Popular Posts

Some Amazing and Uplifting Thoughts for the Month of February.


Share








Picture Credit: Sapphire Productions.

Some Good Thoughts for the Month

Some amazing and meaningful thoughts I received in my in box the other day, with due credit and respect to the dear one who created this and posted, I would like to share it with my fellow authors and readers at this place on this wonderful month of February.

 

 "Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same--"                                                                                      Anonymous.  

A compliment is something like a kiss through a veil. 
Victor Hugo

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Some amazing and meaningful thoughts I received in my inbox the other day, with due credit and respect to the dear one who created this and posted, I would like to share it with my fellow authors and readers at this place on this wonderful month of February.
Let me quote the end note of the message:   “To my friends – I was not too busy to make it and send it to you.”
     ***
You may not realize this – but the following is 100% true.  Think about some part of it daily. 
There are at least 2 people in this world who you would die for.  And…….at least 15 people in this world who you love in some way. 
The only reason that anyone would ever hate you, Is because they want to be just like you. 
A smile from you can  bring happiness to anyone, even  if they do not  like you.  

Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you. You mean the world to someone. 

You are special and unique. Someone you don’t even know – loves you.

When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.

When you think the World has turned it’s back on you……take another look.

 Always remember the compliments that you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

 Always remember…when life hands you a lemon – always ask for sugar!


 Good friends are like stars, you don’t always see them –but you know they are there.

 I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a Friend while I am here – than a whole truckload when I am  gone. 

Happiness keeps you sweet, Trials keep you strong. 

Sorrows keep you Human, Life keeps you humble. 

Success keeps you glowing, But, only Friends keep you going.

Forward this to your friends, and don’t tell me that you are too busy!! 

Don’t you know the phrase – ‘stop and smell the flowers’? 

Source:
Mini Faridabad, HCL, Sapphire Productions.

Pics. Credit.
PS:
Sapphire Productions wonderful and eye capturing flower pictures are there along with each quote, I would like to forward it to my fellow authors and readers, pl keep in touch with me with your ids. Let me take this time to express my Thanks to my dear friend who find time to post this to me and to HCL and Sapphire Productions.

With Best Wishes And Regards,

P V Ariel & Associates
Have A Good Day

Credit: Sapphire Productions.

Share

“Let Us Praise The Lord At All Times”

Share
|







I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1-3

“I will bless the Lord at all times”

A very easy to read or say words. And is a very difficult thing to practice.

At ALL times!

Is it possible to praise God at all times?

Suddenly we think how it can be possible.

Is it possible to praise God all the time?




Yes, of course! It is possible.


But sometimes we may feel that because of our circumstances sometimes it’s not possible.  Due to our physical conditions, or some other unpleasant situations we may think that it’s not possible.

But a child or God can definitely praise God at all time. 

A man of God said like this, “When we are praising God we are entering into a kind of sanctified nature, and it unifies believers together and through our praises we glorify and magnifies our God.”

When psalmist says this, I’ll praise the Lord at all times, means we can come to the conclusion that there is something important in it.  Otherwise he will not say this.  Yes, no doubt it shows some greatness or importance in praising God.

Let us look into this aspect little deeper,

Let us take the case of our Lord Jesus Christ himself.

We read an important incident happened when Jesus was with His disciples.  We read that in Matthew chapter 26: 26-30

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

 27And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

 28For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

 29But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.

 30And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives...”

Just before entering into the Golgotha experience, let me put it this way, 'the painful experience’ He sang a song along with His disciples.

Jesus our savior could do this before knowing the painful situation he was going to enter into, yes, he knows very well that, time ahead of him is not at all a pleasant one, knowing this before about this bitter experience He could praise God by singing.

Of course you may say that though he is human at the same time He is God himself, He can take it. 

Ok, I agree, Let us come to the human level, take the case of Paul and Silas. When they were put into prison, they praise God by singing songs. We read this in Acts chapter16:22-25

We know the conditions of a jail no doubt it will be very pathetic one.

Of course these days prisons are very sophisticated one with all kinds of facilities are available within the premises.  But in those days it’s entirely a different one and the conditions were so horrible that there won’t be any light or anything of that sort. Absolutely no facilities, instead, full of darkness around with all sorts of creatures and insects.  Above all Paul and Silas were severely beaten and inflicted many blows, in short they were in severe pain.  But in such a painful and unpleasant situation they could sing praises to God, we read Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God.

Yes, there is no doubt; a believer can sing praises to his Savior at all times.

