Discovering God’s plan for your life!

Life is a journey. You wish to find the direction. You need to find ‘signals’.

Everyone wishes to know about his or her future. It has become a common practise to consult Palmistry / Astrology / Horoscope / voodoo boards. Have you tried to do so? It is detestable to the Lord. If you have done in the past, repent and turn away from that sin. What are the Do’s and Don’ts of discovering God’s plan for your future? Let’s see:

1) If your ways are NOT pleasing to the Lord, He will NOT answer your enquiry

God wishes everyone to ask our living God about their life plan rather than consulting a medium.
Isaiah 8:19,20 When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? 20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.

Deu.18: 9-13 when you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. 10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. 13 You must be blameless before the LORD your God.

1 Samuel 28:6,7 –Enquiring medium/ dead spirits – Saul
6 Saul inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. 7 Saul then said to his attendants, "Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her."

God did not answer Saul, because he failed to carry out God's instructions and hence he was delivered to an evil spirit. 1Samuel 16:14-15 Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him. 15 Saul's attendants said to him, "See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you.

2) Do NOT ask God for endorsement of your plans

Do NOT build up desires and fantasies in your heart; then it will become an idol to you; you will be addicted to it; then do NOT ask God for his will. Only when we are willing to obey He shows us His ways. 100% 'neutral submission' to the will of God is mandatory!
Ez.14:4,5 – 4 Therefore speak to them and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: Every man of the house of Israel who takes his idols [of self-will and unsubmissiveness] into his heart and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity [idols of silver and gold] before his face, and yet comes to the prophet [to inquire of him], I the Lord will answer him, answer him according to the multitude of his idols, 5 That I may lay hold of the house of Israel in the thoughts of their own mind and heart, because they are all estranged from Me through their idols- Amplified Bible.

3) God’s MAIN plan for humanity

A) Salvation – thru his spotless blood
B) Sanctification – thru Holy Spirit Eph.1:4 for He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. God can NOT make you holy without your submission. He wants you to work with him on a daily basis.
C) Sprit led life - Be filled with Holy Spirit everyday, WHO will display not only the Gifts but also the Fruits.

4) God’s plan for one person may not be the same for the other person

Blind man 1 – John 9:6,7 – saliva + mud ==> eyes + wash in pool of Siloam
Blind man 2 – Mark 10: 46-52 – WORD ==> Go, your faith has healed you

5) God’s plan will be different at different times for the same person

When the SAME problem occurs to us in succession, God will give us DIFFERENT ideas each time! Amazing isn't it!!! For example:
2 Samuel 5:18-25 18 Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; 19 so David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?" The LORD answered him, "Go, for I will surely hand the Philistines over to you." 20 So David went to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, "As waters break out, the LORD has broken out against my enemies before me." So that place was called Baal Perazim. 21 The Philistines abandoned their idols there, and David and his men carried them off.

22 Once more the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; 23 so David inquired of the LORD, and he answered, "Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. 24 As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army." 25 So David did as the LORD commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.

Moses – God asked Moses to strike the mountain the first time and talk to it the second time.

6) We have to inquire God for EVERY situation ALL the time

Ps.119:105 Your WORD is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path.

1 Samuel 23:1-4 – God confirmed things twice for David
When David was told, "Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors," 2 he inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?" The LORD answered him, "Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah." 3 But David's men said to him, "Here in Judah we are afraid. How much more, then, if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!" 4 Once again David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him, "Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand." 5 So David and his men went to Keilah, fought the Philistines and carried off their livestock. He inflicted heavy losses on the Philistines and saved the people of Keilah.

1 Samuel 30:7,8 David’s neutral mind
7 Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, "Bring me the ephod." Abiathar brought it to him, and David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?" "Pursue them," he answered. "You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue."
2 Samuel 2:1 Specific question was answered
David inquired of the LORD. "Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?" he asked. The LORD said, "Go up." David asked, "Where shall I go?" "To Hebron," the LORD answered.
God even gives us the address where we should go!

What are the ways of inquiring the LORD?
1. Go up to the LORD
2. Weep before Him
3. Stay long til evening
4.Fasting
Dan.9:3 I turned to the LORD and pleaded with him in prayer and petition in fasting and in sackcloth and ashes.

