The Angels

We cannot hear or read a Christmas story without the mention of angels. They are all over the place!

Angel Gabriel appearing to Zechariah to inform the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11, 19); Angel appearing to Mary about Jesus birth (Luke 1:28); Angel appearing to Joseph and asking him to take Mary as his wife (Matt 1:20); Angels appearing to the shepherds and proclaiming the good news of Savior’s birth (Luke 2:9); Angel appearing to Joseph and asking to leave for Egypt (Matt 2:13); Angel appearing to Joseph and asking to go to Israel (Matt 2:19);

Fear: In almost every angelic visitation the first message was fear not (or do not be afraid). We live in a world where people are gripped with fear- fear about the future, job, health, finances and the list goes on. But the holy bible says that God did not give us a spirit of fear ( 2 Tim 1:7). Why not this Christmas season, you be some body’s angel and ask them not be afraid. Encourage them that God holds their future in His hands. Rebuke the spirit of fear in Jesus’ name!

Impossible: When Mary wondered how can it be, since she was not married, the angel said something so profound, “ For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:37. Elizabeth who was barren was now in the sixth month! Every barren situation in your life will be made fruitful as you serve the Almighty God, for with him all things are possible. The word impossible does not exist in heaven’s dictionary! Why not encourage others, like the angel encouraged Mary and let them know that with God all things are possible.

Gift: The angels proclaimed the good news to the lowly shepherds. When we are invited to any birthday party, we do not go empty handed. We go with at least one gift. As you celebrate Jesus birthday, the best gift you can give him is sharing the good news with others. Let there be big rejoicing in heaven (Luke 15:7) as folks are drawn into the kingdom. Consider sharing the good news this season.

We all love angels to visit us and encourage us and tell us that our prayers have been heard (Luke 1:13). But it’s time we become one! Its time, we become encouragers, we become proclaimers of the good news.

Have a Christ-centered CHRISTmas. It’s all about Him!

Merry Christmas!

The Inn Keeper

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

This is a much familiar story for us – there was no room in the inn and Jesus was born in a stable.

If only the Inn keeper had known, that the child to be born is the Son of God, he would have given the best suite in his inn or he could have even given his master bedroom for the savior. He took pity on a full term pregnant mom and gave them his barnyard, so she doesn’t have to be on the streets. He was ignorant of the fact that the child to be born is the Savior of the world.

But you and I, who hold God’s holy word in our hand, need not be ignorant like the inn keeper.

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matt 25:40

What we do for the least of our brothers and sisters of His, we actually do it for Him. Oh! What a privilege.

Proverbs 19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given.

Just imagine – we humble human beings lend to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords when we give to the poor.

This Christmas season, don’t miss the chance to open your hands to the poor and needy.

 

Bless You!

When I was a teenager, my grandma narrated this incident during one of such times. Yes, it is one of those times when my uncles were creating such disarray over the estate sharing. 

To give a back ground - My grandma was girl child born after many generations. My Grandma had 2 elder and 2 younger brothers. My great grandfather was an oil merchant (vegetable oil) and had a flourishing business. She was brought up in prosperity and abundance. Mostly she was pampered with love and affection. She inherited equal portion from her parents just like her brothers. (Girls can't inherit property legally, but my great grandparents were different) All these fights by my uncles were for that estate. This is what she said, her youngest brother "Paul Raj" who she was very fond of, accepted Christ and has been reading a black bound book in that "Machu Veedu". South Indian architecture of those days were unique, rooms were built in Russian dolls fashion. One room led to another, another room led to another. Outer most is the Courtyard, then the Living/Drawing room, then the guest rooms etc. the room built further in is called "Machu Veedu" which is generally cool and calm. She saw her brother quietly sneaking into the room reading the book intensely during late afternoons when the family is asleep or when the day slows down. One such afternoon when her brother was out, curious to know about that book my grandma walked into the room and opened it. There she saw this verse
""Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor;” – Isaiah 54:1

She quoted that verse to me and said that it had become a reality in her life. She said “My Sons who I love dearly had become such trouble to me now.” She gasped and continued “Though I came from a rich family married to a government employee (by her parent's choice), I toiled by rearing cattle and selling milk as an extra income to bring up by children” As a teenager all I could do that time was lend a listening ear. 

