"If I Perish, I Perish!"

I have always been inspired by the story of queen Esther of the Bible- how she risked her dear life to save the Jewish race from the brink of extinction under the evil scheme of Haman.

In the story, Haman, the highest ranking officer  under King Ahasuerus (Artaxerxes) of Persia. was  enraged by the attitude of one Jew named Mordecai who refused to bow down to him as he was passing by. Then   Haman was burning with rage and plotted a most diabolical method of inflicting vengeance on Mordecai the Jew, not only on him alone but on his entire race!  He made a 90-foot high gallows for hanging Mordecai, and then cleverly convinced the king to pass a decree that the entire Jewish race should be completely annihilated!  When Mordecai and the Jewish population came to know of the king's order, they were filled with sorrow and grief and did not know what to do.   Queen Esther however did not know anything about Haman's plot or the king's orders.

Then Mordecai came and told  everything to Queen Esther, and asked her to see the king immediately and try to find some way to save the Jews. When Queen Esther came to know this, she was afraid. It was against the law to see the king without being called by the king himself. The punishment was death!  However, when Mordecai convinced her that even though she was the queen, she will not escape death by the king's order because she too was a Jew.  Then queen Esther made up her mind and decided to see the king, not knowing what fate awaited her.  She told Mordecai something like this: " OK, I will go see the king even though I have not been called. I know the penalty for my action is death. So be it! If I die, I die...but I will do it!".

To cut the story short, not only Queen Esther did not die, but she saved the Jewish race and Haman was hanged on his own gallows!   To me, the Book of Esther is one of the most inspiring book I have ever read!  "If I perish, I perish...".   Halleluijah!

Whenever someone says for God, " Yes, Lord! I will do it.  If I perish, I perish..",  miracles happen!

Yes, Lord!  If I perish, I perish!

The Rapture Of The Church Is Near!

Looking at what is happening  around the world today, it is hard to miss the signs of the end times being fulfilled right before our eyes!  Look at the world's economy, the political scene, the religious environment, the medical field, and  so on  and so forth. 

The collapse of Euro, the ever increasing debt pyramid of even the richest nations on earth!  The emergence of the New World Order with one  monetary system and one world religion seems to be imminent, right around the corner.   Paper money and coins are used less and less in the  developed world, ushering in cashless societies everywhere.  Soon even plastic credit cards, which can be stolen, will be replaced with a more secure system of microchip implants in the body,  in the forehead or right hand!   This system will not be forced upon people. People themselves will willingly adopt the system which is so clever and secure.  No one will bother to heed the warnings of the Bible because taking microchip implant with personal numbers will appear the right and natural, in fact the necessary thing to do if you want to survive in this world. For without the chip and your very own personal number, you will not be able to do any shopping, buying or selling anything.   Soon it will be very much possible for one person to monitor and control every people on earth! The Antichrist is waiting in the wings...

Look at the geoplitical climate of the world.  The escalating violence and wars, natural disasters and famines, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant germs, the deteriorating moral values of humans, the breakdown of families and marriages, the increasing dominance of gay and lesbian agenda, the growing New Age influence,  the ever increasing lawlessness and selfish attitude, the abuse and degaradation of  natural resources and environment, the arrogance of the world's rich and political leaders, the progressive widening gap between the rich and poor...

Look at the pace at which world history is being re-written and new histories made...the quick paced political change through the so called Arab Spring, the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, the escalating Anti-Semitism and Anti-Christianity, the insidious change of American democracy to more and more socialistic in nature, the possibility of the emergence of full-fledged political union in Europe some time soon following the current financial crisis, the ever eluding peace in the Middle-East but  the increasing likelihood of war in the region...

Look at the widespread apostasy in the church!!  The denial that Jesus is the only way to salvation, even by more than 50% among 'evengelical Christians' in America! The ever increasing acceptance of pluralistic teaching which says that there are many ways to God. The loss of evengelistic zeal among the churches, the ever increasing followers of  a feel-good, quick-fix and prosperity-now religion among Christians!  The silence of many preachers on sin and hell, their hatred for the cross and  their loss of heavenly vision are remarkable!  The rise of Chrislam, an attempt at combining Islam and Christianity; the abuse of the Word of God and willful wrong translation of it in order not to offend Muslims! The rising hatred for Israel "for occupying the land of  Palestinians"  even among the so called 'evengelicals' is alarming not just for its political implication but at their ignorance of Biblical mandate.  Most astonishing of all recent religio-political stunts is the claim that "Jesus was not a Jew but a Palestinian"! My foot! To what ridiculous low level people could stoop to support their political lie!  Extraordinary!

Most of all, look at Israel! Israel is God's time piece!  Israelites are God's chosen people.  Since their coming into  existence as a nation in 1948 after almost 2000 years of being dispersed to all corners of the globe, their growth as a nation is amazing!  Being surrounded on all sides by hostile Arab Muslim nations, most of who wanted to wipe her off the map, Israel continue to thrive in her own land in all spheres of life, as if the land and the people were made for each other!  Whenever war broke out with the neighbouring nations, it never was the tiny Israel who suffered the loss but always her enemies!  The God of Israel seemed to be still fighting for His people like the time of Joshua in the Old Testament. Now since 1967 war, Jerusalem has come in full possession of Israel.   It is this Jerusalem, and the land of Israel where end time cosmic drama would be played out!  Earthly nations under the Antichrist will battle against the King of kings, the Lion of Judah in the mother of all battles, Armageddon in the valley of Megiddo, Israel!  Watch carefully this tiny nation and its people Israelites,  the 'apple of God's eyes'!  Even though Iran and its allies threatened to wipe Israel off the map, they will not succeed, not because Israelites are mighty but because the God of Israel is mighty in battle!

Remember, the rapture of the church will happen BEFORE  the battle of Armageddon and the Great Tribulation. No matter some people tell you differently, do not believe them. The rapture will happen before the great Tribulation.  Now there is nothing else that needs to happen before the rapture according to Biblical prophecy.  The rapture can happen any day now!  Be ready! Be prepared! The Lord is coming soon to take His bride away! He is coming to take only those who are holy and ready for Him!

Come, Lord Jesus!

God's Name

You wrote Your glorious name across the heavens and it read
Elohim - The Creator.

You pronounced Your holy name to Your people and it was
Yahweh - Lord of Relationship.

You posted Your powerful name at life's valleys and dead-ends and it was
El Shaddai - All Sufficient God.

You spoke Your lovely name into fears and conflicts and it was
Jehovah Shalom - The Lord Our Peace.

