Monday, September 7, 2009
GIVE INTENSE CONTEMPLATION TO THE SEVERITY OF GOD .
Sadly, we live in an age where many hold the truth in unrighteousness. Most would like to give the impression that the God we serve is such a God of love that it is beyond Him to be severe. The apostle warns us Gentiles that it is necessary to examine the dealings of the Lord with His chosen people in order to anticipate His dealings with us. He shows that though being the offspring of Abraham, because of doubting and rejecting Jesus Christ as the Promised One, they were cut off. He further shows that we have no rightful claims to this salvation that we stand only by faith in what He has done for us, should walk humbly, and take every precaution against self-deception and falling into temptation and unbelief. It is by grace through faith not of works lest any man should boast. Likewise, those who came out of Egypt by Moses, experienced His protection and provision and afterwards were overcome by unbelief fell in the wilderness and never reach the promise land ( 1Cor.10: 1-12).
Jude shows that the angels who did not keep their first estate were removed and are held in chains of darkness awaiting banishment in the blackness of darkness. Paul told the Hebrews that God is a consuming fire and therefore should be served acceptably with reverence and godly fear (Heb.12: 29). Jude further quoted Enoch as saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him (Jude 15). God does take severe measures to remedy evil.
GIVE INTENSE CONTEMPLATION TO THE GOODNESS OF GOD TOWARD US (JOHN 3:16; 15:13 ROMANS 8:11).
It is the goodness of the Lord that led us to repentance. He loved us when we were not worth loving and devised a plan of salvation that appeased His wrath towards us and gave us acceptance before Him—the sacrificial death of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was delivered for our offences, and raised again for our justification (Rom. 4:25). God's face is now turned towards us. He looks favorably upon us because of Christ. As Paul told the Corinthians, "Ye are not your own: for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's "(1Cor 6:19,20), thus we should commit to live sanctified lives. To the Galatians the life we now live in the flesh we live by the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us ( Gal.2: 20).
We need to constantly stop and give thanks to the Lord remembering that in times pass we were not the people of God and a middle wall of partition, enmity, existed between the Lord and us but now in Christ we have been made to draw nigh. That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ ( Eph.2: 11-18). We can approach Him in full assurance of faith, He having sprinkled our hearts from an evil conscience (Heb 10:19-23).
GIVE INTENSE CONTEMPLATION TO HEED GOD'S WARNINGS LEST WE BE CUT OFF.
It is our duty and for our well being that, we carefully walk to not incur His wrath. If He dished out such harsh judgment upon those who were naturally the seed of Abraham, how shall we escape if we neglect such great salvation? (Heb.2: 1,2). The warning to us is not to take likely the privilege of being engrafted into the family of God. It is an honor that we should cherish and protect with every fiber of our being. We should be extra careful to live so as to stay in His favor. Some take license to sin, saying perfection is a process, their idea is that until you are perfected just sin less than before your conversion.
The problem with that is that you would never reach perfection and would therefore keep on sinning, we can never expect to do evil expecting good to come. Paul warns against such presumption showing that if we sin willfully they remain no more sacrifice for sin but a fearful looking for of judgment and that our God is a consuming fire (Heb. 10:26-31). We insult the Lord and belittle the sacrifice of Jesus Christ when we live a life of habitually practicing sin. David prayed and asked the Lord to keep him back from presumptuous sin (Ps. 19:13). Let us put on the armor He provided us, withstand any sin that would try to control us, rest in his love and cast all our cares on Him.
Do we desire to be separated from Him? No way, we were there that life brought us no lasting satisfaction. We remember the misery, confusion, darkness, hopelessness and anxiety we experience and which possess a life apart from God. We would allow ourselves to be deceived lest we be cut off.
Thursday, May 8, 2009
Appointed for a useful specific purpose in his kingdom.
Exodus 35:30-35
Each believer has been brought into the kingdom to faithfully serve the Lord in his generation. It is nothing with the Lord to prepare him many years for a purpose that lasts a very short time. We all do not have the same purpose or gifts but each gift is necessary and important the overall advancement of God’s purpose.
Bezaleel was appointed for a useful specific purpose in God’s kingdom. The Lord anointed Moses to be a great spiritual and political leader. His anointing was not to do the work of a craftsman, He gave him Bezaleel as a gifted craftsman. If Moses had attempted to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass and the like he would have messed up the looks of the tabernacle. Bezaleel faithfully carried out his duty as directed and enabled by the Lord. What would have happened if he had protested refuse his duty and desired to do something different? He would have missed his calling. We all are in the body for a purpose. Beware less you allow others who claim to have status and great standing with the Lord cause you to belittle your usefulness, to the kingdom. Like Bezaleel, there is an anointing upon you to add something useful and special to the kingdom. You are as much an integral part of the overall program of God as anyone else. Age, status, education, color has nothing to do with it. Even if the world sees you as unfit to add anything to society, if you have a relationship with Jesus Christ you are useful to him. Remind yourself that you are worth something to God.
