This book collection is combination of my daily devotional and Sessions with Michelle Ann Melanie Tan.

Credits to BFGFC Weekly Today's Menu --- https://bfgfcdailybiblereading.blogspot.com

Credits to Wednesday Carecell ----
https://wednesdaycarecell.wordpress.com/

3 Days Later
….
…
..
.

Om woke up quite early today to exercise a little. Although his physique was already wonderful and could be compared to an athlete, but it didn't mean that he would get lazy because of that. He wanted to increase his physical strength more so that if any situation arises which could only be solved by strength, like the one in the bazaar, at that time he could handle it properly.


Om was still afraid of being recognized, so he wore a mask on his face and then went out to run. Because of the high pollution levels in the Delhi NCR, no one would even suspect him for wearing a mask in the early morning.

[A.N- NCR means Near Capital Region and sometimes is also used for the National Capital Region. But here, I am using it for Near Capital Region. Indirapuram comes under NCR.]


Today, his goal was to run constantly and test out his limits. The last time, due to constant stopping and making use of other parts of the body, Om didn't know what his true limit was. And today he was going to find out just that. 

Om saw that there were some 'training partners' here in the alley. So, he howled loudly. Yes, Om howled loudly. After howling, he had taken not even 5 steps when the stray dogs living in the alley started barking at him. They came in a group of 5 and surrounded Om. 

Their eyes were glowing with a ferocious light. All of them were growling, showing Om their sharp canines. As they came in step by step, Om suddenly made a run for it. 


Bow!! Bow!!!


The dogs were also in hot pursuit behind Om. Their eyes showed that they were not going to give up before they tear down the human in front of them. How dare he disturb their sleep. Let's see how he's going to survive today. Om also looked like he was not going to slow down any moment. 


When they came out of the alley, 2 of the dogs stopped pursuing Om. 3 were still behind him, barking loudly. Om looked back and saw only three of them were left. He turned his head and purposely slowed down a little. 

Dogs, seeing this, barked even more loudly. When they were about to bite onto Om's bum, Om speeded up instantly. This time, the dogs were not able to catch him. They could only stop and dumbfoundedly watch the silhouette of Om getting farther and farther until it disappeared.

 At this time, Om was sprinting with all his might. The people, who were also out at this time for a morning walk, were also surprised to see someone run so fast. If you looked at Om closely at this time, you would see that he wasn't even breathing heavily. 


His breathing was long and even. He ran like that for about 10 min and only then did he stop. When he stopped he was breathing very heavily and his whole T-Shirt was soaked with sweat. He could barely stand up at this moment. Although he was feeling very exhausted, more was he feeling doubtful. 


The last time he did push-ups he could only do about 90 or something. At that time, after doing the push-ups, he was feeling numb in his arms. But in the bazaar, the strength he had shown was greater than what he felt while doing the push-ups. And now, the strength he showed was even greater than what he showed in the bazaar. After sprinting for a whole 10 min like crazy, he felt like if he did the push-ups again, then it would be like a walk in the garden.


He felt like his strength had risen by quite a large amount since the day he had eaten the [Strength Enhancing Magical Fruit]. Earlier, his strength could be compared to an athlete, but now his strength was slowly surpassing them one by one. He carefully thought about it, he realized one thing. This was definitely the work of the [Strength Enhancing Magical Fruit]. 


Why was that? Does it increase the strength slowly? Om thought carefully. But he still couldn't get the answer. So, he tossed this thought to the back of his head. He decided that he would exercise daily and then he would think about it again. Then, Om went back to his rented house. 


This time, when Om entered the alley, all the dogs kept quiet all the time and stayed at their places. 
The sixth sense of the animals is much sharper than the humans. So, the dogs realized that this man was very dangerous and must not be provoked. So, they obediently sat aside in the alley, not moving a bit. Om saw this and happily went home. He opened his gate with the key that he had hid inside the pot outside his home. He went in, changed his clothes, took a nice, refreshing bath, and then he cooked his breakfast. 


All this took only around an hour. After he had his breakfast, Om started wearing some formal clothes. Why, you ask? Today was the day he performed in the Kamani Auditorium. So, it was normal for him to wear a nice set of formal clothes. He wore a grey T-shirt and blue jeans. He also wore a black blazer from outside. 

He stood in front of the mirror and wondered narcissistically, 'how could some anyone be this handsome?'


He sprayed his new deodorant on himself and then locked his main gate and left quickly. It was not late, but getting there early meant that he could check if everything was alright with his mike and other equipment. He didn't want something like his mike stopping to work like what happened last time. That is not at all good for an entertainer as it causes all the built-up momentum to disrupt at once. This causes the audience to get dissatisfied and even the whole performance to become less hilarious for them.  

Last time, he was lucky that it didn't stop working in the middle of his performance. But it still was not good either. He wanted to check everything twice and only then would he be relieved.

After 45 min of travel, a tired and exhausted Om reached outside the Kamani Auditorium. As for why he was tired and exhausted, then I would say that he chose the wrong time to travel by metro. Om reached the metro station at 8:30 A.M. This was the busiest time in the metro station. Many, many people would also choose this most cost-efficient, and the fastest way to reach their offices on time. 


Sometimes, there would be so many people that the whole train would get filled to the brim. There wouldn't even be any place to sit on the ground. When the gate of the train opens at any station, everyone would pray for someone to get of there, but instead, more people would enter the metro, making it even more crowded. 


And unfortunately, today was that day. Om had to stand the whole journey. But that was not the most exhausting thing for him. The most exhausting thing was when he had reached his station, he had to push the whole crowd to get out of the train before the doors close and the metro starts moving once again. He had to use the strength of his whole body to push aside the whole crowd and then get out of the metro quickly. 


But soon, Om's breathing became calm and smooth again. He tidied his crumpled clothes and went inside the Kamani Auditorium with large strides. On his way to the Auditorium, he found many people pointing at him and talking to themselves. One of them even ran up to him and said, "Hello, Om! How are you? I saw your stand-up comedy on Youthube and I was immediately concurred by your sense of humor. I really loved it. I came today just to see you perform." 


Om was feeling a bit uncomfortable when suddenly a stranger came up to him and started talking to him like that but he swallowed his uncomfortable feeling and replied with a stiff smile, "Thank you for supporting me. And in today's performance, I won't disappoint you." 


After shaking hands with Om, the guy left. But seeing this, more and more people started rushing up to Om to shake hands with him and talk to him. Due to interacting with all the people, half an hour had already gone past. Now, Om had less time to double-check his mike and other things. So, he immediately made his run towards the Auditorium. 

As Om entered the main gate of the Kamani Auditorium, he saw a nice little garden with lush, green small trees and grass growing. The trees and the grass were neatly trimmed. They gave off a sense of freshness and cleanliness to the place. Om hurriedly entered the building and saw many photo frames hung on the wall. 


The people in the photo were different types of entertainers who had performed in the auditorium. But one thing was common between them; all of them were quite famous. And most of them were also singers. To be precise, they were people who performed Qawwalis'*. After all, it was quite popular nowadays. There were also statues of gods placed on high platforms. 

