“HOW WILL WE LOOK LIKE AFTER RESURRECTION?”

A PRAYER OF DEVOTION TO THE HOLY FAMILY


      O  LORD Jesus Christ, who, being made subject to Mary and Joseph, did consecrate domestic life by your ineffable virtues; grant that we, with the assistance of both, may be taught by the example of your Holy Family and may attain to its everlasting fellowship.
  Glorious Saint Joseph! you to whom God confided the care of the two persons He most loved on earth, forget not that we too have been entrusted to your care. You who are our protector and our father, deign to take our interests into your own hands, but above all, watch over all that concerns our souls.
  O virtuous guardian of the Holy Family, by thy powerful intercession, make us a family of saints. Obtain for us all a sincere will to walk in thy footsteps and to be like thee, full of love for Jesus and Mary and faithful to all our other duties. O beloved head of the Holy Family, graciously hear us.
  Most Glorious Virgin, you were chosen by the eternal Counsel to be the Mother of the Eternal Word made flesh. You are the treasurer of divine graces and the advocate of sinners. We, who are your most unworthy servants, have recourse to you.
  Obtain for our family, through the Precious Blood of your Divine Son, the forgiveness of our sins, the salvation of our souls, and the means necessary to obtain it. O Queen of the Holy Family, intercede for us. Amen.

PERSONALITY PROFILE: JUDAS ISCARIOT

      It is easy to overlook the fact that Jesus chose Judas to be his disciple. We may also forget that while Judas betrayed Jesus, all the disciples abandoned him. With the other disciples, Judas shared a persistent misunderstanding of Jesus' mission. They all expected Jesus to make the right political moves, to overthrow the Roman rule using violence to gain political power. When he kept talking about dying, they all felt varying degrees of anger, fear, and disappointment. They didn't understand why they had been chosen if Jesus' mission was doomed to fail. They couldn't see the eternal victory after failure.
  We do not know the exact motivation behind Judas' betrayal. What is clear is that Judas allowed his desires to place him in a position where Satan could manipulate him. Judas accepted payment, just thirty pieces of silver, to set Jesus up for the religious leaders. He identified Jesus for the guards in the dimly lit garden of Gethsemane with a kiss, a kiss of betrayal. It was possible that he was trying to force Jesus' hand: Would Jesus now rebel against Rome and set up a new political government?
  Whatever his plan, though, at some point Judas realized that he didn't like the way things were turning out. He tried to undo the evil he had done by returning the money to the priests, but it was too late. The wheels of God's sovereign plan had been set into motion. How sad that Judas ended his life in despair without ever experiencing the gift of reconciliation God could give even to him through Jesus Christ.
  Human feelings toward Judas have always been mixed. Some have fervently hated him for his betrayal. Others have pitied him for not realizing what he was doing. A few have tried to make him a hero for his part in ending Jesus' earthly mission. Some have questioned God's fairness in allowing one man to bear such guilt. While there are many feelings about Judas, there are some facts to consider as well.  He, by his own choice, betrayed God's Son into the hands of soldiers (Luke 22:48). He was a thief (John 12:6). Jesus knew that Judas's life of evil would not change (John 6:70). Judas's betrayal of Jesus was part of God's sovereign plan (Psalm 41:9; Zech. 11:12-13; Matt. 20:18; 26:20-25; Acts 1:16,20).
  In betraying Jesus, Judas made the greatest mistake in history. But the fact that Jesus knew Judas would betray him doesn't mean that Judas was a puppet of God's will. Judas made the choice. God knew what that choice would be and confirmed it. Judas didn't lose his relationship with Jesus; rather, he never found Jesus in the first place. He is called "the one headed for destruction" (John 17:12) because he was never saved.
  Judas does us a favour if he makes us think a second time about our commitment to God and the presence of God's Spirit within us. Are we true disciples and followers, or uncommitted pretenders? We can choose despair and death by having our aim as to gain worldly power or possession using violence, threat, fraud or bribery et al, or we can choose repentance, forgiveness, hope, and eternal life. Judas's betrayal sent Jesus to the cross to guarantee that second choice, our only chance. Will we accept Jesus' free gift, or, like Judas, betray him?  

Strengths and Accomplishments:
He was chosen as one of the 12 disciples, the only non-Galilean.
He was in-charge of the disciples' funds.
He was able to recognize the evil in his betrayal of Jesus.

Weaknesses and mistakes:
He was greedy (John 12:6)  
 He betrayed Jesus.
He committed suicide instead of seeking forgiveness.

Lessons from his life:
Evil plans and motives leave us open to being used by Satan for even greater evil.
The consequences of evil are so devastating that even small lies and little wrongdoings have serious results.
God's plan and his purposes are worked out even in the worst possible events.

Key verses:
“Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them.” (Luke 22:3,4)

Mentioned in:
His story is told in the Gospels. He is also mentioned in Acts 1:18-19.

Vital Statistics:  
Where: Possibly from the town of Kerioth
Relatives: Father: Simon  
Occupation: disciple of Jesus
Contemporaries: Jesus, Pilate, Herod , the other 11 disciples. 

