The path of the Righteous

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. – Proverbs 4:18

In a world that wants instant results, the Bible tells us that our growth comes slowly, but consistently. Maybe you are discouraged today because you don’t feel like your life is going anywhere. But how were things a year ago? Five years ago? Ten years ago? Many times it takes a long range perspective to remind ourselves that even though we have not gone as far as we want to, when we look back, we see that we’ve come a long way from what we used to be. We are getting brighter and brighter!

Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like you

The path of the righteous

The Hot Water Bottle

The Hot Water Bottle
A True Story By Helen Roseveare, Missionary to Africa

One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do, she died, leaving us with a tiny, premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive; as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run an incubator).

We also had no special feeding facilities. Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in.

Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates). 'And it is our last hot water bottle!' she exclaimed. As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk, so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles. They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways.

'All right,' I said, 'put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. Your job is to keep the baby warm.'

The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died.

During prayer time, one ten-year-old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our African children. 'Please, God' she prayed, 'Send us a hot water bottle today. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon.'

While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, 'And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?'

As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say 'Amen?' I just did not believe that God could do this.

Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything; the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from the homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever, received a parcel from home.

Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the equator!

Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door. By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there on the verandah was a large 22-pound parcel. I felt tears pricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children. Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box. From the top, I lifted out brightly-colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make a batch of buns for the weekend.

Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the.....could it really be? I grasped it and pulled it out. Yes, a brand new, rubber hot water bottle. I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could.

Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, 'If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly, too!'

Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully-dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted!

Looking up at me, she asked, 'Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?' 'Of course,' I replied!

That parcel had been on the way for five whole months, packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator.

And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child - five months before, in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it 'that afternoon.'

'Before they call, I will answer.' (Isaiah 65:24)


Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost, but a lot of rewards. Let's continue praying for one another.


Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless my friends reading this. I ask You to minister to their spirit. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubting, release a renewed confidence to work through them. Where there is tiredness or exhaustion, I ask You to give them understanding, guidance, and strength. Where there is fear, reveal your love and release to them Your courage. Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and raise up leaders and friends to support and encourage them. I ask You to do these things in Jesus' name. Amen

Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Helping Hand always for you

A father was working in his garden. His child was with him, trying his best to impress his father by performing minor works as directed by his father. The father saw a stone in the garden near his son and asked him to remove it. “We will plant a nice plant there instead”, he said. The child tried to move the stone but it did not move. He declared aloud that he could not move it. The father was at a distance and so he replied aloud, “Try again. Use all your means to remove it.” The child used all his might and still could not dislodge the stone. So he started to cry aloud. The father ran to him and pacified him.

“I told you to use all your means, didn’t I?" he asked. “Yes, I tried my best”, replied the crying child. “But you forgot about me, my dear. You could have sought my help. Why didn’t you include me in your ‘means’?” the child was enlightened. Working along with his father, he could easily move the large stone and plant a new plant in its place.

This happens to all of us. When we fail in an action, we feel depressed and dejected. We may forget God and His infinite strength. We must seek His help, always.

He is sure to help us, if our action suits His plan for us.

Without God, we are zeroes. With God, we are heroes.

God says,

“Do not be afraid- I am with you!

I am your God- let nothing terrify you!

I will make you strong and help you;

I will protect you and save you” {Isaiah 41: 10}.

Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

God Will Forgive You

The story, "God Sees the Truth, but Waits" by Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) depicts the sufferings of a truthful merchant, Ivan Dmitrich Aksionov of the Russian City of Vladimir. He left his family on a business tour. On the way he shared an inn during night with a fellow merchant. He left the inn before dawn and continued his journey. He was chased and stopped by a police officer and two soldiers. They questioned him about his role in the murder of the merchant who shared the inn with him. Aksionov was innocent but the officials recovered a blood-stained knife from his bag. He was arrested, tried, convicted, scourged and deported as prisoner to Siberia where he had to do hard labour for twenty six years. He prayed fervently expecting mercy from God, who alone knew the truth. He was loved by his authorities and fellow-prisoners.

