Month: April 2022

“Be ye  therefore followers of God as dear children.”

“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor”. When we imitate  God we are worshipping the Father. Then we cannot live like unbelievers whose understanding is darkened  and affected by spiritual blindness.

“In whom the  God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them”.

–2corinthians 4:4

We have learnt His word,seen His examples so we must put away our deceitful desires of this world.we should continually renewed  in the spirit of God.

“And be renewed  in the spirit of your mind“.

–Ephesians4:23

We got our salvation at no cost but at total cost to Jesus. We should speak truth to one another and live as directed by the Head ,the Christ. We should not have anger, bitterness to any one but forgive all. and work hard. Holy Spirit will help us in our endeavor to be godly.

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger,and clamor,and evil speaking,be put away from you,with all malice”.:

–Ephesians 4:31

As children  of God we are to be like Jesus His elder son. Jesus showed and taught us to be simple, humble ,gentle ,forgiving, kind, compassionate ,loving , wise  ,faithful and so on.We are adopted by God and now it is our turn to adopt the nature of God. This is the way we can offer true and acceptable  worship and show our gratitude towards God..we should allow Holy Spirit to point out the areas of our character,attitude and habits that we need to change.

…he hath given himself for us an offering and a  sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling  savour”.

–Ephesians5:2 ..

 So we need to continually walk in love.Even in our hard times and good times we have to love others,help  ,heal  ,pray , counsel  and  comfort  them.

We should carry the aroma of God wherever we go, whatever we think,speak and do.  2 Corinthians2:15   “For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ,in them that are saved., and in them that perish.”.

Others may ridicule us by saying we are impractical, over spiritual or  godly.  1Corinthians 13:7  talks about the kind of love  that ” bears   all things,  endures all things and rejoices in the truth”.  Love is about sacrificing oneself, one’s ego, one’s time, efforts, resources  to bless others as Christ sacrificed His life.

 Under the old covenant, the sacrifices of some people became a sweet savor to the Father. It was more the attitude of the heart of the one who offered the sacrifice rather than what was sacrificed. We must try to spread our thoughts, actions and words like that of  the perfume of Mary Magdeline  as she emptied  the alabaster jar of nard to anointing Jesus. We must become a living and loving sacrifice to God.

Prayer:

        Heavenly Father  we want to reflect you and we want to love others as you loved them.Give us the grace to do that Be with us, lead and guide us.In Jesus precious name we ask.Amen

Sol.Gigi  Jacob

These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed 1 Peter 1:7

Gold is perishable. It is not everlasting. But the true value of Gold is brought out when tested by fire. If the Gold is not brought to fire (burning flame) it has no greater value. It will be mixed with sand, dirt and other impurities along with Gold. But only when the Gold cut out from the mine when brought to the exact burning fire temperature by the gold smith, all the impurities like sand and dirt will be removed and becomes 22 Carat Gold. Then the Gold smith designs the Gold into the shape he wants and it becomes a beautiful ornament which costs thousands and lakhs.

  In the same way when the mountain rock is cut out it will remain as a rock. But when the sculptor carves the rock, he makes it to a beautiful shape he has in his mind. But when the sculptor carves, if the rock out of the pain of carving says to stop it is not a loss to the sculptor but to the rock. It will remain a rock and not a beautiful statue. In the same way when the sculptor of our life Jesus Christ carves our life, we may have pains. But when we give us willfully in the hands of our Lord Jesus Christ our Creator, he will create us into his image.

When we see the embroidery works in sarees, salwar’s we see beautiful designs of flowers and dolls. But before that the same design will be pierced hundreds of times by needles to form the multicolor design of a flower or a doll.   

In 1 Samuel 1 we see Hannah crying bitterly in the Tabernacle. Why? because she was heartbroken by Peninnah.  So, she went to the Lord’s Tabernacle and pours her heart in the Lord’s presence. After that a Prophet Samuel was born.

 The reason when we are broken, pierced and abandoned, it is to create the image of Christ in us, to do the will of God and a Prophet to be formed in us.

Joseph went through the same situation, when he was in prison Genesis 39:20,21 says Joseph was not alone but God was with Joseph. His Grace gave Joseph favor from the Prison warden.

