Fasting Prayer

And He said to them, Because of your little faith; for truly I say to you, If you have faith like a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting. Matthew 17:20-21

I used to fast and pray every Saturday night for many years since I got saved. In fact, it had become a part of my life, and in course of time, a ritual rather than a genuine prayer. So instead of a routine ritualistic fating prayer, I continued to pray but not in a religious way anymore. But that also had another side effect of not being regular and persistent. Still I maintain the genuineness of prayer whether by physical fasting or not, but off late, I was reminded of the need for real fasting too.

It was in the recent co-workers' training that the Lord burdened me afresh to maintain a persistent and set-time fasting prayer again, yet not getting into ritualistic practice of religion. The Lord grace me to restart again. It was indeed very refreshing and I enjoyed it thoroughly. This practice must be strictly adhered to, lest the enemy distract us from such persistent prayer.

Yesterday, a dear brother and a friend too, requested a fasting prayer for the recovery of his wife who is unconscious in ICU due to cancer. It has been a year since she was first diagnosed. And in one accord, a couple of brothers and also friends from college days, we decided to fast and pray for this very burden of our brother's wife healing. I personally was burdened to stand in oneness with my brothers and released a strong prayer before the Lord. As I prayed I had a confirmation within that our prayers have been heard. Later, at midnight, I called up a brother and prayed with him over the phone that the Lord must heal his wife. The Lord indeed blessed us with such a faith. In my prayer I told the brother, "we believe in God's word, we trust in Him and also believe in our prayers."

This prayer burden also led us to create a WhatsApp group, "One in Christ," bringing together some brothers for the purpose of fellowship and prayer. 

There are certain burdens that can be released only by genuine fasting and prayer. Though I never would subscribe to the literal meaning of fasting, emptying the stomach or abstaining from food, I sure support the genuineness of prayer rather than the "fasting" per se. Fasting prayer is not an act of religiously duty, mere emptying of stomach, but genuine fellowship with the Lord and praying the Lord's burden back to him. Such genuine fasting prayer must be a practice of a normal Christian life. The more the better, and at least, once a month, and better is, at least once a week. Such prayer times are meant for the Lord and Him alone, in sweet fellowship, praise, thanksgiving, worship, and petition.

The Lord Himself confirmed the need of fasting and prayer when it comes to dealing with the enemy in a strong way for the carrying out of His ministry on the earth. He emphatically stated, "nothing will be impossible to you. But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."

This kind of prayer is also related to the exercise of faith, fighting spiritual warfare, practicing a oneness with the Lord, binding on earth what have been bound in the heavens and loosing one earth what have been loosed in the heavens, for the fulfillment of His will on the earth. 

The question posed now to us is, "When the Lord Himself fasted and prayed, why not we His believers?" If the Lord fasted and prayed when He Himself is God, much more we must fast and pray according to His will!

Lord, grace me to live a life of normal Christian life; even of fasting and praying once a week, all the days of my life.  

A Brother's Dream

On morning I received a surprise message on WhatsApp, and after reading the message, one important thing transpired in me, in real life, which was foreseen by an old friend of mine during college days, a decade ago.

The text message reads:

[14/12, 10:24] : I was dreaming about u

[14/12, 10:43] : I saw that we r staying in some sort of a hostel and suddenly one of the guys went to your room and challenge u for a fight. So there was a fight between u and that guy and I was lying in my room. Immediately, both of you who was fighting came to my room and told me that u guys have to do some rituals to settle the matter. So all of u guys start kneeling down and uttered some words from a language unknown to me. After a while you compromised the matter with that whom u were fighting and handshake each other. While u guys were uttering some word I was so scared that I start praying and holding u and I was so relieved to see u both handshake each other later. After that, both of you left my room and I was alone again. Suddenly one lady came to my room and tempted me to fall into an adultery with her. At that moment there was a hesitation from me but the saddest thing is I fall into the temptation. That very moment I heard my wife calling my name from outside and I left that lady. 

At that very moment I woke up.

I was really really sad. I sat down on my bed and start crying asking the Lord to forgive me. I was praying and begging for forgiveness and weeping on my bed.

Then I heard my wife had also woke up. So I called her to come to my room. She came and I told her everything about my dream. I told her that I have failed the test n I have sin. I told my wife please pray for me.

Dear brother Palmei, back these days I feel very happy and peaceful after confessing all my past sin to my wife. For the last four weeks I so happy and peaceful.

But my dream had made me realised that I have given my heart fully to Jesus. I have just left Him outside my room.

Brother, please pray for me so that I would be string in the Lord.

[14/12, 10:46] : I mean Strong in the Lord

[14/12, 10:51] : My dream made me realise that I have not given my heart fully to Jesus. Instead I left Him outside my room and He is still calling my name.

Please pray for my spiritual life so that I'd  be strong in the Lord.

After I read the message, I called him and we prayed together.

Perhaps, it might just be a dream. Nevertheless, dreams can also be from God or the enemy or from the self. On pondering over it, I realised that there was a message in the dream. 

The date was 14th December, the day in which one of the brothers which I have been so burdened for, won the election as he re-entered politics. There indeed has been a struggling, perhaps, a spiritual fight, for the recovery of the golden lampstand in that city since I first met him and the believers in that locality. At least thrice, I was personally involved in the fellowship of "reconciliation" among the brothers who, for some reasons, have been under the guise of "misunderstandings." 

And when this brother decided to take the way he has taken, I sincerely prayed for him that the Lord would lead him through, and that the church would go on in sweet fellowship with the Body of Christ in other parts of the world even outside of their locality. And when on that day he won the election, I praised the Lord, not for the election per se, but for His leading for His move. This was symbolic of what a friend had seen in the dream.

The later part of the dream may be a matter of concern related to his personal life which also was good as it led him closer to the Lord, and initiated a fresh brotherly relationship with me, and I believe, a fresher love towards the Lord and his wife.

Pressed!