ADDICTION: BONDAGE OF THE SOUL

-A Biblical Perspective-  

     The purpose of this article is to offer help to those who are struggling in their life due to slavery to one or the other addiction and to equip those who know someone who is struggling with a lifestyle that is characterized by life-dominating sin. Those who still cannot get rid of their addictions are welcomed at St. Anthony's School ground Sec-9, Faridabad to participate in the Sunday healing prayer service and listen to the powerful Word of God which will transform your life in the same way as the lives of your fellow brothers have been through the divine grace of Christ.
   The reality of addiction is that it takes a soul as it's prisoner. The writer of Hebrews refers to a “sin that so easily ensnares us.” We want to break free of it with all our strength but it keeps tripping us up. No matter how hard we try, unless help from outside intervenes, we will be a slave to this type of sin. Several verses (from the Bible) to consider as we approach this subject are the following:
  “For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am of the flesh, sold into slavery under sin. I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” (Rom. 7:14-15)
  “For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.”  (Rom. 7:18-19)
  “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us…” (Hebrews 12:1)

HOW DOES IT START?
  The progressive nature of any addictive behaviour – whether it be addiction to drugs, alcohol, pornography, food, cigarettes et al – begins with an incident whereby the person who participates in that behaviour is looking for something, other than God, to meet a legitimate need that only God can meet. An association is made with this object or activity. The more the activity is repeated, the more it is reinforced, and the deeper in bondage the soul finds itself. The process is similar to the old verse:
Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a lifestyle; sow a lifestyle, reap a destiny!

TURNING THE TIDE ON ADDICTION
  A Biblical understanding of idolatry (The worship of false gods) is fundamentally essential in turning the tide on addiction. (Deut. 5:7-10) Anyone or anything that takes the prime attention and respect other than God himself becomes an idol for the person. Many Old Testament accounts illustrate the life-dominating control these false Gods had over the lives of their worshippers. (eg. Deut. 7:16, 25-26; 11:16-17; 12:30)
  A Biblical understanding of the heart (the core of man's being) is also necessary to understand the deceitfulness of addiction.  Jeremiah 17:9 tells us that the heart is “deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.” The individual bound in addictive sin will do all that is within his power to guard and nurture his personal idol. However, the object that he once was in control of as a puppet master has now become the ruling puppet-king of his life. It controls what he thinks about, how his activities are planned for the day. Usually his addictive behaviour takes precedent over all other activities. This puppet-king can even control how he feels.
  Freedom comes ONLY from CHRIST. Jesus said, “The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:35-36) Christ has freed us from the penalty of sin as well as it's power and influence over the life of the believer. It is the responsibility of the believer to walk in that freedom.

HOW TO BREAK FREE!
  The following points, meant to guide the reader, may seem simplistic but it has to be understood that breaking free is a moment-by-moment process and by no means a simple procedure.

1.Recognize that Christ IS sufficient. Many people turn to addictive activities because they believe they need something more than what God can give them. That is a lie! Colossians 2:9-10 informs us that in Him(Christ) dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and “YOU ARE COME TO FULLNESS in Him.” No matter what may come your way, the indwelling Risen sinless Christ is able to “keep you from falling” (Jude 24) into that sinful behaviour.

2.Reckon (consider as true of) yourself dead to sin. (Cf. Romans 6:11) Because Christ has set you free and because you are complete in Him, you are also dead to the power and rule of sin over your life. Give God the control over your life since you have died to sin.

3.Renew your mind. Because you are a new creature in Christ (2Cor. 5:17), you need to look at your life and your sinful activities that were enslaving you the same way God views your sin. When you see yourself the way God sees you, you will begin to act the way God wants you to act. This only can begin to take place by renewing your mind (Romans 12:1-2).

4.Remain accountable to others. Friends, family and church activity are essential in the process of breaking free. God created us with the need for fellowship. First with Himself, second with others. He ordained the Church to be a fellowship of believers to nurture and grow as each member does its part (Ephesians 4:16). Finding a local prayer group in the church will also help as you seek to break free from your besetting sin. 

NEW BIBLE READING PLANS FOR 2006

  The Holy Bible, the Divine Word of God, the Book of Faith and Revelation, should be read regularly everyday to nourish our Spirit, to strengthen our faith, hope and love, and to guide us at every moment of our life. Last year we had presented you with the 365-Day Bible Reading Plan- covering the whole Bible, with plans corresponding to each month of the year. We believe that, although it was little stretched out, it had benefitted the readers who stuck to the schedule and read the whole Bible within the year. This year we would like to introduce two new plans, viz., the 26-Week (6-month) NT reading Plan and the 52-Week (1 Year) OT reading Plan, which would help you to read the OT and the NT daily (OT in the morning and NT in the evening or vice versa). Hence, starting from this month, we will be providing you with both the reading plans every month. Set apart some time to read the passage everyday (early morning/evening/late night) and try your best to stick to the schedule. You’ll definitely get incredible results.
God Bless You!

A) THROUGH THE POWER OF HIS WORD, GOD GIFTED ALL THESE CHILDLESS FAMILIES WITH A CHILD AFTER MANY YEARS OF MARRIAGE!

B) HE HEALED My WOUNDS  BY HIS BRUISES...! HE IS MY SAVIOUR!! 
  Praise be to Jesus! Thanks be to Jesus!
   It at all started about 13 years. ago when my toe got burns due to my carelessness.  Later, my left leg started swelling and became painful with wounds opening up here and there. Doctors could not diagnose this disease and I came to New Delhi for treatment. At first, I had to get my toe finger cut to prevent further spreading of the disease. But this did not help and later the doctor advised me to have my leg cut in order to survive. But I went to Patna for treatment. I was bedridden for 1year. I have spent over 3-4 lakh rupees till now on treatment but in vain.
     Then my neighbour told me attend the prayer service at Jeevan Dham. Within a few days my legs got healed and pain disappeared. Now, after 6 months, I can walk, wear shoes and work comfortably. Praise the Lord for He is loving. He gave me a new life!
Basant Singh(35yrs.), Faridabad

EASTER WISHES

  Wishing all the readers of DIVYA JYOTI a very Happy Easter Season!May the Joy and Peace of the Risen LORD be always with you. Alleluia!   -- EDITOR

GUIDE MAP TO REACH JEEVAN DHAM:

  And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”(Isaiah 30:21)