A new batch of convicts reached his prison. One of them was Makar Semyonich, a hardened criminal from Vladimir. From his talk, Aksionov learned that Semyonich was the criminal who had murdered the merchant, robbed him and hid the knife in Aksionov's bag. But Aksionov was not ready to take revenge. One day, he found that Semyonich was digging a tunnel under the wall of the prison to open a secret passage for his escape. The guards discovered the hole and questioned every prisoner. They questioned Aksionov, hoping that he would reveal the real culprit. But he did not reveal the matter. This saved Semyonich .That night, he knelt before Aksionov and sought his forgiveness, confessing his earlier crime for which the innocent Aksionov had to suffer for 26 years in prison.

Aksionov forgave and consoled the criminal saying, "God will forgive you!" The next day, Semyonich confessed his guilt to the authorities. Askionov was granted full pardon. He died in peace. Truth triumphed finally.

The story gives hope to innocent persons who are accused falsely. God will answer their prayers and finally give them relief, peace and joy. But God has His own plans about everybody. Our prayers may not be answered immediately. Criminals who conceal their crimes and pretend to be saints will be exposed and brought before the law one day. God has plans about every man.

"The Lord saysI alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for" {Jeremiah 29: 11}.

Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

A man's greatness cannot save him from death

A baby squirrel and her mother were seated on a branch of a tall tree near a cemetery. They saw a huge crowd of people in and around the cemetery. The dead body of a great leader was brought in a costly coffin in a decorated vehicle in an endless procession. Hundreds of cars followed the vehicle. Thousands of pretty wreaths were unloaded. The funeral was ceremonious. The Archbishop was the Chief Celebrant. Hundreds of priests and nuns and a multitude of political and religious leaders were present. After the funeral, a grand condolence meeting was held in the premises of the church nearby.

As the meeting was in progress, four people brought the dead body of a poor man to the cemetery. There was no vehicle or procession. The body was buried in a pit close to the place where the great man's body was buried.

The baby squirrel asked his mother, "We saw the funeral of two bodies. One was very showy. The other was very simple and silent. What is the difference between these two bodies?" The mother could not find any difference. But when the baby insisted, she decided to investigate it in detail. When everyone left the cemetery, they burrowed a small hole at the centre of the two pits to reach the bodies. Deep in the hole, they met a worm which survived on decayed dead bodies. The worm enquired about their action. They told that they were trying to study the difference between the two bodies buried in adjacent pits. The worm said, "I am an expert in examining dead bodies. Let me have a closer look. I will return soon and clarify your doubt." The worm went down into the pits, returned and declared, "I have tested the dead bodies thoroughly. There is no difference. They have the same taste!"

Diogenes was a great philosopher and a friend of Alexander, the Great. Once Alexander found Diogenes examining a large pile of bones. To Alexander's inquiry, Diogenes replied, "I am searching for the bones of your father, King Philip; but I cannot distinguish them from the bones of his slaves." Alexander learned a great truth from this action. Death is the universal equalizer. Everyone is equal before death as death comes to all - great and small {Job 3: 13-19}. At his deathbed, Alexander instructed his close associates to leave his hands hanging free on either side of the coffin during his royal funeral procession. That was to teach the world that he could carry nothing with him on his final journey.

"Don't be upset when a man becomes rich, when his wealth grows even greater; he cannot take it with him when he dies; his wealth will not go with him to the grave. Even if a man is satisfied with this life and is praised because he is successful, he will join all his ancestors in death, where the darkness lasts for ever. A man's greatness cannot save him from death; he will still die like the animals" {Psalm 49:16-20}.

"Provide for yourselves purses that don't wear out, and save your riches in heaven, where they will never decrease, because no thief can get to them and no moth can destroy them {Luke 12:33}.

Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster

A king had an earnest and honest minister. The king trusted him but disliked his frequent statement, "God gives everything for our own good."


Once they went together for hunting. While making a way through the forest by cutting the bushes with his sword, the king cut off the tip of his middle finger. They treated the wound using medicinal herbs and bandaged the wound to stop bleeding. As they finished the treatment, the minister made his usual remark, "God gives everything for our own good." The king was furious. "You are really cruel", he said, "I am in great pain and you say it is for good. You will say the same thing when I lose my head!" Filled with rage, he flung the minister into a dirty pit and raced off alone.

