Sinner Saved

Sinner saved by Grace, is a quote which we can find everywhere in the Bible, from the first man to the present generation.

The world is filled with hypocrite people who do not accept the ones who try to come out of their mistakes. But when you open the word of God and read it, we find people whom God gave a second chance and saved them.

One such person is a lady called Mary Magdalene. We see her as a sinful woman in the book of Luke 7 and 8. She found out Jesus and her life changed. She was possessed with demons, but Christ healed and saved her and took her and others along with his disciples. Even after Christ resurrected from the death, He appeared to her and she went and told the good news to His disciples (John 20)

In the Gospel of John 8, we see a woman caught in Adultery being brought in front of Jesus. Instead of judging her, Jesus told her – Go and sin no more. That changed her life. She went and told everybody about the grace of Jesus. She can be called as the first ambassador of Christ.

David, one of the celebrity King of Israel did adultery and to hide it, he got involved in killing the lady’s husband (2 Samuel 12). But once he was revealed about the sin, he confessed it before God and asked for forgiveness. God not only forgave him but He called David as the man after God’s own heart (Acts 13: 22).

Saul, the first king of Israel was a perfect man (1 Samuel 9). He did a small mistake, but did not repent or confessed about it. The God who knew his heart threw him out of the throne and rejected him (1 Samuel 15).

God is our creator and He knows our heart. He knows about our thoughts and intention. He knows our repentance and our proudness. He knows our ego and humbleness.

The bible tells about sin as “whoever conceals their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy” – Proverbs 28: 13.

In the same way Jesus says in Luke 15, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God.

Jesus Christ came to the world as a sacrifice to sins of the world, so as to give salvation and make the men righteous with God. But the one who comes to Christ should repent of their sins. Acts 28: 19, says, Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.

There are people who are struggling to live because of the guiltiness of their sins. Jesus Christ came and took all the punishment for your sins. You should understand that your sins are forgiven. Only thing you need to do is to confess it before God and ask Him to forgive. Once God forgives your sin, He forgets it also.

Once you repent, you will be free from sin and when you understand saviour Jesus and accept him, your life will be controlled by the Spirit of God. You will see peace in your heart and from nothing you will be guided to take decisions that will be a blessing to you and you will become a powerful blessing to others.

May The Lord touch you and save you to be blessed and be a blessing in Jesus name

Repairing the Wall – Nehemiah

Nehemiah was a cupbearer at the court of King Artaxerxes, a position of high honour. The news about Jerusalem made him very sad. This sadness could not be wholly hidden and the king detected it. The Jews were back home for almost a 100 years, but had made no attempt to build Jerusalem beyond the restoration of the Temple, because their enemies made it almost impossible. He was loyal enough to his people to leave the luxury of a king’s court and go back to rebuild Jerusalem, the capital of his homeland. The king gave consent. Of course, we find even today Jews everywhere long to see Jerusalem flourish, and they turn their faces there as their homeland.

When Nehemiah reached Jerusalem in 445 B C, Ezra had been there for 13 years. Ezra was a priest and had been teaching the people the word of God. But Nehemiah was a civil governor. He had come with the authority of the king of Persia to build the walls of Jerusalem. After he had been there only 3 days, he went up and viewed the walls at night. When he saw their dilapidated condition, he encouraged the people to begin building immediately. The work was accomplished in 52 days by assigning a portion of the wall to each family. Their attitude was expressed in the sentence. “The people worked with all their heart” (Nehemiah 4:6).

First the Samaritans, the enemies of the Jews, derided them. They hindered their work so that the Jews had to keep watch night and day. Their decision turned to anger and Nehemiah divided the men into 2 groups, one keeping watch while the other worked. Then opposition rose within the ranks. Some of the Jews became tired and complained that there was so much rubbish that the walls could not be built. All this rubble had to be removed in a thick canvas pad on the carrier’s back; there were of course, no wheelbarrows or, cars to convey the material. Then, the complaint arose that the rich were demanding usury that the poor were unable to pay. Again the enemies tried to craft to bring Nehemiah away from his building, but Nehemiah only prayed and again he foiled his enemy.

