AOJ NEWS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

GIVE GENEROUSLY

Luke 21: 1-4 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

In the Gospels, Jesus highlights the example of a widow who relies entirely on God’s providence. The poor widow presents everything she has to God. Who do you identify within this parable? Is he who gives generously of what he has? Or the widow who gives of all that she has out of poverty? Let us try to find ourselves in this verse.

With those less than us, there is a difference between sharing our wealth and fortune and ‘giving’. While it may be easy for some of us to give money, it can also include giving our time, energy and abilities to others when we are tired and busy. We are called to give unconditionally some of our talents, not to give from what is left over, but to give after using it for our own needs or our group.

Today God asks us to give of ourselves.

The amount we give is not important to God because God looks at our attitude and knows what is in our hearts.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

God has given us what is most precious to Him. His Son Our Lord Jesus Christ is sacrificed for sinners and emptied Himself like a grain of wheat. Jesus not only gave up everything He had but also gave His whole body, blood, and life.

Luke 14:33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have, cannot be my disciples.

God gives us hope for Jesus’ disciples. In order for us to be like our Lord, His will must be done in us, not our own. As this poor widow of the gospel, I pray to God to give us an open heart so that we are all prepared to give generously of all that we have.

Sol. MATHEW R S AOJ

YOU ARE THAT CHILD AND HEIR

You are that Child and heir
So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Galatians 4:7

• A person legally entitled to the property or rank of another on that persons death.
• Or A person who inherits and continues the work of a predecessor. (Christ).
• So if you want to become a child of God you should have faith in Christ, the Redeemer
• faith
• We have become children of God because of our Faith in Jesus Christ. Gal :26
• Because we have baptised in christ, we are clothed with Christ and have got salvation in Christ

For All Of You Who Were Baptized Into Christ Have Clothed Yourselves With Christ.
                                                               - (Gal 3:27)

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.(Gal 3:8)

There is no dicrimination among us because we all are one in Christ,and became Abrham’s seed and heirs.(Gal 3:8)

So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world. (Gal 4:3 )
but here is a Question to all of us!!! Are we really heirs or under aged? (Slaves)
No,we are not under aged. . We all are heirs and calls Him ,Abba! Father.

Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, , Father." (Gal 4:6 ) 
So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. (Gal 4:7 ) 
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods or to alien gods.(Gal 4:8 ) 

So now, we are no longer slaves,but the children of God. In the past we were slaves, because we did not understand our saviour plan towards Us,and behaved like Gentiles.
No turning back

But now that you know God —or rather are known by God —how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces ? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? (Gal 4:9 )
But now we are known by God,what a wonderfull grace and blessing. So don’t turn back again,don’t be enslaved by all miserable forces.Let us ask our Lord pardon & to bless us to figtht like the lion of Judah.
Bible says…..

Now….
Now we are set free in Christ. We are sons and daughters, heirs, Guardians, and trustees to our inherited land to bring the God’s Kingdom in our Nation.
Let us be awake and fight in this spiritual warfare as the real Soldier ,like The lion Judah.

As a Soldier of AOJ:-
I have been working since long time With AOJ, for more than 15 years. When I was baptized (born again) in faith that Jesus redeemed us from sin, then instantly I became the child of God in faith.Though I knew Jesus & baptized earlier,before coming to AOJ, I did not know much about God and his Plan for me. But after entering in AOJ, I am not only a front line warrior (Soldier)to win and to spread the kingdom of God in our country but also all over the world as a Child of God.
We as soldiers inherited our land and ownned, because we are the Children of God as heirs. This means the land belongs to us after writing the decree.
Now we are set free in Christ. We are sons and daughters, heirs, Guardians, and trustees to our inherited land to bring the God’s Kingdom in our Nation.
We all came to know this truth and our authenticity in God ,just because ,now we are all Soldiers in His Army ie AOJ.so let us fight with full vigour and faith to win the Kingdom.
Thank you and all glory to God.

Abba,Father! I thank you & praise U for giving me this day and time to share the word of God with Team AoJ “Telangana”.Thanq Jesus, to the journey with AOJ & with You till now , be with us O Lord & help us to the end, to understand your Vision & Mission ,with the wisdom of ur Holy Spirit.O Holy Spirit God help us to stand firm infront of your heavenly court.I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen

Sol Innareddy AOJ

“Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before”. Mark 2:21

 The word speaks to us clearly that if we do not replace our old worldly life to a new life in Christ, we will end up worse than before. Without the values of eternal life, the values of salvation, our lives are naked, exposed, robbed of peace, security and dignity. We cannot wear our old clothes with new patches to cover the areas that are damaged. Similarly we cannot mix our old life with our new life in Jesus Christ.

