December 2005 Newsletter

(Christmas Special)

 

 

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
THE CHRISTMAS TREE
TESTIMONIES
RETREAT
JESUS-THE BIGGEST GIFT OF ALL
MESSAGE BY PASTOR SAROJA M.
STORY – BY ANDREA N.
CAN GOD?
GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER
VACANCIES
!
STORY – BY YASHWANT BHAROT
FLESH OR SPIRIT
SUNDAY SCHOOL REPORT
ROS OLD AGE HOME – MANGALORE
ROS OLD AGE HOME – TAMIL NADU

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 

 

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK – Pastor Saroja M.

Dear Brothers, Sisters and Children in Christ.  It gives me great pleasure to write to you during this wonderful season of Christmas. This passing year the Lord has been very gracious to all of us, therefore let us take the opportunity of thanking Him by praising His wonderful name, always.

I would like to wish each and every one a very Happy Christmas and may this new year bring in abundance of peace, joy and happiness in all your lives.

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

For this reason all the people of the world joyfully celebrate Christmas. Each child of God should know and feel that Jesus was born for me and He gave His life for me. Therefore we should be proud to celebrate Christmas.

In any ordinary family if a child is born it only belongs to that parents but when Jesus was born in the old testament the Holy prophet Isaiah says, “That for us a Son is born”. In the new testament also it is given as a “Son for us”. Therefore for all mankind Jesus is given as their son and this joyful good news is celebrated as Christmas by everyone as given in Luke 2:10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people”.

So blessed are we to receive the only Son from the Heavenly Father. He gave us his only Son because He loved this world, as given in John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

When God created this world He gave all the people only one sun. It’s light is not only for the Hindus, Muslims or Christians but in general for everyone. Whoever desires sunlight and keeps their windows open, their houses will be brightened as the sunlight falls on all good as well as bad people.

Prophet Isaiah lived approx 600 years before Jesus Christ was born. He gladly prophesized at that time that the Lord who made this world through  His powerful word will send His Son who will be in flesh and blood like us.

When God made Adam he was approx a 30 year old man. When God wanted to send Jesus as our saviour, He never introduced Him as  a youth  but as a child, so that He would know all the problems of mankind right from His childhood.

In the Bible only during Jesus’s birth we see about a lady whose name is Anna who speaks of Jesus, as given in Luke  2:37-38 (37) And this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. (38) And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Anna means grace. She was a poor and widow lady and all had abandoned her but God did not leave her and she found grace and saw Jesus Christ. For her that grace was sufficient.

Dear Children of God you may lose everything in life but do not lose His grace.

When Mary and Joseph carried baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem nobody could identify Him except two people in spirit , one Simeon Luke 2:25-34 “And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against.

And the second Prophtess Anna Luke 2:37-38. (37) And this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. (38) And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. 

Anna lived with her husband for only seven years. After his death she did not end her life but looked forward in faith for Jesus’s birth and her faith did not go in vain. Anna was 84 years old and she was physically weak, could not walk properly and also had lost her beauty but her faith was not weakened. During her wait for Jesus, satan may have tempted her by putting so many thoughts in her mind saying , “since how many years you are waiting  and still he has not come? how long are you going to wait? He is not going to come now !” But she waiting patiently got victory  as given in Luke 2:38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. 

Anna who was revealed the Lord’s coming could also get the grace to see Him because of her continuous prayers as given in Luke 2:37 And this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

She like Samuel’s mother Hannah did not come to the temple only for her need. But as psalmist David says in Psalms 84:4, “Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.” Likewise in Anna’s mouth there was always praise for the Lord.

Therefore Dear brothers and sisters we also should praise the Lord in our daily lives continuously so that we will be blessed.

May our good Lord bless each and every one and may His grace be on each one of us forever and forever and forever.

Once again I would like to wish all my dear brothers, sisters and children a very joyful and wonderful Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year.

God bless you.

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

THE CHRISTMAS TREE

People of all age groups are very excited during Christmas. The feeling itself is different and cannot be expressed in words. Preparations begin nearly a month before 25th December. We paint our houses and then decorate them with such beautiful decorations, we make varieties of sweets and also buy new clothes.