Judges 20:23 – 1. Go up to the LORD 2. Weep 3. Stay long til evening 4.Fasting
The Israelites went up and wept before the LORD until evening, and they inquired of the LORD. They said, "Shall we go up again to battle against the Benjamites, our brothers?" The LORD answered, "Go up against them."

7) God does NOT give a full plan to you on the first step

Gen.11:31 Terah took his son Abram,… and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Haran, they settled there. 32 Terah lived 205 years, and he died in Haran.Gen12:1 The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you”.
Abraham’s journey: Ur ==> Haran (STOP)==> GOD ==> Canaan ==> Egypt ==> Canaan; Obedience will reveal the next part.

Heb.11:8 – By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

Paul was told by God to go to the city as an initial part of His plan. Acts 9:6 what do you want me to do Lord? "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."

8) God has a definite TIME frame

Jer.29:10 This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. v 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.

Ex.12: 40 now the length of time the Israelite people lived in Egypt was 430 years. v 41 At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD's divisions left Egypt.

Abraham – waited 25 years before the promise was fulfilled.
Joseph waited almost 22 yrs before his dream came true

Things to do:

1. Inquire God at cross roads
2. Praying & fasting
3. Power of waiting
4. Praying long
5. Praying with tears
6. Praying in distress
7. Petition / supplication

Note:Message given on 22.06.07 at Tamil Fellowship, Rayner's Lane Baptist Church.

History Channel - Boards discussion

Re: The Bible as Cookbook Proves the Christian God Doesn't Exist.
-->Posted: Jun 13, 2007 7:02 AM (23 of 23)

http://boards.historychannel.com/thread.jspa?messageID=700204360&#700204360

In respose to the challenge posed by Sidewalker, I've written the following comments:

My Dear Sidewalker,

The BIBLE is NOT a cookbook!

It is a book to reavel God's personality, creative power, compassion, and plans for everyone's salvation.

The BIBLE was written over a period of some 1,500 years, from around 1450 B.C. (the time of Moses) to about 100 A.D. (following the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ).The Bible was written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit by over 40 different authors from all walks of life: shepherds, farmers, tent-makers, physicians, fishermen, priests, philosophers and kings. Despite these differences in occupation and the span of years it took to write it, the Bible is an extremely cohesive and unified book.

There are more than 6,500 languages are spoken in the world today and the BIBLE has been published in about 2,167 languages. The Bible is the best selling book of all time in any language. It has sold about 5 to 6 billion copies.Hence we know that there are atleast billions of people in this world who believes in Jesus Christ who came into the world about 2,000 years and ministered onlt for 3 and 1/2 years. No MAN, by his own authority, preaching for only 3 and 1/2 years,could have established his Kingdom on the earth even after 2,000 years have lapsed. It's only by the power of God, His name could be established on all face of earth.

What is the reason for Jesus Christ to come into this world to die on the cross? Here is a simple explenation:
1. God’s love, for all the people in this world is limitless and measureless.
2. There is no righteous, unblemished person in this world. There is not a man in this world who has not committed any sin in his life time.
3. There’s no one in this world whose walk is blameless; All are corrupt; All are sinners. God loves the sinners as well.
4. An innocent / sinless / spotless man's blood has to be shed for the forgiveness of our sins.
5. There was no sin found in Jesus Christ.
6. Jesus died on the cross as atonement (compensation) for the sins of all human beings in this world.
7. Any human being (irrespective of race, colour, religion, region etc.) who cries out to God truly in their heart for the forgiveness of their sins will be forgiven readily (This is know as "Salvation").They will enter into heaven after their death.

Please Read John's Gospel (from the New Testament) to know the Truth! You shall know the Truth and the Truth will set you free! I will pray for your Salvation! This is a challenge for everyone. Cry out to Jesus with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind and search the BIBLE, He will definetely reveal himself to you.

Dr.Jeshurun

Crossways

CROSSWAYS

I’m a business man trying to find my way out of my City of STRUGGLE & DESPAIR to the Town of PEACE & SAFETY ……… Can you help me find my way out? I’m at cross ways……

When I’m at cross roads…..
All I can do is one thing only.
I have to choose only one path!
But I keep in my mind:
1) The path I have chosen will take me miles away from the other paths and
2) That I will never be able to return to those other choices!
So, I thought Once……. Twice….Thrice….Four times….
But I honestly don’t know what’s ahead in the path I’ve chosen….
There may be a…..lion ...or an elephant in the path....

or a gift from God or a promotion or a degrees from God.....!