[A.N- Qawwali is a style of Muslim devotional music now associated particularly with Sufis. These types of music are also very popular in India. They are also very great to hear(My thoughts).]


Om once again found a worker there and asked for the directions of the backstage. Then, he hurriedly went to the backstage and talked to the staff there. The staff agreed to his wishes for the double-checking the equipment before the audience comes and the show starts. 


After checking for about 10 min, Om was assured that there would not be any problems with the equipment during the performance. Om relaxed immediately and went back to the backstage for make-up and other things. 


After about 30 min, the whole Auditorium was filled with people. Today, too there would be 4 performers who would be going one after another on the stage to perform. But this time, Om was the last one to go on the stage. Why? It's because the main dish is always served the last. 


After the whole audience became calm and quiet, the host called out for the name of the first performer. This time, neither Pratham nor Ghotak and Akash were there to perform. Instead, there were only above average stand-up comedians there today to perform. In the Celebrity ranking, they placed in the last ranks of the F grade. 


As the first one went on the stage and started with his performance, the audience also started laughing. But, the laugh was not that loud and the claps were sparse. According to the audience, although the one on stage was a hilarious but as compared to Om and Pratham, the jokes and the 'punches lines' were not that great. 


But the performer on the stage was not dissatisfied by the audience's reaction. Instead, he was very happy. Standing there and speaking in front of such a large crowd without any nervousness was a very great feeling. The feeling was almost like a superstar. Even if he was a small entertainer, at least people recognized him and liked his work. That was all he needed to work day and night to write something good for the people. Although he could not become like Pratham or Rhytham, but at least he could do things or perform with all his heart so that even if he stopped doing it one day, people would still remember him and say in their hearts, "He was a great guy". This was all he strived for. This was his goal. 


But today, his life was going to change.

Dying an unfortunate death, Om reincarnates in another world, but finds out that he has got a Life-Changing System. The System promises him to make him a figure that can shake the whole world. 

Soon, he realizes that this world was a little different than his own. Movies, Songs, Literature, and many things were different in this world. Then, does it mean that he could use all those things here in the new world then? Would it still be considered as plagiarizing? Well, who cares as long as I become a Superstar, right? 

System: "Yes. Use them. Definitely use them."

Om: "Why are you so eager?"

System:"........."

Something is a little suspicious about the system. What is it? To find out, read this hilarious novel and follow our Mc, Om, and see how he is going to start from India and then sweep all over the world to become a world famous superstar.

After several years, a reporter asked Om,"Sir, as a world famous superstar, can you say a word or two to encourage the younger generation who is struggling in their lives?" 

Om closed his eyes and said, "
There’ll be scorching sunlight in the journey, 
If you can walk then, let’s go…
Everyone’s in the crowd, 
If you can also get out then, let’s go!
The paths never changes for anyone…
If you can change yourself then, let’s go.
Here, no one gives way to others…
If pulling me down steadies you up then, let’s go!
This is life,  some dreams and little hope...
If these little toys also muse you then, let’s go."
_____________________________________________
 
[This poem has nothing to do with me except translating it. This was written by a very, very renowned poet whose name is Muqtida Hasan Nida Fazli.]

