|
|
|
October 2006 Newsletter (Harvest Special) |
|
|
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK –
Pastor Saroja M. From The Editor’s Desk Dear Brothers, Sisters and Children in Christ. It gives me great pleasure to bring to you this newsletter on the occasion of Harvest. In this season of thanksgiving let us together thank our Almighty Father for all the wondrous blessings He has blessed us with in our lives. May His blessings overflow in each of your lives.
“Is the seed yet in the barn? Yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate and the olive tree has not brought forth: from this day will I bless you” Haggai 2:19
The Lord’s prophet Haggai brings this word of God which was a joyful news not only for the people of Israel who were without blessings; in sorrow and tears but today for all of us. Do you know when the Lord will bless us? Right from the time we start building His temple, He shall build my temple, I will be glad in it, not only that He said I will bless you.
Yes, dear children of God from the time you decide to build the temple of God the honor and respect you feel for it and have in your heart, the Lord observes. The Bible talks about some servants of God who have builded high places for God. Moses built a tabernacle, Solomon built a glorious temple for God. Also Ezra, Nehemiah and Zerubabbel have built temples for the Lord and have received blessings accordingly from Him.
Today what is the temple that you have to build? It is our spiritual life. The God who built heaven and earth does not dwell in temples built by hands. He desires our body as His temple and dwelling place. The word of God says, “Christ’s hope of glory dwells in you”. Therefore whoever wants the temple of God in him and who desires the spirit of God to dwell in him should increase his prayer life and regularly read the word of God-him definitely the Lord will bless, not only in this worldly way but also spiritually.
During Haggai prophet’s time, Zerubabbel with zeal laid the foundation of the temple for God and started to build the same. The Lord saw that and He was filled with happiness. The word of God says, “In that day, says the Lord of Hosts will I take you O Zerubabbel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, says the Lord and will make you as a signet; for I have chosen you, says the Lord of Hosts”.
Therefore, Lord can also make you a signet, but you have to build up your spiritual life. Your body which is the temple of God is the dwelling place for the spirit of God therefore in fear watch and lead a holy life. The Lord sees you as a precious person as the word says, “Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honourable, and I have loved you: therefore will I given men for you, and people for your life”
Dear children of God in the sight of this world you may be nothing your beloved people may hate and must have left you but in the sight of God you are his beloved child and honorable. Today each person considers honorable things differently some money, some qualifications, some children, some family, etc, etc but Solomon considered “wisdom” as the most honorable thing.
For wisdom is better than rubies. And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge and discretion.” Prov 8:11-12 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding. For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Prov 3:13-15. So dear beloved children be the temple of God so that the spirit of God can dwell in you and in return you and your families can be blessed.
I thank my heavenly father who has blessed each one of us with abundance of joy, peace and happiness. Let us all thank our almighty God with our heart, mind and soul. May my Lord God bless all those who read this magazine. Happy Harvest once again to each one of you. Praise the Lord ! — Pastor Saroja M
|
|
|
|
|
Testimony Dear brothers and sisters we are all from different backgrounds, different cities, different languages and different castes but the call of the highest order of divine comes from God to all mankind: “Come unto me all ye that are weary and are heavy laden, I will give you rest.” What is this rest? It is the eternal peace, happiness, bliss and life through our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ for ever and ever. We who are His children have gone astray and are like sheep without a good and true shepherd.
I would like to testify and share with all of you as to how my mighty God brought me to the Rose of Sharon Church, Kalina (ROS-Kalina) and thereafter done so many wonderful works in my life. I
was from a hindu background and in total darkness not knowing my purpose
in life. I hit the bottom of the pit with my sinful acts and the sinful
life I was leading. I was a rebellious, disobedient and quick-tempered
man. But in the year 1972 I came to know about the Lord Jesus and from
then onwards have overcome many obstacles, toils, dangers, evil people
and death itself because I knew that Lord Jesus only can shower us with
the richness of His grace and only He understands us and knows what
is best for us at all times. But for many years after that we i.e. my
wife and me were hopping from place to place and from Church to Church.
