Genuine Spirituality : In the Body

The greatest test of our spirituality is the Body! What a statement this is! Though I have heard this before and read about it a couple of times, it never dawned on me the reality of this statement. 

Last week I was deeply longing to spend time with the Lord in fasting and prayer. Every time I planned, something or the other related to my coordination in the church service came in between. But every time I reconsidered to make a choice, the Lord reminded me this statement again and again, "the greatest test of my spirituality is me being in the Body, serving in, with and for the Body." So the coordination in the Body took preference over my own personal thirst for spirituality. But as I took the way of the Body, I experienced the Lord's abundant life supply!

It was Thursday night, last week, when I wanted to  fast and pray. As I was about to set out a sister informed me of the need for visiting a new family from whom also we planned to purchase some furniture. My innate response was to say no, but on considering it over, the Lord reminded me to take care of the need at the moment, to visit that new family. On my own personal assessment I was very weak, but as I went with the saints to meet the new family, life flowed out in our fellowship in gospel preaching by way of giving a testimony of how the Lord saved me from the mixture of two religions, Christianity and Hindusim, into Christ. After the gospel testifying I felt so happy and nourished. The Lord's speaking in the ministry was confirmed; my spirituality is in the Body life.

The next day, I wanted to plan another fasting and prayer time. But a new group meeting was started of which I felt I must attend.  Once again, I had to deny my spiritual taste and blend with the saints in the flow of the Spirit in and through the Body. I went for the group meeting wherein we pursued the truth concerning "Consecration." It was so life supplying and life flowing again. Instead of me praying individually I could pray and fellowship with the saints and enjoyed the Lord's supply in the Body very much.

Again on the following day, I attempted to do the same personal spiritual exercise. but the whole day I was fellowshipping with the brothers concerning the church matters. Later, in the afternoon, we prayed together and went out for gospel preaching. The burden within me for gospel preaching was so strong that I just flowed out preaching the gospel to a dozen of people in a park. Some have believed and called upon the Lord's name with the sinners' prayer. It was a joyful moment indeed, in the Body. And after the gospel preaching we went to a suburb area for a home meeting. There too, the flow of the Spirit was so sweet.

In all these incidents, though I could not carry out what I personally intended to, but the Lord's speaking and anointing was very rich. The Lord taught me and made me experience that my genuine spirituality must be tested in the Body, by the Body and for the Body. What a precious lesson! 

Of course, the Lord also gave me time to really fast and pray on some other day. The point here is, I must know the Body, living in the Body, care for the Body and always be conscious of the Body even at the cost of my own personal spirituality. A genuine and real spiritual person cares for the Body and lives in the Body. What a blessed lesson with rich experiences!

Subtle Leavens

In the Full Ministry of Christ class today, I was so much enlightened by a brother's' speaking concerning leavens.  What impressed me most were four out of the nine points in how the enemy Satan corrupts the church by leavening the church.

Hypocrisy: Acts 5 : 1-11 records the hypocritical act of Ananias and Sapphira in trying to imitate the work of the Holy Spirit by actually lying to the Holy Spirit. Often, on witnessing what the Lord has done in others may cause jealousy and envy, and the pride of not being worked upon by the Holy Spirit, is tempting to duplicate the Holy Spirit's work by false consecration, and not being absolute to God. But faking it as though the Lord really does His work, is a real hypocrisy and in fact, a blasphemous sin. These sounds "good and spiritual" work, but actually is a lying to the Holy Spirit. This is a subtle leaven. Ascetism: Religiosity coupled with superstition always leads to ascetism. This is very common in India and among religious people including Christians. It is very common when one commits sins and is convicted by the Holy Spirit. In stead of exercising the spirit to follow the Lord's leading, it is easy to fall into the trap of Satan by trying to punish oneself as though for "atonement" of one's sins. This act of punishing oneself for one's sins may fall into various category. Example, of barring oneself from the Lord's table meeting, or avoiding the bread and wine served, or willfully undergoing self-imposed punishment of not attending any meeting or not meeting any one including the saints and the likes. These are quite common even among believers. This is how the enemy traps the believers in ascetism. And this is a heinous leaven that leavens the church life. Be aware of this subtlety. Nationalism: Though in the church one may proclaim and profess the one new man by mouthing out loud that we are for Christ and the church and that in the church there is no room for anything except Christ. Yet when faced with a situation of coordination in the work of the Lord or the church life, of different nationality or race or social status, this leaven was easily exposed. In my experience it has been expressed subtly in marriage proposal among believers in the church-life of different nationality and race. In the light of the Lord, this is a leaven, and this has damaged the believers in the Body of Christ and has caused a lot of division already, based on nationality, race, culture, social status etc.,. 