Part 4:
Wow! Take a look at the powerful verbs in the verses at the beginning of this chapter: 
forgetting, straining, press on, win. To me, these words all seem to imply some kind of 
intentionality. Intentionality to do something, intentionality to pursue, intentionality to fo-
cus our time, talent, and treasure. As you consider your desire for experiencing Son Power, 
is it fueled by this type of intentionality? Is your desire a wish or is it actually a goal that you 
are willing to pursue? Are you simply thinking about the power of God in your life, or are 
you truly positioning yourself to experience it?
The very fact that you are reading this book seems to indicate that you have more 
than a simple wish to experience the power of the Holy Spirit 
working in you and through you. And since you've made 
it past the prerequisite and barrier chapters, you've already 
learned about some of the obstacles that possibly needed to be 
addressed in your life. But the question now remains: Do you truly have a desire to experi-
ence the Holy Spirit working in your life?
I've met many people who have wishes for their lives. They are waiting for something 
to happen. To me, a true desire is something we are willing to work for. I am not talking here 
about earning God's favor. I am addressing the need for each one of us to develop a yearning 
in our hearts for God's presence and power to actively empower us; a longing that results in 
us seeking after God. It is an intentionality that sets us on the course for pursuing God. YogiBerra, the renowned baseball player and coach once said, "If you don't know where you are 
going, you'll end up someplace else." When we have a true desire to experience Son Power, 
we know where we are going. We set our hearts and minds and lives on a path that will take 
us to our goal.
Desire Is Fueled by God's Word
I believe the first step in showing God that we truly desire Son Power is to be in his Word. 
The apostle Peter wrote, 
"Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow 
into a full experience of salvation." 
 —1 Peter 2:2, emphasis added
We can't grow in our relationship with God, through the Son, or experience the 
Holy Spirit, without the Word of God. In order for our lives to echo into eternity we need 
to embrace what the Bible tells us about who God is and how he works. Our entire being 
is wrapped up in Christ Jesus and what he did for us on the cross. Our desire for the Holy 
Spirit comes from Jesus and is fueled by Jesus, and we learn about all of this from God's 
Word.
Just as it is impossible to grow physically without physical food, it is impossible to 
grow spiritually without the food of the Word of God. When you plant God's Word in your 
heart it will accomplish everything that God wants to develop and grow in you. It will actu-
ally prosper in your heart. How do I know this? Because God's Word promises it! 
"It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will 
accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it."
 —Isaiah 55:11
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-
edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It ex-
poses our innermost thoughts and desires.
 —Hebrews 4:12
We never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you 
didn't think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as 
the very word of God—which, of course, it is. And this word continues to workin you who believe.
 —1 Thessalonians 2:13
We need to consume the Word of God just as we eat food to live. We must read it, eat 
it, and live it, and then God will visit to perform his Word in us.
God's Word gives life, enlightens, cleanses, produces fruit, counsels, and directs our 
steps. It accomplishes and prospers wherever it is sent. It teaches us that the Holy Spirit is 
our source and our power for a fulfilled life in this world and the next.
I truly believe that the degree to which we enjoy the benefits of the Son-powered life 
is in direct proportion to our desire and craving for God's Word. 
The prophet Jeremiah said, "This is what the Lord says: 'Stand at the crossroads and 
look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find 
rest for your souls'" (Jeremiah 6:16, NIV). He is talking about intentionality here.
A Desire for the World or a Desire for God's Word?
I love to play with words. During my devotional time one day, I placed two words side by 
side:
WORLD WORD 
It occurred to me that each of these words is promoting a message. The world wants 
us to embrace its message of "Me, Myself, and I." This message is in direct opposition to 
what God's Word has to say to us. God's Word is a story of sacrifice and giving. We must 
make a choice as to which message we are going to listen to and obey.
As I sat looking at those two words, I realized that if you drop the l out of world you 
have word. I thought to myself, The l stands for what I am living for in this life. I need to 
take that l of the world and move it under the Word, bring-
ing what I am living for in this world into submission to the 
Word of God.
In the Old Testament we read, "Those who worship 
false gods turn their backs on all God's mercies" (Jonah 2:8). 
The world has a lot of "false gods" to offer. If you Google the 
term "false gods," Wikipedia actually says they are "other competing entities or objects to 
which particular importance is attributed." There are many things in this world that have the 
power to turn our hearts away from God. False gods include money, possessions, success, 
school, careers, friends, and even family. Tim Keller, in Counterfeit Gods, defines a false god 
this way: "Anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart andimagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give."1
And so, each one of us has a choice to make each day. Are we going to follow the 
pathway of the world or walk in the way God's Word directs us? Are we going to allow false 
gods to steal our allegiance or are we going to stay true to the God of the Bible? Are we 
going to take our directions from the world manual or the Word manual? What is our true 
desire?
Desire Is Transformed through Soak, Sow, and Flow
God's Word will give us direction as we soak our heart in it and then sow it to the Spirit 
when we recite it as we talk with God about it. We then activate Son Power by an act of our 
will when we choose to flow with the Spirit in our daily walk with God. At that point, he 
begins to impart his divine life in us as we depend on him.
As we soak and sow, God responds and swings into action by allowing the Son to rise 
in our hearts to transform us.
And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are 
changed into his glorious image.
 —2 Corinthians 3:18
Note that the Spirit does the changing, not us. We are changed by his transforming 
power being released in us, freeing us more and more from the self-life and empowering 
us to do his will. When we do our part by positioning ourselves properly in relationship to 
God and his Word, he will do the rest. 
Technology today presents to us many different options for "virtual reality" experi-
ences. But what people really want is a real experience with God. Virtual reality is a "near 
to real" experience, but God offers us his very real presence. We experience him in our lives 
when we cooperate with him. The Old Testament tells us that he "rides across the heavens 
to help you" (Deuteronomy 33:26) and he "makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the 
wings of the wind" (Psalm 104:3, NIV). Those are very real words with very real power.
The apostle Paul tells us,
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the reali-
ties of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. Think 
about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and 
your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 
 —Colossians 3:1–3This is reality! We experience the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit.
The Heart-Felt Desire of King Solomon
We see in the life of King Solomon a true desire to follow God and his ways. In 1 Kings 3:3, 
Solomon is described in this way: "Solomon loved the Lord, and followed all the decrees of 
his father, David." One night, the Lord appeared to Solomon and said, "What do you want? 
Ask, and I will give it to you!" (v. 5). In response, Solomon answered, "Give me an under-
standing heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right 
and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?" (v. 9). The pas-
sage goes on to tell us, "the Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom … 'I will 
give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one 
else has had or ever will have!'" (vv. 10, 12).
First Kings 4 records the details of Solomon's wisdom: "God gave Solomon very great 
wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore. In fact, 
his wisdom exceeded that of all the wise men of the East and the wise men of Egypt" (vv. 
29–30).
However, Solomon's obedience was mixed. He had many wives, including foreign 
women who influenced him to sacrifice to their gods. His great wealth also contributed to 
unwise excesses. Solomon began well, as his humble request for wisdom shows, but he later 
disobeyed God. Because his desire did not remain focused, he ended up living much of his 
life in dissipation and he discovered by experience that outside the will of God life was total-
ly meaningless and without purpose. He was chasing after the wind. He realized that all of 
that earthly pleasure was worth nothing without a purpose for life from God.
Young people, it's wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do every-
thing you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account 
to God for everything you do. So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy. 
But remember that youth, with a whole life before you, is meaningless. 
 —Ecclesiastes 11:9–10
Don't let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in 
your youth before you grow old and say, "Life is not pleasant anymore."
 —Ecclesiastes 12:1
The loss of opportunity is real. What might King Solomon have accomplished with 
his life if he had kept his desire for God at the forefront of his endeavors?Samson's Rekindled Desire
There have been times in my life when I have thought, Is it too late for me to have an 
impact for the kingdom of God? I have wasted so much of my time, talent, and treasure on 
temporary, pleasurable, perishing experiences, and I have pursued the goals of this world.
Some of you may be having the same or similar thoughts. Let me just remind you 
that it is never too late to have a desire for God and his pur-
poses. However, it is better to move sooner rather than later. 
We must take advantage of the time God has given us while 
we still have it. It is dangerous to pass up an opportunity. It 
may not come by again.
We find encouragement in Judges 13–16 regarding this very principle in the life of 
Samson. Samson had a special calling on his life. His problem was that he dabbled in sin 
along the way and disobeyed his life calling. He became entangled in the pleasures of this 
world and refused to follow what would be considered by most people to be wise judgment. 
Dabbling in sin always leads to a downward spiral in our relationship with God. 
People who do this always lose their spiritual perspective. In Samson's case his choices led to 
captivity and imprisonment. He became an object of the people's derision, and they eventu-
ally made him a slave. What a tragedy for a man who had such a special calling of God on 
his life.
However, even though Samson had forsaken his calling, in the last moments of his 
life, he remembered his life purpose. God had destined him to take revenge on the Philis-
tines, and as Samson turned his desire back to God, God allowed him to accomplish that 
purpose.
Samson said to the young servant who was leading him by the hand, 
"Place my hands against the pillars that hold up the temple. I want to rest 
against them." Now the temple was completely filled with people. All the 
Philistine rulers were there, and there were about 3,000 men and women on 
the roof who were watching as Samson amused them. Then Samson prayed to 
the Lord, "Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me 
just one more time. With one blow let me pay back the Philistines for the loss 
of my two eyes." Then Samson put his hands on the two center pillars that held 
up the temple. Pushing against them with both hands, he prayed, "Let me die 
with the Philistines." And the temple crashed down on the Philistine rulers and 
all the people. So he killed more people when he died than he had during his 
entire lifetime.
 —Judges 16:26–30
There is an application for each one of us here. Until we finally leave this world, there 
is an opportunity for us to do things for the kingdom of God. Samson's life shows us that it is 
never too late. In the final moments of his life Samson remembered his God. In a moment, 
he was back on mission. At his request, God gave him the strength he needed to bring the 
temple down on those who had brutalized him in captivity. Mission accomplished.
Samson had many faults. He broke his vows. He went off mission. He became en-
tangled in sin that eventually destroyed his life. However, at the end of his life, he came to 
himself and returned to God. He literally finished strong. He is even mentioned as one of 
the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11.
Finishing life strong should be a major objective for all 
of us. We should want to finish strong. We should want to be 
doing the will of God. Our objective should be to finish the 
work God has given us to do. 
We want to escape the mistake Samson made in his life. He went after perishing 
temporary goals in this life. He sacrificed converting his time, talent, and treasure for the 
temporary goals of a world that was passing away. Are we in danger of making the same 
mistakes? The false gods of this world are calling out to us. The temporary pleasures of this 
world are seeking to entice us. However, we are to set our minds on the eternal aspects of 
life. We must avoid making poor decisions in this life, particularly when it comes to those 
decisions that have eternal ramifications. 
I often take time to reflect on my life and consider how the hand of God has been di-
recting me. This is one of the ways that I fuel my desire for the Lord. As l do so, he continues 
to be very real to me.
There was a two-year period in my life when it seemed I spent most of my time 
attending to my physical health. I was in and out of doctors' offices, in and out of hospitals, 
and constantly undergoing tests, procedures, and operations. At one point, it seemed to 
me God was taking me out of this world one organ at a time. I was in so much pain that I 
actually thought that if God was in the process of killing me, then why didn't he just take me 
out of here and be done with it? I felt like I was being tortured. And yet, God was getting my 
attention.
As I look back at this very difficult time of my life, I realize that all of the pain brought 
me closer to God and it gave me a renewed appreciation for his Word. I learned 
lessons that I might not have learned otherwise. My life was transformed. 
The apostle Peter wrote,
Trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests andpurifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when 
your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and 
glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 
 —1 Peter 1:7
Trials refine our faith and often rekindle our desire for God and his Word. Our faith 
is more important to God than perishing gold.
We see throughout the Bible that God works through broken vessels. Paul wrote, "He 
said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' There-
fore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on 
me" (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV). The more we realize we are weak, the greater the possibility 
that God can use us. We learn in trials and tribulations that our sufficiency comes from God 
alone. We learn to let the power of Christ rest upon us. 
I share this with those of you who may be going through difficult times and circum-
stances. The Holy Spirit may be trying to get your attention in some way. You need to ask 
yourself, What is God's message for me in this difficult time? The Holy Spirit deals with us 
in our everyday living, teaching us lessons as we learn to submit to him.
As we journey through this world, we are going to be faced with many different cir-
cumstances and situations. God's desire is that our desire be for him and his purposes.
Son Power at Work
1. Is the desire you have to experience Son Power a wish or a goal?
2. If your desire is simply a wish, what steps can you take to make it a goal? If your 
 desire is truly a goal, identify what you are doing to fuel your desire. 
3. Is your life guided more by the world or by God's Word? What is one thing you can 
 do to make God's Word the number one influence in your life?
Talk to God
Scripture Meditation
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." 
(Colossians 3:2, NIV)
Prayer
Oh, heavenly Father, how I desire to experience Son Power! By faith, I 
choose to set my mind on things above. Help me not focus on earthly things. 
Please reveal more of yourself to me as I plunge into the depths of your Word.
 I acknowledge that I am continually at a crossroads of having to choose