So much so that our physical and spiritual life was not bearing any
fruit. Then we got bogged down in Nallaspora for many years groping
without any hope. But after much fasting and prayers our Lord Jesus
Christ answered our prayers and showed us the ROS-Kalina through the
ROS Newsletter in a Christian book shop. From then onwards we started coming to ROS-Kalina and ROS-Mira Road every Saturday and Sunday. Our beloved Pastor Saroja warmly welcomed us and greeted us with a lot of love and affection and captivated our hearts. As the Bible says, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God”. Truly we saw and are continuing to see the precious love of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in and through Pastor Saroja. Once we made the right choice to follow our Lord Jesus Christ and be members of His true church, we have been experiencing miracle after miracle in our lives. To testify about a few are:
1. First of all the kidney problem of my wife by which she could not control her urine flow. We saw the healing touch of our Lord Jesus through our Pastor Saroja who laid her hand and prayed earnestly for her. From that moment my wife experienced total and complete healing. 2. Secondly the Lord opened the doors for a new house for us at Gaurav Residency, Mira Road thus honouring Pastor Saroja’s prayers. 3. Thirdly the Lord also protected our lives on the day of the bomb-blasts and reached us to our homes miraculously.
I therefore would like to give all glory and honour to our Lord Jesus Christ for giving us this true Church of God i.e. the Rose of Sharon Church at Kalina and Mira Road. We pray that may this Church grow and prosper in each and every way. May God bless Pastor Saroja and her team at Kalina, Mira Road, Mangalore and Tamil Nadu. May we all see and experience a mighty revival in this Church of God.
—John Shepherd
House Prayer Meetings, Blessings & Salvation
When I think about a house meeting the things which come to my mind are: (a) The Pastor would go to the home where the house meeting is scheduled and preach the word. (b) Neighbors, friends and some church members would gather. (c) After the service a small snack or dinner would be served and then all would go to their respective homes. But actually a prayer house meeting is a meeting where the Pastor brings the word of God to that home which may be a word of correction or blessings or both. It is then upto the members of that family to accept the word of God into their lives.
In Luke chapter 19 there is a reference to a man named Zaccheus. He was a shrewd money-lender was also known for cheating people. But when he heard that Jesus is coming to that part of town he felt in his heart that he also wanted to see Jesus. Now Zaccheus was a short man therefore he climbed a tree and sat on the branches so that when Jesus would pass by he could see Him. When Jesus came near the tree he knew that Zacchaeus was on it and He saw his heart and said to him “Zacchaeus today I must stay at your house”. The word of God says, “Zaccheus made haste and received Jesus joyfully”. He also repented and confessed all his sins. Luke 19:9 “And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham.” How could this happen? Only because he received and accepted the word of God for him, joyfully!
I have experienced that whenever the word of God is preached through Pastor Saroja in our house meeting the Lord speaks to us according to our current situation. Thus today when the Pastor comes to our respective houses to preach the word of God let us each accept the word whether it be of correction or love, joyfully only then can we see miracles and blessings in the our lives and our homes.
Another example given in the Bible is that of a Pharisee who had invited Lord Jesus to his house as given in Luke 7:36-50. When Jesus visited the Pharisee’s house a woman who was a sinner also came there. As soon as she saw Jesus, she wept at His feet, washed His feet with her tears, wiped them with the hair of her head, kissed His feet and anointed them with fragrant oil. The love that she had for Jesus and the faith she showed was evident, which brought salvation and peace in her life. The moment we repent and confess our sins our dear Lord Jesus is ready to forgive and save us but we to be receptive in our hearts. Nothing is mentioned about the Pharisee who invited Jesus, as his heart was not prepared to readily and lovingly embrace Jesus and welcome Him into his home or accept the correction by Lord Jesus.
One of the best practices in our Rose of Sharon Church is the house-meeting which happens once every mid-week. These meetings are conducted once a year in every church member’s home. What follow these meetings are our dear Lord Jesus’ love, correction and blessings of-course! A prayer service which consists of praise and worship followed by the precious Word preached by our dear Pastor Saroja. She preaches the word of God which may come to that house in the form of correction or a blessing.
