BIBLE MEDITATION - FEBRUARY 2024

                            - Bro. M. Geo Prakash

‘AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,088                 💚 February 01, 2024 💚 Thursday 💚

"The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly." ( 1 Corinthians 15 : 47, 48 )

In today's meditation verse, the apostle Paul compares the Lord Jesus Christ and the first man, Adam, and says some things.

Adam, the first man, was formed from this soil. God created him from dust. That Adam was full of earthly desires. Because he had the desire of the world, he disobeyed God and gave place to the desire of his heart. If we are like that today, we are like Adam. That is what the apostle Paul says, "As is the earthy, such they also that are earthy."

But we are not made for this earth; Instead, we were created to live with God forever. Those who are made to live with Christ as heavenly beings. If we want to become heavenly beings, we must become like him. That is why Paul Apostle said, "as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly."

If we truly know Christ, we will be like him seeking those things where he is. "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3: 1, 2) we read.

Beloved, we must always be seekers after something higher. Our eyes should be looking upwards. A pig cannot look up. The reason is its physical structure. It looks at the soil and thinks that the impurities in the soil are big. But we humans are not made like pigs; Created for a higher purpose. When we raise our eyes to God, we can have greater experiences.

Although in this world we have acquired the likeness of the earth like Adam, when we look to God and change our ways, we will attain His likeness. "And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly." (1 Corinthians 15: 49)

Christ came to guide us to reach a higher image and established eternal redemption.

Although we have now received the likeness of Adam, we can receive the likeness of a greater glory. Can receive the likeness of Christ. If we look towards the heavenly one and follow him, we can receive the likeness of the heavenly Christ according to the verse, "As the heavenly one is, so are the heavenly ones." That is what we are called to do.

There's a saying, "Aim for the moon; you'll hit the stars." Yes, higher thinking and visions make us attain the image of Christ.

‘AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MDITATION No :- 1,089 💚 February 02, 2024 💚 Friday 💚

"That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;" (Philippians 3: 10)

In today's verse, the apostle Paul mentions the goal of his spiritual life. That is, he says that his purpose is to become like Christ in his death and become somehow worthy of resurrection by knowing how Christ's sufferings have united him with him and the power of his resurrection.

Here, Christ's death means our death to sin. Resurrection means turning away from sin. "For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living." (Romans 14: 9) Here the words death and resurrection are said in a spiritual sense. He is the Lord of the dead and the living in the spiritual life. That is why it is necessary for those who are dead in spirit to come alive and know them.

Paul, who says that he is trying to attain the power of Christ, but has not yet grasped it, says what he does to reach it; - “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3: 13, 14)

Yes, our spiritual journey is a continuous journey. In that journey, we should be those who forget the things that are behind and seek the things that are ahead, as the Apostle Paul says.

Yes beloved, we must forget the deeds of the old sinful life that we lived before we started the spiritual life. Let them go. We must forget them altogether and pursue only the glorious prize of Christ. He says that he continues towards the goal for the goal of the supreme calling that God has called in Christ Jesus.

If we are chosen in the spiritual life, we will be like this. Otherwise, we will be soulless, simply praying to fulfill worldly desires. That is why the apostle Paul says, "Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you." (Philippians 3: 15)

Therefore, beloved, let us endeavor to somehow know Him and the power of His resurrection and the unity of His sufferings, and to become worthy of His death, and yet to be raised from the dead.

‘AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,090 💚 February 03, 2024 💚 Saturday 💚

"You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore, I will punish you for all your iniquities." (Amos 3: 2)

Generally good children in families and children who do well in schools get special attention. Not only that, children who are so good, even if they make a small mistake, it will be viewed very seriously. "I was expecting more from you…. Alas, and you have gone and done something like this?" parents and teachers will say like that. Yes, even the smallest mistakes made by those loved will be looked big.

God sees people in the same way. By his grace and knowledge, he shows compassion to those he knows. "As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated." (Romans 9: 13) we read. And, "Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth." (Romans 9: 18) it is said.

If you look at the lives of Jacob and David, they made many mistakes. But because God knew them, He punished them and accepted them.

This is how God knew the people of Israel. This is how he knows people in the New Testament. This is how He has identified us as spiritual Israelites. That is why the apostle Peter said, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;" (1 Peter 2: 9)

As God knows us like this, he says that he will punish you for all our iniquities. "If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?" (Hebrews 12: 7)

We see many of the wicked people of this world prospering and living flawlessly despite their many mistakes. But spiritual men who commit minor mistakes receive greater punishment from God. The reason is that he treats us as sons.

Even if God punishes in this way, it will give us peace in the end. "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." (Hebrews 12: 11)

Yes, dear ones, when God gives us punishments in spiritual life, we should find out the reason and correct ourselves. We need the knowledge that He punishes us only because He knows us. “Because I know only you among all the families of the earth, I will punish you for all your iniquities, says the Lord God. So let us live our spiritual lives with caution.

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,091 💚February 04, 2024 💚Sunday 💚

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," (Ephesians 3: 20)

A reading of today’s verse makes it clear that this is not being said from a worldly perspective. Because the apostle Paul says, "He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us." That means not worldly things; rather, it is said that He works within us in our inner man.

That is, He works in our inner man more than we ask. If we ask Him to grow in our spiritual life, overcome sin and live a holy life, He will do more in us than we can think and pray.

Beloved, our God desires holiness. He knows our weaknesses. That is why he said to the apostle Paul, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." ( 2 Corinthians 12 : 9 )

Today we may struggle with a particular sin that we cannot overcome. But if we really want to let it go, He will help us. He gives the power to overcome that sin. "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." ( 2 Corinthians 12 : 9 ) says Paul.

Many people look at this verse with a worldly view and think that God will give us more blessings than we ask for. The Bible was not written for the enrichment of our worldly life; On the contrary, it was written for our spiritual development. only when we understand the purpose it is written it will qualify us for the life hereafter.

If we pray with the thoughts of wanting to know Christ more, taste His true power, overcome sin and become holy, His power will work within us much more than we pray and think.