Praising God is a pleasant thing believers can do together.  Yes, that is one of the main or let me say “only thing” we all can do together.  If I say ‘only thing’ I am sure its true since I have no doubt that in many other areas we may have differences.

For instance many a times we may not be able to agree with a preacher’s words.

No doubt there will be some kind of difference with the preacher’s words within in us. All may not agree with a preacher, even though he preaches God’s Word.  There will be some difference of opinion.

But singing praises to God is the only place were all the believers can join together in one accord.

I think that is the only place were all the believers have one opinion and going on well without any disturbances.

When he says at all times he praises means he is glorifying God at all times.

It is not that when things are very smooth I will praise God.  That is very easy too. But when things are in an opposite direction or in an unpleasant situation it may be difficult to praise God. But one thing is sure that if we do that in such a stormy situation that praises are more valuable than the other one we do often.

We have noticed that it is possible with god’s people to praise Him in any situation they are in, as we have checked in the case of Jesus Christ and in the life story of Paul and Silas.  There are many such personalities’ life incidents narrated in the pages of Holy Bible.  I just mentioned two.

In short: by praising God we are entering into a kind of sanctified nature.  And also praises unifies believers, and through praises we glorifies and magnifies our God.”

Let us praise our God in whatever situation we are in, it definitely pleases our Lord the creator, if we do this in our unpleasant or difficult situation it will definitely be valued more in the eyes of God.

Along with the Psalmist let us also say that, and do,  “Praise God at all times.”

May God help us to glorify and praise God our Savior at all times in our life. The ultimate and everlasting thing we are going to do in eternity too.

( A gist of a message delivered at a small congregation on 31st January 2011)



philipscom: Dr. Woodrow Kroll President Back to the Bible Named "2010 Bible Teacher of the Year"

Dr. Woodrow Kroll President Back to the Bible Named "2010 Bible Teacher of the Year"



Woodrow Kroll and Rich Bott
Pic. Credit.Backtothebible.org

A PAGE FROM THE OFFICIAL WEB SITE OF 
BACK TO THE BIBLE.INTL.

December 28, 2010
Back to the Bible's Dr. Woodrow Kroll Named
Bott Radio Network Bible Teacher of the Year

Lincoln, NE -- National broadcaster Bott Radio Network (BRN) has named Dr. Woodrow Kroll, the Bible Teacher of the Year for 2010.

Dr. Kroll is the President and Senior Bible Teacher for the international ministry, Back to the Bible, headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska. The award was presented at the Annual Bott Radio Network Christmas Luncheon in the grand ballroom of the Overland Park Marriott Hotel in Overland Park, Kansas.

In presenting the award, BRN President Rich Bott noted that Back to the Bible was one of the very first radio broadcasts to be aired over Bott Radio Network when it began as Kansas City's Christian Voice in 1962. Back to the Bible has served faithfully with Bott Radio Network ever since for over 48 years.

Dr. Kroll has earned many advanced degrees with post graduate studies at Harvard, Princeton, The University of Virginia, the University of Strasbourg (France), and elsewhere. He has authored more than 50 books and served as Chairman of the Division of Religion at Liberty University (VA) and as President of Davis College (NY) before becoming President of Back to the Bible in 1990.

"Woodrow Kroll is one of the outstanding Bible teachers of our time," said Bott. "He shares our passion for getting the Word of God into the People of God, and he is committed to leading people into a daily engagement with Scripture."

For More Info Pl. Contact:
Kevin Sheen – Marketing Coordinator
kevins@backtothebible.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it | 402-477-7200 x 4343
6400 Cornhusker Highway | Lincoln, NE 68507
# # #

Back to the Bible Overview
Back to the Bible is a worldwide ministry dedicated to leading people into a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ. Using radio, the Internet, television and other media, Back to the Bible shares the message of the Gospel and helps Christians grow to spiritual maturity through Bible teaching and engagement. Learn more online at backtothebible.org.

Source Credit: BacktotheBible
Share
|







More Goodies @ NackVision




EUCasino | VISITOR COUNTER | William Hill Poker | Online casino reviews | Casino Online

Astrology: A Christian Perspective

           A write-up on Astrology. 
Published in the magazines "Confident Living" and "Harvest Times for your family"

 The writer brings out certain facts what the Bible says on this issue.  

 A Christian viewpoint...                       

 (Mad Rush Towards Soothsayers)

 Read on..