The most exciting part is to decorate the Christmas tree. Children and even elders love to decorate the Christmas tree. It may be a small one or a big one but it always is the center of attraction in all our homes. We put so many beautiful decorations on the tree, but have we ever thought why we put those decorations on the tree and what do they mean?

Christmas tree- the pure green color of the fir tree means may your life be full of greenery all year round and depicts the everlasting hope of mankind. The needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man’s thoughts turning toward heaven.

Star- the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise.”

Wreath- the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection.”

Santa Claus- Santa Claus symbolizes the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December.

Holly Leaf- the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly represents the blood shed by Him.

Gift- that God so loved the world that HE gave HIS begotten SON... Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift. The wise men bowed before the LORD and presented HIM with gold, frankincense and myrrh. We should always give gifts in the same spirit of the wise men.

Candy Cane- the candy cane represents the shepherds’ crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. 

Angel- it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior’s birth. The angels sang ‘Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men.”

Bells- that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.”

Let us therefore decorate our respective Christmas tree not just because everyone does it but realizing that each decoration has a wonderful meaning which shows our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’s love for us. 

HAPPY DECORATING!!

 

 

 





 

 

 

TESTIMONIES
”Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart!
Ps 119:2


Healed Through Prayer Oil

A week back when I was pouring boiled water into a vessel, the vessel slipped and the water fell on my left hand. At that instant I though only of  the prayer oil, then I applied the prayer oil on my left hand. To my surprise there were no boils and my hand has been wonderfully healed. I thank the Lord Jesus for wonderfully healing my hand without any other medicine.

Sis. Suma

Mangalore

 

My daughter Damrius had a boil below her feet which she had when she was 3 months old. About 2 months back there was another boil which cropped up just beside the earlier one. I became worried and told this to Pastor Saroja, she told me to apply the prayer oil and asked us to stop putting socks on her feet. By the grace of God the boil slowly and steadily subsided and is fully gone now after following her instruction.

I am very thankful to the Lord for healing my daughter’s feet and also thank Pastor for the correct advise which helped my daughter get well.

Jayantilal Patel

Jogeshwari

 

Church Retreat

I was not able to go for the Church Retreat with all our brothers and sisters. But the Lord took me for the Retreat. In the retreat Pastor Saroja had shared a Word in Psalms 133:1,2. How good and pleasant it is when brother’s live together in unity! This word came true in my life while I was in the retreat with my brothers. Since couple of weeks I was not well, whenever I used to eat anything, I would lose my memory, and get headache, because I used to suffer from fits. So the doctor had advised me to increase my dose of medicine. But when I was in the retreat with my brothers, and the Lord’s presence was with us, I forgot to eat my medicine in the morning and noon time, this happened on the both the days of the retreat. And to our Lord’s glory nothing happened to me, even while having food. In my case if I missed even one of my dose, I am not able to stand, but I enjoyed on all the three days of the retreat only with the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. So, I give all the praise and glory to our Lord Jesus Christ and sincerely thank our Pastor for her continuous prayers for me.

Ravi Kumar Singh

Kalina

 

When I had gone for the retreat with all our Church members, on the 2nd November when I went into the pool, after lunch, I got pain in my right ear, I took it lightly, and didn’t tell anyone. After two hours, I experienced immense pain in my right ear. Then I informed this to our Pastor, she advised me to put prayer oil in my ear, then within an hour my pain disappeared. Again I went into the pool, but I didn’t get any pain. So, I give all the praise and glory to our Lord Jesus Christ and our Pastor for her advise.

Ranjit Singh Khuswaha

Jogeshwari

 

Lord Provided A New Job

I was keen on changing my work place, I had kept this in prayer request by telling it to Pastor Saroja. The Lord honored her prayers. Now I’ve got a new job with a better designation, better organization, better salary that is beyond what I had expected. Also, the new work place is close to my house. I give all glory to Lord Jesus Christ and sincerely thank Pastor Saroja for her fervent and ceaseless prayers.

Mercy George

Mira Road

 

I had no job since I have passed my Bachelor Degree in May, 2005. I went for interviews in two-three places but all went vain. So I asked Pastor Saroja to pray for me that I should get a job. On 23rd September I went for an interview in big company. By the prayers of Pastor and grace of our Lord I got the job. I give thanks to Pastor for her prayers and thanks to the Lord for giving me a job in such a big company.