These days the Lord has been dealing with me in a very specific way, in all areas of my life. But His grace is sufficient for me to bear all the precious trials He soverignly arranges. On the one hand I have been deeply pressed, yet on the other hand, I have been experiencing the Lord's perfecting hand in every step, graced with His divine provision to bear His dealings.

My two Onesimus's have been creating a lot of trouble these few days, outwardly speaking. Both of them have been undergoing their worst case and exhibiting extremities in their deeds. Nevertheless, they turn out to be precious lessons for me to learn, in handling them practically. Generally, I have been a quite and patient person, but with these two, I have been exposed of my shortages. I was not quiet nor patient at all as I used to presume. This time round I have said thing which I never used to, and even raised voice which I hardly used to. Perhaps, a training to be more strict and tough in dealing with "disobedient brothers?" and at the same time an exposition of me who needs more learning, perfecting and growth in life. Despite this scenario, I love them both so much, and consider them as God's blessing in disguise, at least to me, if not to my family as well.

Officially, I have made official decisions that put the company I am serving in a very tight spot as far as financial matter is concerned. Yet, those decisions were truly needed to effectively accomplish solid official works. I never remembered having been so bold in making corporate decisions. But those decision are yielding good returns for the company, only "time of return" is the factor to consider. Its like rowing a boat safely to the other side of a stormy and thunderous sea with so much gasps and uncertainties in between. Now, at the fag end of the year, I could foresee sailing through all obstacles. The hand of God indeed is behind the scene. The prize foreseen is worth the prices paid.

Family matters are pressing too. In taking care of the two Onesimus's, the extra burden they brought to my wife and niece, and the anxious concerns for them, and the helpless state they have been into, are pressing too. But these also led me to change my stance towards them and adjusted my life style; which actually is very good for me and my family. So even in these "troubles,"  we are the beneficiaries, especially myself.

Church affairs are even at trying times. We have been busy with our own official and family affairs, and the church affairs are not given proper attention and sufficient time as it should normally be. Besides, we do not have official full timer to fully serve the local church we are in; we are all working saints bearing the burden of the church. Though this fact cannot be an excuse, the increase of the church in numbers is not happening, which we all shamefully agreed. Though our burdens are clears, we have failed in not being able to fulfill it. Or perhaps, the Lord wants us to learn some precious lessons first before He could bless the church? The matter of "not increase in numbers" is definitely and deeply pressing upon me. 

All these "pressings" are persistently pressing me. This reminds me of Simon Peter in John 6, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life." I can come only to the Lord, and to Him only I come, in this pressing time. 

66 From that time many of His disciples went back to what they left behind and no longer walked with Him.67 Jesus therefore said to the twelve, Do you also want to go away?68 Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.       

Two Onesimus's

Onesimus was an useful vessel to Paul and to the Lord despite his black background. I already have one whom the Lord gifted to me to shepherd and care for. Through many ups and downs, he still is my Onesimus. And now the Lord is adding another Onesimus. Its not my choice to accept or reject, rather it is the Lord's blessed gift.

A brother was in a very desperate need for wholesome shepherding. Again because of the many distressful and inexplicable experiences he had been through since his first failed marriage, he was in the depth of depression and often lost his mental balance. Now he is facing another marital disaster, and history seems to repeat itself. All these bitter bombardments blasted and bruised his brain. 

But he is a very dear brother in the Lord, who loves the Lord, and is beginning to intensely love the Lord all the more through all these sufferings. He has survived serious series of legal battles and are now in the verge of another series. Be it fate or folly in his decision making, only God knows. But the fact is, he's been mentally, physically and financially drained off. And the fact that he is still a brother does not change. No matter what he has gone through, no matter what his problems may be, he is still a brother, in fact, a very dear brother. I begin to love him all the more, then when he was much better off. Despite his dire strait of human hardship, he still is a brother. So I must receive him and shepherd him in all possible way. He, thus, has been added to our family as another Onesimus.

The two Onesimus's are now with our family, and in fact, they are blending with us so well, so far so good. These two are suprisingly of two opposite nature, origin and character, almost in every respect. One from a high caste, very well educated, intelligent and very qualified person, and the other almost the exact opposite. But praise the Lord, through inexplicable circumstances, they both ended up to be a part of our extended family. This arrangement was never forethought, it just transpired in time, and me and my wife can only amen. This, to me, is meeting the need of the moment. Else, where else they will go?

I have been learning many new and deep spiritual lessons through these two Onesimus's. The lessons were learned through their problems. They were helpless, and I in their midst, to shepherd them, turned to Lord and the Lord taught me some deep and precious lessons which, I believe, can never be learned otherwise.  It even revolutionized my living and ways of shepherding. I have been praying for people to be saved and shepherded, and the Lord gave me brothers who are saved and are need of shepherding; not in a way of once or twice meeting in a week with some prayer and pursuing, but in a way of living together with him. Perhaps, this is the best way of shepherding, and I am learning it, and I guess, I am loving it too. I have been doing it in the past too, but this time in a more matured way. Praise the Lord for this opportunity!  

Today, as I was spending time with the Lord in prayer, He impressed me deeply with shepherding and perfecting these two Onesimus's. Doing a background check, they both are literally helpless and hopeless, and their own relatives have literally gave them up. But the Lord's speaking to me was, if I cannot shepherd hopeless and helpless ones to become hopeful and helpful ones, I am useless. This was a very strong word from the Lord. My innate reply was that the Lord would shepherd me and them together and make us hopeful, helpful and useful. Sometimes, the speaking of the Lord is sudden and shocking, yet soothing and shepherding too.

Though I deem myself unworthy, I trust the good shepherd to shepherd all of us. These experiences, perhaps, may be my "Tale of Two Onesimus's." 

Lord, shepherd us all, and turn us- 

Our helplessness to helpfulness,

Our hopelessness to hopefulness,

Our uselessness to usefulness.

And dear Lord, do these to us.

Amen. 

