Tag: #biblestudy

Gethsemane- He Gets Us

Everyone loves beautiful gardens, and botanical gardens proudly welcome a staggering 4 million visitors each year. The sheer beauty and awe that these splendid creations evoke captivate our minds as we stroll through these landscapes. However, there’s one garden of profound importance, that surpasses them all in significance—the Garden of Gethsemane.

Mark 14:32-36 – And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”… and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.  And he said, Abba, Father, …Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Gethsemane: The Olive Oil Press
Hebrew word for Gethsemane is GatSh’manim. This comes from two words: gath, which means the press; shmanin, is the word for olives. Olive oil played a crucial role, from being used in everyday lampstands to serving in ceremonial cleansing by priests.

Farmers used sticks to knock olives from trees. The olive press involves two stones, one large atop and another beneath, effectively crushing the olives to extract oil. Alternatively, men could also press olives underfoot to obtain the desired olive oil.

This holds great significance as it symbolizes Jesus undergoing beating, crushing, and piercing for our redemption. Let’s look at some things that happened at this Garden.

Garden of Agony
Gethsemane was indeed a garden where Jesus went through deep agony. Here he was:

  • Pressed, Tempted, Surrendered. As Jesus prayed, his sweat resembled blood drops. Tempted like any other man, he implored the Father to spare him from the impending death, but submitted to the Father’s will. Mark Chapter 14 depicts this distressing moment as a moment when He was deeply troubled and He fell to the ground. Notice that the reason for this agony stemmed from the realization that, for the first time, He would be separated from the Father, and it was not an attempt to evade His mission.
  • Pressed and Punished. Equally important is the fact that the reason for his agony was that the cross was going to be the full unleashing of the wrath of God the Father, and the sin of the whole world was going to be laid upon the sinless Son of God. That includes our sins, and the sin of generations past, present and future.

Garden of Betrayal
Gethsemane showed the deepest betrayal. Jesus spent three and a half years with 12 disciples, loving and teaching them about God’s mysteries. But when He needed help, no one was there. Judas Iscariot betrayed Him, and even His trusted friends—Peter, James, and John—fell asleep instead of praying with Him.

Garden of Victory
Gethsemane is the garden where the journey to victory started. Here, the decision to obey the Father’s will, no matter the cost, was made. The completion of this process happens in another garden, the Garden Tomb, but Gethsemane marks the beginning of it all.

Life Application
As we go through the various seasons of life, let us remember what our Savior did for us. Unconditional love, sacrificial love, and love beyond measure was demonstrated in the garden of Gethsemane.

If you’ve been feeling hopeless, agonizing about what tomorrow will bring, remember that Jesus has experienced the same. Prophet Isaiah calls Jesus “a man of suffering, and familiar with pain” (Isaiah 53:3).

If you’ve ever felt betrayed by loved ones, know that you’re not alone—He has experienced it too. On the other hand, pause and consider if, inadvertently, you’ve betrayed the love of our Savior. It may not involve 30 pieces of silver, but perhaps it’s dedicating 30 hours a week to other priorities that overshadow your time with the Lord.

If you’ve been feeling unattractive, lonely, or ignored, remind yourself – He has been there as well! Prophet Isaiah says Jesus was “like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him…” (Isaiah 53:2).

Going through the pain of Gethsemane, Jesus tasted all these for us so that He can hold our hands and walk us into the garden of victory! So take heart, when the enemy tells you all is lost, point him to the Garden of Gethsemane and proclaim that victory was won! Gethsemane is where it all began.

  • Leaving A Legacy: Tribute to Hannah

    Abraham Lincoln, Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr.—names we remember not just for what they did, but for the legacy they left behind. For the most part, their lives were measured and honored after they were gone. But the Bible speaks of a man who evaluated his own life before the end came—Paul. Sitting…

  • Cast Your Cares

    Have you ever experienced those restless nights, tangled in worries and uncertainties? Perhaps it is anxiety about your health, family or finances. My family and I have experienced our share of these challenges firsthand. But the Word of God gives us a solution for it: Cast it and rest. 1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all…

  • Mom’s Miracle Moment

    While we celebrate famous inventors like those behind electricity, telephones, cars, light bulbs, and airplanes, we are in awe of their inventions. Their names are etched into the Hall of Fame for the impact of their contributions. But the Bible introduces us to a seemingly ordinary woman, Jochebed, who invented a remarkable waterproof, crocodile-proof product.…