Benedict Thomas

Mira Road

 

Lord Provided A House

I am very happy to say that recently Lord blessed me with my own flat in Mira Road in the same building where our beautiful Rose of Sharon Old Age Home is located. I thank Lord Jesus for his daughter Pastor Saroja who helped me to get this flat as it was not possible for me. I had tried with my best efforts, after everything else failed Lord made the way through His daughter to get in an easy way without any problem. I did not have any problem in getting the flat and even while shifting, I did not have to pay any Octroi, In every step, the Lord’s daughter guided me, I have not done even a single work when I came from abroad, but my flat was ready. I got the flat in a beautiful location. Even today I am surprised how our Lord Jesus made a way in my life. My life was like a wilderness where there was no hope, it is true God makes a way where there is no way, He can make river in the wilderness. I give all glory to Lord Jesus Christ who blessed me with many blessing through His daughter’s faithful prayer and love. I thank Pastor Saroja for her love and good care and continuous prayer for my family and me.

Lancelot Lobo

Mira Road

 

During the Flood in Mumbai

Due to the heavy rains on the 26th July there was nearly 4 feet of flood water inside my house due to which all the furniture and doors had got spoiled I could not even lock the doors of the house but our God kept me safe in the house just with the help of a lock for the grill.

I had requested Pastor Saroja for her prayers before I could repair the door and buy the new furniture for my house. I thank the Lord a million times for answering his precious daughter’s prayers and helping me to repair my house and get the new furniture also. Thanks you Jesus for giving a new life to my house. I also thank Pastor Saroja for always praying for us.

P.S. Michael

Kurla.

 

Lord Blessed in Business

My mother Tara Singh is a tailor, for the past few week’s she was not getting proper order’s and she was almost sitting idle. When I told this matter to Pastor Saroja, she assured that she will pray for my mother. After that my mother started getting proper order’s and her business is going well. And again we thank our Lord and savior Jesus Christ and Pastor for her constant prayer and concern for us.

Neelam Singh Kushwaha

Jogeshwari

 

Prayers Answered in Fasting Prayer

I had kept prayer request in the last fasting prayer for my son-in-law Pritam, that he should get a good job, within one month he got a good job.

I thank Lord Jesus for hearing and answering my prayer request. I also thank Pastor Saroja for her sincere and fervent prayers because of which all this has been possible.

Kamla Kelkar

Nalla Sopara

 

Lord Healed on Healing Service

On Saturday the 15th of October, I had come to Church for healing service and I was in a lot of pain that day. During the rally Pastor laid her hands on me and prayed for me. From that moment all the pain in the bones has left me completely and I am totally free from that weakness.

And I thank my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for this most wonderful and miraculous healing. I thank Pastor for her sincere and fervent prayers.

Sandra Daniels

Versova

 

Lord Brought Me to His Place

Nearly four months back Bro. Rajeev took me to the Rose of Sharon in Mangalore. I had seen the changes and blessings in Rajeev’s life after Pastor Saroja had prayed for him. I was in a totally depressed and troubled state of mind. I had no peace in my heart and was disturbed all the time. I had no interest in going to work and would miss work on many occasions. At my work place people used to tease me and call me good for nothing. All this added to my problems.

After I came to the Rose of Sharon I kept a prayer request and informed Pastor. Ever since my life has taken a round about change. All my restlessness has gone. Now I have peace in my heart. The desire to end my life has gone. All the people who spoke against me are speaking kindly with me. For the past five years I had not got any increment in the workshop that I have been working as welder. But after coming to the Rose of Sharon I had got my first increment. Many a times when I have not gone to work they have not cut my salary. Now I read the Bible and pray every day before going to work. There were white spots on my face and also boils on the back of my head. After applying the blessed prayer oil both these have disappeared.