Life Lessons

What has transpired of me, I do not know. Whether for good or for bad, only God knows. I seem to have changed in the way I do things and deal with business affairs. By and large, I have been a very soft person, always graceful to others even at the cost of misjudgment. I always like to be gracious to others as much as I could and defended their cause if questioned. But things seems to have changed. I hope for the better. 

In official matter, I think I ought to be strict and straightforward. Often many have taken advantage of this, which definitely has a kickback. But recently, I learned my lessons of not to be too soft. When duty demands it I have to be tough, yes, real tough. But there must be a striking balance between being soft and being tough. I am learning this lesson, and hope I learn it well. 

A brother who has come for food and shelter has often taken advantage of me. As he took me for a ride I had to help him learn his lessons as well. So whenever necessary I was strict with him. In matters related to handling his finance, time management, cleanliness and discipline, I was strict and demanded that he adhere to it, should he desire a help. Brotherly love cannot be taken for granted, and "it's OK" attitude must be rectified. So I spoke a strong word to this brother to take care of his things and his living. Though I spoke such a strong word, deep within my heart I wish he would learn his lesson and be normalised and be established as a proper man. Even with such words, my heart yearns for him, that he be established and "pillarised" to bear the Lord's testimony. 

Another incident was when our office gas company worker unduly asked for service charge when no service was done, and when I requested him to replace the gas pipe he put aside by saying it's OK, but he said it needed to be replaced in his first visit. This outright lie I could not tolerate and refused to pay the service charge for no service. He threatened to cut the connection, but I retorted that he change the pipe first. Then in fits and fear he left. Later, I thought to myself, am I so tough? I did feel sorry for the strong word I uttered, yet at the same time, I felt it was necessary for me to exercise in such way to deal with money-monger. 

Another case was with my own family, when to discipline my children I began to be strict with them. Often I did use strong words of rebuke and chastening. And oftentimes with punishment. Though I did all these outwardly, my inward being was yearning for them that they be disciplined and be God-man children. As and when necessary, I exercised strict discipline upon them. Sometimes, I often do the same to my wife in few matters, not much, even as she does to me a couple of times. We love each other and chastened one another. 

By all these experiences I am learning to handle matters as it should be. But I am willing to be corrected or adjusted. This experience is not so sweet, but needful for my growth in life. These are what have been transpiring these days. Hope it all will work out for good.

Lessons of life are for all man;

For all sinner and saint

Amidst its pain and gain, 

They must be learned now and then, 

In this journey of life, till the end. 

Ghaziabad

Last month in a Christian Expo, I met a brother who impressed me much, both in spirit and in the body, with whom I also fellowshipped twice, and he showed much interest in the ministry of the word. My first impression was, perhaps, he must be the one for the Lord's testimony in Ghaziabad? Only God knows. 

Few day back, with a brother we went to visit him at his house in Ghaziabad. When I heard his sharing on his feeling concerning "feet washing" in John 13, I took the opportunity to minister on the same subject. I ministered on love as the basis for feet washing, accompanied with humility and being judged by God to be able to wash the brothers' feet. Yet for such,  one must have the basin with water for the washing. We read the Bible verses with footnotes from the Recovery Version of the Bible. Water here signifies the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5), the word (Eph. 5:26; John 15:3), and life (19:34). These are what we need to wash our brothers' foot with. Without the Holy Spirit, the word of God and the divine life as the "water" first being constituted in us, how can we washed our brother's feet. Here lies the necessity for a proper and normal Christian life. And this matter of foot washing should not be a ritual nor a ceremony, but a daily living for fellowshipping with God and with one another. 

Later, we fellowshipped on Christ and the church with personal experiences of Christ and the church life. I personally have a very good feeling about this brother, especially in the matter of his hunger for the word of God and purity to stand for the Lord's testimony. 

Though there are other people we could have met, but this brother was the one so far we had much peace to meet with. If there are more whom the Lord has chosen, time will manifest them one by one. 

Only God knows who a person is and what his future holds; I can only look to the Lord and pray that He may gain him for His testimony in Ghaziabad. By the way, this is one of the cities in National Capital Region, for which we have been praying for the Lord's strong testimony. Perhaps, this is an answer to our prayer for Ghaziabad. May the Lord gain His heart's desire. 

Poignant Politics

Of late I have been feeling the air of politics regionally, nationally, and even internationally. Generally, I used to be aloof from all political influence. Gradually, I was burdened to pray for the rulers  of the nation. And often I follow the current affairs in the light of the Lord's move on the earth. 

Meddling in politics itself will be a far cry, but I do pray that the Lord’s chosen ones be rulers to run the nation for the sake of the gospel. But one danger I just discovered was the evil of politics. It can just divide friends and families alike, including brothers and sisters even in the church. 

Most recently, I was hit inwardly by this matter of the venom of politics. It was one Lord’s day when a sister stood up and shared her views concerning a certain President-elect in support of his rival. It was so ugly and the feeling was nauseating. Though we may have inclination towards certain party or candidate but that should never be a topic for the brothers and sisters to debate. It's terribly loathsome. Every citizen of a nation has the right to vote, and let that remain democratically exercised in a secret ballot, and not in the church. Satan is so subtle to use politics to divide the church of God. And we must no be ignorant of his scheme. 

Conventionally I am inclined to a certain party as a family and inwardly I still support them for their policy on national governance. But now, the opposite party that I would never imagine to support because of their ideology is gaining my attention, not nationally though, but regionally. Some of my distant relatives are themselves office bearers and candidates for the  upcoming election in my hometown. This gave me a new horizon of looking at things; not on the party per se but on the candidate himself. When the old guard and political stalwarts of the party our family supported for years does not perform well and are embroiled in dirty politics, loaded with incumbency and corruption, and they would not pave way for the young generation, then person comes above party. This simple feeling itself is proof of how politics can divide people and be a satanic tool. Lord save me. 

