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7 things God may mention if He sits at Thanksgiving table

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God has given us many things for which we should give Him thanks. Whether these are physical or spiritual provisions, we have no shortage of blessings for which to praise the Lord.

There’s a verse in 1 Corinthians 4 that highlights this theme of praise and thanksgiving — though the origination of the praise is not from man, but from the Lord Himself: “And then each man’s praise will come to Him from God” (1 Corinthians 4:5). Here is our great God, the Creator and Sustainer of all, the Giver of every good and perfect gift, praising His faithful servants.

Like many reading this, I’m looking forward to the Thanksgiving holiday and meals with family and friends. Many households have a tradition of sharing testimonies of gratitude around the Thanksgiving table. Being careful not to push the analogy too far, we see that God in this passage, in some incomprehensible way, praises those who faithfully served Him.

This passage isn’t the only place in Scripture where this theme of praise from the Lord appears.

Jesus condemned religious leaders for seeking man’s adoration rather than God’s approval (John 5:44). In Romans, Paul wrote that the individual who has been circumcised by the Holy Spirit receives his praise from God (Romans 2:29). Peter said that believers who persevere in faith will receive praise, glory, and honor when Jesus returns (1 Peter 1:6-7).

This theme from the New Testament writers, then, raises a significant question, “What does God praise?”

We must first state that what God praises in us is only what He has worked in us. These things we are about to see are not things we do in our own strength that make God indebted to us. Rather, these are things God has done within and through us; these actions and qualities are by His grace, not by our merits. So, as we look at what God praises, we might ultimately say He praises the Spirit’s work in our lives because of Jesus Christ.

Yet at the same time, the Lord does praise His servants. In fact, we find God praising various churches in the book of Revelation (chapters 2-3). Embedded within each letter to these churches is something Christ commends in His servants.

The first is tireless, toilsome discernment (Revelation 2:2-3).

The church at Ephesus was faithful in tireless, toilsome discernment. They tested every doctrine and teacher that came along. In all of this, they did not grow weary. There was no sense of, “We have rejected so many false teachers, maybe we should ease up a bit on our standards.” Not at all! They were passionate about truth, and their desire was a church with pure doctrine.

Now, the Ephesians had problems, but we should note Christ praises discernment in His people. Christians should then strive to be discerning. We must test what people say to ensure it conforms to the standard of God’s Word — and we should not get tired of doing so.

The second is endurance (Revelation 2:9).

Next, we have the church in Smyrna, one of two churches where we do not find a rebuke from the Lord. These believers suffered greatly, and Jesus was intimately acquainted with their suffering. However, the Lord does not promise to stop their suffering or help them avoid their trials. Instead, He tells them to be faithful. Christ praises His servants who endure suffering for His name’s sake.

The third is resistance to the devil (Revelation 2:13).

The church in Pergamum was in a difficult location because there was a strong Satanic influence in this community. These Christians are praised because they resisted Satan by holding fast to the name of Jesus. They clung to all Christ’s glorious attributes (His love, grace, faithfulness, holiness, righteousness, judgment, wrath, omnipotence, and others). They kept believing in Jesus, and when Satan came to pressure them — and one of their number was even martyred — they found the strength to stand against the devil in the name of the Lord. Christ praises those who resist the evil one by holding fast to His powerful name.

The fourth is spiritual growth (Revelation 2:19).

We come to the church in Thyatira, where Jesus praises these believers’ spiritual growth. These individuals’ works are greater now than when they first believed the Gospel. They have grown spiritually. Their faith is stronger. Their love has increased. They are serving more faithfully and earnestly. They are growing in service to the Lord every day. Even with all the problems in the Church, Jesus still praises these Christians for their spiritual growth.

The fifth is purity (Revelation 3:4).

There isn’t much to commend when the Lord focuses on Sardis. It’s a vibrant community in the eyes of the world, but it’s a spiritual graveyard to Christ. However, there is one thing Jesus praises in this church: purity among a few genuine believers. These believers, though small in number, are not stained by the culture around them, nor are they marked by friendship with the world. Instead, they are set apart for Christ, keeping their hearts free from sin and the love of the world. Our Lord commends their purity, and He delights to see such purity in all of His children.

