Bible Blessing-142

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. (Matthew 14:14)

One of the chief attributes of Jesus Christ was the compassion that he had for the people who came seeking him for diverse needs. The gospel writers frequently mention this wonderful trait of his. And what's more; with the compassion that he had, he did many marvelous things. To name a few--

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. (Mark 6:34)

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.”

Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. (Matthew 15:32, 36, 37)

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 6:36-38)

He taught people regarding God's provision of salvation through him and the importance of the kingdom of God in their lives, he healed their diseases and provided for their immediate needs. To a man who was demonized and delivered from the demonic possession by him, Jesus had a piece of advice......

"Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you." (Mark 5:19)...and we read...

....he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis (ten cities) all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled. (Mark 5:20)

He made an evangelist of a person on whom all had given up hope....

Such is Jesus, the Savior of the world.

A Savior, you can always depend upon.

He has compassion on you this day.

Dr. Johnson Cherian MD. PhD.
Website: Free Christian Resources And Downloads
Blog: Christian Freebies
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Bible Blessing-141

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. (Jeremiah 31:25)

Jeremiah Chapter 31 is full of promises and blessings for a people who had suffered a lot because of their own sins. They were punished by God for their unruly ways, but he was willing to restore them because of his compassion for them.
And one of the promises was that God would refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.

Almost all believers go through distressing situations in their lives, some of which last for long periods and their heartfelt desire during those periods is that the Lord would refresh them.
And refresh he does, in ways which only he can. 
Are you going through such a phase where you are tired and fed up of all things?
God has compassion on you and wants to refresh you.

Perhaps you have stopped praising him because you feel things are not changing whatever you do. Well, let me assure you this day that things will change, because Jesus is interceding on your behalf in the presence of the Father.
Remember, his promise is that he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Trust in him and his promises.
Meanwhile check your life as to whether there is is anything in your life that does not line up with the Word of God or is displeasing to God. However trivial you think it may be, if it is displeasing to God, cast it away, with the help of the Holy Spirit of God.

God loves you and sent his son Jesus to the cross for your sake.
Be faithful in prayer, meditate on the Word of God regularly and worship God.
He is sending you times of refreshing..............
You will find favor from God.....God will give you rest.....God will lead you beside streams of water on a level path where you will not stumble......God will redeem you from the hands of the enemy......God will satisfy you.....you will be filled with God's bounty......your work will be rewarded.

Dr. Johnson Cherian MD. PhD.
Website: Free Christian Resources And Downloads
Blog: Christian Freebies
Graphics: Free Christian Graphics
Radio: Malayalam-English Christian Radio 
E- Mail Me: johnson3570@gmail.com

Bible Blessing-140

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? (Matthew 9:4)
Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. (Matthew 12:25)
Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. (Luke 9:47)

Everyday 1000's of thoughts pass through our minds and often by the end of the day, we do not even remember many of them. Some good thoughts, some bad, some evil and several others.

The Psalmist says,
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. (Psalm 139:2)

Yes, every thought that passes through our minds is known by the One who has been given all authority in heaven and on earth and under the earth i.e.Jesus. He, during his earthly ministry of 3 and 1/2 years knew exactly what each person was thinking when he dealt with them.
In 3 different situations that we read in Matthew 9:2-7, Matthew 12:22-28 and Luke 9:46-50, we read of Jesus knowing the thoughts of certain people. In the first 2 instances, there were people questioning and passing judgement on his deeds. In the third instance, his disciples were arguing among themselves as to who among them would be the greatest.

We have much to learn from the life of Jesus. He was so humble and gentle in his ways, but at the same time he demonstrated the power of God with his amazing deeds.
His thoughts were always aligned with that of his Father, wanting to do his Father's will at all times.
And to be in a frame of mind as him, what we need is Holy Spirit power.
God wants to give us more of the Holy Spirit. 

The Bible says,
For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. (John 3:34)
....how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Luke 11:13)

The Holy Spirit will help us in becoming more and more like Jesus; he will guide us in to all truth as we meditate on the Word of God. He will change our thought processes to think more of godly things.

