Tragedy to Triumph!

Tragedy to Triumph!

Today I attended the Bristol Men’s Conference with our church members.

There were two speakers (and 4sermons) and the topic was on passion for Christ. After each sermon the audience can send questions and out of them 3 will be read and answered.

The first sermon was on the love of God and keeping the commandments. So I wrote a question and sent, but it was not read/ discussed.

In the afternoon session, after asermon on the topic “Tragedy to Triumph” – Rev. Andy Paterson narrated three incidences of Acts 18 è

(a) how Aquila & Priscilla were thrown out of Rome (Tragedy) and they werea blessed in Corinth (Triumph)

(b) while Paul was preaching in Corinth, Jews opposed/ abused him (Tragedy); so he came out – but the Synagogue leader, Crispus and his entire household believed and baptised (Triumph)

( c) v12 – Jews bought Paul to court (Tragedy) – but the judge (Gallio) dismissed the case (Triumph). He also narrated a story when a young boy of 6 was told that hisfather had a tragedy. He was then explained that he died and gone to be with Jesus. The boy replied if he has gone to be with Jesus, why do you call it atragedy, it’s a blessing. It was a moving message!

I initially thought I shouldn’tsend the question (as my previous question was not read). But suddenly Ithought ………no, I shouldn’t get dejected but pursue it. Also not many people were enthusiastic about writing thequestion. Within a flash of a second, I took a paper and wrote the same questionbut in one sentence. It reads like this: “How to love God when tragedy strikes?” I gave it to the usher. The first question was about something else. He answered. Then the second question was read to Rev. Andy Paterson: How to loveGod when tragedy strikes? He started to speak………two syllables came out of hismouth and then he stopped. He was silent for a minute. The whole stadium was silent. Tears rolled down his cheeks. After the silence he spoke: “My father was a church minister. He served God all his life. He was suddenly diagnosed with cancer………I think I have known God much more better than before my father fell sick………I ‘m more closer to Jesus than before………….” He couldn’t continue. The other pastor prayed for him.

Later, I ran and caught up with him. I told him Iwas the one to ask the question. I narrated my current situation. I told him that even though I love Jesus and I know that whatever happens in my life is a blessing from God and I don’t hate him………..but it is a great effort before I could do very little morning devotion. I could no longer listen to sermons. I have no longer seem to have a deep searching for God. He looked at me with tears in his eyes and said when he was going thru the trouble, he was feeling the same……..then he started reading Psalms and found out how the Everlasting arm was around him………I then asked him "Sometimes Iwonder if I might lose my salvation……………" He replied that the very fact that I have this fear shows that I do love Him……….just don’t worry about daily devotion………don’t feel guilty if I didn’t do it daily………..when you pray you pour out your heart to him; tell Jesus exactly how you feel………..and this will be your daily devotion………….!" Wow! Praise God for the comfort through a person who had already undergone the pain.

10 Years on...

This is my personal testimony. I wish to give Glory and Honor for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

09/09/2009: Today is a memorable and a remarkable day in my life. I was living in Choolaimedu in Chennai and at that time I went through a very difficult time of my life. Though I had just joined a diploma course at the Institute of Mental Health, Kilpauk, I was really down in dumps.

After completing my MBBS course, I studied continually for almost 2 years for MD entrance exams. I attended various exams all over India. I also applied for Tamil Nadu Government jobs, but unfortunately, none of these doors were open to me. The hardest bit was that most of my senior and even my junior colleagues were getting jobs or selected for MD, but for me, there seemed to be no way out. I felt very dejected. I mourned. My soul was restless everyday. I prayed daily with tears to God. "Lord! Show me my way! There seems to be no way out! Help me" This was my prayer for 2 years. Most of my days, on my return from work, I went straight to the church to spend time with God. I attended almost every meeting that took place in Chennai (1999-2001) with my brother or friends (JJ/ Ramki/ Saravanan/ Britto).

Also I was worried as I was getting older, when my friends as well as juniors got married. I even felt ashamed to attend their weddings. Once I had to attend a wedding, as they are my relatives. On reaching the church premises, I felt ashamed to go inside the marriage hall. So I hid myself near the bushes and wept to my Lord. “When will to take out of my shame? Will you ever bless me?” I cried and cried. Few minutes later, an auto came by the bush to drop some one. A verse was written at the back of the auto which shook me. It was written, “I will restore double to you”. I was reassured. I felt calm and believed my Lord.

But over a period of time, I was unable to bear the pain of a number of failures in my life. So I resigned my job and wished to go back to my native place. I packed my bags. On 09/09/1999, exactly, 10 years ago, as I was staying at home, I started to read The Bible with tears in my eyes. After few hours, I felt someone coming into my home which was locked. I was touched by Jesus and was anointed with an overflowing measure by the Holy Spirit. I was bubbling with joy. I stayed in His presence for nearly 4 to 5 hours. What a joyful day it was! I WILL NEVER EVER FORGET WHAT GOD HAD DONE TO ME ON THAT DAY. Though I was chosen by my Father God before the foundation of this world (Eph. 1:4), along with the Redemption given to me by the precious blood of Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:7), I was specially and personally touched and embraced by the hand of the Holy Spirit. I felt like a baby in God’s arms. The joy I received I could never be able to describe with words. I was cured of my depression and instantly & suddenly lifted up and filled with abundant joy. On that day, I KNEW FOR SURE THAT JESUS IS THE TRUE AND ONLY GOD; HEAVEN AND HELL IS REAL; EVERY WORD IN THE BIBLE IS TRUE; EVRY MAN’S SIN IS ATONED AND FORGIVEN ONLY BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS. I felt confident that my Lord will never leave me or forsake me. I went back to the same place of work and completed my diploma course.