Yes, beloved, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable." ( 1 Corinthians 15 : 19 )

‘AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATAION No:- 1,092 💚 February 05, 2024 💚Monday 💚

"But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness." ( 1 Corinthians 10 : 5 )

The apostle Paul speaks today's verse as a recipient of a new revelation. Many Christians today still think that it is God the Father who spoke and acted in the Old Testament and only Christ who speaks in the New Testament. If that is so, then Christ cannot be God! Yes, Christ was with the Father before the creation of the world. The Bible say that He is the creator of the worlds.

God, who spoke His message through the prophets in Old Testament times, "Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;" (Hebrews 1: 2) we read. If we think that he was born and lived only two thousand years ago, it means that we do not accept him as a powerful God.

It was Christ who led the people of Israel in the land of milk and honey. "And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." (1 Corinthians 10: 3, 4) The same Christ who led the people of Israel in the wilderness leads us today.

But those people who consumed the meat and drink of wisdom fell into the worldly desire called lust. So, they were destroyed. This is what today's verse says, "But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness." Also says that "Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents." (1 Corinthians 10: 9)

Beloved, the words, “God was not pleased with many of them” are a warning to us today. Even though we claim to be baptized Christians, we partake of Christ's body and blood, but if we are immersed in the lure of worldly lust, we will not have share with Christ; we would be like the Israelites who tested Christ.

"Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted." (1 Corinthians 10: 6) He will work in us when we accept Christ as the mighty Son of God and commit ourselves to Him believing that we have been redeemed by Him.

He will bring us into the great eternal Canaan just as he led the people of Israel into worldly Canaan with his mighty hand. It is said that, “God was not pleased with most of them.” We should not join that crowd. Only then will He be pleased with us.

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,093 💚 February 06, 2024 💚Tuesday 💚

"Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." (1 Corinthians 10: 12 )

The spiritual life is something we must live carefully. We may trust that we will stand firm in God. But as long as we live in this world, suffering and problems will follow us. Therefore, today's verse advises that he who thinks he is standing in the spiritual life must be careful not to fall.

Moreover, we should not think lightly of others. A person who is weak in spiritual life today may later become master in spiritual life and reach a higher level than us. Similarly, a person who excels in spiritual life today may turn out to be spiritually weak. Therefore, he who thinks himself standing must be careful not to fall.

The devil who fights against us in the spiritual life is watching to see when we will fall. There are many things in today's world that are tempting spiritual people. Sin is at the fingertips of men today. Yes, even if we accidentally touch a link on the mobile phone, we will be bombarded with dirty porn. Therefore, he who thinks himself standing must be careful not to fall.

That is why the apostle Peter said, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" (1 Peter 5: 8)

This can only be done if we are firmly dependent on the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ with faith. Ordinary worldly people easily fall into such sufferings. This is what the apostle Peter continues when he says, "Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." (1 Peter 5: 9)

Therefore, dear ones, it is necessary to be cautious, no matter how spiritually exalted we are today. We should think that we are standing only because of God's grace. In the spiritual life some may have fallen away because of unbelief. For that, if we are proud that "I am not like that" we will also fall.

The following words of the apostle Paul, having in mind the Jews and the Gentiles, are applicable to us also: - "Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee." (Romans 11: 20, 21)

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION  No:- 1,094 💚 February 07, 2024 💚Wednesday 💚

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Galatians 6: 9)

The apostle Paul compares doing good to sowing seeds. He who sows the seeds does not enjoy its fruit immediately after sowing. Crop growth and fruiting are delayed. But the farmer does not get tired because of that. Similarly, we should not get tired after doing good without thinking that we will get its benefits immediately. So he goes on to say:-

"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6: 10)

We should do good to everyone according to the time available to us. In particular, he said that the household of faith should be helped. He uses the words to do good, not to help. That is, we should help those who need financial help and do good things for others as much as we can.

Doing good is an opportunity available to everyone. We all can do something good for others. It may be a guidance, it may be an advice, it may be to help a person go where he cannot go alone...we can do something good like this. Man was created to live socially. When we help, we strengthen our relationships with our fellow human beings.

Once myself along with my pastor friend went to the municipal office for a small job. When the officer on duty saw us, he said, "Brother, I know you, what can I do for you?" He gave us all the help as asked. He did not help us financially; Instead he did us good. Apostle Paul says that even if we are not able to provide financial assistance, we should do what we can to help others.

But some do any good deed after calculating whether it will benefit them. The apostle Paul describes doing this with the words sowing to the flesh. He says that those who do good for their own benefit will only reap destruction. "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." (Galatians 6: 8)

Therefore, it is understood that God considers the intention of doing that action more important than the action we do. He knows the innermost thoughts of our hearts. When we do good deeds with a good heart, God will give us good results. Yes, thus "Let us not grow weary in doing good; if we do not grow weary, we will reap in due season." That is, when we do good with spiritual love, we attain eternal life through the Spirit.

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,095 💚 February 08, 2024 💚Thursday 💚

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." (Colossians 3: 17)

Even many Christians today do not have a clear understanding of God the Father. Many consider the Father God is for Old Testament and the New Testament to Jesus. Besides this, a "Jesus only" crowd has arisen. The reason for such erroneous teachings is that the scriptures are not read with understanding. The apostle John made this clear in his letters.

Anyone who denies Jesus Christ is a liar. He calls the Antichrist the one who denies the Father and the Son Jesus Christ. "Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son." (1 John 2: 22) Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us to pray, "Our Father in heaven." God the Father sent Christ into the world.

Therefore, "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son." (2 John 1: 9)

That is, if we remain in the teaching of Christ, we will have the Father and the Son. The verse says that we should give all the glory to God the Father through Jesus Christ. "…. in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4: 11)

Jesus Christ said that if we want to attain eternal life, we must know God the Father and Jesus Christ whom He sent. "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17: 3)

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who has forgiven our sins and reconciled us to God. That is why the apostle Paul said, "And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement." (Romans 5: 11)

That is why you are being "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2: 5) says Peter.

