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READ: Numbers 22:10-34

The Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in
the way. —Numbers 22:31

Under it. Over it. Around it. Through it. Nothing will stop me from doing
it.” I often hear people express this kind of attitude when they get an
idea or see an opportunity that seems good or profitable. They devote
all of their resources to getting it done.
As evidence that this way of thinking may be flawed, I call as my witness a
donkey—a donkey belonging to a man named Balaam.
Balaam was offered a profitable assignment from a neighboring king, and he
inquired of God for permission to accept it (Num. 22). When God said no, the
king’s representatives made a better offer. Thinking God might
change His mind, Balaam asked again. God granted permission for Balaam
to go with them but with strict conditions. God knew Balaam’s heart and
was not pleased with him, so He placed His Angel in the way. Balaam
couldn’t see the Angel but his donkey could. When the donkey refused to
continue, Balaam became angry with the animal for blocking his progress.
Balaam’s story teaches us that not every obstacle is meant to be overcome.
Some
are placed by God to keep us from doing something foolish. When our
plans are hindered, we shouldn’t assume that it’s Satan trying to stop
us. It might be God trying to protect us. —Julie Ackerman Link
Let Your wisdom guide me ever,
For I dare not trust my own;
Lead me, Lord, in tender mercy,
Leave me not to walk alone. —Reed
God is always protecting us— even when we don’t realize we need it.

Dear Moderators & members

I am pleased to inform you that the Jerusalem Christian Mission (JCM), Toronto
has released the first issue of its monthly e-newsletter, Voice of Jerusalem,
today.I am kindly requesting you to publish our e-newsletter on your website as
it is a good read. The newsletter is attached.

Warm regards and prayers,
Fr. V. V Paulose

keep you from stumbling… present you faultless… with exceeding joy”

Jude v. 24-25: “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to
present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to
God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power both
now and forever. Amen.”

Lord God my Father, I bless you for keeping me to this day. I bless you for the
promise of eternal glory (“faultless before the presence of His glory with
exceeding joy”) you have prepared for me. May this faith keep me joyful now in
all circumstances, Lord. I know, Lord, that I am prone to err and falter. Keep
me from stumbling, from falling, I pray. I commit myself to your keeping, 1 Pet.
4:19; You are my God and my Savior. May grace uphold me as I endure in trials,
Lord, Ja. 1:12. Let me rejoice now looking towards the eternal joy that awaits
me, Lord. Amen.


This is our comfort: God is able to keep us from stumbling (now), and present us
faultless (when we are in glory). Stumbling = slipping, falling; Faultless =
unblemished, blameless.


Let us keep trusting, and keep committing ourselves to His keeping as we go
through the day, especially when we are being tried (1 Pet. 4:19); as we do
this, we are blessed, Ja. 1:12. Lord, I need you all the time.


Ps. 119:165: “Great peace have those who love Your law,
And nothing causes
them to stumble.” Lord, I confess this verse as your blessing upon my life.
May nothing cause me to stumble, Lord. Amen.

[As the second month of the year begins, let us reflect, and commit ourselves to
God’s keeping.]
[For Prayer: Consider praying for a nation today remembering Ps. 2:8: “Ask of
Me, and I will give You
the nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of
the earth for Your possession.” Let us also remember the persecuted believers
in many countries, Heb. 13:3.]

Thankful for your prayers,
Bro .Shibu L.Podiyan
Washington D.C

READ: Ephesians 6:5-9

Not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the
will of God from the heart. —Ephesians 6:6

I love watching the skill and passion of great athletes as they give
their all on the field. It shows their love for the game. Conversely,
when a long season is winding down and a team is already eliminated from any
opportunity for championship or playoff games, sometimes it seems
that the players are merely “going through the motions.” Their lack of
passion can be disappointing to fans who have paid to watch a good game.
Passion is a key aspect of our personal lives as well. Our heart attitude
toward the Lord is revealed in how we serve Him. The apostle Paul said
that our service includes the way we go about our daily work. In
Ephesians 6:6-7, we read that we are to approach our work, “not with
eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the
will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not
to men.”
For me, the key in that verse is “from the heart.” I have a heavenly Father
who loves me deeply and sacrificed His Son for me. How can I do
anything less than give my very best for Him? The passion to live for
God that comes “from the heart” provides our best response to the One
who has done so much for us. —Bill Crowder
Father, every day offers opportunities for me to express
my love for You. May the passion with which I live, work,
serve, and relate to others be a fitting expression of my
gratitude for Your love for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The love of God motivates us to live for God.

Dear moderators,
This is a sermon on remembering the departed
http://jerryachensworld.blogspot.in/2013/02/remembering-departed-unique.html
Warm regards, Jerry achen.
(Fr. Jerry Kurian)
I.D. no. 4500

Dear friends:
Balaam's story teaches us that not every obstacle is meant to be overcome. Some
are placed by God to keep us from doing something foolish. When our plans are
hindered, we shouldn't assume that it's Satan trying to stop us. It might be God
trying to protect us.

With love,
Shibu L.Podiyan
Washington D.C

Dear Moderators,

I have expressed my view on this subject before. When I write a letter, and a
third party wants to publish said letter, the courtesy of receiving permission
is usually sought.

If you get permission from the author (bishop, Catholicos, Patriarch) to
publish in worldwide fora there is no confusion. Also - the seals on these
letters may be easily copied in Photoshop and manipulated electronically - care
should be used to avoid abuse of seals and signatures.

We need to know what's going on. We also need to respect the authors of
Kalpana.

Sincerely,

Fr. Zach Varghese
Member 903

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Latest updates
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Matrimonial Digest / 0341-2013