Yes, pray for the rulers and for God's move and have your support expressed in secret ballot but never give room to the enemy to divide. Else it will be a poignant tragedy. As in my case, my acquaintances are in both parties, opposite parties.

Herein, I learned my lesson of not paving way for poignant politics, but be preserved in prayer for the Lord's move. This is a simple lesson I learned in the light of being a man, a citizen of a nation, physically.

The Increase of Christ

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

Note from the Recovery Version: The increase in this verse is the bride in v. 29, and the bride there is a living composition of all the regenerated people. This means, in this chapter on regeneration, that regeneration not only brings the divine life into the believers and annuls the satanic nature in their flesh, but it also makes them the corporate bride for Christ's increase. The last two points, the annulling of the serpentine nature in the believers and the believers' being made the bride of Christ, are fully developed in John's Revelation. The book of Revelation reveals mainly how Satan as the old serpent will be fully eliminated (Rev. 20:2, 10) and how Christ's bride, the New Jerusalem, will be fully produced (Rev. 21:2, 10-27).

Acts 2: 47 Praising God and having grace with all the people. And the Lord added together day by day those who were being saved.16:5 And so the churches were strengthened in the faith and increased in number daily.

Fruit bearing is one of the matters of concern as far as my service in the Lord is concerned. Which means, there must be growth in Christ by growing in life inwardly and there must also be growth in number outwardly. Else there must be something wrong. And that "something" which went wrong or goes wrong is a grave concern. This is my self assessment as well as from an elderly and more matured brother. I thank the Lord for showing me where I truly stands, so that I may learn and know how to move forward from this point on. This exposition dawned on me my need for serious learning in serving the Lord. I cannot just be barren, that's not only a shame, but a disaster--a spiritual disaster. I may have reasonable and valid excuses, but I will not tolerate the barrenness. Barrenness is a symptom of death. Anything living must grow, both inwardly and outwardly.

Christ increase is not merely measured inwardly. Yes, He definitely must grow, besides, there must be increase in numbers of saved believers, the bride. The increase of Christ is the increase of the bride; the increase of the bride is the increase of the believers in numbers of the regenerated believers. This word of the Lord is backed with testimonies of the early church. "The Lord added together day by day those who were being saved" and "increased in number daily." This is the real increase of Christ. This must be my experience too. Nothing less is acceptable and must not be tolerated.

The message for me and the church I am in is this only, "the increase of Christ." All lame excuses for not increasing according to the word is lifeless. My prayer and the church's prayer has henceforth been for the increase of Christ. All that hinders the increase of Christ must be diagnosed and remedied. Thank God, these days I am in this process and the saints too. May the Lord heal and gain His increase for His testimony.

The increase of Christ is the increase in numbers, which is the increase of the church. Where there is an increase of Christ, there will be the increase of the church in numbers as well. Though all increases in numbers may not necessarily be the increase of Christ, but the increase of Christ must necessarily lead to the increase in numbers. One should not be so spiritual as to focus only on the inward increase of Christ without the outward increase in number. The more the increase in Christ inwardly, there more there will be the increase in numbers outwardly. For when one grows in Christ, he will be burdened to preach the gospel and bring people to salvation. Furthermore, he will shepherd, buildup and perfect the new ones to be the increase of Christ as the bride, the church. This is a normal and proper condition of a Christian life in a normal church life, and this is the fruit-bearing in John 15:4-5, 7-8. 

The outward tangible way of measuring the increase of Christ is the number of the saints in the meeting. Quality comes out of quantity. Without quantity, there can be no quality. It is mere folly to pride on quality when there is no quantum of quantity.

Lord, save me from mere spirituality. My need is the increase of Christ in quality as much as in quantity.

Religiosity and Generality

When I was much younger I deeply regarded the religious people reckoning them to be of God. Later, when I was saved, my focus was shifted strongly to spirituality as I reckoned spirituality to be much above religiosity. And as I began to grow more, my spiritual discernment and understanding grew a bit more, and I treasure the building up in the Body of Christ corporately than any mere individualistic spirituality. Still my past background perhaps, might have imbibed in me a scent of religiosity that I probably am not aware of. So the Body exposes me.

It was again an elderly brother whom the Lord used to expose me of my unseen being, at least, to myself. He said I am religious in that I only trusted in God for God to do things. His point was that I should exercise the spiritual gifts of carrying things out without just leaving all for God to do. He further said emphatically that I should cast out demons, heal the sick, cleanse the lepers and even raise the death! I got the spiritual significance of the Lord's speaking. In fact, many of my works do not have spiritual effect as it should, in spite of all the labor. There must be a definite result in all the spiritual activities that I have been carrying out, especially in my shepherding of the new ones to perfect them to be pillars for the church. 

Sovereignly, the night before this incident of the Lord's speaking I was also very burdened to for three very seriously sick patients who are my relatives and friends too. One is paralyzed and had given up all medication as it did not worked. The other is a pancreas cancer patient where even the best hospitals and doctors in the country could not help and the chemotherapy did not work but worsen his health. And the last one is a wife of a friend and brother who is also a cancer patient with acute complexity. All of them have given up hope or almost given up hope on any medical treatment whatsoever, but putting their trust in the Lord. I was deeply considering and praying that Lord should heal them. And the next day, the Lord's speaking was that "I should cast out demons, heal the sick, cleanse the lepers and even raise the death!" So be it Lord.

  

Besides, I was also rebuked for being too general, I must be specific. In whatever I put my hands on, there must be tangible and definite result. Else, my works be of no good to the Lord and for His move. In fact, even in my words, I have this habit of generalising things. I must be healed of this disease too. My words must be accurate and exact. Lord, grace me so.

Religiosity and generality are the two hidden diseases that the Lord diagnosed in me through the brother who spoke freely and frankly. Praise the Lord for such an oracle of God! And much more praise the Lord that the Lord loves me so much that He exposes me and takes me on a ride with Him, that he would deal with me and perfect me. 

