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Aneel Aranha

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Aneel Aranha

*Lessons in the Wilderness: — Exalted *We often run after fame and fortune, wanting to see ou....

Averyl DS This is a wonderful reflection Bro Aneel Aranha . With the desire of power comes in all the problems. I've Read More

Aneel Aranha Truly wise words, dear Averyl. If only ...

Charmaine Albuquerque Reminded me of the old song we sang in the choir.
https://youtu.be/XYSyt6uOGyA

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Aneel Aranha

Aneel Aranha - December 7, 2021 - Lost Sheep - A Reflection on Matthew 18:12-14

Lost Sheep - A Reflection on Matthew 18:12-14
Jesus said: “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look Read More 2 Comments

Nelly Rodrigues Thankyou br Aneel,
Have no words to say.may His will be done in each of us to share the good Read More

Helen Christman Oh how your message today resonates with me! We preach to the choir soft "Good News" and no one is Read More

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Aneel Aranha

7 Comments

Shakila Harricharan Yes indeed! Always have a back up plan

Sydney SaSha I have learnt...it's always good to have a Plan B 🤩

Emmanuela George well said! even plan C. what's important is to accomplish the goal in a good way!

56 Likes

Aneel Aranha

*Lessons in the Wilderness: — Try Again*We are often tempted to give up pursuing our goals af....

Sonia Rodrigues Agree Bro Aneel with the aspect about not giving up, being persistent and trying till we succeed.
However, there could Read More

Shamane Rego Rebello Such a beautiful reflection, letting us know never to give up trusting our God. If we do our best, he Read More

Aneel Aranha If we do our best, God will do the rest! Bless you, dear Shamane.

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Aneel Aranha

Aneel Aranha - December 6, 2021 - A Scriptural Comedy - A Reflection on Luke...

A Scriptural Comedy - A Reflection on Luke 5:17-26
One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power Read More 4 Comments

Nelly Rodrigues I can put myself almost in every one shoes but I want to be in the shoes of Jesus. I Read More

Sonia Rodrigues It really is amazing to step into the shoes of each character in this story; each provides a different perspective Read More

Helius Anthony D'souza I'm assuming the roofs back then would have been made of a different material which would have been relatively easy Read More

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Aneel Aranha

8 Comments

Orville Raposo I'm not afraid of appearing a fool. Better to appear a fool than to keep your doubts to yourself. Read More

Aloha Lisa Orville Raposo I think this is not about asking questions about things we do not know but rather about "giving Read More

Rajo Beepath Wise words

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Aneel Aranha

Aneel Aranha - December 5, 2021 - Camping with God - A Reflection on Luke...

Camping with God - A Reflection on Luke 3:1-6
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch Read More 3 Comments

Sonia Rodrigues Today’s Gospel passage subtly yet powerfully reminds us not to get enamored by fancy titles and designations. In God’s scheme Read More

Aneel Aranha So beautifully put, dear Sonia. That's it, in a nutshell. Stop wasting energy on worldly ambition; pursue God and what Read More

Sonia Rodrigues Yes please do Bro Aneel Will help change perspective for many and help them refocus their time and energy in Read More

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Aneel Aranha

7 Comments

Helen Silveira Beautifully said! Amen 🙏

Adolfina Cardozo Perfectly said!. Amen 🙏🙏

Rajo Beepath Beautifully said!

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Aneel Aranha

Aneel Aranha - December 4, 2021 - Freely Give! - A Reflection on Matthew 9:35-10:1,...

Freely Give! - A Reflection on Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5-8
Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw Read More 4 Comments

Chris Evers Very few will understand this, not being judgemental however, even the people wearing uniforms are attached to the materialistic things. Read More

Sonia Rodrigues We often hear news updates of misappropriation of funds that unfortunately deter people from contributing though they want to. In Read More

Matty Franco Thank you bro, God bless🌿🌻🌿

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Aneel Aranha

5 Comments

Oliver Mascarenhas Literally, Goal, now where's my 👔

Kimbalina Daranjo Perfectly said!

Sydney SaSha Purpose driven 🤩

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Aneel Aranha

*Lessons in the Wilderness: — Stop Making Excuses*We have a habit of coming up with excuses t....

Debika Pinto Thank you for this wonderful reflection bro. Aneel Aranha. I am so glad you never made any excuse when Jesus Read More

Linnet Machado Debika Pinto thank you for expressing the thoughts of many who follow Bro. Aneel. God bless you.

Leena William Wonderfully put up, so true 🙏

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Aneel Aranha

Aneel Aranha - December 3, 2021 - Open My Eyes, Lord - A Reflection on...

Open My Eyes, Lord - A Reflection on Matthew 9:27-31
As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to Read More 6 Comments

Shanti Blanch D'souza Well said Br, to be honest even I too feel the same at times very close to Jesus esp when Read More

Sonia Rodrigues Agree Bro Aneel that we are all blind, in the sense we have blind spots where we are often unaware Read More

Kimbalina Daranjo Beautiful reflection!!
Thank you Br 🙏

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Aneel Aranha

The road to excellence ... 6 Comments

Jennifer Dsouza Wise words brother

Janet Dsouza Excellence is attainable 💕

Oliver Mascarenhas Catch it if you can, but don't chase each other in a rat race

62 Likes

Aneel Aranha

*Lessons in the Wilderness: — Good for Bad*People are not always good to us. Even when we are....

Joanita Fernandes There are people sorry to say brother after doing good also no value because their money is higher than our Read More

Aneel Aranha I understand what you are saying, dear Joanita. Which is why we get to that part about the eagle: think Read More

Joanita Fernandes Yes brother thank you 🙏🏻

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Aneel Aranha

Aneel Aranha - December 2, 2021 - The Three Little Pigs - A Reflection on...

The Three Little Pigs - A Reflection on Matthew 7:21,24-27
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Therefore Read More 2 Comments

Sonia Rodrigues “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” said Jesus. In His words we have Read More

Cheryl Pereira-Hodges Jesus is the rock, the firm foundation. We will be secure in Him!

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Aneel Aranha

Regretting not doing something is a waste of time. Do it now! 10 Comments

Fionna Braganza Some #WednesdayWisdom right there - and from someone who decided to be a boy so that she could be a Read More

Premila Coutinho True never too late

Dulcine Kannan Very well said

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Aneel Aranha

Have you ever got angry and then gotten upset with yourself for getting mad — because you felt....

Averyl DS Indeed, God wouldn't give us what we don't need. He creates master pieces each one unique and beautiful. It's important Read More

Aneel Aranha It is one more of those things we have been taught, Averyl, that emotions are from the enemy who uses Read More

Averyl DS Aneel Aranha indeed. So much of unlearning that needs to be done 😍

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Aneel Aranha

Aneel Aranha - December 1, 2021 - Food for Body & Soul - A Reflection...