Dear Members,
We do not take or assume any responsibility for the particulars
given by the advertiser. Concerned parties are encouraged to
verify the particulars. As per the request of some advertisers we
withheld the contact details and will forward any reply to the
advertiser for further personal contact. Further correspondence to be
done with the E-Mail address / Phone Number given against each
advertisement.
Please read the successful stories of the matrimonial advertisement
in the SOCM forum at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SOCM-FORUM/message/6505
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SOCM-FORUM/message/4384
----------------------------------------------------------
SEEKING BRIDEGROOM
----------------------------------------------------------
Matrimonial; Code # 231/12
****************************
January 02, 2013
Orthodox parents settled in the US for the past 18 years seek suitable alliance
for their daughter 27 years, 5.5", slim, and fair. She is in the sector and also
studying for M.S. in Psychology. She is God fearing, very active in church, well
mannered and has a pleasing personality. She is a US citizen, migrated to the US
with her parents when she was 10 years of age. If interested, kindly respond
with brief personal and professional information and recent photograph to
susanjohn827@...
Matrimonial; Code # 230/12
****************************
November 20, 2012
Jacobite Syrian Christian parents from central Travancore, presently settled in
Kottayam invite suitable alliance for our God fearing daughter aged 24, height
162 cm. M.B.A (Marketing & HR) working with Confederation of Indian Industry in
Chennai. We prefer proposals from God fearing professionals of good families of
Jacobite Syrian Christian working in India or abroad. The groom should be within
the age group of 25 to 28 years and his height is 167 or above. If interested,
please contact my e-mail ID: thomasdanielreji@... or call: +91
9961984809.
Matrimonial; Code # 225/12
****************************
7th November 2012
"US settled Jacobite Christian parents  invite proposals for their daughter
(Engineer, BS-non IT, 25 years , 5'5", fair, family oriented and God-fearing),
well employed in Texas, from parents of God-fearing, professionally qualified
boys of Jacobite/Orthodox/Marthomite denomination working in USA. She was born
and bought up in Kottayam, Kerala, migrated to US with parents at the age of
twelve and now a US Citizen. Please respond with brief personal & professional
info, contact information and recent photograph to: "rsaproposals@...".
Matrimonial; Code # 224/12
****************************
31 October, 2012
Syrian orthodox parents settled in Ontario, Canada are looking for a suitable
match for their daughter 31, 5' 7" fair complexion.She born and brought up in
Ontario post graduate of Engineering currently empolyed in San-jose
California.Interested parties please contact ekurian.thomas@...
Matrimonial; Code # 218/12
****************************
22 February, 2012
Parents of a middle class Jacobite family from Kumarakom invite
suitablevalliance for our GOD FEARING daughter aged 27/167. She is only one for
us ; she finished M.B.B.S., and also passed USML exams. Now she is in Alleppey
Med. College & going to join MD at USA July 2012 onwards.
We prefer proposals from any Christian {Medical profession} denominations are
welcome ( except Pentacost ). The boy shouldbe within the age group 27 to 33
years & his height is 168 or above.
If interested ; please contact my e-mail ID:jeypekavalappara@...
Mob.09446455876, 09447420216. Res.0481 2525876.
Matrimonial; Code # 213/11
****************************
August 02, 2011
Jacobite Christian parents from Kottayam invite suitable alliance for our God
fearing daughter aged 23, height 163 cm. B.Sc Nurse working in Madras Medical
Mission Hospital, Chennai. We prefer proposals from God fearing professionals of
good families working abroad. The groom should be within the age group of 25 to
28 years and his hight is 167 or above. If interested, please contact my e-mail
ID: sajanm2011@... or call: (0481)9447163635.
Matrimonial; Code # 208/11
****************************
May 02, 2011
Mumbai settled Jacobite Parents of middle class Jacobite family from Mumbai
(Originally from Pathanamthitta) is looking for a Bride groom for their daughter
of 25 years, Staff Nurse, Born and bought up in Mumbai, Slim 164 cm Height,
working in Mumbai. Look forward to get proposals from Jacobite (only Jacobite)
boys who are well-placed in Outside Kerala or Kerala. Contact Phone +91
9987100218
Matrimonial; Code # 205/11
****************************
February 06, 2011
Parents of a well known middle class Orthodox family from Kottayam is looking
for a Bride groom for their daughter of 25 years, 163 cm Height, Fair
complexion, working in Bangalore as a nurse, would like to get proposals from
Jacobite/ Orthodox/ Marthoma boys who are working abroad between age 26-29
years. Phone 0481 -2507486, cell 9447567610
----------------------------------------------------------
SEEKING BRIDE
----------------------------------------------------------
Matrimonial; Code # 223/12
****************************
11 June, 2012
Jacobite parents well-settled in United States for the past 35 years invite
suitable proposals for their son, 31 yrs/5'10. He has completed BS (Computer
Eng), MS (Electrical Eng), and MBA from distinguished American universities. He
is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Business Intelligence and working for a
major aerospace company in Los Angeles, California.
We seek a God-fearing, good-looking, well-educated professional girl born and
raised in the United States. Interested parents may send the details and recent
photograph to cgvarghese@... or call 562-673-3638.
Matrimonial; Code # 220/12
****************************
May 02, 2012
Proposals invited for Jacobite boy 29/180 cm, M.B.A from Kottayam, currently
working with a public sector banks, wealth management division (private sector)
as manager invite proposals from parents of professionally qualified and
employed girls in India or abroad. 0481 2505821, 9072780980.
Matrimonial; Code # 219/12
****************************
March 14, 2012
Roman Catholic parents settled in Trivandrum invites proposals for their
daughter 32 yrs. MCA., working as a Software Engineer in New Jersey, USA for the
last 2 years. Proposals are invited from professionaly qualified boys of any
Christian denomination. Interested parties please contact by e-mail
sonyrajsl2003@...
Matrimonial; Code # 216/11
****************************
October 11, 2011
Jacobite (Syrian Orthodox) parents invite a marriage proposal for our son 33
years old Settled in U S since 25 years. Computer Animator, 5'7"� height. If
interested, please contact at 847-699-7985 or 224-522-2653 E-mail:
venkadath@...
Matrimonial; Code # 215/11
****************************
October 04, 2011
Proposals are invited for a Jacobite Boy, M.Sc Chemistry 28'' / 173cm / 65kg.
Ernakulam Dt.CSIR doing Ph.D at Pune, middleclass, seeking alliance from
Jacobite or Orthodox families having Masters any preferring Chemistry with NET.
Interested may contact to mvkuriakose@..., 9656789434, 09947864849
Matrimonial; Code # 214/11
****************************
August 09, 2011
Jacobite parents from kottayam invite proposals for their son 28 yrs, 180 cm,
slim, MBA, presently working as Bancassurance Manager related to a public sector
bank in cochin.We are seeking suitable alliance from parents of bsc/msc nurses
preferably. If feels interested repond with details and photograph to:
marrybib@... or call @ 0481 3264055, 9495684640.
Matrimonial; Code # 212/11
****************************
July 12, 2011
Suitable alliance invited for a respectable middle class boy, 36 years, 5'10"
height doing business successfully. We prefer a girl working in and around
Kottayam under the age group of 30-36 years with humble, simple and God fearing.
We also welcome girls without any job but who is willing to help her husband for
the mutual benefit of the family as a whole. Any Christian denominations are
welcome except penticost. Interested person may kindly contact with full details
to : e-mail: zestmatrim@... or Mobile: (0481) 9745449970 or
(0481)9847915570
Matrimonial; Code # 209/11
****************************
June 08, 2011
Jacobite parents from a middle class ancient family, Kottayam, settled in Qatar
inviting suitable proposals for our son, 26 yrs/6'3",medium complexion, heavy
weight. He has completed MBA in HR and currently working as a Recruitment
Consultant in a Multinational Company in Qatar and staying with us.
We are looking for a God fearing, Good looking, Caring,Home Loving, Graduate or
Post Graduate (BCom, BA, BBA,MBA, ) girl( 5'5"to 5'9") as our daughter from a
Good family (Jacobites/ Marthomites/ Malankara reeth/ Orthodox). Interested
parents may send the details and photograph to zachariahmani@... or call
00974 55863034.
Matrimonial; Code # 200/10
****************************
November 13, 2010
Parents from a well known middle class Orthodox family from
Kottayam is looking for a girl for their son of 34 years, 169 CM Height, 68 Kg
,slim ,medium complexion ,working in Dubai, would like to get proposals from
Jacobite/ Orthodox girls who are educated /Employed between age 27-33 years.
Contact Mr.Vinu, Mob-9847825983, Res. 0481 2464186.
------------------------------------------------------------
For the full list of the matrimonial advertisement, please
visit:http://www.socmnet.org/Matrimonial.htm