After this experience, my only response in prayer was that the Lord would heal me of all my diseases, and make me healthy and whole to be a useful vessel unto Him. 

Not religiosity nor spirituality but to be built up in the Body! Not generality only but to be specific in all things I put my hands into! Thus, by His mercy, I may learn and learn, and be trained and perfected for the building up of His Body.

Amen, for the Lord's healing touch!                

Completion

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun in you a good work will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus; Philippians 1:6

One of the characteristics of the degraded reformed church is deadness and incompletion. But the Lord promised that what He has begun in us he will complete it. This completion is a necessity for one's growth in life and maturity even unto the bearing of manifested and remaining-abundant fruits. Else I will be a half baked cake, which is no good to man as well as to God.

When I read this verse a couple of days ago, few things transpired intrinsically. First it reminds me of an elderly brother shepherding me by way of "rebuking" in a message directed to me calling out my name, out loud in a coworker's training. Declaring literally that "I am incomplete." It was a momentary shock to me, but I took it as the Lord's speaking and asked the Lord to complete the work He has begun in me. Though painful and bleeding inside, I asked the Lord to hold my hand and lead me step by step until I finish the course assigned for me unto completion. Thank the Lord for such brother who could be the Lord's oracle today. This is what I need today, lest I be doomed in myself. Thank the Lord for the Body, for the brothers and for all circumstances.

Later, one morning when I pray-read this verse, I was so nourished and asked the Lord to complete the work He has begun in me. And also being moved by the Lord I texted it to my younger sister the same verse, whose birthday happened to be on the same day, as my wish for her birthday. And also to another elderly brother whose election for a social post fell on the same day. Later, they both thanked me for the wish. And the latter won the election he contested.

I know I am still incomplete in the sense of the Lord's working in me, growth in life and maturity. So I need the Lord's work to be completed in me. 

"He who has begun in you a good work will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus." So be it, Lord! Amen.

Philadelphia, Brotherly Love!

And to the messenger of the church in Philadelphia write: These things says the Holy One, the true One, the One who has the key of David, the One who opens and no one will shut, and shuts and no one opens: Revelation 3:7

The Greek word means brotherly love, composed of phileo, to have affection for, and adelphos, a brother; hence, brotherly affection, a love of delight and pleasure. In godliness, the expression of God, this love needs to be supplied for the brotherhood (1 Pet. 2:17; 3:8; Gal. 6;10), for our testimony to the world (John 13:34-35) and for the blessing of fruit (John 15;16-17). (Life-study of 2 Peter, p. 49)

As the church in Gurgaon we have been delving into the depth of the word of God, and this week particularly, on the church in Philadelphia. The truth in this portion of the word are so nourishing and rich on brotherly love. As I personally am enjoying this truth the Lord sovereignly led me into the practical experience of it.

The truth of the Word is no doctrine, the objective truth must be subjectively experienced, else it degrades into a dead doctrine. This has befallen many believers in the history of the church. But I deeply pray that history may not be repeated in its negative aspect. Sure enough, the Lord knows what I personally have been going through and even my family. Therefore, we have been graced to experience this brotherly love; not too much of others loving us or showing love to us, but us showing to others in need, especially to some very needy brothers.

A brother has been in deep trouble because of his marital issues which directly is a result of his not listening to the loving fellowship of the brothers in the church in the past and not being in the normal church life. Nevertheless, even in such "lone wolf" case of mishap, still when he is in trouble and comes for help, we sure have to forgive him and receive him as our dear brother in the Lord. This brother happens to be in my "custody" and he has no one else to physically care for him nor spiritually, apart from the church brothers. All his friends and families have kept themselves aloof from him. Whatever the case may be, he is still a brother, as he was regenerated already and what he needs most at the moment is some "nourishing mothers" and "cherishing fathers." Though I am qualified or not, and not even a choice of like or dislike, I need to shepherd him. And I take this as a blessing in disguise, sovereignly arranged by the Lord, for me to experience the "brotherly love" the normal church should possess.

With all the extra burden amidst the ongoing financial crisis all over the country, and family dependents on the rise, I have valid reasons to excuse myself. But the Lord reminded me of the brotherly love I have been trumpeting about in a normal Christian life in the normal church life. So now is the time to live it out by taking care of this brother; supply him with food, shelter and spiritual supply. In fact, with our family, he participates in the family time with the Lord, read the Bible and pray besides enjoying all the meals together as family members. At least, this itself is worth for all the physical burden; an enjoyment of brotherly love. 

I just fellowshiped with my wife and the saints in the church to pray for this brother and encouraged all to exercise and enjoy the brotherly love the Lord has been teaching us these days, not just in words, but in deeds, with the love of God.

Lord, cause us to love You and love one another more with the brotherly love You so desired.

Vice and Virtue

And I looked, and there came a storm wind from the north, a great cloud and a fire flashing incessantly; and there was a brightness around it, and from the midst of it there was something like the sight of electrum, from the midst of the fire. Ezekiel 1:4   

These days as I have been pursuing the Life-study of Ezekiel, the Lord's speaking has been very strong. This one verse itself has four precious gems that can be explained in a book. Nevertheless, to summarize, here are the four main subjective points that I have been experiencing these days.

A storm wind from the North: The visitation of the Lord by a spiritual stormy wind has always been a blessing in disguise. Often times, such visitation is painful. At the very first experience, one tends to plead the Lord for mercy and remove the "storm." Well, if the Lord has to remove it He should not have sent it at the first place. Since he sent it, it must be with a purpose. Blessed are those who discerns the Lord's stormy winds and face it, and learn from it subjectively. Such wind did visit me these days. Thank God for it.

Incidents after incidents, I have been facing brothers, saints and seekers with all kinds of spiritual lessons. Given to my natural choice, "prevention would have been better than cure." But that dictum does not apply here. I must face it and I have been facing them till these days. And meanwhile, I have been experiencing the working of Christ within me, though gradually, and bit by bit. Especially with two brothers who have been in need of shepherding both physically and spiritually too. The experiences with these two brothers have hit me hard and exposed me of who I really am, as a brother. And helps me in answering important questions: Am I a proper shepherd caring for the sheep? Do I really love them with the love of Christ? Am I willing to spend and be spent for them? Do I bear the same burden as they do? Do I mean what I minister in word and work it our in deeds?

