[ecko_quote source="Romans 8:32"]He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"[/ecko_quote]
In the fourth chapter of Philippians, Paul declares that God will “supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (v19). When we read that passage, and apply it our daily lives, we must be careful to interpret it correctly.
For that to happen, it’s imperative that we understand the difference between needs and desires. A need is something that is essential in order for you and me to each become the person God desires us to be or to accomplish the things He called us to do. On the other hand, a desire is something we believe will bring enjoyment, which describes a temporary pleasure, we tend to desire things that will bring us happiness for a season but then fades away.
It is important to note that there is absolutely nothing wrong with a desire, as long as it’s within God’s will and is an outflow of a Spirit-filled life. God is a wonderful, loving heavenly Father who loves to shower His grace upon us (Matthew 7:11). However- and this is critical – we must remember that God never promises to supply all of our desires. He surely provides many of them, but only at His discretion and for His own glory. Therefore, your inability to acquire a large-screen television, for example, is not an indication that God is unfaithful.
What do you need in order to become the person God has called you to be? What do you desire that will help you gain more enjoyment in life? Keep a list of these things, and make both categories a regular part of your prayer life.
[Image Source:http://jonah.uec.nz/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/car.jpg
[ecko_quote source=" Luke 24:-49"]"Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high"[/ecko_quote]
The power of the Holy Spirit is the dynamic, supernatural control and authority of Almighty. It is the strength by which we are enabled to serve and obey the Lord. Tragically, too many of God’s people attempt to carry out supernatural work in their own human strength.
The Spirit of God indwells all believers. But there is a considerable distinction between having the Holy Spirit within us and the Holy Spirit releasing His power in our life. Consider the difference between a sedan and a race car. Both vehicles run, but what is under the hood of the race car makes it far more powerful than the sedan. When God’s Spirit enables you, your performance will be like that of a race car.
We often think that the power of the Holy Spirit is available only to Pastors and Missionaries. However, the truth is that this power is offered to every person who is willing to serve God and meet the requirements given in Scripture. First, we must be convicted of our inadequacy. This means acknowledging we cannot work for God without the aid of His Spirit.
Next, recognising and admitting our inadequacy grows out of a pure life. Confessing sin and repenting are necessary to maintain fellowship with God. When we allow deliberate sin to enter our life, we short-circuit the power of the Holy Spirit.
Finally, every person who appropriates divine energy has an active prayer life.
When we trust in God to provide the stamina for the work He calls us to do, we are clothed in power. Is your confidence in yourself or in Him?
Image source:http://jonah.uec.nz/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Holy-Spirit-Inspiration-1.jpg
[ecko_quote source=" Hebrew 11:6"]"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"[/ecko_quote]
Some people say faith moves mountains. That is not true. God moves mountains.Faith is no better than its object. Faith in faith is nothing but positive thinking. If you put faith in positive thinking, you are going to become discouraged.There are some who teach that if you will simply believe God for something, He will give you that thing. That is simply not true.If you try to apply that teaching to your life, after awhile when those things don’t fall into your lap, Satan is going to say, “You really don’t have what it takes.”
And don’t get the idea that because your faith is weak, your prayers are not reaching heaven. Weak faith in God is better than the strong faith in anything else. Faith is what counts. It is not the size of your faith. It is the object of your faith that really counts. Every one of us has faith in the natural realm. We believe chairs will hold us up, planes will take us where we need to go, and the food we’re served is safe to eat.
But that’s not the kind of faith to which Paul refers when he says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). This is Biblical faith, and it occurs in the supernatural realm. You cannot generate that kind of faith. You cannot clench your fist, grit your teeth, and say you are going to believe.
No one can believe in God unless God enables him to believe. And the only way you can believe in God is to hear from His Word. Without a word from God, you have no basis for faith.
Faith is not a leap in the dark. Instead, faith is a step into the light.
Image source: http://biblemesh.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/faith.jpg
[ecko_quote source=" Genesis 3:19"]" In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread; Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return"[/ecko_quote]
Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar. Ash Wednesday opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer. Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, and is chiefly observed by Catholics and Anglicans although many other Christians observe it too.
The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us. As the priest applies the ashes to a person's forehead quotes something like what God once said to Adam after he had sinned “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." (Gen 3:19). This is the bad news of our sinfulness that prepares us to receive the good news of forgiveness in Christ. Alternatively, the priest may speak the words, "Repent and believe in the Gospel."
