SEVEN ANCHORS FOR LIVING A GODLY LIFE

SEVEN ANCHORS FOR LIVING A GODLY LIFE

Anchor is a heavy object attached to a cable or chain and used to moor a ship to the sea bottom, typically having a metal shank with a pair of curved, barbed flukes at one end. Anchor provides stability or confidence in an otherwise uncertain situation. While we attempt to live a Godly life, a good number of storms and heavy winds of this world try to put  us down to be drowned in present sinful world. So here are the seven anchors that would help Godly to cop up with such circumstances and stay tuned in the track of godliness. 

1.     Stay Anchored in scriptures (2 Corinthians 10:5)

2.     Stay anchored in obedience (Galatians 3:1)

3. Stay anchored in submission (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Eph. 5:21)

4.     Stay anchored in discipline (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

5.     Stay anchored in discipline stay anchored in humility (1 Pet. 5:5)

6.     Stay anchored in faithfulness (Gal. 5:22)

7.     Stay anchored in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:10)

Source; A gospel message preached at CITS by Dr. Matthew K. Thomas

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Kevin Prosch and Leonard Jones during Worship

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Two Aspects of Godliness Psalms 1

 

• Two Aspects of Godliness
•  Psalms 1

On the one hand, there are a good number of people who are quite moral in their approach to life, but not spiritual, e.g. atheists. And on the other hand there are people involved in spiritual realm, like ministry, church have no morals or struggling to keep up with. These are two ends of a pool of which Psalm 1 portray a clear picture. So let’s get into the word of God to understand how one can balance his/her life and remain Godly in the context of prevailing ungodliness.

     

1. Moral Aspect of Godliness.

v.1 deals with the moral life of a person

·        Walking- in a sense refers to an influence that comes ungodly. You walk or follow only when you get influenced by someone. So one has to be pretty much careful in getting influenced from the things around him/her while one lives in this present society. Let not evil influence us.

·        Standing- in a sense it refers to interest of a person toward something that he/she got influenced from. When you are influenced you are attracted and then you develop an interest or craving. Again, one needs to be careful where his /her interest is. Developing an interest in godly-activities is necessary.

·        Sitting- in a sense deals with the indulgence. You get accompanied with the same kind of people who are well indulged in such activity, that you got influenced first and then got interested in. Looking for one’s fellowship is very important.

2. Spiritual Aspect of Godliness.  

v.2 deals with the godly life of a person.

The word God appears, for the first time in the passage. After morality comes spirituality.

This begins with the delight for the law of Lord. In order for one to be Godly is get influenced by word, first, then to develop a love or interest for word of God.

Second, mediate the word of God day and night. This doesn't mean reading bible 24/7, but it’s about meditating just as cattle do, which is more of mastication. And this is not possible unless one is influenced, attracted and taken by the wonder of God’s word, just as worldly men taken aback by worldliness.  

Just as a coin that integrates two aspects can’t be a coin without these two, a godly can’t be a godly without these two; morality and spirituality. Morality is a prerequisite to spirituality and spirituality is the essence of Godliness.  




Source: A gospel message preached at CITS by Rev. Bijaya Nag.

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GODLINESS

      GODLINESS 
        ईश्वर-भक्ती   

Living a Godly life, in a world, which is filled with ungodliness, is a difficult task. Here are the four spiritual truths learned from the life OT saints, who lived a godly life and kept a model for the onlooker to follow and maintain a godly life. 

1.  After having a chance to sin; but still not sinning is the Godliness (Joseph, Gen. 31:41)

पाप करने का अवसर मिलने के बाद भी पाप ना करना ही ईश्वर-भक्ती है (यूसुफ, उत्पत्ति 31:41) परमेश्वर के वचन का प्रभाव परिवार मे पड़ता है; पालको को अपने बच्चो के सामने नमूना बनना चाहिऐ

(2 Tim. 1:5, 3: 5,12) Word of God influences family; parent should become an example before their children.