In the dense forest, the king was caught by a group of savages. They tied him up and carried him to their chieftain. They were celebrating a religious festival. They wanted to offer the king as a human sacrifice before their deity. As the rituals were progressing, the chief priest examined the 'offering' in detail and found out that the tip of his middle finger was missing. He declared that only perfect bodies without any defect would be acceptable as sacrifice before the deity. Hence the king was released. The king realized that the minister's statement was correct. So he returned to the pit and rescued the minister. The king narrated the events and apologized for his action. The minister repeated, "God gives everything for our own good."

The king asked for an explanation for this statement. The minister said, "If you had not put me in the pit, I would have been with you when the savages attacked and they would have sacrificed me instead of you!" The king now confessed with conviction, "You are correct. God gives everything for our own good."

God speaks through Jeremiah, "I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for {Jeremiah 29: 11}.

Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

He gives generously to the needy, and His kindness never fails

It was a Christmas Eve. A mother and her child were shopping in a large super market. There was a heavy rush of customers as the shop was to be closed on Christmas day.

The shop was decorated beautifully. At the exit, a large bowl full of toffees was placed for the children. A stout gate-keeper was asking the children coming out of the store to have a handful each of the sweet toffees as Christmas gift.

When the mother and child came out, he politely asked the child to take the gift. But he stood still. The mother compelled him, but he was not willing to take it. Since more children were coming out, the gate-keeper took a handful of sweets from the bowl and put them into their carrier bag. The child was happy.

When they were outside, the mother asked the child why he refused to take the toffees himself. He showed her his tiny hands and told innocently, My hands are small, Mommy; but the gate-keepers hands were so large in size. If I collect a handful, it will be too little. But he filled his large hand and gave me all of it. That was much more than what I could have collected! I was waiting for him to do it.

The child's attitude teaches us an important lesson about the abundance of Gods grace being bestowed upon us. What we acquire by our own efforts is too little compared to the infinite gifts of God. If we seek Gods grace, He will shower His gifts on us. Gods hands and mind are infinitely larger than ours. His gifts will be the best and most suitable for us and much more than what we can ask or think of {Ephesians 3:20}.

Jesus promised, Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you {Matthew 7: 7, Luke 11: 9}. I have come in order that you might have life life in all its fullness {John 10: 10}.

He gives generously to the needy, and His kindness never fails {Psalms 112:9}.

But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should pray to God, who will give it to him; because God gives generously and graciously to all {James 1:5}.

And God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause {2 Corinthians 9: 8}.

And with all His abundant wealth through Christ Jesus, my God will supply all your needs {Philippians 4: 19}.

Let us praise God for His glorious grace, for the free gift He gave us in His dear Son! For by the sacrificial death of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. How great is the grace of God, which He gave to us in such large measure! {Ephesians 1:6-8}.
Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Who is yor DADDY

A seminary professor was vacationing with his wife in Gatlinburg, TN. One morning, they were eating breakfast at a little restaurant, hoping to enjoy a quiet, family meal. While they were waiting for their food, they noticed a distinguished looking, white-haired man moving from table to table, visiting with the guests. The professor leaned over and whispered to his wife, "I hope he doesn't come over here." But sure enough, the man did come over to their table.

"Where are you folks from?" he asked in a friendly voice. "Oklahoma," they answered. "Great to have you here in Tennessee," the stranger said. "What do you do for a living?" "I teach at a seminary," he replied. "Oh, so you teach preachers how to preach, do you? Well, I've got a really great story for you." And with that, the gentleman pulled up a chair and sat down at the table with the couple. The professor groaned and thought to himself, "Great... Just what I need... another preacher story!"

The man started, "See that mountain over there? (Pointing out the restaurant window). Not far from the base of that mountain, there was a boy born to an unwed mother. He had a hard time growing up, because every place he went, he was always asked the same question, 'Hey boy, who’s your daddy?' Whether he was at school, in the grocery store or drug store, people would ask the same question! 'Who's your daddy?' He would hide at recess and lunchtime from other students. He would avoid going in to stores because that question hurt him so bad. When he was about 12 years old, a new preacher came to his church. He would always go in late and slip out early to avoid hearing the question, 'Who's your daddy?' But one day, the new preacher said the benediction so fast he got caught and had to walk out with the crowd. Just about the time he got to the Back door, the new preacher, not knowing anything about him, put his hand on his shoulder and asked him, Son, who's your daddy? The whole church got deathly quiet. He could feel every eye in the church looking at him. Now everyone would finally know the answer to the question, 'Who's your daddy.'