Food for Body & Soul - A Reflection on Matthew 15:29-37
Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the Read More 3 Comments

Calida Dsouza This reflection reminded me of the song 'Words' by Boyzone. When Jesus spoke, I am sure those words mesmerized people Read More

Sonia Rodrigues This reminds of Nehemiah 8:1-12 and the response of the people when the word of God was read to them Read More

Aneel Aranha Yes, dear Sonia. That was a powerful testimony to the power of the word of God.

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Aneel Aranha

Don't let what people can't do stop you from doing what you can do! 22 Comments

Sai Koshy The best advice ever 😀😀
I say “Amen” and an extra loud “Hallelujah” to that.
😀😀😀

Helen Silveira Wise words Amen grace of God love this beautiful

Ren Ferns And I’ll post a video of it for all to ‘enjoy’ 😂😂

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Aneel Aranha

*Lessons in the Wilderness: — Be Reflective*We are generally reactive people. When tragedies ....

Charmaine Albuquerque Loved the thoughts for today. In my experience and even I am guilty of this. People get angry as you Read More

Aneel Aranha That was a beautiful reflection on my reflection, dear Charmaine, offering much food for thought. And Don Moen offers the Read More

Sonia Rodrigues The main difference here Bro Aneel is that Reaction is instant while Reflection needs time, and in today’s world everybody Read More

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Aneel Aranha

Aneel Aranha - November 30, 2021 - When Jesus Calls You - A Reflection on...

When Jesus Calls You - A Reflection on Matthew 4:18-22
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they Read More 6 Comments

Sonia Rodrigues One of the lovely aspects of today’s gospel is the disciples’ response to Jesus’ call. They immediately left their profession, Read More

Linnet Machado Thank you Bro Aneel for leading us to Jesus. God bless you more and more.

Teba Anaclet Thanks so much for the reflection..there is song that we always sing and the song chorus goes like this ''when Read More

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Aneel Aranha

Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing! 11 Comments

Calida Dsouza The flight of faith

Sonia Rodrigues Totally agree 💯

Rajo Beepath Amen

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Aneel Aranha

Discontentment is another adjective that well describes the human race. There are very few truly....

Sonia Rodrigues As against the common quote ‘the grass is always greener on the other side’ I prefer its modified version that Read More

Aneel Aranha So beautifully put, dear Sonia. I loved that quote. Will find a reason to use it soon :)

Cheryl Pereira-Hodges Beautiful thoughts and i love that quote!

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Aneel Aranha

Aneel Aranha - November 29, 2021 - The Power of Words - A Reflection on...

The Power of Words - A Reflection on Matthew 8:5-11
When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” Jesus said to him, “Shall I Read More 8 Comments

Rosetta Falcon Thank you brother for the reminder..my words have the power to create or destroy. So the choice is mine to Read More

Aneel Aranha That's a very powerful verse from Scripture, Rosetta. I pray more of us choose wisely.

Linnet Machado I am redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb. Thank you Bro for this wonderful reflection. Hv a blessed day. Read More

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Aneel Aranha

We can complain about the way things are. Or we can do something to change them. 7 Comments

Leena William Right..if today is wasted, what better tomorrow can one have..but god always provides another chance so change now or its Read More

Calida Dsouza Feels like I'm a magician...

Rajo Beepath Perfectly said

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Aneel Aranha

Aneel Aranha - November 28, 2021 - Heads Held High - A Reflection on Luke...

Heads Held High - A Reflection on Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
Jesus said: “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Read More 5 Comments

Natasha Lewis-Campbell The day that Jesus returns He will be looking for His bride (the church i.e us). Are we ready? Be Read More

Nelly Rodrigues I love you Jesus,sounds so peaceful and completely zero burden.but I couldn't say this very often. And I really haven't Read More

Sonia Rodrigues Most of the messages related to Advent and Christmas preparations pertain to people advertising sweets, cakes, decorations and clothes. Each Read More

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Aneel Aranha

You can do more with ropes than hang yourself! 9 Comments

Maria Jo Ds It looks so easy to laugh at a joke like this. But to one who really is at the end. Read More

Aneel Aranha Maria Jo Ds You misread the message. It’s by Abraham Lincoln and hes not telling you to hang yourself; he’s Read More

Maria Jo Ds I know it suggests other options but what I was saying is when you are truly at the end even Read More

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Aneel Aranha

Photos from Aneel Aranha's post

"Identity" is a new video series starting on January 3, 2022, that will help us discover who we are in Christ.
Here are all the promo images for "Identity" that have been posted on Instagram to date.
Do follow me Read More 5 Comments

Ren Ferns This is beautiful. I can see these affirmations bring positivity and uplift each of us. Blessings and best wishes to Read More

Debika Pinto This is so wonderful and inspiring and the images are beautiful. I pray all those who view this or read Read More

Calida Dsouza I pledge to repeat these affirmations aloud every morning

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Aneel Aranha

Aneel Aranha - November 27, 2021 - Sentry Duty - A Reflection on Luke 21:34-36

Sentry Duty - A Reflection on Luke 21:34-36
Jesus said: “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it Read More 3 Comments

Zarina Fernandes Yes, worry does weigh us down and we get lost in stress and negative thinking. Thank you, Br. Aneel, for Read More

Sonia Rodrigues Agree about the repetition aspect Bro Aneel. It is said that ‘golden words are not repeated’ however the words of Read More

Calida Dsouza What better time than 'advent' to stay alert and wait in hopefulness. We are wired to worry and look for Read More

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Aneel Aranha

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Aneel Aranha

*Lessons in the Wilderness: #76 — Exalted *
We often run after fame and fortune, wanting to see our name in lights. We want positions of importance and power. We seek glory and honor. Even the apostles were not exempt from this desire. They constantly argued among themselves about who was the greatest among them. Jesus finally called them together and said, “You know that rulers in the world lord it over everyone else. But if you want to become great you must be the servant of everyone else” (cf. Mark 10:42-43).
Jesus didn’t have any problem with their desire to be great; it was the *method* he took exception to. Greatness didn’t come from exalting oneself or having others exalt us; God, himself, would exalt us! However, that required humility. “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled,” Jesus said at another time, “and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 14:11).
As an example of how this works, look at John the Baptist. When introducing him, Scripture says: “In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. “
That was a mouthful of names, a veritable Who’s Who of powerful people of their time. Caesar: emperor. Pilate: governor. Herod, Philip, and Lysanius: all rulers. Annas and Caiaphas: high priests. But the word of God bypassed all these most important, learned, and influential men to come to a man in the wilderness who ate locusts and wild honey and ranted at people. Why? Because this man was in the wilderness, seeking God in all humility.
If one wants to see the face of God or hear his voice, one has to move away from the noise that surrounds us into the quiet of the wilderness. This wilderness need not be the desert that John the Baptist went into. It is any place of solitude where we can seek God without distractions. This is why Jesus advised, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door” (Matthew 6:6). He is speaking of the need to isolate oneself with God.
In this isolation, where we seek the face of God to the exclusion of all else, the word of God will come to us too. And God will lift us, just as he lifted John the Baptist and the apostles (who eventually learned to be humble in imitation of Christ). That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6).
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#lessonsinthewilderness @ https://aneelaranha.com/
To receive these in your mailbox, subscribe here: http://bit.ly/subscribe2litw. To subscribe on WhatsApp, please save +91 93214 56817 to your contacts and message “Subscribe” to this number along with your name. 7 Comments

Averyl DS This is a wonderful reflection Bro Aneel Aranha . With the desire of power comes in all the problems. I've Read More

Aneel Aranha Truly wise words, dear Averyl. If only ...