You Shall Love the Lord Your God...
Pic. Credit sxc.hu/SilentFury
The uncertainties among people are increasing day by day. Things are fast changing; today's man or thing is not there tomorrow. A kind of fear is griped among people and they wander here and there to find a solution to this. People are frustrated by the day to day incidents and in their search they ultimately approach the so called soothsayers or astrologers to find a solution to this. This becomes an order of the day in the modern society. The soothsayers take advantage of this and are making hay while their clients are basking in glory. As a result every day a new one sprouts somewhere in the country. 


It is very unfortunate to note that in India the politicians and the film personalities are the bunch of people who always in search of these soothsayers. In recent times this trend is spreading among the Indian cricketers' community and the television program producers and its anchors. What a shame and pathetic condition this is.?

The sad fact is that most of their predictions do not hit the bull's eye. One cannot understand still the mad rush towards these soothsayers. In the Indian political scenario the ministers, M Ps (Members of Parliament) and M L As (Members of Legislature Assembly), are on the run after these astrologers. Each of them have appointed or selected soothsayers for their functions and auspicious occasions.


Saturn
Pic. Credit.  sxu.hu/clix
The only exception to this in the Indian political history is Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India. She wrote in a letter to one of her close friends, Dr. M S Shastri of Bangalore, "...I have always tried to avoid astrologers; I do not believe in astrology and have refused to ask questions about the future even when pressed".
One thing is sure that our politicians and celebrities are addicted to this kind of superstitions. It seems like its diluted in their blood and with that they are fooling their fans too. It looks like it is very difficult to weed out from their system .

The famous Indian writer, Khushwant Singh (a stalwart in the Indian Journalism) the former Editor of famous English weekly, "The illustrated Weekly of India", said in an interview, "Due to some problem the astrology columnist of the weekly left the organization and the column stopped abruptly. The readers started inquiring about it. I don't want to displease the readers and I started compiling the column myself. I selected some previous issues astrology column and reshuffled it and arranged it for the week with a pen name. This was very much appreciated by the poor readers".

This is what is happening in many of the publications in the name of this column called 'Astrology'. The gullible readers eagerly wait to read this waste. How sad it is? Print and visual media is on a neck to neck race on this issue of knowing the future and telling the future. They run columns for daily, weekly, monthly and yearly forecasts for their readers.

The sad part is that, if we take a keen look into these soothsayers' predictions 99% of them never fulfilled or happened as they predicted. Still the people are in search of these people and their predictions.

A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE

The point here is about the Christian flocks: Even among some of the so called Christians there are a good number of people who are after such people. They seek the guidance of astrologers, tarot readers and other soothsayers to know their future. For their children's education, marriage and other family auspicious occasion's dates etc they consult these astrologers. They eagerly look at the daily and weekly astrology columns in newspapers and weeklies. Some eagerly watch for the daily broadcasts through TV.

These so called Christians must take note that they are going after the old nature, a kind of idol worship. They are forgetting the fact that God is the one who controls everything and He is the one who decide about the future and every creator is in His hands. They just forget this great truth and running after the creators of this world.

Here is a warning to such people!!! In the book of Isaiah chapter 47 we read this: depending on the astrologers, the star gazers and monthly prognosticators Babylon took proud in itself and said in thine heart, I am and non else beside me. But alas God challenges them to save themselves. But they could not save themselves or even others. God warns the Babylonians about the consequences of their deeds. God challenges them to save by the stars and star gazers could not.
God created the sun moon and stars to give light to the world. But alas people depend on them to know their future, what a pathetic state. It cannot save itself nor can't save others; indeed it faces the wrath of God. Isaiah chapter 13:10 says, "For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not flash forth their light; the sun will be dark when it rises and the moon will not shed its light." The word of God very clearly urge to the people to call upon the wonder working creator of this universe, stars like the seven stars and Orion (Amos 5:8)
A child of God is controlled and guided by the spirit of God, not the creations of this world. Creations should seek the face of the creator, not the stars, sun, moon or any other living or non-living things.

The Holy Bible: The God's special revelation in written form. There are a number of books revered as sacred, but God has given only one book that is the BIBLE. Its unique authority is affirmed from cover to cover. Therefore, occult knowledge like astrology, tarot cards reading etc are off limit and should not influence a real Christian.

Therefore, occult means of knowledge (like astrology, tarot cards etc.) are off limits and unnecessary for the Christian. Isaiah emphasis us to use God's written Word as the standard to judge spiritual truth claims: "Bind up the testimony, Seal up the law among my disciples.. When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to THIS WORD they have no light of dawn. (Isaiah 8:16,19-20). (NIV)
The Bible gives us a basis for assured knowledge of God. The apostle Peter even ranked it as more valuable than eye-witness evidence! "We have the PROPHETIC WORD CONFIRMED, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts"(2 Peter 1:14-19).