2. After having a chance of making money through wrong means; but still not doing it is the Godliness (Daniel 5:17, Gen. 14:23)

गलत रूप से कमाया गया धन प्राप्त करने का अवसर मिलने के बाद भी उसे स्वीकार ना करना ही ईश्वर-भक्ती है (दानि. 5:17 उत्प. 14:23)

3. After having a chance to compromise; but still not doing it is the Godliness (Dan. 1: 11-12, 3:16-18) (in worship, in good-works, in holiness)

समझौता करने का अवसर होते हुऐ भी ऐसा ना करना ही ईश्वर-भक्ती है (दानि. 1:11-12, 3:16-17)

4. Even after having a chance to live pleasure-oriented life; not living it is the Godliness (Tim. 3:1, Heb. 11:24-26)

सुख-विलास का जीवन व्यतीत करने का अवसर मिलने के बाद भी उसे स्वीकार ना करना ही ईश्वर-भक्ती है (मूसा-2 तीमो. 3:1, इब्रा. 11:24-26)

Source; A gospel message preached at Central India Theological Seminary by Rev. C.S. Saji.

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You Hold Me Now; A gospel song sang by Jad Gillies (Hillsong)

On the day when I see

All that You have for me

When I see You face to face

There surrounded by Your grace

All my fears swept away

In the light of Your embrace

Where Your love is all I need

and forever I am free

Where the streets are made of gold

In Your presence healed and whole

Let the songs of heaven rise to You alone

No weeping

No hurt or pain

No suffering

You hold me now, You hold me now

No darkness

No sick or lame

No hiding

You hold me now, You hold me now

In this life I would stand

through my joy and my pain

Knowing there’s a greater day

There's a hope that never fades

Where Your name is lifted high

and forever praises rise

For the glory of Your name

I'm believing for the day

Where the wars and violence cease

All creation lives in peace

Let the songs of heaven rise to You alone

For eternity

All my heart will give

All the glory to Your Name [x4]

Source; http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/hillsongunited/youholdmenow.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYdiiVCezH4

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ACRONYM FOR FAMILY

ACRONYM FOR FAMILY 

1. Foundation- Word of God is the foundation for the strong family life. In the present time many people take family so lightly, that they make their own policies to run a family and end up in frustration. But God is the one who constituted the first family on the face of the earth. We must take our family seriously, as something given by God to protect and nurture. (Gen 3, Psalms 127:1)

2. Authority- God is the supreme authority for a family, no one has any sort of power to break family or its values based on their personal opinions. God and His word must be regarded as the last verdict for and decision being taken in a family. Today many families have been shattered, just because they have taken authority in their hand.  (Gen.2:18 (sanctioned by God's authority) Psalms 119:89, 119:114, 116, 119:86, 119:138, 137,138, 144, 128, 172, Deut. 32:4, Psalms 119:105,130, 133, 98, 2, 28, 175, 50-52, 9, 105)

3. Marriage- Marriage is the breeding ground for a family. A family can be a happy family only if married life of the couple is smoothly functioned. God, again is the founder of marriage. And if there is a problem amidst couple, it would cause entire family to struggle, just as termite in the roots of a tree affects throughout the branches and trunk. Matt 19:4-6 Eph. 5:22-33 pro 19:3, 21:9)

4. Investment- ROI (return on investment) 

In present world, where people are heavily engaged in the affairs of life, we must take time to give it to our family. One can have all the money and materials of this world to offer his/her family, but if time is not there, then everything beside loses its value. We must invest time with our family. (Deut. 6:6-9, Pro. 6:23)

5. Love- Love is the soul of Family. Cultivate a family relation with love. Love should be roof of a family, it's not 50-50 but 100% responsibility. We are loved to love, Speak love Do love, Write love, Live love and Keep love.  (1 Cor. 13)

6. Yield- Commit yourself and dedicate your family to God. Yield day and night to be successful in family life. Unless one yields himself to God, he/she cannot do the same with family. So spirituality starts from within and reteaches out to others, family, friends and neighbors. So get determined to be Christ-like, being a model and then encourage family to be like God-designed/desired family. (Joshua 1:8, Prov. 25:2 Luke 9:23, James 1:25, Rev. 1:6)

Source: A message shared by Mrs. Elizbeth Thomas in CITS, Itarsi.