Many a times I come to the Ashram in a very depressed state of mind and also with many questions. But as I enter the gate, I have no more questions and there is a great peace in my soul, which I am unable to understand. I thank the Lord Jesus for blessing me, a hopeless case in such a manner and for giving me peace. I shall ever more be thankful to the Lord Jesus for blessing me in this manner. I thank Pastor Saroja for her prayers which has brought about this great change and blessing upon my life

Suraj

Mangalore

 

 

 

 

 

 

RETREAT - PALI BEACH RESORT – Mercy George


Our Rose Of Sharon Church members got a wonderful break from stressful work and daily chores.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded Mumbai to a calm and peaceful retreat at Pali Beach Resort for three days and two nights was a relieving experience. We left in a bus for the resort located at Uttan, ahead of Bhayender, close to the sea on the 1st of November. Everyone from the youngest to the oldest enjoyed to the core. Singing praise and worship songs we reached the resort, an hour and a half before lunch-time. After the thanks-giving prayer, we were all set to explore the place. The serene nature with soft sun-rays and greenery all around was soothing. We followed an organized schedule. Each morning was begun with prayer after which we had a neat breakfast. Eager to jump into the pool, we hurried towards the swimming pool to take a dip. Some opted to enjoy without getting drenched by hopping in dashing cars or playing electronic games. The resort has 3 swimming pools, children’s park, electronic games cub, dashing cars, children’s trams and many mores modes of entertainment – a delight to all of us. We enjoyed the most in the swimming pool and in the dashing car. We spent our lazy after-noons playing indoor games. In the evenings it was time for outdoor games and excitement in the shady garden after tea-time. At the dusk of the day, we gathered for praise, worship and sharing of Word of God.

Apart from enjoyment and fun, food was amazing. There was an arrangement made for break-fast in the morning, a buffet lunch, tea-time in the evening and a buffet dinner at fixed hours. We relished every meal at the resort.

The cream of the retreat was the messages delivered by our Pastor Saroja, bro. Roshan and bro. Jaykanth. Everyone was refreshed in the spirit, mind and body. The grace of our Lord Jesus in our lives, we being so unworthy yet have received. Everyday we had prayer time in the morning and evening and were enriched with Word.

We had a great time as one big family. It was indeed good and pleasant for all of us to dwell together in unity. Soon, it was time to be back at Mumbai. On 3rd of November, after the break-fast, all of us queued for the bus. Singing, clapping and praising our living God for the beautiful time, we returned our homes with a revived and renewed self.

All glory to God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jesus - The Biggest Gift Of All

Christmas, to me, is the most beautiful time of the year. When I was young I would look forward to Christmas time … because it meant Father Christmas would bring loads of gifts for us kids. And I remember that we would write letters to Santa Claus and ask for our hearts desire… and that was all fulfilled in the gifts that we recieved.

But now – as a true Christian, Christmas means so much more as I understand it’s beauty & significance more clearly. My belief in Father Christmas has been renewed – and I now understand that He is my Father in Heaven who has gifted us His dear son Jesus Christ. This most precious gift- JESUS - is the fulfillment of our every dream,  every hope, every desire! 

In the worldly way, almost every gift has an expiry date. But JESUS is indeed that

un-perishable gift from God,… day after day & year after year – He is still the answer to our every prayer.    

Our Father in Heaven created us – and He knows our every weakness and sins.

He knew, so many years ago, that we would be lost in this world and so He gave us Jesus to show us the way. Even as Jesus says in John 14 : 6 “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me”

This indeed shows us how much our Father in Heaven loves us and wants us to find the way – so that we may go to be with Him, in Heaven.  JESUS is the only way!

Our Father also wants us children to bear much fruits ….but without Jesus  it would be impossible to do so . John 15: 4 says “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me”. JESUS is the true vine!

Our Father wants us to lead a life free of worry. Isaiah 53: 4-5 shows that He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows, and he was wounded for our transgressions and was bruised for our iniquities …..  JESUS is the good shepherd who lays His life down for His sheep!

Jesus is the answer to all that we need … and no one could understand that better than our Father in Heaven. Can we imagine a better gift in this whole wide world that would meet our every  physical, mental & spiritual needs … than JESUS ?!

This Christmas, and every Christmas may we glorify, magnify and thank our Father in Heaven for the most beautiful gift of Jesus that has made our life so blessed.

And may we  remember this blessing at Christmas. And through the New Year may we be strengthened in knowing that Jesus was sent for us and therefore we will always have victory in all in His most precious name.