Charmaine Albuquerque Reminded me of the old song we sang in the choir.
https://youtu.be/XYSyt6uOGyA

27 Likes

Aneel Aranha

Aneel Aranha - December 7, 2021 - Lost Sheep - A Reflection on Matthew 18:12-14 Lost Sheep - A Reflection on Matthew 18:12-14
Jesus said: “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.”
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Doesn't it seem to you that there is something wrong with the shepherds of today? For every hundred sheep, ninety-nine are lost, but instead of going in search of them, they fight for possession over the one poor sheep that is still with them. And you look around you, and you can see the truth of that.
Take India, for instance. The nation's population is currently estimated at 1.35 billion, with Christians at a low 2.3%. But who are the sheep that concern us? Usually, baptized believers belonging to another denomination. And why would anybody do this? To increase a church's numbers because it is far easier to talk about salvation to a Christian than to a non-Christian.
And even within a particular denomination, there is still a fight by various groups for control—I use the word with deliberation—over those in the church, instead of seeking out the hundreds who have left the church in the droves. And part of the reason they left in such great numbers is BECAUSE of this fight for domination. It is not only disgusting, but it is also scary, and people would rather be away from this.
It is good to remind ourselves of what Jesus said. "I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance," (Luke 5:32). Because, as Jesus said on another occasion, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick" (Mark 2:17). If we only realize this truth, we will put aside our differences and work together unitedly to reach out to the lost.
This ministry hopes to reach out to the lost in a big way in the coming year - to those we don't find in church but those leading difficult and seemingly hopeless lives. To people you would find in red light areas, in pubs, in drug dens, because you know what? These are the people that Jesus came for, and although it will be a rough slog, we believe it will make God happy.
Please pray for us. And if you would like to join us in our outreaches, drop me a note. 2 Comments

Nelly Rodrigues Thankyou br Aneel,
Have no words to say.may His will be done in each of us to share the good Read More

Helen Christman Oh how your message today resonates with me! We preach to the choir soft "Good News" and no one is Read More

20 Likes

Aneel Aranha

7 Comments

Shakila Harricharan Yes indeed! Always have a back up plan

Sydney SaSha I have learnt...it's always good to have a Plan B 🤩

Emmanuela George well said! even plan C. what's important is to accomplish the goal in a good way!

56 Likes

Aneel Aranha

*Lessons in the Wilderness: #75 — Try Again*
We are often tempted to give up pursuing our goals after we meet with failure, especially when we keep failing. We have tried to quit that addiction, attain that promotion, pass that course, get that driver’s license—the list is endless—but we repeatedly fail. Giving up can take us away from our destiny. It doesn’t matter how many times we fail; we must keep trying until we succeed.
You have undoubtedly heard the story of King Bruce and the spider. Bruce was King of Scotland and quite a hero until he suffered a terrible defeat at the hands of the English. Forced into hiding, he took refuge in a cave, where he noticed a small spider attempting to weave a web. The spider kept falling, but it climbed back up to try again each time it fell. Finally, the spider’s silk took hold, and it managed to spin a web. The king found the inspiration to return to battle, and he defeated the English despite overwhelming odds.
We find similar inspiration in the Bible. There was a severe drought in Samaria, and God sent Elijah to the desperate King Ahab to tell him that there would be rain. Then Elijah went up Mount Carmel and began to pray. After a while, he told his servant to see if there was any sign of rain. “There’s nothing there,” the servant replied. Seven times Elijah said, “Go back and look again,” and the seventh time, the servant reported that he had seen a cloud. In moments, there was a heavy thundershower (see 1 Kings 18).
Imagine what would have happened if Elijah had given up on the sixth attempt. It might still very well have rained because God keeps his promises, but Elijah might have missed out on his destiny! Scripture says that while “the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, and a heavy rain started falling King Ahab rode off to Jezreel. But the power of the Lord came on Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel”.
So let us take a note from Elijah’s book and keep at it again. And again. The great inventor Thomas Edison who failed about a thousand times before he invented the light bulb, once said, “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”
So, it doesn’t matter how many times you have failed, dear friend, or how long you have been trying. Try it just one more time. And, then, if needed, one more time until you succeed.
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#lessonsinthewilderness @ https://aneelaranha.com/
To receive these in your mailbox, subscribe here: http://bit.ly/subscribe2litw. To subscribe on WhatsApp, please save +91 93214 56817 to your contacts and message “Subscribe” to this number along with your name. 11 Comments

Sonia Rodrigues Agree Bro Aneel with the aspect about not giving up, being persistent and trying till we succeed.
However, there could Read More

Shamane Rego Rebello Such a beautiful reflection, letting us know never to give up trusting our God. If we do our best, he Read More

Aneel Aranha If we do our best, God will do the rest! Bless you, dear Shamane.

31 Likes

Aneel Aranha

Aneel Aranha - December 6, 2021 - A Scriptural Comedy - A Reflection on Luke... A Scriptural Comedy - A Reflection on Luke 5:17-26
One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”
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Are you a visual person? I hope you are because this is a hilarious story if you can imagine the looks on everybody’s face! Being a preacher, the first person who comes to mind is Jesus. He is preaching to a packed room filled with people when suddenly debris starts to fall from the sky! He looks up and sees clunks of mud coming down, dirtying his clean white robe, and then he realizes he has lost his entire audience, who are staring open-mouthed at the drama unfolding over their heads.
Can you imagine the look on Peter’s face? It was probably his house that Jesus was using as his temporary residence (see Mark 2:1), and I don’t think he would have been very amused, but he would surely have looked very comical as he watched a hole being systematically made in his ceiling. It would have had to have been at least 6 feet by 2 feet to pass a stretcher through.
Can you imagine the look on the man on the stretcher? He was probably terrified they were going to drop him! Bad enough being paralyzed, he would now end up with some broken bones too! From the time his friends came to pick him up, the whole episode would have been a nightmare! Hadn’t he gone to every doctor and faith healer in town? What was this Jesus guy going to do?
And then, Jesus, who regains his composure, tells the man who is lowered into the room that his sins are forgiven! Can you imagine the look on the paralyzed men’s faces when they heard this? They had gone to all that trouble to get their friend to Jesus, believing he would be healed, and Jesus was saying his sins were forgiven!!! And if their eyes became round with amazement, the eyes of the Pharisees would have narrowed at what they considered blasphemy!
But then Jesus gets drama into what has hitherto been a comedy as he says, “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know who it is who stands in front of you, watch this.” He turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up and go home.” And the man stands to what is probably a huge ovation, and then he goes home.
Put yourself in each person’s shoes and see how you would have acted or reacted. You would find the exercise very insightful. 4 Comments