the world's way or the way of your Word. I see that when I follow your words, 
I am transformed and you use me to make a difference in your world.
 I marvel at what you have already done in my life. Truly, you are real and I 
want to experience more and more of you as I submit to your will. Thank you 
for activating the hidden life of Christ in me! (Colossians 3:3). Please make 
me more and more like Jesus as you change me into his glorious image (2 
Corinthians 3:18). May Jesus Christ, the Morning Star (Revelation 22:16), 
progressively rise in my heart as I desire your Word. Amen.

"A secret room and a beautiful woman's painting?" Liu Yeyin reacted to the black clothed man's report. Her hand also halted from inserting an acupuncture needle in Xing Baihe's body. She is currently at Xing Baihe's courtyard inside the imperial palace doing a series of treatment to fix Baihe's chaotic internal energy.
Xing Baihe's body also stiffened hearing the report. There is no doubt that the woman in the painting must be Lin Xulian. Although she finds this information irritating, she tried her best to hide it and didn't utter a word.
But of course, her effort didn't fool Liu Yeyin. "The emperor you chose is surprisingly devotional. No wonder you find it hard to control him. Even emperor Feng couldn't escape your control. Your taste in men is commendable. Right, Baihe?" Liu Yeyin teased.
"Naturally, sister-in-law. But in emperor Feng's case, I had the Gu poison maturing for four years inside him before awakening it. For the fifth prince. I had no choice but to use the young ones. By feeding it with external supply of internal energy, I could do it in no time. So don't worry sister-in-law. That devotion will soon be directed towards me." Xing Baihe explained and confidently stated.
But all of Xing Baihe's boasting and confident remarks were actually a way to hide her inner doubts. No one knows it but her initial plan was to have Feng Jun Yi kill Lin Xulian with his own hands. With that, he will have no choice but to expose Lin Xulian as an adulterous wife to justify his actions. Then Lin Xulian's reputation will be ruined aside from her own death.
Unfortunately, that didn't happen. If not for the assassination, Xing Baihe is certain that all their plan will be ruined. But she wasn't satisfied because even after Lin Xulian died, everyone still admired her. A whole country grieved for her loss. That seriously infuriates her even more.
"Don't forget the state of your body, Baihe. We'll have to deal with your unnecessary victims first." Liu Yeyin warned her. "Also, I had the time to wander around the capital earlier today and found some young ladies and madams poisoned with Gu. Could you enlighten me why?" She added in a threatening tone.
With her face down since she is lying on her stomach during the treatment, Xing Baihe couldn't see Liu Yiyen's expression. But she could pretty much guess that her sister-in-law is angry. Nonetheless, she believes that she won't be punished anyway so she admitted her fault.
"I had to do it sister-in-law or else those noble household will not favor me to assume the throne of the empress. They are wary of my origin as the previous enemy's empire's princess. And also because they think I cannot fit the previous empress's shoe." Xing Baihe defended.
Liu Yeyin already figured out that in some way, Xing Baihe's reason includes Lin Xulian. If not because she needed this overly insecure lass's skill, she would've crushed Xing Baihe's annoying head long ago. Her insecurity and jealousy are causing her to be reckless and stupid. And it is affecting Liu Yeyin's plan.
Still, Liu Yeyin quelled her anger and assumed an understanding tone. "It can't be helped then. But I can't deal with them just yet. If we touch the nobles, everyone will get suspicious. Worst, we might get the Qiangdu country's suspicion. For now, your priority is the fifth prince.""Yes, sister-in-law." Xing Baihe replied in a docile tone. The treatment then continued and the black clothed man left without a sound. But in Xing Baihe's eyes, the man looked like he vanished in thin air.
******
Inside the emperor's imperial study, Feng Jun Yi has a solemn expression as he listens to Xu Yichen's report. The report is actually trivial for Feng Jun Yi's position. It is about the palace servants and guards. But since there is no crowned empress as of the moment, the emperor need to handle these matter himself.
"According to the head servants, the four servant girls left a letter saying that they are running away with their men. Coincidentally, there are four are also four missing imperial guards. As this subject could see, this matter although showed disrespect to the palace, is not a matter to fret about. This subject will just send some men to find them and give their due punishment." Xu Yichen concluded.
"These servants and guards, where were they assigned?" Feng Jun Yi asked catching Xu Yichen by surprise. But he dismissed it as maybe the emperor is just curious.
"Replying your majesty, the servant girls are Imperial Noble Concubine Xing's previous main servants. It is said that she replaced them because she met some servants who managed to win her over with flattery which is not uncommon in the back palace." Xu Yichen answered truthfully. He genuinely thinks that these things are normal.
While Xu Yichen is nonchalant, Feng Jun Yi's expression changed slightly hearing Xing Baihe's name. At first he also thinks that this matter is not serious. But now he can't help but think that it is not that simple at all. Especially if it Xing Baihe is connected in some way. "What about the imperial guards?" He added.
Finally, Xu Yichen noticed the direction of Feng Jun Yi's thoughts. But he still continued his report without interrupting the emperor. "Replying your majesty, they were posted in Imperial Noble Concubine Xing's Courtyard.
Feng Jun Yi turned silent. There is a possibility that he is just looking too deep on the matter. But knowing that the Xing imperial family is trying to harm the Gonglu country, no one could blame him for overthinking their little actions. If not for the warning from whom he thought was Lin Huang, he would've acted long ago. However, he will keep his faith on the Lin clan and wait for their signal.
"Forgive this subject for prying, but does your majesty thinks that Imperial Noble Concubine Xing had a hand on the matter? As this subject remembered, Empress Lin acknowledged and adored the Princess. Does your majesty think otherwise?" Xu Yichen asked curiously.
Feng Jun Yi's fist clenched hearing Xu Yichen's words. It pains him to think that Lin Xulian was deceived by Xing Baihe and eventually caused her death. He also blames himself for being careless. If only he had been more insightful and not put all the work on Lin Xulian.
He was never really able to tell a person's inner intention so he always goes for what Lin Xulian wants. That's because he can see that she could do it. He only managed to live up to this day because he never fully trusted anyone.
As to why he trusted Lin Xulian, it was pure blind trust driven by his heart's desire. Later on he could already tell what she wants. But that's because he is always observing her. Never tearing his eyes away from her whenever she is around.
Thinking up to this point, Feng Jun Yi realized that he probably fell in love with her the first time they met. He was just stupid for not admitting it earlier and wasted their years together. 'If it could bring you back, I will gladly throw away this useless throne as the emperor, Lian'er.'
Returning to the matter at hand, Feng Jun Yi shook his head. "Don't mind Zhen, adviser Xu. Just Zhen's old habit. Without Lian'er by Zhen's side, Zhen cannot help but revert back to those lonely times." He answered in a defeated tone. Feng Jun Yi decided not to inform Xu Yichen about Xing Baihe's transgression for the moment. Knowing that the enemy uses Gu poison and experiencing it himself, he cannot trust anyone. Even his close allies.
Luckily, Xu Yichen accepted Feng Jun Yi's excuse. He had seen how Feng Jun Yi handles everything during those times. He viewed everyone as enemies and allies as chess pieces. Never fully opening his bare self to anyone. He was constantly on the edge.
Only Lin Xulian managed to drag him out. But her death put him back on that cage. And Xu Yichen has no power to set him free. "Then this subject will look things up deeper and act accordingly, your majesty." Xu Yichen ended then left the imperial study in a down casted mood.

