Shankumugham Beach - Thiruvananthapuram.

Kozhikode Beach

Masala Bread Fry & Tomato Sauce.

Home made  sauce : Take 5 cups of sliced tomatoes, 1 piece cinnamon, 2 cloves,4 garlic, 5 pepper grains,some water & put in a pressure cooker. Heat,wait for 3 whistles.Remove cinnamon,cloves, pepper & garlic.Mix tomato well & add half cup sugar,1/4 spoon Kashmiri chilli powder & salt.Heat,stir well  for 15 minutes to make sauce.

Masala Bread Fry.Mix half cup gram flour,one spoon maida,half spoon chilly powder,one spoon garam masala & a pinch salt,make a paste & keep aside for 15 minutes.Slice bread into pieces,dip in this paste & fry.Serve with sauce.

Fort Kochi Beach.

The Promise of the LORD.

"From the time I brought my people out of Egypt until now, I did not choose any city in the land of Israel as the place to build a temple where I would be worshipped, and I did not choose any one to lead my people Israel. But now I have chosen Jerusalem as the place where I will be worshipped, and you, David, to rule my people."

2 CHRONICLES 6 : 5-6

These verses highlight God's sovereign choice:

God chose Jerusalem as the place where His name would dwell.

God chose David to lead Israel.

God reminds Israel that the Temple was not merely a human idea - it was connected with His purpose and covenant.

Solomon recognized that David had a special role in God's plan, even though Solomon himself was the one who built the Temple.

There is also an important theological point: God says, “I chose Jerusalem” and “I have chosen David.” 

This emphasizes that God's purposes often unfold through different generations -

David prepared the way, and Solomon carried out the work.

 You may also be a chosen one. God may have a plan for you.God's purposes are different. Wait for the Almighty's call. It may be a blessing.

King David to Solomon.

"Be confident and determined. Start the work and don't let  anything stop you.The LORD God, whom I serve, will be with you.He will not abandon you, but he will stay with you until you finish the work to be done on his Temple."

1 CHRONICLES  28 :20.

King David was encouraging his son Solomon as Solomon prepared to build the Temple of the Lord.

 David told him not to be afraid or discouraged, because God would be with him, help him, and remain faithful until the work was completed.

The verse gives a powerful principle for our lives:

Be strong - don't allow difficulties to weaken your faith.

Be courageous - step forward even when the task seems difficult.

Do the work - faith should be accompanied by action.

Do not be afraid or discouraged - obstacles do not mean that God has abandoned you.

God is with you - His presence is the greatest source of strength.

He will not fail or forsake you -God remains faithful through the whole journey, not merely at the beginning.

When God gives you a work to do, He does not merely ask you to begin it; He promises His presence and faithfulness as you continue toward its completion.

The Power of the LORD.

"The power of the LORD came on  Elisha, and he said, "This is what The LORD says: "Dig ditches all over this dry stream bed. Even though you will not see any rain or wind, this stream bed will be filled with water,and you,your cattle,and your pack-animals will have plenty to drink."

2 KINGS  3: 16-17

This happened when the armies of Israel, Judah, and Edom were facing a serious shortage of water. 

They had gone into the wilderness and had no water for themselves or their animals.

Through the prophet Elisha, God gave an unexpected promise: water would come even though there would be no visible sign of rain or wind.

There is a wonderful lesson here:

God can provide where there seems to be no provision.

His work does not always require visible evidence beforehand.

What looks like a dry valley can become a place of abundance.

Faith means trusting God's word even before we see the answer.

Verse 18 adds something important: “This is an easy thing in the eyes of the LORD.” What seemed impossible to the people was not difficult for God.

For our lives: 

Sometimes we look at a situation and see only a dry valley. God may already be preparing the provision, even when there is no wind, no rain, and no visible indication of change. 

We can continue to trust Him and faithfully do what He asks.

Give Me The Wisdom I Need.

"Because you have asked for the wisdom to rule justly,instead of long life for yourself or riches or the death of your enemies,I will do what you have asked.I will give you more wisdom and understanding than anyone has ever had before or will ever have again.

All your life you will have wealth and honour,more than that of any other king.

And if you obey me and keep my laws and commands,I will give you a long life."

Solomon woke up and realized that God had spoken to him in the dream.

1 KINGS 3 : 11 - 1

God’s Answer to Solomon.

These verses describe God's response to Solomon's prayer. 

