Rev J N Manokaran

When David was fleeing from Absalom his son who wanted to usurp the throne, Barzillai the Gileadite provided for David and his men. (II Samuel 19:31-39) His spiritual maturity and discernment are a model for all. Rich Man: Barzillai was a rich man. He did not keep his wealth for himself or his descendants. He […]

Many people have neither concern nor call for ministry or mission. They claim ownership or stakes or rights, without any contribution. Sometimes, they want to be involved in jeopardizing the whole project. Godly leaders need to be discerning to see such people and avoid such pitfalls. Here are some examples: Gideon: When Gideon called Ephraim

Many times, people of God do not know the value of resources that are in their hands. However, God delights to use what meager resources to fulfill His purpose and for His glory. Ox goad: Eight-foot-long stick is an ox goad. On one end it is sharp to poke the ox and the other end

Some claim to be descended from the sun or moon, lakes or mountains or oceans or rivers, angels or giants or dragons. Anthropological studies reveal that various people groups claim glorious mythological pasts, for higher status in society in contrast to others. Tribal pride, caste pride, racial pride, linguistic pride, and cultural pride are the

God’s grace is amazing and is beyond comprehension. His grace is manifest according to the needs of the person, the context, and God’s higher purpose. Sickness, pain, and suffering are part of the world that was cursed because of the human Fall in the Garden of Eden. The legacy of Adam and Eve penetrates all

How many people lived during the time of Noah? The Bible does not answer. The estimation of the population at that time varies from 750 million to 7 billion. God judged the inhabitants that all except eight who were in the ark perished. (Genesis 6,7,8) Peter affirms the historical event and confirms only eight were

In ancient architecture, the cornerstone or capstone was the most important point of the building. It was the principal stone, the largest, strong, and solid, placed in the corner and the whole edifice is built from it. The alignment, and measurement of the remaining construction are determined from it. Lord Jesus is the cornerstone. (Isaiah

One psychologist listed characteristics of unconditional love based on research done by a university. Interestingly, it provides a list that applies to God described in the Bible. Paul challenges us to fathom the depth, width, and height of God’s love. (Ephesians 3:18) Empathy: Lord Jesus Christ born as a human endured all that a human

A woman in the city of Moradabad, India kept cash of 18 lakhs (1.8 million) rupees in a bank locker along with some gold jewels. She had stored the money anticipating expenses for her daughter’s marriage. After one year, when she came to the bank to retrieve it, she found it was eaten by termites.

Priests, Levites, and people pledged themselves to bring wood as an offering during Nehemiah’s governorship. (Nehemiah 10:34; 13:31) An important aspect of the Sacrificial System in the Old Testament was to keep the fire burning constantly, and continuously. Every morning the officiating priest laid fresh wood upon the fire right before he presented the mandatory