ASK Prayer Night Feb 15 Message

Last Sunday, I hurried to “Life Source” to donate blood; I told myself today is the day.  I have been pushing this appointment for a long time.  I had a pretty tight schedule that day; I have already had the appointment booked over the phone.  A Family Sunday Breakfast, A decent Sunday lunch for Husband, Truffle mac for my young child, Cleaning chores all done to perfect.   As I left home, I felt so accomplished and happy that I am finally & "actually" making to the Blood donation. It is been a while that I have done the blood donation, as one of the pre-requisite is that you can’t donate if you had been out of the country in last 11 months. On that condition, I have not been able to give blood for past 2 yrs.   There was no crowd and they were winding up. Lucky me, I picked the right schedule. The Nurse reminded me about the hemoglobin test for Iron content before the actual procedure. I have completely forgotten about it. I casually walked into booth like cabin and let myself be pricked for blood. In few seconds, the lady said “Sorry Mam, We cannot draw your blood. Your hemoglobin should be 12.5. It is 12.2.” Looking at my startled “What did you just say” expression she continued “ I know it is very few points apart. But Sorry, we can’t proceed”                                                                                     I thanked them and left the facility quietly. I got into my car and remained still, shocked and stricken by the  disbelief that I am actually refused and rejected.  Oh! Boy! I cant make the blood donation because my blood is not eligible. I sat there until those ladies came out  closing it down for the day. As I started home, thoughts were racing thru my minds. My preparations: 1.       I called for the appointment 2.       I took care of my responsibilities at home 3.       I got to the facility as expected 4.       I have desire and willingness to give blood   Yet, I have not made sure that I am eating well and keeping my blood nourished for the donation.   Not to mention the proclamation to my husband as if I had already donated a gallon of blood.   I was immediatley reminded of the Message from Feb 15, 2013 on the Inheritance Of  Kingdom Of GOD – Part 2. i.e. Who CANNOT inherit the  Kingdom Of GOD.     Isn’t that true?  Kingdom Of GOD is just like that. It cannot be received just by desiring to be part of it or fantasizing about it. 1.       We can go to church and attend every prayer night and bible study classes 2.       Had accepted Jesus Christ as our savior 3.       We could have done an awesome job in maintaining a balance between spiritual and social life 4.       Have the desire to meet Jesus face to face in heaven   Yet, if we fail to have required the quality in us mentioned in Gal 6:22 OR Because we had that one…just one of the least favorable quality listed in 10 Commandments , quoted in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 then we cannot be  accepted in Kingdom of GOD.   After Salvation, the next step is Sanctification. Sanctified Spirits alone can reach heaven.   During the sanctification process we are challenged in this life, Yet with the help of Jehovah Nissi we can overcome the following non favorable,..THE NO NO characters   1.       Lying                   (Levi 19:11; Acts 5:3-4; Col 3:9;Rev 14:5) 2.       Glutton               (Deu 21:20;Prov 23:2, 23:21,28;7) 3.       Greed                  (Prov 15:27,28:25, 29:4;Mark 7:22; Col 3:5) 4.       Envy                     (Job 5:2; Prov 14:30;Mark 7:22; Gal 5:26; James 3:16) 5.       Curse                   (Levi 19:14,20:9;Rom 12:14) 6.       False witness      (Levi 19:11) 7.       Idle & Lazy           (Prov 10:4,12:27;Heb 6:12) 8.       Drinking               (I Cori 6:10; Prov 23:21; 1 Cori 6:10; Titus 2:3) 9.       Stealing                 (Levi 19:11; I Cori 6:10; Ephe 4:28) 10.   Cheating               (Levi 6:2, 19:11; Mark 7:22) 11.   Idolatry                 (I Sam 15:23;Col 3:5;2 Kings 9:22;Eze 23:49;1 Cori 10:14;2 Cor 6:14; Gal 5:20) 12.   Slanderring           (Levi 19:11; Mark 7:22; I Cori 6:10; Titus 2:3) 13.   Swindling              (Mark 7:22; I Cori 6:10) 14.   Adultery                (Exodus 20:14; Levi 20:10; Deu 5:18; Mathew 5:28; Mark 7:22; I Cor 6:9) 15.   Sexually Immoral (Col 3:5; 1 Cor 6:9) 16.   Hatred                   (Levi 19:11; Prov 10:12; 1 John 2:3; 1 John 3:11) 17.   Rage/Anger          (2 Cor 12:20; Gal 5:20; Eph 4:31) 18.   Jealousy                (2 Cor 12:20; Gal 5:20) 19.   Revenge               (Levi 19:11; 19:18; Rom 12:19) 20.   Arrogance/Pride (Prov 8:13, 11:2,14:3,16:5,16:18,29:23; Mark 7:22; 1 John 2:16, Rom 12:16, James 4:6) 21.   Witch Craft           (Gal 5:20) 22.   Filthy Language   (Prov 2:12, 8:13, 10:31, 15:4, 19:1;Col 3:8)    (Few more might have got missed in the above list. Please bear with me, these are the ones I could find for now from Bible)   Just A DROP of an impurity would render the entire can of milk  Useless.  Just the traces of the above character listed would stop us from entering into Kingdom Of Heaven and make all our efforts Fruitless.   Receiving a Green card or a US Citizenship is considered “gold” because of the grueling process and checks in place to attain it. US government take efforts to make sure the land is safe for the current residents and future residents. It truly makes the Land of Opportunity, a Land of Free. It is for our own GOOD.  Imagine the checks for godly people to get into heaven.      Come, let us be prepared, be alert and be ready for the Kingdom Of GOD. Remember we would be living with  HIM in HIS mansion :) Hallelujah!!!   Revelation 21:7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.