Even today the problem persists and she in her mid-80s enduring it and she is probably remembering this verse and going over it again and again. What my grandma didn’t realize was, she has prophesied this verse - the word of GOD, over her life. If she had only read the remaining of Isaiah 54, she would have known the LORD’s promise for Zion, the future of Jerusalem.

“Enlarge your house; build an addition.
    Spread out your home, and spare no expense!
³ For you will soon be bursting at the seams.
    Your descendants will occupy other nations
    and resettle the ruined cities.

⁴ “Fear not; you will no longer live in shame.
    Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you.
You will no longer remember the shame of your youth
    and the sorrows of widowhood.
⁵ For your Creator will be your husband;
    the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is his name!
He is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel,
    the God of all the earth.
⁶ For the Lord has called you back from your grief—
    as though you were a young wife abandoned by her husband,”
    says your God.
⁷ “For a brief moment I abandoned you,
    but with great compassion I will take you back.
⁸ In a burst of anger I turned my face away for a little while.
    But with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,”
    says the Lord, your Redeemer.

⁹ “Just as I swore in the time of Noah
    that I would never again let a flood cover the earth,
so now I swear
    that I will never again be angry and punish you.
¹⁰ For the mountains may move
    and the hills disappear,
but even then my faithful love for you will remain.
    My covenant of blessing will never be broken,”
    says the Lord, who has mercy on you.

¹¹ “O storm-battered city,
    troubled and desolate!
I will rebuild you with precious jewels
    and make your foundations from lapis lazuli.
¹² I will make your towers of sparkling rubies,
    your gates of shining gems,
    and your walls of precious stones.
¹³ I will teach all your children,
    and they will enjoy great peace.
¹⁴ You will be secure under a government that is just and fair.
    Your enemies will stay far away.
You will live in peace,
    and terror will not come near.
¹⁵ If any nation comes to fight you,
    it is not because I sent them.
    Whoever attacks you will go down in defeat.

¹⁶ “I have created the blacksmith
    who fans the coals beneath the forge
and makes the weapons of destruction.
    And I have created the armies that destroy.
¹⁷ But in that coming day
    no weapon turned against you will succeed.
You will silence every voice
    raised up to accuse you.
These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord;
    their vindication will come from me.
    I, the Lord, have spoken!

Today, I rebuke every negative word (even if it's her own words) against my Grandmother in the name of Jesus Christ our LORD and Savior and also fervently praying for her salvation. 
Yes, we all knowingly or unknowingly believe the enemy’s lie. We also see that come true to our dismay, because we forget we are conquerors in Christ not in one but in ALL walks of our life and we can & should claim our inheritance for GOD ALMIGHTY thru Christ Jesus.

Come join me in this prayer today  - 
Dear Father in Heaven, We pray and rebuke every negative word spoken, negative diagnosis, negative work done, negative thoughts over us, over our family, over our generation in the mighty name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. They have no power over us. We call us Holy Nation, HIS Israel and Highly favored of the LORD. Let the will of GOD alone be done in our life. In Jesus mighty name we pray. Amen!

Let us speak blessings over our life, over our children, over our nation and over our enemies! For the Word of GOD is true and it builds us up. Jeremiah 29:11

Have you been busy?

Have you been busy?

Real busy with your day to day life, So busy that you don’t have time for a prayer for a fellow sister in Christ. You are so busy that you can’t attend that Outreach Ministry/Worship event to help out your church. So busy, that you can’t write an encouraging note to an ailing believer. Downright busy, that you can’t call a friend who is struggling in faith with the Word of GOD.

Are we busy? “Busyness” is the business of the world. We are kept to be engaged and to stay busy with our own lives to take notice and help others. Yes, “Busyness” is the business of “this world” But we don’t belong here. Do we? We belong to Heaven. That’s our dwelling.

Let us see what EL SHADDAI; the LORD who called this world in existence did…

•   HE sent HIS Chief Angel - Gabriel to talk to Hagar, the slave woman who was not part of HIS big plan for Abraham.
•   HE sent angels to Gideon, Manoah, Elijah, Hezekiah, Daniel (His angel Michael as well), Zachariah, Mary, Shepherds, Mary Magdalene…

OK Probably you can say HE sent Gabriel to Mary to fulfill HIS divine plan. What about others….

HE was/is/will be a busy GOD. But not busy enough to send HIS Son Jesus Christ to wait for the Samaritan Woman (an outcast) at the Jacob’s well.