I am glad to be member of Rose of Sharon Church. I have learnt many things and am still in the learning process. One thing I have realized is that whatever message we get from Pastor Saroja we must accept the Word in the right spirit because without revelation, correction and guidance from God’s chosen people, we would be blind and falter in our journey towards Eternal Life. We are a privileged lot to have an anointed Pastor who brings God’s Word, love and correction to us. Are we ready today, if the Lord visits our house? —Mercy Moses
|
|
|
|
|
TESTIMONIES
”Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him
with the whole heart! My husband was suffering from AIDS. The doc-tors doubted that I too may have the sickness. The doctors advised me to undergo some tests. I went through two tests without informing Pastor and when the reports came there were slight symptoms of HIV in my results. I was very much worried about the same. Then the doctor told me that there is still one final test to be done which will clarify all doubts that whether I am HIV +ve. Before that particular test I attended the Sunday Service and informed Pastor about the same. Pastor assured me of her prayers and strengthened me. Then on Monday I went for the final test. What happened then was nothing short of a miracle in my life ! My final test reports were all normal and there were no signs of HIV. Even the doctors were amazed about the same. This miracle happened only through the prayer of Pastor Saroja. I thank my Lord for taking away this sickness from me and having His grace upon me and my children. Sis. Anamary Adiyal, Jogeshwari I had got less percentage in my 12th std. I had applied to two colleges for admission in BCA. But I did not receive an interview card from both the colleges. I called up Rose of Sharon, Mumbai and requested Pastor to pray for my admission. Pastor assured me that I will get the admission. True to Pastor’s word I got the admission. I felt very happy that I got admission in the best college in Mangalore. This was truly a miracle. I give all glory and thanks to the Lord Jesus for doing such a miracle in my life. I thank Pastor Saroja for her sincere prayers through which I received my college admission. Sis. Bhagya, Mangalore I thank my heavenly Father for His grace upon me. Last week I was at home for two days with back pain. The pain was terrible and I could not sit at all. The third day I went to work but I was sent back from office. My doctor advised me to consult a specialist (Orthopedic Doctor). But I came to Church for prayers and as per Pastor counsel, I put my trust in the Lord. Within the next day I was healed. I did not go to any specialist neither did I take any medicine. The Lord healed me and I thank Pastor Saroja for her prayers and counsel. Sis. Joy Shalaka Salins, Kalina Last Monday I was suffering from stomach pain. I went to doctor and took some medicines. But during the night I had some side effects on my body due to the medicines. Next day I called up Pastor and told her about my problem and she told me not to worry the Lord will heal you. The very next day I was completely healed from the problem. This miracle is only possible because of God’s grace in my life and the prayers of Pastor Saroja. I thank Lord Jesus Christ for healing me. Sis. Neelam Kushwaha, Jogeshwari For the past 10 years we were staying in a rented house. We were facing lots of problem for paying the house rent. We informed Pastor about our problem and requested her to pray for us to enable us get our own house. After her prayers we are now able to buy our own house. I want to give millions of thank to our Lord Jesus who heard Pastor Saroja’s faithful prayers. Sis. Rita Arikswamy, Goregaon Last week I had a bad case of (rash) hives eruption on my body. I applied many things but the itching was very severe. I told Pastor about it and Pastor assured me of her prayers. The next morning I could see all the hives had disappeared. I praise God for answering Pastor Saroja’s prayers and healing me. I thank Pastor for her sincere prayers. Bro.
Godwin Salins, Kalina Sis.
Iris Wilson, Mira Road Sis.
Rajeshwari, Chennai Very
often I used to get uncontrolled sneezing and at times it would continue
till the morning and I would not be able to sleep. I had taken
cough syrup for the same but of no avail. Sis. Yogini Salins, Mangalore
HEALING THROUGH PRAYER OIL Since Last one year my son Heresh was having piles. I was surprised knowing that such a small child can have piles. I was very much worried I spoke to Pastor for her advice. Pastor advised me saying that he will get all right and only apply prayer oil. Last month we noticed that my son was healed from piles problem. I give all glory to my Lord Jesus for healing of my son, Heresh. I thank Pastor Saroja for her faithful prayers for me and my family. Bro.
Lancy Lobo, Mira Road I thank Pastor Saroja for her prayers for all of us and thank my Lord for His love. Bro.
Ramiah G. Daniels, Goa Sis.
Mercy George, Mira Road
Bro. Dinesh
Kamble, Kalina Six months back I had fungus growth on two of my finger nails. Doctor had given me some medicine to apply when the hands were not being used. I finished applying one bottle but there were no results. Then I started applying the prayer oil and both my finger nails are now healed. With a grateful heart I thank and praise Jesus Christ because of His mercies for which I am not consumed. I also thank Pastor Saroja for her earnest prayers for me. Sis.
Asha Salins, Mangalore Sis.
Kamala Kelkar, Nalasopara Sis.
Renita Arikswamy, Jogeshwari Sis.
Hema Pilley, Jogeshwari Bro.
Jayantilal Patel, Jogeshwari Sis.
Bharti Mohite, Kalina Bro. Dinesh Patel, Andheri
|
|
|
|
|
Jesus The Only Friend I Know There was once a little girl called Anamma. She was born to a Christian family. When Anamma was 5 years old, she had a life threatening accident through which she survived but lost one of her legs. The doctors said she would be crippled for life…Anamma lost all hope of ever living life as a normal child. Anamma could not run, jump, or play as the other children did. She would walk slowly on her crutches…. and all the children would laugh at her as she limped into school. Even her brother & sister at home would get impatient with her as she could neither play with them, nor could she do all the naughty things that they wanted to.