In all our paths God wants us to reflect the image of Christ in us and the will of God to be fulfilled in us.

Testimony

In my life I was in my mother’s womb at the age of 40. My loving mother tried many times to abort me due to her weakness but The Lord protected me in my mother’s womb. In my 52 years in many paths Lord broke me, carved me and revived me and forming me up. I gave myself in His hands for his will be done in my life. Psalms 119:73 says “Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.”

Prayer

Our Loving Father in Heaven, Creator of all creations and the one who saved me in my mother’s womb I praise you. My life is for you, my father Jesus. Transform me like you O Lord my Father. In Jesus name I Pray. Amen.

              Sol.Rani

All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

–Luke 21:4

“GOD SEES THE HEART WHEN YOU GIVE, NOT THE THINGS WHAT YOU GIVE”.

 God’s economy is not the amount that you give, but what it costs you to give.

In one of the courts of the temple were large containers into which people dropped their gifts of money. The containers were in an open place, and onlookers could easily see how much people put in. Also, those who gave a lot could easily attract attention to themselves.

Jesus noticed that some of the rich gave generously, but a poor widow gave an amount so small that it was almost of no value in the local market place.

–Mark 12:41-42

Jesus, however, was more concerned with how people gave than the amount they gave. He considered that the widow gave more than anyone else, because he measured the gift not by its commercial value but by the degree of sacrifice of the giver.

A heart of true devotion, not money, was the valuable thing in his kingdom.

-Mark 12:43-44

So, an interesting thing in God’s economy is not the amount that you give, but what it costs you to give.

So, many who are giving less in God’s economy are giving more. The amount is immaterial. What’s the sacrifice? What’s it costing you to give?

When David  wanted to buy the threshing floor of Araunah, because the angel of the Lord had stopped there at the threshing floor and David wanted to buy it and to offer a sacrifice unto the God, Araunah says, “Take it, man, it’s yours.” And David said, “No, I will not give to God that which costs me nothing.” And David insisted on buying it. He wouldn’t take it as a gift, because he wanted to give it to God. And he said, “I won’t offer to God that which costs me nothing.” What does it cost you to give? That’s what God measures the gift by.

Having faith in the giver.

In the book of James we read God is the giver of all good things.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

-James 1:17

So through the eyes of faith, whatever was sacrificially give would be redeemed by the Lord himself in double portion.

Prayer

Dear Lord help us to be sensitive to the need of our fellow soldiers in Christ knowing that you are the giver and when we sow the same sacrificially in faith we will be richly rewarded.

Sol. Raymond Amanna

The Son is the radiance and only expression of the glory of [our awesome] God [reflecting God’s Shekinah glory, the Light-being, the brilliant light of the divine], and the exact representation and perfect imprint of His [Father’s] essence, and upholding and maintaining and propelling all things [the entire physical and spiritual universe] by His powerful word [carrying the universe along to its predetermined goal]. When He [Himself and no other] had [by offering Himself on the cross as a sacrifice for sin] accomplished purification from sins and established our freedom from guilt, He sat down [revealing His completed work] at the right hand of the Majesty on high [revealing His Divine authority],

Hebrews 1:3 ( Amp )

I would like to focus on the word “upholding all things by the word of His power”.

Jesus, the exact representation of God upholds the universe by His powerful word. If His word has the power of upholding this universe, imagine, then why in the world should we be worrying about anything at all? This Great awesome God, came down to this earth just for our sake to be sacrificed for our sins and set us free from sin and condemnation. By His one word this universe was made. Gen 1 and chapter 2:1.

In John 18:1 Jesus says all authority has been given to Him in heaven and on earth and in Mark 16:17 & 18 He passes on this authority to those who believe in His name. So,when we are in Christ it means we have the same authority and power that Jesus has, He has equipped us by the power of the Holy Spirit.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

This means that the WORD of God is actually Jesus. That is why the enemy does not tremble when you go to church, sing a few songs or do a few exercises. He trembles when you dig deep into the word. Satan knows the word has power. (1 Cor 1:18) The enemy knows that you will know the truth and the truth will set you free (John 8:32)

His word can set you free from sin, completely change you, transform you and your life. The word of God is like fire and a hammer that breaks rocks in pieces. It can destroy every obstacle in your path. It is this spoken word that brought dead Lazarus out alive and kicking, it cannot return void ( Isaiah 55:10-11), this word healed, delivered, cast demons out. This is why the Centurion said just speak one word and my servant shall be healed. ( Matt 8: 8)

But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.