READ: Nehemiah 8:1-12

All the people went their way to eat and drink . . . and rejoice greatly.
—Nehemiah 8:12

In a fast-paced culture of “eat and run,” few people make time to enjoy a
leisurely meal in the company of friends. Someone has even remarked that the
only way to enjoy a seven-course meal today is to get it all
between two pieces of bread!
After many of the Israelite exiles in Babylon returned to Jerusalem to
rebuild the temple and the walls of the city, they gathered to hear Ezra read
from the Book of the Law given by God through Moses (Neh. 8:1).
They listened to God’s Word for hours, while teachers among them “gave
the sense, and helped them to understand the reading” (v.8).
When they wept because of their shortcomings, Ezra, along with Nehemiah the
governor, told them this was not a time for sorrow but a time for
rejoicing. The people were told to prepare a feast and share it with
those who had nothing, “for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (v.10).
Then “all the people went their way to eat
and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the
words that were declared to them” (v.12).
The spiritual banquet God has prepared for us in His Word is a cause for
great joy. It is worth taking time to savor. —David McCasland
Lord, give us a hunger and a thirst to know You more
that can be satisfied only by time spent with You in Your
Word. Help us to savor that time and, as we do,
to grow more in love with You each day.
Christ the Living Bread satisfies our spiritual hunger through the Living Word.

God does not need our prayers! He knows what we need even before we ask. He is
the all-merciful, and he pours his abundant bounties even on those who do not
ask him. It is for us that prayer is indispensable; it appropriates man to God.

Ignatius Brianchaninov on Prayer

From “Orthodox Prayer Life: The Interior Way” by Fr. Matthew the Poor
http://orthodoxbookstore.ecrater.com/p/4862413/orthodox-prayer-life-the-interior

The Call to Christian Enlightenment - The Call of Baptism

The special occasion of the baptism of the daughter of God, Sofiamaryam,
enhanced the gospel reading from John Chapter 3; that is Nicodemus' inquiry of
Jesus about baptism.

Photos of the baptism at our mission chapel ar posted at
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
http://maruroopa.blogspot.com/2013/02/a-baptism-during-time-of-baptism.html

Fr. John-Brian uses the occasion, the gospel and the epistle (2 Corinthians) to
bring into focus the reason for our baptism, even as infants - and the
continuing call even into our modern age, especially as Orthodox Christians.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian
Malankara calendar and was given on Sunday, January 27, 2013 by Fr. John-Brian
Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian and for our mission and help us as you are able.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
LISTEN ON-LINE HERE:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-call-to-christian-enlightenment.html

--
Thanks & Regards
Lijo K Mathew

Manjinikkara Perunnal (The 81st dukrono feast of St. Ignatius Elias II ) live in
MalankaraVision on 08 Feb & 09 Feb.
http://www.malankaravision.com/
Tuned in and be blessed.

READ: Matthew 6:25-34

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall
be added to you. —Matthew 6:33

I love writing for Our Daily Bread. I confess, however, that sometimes I whine
to my friends about how
difficult it is to communicate everything I would like to say in a short
devotional. If only I could use more than 220 words.
This year when I came to the book of Matthew in my Bible-reading schedule, I
noticed something for the first time. As I was reading about the
temptation of Christ (Matt. 4:1-11), I noticed how short it was. Matthew used
fewer than 250 words to write his account of one of the most
pivotal events in all of Scripture. Then I thought of other short yet
powerful passages: the 23rd Psalm (117 words) and the Lord’s prayer in
Matthew 6:9-13 (66 words).
Clearly, I don’t need more words, I just need to use them well. This also
applies to other areas of life—time, money, space. Scripture affirms
that God meets the needs of those who seek His kingdom and His
righteousness (Matt. 6:33). The psalmist David encourages us, “Those who seek
the Lord shall not lack any good thing” (Ps. 34:10).
If today you’re thinking, “I need just a little bit more” of something,
consider instead the possibility that God has given you “just enough.”
—Julie Ackerman Link
I would be quiet, Lord, and rest content,
By grace I would not pine or fret;
With You to guide and care, my joy be this:
Not one small need of mine will You forget! —Bosch
He is rich who is satisfied with what he has.

Personal Knowledge of God's Will

Do we want to develop a solid, unwavering, consistent faith in God? How do we
yield to God's will in EVERYTHING?

Truly, one who loves God wants to do His will, follow His direction and do the
right thing. One who loves God wants to receive the greatest spiritual benefit
from participating in God's way, His religion, His spirituality.

Fr. John Brian applies the gospel reading Luke Chapter 2 and identifies 4 people
doing the will of God: Mary, Joseph, Simeon and Hannah. Perhaps their examples
and their stories may give insight into our own personal knowledge of God's will
for us.

This sermon uses and refers to scripture readings appointed by the Syrian
Malankara calendar and was given on Sunday, February 3, 2013 by Fr. John-Brian
Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission
Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

Please pray for Fr. John Brian and for our mission and help us as you are able.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
LISTEN ON-LINE HERE:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2013/02/personal-knowledge-of-god-will.html

SERMON OF THE WEEK
February 10, 2013

Next Sunday we remeber the first miracle of Jesus, that is, turning water into
wine, at a wedding in Cana, also known as "Kothanae Sunday". This is the
beginning of the 50-day's period of Great Lent.