From Nehemiah 8 to 13, all the people gathered in the street before the water gate in the city of Jerusalem and requested Ezra the scribe to bring out the book of Law of Moses. He stood upon a pulpit of wood and read and explained the Law to the people (Nehemiah 8:1-13). This public reading brought true repentance to the people and a great revival broke out. Same way when you check the history of reformation, when Martin Luther read the Bible, the Protestant Reformation began. We need to have the Word read every day. 

Remember, Nehemiah left a life of ease and luxury and security for a life of toil and danger and heartbreaks. He was a reformer. He was also a man of prayer. We do not find a blot on his character. He was fearless and courageous. In Nehemiah 9, we find a prayer of him. Prayer is the most important privilege of a Christian. Let this servant of God inspire you to pray and have a real character like him and be courageous to take God’s love to the world.

The BOOK – Preparation for Journey

The book of Numbers opens with the chosen ones in the wilderness. In the previous book we saw the Law given and the tabernacle being built and the priests being assigned for their service. The teachings of this book are very applicable to every Christian life.

In the initial chapters we see God numbering and arranging the tribes, choosing and assigning duties to the priests and Levites. The 12 tribes guarded the Tabernacle of the Lord. The Levities encamped directly around the court, and Moses and Aaron and the priests guarded the entrance whereby God was approached. 

Their shoes and their clothes did not wear out. Think of 600000 men, 20 years old and upward, and about 3000000 men, women and children in this great camp. But the most glorious thing was that God was in their midst. If you are going through the wilderness, the most glorious thing you need is God with you. Even though God knows everyone by name and their hairs in head are numbered, Moses is commanded to take a census. (2 timothy 2:19, Philippians 4:3). For Christians too, there is a census, for Christ numbers his jewels and knows them who are his. 

God was there for them to feed in the sterile desert, very little grass, very little water and no visible means of support. God was there with them in the wilderness where there was no path. If there is no way for you to go forward in life, ask God to be with you as he will create new way and opportunities for you. No one had gone before to blaze a trail for the children of Israel. There was not a footprint, or a landmark. Still God took them to the destination. We might not know our future, but if we walk according to the word (“I am the way” John 14:6), he will guide us step by step. Our family or relatives will come against us, but when God leads us to go with the holiness we have through him, we will reach the destination and we can faithfully proclaim that we ran the race. “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” – John 8:12.  They did not know where to go, but the Ark of Covenant went before and the pillar of cloud lead them always. (Num 10:33)

But when asks you to go and if you don’t obey, the Sunday school lesson of Jonah can be considered as a clear example for what will happen. Yes, God wanted them to be holy and faithful. But they murmured against him and sin crept into the camp. They complained about the food. God made provision for the food, but since they did sin, anger of God aroused and he sent Judgement of fire (Num 11:1-3) and plague (Num 11:33) and struck them. Even we see Moses siblings came against Moses with jealousy. They wanted more honour, but God gave punishment for them (Num 12:1-16). This shows us not to be jealous of the people whom God uses more than us. Understand your role and be faithful to it. 

The theological importance of this portion is that:

• ·         The Ark of Covenant is the word of God
• ·         The Tabernacle and ordinances are for worship of God
• ·         High Priest and Apostle is Jesus Christ
• ·         Pillar of Cloud and Fire is the comfort and guidance of the Holy Spirit
• ·         Sound of trumpet is the witness of a faithful prophet.

We are humans and makes mistakes. But when we decide to follow Christ, He leads us and comfort us by his Spirit. And it is our duty to tell this comfortless and joy to others in the midst of struggles and wilderness and help them to receive this gift of salvation. I pray that we faithfully follow Christ and lead others also into salvation through our life testimony. Amen.

Wealthy Prayer

I have seen people praying for house, car and all the material possessions. Yes, I don’t disagree in praying to God for prosperity. God wants his children to prosper in everything. For people, the lists of things they need or want in life go on endlessly, but why cry “give-me” prayer to God?

“So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future – all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God” – 1 Corinthians 3: 21, 22.

