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CSI Good News
(Church of South India Good News)
Vol. 2 / Issue 43 / November 30 2000
Contents of this issue
Editorial
How to beat depression?
Greatest Gift of All Times
Don't worry about anything
News Items (Common to all issues) :
Through the Valley of Death & other Books
Download Articles in Handheld Computers
Kids Page - Free Tutorials
Hindi / Malayalam/Tamil Bible Online
Your Spam Folder
Your Feedback
Editorial
Today when we look at our society, we find that many homes and many lives are totally broken. Many a times I think, “why our society is this much broken?” Let us look from the Bible what the foundation for happy homes, happy lives and a blessed society is.
Bible says in Joshua 1:8-9, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
Today somewhere we have missed the basic teachings of the Bible. We have forgotten our creator and lived our lives, as we wanted. That is the reason we see misery, pain, brokeness and tears. Whenever a person, a society or a nation forget God they experience these types of setback in their lives, in their society and in their nation. If we look in the life of Jacob, we see that his life was full of misery and pain because he cheated his own brother, took his birthright by deceit and had to ran for his life. When he reached Laban, his uncle’s house, he married a girl without asking God’s will. But he was cheated by his father in law who gave him Leah instead of Rachel and finally his life ended up in misery and pain. He had a very broken family. Rachel and Leah both were sisters but they always fought against each other for the love of Jacob.(Genesis 29th chapter) But they could not gain the love of Jacob because God has already set the law, ‘one man for one woman or one woman for one man.’ Whenever we go against the laws of God, we see misery and pain.
But God never intended this type of life for us. When He created Adam and Eve, He blessed them with these words in Genesis 1:28, “Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."
And if we look in the life of Ruth we see that she was a woman who lost her husband who was in tears as her and future appeared shattered. She had no hope of her future but she looked towards God of Abraham, God of Isaac and God of Jacob. And almighty God not only changed her misery into blessing but gave her also a blessed future. She not only got married but also became the ancestor of David and the promised Messiah.
God wants our lives to be blessed and also have a blessed society and blessed nation. But we should turn to God our creator. We should leave our old ways and look to Jesus and He will change everything. He will take away our brokenness, our misery, our pain and our sorrows. And He will give a blessed hope for a blessed future.
How to beat depression?
By Sheela Isaac
We see in the world of today that many are depressed. One US poll says that 80-90% of the people here are going thru depression and most of them are taking anti depression medication regularly. Yes, many think that, "if I take drugs every thing will be fine", but I read somewhere that these medications are driving them towards worst situation. They are getting more depressed.
Why depression comes?
Prov 12:25, "Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression..........."
Many are the causes of depression. Sicknesses, other problems drive a person towards depression. Even Sin could be the main reason for depression. If you are depressed, ask yourself this question why am I depressed?"
When I came to USA I found the society and culture here to be entirely different from the Asian countries. I do not know from where this dating thing came up, though Bible does not support this theory. And many are going through this unwanted relationship. Dating is not the right way to get married, because a person goes through continuous cycles of different intimate relationships. Getting involved with one person, staying with that person for a while then dumping that person and finding another one and on and on. As long as you are in this cycle you cannot find joy and peace and you are bound to stay depressed. If you are a married person and if you want to live a peaceful life you should stick on with that one person and stay out of this cycle.
How to get rid of depression:
1. Through Prayer:
When King Hezekiah was sick unto death and when prophet Isaiah said to him that "you shall die, and not live.", Bible says that he cried out before God and prayed.
2 Ki 20:1, "In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, "Thus says the LORD: 'Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live.'"
2 Ki 20:2 Then he turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the LORD, saying,
2 Ki 20:3 "Remember now, O LORD, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what was good in Your sight." And Hezekiah wept bitterly."
Verse 3 says that he wept bitterly. God heard his cry and healed him. 2 Ki 20:5, "Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people, 'Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD.
2 Ki 20:6 "And I will add to your days fifteen years."
Look how God is merciful and compassionate. When we cry out before Him He hears our cries. He counts those tears and sends deliverance. Are you going through depression because doctor might have said, "it is over now, nothing can be done, you can not make it?" Look toward God who change not, who says, "it is not over, you can still get your healing." It is not over, God is still on the throne. It is not over yet, He is the creator he can change impossible to possible.
Prayers of Hezekiah brought healing for him and turned his depression into peace, turned his tears and sorrow into joy. The same Lord will do it for you.
2. Through Praising:
Praising is another key for getting rid of depression. Many a times people think that praising is for another group or for another denomination. But let me tell you, if you believe in Bible praising is for you. Each and every person who believes in Jesus should praise Him.
