed are" in each of the beatitudes implies a current state of happiness or well-being. The expression held powerful meaning of "divine joy and perfect happiness" to the people of the day. In other words, Jesus was saying "divinely happy and fortunate are" those who possess these inward qualities. While speaking of a current "blessedness," each pronouncement also promises a future reward.

Matthew 5:3-12 - The Beatitudes

Blessed are

the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (NIV)

Analysis of the Beatitudes

What are these inward qualities Jesus spoke of and what do they mean? What are the promised rewards? Of course, many different interpretations and deep teachings have been set forth through the principles conveyed in the beatitudes. Each one is a proverb-like saying packed with meaning and worthy of thorough study. Still most Bible scholars would agree that the beatitudes give us a clear picture of the true disciple of God.
For a basic understanding of the meaning of the beatitudes, this simple sketch is meant to help you get started:
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
With this phrase, "poor in spirit," most likely Jesus was speaking of our spiritual condition of poverty—the recognition of our need for God. "The kingdom of heaven" refers to people who acknowledge God as their King.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who humbly recognize their need for God, for they will enter into his kingdom."
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
"Those who mourn" speaks of those who express deep sorrow over sin, or those who repent from their sins. The freedom found in the forgiveness of sins and the joy of eternal salvation is the "comfort" of those who repent.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who mourn for their sins, for they shall receive forgiveness and life eternal."
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Similar to "the poor," "the meek" are those who submit to God's authority, making him Lord. Revelation 21:7 says God's children will "inherit all things."
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who submit to God as Lord, for they will be heirs to everything God possesses."
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
"Hunger and thirst" speaks of a deep need and a driving passion. This "righteousness" refers to the Lord, Jesus Christ, our righteousness. To "be filled" is the satisfaction of the soul's desire.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who passionately long for the Lord, Jesus Christ, for he will satisfy their souls."
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Simply put, we reap what we sow. Those who demonstrate mercy will receive mercy. Likewise, those who know great mercy will show great mercy. This mercy is shown through forgiveness and also by offering kindness and compassion toward others.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who show mercy through forgiveness, kindness and compassion, for they will receive mercy."
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
The "pure in heart" are those who have been cleansed from within. This is not talking about outward righteousness seen by men, but inward holiness that only God can see. The Bible says in Hebrews 12:14 that without holiness, no man will see God.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who have been purified from the inside out, being made clean and holy, for they will see God."
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
The Bible says we have peace with God through Jesus Christ. Reconciliation through Jesus Christ brings restored fellowship (peace) with God. 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 says God entrusts us with this same message of reconciliation to take to others.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who have been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ and who bring this same message of reconciliation to others. All those who have peace with God are called his sons."
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Just as Jesus faced persecution, so he promised his followers persecution. Those who endure because of their faith rather than hiding their righteousness to avoid persecution are genuine followers of Christ.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those daring enough to openly live for righteousness and suffer persecution, for they will receive the kingdom of heaven."

Is Gambling a Sin?

Is Gambling a Sin?

What Does the Bible Say About Gambling?

Surprisingly, the Bible contains no specific command to avoid gambling. However, the Bible does contain timeless principles for living a life pleasing to God and is filled with wisdom to deal with every situation, including gambling.

Answer: Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we read about people casting lots when a decision had to be made. In most instances, this was simply a way of determining something impartially:
Joshua then cast lots for them in Shiloh in the presence of the LORD, and there he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their tribal divisions. (Joshua 18:10, NIV)
Casting lots was common among many ancient cultures. Roman soldiers cast lots for Jesus' garments at his crucifixion:
"Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it." This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, "They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing." So this is what the soldiers did. (John 19:24, NIV)

Does the Bible Mention Gambling?