Now looking back all these 10 years, Sovereign God had already made a special plan for me. He brought me to the UK and gave me wonderful jobs in London. He has made me proud Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych). Also, he brought a special girl (my wife) in my life from North India. Also, to confirm his Word promised to me 10 years ago, God restored my life with twin boys, Aaron and Bryan!!! Hallelujah!!! Looking back, indeed my Lord has been faithful to me. God had done things which I WOULD HAVE NEVER THOUGHT OR DREAMT 10 YEARS AGO. So, anyone reading my testimony, if you are going through a difficult time in your life, only one advice I can give you: POUR YOUR TEARS AT THE FEET OF JESUS CHRIST; THEN FORGET ALL YOUR TROUBLES; HE WILL LIFT YOU UP AND COMFORT YOU AND MAKE YOU BIG IN NATIONS. HE WILL GIVE MORE THAN WHAT YOU ASK FOR. Amen.

Eph. 3:20,21: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.


Spiritual Blessings in Christ:

Eph. 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love,

5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will;

6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.


Note: Testimony in this testimony: Today is a very busy day in my office, as I am working 10 hours. I wished to go to a church to pray, but no way. To my great surprise, my wonderful friend, Ramki Isaac, called me from India. Interestingly, he didn’t know that this is a special celebration day for me and also he had not called me for the last 9 months!!! After talking to him on the phone for long time, I was inspired to write this testimony!!! Hence God is Sovereign and He touched Ramki’s heart to call me so that I will write and publish it today!!! Praise, Glory and Power to My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!! Hallelujah!!!

THE TITANIC TRACT

Introduction

The journey we make in our life from birth to death can be compared to the journey in a ship from one destination to another. Let us expound some truths from this catastrophe.

The Titanic was the biggest ship ever built during 1912. The 882 ft long ship roughly equals the size of the Tower Bridge. Total cost of Titanic was $7.5 million. It had 16 watertight compartments, which were designed to close automatically, if flooded. Shipbuilder magazine quoted that The Titanic was ‘practically unsinkable’, though it was made from 46,000 tonnes of steel.

The Titanic was described as a ‘Luxury hotel at sea’. The ship contained a swimming pool, gymnasium, squash court and library. They stored 40,000 eggs, 1,500 gallons of milk, 110,000 lbs of meat and stacks of beverages (20,000 Beer bottles and 1,500 Wine bottles).

“We place absolute confidence in the Titanic. We believe the boat is unsinkable”
- Titanic's President Franklin.

“Not even God himself could sink this ship”
- A deckhand on Titanic.

“I cannot conceive any vital disaster happening to this vessel. Modern ship building has gone beyond that.”
- Edward John Smith, Titanic Captain

The cascade of events:

10th April 1912 – Titanic left Southampton on its maiden voyage to New York.
11th April 1912 – Reached Ireland and restarted.
12th/13thApril 1912 – Smooth sailing on the sea.
14th April 1912 – 18:00 – Passengers had their supper, which was the last one for many on board.
19:00 – Several warning reports about icebergs from nearby ships (The Californian / Carpathian).
20:00 – All the warning messages were ignored.
22:50 – The Californian ship sent the last message.
23:00 – This warning message was also ignored.
23:15 – The wireless operator from The Californian switched off the radio & shutdown communication.
23:39 – The crew spotted an iceberg very close with less than 1 minute to respond.
23:40 – Titanic turned to the left, but collided with the iceberg.
15th April 1912
00:00 – Six watertight compartments were flooded.
00:05 – Distress signal “CQD” was sent to other nearby ships and distress rockets fired.
00:45 – Lifeboats launched, but not filled up to the maximum capacity.
01:30 – The titanic music band (Wallace Hartley & team) played the song 'Nearer my God to thee'. The band continued playing music till the end.
02:18 – Titanic broke into two pieces and the bow sank first.
02:20 – The ‘unsinkable’ Titanic sank after 2 hours and 40 minutes of ordeal. About 1,500 passengers lost their lives.
04:30 – The nearby ship, Carpathian rescued about 700 passengers from the lifeboats.

Luxury Vs Lifeboats

The Titanic carried about 2,200 passengers, but only 20 lifeboats. Ideally, the Titanic should have carried at least 34 lifeboats to save all the lives of people on board. In essence, The Titanic was loaded with all the luxury items, but it failed to carry adequate number of lifeboats.

Life as a ‘sinking’ Titanic

The life we live in this world can be compared to the story of the Titanic. Our body is a vessel designed as a ship carrying inside a soul and a spirit. Indeed ‘our mortal body’ can be a representation of the ‘sinking Titanic ship’.

If we could count our heartbeats, it would be between 60-90 beats per minute. Our heart has to beat about 100,000 times and pump 7,200 litres of blood in order to live one day on planet earth.

On an average, our human body is designed to live for about 70-80 years and then to die. Also Death can occur to anyone at anytime (e.g., accidents / diseases– heart attack / stroke) but it could be slow and gradual (e.g., cancer / dementia).

The truth is that everyone born in this world will die at some time. So, are we prepared to meet death at any time of our life? Fear of death can be annulled as long as we know where we are going after death.

My dear friend, this materialistic world represents the ‘Sinking Titanic’. What would be beneficial, if a man owns the whole world, yet he loses his life? The ‘Unsinkable Lifeboat’ may seem to be insignificant, but it is the one that saved lives.

In this world, Jesus Christ is that Unsinkable Lifeboat who saves lives eternally. He loves us and died on the cross for our sins. He promises us eternal life after death. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies” (John 11:25).

Are you willing to get into the lifeboat? It’s your free choice.

Dear Lord Jesus,
I believe you are the Son of God. You died on the cross for my sins. I believe you rose from the dead on the third day and you are seated at the right hand of our Father in heaven. I confess all my sins. Please forgive me. Cleanse me with your precious blood. I proclaim that I am a new creation in Christ from now on. I say this prayer in Jesus name. Amen.

Welcome to the Kingdom of God! Right now, there will be thousands of angels rejoicing over your salvation in heaven, as you have been saved just now. Today, buy a Bible and read Mathew chapters 5, 6 & 7 that gives the principles to follow in our lives. Continue to read, pray and attend a church that belongs to Jesus Christ. God bless you! Amen!

"Nearer, my God, to Thee"Nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!

