We see different types of people at Church.Some people come like they came for an attendance,some people come for sleeping,some will always be on mobile and some keep on chatting with each other.But whatever their reason might be and how much they may distract,you just keep focus on preacher. Here is an small and clear example to tell you how focused we should be.

One day a lady went to the Pastor and said...I won't be attending Church anymore.He said, may I ask why? She said, I see people on their cell phones during the service, some are gossiping, some just ain't living right, they are all just hypocrites. The Pastor got silent, and he said, OK. But can I ask you to do something for me before you make your final decision? She said, what's that?

He said, take a glass of water and walk around the Church two times and don't let any water fall out the glass. She said, yes I can do that and went for rounds.After some time she came back and said it's done.

Now Pastoer asked her three questions:
1. Did you see anybody on their phone?
2. Did you see anybody gossiping?
3. Was anybody living wrong?

She said, I didn't see anything because I was so focused on this glass, so the water wouldn't fall.He told her, when you come to Church , you should be just that focused on God , so that YOU don't fall.THAT'S WHY JESUS SAID "FOLLOW ME,"! He did not say follow Christians.

Don't let your relationship with God be determined by how others relate with God. Let it be determined by how focused you are with God.

So, what are your thoughts. Did you faced or are you the one like this? How are you going to overcome?

God gave us mouth to speak truth and good words.Sometimes we are called to speak and we should talk with responsibility.But there are times where we need to Be Silent and here are those 20 Reasons.

1. Be Silent In The Heat Of Anger (Prov 14:17)
We say lot of foolish and regrettable things when we are in anger,once they are said we cannot take them back.Try not to say anything at that time and Be Silent.

2. Be Silent When You Don't Have All The Facts (Prov 18:13)
Do not answer to anything without listening completely. When someone is saying about anything which you may know or may not or you don't have complete knowledge on that, still listen to them first. Don't try to act smart as if you know everything and interrupt them in between.Some people go one step ahead and act even they don't know completely about that.You may be caught and will be ashamed when things go wrong.So, Be Silent.

3. Be Silent When You Haven't Verified The Story (Deut 17:6)
Don't judge anyone just by listening one side of the story. Try to know the truth, verify from others also before judging anyone until then Be Silent.

4. Be Silent If Your Words Will Offend A Weaker Person (1 Cor 8:11)
Sometimes we are convicted of what we know and our pressured need to speak up that we forget to think about how our hearer will be affected by what we feel pressured to say. If your words will offend or hurt hearer(s) then you need to Be Silent.

5. Be Silent When It Is Time To Listen (Prov 13:1)
There are times when we need to stop and listen. Sometimes we speak endlessly without giving a thought that in order for communication to be effective, we need feedback. The preacher in Ecclesiastes says there is time for everything including listening.

6. Be Silent When You Are Tempted To Make Light Of Holy Things (Eccl 5:2)
Please be silent when inclined to make light of holy things. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.

7. Be Silent When You Are Tempted To Joke About Sin (Prov 14:9)
Fools mock at making amends for sin, So Be Silent

8. Be Silent If You Would Be Ashamed Of Your Words Later (Prov 8:8)
Only speak if you can be proud of your words later. Often times we speak without thinking and feel embarrassed later when sense returns.

9. Be Silent If Your Words Would Convey The Wrong Impression - (Prov 17:27)
King Solomon offers this wise counsel in Proverbs, “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.”

10. Be Silent If The Issue Is None Of Your Business - (Prov 14:10)
The Bible cautions us against being busy bodies and instead living quiet lives. ~ 1 Timothy 5:13.

11. Be Silent When You Are Tempted To Tell An Outright Lie - (Prov 4:24)
Do not take Oaths and do not speak if speaking will lead you to lie. Silence in this situation is your way of escape. “Let your Yes be Yes and your No be No, or you will be condemned.” ~ James 5:12. “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” ~ Ephesians 4:25

12. Be Silent If Your Words Will Damage Someone Else's Reputation - (Prov 16:27)
“Do not let unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” ~ Ephesians 4:29

13. Be Silent If Your Words Will Damage Friendship - (Prov 16:28)
A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.So, Be Silent

14. Be Silent When You Are Feeling Critical - (James 3:9)
Criticizing others does not build them up but tears them down; we are counseled to praise and not curse. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, how can we curse/abuse with same tongue.If you do not have anything good to say, Be Silent.

15. Be Silent If You Can't Say It Without Screaming It - (Prov 25:28)
The Bible records, “Like a man whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self control.” ~Proverbs 25:28. The same book in the bible says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger.” ~ Proverbs 15:1

16. Be Silent If Your Words Will Be A Poor Reflection Of The Lord Or Your Friends And Family - (1 Pt 2:21-23)
We are made in the image of God and our words should be a reflection of that image.