In the Book of Revelation, Chapter 8 says that there is a pause… a silence in heaven when the prayers of the Saints rose to GOD.

Imagine; When GOD can take a moment to seek, to reach out, to answer our prayers to attend to our needs, we as HIS Children - the Co-Heirs of Jesus Christ should take a pause, a moment to help that aching Sister or Brother in need. You never know the LORD might have a blessing waiting for you! Remember we serve a mysteriously working GOD and HIS ways are not our ways….

Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV)

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Let us be a Mary not a Martha (Luke 10:38-42). Be Blessed and Be a Blessing! Amen!

Healing Prayer II

Physical Healing Prayer II

 Courtesy RED Prayer Book Version 10

Heavenly Father, I (we) come to you now in the Name of my (our) Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. [(If two or more are gathered in His Name, add this to the prayer) Heavenly Father, we come to You now in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and we come to You in one accord, according to Matthew 18 in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Heavenly Father, it says in Matthew 18, when two or more are gathered together in Your Name that You will be in our midst. And whatever will be done for us on earth, will also be done as it is in Heaven.] Heavenly Father, I (we) come and I (we) lift up _____ to You today. In the Name of the Lord, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I (we) rebuke any affliction, any infirmity, any inflammation, any sickness, any disease, any disorder, any syndrome of any kind, any abnormal cells, any radical cells, any abnormal growth, any radical growth at this time, I (we) rebuke it and loose them from _____ in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. I (we) curse any infection in _____’s body and command it to die at the roots and leave _____’s body in a normal way. I (we) curse any abnormal cell, radical cell, abnormal growth or radical growth in _____’s body, and command them to die at the roots and leave _____’s body in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Heavenly Father, I (we) rebuke any disease in _____’s body in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. I (we) loose it in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

 Heavenly Father, it says in Matthew 18 whatsoever I (we) bind or loose on earth shall be bound or loosed in Heaven, in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth; I (we) bind all satan’s evil, wicked, demon, lying, perverse, unclean, demonic or religious strongmen, including all spiritual strongmen of infections, viruses, cancers, abnormal cells, radical cells, abnormal growths, radical growths, lesions of any kind, spasms of any kind, pains of any kind, trauma, shock, sicknesses, disorders, and diseases of any kind, afflictions of any kind, infirmities or inflammations of any kind, in any part of _____’s body. Including _____’s eyes, ears, nose, mouth, gums, backbone, spine, muscles, ligaments, tissues, blood, blood vessels, arteries, heart, lungs, back, bladder, liver, colon disorders and diseases, stomach disorders and diseases, intestinal disorders and diseases (prostate disorders and diseases), kidney disorders and diseases, bladder disorders and diseases, urinary tract disorders and diseases, thyroid disorders and diseases, neurological disorders and diseases, lymphatic disorders and diseases, chemical disorders and diseases, heart disorders and diseases, lung disorders and diseases, brain disorders and diseases, breast disorders and diseases, skin disorders and diseases, reproductive organ(s) disorders and diseases, senility, schizophrenia, paranoia, forgetfulness, and I (we) command them to unlink, dechain, and loose them from _____, every organ, every cell, every gland, every muscle, every ligament, every bone in _____’s body, in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and to go wherever Jesus sends them in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Lord Jesus, I (we) ask You to force out of _____, all sickness, all disease, all affliction, all infirmity, all inflammation, all infections of any kind, all abnormal cells, all radical cells, all abnormal growths, all radical growths, lesions of any kind, cysts of any kind, spasms, sicknesses, disorders and diseases of any kind, and force them away from her/him in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Heavenly Father, I (we) ask You now in the Name Jesus Christ to release Your healing virtue, Your miracle virtue into ____’s body in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Your healing anointing, Your miracle anointing into ____’s body, from the top of her/his head to the soles of her/his feet in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. 

Heavenly Father, we ask You to make ____whole, make her/him whole, Lord, in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Father, I (we) ask You to restore every organ, every cell, every gland, every muscle, every ligament, every bone in her/his body and bring everything in total alignment, complete alignment, the way you created her/him, in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Heavenly Father, I (we) apply the Blood of Jesus over every organ, every cell, every gland, every muscle, every ligament, every bone in her/his body whether there is any disease, infection, virus, abnormal cells, radical cells, infirmity or affliction of any kind in the Name of Jesus. Heavenly Father, I (we) ask You to put a hedge of protection around _____ in the Name of Jesus. Heavenly Father, I (we) apply the Blood of Jesus Christ over _____ from the top of her/his head, to the soles of her/his feet. Heavenly Father, in the Name of the Lord, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I (we) ask You to fill her/him with Your Holy Spirit; with all the fruits of Your Holy Spirit; Your love, Your joy, Your peace, Your patience, Your kindness, Your gentleness, Your faithfulness, and Yourself control, in the Name of Jesus. 