We can see that the apostle Paul begin all his letters with, "Grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Therefore, any prayer of ours should be an ascension to God the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ. That is what is acceptable to God and what Christ and the apostles instructed us to do. If we do not glorify God the Father, thinking that we are giving priority to Christ, we will be antichrists.

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,096 💚 February 09, 2024 💚 Friday 💚

“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.” ( Psalms 62 : 8 )

Prayer is not a lot of shouting or chanting a few mantras over and over again. Rather, it is the experience of our hearts being poured out with God by trusting Him. As we pour water or any other liquid in a vessel; Pouring out heart’s longings with faith in God's society. It has no time or period.

People have many ideas about prayer. Some teach that God hears the prayer that is prayed early in the morning, some say that prayer with fasting is more effective. Some people say that we should pray by making a vow or solemn. Some say that one-tenth of a day should be set aside for prayer. But these are mostly untrue except human teachings.

These are the methods and opinions expressed by many people in various occasions in the Bible about prayer, but we cannot say that this is the exact way for payer and we should always pray like this and then only God will accept our prayers.

Because those who pray as a duty can also get up early in the morning to pray. Many friends I know say, "From my young age, my parents used to wake us up early in the morning to pray, so it became a habit." But they say that they do not know how to pray in close union with God except that they pray daily in the manner taught to them by their parents since childhood.

So is fasting prayer. Fasting in the belief that God will answer our prayers because we do not eat is not acceptable. And many who pray like this are also praying to fulfill their worldly needs. Most of the time, those who pray by vowing are also praying for their worldly blessings.

Some say to pray two hours and forty minutes which is a tenth part of a day. God's love surely cannot be found in those who pray and calculate like this. For they can only be said to fulfill the prayer as a commandment

But God hears and answers the prayer of tears that come with heartache and hope. Such a prayer is a prayer that pours out the heart into the community of God. King Hezekiah prayed like this. Samuel's mother Anna prayed like this. Jesus Christ also prayed with loud voices and tears with broken heart.

It is good to rise early in the morning and pray; It is acceptable. But God does not listen to our prayers just because we pray like that, by fasting, or because we pray for hours. He sees our broken hearts. Heartbreak over our mistakes. To break down and repent with the desire to get closer to God; Repentance for insulting others.... Praying with inner longing. ...Even if such prayers are not prayed for hours, God will hear and answer them immediately.

Beloved, let us pour out our petitions in the presence of God with true faith, with fervor, with a broken heart, and God will surely be our refuge.

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,097 💚 February 10, 2024 💚Saturday 💚

"And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded." ( 1 Kings 11 : 10 )

Solomon committed the same sin as Adam in the Garden of Eden. God walked with Adam in the garden. Adam saw Him face to face. Even so, he was deceived by Satan. The reason is desire. He was more interested in eating the forbidden fruit than the words of God. Moreover, he made it because Eve would regret if he did not eat the fruit that she brought.

So was Solomon. After God appeared to him twice and God commanded him not to follow foreign gods to satisfy his wives, he started worshiping the other gods they were worshiping. He thought that if he did not worship like that, their wives would feel regret of it.

"He turned his heart away from the Lord, and did not keep his teaching, and the Lord was angry with him". Yes, so angry that he divided his country into two and belittled the majesty of his rule. God limited his punishments because of his father David who followed the Lord faithfully; Otherwise he would have completely destroyed him.

Beloved, today we must try not to be like Solomon. We need to choose between God or worldly power, money and fame. No matter how close we are to God, sometimes some things we do for our spouse and children will separate us from God. Some actions we do for position and money will separate us from God.

But for one thing, God is not a cruel man watching over us and punishing us. He also sees our innermost mind. Even if we sometimes do certain things for the sake of our wife and children, He knows our inner heart. God will tolerate the small mistakes we make when our hearts are pierced by unavoidable circumstances. For example, Naaman has to enter into the Rimmon temple with the king and bow Rimmon when the king bows it. He consulted about this to Elisha.

"....when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon thy servant in this thing. And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way." ( 2 Kings 5 : 18,19 ) It is thus clear that it is necessary to be truthful in heart.

It is mentioned in today’s verse, ‘his heart was turned from the LORD" That means denying the Lord Jesus. So, it is necessary to be careful not to turn our hearts away from the Lord Jesus mentally and physically. Yes beloved, the fall of Solomon who spoke 3000 proverbs is a warning to us.

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,098 💚 February 11, 2024 💚Sunday 💚

"But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way." (Matthew 13: 25)

Today's verse spoken by Jesus Christ is said in the parable he told. In this parable it is said that he who sows seeds has sown good seeds. Jesus explains that it was the Son of Man who sowed these seeds. (Matthew 13:37) That is, if we are sown by the Lord Jesus Christ, we will be good seeds.

As these good seeds grow, so do the weeds. It is the devil who sows these weeds. Jesus Christ here refers to the weeds as the sons of the wicked. (Matthew 13:38) That is to say, the same crops sown by the Son of Man are also growing among the wicked and evil men sown by the devil.

Today's verse says, "While a men slept, his enemy comes and sowed tares among the wheat." The man who sowed the good seeds knew that the devil sowed weeds there. This is evident from the master telling the servant, "The enemy has done it" (Matthew 13:28). That is, the enemy raises wicked men among the good without their knowledge to destroy the people who live in Christ, the good crop.

But God, being gracious, does not destroy the weeds immediately. Instead, he makes them grow with good crops and for the last days of harvest. He said, "Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn." (Matthew 13: 30) Yea, "That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath." (Job 21: 30)

He lets the weeds planted by devil grow, knowing that they will never turn into good. Because if they are uprooted, the good crop may be destroyed. Thus, he transforms evil into good. Because weeds are necessary for believers in Christ. By it he purifies his people.