(It begins next Sunday and ends on March 31st)

We enter the Lent recalling the miracle at Cana (St.John 2: 1-11). Jesus was on
a mission to save the world, the greatest mission in the history of mankind. Yet
He took time to attend a wedding and take part in its festivities.

Miracle of the marriage feast at Cana of Galilee, known as 1st miracle sign of
the gospel of St. John, is one of the most important and theologically profound
miracles that the Lord worked. To many people, the miracle at Cana of Galilee
looks to be an ordinary miracle, just like any other miracle. But the fact is
that it is one that has far reaching spiritual and theological implications. Let
us explore some of the meanings of this sign, with which our Syriac Orthodox
Church's Great Lent always starts:

Gospel Reading:  St. John 2:1-11.

"1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of
Jesus was there.
2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.
3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no
wine."
4 Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour
has not yet come."
5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it."
6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of
purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece.
7 Jesus said to them "Fill the waterpots with water." And they filled them up to
the brim.
8 And He said to them, "Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the
feast." And they took it.
9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did
not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the
master of the feast called the bridegroom.
10 And he said to him, "Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and
when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine
until now!"
11 This beginning of sign Jesus did in Cana of Galilee manifested His glory; and
His disciples believed in Him."

Message:

We will look at each verse independently, in a commentary format.

1) St.John 2:1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, The
miracle performed at the wedding in Cana is denoted to be the first of seven
signs performed by the Lord Jesus Christ according to the Holy Gospel of St.
John.

On the third day: there are many instances in the Bible that refer to events
occurring on the third day. The most notable is the resurrection of Christ to
life on the third day. We are able to draw out a theme of deliverance, salvation
or life, associated with the third day.

According to the church cycle, it is a starting point of the dispensation of our
Lord, after His Baptism and Temptation by the Satan. Thats why St. John the
apostle starts his 2nd chapter with on the third day, which means the third work
of the Lord during His dispensation.

Weddings in ancient times often lasted many days and here we see a symbolism
often used in the seven-year cycle, where many things are commenced in the third
year of the sacred cycle. There are similar overtones with ancient Israel, who
were gathered together and arrived at the wilderness of Sinai in the third month
after leaving Egypt to enter into a covenant with God (Ex. 19:1). The events in
Exodus chapter 19 are comparable to the wedding attended by Christ and His
disciples. The congregation was to wash their clothes, which is related to ones
wedding garment and the white robe of overcoming this world (Rev. 6:11; 3:5)
clothed in humility (1 Pet. 5:5).

The congregation was asked to be ready by the third day (Ex. 19:11,15). For it
was on this day that God, which was Christ, came in the sight of all the people
(Ex. 19: 11), to enter into a covenant.
Then the Lord said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and
tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. And let them be ready for the third
day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight
of all the people. Exodus 19:10
Likewise, Christ, accompanied by His disciples, came to the wedding, where a
covenant between a bride (equivalent to the Church) and the groom (comparable to
Christ) was to take place. Christ was to reveal Himself through His first sign
to the servants, picturing those called.

The first sign starting with a wedding, means that the heaven and earth were
happy with the salvation of our Lord to the mankind by His coming to save us.

Cana of Galilee: the Lord Jesus Christ began His first supernatural of signs in
Cana in particular, because of largely Gentile populated, and must have been a
priority for the Lord. The first sign profoundly symbolized the Kingdom of
Heaven's imminent need to be spread into the entire world for both Jews and the
Gentiles.

2) John 2:1 "and the mother of Jesus was there"

Mary (which is Mariam) was most likely related by bloodline to the bridal party.
Thus, no invitation was required. Her primary role would have been to assist in
the hosting of the wedding, carrying out tasks and duties for the bridal party.
She would have also instructed the servants what to do.

We can assume that Mary was alone. (There is no further mention of Joseph
following the story in the temple when Jesus was 12 years old.) Therefore, Mary
would have depended on Jesus, who was not only a carpenter's son (Matt 13:55)
but a carpenter himself (Mark 6:3).
The gospel of John never refers to Jesus mother as Mary. This is to draw out a
distinction, as we will see later. As we know, a woman represents a church or
nation (Rev. 12:4-6). In this account, we can interpret the mother of Jesus to
represent the physical nation of ancient Israel and the Levitical priesthood
through the seed of Abraham.

3) John 2:2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.

To be part of the wedding feast, one must be invited. It is God who does the
choosing. Christ does not give the invitation so to speak. Father draws the
person, and gives them to Christ His Son (John 6:39).
When we view it as a covenant in progress, we see that Christs invitation takes
on a dual purpose. His invitation was sent thousands of years beforehand through
Abraham (Gen. 12:3, 22:18).

"And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give
to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the
earth shall be blessed; because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My
commandments, My statutes, and My laws." Genesis 26:4

The accepting of the invitation requires something on our part. Abraham took up
his invitation to enter into a covenant with God, by adhering to all of Gods
commandments, statutes and laws. He considered Gods laws as a treasure to be
desired. We must also do likewise, if we are to accept the invitation of God. We
are to continue to obey Gods word and commandments, if we are to retain His Holy
Spirit, and enter the wedding feast. The parable of the five wise and the five
foolish virgins shows that those who still had oil in their lamps burSt.ning,
were able to enter into the wedding feast. Outwardly, they all looked the same.
But it was those who treasured the word of God and had the Holy Spirit, who were
able to enter when the bridegroom returned.

"[There is] treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a
foolish man spends it up." Proverbs 21:20

All people, of all nations were assured of salvation through Christ.
"And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith,
preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "In you shall all the nations
be blessed." Galatians 3:8

God the Father chose us before the foundation of the world and has placed us
into the body of Christ.

"Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should
be holy and without blame before Him in love." Ephesians 1:4
We have been given a great invitation (Isa. 55:1-13) at no cost (Rev. 22:17) to
become sons of God. Philip for example was given an invitation to follow Christ
(Jn. 1:43). It is an invitation to take up the cross (Mk. 10:21). It is an
appeal to become living sacrifices (Rom. 12:1). Many have declined the offer
(Lk. 14:15-24). But it is not too late (Joel 2:12-13); for those who take up the
invitation will be blessed (Mat. 25:34).