You whispered Your compassionate name into sorrow and brokenness and it was
Jehovah Jireh - The Lord Provides.

You signed Your most beautiful name in blood upon our hearts and it was
JESUS - Jehovah is Salvation!

-Susan Lenzkes, from "Life Is Like Licking Honey Off a Thorn".
(c) 2002, Discovery House Publishers.

GOD!

"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God". (Psalms 90:2)

God is God! He is complete in Himself. God is eternal. He is not the result of human imagination. He does not need to explain Himself to anyone.  The fact of His existence and reality  changes not  a whit with the ridicule of atheists and agnostics. He was, He is and He ever shall be!  He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, and Everything in between! God is the Supreme Ruler of the whole universe, the heavens and the earth. He is the King of kings, and the Lord of lords!

He does not need counsel from anyone but Himself.  He is wisdom personified.  In His wisdom He created all things. By the power of His word the world was created, with the whole universe. The whole cosmos was created by Him, according to His perfect plan.  He created you and me.  We are His special creation-created in His own image! 

Amazingly, God loves!  He is Love!  He loves His creation. He loves you and me.  He loves us so much that He has made a way for you and me to enjoy life here on earth to its fullness, and then share Paradise with Him forever!  The beauty and the joy that God has in store for us in heaven are far far beyond human minds could ever conceive!  There's only one Way to that wonderful new life. It's very simple, you can't miss it! Here it is:  JESUS!

"I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me". (John 14:6)

It's That Time Of The Year Again!

Christmas!

How I wish I could go back and re-live those childhood years!  The winter sun, school holidays, hunting and trapping birds in the forest, flying kites, climbing granpa's orange trees and gorging oneself with lots and lots of ripe orange fruits!  Going to the river for fishing, hunting snails or crabs!  Collecting firewood for Christmas, preparing rice cake, watching the Milky Way on a winter sky, listening to Christmas Carols, sending and receiving Chriatmas Cards, Christmas Trees, Christmas presents, new clothes, new shoes, Santa Claus, the Star of Bethlehem...and so on...and on!!!

Now I am far past those wonder years and far from home!

 But  I can't help it! It's that time of the year again when everyone goes back memory lane to those wonderful wonderful childhood years when everything seemed possible under the Christmas sun!  Ohh...how I wish...!!! How I wish.....  

The Language of Tears!

I don't pretend to know a  lot about tears, but when I shed tears I know I have expressed something deep within which words cannot express adequately. Tears are expressions of the soul!  I love tears!  Tears flows not from the eyes but from the soul deep within! Tears makes you vulnerable and open!  Tears breaks down barriers. Tears releases the soul and the emotions, relieves burdens and tensions. Tears are the stepping- stones for the soon coming smiles and laughters!

The language of tears could be many, but I will confine myself to my own experience. I shed tears most when I am in the presence of  the Lord!  Whatever the situations and circumstances may be, I believe, among many things, tears say:

• I am sorry: Sorry for failing you. Sorry for hurting you.
• I am so happy!  I do not deserve it but you have given me anyway! I have hurt you, but you still loved me! 
• I love You!  Yes, I love you! I love you so much!
• I am overwhelmed & helpless: with sorrow, pain, burden, guilt, shame! Please help me!
• I am broken and vulnerable:  Handle me with care!
• I understand!   I know what you feel. I am with you all the way. 
• I forgive you! Please come, let me embrace you!
• This is who I am, I'm not ashamed!  I am an open book! Love me as I am.

He Made No Mistake!

Are you an ordinary person like me? Do you at times feel like a nobody with no particular talents or beauty? Or are you a person who feels that life is unfair to you? Have you ever wished to be somebody else rather than YOU? I did...


One day, I complained...

Why am I not like a friend down the street who is tall and handsome?

Why am I not rich like...?

Why am I not talented like...?



Then I heard a gentle whisper..


"You are special!"

What??!.. You are kidding, right?

"I created YOU!"

Then You must have run out of ideas while creating someone like me!!

"I created all things bright and beautiful, great and small...and I created you according to my perfect plan. I did not creat anyone else like you. You are uniquely special...and I made no mistake!"


I looked around...and for the first time I saw and realized that I am the only one in all humanity who looks, thinks, talks and walks exactly like ME! I am a rarity..one in thousands of millions!!

"I told you, you are special!"

Yes....

"And I love you!"

Tears blurred my eyes.....this time not because  of self pity but of gratitude! 
 
Softly I said, "Thank You, Father!"

The Reality of Hell

Over the past few years there seem to have been an increase in the  acceptance of Universalist teaching that says in effect that there is no hell as told in the Bible, and even if there is one, such a loving God will never send any body to hell, and ultimately all will be saved and go to heaven! In the past only the more liberal groups of Christians are said to have accepted this teaching, but now it  is being increasingly accepted  even among the so called conservative groups. If this is true, it surely  is an alarming trend because this teaching goes in direct opposition to the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

I believe this teaching finds wider and wider acceptance because many people are afraid to think about hell as they knew in their hearts that they are going to end up there if hell actually exists. They want to continue enjoying their easy and sinful life in this world.  Whenever the topic of hell comes up, they feel quilty and condemned, and they would rather cover up those feelings and pretend that all is well, and no matter what kind of life style they lived in this world, they are going to end up in heaven anyway!  Therefore, according to this belief, you don't need to repent of your sins ('sin'  to them is also a relative term), nor you need to do anything special to go to heaven.  No matter you are a drunkard, or you commit adultery or murder,  you will ultimately make it to heaven at the end of the day! In short, you don't need a saviour, and YOU DON'T NEED JESUS!  God the loving Father will take you to heaven anyway!  Its amazing how far people could go away from true Biblical teaching and yet call themselves Christians!

JESUS CLEARLY TAUGHT THERE IS HELL:   The most vivid picture of hell was in the story told by Jesus in the gospel of Luke 16:19-31.  Jesus did not tell this story as a parable. He told it as a fact. The story is about one rich man who enjoyed life all for himself, and a beggar named Lazarus who was laid at the rich man's gate to beg, but apparently the rich man never allow him to eat even the left overs that fell from his dining  table. After both of them died, the beggar was carried  by angels to heaven, but the rich man found himself in hell where he was in torment. 