Look at the life of Joseph, his siblings were like weeds. They did evil to him. God tested Joseph through them. In the end it turned out to be good. "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." (Genesis 50: 20)

In this world also he sometimes saves the children of the good harvest by the wicked. Perhaps the manager, boss, etc. in our workplace are wicked. But God does not destroy them immediately but saves us through them. If He destroy them immediately, the good crops will also be affected.

Finally, we read, “while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way." Yes beloved, if we are spiritually asleep the devil will be sowing weeds. So, we need to be vigilant in our prayers. If we remain in the spiritual slumber of prayerlessness, the weeds will overtake us. Satan will be sowing weeds. Let's do them with vigilance.

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,099 💚 February 12, 2024 💚Monday 💚

“While it is said, today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” ( Hebrews 3 : 15 )

God's words were revealed to the people of Israel through Moses. But all who heard it disobeyed those words. They grumbled against God. Because they liked the old Egyptian life. They longed for what they had eaten in Egypt and that food was no longer available.

This is what we read, “For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.” (Hebrews 3: 16)

Even today, God's words are preached in various ways such as magazines, news media, wall writings and sermons. The messages preached by God's servants often touch our hearts. Scriptural meditations pierce the heart. The words of God come to all of us in one way or another in our daily lives. But because they say that we want to change the old life we are living, we harden our hearts like the people of Israel in those days.

Yes, many times we say, "This sermon was good" and share some video sermons with others. But we are not ready to walk straight to the truth of the message and change our lives. Today's verse says to those who ignore God's words, “if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.”

It is good practice to listen to the messages of all Christian denominations in general, regardless of denomination. Each church has teachings that are right and contradict the scriptures. There are teachings that make us feel like that. A person who knows Christ should only see if what is said is in accordance with the scriptures rather than who said it as much as possible.

Beloved, if we approach everything with an open mind, we can realize the truth. Therefore, we must first prioritize hearing God's words, believe them, and obey them. Only then can we attain the state of eternal life promised by the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is said in the Epistle to the Hebrews, “And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So, we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” (Hebrews 3: 18,19)

Yes beloved, "If you will hear His voice today, do not harden your hearts as it happened in the provocation" church discrimination will harden our hearts. Unbelief hardens our hearts If we ignore God's words thinking, "This is not our church...he is saying something...", that unbelief will prevent us from entering into God's rest.

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,100 💚 February 13, 2024 💚Tuesday 💚

"The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but the prayer of the righteous is his delight." (Proverbs 15:8)

Humans generally think of God as having a mind like themselves. Shouting praise greetings before a political leader, wearing flower garlands, anointing the leader’ photos with milk will make him feel happy. Humans think of God as a similar political leader. God is the seer of what is. It is often forgotten that He expects from men a pure state of mind.

God will not be pleased with the grandiose sacrifices or feasts in the temples. He would feel pity for such people. Not today, God made this clear to the people through the prophet Isaiah about 750 years before the birth of Christ. 'To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of the goats." (Isaiah 1: 11)

Today's verse says that the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to God. It is abominable, says the Lord God, to take murder, robbery, and bribery and gather money and other assets and then stand and offer sacrifices in temples. But many are interested only in visiting temples and paying offerings and worshiping.

We can pray for hours, we can fast and pray, we can offer various offerings to God and pray but if our life is unworthy God will not hear our prayer. "And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood." (Isaiah 1: 15)

You may have heard in many sermons that your lack of prayer is the reason for your blessing, and that not reading the scriptures is the reason for your unblessed life. But dear ones, first of all our lives must be pure. Our lack of blessings is because our lives are not pleasing to God.

Anyone can pray, no matter what life they are living. But God does not hear all prayers. God will give priority to the prayer of repentance and forgiveness. Therefore, first of all we should realize our sins and pray for repentance and get the certainty of forgiveness. Prayer without it is like empty shouting.

First "Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;" (Isaiah 1: 16) says the Holy Lord. Today's verse says that the prayer of the pure is pleasing to Him. Let us make ourselves pure before God. Sacrifices and offerings are secondary.

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,101 💚 February 14, 2024 💚Wednesday 💚

"That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." (Philippians 1: 10, 11)

Praising God, the Father with our mouths is not the real glorifying act. Instead, our lives should become fruitful as we give Him real glory and praise. This is what the apostle Paul says in today's meditation verse: "Be filled with the fruits of righteousness that come from Jesus Christ, so that God may be glorified and praised."

Not only that, but when we live such a fruitful life, we can become fit for the day of Christ's second coming. This is what the apostle Paul says: "I pray that you will be clean and blameless for the day of Christ."

That is, when we live a fruitful life, we glorify God the Father while qualifying ourselves for the coming of Christ.

We can become fruitful only when we live a life of union with Christ Jesus. That's why Jesus Christ said, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abides in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me." (John 15:4)

Yes, beloved, a spiritual man is a man full of spiritual fruits. But today, this has generally been forgotten, and a spiritual man is thought to be a person who attends certain congregations. A spiritual man should have the fruits that the Apostle Paul says. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance; against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22–23)

We cannot obtain these spiritual fruits by ourselves. We can become fruitful only when our lives are grafted to the Lord Jesus Christ. It is only when our character traits are joined to Jesus Christ that we can be transformed and become fruitful. The apostle Paul says that he is praying for the Philippian church believers to be clean and blameless for the day of Christ.

Beloved, let us commit ourselves to living a fruitful life with Christ as we realise that simply saying "Hallelujah" is not glory to God the Father. Then only through us will God the Father be glorified and praised. 

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,102 💚 February 15, 2024 💚Thursday 💚

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." ( 1 John  4 : 10 )

Our old sinful life in Egypt separated us from God and left us restless. Then we know nothing about God and His glory and power; we have not considered them. We were living in this world, drowning in the desires of the world. But God had a plan for us. That plan was because of His love for us.

Yes, beloved, not because we loved God, but because He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice for our sins. If He had not loved us, we would not have received Christ and His salvation.