Last week people of America celebrated 'Thanx giving day.' Thanks giving day should not be a one day occasion in a year but every day should be a thanks giving day. If you look back and think about your life you will find many things which God has done. God has surely done many things in your life to be thankful each day. What the psalmist says in Psa 103:1, "Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!" Psa 103:2, "Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:" Psa 103:3, "Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Psa 103:4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Psa 103:5, "Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
3. Do not stay depressed for a long time:
Whenever you get depressed find out why you are depressed. Devil brings depression in many ways. Do not sit and think about your failures, problems, and sicknesses. If you allow all the negative thoughts to come in, it will surely bring depression. The more you think about negative things the more you are likely to lose your peace of mind.
All these years I learned how to get rid of depression. As soon as I feel depressed or do not feel like doing anything I go and sit at the feet of Jesus and start praising Him. Very often I experienced depression leaving me with in ten to fifteen minutes replaced by relaxed feeling as if I was never depressed. Every time when I sit at the feet of praising Him thinking about His greatnes, how He saved me form hell fire, shedding His blood to deliver me, how He is leading me so far, every time I think about it, it brings tears of joy in my eyes. I could not hold my tears from falling because He is so good. You can not find such a great love in anybody else. No one will ever die for you. No one will ever care for you as Jesus did.
Praising wipes away all tears and depression. King David knew it. That was why Psalms are written by David are full of praise and worship. He could praise God when he was in a cave, when he was running for his life being pursued by King Saul. He could praise God when his own son Abshalom stood against him and was trying to kill him. He could praise God when he was in deep sorrow and pain. Yes my friend, praise Him and you will see great deliverance in your life.
Finally Do not stay depressed for a long time. Do not allow the enemy to take away your peace. Even when problems come like a flood do not give up, do not bow down before satan. Pray, praise Jesus and stay away from depression.
Prayer:
I come against all the powers of darkness. I break all the bondage of the enemy in Jesus name. I break all the depression, sorrow, pain and peacelessness in Jesus' mighty name. I command you devil to leave these people in Jesus name. I take authority in Jesus name and break all the powers of darkness from their lives. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
Greatest Gift of All Times
By Sherly Isaac
John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Soon we are going to celebrate Christmas. A day to remember when the Savior of this world was born – the greatest gift of all times ever given to anybody. Jesus’ life was so precious and His birth so precious for every human being that we can not express our gratitude towards God in words. It was the love of God that made Him to come down in this world. God loved us so much that He did not even spare His beloved Son, Jesus. For me, for you and for whole world He gave this precious son as a gift so that we may never be in sin, guilt, suffering pain and even death. He went through all the temptations of sin and all the sufferings but came out victorious. He overcame death, He broke the bondage of sin, suffering and pain by His sacrifice so that we may never be in pain, suffering and tears but have everlasting life.
Yes, my friend, this is the love of God that He gave His only begotten Son not for His benefit but for our benefit. The place where you and I had to be, He took that place and died on our behalf. The sufferings, which we had to bear, He took Himself on Him. Why? To save us from hell fire and eternal death and to give a new life and New Hope for the future.
Today you may be living without hope, you maybe celebrating Christmas without any enthusiasm. You may be burdened with sin and might be thinking, “who can pull me out from this sin and suffering?” But there is a God who cares for you. That’s why He gave the greatest and precious gift for me and for you. Today receive this gift that is none other than Jesus in your life. When He will come in, He will change everything. He will break the bondages and make you free, He will change your life and will give you a new life.
If you are lacking anything in your life, He will give it to you and make you happy. When He did not even spare His beloved Son for us then why He cannot meet our small-small needs which bothers you. Why not He deliver you from your poverty and debt? Why not He meet your needs no matter how big or small it may be. Why He cannot make arrangements for your children’s marriages? Why He cannot give good jobs to you? Why He cannot remove the things which are really bothering you… Yes, He can!! When He gave His only begotten son then He can give all other things too. There is nothing impossible with Him. Look to Him, He is ready to wipe away all your tears and meet all your needs. If you have not yet accepted this precious gift, Jesus in your life then today is the day of salvation, today is the day to accept Him as your Lord and Savior. Repent from your sins and ask Him to come into your life. He will gladly come in and change your life.
Don't worry about anything
By Rev. S.M. Leister (Translated by) Dr. Leister Sam S. Manickam
Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking Him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.
(Philippins 4:6,7)
The apostle Paul's counsel 'Don't worry about anything' is not a new message. Jesus, during his sermon on the Mount asks, can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it?
(Mathew 6:27). In both these verses the word 'worry' is used, differentiating it from the process of thinking.
We cannot lead our lives without thinking and planning. Everyday we think about the tasks on hand. We plan the programs which have to be executed the next day. Engaging in this process helps us to implement the programs successfully, in a desirable
manner. While thinking and planning, one is able to trace out the hindering factors in advance and find out the means to resolve them. The ability of man to think, is definitely a God given gift.