Solomon had not asked for long life, riches, or victory over his enemies. Instead, he asked for wisdom and an understanding heart to govern God's people rightly.

God was pleased with his request and said, in essence:

Because you asked for wisdom, rather than selfish things, God would give him extraordinary wisdom and discernment.

He would also give Solomon what he had not asked for—riches and honour.

If Solomon walked faithfully with God, God promised to lengthen his days.

This passage shows the principle of putting God's purposes before personal desires.

Solomon asked for something that would help him serve others well, and God blessed him beyond what he requested.

It reminds us:

When our greatest desire is to honour God and faithfully fulfil the responsibility He has given us, we can trust Him with the things we need.

There is also a condition in verse 14: God's blessings were connected with Solomon's continued faithfulness and obedience. 

Wisdom itself was not enough; Solomon needed to walk in God's ways.

Prayer.

“Lord, give me an understanding heart, so that I may make wise decisions, serve others faithfully, and walk in Your ways. Help me to value what pleases You above worldly success.”

69.View from Malayattoor Hills.

  

 

68.Himachal - The middle Himalayas.

David's Song of Victory

"The Lord is my protector;

He is my strong fortress.

My God is my protection,

and with him I am safe.

He protects me like a shield;

He defends me and keeps me safe.

He is my saviour;

He protects me and saves me from violence.

I call to the Lord,

and he saves me from my enemies.

Praise the Lord,

The waves of death were all around me;

The waves of destruction rolled over me.

The danger of death was round me

And the grave set its trap for me.

In my trouble I called to the Lord;

I called to my God for help.

In his temple he heard my voice;

He listened to my cry for help."

2 Samuel - 22: 2 - 7

These verses are part of David’s song of praise and thanksgiving to God after God delivered him from his enemies and from Saul.

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.”

David describes God as his Rock - stable and unchanging; his Fortress- a place of protection; and his Deliverer - the One who rescues him from danger.

“My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge…”

David does not place his ultimate security in armies, weapons, wealth, or his own strength. He trusts God as his shield, stronghold, refuge, and place of safety.

“I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise…”

David has learned that he can call upon God in times of trouble. God is worthy of praise not only after the problem is solved, but because of who He is.

“The waves of death… the cords of Sheol…”

David uses powerful imagery to describe how overwhelming his troubles were. He felt as though death and destruction were surrounding him and that there was no human way of escape.

“In my distress I called upon the LORD…”

When David reached the point of distress, he cried to God. The important message is: God heard his cry. David's prayer reached in the presence of God.

These verses teach us that God is our secure refuge when circumstances become frightening or overwhelming. David experienced danger, fear, and distress, but he discovered that he could run to God rather than surrender to fear.

When trouble surrounds us, we can call upon the Lord. He is our Rock when everything else seems unstable.

This passage connects beautifully with Psalm 18:2–6, which contains very similar words because both passages record David's testimony of God's deliverance.

Hannah's Prayer.

The Lord has filled my heart with joy,

How happy I am because of what he has done!

I laugh at my enemies;

How Joyful I am because God has helped me!

No one is holy like the Lord;

There is none like Him
No protector like our God.

Stop your loud boasting;

Silence your proud words.

For the Lord is a God who knows,

And he judges all that people do.

The bows of strong soldiers are broken,

But the weak grow strong.

The people who once were well fed

Now hire themselves out to get food,

But the hungry are no more.

The childless wife has borne seven children,

But the mother of many is left with none.

The Lord kills and restores to life;

He sends people to the world of the dead

And brings them back again.

He makes some men poor and others rich;

He humbles some and makes others great.

He lifts the poor from the dust

and raises the needy from their misery.

He makes them companions of princes

And puts them in places of honour.

The foundations of the earth belong to the Lord;

on them he has built the world.

He protects the lives of his faithful people,

But the wicked disappear in darkness;

A man does not triumph by his own strength.

The Lord's enemies will be destroyed;

He will thunder against them from heaven.

The Lord will judge the whole world;

He will give power to his king,

He will make his chosen king

Victorious."

1 Samuel- 2: 1-10

Hannah’s Prayer of Praise.

1 Samuel 2:1–10 is Hannah’s beautiful prayer after God answered her prayer and gave her a son, Samuel. 

It is not simply a prayer of thanksgiving—it is a declaration of God’s holiness, power, justice, and sovereignty.

 Hannah rejoices in God.

“My heart rejoices in the LORD…”

Her joy is not ultimately in Samuel, but in the Lord who answered her.