The ARMOR Of GOD & Kingdom Of GOD

Lord one more time spoke about “The ARMOR Of GOD”

Let us read Ephesians 6:10-18

The Armor of God

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

The Purpose of an ARMOR in a battle

1.       Helmet  - To protect your Eyes, Nose and most importantly the brain

2.       Breast Plate – To Protect your Heart and other vital organs

3.       Belt – To protect the re-productive part of your body

4.       Shield – To protect the entire body

5.       Shod – To protect your feet while treading wild terrain

6.       Shield – To offend the enemies

7.       Strong Chants – To keep up the drive and to encourage the fellow soldiers and to discourage the enemies.

Now we the holy nation of Christ is in a spiritual warfare every day  (Ephesians 6: 10 – 12)

·         Against the devil’s schemes

·         Against the rulers, authorities and the powers of the dark world

·         Against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms

So IT IS important for us to maintain the Spiritual Righteousness, Truth, Faith, Urge to spread the good news, Devote to Word of GOD and Praying without ceasing for you and others.

Now, with all the worldliness even if you had failed with your righteousness, faith, truth and other aspects of the ARMOR of GOD which is somewhat in your control, the Spirit of the Armor will NOT fail.

Spirit, THE WORD OF GOD is living and from GOD.  It is not from you. It created you. It can never fail you.

In all the backsliding if you remember to Read the bible, Quote the verses at time of trouble and Claim HIS verses with a prayer you will miraculous deliverance.  And as you continually do that,  your Armor Of GOD will get automatically restored.

As the rightful Prince and Princess of the Great King of Kings, we cant be sitting in the tight corner of a palace and hiding in a underground tunnel. We should stand in the battle side by side with the King against the enemy.

If you are to inherit the Kingdom Of GOD, then “ARMOR OF GOD” is a must.

For as said in Mathew 11:12

From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force

Bear more fruit - 1

Fast, Pray and Shine like an Alexandrite

Fasting requires self-control and discipline. It is very hard to deny the natural and physical desires. Alteast for me it is very hard.

When fasting directs our hunger toward God, it is called spiritual fasting. It clears the mind and body of earthly attentions and draws us close to God. So, as we gain spiritual clarity of thought while fasting, it allows us to hear God more clearly. During spiritual fasting, the focus is removed from the physical things of this world and intensely concentrated on God.

Fasting demonstrates a profound need for God's help and guidance through complete dependence upon him. Why not fast & pray before making an important decision or before starting on any new aspect.

When we fast, our stomach will be empty. For us sometimes stomach is our God, and our minds are occupied with earthy things. If we find ways to control that then angels will acquire us and we will shine like an alexandrite.

Alexandrite is the most expensive gemstone in the world. It is a fine stone that displays a distinct and dramatic color change (It’s flexibility) where all colors are bright and attractive. It is radiant always, No one can stop it’s glitter. It will keep giving light to people around.

Like how Peter, John and James saw Jesus transfigured in Luke 9:28 – 36, people around us will see the difference in us. We will be smiling always and will make a big difference. No one and nothing can stop us being radiant. Like trees though straight and tall bends for wind, we will be flexible enough to listen to other's and will carry an attractive smily face always.

Be attractive and shine like an alexandrite.

Fruit Of Holy Spirit - A ponder..