For material and Spiritual possession, GBeloved I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” – 3 John 1:2. 

od is more willing to meet them than you’re willing to receive them. “

Apostle Paul wrote “My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches and glory by Christ Jesus” – Philippians 4:19. This is a statement of fact that lets us know God’s role in the contract. It means that the moment you recognize a need, it is lined up with God’s supply system. Therefore, you shouldn’t be praying about your needs, because the word already declares that they’re supplied according to God’s riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 

After identifying a need, don’t start praying and asking God to meet that need. Don’t make it focus of your prayer. If you do, you’ll be voicing your need instead of your supply. What you should do is declare that God has supplied that need. You say, “Father, in the name of Jesus, I receive the healing”. When you do that, you connect to God’s supply system. It does sound too simple, but that’s the gospel. That’s what the Good News is all about. 

Apostle John says his commandments are not grievous (1 John 5:3); the simplicity of the gospel is proof it came from God. Think about it, how were all the sins you and I have committed since birth forgiven? As numerous and terrible as they were, all you had to say was, “I receive Jesus as Lord of my life”, and they were all gone from your life in an instant, just like that!

If it was that simple for you to receive eternal life, then you’ve got to agree that life in the Kingdom is that way too. So, refuse to live a life of failure; don’t even allow its consciousness in your heart or mind. Accept Christ as your saviour, claim the good life God gives you according to his riches and glory in Christ Jesus.

Pray in Faith

Prayer is our communication with the Lord. Communication has purpose, and the purpose determines the mode and details to be effective. As a believer in Christ you must recognize prayer as a privilege and honour. Every moment of prayer is an investment in eternity. Your fellowship is with the Father and with his son Jesus Christ by the help of Holy Spirit.

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” – Mathew 17:21.

Faith is one of the outstanding virtues which distinguish a believer from an unbeliever. An unbeliever may be a Christian, name sake Christian. A believer’s walk with God is a walk of faith. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” – Hebrews 11:6. Same way, for prayer when you believe in faith that the God who created everything is able to give you what you asked, the prayer will be answered. “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” – Mark 11: 24.

If you are having any problems in your life, pray to God in belief that he can make a way from nowhere. If your finances are down, you are affected with deadly disease, believe that the God whom you are praying to is able to give you deliverance from the problem. Pray continually about the problem, read the word of God. If you find in the scripture that promises deliverance, believe in faith that your problem is solved, and stick unto that belief. Whatever doubts the devil brings to your mind, cast it away and stick on the faith and believe that you are delivered. See how miracle works in your life.

Abraham did the same, when was told he will have a son when he was aged, when God asked him to sacrifice his only son. Finally he was blessed above all and his descendants were blessed above all. Christians consider Abraham as their father of faith.

God wants us to have the same faith and belief to inherit the blessings he gave to his faithful son Abraham.

Don’t get Unbalanced

There will be times when you pray desperately for a miracle. That might be for your health, job or for someone else. When you pray desperately to God, definitely you will forget about the world and will be totally in the presence of God as only through the power of the Holy Spirit you can pray desperate prayers. And finally when God answers your prayers, what will be your reaction? Of course, you will thank him, but how will be your life after that? We can check a person; a King called Hezekiah fro

m the Bible and compares his life with our life.

In 2 Kings 20: 1-11 and Isaiah 38:1-8, we see Hezekiah becoming ill to the point of death. Prophet Isaiah came and told him that he is going to die. Hezekiah prayed a desperate prayer and God heard the prayer and gave him 15 more years to live. Wonderful miracle. But then instead of being careful and live a life of holiness, he was overexcited in calling other Kings and showed his ware houses and received their gifts. Instead of doing more for the glory of God, he was involved in getting gifts for the healing from others and forgot God who healed him. Because of this Isaiah came and prophesied that the same people are going to come and conquer all he showed to them. (Isaiah 39)

Same way there are people, after receiving favour from God, will forget about that and go back to what they were or live a life meaningless. “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly” – Proverbs 26:11. Once you get blessing from God, you need to study his word and live in it. Once you do so, you cannot hold back in testifying the miracles and blessings he did in your life. Otherwise, yes you will lose his grace from your life. “My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins” – James 5: 19, 20.

Friends, don’t go back once you are saved. Leave your old life and attain and inherit the new life given by Christ Jesus who died for your sins to make you a righteous person before the Almighty God. Live for Christ and prepare for his second coming. Bring others to Christ.

