|
|
|
December 2006 Newsletter (Christmas Special) |
|
|
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK – Pastor Saroja M.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, on this auspicious season of Christmas I would like to take the opportunity of wishing each and every one of you A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR. May this season flood your respective homes and lives with abundance of love, joy and peace which carries forth throughout the coming new year.
Let us turn our thoughts towards the Child who nearly 2000 years back was born in a manger in Bethlehem in a very lowly and humble situation. Mary, the mother wrapped this Child in old swaddling clothes which were available with her at that moment. This Child split history into two parts and grew up to trample satan’s head. Like whom is that Child’s face? No, not like His mother, Mary and neither like Joseph. If you mediate on it, you will realize how beautiful He is.
Nearly 800 years before this Child was born there was a prophet named Isaiah. He gave a prophecy about the birth of this Child in Isaiah 7:14 saying, “Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and shall call His name Immanuel.” This Saviour was born with a name and that name had a deep meaning. It also bought comforting good news. “IMMANUEL” means “God with us” as given in Matthew 1:23. “Behold a virgin shall be with Child and bear a Son and they shall call His name Immanuel which is interpreted God with us”. The meaning of JESUS is “for His people He will separate them from sin and give them salvation. “MESSIAH” means “the coming one”. But just knowing the depth of His name is not enough we have to accept the same in our lives. Isn’t His name given to us and aren’t we His people? Jesus’s name has power and devils flee hearing His name and whatever we ask in His name we will receive as given in Philippians 2:10 & 11, “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven and of those on earth, and of those under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
This Bethlehem Child who was born to show the way which was revealed by the star is His star which was looking and going towards Him as given in Matthew 2:2 saying, “Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him.” Like the star which lead the wise men through the difficult path but finally reached them safely to the Child, in the same way this Child was born to lead us through the wilderness and finally take us safely into the promised land, Canaan.
Jesus Christ is a star. Yes, He is the morning star. As Jesus himself says in Rev. 22:16, “I, Jesus have sent My Angel to testify to you these things in the Churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star”.
All children come into this world to grow and live but Jesus was born to die. From the beginning to the end there is only sacrifice. When He was born Herod’s evil plot was against Him and till the cross of calvary the shadow of death followed Him. But Jesus knew the purpose He came into this world and walked confidently towards the cross, as given in John 12:27, “Now is My soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour: but for this cause came I to this hour.” Apostle Peter also has written in 1 Peter 3:18 saying, to redeem everyone He gave himself a ransom for all, that is Man Christ Jesus.
There was no Child ever born who was so anxiously awaited. For generations prophets and wise men awaited the birth of this Child. Even before Jesus was born nearly 4000 years back Adam and Eve were given a promise as given in Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel”
Isaiah who was anxiously awaiting the birth of this Child wrote in Isaiah 9:6, “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.” Jacob once saw in his dream, a ladder which was placed between heaven and earth as given in Genesis 28:13, “And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham your father and the God of Issac: the land on which you lie, I will give to you and your descendants.” Jacob who was anxiously waiting when the Prince of Peace will come down from the ladder blessed Judah saying as given in Genesis 49:10, “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall be the obedience of the people.” The Lord who stood above the ladder and who promised that He would come came in the form of the Child from Bethlehem.
My dear beloved children if you believe that Jesus was born only for you then you are blessed. He has opened the doors of heaven and is longing for your love, will you accept Him? While I end the article here, I earnestly prayer to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ that each one of you who have read this article be blessed in your lives especially your spiritual life. This Christmas season let us renew our covenant with Jesus and let us experience a life filled with abundance of love, joy, peace and happiness. Once again I wish all the readers a VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR.