Although the words "gambling" and "gamble" do not appear in the Bible, we cannot assume that an activity is not a sin simply because it is not mentioned. Looking at pornography on the Internet and using illegal drugs are not mentioned either, but both violate God's laws.
While casinos and lotteries promise thrills and excitement, obviously people gamble to try to win money. Scripture gives very specific instructions about what our attitude should be toward money:
Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. (Ecclesiastes 5:10, )
"No servant can serve two masters. [Jesus said.] Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Luke 16:13, )
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:10,)
Gambling is a way to bypass work, but the Bible counsels us to persevere and work hard:
Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. (Proverbs 10:4,)
One of the key principles in the Bible is that people should be wise stewards of everything God gives them, including their time, talent and treasure. Gamblers may believe they earn their money with their own labor and may spend it as they please, yet God gives people the talent and health to carry out their jobs, and their very life is a gift from him as well. Wise stewardship of extra money calls believers to invest it in the Lord’s work or to save it for an emergency, rather than lose it in games in which the odds are stacked against the player.
Gamblers covet more money, but they may also covet the things money can buy, such as cars, boats, houses, expensive jewelry and clothing. The Bible forbids a covetous attitude in the Tenth Commandment:
"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." (Exodus 20:17, )
Gambling also has the potential to turn into an addiction, like drugs or alcohol. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, 2 million U.S. adults are pathological gamblers and another 4 to 6 million are problem gamblers. This addiction can destroy the stability of the family, lead to job loss, and cause a person to lose control of their life:
…for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. (2 Peter 2:19)
Some argue that gambling is nothing more than entertainment, no more immoral than going to a movie or concert. People who attend movies or concerts expect only entertainment in return, however, not money. They are not tempted to keep spending until they "break even."
Finally, gambling provides a sense of false hope. Participants place their hope in winning, often against astronomical odds, instead of placing their hope in God. Throughout the Bible, we are constantly reminded that our hope is in God alone, not money, power, or position:
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. (Psalm 62:5, )
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13, )
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. (1 Timothy 6:17, )
Some Christians believe that church raffles, bingos and the like to raise funds for Christian education and ministries are harmless fun, a form of donation involving a game. Their logic is that, as with alcohol, an adult should act responsibly. In those circumstances, it seems unlikely someone would lose a large amount of money.

God's Word is No Gamble

Every leisure activity is not a sin, but all sin is not clearly listed in the Bible. Added to that, God doesn't just want us not to sin, but he gives us an even higher goal. The Bible encourages us to consider our activities in this way:
"Everything is permissible for me"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"—but I will not be mastered by anything. (1 Corinthians 6:12, )
This verse appears again in 1 Corinthians 10:23, with the addition of this idea: "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive." When an activity is not distinctly described as sin in the Bible, we can ask ourselves these questions: "Is this activity beneficial for me or will it become my master? Will participation in this activity be constructive or destructive to my Christian life and witness?"
The Bible does not explicitly say, "Thou shalt not play blackjack." Yet by gaining a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures we have a trustworthy guide for determining what pleases and displeases God.

Will We See Our Pets in Heaven?

Will We See Our Pets in Heaven?

One of life’s greatest joys is having a pet. They bring so much happiness, companionship and enjoyment that we can’t imagine life without them. Many Christians wonder, "Do animals have souls? Will I see my pet in heaven?"