  • Tasting In Testing

    Have you ever experienced a dangerous situation, where you felt the weight of danger lift off your shoulders at the last possible moment? Perhaps it was deliverance in a car accident, or maybe a medical breakthrough for your sickness. These moments of narrowly escaping disaster often leads us to thanking God for divine providence. The…

  • Rivers of Grace

    Some moments are truly unforgettable, filling us with awe and wonder. From dazzling fireworks on Independence Day to thrilling rocket launches into space, these spectacular events inspire us with their sheer magnificence. In the Bible, we see many such events but one that stands out is: water gushing from a rock . Numbers 20:8- Take…

  • Fearless Fervent Faith

    In our society we are constantly in a pursuit to remain young. From banishing gray hairs to erasing wrinkles with creams, everyone seems to be on a mission to look and feel young. But the Bible talks about one man who was not afraid to admit his age and was in fact stronger than most…

Untie The Unqualified

Picking the best airline or rental car is crucial for any travel venture. It is especially important when our trips involve impactful missions or crucial meetings. But on his most important journey, Jesus chose the a humble mode of transportion: a donkey.

Mark 11:1-3: “And said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it..”

Lord Needs It
Jesus sends two disciples to get him a colt to ride into Jerusalem. Interestingly, this is the only time the words “The Lord has need of it” is mentioned in the Bible. God, all-powerful and lacking nothing, at times invites us to join Him in performing miracles. Similar to the boy sharing his lunch with Jesus, or the people whom Jesus asked to take away the stone from Lazarus’ tomb, God may involve us in these moments.

Reason for the Donkey Ride
So why did Jesus choose a donkey? Let’s explore some of the reasons:

  • Perfector of Past Prophecy: About 500 years prior to this event, Zechariah had prophecied this: “Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9).
  • Perfect Servant: Gospel of Mark portrays Jesus as the Suffering Servant. Jesus rides a borrowed donkey, similar to Him borrowing Peter’s boat for preaching, and later borrowing Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb for burial. He chose the donkey to emphasize that he connects with the poor and oppressed. What a humble Savior we have!
  • Perfect Peacemaker: In the Old Testament, kings used to arrive on donkeys in order to signify that they come in peace. Horses were used in wars, and as decorated animals to signify a victory in a war. So this lowly donkey was indeed the right choice for the Master who came to give us peace with God!
  • Perfector of Future Prophecy: Jesus came on a donkey in his first coming because it wasn’t yet time to come on a horse. Revelation Chapter 19 shows Jesus riding triumphantly on a white horse.

Unqualified Yet Untied
This donkey would be the least likely choice if Jesus tasked his disciples with finding the best one for him to ride. Training a new colt to ride is a long process. This colt did not have the training or experience that was needed to carry the King of Kings into a Triumphant entry. Moreover, it wasn’t in the same village, making it unlikely to be discovered. But the Master knew exactly which animal he has chosen and his instructions was : Untie him!

Glory to God Alone
This humble donkey, whose name, town, and owners remain unknown, received no recognition for its work. When chosen by God for a task, we should ensure all glory goes to Him.

Life Application
If Jesus used this lowly animal to carry Him, He certainly can use you! If the enemy convinced you that you are indeed an inferior, remember that the Master knew the one that was inexperienced, outside and tied up!
1 Corinthians 1:27 says: “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;” His Word is everlasting and His promises are unchanging. So, you too can have hope, if you choose to trust Him and make yourselves available for Him!

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Tiny Coins, Timeless Impact

Coin collection is a hobby that people have enjoyed for many centuries. Collectors spend hundreds of dollars in the process of acquiring the rarest, most unique coins. But did you know that there was a set of coins in an offering basket that caught heaven’s attention?

Mark 12:42-44 – But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.

Window into Widows Life
In ancient Israel, widows faced neglect and mistreatment and had no one to plead their case. Acts 6 recounts discrimination against a group of widows during food distribution. Yet, the Bible imparts valuable lessons through widows’ lives, revealing God’s heart through humble members of society.


Clinking of the Coins
In the temple courtyard, there were 13 trumpet-shaped collection chambers, each designated for different offerings. Seated opposite these receptacles, Jesus keenly observes the varied ways in which people contribute. People joyfully dropped money into the thirteen boxes, relishing the rhythmic cascading sound of coins, often attracting positive attention and approving glances of others.