The sixth is obedience to God’s Word (Revelation 3:8).

Here is a faithful church with just a little power in the world. Notice that it’s not great power Jesus praises. He isn’t impressed by earthly systems, financial or political power, or social influence.

What does result in Christ’s praise, though, is obedience to His Word. This church kept God’s Word, and they were faithful to the teaching of Scripture. As a result, they had an immense opportunity for ministry even though they only had a little power because they had the power of God in His Word. The Lord praises those who keep His Word.

The final quality Jesus praises is an earnest, teachable heart (Revelation 3:19).

The lukewarm Laodicean church was filled with members who were arrogant, self-deceived, and useless for any good work. Some of them still appear to be believers, though, because Jesus says He is disciplining them, which God only does to His children. They had a plethora of problems and nothing much the Lord could praise.

We do learn what God praises in what He tells them to do about their spiritual problems — be zealous and repent. The Lord wants His Word to confront our sin, causing true believers to do whatever is necessary to kill it. God praises humble repentance that comes from an earnest, teachable heart.

These are the seven things God might mention if He were to sit at the Thanksgiving table – seven things He commends in His servants: discernment, endurance, resistance against the devil, spiritual growth, purity, keeping His Word, and earnest and teachable hearts.

As we think about Thanksgiving, these truths leave us with two thoughts. First, we should want the honor and praise that comes from God rather than that which comes from men. We should live lives that God would praise. So, are these things true of us?

If these divine commendations are true of us, then we have much to be thankful for every day of the year, because God is the one who has worked them in us. Not only do we seek praise that comes from God, but, secondly, we praise Him for His work in our own hearts.

This Thanksgiving may our worship and gratitude please the Lord as we fervently thank Him for what He has done.
Sources:Christian Post

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Judgment Day and speeding tickets in Heaven

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A man in Rochester, New York, was recently hit with 5 speeding tickets after the state’s photo radar camera took pictures of him going over the speed limit 5 times. The man had been traveling 55 mph in a construction zone where the speed limit was actually 40 mph. He didn’t know the speed limit.

The law is the law, regardless of what the man assumed. You can be sincerely wrong, and yet still be given 5 speeding tickets. A woman who received a $50 radar ticket in the same city said, “I thought it was a scam. I wasn’t happy.”

Something far worse happens to people who knowingly or unknowingly break God’s Law. And I assure you it is no scam. Many people do not realize that all of their thoughts, words and deeds are being recorded in Heaven. And their sins (“speeding tickets”) are piling up.

The Bible describes this scene on Judgment Day: “The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books” (Revelation 20:12). All of your deeds are being recorded in these books, whether you realize it or not, just like the man who was ticketed 5 times for speeding.

The Bible states: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). When you stand before Jesus on Judgment Day, you will either be under law, or under grace. The only way to be under grace is for your name to be written in “the book of life” by trusting Jesus as your Savior. Scripture declares, “If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).

Jesus suffered and died on the cross to pay for your sins so that you can be covered by God’s grace and forgiven of your sins. Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

And of course, every follower of Christ sincerely wants to live for the Lord. Jesus produces this inner transformation within the children of God. Jesus is the vine and we are the branches (see John 15:1-8). “God works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).

Why do you suppose most people seem to pay more attention to the laws of the land than to God’s Law in the Bible? Think about some of the things certain people would never do because of the criminal penalties that would be imposed if they were caught, tried and convicted.

God’s Law is unwavering. The Bible states, “The soul who sins is the one who will die” (Ezekiel 18:20). And Scripture also declares, “Whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it” (James 2:10). You might be tempted to think you are less of a sinner than other people. But in Heaven, you and I have piled up far more “speeding tickets” than we can imagine.

Jesus said, “I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words, you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).

When was the last time you spoke a sinful word to someone? Do you realize that one careless word is enough to send you to Hell? Jesus said, “I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment … Anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of Hell” (Matthew 5:22).

God sees everything and knows everything. This fact alone should give you plenty of motivation to make every effort necessary in order to please your Creator. “God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14). Everything will be brought into the light on Judgment Day. The Bible says, “This will take place on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Jesus Christ” (Romans 2:16).

If you are a follower of Christ, the Holy Spirit wants to empower you to live each day as though Jesus died yesterday, arose from the grave today, and is coming back tomorrow. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God” (1 Corinthians 4:5).