Good natural man : Yet even more subtle leaven is when a brother or sister with natural talent and gifts displays their naturalness in immaturity as wolves in sheep's clothing. Just because they are naturally talented, can even give "good messages" with correct Biblical teachings and very profound too in the presentation of the truth. But all in the natural man. This is the "good flesh" which is very subtle and difficult to identify because of its "goodness". Only spiritual maturity and discernment can identify such subtlety. This also is a leaven. Of course, the gift of being gifted is good, but it all must be dealt with by the cross through the Spirit that all the gifts may be useful in resurrection for the building up of the Body of Christ.

These subtle leavens are real revelations to me today. In fact, they are in me and I take them before the Lord to be dealt with, that the Lord may have mercy on me and save me from such leavens. 

Lord, purge all the leavens in me, purify and sanctify me! Thank you for Your speaking today in a fresh way. Preserve me and save me!

Testifying the Truth

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman, cutting straight the word of the truth. 2 Timothy 2 :15 

A research scholar from an university in China came to research on the Christian experiences of Christ and the church in the local churches in the Lord's recovery in India,  yesterday, accompanied by two brothers from the DCP. It was a blessed time to testify of what the Lord had done and has been doing in my life. Though the conversation ought to be a "Q and A" or an "interview", in the Lord's presence it was more of a testimony of presenting oneself of my personal life experiences as it was and as it has been. 

Initially, it was an answering of questions, but later, the Lord's presence was so rich in our lunch "interview" that I almost forgot my lunch as I testified incident by incident of what the Lord had done. Beginning from my Christian life and my own "research" for the truth concerning the Church and how my seeking for the truth led me to more further research on the teachings of brother Watchman Nee and Witness Lee, "the local church movement of the Lord's recovery" and "the Living Stream Ministry publication." Besides I testified of how the evil and negative writings against their teachings and false accusations only ignited my hunger and thirst to dive into the depth of their teachings and practices which ultimately led me into the church-life of the Lord's recovery. I testified too that it was all the mercy of the Lord that I was granted the grace to participate in the fellowship of the Body of Christ. 

Moreover, at length, I testified of the truths revelation from the Holy Bible through the help of the ministry of brother Watchman Nee, Witness Lee and the Living Stream Ministry publication and how they have been very instrumental in clarifying my doubts caused by the opposers in their false and misaiming allegations. What Satan did to harm the work of the ministry had sovereignly been used by God in a display of His multifarious wisdom to help a believer like me to study, research and pray over, for about two years and finally recovered me out of the denominational fold into the church-life. What a mercy of God, what a grace of God! To such deeds of God's wisdom, I extol the heavenly God and Father of all, in praise and worship! All Satanic and subtle works even in the cloak of "apologetic Christian" only help me discover the truth of the Bible and be recovered! To this, praise be to the Triune God! Hallelujah!  

I also did testify of the struggle I went through when I followed the Spirit's leading by light, life and peace within, when being accused falsely by my fellows believers. All the accusations were mostly "hearsay" without any solid basis and proof. In fact, the more and stronger the opposition, the more my faith grew in the Lord, the more I appreciated the writings of the ministry and the more my experiences and enjoyments of Christ grew. And how I "cut straight the word of the truth" when asked questions like "Triune God, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit's baptism, the Church etc," using the Bible verses to proof my belief and what the Bible says. 

I also testified of defending the truth as I understood from the Spirit's revelation of the Holy Bible to those who dare to oppose without any solid biblical proof, all those, face to face. The truth is the truth, and no one can lower it just because their understanding or belief does not come up to the standard of the Bible. I gave few experiences I had in the last years' Christian Expo in Bangalore. How a strong opposer on meeting him face to face for "fellowship" was silenced and ended up requesting to read the writing of brother Witness Lee, whom he accused a little while earlier, not knowing what he accused the teaching for. All these opposers hardly read any of the ministry or at the most, partially read and misaimed it or twisted it to mean otherwise, or just used the ministry with impure motive trying to forged it as a tool of attack. The ministry is not for debate, but for the ministering of life for the building up of the Body of Christ.