Ash Wednesday is a Christian holiday (holy day) that is not a biblical requirement (just like Christmas and Easter, which are not commanded in Scripture). Nevertheless, it has been honoured by Christians for well over ten centuries
There is no biblical commandment that requires us to observe Ash Wednesday. Thus, I believe this one of those practices that Christians are free to observe or not to observe. The theological core of Ash Wednesday is, however, shaped by a biblical theology of creation, sin, mortality, death, grace, and salvation. It also enacts biblical injunctions to “weep with those who weep” and to “confess your sins to one another.”
Ash Wednesday is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, however, from Biblical times, sprinkling oneself with ashes has been a mark of sorrow for sin. Several times the Bible mentions people repenting in dust and ashes; for example: Mordecai (Esther 4:1), Job (Job 42:6), the inhabitants of Nineveh (Jonah 3:5-6), and Daniel (Daniel 9:3-4). Repentance in dust and ashes often was accompanied with fasting during Bible times.
What I value most about Ash Wednesday worship services is the chance for us all to openly acknowledge our frailty and sinfulness. In a world that often expects us to be perfect, Ash Wednesday gives us an opportunity to freely confess our imperfections. We can let down our pretences and be truly honest with each other about who we are. We all bear the mark of sin, from the youngest babies to the oldest seniors. We all stand guilty before a holy God. We all are mortal and will someday experience bodily death. Thus we all need a Saviour.
And so, it is on Ash Wednesday we can admit our own mortality. We can talk openly about the limits of this life. Why? Because we know that through Christ we have entered into life eternal, the fullness of life that will not end when our bodies give out.
The emotional result of Ash Wednesday observance isn’t depression or gloom, but gratitude and new energy for living. When we realize how desperately we need God, and how God is faithful far beyond our desperation, we can’t help but offering our lives to him in fresh gratitude.
The important fact to remember is that Christians should be ready and willing to repent, fast, and focus on God throughout the year and not just during the Lenten season.
Image source:ttp://jonah.uec.nz/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Ash-Wednesday.jpg
Pastor Jonah Ravinder- United Telugu Church - Auckland, New Zealand;
[ecko_quote source=" Genesis 3:19"]" In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread; Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return"[/ecko_quote]
Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar. Ash Wednesday opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer. Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, and is chiefly observed by Catholics and Anglicans although many other Christians observe it too.
The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us. As the priest applies the ashes to a person's forehead quotes something like what God once said to Adam after he had sinned “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." (Gen 3:19). This is the bad news of our sinfulness that prepares us to receive the good news of forgiveness in Christ. Alternatively, the priest may speak the words, "Repent and believe in the Gospel."
Ash Wednesday is a Christian holiday (holy day) that is not a biblical requirement (just like Christmas and Easter, which are not commanded in Scripture). Nevertheless, it has been honoured by Christians for well over ten centuries
There is no biblical commandment that requires us to observe Ash Wednesday. Thus, I believe this one of those practices that Christians are free to observe or not to observe. The theological core of Ash Wednesday is, however, shaped by a biblical theology of creation, sin, mortality, death, grace, and salvation. It also enacts biblical injunctions to “weep with those who weep” and to “confess your sins to one another.”
Ash Wednesday is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, however, from Biblical times, sprinkling oneself with ashes has been a mark of sorrow for sin. Several times the Bible mentions people repenting in dust and ashes; for example: Mordecai (Esther 4:1), Job (Job 42:6), the inhabitants of Nineveh (Jonah 3:5-6), and Daniel (Daniel 9:3-4). Repentance in dust and ashes often was accompanied with fasting during Bible times.
What I value most about Ash Wednesday worship services is the chance for us all to openly acknowledge our frailty and sinfulness. In a world that often expects us to be perfect, Ash Wednesday gives us an opportunity to freely confess our imperfections. We can let down our pretences and be truly honest with each other about who we are. We all bear the mark of sin, from the youngest babies to the oldest seniors. We all stand guilty before a holy God. We all are mortal and will someday experience bodily death. Thus we all need a Saviour.
And so, it is on Ash Wednesday we can admit our own mortality. We can talk openly about the limits of this life. Why? Because we know that through Christ we have entered into life eternal, the fullness of life that will not end when our bodies give out.
The emotional result of Ash Wednesday observance isn’t depression or gloom, but gratitude and new energy for living. When we realize how desperately we need God, and how God is faithful far beyond our desperation, we can’t help but offering our lives to him in fresh gratitude.
The important fact to remember is that Christians should be ready and willing to repent, fast, and focus on God throughout the year and not just during the Lenten season.