So, as you continue to travel down the road of life, always remember that your thoughts, words and actions are being recorded in Heaven. But rather than throwing your hands up in despair, believe what the Bible teaches about being under grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Paul wrote “to all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints” (Romans 1:7). Heaven is our home, and Christ is producing good things in us and through us. Paul made it very clear to believers in Jesus Christ: “For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14).

God’s grace and forgiveness motivate us to “find out what pleases the Lord” (Ephesians 5:10). Your speeding tickets (sins) that are piling up in Heaven will not be used against you on Judgment Day. You see, “You have been set free from sin,” as well as from the penalty that will be handed down in God’s courtroom to every sinner who is under law, rather than under grace.

You will never be offered a better plea deal! But you can only accept it while you are still here on Earth. Come to the cross today. Embrace Christ’s payment for your sins. Accept the plea deal. It is the only way to be pardoned of your sins and receive everlasting life in Heaven! (see John 14:6 & Acts 4:12).
Sources:Christian Post

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Does Praying for the Persecuted Really Help? 

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Not long ago, CNN published an article regarding the cultural emptiness of the phrase “Thoughts and prayers are with you.” Beyond a massive collage of memes equating the phrase with garbage, emptiness, or inaction, the CNN piece argued that — as a phrase — “thoughts and prayers” has reached the point of semantic satiation.

“Semantic satiation is the phenomenon in which a word or phrase is repeated so often it loses its meaning. But it also becomes something ridiculous, a jumble of letters that feels alien on the tongue and reads like gibberish on paper. ‘Thoughts and prayers’ has reached that full semantic satiation.”

The article quotes several people to bolster its contention that the phrase belongs in a linguistic garbage dump. The most audacious quote originates from a comedian who responds to the offering of “thoughts and prayers” with this profane retort:

“‘Do you know what that’s worth? F***** nothing. F***** less than nothing. You are not giving any of your time, your money, or even your compassion.’ The audience roars and claps.”

CNN quotes religious leaders, too, as if to make the case complete. A social media post features the Dali Lama saying, “Although I am a Buddhist monk, I am skeptical that prayers alone will achieve world peace. We need instead to be enthusiastic and self-confident in taking action.” Likewise, Pope Francis posted this: “Prayer that doesn’t lead to concrete action toward our brothers is a fruitless and incomplete prayer … Prayer and action must always be profoundly united.”

In this increasingly skeptical culture, Christians continue to ask for and offer thoughts and prayers. Culturally, the question is fairly posed: What good are these thoughts and prayers when Christians around the world are seeing their daughters kidnapped, their houses burned, and their wives and mothers turned into weeping widows? Are Christians just mouthing empty phrases, deadened by semantic satiation?

To answer the question, Christians look neither to ecumenical religious leaders nor late-night comedians. Rather, Christians tap into a source more durable than social media, seeking voices more enduring than those now glowing in the aura of a merely temporal spotlight. Like treasure seekers, Christians dive deeply into the eternal word of life and grab jewels from God’s own treasure chest regarding the value of prayer.

When Christians agree to “pray for you,” they invoke the power of a personal relationship to the living, trinitarian God of the Old and New Testaments. The relationship is a living interaction with the various persons of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Father establishes and ordains prayer as a means of accomplishing His will, commanding all who are called by His name to engage in the practice (1 Thess. 5:17). The Son acts as a priest, interceding always to mediate our prayers before the presence of God (Heb. 7:25, John 17, Rom. 8:34, 1 John 2:1). And the Holy Spirit comes alongside as a comforter, recalling the words of Christ for us and making sure to empower our prayers so they are received by Christ (Rom. 8:26-27, John 16:13-14).

In short, “praying for you” becomes Christian stenography for trinitarian theology, unleashing the providential plans and power of the living God. Perhaps culturally, “praying for you” has become meaningless, but Christians cannot abide long in the supposition that prayer is “semantic satiation.” For Christians, prayer offers no less power today than in Elijah’s day when that prophet cried for drought and later for rain as a demonstration of the truth James writes about in the New Testament: The effective prayer of a righteous person can accomplish much.