Mighty Mites
Verse 42 says: “Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites.” A mite is the smallest denomination in Jewish currency, worth only one-eighth of a cent. Though her quarter cent offering was practically worthless in human eyes, this poor woman’s offering caught the eyes of the Master! Contrary to our inclination to applaud famous givers, heaven recognizes the profound sacrifice made by a humble widow with her two small coins.

Portion versus Proportion
The widow’s offering held special significance as she gave everything she had. Although the portion of her monetary contribution might not have surpassed others, Jesus acknowledged it as MORE because of the depth of her sacrifice. While others gave without sacrifice, she offered her all, making her portion proportionally greater in the eyes of the Lord.

More than Money
Beyond finances, this principle extends to every aspect of our service to the Lord. Key lessons from this widow include:

  • Faith: Facing an uncertain future without any other tangible support, and risking her livelihood, this woman placed unwavering faith in God. She trusted in His ability to supple her needs. Perhaps inspired by the biblical account of the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:7-16), her act of giving became a testament to her steadfast belief in God’s providence.
  • Sacrifice: Giving when you have very little is a daunting task, yet this woman did not withhold her last two copper coins from the Lord. Her sacrificial act mirrors God’s ultimate sacrifice for us: Jesus. God values offerings that involve true sacrifice, a principle King David understood very well.
    In 1 Chronicles 21:24 King David insists on buying the plot for sacrifice for full price. He declares that he will not offer burnt offerings that come without a cost or sacrifice on his part.

Personal Story
While personal stories aren’t a regular feature in my blogs, this passage stirred memories of my maternal grandmother from the land of Kerala, India. Widowed at 45, she, a single mother of six, placed her trust in the Lord. Despite limited resources, she selflessly shared food with those in need, sometimes leaving her own children hungry. The Lord took note of this, blessing her with the opportunity for all her children to come to America. She lived in this land for over 27 years, witnessing the goodness of the Lord to her children and grandchildren until she passed away at the age of 93.

Life Application
Let us never underestimate the offering, whether it’s our finances, services, talents, or worship. Embrace the call to wholeheartedly give to the Lord. Understand that He sees the sincerity in your sacrifice despite any perceived limitations or weaknesses on our part. Hebrews 6:10 says: God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
So, let’s make a decision that we will sacrificially give Him our time, our resources, and our wealth. He is a God who is faithful to His Word.

You Are Loved!

As February arrives, displays of love saturates our world, with heart-shaped displays and the fragrance of many roses. From sweet chocolates to dreamy trips, expressions of love are plentiful. What does true love look like, and how long does it last? Let’s explore:

Jeremiah 31:3 – The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, with lovingkindness I have drawn you.”

Love and Hope for the Hopeless
Jeremiah Chapter 31 depicts hope amid despair, narrating the struggles of Israel and Judah who faced consequences for their sins. The magnitude of their sins, and the subsequent punishments, has caused pain, sorrow and suffering. Yet, within this relentless cycle, a refreshing reminder emerges, reminding them of the promises of the Lord from the past. In times of despair, just one appearance of God, or just one word from Him, can give us hope.

Corrected in Love
In moments of corrective discipline, it may be challenging to grasp that it stems from God’s profound love for us. Here the Lord is reminding Israel that though they’ve failed Him, He still loves them. King David’s life is a classic example of how God lovingly corrects someone who has strayed away. Even in God’s corrections, remember that He never withdraws His love from you.

Love Without Limits
We often hope that every human love is everlasting, yet even the most exemplary love is inherently temporal. In contrast, consider two important characteristics of God’s love:

  • Beyond Time: God’s love transcends time, and it is not bound by time or calendar restrictions. One verse that summarizes that is Deuteronomy 7:9 which says: “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations.”
  • Beyond Measure: Psalm 36:5 says Your mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. While human love is limited on how much it is reciprocated, God’s love is poured without measure.
Photo by Alejandro Avila on Pexels.com

Attracted By Love
Jeremiah 31:3 ends with: Therefore, with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
In our world, countless tales resonate of individuals falling in love, captivated by the attraction to each other. God draws us to him with his utmost expression of love: Jesus.


Cost of Love
We tend to gauge how much people love us based on how much their gifts cost. In order to love us, God gave His only begotten Son Jesus, who emptied Himself of all His heavenly glory, and came down to die a gruesome death. That my friend, is the ultimate expression of love! No other love surpasses the divine love manifested in Jesus Christ

Life Application
As you gaze upon love’s many expressions around you, let Jesus be the ultimate beacon of love. Perhaps it’s loneliness, rejection, or life’s storms that have weighed you down. For some others it could be the negative health reports , or failures in life, that has left you depressed and exhausted. But rest assured that the unending love of God and his unchanging Hands are embracing you always!
Isaiah 53:3 points us to Jesus and calls Him “a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.” So, whatever you are going through, be assured that He’s been there, He knows, and He cares! So take heart and cheer up knowing that you are always loved!