I have read a number of testimonies of people who died and went to hell but came back to life. Most of their accounts are amazingly similar to Jesus' story in the gospel of Luke.  One of the most detailed account of hell is Mary K. Baxter's account in her  book, "Divine Revelation of Hell".   Her testimony is also available online as audio download, for example  from  sites like http://www.spiritlesson.com/

Hell is a place of torment and is eternal in nature:  Whenever hell is mentioned in the Bible, it is  always implied as a place of torment and punishment.  As in the above text in Luke, Jesus said that the rich man was in torment in hell.  Again Jesus said in Mark 9:49 that hell is a place where "their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched".   Revelation 20:10 confirms the eternal nature of hell in no uncertain terms: "And the devil. who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever". Again in Matthew 25:46, Jesus said that those condemned  "will go way to eternal punishment".

The human soul is immortal:  Another false teaching is Annihilationism which goes something like this:  The human soul has 'conditional immortality', meaning that those believers in Christ will enjoy immortality and joy in heaven whereas all unbelievers will be completely annihilated and they cease to exist forever. There will be no conscious suffering for any length of time. They will be just obliterated completely from their existence.  This belief is held by many Jehovah Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventists and some liberal evangelicals. But according to Biblical view, the soul (spirit) is immortal, and those who are sent to hell will suffer their torment will full consciousness for ever and ever.   The idea of eternal conscious suffering is hard to accept for any normal mind, but we have to accept what the Bible says, as John Stott* says: " Emotionally, I find the concept [of eternal conscious torment] intolerable and do not understand how people can live with it without either cauterising their feelings or cracking under the strain. But our emotions are a fluctuating, unreliable guide to truth and must not be exalted to the place of supreme authority in determining it . . . my question must be — and is — not what does my heart tell me, but what does God’s word say?"

 (*Stott: Essentials, 315-16)

Hell is not meant for human beings:  According to Jesus, hell is not prepared for human beings but for the devil and his angels. (Matt 25:41)  However, those who reject God and His plan of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ are automatically condemned  and have to go to hell, as they have not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.  "Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe  stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son". (John 3:18)

We all have to choose now!  Our eternal destiny is determined by our choices while alive on earth.  The choice is really very simple:  Either choose to believe in Jesus for your salvation that leads to eternal life and joy in heaven, or ignore Jesus and end up in hell!  Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me". (John 14:6)  The choice is yours!

Finally,  Do not be deceived by false ideas and teachings. Remember: Hell is real as much as Heaven is real! 

A. W. Tozer's Ordination Prayer

(The prayer of A.W. Tozer, on his ordination as a pastor of the church, is so awesome.   I wish all pastors and ministers of the Word would pray that kind of prayer.) 


"O Lord, I have heard Thy voice and was afraid. Thou hast called me to an awesome task in a grave and perilous hour. Thou are about to shake all nations and the earth and also heaven, that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. O Lord, our Lord, Thou has stooped to honor me to be Thy servant. No man takes this honor upon himself save he that is called of God as was Aaron. Thou has ordained me Thy messenger to them that are stubborn of heart and hard of hearing. They have rejected Thee, the Master, and it is not to be expected that they will receive me, the servant.



My God, I shall not waste time deploring my weakness nor my unfittedness for the work. The responsibility is not mine but Thine. Thou hast said, “I knew thee—I ordained thee—I sanctified thee,” and Thou has also said, “Thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.” Who am I to argue with Thee or to call into question Thy sovereign choice? The decision is not mine but Thine. So be it, Lord. Thy will, not mine, be done.


Well do I know, Thou God of the prophets and the apostles, that as long as I honor Thee Thou wilt honor me. Help me therefore to take this solemn vow to honor Thee in all my future life and labors, whether by gain or by loss, by life or by death, and then to keep that vow unbroken while I live.


It is time, O God, for Thee to work, for the enemy has entered into Thy pastures and the sheep are torn and scattered. And false shepherds abound who deny the danger and laugh at the perils which surround Thy flock. The sheep are deceived by these hirelings and follow them with touching loyalty while the wolf closes in to kill and destroy. I beseech Thee, give me sharp eyes to detect the presence of the enemy; give me understanding to distinguish the false friend from the true. Give me vision to see and courage to report what I see faithfully. Make my voice so like Thine own that even the sick sheep will recognize it and follow Thee.


Lord Jesus, I come to Thee for spiritual preparation. Lay Thy hand upon me. Anoint me with the oil of the New Testament prophet. Forbid that I should become a religious scribe and thus lose my prophetic calling. Save me from the curse that lies dark across the face of the modern clergy, the curse of compromise, of imitation, of professionalism. Save me from the error of judging a church by its size, its popularity or the amount of its yearly offering. Help me to remember that I am a prophet; not a promoter, not a religious manager—but a prophet. Let me never become a slave to crowds. Heal my soul of carnal ambitions and deliver me from the itch for publicity. Save me from the bondage to things. Let me not waste my days puttering around the house. Lay Thy terror upon me, O God, and drive me to the place of prayer where I may wrestle with principalities and powers and the rulers of the darkness of this world. Deliver me from overeating and late sleeping. Teach me self-discipline that I may be a good soldier of Jesus Christ.


I accept hard work and small rewards in this life. I ask for no easy place. I shall try to be blind to the little ways that I could make my life easier. If others seek the smoother path I shall try to take the hard way without judging them too harshly. I shall expect opposition and try to take it quietly when it comes. Or if, as sometimes it falleth out to Thy servants, I shall have grateful gifts pressed upon me by Thy kindly people, stand by me then and save me from the blight that often follows. Teach me to use whatever I receive in such manner that it will not injure my soul nor diminish my spiritual power. And if in Thy permissive providence honor should come to me from Thy church, let me not forget in that hour that I am unworthy of the least of Thy mercies, and that if men knew me as intimately as I know myself they would withhold their honors or bestow them upon others more worthy to receive them.

And now, O Lord of heaven and earth, I consecrate my remaining days to Thee; let them be many or few, as Thou wilt. Let me stand before the great or minister to the poor and lowly; that choice is not mine, and I would not influence it if I could. I am Thy servant to do Thy will, and that will is sweeter to me than position or riches or fame and I choose it above all things on earth or in heaven. Though I am chosen of Thee and honored by a high and holy calling, let me never forget that I am but a man of dust and ashes, a man with all the natural faults and passions that plague the race of men. I pray Thee therefore, my Lord and Redeemer, save me from myself and from all the injuries I may do myself while trying to be a blessing to others. Fill me with thy power by the Holy Spirit, and I will go in Thy strength and tell of Thy righteousness, even Thine only. I will spread abroad the message of redeeming love while my normal powers endure.

Then, dear Lord, when I am old and weary and too tired to go on, have a place ready for me above, and make me to be numbered with Thy saints in glory everlasting. Amen.