E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me,
still all my song shall be,
Nearer, my God, to thee,
nearer to thee!
Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,
darkness be over me, my rest a stone.
Yet in my dreams I'd be nearer, my God to thee.
There let the way appear, steps unto heaven;
all that thou sendest me, in mercy given;
angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to thee.
Then, with my waking thoughts bright with thy praise,
out of my stony griefs Bethel I'll raise;
so by my woes to be nearer, my God, to thee.
Or, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky,
sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I'll fly,
still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to thee.
There in my Father's home, safe and at rest,
there in my Saviour's love, perfectly blest;
age after age to be, nearer my God to thee.

Words: Sarah Adams, 1841

The will of God

‘What is the will of God In my life?’ – Most of us desperately wish to find out what God wishes us to do for him in life.

1. We may have great enthusiasm to do “works” for God, but all he needs is to do very simple tasks. For example, Andrew told his brother, Peter about Jesus and led him to Jesus. 40 One of the two who heard what John said and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first sought out and found his own brother Simon and said to him, We have found (discovered) the Messiah! — which translated is the Christ (the Anointed One). 42 Andrew then led (brought) Simon to Jesus. John 1:40-42 - AMP

This is a simple thing to do – Introducing Jesus to othersè calling the unsaved friends to church, telling about him, giving tracts, witnessing about Jesus etc.

2.The next simple task is to give whatever small things you have. For example,

A small boy gave all that he had for food – 5 loaves and 2 small fish. He gave with his full heart to Jesus. What an astonishing miracle happened on that day! 8 Another of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, 9 There is a little boy here, who has [with him] five barley loaves, and two small fish;

John 6:8-9 AMP

This is a simple thing to do – Giving to Jesus è you can give anything to Jesus; your little food, little time, little money, little love etc; He will bless it and make it an abundant blessing for others.

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.

Overcomer's Prayers !

Dear Father,

I thank you for the precious blood Jesus shed on the cross. Thank you for giving us the mighty name of Jesus. THANK YOU FOR THE AUTHORITY YOU HAVE DELEGATED TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN JESUS AND THE GREAT SACRIFICE HE MADE ON CALVARY. Father, I take upon myself the divine authority to claim and possess all you have granted me. I obey your commands and choose to forgive my offenders. I rebuke every enemy that stood against me-- my body, mind and spirit. I demolish every stronghold that is built in my body-- in every organ and cell, and the spirit of fear and the spirit of infirmity and claim back God's promises of life, abundant life with perfect health and strength. I appropriate Caleb's inheritance of Hebron-- spiritual and material, health and long life that is God's Rhema for my household. Halleluiah. Amen.

Prayer 1
Father, through the blood of Jesus and His mighty name, you have given me the divine authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the powers of darkness. I praise and thank you for that. I obey your commands and choose to forgive my offenders. So now I rebuke the enemy and claim all my lost territories. I demolish the strongholds built in my body, soul and spirit. Thus I claim my divine rights in faith and praise you. Amen.

Prayer 2
Father, through the blood of Calvary and the power in the mighty name of Jesus, I’ve got power to trample on scorpions, snakes, and to overcome all the powers of the enemy. So in my authority I rebuke the spirit of sadness that has found a stronghold in my spirit. I claim the mantle of joy that is my inheritance in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Prayer 3
Dear Father, I thank you for the blood that Jesus shed on the cross and the power of His name. You have given divine authority in Christ Jesus to overcome the powers of darkness. You have given me the spirit of power, love and sound mind. So I trample upon the spirit of fear of people and the spirit of shame and timidity. I choose to demolish that stronghold in His name by the power delegated to me and take up my inheritance. I am strong in my body, soul and spirit. Amen.

Prayer4
Father, By the precious blood and the mighty name of your son Jesus Christ, you have delegated to me authority and power to rebuke the powers of darkness and to overcome the enemy. I praise you for it and I realize my true position / identity in Christ. I have chosen to obey your commands and to forgive my offenders. Now I claim every inch of my God-given territory in my soul, spirit, and body. No evil power can touch any part of my person or stay in any stronghold inside me. I claim every blessing God gave my in birth and every thing I have developed in course of time through hard work. They are mine. Amen.

Prayer 5
Father, I thank you for Jesus. He is our bondage- breaker. His blood sets us free. Thank you for the power we have in His blood. Thank you for the divine authority you gave us thru His blood and His name. I break all bondages that have held my family and me in so many areas. Your power is limitless. You are our Sovereign God. I keep my people and myself under the cover of Jesus’ name and your mighty wings. I break open for us a new, bright future. Praise God. Hallelujah, Amen.

Prayer 6
Father, I have chosen to forgive all my offenders and myself. Now I come up against the powers of darkness that have erected strongholds in my body, mind and spirit –in my thinking and belief system. Through the blood shed on the cross and the mighty name of Jesus, I have the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and overcome the powers of the enemy. I take hold of every stronghold and every blessing God has assigned to my children and me. Strongholds are down; we always pull them down in His Amen.

Prayer 7
Dear Father, Thank you for the blood of Jesus and the authority given me through Jesus’ name. So in my authority, I rebuke the Spirit of sadness that has found a stronghold in my spirit. I claim the mantle of joy that is my inheritance in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Prayer 8
Father, I believe in the power of Jesus’ name and the blood He shed on the cross. His blood sanctifies me. It is the blood of eternal covenant. Because of His blood I am granted divine power and divine weapons of incomprehensible valour. I thank you, father, for the place of honour attributed to me. I acknowledge my position in Christ with gratitude. I choose to obey your commands willingly and take back all my blessings lost and stolen by the enemy. Now I claim my inheritance – the power of my memory, creativity and fluent speech….. They are mine. God granted them to me. No evil can touch or take hold of it forever. I take them back for the glory of God. The enemy has no hold on them now. I put His blood on every part of my body, soul, and spirit. Amen.

Prayer 9
Father, I thank you for the blood of Jesus. I thank you for His mighty name. I thank you for the authority given to me in His name. I praise you, God, my father for adopting me into His family. I belong to you. Praise God. Now in faith I claim all I have lost………. My memory, retention, my health, … In His name I break every bondage. In His authority I demolish strongholds in my body and soul. I regain all my father granted me. The enemy cannot hold them again. Halleluiah. Amen.