In the past few decades, scientists have proven beyond any doubt that some species of animals possess intelligence. Porpoises and whales can communicate with other members of their species through audible language. Dogs can be trained to do relatively complex tasks. Gorillas have even been taught to form simple sentences using sign language.
Animal rights activists point to this intelligence to claim that all creatures have equal rights to life and to certain treatment. Some activists even bristle when someone says they own a pet. They prefer the term "caretaker."
But does animal intelligence constitute a soul? Does a pet’s emotions and ability to relate to human beings mean that animals possess an immortal spirit that will survive after death?
Theologians say no. They point out that man was created superior to animals and that animals can’t be equal with him.
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." (Genesis 1:26, )
Most interpreters of the Bible assume that man’s likeness to God and animals’ subservience to man implies that animals may have the "breath of life," nephesh in Hebrew, but not an immortal soul in the same sense as man’s.
Later in Genesis we read that by God’s command, Adam and Eve were vegetarians. There is no mention that they ate animal flesh:
And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." (Genesis 2:16-17, )
After the flood, God gave Noah and his sons permission to kill and eat animals:
"Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything." (Genesis 9:3, )
In Leviticus, God instructs Moses on animals that are suitable for sacrifice:
"Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'When any of you brings an offering to the LORD, bring as your offering an animal from either the herd or the flock.'" (Leviticus 1:2, )
Later in that chapter God includes birds as acceptable offerings and adds grains as well. Except for the consecration of all firstborn animals in Exodus 13, we do not see the sacrifice of dogs, cats, horses, mules or donkeys in the Bible. Dogs are mentioned many times in Scripture but cats are not. Perhaps that’s because they were favorite pets in Egypt and were associated with pagan religion.
God prohibited the killing of man ("You shall not murder," Exodus 20:13) but he placed no such restriction on the killing of animals. Man is made in God’s image, so man must not kill one of his own kind. Animals, it would seem, are different from man. If they do have a "soul" that survives death, it is different from man’s. It does not need redemption. Christ died to save the souls of human beings, not animals.
Even so, the prophet Isaiah says God will include animals in the new heavens and new earth:
"The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, but dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, says the LORD." (Isaiah 65: 25, )
In the last book of the Bible, Revelation, the Apostle John’s vision of heaven also included animals, showing Christ and the armies of heaven "riding on white horses." (Revelation 19:14, )
Most of us can't picture a paradise of unspeakable beauty without flowers, trees, and animals. Would it be heaven for an avid birdwatcher if there are no birds? Would a fisherman want to spend eternity with no fish? And would it be heaven for a cowboy without horses?
While theologians may be stubborn in classifying animals' "souls" as inferior to those of humans, those learned scholars must admit that descriptions of heaven in the Bible are sketchy at best. The Bible does not give a definitive answer on the question of whether we will see our pets in heaven, but it does say, "... with God, all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26, )
My Cairn Terrier, Charlie, is an important part of my life and I often feel he is a gift God has given me. You probably feel the same way about your pet.
That’s why I like the story about the elderly widow whose beloved little dog died after fifteen faithful years. Distraught, she went to her pastor.
"Parson," she said, tears streaming down her cheeks, "the vicar said animals have no souls. My darling little dog Fluffy has died. Does that mean I won’t see her again in heaven?"
"Madam," said the old priest, "God, in his great love and wisdom has created heaven to be a place of perfect happiness. I am sure that if you need your little dog to complete your happiness, you will find her there."

HAPPY DEEPAVALI TO ALL !!!!இனிய தீபஒளி திருநாள் வாழ்த்துக்கள்!!!

அனைவருக்கும் இனிய தீபஒளி திருநாள் வாழ்த்துக்கள்!!!நரகா சூரனின் விழ்ச்சியின் விளைவே தீபஒளி திருநாள்,.அது போல தீர்ப்பு நாளில் ஆண்டவர் இயேசு சுவாமி    நரகா சுரநாண பிசாசை வீழ்த்தி வெற்றிகொள்வர் என்று வேதத்தின் இறுதி புத்தகத்தில் தீர்க்க தரிசனமாக சொல்லபட்டுள்ளது,இந்த ஒரு நாளுக்கே இவ்வளவு முக்கியம் கொடுக்கிறோம் என்றால் நித்திய வாழ்விற்கு நாம் ஆயத்த படவேன்டமா ? மனுசரின் ஆவி கர்த்தர் தந்த தீபம் என்று வேதத்தில் நீதிமொழிகள் என்ற புத்தகத்தில் 20:27 ல் சொல்லபட்டுள்ளது.நம் உயிராகிய தீபம் அவரால் படைக்கப்பட்டது என்பதை நம் நினைவில் வைத்து,தற்காலிக உலகத்தின் மய்மாலமான கொண்டாடங்களை விலக்கி இரண்டாம் வருகின் போது வெட்கப்பட்டு போகாத படிக்கு தேவரீர் என் விளக்கை  ஏற்றுவீர்:என் தேவனாகிய கர்த்தர் என் இருளை வெளிச்சமாக்குவார்  என்று நம்பி:வேத சத்தியத்தின் படி வாழ்ந்து இயேசுவை புற சாதிகளுக்கு அறிவிப்போம்.

ஆமென்

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syBSPQvIqYs

God's answer

God's answer to loneliness is not the quantity of your relationships, but the quality.