Therefore, Christians pray. And Christians ought to pray. And Christians should pray for their persecuted brothers and sisters worldwide. And when Christians pray, they are not praying in vain. The effectiveness of prayer is displayed by the fact that the first request from those suffering intense persecution is most often “pray for us.”

The apostle Paul taught Christians the importance of prayer early in the formation of the Christian church. In 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, Paul speaks of a time when he and his companions suffered so greatly that they despaired life. Indeed, Paul says, they had given up — assuming this encounter in Asia would be their last on this earth. And yet Paul goes on to report that God raised them from the dead (with Christ’s resurrection power). Paul adds that this resurrection power from God was infused in them to give them new life through the Corinthians’ “joining in helping us through your prayers.” Paul concludes these verses with thanksgiving, noting that “thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many.”

Prayer, then, is definitely not nothing. Prayer unlocks the work of God and is instrumental in His accomplishing his will through his people. Prayer is a powerful work. Of course, International Christian Concern engages in many other good works on behalf of suffering Christians, but prayer remains a fundamental service needed (and requested) by those persecuted. So, we pray and give. And both works serve God’s people, accomplishing much.
Sources:persecution

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അമേരിക്കയിൽ നിന്ന് അനധികൃത ഇന്ത്യൻ കുടിയേറ്റക്കാരുമായി പറന്ന യുദ്ധ വിമാനം ഇന്ന് അമൃത്സറിൽ ഇറങ്ങും

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വാഷിങ്ടൺ: അമേരിക്കയിൽ നിന്ന് അനധികൃത ഇന്ത്യൻ കുടിയേറ്റക്കാരുമായി പറന്ന യുദ്ധ വിമാനം ഇന്ന് അമൃത്സറിൽ ഇറങ്ങും. 205 അനധികൃത ഇന്ത്യൻ കുടിയേറ്റക്കാരാണ് വിമാനത്തിലുളളത്. അമേരിക്കയുടെ ചരിത്രത്തിലെ ഏറ്റവും വലിയ നാടുകടത്തിലിനാണ് ട്രംപ് ഭരണഘൂടം തുടക്കം കുറിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നത്. ഇതിൻ്റെ ഭാഗമായാണ് അമേരിക്കയുടെ നടപടി.

ആദ്യഘട്ടത്തിൽ മടക്കി അയക്കാനുള്ള 18000 ഇന്ത്യക്കാരുടെ പട്ടിക അമേരിക്ക തയ്യാറാക്കി. ഇവരെ ഘട്ടംഘട്ടമായി ഇന്ത്യയിലേക്ക് തന്നെ നാടുകടത്തും. രേഖകൾ ഇല്ലാതെ അമേരിക്കയിൽ തുടരുന്ന വിദേശ പൗരൻമാരെ കുടിയൊഴിപ്പിക്കും എന്ന് ട്രംപ് പ്രഖ്യാപിച്ചിരുന്നു. ഇന്ത്യയ്ക്ക് പുറമെ ഗ്വാട്ടിമാല, പെറു, ഹോണ്ടുറാസ് രാജ്യങ്ങളിൽ നിന്നുള്ളവരെയാണ് നിലവിൽ നാടുകടത്തുന്നത്.

അനധികൃത കുടിയേറ്റക്കാരെയും വഹിച്ചുള്ള അമേരിക്കന്‍ സൈനിക വിമാനം ഇന്ത്യയിലേക്ക് പുറപ്പെട്ടതായി വാര്‍ത്താ ഏജന്‍സിയായ റോയിട്ടേഴ്‌സ് നേരത്തെ റിപ്പോര്‍ട്ട് ചെയ്തിരുന്നു. സി-7 എയര്‍ക്രാഫ്റ്റിലാണ് അനധികൃത കുടിയേറ്റക്കാരെ പറഞ്ഞയച്ചതെന്നും എന്നാല്‍ 24 മണിക്കൂറായിട്ടും വിമാനം ഇന്ത്യയിലെത്തിയില്ലെന്നും പേര് വെളിപ്പെടുത്താന്‍ ആഗ്രഹിക്കാത്ത ഉദ്യോഗസ്ഥനെ ഉദ്ധരിച്ച് ദേശീയ മാധ്യമമായ ഇന്ത്യാടുഡേ റിപ്പോര്‍ട്ട് ചെയ്തിരുന്നു.