May God bless us all. Praise the Lord !! — Pastor Saroja M
|
|
|
|
|
Testimonies
DELIVERANCE FROM
EVIL SPIRT
My name is Mahesh Amin. For the last thirteen months. I was suffering from evil spirit and black magic because of which I couldn’t get a good job. I requested Pastor Saroja for prayers. After Pastor prayed for me I was delivered from the “black magic” and within two weeks I got a good job. I thank my Lord Jesus who touched and healed me and I also thank Pastor who always prayers for me. Bro. Mahesh Amin, Kalina
DELIVERANCE OF FEAR
My name is Prakash Waghmare. We have only recently been coming to the Rose of Sharon Church, Kalina and have already started experiencing the Lord’s miracle in our lives. I am working as a BEST bus driver. After the recent incidents of heavy rainfall in Mumbai I started having fear in my heart. One day I met Pastor Saroja and she prayed for me very lovingly. From the very next day onwards I started feeling very happy and confident about myself. I thank Lord Jesus for answering Pastor Saroja’s prayers. Bro. Prakash Waghmare, Kanjurmarg
LORD BLESSED ME WITH A JOB
My name is Robert Dass. I was jobless for the past four months and was not getting a job anywhere but I had hope on our Lord Jesus. I told Pastor Saroja about this and she prayed for me. Now after the prayers I have got a good job. I give all glory to my Lord Jesus for doing such a wonderful work in my life. I also thank Pastor for her fervent prayers. Bro. Robert Dass, Jogeshwari
My name is Sushila Pilley My husband was searching for a good job. I requested Pastor Saroja to pray for him. Our dear Lord heard Pastor Saroja’s prayers and now my husband has now got a job. I thank my Lord Jesus for hearing and answering Pastor’s prayers and I also thank Pastor for her faithful prayers. Sis. Sushila Pilley, Jogeshwari
When I was in Mumbai I used to come to this Church. But due to some misunderstanding with Pastor Saroja I stopped coming to church and at the same time I also spoke against Pastor Saroja. Life went on as usual but there was no peace or happiness in my life. Nothing went right for me, I tried to get jobs on the rigs which were in the Gulf and Middle-East but without success. I also fell in very bad financial debts. I tried to get loans from many nationalized banks but without success. While I was on the rig in July this year, my inner voice told me that I have hurt the Lord by speaking against Pastor Saroja. So after I finished my 28 days hitch. I came down to Mumbai and visited Pastor Saroja along with my brother Glen Wilson and sister-in-law Iris. Pastor Saroja told me exactly when and where I had spoken against her. I accepted my faults and sought her forgiveness. Pastor prayed for me and my family whole heartedly. I also told her about all my financial problems. When I went home I tried again to get a loan from a bank and believe me within two days a substantial amount was sanctioned and on the 5th day I went and collected the cash. This was a real miracle the Lord heard and answered the prayers of His true servant, Pastor Saroja. I and my family whole heartedly thank Pastor Saroja for her powerful prayers which our Lord Jesus answered. Glory and thanks to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Bro. Oliver Wilson, Udupi
FASTING PRAYER
My name is Salomi Salvi. I had lost my first job and was trying to get another job. I kept this request in the fasting prayer and on the same day I got a call for my job asking when I would be joining. I give all glory and honor to Lord Jesus and give millions of thanks to Pastor Saroja who always prays for us. Sis. Salomi Salvi, Kanjurmarg
HEALING SERVICE
My name is Vishakha. Last month my son had severe fever and we took him to doctor, but he had no relief for many days. Then I called Pastor Saroja and requested for prayers. After her prayers now my son has been keeping well. I give millions of thanks and glory to one and only one Lord Jesus Christ. I also thank Pastor Saroja for her timely guidance and prayers. Sis. Vishakha Apardkar, Thane
PRAYER ANSWER THROUGH PHONE REQUEST
My name is Venu from Mangalore. My son Arun was not keeping well for the past fifteen days. We consulted the doctor but found no change in him. Then we called up Pastor Saroja in Mumbai and requested for her prayers for my son. After her prayers to our surprise we saw that our son was delivered from all his sickness and now is keeping well and healthy. We give all glory and thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ for doing such a great miracle in our life and thank Pastor for her sincere and constant prayers for us. Bro. Venu, Mangalore
Praise the Lord! My name is Lancelot Lobo. Thanks to my Lord Jesus for His mercy and grace towards me. A month back I had many water boils on half portion of my head and it was very painful so much so that I could not even lie down. Doctors told me that these boils are known as herpis and they could be contagious and better to isolate me. I had to go for the treatment out of the rig. Before I left I called up Pastor Saroja for prayers. When I came to the town the doctor told our HSE manager that I need atleast seven days of treatment. I was a little tensed because if the company decided to me send home I would be losing two months pay. Normally the rig company never keeps employees here more than 3 days for treatment. I can say by God’s grace and Pastor’s prayers the company decided to keep me in a hotel for eight days and after the treatment and becoming well I joined my duty back. I give all glory and honor to my Lord Jesus Christ alone. I also thank our Pastor for her sincere and faithful prayers for me. Bro. Lancelot Lobo, Mira Road
My name is Shalini Salins from Rose of Sharon, Tamil Nadu. I was suffering from painful sinus headaches since my college days. The doctor advised me to wear spectacles, but yet these headaches would continue regularly. Also, almost every consecutive month I used to suffer from unbearable migraine headaches. Besides this, I had a lot of pimples on my face and forehead area for which I tried some medicinal creams but no relief.
