Rev J N Manokaran

Almost in all cultures, Giving, Fasting, and Praying are considered merit-earning good deeds. Most people in the world believe that these three are important spiritual disciplines. Nevertheless, they believe in a myth that they could earn their salvation by these kinds of good works. Prophet Isaiah declared that from a human perspective, they could be […]

Breaking the silence and speaking when it is appropriate, important, and timely is wisdom. Spiritually mature people have that wisdom of discernment. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. (Proverbs 25:11) Paul spoke to Peter regarding his foolishness of discrimination. (Galatians 2:11-13) Many do not want to break

A man owned a beautiful vineyard. He had to go on urgent work to another city. For a few days, he instructed his servants to water the vineyard on a timely basis every day. Nevertheless, the workers, out of the purview of the master, did not water the vineyard. They spent their time lazily, enjoying

An old person, probably who fell in a rainwater slush, brought a parcel to deliver to a home. The package was damp, damaged, and ugly with stains. Nevertheless, the person took the package, unwrapped it, and found a gift note from his friend along with a diamond ring set he had desired to own. The

St. Francis of Assisi is credited with staging the first nativity scene in 1123 at a medieval village of Greccio, Rieti province about 80 km north of Rome, Italy. St. Francis got permission from Pope Honorius III to set up a manger with hay and two live animals – an ox and an ass. St.

A dynamic disciple has many online friends in a particular city who were not followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. He thought of traveling to that city, gathering his non-Christian friends, and attending the Christmas service. He was able to choose a church that gave a lot of advertisements for their Christmas celebration. They all

One church announced that all members should come with Denim Wears for a special Sunday. Some people wondered if there were Denim sarees, Denim Dhotis, and Denim salwar. The richer upper classes in India mostly wear denim. In the past, some churches urged their members to wear only white apparel. The Son of God made

In the medieval church, there was a special occasion of the New Year service for giving offerings. They believed the church bell would ring when God was pleased with adequate offerings from the congregation. There was a big basket attached to the pulleys of the church bell. People used to put the offering one by

There was a young man. He was a genuine religious person. His understanding was that God was within himself. By performing rituals, penance, abstinence, and submission he could find God, and then become god himself. In this pursuit, his business was neglected, wife and children were left to fend for themselves. Many hours he spent

Because of human Fall, God cursed the earth. Sin brought many unwanted and irritating aspects into the world. One of them is thorns and thistles. For a farmer and gardener, thorns and thistles are a daily challenge. Even in the life of disciples, there could be thorns and thistles of different natures. Peninnah was a