Because our sins are washed away, we know God and His Son. So, we love him. The reason we love him like this is because he loved us before, forgave our sins, and accepted us. Yes, "We love him because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19)

Saying that you love God with your mouth is not loving Him. Worshipping him with garlands and fragrant incense sticks is not loving him; It is not a sign of loving Him to give more offerings or to attend prayer meetings or services. That is why John says, "If a man says, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" (1 John 4:20)

That is to love our fellow-born; to love our fellow human beings regardless of caste, religion, and race. John says that if he does not love like this, he is a liar. Because if we truly have our sins cleansed and have experienced salvation, we will respect and love everyone. It means that one who does not love like that has not yet received forgiveness from God for his sins. How can he love the invisible God? The apostle John asks.

Our siblings may ignore us and misunderstand us. We cannot go to them all the time and explain our situation. But we can pray for them. Praying like that is a sign that we love them. God, who knows the things that are hidden, knows them.

Yes, beloved, not because we loved God, but because he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. We should extend the same unconditional love to everyone, regardless of caste, religion, or race.

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,103 💚 February 16, 2024 💚 Friday 💚

"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God." (1 Corinthians 2: 12)

Worldly knowledge is enough to know the things of this world. The teachers who teach us in schools or colleges acquire worldly knowledge and teach it to us. But if we want to know the things of God, worldly knowledge is not enough. We cannot know God by studying at theological colleges. The words "knowing God" are used in the Bible, not "knowing about God.".

Yes, beloved, we can know about God by studying theology, reading the Bible, listening to sermons, and reading news articles about God. But if we want to know God, we need the help of the Holy Spirit. That is why the apostle Paul says, "we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God."

And, "Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." (1 Corinthians 2:13) The Holy Spirit gives us the knowledge to relate spiritual things to spiritual things.

Many people today teach the scriptures with a worldly meaning. This is due to the absence of the anointing of the Spirit. There are many books that speak and teach about worldly affairs. There are many scholars. The Bible is not written for our worldly lives.

So many people cannot accept many points of the scriptures. Only when our spiritual eyes are opened do we understand their meaning. Yea, "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14)

After experiencing salvation and receiving the anointing of the Holy Spirit, one may feel that the same verse takes on a new meaning when reading the scriptures, beyond what one normally gets when reading the scriptures. The reason is that the Spirit makes us understand the exact purpose for which the verse was written.

That is why we need the anointing of the Holy Spirit to know God and His words. It is necessary for us to receive the Spirit that comes from God in order to know what God has given us. All things are new when the Spirit, who guides us into all truth, comes into us. Our souls will also be renewed and we will know the truth.

Therefore, dear ones, let us ask the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, to fill us with his anointing and help us to know the truth.

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,104 💚 February 17, 2024 💚 Saturday 💚

"So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure." (2 Thessalonians 1:4)

Today's meditation verse is the words of the apostle Paul praising the church in Thessalonica. That is, the people of that congregation suffered many things because of the Jews. But they showed patience and faith in spite of those sufferings. Therefore, the apostle Paul says that he is proud of them.

Paul does not mention what the church suffered in Thessalonica. He says that it is simply suffering. We need not examine here what suffering is. Rather, what we should consider is that they faced adversity with patience and faith.

As the apostle Paul continued to write, "Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you," (2 Thessalonians 1:6)

Today in our lives too, there may be sufferings that can destroy our faith. Suffering can happen to us because of people or circumstances. But we are told that we should bear them with patience and faith as the church in Thessalonica.

When we live like that, God will comfort us who are afflicted; He says that he will give torment to those who torment us. In the life of the pious Job, suffering came. The worst suffering that none of us have ever faced. But Job endured them with faith and patience. We know how God raised him up in the end.

That's why the apostle James, in his epistle, said, "Behold, we count them happy, which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy." (James 5:11)

Yes, dear ones, the Lord is very kind and compassionate and will not leave us unsatisfied with our sufferings. The results of his action will be surprising. As a result, let us face our sufferings in life with patience and faith, whether they are caused by others or circumstances. It is just for God to reward those who are troubled.

Like the apostle Paul, many who acted against Christians are turning back and professing the faith they opposed. As Christians, it is our patience and faith that will enable God to work. So, let's face adversity with patience and faith.

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,105 💚 February 18, 2024 💚 Sunday 💚

"I have hated them that regard lying vanities, but I trust in the LORD." (Psalms 31:6)

 In this world, people are living believing many mystical things to be true. Even if we tell such people the truth, they will not accept it. For example, having faith in money, position, fame, or beauty is clinging to vanity.

All the above impermanent things perish. These do not bring us any permanent help or benefit. It is futile to rely on them unless they help for a certain period of time. For example, no matter how much money, influence, or manpower we have, if a very deadly disease has come upon us, none of these will help us. In those times, we run to the Lord.

David was well aware of this truth, even as a king. That is why he says that he hates those who cling to such vain illusions and believes in God rather than not clinging to such illusions. Not illusory kingship or wealth; instead, he says that God is my hope.

We can also read this truth in the book of Jonah, the prophet. Jonah says, "When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple; they that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy" (Jonah 2:7–8).

Yes, if we look at what the prophet Jonah says, it is clear that he was, in some way, believing in this illusion. What is that? He had a feeling that his fame would suffer if his prophecy did not come true. Yes, he had such a mystical idea. Now he feels and reports when he prays from the fish’s belly. He says, "I thought of the Lord when my soul fainted within me."

Realising this, he says, "Those who cling to false delusions lose the grace that comes to them." We who claim to live in Christ should look at ourselves and correct ourselves if we have any activities that destroy grace.

Worldly pursuits, thoughts of vain pride, and pride in the gifts God has given us will destroy God's grace. So let us cling to the Lord as the supreme gift. “But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 10:17)

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,106 💚 February 19, 2024 💚 Monday 💚

"And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified." (Mark 15:15)

Generally, people who have been in power from that day to this day are the ones who want to somehow retain their position but do not see anything about justice and fairness. They act according to the wishes of the people, even if it is an injustice, only desiring to keep up their position.

Pilate knew that Jesus Christ was innocent. He just wanted to free him. But his desire for office did not allow him to act boldly. Therefore, desiring to please the people, he let Barabbas go and handed Jesus to be crucified.