Spanish version: https://dewdropsofmanna.com/spanish-pages-list/eres-amado/
Hindi version: https://dewdropsofmanna.com/hindi-pages-list/अचछ-उपहर/

Dreams To Diamonds

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech stands out as one of the most iconic speeches ever. It instills hope for a better future for America. The Bible talks about another man who was a dreamer: Joseph.

 Genesis 37:5 (NIV): Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.

Shattered Dreams, Shatter-proof Faith
The story of Joseph starts with two hope-inspiring dreams given by God. But the events that followed certainly were challenging and difficult.

Imagine Joseph’s emotional condition as he sat in a pit, when he was loaded on strangers’ chariots to a foreign land, or thrown into an Egyptian dungeon. His hopes and dreams seemed shattered.

However, through it all, Joseph held onto his faith in God and believed that God who gave him the dreams would someday come through for him. Here are some ways that he shatter-proofed his life:

  • Life without complaints: Joseph’s life was full of instant reversals. From favorite son to slave, from Potiphar’s house commander to prison, he went through the highs and lows of life. However, we never see Joseph complaining.
  • Life without compromise: Being accused of doing wrong when being faithful to God can throw any believer into a state of depression, and potentially turn our hearts away from God. Joseph chose to do the best he can in the sight of God and man, regardless of his circumstances.
  • Life without revenge: One of the hallmark characters of Joseph’s life is that he chose to forgive. Whether sold by brothers, imprisoned by Potiphar’s wife, or forgotten by the chief butler, he chose forgiveness. In fact, he even named his first son Manasseh, which means “God has made me forget entirely my troubles and my father’s house.”
  • Life without pride: In the latter part of Joseph’s life, he rose to an unimaginable position, going from a pit to a palace. Despite this, he remained humble and did not boast about his achievements. Genesis 50:20 is a beautiful summation of his selfless life:
    You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Dreamer to Visionary
When Joseph chose to acknowledge God’s presence and His plan in every aspect of his life, God chose to change this dreamer into a visionary. While it was two dreams that were the root cause of his chaos, God caused two dreams to become the stepping stones to his crowning as prince of Egypt!

Dreams that chase after you
We’ve all heard people say “chase after your dreams.” But the Bible gives us a different perspective: God given dreams will chase after you, as long as you remain faithful to God. Psalm 23:6 says: “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.”

Life Application
You may be in the midst of some shattered dreams and lost hope. Perhaps the last year, or the last decade, did not go as planned. Don’t give up! The words “The Lord was with Joseph” echoes four times in one chapter! That means, God was with him in the pit, in the chariot of the Midianite traders, in the house of Potiphar, in the prison, and even in the palace. In life’s trials, when the enemy tries to make you feel lonely and dejected, remind yourself that God’s Word says that He will never abandon us. He knows the count of every hair on your head, and is aware of your dreams and your detours. So, take heart and trust in Him. He can transform dungeons into diamonds, problems into prizes, and pain into pleasures.

Spanish version: Los Sueños a Los Diamantes – Dew Drops of Manna

Hindi version: http://tinyurl.com/ycy33ard

Resolutions For A Lifetime

With the dawn of a new year, resolutions to eat right, exercise more, and doing good things are almost universal. But often most of these resolutions fall apart within weeks. Have you ever made a New Year’s resolution that lasted a lifetime?

Let’s look at one example of a person who did that: Daniel.

Daniel 1:8 (ESV) But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.

Decisions in Difficult Days
Daniel chose to remain holy despite the pagan king’s orders. Let’s explore these tactics, as they are still used to distract and lead young people away from godly principles.

  • Isolation: Nebuchadnezzar separated them 900 miles from their homeland, making it impossible to be near family, friends, or their synagogue. All chances of godly association are now gone.
  • Identity change: Nebuchadnezzar changed the names of four Hebrew boys. Their original names, Daniel and Mishael, connected to El-Elohim, and , Azariah and Hananiah, connected to YAHWEH (“IAH” is short form for YAHWEH), were altered to reflect names of Babylonian gods.
  • Indoctrination: Nebuchadnezzar wanted to ensure that these young men were completely transformed so he put them through the Babylonian training program for three years.
  • Instant promises: After they completed their training, they were promised things that would lure any young person today: great jobs, great positions and access to the king himself.


