While We Wait



By Greg Laurie

As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. John 9:4

As we look at how dark our culture is today, we wonder if we can ever really make a difference. It seems so overwhelming. It seems as though darkness is spreading and light is receding. It is like the time Isaiah described when he said, "What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter" (Isaiah 5:20).

To illustrate that very point, I could cite movies that are popular right now. We celebrate that which the Bible says is wrong and offensive to God, and we laugh at that which the Bible holds forth as standards we should live by. The good news is that the same Holy Spirit who set the early church in motion can use us if we are willing.

It's interesting to note that in the first century, the question on the disciples' minds was, "Is the end of the world near?" That same question is on the minds of many today. What Jesus essentially said to His disciples was, "This isn't the time for that. My purpose is to rule and reign in the hearts of people. Don't be so concerned about when I am going to do that. Rather, be concerned about what you should be doing while you wait."

The same principle holds true for us. Don't worry about when. He will return when the time is right. What we should be committing ourselves to, what we should be interested in, is what we are supposed to be doing as we await the Lord's return.

You'll Come – Brooke Fraser Ligertwood & Darlene Zschech – Hillsong Church (With Lyrics)

SEEK THE LORD EARNESTLY



The Lord Jesus, during his lifetime on earth, preached the Gospel and went about helping the people all through the day. At night, He used to go to the Mount of Olives and stay there in prayer. In the days when the Lord Jesus lived like this, we read in the Bible that a family in Bethany loved Him dearly and warmly received Him into their home. They were Martha, Mary and Lazarus.

But the character of each one of them was different. Martha loved the Lord Jesus and desired to serve Him by preparing a meal for Him. But her sister Mary was diligent to sit at His feet and listen to His Words. He testified about her saying, “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42). Lazarus too loved Him and was a friend to Him.

Once, the three of them went through a dark and tearful path – Lazarus’ sickness, followed by his death. That time, many thoughts of unbelief filled Martha’s heart. Only on the fourth day, after Lazarus was dead and buried, did the Lord visit their house. There, through His power, He made Lazarus, who was kept in the tomb for four days, to come back alive. Through this, that whole family not only tasted the love of the Lord but also had the privilege of enjoying His presence in their family.

Dear children, as a family, be diligent in seeking the Lord with oneness of mind. The Lord expects us to love Him wholeheartedly. When you thus seek Him as a family, He will dwell in your home. He will add peace and all good things to your life.

The Bible says, “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). The Lord our God will draw near to you when you seek Him earnestly. He will hear your cry for mercy when you call to Him for help. Through His mighty miracles, He will take away your sorrow. Your heart will rejoice in Him.

Leeland - Holy spirit have your way (Symphony of Life 2013)

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome



Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is a modern day evangelist with the anointing and demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit. His ministry spans globally and is one of the top healing evangelists in Christendom. The power of the Spirit of God is witnessed through the miracles employed through him every day. His multi-calling as a pastor, televangelist, author, speaker, preacher and spiritual coach continues to change lives of, especially, the youth all over the world.

His crusades and television ministry draws the largest crowds and is viewed by millions globally. He is also the Founder-President of Christ Embassy, headquartered in Nigeria. He and his wife Pastor Anita Oyakhilome make their home in Nigeria. They have two daughters.

Pastor M A Varughese



Pastor M A Varughese is the Senior Pastor of Bethel AG Church and has been the apostolic leader in the Revival Movement of this nation especially among the Malayalam community.

His church is presently the largest Malayalam church globally and his ministry of over 50 years has been a ministry of integrity and great attribute. His ministry of church growth has earned him the reputation as the Father of mega church movement.

Rev. Dr. M A Varughese is blessed with two sons. Rev. Abraham Varghese and Rev. Johnson V who also minister along side with him. Both of them are ordained ministers of the Assemblies of God. Rev. Varghese & Mrs. Aleyamma have four grandchildren.

God's Word on It



By Greg Laurie

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Without a doubt, Romans 8:28 is one of the greatest verses in the Bible. It is one that is claimed quite often by believers, especially during times of hardship. And so it should be.

But let's make sure we meet the criteria of the text: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (emphasis added). Do you love God? Are you the called according to His purpose? Romans 8:28 does not apply to you if this isn't true of you.

There are times in our lives when things seem to be falling apart, when they don't make any sense. Some people will say, "It is the fickle finger of fate." Or, "Que sera, sera. Whatever will be will be. The future's not ours to see."

True, the future is not ours to see. But the Christian can be confident that God is in control and has a master plan for his or her life. We can know that we serve a sovereign God who is good. As I have often said, we may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future.

The word used here for good does not necessarily mean that the event in and of itself is good, but that its long-term effect will be useful and helpful. It is hard for us to imagine certain things working for good. The Bible isn't saying tragedy is good. Rather, it is saying that God can take a horrible thing and make good come as a result of it.

BUILDING A FAMILY GOD`S WAY



By Stella Dhinakaran

Dearly beloved,

The Lord loves to build families. Saying that "It is not good for the man to be alone,” He gave Eve as a companion to Adam, the early man (Genesis 2:18). Accordingly, even today, He Himself unites a husband and wife. Apart from this, He also builds a house – family – for them. Further, He gives them children and increases the family. All these are the biggest blessings from God.

A son or a daughter who is in the marriageable age should hold on to the Lord with the careful thought, “I too should receive such blessings in my life; the Lord Himself should build my house.” These days, many youth choose their life partner as they like, without discerning whether he/she is pleasing to the Lord? Will my house be built by him/her?”

My dear young children! Please be careful in this matter. The Bible says, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth (Ecclesiastes 12:1). God looks at our hearts. The only thing you need to do is to surrender yourself completely to Him. Guard your heart and eyes. Do not fall into the devil’s snare. Choose the right way of life so that you can receive the blessings of the Lord and be united with Him and live a pleasant life.

The Bible says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Build your family on Christ the Rock. Then your home will remain strong and unshaken in all situations.