Prayer 10
Father, I thank you for the precious blood of Jesus. Thank you for the name of Jesus you gave me. I have come closer to you now all because of His name and His blood. You have given me the authority to trample on the enemy. I demolish all strongholds built in my thoughts, my emotions and in my will and demolish every weapon forged against me in the precious name of Jesus. I rebuke the spirit of infirmity and fear. I claim every inch of my inheritance promised to my in your Word. What you have promised is mine. I have become an over comer in His name. Halleluiah. Amen.

Prayer 11
Father, through the precious blood and the mighty name of Jesus, I take upon myself the divine authority, promised to me in your Word, to trample on serpents and scorpions and all evil powers. Nothing has the power to harm us, because we belong to Him and Him alone. All praise be unto Him. I worship Him. I demolish any stronghold built against me in my own spirit—sense of emptiness, boredom, vacantness, and bafflement and in my soul-- my memory, sharpness of mind, speech, retention, and any weakness or infirmity of body. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Halleluiah!

PRAYER & PROCLAMATION

Father God, I love you because you loved me first; not only that, you have loved me non-stop, continuously, consistently, everlastingly, unfailingly, ungrudgingly, and every moment of the day. You have needed me, Father, so much. I was worthless, you made me worthy, so worthy that I have now begun to feel my worth. I had no esteem of my own. But you have esteemed me so much, having invested in me all the rich heavenly blessings in Christ. I had no significance attached to my person. Life was against me. But you made me significant, giving me people, works and projects, and subduing all evil spirits below my feet. Nothing can harm me. The spirit of fear or the spirit of infirmity or (------name yours) has been defeated through the blood of Jesus Christ. This is what the word of God says of me and I firmly believe in this.

HALLELUIAH!!!!

Special Thanks to: Mrs Caroline Jebadurai

TITANIC

Introduction

Our life can be compared to a ship. The journey we make in our life from birth to death can be compared to the journey in a ship from one destination to another. The real life story of Titanic is fascinating. Let's have a glimpse of the truth behind the story of the Titanic.

The Titanic ship was the biggest ship ever built during 1912. The 882 ft long ship roughly equals the size of the Tower Bridge. The construction of Titanic started in 1909 at Belfast. Total cost of Titanic was $7.5 million (1912). White Star Line owned Titanic and Bruce Ismay was the managing director. It had 16 watertight compartments, which were designed to close automatically, if flooded. Shipbuilder magazine quoted on the construction of Titanic in 1911 that because of the watertight compartments the ship was ‘practically unsinkable’. Though it was made from 46,000 tonnes of steel, people were made to believe that Titanic was ‘unsinkable’.

White star line's vice president Franklin said: “We place absolute confidence in the Titanic. We believe the boat is unsinkable”. A Deckhand quoted: “Not even God himself could sink this ship”. Titanic Captain, Edward John Smith with more than 40 years of experience at sea said: “I cannot conceive any vital disaster happening to this vessel. Modern ship building has gone beyond that.”

Titanic was described as a ‘Luxury hotel at sea’. The ship contained a swimming pool, gymnasium, squash court and library. The crown jewel of the decoration was the first class grand staircase topped by a massive glass dome. The titanic built for luxury and comfort contained enormous quantities of variety food and drinks. They stored 75,000 lbs of meat, 25,000 lbs of poultry and 11,000 lbs of fish. About 1,500 gallons of milk and 40,000 eggs were stored. The passengers had the option to choose from stacks of beverages (20,000 Beer bottles and 1,500 Wine bottles and more)

The cascade of events:
10th April 1912 – Titanic leaves from Southampton on its maiden voyage to New York.
11th April 1912 – Reaches Ireland and then restarts journey.
12th April 1912 – Smooth sailing through the sea.
13th April 1912 – Temperature is getting lower.
14th April 1912 – 09:00 – First warning about an iceberg.
18:00 – Passengers had their supper, which was their last one.
19:00 – Several warning reports about icebergs from nearby ships (The Baltic, Californian, and Carpathian).
20:00 – All the warning messages were ignored.
21:00 – Moonless night and darkness prevailed all over.
22:00 – Titanic was travelling at about 45 miles/hour.
22:50 – The Californian that sailed close to the Titanic sent a message that they had stopped sailing, because of icebergs.
23:00 – This warning message was also ignored.
23:10 – Journey continued and speed of the ship not reduced.
23:15 – The wireless operator from The Californian switched off his radio, unaware of the danger for the speeding Titanic.
23:39 – Some one spots an iceberg very close with less than 1 minute to respond.
23:40 – Titanic turns to the left, but collided with the iceberg.
15th April 1912
00:00 – Six watertight compartments were flooded.
00:05 – Distress signal “CQD” was sent to other nearby ships.
00:25 – The nearest ship, Carpathian, received it.
00:45 – First lifeboat launched and distress rockets fired.
01:00 – Lifeboats launched, but not filled up to the maximum.
01:30 – The titanic music band (Wallace Hartley & his team) played the song 'Nearer my God to thee'. The band played the music in an effort to keep passengers calm and they continued playing music till the end.
02:15 – The last wireless distress signal, “We are sinking fast...” was followed by sudden loss of power in the ship.
02:18 – Titanic breaks into two pieces and the bow sinks first.
02:20 – The ‘unsinkable’ Titanic sinks after 2 hours and 40 minutes of ordeal. About 1,500 passengers lost their lives.
04:30 – The Carpathian rescues about 705 passengers from the lifeboats and heads towards New York.

Lifeboats

Titanic carried only 20 lifeboats, which means that it could take maximum of 1178 passengers, if each lifeboat is filled to the maximum capacity but there were about 2,200 passengers on board. Hence the Titanic should have carried at least 34 lifeboats to save the lives of all people on board. Titanic was loaded with all the luxury items, but it failed to have adequate number of lifeboats. One of the reasons for not having the required number of lifeboats was that those lifeboats would take large amount of space in the ship, which could potentially reduce the number of luxury items they had to carry in the ship. They would have to lose some of their luxury items to accommodate the extra number of lifeboats.