Spiritual Warfare

A few facts from the Bible:

• There are 2 kingdoms at war against each other: The Kingdom of God (the Kingdom of Light) versus the kingdom of Satan (the kingdom of darkness).  (Luke 11: 14-20)

• The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work:  (1 John  3:8(b))

• Jesus has conquered all the powers of Satan at the cross: (Colossians 2: 15)

• Christ is the head of every power and authority: (Colossians  2:10; Matt 28:18)

• God has rescued us from the dominion(kingdom) of darkness and has brought us into the kingdom of His Son. Jesus Christ. (Colossians 1:13). He has called us out of darkness into His wonderful light. (1 Peter 2: 9)

• By Christ  all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him: (Colossians 1:16)

• Followers of Christ are soldiers for Him (2 Tim. 2:3&4)

• Jesus said: "I have given you authority to trample snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you". (Luke 10:19)

• "On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it". (Matt. 16:18)

• "Take heart! I have overcome the world". (John 16:33)

• "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..." (Matt. 28:18-20)   "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tounges....they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well". (Mark 16: 17&18)

• Satan is a thief (John 10:10), a murderer, a liar and the father of lies(John 8:44). Satan can masquerade as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14)

• Satan  prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

• Christ's followers are NEVER instructed to run away from Satan, but to:
• "Resist him" (1 Peter 5:9)
• "Resist him , and he (Satan) will flee from you"(James 4:7)
• never give him a foothold (Eph.4:26)

• "The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world".(1 John 4:4)

• Christians' weapon of war: (2 Cor. 10:3-5)
• not the weapons of the world
• they have divine power to demolish strongholds
• they demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself against the knowledge of God, and they take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

• Christ followers are at war against spiritual forces of darkness: rulers, authorities, powers, and other spiritual forces of evil in the heavely realms. Therefore, we must put on the full  armour of God: (Eph. 6:10-18)
• belt of truth
• breastplate of righteousness
• shoes of the gospel of peace
• shield of faith
• helmet of salvation
• sword of the Spirit (Word of God)
• prayer in the Spirit

• Nothing on earth or heaven can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38&39)

• By deceit, Satan still controls the whole world systems (1 John 5:19) Therefore, "everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted". (2 Timothy 2:12)

• But Satan will be finally defeated and thrown into hell where he will be tormented day and night for ever and ever! (Rev. 20:10)   Amen!

Cancer, Cancer Everywhere!

I just received news through Facebook that one well-known aunty of mine had passed away after a long battle with cancer.  During my last Christmas holidays in Mizoram, I saw her lying on her sick bed, pale and emaciated. It was hard to believe that she was the same person I prayed with 2 years earlier following the death of her husband, who too died from cancer.  Another news from my locality on the same day says that a 56-year old man just died of cancer while his wife was away in Mumbai for cancer treatment!  One thing that worried, alarmed and shaken me so much during my stay in Mizoram was the apparent rapid increase of cancer among the Mizos!  Even just among my close relatives and friends, I could count so many of them with cancer!  Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, CMC Vellore, etc are so well-known among the Mizo people not because of any other reason but because of cancer!  I asked myself many questions.   Why is cancer so common among us? Perhaps the single most common cause of death in Mizoram is cancer!  I feel sad and afraid too. I am sad and worried because:

1. We are not afraid of cancer until we get one ourselves!   It is not surprising that Mizoram, being the highest concentration of smokers in India, should have the highest incidence of cancer.  The fact that  tobacco consumption has been a well-established factor for causing various forms of cancer in humans has never deterred Mizos from smoking and consuming tobacco in various forms.  We just ignore the warnings, 'burying our heads in the sand' like the proverbial Ostrich.  We are too addicted and hooked to tobacco, and we would rather smoke and die than giving up our precious habit!  Even when we give up, many of us give up smoking only after we get cancer, which is a bit too late!

2.  We loved 'smoked' pork!  I do!  I myself liked smoked pork (Vawksa rep) very much! Even the fat itself makes us over-weight and obese which increases the risk for cancer!  Not just pork, even other meats and vegetables are commonly smoked and dried before eating among the Mizos.  It has been proved that those people who eat smoked foods are more likely to get cancer, especially of stomach and other gastro-intestinal cancers, than  the average population.

3. We are over-weight and lazy! Not all of us, of course, but  many of us! Our life-style has been changing rapidly. Beware of over-weight and obesity. Exercise and reduction of weight lessens the risk of cancer and heart-attack.

4.  HIV is here: The increase in HIV/AIDS will also bring an increase in cancer because of lowered immunity.

5. We don't take care of our health until it is seriously wrong! I recently heard of one well-known figure in Aizawl who died of cancer. He had been having some complaints for a few years, but he did not get any medical check up because he was afraid that it might be cancer! He quickly passed away after he was really sick and finally being diagnosed as having cancer.  Many cancer cases could be cured if diagnosed early.


It is not my intention here to discuss all the causes and risk factors for cancer. My main concern here is the above points which have been making me very worried  when I see so many cancer deaths among my fellow Mizos. If only we take note of the above few points and make positive decisions for our own lives, I believe cancer among the Mizos will decrease. Mizoram being a Christian state, I continue trying to convey   the fact that smoking and Christianity don't go together, but my message don't seem to go very far!  We would rather pray for healing of cancer than making our body (the Temple of the Holy Spirit) holy and healthy for God!

Cancer, Cancer everywhere in Mizoram! Let's do something about it.  Please take care of yourself!

Thank you.

Christmas: Then and Now

Then:  I thought Christmas was about Santa Claus and raindeers,
Now: I realized Christmas is about a Saviour and a Redeemer!

Then: I thought Christmas was about receiving gifts and presents,
Now: I realized Christmas is about giving gifts and sacrifice!

Then: I thought Christmas was about new dress,
Now: I realized Christmas is about new life!

Then: I thought Christmas was about lights and decorations,
Now: I realized Christmas is about The Light!

Then: I thought Christmas was about the shepherds,
Now: I realized Christmas is about The Shepherd!

Then: I thought Christmas was about the wise men and their gifts,
Now: I realized Christmas is about The Wise God and His Gift!

Then: I thought Christmas was a holiday,
Now: I realized Christmas is a Holy Day!

Then: I thought Christmas was for a season,
Now: I realized Christmas is for eternity!

Then: I thought Christmas was about me,
Now: I realized Christmas is about HIM!

What Shall I Do With Jesus?