Lin Xulian is a bubbly and talented girl. Having a martial arts master as a father and a doctor as her mother, she had both talents and excellent at that.

He, the first prince of Gonglu country and heir to the throne, Feng Jun Yi was constantly chased by assassins whenever they had a chance. Saved by Xulian when he was almost at death's door, he promised her the position of the empress. 

Being naïve and pure, she thought he was inlove with her. But after five years, they never consumate their marriage. Her husband is cold, emotionless and workaholic. She lived in luxury but without love. The empress position is just a payment. It broke her. 

But a news spread in the entire empire. The empress is dead! Burned alive in her bedchamber! 

“What is this empty feeling? It hurt so much.” A tear slid down from the eye of the emperor “No! Lian'er!!”

In the mountain in Gonglu country border, a woman mutter to herself “Finally, my freedom”

Hayri must had understood Allie's reaction since he no longer brought it up. They went to the bookstore right after the class. He just followed Allie as she went to the inspirational section. 

"Hayri, this kind of books  helped me in the past when I was so down. I am even reading one these days to help me in my.... personal struggles. "She smiled, trying to hide her sadness which suddenly surfaced as she was reminded of the reason why she was there .

She picked up one and opened it.

 "This daily devotional  is a one- year- commitment challenge to change your life. " She glanced up awkwardly while Hayri just nodded. 

"We both have emotional struggles to overcome. Can we get one and go through this together? " 

"As long as I'll be doing it with you. "
Hayri gazed at her lovingly, instead of the book she was holding.

"Hayri, I really want to help you to become someone you deserved to be. I want you to stay away from the ruins of wasting your life in anger and hatred. With or without me, please do this for your own good. "

She felt so frustrated at the thought that Hayri was only cooperating because ...he loved her? That another fact sent goosebumps into her body. 

"I need you,  Zheena. I don't want to go through this alone. " His eyes were begging and it drew out a sense of pity from her heart. 

She sighed loudly and Hayri got amused. He picked up the book from her hand and clawed his arm over her shoulders as he gently pulled her towards the counter. 

Their trip towards home was filled with silence except for the soft music in the background. Allie pretended to read the book to ease up the awkwardness between her and Hayri. 

Minutes later, they were already inside their office home. He opened her room for her and held it up as she went inside. 

"Zheena, we'll go out for dinner in thirty minutes. " He closed the door right away, leaving no chance for Allie to refuse.

 She threw herself down into the bed in frustration. Dinner would only give another moment for Hayri to express his feelings.This would be another frustration for him in the future and as much as possible, he must stay away from this while it was still early. She didn't want him to undergo another pain of losing someone important again.

Hayri took her later to Pierre Loti,  one of Istanbul's most vibrant tea gardens. Tea garden is an integral part of the Turkish's social lives. Though informal and the cost is high,  it demonstrate their most enjoyable outdoor pleasures. 

 Pierre Loti is known both as a popular tea garden and as the dwelling place of the French novelist by the same name. Close to it's location above the panoramic view of the famous Golden Horns of Istanbul, is Eyüp Sultan Mosque. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Turkey, where a companion of the Prophet Muhammad is thought to have been buried after the unsuccessful Arab siege of Constantinople in the 7th century.

Pierre Loti, on the other hand, is most famous for his vividly descriptive writing epitomized in Ayizade, a pseudo-biographical novel featuring the French naval officer's love affair with a Circassian harem girl while stationed in Istanbul. 

Nowadays, Pierre Loti is in itself a destination, a beautiful tea garden which offered the most spectacular historic and nature view on top of a hill studded by cypress trees. 

Amazed by the magnificent beauty of the place, Allie got lost in her reverie as they waited for their order.
She wondered how wonderful it would feel to be with Ajie in this place. But each time she thought much about him, it would always end up in her imagination of him and Cherry in that bed. Nothing was more crushing than the thought of him indulging in a sexual pleasure with someone else. How could he say he loved her when there someone else in his bed and in his heart? 

"Here's your order, sir! Have a wonderful time. " Allie was brought back to reality when the waiter came up with their crystal cups of rose hip tea and some other food. 

"Can I borrow your time,  Zheena? "

Allie chuckled out at his statement. 

"Of course, who else is with me other than you? "

"But your mind is too faraway! "He looked at her with a sulking expression. 

"I'm sorry, Hayri. I am  a nature lover and such beautiful places like this, pull me always as if I am in a trance."