But the word 'worry' is used in a different sense. A mother sends her son to school in the morning. Usually he comes back home by five in the evening. One day if he does not return at the usual time, the mother starts worrying. As time passes, the mother starts
visualizing the possible reasons for his delay. Did he lose his way? Did he go to some other place with his friend? Did he meet with an accident? Like flashes of lightning, thoughts similar to the above pass through her mind. Since she is anxious, she forgets to do what is expected of her. She stands at the door step looking with unblinking eyes. As time trickles by, she experiences heaviness in her head, palpitates and perspire- because of her 'worry'.
By worrying the child who is already late is not going to come a minute earlier. Neither worrying gives her any clue to understand the reason for her son's delay. Even if the child has met with an accident, her excessive worry is not going to help in any way to remove the danger. Engaging in these worrying thoughts does not do any good to her either. It would be better, if she could send some one to inquire about him or she herself go in search of him. There are many people who worry about their future. They neglect their present duties and feel sad as a result of their worry about the future.
Another group of people brood on the past. They keep on worrying about the past misdeeds, losses and experiences. This is also a futile endeavor. King David is a good model for those people. David's son fell ill. David prayed for his son's life. He humbled
himself before God, gave up all royal comforts and fasted in prayer. He did so, thinking that he could thus evade God's wrath. But on
the seventh day of his illness the son died. When David received news about his son's death he got up from the floor, washed himself, anointed his head with oil, changed his clothes and worshipped in the house of the Lord. And then he returned to his palace and had his food. He servants were astonished at this behavior of their king. Was this the way a father behaved when his son was dead? David's reply is noteworthy.
"I did fast and weep while he was still alive. I thought that the Lord might be merciful to me and let the child live. But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring the child back to life? will someday go to where he is, but he can never come back to me" (2 Samuel 12:22,23). These words of David have comforted countless numbers of grief-stricken people. What is the point in thinking about past matters, which we cannot change?
Ruminating about the past not only does not do any good, it can have unpleasant consequences. The strength to do further work is lost. Both mind and body are hurt. The capability to find out good prospects is hampered. Do not worry about anything.
Can this knowledge about the futility of worrying (about the future and past) help us stop worrying? Can it help us strengthen ourselves against the debilitating effects of worry and anxiety? Unexpected events, painful experiences, strenuous work, and other responsibilities and stress in life make us sink into worry almost without our knowledge. Therefore we need to make a conscious effort to get out of the habit of worrying.
In the second part of the verse, St.Paul gives a solution to this problem; "..but in all your prayers ask God what you need, always asking Him with a thankful heart".
We are told to submit our worries to God.
"Come to me, all of you are tried from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest" (Mathew 11:28). We are fortunate indeed. But those who act on this injunction are few in number. Paul, the Apostle in this verse is reminding us to take our needs to God. This does not mean that he is asking us to request God for help. But to submit oneself. Inform the Lord about our burdens, different doubts and worries. We know that prayer is a medium through which we can request divine favors. This is indeed one of the meanings of prayer. But in a deeper sense, prayer is the total submission of oneself to God.
Once (while working in a parish, on a Sunday) a child came weeping to me. He had a grievance to tell. "Johny, son of Mr. Valiyavila, (a teacher) pulled my ear". That was his complaint. He was not strong enough to take revenge. But he could not pacify
himself. So he thought he would tell me. I looked at his ear. It was red. I told him. "I will talk to Johny about this when he comes to church next Sunday". That very moment his face brightened. I noted his complaints in my diary. He was very happy and ran away with his friends. The moment he had told his sorrow to me, he felt relieved. Submitting oneself to God is what helps one to get over worries. Instead of brooding over the incidents which led to sadness and worrying, direct the flow of your thoughts towards God. Pour out everything to God. This is what the Apostle advises. For us Christians, this is appropriate and it does good to us.
The Reward
Paul does not only says that one should not worry; he says we should submit our worries to God. He also tells us what our reward will be if we follow his advice. The Apostle does not say that God will immediately remove the causes that led to worry. Nor does he say that one will get an immediate response to the needs which were kept in prayer. One will not get back the dead. One's needs will not be met with immediately. We read in the Gospel that an angel from heaven appeared to Jesus when He was at Gethshemane and strengthened Him in His hour of Agony; but not that he escaped crucifixion. He attained the presence of God. The Apostle describes this as Peace of God peace, which passes all human understanding.
What is the Peace of God?
It is not easy to comprehend this through human intelligence. Paul says Peace of God not just peace. God Himself is beyond the full comprehension of human intelligence. Prefixing 'God' to 'peace' therefore makes the concept more complex to grasp. God's peace is the grace received by the person who submits all his burdens to God.