"What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?"  Pilate asked. (Matt. 27:22)

This question has been ringing down through the centuries, and it is as relevant today as it was on the day Pilate asked this question almost two thousand years ago!  Every human being on earth has to answer this question, and your answer will determine your eternal destiny! 

Unlike other religious founders of the world, Jesus made some 'fantastic' and 'outrageous' claims upon Himself!  He claims to be the Son of God; the Saviour of the world; the Living Bread; the Good Shepherd; the Way, the Truth and the Life; the ONLY way to the Father(God)! He said that those who believe in Him will have eternal life, and those who don't will be condemned! He claimed to have risen from the death, conquered the devil and death, now ascended to heaven and is sitting at the right hand side of the Father! And He also said that He is coming back to earth to judge the living and the dead! He said He is coming soon!

Anyone who makes such claims could either be totally crazy or absolutely omnipotent!  If we believe Jesus was a crazy rabbi who was just babbling nonsense, we may not bother to answer the above question.  However, if Jesus happens to be what He claims Himself to be, then we better be careful to answer this most important and urgent question:  What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?

Indeed, whether we know it or not, this question is being answered everyday by all of us in one way or the other.  We may not shout out loud  as the Pharisees in Jesus' day saying, "Crucify Him!", but our lifestyles and attitudes   nevertheless betray our position!  Now let me show you some of the popular answers today:

1. "Crucify Him!":   For many in the world today, Jesus is a nuisance, an irritation, an inconvenience! They want nothing to do with Him.  They don't want to hear His name.  They just want Him to be out of their life. These are the people who are still screaming, but  silently,  "Crucify Him!".

2.  "Make use of Him":  During the earthly life of Jesus in the land of Palestine, countless number of people were healed, some raised from the dead,  demons expelled from many people! Sometimes whole communities benefitted from His healing power and His love.  However, most of those people never bothered to follow Him, or stand up for Him when He needed them.  Today, many people want healing and other benefits in Jesus' name, like going to heaven when they die,  but never care to follow Him.

3.  "Follow Him from a safe distance!":  When Jesus was arrested and crucified, some of the disciples followed Him from a safe distance!  Some disciples never came out in the open for fear of the Pharisees and the Jewish leaders.  Many people today follow Jesus in the same way - from a safe distance.  They don't want to upset others.  They want to 'strike  a balance', they want to keep their head! They don't want to stand out or up, they want to conform with the majority.   If others are unhappy with  their belief in Jesus, they apologise!  They want to play safe!

4.   "Follow Him all the way!":  When Jesus called some of His disciples, "they left everything and followed Him!"  All the disciples of Jesus suffered severe persecutions, and all, except John, were said to be martyred for the sake  Jesus. They never turned back! They went all the way for Him!  Even today, those who truly know Jesus are willing to go all out for Him, following Him all the way!  They are willing to give everything to Jesus, even their own lives!  It has been said that there are more martyrs for Jesus in this century than all other  past centiries combined!  These are the people who said like Paul, " For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain"(Phil 1:21). Even when they are persecuted, they remember the words of Jesus:
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven".  (Matt 5: 11&12).

Whose Fool Are You?

Many years ago, I and  some of my friends formed a Gospel singing group which was called "Fools For Christ". We sang in churches, and occasionally had open air concerts (which were attended mostly by few curious children and perhaps a few stray dogs at times!)  Picking our name right out of Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church, chapter 4  verse 10, we felt so great spiritually  !  As we were carrying our bulky musical equipments on our backs in the absence of any other modes of transport  most of the time, we were often seeing ourselves as martyrs for Christ!!  Many of our songs were about  us being citizens of heaven whereas all others were 'of this world'!  It took  us some time to realize the difference between merely calling ourselves "fools for Christ" and to be a real fool for Christ!


"Foolish faith":
I often heard someone commenting about someone with a 'foolish faith'.   In this age where people refused to believe anything which their five senses could not explain, it is often a challenge to talk about faith in God whom they cannot see!  As they accept only the visible, physical world which could be scientifically proven and explained, it is often impossible for them to understand about faith and spiritual matters.  However, the Bible very clearly  tells us that this visible world is a temporary world, and there is another world which is eternal in nature. That's why  "we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal". (2 Cor. 4:18)  Another reason why some people could not understand spiritual things is that "the god of this age (Satan) has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ". (2 Cor. 4:4) The Bible also says that "the man without the Spirit (of God) does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned". (1 Cor 2:14).   Now that explains!


Believe in God, and be a 'fool'!:
Since the time of the Old Testament (of the Bible), people who had faith in God were often considered as 'foolish' or strange people.  Abraham must have looked foolish when he believed that he would have a son when he was already an old man and his ninety-year-old wife was already post-menopausal!  After having a son miraculously, it must have been even more strange and ridiculous, bordering insanity to see him taking his son Isaac to a mountain to offer him as a burnt offering to God! But at the end of the day, God did not call him a fool, but a 'friend', and counted his faith as righteousness! Abraham became the father of many nations!

Enok must have been criticised as a religious fanatic for having walked with God for 300 years.  When he disappeared (God took him), they must have thought that he had paid the price for having been a fool! Perhaps he had been eaten by animals while he was in a state of delirious religious bliss! 

Noah was another big 'fool' to have built an ark, very massive size at that, on  dry land!  We could still  hear the laughter of his neighbours down the centuries...what a shame  it would have been for his daughter-in-laws to have married to a 'family of fools'!  But in  the end, Noah was wise and the rest of the people perished in the flood like fools!

Moses was a 'fool' to have  left the riches and pleasures of the ancient Egypt, rather choosing to suffer persecution along with the 'slaves' (Hebrews).  However, Moses turned out to be the greatest leader of all times!   In the same manner, Samuel, David, Daniel and all the prophets and saints of the past have chosen to believe in the LORD their God,  ignoring the sneers and labels of the world around them.  They do not mind  being  called "fools" for God! 

From Peter, Paul and the early churches, down through the centuries to the present time, the situation remains the same.  The world still calls those who believe in God and have faith in Christ as 'fools' and 'fanatics'.   However, those who knew their God have always chose  to believe God  and be "fools". And I, too, would rather be a 'fool' and believe! Amen!


Where is the wise man?
"Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?  For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased  through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. ....we preached Christ crucified;..Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser then man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength". (1 Cor. 1:20-25)

Who is actually the fool?
"The fool says in his heart, "There is no God!". (Ps 14:1; 53: 1)
Atheists and agnostics are also fools according to the Bible!


Whose fool are you?
Are you a 'fool' for Christ, or a fool for the world?  