Heavenly Father, I (we) thank You that You sent Your son, Jesus Christ, to the cross for me (us) to take all my (our) sicknesses, afflictions, infirmities, inflammations, infections, virus, and abnormal cells, etc. to the cross with Him. I (we) thank You for the stripes that Jesus took on the way to the cross were not only for my (our) sicknesses and diseases, but also for my (our) sins, transgressions, iniquities, and trespasses. And I (we) thank You that according to Isaiah 53:4-5 that by the stripes Jesus took on the cross that I am healed and made whole. In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I declare that I am healed and made whole according to Isaiah 53:4-5, by the stripes of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen!

Healing Prayer!

Physical Healing Prayer I

Courtesy RED Prayer Book Version 10

Heavenly Father, I (we) come to You now in the Name of my (our) Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. Heavenly Father, according to Your Word in John 14:14, “Ask anything in my Name and I shall do it.”; and according to 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins to You, You are faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (every wrongdoing).” Heavenly Father, I (we) ask that You would forgive me (us), _____, _____, and _____, of my (our) sins, my (our) iniquities, trespasses and transgressions, specifically sins of _____, _____, and _____, in Christ Jesus’ Holy Name. Heavenly Father, I (we) repent for all of my (our) sins and I (we) ask You to forgive me (us) for all my (our) sins, iniquities, trespasses and transgressions and to cover them with the Blood of the Lord Christ Jesus, and to cleanse me (us) of all unrighteousness according to Your Word, 1 John 1:9 and John 14:14, in Christ Jesus’ Holy Name, I (we) ask you to do this. Heavenly Father, I (we) ask you to heal me, _____ , _____, and _____ in Jesus’ Name according to your Word: “Jesus is the Lord of my (our) life. Sickness and disease have no power over me (us). I am (we are) forgiven and free from sin and guilt. I am (we are) dead to sin and alive unto righteousness” according to Colossians 1:21-22. “You have given me (us) abundant life.” I (we) receive that life through Your Word and it flows to every organ of my body (our bodies) bringing life, healing, and health according to John 10:10; John 6:63. “Jesus bore my (our) sickness and carried my (our) pain.” Therefore I (we) give no place to sickness or pain. For God sent His Word and healed me (us). Psalms 107:20. “He sent His word and healed me (us), and delivered me (us) from my (our) destructions.” Psalms 107:19-20. 

Heavenly Father, I (we) attend to Your Word. I (we) incline my (our) ears to Your sayings. I (we) will not let them depart from my (our) eyes. I (we) keep them in the midst of my (our) heart(s), for they are life and healing to all my (our) flesh. Proverbs 4:20-22. As You were with Moses, so are You with me (us). My (our) eyes are not dim; neither is my (our) natural vigor diminished. Blessed are my (our) eyes for they see and my (our) ears for they hear. Deuteronomy 34:7. “No evil will befall me (us), neither shall any plague come near my (our) dwelling. For You have given angels charge over me (us). They keep me (us) in all ways.” In my (our) pathway is life, healing, and health. Psalms 91:10-11; Proverbs 12:28. “Jesus took my (our) infirmities and bore my (our) sicknesses. Therefore I (we) refuse to allow sickness to dominate my (our) body (bodies). 