After my marriage I am staying at the Rose of Sharon
and Pastor Saroja prayed for me. It is now more than eight months
and there is no sign of these regular headaches. I am also not wearing
my spectacles. I am completely free from both, the sinus as well as
the migraine problem. Also all the pimples on my face have disappeared
without any medication. This is nothing but the healing touch of the
Lord Jesus Christ. I also thank Pastor Saroja for her ceaseless prayers
for all of us who are staying at the Rose Sis. Shalini Salins, Tamil Nadu
PRAYER REQUEST THROUGH PHONE
My name is Lissy. My nephew wanted an admission for nursing. But being a boy, he didn’t get anywhere in Kerala. So we lost all hopes. Then I requested Pastor Saroja for prayers and also kept the request in fasting prayer. By God’s grace now my nephew has got the admission in Bangalore for the same. Thank you Jesus very much. Also I thank Pastor Saroja for her sincere prayers. Sis. Lissy, Mangalore
PRAYER OIL
My name is Mugilaanish. I would like to share my testimony about how the Lord healed my mother form breast pain. One year back my mother had undergone a major breast (right) cancer operation. But few days back she suffered from the left breast pain. We were worried whether she would have to undergo another operation. I informed Pastor Saroja about this and she assured and comforted me saying she would pray for my mother and adviced to apply the Prayer Oil. We followed as Pastor advised. My mother then underwent certain medical tests and the results showed she was perfectly normal. Thanks to mighty powerful Jesus as the pain also surprisingly disappeared. All glory to Jesus. Hallelujah. I also thank Pastor Saroja for her prayers. Sis. Mugilaanish, Vakola
Praise the Lord! My name is Smita. Last week, I noticed that I was passing blood through urine. I immediately called Pastor Saroja and requested her to pray for me. Pastor assured me of her prayers an advised me to drink the prayer oil. I followed what Pastor advised me to do and within few hours I felt relief. I thank Pastor Saroja for her prayers and guidance and also thank Lord Jesus almighty for His love and healing touch. Sis. Smita Salvi, Kanjurmarg
Praise the Lord! My name is Moses. About four weeks back due to some reason I started experiencing a severe back pain. The pain used to be so bad that I could not lift anything heavy, walk or sit comfortably, I used to just writher in pain. I told about the back pain to Pastor Saroja, she asked me to apply the prayer oil on my back. I did as she had asked me to do and after application of the prayer oil, now all my back pain has disappeared. It is four weeks now and I have not experienced any pain at all and am able to lift heavy things without any discomfort. I give all glory to Lord Jesus Christ for healing me of the severe back pain and I also thank Pastor for her love and prayers and her guidance because of which I have received my healing. I give all glory to honor and praise Lord Jesus Christ. Bro. Moses George, Mira Road
My name is Mary John Shepherd. Last week I was suffering from severe pain in my body, especially on my stomach, chest, back and legs. The pain was so severe that I had many sleepless nights. I then applied the prayer oil all over my body continuously for two days. To my surprise on the third day I experienced total healing ie. all my body pain had totally disappeared. I thank my God for healing me and giving me peaceful rest in the night. I also thank Pastor Saroja who prayed over the oil and also praying for us daily in her prayers. Sis. Mary John Shepherd, Mira Road
My name is Chhaya Eknath. My nose used to bleed for many years and sometimes blood used to poor like a tap for more than one hour or more. Pastor Saroja was informed about my problem she advised that I should put the prayer oil on my head and in my nose everyday, she also prayed for me after the Saturday healing service. It is now more than 15 days and my nose has completely stopped bleeding. I myself am surprised as I have been suffering for so many years and also spent a lot of money on going to many Doctors without any relief. I give all glory to Jesus and thank Pastor Saroja for her sincere prayers and timely advice. Sis. Chhaya Eknath, Versova.
Never say I did!!!
Our God is a great and jealous God. He won't give His glory to anybody. What are we before Him? He has stretched the sky no man has measured. He has made the fiery Sun no man can see with the naked eye for long. If the Sun is so powerful just imagine how powerful Creator is? So before this almighty and all powerful mysterious God what are we? We are nothing on ourselves and if He is not with us. With our wisdom, strength and knowledge we cannot survive even a single day. Today we are living a joyful life only because of the power of His Holy Spirit. Once I happened to teach a small boy dictation words, since he had a test in school that day. He was thorough with his lessons. When he returned from school, I asked him, "how was the paper?" He said, "I got all right". Immediately I said, "Very good, I thought you all the words". But pat came the answer to which I myself was taken aback and felt ashamed. He said, "You know Aunty, when I was writing I forgot everything, but Papa (Jesus) told me everything." Immediately I realized my mistake, I didn't praise God for it but tried to take the glory for myself. When God makes us something, it should be our duty to praise Him and give Him the glory, honour and praise for using us as an instrument in His hands to serve Him. He is the King of Kings. All glory, honour and praise belong to Lord. Therefore "Never say I did it and it happened".
- Sis. Asha Salins
Grace May Abound
From the beginning men chose to disobey God’s laws. Some even foolishly denied God’s existence. Man was given a choice to obey or disobey God. But man chose to disobey and break the close spiritual relationship he had with God. Man is a sinner and in need of salvation. The Lord says: “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever”. The thoughts of man’s heart was evil continually and the Lord was sorry that He made man. God said “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth”. But Noah found GRACE in the eyes of the Lord. Genesis 6:8. Because Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations.
Today are we perfect like Noah to find GRACE in God’s sight? Absolutely not! Then why won’t God destroy us? Because HE LOVES US, He loves each and every one of us. He came into this world and died for us as a human and brought grace for all of us even though we are sinners. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17. What does GRACE mean? It means we get what we don’t deserve. We get salvation, which is God’s love in action. Today because of our sins we all are spiritually dead but we are in the GRACE period. To give an example to explain GRACE would be like as our office time is 9.00 am but we have grace time till 9.15 am. Therefore actually our time has passed out by but only by the Lord’s mercy we have some more extra time. During Noah’s time GRACE was not for every one, but now Jesus Christ has given grace for everyone.