An attempt can be made to describe God's peace. For those who have seen world war, the word peace immediately brings to their mind, images of cease-fire. No more bombs bloodshed and blood streams. A sense of reprieve from fear and calmness prevailing everywhere. In this context, peace denotes tranquillity and calmness.
Long ago, an artist was asked to visualise the theme of peace on canvas. He painted a very beautiful picture. A broad lake with no ripples. It is dusk. The sun is slowly setting in the Western Ghats. Tired Sunrays are spreading the white clouds with
pinkish color. The plants as well as the trees stand still. Labourers are returning to their villages after the day's work. Cattle herds are leading their cattle back home. Birds are flying towards the place of roosting. Everywhere it is still and calm. This is an excellent picture of peace. But one critic commented, "this may be a beautiful work depicting peace, but it is not God's peace. This shows the end of everything. Whereas the peace of God initiates action. It does not retard but stimulates the human race to move forward. After spending many days in thought, the artist produced another piece of work. The scene depicted was a sea cost. The sky is filled with dark clouds, as if heavy rain is on the anvil. A storm is brewing up. Waves like hills, rise and fall. Flashes of lightning glow up and die in the sky. And there is a heavy downpour, it gives the impression that both the sky above and the land below are violent. At this moment of turbulence a bird, which is nesting on the crest of a rock sings loudly. The joy and confidence on its face are remarkable. The peace which the child of God experiences is of the same kind. He realises that his shelter on solid rock. The Psalmist sings
"How happy are those whose strength come from you" (Psalm 84:5).
If the son is late in returning home, the mother should submit him to God. Lord you gave him to me and my son is yours. The comfort, tranquillity and strength which she receives from God, is the peace of God. That relieves her of all her psychological
tension and burden. The boy who rushed to me to pour out his sorrow was relieved of his grief and pain and got back to his play with enthusiasm. Similarly the peace of God helps us to forget our burden and impels us to action. The horrifying atmosphere stimulated the
little bird to sing a beautiful song. Likewise, crises and situations, which frighten us, can inspire the children of God to sing songs of praise.
Songs like
"Guide me O Lord, always
According to thy will
Thy will, not mine
My father, My Jahoveh"
And
"God is my Comfort
And He keeps me everyday,
Protecting me from all ills
Safe in His arms."
These songs were sung, with trust in God, at great moments of despair and conflicts. And these songs have given the peace of God to us too, on countless occasions. !
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About the Author:
Rev. S.M. Leister (1914-1974) was an ordained minister of the Church of South India, and served the church for 33 years. He served the church with the motto, "I am for the Parish".
The Rev. S.M, Leister, preached this sermon in 1956, at one of the congregations in Bangalore, India, in Malayalam language. The translation was done by Dr. Leister Sam S. Manickam, Hon. Director & Clinical Psychologist, Centre for Applied Psychological Studies, Thirupuram, Tiruvananthapuram 695 133 India.Translated by
Through the Valley of Death & other Books
As many of you know that in the year 2005, our dad was very sick even unto death. God miraculously healed him. We have compiled it in a book form. I sure believe that it will inspire you and encourage you greatly.
This book is available for purchase at JasmineCorp Store
Also read these two books by Sherly Isaac "Allah and Elohim - Are they the same God" Available at JasmineCorp Store, and "Is Jesus God?" Available at JasmineCorp Store,
Both books compares the Bible and the Quran and read eye opening facts about Jesus, God of the Bible, Allah and Islamic faith. I am sure that you want to read this.
Download Articles in Handheld Computers
You can now download articles in Palm Doc format for your palm handheld computer. It will work with any devise that has Palm OS and Palm Doc Reader installed. To download click on the link named "Palm Doc Format" i.e. at the top of this page by the side of each articles.
Kids Page - Free Tutorials
Now you can learn Graphics and web designing online at Kid's page. These tutorials are free for kids who subscribe for CSI Kids Newsletter. Currently tutorials for Paint Shop Pro, HTML and Dreamweaver are available.
So please enroll your kids by going to http://kids.csinewsletter.org/member/join.asp
And visit CSI Kid's page at http://kids.csinewsletter.org
Hindi / Malayalam/Tamil Bible Online
Now you can read Bible in Hindi online at http://www.hindibible.org
in Malayalam online at http://www.malayalambible.org
in Tamil online at http://www.hindibible.org?ver=tamil
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If you are getting this newsletter in your bulk/junk/Spam folder please hit the "not junk" or "not spam" button so that you could receive it in your mailbox. Also adding news@csinewsletter.com email address into your contact list can avoid this email from ending up in your bulk folder.
Your Feedback
Your feedback and comments are Welcome. Please send your Parish news & articles to Editor (Sherly N. Isaac) at this address News@csinewsletter.comThe messages submitted will be checked whether they are correct according to the word of God. Editor reserves the right to accept, reject or edit the messages. The writers are responsible for the contents of their writings.
 
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