— Sandra Daniels

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Tent Have You Built? – Message by Pastor Saroja M.

 

Amos 9:11,12 In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:

That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this.

The Bible speaks about tents made by different people. We see that the tent of David was outstanding as His love for the Lord increased everyday. Everyday the Lords praise’s were sung in his tent everyday.  This tabernacle can be the church where there is praise,  our house, or any gathering where spirit filled people of God are gathered. 

 

NOAH’S TENT

In the Bible we read about Noah’s  tent. The Word says that he received grace from the Lord. When the people of the world were sinful and their wickedness came up to God,  God chose Noah before destroying the people.  God blessed Noah and commanded him to build an Ark. Noah built the Ark according to God’s instructions. After the completion of the Ark there was rain according to the Word of the God,  and all the people of the world were destroyed.  All who obeyed Noah were saved and the rest of  living were  destroyed by the waters. The Lord had great love for Noah and his family. Now Noah made a tent and  the Bible speaks about his tent in Gen 9:21 And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.

After everything happened  as the Lord commanded, Noah and his family were happy and he made  a tent and was drunk and slept naked in his tent. Now this was the house which the Lord had blessed and there should have been praise in that house, but the people have left praising the Lord and are drunk with wine. This was the tent of Noah. 

 

LOT’S TENT

We see another kind of tent in the life of Lot. Abraham had taken Lot with him and he was blessed because of  Abraham.  There arose a strife between the herdmen of Abraham and the herdmen of Lot as the land was unable to bear them. Such was the blessing the Lord had given them. Then Abraham told Lot to take his people and separate as it was not good for them to fight amongst themselves.  Lot took the place which was good to the eyes and he made his tent towards the land of Sodom.

Let us read Gen 13:12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.

We know the final state of Sodom. The anger of the Lord came upon that land and it was totally destroyed.

As seen above, Noah was blessed by the Lord but he forgets the Lord’s blessing.  Lot was blessed because of Abraham, but he made his house towards the land of Sodom and lost everything when his house was destroyed. We as humans must always remember this in our lives that the Lord will definitely bless us, and his eyes are on all people.

 

NOAH WAS CHOSEN BY THE LORD

Noah received grace from the Lord. Let us read Gen 7:1 And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.

The Lord  found Noah and his family righteous in that generation.

Let us read Gen 8:1 And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged;

What is the wind ? It is the Holy Spirit. After the rains subsided the Holy Spirit filled that place.  The Lord remembered that He had kept them in the Ark.  Noah had seen all these blessings but after receiving the blessing from the Lord at the time of joy,  we see that he is uncovered in his tent. This is the reason Jabez prayed to the Lord as written in 1 Chron 4:10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

Jabez prayed to the Lord,  that after he would be blessed and his boundary would be enlarged, let him not fall into evil and grieve the Lord.

 

THE TENT OF ABRAHAM

With whom did Abraham make his tent ? He made a tent with his family,  with people who had faith and were prayerful. Let us read this in Heb 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

Abraham made his tent with the families of Isaac and Jacob. Isaac was a person who sat in prayer at the Lords feet.  Jacob was a person who fought with the angel and took his blessing. Abraham build his tent with them. 

We have seen different types of tents and the blessings which they have received in their lives. The Lord had blessed Lot, Noah and Abraham, but each one of them made their tent in a different way.  By having faith on the Lord and being with the Lords people, Abraham became the father of us all. Today also we can be proud to say that we are from Abrahams family. When Zacchaeus was changed the Lord immediately added him to Abrahams family. 

After having seen the different type of tents let us read what the Lord says in Amos 9:11

In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:

 

THE BEAUTIFUL PLACE

The Lord has pride over the tent of David. Our Lord is called the son of David. The Word says that the throne of David will never be empty. The Lord loved the tent of David. Let us read Num 24:5 How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!

Abraham made his tent with the people whom God loved, with Israel and Jacob.  The Lord loved their dwelling place and called it beautiful.  How did their dwelling place become beautiful ? It was beautiful because of the presence of God and praises of the children who were gathered there. When the children praise God then that place becomes a beautiful place, the temple of God and the house of God. That can be the Church, our house or any place where believers gather. That place will be called beautiful. This is the blessing of the Lord. When the children of God gather and praise the Lord with a loud voice that place becomes a beautiful place.