Nelly Rodrigues I can put myself almost in every one shoes but I want to be in the shoes of Jesus. I Read More

Sonia Rodrigues It really is amazing to step into the shoes of each character in this story; each provides a different perspective Read More

Helius Anthony D'souza I'm assuming the roofs back then would have been made of a different material which would have been relatively easy Read More

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Aneel Aranha

8 Comments

Orville Raposo I'm not afraid of appearing a fool. Better to appear a fool than to keep your doubts to yourself. Read More

Aloha Lisa Orville Raposo I think this is not about asking questions about things we do not know but rather about "giving Read More

Rajo Beepath Wise words

75 Likes

Aneel Aranha

Aneel Aranha - December 5, 2021 - Camping with God - A Reflection on Luke... Camping with God - A Reflection on Luke 3:1-6
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.’”
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That was a mouthful of names, but reading about them and their positions got me thinking about why they were included in this passage introducing John the Baptist. They were a veritable Who’s Who of important people of their time: Tiberius Caesar: emperor. Pontius Pilate: governor. Herod, Philip, Lysanius: all rulers. Annas and Caiaphas: high priests.
And the following words provided the clue. It says, “the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.” The word of God bypassed some of the most important, learned, and influential men of his time to come to a man in the wilderness who ate locusts and wild honey and ranted at people. Why? Because this man was in the wilderness, seeking God with all his heart.
It was a powerful revelation because if one wants to see the face of God or hear his voice, one has to move away from the noise that surrounds us into the quiet of the wilderness. And I am not talking about the noise of traffic, which seems to be everywhere, but about the noise of life. Things that keep vying for attention. And there are so many of them.
This wilderness need not be the desert that John the Baptist went into. It is any place of solitude where you can seek God without distractions. This is why Jesus advised, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door” (Matthew 6:6). He is speaking metaphorically about closing the door, saying we need to shut the world out, at least for a little while.
Jesus, himself, constantly shut the door to the world, disappearing into the hills or the beaches, looking to speak to his Father. We also need to do that. If you can go away for a while, desiring nothing more than seeking to hear God, I believe that God will speak to you. And if you can do what John the Baptist did, seeking God to the exclusion of everything else, then I think his word will come to you powerfully too.
And like John prepared a way for the Lord, you will prepare a way for the return of the Lord. 3 Comments

Sonia Rodrigues Today’s Gospel passage subtly yet powerfully reminds us not to get enamored by fancy titles and designations. In God’s scheme Read More

Aneel Aranha So beautifully put, dear Sonia. That's it, in a nutshell. Stop wasting energy on worldly ambition; pursue God and what Read More

Sonia Rodrigues Yes please do Bro Aneel Will help change perspective for many and help them refocus their time and energy in Read More

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Aneel Aranha

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Helen Silveira Beautifully said! Amen 🙏

Adolfina Cardozo Perfectly said!. Amen 🙏🙏

Rajo Beepath Beautifully said!

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Aneel Aranha

Aneel Aranha - December 4, 2021 - Freely Give! - A Reflection on Matthew 9:35-10:1,... Freely Give! - A Reflection on Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5-8
Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.
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As Jesus sends his apostles out to preach the good news, he gives them a list of instructions. Among them is this one: “You received without payment; give without payment.” Or, as another translation reads, “Freely you have received; freely give.” Whatever Jesus had given the apostles had been without cost; consequently, they were not to expect remuneration from others. They were to serve without greed and without guile, showing that their only interest was proclaiming the kingdom of God, not material gain.
His accompanying instructions not to carry more than the bare minimum for their journeys suggested how much Jesus valued a “poverty of spirit.” “Blessed are the poor in spirit, he said in his sermon on the mount, “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). This is because those who are “poor in spirit” depend on God for their every need, and this keeps them rooted in him. This is why there is wonderment when one hears of Christian spiritual leaders demanding enormous fees for services rendered or asking to be paid in return for prayers.
But Jesus then says that “the worker deserves his wages” (Matthew 10:10). Isn’t he contradicting himself? No, because although the worker was not to expect anything from the people he was serving, the people being served had a duty toward the worker serving them. They had to take care of him and his needs. Paul quotes what Jesus says in his letter to Timothy, advising him that the church needs to look after its pastors (see 1 Timothy 5:17-18). However, we often fail to realize this, believing that whatever we get should be free without considering the needs of those we get it from!
So, there is a message here for both the server and the served that both should pay heed to. The former should serve without expectation of material reward. This doesn’t mean they should lead destitute lives; it just means they should remain detached from material goods and creature comforts. As for the latter, they should ensure that God’s workers are provided for because without them, there would be nobody to preach the good news.
And that spells very bad news for the people of this world. 4 Comments

Chris Evers Very few will understand this, not being judgemental however, even the people wearing uniforms are attached to the materialistic things. Read More

Sonia Rodrigues We often hear news updates of misappropriation of funds that unfortunately deter people from contributing though they want to. In Read More

Matty Franco Thank you bro, God bless🌿🌻🌿

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Aneel Aranha

5 Comments

Oliver Mascarenhas Literally, Goal, now where's my 👔

Kimbalina Daranjo Perfectly said!

Sydney SaSha Purpose driven 🤩

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Aneel Aranha

*Lessons in the Wilderness: #74 — Stop Making Excuses*
We have a habit of coming up with excuses to get out of difficult and unpleasant situations. All of us have done this, some with dazzling creativity. However, making excuses can keep us from fulfilling our destiny.
Consider Moses. When God told him to lead the Israelites to freedom, one might think he would jump at the opportunity. However, Moses began making excuses—plenty of them!—trying to duck out of the mission God was giving him. As these are excuses we all make, let us look at them in turn. You will find them in Exodus 3-4.
Moses’ first excuse was that he wasn’t qualified for the job. He obviously hadn’t heard the saying that God doesn’t call the qualified, but qualifies the called. “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Forty years in the wilderness had made him forget he was once Prince of Egypt! God said, “I will be with you! Tell the people I have sent you!”
Then, Moses tried to avoid responsibility by making a very lame excuse. “If they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” God roared, “I am who I am! Tell them ‘I am’ has sent you to them.”
Moses then tried to get out of the task by saying he wasn’t capable. Does this sound familiar? “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” He seemed to forget that if God was telling him to do something, God would make it happen. So God worked a little miracle by turning a stick into a snake and then back again, telling Moses his power would accompany Moses. It wasn’t enough for the old man!
“I have never been eloquent,” Moses said. I am slow of speech and tongue.” He was now claiming physical limitations, as so many of us do. “Are you saying I messed up when I made you?” God asked, his patience now wearing a little thin.
“Pardon your servant, Lord,” Moses said. “Please send someone else.” This was the ultimate cop-out, one that all of us should be familiar with, and God got mad. “I will give you all the help you need,” he said. And Moses finally acceded.
As I have stated repeatedly in these reflections, God has great plans for us too. He will fulfill them, but we can delay them from happening by making stupid excuses. Let us stop making excuses and set about fulfilling our destiny.
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#lessonsinthewilderness @ https://aneelaranha.com/
To receive these in your mailbox, subscribe here: http://bit.ly/subscribe2litw. To subscribe on WhatsApp, please save +91 93214 56817 to your contacts and message “Subscribe” to this number along with your name. 17 Comments

Debika Pinto Thank you for this wonderful reflection bro. Aneel Aranha. I am so glad you never made any excuse when Jesus Read More

Linnet Machado Debika Pinto thank you for expressing the thoughts of many who follow Bro. Aneel. God bless you.