Jesus redeemed us from our sins by pouring out His Blood on the cross to bring us in oneness with God. His Blood has washed our sins and therefore we can stand before God. There is nothing more costly than His sacrifice of blood. In whom we have redemption through His Blood, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:14. Today we must understand that we all are washed by His precious Blood and we are His children. If we ask for bread will our worldly father give us stone? No! Likewise, our Heavenly Father who created this world, you and me won’t He give us the best of things. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. Roman 6:14. Wherever sin is there grace may abound. Today what kind of life must we live? We must live a Holy life and a life fearing our God, then only our Lord will give us understanding. We must increase our faith. Faith increases only by hearing the word of God. When we have faith in the Word of God it will start working in our lives and the Holy Spirit will not allow us to do any kind of sin. For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. When you accept that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you and works in you, people will look at you and say I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you. Daniel 5:14.
Understanding is very important in our life. When anyone hears the Word of the kingdom and does not understand it, it means the the wicked (evil) one has come and snatched it away. Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding. Proverbs 3:13. Today if we are good in something it is not by our power, strength or talent it is only through the Spirit of God who dwells in us. Now I give myself as an example, I have no talent, wisdom or knowledge, but I have faith in the Spirit of God which dwells in me therefore “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Many times I have done things which I can not imagine to do, but Jesus Christ who dwells in me helped me to do the same.
Dear brothers and sisters we may have fallen and currently may be in the deep pit of sin but don’t worry how deep the pit is as our Lord’s hand is not short that He cannot save us. He loves us and that is the only reason why He went to the cross, to die for our sins. Therefore now let us open the door of our hearts and invite our Dear Lord Jesus Christ. He wants to shine His light on us in everyway. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
— Bro. Jaykanth Victor
|
|
|
|
|
X-MAS OR CHRISTMAS It takes just take a couple of seconds to write the word CHRISTMAS, please do not save time on “CHRIST” (MAS) by writing “X” (MAS). In Hebrews the word “X” means “6”. Did God send his only begotten son on earth to save us from eternal damnation to be addressed as “6”MAS? CHRIST gave His life for us so that we may be saved and it’s a pity that we are unable to spare a few seconds to write His name with pride as ‘CHRIST”MAS. (CHRIST as MAN AND SAVIOUR). Therefore henceforth please stop writing as X’MAS and also do not encourage yourselves and others in buying cards with the word X’MAS, but make sure you give CHRIST His rightful name, which is the name above all names, that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that ‘JESUS CHRIST IS LORD’.
|
|
|
|
|
The Unchanging God
The Lord Jesus is alive and with us even today. If He had not died on the cross, but had a natural death then He would not have been remembered. He gave His life on the cross because of His great love for mankind and is alive with us today. His love cannot be limited. It is known that those who die on the cross have a cursed and painful death. By His death on the cross He gave us the gift of eternal life as He is a Holy God. His life, works and His talks were holy. Every day of His life He lived a holy life and so through His holy blood we can get a new life. Even today the blood of Jesus is alive and holy and it will always be holy. The Bible says in Col 1:20. “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven”.
It is one God who has made the way for those people who have reached and will reach heaven from this earth. The people in heaven would have been washed by the blood of Jesus and lived in truth and holiness. Today we who are born again are washed by His precious blood. The Lord gave His life on the cross so that we may lead a holy and truthful life. Those who had faith on the Father and walked in truth were the ones who reached heaven before the Lord had come into this world. King David and Prophet Samuel had not seen the Lord Jesus, but they believed on the Father and had faith on His words,His works and they walked in truth. Similarly we see that Abraham, Daniel, Joseph, Jacob and Enoch also lived holy and truthful lives according to the will of God. They lived before the Lord Jesus came into this world and are in heaven today. To give us this life the Lord has given His life on the cross. The world is sinful and it is not easy to lead a life like the people of old. Today if we are cleansed by His precious blood and have faith that He died for us,then we can live a life like Abraham, Daniel and Enoch. In heaven there are no tears, darkness or sorrow. Today, if we believe in the Lord, are cleansed by His blood and if we walk in truth then there will be no sorrow or tears in our homes. We should learn to live in truth in the name of our Lord Jesus. When we are not fully committed and keep our legs in two boats,then God’s love will be limited in our lives. When we face sorrow and difficulties in our homes then we must understand that we have not totally surrendered our heart to the Lord. When our love is divided between the Lord and the people of this world then it brings tears and sorrows into our life.
PEACE THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS Today also the Lord is speaking to us through His Word. The Bible says in Col. 1:20. And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. On earth one can receive peace only through the blood of Christ. We have to be bound with the blood of Jesus Christ. The fish lives in sea water which is salty, but it does not allow the salt from the water to come into its body. When we prepare fish curry we have to put salt in the curry. As the fish does not allow the salt to come into its body, in the same way as we live in this world and in our families, sin should not enter our lives and we should live for the Lord. Only the precious blood of Jesus can give us peace in our homes. We must understand through the Word of God that the days ahead will be sorrowful. When the Lord was in this world He always did good things. He had fed the multitudes. Today as we eat food at home we do no know the value of this food and water. There will come a day when the Spirit of God will be taken away from this world and we will be empty. In that day we will know the value of this food and water. That day we will remember the miracle of the five loaves and two fishes. Today we may not like it. Five thousand people heard the Word without food and water. The Lord knew their need and fed them with the five loaves and two fishes which one small boy had brought to feed himself. We cannot say that this mighty God will not give us peace in our life, our homes and our families ? The Lord came into this world to give us peace and gave His life on the cross so that we may receive a blessing.