Image source:ttp://jonah.uec.nz/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Ash-Wednesday.jpg
Pastor Jonah Ravinder- United Telugu Church - Auckland, New Zealand;
[ecko_quote source=" Mark 4:39"]"Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm"[/ecko_quote]
Several years ago, the Beatles wrote a song that talks about what to do when we find ourselves in times of trouble - just let it be. This may be a good philosophy in the world, but for the Christian, it can be the kiss of death.
As Christians, if we ignore problems and put our heads in the sand, that means we are not using the authority that was given to us by Jesus. Unless we take authority and speak to the problems of life, they will overpower us. We cannot just "let it be."
Once Jesus and His disciples were on a boat together. Jesus was asleep and resting when a violent storm came. The boat was being tossed by the wind and waves to the extent that the disciples thought they were going to die. In their panic, they woke up Jesus. He could easily see that they did not have the situation under control. Jesus got up, turned toward the storm, and rebuked it. He said, "Peace, be still" (Mark 4:39). Immediately the storm stopped and there was calm.
When we look at this incident that took place with Jesus and His disciples on the boat, we know, of course, that Jesus did not ignore the situation. He spoke to the problem and the problem went away. But why is it that the disciples were unable to solve the problem? The answer is quite simple. They did nothing. They simply "let it be."
Yes, the disciples expended a lot of energy. They panicked. They cried out in fear. They summoned Jesus. They were in despair. They did a lot of things, but they didn't do the right thing. And when you don't do the right thing, it's the same as doing nothing. You cannot overcome the problems in life unless you take proper action using the authority given by Jesus.
Years ago, I worked in an office with a person who was always busy. Every moment of his time was spent doing something. However, this person was extremely unproductive and never really accomplished anything. Why? The reason is that he was always doing something irrelevant that was not a part of his job description. He was active, but it didn't count for anything.
As Christians, we cannot be this way. We must make our actions count. We must act on the Word and we must take authority. We cannot ignore the problems of life, nor can we allow them to put us into panic mode. We must take authority in the name of Jesus and command the storms of life to cease. Only then will there be calm.
Image source:http://jonah.uec.nz/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/jkl.jpg
Pastor Jonah Ravinder- United Telugu Church - Auckland, New Zealand; Cutting Edge
[ecko_quote source=" Mark 9:38"]"John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn’t in our group"[/ecko_quote]
At first glance, it appears as a noble thing that Jesus’ disciples kept such careful guard over the orthodoxy of Jesus’ ministry. The disciples of Jesus found someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name who was not a part of their group and not under their control, and they demanded that he stop. Yet Jesus saw through His disciples’ hypocrisy. The disciples themselves had been given power to drive out demons as well (Matthew 10:8), yet they had failed miserably (Mark 9:28) We can see same principles operating in current day Fellowships and Churches who are not rooted correctly in the living Word.
How it must have embarrassed the disciples to have publicly failed to cast out a demon from a young boy. Yet, here was someone successfully exorcising demons. Someone who was not a "regular" with Jesus as the disciples were. They should have been concerned with their own lack of spiritual power and vitality. They should have felt convicted by their Lord’s stinging rebuke at their lack of faith (Matthew 17:20). Instead, they focused on others. Rather than repenting of their sin and grieving over their spiritual impotence, the disciples attempted to hinder someone who was enjoying spiritual success.
Recently, I have experienced similar encounter where some of the fellowship leaders strongly objected and sent some emails not to encourage me nor use me to preach the living Word. One of the Pastors said to his congregation to arrest me and my activities. How shameful? These persecutions from insiders will surely strengthen me even more to proclaim my dear Lord’s saving grace.
I really pity those ignorant people and question myself as to who would reap the loss of not listening to the engrafted word. It’s obvious it would be no one but poor members of the congregation. It’s my humble and sincere request for those in authority not to object/or put hurdles to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But use and honor the Servants of God who bring blessings to the congregation and families.
Coming back to our text for today, at times, it is easier to diminish other’s spiritual victories than to honestly confront our own failures. Jesus’ response to His disciples must have surprised them as He said,” Don’t stop him (Mark 9:39). He assured them that “whoever is not against us is for us” (Mark 9:40). Have you learned this vital lesson? Are you able to genuinely rejoice in the spiritual victories of others? Examine and stop yourself falling into the hands of the living God.
Image source:http://jonah.uec.nz/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/miracles.jpg
Pastor Jonah Ravinder- United Telugu Church - Auckland, New Zealand; Experiencing God Day By Day
[ecko_quote source=" James 2:18"] But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds[/ecko_quote]
You don’t have intellectual problems if you don’t believe; you have moral problems. Your problem is not in your head; your problem is in your heart. Hebrews 3:12 says, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” Psalm 14:1a says, “The fool hath said in his heart, ‘There is no God."