The life of God flows within me (us), bringing healing to every fiber of my (our) being. Matthew 8:16; John 6:63. I am (we are) redeemed from the curse. Galatians 3:13 is flowing in my (our) Blood stream. It flows to every cell of my (our) body (bodies), restoring life and health. Mark 11:23-24; Luke 17:6. The life of 1 Peter 2:24 is a reality in my (our) flesh, restoring every cell of my (our) body (bodies). My (Our) body (bodies) is the temple of the Holy Ghost. I (we) make a demand on my (our) body (bodies) to release the right chemicals and hormones. My (Our) body (bodies) is in perfect chemical balance. My (our) pancreas secretes the proper amount of insulin for life and health. Mark 11:23-24. Heavenly Father, through Your Word You have imparted Your life to me (us). That life restores my (our) body (bodies) with every breath I (we) breathe and every word I (we) SPEAK. John 6:63; Mark 11:23-24. That which God has not planted is dissolved and rooted out of my (our) body (bodies) in Jesus’ Name. 1 Peter 2:24 is engrafted into every fiber of my (our) being and I am (we are) alive with the life of God. Mark 11:23-24; John 6:63. Growths and tumors have no right in or on my (our) body (bodies). They are a thing of the past, for I am (we are) delivered from the authority of darkness. Colossians 1:13-14. Every organ and tissue of my (our) body (bodies) function in the perfection that God created it to function. I (we) forbid any malfunction in my (our) body (bodies) in Jesus’ Name. Genesis 1:28, 31. Heavenly Father, as I (we) give voice to Your Word, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus makes me(us) free from the law of sin and death. Your life is energizing every cell of my(our) body (bodies). Romans 8:11 Arthritis, you must go. Sickness must flee. Diseases must leave. Harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi I (we) command them to die, in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Tumors cannot exist in me(us), for the Spirit of God is upon me (us). Sickness, fear, and oppression have no power over me(us) for God’s Word is my(our) confession. Mark 11:23, 24. Thank you, Father, that I (we) have a strong heart. My (our) heart(s) beats with the rhythm of life. My (our) blood flows to every cell of my (our) body (bodies), restoring life and health abundantly. Proverbs 12:14; 14:30. I (we) command my (our) blood cells to destroy every disease, germ and virus that tries to inhibit my (our) body (bodies). I (we) command every cell of my (our) body (bodies) to be normal in Jesus’ Name. Romans 5:17. 

Heavenly Father, I (we) speak to the bones and joints of my (our) body (bodies). I (we) call you normal in Jesus’ Name. My (our) bones and joints will not respond to any disease, for the Spirit life of 1 Peter 2:24 permeates every bone and joint of my (our) body (bodies) with life and health. I (we) make a demand on my (our) bones to produce perfect marrow. I (we) make a demand on the marrow to produce pure blood that will ward off sickness and disease. My (our) bones refuse any offense of the curse. Proverbs 16:24. I (we) make a demand on my (our) joints to function perfectly. There will be no pain or swelling in my (our) joints. My (our) joints refuse to allow anything that will hurt or destroy their normal function. Proverbs 17:22. I (we) demand, command, and declare all these things in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ Holy Name I (we) speak the Word of Faith to my (our) body (bodies). I (we) demand that every internal organ perform a perfect work, for you are the temple of the Holy Spirit; therefore body, I (we) charge you in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the authority of His Holy Word to be healed and made whole in Jesus’ Name. Proverbs 12:18. 

Heavenly Father, I (we) resist the enemy in every form that he comes against me (us) – I (we) require my (our) body (bodies) to be strong and healthy, and I (we) enforce it with Your Word. I (we) reject the curse, and I (we) enforce life in this body. James 4:7. I (we) will not die but live and declare the works of God. Psalms 118:17. You have forgiven all my (our) iniquities; You have healed all my (our) diseases; You have redeemed my (our) life (lives) from destruction; You have satisfied my (our) mouth with good things so that my (our) youth is renewed as the eagles. Psalms 103:2-5. Lord, You have blessed my (our) food and water and have taken sickness away from me (us). Therefore I (we) will fulfill the number of my (our) days in health. Exodus 23:25-26. Lord Jesus, I (we) ask you to do all of these things according to John 14:14; and Heavenly Father I (we) ask You to give me (us) Divine healing, Divine health, the manifestation of Divine healing and Divine health, in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth; according to John 16:23, Amen. Heavenly Father, according to Your Word “You are not a respecter of persons.” I (we) receive my (our) healing, in Jesus’ Holy Name. I (we) forbid the enemy from trying to steal my (our) healing. I (we) bind my (our) mind(s) with the mind of Christ. I (we) bring every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ. Heavenly Father, fill me (us) overflowing with Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Holy Name I (we) thank You for healing me (us). Amen!

ASK September Promise 2015

Job 8:7

"Though your beginning was insignificant,
Yet your end will increase greatly.

Job 8:21

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter    and your lips with shouts of joy.