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Sometimes 

you will never know

the True value of 

"A MOMENT" until

it becomes a

"MEMORY"

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Godly Nuggets for Successful Life

Godly Nuggets for A Successful Life

Here are a few Godly nuggets that must be incorporated by everyone seeking to be successful in Christian life. Because these are not only Biblical principles but also practical and simply effective if followed seriously. Let’s delve in the life of a Godly man of the Old Testament, called Nehemiah, who is busy in successfully finishing the God-given task. For making it easy to remember, all points starts with letter P.  

1. Plan to take risk, without risk no success is achieved.

While he left the palace and came down to streets, surrounded by enemies to rebuild temple walls, Nehemiah heavily risked his life. And that’s the breeding-ground of the beginning of all success that anyone has ever achieved of any sort. Moreover, this risk was based on the promises of God. Believers always have their foot griped on the unending promises of God.   

2. Pray as if everything depends on God and work as if everything depends on you.

Nehemiah began the work on his knees with tears in the upper room. And toiled hard until the work was over. One should always remember that it’s not one’s own will and might which would result in the success. But battle belongs to God so the victory is. We are just an instrument used to execute the plan. Daniel is a classic example of this fact. He, even after knowing the plan of God that He would deliver His people from bondage only when the fulfilment of the time would come, regardless of the knowledge of the fact, he opens the window toward temple and prays with tears. So while on the run to success, the knowledge of the plan and consummating victory of God, based on His promises should not discourage us to pray persistently.  

3. Put all effort of all times upon one point.

While Nehemiah, while busy to fulfil the primary task, also had a good number of peripheral responsibilities of other matters, however, in line with the same purpose. Despite the emerging responsibilities of withstanding the constant threats of the enemies, meeting the demands of the material for rebuilding, fulfilling the need of cheering and encouraging the co-workers and maintaining self-confidence and faith in God amidst such turmoil, Nehemiah, without being detoured was able to concentrate and put all effort at single point.   

4. Prioritize the time factor

Of course no one ever has stopped time and tide. But anything fulfilled or achieved after the given or demanded time, loses its significance in the context. One rupee given at the time of need matters more than the 100 dollars given out of time of the need. Nehemiah completed the task within 52 days. This tells us the wise management of time. And in the days such as this, Bible doesn't ask us to save money or property but in contrary it does ask us to save our time.

5. Prefer developing attitude over ability

While, David determined to wage war against Goliath, he wasn't even thinking of his ability (which was of course less in all terms), but his attitude. Similarly, in the case of Nehemiah, the task was too big to accomplish. But instead looking at the problem and his aptitude to solve it, he concentrated his mind on attitude in proportion to the faith in God.  It's better to be too big for a job than to have a job too big for you.
As Paul states, I can't do what I want but in Christ I can do all things. Finally, as you toil to fulfil God-given task in your life, wish you a very successful life.

Source: A sermon preached by Vice-principal Rev. Bijaya Nag at Central India Theological Seminary.

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Significance of Prayer "Prayer is the backbone of Christianity"

Significance of Prayer

"Prayer is the backbone of Christianity"
1 Thess. 5:17

Christianity has many giants, who became so by doing prayer. Prayer is a vital part of believer's life. Bible talks about a good number of people who spent much time seeking God in prayer, this includes our Saviour, Lord Jesus Christ. So in short, here are some of the benefits that one can have through prayer.

1.Prayer is the way to recognize God's sovereignty. 