This new preacher, though, sensed the situation around him & using discernment that only the Holy Spirit could give, said the following to that scared little boy..." Wait a minute!' he said. 'I know who you are. I see the family resemblance now. You are a child of God.' With that he patted the boy on his shoulder and said, Boy, you've got a great inheritance. Go and claim it. With that, the boy smiled for the first time in long time and walked out the door a changed person. He was never the same again. Whenever anybody asked him, 'Who's your Daddy?' he'd just tell them, 'I'm a Child of God.'"

The distinguished gentleman got up from the table and said, "Isn't that a great story" The professor responded that it really was a great story! As the man turned to leave, he said, "You know, if that new preacher hadn't told me that I was one of God's children, I probably never would have amounted to anything!" And he walked away.

The seminary professor and his wife were stunned. He called the waitress over & asked her, "Do you know who that man was who just left that was sitting at our table?" The waitress grinned and said, "Of course. Everybody here knows him. That's Ben Hooper. He's the former governor of Tennessee!"
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It is sometimes safer and sweeter to be small and insignificant

A little lily plant developed pretty, white flowers with a fine fragrance. The fragrance reached a tall teak tree standing near the lily. The teak tree became envious of the lily as it could not produce such beautiful and fragrant flowers. The teak told the lily, Hey Lily, you are silly and too tiny. You are weak and fragile.But I am tall and strong. I can withstand heat, rain or storm. The lily was silent and continued to enrich the environment by its fine fragrance.

The next day, a team of wood-cutters reached that site. They cut down the branches of the teak tree and finally felled the whole tree. Then they carried it away, cut its timber into planks and blocks and built several pieces of furniture with its wood. The small lily stood there silently, worrying about the fate of the teak and spreading its fragrance all around.

A tiny fish was swimming silently across a lake. A larger carnivorous fish rushed to the spot and opened its large mouth to swallow the little fish. The tiny fish begged to let her free. But the large fish laughed at him and asked with anger and arrogance, How dare you talk to me? You are too small and silly. I am so strong and stout. I will finish you in a moment. But suddenly, a fisherman lowered his net from a boat. The large fish was caught in the net, entangled and entrapped in its meshes. The tiny fish easily escaped through a mesh of the net.

It is sometimes safer and sweeter to be small and insignificant. Ben Jonson (1572-1637), in his famous poem on true growth, comments on the contrasting characteristics of a little lily and a gigantic oak tree. He concludes,

A lily of a day
Is fairer far in May.
Although it fall and die that night,
It was the plant and flower of light.
In small proportions we just beauties see;
And in short measures life may perfect be.

Cain and Abel were the children of Adam and Eve with contradictory character. The life of the saintly Abel was short but sweet. The wicked Cain led a long but lamentable life
{Genesis 4:1-16}..

Jesus loved children. When His disciples argued among themselves to decide who among them was the greatest, Jesus introduced a child and asked them to become like children. He said, I assure you that unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. The greatest in the kingdom of heaven is the one who humbles himself and becomes like the child. And whoever welcomes in my name one such child as this, welcomes me
{Matthew 18:2-5}.Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Be strong, be courageous, all you that hope in the LORD

There are several legends about King David and his wise son, King Solomon. Different versions of the same folk tale are popular. In one of these stories, King David sees in a dream a magic ring, wearing which makes a hopeless man happy and a merry man worried.

The next morning, he summoned his goldsmith and ordered him to make such a ring for him to wear, as a cure for the frequent episodes of depression in his stressful life. The confused goldsmith went out worried about his fate if he failed to follow the kings order. On the way home, he met prince Solomon. Solomon asked him about his worry. He told about the kings strange order.

The wise prince consoled him and told him, It is easy. Make an ordinary golden ring for the king. Engrave the words, THIS TOO SHALL PASS on the ring and present it to the king. When he reads it in a depressed mood, he will become hopeful and happy, learning that his problems would pass away. Later, when he reads it in a merry mood, it will remind him that his pleasures are not permanent. It will enlighten him and remove his joy.