Finally,
"For the message of the cross (of Christ) is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Cor. 1:18).

Amen!

A Doctor's Prayer

My Father,

I bow my head to You in worship, Most Amazing God, who has created all things for Your glory! Your awesome power and wisdom have been so clearly demonstrated to me right from the day I first observed those intricate anatomical details and myriads of physiological proceses in the human body. Who but You could have created such countless wondrous biochemical pathways within my body? All the systems in my body working in perfect harmony, independent yet dependent on each other! The tireless heart, the awesome liver, the busy lungs, the amazing brain! No human wisdom has ever been able to find where life resides in the body, and where does it come from! No wonder I was created in Your own image!! Oh, such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain! (Ps. 139:6)

All good things in life, including all wisdom and knowledge come from You. I am so honoured and humbled to be one of the privileged few who are called “doctors”. The knowledge I have gained from studying medicine, the experience I have gained in practice, the skills my hands have developed are all Your gifts, and I will ever be grateful to You, My Father! You are the Great Healer, and You have healed the world through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Never let me forget that You are the One who heals, not me! I am just a humble instrument in Your hand. I may do the cutting and suturing, but remind me that You make the cells grow, the blood flow and the tissues heal! I may administer drugs, but You are the unseen Hand that works inside the body to restore health. If I put myself on a pedestal for saving somebody’s life, humble me with the realization that without You I cannot prolong human life even for a mere second! If I become careless and insensitive to the sufferings of others, remind me that someday I too could be lying on that hospital bed!

Let me never forget that I am Your representative to my patients. Remind me always that my words are as important as my medicines, and that a single word of my mouth could either heal or kill! Teach me that a smile, a kind word, a comforting hand are sometimes all that the patient needs. Help me accept that I do not know everything, and be humble enough to admit when I am wrong.

Never let me lose the vision and the passion I had when I was a student, the vision to be completely in Your will and the passion to serve You my whole life! Let the fire of my zeal for You burn on and burn even brighter when the night comes!

Let me never sell my integrity for money, nor my purity for worldly pleasures! Let me not covet what my colleagues have, but teach me to be content with what You have given me. Teach me how to be rich without possesing, and how to enjoy things by letting them go.

Finally Lord, remind me that I am mortal and have an ‘expiry date’ stamped on me the day I was created. Help me live a simple life, enjoying simple things and never taking things for granted but be thankful for every simple thing. Thank You for the love of family and friends. Let me never forget who I am and who You are! Just as I am an imperfect being, teach me to accept others’ imperfections. Let me never lose the sense of humour, and the ability to laugh at myself! Let me never lose the sense of awe and wonder at Your creation. When I grow old and my eye sights dim, open my inner eyes to see Your beauty that I haven’t seen before. As I have stood many a time by the bedside of a dying man, stand by me O Great Physician, when my eyes close in dead, and hold my hand till the last beat of my heart. Then I shall meet You in the morning on the other side of the curtain!

Amen.

Fearfully And Wonderfully Made!

Do you know what is the most amazing, sophisticated and awesome   'machine'   that has ever been created?  Since its creation, no one has ever been able to recreate or duplicate this wonderful 'machine', and it's unlikely that anyone will, ever!  This machine is none other than your own body!

Do you know?....

• You were born with 350 bones in your body, and then some of your bones fused as you grow up, and finally  you have only 206  bones!

• There are more than 600 muscles in your body. You use 47 muscles for a frown, but only 17 muscles for a smile!
• There are about 100,000 hairs on your head. Blondes have more hairs than black or red hairs.
• Your blood vessels. if joined end to end will stretch  60,000 miles!
• The average human body contains enough
• Sulphur to kill all fleas in a dog
• Carbon to make 900 pencils
• Potassium to fire a toy cannon
• Fat to make 7 bars of soap
• Phosphorus to make 2,200 matchheads
• Water to fill 10 gallon tank.

Now, the Systems in brief:  Just to give you an idea of the amazing skill and wondrous creativity of the Creator!

• The Musculo-skeletal system:
• Bones give shape to the body, and they also protect important organs inside the body.
• Muscles are attached to bones, and when the muscles contract, they pull the bones to make movements.
• All moving joints are self-lubricated so that there will be no friction  of bones. The lubricating 'oil' is manufactured within the joint itself!
• Bones are as strong as granite. Matchstick-size bone can support 9 tonnes.
  

Bones & Muscles

Respiratory System:

• 
  
  Normal human breathes 12-15 times/min, breathing 6-8 liters of air per minute, up to 11,500 liters in a day!

• 
  
  Gas exchange takes place in the lungs : Every minute 250ml Oxygen enters and 200 ml CO2 is expelled from the body.

Heart & Blood (Cardio-vascular) System:

• 
  
  Normal healthy adult has about 5 liters of blood.
• 
  
  There are about 4,000-11,000 white blood cells and 5.4 million red blood cells in 1 microlitre of blood.
• 
  
  All red blood cells are replaced with new ones every 4 months!

• 
  
  The heart is a very efficient pump, pumping about 2000 gallons of blood everyday. The whole blood pass through the body every minute! During excercise, it takes only few seconds to do that!
• 
  
  Normally the heart beats 70 – 80 per minute, and  about 40,000,000 times in a year!
• 
  
  Electricity that makes the heart beat is self-generated within the heart itself.

Central Nervous System:

• 
  
  The human brain weighs about 3 pounds.
• 
  
  The brain is the centre of a complex computer system more wonderful than the greatest one ever built by man.
• 
  
  One human brain generates more electrical impulses in a single day than all of the world's telephones put together.
• 
  
  Messages from the brain to the body travel through nerves at a speed up to 248 mile per hour.
• 
  
  43 pairs of nerves are engaged in the whole process out of which 12 pairs of nerves go to and from the brain and the rest 31 pairs go from the spinal cord. 
• 
  
  Our whole body has nerves covering a total distance of approximately 45 miles.
  
  

Digestive System:

• 
  
  The average human produces 10,000 gallons of saliva in a life time. Saliva helps in chewing and swollowing the food.
• 
  
  The tongue has about 9000 taste buds.
• 
  
  The acid in the stomach is so strong it can dissolve zinc.
• 
  
  The stomach lining is changed every 3 to 4 days so that it will not get dissolved by the strong acid.
• 
  
  The liver has more than 500 functions!
• 
  
  The small intestine is about 20 feet long.  It  handles about 9 litres of fluid  everyday, and passes on about 1-2 litres to the large intestine.
• 
  
  Digestion begins in the mouth and ends in small intestine.