She calls God:

Her strength

Her holy God

Her rock

The One who is completely unique and incomparable.

True joy comes from knowing God, not merely from receiving what we have asked for.

God sees and reverses human circumstances.

Hannah warns against pride and arrogant speech. God knows what is happening in people's hearts.

She describes a remarkable reversal:

The mighty can become weak.

The hungry can become satisfied.

Those who were barren can have children.

Those who seemed strong can become weak.

Hannah is recognizing that human circumstances can change suddenly, but God remains sovereign.

 We should never boast about our position, strength, success, or possessions because everything is ultimately under God's authority.

God has power over life and circumstances.

These verses emphasize God's extraordinary authority:

“The LORD brings death and makes alive…”

“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap…”

God can lift someone who appears insignificant and give that person honor and a place of dignity.

 Hannah had experienced humiliation because of her barrenness, but God changed her situation.

 Never assume that someone's present condition is their final story. God can lift up the humble and change circumstances according to His purpose.

God protects His faithful people.

Hannah declares that God:

Guards the feet of His faithful servants.

Judges those who oppose Him.

Gives strength to His king.

Exalts the power of His anointed one.

The reference to “His king” and “His anointed” is especially significant because Israel did not yet have the later line of kings established.

 The prayer points forward to God's future work through His chosen ruler.

Hannah's prayer teaches us:

God is holy.
God sees the humble.
God opposes pride.
God can reverse impossible circumstances.
God protects His people.
God is sovereign over human life and history.

64.The Little Birdies..

The little birdies came out....

Ruth's Love to Her Mother-in-law

   "Don't ask me to leave you! Let me go with you.Wherever you go,I will go; wherever you live,I will live.Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die,I will die, and that is where I will be buried.May the Lord's worst punishment come upon me if I let anything but death separate me from you!"

Ruth 1: 16-17

Ruth expresses her complete commitment to Naomi. Naomi has lost her husband and sons and is returning to Bethlehem, while Ruth chooses to leave her own homeland and accompany her.

“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Ruth declares that she will remain with Naomi throughout life, even in death. Her words show loyalty, love, sacrifice, and faithfulness.

Spiritual meaning.

1. Faithfulness in difficult times.
Ruth did not leave Naomi when Naomi became widowed and vulnerable. True love remains faithful even when circumstances become difficult.

2. A decision to follow God.
The most important part of Ruth's declaration is: “Your God will be my God.” Ruth was not merely choosing Naomi; she was choosing to identify herself with Naomi's God and people.

3. Complete commitment.
Ruth did not say, “I will stay as long as things are comfortable.” She committed herself to Naomi's journey wherever it led.

4. God honours faithful choices.
Ruth's decision eventually became part of God's wonderful plan. She married Boaz and became the great-grandmother of King David, placing her in the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5).

 The message.

 Genuine love is steadfast, sacrificial, and committed.

It also reminds us that a decision made in faith even when the future is uncertain can become part of something much greater than we can see.

“Your God will be my God” is especially powerful: Ruth chose God not because she knew what the future would bring, but because she was willing to trust Him with her future.

The Song of Praise.

“Listen, you kings!

Pay attention, you rulers!

I will sing, I will play music to Israel’s God, the Lord.

Lord, when you left the mountains of Seir,

When you came out of the region of Edom,

The earth shook, and rain fell from the sky.

Yes, water poured down from the clouds.

The mountains quaked before the Lord of Sinai,

Before the Lord, the God of Israel.”

Judges 5:3-5

These verses are part of the Song of Deborah, a song of praise after God gave Israel victory over the Canaanite army led by Sisera.

Judges 5:3–5 emphasizes the greatness and power of God:

Deborah and Barak call rulers and kings to listen as they praise the LORD, the God of Israel. They publicly declare God's mighty works.

The Lord's coming is described poetically as being accompanied by earth shaking and storms. It recalls God's majestic appearance and His power over creation.

Even Mount Sinai is pictured as trembling before the presence of the LORD. This reminds Israel of God's appearance to Moses and His covenant with His people.

The passage teaches that God is sovereign, powerful, and worthy of public praise. When Israel was oppressed and helpless, God intervened and brought deliverance. Deborah's song therefore directs attention away from human strength and toward God, who fights for His people.

When God arises, His power is greater than every force that stands against His people.

The passage also connects God's present deliverance with His past faithfulness at Sinai - reminding Israel that the God who helped them in the past is the same God who delivers them in the present.