"Next time, I will bring you to a place where you can see nothing else but me. "

Zheeena burst up in laughter and her beautiful demeanor instantly erased the gloom inside his heart.

"I'm really sorry, Hayri. This won't happen again "

Hayri looked down and his brows creased,  as if he was debating within himself.

"What is it, Hayri? " She put down her cup after taking a sip and reached one hand to lift up his chin. 

"I'm turning 18 tonight. "

Allie stared at him in disbelief and regret why she didn't care to know more about him,  even with just the very basic ones like his birthday. She stood up and hugged him tightly, like a big sister to a sulking little brother. 

"Happy birthday, Hayri. Why didn't you tell me ahead? "

"What would be the difference? "He asked, his face was still a bit gloomy.

"I could have bought a cake for you to make a wish! " She said with bright glows in her eyes. 

"I've said my wish already. " He smiled and fixed  a gaze at her for a long while without blinking. 

"Really?  So, I can't let you make a wish anymore? "

"Just ask me what is it. " He chuckled while giving her a teasing look. 

"What? " 

"I wish that...that you will also learn to love me. "

Allie retreated into her seat as she felt a headache coming on. 

"Hayri.." She softly said as she reached out for his hand.

"I don't want to hurt you in the end. You can't love me. You don't know who I am. While it is still early,  stop this. " She explained,  looking at him with begging eyes.

"I don't care who you are. All I know is I love you and I need you in my life. And that's what matters most."

Allyza lifted up her eyes to Hayri, her fiance who stood beside her on the deck. He looked back at her with those tender eyes, filled with so much love and admiration for her.

Little did he know, that the woman he loved and adored so much for five years was the one he was long haunting down to kill to avenge for his father.

7 'o'clock in the evening. It's another heck of the day. I spent the entire day replying my mails. I totally left the responsibility on KV sir. I need to get back to work as soon as possible. My inbox is at a rush. Meanwhile, Nath is busy preparing his Stash. 

'Is it mandatory to have it daily?' i asked.

' It's weed, Tanee Of course it is.' He replied.

'Look at your age man' 

' Ohh, now you are sounding like my wife, Do you want me to give some kisses to cool you down?' 

He said laughing weirdly.

I just laughed and a text message popped on my phone screen.


' Are you there? ' Veda texted.

' Yeah ' I replied

'I'm at Miramar' (The place where I stay)

' What? You didn't tell me that you are coming?'

' No, I'm at some puja in Nithya's friend's home'.

'Too devotional' 

'Not even a bit, Nithya forced me to come. Onam stuff' she replied.

'Is She does that always? :D' 

' This idiot wants me to come and now she's hanging out with her friends'

' Are you sitting alone?'

'Yeah, It's really boring' 

'Do, You want me to join :P ' 

' No thanks'

' Let's meet, I'm coming there' i texted

' No, I'll come. You stay there' she replied

'Okay, Anyhow I'll take 15 min to complete my work' 

'Hm,' She replied.


Veda and I.


I was completely drunk on the day of their performance. Well, I couldn't even attend but everyone praised the mob. Slowly promotions came to an end. I was literally very busy in the event management. It was the first day of sammskrithi. I was allotting the stalls. We also auctioned a Sky lantern stall. Aadhi was taking care of it. When I reach Aadhi, He is piling all the lanterns into the shelf and

' Have you seen Veda today?' he asked.

'No, I didn't' i replied.

'She wore a saree..really beautiful' he said

'Wow! Saree? where is she..?' My face lit with a glow.

'I don't know. Maybe she'll be in the canteen' he said.

All the stalls are assigned and I started looking for her everywhere. After an intense search operation, I could see her having an Ice Gola. She wore a floral printed Grey saree. She left her hair unknotted and pulled it one-sided. It exposed her neck. Her Mascara boosted her eyes to look more attractive. I could see the colour of ice gola on her lips. I lost inside her beauty. She was smiling like a cute bunny and talking to her friends. I was just standing beside her. After a few seconds, she recognised and wished me. I wish she won't react awkwardly. I wished her back and she asked to click a picture of them. She gave me her phone. I've captured them. 

She said ' Thanks'

'It's okay' I smiled

'I'm sorry for that day' she said

No, I've Overreacted' i said

kind of formal conversation is going on.

 'Vedaa' Her boyfriend called.

She looked at him and signalled him to wait

'Coming or not' he yelled.

How could he always glue to her? Even I would be the same if I have a girlfriend like this.

'Motherfucker' i whispered.

'Sorry, Have to go' she told me and left.


Door knocked.

'Yeah Veda, Come in' i shouted.

Nath is high on weed. I've opened all the windows to let the smoke go out. She got in. I still didn't see her and 

'Just 2minutes I'll be there' i said tapping on the keyboard.

'It's Okay' she said.

Nath asked her to sit.

'Nithya didn't come?' Nath asked.

'No, She's at her friend's place'

'Hmm, Will you have a joint?' Nath asked Veda by showing one of those dirt stuffed rolls.

She laughed saying ' No, You enjoy' 

'Stop it, Nath' i said laughing.

 I took a few minutes to finish my work. I took my glasses off and put them on the table. I turned to her. I was stunned looking at her. Stunned like if I never saw her like this before. I also couldn't even wish her. She smiled sitting on the couch. I took 5 seconds to blink my eyes. She was in a Cream coloured saree. It's a Kerala styled one. The edges are in gold but she's shining. Yes, she's shining like if someone just designed a doll of perfection. I can see her super smooth chin and the dimples are just lit. She put some kumkuma between her eyebrows horizontally. It's been 5 years I've seen her in a saree. I just wanted to give her the best compliment in the world. I felt like Nithya's friend should perform this puja every night. I felt like if it was a uniform and we both were working for that company. I would maintain a 100 percent attendance to see her. 

' HI,' I wished and walked towards her. 

Sat on the couch.

'You. errr.. You are' my tongue got twisted.

'I am.. what?'  she smiled and asked.

' I mean saree suits you very well'

' Aha, Thank you Ji' she replied.

'Thaaaank yu Jeeeee' Nath laughed teasing her.

She smirked at nath like if she wanted to stop teasing her. I was still looking at her with a weird smile like a kid staring at candies. She again looked at me. 

I can see in her face.. May be she understood what i was feeling right now. Atleast she got to know I'm feeling something special. May be she's feeling nothing. I don't know. 


Meanwhile Nath picked up all his stuff and managed to stand. He trashed everything and 'Okay, you guys have fun, I'm going upstairs'. Said walking to the door.


'Home?' i asked

'Yeah' Nath said

'Hah, May luck be in your favour' i said laughing

'Shut up man' he yelled and got out of the door.


What? He is out of the fuckin door. That means again I and Veda and only I and Veda. It was really calm and dim lighting in the room. I was nervous again but different from before. I felt like if she wore the saree just to make me mad. Veda was sitting beside me in her best ever version. I would have spoken to her better if i didn't talk about the kiss that day. I didn't felt any awkwardness while texting but in reality it's different. 

'It was really a boring day tanee' she said and signalled to pick me up a water bottle.

I picked up the bottle and 'Hmmhm' i said.