Anamma was a very sad and lonely girl. But from a very young age she had found the love of Jesus Christ in her life. Very often she would lock herself in her room and cry out & pray… she often asked God why He brought her into this world; she was so slow and useless – what could she ever do in her life. She would share all her pain & sorrow with Jesus during prayer time. Very often, during her prayer times, the presence of God would fill the room… her tears would dry out and she would feel warm & comforted in God’s enveloping love. Often she would fall asleep in that warmth & comfort.
At school, when all the children were at play, Anamma would look out of the window and imagine herself as a normal child wearing sports shoes and playing ball in gay abandon with all the other children. To keep herself busy when all the other children were at play, she would sit and paint. Anamma had a great gift from God… she could paint anything she saw … people, cars, trees, flowers, hills. And oh … how beautiful were her paintings!
One day her teacher saw her collection of paintings and marveled at her talent. Later that month, the teacher came up to her and told her that she had been chosen to represent her school in the Inter School Painting Contest. Anamma was wary of going to new places or meeting new people as everywhere she went children would mock at her. But yet she mustered the courage to go, and said “yes” to the teacher. The teacher told her that the theme for the painting contest was “Friendship” and that she should prepare herself accordingly.
Anamma was in a great dilemma… She had no clue what “ Friendship” was all about, she did not have a single friend all her life. What would she depict, what would she draw??? She lost all hope to be able to participate in this contest. That night Anamma cried to Jesus & prayed …. “ Oh Lord, I do not know what friendship is all about, I have no friends, nobody likes me, all the children laugh at me ….. She slept that night crying…
That night Anamma had a dream. In her dream she was happily walking down the road… but she was not alone, she was walking hand in hand with a friend. Her friend was tall, dressed in white and had the most kind & radiant face she had ever seen in her whole life. In her dream she was happy, laughing & talking with her friend. As she walked happily she lost her balance and was about to fall – when her friend who she was walking with held her tight so that she would not fall … and instantly she felt the same presence… the same warmth and comfort she felt during her prayer times. She woke up the next morning knowing that she has seen Jesus in her dream. She knew Jesus was trying to tell her that He was always with her and that she could call Him her friend.
The day of the painting contest arrived, and Anamma was excited. She was to depict the theme of “Friendship” and she knew exactly what she was going to draw. She began painting Jesus … just as she remembered him from her dream … warm , loving & radiant , all dressed in white. Then she painted herself sitting on Jesus’ lap. She painted herself – a joyous picture of her happy face, sitting on the lap of Jesus. And she painted herself not crippled but as a normal child with both legs and with sports shoes on.… and with a ball in her hand.
She entitled the picture “Jesus – the only friend I know” When the judges came by to see her painting they were so amazed that a little girl as her could capture such a radiant & beautiful moment … the use of colours & her technique of painting were so brilliant. They marveled at her painting. One of the judges told her “Don’t feel bad, my child, but I am curious to know that despite being lame, you have painted yourself as someone normal with both feet.. .why is that, may I ask”? To which Anamma answered “Look how happy I am in the picture, and that’s because I am with my friend Jesus. And when Jesus is with me… I forget all my shortcomings as He makes me feel totally complete – in body and in soul”
Anamma won the first prize for that painting. She received an award for excellence, and much praise from all present. Her painting took centre place at her school and she became popular as all the children admired her talent… and she made many friends thereafter. Anamma grew to become a famous painter … She became rich, found a loving husband and had many children. She had found every joy in her life that she did not dare to dream. Through all her success Anamma never forgot her “first love” …and she never ever forgot that dream of “Friendship” that changed her whole life forever. Her love for Jesus grew deeper & deeper … and she shared her testimony with as many people as she could, of the love & power of Christ Jesus that changed her life.
For the rest of her life Anamma thanked God for being a cripple as she had experienced Jesus’ love like no one else … she realized that because of her infirmity His Grace was abundant in her life.