Compared with the huge size, magnificent build and the opulence of the ship, the life boat was very small in size, and none of the items in Titanic were present (no food, no comfort), but the only difference was that the lifeboat was floating on the cold sea at midnight of April 15th 1912 while the Titanic was sinking.

What do we learn from the above true story?

Life as a ‘sinking’ Titanic

The life we live in this world can be compared to the story of the Titanic. Our body is a vessel designed as a ship carrying inside a soul and a spirit. Indeed our mortal body can be a representation of the sinking Titanic ship. If we could count our heartbeats, it would be between 60-100 beats per minute. Our heart has to beat about 100,000 times and pump 7,200 litres of blood in order to live one day on planet earth. On an average, our human body is designed to live for about 70-80 years. Death can occur to anyone at anytime. So, are we prepared to meet death at any time of our life? For some people death is sudden and unexpected (e.g., accident / heart attack / stroke) but for others it could be slow and gradual (e.g., old age / cancer / dementia). The truth is everyone born in this world will die at some time. But we can face death confidently as long as we know where we are going. Not the huge Titanic, but only the lifeboat will save our soul. The only lifeboat is Jesus Christ who promises us eternal life after death.

My dear friend, we may be rich, wearing expensive clothes, driving a luxury car and living in comfy homes. We may be successful persons in every walk of life and enjoying endearing relationships for long. But, Undoubtedly, all of them represent the ‘Sinking’ Titanic. What would be beneficial, if a man owns the whole world, yet he loses his life? The ‘unsinkable’ lifeboat may seem to be insignificant, but it is the one that saves our lives. In this world, Jesus Christ is that ‘Unsinkable’ Lifeboat who saves lives eternally.

Are you willing to get into the lifeboat? It’s your free choice.

Thank you for patiently reading this. If you wish to accept Jesus as you saviour, please say this following prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus,
I believe you are the Son of God. You died on the cross for my sins. I believe you rose from the dead on the third day and you are seated at the right hand of our Father in heaven. I confess all my sins. (List them if you can remember them). Please forgive me. Cleanse me with your precious blood. I proclaim that I am a new creation in Christ from now on. I say this prayer in Jesus name. Amen.

Welcome to the Kingdom of God! Right now, there will be thousands of angels rejoicing over your salvation in heaven, as you have been saved just now. Today, buy a Bible and read Mathew chapters 5, 6 & 7 that gives the principles to follow in our lives. Continue to read, pray and attend a church that belongs to Jesus Christ. God bless you! Amen!

"Nearer, my God, to Thee"

Nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!

E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me,

still all my song shall be,

Nearer, my God, to thee,

nearer to thee!

Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,

darkness be over me, my rest a stone.

Yet in my dreams I'd be nearer, my God to thee.

There let the way appear, steps unto heaven;

all that thou sendest me, in mercy given;

angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to thee.

Then, with my waking thoughts bright with thy praise,

out of my stony griefs Bethel I'll raise;

so by my woes to be nearer, my God, to thee.

Or, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky,

sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I'll fly,

still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to thee.

There in my Father's home, safe and at rest,

there in my Saviour's love, perfectly blest;

age after age to be, nearer my God to thee.

--------------------------------------------------
Words: Sarah Adams, 1841

An antidote for Da Vinci code

Introduction
Da vinci code is a well known film in the present times which is based on Dan Brown’s novel published in 2003. Currently over 40 million copies have been sold worldwide. Much heat has been produced, since the release of this film. Some states in India have banned this film.

There are two ways of looking at this film. One is to view this as the most blasphemous film ever released in the history and the other is that it gives a platform for all of us, as believers in Christ Jesus, to discuss / argue / preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because it is mostly viewed by people who haven’t really thought about Jesus as God.

I was confronted by two of my friends (unbelievers) regarding the Da vinci code, and I was voluntarily pushed forward to talk about the life / death / resurrection and saving power of Jesus. What an amazing turn around to preach the Gospel of truth to unbelieving friends, in a non-confrontational manner, by using the world famous, blasphemous, Da vinci code.

So, We will see how far Dan Brown’s “facts” will stand up to the historical evidence. Now I am going to explain some of the codes Dan Brown used, as well as the defences, we have against them.

Fiction #1 – Jesus had a private family life

The Da Vinci Code claims that Jesus had family life and that their descendants included a line of kings in France, as well as some of the main characters in the novel.

Explanation: There are no historical documents for this claim. Earliest writings about Jesus’ life are the New Testament Gospels - Matthew/ Mark/ Luke/ John. They were written by disciples of Jesus before 70A.D. The Temple of Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A.D. as prophesied by Jesus (Matt.24:1, Mark 13:1, Luke 21:5). Since this event was not recorded in any of these 4 gospels, it becomes evident that the Gospels had been written before 70 A.D. Hence they are more accurate and are accepted by the Christians and considered as authoritative.

Fiction #2 - The Gnostic gospels and the Dead Sea Scrolls are "the earliest Christian records."

The Da Vinci Code claims that the New Testament is a forgery and that the Gnostic gospels and the Dead Sea Scrolls are the original Christian texts.

Explanation: Dan Brown’s claim is based, not on the New Testament Gospels, but on Gnostic gospels – e.g. ‘gospel of Philip’, which were written about 150 to 250 A.D. by some unknown authors, who were NEITHER disciples of Jesus NOR friends of any Apostles. They were NOT the true reflections of the Life of Jesus. Hence they are considered to be absolutely fallacious.
On the other hand, the earliest evidence of Jesus’ life is to be seen in the writings of the disciples of Jesus (Matthew/ Mark / Luke / John). They lived & witnessed His life and hence the Gospels written by them are authentic and genuine.

Dead Sea scrolls, which were found in 11 the Qumran caves around 1950, are not the earliest and also they contain very controversial materials.

Fiction #3 – Christianity stole its ideas and concepts from paganism.

The Da Vinci Code, on page 232: claims: "Nothing in Christianity is original. a) The pre-Christian god Mithras - called the Son of God and the Light of the World - was born on December 25, died, was buried in a rock tomb, and then resurrected in three days. b) By the way, December 25 was also the birthday of Osiris, Adonis, and Dionysus. c) The newborn Krishna was presented with gold, frankincense, and myrrh."