What the prodigal son’s father did when he came back? Luke 15:11-32. He gave him new clothes and removed the old clothes so there is no reminder of his old life..The old clothes indicates that we need to discard our old ways of life, once we come to Christ. That is we have to discard our negative thinking, speaking, actions  and ,reactions. We must wear the new cloth of salvation, so there won’t be any dead habits or old attitudes. Since we are priests and kings we should wear the clothes befitting our position. We must be humble, compassionate, strong and righteous as a priest and royal, strong and authoritative and joyous as a king.

          Ephesians4:20 to 24 says that we have to wear the new man and discard the old man. By faith in Jesus Christ and by His grace we have a new clothing to cover from head to foot. There is no fear that our old habits, wrong doings and sins are with us now. When we wear new cloth of salvation all those old rags of guilt, fear, worry, pride and confidence in our own righteousness will go away from us..We need to cast it into the fire so that it won’t come back to us.

Colossians 3:12  "Therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness and long-suffering ".

  Our goals and priorities will completely be changed. Prodigal son’s  father loved him enough to forget the past and received him.The signet ring father gave him  is a symbol of authority. New shoes given were for him to go to  places to represent the father.

 Prayer: Heavenly Father we want to wear the new clothes of salvation and completely throw off our old clothes of sinful activities. Give us the grace to do that with the help of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Sol. Gigi Jacob  AOJ

“You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.  Trust in the Lord forever,
For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.” (Isaiah 26:3-4)

Have you ever observed intently the flight of an eagle? If you have, you would have noticed that eagles glide most of the time and they enjoy their flight.While all creatures are afraid of storms, eagles enjoy the resistance of storms and in fact, storms make their flight more effective and smooth!

We all face storms or adverse circumstances in our lives.No one can claim to have a trouble-free life.We need to learn how to remain unaffected by these stumbling blocks and, like eagles, turn them for our benefit. If we seek our Heavenly Father’s help, every ‘resistance’ of our lives will become an ‘assistance‘ for our upliftment.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”(Romans 8:28)

Every person in this world is in pursuit of inner peace. Lord Jesus is the Prince of Peace and promised this gift to everyone who trusts Him and follows Him,

“ Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.“ (John 14:27)

Now, to have that internal peace, we need to transform our inner selvesby becoming spiritually strong so that the gravity of circumstances does not weigh us down.e.g. a boat or a ship can conveniently float on water as long as the water does not get inside. Similarly, the boat of our lives will safely float if we do not allow the water i.e., the circumstances to affect us adversely or, in other words, to get inside us.Lord Jesus Himself said,

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world youwill have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33)

I belong to a Hindu, non-believing family. Prior to my marriage, I exercised faith in all religions including Christianity. Lord Jesus was ‘one of the Gods’ I knew about but I was drawn very close to Him while studying in my school which was a Missionary school. After my marriage, I became a victim of rejection, hatred, conspiracy  and alienation. But instead of seeking human help, I turned to the Word of God.

“My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your word.” (Psalms 119:28)

Through the storms of my life, the Prince of Peace revealed to me that He is not ‘one of the ways’ but the ONLY WAY to approach our Heavenly Father.

 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”(John 14:6)

The Holy Spirit taught me how to remain at peace despite the state of our circumstances.No doubt, it could not be achieved overnight.We need to allow the Holy Spirit to transform our inner beings to achieve this, become resistant to the storms and eventually to turn them to our benefit!

The wilderness of my life revealed many spiritual tactics for accomplishing ‘peace in the midst of storms’.

Firstly, I learnt to ABIDE IN THEWORD OF GOD.When we read the Bible, God’s presence permeates our entire being. It is not just a book. The Word is active and alive !

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

We need to allow the Word of God to maneuver our lives.

Secondly, we should CARRY OUR SPIRITUAL BATTLES TO THE SUPERNATURALREALM. Eagles have an awesome quality of the way they fight their enemy.They do not fight their prey,like snake, on the ground because that is the snake’s zone where it is very powerful! An eagle simply picks up the snake and lifts it in the sky, out of it’s ‘power zone’. That very moment, the snake becomes powerless in the sky and the eagle gets it’s prey without any struggle.  Similarly, we should not fight with our enemy on the ground i.e. engaging in vocal arguments, becoming anxious etc.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”(Philippians 4:6-7)

We should fight our battles on our knees i.e. through prayers and supplications.That will automatically transfer our battles to the supernatural realm and divine intervention will give us the victory.  I have myself taken many years to train myself in carrying my battles to the spiritual arena.The Word of God equips us to fight our battles spiritually.

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”(Isaiah 40:31)

We should ask God to direct us, by placing our requests before Him in prayers and supplications. So, why not give the steering wheel of your life in His hands and just sit back and relax while you enjoy the journey called ‘life’!

 PRAYER

Lord Jesus, You are the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls and we entrust all our cares and burdens in Your keeping. Lord  mould us and shape us to become sanctified vessels of Your Glory.  Lord, teach us to always stay calm despite the weight of our circumstances.  Amen.

         Sol. Neelam Sharma ,AOJ