When faced with such a situation of testifying for the Lord and the truth of the Bible, my spirit was flamed up. And I rejoiced in releasing my burden on defense of the truth, for I am sure, it was the Lord within me, empowering me to testify whenever opportunity arises; of course, to the right people, with the right attitude, at the right time and at the right place. Such occasion is rare, in fact, very rare. Its like an opportunity once in a blue moon.

What a blessing indeed to be graced to testify to be diligent to present myself approved to God, an unashamed workman, cutting straight the word of the truth. May the Lord grand me more grace in His time for more of such testifying. 

Truth triumphs! And always will.... 

Honor Thy Parent (2)

Another opportunity yet again to be able to honor my parent. Last year, it was mostly monetary, but this time its all inclusive, (http://palmeichung.blogspot.in/search?q=honor+thy+parent). In fact, the Lord's speaking to me these days is on the matter of "honoring my parent". Today, in our life-study pursuit, it was of honoring our parent again. This is the way we honor God who is the source of life. The blessings accompanying this are longevity of life on this earth and blessings.

Matthew 15:4For God said, "Honor your father and your mother,'' and, "He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.''

Footnote 1 : God in His government among men has ordained that man should honor his parents. He has made this the first commandment among the ten commandments that concerns human relationships (Exo. 20:12). Fallen human nature, however, always prompts man to ignore his parents, that is, to rebel against God's government. In order to bring man back to God's government, the Lord as the heavenly King emphasized that man should honor his parents. This corresponds with His word in the constitution of the kingdom of the heavens concerning the fulfillment of the law (5:17-19). Hence, the apostle also emphasized this matter strongly (Eph. 6:1-3; Col. 3:20). We, the kingdom people, must honor our parents and not excuse ourselves as the Jewish religionists did.

(http://online.recoveryversion.org/FootNotes.asp?FNtsID=593)

My wife's parent and my own parent came and stayed with us for about a month. Since we are all in the Lord and one in Christ, it is a glory joined-family-life. Prior to their arrival it was anxiety and a lot of concern. But we left every matter to the Lord, and also reckoned it the Lord's sovereign will, and indeed it is, and as we lives together it is a real joy indeed. All thoughts of anxiety before are actually a matter of joy now. The love, joy, and peace shared among us mutually are all the Lord's blessings. What a blessing to be able to honor our parents in whatever way we can!

Besides, as a cherishing, the Lord blessed us to be able to take care of all their physical needs, yes even in abundance. Even in small matters of shopping and buying things for them, especially my dad, and even in taking care of his diet and health. In fact, making him joyful, happy and satisfied. When my parents are happy and well taken care of properly, the joy of being a caretaker is wonderful. 

Once upon a time it was he who took care of all my physical needs, and now the Lord gave me the opportunity and the blessings and grace to be able to do the same thing back to him. This to me is the blessing of God as a result of honoring my parent. Having stated thus, I in no way mean to say that I have done the best, but I do say, the Lord blessed me to bless them in return according to His grace. Here indeed is great blessing in honoring our parent according to the word of God.

Simple and humble is our living. We do not prepare too many things for them, but what we have we all shared together, and we would not go beyond our measure for the sake of hospitality. Nothing much for any world entertainment like TV or newspaper even. Not that we could not afford, but that we do not prefer to possess them. So their stay with us is a real time of rest, separation and sanctification for them. Nothing much to do except play around with the children at times, my parent have a lot of time to read the Bible, pursue the life-studies and pray. Both my fathers have testified that their lives are sanctified by staying with us for sometime. On the one hand, I felt sorry that many things as other families in the world do, we do not offer, yet on the other hand, I am very thankful to the Lord that they can adapt with the normal family life we have been living. And much more, it is a great blessing to learn that they feel sanctified by being with us. To me this is the Lord's blessings. For I am very conscious of my own shortcomings, both physical and spiritual. All are the Lord's blessings! Hallelujah!

Honoring our parent is a blessing to receive the Lord's blessings. 

Lord, grace me to honor my parent all the days of my life.

Words of Grace

For all big and important matters we are very serious and exercise our spirit to pray. Especially in prophesying, gospel preaching, shepherding or contacting people or giving messages or fellowshipping with the fellow believers. That's very good. How about doing the same in small, minute and less significant matters like talking to our spouses or children? In fact, these are the areas where we need more grace. Our reflex actions are our genuine personality. It is in small things where the fall begins.