Jonathan was appointed for a useful specific purpose in God’s kingdom. When the Lord would have removed Saul from being king, he sent Samuel secretly to anoint David as Saul’s successor. King Saul perceived that David would be king instead of his son Jonathan and attempted have kill David. The Lord had Jonathan in place to befriend David until his purpose with Saul was complete. David did not seek to impose himself upon him or dictate for him. The Lord gave David favor with him. He knew that David, instead of him, would have succeeded his father, nevertheless, he was faithful in protecting him from his father’s evil intentions. The enemy would seek to destroy us and stir up people against us but when the Lord gives us favor, none can harm us. He saw in David qualities neither he nor his father possessed and wanted what was best for the kingdom rather than advancing his own cause. What is best for the kingdom of God should be what grips and motivate us. He was a vessel of mercy in the hand of the Lord. With whom has the Lord linked you? Ask Him for His favor.
Simeon was appointed for a useful specific purpose in God’s kingdom. The Lord assured him that he would not see death until he saw the Christ. The Lord kept him alive only to dedicate the Christ-child. He was faithful in what the Lord asked him to do until his big moment that lasted only a few minutes came. He fulfilled his purpose without fanfare. Then this remarkable man desired to depart this life in peace (Lk. 2:25-32). We all desire to do great things. Could it be that what drives us is our desire for notoriety and worldly acclaim? Honor the Lord where you are and he will exalt you, in due season. Even though it seems long in coming it will be the right time and bring you the most peace and lasting satisfaction. Think of it, how many people were privilege to see Simeon offer up Jesus but he fulfilled his purpose. You and I need to commit to allowing the Lord to realize his purpose in us even if no one applauses, pats us on the shoulder, gets to know what we do or did or even give us any accolades. The Lord sees. Nothing goes unnoticed to him.
Esther was appointed for a useful specific purpose in God’s kingdom. Her story is well known and reference frequently. Neither Mordecai her uncle, who pushed her to audition to be queen, her or king Ahasuerus knew the real significance of her being selected. The Lord for his own special purpose appointed her. Since the Lord orders the steps of a righteous man relax. Could it be that the Lord has appointed you to that circumstance, job, marriage, or in whatever position or condition you are? He has a specific purpose for you being there. For a long time Esther felt, she was just there to be queen. It was not until her people were about to be extermination because of some evil plot that she and her uncle realized why she was there. The Lord appointed her queen, to be able to influence the king, to secure the reversal of the evil plotted against her people. May the Lord help us in the body of Christ we look past our own selfishness and see that we were brought into the body for such a time as this. You have to seek the Lord for your specific case and opportunity to be useful. It is right in front of you. Not all can be on the world scene but you gift, if you allow the Lord to develop and use it will make room for you.
Paul’s sister’s son and the chief captain were appointed for a useful specific purpose in the kingdom (Acts.23: 12-22). The purpose of the Lord was that Paul would testify concerning the gospel in Rome. Certain of the Jews wanted to kill him. Their plan was to pretend, to the chief captain, to want to know more about him and when he appeared pounce on him. The only problem was that he was in lock up, under the chief captain. Paul’s sister’s son was in their company and learned of the ploy. He went to visit Paul who had him brought to the chief captain to whom he revealed the scheme and Paul was spared. The chief captain sent him by night to Rome. As you and I continue to advance the gospel the Lord would always have someone, a snitch, If you would, in an appointed predetermined place to aid and protect us. Have no fear or unwarranted concern about your well being; follow the Lord. He is in control. Ask him to place people in your life that would help you.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
ATTENTION PLEASE
Be still, and know that I am God – Psalms 46:10
A young officer drove his brand new car at a great speed on a highway. It was very usual that small children kept running across the road to go to the other side from behind the parked cars. The young officer realized it and brought down the speed of the car considerably. He was very cautious about the children crossing the road. He looked around but no one was there. Suddenly a brick stone fell on the door of the car. He stopped the car immediately and ferociously got down of it. He noticed a small boy standing at the car’s side innocently. Out of anger, he yelled at the boy, “what are you doing here idiot, this is my new car. You damaged my expensive car by throwing such a big stone. Why did you do such a foolish thing?”