Leena William Wonderfully put up, so true 🙏

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Aneel Aranha

Aneel Aranha - December 3, 2021 - Open My Eyes, Lord - A Reflection on... Open My Eyes, Lord - A Reflection on Matthew 9:27-31
As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.
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Let’s be honest. It isn’t always easy to follow Jesus. I am very close to him, and I can hear him better than most, but there are times when I am totally lost because I can’t figure out what he wants. This isn’t surprising because he is God, and as the prophet Isaiah said, his thoughts are not our thoughts, and his ways are not our ways. See Isaiah 55:8-9 for the rest of it.
And I end up feeling like the two blind men in this story, as I am sure that you too sometimes feel. Imagine them for a moment. It could not have been easy for them to follow Jesus. They would have had to listen very intently to the sounds that would guide them to him and occasionally ask people for advice, but their determination took them to Jesus.
There seems to be a powerful spiritual lesson to be learned here. Because in a way, all of us are blind. We hear about Jesus being the Savior of the world, but that has to resonate within us somewhere so that we want to seek him out in the manner of the two men in this story. Why seek him out? Because we recognize that we are blind and want to see. I am speaking not of physical sight but of spiritual sight.
But is Jesus really the answer? We recognize our spiritual blindness and the corresponding need for mercy, but is Jesus the one who is going to grant this to us? One way to find out is to go looking for him, trying to find him despite the surrounding cacophony. And when we finally reach him, we say, “Have mercy on us.” This is the prelude to everything. And he asks one question. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”
The blind men answered as one, “Yes, Lord.” What is our answer? Faith is defined as man’s response to God and while this is on several levels, at its most basic is the response to this question: “Do you believe I am able to give you sight?” If the response is “yes,” then we have received what we sought from Jesus. Sight.
May all of us who are blind seek Jesus and see. 6 Comments

Shanti Blanch D'souza Well said Br, to be honest even I too feel the same at times very close to Jesus esp when Read More

Sonia Rodrigues Agree Bro Aneel that we are all blind, in the sense we have blind spots where we are often unaware Read More

Kimbalina Daranjo Beautiful reflection!!
Thank you Br 🙏

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Aneel Aranha

The road to excellence ... 6 Comments

Jennifer Dsouza Wise words brother

Janet Dsouza Excellence is attainable 💕

Oliver Mascarenhas Catch it if you can, but don't chase each other in a rat race

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Aneel Aranha

*Lessons in the Wilderness: #73 — Good for Bad*
People are not always good to us. Even when we are good to them, they are often ungrateful and unkind. This, of course, can be exceedingly hurtful. However, before we give in to bitterness and resentment and mistreat them in turn, we might want to ask a question: Do I want other people’s actions to define me, or do I want to be defined by my own actions?
If God ever asks us to account for our behavior on earth, he isn’t going to be concerned about how other people treated us, but how we treated other people. Trying to justify our nastiness by saying others were nasty to us won’t work because his instructions on the subject are clear: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:43-45).
Why is there so much hostility in the world? Because we repay hate with hate, thereby creating an unending cycle of hatred. Only love can break the cycle, which means we should be good to people when they are bad to us. Because if we aren't, then we are as bad as they are! Therefore, as Luminata D. Saviuc advised, “Learn to treat people, not as bad as they are, but as good as you are.”
Most of us think of ourselves as good people, but our goodness is put to the test only when it is challenged. To quote Jesus again, “If you love those who love you, how great is that? Anybody can do that!” (cf. Matthew 5:46). We have to be good in the face of bad, even evil. Which brings us to the million-dollar question: how?
One, remember Jesus loved us when we were sinners or “bad people.” If he can love us when we are bad, then we can love others when they are bad as well, yes? Two, don’t fight people or resist them. Walk away from an unpleasant situation where people are being mean to you. Rest assured, you are *not* being cowardly; it takes courage to walk away from confrontation!
Three, when we walk away, we take the higher ground, becoming like eagles. Do not let people drag us down and make us like crows. Four, treat people with dignity, respect, and kindness at all times. This sets an example to those who are treating us shabbily. Since we know better, we can do better!
Five, remember that people are intrinsically good. We are made in the image of God. Pain has corrupted that goodness, but love can bring healing and restoration. The only love they might ever get is yours! Six, forgive them and pray for them. The former makes us godly; the latter brings God into the picture. He can do wonders!
Please share this post and help make the world a better place.
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#lessonsinthewilderness @ https://aneelaranha.com/
To receive these in your mailbox, subscribe here: http://bit.ly/subscribe2litw. To subscribe on WhatsApp, please save +91 93214 56817 to your contacts and message “Subscribe” to this number along with your name. 20 Comments

Joanita Fernandes There are people sorry to say brother after doing good also no value because their money is higher than our Read More

Aneel Aranha I understand what you are saying, dear Joanita. Which is why we get to that part about the eagle: think Read More

Joanita Fernandes Yes brother thank you 🙏🏻

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Aneel Aranha - December 2, 2021 - The Three Little Pigs - A Reflection on... The Three Little Pigs - A Reflection on Matthew 7:21,24-27
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
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Whenever I read this, I am reminded of the fable about the Three Little Pigs. Do you know the story? Three pigs built houses for themselves. One makes it out of straw, another out of sticks, and the third out of bricks. A Big Bad Wolf comes, and he huffs, and he puffs, and he blows the first house down and gobbles up the pig. He does the same thing to the second house and the second pig. But he is unable to destroy the third pig’s house.
And whenever I read this fable, I am reminded of Peter’s advice to “be alert and sober at all times because our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (cf. 1 Peter 5:8). And I imagine the devil to be like the Big Bad Wolf huffing and puffing trying to blow our houses down. And our houses, if not solid, will fall down, and he will devour us.
So how do we make our houses strong? Paul tells us. In his first letter to the Corinthians, he writes (and I paraphrase): “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder. But every one should build with care because you can’t lay a foundation other than one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. One day this will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work” (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15).
Jesus has to be the foundation of our houses, which of course, is a euphemism for our lives. Which means he has to be the Lord of our lives. It isn’t enough that we say, “Yes, Lord!” We have to do what he asks us to do. But unfortunately, we tend to be very selective about what we do, don’t we? If it suits us, we are only too happy to do what he asks us to do, but if it doesn’t, Jesus could take a hike. The danger is that we might end up taking a hike to destinations we would rather not go to.
As Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” And then he says this, although it is omitted from today’s reading. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
The wolf is at the door. How strong is your house? 2 Comments

Sonia Rodrigues “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” said Jesus. In His words we have Read More

Cheryl Pereira-Hodges Jesus is the rock, the firm foundation. We will be secure in Him!