KEEP THE SABBATH HOLY The Bible says in Num 15:32-36. And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the Sabbath day. And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation. And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him. And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp. And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses. This was God’s command-ment before the Lord Jesus came into this world. This was not Moses’ commandment but God’s commandment. This man did not give time to God on the Sabbath and he gathered sticks for himself and his family and worked according to his pleasure. The people never knew what was the judgment for such a person till the Lord spoke to Moses. In the Old testament the punishment was very severe. Nowadays we leave the Church and the ministry and go away with the people of the world. We must know that the Lord has not changed, but today His grace is upon us. His punishment has not changed, but His grace is upon us. In the days of Moses that man was stoned to death. Today we may not be stoned to death but the joy, peace and blessings of God in our life will depart. We must remember as the Lord has not changed in His love so He has also not changed in His anger. We must give the Lord first place in our lives. If you value the Sabbath day in your life you will be blessed. As written in Num 15:32-36 the Lord commanded Moses to stone to death, the people who never came to Church. This was the commandment of God who is unchanging. We have to keep the Sabbath day for the Lord. We cannot go for our personal work and functions on the Sabbath day. God is God. When the Sabbath was neglected the Lord gave the above commandment. Today the Lord has shed His blood for us and we can be cleansed by His blood. But when we do not give Him the first place and do not gather for the Sabbath day then this punishment has not changed.
STEALING BRINGS GOD’S PUNISHMENT During the days of Joshua what happened to people who stole. The Bible says in Joshua 7:19-25. And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me. And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus have I done: When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonian garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it. So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it. And they took them out of the midst of the tent, and brought them unto Joshua, and unto all the children of Israel, and laid them out before the LORD. And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor. And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones. The Lords punishment for stealing has not changed. Today all our sins can be cleansed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Do we think, that we can steal and then ask the Lord’s pardon ? We must understand that as His love has not changed so His anger also has not changed. Reading the above incident we must understand that stealing is a great sin. The people who stole were stoned to death. The Lord died on the cross and shed His precious blood for us so that we may have peace and joy on this earth like the people in heaven. Today after knowing about His death and value of His precious blood if we still steal, thinking that we can confess our sins and receive pardon thenwe must know,that the Lord has not changed.
SPEAKING LIES BRINGS GOD’S PUNISHMENT I have also seen the curse follow them who speak lies. The lives of people who have lied in the Church have not been joyful but one of sorrow and tears. Today we must know and remember that telling lies and robbing is the same sin. To receive the Lord’s blessing we must lead a holy life. The Lord lived in truth and led aholy life, so we must also try to live in the same way. Joseph faced much sorrow and temptation in his life. To keep himself holy when tempted he left his garments and ran away. As we live in holiness, one day we will definitely see God. Job faced much sorrow in his life. He lost his family members and his livestock. But he never blamed God for anything. Many a times to hide our sins and mistakes we boldly speak a lie. We blame others and make ourselves innocent. This brings about sorrow, sickness and tears into our lives. We must remember that the Lord has not changed. In the days ahead we have to carefully lead our lives. In the life of Achan we see that Joshua was with him and the Lord was with them. But he had a little desire for the riches of Babylon. Many of the people of the world will go behind satanic healers for their healing.This gives entrance to sin. The small sickness may go away but the Lord will give a bigger sickness. Our Lord can bring us out of our sicknesses. The Lord can heal and also give sickness. Because of the sin of Achan all the people were in trouble. May it be the elders or the little children because of a lie the whole family can suffer. As written in Joshua 7:20,21 Achan confessed his sin to Joshua. He kept the garments, then a tray under it and then the silver under it. Thinking that if the garment and the tray was gone the silver would be safe. This was his heart. This is what happens in this world. First a small lie, then a bigger lie and then we prepare ourself to speak a very big lie. As written in Joshua 7:22,23 the people brought out everything and kept it in front of the Lord. Here we see that Achan’s entire household and all that he had and the animals also became unclean because he stole. Let us not read this Word as history or like poetry. The Word of God should work in our lives. For us to have joy and not tears in our lives the Word of God has to work in our lives. May be we have not been taught the fear of God. From today fear the Spirit of God. Let lying depart from your heart and your families. A child was born to David in sin, and the child died. But he arose and encouraged himself saying that one day he would see his child in heaven. Let us learn to live for God. Do not go before idols as that will become a curse for your entire family. Such a sickness will come that no one will be able to save you.