Even we Christians today are like this many times. To please the wife, to please the children, and to please the superiors, we push Christ away.

This verse also explains another thing to us. Who made Pilate free? The unrighteous Barabbas. "And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection." (Mark 15:7) That is, he was involved in riots, murders, etc. Pilate releases him for Christ. He chooses the unrighteous over the righteous.

This is the case with today's politicians. They don't need peaceful, righteous people. They cannot do politics with them; world power cannot be sustained if they select the righteous. Politicians want grassroots villains. They are the ones who help politicians during election times.

Yes, dear ones, such men are needed for the rule of this world. But if we want to participate in the reign of Christ, it is necessary to live as humble people like him. It is not known what happened to Barabas, who was freed that day. But Christ, who was unjustly accused and died on that day, is still leading the people as the victorious Christ.

We don't have to live as people-pleasers. No matter what happens, we should try to live as those who please only the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, beloved, that is what makes us victorious in Christ.

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No: - 1,107 💚 February 20, 2024 💚 Tuesday 💚

"I know thy works; behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it, for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name." (Revelation 3:8)

The apostle John was told to write today's verse to the apostle of the church in Philadelphia. The commitment of the Philadelphia congregation is mentioned here. In other words, even if the spiritual power was small, they did not deny the Lord's name and lived by the word of the Lord.

That is, they did not reject the Lord, even though they suffered various hardships. So, it is said that “I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it." The reason they did not reject God was because they knew God's patience. So, they were fully confident that the Lord would deliver them from their sufferings.

Thus, "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." (Revelation 3:10), says the Lord.

Beloved, this is God's message to us today also. We must not underestimate the spiritual strength within us. Alas, I have no strength. Some people feel it when they fall into the same sin again and again. But God says that even if you have little strength, if you do not deny the Lord's name and count on His patience, you will succeed.

Gideon said to God that he did not have the strength to fight the Midianites that day. God said, "Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites; have not I sent thee?" (Judges 6:14) He also tells us today, "Though you have little strength, I am with you because you have not denied my name and kept my word."

So even if we have some strength, let's protect it. Let us patiently wait for the Lord to act with faith without denying him. “Because thou hast kept my word, behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it," says the Lord. It means that no one can stop the blessing that I am giving you.

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,108 💚 February 21, 2024 💚 Wednesday 💚

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils." (1 Timothy 4:1).

Today's meditation is a prophetic verse revealed by the Holy Spirit to the Apostle Paul.

The prophetic revelation revealed to the apostle Paul two thousand years ago is taking place today. In fulfilment of this prophetic revelation, many who claim to be believers today have become slaves to certain ministers rather than Christ. So, they do not judge whether what the preachers are saying is scriptural or not.

And many professed believers do not know how to read the Bible with the help of the Spirit. Many so-called Christian believers who attend spiritual churches often say, "Our pastor said this." Most of these people do not have the revelation of the Spirit. This is the reason for today's paradoxical Christian ministries. Yes, many people believe what their trusted ministers tell them to be true.

If we want to escape from deceiving spirits and the teachings of devils, we must first experience the salvation that Jesus Christ gives. The Christian faith holds that the Lord Jesus Christ suffered, died, and rose again for our sins. If we accept this, confess our sins to Him, and entrust ourselves to Him, He will save us and reveal Himself to us; He will continue to lead us by his Spirit.

“In the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils," says the apostle Paul's prophecy. Accordingly, the trick of the conscience-stricken liar is to ignore the salvation that the death of the Lord Jesus Christ has brought to us and not to treat people in that way.

Today, we see various politicians daring to engage in unscrupulous activities to collect money. Likewise, some Christian workers work against their consciences in order to earn money despite preaching the gospel truths of God. Such Christian ministers are conscientious-stricken liars. That is, conscience killers.

The Spirit further reveals through the apostle Paul that "through the deception of liars, some will fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils." Yes, beloved, this is the result of the doctrinal deception that is taking place among Christians today. That is, people fall away from the higher Christian faith by becoming addicted to the deceiving spirits and the devil's teaching through the preaching of liars who have seducing spirits.

Therefore, dear ones, what Christians should do is not be deceived by the illusion of a liar who has no conscience, but to flee from such deceiving spirits and the teachings of devils and keep their faith. For that, we should not fix our faith on the ministers but on Christ. We must surrender ourselves completely to the Lord Jesus Christ without surrendering ourselves to the so-called servants.

Just because a lot of people run after someone doesn't mean he's teaching the truth; it reveals that he teaches to please people. Let us guard our faith by not listening to deceiving spirits and the doctrines of devils.

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,109 💚 February 22, 2024 💚 Thursday 💚

"Not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead." (Acts 10:41)

The Lord Jesus Christ, after his death and resurrection, appeared directly to those who dined with him and lived as his witnesses. He showed them that he was alive.

What would ordinary people in the world do? At first, they would go before Pilate and shout, "Hi, you have killed me; here I am alive." But Jesus Christ did not appear to others like that. Because the scriptures say that no one can see God without holiness.

Everyone saw him when he lived in the world as a man. But he was no longer just a man; instead, he gave up his human nature and presented himself as God. So, he appeared to those who were with him and those who lived the life of witnesses ordained by God. The wicked, the greedy for office, the greedy for money, and the drunkard cannot see God.

Beloved, this is still happening today. Even many professing Christians do not fully know the power of Christ and the truths of the Scriptures; they do not accept them. Many people do not accept that Christ, who was the same yesterday, today, and forever, is still alive today and that he is still speaking and leading those who have experienced redemption.

The Bible is not a myth; the incidents mentioned in it are actual events. Is not Jesus saying, "If thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?" (John 11:40) If we believe, as Jesus Christ said, we can see his glory.

At that time, many did not even believe that Christ spoke to the apostle Paul. That is why he says, "Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.' (2 Corinthians 13:3)

"Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead,” as said, if we develop our relationship with him, he will also talk to us. That is why we claim to be worshippers of the living God. We are not simply praying to the wall or praying into the invisible air. There is a loving Father who hears and answers our prayers. Try to listen to His voice and obey it.