Fruit Of Holy Spirit – A Ponder

As I was  reading and meditating about the Gifts Of Holy Spirit and Fruit Of Holy Spirit. It occurred to me. There is a striking difference. Galatians 6:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control S..There is a Difference. GIFTS & FRUIT Bible says that there can be multiple Gifts from Holy Spirit. (Roman 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11,28-31; 13:1-3; Ephesians 4:7-12) Gift of Message of Wisdom, message of Knowledge,  Gift Of Faith Gift Of Healing Gift Of Miraculous Powers Gift Of Prophecy Gift Of Tongues & Interpretation etc. and many more.. But when it comes to Fruit. It is quoted in Singular even though 9 different attributes were listed. I will be honest I viewed them  as 9 different fruits until Holy Spirit brought it up. Then I remembered the below verses Mathew 7:17 So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. Luke 6:43 For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit, nor, on the other hand, a bad tree which produces good fruit. In God’s kingdom, there are only two kinds of Fruits GOOD and BAD. They come from the respective GOOD and bad tree. There are is nothing in between. A tree can produce only one kind of fruit. We are Vine of Christ (John 15:5) and we produce only one kind of a fruit. 9 different fruits like an apple, orange, mango, pear, jack fruit, cherry, Kiwi, Pineapple, Caramba cannot come from a same tree. So a GOOD fruit with the below attributes can come only from GOOD tree alive in HOLY SPIRIT. A GOOD Fruit that is Sweet as Love, Beautiful looking like Joy, Nourishes like Peace, Flavorful like Gentleness, Juicy like Kindness, With Seed of Faith Fleshy and intact like Self Control,   In Bounty – Patience Tasty like Goodness Even if one of the qualities lack then it is not a GOOD fruit as per Bible. Every attribute counts to be GOOD. Jesus warns us in Mathew 7:19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So let us bear fruit of Holy spirit and be fruitful to others for the glory of GOD.

Do not let fear keep us apart

Today, I heard Him say don't let fear keep us apart. All He wants us is to do things right. Be righteous.

Be slow to Anger and be fast in kindness. What great words to think about! especially during this season of lent which is meant to grow more and more closer to God! Be slow to Anger and be fast in kindness.

We are entangled in life's threads like facebooks, Twitters, emails, constant mobile phones pings, messages, email notifications, corporate busineses etc etc. But we need to plug ourself into Him while we are in the matrix of entangled threads. Even if we are in this corporate world if we plug ourself into Him, He will guide us and will raises us on Eagle's wings.

Like said in Deuteronomy 26: 7 - 10, the lord brought us from a different counry with his strong hand and outstreched arm, with terrifying power, signs and wonders. It is a true wonder what we are, where we are and how we are. He gave us this land flowing with milk and honey. So now this our turn to bring Him first fruits of the products of the soil which Lord God gave us. He promised us that He will guide us. Then why to fear ? ?

In Nehemiah's Style

Power Of Prayer has been emphasized and reemphasized thru out the Bible.  All of the Biblical characters had one thing in common. It is the “Habit of praying”. They look up to the LORD at times of trial,…Ask for HIS mercy when their world was falling apart,…Kneel  down in HIS presence for HIS grace and direction. We had couple of posts on Prayer before. Prayer Prayers Small & Big Shake the Heaven Promises thru Prayers Holy spirit spoke again thru Nehemiah Chapter 1 about Prayer.  As you read Nehemiah Chapter 1, you will clearly see the outline so beautifully given for us to learn and grow in prayer. In Nehemiah 1:1:3                 1. Nehemiah inquires about his brothers – Cause/Misery                 2. His heart is burdened about Jerusalem. He sat and wept – General Reaction In Today’s world We have many reasons to feel dejected, to get upset, to be concerned. What we do next is let our soul be eaten up by the worry. *   Like “Nehemiah Sat” – We drop everything in hand or lose interest, focus in what we do  &  *  Like   “Nehemiah Wept” – We analyze and realize all the possible human solutions rendering no relief and we get depressed.  Nehemiah so much like us.  He could be in King’s palace. He could be a governor. Yet, he knows the issue in his hand cannot be resolved in his might. So he takes the next step. In Nehemiah 1:4 When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. He decided to seek LORD’s help the maker of heaven and earth. He FASTED  and PRAYED for days. (It didn’t say months so it must be lesser than 2 months. 40 days may be) His prayer followed a nice format just like the one our great shepherd Jehovah Rohi teaches in Mathew 6:9-13 ~* The  Nehemiah’s Style *~ He ADORES the Lord (Neh 1:5) He CONFESS to the Lord (Neh 1:6,7) He CLAIMS Lord’s promises (Neh 1:8,9,10) He PLEADS mercy (Neh 1:11) Hallelujah! What a strong prayer format. He is praying for his brothers, his forefather’s  forgiveness, for the people he has not seen. Book of Nehemiah does not start with the background details explaining Nehemiah’s spiritual faith, his righteousness, his style of spiritual life etc. However, Chapter 1 quickly provide us with a below understanding         1.  Nehemiah is compassionate and GOD fearing         2.  Has been following certain style of Prayer  – Fasting and Praying         3.  Follows ACCP format  Adoration, Confession, Claim and last but not least              Supplication/Pleading    It is evident that this is the format he has been following for his morning prayers to any prayer he might want to bring to his presence. Today, I urge you all to Pray, to Pray without ceasing, to Use the formats outlined by the great Prophets in Bible for GOD listens to our prayers and meet our needs in a mighty way. We serve a Living, Seeing, Answering GOD! Hallelujah! Peace be with you! Note: For extra read, Please read Sis.Yamini’s deliberation on Standing On Promises via Daniel’s Prayer