The old goldsmith fashioned the ring as suggested by the prince and presented it to the king. The king was pleased to read the meaningful message. He gave rich rewards to the goldsmith and praised the wisdom of the young prince.

King David wore the ring and after several years, gifted it to his heir, Solomon. King Solomon also preserved it as a treasure . It provided him inspiration and peace of mind both in prosperity and adversity.

The words on the ring could provide consolation to a depressed mind and enlightenment during moments of pride. The ring could make a sad person glad and a glad person sad.

Life is short and all worldly riches and luxury have to be left behind when we die. They give only a temporary joy. Sinful indulgence in worldly pleasures may lead to everlasting agony in a hell of horror.

If winter comes, can spring be far behind? There is an Easter following every Good Friday. Hope in the promises of Christ enable us to overcome periods of pain, poverty and adversity. Our ultimate goal is a close communion with our Creator in a heaven of happiness.

Be strong, be courageous, all you that hope in the LORD {Psalms 31: 24}

The Book of Revelation reveals the good news about The New Heaven and the New Earth: God Himself will be with them, and He will be their God. He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared {Revelation 21: 3, 4}.Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Whoever does not love does not know God, for GOD IS LOVE

Two beautiful fishes lived in a river. They used to boast about their beauty and were envious of each other. Often they quarreled with each other, each one claiming to be more beautiful than the other.

One day while quarreling as usual, they found a crocodile close to them and silently watching them. They did not know that it was patiently awaiting its prey. Assuming that it was appreciating their beauty, they sought its mediation to resolve their long-time dispute.

Which one of us is more beautiful, uncle? they asked the crocodile. The crooked crocodile stared at the pair and said, Both of you are beautiful. I will test it in detail and judge. So saying, it made a sudden movement and snatched them with its powerful jaws. While swallowing them gladly, it finalised the judgment: You are equally pretty and equally tasty too!

Peace of mind makes the body healthy, but jealousy is like a cancer {Proverbs 14: 30}.

Where there is jealousy and selfishness,there is also disorder and every kind of evil {James 3: 16}.

Whoever does not love does not know God, for GOD IS LOVE {1 John 4:8}.

Rid yourselves, then, of all evil; no more lying or hypocrisy or jealousy or insulting language. Be like new-born babies, always thirsty for the pure spiritual milk, so that by drinking it you may grow up and be saved {1 Peter 2:1,2}.

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Sacrificial Love IS Superior to All Other Forms

There was a tree with several branches overhanging a pond.
A flying crane landed on a branch with a thud. An ant was resting on the branch. In the jerk of the bird’s landing, the ant lost its grip and fell into the pond. Looking down, the crane saw the ant in the water, struggling for its life. The bird was kind and felt sorry for causing the ant’s fall. To save its life, the bird plucked a leaf from the tree and dropped it into the pond.

It fell close to the ant. With much effort, the ant climbed on to the leaf and was driven ashore by the wind. It looked at the bird with gratitude. Suddenly he saw a hunter aiming his gun at the bird. The ant rushed to the hunter with all his might. Just as he pulled the trigger, the ant gave a sharp bite on his leg. He lost his aim. The bird, warned by the sound of the gunshot, flew away to a safer place.

The bird’s act of love was a compensation for causing the fall of the ant. The action of the ant exemplifies ‘reciprocal love’ or love for those who love and help us. Another form of love is ‘aesthetic love’ shown towards lovely objects like fragrant flowers, beautiful butterflies and smiling kids. ‘Selfish love’ is a false show of affection in anticipation of some material benefit.

Sacrificial love is different from and superior to all other forms of love. It is more extensive and extends even to our enemies and to those who cannot return our love. It has no limits or conditions.

Jesus taught us, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who ill-treat you'{Luke 6: 27, 28}; "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may become the sons of your Father in Heaven"{Matthew 5: 44, 45}.

Jesus taught, “My commandment is this: love one another, just as I love you. The greatest love a person can have for his friends is to give his life for them” {John 15:12, 13}.

Christ on the Cross prayed for the cruel people who crucified Him. His outstretched hands on the Cross could embrace the entire human race. Lying on the Cross, He prayed, “Forgive them, Father! They don’t know what they are doing.” {Luke 23: 34}.