And He said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak then I am strong. II Corinthians 12:9-10. — Sandra Daniels
SOME LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF KING ASA
King Asa was the great grandson of King Solomon. The story of the king is found in 2nd Chronicles, Chapter 14, 15 and 16. He was one of the great kings in his time and was the 3rd king of Judah. When he came to the throne, he did many wonderful things in the sight of the Lord. He took away the altars of strange gods, broke the images, and told the people of Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers. Because of this, God was pleased with him, the land had rest and peace in the surrounding areas. King Asa also began to build the cities and also his army. When a strong army of the Ethiopians came against them, he cried unto the Lord and God gave him victory and also many of their spoils. In 2nd Chronicles chapter 15, verse 2, God speaks to him through prophet Azariah a word of caution and encouragement. He takes these words from the prophet, sets his kingdom in order and does many wonderful works. The people of Judah seek the Lord and make an oath, the Lord was found by them and the land had peace for 35 years. The heart of King Asa was perfect at that time. In chapter 16 of 2nd Chronicles, we see something happening. The king of Israel Baasha, comes to Judah and starts building Ramah, a city in Judah. His intentions was that the people of Judah should not go to King Asa, but to King Baasha. This was disliked by King Asa, who makes an immediate decision on his own to bribe King Benhadad, king of Syria. He tries to lure him by giving the king silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of the Lord, in order to break the league between the king of Israel and the king of Syria. This was so that he could divert the attention of the king of Israel, in order that the king of Israel would leave from building Ramah. And king Asa became successful, but this type of game plan was disliked by God who sent Hanani another prophet to king Asa and chastens him. King Asa does not like what the prophet spoke and puts him into the prison in anger. Also, in the latter part of the king’s life, King Asa was diseased in his feet and in this state also, he does not seek the Lord, but the physician.
From this short story, we can see how one of the great King Asa was, when he began to reign. He sought the Lord, but when he was diseased with his feet, he did not seek the Lord, but the physician. The Lord knows each one of us, He knows our future and accordingly He speaks to us, as He spoke through the prophet named Azariah in 2nd chronicles chapter 15, verse 2.
We may serve the Lord with lot of zeal as King Asa did to start with. We should seek the Lord everyday for His grace and mercy. In the beginning, Lord was pleased with him because of his attitude and his work and God gave him rest in his land and from surrounding places. He does the same thing with us, when our walk pleases Him we can have rest in our families and around us. We should not make a vow and not keep it, before we make a vow, we should be sure to keep it, otherwise Lord’s anger can come upon us. We should not lend our ears only to hear what good God speaks, but even what is painful and corrections. We should take it with a thanksgiving heart and praise our God, it will work for our good and not hide from it thinking it is for others and not for us and also not be offended by the corrections. This means that one who is proud will not take the corrections. Our heart should be humble to receive corrections and pray and seek the Lord. God tests us in the period of rest times as also in the trouble times. Let us not take undue advantage of our rest times, but let us learn to rest in the Lord and not to grumble against Him in our bad times. The Bible says that, the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, who can know it. The Lord searches the heart and tries the reins. It is very important for all of us to keep our faith in the Lord till the end The Bible also says that, he that endureth till the end shall be saved. It is not how we begin the race, but how we end it.
Verse 12 of 2nd chronicles, chapter 16 says that when King Asa was diseased in his feet, he did not seek the Lord but the physicians. This verse means that if he would have sought the Lord in his diseased state, God would have heard his cry and he would again be healed. This implies that if we seek the Lord in whatever state we are, if we humble ourselves and cry out unto Him, He is a Lord who will hear our cry and will answer our prayers. — Austin Roberts
|
|
|
|
|
Hear & Obey The Voice Of The Lord
The Lord’s counsel will always bring a blessing in our lives. When we receive the Lords counsel we must know that it is not for a day or two but forever. Today as believers when we ask anything of the Lord, He answers us according to His will. It is the Lord’s will that we should ask everything of Him and then do it. The Lord knows our today, tomorrow and our future. We only think about our today, and try to be happy today. But the Lord knows what is good for our tomorrow and what will profit us in the future. For all our desires when we seek God’s will then we can receive His blessings in our lives. Even today the Lord is waiting to give us the best counsel in our life when we ask Him. This is His wish.