4)  John 2:3 "And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him,
"They have no wine"

Mary may have thought that because she was His mother she had some special hold
on or control of Jesus as a miracle worker. She may have seen this as an
opportunity for Him to reveal Himself to the world, she knowing in her heart who
He truly is. Jesus however, mildly corrects her, No man or woman has to
interfere in what He has to do as God.

In Scripture, wine is usually associated with joy and glad tidings. When Mary
said, "They have no wine", she may also be referring to the fact that they were
not able to experience the joy because of lack of wine (1Thes. 1:6).

Mary had faith in her son. From the very start of the first miraculous sign, we
gain insight into the predominant role of the mother of the Lord Jesus Christ.
St. Mary's gift of intercession is immediately made known when she speaks to her
Son on behalf of the need for more wine as the water pots become depleted.

This is showing that all animal sacrifices the priesthood performed for
purification of Israelites would end and pointed to Christ. We could assume the
wine that ran out during the course of the wedding feast pictured the redemption
process, which was sought through the animal sacrifices used by the Levitical
priesthood. The course of the wedding parallels the course of mankinds
redemption. The sacrificial system had to come to an end in order for the new
system to take its place. The blood of bulls and calves was to be fulfilled in
Christ, who was appointed to die once and for all (Heb. 7:27, 9:24-28,
10:10,12,14; 1Pet 3:18). God opened the way to salvation through Christ. That is
why Jesus mother goes to Him. We have to contemplate the concept that Mary
symbolized the nation under the physical priesthood. The way in which Mary
signifies her concern for the wine, draws attention to the fact the priesthood
knew that a blood sacrifice was required.

5)  John 2:4 "Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does your concern have to do with
Me? My hour has not yet come."

Jesus' way of addressing His mother, "Woman," is not considered an endearing
term or disrespect word, but that is how He will speak to her from the cross
(19:26). So perhaps it is not as harsh or disrespect as we might think. It may
be that He was addressing her in the same way a woman is addressed in the todays
English as "Ma'am." Or He doesnt want her to interfere in His work as God.

Jesus further responded saying; "My hour is not yet come" meaning that He would
conduct His ministry in His own time. Jesus was affirming that He would not be
influenced by men or woman. He would conduct His life as directed by God's plan.

(Christ directs His reply to His mother. Christ uses the word woman to
figuratively refer to physical Israel and address the physical priesthood.

But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a
woman, made under the law. Galatians 4:4

We could figure out that Christ is saying to the priesthood that they do not
recognize what He is about to introduce to the existing covenant, and that the
sacrificial system they perform would be fulfilled in Him. Christ is
highlighting the distinction between the physical religious structure of the
day, and what He was accomplishing, a rebirth of a spiritual body [Church]
(John. 3:5).
6)  John 2:5 "His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it."

The words of Mary to Jesus and her instructions to the servants indicate that
she expected something from Her son.

(These words of the mother of Jesus relate to the words spoken by Moses to
physical Israel concerning the Messiah.

"The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own
brothers. You must listen to him." Deuteronomy 18:15
His mother, who represented ancient Israel, understood that the commandments had
to be kept (Deut. 26:17-19). The sacrificial law was integral to the whole law
(Ex. 20 to 34). The sacrificial law pointed to Messiah and was fulfilled in Him.
The law was not removed by this act. The sequence of the system of worship was
not altered. The symbolism merely took on another meaning. Jesus Christ says:
"Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not
to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and
earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is
accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and
teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does
them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew
5:17-19

These are the last recorded words of the mother of Jesus Christ. We see that it
is only the servants that are told to obey Christ. She did not direct the
servants to any other. For it is through Christ we are to be saved (Acts 15:11).
We see that Christ takes over from His mother from this point. This also alludes
to the fact that the responsibilities and oracles had been taken from the
physical priesthood of ancient Israel and are given to the Church, Gods
servants. They were now in the care of the Church.

We may speculate that this theme can be seen being carried over to when Christ
places His mother, into the care of the "disciple whom He loved".

We should be aware that the term the disciple whom He loved takes on a greater
meaning. He loved those given to Him by His Father. He laid down His life for
His friends (John 15:13). The disciple He loved can be figuratively used to
describe the Church.

"When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple He loved, He said
to her, "Woman, this is your son." And He said to His disciple, "She is your
mother." And from then on this disciple took her into his home." John 19:26, 27

When we view this text in light of whom these two persons may portray, we see
Christ was pointing out to the Levitical priesthood that the Church He had
established was its son. It was with this son that the inheritance lay. Christ
is also telling the Church that it should recognize and honor the covenant
ancient Israel kept. We will see this has connotations to the fifth commandment,
Honor your mother and your father (Ex. 20:12). From Christs death, the Church
was responsible for the covenant ordinances, commandments and statutes of God.

Christ's mother did not ask for everyone's assistance at the wedding. She
doesn't ask everyone to pitch in and give a hand. Only those who were there to
serve were chosen for the task. Those who obey God the Father and His Son Jesus
Christ are portrayed in Scripture as servants. (2Chron. 24:9; Titus 1:1; Jude
1:1; Jas. 1:1; 2Pet. 1:1). For that is our purpose, to serve, not be served.

"This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the
mysteries of God." 1Corinthians 4:1

7)  John 2:6 "Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the
manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece."

Jewish tradition required several kinds of ceremonial washings. Strict Jews
washed their hands before a meal, between courses, and after the meal. This
purifying extended not only to washing ones hands, but also to washing ones cups
and vessels (Mk. 7:3, 4).
Christ expands on this concept when He refutes the Pharisees. Christ was
teaching that we should clean first that "which is within the cup" that the
outside may be clean also (Mat. 23:26). The cup is used because it is an
instrument that can hold water, and therefore is symbolic of a vessel.

(The prophet Ezekiel spoke of the transformation of these vessels with a heart
of stone, into vessels filled with Gods Holy Spirit, with a sincere desire to
abide by Gods word.)

"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will
be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. And I will give you a new
heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will
take out your stony heart of sin and give you a new, obedient heart. And I will
put my Spirit in you so you will obey my laws and do whatever I command."
Ezekiel 36:25-27
Ezekiel is speaking of the sprinkling clean water by the Holy Spirit. We will be
given a new heart, so we will obey Gods laws. Gods laws, which were written on
tables of stone, will be written in fleshly tables of the heart (2 Cor. 3:3).

We are to cleanse our hands of wickedness, and purify our hearts.
Other Bible references:

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners;
and purify your hearts, you double-minded. " James 4:8
These vessels for purification are still in use today. We must be able to see
that we are vessels of the Most High God and His Holy Spirit. (Mk. 7:8). )

We should be more concerned about purifying our hearts in obeying Gods laws in
all truth.

"Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in
sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,"
1Peter 1:22

This world is set up to draw us away from God. We should be thinking about our
repentance and contemplate being baptized, for the washing away of our sins
(Acts 22:16). Those who are baptized should continue to purify their hearts in
obedience to Gods laws. By drawing close to God, He will draw closer to us (Jas.
4:8).

8)  John 2:7 "Jesus said to them, "Fill the water pots with water." And they
filled them up to the brim."

Now Christ only addressed the servants, since they represent the Church. He is
commanding us to fill the water pots. We may presume that Christ is telling us
to fill the people of the nations with the water, which we may take to mean the
word of God. So the water pots, which were filled for washing the hands and
cups, are filled with water to symbolize the washing of the nations through the
word of God (Eph. 5:26).

"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our
hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure
water." Hebrews 10:22

Conclusion: When we read a history book or a biography about a particular
person, what we're reading about are incidents that happened only once and
probably never again, they are fixed in time however wonderful they might be,
and how fondly they might be recalled. What Apostle John is talking about here
not just something that Jesus did in a small village in Galilee just for one day
at the start of his ministry on earth, but something that he continues to do
today for all of us.

Without the presence of Jesus in us, our lives tend to become stale, flat,
uninteresting. With Jesus, life becomes colorful, sparkling and exciting. Jesus
continues to turn water into wine, but the waterpots he transforms are our
bodies and souls.

Prepared by Rev. Dr. V Kurian Thomas, Valiyaparambil

Memorial Feast of Our Patron Saint - Omalloor Bava

Prayers,
Mathai Achen
Fr. Mathai Varkey Puthukkunnathu.
Atlanta, USA.

I happened to see the writing of an ex-Jacobite clergy in IOC forum about the
problems in Jacobite Syrian Church (as if IOC has no problems at all!). My point
here is not about the problems in the church, which is a chronic problem in any
Christian church from the beginning, but the attitude of those defected
clergies. This priest, Fr. KK John of IOC recently criticized Catholicose of JSC
and even addressed him as just 'Thomas I' while addressing his own Catholicose
as H.H Catholicose. May God judge him on his deeds! But this definitely shows
how much hatred he possess now towards the church and the leaders of the church
he once belonged to. All his writings, except some of those which are theology
and faith based which I appreciate for his time and effort, are directed towards
attacking and ridiculing H.B of JSC. From his writings it seems that the whole
reason for his defection to IOC was his hatred towards H.B Thomas I.

My question to him and those who defected to IOC for this same reason, is that
will you switch side again or go to another church if you happen to hate your
current Catholicose or some one else who takes that position in the future? I
assume you all will! It is highly likely that you will find some one whom you
similarly hate becoming as your head in your current church. That means in your
life time you will be member of at least four to five different churches! So
based on your writings on Orthodoxy, and on hatred towards H.B, the faith has no
place in your selection of church and you will go with whomever you like or with
those who would do  what you want them to do. While I don't feel any hatred
towards H.B or any clergy in the JSC or IOC, I can say that no one in JSC or IOC
is perfect. Being a member of the church do not depend on who the Catholicose is
or Patriarch is. You may say that you have not changed your Orthodox faith yet.
While Musa Gurgan and similar others also claims to follow Orthodox faith (but
are different churches), what is the point in changing churches just because of
hatred towards one of the clergy of the church you belonged to? So as a priest
do you teach your parish members to stand with those clergy whom you like and
advice to switch churches based on that? Do you think every one in the JSC likes
H.B THomas I or every one in IOC likes H.H Paulose II? It never happens
unfortunately. There will be people who hate their own leaders all the time. So
what is the point in hating the leaders or switching side to create more
problems to the already ongoing problems?

As a clergy, how can you keep hatred and preach Bible in (any) church? Your
messages are full of hatred towards H.B. Of course that entire IOC forum is
meant for that, but as a clergy who once got ordination from JSC church, how can
you still keep this type of hatred and preach Orthodoxy or even Christianity to
your parish members?

In some of your mails you mentioned that you switched side for the sake of
'peace'. What peace did you bring to the church you got ordained or to even the
whole Christianity with that 'switch side'? Didn't you make more problems in the
church by doing so? Didn't the switch of you and your allies bring more court
cases on top of already flooded cases? Didnt you know this already how it will
turn out? Arent you and your friends who switched sides the cause for most of
the court cases and street fights now in Kerala? What should we call you now?
Peace makers or 'piece' makers?

One's faith and affiliation should not be changed based on who the leader of
that church is, -whether he is a saintly person or not (I do not intend to judge
if current Catholicose or Patriarch of any church are saints or not-let God
judge on that). In the history we had only a handful of saints   as our leaders,
but our church survived under all other leaders without deviating from Orthodox
faith which is more important than switching sides when you find some one whom
you don't like as the leader. You know that, none of us, whether JSC or IOC
believe that the Patriarch or Catholicose are infallible. Then what is the point
in keeping hatred towards them, just because they don't do what you want them to
do?

I very well can guess what the (one among probably many now) reason of your
hatred towards H.B is. I know you will have thousands of other reasons to, but I
believe the main one is that H.B did not join the IOC faction together with you,
instead decided to lead the JSC under the Patriarch of Antioch as before. One
important thing you Fr. KKJ or other IOCians don't realize is that, even if H. B
Thomas I had joined IOC together with you, the JSC would have survived this far
and if not H.B. Thomas I, another person would have led the church to prosperity
(of course H.B did a good job in that). Majority of JSC members stand for a
reason which is not just a leader (either current Catholicose or Patriarch), but
the Patriarchate of Antioch and SOC. So, even if H.B Thomas I switch side to
IOC, even today, majority of JSC members will remain united under the
Patriarchate of Antioch as a single church as before choosing another one to
lead the church. Of course, then there will be some one else for you to hate
again!

We, the ordinary members of JSC want to see a continuation of the united church,
around the world under the Patriarchate of Antioch as before, which our great
saints like Mor Parumala thirumeni had attested to. We do not believe in the
nationality based churches or in any ethnicity based churches and we all believe
that neither Jesus nor any Apostles possessed the view of nationality or
ethnicity in the formation of churches (Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor
Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye
are all one in Christ Jesus"). Ethnic churches are unfortunately an invention of
Byzantine tradition which is followed later by some orientals. So your hatred
will have no end. You will have some one to hate alway if not H.B Thomas I,
because JSC is not dependent on a single person but the faith and prayers of
lakhs of people!