It is not that you cannot believe; it may be that you will not believe, because Christ gives faith to every man, and what you must do is accept it, receive it, and believe it. Christ is that Light; the Light of every man that comes into the world. You can believe, if you will believe. Unbelief is not weak; it is wickedness. It is rebellion. If you want to believe today, God will enable you to believe.
What is faith? Faith is a response to God Himself. You see, true faith is always linked to obedience. You hear the Word, believe the Word, then obey the Word. Faith is not simply saying that you believe and not obeying. Faith that does not lead to obedience is not faith at all. Obedience is the fruit of faith. To obey in New Testament usage, means to give earnest attention to the Word, to submit to its authority, and to carry out its instructions.
Obedience in this sense is almost dead in modern Christianity. The Church of our day has soft-pedalled the doctrine of obedience, either neglecting it altogether or mentioning it only apologetically and without urgency. This results from a fundamental confusion of obedience with works in the minds of preacher and people. To escape the error of salvation by works we have fallen into the opposite error of salvation without obedience.
The Bible knows nothing of salvation apart from obedience. Paul testified that he was sent to preach "obedience to the faith among all nations." He reminded the Roman Christians (Romans 1:5) that they had been set free from sin because they had "obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
The weakness in our message today is our overemphasis on faith with a corresponding underemphasize on obedience. This has been carried so far that "believe" has been made to double for "obey" in the minds of millions of religious persons. The result is a host of mental Christians whose characters are malformed and whose lives are all out of proportion. Imagination has been mistaken for faith, and belief has been robbed of its moral content and made to be little more than an acceptance to gospel truth.
Image source: http://jonah.uec.nz/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/obedience.jpg
Pastor Jonah Ravinder- United Telugu Church - Auckland, New Zealand; LMF
[ecko_quote source="Galatians 2:20"] I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me[/ecko_quote]
There is a story about some of Caesar’s soldiers who were warriors in a ship. They docked off the coast of Britain and planned to raid a small island. The villagers thought they could defend their land.
They gathered sticks, pitchforks, rakes, rocks, and anything they could get. Then they started down the hill to meet these soldiers. They weren’t prepared for what they saw.
The soldiers got out of their boat, turned around and set fire to it and shoved it out to sea. The villagers laid down their weapons and surrendered. Do you know why? Caesar’s warriors had not come to retreat. They had come to conquer or die.
How about you? Have you kept a boat pulled up on the beach? You say, Well I am going to quit drinking, but I am going to keep this fifth of liquor just in case company comes over. Do you know what? You’re setting yourself up for defeat because you are already backing up. The devil has already intimidated you.
What you need to say is, I am going for God. I am going to conquer. I am going to die to self and let Christ live in me.
http://jonah.uec.nz/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/soldier.jpg
Pastor Jonah Ravinder- United Telugu Church - Auckland, New Zealand; LMF
[ecko_quote source="Colossians 1:9]For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding[/ecko_quote]
The best way to study a subject often begins with a definition of that subject. What do mean by the will of God? It is that holy and stated purpose of the Father to make His dear children as much like Christ as possible.
The first step in knowing the will of God is the surrender principle. It’s an insult to tell God, “I want to know Your will, but I’m not willing to do Your will.” See this principle in Ephesians 6:5-8. A portion of that passage reads, “…in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men….”
Another principle in knowing the will of God is the Scripture principle. Jesus said, “If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” (John 15:7) First surrender: “You abide in Me,” then Scripture: “My words abide in you.” God speaks to us not in some loud voice, but through the Scriptures.
Do you want to know God’s will? Then here’s your test: How much time do you spend in God’s Word? Do you think God really believes you when you say “I want to know the will of God,” but you don’t read the one book above all books that God has specifically written to show you His will, to reveal His will to you, to unfold His will to you? Romans 12:2 tells us, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
What is the will of God for us? The will of God differs from believer to believer. But here are four aspects in the will of God which apply to every Christian.
1. It is His will that we learn more about God (Col 1:9)
2. It is His will that we grow in grace (1 Thess 4:3); God's will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin.
3. It is His will that we study His Word (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
4. It is His will that we share our faith (Acts 1:8)
GOD WANTS TO REVEAL HIS WILL MORE THAN WE WANT TO KNOW.
http://jonah.uec.nz/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/gods-will.png
Pastor Jonah Ravinder- United Telugu Church - Auckland, New Zealand; LMF