LEARN TO LIVE IN TRUTH The Bible says in Col 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. If we value the blood and the love of Jesus Christ. If we fear the blood of Jesus then we also can live victoriously in this world as the people are living in heaven. Abraham had faith on the Lord and he left his father’s house, his land and followed the Lord. Enoch walked with the Lord. Daniel did not eat unclean food and kept himself holy. All of them got victory and are living in peace in heaven. The Lord will give us the same life if we fear Him. In the days ahead different kinds of sicknesses will come into this world and we will hear of much evil all the time. For us to live as good people there is only one way. Jesus is the way , the truth and the life. We have to live in truth. Without truth our life is not everlasting. Remember this and face the truth and then you will receive blessings in your life. Do not speak lies and face death, it is like committing suicide. Then our life will not be worth living. Love the Lord with your whole heart. The Lord never looks at our outside appearance. We comb our hair so that we may be presentable, we brush our teeth and take good care of ourselves. But above all these things, praising the Lord is the best that we can do. The Lord does not see which cream we are using or how many times we have washed our faces. The Lord will see how many times we have praised Him. Then the Lord will see how much we love Him. We love our children but more than that we have to love the Lord. As the song says ‘Its a great thing to love the Lord’. We have to love the Lord more than everything. We have to open our mouths and praise Him. Our mind should be fully on the Lord during our worship. We have to serve Him, praise Him and take His Word into our hearts. Let the Word of God work in our hearts and bring a blessing. As the song says
It’s a great thing to praise the Lord It’s a great thing to love the Lord It’s a great thing to serve the Lord Walking in the light of the Lord.
We can do all this when we walk in the light of the Lord. Being in darkness we cannot experience all this. The best way is to walk in the light of the Lord. In the time of the Lord’s ministry the Pharisees and the Sadducees saw the mighty works done by the Lord and wanted to put Him on the cross. They thought that by putting Him on the cross they could stop the Lord’s work. They prepared the cross, they caught the Lord, beat Him up and took Him to the cross and on the cross the Lord gave His life. In the same way one man made a big cross as written in Esther 5:14. Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and tomorrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made. Here Mordecai was gathering the people of God in accordance with the word of Esther and so Haman wanted to kill him.
The Bible says in Esther 7:10. So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified. The Lord brought all their plans to nought by dying on the cross and fulfilling the plan of God. When we do a good work nobody can come against us. When the truth and goodness is not in us then we can be destroyed anytime. In the old testament times when people were hung on the cross they wouldn’t face death for about two to three days. At that time foxes, wild dogs or eagles would come and feed on the person and they would go through much suffering. The person would be on the cross till he died. Haman was the first to use hanging as punishment for the errors of the people. But our God knew all this and He was watching all these rules being made. The Lord knew how the people suffered on the cross, but He willingly and happily went to the cross. Knowing all this before time, the Lord gave His life into the Father’s hands asking Him to save Him from all such situation. Let us read Col 1:14-20. In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
The Lord Jesus has all authority and power, yet He willingly went to the cross to give His life for you and me. To give us new life and a good life the Lord left everything and died on the cross like a man therefore we should love the Lord always. We should remember that the King of kings left all His glory and came into this world to wash away our sins, take away our sicknesses and to give us peace in our homes. Remembering this we must be bound to the Lord. We must leave everything and come to His temple into His presence. Today what are we giving the Lord Jesus who died on the cross for us ? Are we giving Him our time, are we giving Him the best of our praises, are we giving Him the best love and are we giving our best service for the Lord ? What have we given to the Lord ? Let us examine ourselves. Are we following the Lord for our benefit ? He has given all the rules and there is nothing before or after Him, He is all in all. The Lord has given us everything.Even then He became a cursed man for our sakes and gave His life on the cross. His love for us is so great. Where is our love for Him ? How much do we love Him in our hearts ? The Lord is seeing our heart and our love for Him. He will judge each person according to the time given, love shown and according to his works. He is not a partial God and His judgment is perfect.
Jesus said ‘ I am the way ‘, He is the ladder to reach heaven. He has given His life for us. What will we say on that day ? Can we say that we have not even left one Sabbath day or that we have done the best service for Him, or we have shown Him the best love. What will we tell the Lord on that day to pass through Him and go to the Father’s house ? Let us examine ourselves today.The Lord is true and His Word is the truth and not a lie. With parables the Lord spoke to every person. Even an uneducated blind man can understand this song which says ‘Its a great thing to praise the Lord.’ More than all the things that we do it is greater to praise the Lord. This attitude of praise should come into us. Then we can tell the Lord that we kept everything aside and have lived for Him. The Lord knows how much truth is there in our heart and according to that He will give us the judgment.
THE BLOOD THAT WAS SHED Before the Lord went to the cross He had given His blood for us. We can read this in Luke 22:14. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. At the garden of Gethse-mane the Lord gave His blood for us. As He prayed His sweat became as drops of blood and fell to the ground. The Lord prayed with sorrow again and again. His heart was broken as He prayed for us and His sweat became as drops of blood. How much the Lord has sacrificed Himself for us. So the Lord says today that He is the way and has prayed for us again and again. The Lord prayed that He was willing to give His life if it was the Father’s will. As it was the Father’s will, He accepted it. The Father has given all authority into His hands. Everybody has to pass through the door to go inside.
