Rev J N Manokaran

It was a five-star hotel. In the lobby, somebody had left a wallet with a lot of currency. A couple picked that up and gave it to the manager. The manager wanted to honour the couple by taking a photo and publishing it on their website. The couple refused. The man and the women were

Many times, the contributors of assistants or associates are significant. Somehow, they are in the shadows and soon forgotten. The status given to the missionary team of Paul and Barnabas is not given to Paul and Silas. Silas’s contribution to the early church inspires people of God even today. Leader, Prophet and Teacher: Silas was

A businessman purchased a sophisticated smartphone. He used it for two days and then left it at home and went on a long overseas trip. After he came back, the phone did not work. Enraged, he went to the service centre and shouted at them. The young assistant, picking up the phone, looked at it

The characteristics of the Amalekites indicate the human traits which are worldly-wise, flesh–dominated, and carnal-minded. God commanded Saul to destroy all Amalekites, which he did not. Sadly, an Amalekite brought Saul’s life to an end, who was executed by David for murdering the Lord’s anointed. (I Samuel 15;2-3; II Samuel 1:13-16) If the carnal mind,

Lydia, a successful businesswoman, is one of the influential women in the Bible. In the second missionary journey of Paul, she became a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ in Philippi. (Acts 16:13-15) Migrant from Thyatira to Philippi Lydia is originally from the city of Thyatira. The city was famous for dye and fabric. She

Cornelius, the Army Commander, who was based in Caesarea, is considered the first Gentile to come to the Lord. (Acts 10) Angel’s visit and a trance: God sent an angel to Cornelius, asking him to invite Peter to come and share the message of God. Peter had a trance, in which he was taught not

There is a danger of setting one’s heart on the wrong things, especially riches. Riches can increase legitimately, yet that too could be a temptation to set the heart on riches. (Psalm 62:10) Strangely, riches could become an alternative god. There are many consequences for placing trust in riches. Pleasure: Riches pave the way to

The Lord met Zacchaeus in the city of Jericho. (Luke 191-10) Roman Tax collectors: Tax collectors got their job or contract by paying the tax of the region in advance to the Roman government. Then he collected taxes with additional fees for his service. They were the most hated by people and the Jewish religious

Powerful and wicked kings reflect the evil and vile attributes of Satan. Pharaoh was like Satan; he did not allow Israelites to let go. Another example is Nahash the Ammonite. (I Samuel 11: 1-2) Invader: Nahash invaded Jabesh Gilead, surrounded the city, and demanded that they surrender. However, the men of Jabesh said that they

A father who served in the military wanted their sons to obey like his soldiers under his command. The terrified sons would hide under the bed, hearing his footsteps. As teenagers, they rebelled and even went to the Pastor asking for counsel. The pastor simply advised the children to obey their parents. Honoring Parents is