Matt 22:29

So, imagine if this word can uphold this universe then what you could do with the word in the name of Jesus Christ. You will literally experience the power of God!! Hallelujah!!

Prayer

Loving heavenly Father, thank you for your only Son Jesus Christ who died for our sins, rose again and is seated in the heavenly realms. Thank you for the word of God that is like fire and a hammer that destroys the powers of darkness and every assignment of the enemy upon our lives. I pray that everyone who reads this will grow in the word of God, walk in your power and their lives be transformed from glory to glory in Jesus matchless name I pray. Amen!!

Sol.Lalitha Menon

Bored by routine? Frustrated by delays? Discouraged?

Principle:

God wants us to grow in our understanding that Christ’s life and destiny is our life and destiny.

While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

– 2 Corinthians 4:18

So they departed from the presence of council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name’s sake.

-Acts 5:41

Paul’s sufferings support his Apostleship: Paul writes, (2 Corinthians 11:24-27) “from the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one.  Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked;  a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness of often, in hunger and thirst in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.”

All this is recounted in four verses, but they represent years of hardship for Paul.  Yet,  Paul persevered in his call, in toil and hardship, putting one foot in front of the next going from town to town to preach the  message that he knew from experience would be more often rejected that accepted. He preached the cross of Christ and expected nothing better for himself. He was faithful year after year mile after mile, village after village, beating after beating.  Yes, there were successes along the way:  the power of the cross cannot be denied.  But neither can is pain.

One of the diseases of the 20^th century is impatience. We want quick success in whatever we do; if our efforts are not fruitful, we are tempted to turn to something else.  Routine bores us; delays frustrate us.

Paul writes to the Thessalonians: –

For you remember, brethren, our labour and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

–1 Thessalonians 2:9

Yet Paul persevered in his call, moving from city to city (sometime involuntarily),determined to preach the gospel no matter what it cost.

We have a different calling and may not be able to take Paul’s apostleship as a direct model for our own vocation.  But we can take encouragement from Paul making his way on through one more mountain, resolutely trudging along his way so that he might bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the next town, and then the town after that, until he finished the race.

Reflection:

 Paul, Peter and the other disciples learned the secret of developing an eternal perspective in the midst of earthly problems they had to face.  They were able to live above their circumstance and rejoiced even while being persecuted and beaten, because of their firm grasp on who they were in Christ and where they were going. In spite of his imprisonment, Paul could write,

Are you looking more at the “things which are seen” or at the “things which are not seen”? The former are temporary, but the later are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).

Sol. Gerard Fernandes

And the Word was with God John 1: 1

From the scriptures it is known that in the beginning there was the Word, and the Word was with God. “The Word” is expressed by the address to Jesus, which brings the message of God to all people.

John using three characteristics as the word about Jesus, that is as under:-

1.The Word’s relation to the Father: –

(a)  Jesus was with the Supreme Lord since the beginning, although the Father is with the Supreme Lord since the time immemorial, but he is different from them. “He is the image of the invisible God, the first in all creation.”  Colossians 1:15

 (b) Jesus Daily (The word was the God) And his character and nature (power) was like that of his father. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:11

2. Word and the World’s relationship:

God created the world through Jesus and maintains it, “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:16

3. Humanity and Word Relationship:

The Word became flesh, “God in spirit” became man, human nature remained sinless over sin. This is the basic statement of being incarnate. “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:23

These things give a clear message that even today the word is with God and will always be there because through that word we got life and through the word given by God, we are now in people’s homes in the name of Christ Jesus. Ask for heavenly blessings and the Lord brings you from darkness to light. This proves that the Word was, is and will be with God and will remain forever.