The small boy looked at the officer in a pitiable manner and said, “Please forgive me Sir, I did not know any other way. I tried to stop many cars by waving my hands but none did. So I was forced to do that.” With tears in his eyes he pointed his fingers to a corner. He requested, “Sir, my younger brother fell down from his wheel chair and is very badly injured. Since he is huge in size, I couldn’t lift him up. Will you please help him to get up and sit on his chair again?”
The officer was deeply touched when he got to know everything. He controlled his anger and rushed to the corner and helped the wounded boy sit on his wheel chair. Then he took his hand kerchief and covered the wound and after that realized that he was alright.
Thank you sir, God bless you” said the small boy with tears and dragged his younger brother on the wheel chair towards their home. The young officer was surprised when the small boy said that. Deeply moved by the incident, he walked to his car and saw the damaged door. He did not worry about spending money to fix the car but rather felt happy that he learned something on that day.
The lesson was “It is not by throwing a brick stone that one has to get your attention and remind you that you are over speeding in your life.” It is not by some incident that we are to be reminded of God. Many a times we keep doing things in a great speed not worried about the things happening around us. We don’t even think of God or pleasing God in our lives. It happens not only in Christians lives but also to the servants of God. They are so very busy in ministry but do not spend a quality time with God. God wants us to have a deeper personal relationship with Him on a regular basis rather spending most of our time in some ministry activities. It is God who comes first not our ministry. God speaks very feebly in our spirits and communicates very softly in our hearts. When we don’t realize that, definitely something has to be thrown on us to get our attention. It is up to us whether or not we listen follow his voice
“Be still, and know that I am God” – Psalms 46:10
“I believe in the sun even when it doesn’t shine;
I believe in love even when it isn’t shown;
I believe in God even when He doesn’t speak;”
The above STATEMENT OF FAITH is found scratched on a crumbling wall where a Jewish victim hid during the Holocaust.
Nearly 6, 00,000 Jews, God’s chosen people were killed during the 2nd world war.
This is real faith. Still trusting God even in times of extreme adversity. What about us today?
Living by faith or by sight and feeling?
“Tough times never last but tough people do”
April 21, 2009
MY BIGGEST DREAM
Praise & Worship is one thing that I love and it is something that has got mixed in to my blood vessels. I just cant imagine a single day without worshipping my Saviour Lord Jesus. I praise the Lord for giving me such a heart that finds pleasure in praise & worship all the time. Actually I come from an Orthodox Christian family and we are not used to lively worship as we do now. But the Lord anointed me and has taught me to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.
When I was in my early Christian days, one early morning the Lord spoke to me very clearly saying that He would make me a Worshipper and a song writer. From then on, I started writing songs for the Lord and many musicians have used my songs in their albums. I never learned to play musical instruments but the Lord through His anointing, taught me to play the guitar and keyboard. I have also developed a big desire to learn more things about worship and experience the inner deepest things that are involved in worship.
One of my biggest dreams is to do a School of Worship where I could learn more things about Praise & Worship. I tried many times to join such a school but they were all of lengthy durations and since I had to be there always in my ministry, I was not able to do any of those schools. But the opportunity has come on my way now.
I have found a school of worship under YWAM (Youth With A Mission) which is a 9 weeks program runs in Spain this year in the month of October. One of my friends is the Leader of the School there and he has asked to consider doing the school this year in Spain and hopefully I could get concession in the school fees. This is the thing that I was waiting for such a long time and I have started praying about it. The cost of the school would be 1500 Euros including the lecture phase and the outreach. Please remember me in your prayers that God would provide all my needs to do the school.
Tuesday, April 13, 2009
FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART
I just want to share with you all few things from my
heart just to give you a glimpse of things happened/happening
around me and our ministry.
First of all, I praise God for enabling me to minister t o the wonderful group of people, the HINDUS and to the people who have never heard of Jesus Christ in their lives. I have nothing to boast about myself because anyone could do this kind of ministry or God could have given or still can give this to anybody who is available but He has entrusted such a unique ministry to me and that makes me keep on going and do it with sincerity and with commitment, dedicating my life totally into it.
When I was in the early days of my Christian life, I did not know what kind of ministry I would
be involved in, or what God had called me for. I tried my hands at few things
and was really confused. I was involved in village ministries, taking the Gospel
to the inner parts of the state Tamilnadu and so thought I was called to be an
Evangelist. God took me to many places to preach the word in churches and to
teach in many seminars & Conferences and so I thought I was called to be a
preacher/a teacher. I got opportunities to lead worship in many churches and
in meetings. I wrote songs for the Lord and through one particular song, a
family in France gave their lives to the Lord and accepted Jesus as their
Saviour, so I thought I was called to be a worship leader and Song writer.