We know how David danced before the Ark of the covenant and praised the Lord. So the Lord loved the tent of David more than the others.    

Let us read Is 35:10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

When we praise the Lord in the beautiful place then all our sorrow, sighing and all our difficulties will flee away.  When the Lord considers a place to be beautiful then there will be no sorrow or difficulties in that place. When the people gather in this beautiful place with a good heart, an open mind and praise the Lord as one body, then every body becomes beautiful in the sight of the Lord.  The above verse emphasizes that when the born again children of God praise the Lord, then their sorrows vanish in the presence of the Lord.  When we still have pain and sorrow in our family then we are not born again as we have not fully surrendered to our Lord. 

As the above verse says  the ransomed’ which means those who are purchased by the blood of Jesus. We have to believe and understand the value of this.  When such people come with praising to the house of the Lord then there will be no sorrow or sighing as mentioned in Is 35:10. We were once in bondage but the Lord has delivered us from all our  bondages. We were in Egypt and the Lord has brought us out to Israel to be in His family. When we praise God in this fashion all our double mindedness and instability will go. When we come to the house of God with praising then all these problems will go away  because of the presence of the Lord which takes control of us.

 

JOY IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD

We see in the Word that the Philistines had come against the Israelites and taken the Ark from them. They kept it in the temple of their God and the idol in that temple fell to the ground and broke.  It was the Lord who was in the Ark who broke the idol. Let us read this in 1 Sam 5:1-4 And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod.

When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon.

And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again.

And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him.

After the Philistines took the Ark there was destruction in their place.  The Ark of God should be with His chosen people. The Philistines had taken it to get joy and blessings,  but instead they received destruction, difficulty and sorrow. They faced this difficulty till they send the Ark away. Saul was the king of Israel for 40 years but during his time he never thought to get back the Ark to Israel. But when David was king he tried and brought back the Ark of God. When the Ark was brought back he never looked at the people of the world or the womenfolk who were standing there and he started to dance. This is the joy we have in the presence of the Lord. He forgot everything and danced when the Ark of God was brought back. Let us read this in 2 Sam 6:14-23 And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.

So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.

And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul’s daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.

And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts.

And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house.

Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!

And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD.

And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of t  hem shall I be had in honour.

Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.

King Saul had not bothered about the Ark when he was king. But when David was chosen as king he got back the Ark of God from the Philistines. Michal, Saul’s daughter had never seen her father dance for the Lord in this manner as David was dancing. This was the first time that she saw King David dancing and she despised him.  King David replied her as mentioned in the above verses 22, 23.

When we go into the presence of the Lord we must always remember the blessings that  He has given us in our lives. We have seen different kinds of tents that the people made.  God had blessed them all in a wonderful manner and nobody lacked the blessings of God. Noah was blessed of the Lord but his tent was a drunkard’s tent.  Lot was blessed of the Lord but he made his house towards the land of Sodom and his house was destroyed along with Sodom. Abraham made his house with the chosen people of god who were prayerful people. In the life of David we see that he rejoices to bring the Ark of God which is the dwelling place of God.  This is the reason the Lord loved the tent of David and our Lord is called the Son of David.

David testified to Michal saying that it was the Lord who had chosen him before her father to be king of Israel, and that he was not chosen by the people or by her. He told her that he would be more vile than this and would dance for the Lord. Each one of us should be proud about the Lord and we should have this zeal in us because He has blessed us in every way, everyday and everytime. What does the Lord expect from us ? The Lord expects only our praises.  Our home should become a church. Everyday there should be prayer and praises to our Lord. The Lord remembers the blessings , the healing and the prayers he has answered and the Lord watches to see how we are praising Him.

 

THE TENT OF DAVID

After the Lord created Adam and Eve, He came to meet them everyday. The Lord who has blessed us will never forget us. His eyes will always be upon us. The Lord will see what kind of tent we have made. After David brought back the Ark of God he appointed people for the service of the Lord as mentioned in 1 Chron 16:4 And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel:

David appointed people to always praise the Lord before the Ark of God. Let us read how many people he chose for this service in 1 Chron 23:5 Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.