Explanation:
a) Even great scholars who have studied about Mithras, do not mention about the death or resurrection of Mithras.
b) As Christians we agree that there’s no mention of December 25th as the birthday of Jesus in the Bible, but this day is simply set to celebrate his birth into this world.
c) There is not a single story in actual Hindu mythology of Krishna being presented with gold, frankincense, and myrrh at his birth.

Hence the sequence of such claims puzzles even the greatest critics and gives raise to the possibility of these claims arising from Dan Brown’s imagination!

Fiction # 4- The sacred name for God has a paganistic origin.

The Da Vinci Code, on page 309, claims: "The Jewish Tetragrammaton YHWH - the sacred name of God - in fact derived from Jehovah, an androgynous physical union between the masculine Jah and the pre-Hebraic name for Eve, Havah"

Explantion:
In reverence, the ancient Jews did not pronounce YHWH, meaning GOD. So, they used a substitute word ADONAH, which means LORD. The two words fused in course of many years to produce a new name YEHOVAH. In essence, the word JEHOVAH is a made-up English word and is not present in the original Hebrew or Greek texts in the Bible. Hence Dan Brown’s explanation is wrong.

Fiction #5 - The Vatican killed an "astounding 5 million women" during the witch hunts

Explanation:
History records that the witch hunts were done by local governments and not Vatican.

Fiction #6 - Emperor Constantine shaped the New Testament.

The Da Vinci Code claims that Constantine replaced the Gnostic writings with what we now call the New Testament.

Expanation:
Constantine lived between 306A.D. and 337 A.D. But 24 of the 27 books that are part of today's New Testament were already regarded by early Christians as being authoritative, which is about 213 years before Constantine.

The raise of King Jehoshaphat: Part-1

“The Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to make war on Jehoshaphat.” 2Chron. 20: 1. King Jehoshaphat had a vast army which frightened all the kingdoms around Judah. (2Chron. 17:10, 14-19). Hence the Moabites & Ammonites with some more allies joined together to make a vast army to fight against King Jehoshaphat. Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom … It is already in Hazazon Tamar”. 2Cron. 20: 2. By the time King Jehoshaphat came to know about it, the vast army of the enemy had already entered into his territory. “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judha” 2Chron. 20: 3. Though he himself had a vast army (2Chron. 17:14-19), he was frightened by the overwhelming and seemingly imminent catastrophic situation. Immediately, he decided to seek the Lord. He proclaimed a day of fasting and prayer through out Judah.

“The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him” 2Chron.20: 4. The whole nation including women and children took fast for one day and sat at the feet of the Lord. Good took mercy on the people of Judah and spoke to the people through a prophet, Jahaziel: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s… You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. Go out to face them tomorrow and the Lord will be with you.” 2Chron.20:15-17. Amazingly, the Lord set ambushes against the enemy and the enemies destroyed one another by killing each other!

In the same way, we may also face challenges, difficulties, and attacks by the enemy at some point in life. First thing to do is to call upon the name of the Lord with full heart (Jer.33:3) preferably with fasting & prayer along with your family and / or friends. The Lord will immediately hear our prayers and deliver us from the evil!

The fall of King Jehoshaphat: Part-11

Jehoshaphat obeyed God’s commands and walked blamelessly in his early years. “The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because in his early years he walked in the ways his father David had followed.” 2Chron.17:3

But he committed a mistake. Thought he set his heart on the Lord and followed his decrees, he yoked himself with enemy. “Jehoshaphat had great wealth and honor and he allied himself with Ahab by marriage.” 2 Chrom.18:1. He made allies with a wicked King, Ahab by getting his son married to his daughter. Hence when Ahab asked Jehoshaphat to join with him to fight against Ramoth Gilead, he joined him. In spite of the warning by the prophet Micaiah, they fought the battle which was then lost. 2Chron.18:1-34. At the battlefield, Jehoshaphat cried out to the Lord, (2Chron.18:31) and the Lord saved him. On return, Jehu rebukes him saying, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Because of this, the wrath of the Lord is upon you. However, there’s some good in you…you have set your heart on seeking the Lord.” 2Chron.19:2, 3

Jehoshaphat again repeated the same mistake, by making an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel. He made an agreement with him to construct a fleet of trading ships. The fatal mistake was that HE DID NOT INQUIRE OF THE LORD about this. HE DID NOT WAIT ON THE LORD WITH FASTING. Having been warned by a prophet Eliezer, the Lord destroyed his ships and his trade collapsed. Eventually he died.

The lesson we learn from the King Jehoshaphat’s life:

1. Always & always keep things in prayer, before making any decisions in your life.
2. Always keep fast during those times, according to your strength, and it shows your earnestness to God.
3. Always wait til you get a WORD from the Lord.
4. Always give praises & thanks even before the battle begins.

(When you send showers of praise to the Lord, the Lord gives victory at the same time!) Hallelujah!! “As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against them…they destroyed each other” 2Chron.20:22. The battle was won!!!

Why, God.........Why?

Many people in the world would find it easier to believe in God but for the suffering. They plead their case to God, just as Job did in the Old Testament days: “Why did God allow me this suffering, though I’ve not sinned against God?”

Job was a righteous man who lived according to God’s word. “In all this, Job did not sin with his lips” Job 2:10. But he lost everything including his own health. His wife said “Curse your God and die” – Job 2:9. There was nothing to live for in this world. “But Job did not sin by charging God with wrong doing” – Job 1:22. He wanted an answer from God: "Why did this happen to me, though I'm innocent?”.

Now, Job’s friends accepted the orthodox religious view of their day (‘Suffering is the result of sin and wickedness’) and accused Job and his children of sinning:

“Remember now, who ever perished being innocent? Or where were the upright ever cut off? Even as I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same.” -Job 4:7, 8

“If your sons have sinned against Him, He has cast them away for their transgression.” - Job 8:4
“Is it for your piety that he rebukes you and brings charges against you?