St. John reminds us, “My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action” {1 John 3:18}.Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You

Honour your father with all your heart

An old man celebrated his 75th birthday and tearfully bid farewell to his family. His eldest son accompanied him in the long and arduous journey to the forest. The old man carried a knife with him and he was carefully cutting down the thorny bushes on either side of the narrow path. Finally they reached the forest and while departing, the son asked him why he was cutting the thorns on the way. The loving father replied, “It was to make your return journey safe and comfortable.”

The son was deeply moved by the tender care his father was showing to him even when he was abandoning the old father in the forest to lead a painful life in a dangerous jungle with uncertain future. The incident opened his eyes. Returning home, he talked to his friends and relatives about the desperate plight of the old people they abandoned for the sake of complying with a cruel custom. Gradually, his mission found results. The people began to think about the cruelty of their traditional ritual.

The matter was discussed in the king’s court and respecting the opinion of the majority, the king proclaimed that the custom shall not continue.

He sent his troops to bring the abandoned old men back to their homes. The citizens gladly followed the army and they could trace many old men from different parts of the dense forest. But the loving old man could not be found anywhere. At last, his son spotted parts of his clothes near a cave. He rushed to examine the clothes but they were found to be stained with blood. It was obvious that the old man had fallen prey to some wild carnivore.

The sad citizens returned to their country in silence, but enlightened in spirit.

God commanded, “Respect your father and your mother, so that you may live a long time in the land that I am giving you” {Exodus 20: 12}.

This is a commandment written by God for man. This commandment is special in that it is associated with a reward.

“Children, it is your duty to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do. ‘Respect your father and mother’ is the first commandment that has a promise added,’ so that all may go well with you, and you may live a long time in the land” {Ephesians 6:1-3}.

“God’s curse on anyone who dishonours his father or mother” {Deuteronomy 27:16}.

“Any one who makes fun of his father or despises his mother in her old age ought to be eaten by vultures or have his eyes picked out by wild ravens” {Proverbs 30: 17}.

“Honour your father with all your heart, and never forget how your mother suffered when you were born. Remember that you owe your life to them. How can you ever repay them for all they have done for you?” {Sirach 7: 27, 28}.

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Our love should not be just words and talk

St. Martin of Tours (A.D. 316-397) was born as the son of a senior military officer of the Roman army. Attracted by the Christian doctrines, he went to the church as a candidate for baptism (catechumen) at the age of ten, even against the wishes of his pagan parents. At the age of fifteen he had to join the military.
On a bitterly cold winter day, he was passing through the city gates of Amiens. He saw a scantily dressed poor beggar, shivering in the snow storm. No one cared for him. Out of compassion, Martin cut his fine military cloak into two pieces with his sword. He gave one piece to the poor man who thankfully wrapped himself with it as a shawl. Martin covered himself with the other half.
That night, Martin had a dream. Jesus appeared before him, dressed in the half-cloak which he had gifted to the beggar. Jesus showed the mantle and said to the surrounding saints and angels “Martin, as yet only a catechumen, has covered me with this cloak.”
Martin remembered the words of Jesus: “I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did this for me” {Matthew 25: 40}. He got baptized soon. He renounced the army and announced that he would be a soldier of Christ. He spent the rest of his life as a zealous missionary, preaching the word of God and suffering humiliation and punishment to uphold his faith. He lived as a monk and formed the first monastery in France. Later he was ordained as the Bishop of Tours. He led the fight against heresy. He is a patron saint of soldiers and of France. The piece of the cloak kept by him became a holy relic, known as ‘St. Martin’s cloak’.
people Before cared for everyone, especially the sick and needy and shared their assets equitably to benefit everyone {Acts 4: 32-37}.
“Suppose there are brothers or sisters who need clothes and don’t have enough to eat. What good is there in your saying to them, “God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!”- if you don’t give them the necessities of life? So it is with faith: if it is alone and includes no actions, then it is dead” {James 2: 15-17}.
St. John advises, “My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action” {1 John 3:18}. "If someone says he loves God, but hates his brother, he is a liar. For he cannot love God, whom he has not seen, if he does not love his brother, whom he has seen"{1 John 4: 20, 21}.
“Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. Never tell your neighbour to wait until tomorrow if you can help him now” {Proverbs 3: 27}.

Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You