Besides, I am also being exposed so much in my natural vices and virtues. All have to be blown away 

A great Cloud: After the Lord's stormy wind visitation he did not leave us empty and pale, instead He covers us with Himself as grace, grants us His sweet presence. This has been my experience too. His grace and presence always follows His blowing stormy wind.

A Fire flashing incessantly: Besides being blown by the stormy wind there is also a need for the fire of God to burn all that is not Christ within our being. Sinful and worldly things are condemned, and much more, the good and ethical ones too which are not Christ nor of Christ. The fire of God must burn all that is not Christ in nature nor in constitution. All the minute and secrets of the heart must also be burned away. Such is the visitation of God by fire. In my experience these days, I am experiencing this burning too. O for the grace to be burned and burned until fully sanctified! 

     

The sight of Electrum: The issue of the Lord's visiting us as the stormy wind, the covering cloud and the burning fire is the glowing electrum, in which having been wrought with the holy and divine nature of God, one begins to express God! This is the goal of the Lord's visitation.

Basically everything of vices and virtues are to be blown away and dealt with. So that Christ and Christ alone would have the preeminence in our lives, and be the living expression and representation that God so desired.  

Truth Triumphs

This is a famous phrase worldwide to emphasis the triumph of truth, righteousness and justice. This is a universal dictum that needs no explanation even in the secular field. But my point here is on the objective truths of the Bible that triumphs over all.

Not to boast, but a declaration of the fact, the Lord has indeed blessed me with the ministry of the word in this age. And by His sheer mercy I have been studying, pursuing, experiencing and enjoying the ministry of the word. To me this is one of the great heritages of the Lord's recovery today. And I am definitely blessed to be a part of the ministry of the age, and even more blessed in the grace favored upon me to introduce, announce and propagate the ministry of the word to all Christian whomever the Lord led me to. To me this is what I love to do, speaking and ministering the truth of the Bible wherever the Lord leads and opens the door.

Since I first started enjoying the ministry of the word, I have been regularly pursuing the ministry literature, and even made it an official requirement for all serving ones to enter into the truth by pursuing some ministry books before beginning the daily official duty. Thank God, normally I am enjoying about seven messages in a week: Life-study messages, present HWMR, and two more during a home meetings or group meetings. Hallelujah, what a rich feast!

Whenever I travel for the ministry of the word distribution, I enjoy the "truthspeaking" to different people, mostly Christian leaders. And every time I ministered the truth, I enjoyed the Lord's bountiful anointing; I just sensed life flowing, word ministering and Christ dispensing. This is not only my experience but the listener, my audience, too.

In all the literature trip the Lord graced me to undertake thus far, the people I talked to or ministered the ministry to, were all very receptive. They simply listened and enjoyed the ministry. After the ministering, almost all of them responded in gratitude for the profundity of the truth and revelation of the word of God. Most of them ended up paying the price to buy the ministry literature as they wanted to delve into the truth more. And most of them also ended up in inviting me for further fellowship or to minister to their congregation. If time permits and situation allows, I did my best to go and minister the ministry of the word.

Even in meeting either skeptical ones, or those with the negative mindset of false allegation, after ministering the truths, they either changed their view or commended the orthodoxy of the truth of the Bible I dearly uphold. The truths per se, even in its objective form is always triumphal.

This is an experience of "truths triumphs."

Deeply in my inmost being I thank the Lord for brother Watchman Nee and Witness Lee for recovering the ministry of the word and the ministry of the age. I am so blessed to be a part of the Lord's recovery. My prayer is that, I be preserved by His mercy in the ministry of the age all the days of my life; a pursuer and an enjoyer of the ministry of the word. Amen.

Truth indeed triumphs, even in the objective sense. 

Uttarkashi

Few months ago this town was fixed for our distribution, an utter North on the proximity of the Himalayan ranges. A couple of times I was considering to change the plan for at least few reasons: no known contact nor arrangement made, and none gave a positive response on inquiring about visiting this town. Nevertheless, as planned and prayed for we came to this town, with only one phone number. Even before we met this brother whose number we have, he met us on the market as we went out for lunch. Amazing!

Later he came to our hotel room to check us out. Initially, he was very skeptical about us as the Christians in Uttarkashi were on the guard against any indoctrination from heretic or cultic faith. Even he was very strong to not associate himself with any denomination and stated that all Christians meets in their homes and there is no building called "church." Besides, there is no full time workers as such but most of them are running schools, on teaching jobs, and serving the Lord. I was so happy to hear what he had to say, and interjected saying that "we are the same."

To clarify further on who we are, I explained the basic statement of faith we uphold, and expounded the truth concerning the Trinity with our Christian beliefs and practices. This I did to clarify his doubt about us as he was afraid that we might have been "cultic." To clarify further, I explained about the essential Trinity and also the economical Trinity which, I bet, he must have never heard of. And explained further the orthodoxy of the church, the universal and local aspects of the church. After all these "truthspeaking" he changed his view, opened up and offered help.

First, he introduced us to a Christian Principal with whose family we had a home meeting. We used the ministry literature to explain some basic truth of the Bible on the three parts of man, regeneration, and growth in life. They were so glad to receive our ministry, especially by the way we shepherded them with the truth. They invited us for dinner, ordered the ministry books, and sent us to lodge.

The next day, the former brother gave us few more contacts out of which we met two, both Principals of Christian schools. The first one gave us good feedback on the kind of Hindi translation we have produced and ordered all the books, both English and Hindi, and the other Principal was so glad to receive the riches of the truths we ministered to them on truth, life and the church. He even invited us for dinner and dropped us back to our lodge.