INNOCENT BLOOD OF THE LORD Second time the blood of Jesus was given for us in Jn 19:1-3. Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. Here we see that the Lord is beaten with a whip (This whip is similar to a broom made of coconut leaves). They put a crown of thorns on His head and a purple robe on Him. This was to hide the blood which was falling from the eyes of the people of this world. They were such evil people. The Lord knew this. Even at that time He never opened His mouth but took upon Himself all sorrow and pain. Pilate saw all this and he washed away his hands saying that He did not want this sin to come upon him. Pilate left the people to their will. He was an unbelieving ruler but when he saw the sorrow and the blood of Jesus His heart changed. Today where are we? We call out saying ‘Abba Father’. We say the Lord is mine. But for whom did the Lord take all this beating ? It is for you and for me. Today we should not have the mind to go before other gods and other unbelieving people. Is this Word not in our hearts? Are we not purchased by His blood ? Are we not the children of God ? If not then we are illegitimate children. Let us remember that the Lord gave His life that we may receive new life. Let us read what Pilate said in Jn 19:4. Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then Pilate washed away his hand and claimed innocence from the blood of Jesus as written in Matt 27:24. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. When Pilate saw the Lord being beaten and covered with a scarlet cloth. then he claimed innocence from the blood of the Lord. He did not want the curse and the sorrow to come upon his family after he saw the Holy Lord being cruelly dealt with by the people. Here we see a gentile fearing the blood of the Lord and His love. Today we say the Lord is ours, we are believers and we go to a Spirit filled Church. But do we fear the Lord and love the Lord in our hearts. The Lord is going to see our hearts. Let us read in Matt 27:4,5 what happened in the life of Judas who betrayed Christ. Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. Even Judas called the blood of the Lord as Innocent blood. The blood of Jesus is holy and innocent even today. Judas knew that the Lord was good and loving and that is the reason he called the blood as innocent blood. As mentioned in Matt 27:4. ‘And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.’ this is what the people of this world and the devil will tell us. On that day when you say that sorrow has come into your life because you have left the Lord, then the devil will say ‘What I have got to do, I will take you to hell from where you cannot come back’. Finally Judas was not with the Lord nor with his enemies and he had to commit suicide. Our life should not be like that. The Word of the Lord is living, and everything is written in the Word . Today we are not blind. Every minute we have to examine our selves and see our position in Christ.
GOING AWAY FROM GOD - A story In the case of hens when the chicks are born and the mother dies the children are many and it is dangerous to leave them alone. The crow keeps an eye on them, so also the rats will be after them and also the eagle will wait for a chance. When the eagle comes down that is the time the chicks run towards the mother. There may be times when one of the chicks stray away from the group but when it sees the eagle or the crow coming down on it then it runs for cover towards the mother. In the same way when we are alone in this world and we face sorrows and difficulties, we must say ‘ The Lord is my Shepherd.’ We must come running towards the Lord. When we leave the Lord and go away it is similar to the chick which strays away from the group. As the chick faces difficulties and the enemy, the same will happen in our lives also.
The Bible says in Ps 73:27. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. It is the Lord who does all these works. He has paid a price for us. When we get our daughter married and if she is cheated by her husband then according to the law we can bring him to judgment. In the same way the Lord has kept the law and then given His life for us. So when we leave Him and go away then there is no one like the Lord to see our tears and to hear our prayers. When we go away from the Lord we will be destroyed. There will be no more blessings, peace or joy in our lives. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. The Lord knew that one day He would be lifted up on the cross and all the people would be given a chance to repent and come to Him. Calvary is a very steep mountain and it was here that the Lord was lifted up and crucified on the cross. The Lord mentions here that the day He would be lifted up from the earth He would draw the people to Himself. On that day He would shed His blood and show the truth and love to His people. Then the people would definitely repent and come to Him. Today we must know that if truth is not there in our hearts then we are not His people. Through the sacrifice of His life He would draw many people unto Him. The Bible says in 1 Jn 1:7. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. When we walk in the light as the Lord walked in the light then we can walk in oneness. As the song says
It’s a great thing to praise the Lord It’s a great thing to love the Lord It’s a great thing to serve the Lord Walking in the light of the Lord.
We have to walk in the light of the Lord. There are very few who will walk in the light. When we walk in the light we will know the truth and have everlasting life. When we walk in the truth we will keep our entire mind on Him and acknowledge He is the only God. Then we can be cleansed by His precious blood and become His family.