If we develop our personal relationship with God and live a life connected with Him, we can feel His presence and His guidance in our lives.

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,110 💚 February 23, 2024 💚 Friday 💚

"Will thou shew wonders to the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise you? Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? or thy faithfulness in destruction?" (Psalms 88:10, 11)

The psalm from which our meditation verse for today is taken is the psalm of Haman the Ezraite. Do you perform miracles for the dead? Will the dead arise and praise you? As the questions asked in today's verse usually give the answer "no,".

Haman, who was full of various kinds of grief, was frustrated with his life and uttered these verses. We read this at the beginning of the psalm in which today's meditation verse is said. He says, "For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draweth nigh to the grave. I am counted with them that go down into the pit; I am as a man that hath no strength." (Psalms 88:3, 4)

Beloved, such situations can happen sometimes in our lives. We can also think like this when all the paths in life are blocked and there is no more hope. "There is no way for us to escape; it is all over." But we can read in many incidents in the Bible that our God works miracles even for the dead.

Likewise, “Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave?” today's verse asks. Yes, Jesus Christ raised Lazarus from the grave four days after his death. Today, many people make the decision to commit suicide, thinking that life is over. Beloved, if we accept Christ with faith, He will raise up our dead life, even if it has been buried for many days.

All the powerful works of God are manifested in situations that man cannot handle. Mountains on either side of the Pihahiroth valley, the Red Sea in front, and the pursuing Egyptians behind. (Exodus, chapter 14) There was no way for the Israelites to escape. Just as the Egyptians were closing in and rushing to destroy them, God's power appeared and parted the Red Sea, allowing them to cross the sea without getting wet.

"I am he that liveth and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and I have the keys of hell and of death." (Revelation 1:18) Yes, dear ones, as the above verse says, our Lord Jesus Christ holds the key to death and the underworld. So, we need not be afraid of any death situation.

He works miracles for the dead; He raises the dead to life and makes them praise Him. His grace will be revealed in the grave, and his truth in destruction.

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,111 💚 February 24, 2024 💚 Saturday 💚

“And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.” (2 Samuel 6: 16)

David tried to bring the ark of the Lord to his city. The ark brought from Abinadab's house in Gibeah remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite for three months. Then he brought it from there into the city of David. (2 Samuel Chapter 6) Then King David with full of joy and sang and danced in front of the ark. When Saul's daughter Michal saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart.

We can still see such mocking taking place today. It is true that spiritual worship is not dancing and singing alone, but there are people who worship such a way in spirit with a true heart. They are mocked by some traditionalists. Beloved, this verse is given as today's meditation so that such people may be warned.

God may have given each of us different spiritual experiences. Some may feel the presence and grace of God and the good things He has done for them and be filled with praise in the spirit. This is what David says to Michal who laughed at him.

“It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore, will I play before the LORD. And I will yet be viler than thus, and will be base in mine own sight” (2 Samuel 6: 21, 22) says David. That is, I am the king; But, David says, I am ready to humble myself as much as I can for the sake of the Lord, not only do I sing for the good things the Lord has done for me.

True spiritual life is not boasting. Those who adorn themselves with costly dresses, jewels and wear various kinds of golden bangles and go to the temples do not understand such lowliness of spirit; No higher spiritual experiences are known to them. They tend to underestimate others like Michal.

The Lord recognized and accepted David's true heart and his dancing and praising Him. On the contrary, God punished Michal for mocking David. Yes, “Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.” (2 Samuel 6: 23)

So beloved, if we expect everyone else to do the same as we praise and worship God, and mocking others will bring curses. Each denomination may have different ways of worshiping God. But we cannot say that only one method is correct. “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4: 24)

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,112 💚 February 24, 2024 💚 Sunday💚

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse." (Romans 1:20)

The controversy over whether God exists or not has been going on since the beginning of time. Those who say no and those who say yes are citing different sources. The apostle Paul makes it clear here. That is, the creations that we see in the world are proof that God exists and His power and divinity. He says that they are clearly seen in the things that were created.

The human body is a miracle. Look at how finely arranged each part of the human body is. A computer equivalent to the human brain has yet to be invented. A camera equivalent to the human eye has not yet been invented. An atheist scientist who studied the human body was surprised by the way the human nervous system is structured. After looking at the human nervous system, he says:

"The way the blood vessels and nerves are arranged in the human body made me wonder. The place where two blood vessels join and divide is as finely planned as a plumber in the world connecting a water pipe and an electrician connecting an electrical appliance. Yes, these cannot be formed naturally. David understood these things in spirit and rejoiced in spirit, and says, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” (Psalms 139:14)

Also, many scientists are amazed by the structure of space planets. Aldrin, who accompanied Armstrong to the moon and returned, stated that he understood many truths clearly mentioned in the scriptures when looking at the earth from space. He mentions that if one goes to space and comes back, he will be in awe of God and His greatness. It is noteworthy that he became a servant of God in the later part of his life.

Albert Einstein is the greatest scientist the world has ever seen. Rockets are sent into space based on his theories. Though he does not accept God, he says, “All the planets in space are thought out and wisely designed by a great brain.” But this genius didn't realize till the end that God is that big brain.

And in the book of Psalms, we read, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is neither speech nor language, and their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words have gone to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun.” (Psalms 19:1–4)

This is why the apostle Paul states that "they (the agnostic) have no excuse" because God's power and majesty are clearly seen in the creation of the world. In other words, they cannot get away with this on the Day of Judgement.

Claiming to believe in God and living a sinful life that is not acceptable to Him is equal to saying that God does not exist. Yes, beloved, let's live a God-fearing life. “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God”( Psalms 53:1).

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,113 💚 February 26, 2024 💚 Monday 💚

"Many times did he deliver them, but they provoked him with their counsel and were brought low for their iniquity." (Psalms 106:43)

If we act and live against God, relying on our own ideas, it will be iniquity in God's eyes. Today's meditation verse warns us that such iniquity will make us low.