Prayer

Dear lord we pray that you have given us the burden for east UP, so we pray that be with us that we can explain the secrets of your words to the people and brings them to the right path. Please Fill us with your heavenly power and strength. Amen

           Soldier.Sudha AOJ

John 1:1 Bible tells us in its entirety that Christ Jesus was God.

“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.”     Colossians 2:9

Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised, Amen       Romans 9:5

In order to make the true character of the Lord Jesus Christ  completely clear  John has included seven of the supernatural signs done  by Christ Jesus in this record. This  is the proof of His being the Son of God and His authority and power. These seven  signs are  unique and are as follows:

1. Converting water into wine
2. Giving health to the son of a state employee
3. Giving health to the handicapped
4. Food for more than five thousand people
5. Walking on the water surface
6. Giving the sight to the blind
7. Raising Lazarus from the dead

John himself explains that Jesus was not only the messenger, God incarnate and prophet, but he is  God, the Son and the perfect God.

“I and the Father are one.”   John 10:30

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”    John 8:12

From the Gospel written by John, we also know that Christ Jesus is God, although Christ Jesus lived in the physical body for a short time, His existence is eternal. The life of faith in Him is eternal life.

Today it is clearly visible that the things that the Lord said in the Gospels by the prophets, apostles in the New and Old Testament are also being fulfilled by the Lord through troop churches, gift schools and B.F.F trainings.

Although we will grow old and the die, but eternal life is assured to human souls through faith in Christ Jesus.

In this record we find that even before the resurrection, Christ himself had manifested his power of divinity, the divine.

“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” Colossians 2:9

Prayer

O Lord our father, make us such a spiritual slave that we may worship in spirit as you wish. Help us in our race for eternal life. God, fill us with that anointing so that I can pour out your divine qualities and power in people’s lives, so that the lives of more and more people may be saved in your name. Amen

                Sol.Kamalesh AOJ  

THE LORD HIMSELF SHALL DESCEND FROM HEAVEN WITH A SHOUT WITH THE VOICE OF THE ARCHANGEL , AND WITH THE TRUMP OF GOD :

and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

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This is our greatest hope. We are ever ready to be caught up in the clouds on His coming. Bible has shown us the parable the 10 virgins. All of them knew the groom will come to receive them. However, we see that only 5 out of 10 were prepared. Jesus’ coming is not an illusion. Jesus himself assures that.

Johns gospel 14:3 says :

And if I go and prepare a place for you , I will come again and receive you unto myself: that where I am there ye may be also.

Gods desire is to take us where He is. Let us see an example; A father who is residing in a foreign country for work desires to take his family along with him. Similarly God also wants to take his family to where He is, and establish them there. Even the angels also testify about the coming of the Lord. Jesus Christ. Acts of Apostles 1:11 which also says;

“Ye men of Galilee, why stand gazing up into heaven”? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

From all these verses, we can ensure that the coming of Jesus Christ. Therefore we have to prepare ourselves and keep us holy. When trials and tribulations come into our lives we have to overcome them and stand firm in faith. Many people leave faith without fighting the enemy. But if one receive the heavenly revelation, then these trials and tribulations will be counted as nothing.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, it is your will that all reach eternity without perishing. These days help every one know to you and establish an eternal relationship with you and be prepared to go with you when you come to this us with you.

Amen.

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KEEP ON PRAYING NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS,

Always Be Thankful , For This Is God’s Will For You Who Belong To Jesus Christ.

1 THES 5:17, 18

In this chapter Paul is giving a final advice to all of us who belong to Jesus Christ. We all are children of the living God and here it tells that we should keep on praying without ceasing irrespective of any hurdle , problem, difficult situations or obstacles. Our prayers should not be stopped or hindered.

As this is God’s will for us to keep on praying and always be thankful to God in every way, in every situation and in every circumstance.

ALWAYS BE JOYFUL IN THE LORD.

P H I L I P P I A N S 4:4

Phil 4:6,7 Don’t worry about anything instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. If you do this you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than human mind can understand.