അമേരിക്കന്‍ ഇമിഗ്രേഷന്‍ ആന്‍ഡ് കസ്റ്റംസ് എന്‍ഫോഴ്‌സ്‌മെന്റ് (ഐസിഇ) നാടുകടത്തലിനായി അടയാളപ്പെടുത്തിയിരിക്കുന്ന 15 ലക്ഷം ആളുകളില്‍ നിന്നും 18,000 രേഖകളില്ലാത്ത ഇന്ത്യക്കാരുടെ പട്ടിക തയ്യാറാക്കിയിട്ടുണ്ട്. എന്നാല്‍ പുറപ്പെട്ട വിമാനത്തില്‍ എത്രയാളുകളുണ്ടെന്നത് വ്യക്തമല്ല. പ്യൂ റിസര്‍ച്ച് കേന്ദ്രത്തിന്റെ കണക്കുകള്‍ പ്രകാരം ഏകദേശം 7,25,000 ഇന്ത്യക്കാരായ അനധികൃത കുടിയേറ്റക്കാര്‍ അമേരിക്കയില്‍ താമസിക്കുന്നുണ്ട്.
Sources:nerkazhcha

A US military aircraft C-17 carrying around 205 illegal immigrants—mostly from Punjab and neighbouring states—is set to land in Amritsar at 9am on Wednesday, The Tribune reported, citing unnamed sources.

The deportation of Indians comes as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration under Donald Trump’s second term as US President. Trump, who took office on January 20, has toughened immigration policies, leading to large-scale deportations. Many of those being sent back had entered the US through illegal routes, spending lakhs of rupees in the process.

Punjab NRI affairs minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal expressed disappointment over the United States’ decision to deport these people, saying they have contributed to the US economy and should have been granted permanent residency, instead of being deported, news agency PTI reported.

Asked about the reports of the US plane carrying illegal immigrants landing in Amritsar, director general of police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said on Tuesday that the issue was discussed at a meeting, news agency PTI reported.

“The chief minister (Bhagwant Mann) said from the Punjab government’s side, we will receive our immigrants and set up counters (for them) there,” the DGP said.

“We are in touch with the Centre. As and when information comes, we will share,” he added.

Bhagwant Mann held a meeting on Tuesday with Punjab Police officers, including commissioners and senior superintendents of police, to discuss various issues, PTI added.

Dhaliwal dubbed the issue of Indians being deported from the US as “very serious”.

Bloomberg reported that like several other nations, India is working behind the scenes to appease the Trump administration and avoid the brunt of its trade threats. In the last few weeks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has delivered a series of concessions to the White House on issues core to Trump’s agenda. Modi is expected to meet Trump in Washington next week.

The ministry of external affairs did not offer an immediate comment, Bloomberg reported. Earlier, it reported that India was willing to take back 18,000 undocumented Indian migrants from the US.

While the total number of undocumented Indian migrants in the US isn’t certain, a report published last year by the Department of Homeland Security pegged the number at around 220,000 as of 2022.

In his first weeks in office, Trump has urged federal and local authorities to ramp up detention and deportations of undocumented migrants, deployed the US military to the southern border and carried out deportation flights.

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അമേരിക്കയിൽ നിന്ന് അനധികൃത ഇന്ത്യൻ കുടിയേറ്റക്കാരുമായി പറന്ന യുദ്ധ വിമാനം ഇന്ന് അമൃത്സറിൽ ഇറങ്ങും

വാഷിങ്ടൺ: അമേരിക്കയിൽ നിന്ന് അനധികൃത ഇന്ത്യൻ കുടിയേറ്റക്കാരുമായി പറന്ന യുദ്ധ വിമാനം ഇന്ന് അമൃത്സറിൽ ഇറങ്ങും. 205 അനധികൃത ഇന്ത്യൻ കുടിയേറ്റക്കാരാണ് വിമാനത്തിലുളളത്. അമേരിക്കയുടെ ചരിത്രത്തിലെ ഏറ്റവും...

us news1 day ago

The key reason you can’t lose your salvation

It’s easily in the top five of all Christian debates. Maybe even number one. And sometimes believers get testy when...

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