April 16, 2023
Dear Soldiers,
We all know that 2023 is the Silver Jubilee year for the Army of Jesus. The Army of Jesus was founded on 11.11.1998 and the first Troop Meeting was started on 12.11.1998. We are celebrating the Silver Jubilee on 11,12 & 13 November in Tamil Nadu with a preparation of seven months starting from April.
Seven themes are taken for 7 months.
April is given as the Month of Purification.
April 16, 2023
Psa 66:10 For you, God, tested us, to purify us like fine silver.
This verse says God will purify us by testing us and our intentions.
Our God will not thrust Himself on anyone. He wants human beings to choose Him freely as a loving Father.
Pro 17:3 The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold—but the LORD assays hearts.
There is a reason why He assays human hearts.
Jer 17:10 I am the LORD who searches the heart, who tests the inner depths to give to each person according to what he deserves, according to the fruit of his deeds.
Since He is our Creator, there is a purpose for creating each individual and sending them to this world. He is monitoring each one’s heart and its intentions, to reward each one at the end of our life on this earth, i.e. accepting us into His Kingdom.
Isa 48:10 Look, I have refined you, but not like silver; I have purified you in the furnace of affliction.
Even when we rebel with God at times, He will bring us back after purifying us. When it is a whole nation, a nationwide purification becomes necessary.
Zec 13:9 And I will bring that surviving third through, testing them as if through fire, purifying them like silver, assaying them like gold. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘This is my people,’ and they will say, “The LORD is my God.’
This purification may manifest in the form of various kinds of sufferings for a particular period of time. The Lord will give us the grace to bear them.
1Pe 1:6-7 You greatly rejoice in this, even though you have to suffer various kinds of trial for a little while, so that your genuine faith, which is more valuable than gold that perishes when tested by fire, may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus, the Messiah, is revealed.
Gold and silver are precious metals but they should undergo quality test by going through furnace. When one goes through sufferings, their intentions of heart will be revealed. Daniel proved it in the den of lions. Joseph proved it in the prison. Satan wanted to test Job in his motive of serving God. His argument was Job served God for the abundant blessings he received from Him. If they are arrested, he will curse God and run away from Him. But Job proved Satan was wrong and sustained in his holiness.
Prayer
Lord test and find me worthy of serving you. Purify my intentions and motives so that I will become purer than gold.