VICTORY THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS Let us read Matt 26:27,28. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Before the Lord died on the cross He made a new covenant for us. It was His blood. Through His blood all our sickness, darkness and evil deeds can be destroyed. Before He died He gave this commandment. So today without His blood we cannot get victory in any matter. We have to be cleansed everyday by His precious blood and be one with Him. The Bible says in 1 Pet 1:18,19. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: We have not got this new life because of our family status or our wealth but by the blood of Jesus. His blood has given us new life and made a new way for us to go to heaven. It is the priceless precious blood of Jesus. Jesus is the only way. Let us leave every evil way, lying and the worldly people and let us believe on the blood of Jesus and the love of God. Then there will be peace, happiness and joy in our homes and in our families. Sickness and evil will flee away from us. Else we will die in our sins, shed tears in darkness and loose your joy and peace. For us to receive peace, joy and happiness in our lives we have to give the first place in our lives to the Lord and be cleansed by His precious blood. Everyday we should remember how the King of Kings came into this world, suffered and gave His life for us. We must forsake the one day pleasuresof this world and remember it is our God who will give us eternal joy. The Lord should be in our heart and not in our mouth. If He is in our heart then we will not think otherwise. According to the Word we can decide what we have to do, as the Word is clear and simple. Even the uneducated can understand the Word. The people of the world may tell lies and steal but the believer must know the truth. The Word says let the holy be holy, and let the unjust be unjust still but the Lord will come soon. According to how we live in this world and praise Him, He will bring honour to us. The Lord will see how much we have praised Him, loved Him and walked in Him. The Lord wants us to be His righteous people as He is going to come soon and give His judgment. Our God has not changed,He is the same yesterday, today and forever. His love and anger also has not changed. Even today if we are not cleansed by His blood then our lives are of no use.
JESUS WHO DELIVERS US With sin and the devil in our life we cannot reach heaven. Both have to be separated from our lives. As the old song says Once I was a sinner but Jesus set me free Satan had me bound but Jesus set me free Only the Lord Jesus can set us free from sin and the devil. The Bible says in Matt 9:2. And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. Here the man was sick and on the bed, but the people took him to the Lord in faith believing that he could get new life. The Lord first forgave him his sins. From this one can understand that his sickness came because of sin. Many a times when we have coffee we come to know that coffee powder or sugar is less. In the same way when the Lord sees a sick person, He knows for what reason the sickness has come to that person. This person was paralyzed and could not do anything on his own. We should understand whether the sickness is because of sin or the devil. When a person with evil is prayed over, the evil spirit will manifest itself as it cannot be silent in that body. The devil brings such bondages to the people. Once the evil spirit manifests itself then it will speak giving the details from where it has come, who has sent it and for what purpose it has come. In this case we see that the sickness in that man was due to sin. Only the Lord can separate the sin from a person. But when we understand why the sickness has come then we can once again surrender to the Lord . The only medicine for that is the blood of Jesus. The second thing is that whatever medicine is taken there will be no healing for that sickness. The only healing is the blood of Jesus and there is no other way. Only the Lord Jesus can heal the sin of a man and there is no other healing for that.
The Bible speaks in Jn 8:11 about a woman caught in sin, “She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more”. We have read in the old testament that people who steal, and told lies were stoned to death according to the commandment of God. They brought this woman before the Lord. Where the Lord is, there is liberty. If the Lord is there in your home then He can remove the sin. If the Lord is not there then you will grow in your sins and remain in your sickness. They could have stoned her to death , but they brought her to the Lord and the women received a blessing as the Lord was there. The Lord forgave her the sin of adultery. Let us read Jn 8:3-5. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
This was the commandment given by God to Moses. But we must understand that the Lord had come into this world to bring us out of every evil and bondage. The Lord brought the woman out from sin and bondage in an easy way. The woman was greatly blessed because the Lord was there. If not they would have stoned her to death according to the commandment of Moses. Today we must understand how blessed we can be when the Lord is with us in our homes. The Lord can cover our sins and sickness cannot come near us as the Lord is with us or else the sickness will always remind us of the sin in our lives. There is no way without the Lord Jesus Christ. Finally we have to go to Him and then the judgment will be clear. The people would have observed this woman for many days before catching her red-handed. We may think that when we do things on our own nobody watches us. Our Lord is alive whose eyes are on every person, young and old. The Lord watches us. As the people observed this woman in the same way the devil will keep an eye on us. But because the Lord is with us we can be victorious. As the words of the song say ‘ Once I was a sinner but Jesus set me free’. The Lord only can set us free from our sickness and our sins. There is no way other than the Lord. The Lord has shed His precious blood and given us the Church through which we can receive correction, know the truth and walk in it and receive a blessing. Withoutthe shed blood at Calvary there would be no Church today. If the Lord Jesus had lived a normal life His name would not have reached to this part of the world. After giving His life the Church was made with His precious blood. So the truth will be there in the Church where God’s plan will be accomplished, which may or may not please men. The Lord came into this world to separate us from sin and for this purpose He has given His precious blood to deliver us from sin and sickness.
The Bible says in Acts 2:28. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Only God and not man can show us the way to true life. Many times when the Lord reveals correction then I tell the people. But not all. The truth is always bitter. In the days of the Lord when the He spoke the true Word many started to go away from the Lord. From those days the people did not like the true Word of God. Today also many people do not like the true Word of God. Whenthey do not want to accept the correction and mend their ways, then sin is born in their families and in their lives. By giving His life the Lord has shown the way to life. The Holy Spirit can show us the way to life. We received the Holy Spirit after the Lord sacrificed His life for us. Where the Lords presence is He will keep us in joy. The Lord’s Word speaks very clearly. To show us the Living Way the Lord has given His life for us. Where His presence is there you can find the living way and not at any other place. The Lord forgave that man of his sins. Here we can understand what sickness, sin can bring into our lives. This sin can destroy your lives. Be careful not to fall into sin. Stop running after your own whims and fancies. What you are hearing in the Lord’s Church kee |