After the Ark of God was brought back David did not rest, being the King he would have been very busy, but he made arrangement to praise the Lord twenty four hours.  So the Lord is telling us today as written in Amos 9:11 In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:

The work of the Lord will go on. If we have not cared for the Lord , have not praised the Lord then once again He is able to do everything for us. Saul had forgotten about the Ark, but the first thing that David did when he became king , he brought back the Ark of God.  The Philistines had fought and taken the Ark and faced a lot of problems because of the Ark. But David brought back the Ark with difficulty. David appointed four thousand people to praise God with instruments day and night before the presence of God.

Let us read Acts 15:16 ,17 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

So what is the desire of God towards the temple ? The Lord is once again building the tabernacle of David for the men who will seek the Lord, and for the Gentiles who will seek after God. Our God is a loving God. This work is not for His people but for the Gentiles and for those who will believe on His name. The Lord says, that once again He will build His tabernacle and it will stand , and praise will always be there in that tabernacle. That is the God who is with us today.

Let us read Psalms 118:15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.

The righteous of the Lord will praise Him in that place and the Lords hand will be with them. No one can blame them or point a finger at them. The Lord will be with them and when they praise Him in that  place where his presence is , His right hand will be there with them .  They are those who are called by his name and those who will believe on Him.

 

HIS EYES ARE ALWAYS ON THE PEOPLE

When the Lord went to the mountains with his disciples he was transfigured and filled with the glory of God and he saw Moses and Elijah. When Peter saw this he was very happy and told the Lord that he would build a house for them as mentioned in Matt 17:1-4 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

Peter meant that once the house was made on the mountain there would be no hindrances  from the Sadducees and the Pharisees, as they would not come to test the Lord. The Lord did not answer Peter as His desire was towards the many people who were still waiting and seeking for Him below the mountain.  The Lords eyes and heart was on the house of David. He did not desire to live in glory on the mountain top. His desire was on the house of David, as He was called the Son of David. His eyes were on the people who were in trouble, in sorrow and He saw how they were seeking Him. Once again He left all the glory and came down from the mountain to meet the people. Even today if we see in the whole world the people are praising God everywhere and in every corner.  In the Rose of Sharon every Saturday people are being added to praise Him.  

 

NEVER STOP PRAISING THE LORD

Let us read Song of Sol 2:12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;

They all worship our God. Today if we see there is the praise of our God in every corner. In our locality itself now there are three churches. It is important that our Lord should be praised every time, in every place and in every situation. We should remember the blessings that the Lord gave us in our lives. Many people may speak against us. When the people praised the Lord shouting ‘ Hosanna to the son of David’,  the Pharisees and Sadducees tried to stop this praise. Today also when we praise the Lord with our full heart and in faith there may be such people like the Pharisees who will try to stop our praises. We must remember Psalms 118:15, His hand shall always be with us. When we praise the Lord, His mighty hand shall be with us and no one can come against us. The Lord told the Pharisees and Sadducees that even through the mouth of babes He would perfect praise. Even if these people stop praising the Lord, we the Lords children will never stop praising the Lord. Let us read Matt 21:9-16 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?

And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.

And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased,

And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

The people see the works of God and shout out ‘Hosanna to the son of David .‘Here the educated people, the Pharisees , the Sadducees and the priests  who have know God are trying to stop the praises of the Lord,  not the uneducated people. The people who have received the blessings of the Lord are praising Him, the blind who received sight, the lame who walked are all shouting and praising the Lord. That is the time these people try to stop the praises of the people. The same thing is happening today also. Those who have received the Lord’s  blessings, whose life has changed, who have been delivered from sorrow and those who have not forgotten the Lord,  they can never keep quiet. Those who have forgotten the Lord will definitely be quiet. Those who have not forgotten will definitely shout and praise the Lord. The Lord rebuked them and reminded them Matt 21:16

And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

If we are His children then praise should definitely be in our mouths.  The Lord loves the praises of His children. In our praise we can thank the Lord and we can exalt His name. With our praise the Lord will know what kind of believers we are. The Lord severely rebuked the Elders and the people in charge. The Lord went to th