Excretory System:

• 
  
  Each kidney has 1 million filters.

• 
  
  They filter 1.3 liters of blood per minute, and expel 1.4 liters of urine every day.

"I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made".

King David made this observation in Psalm 139:14.  The details of all the systems in the body are too vast and too complicated and far too much beyond the scope of our discussion here. However, I  would like to leave just another two points for further consideration about this wonderful 'machine':

1.  The body is made to be healthy and strong:  The body is made to have the capacity for self-defense, self-repair and self-preservation.  It's a known fact that there are millions of germs floating in the  air we breathe, and  that a square inch of human skin contains about 32 million bacteria on it!  Even then, the body has such an amazingly effective defence mechanism that these millions of germs do not cause any harm to the body under normal circumstances. Let us then look at some of the defence mechanisms of the body:

• 
  
  The very anatomical structure: 
• 
  
  The most delicate but most important organ (the brain) is housed within the strongest and hardest bony cavity (skull).  Vital structures like heart and lungs  are protected by ribs, which are strong enough but at the same time movable to allow the lungs to expand during breathing.
• 
  
  It's fortunate that the nostrils do not point upwards like a chimney! (We are not made to smoke cigarettes!)
• 
  
  The intact skin is impenetrable for bacteria!  It also secretes enzymes which easily kills most bacteria and germs.
• 
  
  Body fluids:
• 
  
  Tears, saliva,etc contains enzymes which kill bacteria easily. Even HIV cannot survive for long in tears.
• 
  
  Ear wax traps bacteria, and  mucus secretions from nose traps and flushes our bacteria and viruses from the body.
• 
  
  Reflexes:
• 
  
  The body reacts automatically to preserve itself against dangers. Sometimes these reactions are so fast that you have no time to think!  How quickly your eyes shut/blink if some objects are about to hit your eyes!  Or if you happen to touch something hot or sharp, you will withdraw your hands automatically and quikly away from danger before you even have time to think!
• 
  
  The Immune System:  The immune system is so vast and complex, consisting of various cells,  chemicals and countless inter-related mechanisms and processes.  Let it be just suffice to say that the immune system is the main 'commando force' which defends the body and   fights any invading 'enemies' (disease-causing germs and bacteria).  The immune system is so amazing that once an enemy (bacteria, virus, etc) enters the body,  it produces specific 'bullets' (antibodies) to kill them, and then remembers them and next time they tried to enter the body, they can do no harm because the 'bullets' are ready and waiting for them!

 If the immune system is compromised, for example as in HIV/AIDS, the body is left defenseless and any simple bacteria could now cause serious illnesses.

2. The Body is the temple of the Holy Spirit:

Having seen the wondrous complexities of the human body and its various systems, it is no wonder the Bible says that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and God's Spirit lives in us (1 Corinthians 3:16).  God takes the body very seriously, and the Bible again says, " If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, and you are that temple" (1 Cor. 3:17). "Therefore, glorify/honour  God with your body" (1 Cor. 6:20).

So, please take good care of the temple of the Holy Spirit of God, because you will be required to give account of what you have done with it!

Have You Read These Books?- Part II

Continuing with the list of my recommended readings, here are the next 10.  The list has been  randomly arranged, not necessarily in order of my preferance. Well, here we go...


11. Books by A.W. Tozer:   Any of the books written by A.W. Tozer, the '20th century prophet' (as Tozer was called) is worth reading.  His extraordinary command of English language, the clarity of his thoughts and the profound spiritual depth in his writings were remarkable in all his books.  Any Christian serious about spiritual growth and maturity should read Tozer's books.  Some of the titles among his books are:
    -The Knowledge of the Holy
    -The Pursuit of God
    -Born After Midnight
    -The Root of the Righteous
    -I Talk Back To The Devil
    - When He Is Come
    -Tragedy In The Church: The Missing Gifts
    -Whatever Happened To Worship?
    -The Attributes of God
    -That Incredible Christian
    -Man: The Dwelling Place Of God
    -Paths to Power
    -How To Be Filled With The Holy Spirit

  and many others.

12. The Normal Christian Life:  Written by Watchman Nee.

This great Christian classic unfolds the theme of Christ our Life. Watchman Nee takes the reader through principles taught in the book of Romans. The focus of the book is Jesus Christ and the believer's life in Him. Nee reveals the secret of spiritual strength and vitality that should be the normal experience of every Christian. His fresh spiritual insights on the cross and resurrection of Christ have proven a blessing to many. This book is a must read for every Christian who is serious about living a victorious and God-honouring life. Other books by the same author, such as Sit, Walk, Stand;  Love Not The World;  Changed Into His Likeness;  The Spiritual Man; etc are all Christian classics  worth reading for all Christians.  Most of these books are published recently by Christian Literature Crusade, a world-wide body of inter-denominational publishers. Their address in Autralia is:

       CLC Australia: PO Box 2299, Strathpine, QLD, 450013.
       Phone: 07 3881 0511
       Fax: 07 3881 0811

       Website: www.clcaustralia.org





13. Philip Yancey's books:  Philip Yancey is one of my favourite authors.  He has the talent not only of  writing books with attention-grabbing titles, but also bringing out Scripturally-based, fresh insights into many complicated issues in life such as pain and suffering. 

Some  of his well-known, award-winning  titles are   Disappoinment With God;  Finding God In Unexpected Places; Where Is God When it Hurts? ;  What's So Amazing About Grace?  Many of Philip Yancey's books are published by Zondervan.

      


14. Storm Warning  By: Billy Graham

Published by Thomas Nelson /2010

Global recession, terrorist threats, devastating natural disasters...Do you ever look at the headlines and ask, "What's this world coming to?" In this newly revised and completely updated edition of Storm Warning, Billy Graham takes a deeper look at current events in light of prophecies from the book of Revelation. He provides an in-depth analysis of the four horsemen from Revelation chapter 6, and points to the hope and renewal found in Christ - for our families, our nation and our world.

15. No Wonder They Call Him the Savior

By: Max Lucado
Publisher:Thomas Nelson / 2005

Max Lucado takes you through the drama of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ---bringing to life Peter's denial, Pilate's hesitancy, and John's loyalty. Relive the events leading up to Jesus crucifixion, from the foggy garden of Gethsemane to the incandescent room of the resurrection.

No Wonder They Call Him the Savior leads you up the hill of mankind's highest hope and reminds you why he deserves to be called our Savior.