While she was drinking i took some gap and asked

'Why don't we go out and relax?'

'No, let's stay.Nithya will come and pick me up'.

' Okay.' i said

No time but I want her to be comfortable and entertained. It's not just to impress her. Obviously I want to be the best for her. I think nath wantedly left the room. Usually after smoking weed he stays in my room itself. 

'Love you, old man' i whispered and smiled inside.


'Music?' i asked

'Better' she smiled

'Enrique?' 

'My favourite' she said.


I pulled the chair to my laptop and opened it. I searched for playlist but i have a doubt. I didn't use the speakers since i was in this room. I don't know if they were working or not. They were filthy and uncleaned. Whatever i plugged them in. 


'Have I told you how good..

It feels to be me..

When I'm in you...'


Song started playing. 'Thank god' i whispered.

Enrique Iglesias saved my day. I carried my laptop to her and searched for Aadhi's mail in my inbox. He once dropped our Araku (visiting place near vizag) photos in the drive. I found the link and opened. 


'Woo! Is it 'Shahbana' she gained weight?' She said

I smiled.

I think Aadhi didn't change so much right? She asked.

'Yes, He maintains a lot of diet' 

She started tapping on the next slide smiling and I was like a local guide in the pictures. I was wearing a cotton short and faded black T-shirt. I still remember Aadhi picked me up in a rush. I didn't know where I was going till I was in his car.

Fuckk!! I saw something which I don't wanted Veda to see even if I get a million bucks. Even I don't wanted to see her. Wincy. That too we were together in the picture. Before I skip few photos 

Who's she? Veda asked.

I blinked my eyes in a slow motion

 'Wincy' I said in a not interested in telling tone

'Ohhh!! Here she isss' Veda laughed and pretending as if she is excited.

I was looking at her with a pout and I literally don't want to talk about Wincy.

'Beautiful, isn't she?' Veda asked out of sarcasm 

'Just stop it know' I said.

'She laughed and can I get this picture' She asked

' Shut up... Wait you wanted to speak to shahbana right? ' I said to skip the drama and called her. 

She started speaking with a wide smile, I can know that Shahbana was be equally excited by listening to Veda.. Usually girls talk more. That too when they get a call from an old friend, I'm sure it'll take hours. She slowly walked to the balcony.


'Yeah, you're the only reason I'm trying.

Maybe I'm addicted

I don't want to lose it all..'


I loved the song but i reduced the volume. Just a few seconds later Veda's phone is ringing. It's Nithya. 

'Shit!! I think she reached to pick Veda'

'So early.. why don't you spend some more time with your friends Nithya..' i whispered.

I held the phone and went to the balcony.

Veda seems to be very happy. She's talking to Adhi and i interupted

 'It's Nithya' i said giving her phone.

'Ummm err Aadhi just hold on..talk to Tanee, I'll be back' she said and asked me to talk.


'Bastard, what the hell you are doing with Veda' He yelled and laughed

I just wanted him to calm down. 

'Areyy I'll call you later and I'll explain everything.' i said in a low voice.

'Okay, when are you coming?' he asked

'Next week, Maybe.' i answered.

'Umm okay, Better come unmarried' he said out of sarcasm.

'What the fuckk' i yelled.

'Okay, just call me after she left' he said and ended the call.


Even Veda finished talking to nithya. 

'She's not coming' Veda said

'Why?' i asked out of happiness

'Some midnight plan with her friends' she said.

'Thank God' i whispered in the heart.


She was walking back. Walking back to the hall. I followed her. Enrique Iglesias singing in the background. The fragrance I used to let the weed smell go off is blooming now. I just unknowingly created a filmy essence to the situation. So now, whatever happens i badly need to grab her waist, pull her close and kiss her on the super smooth coral shaded lips. My mind is getting out of my control. Just for one second I felt if I was a lead actor in a gautham menon film i would definitely make this happen. Not my mistake. Her saree is manipulating my mind. I felt before something happens and she batista bomb's me I have to call nath or someone else. What if i ask her for the kiss? once again? One last try?? Shit! Not happening. I wanted to divert my fucking mind. 


She sat on the couch. I didn't dare to sit beside her. I grabbed a chair and sat opposite to her. I was calm and in a dilemma. I was dumb and looking at nothing but her face. She's texting back someone. The Queue shifted to the next song. I shifted from chair to the couch and sat beside her. I put one of my hand on the teapoy. With the other hand I held her chin and turned towards me,without letting a second shaft escape to the next. I kissed on her lips. Okay, not completely on the lips. In a rush I didn't turn her face completely. I gave a peck on half of her lips and the remaining cheek. 

\
\\
...


WELCOME 

Have you ever read the entire Bible at least once? If you have, share how this experience affected your relationship with God & others. If you have not share what hinders you from doing so & what will you do to overcome that starting this week.

WORD

Acts 17:1-15 New International Version (NIV) says

In Thessalonica

17 When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah," he said. 4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.

5 But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd.[a] 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: "These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, 7 and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar's decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus." 8 When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. 9 Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go.

In Berea

10 As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. 12 As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.

13 But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, some of them went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. 14 The believers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea. 15 Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.

One can make an eternal impact in the lives of others by studying the Bible, applying what you learned & teaching this to others.


2 Timothy 3:16-17 New International Version (NIV) says
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

that all Scripture is inspired by God & is useful teaching, rebuking, correcting & training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be equipped for every good work. This is why we need to study God's word, not merely for knowledge but for transformation.

STUDY GOD'S WORD

As we continue to study the Book of Acts, we follow Paul into chapter 17 where he engaged with all kinds of people that he encounters in his travels. The first place that Paul often went to in different cities was the synagogue. Here in Thessalonica, he gives an account of the Messiah, the promised deliverer of the Jews. Paul refers to the Old Testament to create a 'dialegomai'(Greek) or dialogue from the Scriptures. He explains that the Jesus Christ had to suffer & rise again, as written 


in Isaiah 53:5 New International Version (NIV) says

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
    and by his wounds we are healed.


& in Psalm 16:10-11 New International Version (NIV) says
10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
    nor will you let your faithful[a] one see decay.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Obviously, Paul studied Scriptures & knew what it says about the promised Messiah. Paul related ancient prophesy from Scripture to the historical event of Jesus death on the cross & His resurrection. Paul proclaimed Jesus with boldness & trusted the Lord for the outcome. Indeed, Paul would preach in the synagogue & would get beaten up after, yet he would do the same thing in the next city they would go to. He was not discouraged even if he faced opposition. He knew what his calling was, to preach the good news first to the Jews & then to the Gentiles. His calling was sure & getting beaten up & opposed to his face did not stop him from continuing on his mission. When you have an impact, you will have an uproar. In the things you are doing for God, are you experiencing an "uproar"? Doing God's work  might mean facing hostility from the very people you are trying to reach out to.

APPLY GOD'S WORD 

We must also check our eagerness in approaching God's word. Do you find the Bible bland & boring? Are you excited to encounter God in His word? 


Psalm 1:1-2 New International Version (NIV) says

BOOK I

Psalms 1–41

Psalm 1
1 Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.