Overall, the Lord's leading and blessing was so marvelous. The experience we have been enjoying was like what we read of Abraham of the Old Testament, who simply followed God, not knowing. Though this is a small town comparatively, the response to the ministry of the word is amazing.

May the Lord recover His testimony in Uttarkashi!

Pauri Garhwal

Our first time, and not knowing anyone except a phone number given by a brother from Dehradun, we came to Pauri Garhwal. From one lead to another, the Lord brought us to this city and led us to meet the three main Christian groups and their Pastors. We spend few hours with each of them introducing the ministry books. They all were so impressed that they purchased the books and invited us to minister to their congregation on the following Lord's day.

On the Lord's day we ministered to three Christian groups. 

To a Methodist Church established in 1910, we introduced the ministry literature, and when we learned that it was a special "Women Sunday", the Lord led us to minister on the importance of the sisters' functions in the church life for the fulfillment of God's purpose on the earth, the "Six Marys." We exhorted the sisters to function in bringing forth Christ, listening to Christ, loving Christ, experiencing the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Christ, praying in Christ, and labouring in Christ for the church.

To one Pentecostal church we ministered "God's Organic Salvation," and to another Pentecostal church filled with young people and sisters in an "upper room," the Lord burdened us to minister on "the Nazarite Vow" from the Old Testament and "the Priesthood" in the New Testament. The Lord blessed the ministering so much so that, the Pastor requested us to continue to minister even after we released our burden after an hour and half. They wanted more fellowship so the Pastor made an impromptu arrangement for another informal meeting over lunch at his house where his joint family members and friends came, out of which a teacher-couple opened up for fellowship and expressed their heart for the church life and even ordered the ministry books after we shared on "the Orthodoxy of the Church." 

Later, a host of believers came for yet another meeting when we ministered on "God's Eternal Plan", the creation of tripartite man and the processes the Triune God passed through, regeneration, and growth in life. They were so hungry for the word and so seeking that even two and half hour non-stop fellowship was not too long. We had to stop the meeting for time's sake. Such was the leading and blessing of the Lord in this city. 

May the Lord gain His testimony in Pauri Garhwal.

Blessed Children

Behold, children are the heritage of Jehovah,
The fruit of the womb a reward. Psa. 127:3 - 

This verse has been fulfilled in our family life right from the day God blessed us with our first daughter, thereby we named her Bliss. Then followed by Amana and Christy,  as a continuation of the Lord's blessing in truth, the high peak truth, the truth the ministry of the word has blessed us with, and the reality of the word,  who is Christ. That's how the names were derived.

Few days ago my wife sent me on WhatsApp a snapshot of Amana's scorecard in CONQUEST IQ Olympiad with grade A, the highest in the grading category, where he scored centum in almost all the subjects tested. The very sight of it humbled me as I deemed myself unworthy for it. I am not being proud as a father, but what impressed me deeply was the grace of God bestowed upon me and my wife and our family. I never considered that we deserve this much, but the Lord has been more than gracious. My innate reaction was, I prayed, thanking the Lord for His mercy and reconsecrated my life so that I, in no way be a stumbling block to our children but be a proper shepherd and guardian to the Lord’s children.

As the children grows they have been developing a sign of excellency in their academic career. The parent-teacher meeting called once in a month or two were mostly filled with the teachers' appreciation of our kids' performances at school. Not just once, but almost all the time. And I don't think they were just trying to please us, the parent, but I reckon it as genuine, as I know my wife has been keeping track of their studies on a daily basis. So whenever I witnessed the good news of our children's performance, I always complemented my wife for her labor besides acknowledging the Lord’s blessing. On top of that, we daily prayed for our children and also taught them to pray for the Lord's wisdom, knowledge, understanding and blessing. Perhaps, this is the Lord's answer to our daily prayer.

Later, in our night prayer, my wife and I thanked the Lord together for His blessing. We also prayed that we would represent God properly as God-man parent, shepherding the children He has blessed us with. I even personally prayed that none of my sins or failures or shortcomings be passed on to our children. But that the blood of Christ would cover me and grace us and bless our family for His testimony and purpose on this earth.

Children are indeed the heritage of Jehovah.

Thank you Lord, for the children.

An Experience at Doon

Despite Doon being within an easy reach from Delhi, the past decade of my stay in the capital region did not beckon me even once to pay a visit for whatever reason. One thing I follow in life is following the leading of the Lord. Thus far, the Lord had never led, but this time.

In Dehradun, we were lodged in a guest room of a small Christian "ashram" as they call it. On day one itself, we were invited to a meeting of some 40 Christian leaders where we introduced the ministry books. Many of them were very interested and received the free Rhema books, not just for themselves but also for their congregation, and some purchased the title books. 

There, in the meeting, one of the Christian leaders whom they addressed as "father" caught my attention and he too was keen to talk to me. Perhaps, we have this innate biological connection of being from the same state. The short while conversation was sufficient to be more brotherly-friendly as he and I agreed to meet up for more fellowship. Later he did attempt to meet me twice but in both cases I was busy. Somehow I was invited to attend an annual function in his campus where he is the "father" in charge, an official and religious position and responsibility. The following day he invited us for dinner and also for sharing the word of God with his Bible students, staffs and serving ones. As we visited his campus, he led us straight to the chapel and the Lord burdned me to share the word on loving the Lord with personal testimony. After dinner, I had more fellowship on the ground of oneness and the practice of the church life. Just before we left, I gifted him the New Testament Recovery Version.

Last Lord's day we were invited to minister the word of God at Masihi Mandli(Christian  Church), a pioneer church in the city since 1939 where we ministered on the Christian Life. In the evening we were invited to minister at Doon Bible College Chapel by the Principal where we, three brothers, shared our testimonies of salvation to the theological students and introduced and distributed the ministry books. Later, the Principal hosted a dinner for us.