 Let me close this by quoting a verse from Deuteronomy: There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.  For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Deuteronomy Chapter . 18:10-12. (KJV).


Source:
Bible Quotes are from King James Version, Evangel Publishers Ltd, Kaduna, Nigeria.
First Published in "Harvest Times For Your Family", Mumbai. http://www.glsindia.com
Picture Credit: www.sxc.hu 

PS: 
This post is an adaptation from my original writings at: Google's Knol Pages 
Comments and responses from Knol Pages:

P V Ariel

Thanks.

Its really good to receive such encouraging thoughts from the little ones. I appreciate your interest in this field of writing. I wish you all the best in this line. I have posted a reply to your other comment, as i said follow the instructions of well known writers. here is a link to follow. Johnson's Index of Journalism/Article Knols - http://knol.google.com/k/shastri-jc-philip/johnson-s-index-of-journalism-article/3aw752rt3ywhc/35
Good Wishes
PV

Last edited Mar 31, 2010 7:21 PM

Irene Issac

i agree with whats told above

mr. p v ariel your aritcles are so well written and sensiable that once start reading,  just can't stop.... i'm so glad that God has blessed us with people who bring out the truth .... may God bless you, and pls do continue posting such nice articles..
mr. pv pls do read what i've written and give me feed backs
Last edited Mar 31, 2010 5:30 PM
Report abusive comment

lifescape astrology

True but....

Hello,

 this is true, that newspapaer astrology is making fun of astrology and people. no two individuals are alike, so how can same reading apply to billions at one time.

 however, I understand that you are not disputing predetermination.God has created this world and God has created the script of a person as well.

 moreover, astrology, tarot and witchcraft, tantra, they are all separate things, and they can not be clubbed together.

 repeatability that is required by scientific method is there now in lifescape astrology. you can check it yourself, so now debate, likes whether planets provides predetermination or not are going to be things of the past. Yes with that conventional theories of astrology would also be replaced by modern research.

 rakesh singhal
Last edited Mar 8, 2010 9:09 PM
Report abusive comment
Dear Rakesh

 The main thrust of this article is NOT whether any of these practices are true, verifiable, or related to each other. The main thrust is that Christian are forbidden from indulging in them.

 -- Shastri
http://www.IndianCoins.org

 Report abusive comment
Posted by Shastri JC Philip, last edited Mar 8, 2010 8:57 PM
Rakesh,

Thanks for the comment.
We are not intended to open a debate here on this issue.
J C Philip clearly mentioned the very purpose of this knol.
Hope you understood.

 Thanks Shastri Saheb for the timely comment
Best
Philip

 Report abusive comment
Posted by P V Ariel, Mar 8, 2010 9:09 PM

P V Ariel

Thank you so much

Thank you so much for your encouraging notes on this knol. Keep reading. God bless. Philip Ariel
Last edited Aug 14, 2009 4:22 PM
Report abusive comment

Anonymous

Very interesting

Wonderful read PV, one of my friend told me about this wonderful website called knol, and i am in search of more such read. As Benjamin said in his comment astrology is really an idolatry and many are addicted to it for their peril, especially so sad to read about our politicians and celebrities mad reush towards this superstition. phi
Last edited Dec 20, 2009 7:49 PM
Report abusive comment
sorry for the delay in replying to your comment, hey who is this? Thanks for your uplifting comment. read more and keep inform, Knol is a wonderful place to air your views, suggestions, ideas and other expressions of your mind, i invite you to join this community to write your ideas in the form of knol articles. PV

 Report abusive comment
Posted by P V Ariel, Dec 20, 2009 7:49 PM

Benjamin R

So True

PV many so-called Christians are addicted to this idolatry. Its really a great sin in the eyes of the Almighty God. Thanks PV again for reminding this to your Fellow Christian readers. God bless you.


Last edited Dec 20, 2009 6:45 PM
Report abusive comment
Thanks Ben for your comment and vision on this subject. May God bless. Keep reading. I am really sorry for the delay in replying to your comment, Now I am more active at this place pl. do read and keep inform. PV

Posted by P V Ariel, last edited Dec 20, 2009 6:46 PM


Source: 


My Early Experience with My Writings And A Pleasant Memory With A Great Poet




(A Little Writer is Born)

My Early Experience with my writing carrier. Some pleasant memories of my childhood days and my most valuable moments with my mentor, world renowned evangelist and writer and hymn writer M C Cherian Sir of Madurai. Please read on..