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Aneel Aranha

Regretting not doing something is a waste of time. Do it now! 10 Comments

Fionna Braganza Some #WednesdayWisdom right there - and from someone who decided to be a boy so that she could be a Read More

Premila Coutinho True never too late

Dulcine Kannan Very well said

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Aneel Aranha

Have you ever got angry and then gotten upset with yourself for getting mad — because you felt you shouldn’t? Or found yourself fearful about something — and then scolded yourself for being cowardly? Or experienced sexual desire — and then berated yourself for feeling the emotion?
I am sure we all have experienced anger, fear, desire—and several other emotions—and felt guilty about feeling many of them. However, we need to realize that all our feelings are God-given and, by definition, good. If we think about it, we will see why.
If we didn’t feel anger, we would have no motivation to act against injustice or corruption or other wicked things in the world. If we didn’t feel fear, we would think nothing of climbing tall trees and risk falling to our deaths. If we didn’t feel sexual desire, we wouldn’t procreate. We need these emotions to survive, to grow, to face life. Therefore, emotions (or feelings) are not bad in themselves. Let us understand this and accept it as natural, so we can get rid of the guilt that plagues us.
“So, is it ok to get angry?” you ask. Yes, but we have to be careful how we deal with it. The apostle Paul advised: “In your anger do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26), implying we would get angry, but to be careful how we expressed it. When anger stems from pride or ego, it is easy to let it explode into a destructive rage as it so often does. However, even righteous anger—that is, anger against the things that make God angry—can lead us to do wicked things. So, how do we express anger properly?
The apostle James has some advice: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). He’s advising us to *listen* to what is being said instead of reacting, and process everything *slowly* because rushing into a response may be dangerous. “The Lord is slow to anger,” and although Jesus did have occasional outbursts, the fact that he is “compassionate and gracious, abounding in love” (Psalms 103:8) ensured his anger didn’t lead him into sinful actions. If we slow down our responses and take some time to think and pray about how we should deal with our anger, we would have a better chance of ensuring that we do not sin in our anger.
The same principle holds good for all the other emotions we feel. Feelings are not sinful, so shed the guilt you feel and lighten some of the load on your shoulders.
Please do share the post and let others lead lives of greater freedom.
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#lessonsinthewilderness @ https://aneelaranha.com/
To receive these in your mailbox, subscribe here: http://bit.ly/subscribe2litw. To subscribe on WhatsApp, please save +91 93214 56817 to your contacts and message “Subscribe” to this number along with your name. 13 Comments

Averyl DS Indeed, God wouldn't give us what we don't need. He creates master pieces each one unique and beautiful. It's important Read More

Aneel Aranha It is one more of those things we have been taught, Averyl, that emotions are from the enemy who uses Read More

Averyl DS Aneel Aranha indeed. So much of unlearning that needs to be done 😍

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Aneel Aranha - December 1, 2021 - Food for Body & Soul - A Reflection... Food for Body & Soul - A Reflection on Matthew 15:29-37
Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
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Do you know what fascinates me about this story? That people would remain in the presence of Jesus for three days, eager to be with him and listen to what he had to say. They hungered, surely for food, but more for the word of God. And then I contrast this with folks today who complain if the sermon goes over five minutes and think, “Really, guys?”
It isn’t the delivery of God’s word that changes us; it is our receptivity to it. Soon after my conversion, I went for a closed retreat that was five days long. They locked the gates after you entered and didn’t let you leave until the retreat was over five days later. It was an extraordinary experience. Not all the preachers were great. Some of them were downright dull in their delivery, but their words were impactful anyway.
How? Because it isn’t so much how the message of God is proclaimed as our own receptivity to it.
Paul, whose letters comprise much of the New Testament, was not a great speaker. As he says himself, “I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words (1 Corinthians 2:3). His critics agreed. “He is unimpressive, and his speaking amounts to nothing,” they said (2 Corinthians 10:10). But his words had an impact because they were “a demonstration of the Spirit’s power so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom” (2 Corinthians 2:4).
So let us hunger for the word of God, regardless of who proclaims it and how passionately they do so. And we are nurtured and nourished, not just spiritually but also physically. After preaching to the crowds for three days, Jesus was mindful of their bodies as well, so he fed them. This was miracle food because there was not enough anywhere to feed the multitude.
Jesus is equally mindful of our physical needs today as well. This is why he says, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink. Is not life more than food? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? So seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”. That’s from Matthew 6:25-34.
So, hunger for spiritual food, and you will get food for the body as well. 3 Comments

Calida Dsouza This reflection reminded me of the song 'Words' by Boyzone. When Jesus spoke, I am sure those words mesmerized people Read More

Sonia Rodrigues This reminds of Nehemiah 8:1-12 and the response of the people when the word of God was read to them Read More

Aneel Aranha Yes, dear Sonia. That was a powerful testimony to the power of the word of God.

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Aneel Aranha

Don't let what people can't do stop you from doing what you can do! 22 Comments

Sai Koshy The best advice ever 😀😀
I say “Amen” and an extra loud “Hallelujah” to that.
😀😀😀

Helen Silveira Wise words Amen grace of God love this beautiful

Ren Ferns And I’ll post a video of it for all to ‘enjoy’ 😂😂

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Aneel Aranha

*Lessons in the Wilderness: #71 — Be Reflective*
We are generally reactive people. When tragedies strike, when circumstances become difficult, when conversations become heated—even when miracles happen—we tend to react rather than reflect. There is usually very little to be gained by this; on the contrary, reacting often worsens a bad situation. I am sure we have all seen how something that started as a minor argument ended as a major fight!
Being reflective, instead, gives us a chance to look at whatever has transpired (or is transpiring!) and see if there is something we can learn from the situation or gain a better understanding of whatever and whoever is involved.
We can take a few pages from Mary’s book. When Jesus was twelve years old, Mary and Joseph took him to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. After the festival, his parents began their journey home, but Jesus decided to stay behind. When they discovered him missing, they looked for him frantically before finally finding him three days later discussing philosophy with teachers in the temple! When they questioned him, Jesus calmly replied: “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (see Luke 2:41‑52).
Scripture says, “his mother treasured all these things in her heart.” Mary could have gone ballistic with anger, as many of us might have if our twelve-year-old went missing without a word and then responded with apparent cheekiness to our questions. However, Mary realized there was much to be mined from what had happened if she dug below the surface, so she pondered the events that had taken place.
Very rarely are things how they appear on the surface, but unfortunately, most of us don’t care enough to dig deeper. If we can become reflective rather than reactive, we would better understand people, circumstances, and life in general. This, in turn, would make us gentler, kinder, and more compassionate people because all three qualities are the result of greater understanding.
So, why don’t you try it, dear friend? As an example, the next time someone in your house throws a tantrum, instead of throwing one of your own, take a day or two to ponder and pray about why it happened. See how God reveals the underlying causes behind the tantrum. Understanding changes perspective and, consequently, your reaction.
I wish you a reflective life!
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#lessonsinthewilderness @ https://aneelaranha.com/
To receive these in your mailbox, subscribe here: http://bit.ly/subscribe2litw. To subscribe on WhatsApp, please save +91 93214 56817 to your contacts and message “Subscribe” to this number along with your name. 11 Comments