OBEDIENCE BRINGS BLESSINGS The Bible says in Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. In the above verse Apostle Paul trembled and asked the Lord in fear as to what he must do. The Lord told him to go to the city where he would receive further instructions. He obeyed the Lord without asking any questions and we see that it was he who wrote the most number of books in the New testament. The Lord knew the work that he wanted to do through Apostle Paul. It was not a work for a day or two but it was work forever. The same God is with us today. When we seek the Lord’s counsel in all matters then it becomes a testimony forever. Let us read Ps 25:15 Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. When our eyes are on the Lord considering what He is telling us, then in every situation He will take care of us. He will protect us from all the works of darkness, sorrow, our problems and from every trap of the enemy. When our eyes are always on the Lord then He will give us victory all the time. At all times the Lord will speak to us and be one with us. When Adam and Eve sinned against the Lord they hid them selves, but the Lord sought them and spoke to them. That is the Almighty God who is with us even today. We are sinners and unworthy people. We cannot say we are holy because the Lord is speaking to us. We are sinful like Adam and Eve but as the Lord sought them out in their sin, in the same way the Lord is asking us ‘Where are you’. Today also the Lord is desiring to talk to us so that we may benefit forever. The Lord never forsook them in their sin, but sought them, spoke to them and showed them a way out of their sin. When we look at Him, He will free us from every sickness, every trap of this world and all our problems. We should praise Him with all our heart, mind and soul. Today also the Lord will see our hearts and bless us. The Lord came seeking for Zacchaeus who was a sinful man and spoke to him. After the Lord spoke to him and he accepted the Lord’s message and became a changed man, he was added into the family of Abraham. We see that every person who listens, obeys and walks according to the Lord’s Word will be added to His family. Even when Samuel was small the Lord spoke to him as written in 1 Sam 3:10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. Here Samuel asks the Lord to speak and he would listen. When Samuel listened and obeyed every Word of God, he became a great Prophet. Whenever we listen to the Word of God and obey His voice we can see the benefit in our life. Not according to our wisdom and knowledge but as we walk in obedience, then our life is established. We receive His power and blessings into our life. Saul obeyed the voice of God and became a great servant. By obedience Zacchaeus was added to the family of Abraham and Samuel became a great prophet. Through this we must understand that by obeying the voice of God we will never be a looser in our life but we will be a blessed person. Let us read Ps 95:7,8. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: Today also the Word should work each day in our lives. We should not harden our hearts. As these servants of the Lord obeyed His voice and became great vessels of the Lord and vessels of blessing. In the same way if we obey the voice of God we can receive these blessings from the Lord even today in our lives.
BE READY TO HEAR HIS VOICE Let us read Gen 3:8. And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. We should always be ready to hear the Lord’s voice. Adam and Eve were hiding because they committed sin by disobeying the Lord. But the Lord sought them out and spoke to them. As mentioned in the above verse the cool of the day will have two meanings. One is in the morning between 3.00 am to 4.00 am. The Bible says in Prov 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. The second meaning would be that when His children will praise Him, that is the time the Lord’s heart will be pleased. That is the time the Lord is happy (cool). When we praise the Lord, His presence will always be there. When we want our prayers answered or want to keep our request before God then these are the two times to go to Him. One is early in the morning and the other time is to praise and praise Him till His presence fills us, then we can keep our request before Him. Our prayers will be answered. When we love Him and praise Him then His presence comes before us. Before the prophets brought the message of blessing to the people what did they do ? Let us read 2 Kings 3:15,16 But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him. And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches. Before bringing the Word of God to the people the prophet praised the Lord with music. When He started to praise God the presence of the Lord came upon Him and then He started speaking the Word of God. We must know this in our lives. Either you go early in the morning to the Lord or you praise and worship Him and when His presence comes then you keep your request before the Lord. Then the Almighty God will answer your prayers. Today the Lord is speaking to us through His Spirit.
AWAKEN THE SPIRIT WITHIN YOU Let us read Jn 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. As the presence of the Lord spoke through Elijah in the olden days, today the Spirit of the Lord speaks to us. When we go to the Lord early in the morning and we praise Him, then according to the above verse the Lord will speak to us. The Lord will not leave us as orphans. The Lord who spoke to Paul, who spoke to Zacchaeus, who spoke to Adam and Eve, who spoke to Samuel and who gave the Word through Elijah speaks to us even today through His Spirit. The Lord is alive. We may be weak, dead in our sins and we may be bad people but in all situations the Lord desires to speak to us. We must praise Him in every situation and His presence which comes in our midst will bring to our remembrance the Word that He has given us in our life. The Holy Spirit can remind us all things in our life. We should awaken the Spirit in us that is sleeping. When we praise Him and seek Him early in the morning then we will find the Lord. Every one of us have to hear His voice and walk in obedience. We may have been born again years before or lately or even today. But we all have to obey His voice and walk. Let us read Deut 8:3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. The Word of God is the manna in our life. It is important that every believer walks in obedience to the Lord’s voice. Let us read Jn 10:27. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: For the Lord to know us it is important for us to hear His voice. If you want the Lord to know you, your sorrows, your troubles and to receive His blessings in your lives, then you must hear His voice. Only when we hear His voice can we follow Him. If you do not accept His Word and hear His voice then you will face many hindrances as you follow Him. We must obey the Lord in every situation then we can become His sheep. To hear His voice we must always be ready in our hearts. The Bible says in Ps 5:3. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. We should prepare and be ready to hear His voice. For the Lord to hear our voice and for us to receive an answer from the Lord we have to be ready. The Lord called Moses as mentioned in Exodus 34:2 and desired to speak with him. In the same way the Lord desires to speak to us also. And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto mount Sinai, and present thyself there to me in the top of the mount. The Lord told Moses to prepare and come to Mount Sinai in the morning. For the Lord to speak with us we have to prepare ourselves and be ready. Moses prepared himself and went to the mountain and the Lord spoke to him there. Let us read Num 12:7,8. Our God is a loving God. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? Moses was obedient to the Lord in all matters, that is the reason the Lord was angry when Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses. With hope and love Moses would go to meet the Lord in the morning, to receive the message or the blessing from the Lord for the people. The Lord saw truth in the life of Moses and in the same way this truth should be seen in the life of every believer. When the truth is in us, then the Lord will put anyone who speaks against us to shame. We should live in truth with the Lord. This truth will come in our lives when we obey the Lord under all circumstances in our life. When we prepare our selves to obey His voice then we are ready to walk with the Lord. The Lord testified about Moses that he would not tell the Lord something and not do it. And also whatever Moses did, he would honestly tell the Lord. This is the testimony that the Lord has to give about us. The world will not speak good about us, nor will it speak the truth. But the Lord will always see the truth in every person. When we live as a true believer the Lord will condemn every tongue that speaks against us. The Lord will put every tongue raised against His servant to shame. That is the mighty God with us. But you must be faithful to the Lord as Moses, then the Lord will put every tongue raised against you to shame. Our God is not partial. Today also we must remove every jealousy and bitterness from our hearts then the Lord can speak to us as He spoke to Moses. As seen in the Word, the Lord desires to talk to each one of us. But we must clear our hearts from every sin and the Lord will speak to us. Let us read Is 50:4. The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. The Lord can give us this blessing as He is not a partial God. Let us read Luke 10:21 to understand the meaning of the word ‘ learned’. In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. The Lord will give these blessings to His chosen sons and daughters. God the Father gave this blessing to the Lord Jesus. Today He is willing to give this blessing to His sons and daughters. As the Lord said, the Spirit which His Father has sent will guide us and talk to us. So today the chosen children are wiser than the wise people of this world. In the old days there were many wise people but amongst them the Lord chose Moses who was unable to speak properly . Even today when children are unable to speak properly the world will teach them. The Lord does not love the the wise people of this world. His people are the wise one’s in this world.
IS THE LORD’S HANDS UPON OUR CHILDREN ? Let us read Matt 19:14,15. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence. The wisdom of this world makes us a worldly person. But in the kingdom of God we must become like innocent children. Then He will give us His wisdom and knowledge in our lives. Here we see that as the little children came to the Lord the elders drove them away. The Bible says in Matt 19:12,13. For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it. Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. Now the child that is born can be a eunuch. Even there are eunuchs made by men, who put earrings and dress up strangely. Then there are people who have left everything for the kingdom of God. Believers who have left every desire for money and the pleasures of this world. The Lord spoke to the people about these three types of people. Now fear came into the heart of the parents who had little children with them. They feared about the kind of person their child would be after ten years. That is the time the mothers took their children to the Lord for prayers. Today we should not be proud about our children. The child may be mischievous, or may not be able to talk properly . We must not tease them. We do not know their future. If they will become a eunuch or not. The mothers took their children to the Lord to pray that such things should not happen to their children and they should become good people in this world. When the disciples stopped the little children from being brought to Him, the Lord understood the sorrow of the mothers and permitted the children to come to Him. The Lord laid His hands upon all the children and blessed them. We should know that our wisdom is nothing in this world. We should understand that these can also happen to our children. There were people in that crowd who would tease and make fun of little children. That is the reason the Lord shared this Word there. The Word brought fear into the hearts of the people and the Lord blessed the children as written in Matt 19:15. And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence. What the Lord spoke was true and the people repented in their hearts. Let us understand that it is important that the Lord’s hand be upon our children. We must not think that our child is very good looking and speaks well. Anything can come upon our child. It is important for the Lords hand to be upon our children.
HINDRANCES TO HEAR HIS VOICE The Lord desires to talk to us but when we go according to our wisdom then the Lord will not speak to us. The Bible says in Heb 12:14,15. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; When the root of bitterness is within us then the Lord does not desire and is not happy to speak to us. The bitterness has to be removed from our hearts. This breaks the oneness among the people. If this is removed then the Lord desires even today to lay His hands upon everybody. This is what hinders the Lord’s hand from being upon your children. The bitterness has to go. The Lords hand should be on every family. Maybe at 18,19 or at 21 years the children may go away from the Lord and they can become eunuchs as written in the above verses. Therefore it is important that the Lord’s hand be upon our children all the time. So the root of jealousy and bitterness should go out from our hearts. We do not know how our children will grow up tomorrow. We must be ready to be in His mercy and grow in His grace. The evil root of bitterness and jealousy has to go from our lives then the Lord’s hand will be upon our children and they will be blessed tomorrow. We are unable to understand how a person changes and goes away from the Lord. We must fear the Lord and we need the Lord’s hand upon our children. We should become like little children. Let us read Matt 5:8. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. If we want the Lord to speak to us and want His presence in our lives, then as the Bible says in Heb 12:14,15 the root of bitterness and jealousy should go out of our lives. Then our heart will be cleansed, and when we pray and praise the Lord, He will hear and answer our prayers. If our heart is not cleansed and we do not attend to the call of others, then in our difficult times we will call to the Lord and He will not hear us. That can be a sorrowful day in our lives. That is the reason the Lord speaks the above verse in the first message to the people. They who are pure in heart will receive the presence of the Lord in their lives. If we want the presence of the Lord in our lives, our families and in the life of our children then it is very important that our heart should be pure.