And what is godly thinking all about?
The Apostle Paul writing to the Philippians says,
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable; if anything is excellent or praiseworthy; think about such things.(Philippians 4:8)

Such a thinking can come to a believer only when he or she is willing to submit to the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives. 
So, let's pray to the Father in heaven everyday for granting us more of the Holy Spirit and a willingness to submit to the Spirit's leading's, so that our thoughts may be continually pleasing to our Father in heaven

Dr. Johnson Cherian MD. PhD.
Website: Free Christian Resources And Downloads
Blog: Christian Freebies
Graphics: Free Christian Graphics
Radio: Malayalam-English Christian Radio 
E- Mail Me: johnson3570@gmail.com

Bible Blessing-139

"Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:14)

In these materialistic days, it's so important that believers wash their robes and be ready for their Lord's coming. With all the stress at work and busyness at home, believers tend to forget that their Lord is coming back soon to take his faithful ones home. 
Holiness matters to the Lord Jesus Christ more than anything else, so we must make it a point to check our lives continually and keep ourselves clean for the Lord's coming.

Regarding this matter, the Apostle Paul writes, 
"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." (1 Thessalonians 5:23,24)

God will sanctify them who have accepted his call.....and how?
Paul writes......he will sanctify them through and through....
And if we have difficulty in washing our robes ourselves, the Apostle says, "...he will do it"
God wants us to be blameless and holy at the Lord's coming and so he will sanctify us for that.

With all the liberal theological views going around, exhortations like the one that we read below seem to have few takers....
...........continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, (Philippians 2:12)

But it is very important for us to discern the times that we are living in.
Jesus said,
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth........ (John 16:13)
The Spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit will guide us continually, if we seek his help.

Even in the Old Testament times, holiness was so very important to God.
His command to the Israelite's was, "Be holy for I am holy."

The Apostle Paul, exhorting the Church at Corinth wrote,
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)

So let's make it a point to check our lives continually and do the Lord's bidding in this matter. The Holy Spirit of God will help us. 

The bottom line being.....
...........without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14) &
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8)

Dr. Johnson Cherian MD. PhD.
Website: Free Christian Resources And Downloads
Blog: Christian Freebies
Graphics: Free Christian Graphics
Radio: Malayalam-English Christian Radio 
E- Mail Me: johnson3570@gmail.com

Bible Blessing-138

The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' (Luke 10:35)

How far can the hands of mercy be stretched? Actually, it depends on how far one is willing to stretch it. Jesus spoke about a Samaritan who was willing to stretch it all the way, perhaps till it hurt. He had found a wounded man, almost dying. He could have passed by and not bothered to do anything, like a priest and a levite who passed by earlier did. No, but he was different. Actually he had no status in society in that period of time and no one would have complained if he ignored the half dead man, but he chose to be different. He bandaged the man's wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him

His merciful act could have ended there, but no; he was willing to go further. That's clearly seen in the words that we read in the title verse above. 

Jesus once said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." (Matthew 5:7)

The question that we can ask ourselves is this...How far can we stretch our hands of mercy?
Sometimes, we hold ourselves back thinking of what others would think and sometimes, we limit ourselves in being merciful. Sometimes we put on our judgmental glasses when we see others suffering. Sometimes we look to see whether the suffering one is one of us, so that we may show mercy.

But here is what our Lord says, 
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

We are not perfect, but the Lord Jesus urges us all believers this day to be like our Father in heaven. He says,
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:36)
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.(Matthew 5:48)

Perfection may take a lifetime, but we can start today and learn from our Savior Jesus Christ, who stretched forth his hands of mercy towards us that we would not perish in our sins but have eternal life by believing in his finished work on the cross.

Jesus Christ has shown us the path of being merciful; let us all follow in his footsteps.