If you look at the lives of the people of Israel, they were always working against God. After their liberation from Egypt and their possession of the land of Canaan, God guided them through various judges. Eventually they appealed to Samuel to make them kings, and he made Saul their king.

The people of Israel often turned away from the God who saved them and led them and worshipped other gods. Whenever they deviated, God made them slaves to enemy kings and humiliated them. When they appealed to God for forgiveness, He liberated them. But they soon lost their way again.

Thus, “Many times did he deliver them, but they provoked him with their counsel and were brought low for their iniquity."

Beloved, today we may know the Lord Jesus Christ. May be well versed in spiritual life. But if our lives are belittled, we need to examine ourselves. Often, God forgives our sins and mistakes, but we may be working against Him because of our own thinking. Let us examine ourselves.

The various sufferings and problems we face today may be due to our self-conceived actions against Him. So "My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him" (Hebrews 12:5), the scriptures advise. Not only that, when God reprimands us like this, it is necessary that we realise and repent.

God freed the Israelites when they turned away from Him and sinned, but not everyone enjoyed the fruits of that deliverance. Many were destroyed. So, it is necessary that we be careful and commit ourselves to living a life that is suitable for God. If we live like the Israelites, we will not always get God's help.

This is why Proverbs warns us: "He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." (Proverbs 29:1)

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,114 💚 February 27, 2024 💚 Tuesday 💚

"Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine." (Psalms 33:18, 19)

Today's verse explains what God will do in the lives of people who fear God and live in fear of God.

First, he protects the soul of a person who lives in fear of the Lord from death. That means not worldly death but spiritual death. Yes, they will not be caught by the second death, the fire of hell. And in times of drought and famine, they will be kept alive. The sufferings and troubles of this world will not carry them. Third, God's eyes are always on them.

Realising this, King David says, "The God of my mercy shall prevent me; God shall let me see my desire upon my enemies." (Psalms 59:10) Yes, even though King David sinned, he depended more on God's grace, and God saved him many times from the snares of death. He destroyed those who opposed him.

The Apostle Peter says, "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." (1 Peter 3:12) If we surrender ourselves to living a righteous life, we can receive the Lord's grace.

And as the apostle Peter says, his ears are attentive to their prayer. Beloved, we are not of our own strength; on the contrary, we stand by God's grace. Some people think that everything happened because they prayed and say, "I received God's grace and my petitions because I prayed." Beloved, prayer is important in our lives, but if we think that we have received something because of our prayer, then we are dishonouring God's grace.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no variableness, no shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." (James 1:17, 18)

God's grace is that He willingly gives us benefits without any change or shadow of difference. That is why it is necessary for us to depend on His grace. Then the Lord will deliver our souls away from death. His eyes will be focused on us.

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,115 💚 February 28, 2024 💚 Wednesday 💚

"Like the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice nor abase himself for the noise of them; so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion and for the hill thereof." (Isaiah 31:4)

Today's verse explains what kind of protection the Lord's hand will give us when we live as people suitable for God's holy Zion.

While the shepherds are tending the flock, sometimes deadly animals like lions come and prey on the sheep. Thus, when a lion comes with its cubs and catches the sheep, the shepherds gather together and chase it away. But the lion is not afraid of that cry. He will not let go of his favourite goat. In the same way, God says that He will work for His people with stubborn zeal.

And in the next verse, Isaiah says, "As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it." (Isaiah 31:5)

Chicken keepers at home may have probably seen a mother hen struggle to protect her chicks from crows and hawks. Although she cannot fly like them, the mother hen will fly to protect her chicks when she tries. Sometimes the crow is killed. This verse also says that God will support us.

Beloved, if we live a godly life, we will have such protection from God. Troubles may overwhelm us, or some may be working against us. But they did not know that they were facing the King Lion of the Jews. If they dare to continue working against us, their lives will be miserable.

David, who experienced such protection and presence of the Lord, says, "The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." (Psalms 18:2)

If we make sure of God's presence, we can stand firm no matter what problem or suffering comes. "My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me." (Psalms 144:2), we can say with confidence, like David.

Yea, beloved, like birds that fly and guard, the Lord of hosts will support us; He will keep us safe; He will come through and set us free. Let us not be dismayed but be determined.

'AATHAVAN' 📖✝ BIBLE MEDITATION No:- 1,116 💚 February 29, 2024 💚 Thursday 💚

"And there followed him a great company of people and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus, turning unto them, said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children." (Luke 23:27–28)

For many who attend the liturgies on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, the suffering and death of Jesus can evoke an emotion in the heart and bring tears to the eyes. It is an emotional stimulus. Many people cry when watching a sad movie. For some people, the stories they read in books can trigger such emotions. But in the next few days, they will forget everything.

Beloved, the tortured death of Jesus Christ is not to be forgotten after a day or two of emotional weeping. Jesus did not want people to cry for him in such pity. He says the same thing to the women who wept for him: "Weep not for me, but for yourselves and your children.".

Jesus knew how horrible sin and death are. But people didn't care about it. They wept with emotion and pity for him. So, Jesus Christ is indicating here that it is useless to cry for just one or two days without repenting of your sinful life and not worrying about the repentance of your children.

And he looked at the crowd and said, "For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?" (Luke 23:31) When our lives are like a dead tree, it makes no sense to live without worrying about them and weeping over the sufferings of Christ.

Beloved, enough is the addiction to mere emotions. Such sentimentality does not help anything. If we don't repent, it will eventually lead us straight to hell. "Lord, Lord, have I not wept for you every Good Friday?" We cannot get away with saying that. Because Jesus Christ has already made it clear that simply listening to sermons or partaking of the Eucharist in God's temple without repentance will not entitle us to heaven,

"Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity." (Luke 13:26–27)

Beloved, may our weeping these days not be mere tears of passion and pity for Jesus Christ, but tears of repentance for sin. That is what Jesus Christ wants.