Prayer, by men, is a sign of recognition of God’s sovereignty.  

2.Prayer is a way to show your humility.

Not depending on self-efforts but on God through an act of Prayer.

3.Prayer is a way to show your faith.

Faith is always expressed in and through an action. And prayer is the best way to show faith.

4.Prayer is a way to prove intense spirituality.

Spirituality has many definition as well as dimensions. Prayer is the one of the ways to reveal it out.  

5.Prayer is a way to receive experience. 

At the end of the day experience is all that matters. Prayer gives us experience of goodness of God, especially when one receives answers. 

Further Link:

"Praying Man" by Dr. Domenic Marbaniang 

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Dr. Domenic Marbaniang on Godliness at CITS

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Domenic Marbaniang: Say the Words...

Domenic Marbaniang: Say the Words...: Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I...

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 WHAT GODLY SHOULD KNOW? 

(भक्त को क्या जानना है)

1. Trials are to be EXPECTED

सताव की अपेक्षा करें

(Phil. 1:29, 2Tim. 3:12, Rom. 8:16-17)

2. Trials can REVEAL God’s Power & LIFE of Christ 

(2 

Cor. 4:7-10)

सताव परमेश्वर के सामर्थ एवं मसीह के जीवन को प्रगट करता है

3. Answer to your problem is in Bible

आपकी समस्या का समाधान बाईबल मे है 
(2 Tim. 3:16-17)

4. Amidst TURMOIL Christ is your PEACE

सताव के मध्य मसीह आपकी शांती बनता है

(John 14:17, Col. 3:15)

5. God Usages problem to develop GOD-LIKE CHARACTER in You

परमेश्वर समस्या का उपयोग आपके विश्वास को बढ़ाने मे करता है

(Rom. 5:3-4)

6. Your HEAVENLY FATHER Usage all things for your GOOD

आपका स्वर्गीय पिता सारी बातें आपकी भलाई के लिऐ करता है

(Rom. 8:28-29)

7. God will never ALLOW you to have trials that you can’t BEAR

परमेश्वर आपको कभी  भी उन समस्याओं से गुजरने नही देगा, जो आपकी सहन-शीलता से बाहर है

(1 Cor. 10:15)

8. Trials will reveal Level of your Faith

सताव आपके विश्वास के स्तर को उजागर करता है

(1 Pet. 1: 5-7)

Source: 

A Message Delivered by Dr. Matthew K. Thomas in Itarsi Pentecostal Church, M.P. 

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HOW DOES GODLY RESPOND TO 

CHALLENGES OF LIFE?

  What GODLY Should Do? 

(ईश्वर-भक्त को क्या करना चाहिऐ?)

 1. COMMIT your problems to Lord Jesus Christ 

    अपनी समस्याओं को मसीह को सौंप दे (Col. 3:17)

2. Pray with THANKSGIVING

    धन्यवादी मन के साथ प्रार्थना करें (Phil. 4:6-7, 1 Thess. 5:17-18)

3. Ask God to give you WISDOM

    परमेश्वर से सुबुद्धि की मांग करें (Jam. 1:5)

4. Commit to solve the challenges in GOD’S-WAY

    अपने मार्गो  को परमेश्वर के सुपुर्त कर दें (Jam. 1:25, Pro. 3:5-7, John     14:15)

5. HUMBLE YOURSELF before the Lord in casting your problems on Him

    परमेश्वर के सामने अपने आप को नम्र करे (1 Pet. 5:6-7)

6. QUICK to Hear, SLOW to Speak, SLOW to Anger

    सुनने मे तेज, बोलने और गुस्से  मे धीमें  हो जाऐं (Jam.5:19)

7. MAINTAIN your JOY

   अपने आनंद को बानाऐ रखें (1 Thess. 5:16-18)       

Source: 

A Message Delivered by Dr. Matthew K. Thomas in Itarsi Pentecostal Church, M.P. 

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