17. Be Silent If You May Have to Eat Your Words Later - (Prov 18:21)
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Be careful not to run your mouth to hell.

18. Be Silent If You Have Already Said It More Than One Time - (Prov 19:13)
One tends to be angry if they have already said something more than one time. You will be tempted to yell or speak hurtful words. You are better off staying silent and only speak when you are calm. I am guilty of this sin. On the flip side if you keep saying the same thing all time you become like an irritating constant dripping. ~ Proverbs 19:13

19. Be Silent When You Are Tempted To Fatter A Wicked Person - (Prov 24:24)
Better a friend who tells you the truth than one who flatters you.

20. Be Silent When You Are Supposed To Be Working Instead - (Prov 14:23)
These are the worst times to speak because our brains are craving sugar and rest. It is more likely that you will speak out of turn if you speak during these times.

Silence is sometimes golden. So, think before you speak.

What do you think some other reasons where we need to be Be Silent?

In our life at times we get sick, feel sad, get depressed and dive in to many more emotions. At that moment of time we sometimes call ambulance, police, friends, parents, help line etc... based on our situation. At the same time do remember to dial the below Bible numbers also to see the miracles in your life.

When -
You are in Danger, Dial Psalm 91:1-16
You are in Fear, Dial Psalm 47:1-9
You are in Sorrow, Dial John 14:1-4
You are in Worry, Dial Matthew 6:25-34
You are Depressed, Dial Psalm 27:1
You are Discouraged about your work, Dial Psalm 126:3-6
You are Hurt, Dial Colossians 3:12-17
You are hated because of your Faith, Dial John 15:18-24
You are Lonely and Fearful, Dial Psalm 23:1-6
You are losing Confidence in people, Dial 1 Cor 13:4-8
You are losing Hope, Dial 2 Thes 2:16-17
You are praying for yourself, Dial Psalm 87:1-7
You are Scared, Dial Psalm 23:4
You are in need, Dial Philippians 4:19
You are unable to understand what God is doing, Dial Isaiah 55:8-9
You feel no one is on your side, Dial Romans 8:31-39
You feel you’re Failing, Dial Psalm 121:3-4
You feel World seems bigger than God, Dial Psalm 90:1-17
You feel World is small compared to you, Dial Psalm 19:1-14
You have Sinned, Dial Psalm 51:1-10
You leave Home for travel, Dial Psalm 121:1-8
You lose Faith in mankind, Dial 1 Cor 13:1-13
You need Security, Dial Psalm 121:3
You need Assurance, Dial Mark 8:35
You need Reassurance, Dial Psalm 145:18
You think God is far away from you, Dial Psalm 130:1-8
You think of investments/returns, Dial Mark 10:17-31
You think People fail you, Dial Psalm 27:1-14
You think People seem Unkind, Dial John 15:12-13
You want a Great invention/opportunity, Dial Isaiah 55:1-13
You want Peace and Rest, Dial Matt.11: 25-30
You want to be Fruitful, Dial John 15:1-27
You want to know Paul’s secret to happiness, Dial Col. 3:12-17
You want to get along with Fellow Men, Dial Romans 12:1-21
You want Courage for a task, Dial Joshua 1:7
You want to do Good works, Dial John 15:5
You want to Pray, Dial Matthew 6:9-13
You want to live a Happy Life, Dial Colossians 3:12-17
You wonder about Christianity, Dial 2 Corinthians 5:15-18
Your Bank account is empty, Dial Psalm 37:1-40
Your Faith needs encouraging, Dial Hebrews 11:1-40

NOTE: All these numbers can be dialed directly and are open 24/7.

ON A DAY LIKE THIS Joseph woke up as a prisoner and doing his daily routine, but by evening he became the Prime Minister. (Gen 41:15-45)

ON A DAY LIKE THIS Naaman woke up usually with his leprosy, but before the day closed he had been healed and transformed. (2Kings 5:9-14)

ON A DAY LIKE THIS David was innocently on the field tending his father's sheep before he was sent for and anointed as a KING. (1Sam 16:13)

ON A DAY LIKE THIS Mordecai slept at the palace gate as usual as a gateman but before the day closed he was brought inside the palace and honored. (Esther 6:10-11)

ON A DAY LIKE THIS Bartimaeus woke up as usual a blind man but before the day closed he was able to regain his sight. (Mark 10:46-52)