Charmaine Albuquerque Loved the thoughts for today. In my experience and even I am guilty of this. People get angry as you Read More

Aneel Aranha That was a beautiful reflection on my reflection, dear Charmaine, offering much food for thought. And Don Moen offers the Read More

Sonia Rodrigues The main difference here Bro Aneel is that Reaction is instant while Reflection needs time, and in today’s world everybody Read More

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Aneel Aranha - November 30, 2021 - When Jesus Calls You - A Reflection on... When Jesus Calls You - A Reflection on Matthew 4:18-22
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
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It’s been a while since I started a reflection with a question, so let me ask you one now. Did you celebrate the Feast of Christ the King last Sunday? Another question that naturally follows this is: Is he YOUR king of the kingdom you belong to, or is he just a king of some kingdom that has no relevance to you? And another question that follows this—I bet you know what’s coming—if he is your king, then should you not follow him?
You might say that you do, but do you really? In our passage today, we find him calling four fishermen—Peter, Andrew, James, and John—to follow him. “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” And they immediately left their nets and followed him. It is incredible because, at the time, they didn’t know he was king of anything. Yet, they heard his call and responded. They became his first apostles.
Now, there are two ways of following Jesus. One is to literally leave everything and follow Jesus as an apostle. Priests and pastors are excellent examples of people who have heard this calling. But there are laypeople too. I am one of them. I heard the call twenty years ago, and it confused me because I was married with children. Everybody I spoke to told me that Jesus wouldn’t have given me a family if he wanted to leave everything, but I looked at these guys in this passage, and some of them were married.
So that argument didn’t have any basis, at least scripturally. However, there were responsibilities I had. How was I to fulfill them? I think God did some talking to my wife because she told me to go ahead and do what God wanted—I had her support. Today this ministry reaches out to millions of people around the world. What would have happened if I hadn’t said “Yes”? God’s plan wouldn’t have stopped, he simply would have found somebody else, but I would have missed out on so much.
The second way of following Jesus is like a disciple. This does not entail dumping everything and going behind him. But it STILL entails leaving everything for Jesus. These “things” are of the world, and we need to leave them because we are not of the world. We are citizens of heaven (see Philippians 3:20). Think of it like this. If I am a citizen of Australia and happen to visit Peru for a short while, I will not invest a fortune in setting up a home in Peru, will I? I will try to ensure that my permanent residence in Australia is grand.
Similarly, our home is heaven. And Jesus is calling us to follow him there. Do not prevaricate. Like the fishermen, let our response be firm. And immediate. 6 Comments

Sonia Rodrigues One of the lovely aspects of today’s gospel is the disciples’ response to Jesus’ call. They immediately left their profession, Read More

Linnet Machado Thank you Bro Aneel for leading us to Jesus. God bless you more and more.

Teba Anaclet Thanks so much for the reflection..there is song that we always sing and the song chorus goes like this ''when Read More

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Aneel Aranha

Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing! 11 Comments

Calida Dsouza The flight of faith

Sonia Rodrigues Totally agree 💯

Rajo Beepath Amen

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Aneel Aranha

Discontentment is another adjective that well describes the human race. There are very few truly contented human beings on this planet because almost every single one of us appears dissatisfied with life. Why? Because we compare ourselves with others and come up short. We are driven by selfish ambition, constantly competing. We want the latest of everything, even when older models work perfectly. We want to keep up with the Joneses and play a never-ending game of catch-up.
Now, there is nothing wrong with wanting to better one’s life, but the persistent need for an upgrade can ruin all chances of peace and happiness. What’s the solution? We need to learn to be content with whatever we have and whatever the situation.
The wonderful apostle Paul had learned this. “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances,” he once wrote. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:11‑12).
What was the secret? The secret was the power of Christ. “I can do all this through him who gives me strength,” Paul said (Philippians 4:13). Paul was able to lead a contented life because he led a Christ-centric life. When we have Christ at the center of our lives, we too will, because we know that he will provide us with everything we need. We know that our destiny lies in his hands and he will ensure it comes to pass. We know that no matter what happens he will make good come out of it. We know that he will fill us and fulfill us!
If we don’t have Christ, nothing in this world will make us happy. We will be like the Samaritan woman whom Jesus met by a well one day, desperately trying to fill her emptiness with men, as some of us do with alcohol, drugs, shopping, eating, sex, or one of a hundred other things! “The water you drink will only leave you thirsty again,” Jesus said (see John 4:1-26).
So, what do we need to do? Here are five things in rapid order. One, give thanks in all circumstances because gratitude leads to contentment. Two, trust in God’s plans for us, even if we are going through bad times. Three, learn to be satisfied with what we have. If we are not satisfied with what we have, we will never be satisfied with what we will get. Four, rely on God’s strength, not our own. Five, look out for others, not just ourselves.
Let us be content. And be happy.
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#lessonsinthewilderness @ https://aneelaranha.com/
To receive these in your mailbox, subscribe here: http://bit.ly/subscribe2litw. To subscribe on WhatsApp, please save +91 93214 56817 to your contacts and message “Subscribe” to this number along with your name. 20 Comments

Sonia Rodrigues As against the common quote ‘the grass is always greener on the other side’ I prefer its modified version that Read More

Aneel Aranha So beautifully put, dear Sonia. I loved that quote. Will find a reason to use it soon :)

Cheryl Pereira-Hodges Beautiful thoughts and i love that quote!

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Aneel Aranha

Aneel Aranha - November 29, 2021 - The Power of Words - A Reflection on... The Power of Words - A Reflection on Matthew 8:5-11
When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?” The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
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Today’s passage tells an amazing story about the power of the word spoken by one in authority and the faith of a man in this authority. A centurion with a servant who is sick says to Jesus, “Only speak the word, and my servant will be healed.” And after expressing his amazement at the faith of this man who was a foreigner, Jesus says the word and the servant is healed.
Now I want us to think about something. At the beginning of creation God didn’t think the world into existence, he spoke it into being. ‘And God said let there be light – and there was light’ and he saw that it was good. Nine times he said things and nine times things happened. As people created in his image and likeness, our words have power as well. Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death”. Unfortunately, most of us abuse this power, by declaring things of death, not of life.
Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). By his death and resurrection, Jesus has given us this abundant life, but most of us continue to be robbed by the enemy. Why? Because we are constantly declaring negative things. Think about it for just a moment. How often do we say: I am depressed. I am lonely. I am sick. I am unhappy. My husband is useless. My children are good for nothing. Am I right?
In declaring these things we might actually be prophesying them into being. During my retreats I teach people a litany of our faith—the things that Jesus has accomplished for us. They are five sets of truths. One: “I’m redeemed. I’m saved. I’m restored. I’m forgiven.” Two: “I am washed. I am cleansed. I am pure. I am holy.” Three: “I am blessed. I am healed—in spirit, heart, mind and body.” Four: “I am free. I am strong. I am totally victorious.”
Five: “I am a child of God. I am a friend of Jesus. I am a temple of the Holy Spirit.” When you wake up in the morning, spend a few minutes in prayer declaring these truths, asking God to give you the wisdom you need to understand each truth, then see how your life starts to change almost automatically. I wrote a song if it makes it easier for you to remember these declarations.
Here is a playlist with the song sung in various languages: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsnV4El95KAywiOzl8fhWAH8IAkrVgIPW. Declare the truth. 8 Comments