Don’t quit Prayer

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” – 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18.

When you feel that your prayer is not getting answered, you feel like quitting. Like all the work, when you do it and if you are not getting the desired result, you might get tempted in quitting this also. But the Almighty wants you to pray continually. If you don’t pray continually, but only for some specific needs, once the need is met, you might forget God who gave you that. So he wants you to pray continually.

As this month is a month of prayer and sow, if you are nBut as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded” – 2 Chronicles 15:7.

ot able to find any improvement in your situation, whether it may be with your health, promotion, job, relationship, just cling on to it and pray sincerely. God will make a way. “

If you take the case of Job in Bible, he lost everything and was not able to walk also since he was affected with scabies.  He pleaded to God to take notice of him, but was in vain. Even his friends came and pointed out that he is in the situation because of his sins. But the last level before he was healed and was restored, you find him praying for his friends. He prayed for the ones who came and scolded him as he got this because of his sins, which was not. The time when Job prayed, God looked down and restored him in a double measure. “After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before” – Job 42: 10.

Don’t give up in your prayer. Have faith in Almighty that he has given it, and it’s a matter of time to inherit it for you. You might be in the edge of a miracle. Don’t quit. Go to God in faith and ask him until you get it. Anyway if it is fair according to his riches and glory, he is going to provide you.

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” – Hebrews 11:6.

Prayer and Success

Oral Roberts once wrote about success as, if someone bends you and immerse your head into water till your neck for 3 seconds, you won’t bother, but if he holds your head for near to 1 minute, the struggle you take to come up should be given in our prayer life for gaining success.

 As a believer, it’s not perfect as you do your business fairly and wait for success. You sow with prayer and wait on the feet of the Lord to attain wisdom and reap the benefits and more.

“Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundred fold; and the Lord blessed in. the man began to prosper and continued prospering until he became very prosperous” – Genesis 26: 12, 13.

When your work is blessed by Lord, you will be shocked to see how he blesses you. You will reap double or more than what you imagine. As Lord blessed Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Israel, his chosen one, same love and mercy is shown towards you who are chosen by the blood of Christ Jesus. Until he blesses, you cannot go one step ahead in your spiritual and material prosperity. Until he blesses you, you may not able to control the new endeavours as he gives wisdom for you to take right decisions. Until God blesses you, demonic forces will not leave you as they will always try to put confusions into your thought.

Friends, be unto the throne on God, Confess and Accept Christ and ask him to bless you. When you totally submit yourself to him, he will take control of your brain, heart and the Holy Spirit will start guiding you to take decisions and do things. Be committed to God in Prayer and fasting and reap success, a double fold.

Knowing Prayer

I can share you a story with you. Imagine I have a bundle of chart sheet which can be used to do activities in my child’s school and my friend knows I have extra papers always. One day he came late from work and came to know the next day his child has to submit some work with the Chart sheet. Since all the shops were closed, he will first think about me as he knows that I am having it. Now if he calls me in the midnight and I pick up and tells him I am sleeping, if it is urgent, he won’t bother about my sleep as he knows it is not about the sleep, it’s about the one which he wants and which I am having. He won’t bother about anything until he gets it. For me, since I need a peaceful sleep, I will get up and give what he wants; otherwise he will disturb me until he gets the chart.

When you read the Bible Luke 11: 5-13, we see Jesus Christ teaching the disciples how to pray and in what way they should pray. He further teaches them, if you go to a neighbor friend at midnight for 3 loaves of bread as your dear friend came and you don’t have anything to give him, you will knock the door until you get the bread. The friend’s excuse won’t work, and eventually will give you the bread.

The principle is simple. You knew what you want and knew what your friend have. So you go and ask exactly the same thing which he has. Jesus further tells us “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” – Luke 11: 9, 10.

In Mathew 15 we see the faith of a Canaanite woman. Even though Jesus tried to question her since she was not Jew, still she went behind him for her daughter’s healing. And the request was granted.

In a nutshell, prayer is to believe in faith that you are going to get what you are going to ask, when you know what you need, and you understand in faith that the God whom you ask is able to provide it for you more than what you ask. Friends keep faith and knock and knock until you get it, if you know you need it for good and for the glory of God.