ON A DAY LIKE THIS Daniel slept in the lion's den but by the time, it was morning he was brought out and promoted to the post of a Prime Minister. (Dan 6:16-28)

ON A DAY LIKE THIS A woman from Shunem woke up overwhelmed by debts and threats but by the close of the day she had paid them all and had become rich. (2Kings 4:1-7)

ON A DAY LIKE THIS Lazarus slept overnight in the grave but by evening, he had arisen and came back to life. (John 11:43-44)

ON A DAY LIKE THIS The woman with the issue of blood woke up with her illness but at the close of that day, she was totally healed of it. (Luke 8:43-50)

ON A DAY LIKE THIS Jabez cried unto the Lord and his coast was enlarged. (1Chr 4:9-10)

ON A DAY LIKE THIS Elisha prophesied that 'by this time tomorrow famine will be over and there would be plenty of food' and it came to pass just as he had said. (2Kings 7:1-19).

May today be that day of Pleasant Surprises and outstanding testimonies for you and your loved ones.

Share your testimony if you ever experienced anything ON A DAY LIKE THIS.

A child is preparing a kite.He added beautiful colors to it and made it so colorful.Once it is prepared he started flying it.Based on the weather condition,he is flying it accordingly. The kite is sometimes going up and sometimes coming down.Kite felt so happy and enjoying its stay there.

A bird seeing this from far came to this colorful happy kite and started talking to the kite.
Bird : Hi, you seem to be so happy.
Kite : Yes.
Bird : Why are you stopped here, you can still fly high.
Kite : No, My owner is controlling me.I should follow and act according to him.
Bird : If you listen to him, then you will always be in his control.If you break the thread then there is no limit to you.You can fly as much as you can.

Kite fallen in to the bird words and broke the thread.It started flying high. It tried to go up in to the sky but could not make it and fallen in to some tree of thrones.Child came running towards the kite and bought it back from thrones.Child got so many scratches with blood due to the thrones.The Kite realized the truth that it shouldn't have listened to the bird words. Child made the broken kite in to an colorful kite and again started flying it.The Bird came to the kite this time also and started telling the same to fly high but this time the kite ignored its words and dint even bothered to listen.From that day the bonding between child and kite was good and they played happily.

In this story we are the kites and Jesus is the child.Our prayers,belief and faith is the thread.We should act accordingly as Jesus said and do not break the thread of our faith in him.If we ignore him and listen to Satan then we will be misguided and fallen in to the tree of thrones.In the story Child brought the kite some times down looking at the weather condition, in the same way in our life also we may get ups and downs, that doesn't mean the life is over.GOD knows the situation and he acts accordingly.The child bought back the kite by going in to the thrones,in the same way Jesus shed his blood for our sins.The kite believed the child on all times, whether he is pulling down or sending him up.In the same way believe all ups and downs you face in your life are for our better future.As the child made the kite colorful, our life will also be colorful if we Believe in him and keep faith in him (John 3:15).

Praise The Lord /\

Many of us try to be more disciplined for Lent and give up something that we really like. That’s great! Fasting has always been an important tradition of Lent.

This year however, let us also consider other things that we can give up.

Give up complaining - Focus on Gratitude

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure.(Philippians 2:14-15)
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Give up bitterness - Turn to forgiveness

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. (Ephesians 4:31)
Be kind and compassionate to one another forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

Give up worry - Trust in God

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life… who by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (Matthew 6:25)
But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)

Give up discouragement - Be full of hope

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you: he will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

Give up hatred - Return good for evil

Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. (1 John 2:9)
But I tell you who hear me; Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. (Luke 6:27)

Give up anger - Be more patient

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. (Matthew 5:22)
A hot tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. (Proverbs 15:18)

Give up gossiping - Control your tongue

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. (Psalm 34:13)
He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity. (Proverbs 21:23)

Take some time to think about what you want to give up this year and may it help you to turn towards GOD in this holy season of LENT.

Image Source : www.sij.org

The word LENT is derived from the Anglo- Saxon words LENCTEN, meaning SPRING and LENCTENID, which literally means SPRING TIME. This can be viewed as a spiritual spring cleaning. A time for taking spiritual inventory and then cleaning out those things which hinder our corporate and personal relationships with Jesus Christ and our services to Him. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends after 40 days(excluding Sundays), before Easter Sunday.

Significance of 40 Days in Bible

In Lent, many people commit to fasting, as well as "giving up" certain luxuries.LENT is the time to re-think, to rewind, to remind, to remember, to reflect, and to retrospect by remembering the past and rectify the future.

Let’s turn away from SIN, be prayerful and come close to GOD.

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References :Wikipedia, www.gotquestions.org