Rosetta Falcon Thank you brother for the reminder..my words have the power to create or destroy. So the choice is mine to Read More

Aneel Aranha That's a very powerful verse from Scripture, Rosetta. I pray more of us choose wisely.

Linnet Machado I am redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb. Thank you Bro for this wonderful reflection. Hv a blessed day. Read More

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Aneel Aranha

We can complain about the way things are. Or we can do something to change them. 7 Comments

Leena William Right..if today is wasted, what better tomorrow can one have..but god always provides another chance so change now or its Read More

Calida Dsouza Feels like I'm a magician...

Rajo Beepath Perfectly said

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Aneel Aranha

Aneel Aranha - November 28, 2021 - Heads Held High - A Reflection on Luke... Heads Held High - A Reflection on Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
Jesus said: “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
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Today we begin the season of Advent. The word derives from the Latin ‘adventus’, a translation of the Greek word ‘parousia,’ commonly used to refer to the Second Coming of Christ. Advent anticipates the coming of Christ from three different perspectives: in the flesh in Bethlehem (that’s Christmas Day), in our hearts daily, and in glory at the end of time.
The passage we are reflecting upon today begins with an apocalyptic vision with ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud.’ A bright cloud is the symbolical seat of the Divine presence (see Exodus 29:42,43; 1 Kings 8:10; 2 Chronicles 5:14; Ezekiel 43:4 ), and was called the Shechinah. Jesus tells us to be alert because he could reappear at any moment, but unlike those who have reason to be afraid, the true believers would be able to hold their heads up high.
Who is the true believer? I suppose there are several ways to answer this question, but I found an excellent indicator by answering the question Jesus asked his apostles: “Who do you say I am?” Last Sunday, we celebrated the feast of Christ the King, and if our answer to the question was: “You are king,” then we need to examine how obedient we are to our king.
If we answered, as Peter did, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” (Matthew 16:16), then that ups the ante. You are acknowledging that Jesus is the savior who rescued you from eternal damnation. Not only will you spend the rest of your life wanting to know this person who laid down his life for you so that you could live, but you would also engage in bringing others to the salvation that you have received.
I honestly don’t think that giving Jesus an hour on Sunday and neglecting him for the rest of the week while engaging in the things he warns us about—dissipation, drunkenness, and despair—cuts it. So, as we begin this season of Advent, let us examine our relationship with Jesus. He asked Peter three times: “Do you love me?” If he asks you that three times, will you be able to answer “Yes”?
Jesus is coming back. Let us have our heads held high when he does. 5 Comments

Natasha Lewis-Campbell The day that Jesus returns He will be looking for His bride (the church i.e us). Are we ready? Be Read More

Nelly Rodrigues I love you Jesus,sounds so peaceful and completely zero burden.but I couldn't say this very often. And I really haven't Read More

Sonia Rodrigues Most of the messages related to Advent and Christmas preparations pertain to people advertising sweets, cakes, decorations and clothes. Each Read More

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Aneel Aranha

You can do more with ropes than hang yourself! 9 Comments

Maria Jo Ds It looks so easy to laugh at a joke like this. But to one who really is at the end. Read More

Aneel Aranha Maria Jo Ds You misread the message. It’s by Abraham Lincoln and hes not telling you to hang yourself; he’s Read More

Maria Jo Ds I know it suggests other options but what I was saying is when you are truly at the end even Read More

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Aneel Aranha

Photos from Aneel Aranha's post "Identity" is a new video series starting on January 3, 2022, that will help us discover who we are in Christ.
Here are all the promo images for "Identity" that have been posted on Instagram to date.
Do follow me on Instagram (if you aren't already): https://bit.ly/insta-aneel 5 Comments

Ren Ferns This is beautiful. I can see these affirmations bring positivity and uplift each of us. Blessings and best wishes to Read More

Debika Pinto This is so wonderful and inspiring and the images are beautiful. I pray all those who view this or read Read More

Calida Dsouza I pledge to repeat these affirmations aloud every morning

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Aneel Aranha

Aneel Aranha - November 27, 2021 - Sentry Duty - A Reflection on Luke 21:34-36 Sentry Duty - A Reflection on Luke 21:34-36
Jesus said: “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
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Jesus warns about three things that weigh down the heart, and anybody who has engaged in these will know how burdened the heart becomes when we engage in such activity. One is dissipation. This is an overindulgence in sensual pleasures, and while sexual excess is the first thing that undoubtedly comes to mind, this can be anything that appeals to the senses. Have you ever over-eaten at a party where the food is good and in abundance? One cannot think of anything after that except perhaps sleeping.
The second thing he warns against is drunkenness. Despite whatever passages from Scripture someone might use to justify drinking, including the famous miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding at Cana, Scripture is very clear about the dangers of drunkenness. Paul goes so far as to say of drunkenness: “I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21).
And the third thing he cautions about are the worries of life that weigh us down. And this covers just about everything that we seek in the world, including basic food, clothing, and shelter. Jesus tells us so many times that it is the pagans who worry about these things, but the believer never should because God will give him whatever he needs. “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
Dissipation, drunkenness, and worry are things that make us easy prey for the enemy. This is why Jesus says, “Be on guard.” Peter also advises us always to remain alert. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Being alert is always being in a state of watchfulness. It’s kind of like being on sentry duty in wartime. You can’t slack off even for a moment.
We have reflected upon this reading (or something similar) at least a dozen times this year, and I found myself getting a little annoyed, but then I realized how important these reminders are because, despite our best intentions, we do tend to slack off. So it is good to be reminded and reminded often. Because even if Jesus doesn’t show up in our lifetime, death certainly will, and then in a blink of an eyelid (I hope), Jesus will be there for the Final Judgment.
So, let us be on guard. 3 Comments

Zarina Fernandes Yes, worry does weigh us down and we get lost in stress and negative thinking. Thank you, Br. Aneel, for Read More

Sonia Rodrigues Agree about the repetition aspect Bro Aneel. It is said that ‘golden words are not repeated’ however the words of Read More

Calida Dsouza What better time than 'advent' to stay alert and wait in hopefulness. We are wired to worry and look for Read More

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