I could not find out or understand what my calling was because I was doing a lot
of different kinds of ministry at different places with different people. A few of my
friends gave me an idea to do a test that would tell us clearly about our calling
for ministry. But I was not interested in doing that because I strongly believed
that if God had called me for a specific ministry, He would let me know directly,
He would give it to me. Three great people of God voluntarily came and
prophesied to me that I would be like JOSHUA and they said God was going to
make me lead people.
The Lord confirmed it to me through His word that I would be like Joshua
leading the people to the promised land. I remember when I was 9 or 10 years
old, in my Sunday School days, I shared the Gospel to one of my school mates
and took him to the church to attend the Kids Bible School. One fine day, I made him remove the chain on his neck with a Hindu deity shaped dollar on it.
But at that time, I didn’t realize that I had done something remarkable and never knew that God
had a plan for me to minister to the Hindus. That was something amazing and when I recall those days, I just cant understand God’s plan how He equipped me in that young age to this ministry. That has exactly happened, He has anointed me a has given me this wonderful ministry which I really love and honoured of. And thus God has enabled me
to make disciples for Him and gave me these words for my ministry.
“Destined to be HIS disciple – Determined to make disciples.”
Since I’m involved in this ministry, the enemy is very angry on me and is trying
various schemes to stop the growth of our ministry and is trying to steal the
happiness and peace from our family away. I have faced so many problems and
shameful things that cannot be shared with anybody so far in my life but I still
am raring to go and ready to face any type of situation because I know God has
put me in this ministry and so He will take care of everything in my life and I
very firmly believe that He is on control of everything. But in the midst of all
these tribulations, the strength of the Lord helps me keep going on and on and
on. So please pray for my protection from the attack of the enemy and for God’s
power and strength to withstand any kind of problems that I would be facing,
and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead me through.
Read Pr Bernard's latest Newsl Letter here.
Tuesday, April 6, , 2009
God's Healing Power in a Brahmin Lady
It was my third visit to the Brahmin family where I could
see some improvements in the health of Meenatchi. Since
I had some other works, I thought of making a quick visit
to the family and return immediately. But God had planned a different thing and I spent more than one and a half hours in that house. The most encouraging thing was, when I was about to pray for Meenatchi, she asked
me to get closer to her so that she could hear
clearly what was saying in my prayer.
I was really amazed when she said that. After the
prayer, she said she could talk aloud which she was not able to do for a few months before. I could also see a great difference in her voice and could see her talking more freely and with happiness. She was filled with joy after praying for her and she forced me to take some money from her as an offering. But I refused the offering and told her that I would take the offering
only when she got healed and only after all her problems got over.
Please remember this family in your daily prayers. More here.
Latest newsletter here.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
As you are all aware of, we’ve been praying for volunteers to help us in our
ministry. God has answered our fervent prayers as three young guys from our community (also from our Church) have volunteered themselves to assist us in various projects of our ministry. The names of the boys are Prakash, Praveen and Manikandan respectively. I praise God for these boys because they have come at the right time as the VBS is around the corner.
These boys are really active, smart enough to do any kind of works and moreover they are very diligent as well. The only thing I’m not comfortable with these guys is that, they call me BOSS.
And other thing that we praise God for is that we have started our Bible Study from last week. Bible study will be conducted weekly on Wednesdays at 6 pm. We had only youth guys attending the Bible Study last week. I hope the others would also attend it in the future. We cannot expect many people, especially the adults to attend it since it is a working day. But we pray that God will bring more people to the Bible Study class and they would learn more things through it.
For more see our News Letter here.
March news letter here.
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Monday, March 23, 2009
PERSONAL CONVICTION
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it” –
Heb 13:2
Even though there is a rapid development in India’s economy, you can still see slums, poor dwellings, bad roads, places where there are no sanitation, villages where there are no roads, no electricity, no schools and no basic facilities. You could still come
across many beggars following you or just coming
towards you begging for money in busy roads. I
don’t remember myself helping the beggars by
giving away money.
I used to help them when I was in my school days giving away
most of my pocket money but as I grew up, I found most of them were cheaters just
pretending like handicapped people or not able to work. Thus I began to have a bad
feeling towards them and developed a grudge against them and I also I have
advised the Outreach Teams coming to our place to not help the beggars when they
come across them. But few days back, I was really convicted when I was reading through Hebrews and the above mentioned verse just hit me. Now I have made a resolution to help such
kinds of people and to entertain strangers whenever and wherever I come across
them.
See the latest Newsletter here.
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