​

ASK June Promise 2015

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In Christ Alone

ASK Prayer Team

email     ask@praisesnprayers.com

Blog       www.praisesnprayers.com

Web       www.askprayer.org

 

 

"Ask, and it will be given to you; Seek, and you will find; Knock, and it will be opened to you"
Mathew 7:7

ASK MAY 2015 Promise

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He is Risen!

"Either way, Christ's love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them." - 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

He is Risen! Wish you all a blessed Resurrection Sunday!

ASK April 2015 Promise

Garden of Gethsemane

Matt 26:36-46

³⁶ Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” ³⁷ And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. ³⁸ Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”

³⁹ He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

⁴⁰ Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? ⁴¹ Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

⁴² Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” ⁴³ And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.

⁴⁴ So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. ⁴⁵ Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. ⁴⁶ Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”

Like our savior and Lord Jesus Christ, we too have our own garden of Gethsemane moments. Let us glean from our Lord’s Prayer in the garden and put that into practice.

1.      Total Surrender: V 39 O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” – Like Jesus, we have to surrender our will, our plan for a greater plan. As far as the heavens are above the earth so are his ways and his thoughts greater than ours (Isa 55:8-9). We need to remember in our trials that God’s purpose for us is not our happiness but our holiness. What we lay down on the altar he will bless it and give it back to us 100 fold – if we hold on to it, it will be a blessing only to us. If we release it, then it becomes a blessing to many – like the 5 loaves and 2 fishes – the little boy had to let go of his meal so God’s name can be glorified. Salvation is free (though it costs Jesus his life), but anointing is costly.  When we see someone ministering with much anointing and power we will not know what they had to lay on the altar. Today don’t be afraid to surrender your will, your plans to the Lord.

2.      Way out is actually through it: V 42 O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” – Sometimes the only way out of a problem is actually through it. We will try hard to avoid it, but God sometimes wants us to go through it, so the image of His son may be seen in us. So we may have compassion for others who also have the same or similar trials. Sometimes the cup doesn’t pass from us until we drink it. We have to go through the red sea or through the Jordan sometimes. It may be a scary process, but at the end He gets the glory. Let us remember that our momentary afflictions cannot be compared to the surpassing glory God has prepared for us.

3.      Lonely Path: V40 - Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? When God takes you through the Garden of Gethsemane, it is a lonely experience. Not even his inner circle of disciples could be with him. No one is there to pray with you, no one can understand what you are going through – even your own brothers and sisters, your own parents, you own spiritual mentors. That’s when you rely only on God and his power and his grace. We read the same account in Luke’s gospel that “Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him” – Luke 22:43; When man cannot comfort us or strengthen us, that’s when God himself comes for our help. We come out of the garden, not sad, not lonely but with full of purpose and anointing and power. In this lonely path we find intimacy with God. It's no longer about answered prayers; it is about intimacy with him.

May God himself minister to you as you prevail on your knees in the garden.

 

ASK March 2015 Promise

And your recovery will speedily spring forth;

                                                      Isaiah 58:8

A King!

A King

Any child,.. A boy or a girl would be momentarily filled with awe and wonder as they hear the words King, Queen, Prince, Princess, Fort, kingdom and horses.

It is quite interesting and enthralling to think and fantasize the time and life of Kings. The diamond studded crown, the long cape, big castles, shiny clothes and the elaborate feast, the anecdotes of their valor leads us to countless wild imagination.

Little did we know that if we had lived those times we mostly would have been a farmer, a soldier, a helper or commoner on the side of the road hailing and bowing giving our respects to the King as pompously passes in his Chariot declaring his authority. Not sure if those people gave that honor with genuine reverence. Your logical mind could readily say that they were afraid, they feared to be called out by King’s officials.

This King who is rich, who has a palace and army protects the people and the land. But this is how he does…He takes the land from the people, he takes their produce, and he takes the money from his people as tax. In return he offers his protection. And that’s the King we are all mesmerized about.

Friends, today I want to remind you, we have a King,.. A KING of Kings 

Who Doesn’t take,…but  gives!

Who doesn’t commands,…but loves!

Who doesn’t scare,…but protects!

Who doesn’t plucks,…but provides!

Who doesnt Judge,...but saves!

Who is faithful,… to faithless!

Who calls all subjects as HIS Heir…!

And that’s the King of Kings who deserves all your action and attention! That’s the King who waits to crown with you glory and honor!

Come rejoice our king with me!

All Hail to King Jesus! Amen!

Hallelujah!