Some of the co- writer's write-ups put my memory back to my school days, Yes, it happened when I was in my 6th or 7th grade. 
 I was an avid reader and whatever comes to hand, I read. Newspapers, weeklies, magazines and books were my favorites. In our village (Valanjavttom, near Thiruvalla, Kerala) there was a library Called Gandhiji Smaaraka (memorial) Library, I was a regular visitor and borrower of books from this library. I read many of the books novels short stories and poems of many major writers of the Malayalam language.
A photograph taken when M E Cherian Sir
 visited the Bahrain Brethren Assembly in1975.  MEC Sitting in the Middle
Credit: bahrainbrethren.com.© bahrainbrethren.com.
  
Malayalam newspaper's Kathukal (letters) column attracted me a lot and I started sending letters to this column. Immediately after sending letters to the newspapers I eagerly wait for the next day's paper to see my letters, but nothing published, again I send nothing published. This continued for few days without any result. Days and months passed I could not find any result. I was really frustrated at that but my passion for newspapers and writings did not stop me there, instead with more care I prepared letters and send. One fine morning as usual when I picked up the daily I found my letter printed with my name. I was overjoyed by seeing my name in print that too in one of the major and famous publication called Malayala Manorama. (The largest circulated Malayalam daily in Kerala and also the leading and largest circulated vernacular daily in India). www.manoramaonline.com
Though after a good number of rejections, the printed letter made me so happy and it made me to write more. Again I jotted down many things in my note books under the headings short stories, mini stories, poems and prose etc.
About that time I heard about a Christian magazine called "Suviseshakan" (Evangelist) published by a well known evangelist from Madurai (Tamil Nadu State). I thought of sending some of my writings to that magazine and I picked up some of the jottings from my note book and copied it in a paper and send it to the Editor. A week later I received a letter from the editor saying, 'the story which you send is good and will publish it in one of the coming issues, but the song is not up to the mark but don't give up, write more ok!! Reading the editor's letter I could not control myself, with joy I jumped up and down. My first story is going to see the light of the day, that too in M E Cherian Sir's Magazine. (A word about M E Cherian, lovingly known or called as M E C or Cherian Sir. (Before becoming an evangelist he was a high school teacher, so most of the people called him Cherian Sir).

Here is an intersting video--A narration of MEC's Paadathe Praave. Khanda Kaavyam. Please Click on the link

Paadathe Praave 

 

Later he become a well known Christian preacher, teacher, song writer and a poet in the Malayalam language. A good number of his Christian melodies are sung by the Malayalees (Keralaites) Christians in their congregations in worships as well as at other occasions all over the world. He published many books on spiritual subjects).

Here is a YouTube video, an interesting narration of the story of Ruth from the Holy Bible, 'Book of Ruth', under the title, "Paadathe Praave"
This small but great incident in my life encouraged me much. This made me to write more. Again I send another article, story and a song to Cherian Sir. With in a short span I received his reply saying, 'Your article and story I will publish it in one of the coming issues after a few corrections. It seems you are more talented in writing articles, think on that line and do write more. May God bless." This note of MEC, I read again and again. There was no limit for my happiness.
A few months later I came to know about MEC's arrival to Kumbanad (A Christian convention centre in Kerala) for the annual convention of Brethren Assemblies, as a preacher. This yearly convention takes place on December last week and goes on to January first week. Every year my parents used to attend these annual conventions. I was so eager to meet Cherian Sir and I expressed this desire to my Dad and he agreed at once. The day came, with my parents I went for the meetings at the centre. We met MEC and my Dad introduced me to Cherian Sir. He recognized the little writer and with much joy he greeted me. I expressed my heartfelt thanks to MEC for his encouragement.
Immediately he took a copy of the current issue of Suviseshakan (January) and handed over to me and said, "one of your articles is published in this issue" then he patted on my shoulder and encouraged me. The loving touch of that famous personality and those joyous moments I can't forget in my life. This was the beginning of my writing life. 
Later, after his departure from this earth the  Y M E F published a souvenir (M E Cherian Smaranika), under the editorship of Br. George Koshy, Mylapra.   The editor published this small incident in the souvenir.   A Malayalam version of that story you can read Here
Source:
M E Cherian Smaranika ( Sovenir)
Knol.Google.com's P V Ariel's Knol Pages

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Copyright © Philipscom. Created By