THE UNSPEAKABLE GIFT Let us read 2 Cor 9:15. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. The Lord has been gracious to us and has given us this indescribable gift. A very great grace in our lives. So we must take benefit of this gift by being pure in our hearts and being in oneness with the people. Then we can receive this limitless love and blessing which He has kept for us. Let us read Rev 2:29. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. As the above Word says, if we have ears, we must hear what the Spirit says, and then you will be blessed. All these Words are given by the Spirit of God.
Till two
days back I was busy with the ministry work and it is only yesterday
night that the Lord gave this long message. This Word has come from
the Spirit of God. So hear if you have ears today. The Lord has a desire
to speak to every person. As the Lord spoke to Saul, to Zacchaeus, to
Samuel, to Adam and Eve and to many more as mentioned in the Word of
God. So today in our Church it is the Spirit which speaks. The Word
says if you have ears like Saul, like Zacchaeus and like Adam and Eve,
then hear the Word of God and you will be blessed. We cannot say that
we are all perfect. When we find fault with others then the Lord will
also see our imperfections. The Lord who has given us unlimited grace
wants us to hear if we have ears.
In our country Shah Jahan was the Emperor who build the Taj Mahal. In those days he had a place where diamonds were found. Many people worked here and as they found diamonds he would sell them. One day he had pity upon one of his workers and he gave him a diamond. At that time this man did not know the value of the diamond. He kept it aside. One day as he went through sorrow and difficulties in his life he went to sell that diamond. He was surprised as he got a lot of money for that diamond. He was joyful as he had enough money, as long as he lived. In the same way the Heavenly Father has given us a gift. That gift is Jesus Christ. We cannot limit Him. Throughout our life we can enjoy His love if He is with us. We should know how to taste the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is a merciful God and we cannot limit Him. Today also we must hear what the Spirit says.
The Lord wants to speak to each one of us today. Many times we have forgotten His love and His grace upon us. But still today the Lord is speaking to us through these messages. Today we must repent and come to the Lord before the days turn evil in our lives. As the Word says in Jn 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. The Father gave Jesus as the gift to the world. The Lord did not remain as a gift but He gave us His blood, His body and His Spirit. That is what the Bible says in 2 Cor 9:15. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. The Father has shown us great love and given us great grace. The Bible says in Rom 8:32. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? What is more than the Lord Jesus in this world. If the Father can give us His Son, how much more can he not give us all other things. Truly the Lord can give us all things. The Bible says in Matt 6:32,33 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. For us to be delivered from our sins and to get new life the Father had sent His son Jesus Christ into this world. The Lord know all our needs of food, clothing and other things. So our mind should not be upon the things of the world but upon the kingdom of God and then all things will be added unto us. If we know the Lord and go after Him then definitely we will receive everything that we need in our life. Let us read Phil. 4:19. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. The Father gave His son Jesus to the world. The Lord gave His life and blood on the cross. So when we give the first place to the Lord Jesus in our lives, then the Word in Phil 4:19 will be true in our lives. The Father will fulfill all our needs by His riches in Jesus Christ. We have not chosen the Lord but He has chosen us.
THE LORD CHOOSES HIS SERVANTS The Bible says in Jn 15:16. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. We came to the Lord as sinners. But when the Lord chose us, we became blessed. So in His name we have to give fruit in this world and this fruit has to remain. The Lord’s counsel is not for one or two days but forever. When the Lord chooses us then the fruit will always remain. When we choose the Lord and follow Him, we may be good for a few days. Being human beings, as Adam and Eve fell into sin in the same way we also can fall into sin. When the Lord chooses us He gives us the authority and the possibility to fall is small. I do not say that we will not fall but the chances to fall are very little, as the one who calls us is true. The Bible says in 1 Thess 5:24. Faithful is he that calleth you, who |