We should keep ourselves in praying to God with thanksgiving with joyful heart as it is God’s will for us.
Rom 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose.
God knows you before you were formed into your mother’s womb. He has created you and he loves you. Since you are his children he will work everything good for you irrespective of what you are going through right now.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Pro 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not your own understanding, in all your ways submit to him and he will make your path straight.

We have to trust and have complete faith in our Creator living God and we should keep on praying with a joyful and thankful heart before your Lord according to his will.
When we work according to His will He directs our path and even makes the crooked path straight. Trust him and follow his words. He will never disappoint and never put you to shame. He will make you head and not the tail according to Deu 28:13

Do not be discouraged or disappointed in your faith by seeing circumstances or condition as when you keep on praying to God with thanks and praise he will change your situations and circumstances and will give you victory.

My husband met with an accident and had skull bone fractured where there was hemorrhage and blood clots in his brain and the part of his frontal skull bone broken pieces were inserted into his brain. He was unconscious and on ventilator with no hope according to doctors.
But I clung to Jesus and trusted in him and was continuously praying irrespective of bad and impossible situation of my husband. Due to continuous prayers and thanksgiving God made my husband to come out of the ventilator and the brain surgery was done successfully and his life was saved by God. Thank you Jesus. All Glory to him.

Lord teach all those who are reading this to offer you a heart of thanksgiving and praises in daily experience of their life. Lord teach them to be joyful and to pray continually and to give thanks in all their circumstances. I know that your truth dwells in a thankful heart. Let their faith be increased in you and will do your will in Jesus name I pray . Amen.

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Matt 21:1-3

As They Approached Jerusalem And Came To Bethphage On The Mount Of Olives, Jesus Sent Two Disciples, Saying To Them, "Go To The Village Ahead Of You, And At Once You Will Find A Donkey Tied There, With Her Colt By Her. Untie Them And Bring Them To Me. If Anyone Says Anything To You, Tell Him That The Lord Needs Them, And He Will Send Them Right Away."

It was a most ordinary day and a most ordinary donkey and colt. Jesus knew the exact location of the donkey and her colt. He also knew they were bound. Not only did He say untie them but, He also said He has need of them. He says if anyone queries about the same, tell them, the LORD needs them. Praise God!! This translates me to 2001 when I had an encounter with this Great God, Jesus Christ, which changed the trajectory of my life. It’s such an amazing grace that not only did He untie me but, He needs me. When there are multitudes of worthy people in this world, He still chose to call me forth to His kingdom. I, me, can you imagine?

Revelation 5:5 ( Amp) says, Look closely, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome and conquered! He can open the scroll and [break] its seven seals.

This means He can break any seal, any band, any knot in any area of our lives, any region, any nation, any people

Let’s take a visit to Gadarenes, we have all heard that the man was demon possessed, by a legion (around 6000), he was under the control of evil spirits, satan ruled him. He was a hopeless case but not for Jesus. Mark 5 says this man lived among the tombs, no one could bind him with a chain or shackle, he broke it apart, cut himself with stones, no one could subdue him. But when Jesus arrives, he ran and fell down before Him and called Him “O son of God”.

Eph 1:21 He is far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. Hallelujah!!

And, you know the rest of the story, the man was made whole, soul cleaned, set free. Jesus ensured that the demons are sent into the abyss.

The man who had demons, chains, in tombs, self-stoning, humiliation, forsaken, lonely, and suicidal torment now was at 
Peace.

He was all set to follow Jesus, but Jesus commanded him to “Go home”. I felt kind of sad for him. But, that was because His grace would shine bright in the dark places of the man’s home too and also he was asked to declare the works of God to others. God had now turned this mad man to a missionary, to set many such people free !! He could use him, while none wanted him.

Jesus, by shedding His blood on the cross for us, has broken the death grip of satan upon us and set us free from all slavery and sin. On accepting Him as our Lord and Saviour we are instantly translated from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Light. Whom the son sets free is free indeed!!! (John 8:36)

Loving heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus, who shed His precious blood for us and broke the powers of darkness from our lives. I pray that everyone who reads this is touched and invaded by the power of the Holy Spirit and that your light will shine in all dark areas of their lives, blessing them with an abundant life. In Jesus mighty name I pray! Amen!

Lalitha Menon

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