Dr. Johnson Cherian MD. PhD.
Website: Free Christian Resources And Downloads
Blog: Christian Freebies
Graphics: Free Christian Graphics
Radio: Malayalam-English Christian Radio 
E- Mail Me: johnson3570@gmail.com

Bible Blessing-137

The man of God replied, "The Lord can give you much more than that." (2 Chronicles 25:9)

Amaziah, king of Judah, hired a hundred thousand fighting men from Israel, for a hundred talents of silver. This was to increase the size of his army. But a man of God came to him and said, "O king, these troops from Israel must not march with you, for the Lord is not with Israel. Even if you go and fight courageously in battle, God will overthrow you before the enemy, for God has the power to help or to overthrow."

Amaziah was worried about the loss of money that he would be bearing, if he excluded these hired Israelite's from his army. He asked the man of God, "But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?" That's when the man of God gave the reply that we read in the title verse here.......The Lord can give you much more than that......

Amaziah obeyed the counsel of the Lord though he suffered a loss, but the Lord gave him victory when he went to war against the Edomites.

The Lord will give us victory when we are obedient to him. He is a good God and he honors faith and obedience.

But obedience to God has to be a continuous process and not a one time happening.

Look at Amaziah. God gave him a great victory in the war against the Edomites, but when he returned from war, he brought back the gods of the people of Seir. He set them up as his own gods, bowed down to them and burned sacrifices to them. God was angry with him and he sent a prophet who asked him, "Why do you consult this people's gods, which could not save their own people from your hand?" 

Amaziah was angry and he dealt badly with the prophet. His downfall started as a result of this. In his arrogance, he challenged the king of Israel to war and he lost and was captured and his treasures plundered. 

His downfall came as a result of his disobedience.

We, as believer's have words of exhortation in this regard from the Apostles...

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do..(1 Peter 1:14, 15)

Dr. Johnson Cherian MD. PhD.
Website: Free Christian Resources And Downloads
Blog: Christian Freebies
Graphics: Free Christian Graphics
Radio: Malayalam-English Christian Radio 
E- Mail Me: johnson3570@gmail.com

Bible Blessing-136

The Lord said to Moses on Mount Sinai, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'When you enter the land I am going to give you, the land itself must observe a sabbath to the Lord. For six years sow your fields, and for six years prune your vineyards and gather their crops. But in the seventh year the land is to have a sabbath of rest, a sabbath to the Lord. Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards. Do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the grapes of your untended vines. The land is to have a year of rest. (Leviticus 25:1-5)

No sowing or pruning or reaping or harvesting for a whole year. That would have sounded preposterous to the Israelite's and many of them would have started calculating losses or imagining their families going hungry. The Lord knew the thoughts that would run through their minds; so he gave them the solution before they encountered the so called problem. God spoke to them and said,

You may ask, "What will we eat in the seventh year if we do not plant or harvest our crops?" I will send you such a blessing in the sixth year that the land will yield enough for three years. While you plant during the eighth year, you will eat from the old crop and will continue to eat from it until the harvest of the ninth year comes in. (Leviticus 25:20-22)

Amazing, just amazing! They were going to have a yield in the sixth year that would last for 3 years i.e. till the harvest of the ninth year came in. 

So what's that problem that you are worried about today? Some job opportunity that slipped through your hands? Some financial gain that you thought you would pocket but it didn't materialize. Relax; God has the solution in place. Not to worry, child of God. Carry on serving the Lord faithfully and you will see God provide all things needed at the right time. He is El Shaddai, God Almighty. He will do great miracles for you and satisfy your righteous desires. 

The God who promised great blessings in the 6th year to the Israelite's still bestows wonderful blessings on his children. Trust in him.

Remember,

......God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

NEVER EVER DOUBT HIS FAITHFULNESS. 

Dr. Johnson Cherian MD. PhD.
Website: Free Christian Resources And Downloads
Blog: Christian Freebies
Graphics: Free Christian Graphics
Radio: Malayalam-English Christian Radio 
E- Mail Me: johnson3570@gmail.com