Going back to the Old Testament, we discover that the first four of the Ten Commandments are about our relationship with God. The last six commandments are about our relationships with other people.
How is your relationship with God? Is it close and intimate, like that of a loving, caring father and his child? Or is your relationship with God cold and distant, only superficial?
As you reconnect with God and your prayers become more conversational and less formal, you'll actually feel God's presence. His reassurance is not just your imagination. We worship a God who lives among his people through the Holy Spirit. Loneliness is God's way, first, of drawing us closer to him, then forcing us to reach out to other people.
For many of us, improving our relationships with others and letting them get close to us is a distasteful cure, as dreaded as taking your toothache to a dentist. But satisfying, meaningful relationships take time and work. We're afraid to open up. We're afraid to let another person open up to us.

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ - Profile of Jesus Christ from the New Testament:

Jesus of Nazareth, he is the Christ, the "Anointed One," or the "Messiah." The name "Jesus" is derived from the Hebrew-Aramaic word "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh [the Lord] is salvation." The name "Christ" is actually a title for Jesus. It comes from the Greek word "Christos," meaning "the Anointed One," or "Messiah" in Hebrew.
Jesus is the central figure in Christianity and his life, message and ministry are chronicled in the four Gospels of the New Testament.

Most Bible scholars agree that he was a Jewish teacher from Galilee who performed many miracles of healing and deliverance. He called twelve Jewish men to follow him, working closely with them to train and prepare them to carry on the ministry.
He was crucified in Jerusalem by order of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, for claiming to be the King of the Jews. He resurrected three days after his death, appeared to his disciples and then ascended into heaven.

His life and death provided the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. Man was separated from God through Adam's sin, but reconciled back to God through Jesus' sacrifice. He will claim his Bride, the church, and later return at his Second Coming to judge the world and establish his eternal kingdom, thus fulfilling Messianic prophecy.

Jesus Christ's Accomplishments:

Jesus Christ's accomplishments are too numerous to list. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life. He turned water into wine, healed many sick, blind and lame people, he forgave sins, he multiplied fish and loaves of bread to feed thousands on more than one occasion, he delivered the demon possessed, he walked on water, he calmed the stormy sea, he raised children and adults from death to life. He proclaimed the good news of the Kingdom of God.

He laid down his life and was crucified. He descended into hell and took the keys of death and hell. He resurrected from the dead. He paid for the sins of the world and purchased the pardon of men. He restored man's fellowship with God, opening the way to eternal life. These are just a few of his extraordinary accomplishments.

Jesus Christ's Strengths:

Though difficult to understand, the Bible teaches, and most Christians believe that Jesus is God, or Immanuel, "God with us." For more information about Christ's divinity, visit this study of the doctrine of the trinity. Jesus has always existed and has always been God (John 8:58 and 10:30).

Jesus Christ's Weaknesses:

Also difficult to understand, yet the Bible teaches, and most Christians believe, that Jesus was not only fully God, but fully man. He became a human being so that he could identify with our weaknesses and struggles, and most importantly so that he could give his life to pay the penalty for our sins (John 1:1,14; Hebrews 2:17; Philippians 2:5-11).
Check out this resource for more information about why Jesus had to die.

Life Lessons:

Once again, the lessons from Jesus Christ's life are too numerous to list. Love for mankind, sacrifice, humility, purity, servanthood, obedience and devotion to God are some of the most important lessons that his life exemplified.

Hometown:

Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea and grew up in Nazareth in Galilee.

Referenced in the Bible:

Jesus is mentioned more than 1200 times in the New Testament. His life, message and ministry are recorded in the four gospels of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Occupation:

Jesus' earthly father, Joseph, was a carpenter, or skilled craftsman by trade. Most likely, Jesus worked alongside his father Joseph as a carpenter. In the book of Mark, chapter 6, verse 3, Jesus is referred to as a carpenter.

Family Tree:

Earthly Father: Joseph
Mother: Mary
Brothers: James, Joseph, Judas and Simon (Mark 3:31 and 6:3; Matthew 12:46 and 13:55; Luke 8:19).
Sisters: Not named but mentioned in Matthew 13:55-56 and Mark 6:3.
The Genealogy of Jesus: Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-37.