Decoding the Enemy’s tactics
We may think Daniel made a big deal about a small, trivial thing like food and wine. But Daniel knew that in Babylonian culture, they ate and drank as if it is always a religious party. Complete with offering the food to idols, and menus full of non-kosher food, these had all the signs of being a pagan event. To participate in these events, meant that they’ve assimiliated themselves with the new culture.


Divine Destiny for the Dedicated
Daniel 1:17, 19 (NKJV): As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king.

Daniel’s commitment and determination to serve God despite his circumstances enabled him to be an advisor to four kings (Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, Cyrus).

Decisions made by Daniel and his three friends, were rewarded by God in majestic, supernatural ways. No other person in the entire world has survived being in lions’ den, or have walked out of a fiery furnance, unharmed.

Daniel’s decision to serve God at a very young age, resulted in him becoming one of the greatest prophets the world has seen. The Book of Daniel has a lot in common with the Book of Revelation in the New Testament. Interestingly, did you know that they are both the 27th books of the Old and New Testament, respectively?

Life Application
This year let us embark on a journey marked by transformative “but Daniel” moments, shaping a legacy of strong faith and unwavering principles. Take a moment of introspection and consider whether we have the courage to gracefully stand up for our godly principles, especially amidst the world’s various tactics.

2 Chronicles 16:9 (NIV): For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.

Let us make a resolution this year that we will be wholly committed to God, no matter what comes our way. That will be the best new year resolution we’ve ever made!

Restorer Of Lost Years

In the world of advertisements, promises to restore damaged things are many. From restoration of old photographs, to restoration of flooded homes, the possibilities seem endless. However, they all lack one thing: the ability to restore the years that are lost.

In the Bible we see a time when the Israelites needed a restoration. Locusts swarmed in, wrecked their hard-earned harvest, stole their daily food, and even took a bite out of future harvest by devouring the seeds.

In the midst of these seemingly unending years of disaster, depression, and destroyed hope, the word of the Lord comes through prophet Joel:

Joel 2:25-26 (ESV): I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten …And my people shall never again be put to shame.

The verses preceding this provide its context, revealing that these events are God’s response to rebellion and disobedience. Even in seasons of punishment and correction, we can find assurance that it all rests under the careful control of our loving Almighty God.

The hope of restoration bestowed by God is unlike any the world can offer. His restoration process turns devastation into unparalleled beauty, leaving no remnants of its previous condition.

Let’s look at two examples of people whose lives were restored.

Abraham and Sarah

For a quarter-century, this couple patiently awaited the fulfillment of God’s promise for a child. Despite moments where they deviated from the divine plan, causing a delay, God’s faithfulness remained unwavering.

Genesis 23:1: Sarah lived 127 years; these were the years of the life of Sarah.

Sarah is the only woman in the Bible whose years are mentioned at her death. Have you wondered why? It is to demonstrate to us that Sarah had 37 years to spend with, to laugh with, to enjoy the promise of God – Issac!

Peter The Disciple

Peter’s walk with Jesus resembled a roller coaster ride, complete with moments of triumph and despair, including his denial of Jesus at the time of crucifixion. Yet, the Lord wasn’t done with Peter. On the shores of the Sea of Tiberias, where Peter had resumed fishing, Jesus appeared, initiating the restoration of their relationship.

John 21:17 (ESV): He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter…said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep”
John 21:19 (ESV): … And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Peter was given a second chance to follow Jesus, and this time he did not disappoint. Acts 2:17-41 describes the Day of Pentecost when Peter stood up and gave his first speech. Three thousand people were saved and became followers of Jesus!

Do you see the restoring power of the Lord? The man who denied Jesus 3 times, was asked 3 times if he loved Jesus, and in his first evangelism sermon, 3000 people signed the pledge card!

Peter writes in his epistle about the restoration power he experienced.
1 Peter 5:10 (NIV): And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ … will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Life Application
Maybe you’ve been the one who let Him down repeatedly, and you don’t feel like you can be restored. Perhaps life’s trials, loss of a loved one, ongoing ailments, or shattered dreams have made you lose focus on Him. God is still doing miracles and restoring lives. So allow the Master Renovator to restore your lost years. Regardless of why the years slipped away, He has the power to revive, refresh, and transform you into something truly beautiful.

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