Is not your wickedness great? Are not your sin endless?” – Job 22: 4, 5

But Job argues that he’s innocent.
“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl.” –Job 31: 1
“If I have denied the desires of the poor or let the eyes of the widow grow weary, If I have kept my bread to myself, not sharing it with the fatherless…” – Job 31: 16, 17

And he calls his friends,
“Worthless physicians”- Job 13:4 and “Miserable comforters” –Job 16:2.

In these circumstances, how can Job TRUST God?
“God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me” – Job 23:16

The broken hearted Job waits for an answer from God.

Why did God reply him with lots of questions from Cosmology to Zoology? (Job 38 & 39). The purpose is to demonstrate how incomprehensible God’s wisdom and knowledge are. He is the mighty creator and no one can understand the depth of his knowledge and the purpose of his creative power fully. Does that mean that Job’s suffering was in vain? No, not at all. It does mean that there’s always an inscrutable wisdom and purpose behind these sufferings. As we are human beings, our understanding is extremely limited. And God does not give total explanation for everything. But even if Job was able to get an answer from God, it wouldn’t meet his real needs. In sufferings, theories about God aren’t enough. Indeed what Job really needed was God’s supernatural presence, a touch from the Master, a word from the Almighty.

Job replies after tasting the word from God, “I know that you can do all things; no plans of yours can be thwarted… Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know…My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” – Job 42: 1-6. Surely, God blessed his later life with double portion of blessings!

In the same way, when we go thru' trials and tribulations, the personal encounter with Jesus at the foot of the Cross will give us strength. We may not understand fully why these things happen. But we get peace and joy with the comforter, who had undergone much suffering at the Cross.

When we are really suffering, it’s not explanations we need, but the assurance that our Creator God is ours and therefore we can endure anything. That’s the miracle we need! It’s a miracle we get at the foot of the Cross! Amen!

Special thanks to:

Pastor Francis Bates, Kenton Evangelical Church.

www.ewtn.com (for Job's picture)

The story behind Christmas

This is a joyous season! Yes, it’s Christmas!! Hurray……!!! It’s time to decorate our house with christmas trees, balloons and lightings. It’s the time to have friends and families visiting. There are plenty of cakes and cookies to eat. But what are the origin and the real purpose for Christmas?

Historical background:

Long back, Romans celebrated a festival known as “Saturnalia” (worship of pagan god, Saturn) in the month of December. This period was considered by the people as a time of absolute relaxation and cheerfulness. It’s a time of absolute freedom, when the courts were closed. None were punished for damaging property or injuring people during the week long celebration. All the schools were closed and there were no business transactions. The festival began by selecting an innocent victim whom they forced to indulge in eating and other physical pleasures. At the end of festival on 25th December, they murdered the innocent victim with a belief that they destroyed the forces of darkness.

This festival, “Saturnalia”, was becoming very popular among the pagans. Christianity was also spreading at that time. The Christians were alarmed by the continuing celebration of this pagan custom. Hence to tame this pagan celebration, the church was successful to bring this pagan celebration characterized by idolatry, revelry, debauchery and drunkenness into a meaningful festival of joyous Christmas. In 350 AD, Pope Julius 1 declared that the birth of Christ would be celebrated on 25th December. This declaration made it easier for the pagans to leave their sinful celebration and to celebrate Christmas in a good manner and to accept Christianity.

The Origins of Christmas Customs

Santa Claus (‘Father Christmas’)

St. Nicholas, popularly known as Santa Claus, probably lived between 250 AD and 350 AD in Myra (current -Turkey). He became the bishop of the Church of Myra. Though only limited information is available on him, he was generously giving gifts to children during autumn season. He was a shy person and wished to give money to poor people without them knowing about it. It is believed that one day, he climbed the roof of a house and dropped a purse of money down the chimney. It landed in the stocking which a girl had put to dry by the fire! This may explain the belief that Father Christmas comes down the chimney and places gifts in children's stockings. He gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick.

Christmas Trees

"Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the sky, though the nations are terrified by them. For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter.” - Jer.10: 1-4
People from Asheira cult worshipped trees in the forest, or brought them into their homes and decorated them. Jeremiah 10 can be applied, if those who set up a Christmas tree fall down and worship it as a god, complete with altars and incense stands. Or if someone loves their Christmas tree more than God, then it can be a spiritual idolatry. But apart from these exceptions, it is clear that Christians who erect Christmas trees are NOT worshiping them as gods, nor do they love them more than their Savior Jesus Christ. They are simply using the Christmas tree as a fun custom, one that can remind them of Jesus who is the branch of David (Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15), the root of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1). One that can remind them of the tree that led Adam and Eve to sin, but more importantly, the tree on which Christ Jesus died to make atonement for the sins of the whole world (Acts 5:30; Gal. 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24).

Essence of Christmas

The true origin of Christmas is packed with controversies and compromise. In short, the Christmas holiday we celebrate today is indicative of Christianity's willingness to absorb the world's customs and traditions. Christmas is a wonderful reminder of Christ's humble beginning as a human child in this world. His birth set the stage for the power, glory, and salvation that would be revealed in His life, death, and resurrection! Whether it's December 25th or any other day of the year, we should use each and every opportunity to reflect on Jesus Christ and His message of hope for all of us.

Practical ways

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks.” – Luke 2: 8.

The shepherds were living in the field. They were probably, living away from their home. Perhaps they didn’t have one. They did not know it was Christmas time. There might be some one in a similar situation just 10 miles away from you, who do not know about Christ. This is the best time show them Christ’s love. Even a small gift or a tiny lunch pack or a visit will bring more joy to their hearts during this season.

“An angel of the lord appeared to them……..and said to them ‘Do not be afraid. Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” - Luke 2: 8-12.

God can use you as an angel to proclaim the good news to them. Let’s make a difference this Christmas; Let’s join our hands with millions of homeless people, destitutes, orphans, poor and the needy around the world to celebrate this Christmas!

We wish you a Merry & a Meaningful Christmas!

References:
1. www.allaboutjesuschrist.org
2. Pastor Richard Bucher

A Banquet with Bennyhinn!