We also visited all the leading Bible colleges and the main Christian groups and spent considerable time fellowshipping and introducing the ministry books to the Principals and Pastors. One significant experience was the time of fellowship with the Principal of New Theological College who paid heed to whatever we had to introduce. Besides, he showed interest in the ministry literature and said he would consult the librarian and place order later. Once I discovered that he is a PhD and is a  professor of Old Testament Bible, I took no time to introduce the Recovery Version using Exodus 31 on the builder of the Tabernacle with footnotes. He was impressed and nodded in agreement of the profound revelation in the notes. I gave a word to send him the Life-Study of Genesis and Exodus, and encouraged him to purchase and study the Life-Study of the Bible.

My main burden in visiting this city, Doon or Dehradun, is for nothing less than the spreading and ministering of the ministry of the word. My heart is burdened to find out seekers who would stand for the Lord's testimony in Dehradun.

May the Lord gain His testimony in Dehradun.

Mussoorie

My first time to visit this famous Hill station, Mussoorie, well known for its altitude, cold weather, and educational center. Our sole objective of being in this city was for the distribution of the ministry of the word. Not knowing any, we just came with a  burden to meet the Christian leaders and introduce the ministry literature.

The first one we met was a leader of an age old church from the British time. He received us well and offered to introduce more Christian leaders in town. He himself bought a series of the New Believers Series by brother Watchman Nee and received free Rhema literature. The next person we met was a leader of a Methodist Church, who was so open to us and the ministry of the word. As we introduced the ministry literature to him, he immediately decided to get all the Hindi books. As we met him again later, post lunch on his insistence, he opened up furthermore and we fellowshipped at length on various crucial truths of the Bible including, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the economy of God, the Bible itself, a Christian life and the church. He was so interested in the ministry that he purchased all the books we had in our possession, and even ordered for what we did not have. He accepted us as his own brothers in the Lord and was so happy that we met. Deep with, my innate feeling was that this brother has a deep hunger and thirst for the word of God. Perhaps, even as he will enjoy the ministry of the word one day, he might as well take the stand for the Lord's testimony in this city. May the Lord work in Him and gain His testimony in Mussoorie!

This city is thinly populated yet a tourist destination, specially famous for its peak called Landour at 7500 feet above sea level. We hiked the mountain in search of "churches" only to find two of them locked and empty with no one to meet. They were built during the British rule too. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the physical beauty of the landscape surrounding the buildings, an aerial view of the snow clad Himalayas. Though we intend to meet more, even as many Christian leaders as possible, we met one more who was old in age and cold towards anything new. We therefore concluded that the one who welcomed us and paid the price to purchase all the ministry literature was the one reserved by the Lord for His testimony. This city also hosts training for the bureaucrats of the country, and here we are distributing the high peak truth in this city for the benefit of our fellow citizens. 

Mussoorie for Christ and the Church!

Bezalel

Exo. 31:21b  Bezalel  Exo. 35:30;  36:1, 8;  37:1;  38:22;  39:2;  1 Chron. 2:20; 2 Chron. 1:5

Bezalel was a master builder, a leader in God’s building. His name means in the shadow of God, indicating that as a master builder, Bezalel was a man under the shadow of God’s grace (cf. 1 Cor. 3:10a; 2 Cor. 12:9). Uri, the name of Bezalel’s father, means light of Jehovah, and Hur, the name of Bezalel’s grandfather, means free, noble, white (signifying clean and pure). These three names indicate what kind of persons the builders of God’s dwelling place should be.

In serving the Lord, all God’s children are and must be Bezalel. As the name signifies, Bezalel, must be under the shadow of God’s grace. Without being under the Lord's covering grace one cannot go on serving the Lord. For the attack of the enemy is severe against those serving the Lord.

Mathew 16:18 "I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." In the New Testament, we are today's builders of the church. What the Lord prophesied on the building of the church is very significant. He simply did not say that He will build the church, but also that the gates of Hades shall not prevail against the builded church.

Note from the Recovery Version:
Gates of Hades refers to Satan’s authority or power of darkness (Col. 1:13; Acts 26:18), which cannot prevail against the genuine church built by Christ upon this revelation concerning Him as the rock, with stones such as Peter, a transformed human being. This word of the Lord’s indicates also that Satan’s power of darkness will attack the church. Hence, there is spiritual warfare between Satan’s power, which is his kingdom, and the church, which is God’s Kingdom.

Today, as we serve the Lord in whatever way or whichever capacity, the gates of Hades will not be silent, rather, with all the evil forces of darkness it will attack the building work, especially the builders, if possible. And I have been experiencing the same in my service to the Lord.

This time the attack was very fierce before I set out for the recent ministry journey that I am undertaking at the moment. From my family side there was a conscious care for my cousin brother who could not attend to the office works because of his health and past habit. And the concern of my wife in my absence if things did not go well. Besides, the current economic crisis India is embroiled in, due to demonetisation of Rs.500 and Rs.1000 notes. Though our money is in the banks with our saving accounts but not withdrawable due to cash crunch at all banks and long queues of cashless clients at ATMs. On top of this, an official need to defend and confirm the truth against the false allegation of some unknown writer which was reported to be in printing and the need to stop such false accusations. Literally I was tossed in dilemma for at least a day. At one time, deciding to cancel the literature tour, and at other time, going for it as planned. But finally, after serious prayer and consideration I decided to go ahead as planned, trusting in the Lord's covering grace.

As I went ahead as planned against all odds, the Lord indeed blessed the decision as we have been experiencing now in our ministry literature journey.

Few days ago as I met the Principal of the largest Bible college in town and introduced the ministry of the word to him, I also read the Bible portion from Exodus concerning Bezalel, Uri and Hur and expounded it with spiritual revelation. I myself have been experiencing the same, the need for the covering of the Lord's grace as a serving one.

All serving ones of the Lord are Bezalel and must be under the Lord's covering grace. Otherwise, there is no way to build up the church and no way to go on in our service to the Lord.

Lord, keep me ever in Your covering grace. Amen.