I hope and pray that you one day come back to JSC or advice IOCians to unite
their church under Patriarch of Antioch as before, without promoting further
division and hatreds.

Sorry to post a reply to you here, because I know IOCian moderators will never
publish any of these views. I hope the moderators of this forum will not mind
posting it here.

Thanks and prayers

Santhosh Chacko
0768

The Malankara World Journal Issue 124 - Focus: Great Lent - Week 1 -
(Feb 7, 2013) is available online at:

http://www.MalankaraWorld.com/Newsletter/MWJ_124.htm

*TABLE OF CONTENTS*
Issue No: 124 Focus: Great Lent - Week 1

1. Preface

2. Bible Readings for This Sunday (Feb 10)

First Sunday of Great Lent (Kothne Sunday)

3. Sermons for This Sunday (Feb 10)

Sermons for the First Sunday of Great Lent (Kothne Sunday)

http://www.MalankaraWorld.com/Library/Sermons/Sermon-of-the-week_1st-sunday-of-l\
ent.htm

4. Featured: Great Lent - A Matter of Life and Death

Lent - the forty-day journey toward the Resurrection of our Lord, has
suffered much because of lack of attention. There is no doubt that we
know a great deal about Lent, we have enough information to satisfy our
inquisitive mind, but our spirit cries out for meaningful application of
our faith. How can we do this? ...

5. Jesus Changes Water into Wine

If we read through the whole Gospel of John, we discover that Jesus
spoke often about His "time" coming, and it becomes obvious that He was
always referring to the time when He would die for the sins of the
world. So when Jesus responded to Mary's statement about the lack of
wine, He must have been thinking about people lacking, not wine, but
something that wouldn't be provided until He died. It's possible that
Jesus was referring to His own blood, which was symbolized by wine at
the Last Supper. Or He may have been speaking about the Holy Spirit, who
is sometimes symbolized by wine in the New Testament. ...

6. What Did They See?

What the spectators witnessed were men at work. What is it that is seen
by the world? They see His servants doing what Christ has commanded them
to do. What was it that they witnessed? They witnessed the obedience of
His servants. They did not witness God creating something out of
nothing. It was not that Christ gave a command for the water to become
wine and then some miracle happened. ...

7. Shubkono (Reconciliation) Service

We begin our Lent by cleansing ourselves. Reconciliation Service
(Shubkono) on Monday, February, 11 will precisely help us to do it. ...

8. God's Invitation To Us

Lent is a season of being invited by God in a deeply personal way. "Come
back to me, with all of your heart," our Lord beckons. "We will," we
respond, but we aren't quite ready yet, our hearts are not prepared. We
want to squirm, evade, avoid. Our souls not yet perfect. We are not
ready for God to love us. ...

9. Beyond Giving Up Chocolate: Going Deeper in Lent

Lent isn't simply about us "giving up" something. The real grace is when
we recognize that Lent is a season in which God wants to give us
something. God wants to help us transform our lives and make us free-er
as people, not just free-er with God, but in the way we live our lives
and love our families. ...

10. Malankara World Great Lent Supplement

Great Lent is the time for personal reflection, meditation,
reconciliation, and prayer. Malankara World has a great resource that
helps you accomplish that. We provide you daily reflections,
meditations, prayer, bible readings etc. If you had been with us last
year, you will find that this year's offering has expanded. Read the
articles about how to practice lent. Then do the reading for the day
specified. We will guide you week by week. You can find the resources here.

Malankara World Great Lent Supplement
http://www.Malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Default.htm

Week 1 of Great Lent
http://www.Malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_week1.htm

11. Health: A Timeless and Universal Health Principle

This article aims to give you a big picture look at how interconnected
all of your parts are. Really understanding this concept should immunize
you against the temptation to dip into the ocean of transient miracle
remedies on the market. To start, let's review the basic pathway of
blood through your body. ...

12. Recipe: Euphoric Potatoes

13. 81st Dukhrono Feast of St. Ignatius Elias III Patriarch to be
Commemorated in Chicago

The program will be held on Saturday and Sunday (Feb 9-10, 2013).
Detailed program:
http://www.MalankaraWorld.com/Library/News/News_manjinikkara_Chicago_2013.htm


14. About Malankara World

========================

Read all the articles and features in this week's Malankara World
Journal online at:

http://www.MalankaraWorld.com/Newsletter/MWJ_124.htm

Thank you for your support and help.

In HIS Service

Dr. Jacob Mathew
Malankara World
http://www.MalankaraWorld.com/

Malankara World Journal
http://www.MalankaraWorld.com/Newsletter/
Hudson, Ohio
ID No: 956

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READ: Genesis 39:19-23

The Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy. —Genesis 39:21

Traveling by bus from Memphis, Tennessee, to St. Louis, Missouri, typically
takes about 6 hours—unless the bus driver leaves you stranded at a gas
station. This happened to 45 passengers aboard a bus who waited 8 hours
overnight for a replacement driver after the original driver abandoned
them. They must have felt frustrated by the delay, anxious about the
outcome, and impatient for rescue.
Joseph probably shared those feelings when he landed in prison for a crime he
didn’t commit (Gen. 39). Abandoned and forgotten by any human who might
help him, he was stranded. Still, “the Lord was with Joseph and showed him
mercy, and He gave him favor” (v.21).
Eventually, the prison warden promoted Joseph to oversee fellow inmates, and
whatever Joseph did, “the Lord made it prosper” (v.23). But despite God’s
presence and blessing, Joseph remained incarcerated for years.
You may be stranded in a hospital room, a jail cell, a country far from
home, or your own inner prison. No matter where you are, or how long
you’ve been there, God’s mercy and kindness can reach you. Because He is God
Almighty (Ex. 6:3) and present everywhere (Jer. 23:23-24), He can
protect, promote, and provide for you when it seems no one else can
help. —Jennifer Benson Schuldt
Dear God, help us to remember
Your presence and power even when
we are not where we want to be in life. Remind us
to reach for You when no one else can reach us.
God is present—even when we feel He is absent.

WHEN MORAN VISITED RANNI.