Though the Bible does not promise a life without problems it is a deep source which God uses to guide you in making wise decisions as you face life's difficulties & challenges. Apply what you learn from the Bible in your life even before you attempt to share it with others!

TEACH GOD'S WORD  

The next group of people that Paul engages within Acts 17, were the Bereans who were more open to Paul's teaching compared to the Thessalonians. In matters of discernment, we must be like the Jews in Berea who not only studied the Scriptures but also used this to examine what was being preached to them. In listening to preachers, we must have an unbiased eye & be opened to the truth that a preacher teaches but always go back to Scripture & check for ourselves what we heard from the preacher against what the Bible says. Is this how we view the speakers we encounter? With an unbiased eye but a discerning spirit? We need to be careful because there are many false teachers & many more will arise. Like Paul, are you willing to take a beating for something you believe in? It is so hard to teach what you do not believe in, so make sure that you know why you believe what you believe & teach. One of the greatest hindrances to God using you to teach others about the Bible is your unwillingness to apply God's word. Have a self-check, is your Bible knowledge making you arrogant? Beware that it does not, as 


1 Corinthians 8:1 New International Version (NIV)

Concerning Food Sacrificed to Idols

8 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that "We all possess knowledge." But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.

As one grows deeper in the knowledge of Christ & the Bible, one should be more understanding, loving & humble. Is this true for you? The Thessalonians did not accept Paul's teaching the first time & yet even with the initial resistance, a church was established in Thessalonica. Paul's commitment to teach God's word no matter the personal consequence to him, eventually bore much fruit. The Thessalonians became an example of how lives surrendered to Jesus can become a vibrant church. We too can be an example of how a surrendered life that studies, applies & teaches the Bible can be transformed because of Jesus Christ.

DISCUSSION QUESTION (PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE ANYMORE HERE YOUR PAST EXPERIENCE, BECAUSE WE ARE NOW AT THE PRESENT TIME)

1. Which part in this process you excel in & where you need help to improve on? 

Mia's answer: In this process I excel in teaching God's word, I need to help to improve in my studying God's word

Kathy's answer: I would excel in encoding in QuickBooks and Excel.  I also excel in issuing invoices.  I also excel in following up dues from the customers or clients.  I need to improve my character skills.  I should be more patient towards other people.  I should learn to control my emotions. 


2. How will you apply our lesson STUDY, APPLY & TEACH  to your next week of your life? 

Mia's answer: i will apply our lesson to my next week of my life

Kathy's answer: I would apply my lesson to my next week of my life by first reviewing my lessons and then study what's my weaknesses and strengths so I could improve them. 


3. To whom will you teach the Bible this week? 

Mia's answer: I will teach the Bible this week to the workshop I will volunteer

Kathy's answer: I would teach Bible to my online network in Toluna PH and webnovel by sharing our own ideas in this Devotional Time Session.


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-END-

Lists of thoughts... Random thoughts... (considered as communion to God Almighty!)

On a crisp afternoon Nate Harmon was in the park for his daily walk. Today felt as if it were any other day, except today Nate felt that he had been enlightened spieitually. While on this stroll he spots an elderly homeless man on the way and decides "I wonder if he is lonely? Maybe i will go talk for a bit with him. He seems to he friendly. As Nate sat down the elderly man seemed like he was in a sad state of mind so Nate asked if the old was okay and if the old man wanted to talk about his day. To Nates' suprise the old man opened his eyes more to look at Nate revealing what seemed to Nate as two glowing pitch black eyes with yellow pupils. The old man asked, "What do you want?". Nate who was now paralyzed with fear mustered the courage to ask how his day was going and introduced himself. the old man introduced himself and said "My name is Supervisor". Nate was now puzzeled and attempted to ask why his nae was Supervisor but the before Nate could ask Supervisor explained that he was no more human. Supervisor expalined to Nate that he is one of the "Watchers" of the world Nate and the rest of the hans live in. Nate was so shocked that he could nit believe nary a word that came out of the mouth of this old man. Supervisor proceeded to tell Nate that Nate himself was in danger. Supervisor expalained to Nate that there were certain individuals after his life because he possesed they "key" to the door of life. Nate who is now speechless tried to mutter a word, but before he could there was a ruckus in the crowd behind them. "THERE HE IS, GET HIM!!!!". Supervisor then ushered Nate to run as fast he could that he would hold off his pursuers. Nate ran as fast as could not looking back. Nate got as far as his stamina could get him. Luckily there was a hotel nearby for him to rest. As nate checked into a room overnight he sat on the bed to ponder what had happened to him today. Nate thought today was supposed to be better but yet today ended in such a cluster of emotions. Nate then realized he had gotten even more tired by trying to understand what his current predicament was so he decided it was best to sleep. As Nate fell into dream upon his head laying on the pillow, Nate had started to appear like he was in another world.

After some breakfast mike opens a laptop and keeps an eye on the app feedback and no of downloads.

currently, the app beta version is free. He plans to charge after some user feedback and some user review over the app.

Mike looking at the background data of app there are no downloads and no of registered users. Overall downloads up to really exaggerated 20000 views in a single day and no of registered users 10000 members overall it's a good start.

when mike uploaded the app on the Android platform.

A certain location an author is checking the market for an app to reduce his work stress then he stumbled on the app which is the voice app he knows that's just fake no perfect voice input app is available until now. But under curiosity, he opens the app to try it for a trail.

His name was Harry. He was a professional author needed to submit a minimum amount of 10000 code word per day. As a professional to keep maintain good quality and quantity of daily updates.
when he is trying the app he uses daily work as a practice and pronunciation are perfect whether it is the word or phrase.
keep in mind he wanted to test to write his article. And uses the app to start writing an article and he keeps on using until the end of the article. He was surprised to find that Article is over and he just used 1hr to write 10000 codewords which are maintaining quality and quantity. His performance increases double at least. Today His performance is doubled and it was kind of fun to use an app with it my writing frequency increases at the same time my earnings.

He shared his experience in his author circle to help his friends to earn some money.

Then a friend replied harry is it real...
Harry: of course I just used and shared my experience you just have to experience to feel the miracle.
His friend said he will try it and download the app for the trail. Similar thing happening on author circle everyone is experiencing the voice input app and no of downloads keep on increasing.
 
Mike just watching background data and analyzed that it will break 100000 users until night.
He was just excited to see the market response keep daydreaming about his first bucket of money.

This is a story of youth, who worries about his feature. after the graduation of college.when he became ordinary otaku who is doing nothing but ordinary life watching movies and novels.
     A day changed his life when one night when he was reading a novel on his bed.a starry light came from the universe changed his life.
      from that moment he became genius changing the development of the country.praised as a genius by people, technology leads the life. starts the journey of technological empire.

today in the word daily devotional

DPFW 2020 - Our Daily Devotion Diary

I'll Become a Superstar (System Will Help me Though)

THE KINGDOM NOMICS SON POWER

The Empress is Dead

Will You Remember Then?

COFFEE WITH WOMEN AND WHISKY WITH MEN

Crazy Chick's Thoughts

Hidden Mysteries

The Supervisor

Super Technology system

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