16.  Death of A Guru :
By Rabindranath R. Maharaj
Published by: Harvest House Publishers

Rabindranath R Maharaj was descended from a long line of Brahmin priests and trained as a Yogi. He meditated for many hours each day, but gradually disillusionment set in. In DEATH OF A GURU he describes vividly and honestly Hindu life and customs, tracing his difficult search for meaning and his struggle to choose between Hinduism and Christ. At a time when Eastern mysticism and religion fascinate many in the West, Maharaj offers fresh and important insights from the perspective of his own experience

17. Imaginations: More Than You Think

By: James P. Gills
Publisher: Strang Communications / 2004 /

In Imaginations: More Than You Think, author James Gills explores three principles that can miraculously transform your life. Discover how your thoughts determine your actions and learn how to surrender your thought life to God. Imaginations shows you how to apply God's Word to your life and seek Him with your mind and imagination.

18. The Hiding Place
By: Corrie ten Boom
Publisher: Random House, Inc / 1982

When the Nazis invaded Holland, Corrie ten Boom's quiet life turned into a nightmare. Because she made her home a "hiding place" for Jews, she and her family were sent to a concentration camp. Refusing to despair, Corrie discovered how Jesus can turn loss to glory! This unforgettable story will move you to tears and to joy.

19. The Bondage Breaker, New Edition

By: Neil T. Anderson
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers / 2006 / Paperback
Featuring a new introduction and cover, Anderson's bestselling book The Bondage Breaker leads you away from the shadows and shackles in your life and toward the freedom that comes when you:
• realize you have the right to be free
• confront the power of Satan
• fight the temptation to do it your way

• trade deception for grace
• affirm your identity in Christ
Anderson ultimately helps you break negative thought patterns, control irrational feelings, and break out of the bondage of sinful behavior. If you're struggling, discover how to embrace the promise of Jesus to win the spiritual battles confronting you.

20. Heaven Is So Real! Expanded Edition

By: Choo Thomas
Publisher:  Charisma House / Paperback

Thomas retells a stunning, personal story of how she saw the living Christ, visited Hell, and walked in Heaven.  Not once but ten times that month, the Lord Jesus appeared by her bedside and spoke to her. Share Choo's humble narrative, as each heavenly visit prepares her for the next; sense the growing wonder of Jesus presence; feel the weight of His tender words; journey through heaven, led by the Savior, learning His holy thoughts; hear the heart-tearing, supernatural words spoken from the throne; drink in the Spirit of God; and wonder at the beauty of this revelation of heaven. Read this book, and you will never be the same! 

Have You Read These Books?- Part I

A good book  influences its reader in a positive  way, and a bad one has the exact opposite effect.
In this post, I just want to share with you a list of my favourite Christian books that I found them to be of great help in my spiritual growth and development over the years. Not being a great reader myself, my list is small. However, I am confident that you too will find these books interesting and illuminating spiritually, and I strongly recommend  them for your reading pleasure, if you have not already read them before.
1. The Bible:

The Bible, of course, must top the list. We cannot grow spiritually without a healthy dose of daily Bible reading. I have been following what Tim Lahaye wrote in his book, "How to study the Bible for Yourself" where he recommended making a sacred vow to God: "No Bible, No Breakfast!" You don't have breakfast unless you read the Bible first before breakfast in the morning. For some reason if you have no time to read the Bible, just skip the breakfast! This vow is not to be used as a legalistic bondage but a sacred vow to God which you have made voluntarily and willingly! If you are serious about Bible reading and study, making this sacred vow will help you read the Bible more consistently. Make no exceptions - read daily!

2.The Immitation of Christ:

Author: Thomas a Kempis.
For five hundred years, this gentle book, filled with the spirit of the love of God, has brought understanding and comfort to millions of readers in over fifty languages, and provided them with a source of heart-felt personal prayer. These meditations on the life and teachings of Jesus, written in times even more troubled and dangerous than our own, have become second only to the Bible as a guide and inspiration. A must read for all who are interested in deeper walk with God.



3. The Practice of the Presence of God:

By Brother Lawrence. I don't know if this book is still in print, but I am sure you can access it online. This book will help you discover how to practice God's presence at all times and see His glory in every facet of life.

4.Celebration of Discipline:
A fantastic Christian Classic written by Richard Foster; Published by Hodder & Stoughton Ltd., 338 Euston Road, London NW1 3BH. This book tells you about classic Christian disciplines such as Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service and so on. If you are interested in deeper Christian life and further maturity, this book is a must reading.

5. Purpose Driven Life:
Written by Rick Warren, the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California;published by Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530, USA. In this book, Pastor Rick Warren will take you through a personal 40-day spiritual journey that will transform your life, answering life's most important questions, such as, What on earth am I here for? What is God's purpose for creating me? What are the most important things in life? Where am I going? etc. If you have not read this book, you should!

6. In His Steps:
Author: Charles Sheldon. Publisher: RiverOak Publishing, P.O. Box 700143, Tulsa, Oklahama 74170-0143. This book is the first entry in '100 Christian Books That Changed the Century' by William J. and Randy Peterson. Asking in genuine faith, 'What would Jesus do?' before doing anything will transform the way you look at things, and it will help you follow Jesus daily walking in His steps! This book is written in the form of a novel, and is easy to read. A must read for every Christian!

7. How to Study the Bible for Yourself:
Written by Tim Lahaye, published by Authentic Books, P1820 Jet Stream Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921, USA. This book is also published in India by OM Books, Logos Bhavan, Metchal Road, Jeedimetla Village, Secunderabad 500 055, AP. This book will tell you how to study the Bible and where to start! It is a very practical and informative study tool.

8. He Came To Set The Captives Free:
Author: Rebecca Brown MD. Published by Whitaker House, 1030 Hunt Valley Circle, New Kensington, PA 15068. This book is a must for Spiritual warriors, and it will tell you detailed account of Satan's activities today. Frighteningly graphic and real!

9. Entering The Presence of God:
Author: Derek Prince; Publisher (India): Derek Prince Ministries, Rhema Media Centre, 18/32 Mangammal Salai, Renga Nagar, Trichy 620 021, TN.
Legendary Bible teacher Derek Prince shows the way to victorious intimacy with God, and explains how you can move beyond the usual praise and thanksgiving and enter the very presence of God and truly worship Him!

10. Ablaze for God:
Written by Wesley L. Duewel, a former president of OMS International, and a missionary to India for 25 years. Published by Zondervan (as for #5 above). This book describes the spiritual dynamics of leadership, how one can be more fully a Spirit-filled leader, and how to be more aflame for God. It's an amazing and practical book for all Christian leaders and laymen alike.