I belong to Ranni Valiyapally. The Holy Father on his apostolic visit to Ranni
St. Thomas Valiyapally told the monks that he would not get in to the church
through the street to the church.� The road was through the cemetery. H. H. said
there were five un-decayed
bodies in the cemetery sitting there for years. Anew path was constructed
through the property of the then vicar Rev.Fr. Purackel.� The vicar could be Fr.
Joseph or cor-episcopose Fr. Thomas. This incident was narrated to me by my
father who also helped for the
new road construction. The next morning Moran pointed to the people the location
of the five bodies and they were removed from the cemetery. The pre-existed road
through the cemetery was later closed and until last year the closing could be
noted on the compound wall separating the cemetery from the Ranni Ayroor road.
Recently a new path-way was constructed.

When Moran was about three kilometers away from the church H. H. found the
people were scattering because of the strong dark clouds and the imminent rain.
H. H. came down from the vehicle and made the sign of the cross to the four
sides of horizon. H. H. declared that the rain would not fall. My understanding
is that H. H. went to Kallissery and then to Omalloore. God did other signs also
during this apostolic visit which I do not wish to write at this time. H. H.
served God and God showed signs of it to the people. Hallowed be the name of our
Lord and savior Jesus Christ.

Dn. Monsy Manimalethu Jacob

Dear friends and family:
The Opinion That 99% of Our Fellow-Believers Have About Us Can Be 100% Wrong In
Rev 3:1 we read; and to the angel of the church in Sardis write; He who has the
seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars says this; I know your deeds, that you
have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
�
The opinion of 99% was a reputation that a man was alive and vibrant. But the
Lord said that he is dead. So do not go by the reputation, rather ask the Lord
to have wisdom to look at things and at people as God sees.

Thankful for your prayers,
Shibu L.Podiyan,
Washington D.C

READ: Matthew 1:18-25

And he called His name Jesus. —Matthew 1:25

I tend to get stuck in my ways, so anything that diverts me from my
routines and plans can be very annoying. Worse yet, life’s diversions
are sometimes unsettling and painful. But God, who said, “My thoughts
are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways” (Isa. 55:8), knows
that He often needs to divert us in order to make more of our lives than we
would have if we had stuck to our original plans.
Think of Joseph. God diverted him to Egypt to prepare him to rescue God’s
chosen people from starvation. Or of Moses, who was diverted from the
luxurious lifestyle of Pharaoh’s house to meet God in the wilderness in
preparation to lead God’s people toward the Promised Land. Or of Joseph
and Mary to whom the angel announced the most significant diversion of
all. Mary would be with child, and this child would be called “Jesus, for He
will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). Joseph
believed in the bigger purpose that God had for him, surrendered to the
diversion, and obediently “called His name Jesus” (v.25). The rest is
wonderful history!
We can trust God’s greater plans as He does His far better work in the history
of our lives. —Joe Stowell
Lord, teach us to be willing to adjust our plans to
conform to Yours. You have greater things in store for
us than we could ever dream, so help us to patiently
wait for You to work in the circumstances of our lives.
Let God direct—or redirect—your steps.

Serve the Lord When We Serve Others

The Lord Jesus lived His life for others. He lived His life serving others. He
laid down His life for others. The last few hours on the eve of His death, Jesus
devoted His time to speak to His disciples, comfort them, and pray for them.
While He was preparing to die, His heart was for others, especially His
disciples. We need the mind of Christ to live for others and serve others.

When we serve others in love, we are serving Christ, Matt. 25:40: inasmuch as
you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.� Let us
note: to one of the least of these My brethren. Indeed, many such brethren are
in our life. Here are some suggestions:

Is there one of the least of these My brethren� I should be praying for this
moment, Lord?
Is there one of the least of these My brethren� I should be comforting this
moment, Lord?
Is there one of the least of these My brethren� I should be calling this moment,
Lord?
Is there one of the least of these My brethren� I should be visiting today,
Lord?
Is there one of the least of these My brethren� I should be helping in some way
today, Lord?

When our prayers are as above, the Spirit helps us to serve as Jesus did. Such
indeed are true servants of God.�

Please see the attached January Word of Grace 2013 from which the above excerpt
is taken.

Thankful for your prayers
Brother Shibu L. Podiyan
Washington D.C

Dear moderators,
This is a post on the Manjinikara festival.
http://jerryachensworld.blogspot.in/2013/02/manjinikara-festival-hope-and.html

Warm regards, Jerry achen.
(Fr. Jerry Kurian)
I.D. no. 4500

READ: James 3:1-12

The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our
members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of
nature; and it is set on fire by hell. —James 3:6

Greek fire was a chemical solution that was used in ancient warfare by the
Byzantine Empire against its enemies. According to one online source, it was
developed around ad 672 and was used with devastating effect, especially in sea
warfare because it
could burn on water. What was Greek fire? Its actual chemical
composition remains a mystery. It was such a valuable military weapon
that the formula was kept an absolute secret—and was lost to the ravages of
history. Today, researchers continue to try to replicate that
ancient formula, but without success.
One source of catastrophic destruction among believers in Christ, however,
is not a mystery. James tells us that the source of ruin in our
relationships is often a very different kind of fire. He wrote, “The
tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our
members that it defiles the whole body” (James 3:6). Those strong words
remind us how damaging unguarded words can be to those around us.
Instead of creating the kind of verbal “Greek fire” that can destroy
relationships, families, and churches, let’s yield our tongue to the
Holy Spirit’s control and allow our words to glorify the Lord. —Bill
Crowder
It seems, Father, that sometimes we are our own
worst enemies. Forgive us for speaking destructively
to fellow Christians, and teach us to use wise words
that can encourage and build their walk with You.
To bridle your tongue, give God the reins of your heart.

In this crazy world of difficulty and heartache,in this scary economy,in these
hard times, you do have a prayer.
Scientist found that from recent 3,000 studies have looked at whether religious
faith affects physical or mental health.People who pray daily and attend
services weekly tend to have lower blood pressure. On top of that ,people who
attend religious services are almost 50 percent less likely to have high
interleuken-6 levels ( which indicate poor immune system function) than are
people who don't attend services. In plain English, the more religious you are ,
less stressed out you tend to be, Which often means you're healthier.
�
.1 Timothy 5:23 - Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's
sake and thine often infirmities.

1 Corinthians 3:16 - Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and [that] the
Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Leviticus 17:11 - For the life of the flesh [is] in the blood: and I have given
it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it [is] the
blood [that] maketh an atonement for the soul.

1 Timothy 3:8 - Likewise [must] the deacons [be] grave, not doubletongued, not
given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

Ephesians 5:18 - And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled
with the Spirit;

1 Corinthians 3:17 - If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy;
for the temple of God is holy, which [temple] ye are.
�
�
Thankful for your prayers,
Shibu Podiyan
Washington D.C