So tell me, which way should I CHOOSE from these CROSSROADS?

Or just tell me…….Shall I STOP all together everything?

Or shall I WAIT ....?

There seems to be MILLIONS of ways to venture…..

But all I need is to take only one way which is the BEST ONE FOR ME.

Will I excel like the DEER in the path I choose?

Who would counsel me to take the right path?
Who will order my steps?
Who will direct me to the straight and best way for me?

DEAR GOD, PLEASE HELP ME TO DISCOVER THE BEST PATH YOU HAVE CHOSEN FOR ME! COUNSEL ME, AND DIRECT MY HEART IN YOUR WAYS!!

Wife of Noble Character!

Wife of Noble Character (Proverb 31)

She gets up while it is still dark. (v15)

She prays to the Lord and meditates on his word day and night. (v30)

She provides food for her family and her servant. (v15)

She also feeds the poor and needy. (v20)

Her dress code is gracious and fine. (v22)

She speaks with faithful instruction and wisdom. (v26)

She watches over the household affairs and never stays idle.(v 27)

She saves some money. (v16)

She goes for shopping and brings necessary things for home. (v14)

She never gets tied of work. (v17)

During emergency, she has enough resources to sustain her family.(v21)

She keeps the house clean and tidy. (v22)


Examples:

Sarah – 1Peter 3:6 è Submission to her husband
Deborah – Judges 5:7 è Commitment
Esther – 4:16 è Prayer warrior
Ruth – Ruth 1:16,17 è Determination

Prayer at Gethsemane

Jesus prayed 3 times before his betrayal. If you compare all the 4 gospels and closely observe the words he spoke each time, you will find a revelation in these passages:

Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." Matt.26:38

Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." Mark 14:35,36

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."Matt.26:39

The first time, he prays like this: “Everything is possible /or/ if it is possible… take this cup from me”. Here Jesus is asking his Father to take away the cup, which is crucifixion.

He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."Matt.26:42

Watch the above verse very closely. His prayer has changed from, ‘if it is possible’ to ‘if it is not possible’.

So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Matt.26:44

At the third prayer, Jesus has known and accepted the will of his Father to drink the cup, which is crucifixion.

An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.Luke 22:43

After making the decision to go for the cross, he was strengthened by the angel.

Jesus, who had said few hours ago, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death”, has now become bold and commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" John 18:11

From Jesus' prayer at Gethsemane, we learn the perfect submission to the will of our Father in heaven. Submission is a voluntary decision which can be difficult to make and if the submission is according to the will of the Father, it produces fruit for eternity.

Thanks to Bro R Stanley’s message: “How NOT to...” series

A message from a 12 year old boy

In a popular movie, “Home Alone”, the parents forget their child at home and went on a holiday. After a while, they realised that their son was missing!

Like wise, In Luke 2 we read about the distressed parents who left their 12 year old son in Jerusalem and left for their home in Nazareth. They searched for their son and on the 3rd day, they found him in the Jerusalem Temple. His troubled and tormented mother asked him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Look, your father and I have sought you anxiously.” (v48). The boy gave an astonishing answer: How is it that you had to look for me? Didn’t you know that it is necessary for me to be in My Father's house and occupied about My Father's business? (v49).

Certainly staying in our Fathers House and doing his business is superior to things of this world. Let’s learn this simple principle from this 12 year boy named ‘Jesus’!

“For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Ps.84:10).

Be my Valentine!

Dear Jesus,

You left your heavenly home;
To be born in a manger.
You left your Father in heaven;
To become a carpenter’s son.
You left the treasures of heaven;
To make me rich in your blessings.

You were baptised in water,
To baptise me by the Holy Spirit.
You fasted for 40 days and 40 nights,
To proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven,
You showed me the Way, the Truth & Life,
To follow you all days of my life.

Some one can die for a good man;
But you died for me, yet a sinner.
You showed your love for me;
By carrying my cross on your shoulders.
Though I never knew your love,
You shed your blood for me.

You have given me a new life,
A purpose to live.
I love you, Jesus.
Be my Valentine!!!

Your loving son.