You alone are GOD! - 9

Apple Of Eye - 8

Father Of Israel - 7

Who is our VALENTINE?

Our Comforter - 6

We are HIS Children - 5

GOOD Deeds - Feb 8th Message

Here is the study about GOD’s calling for us to do the GOOD Deeds as per his will.

1. GOD’s Handiwork:

Eph 2:10

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

The scripture explain us that

We are created for doing great deeds

We are created in Christ Jesus

We are created to carry out the Work or Purpose that GOD has pre-planned for us.

2.      GOD’s People

Titus 2:14

who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds

We are HIS people

Purified thru Christ Jesus’s death

Redeemed from all wickedness

So we can eagerly do the Good deeds

Let us see more:

Luke 6:35

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

If we have to be like our Father in doing the good deeds, he is our role model.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.       <!--[endif]-->GOD to be glorified

Mathew 5:16

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Let us in detail how we can glorify our father in heaven in 1 Corin 10:31

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God

4.     Fruitful life thru Good deeds:

Coloss 1:10

so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

What GOD want in us is a Fruitful Life!

Mark 11:12-14

 On the next day, when they had left Bethany, He became hungry. Seeing at a distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if perhaps He would find anything on it; and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And His disciples were listening

Mark 11:20-21

As they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. ²¹ Being reminded, Peter *said to Him, “Rabbi, look, the fig tree which You cursed has withered.”

The Fig tree in the above scripture tells that a human life a handiwork of GOD not in GOOD deeds will wither. 

How do we make sure we live a productive life?

Titus 3:14

Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

Let us pray that every ASK Prayer partner in prayer group and every body saved in Christ lead a productive life.

5.       GOD’S word lead us

2 Tim 3:16

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

Above scripture remind us that it is the WORD of GOD that kindle us to do the GOOD deeds.

6.      A holy vessel to do GOOD deeds

2 TIM 2:21

Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

Only if we are cleansed by blood of Christ blood everyday and made Holy for the Master to use us for  good work.

7.       Dress code for godly women

1 Tim 2:09-12

I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, ¹⁰ but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

GOOD Deeds is an appropriate dress for women of worship. It is not lovely looking hair dos, pretty jewelries and shimmery dresses.

8.      In Alert to do GOOD

Titus 3:1-2

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, ² to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

9.       Noted by their Character

Gal 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Cross references:

1. Galatians 5:22 : Matt 7:16ff; Eph 5:9
2. Galatians 5:22 : Rom 5:1-5; 1 Cor 13:4; Col 3:12-15
3. Galatians 5:23 : Acts 24:25
4. Galatians 5:23 : Gal 5:18

Corollary is explained in Titus 1:16:

¹⁶ They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

Conclusion:

In every Walk, Talk, Work we should represent GOD and follow the framework he has defined for us to be called as Christians.

For those who want to inherit the kingdom of GOD should exhibit all the 9 benefits of Holy spirit and do good deeds and be deserving to see the lord face to face.

Below  scripture call us to do a self analysis:

GAL 5:19-21 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; ²⁰ idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions ²¹ and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Remember:

Mathew 7:18-20 – Good tree can give only good fruits. All the bad trees will be thrown into the fire.

GOOD tree alone can produce GOOD Fruits. GOOD Heart with Holyspirit adorned with 9 fruits alone can inherit the kingdom of GOD.

Be equipped and ready with all the GOODNESS to do GOOD deeds in GOD’s will as mentioned in the below verse.

Hebrews 13:21

equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.