It was a lovely evening to have a banquet with Pastor Bennyhinn at the Hilton hotel, London. What amazed me was not the grandeur of the banquet with the well- known Evangelist Bennyhinn, but the practical message he gave about ‘How to preach the Salvation to the lost souls’. I give glory to our Lord for his ministry. I was in awe when I noted that there was neither filming / photography of the event nor any security. The meeting was very simple and so was the man, Bennyhinn! As all of us were having dinner around a big table in the Ballroom, he appeared on the small platform and joked, saying, “You all can continue to have the desert, while I start talking to you!” I was really surprised to see this evangelist who is very popular among the crowd, stood there humbly, giving glory to Jesus all the time. He called some special people from the audience to come to the stage to share their testimonies. Pastors from the Middle East shared how God touched them by appearing in their dreams.

Pastor Bennyhinn shared his personal prayer life. Few days before this meeting, he was called by God in a dream twice to go and pray for 2 days continually. He obeyed and started to pray. As we all know Bennyhinn is a man of God who prays for more than 5 to 6 hrs a day. But still he admitted that his prayers were mainly centered on the needs for his ministry, financial needs, and needs of the world (and also his family). During the continuous prayer, God gently rebuked him and asked, “Do you like the ministry or me? Which is your first?” Then God showed him that he spent more time in praying for the ministry / his family / finance etc, but only less time in seeking his face.

The truth is: God wants people to seek his face and not his hand!

I’ve summed up his message shortly:-

Matt. 24th chapter: 24 Signs of the second coming
1. Deceptions (v.4-5, 11, 24)
2. False Christs (v.5, 23-26)
3. Wars and rumors of wars (v.6-7)
4. Famines (v.7)
5. Pestilences (v.7)
6. Earthquakes (v.7)
7. Anti-semitism (v.9)
8. Offences (v.10)
9. Betrayals (v.9)
10.Hatred (v.10)
11.False prophets (v.11, 24)
12.Lawlessness abounding (v.12)
13.Love of many getting cold (v.12)
14.Increased missionary work (v.14)
15.Abomination of desolation (v.15)
16.New Jewish nation in Judea (v.9, 15-26; Dan.9:27)
17.New Jewish temple (v.15, 26; Dan.8:9-13)
18.Great tribulation of 3 and ½ yrs (v.21; Dan.12:1)
19.Martyrdoms (v.9, 22; Rev.11:7)
20.Flight of Jews from Judea (v.16-21)
21.Increased satanic powers (v.24)
22.Surfeiting (v.38)
23.Sex crimes (v.38)
24.Procrastination and lethargy (v.39)



The main theme to consider is the TIME: We are at the end of the time. Paul the apostle preached the gospel for about 30 yrs. His preaching shook the whole world. So, we need at least 30 yrs to evangelize effectively. But we don’t have that length of time. The time is short! Evangelists like Bennyhinn CANNOT reach your neighbours; not everyone watches Christian channels. It is the responsibility of each and every born-again believer to preach the message of salvation to their neighbours! Bring your neighbour to your home for a tea and at the end present them Bible. Then, continue to pray for their Salvation. There’s no need to be ashamed of the Gospel. It’s time that we all, as a part of the Kingdom of Heaven, act in union to preach the salvation to those lost souls. I pray that the Holy Sprit strengthen us and touch the hearts of all the unbelievers. Amen!

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God… God choose the weak things of the world to shame the strong…” I Cor. 1:18, 27

Take that old staff...

“So, Moses took his wife and son, put them on a donkey and started back to Egypt. And he took his staff in his hand…..” - Ex.4:20

Moses had spent almost 40 years in the wilderness, when he was called by God to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. When he set out on a journey to Egypt, he remembered to take his old staff with him, which he probably was using it to lead the flock in the wilderness. One of the reason for Moses to carry his old staff could be to remember his old days in wilderness….to remember his hard times in the desert….and to humble himself before the Lord.

Bro. D.G.S. narrated the following story: A rich man lived in a big palace which was built with expensive stones and marbles. People marveled at the beauty of his house. But in his living room, he had kept an old jagged chair. When his friends asked him why he had kept that old chair, he answered them, “My parents were very poor. We hardly had one meal a day. From that very poor situation God has lifted me up. So, I want to remember where I’ve come from. And I do not wish to forget the Lord who has blessed me with all this riches. So whenever I see that chair, I’ll remember the goodness and mercy of my Lord.”

Let’s consider a different scenario here. God anointed Saul, when he was small. God made him a King over Israel. But he forgot to fulfill the commandment of God (Read 1 Sam. 15). (Obeying a part of God’s law is NOT enough). Samuel said to Saul, “When you were small in your own sight, were you not made the head of the tribes of Israel? Why, then, did you not obey the voice of the Lord?” – 1 Sam. 15:17. Saul’s heart became proud, when he became the king and did not obey God.

God has blessed this generation. This generation is being blessed economically, physically, socially, spiritually as well as intellectually. When one becomes blessed, he should remember the place where he was raised from. He should remember his old days and give thanks to the Lord continually for all His blessings (Read Deut. 8). “When you have eaten and are satisfied, PRAISE the LORD for the good land He has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, in keeping His commands, his laws, and his decrees that He is giving you this day. Otherwise, your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God……” - Deut. 8:10- 14.

The Ephesus church endured hardships for our Lord’s name, worked hard with perseverance. But still, God was very unhappy with this church, as they did not love God, as they did in their early days. To the church in Ephesus, the Lord says, “I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.” –Rev.2:4. Hence, God warns them to show their original / first love to Him. “Repent and do the things you did at first.” – Rev.2:5

Our Lord needs undivided love for Him. The first and greatest commandment is to “Love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind” – Matt. 22: 37. Jesus has made a very strong statement here. “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” - Matt. 10:37. So, how much more we have to be careful in honoring and loving God, giving Him the First place in everything in our lives.

So, take the old staff with you always, which you used to carry in your old days. It may be a personal prayer which you used to do all night long….or a regular fast which you used to do…..or a prayer from the depth of your heart with tears in your eyes…or simply a praise & worship song which you used to murmur all the time….Remember those days when you were born again and remember your old days when you were called by God…. Do the same spiritual things which you used to do before….have the same humble attitude in your heart…. Take that old staff of God with you all the time, where ever you go…..and you will be blessed! Amen!!

The End!