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Devotional : Stop

March 15, 2017 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 0 Comments

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A couple known to me, took time off their busy schedule to visit a lady who had just lost her husband. Since they didn’t know the lady too well, the visit turned out to be an awkward one, with neither party communicating too much. The grieving wife in fact hardly spoke a word. When the couple eventually left, they felt disappointed that they had failed to comfort the grieving widow. Many months later, to their absolute surprise, she told them that their visit had been one of the most encouraging moments for her during her time of sadness!

We live in an extremely busy world that moves at a rapid pace and given a chance, most people would rather not stop for anyone. In the process however, we could be losing great opportunities to minister God’s love and healing to hurting people.

A Mother who blessed all mankind (Devotional)

March 8, 2017 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 0 Comments

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The influence and efforts of mothers are celebrated around the world this week. We thank God for every mother. In this Devotional, we highlight a mother whose decision of courage and faith, affected ALL of mankind for good.

The Example of Mary as a Mother:

“How will this be, since I am a virgin”? (Luke 1:34)

Mary, the mother of Jesus, asked this question when the angel Gabriel brought her an astounding message (Luke 1:26-33). She was chosen to give birth to the Messiah, the Son of God, as a virgin!! (Luke 1:32, 35). Obviously in shock, and puzzled, Mary asked, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” This was a question of wonder, not of unbelief, as she grappled with how such an amazing thing could actually take place? How she could be the mother of the Messiah? The angel answered, “The power of the Most High will overshadow you…For nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:35-37).

Devotional : Immanuel – “God with us” in His Greatness (Mt: 1:23)

March 5, 2017 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 0 Comments

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“The virgin …will give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (Matthew 1:23)

There is a story about a boy who promised his fiancee that he was always only a call away. If ever she needed his presence, all she had to do was call. One day while facing a difficult situation, she did call and asked him to come over quickly. His response was, ‘Honey, I will climb the highest mountain to be with you. I will swim the deepest river to do so too. I will travel the longest distance to be with you another day. But sorry, I cannot come today’!!CONTINUE READING

Restored From Shame

March 3, 2017 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 0 Comments

One of our Devotionals published on the ‘Thoughts About God’ website. (Source: Restored From Shame)

God delights to restore us from our shame. Will you allow Him to do so? “No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame…” Psalm 25:3

Devotional : Guard Your Words

February 25, 2017 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 2 Comments

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Two men were seated close to each other at a singing audition, where a lady who was being auditioned wasn’t doing too well. One man turned to the other and sarcastically said the words ‘Sounds terrible doesn’t it?” The other scowled in annoyance and replied, “That’s my wife!” Terribly embarrassed, the first man, trying to save face, responded sheepishly, “I was not referring to the singer, but to the song.” Back came the angry reply, “I wrote it”!

Devotional : 3 Ways to Honor God Daily (Psalm 145:1-6)

February 22, 2017 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 0 Comments

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The first few verses of this beautiful psalm of praise by David show us 3 practical ways in which we can honor our Lord daily. Following these 3 steps will strengthen and enhance our walk with Jesus.

Praise Him every day

“Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever” (vs 2)

There is so much to praise God for and we should be lifting our praise to Him every day. Let us start our day with praise and end it with praise! Let us praise Him as we walk the streets, as we sit at our desk and as we travel. Praise is contagious and soon others will follow your example.

Article : Prayer – The Power Behind Our Preaching

February 18, 2017 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 8 Comments

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All preachers know only too well the value of surrounding our preaching with prayer. Yet, we may sometimes neglect this vital ingredient in our ministry. Martin Luther said, ‘If I should neglect prayer for a single day, I will lose a great deal of the fire of faith’.

The Apostle Paul refers to prayer many times in connection to his preaching ministry. I would therefore like to share a few thoughts from the writings of Paul, to help us pray strategically for our preaching.

Devotional : Love Lasts Forever

February 13, 2017 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 0 Comments

(A Devotional by Pastor Dishan Wickramaratne, Senior Pastor of the People’s Church (Assembly of God), in Colombo, Sri Lanka).

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1 Corinthians 13:13 “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.”

Paul says it’s going to continue forever. If you want a legacy to last, if you want people to remember you – love. Love lasts. In fact, nothing else does. I hate to tell you this but people are going to forget all your work. People are going to forget all your wealth. People are never remembered for what they earned. They’re remembered for what they gave away. They’re remembered for their love.