I have been so convicted recently of my shortcoming in the matter of speaking. An after-thought speakings all have been carefully worded with much sobriety, soberness and sincerity. But cases are not always as these. Mostly, it have been of instant utterances or reactions to actions. The ministry speaking helps me in this matter that I need much more grace in my speaking; if I can find grace in my speaking, I can possibly find grace in all things else.

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but only that which is good for building up, according to the need, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 

Often whatever proceeds out of our mouth and that does not minister Christ to the hearer are all "corrupt words". Yes, words that do not proceed from the spirit within, words that are not of the Lord and words that do not supply grace are all "corrupt words". How many such corrupt words have I spoken thus far? The Lord cover me with His blood.

The Lord convicted me also in at least five cases where I have not ministered words of grace. In my natural concept, I have recommended certain brothers as "very good brothers" for the Lord's testimony. But later they all do not turn out to be as good as I thought. In fact, they all seem to be "problematic" and are of "rebellious" in nature. Nevertheless, I keep praying for them. But the lesson I learned is marvelous. My thoughts, my opinions or my proposals are all natural. I was exposed and I learned not to praise nor backbite anyone; rather I must exercise to be one with the Lord and express His feelings only, with words of grace. This experience taught me not to be over excited or exaggerate on any good points of someone naturally, nor criticize or backbite bitterly. Rather leave every matter to the Lord and let Him speak in His own time with His own words.

Another big matter is that when one is not even aware of his speech and it has been hurting others unintentionally and unknowingly. What a great danger this is!

Finding grace in the matter of speaking is a great grace indeed. Since this experience my prayer has been that  "no corrupt word proceed out of my mouth, but only that which is good for building up, according to the need, that it may give grace to those who hear". 

O, word of grace be my speaking everyday! 

Yea, words that minsters Christ!

Yea, words that builds up!

Words, full of grace!

God Promises Blessings

"...for Jehovah your God will bless you in all your produce and in all your undertakings; therefore you shall be nothing but joyful". Deuteronomy 16:15b

The Lord's fresh speaking was so strong last Saturday in my time with Him. He promised me a word of promise again "...for Jehovah your God will bless you in all your produce and in all your undertakings; therefore you shall be nothing but joyful". Immediately I messaged to many contacts and the reply was a word of thanks for the Lord's speaking of blessing. The word is ever fresh and living and the Lord keeps speaking...

This same verse was so much anointed of the Lord when I pray-read with the serving ones in the distribution and also in our vital small group. The more we pray-read, the more the verse became real to us, and the more our faith grew. Even last night, this verse was pray-read over again and again for quite sometime and nourished us so much in our prayer and fellowship. Though the outward real situation seem not very promising and bright, the Lord's word broke through the darkness and gave us bright hope and strong faith. Hallelujah!

God's blessings are not limited; He blesses and blesses richly according to His riches, and He always blesses. But there are conditions to receiving God's blessings. God's love, for sure, is unconditional, but His blessings are conditional, even though He is a God of blessings and wants to bless His children. As revealed especially in the book of Deuteronomy, His blessings comes with conditions. The two most prominent conditions are obedience to His words and faithfulness to Him. Without these two conditions being met, the God of blessings cannot bless. No wonder many children of the God today lives in poverty of God's blessing. The sure reason is, somehow, somewhere there must have been disobedience to the Lord's word and His speaking and leading, or unfaithfulness to Him in some matters. Once these holes are mend, the Lord's blessings will be spontaneous. By this I in no way mean to imply physical blessings solely. For God's blessings are discerned and realised spiritually. What the world reckons as blessings may be curses to God; and what the world reckons as curses may be blessings to God. And all God's blessings always leads to "joyfulness", a sure undeniable sign. 

God's blessings in all your produce! Whatever comes out of us is a blessing; our living, our expression, our family and our children. All these are blessings and will be blessings too. God's blessings in all your undertakings! Whatever we do, whomever we meet, wherever we are, there will be blessings, in fact, there are or at least must have been. This is the promise of God. Amen.

And finally, "you shall be nothing but joyful". The issue of being being by God is always joyfulness. Joy is God, and in God we are joyful! What a blessing to receive this promise of blessings!

Lord grace me to experience and enjoy all these promises of blessings all the days of my life, and may it multiply to all whom You brought me to contact with.

One in Christ

Eight years I have been married to my beloved wife, yet our parents have never met. But this time the Lord led all of us to meet and live together for a couple of days. Similar case as this is very unusual, but in the Lord everything is working out at the perfect time.

A union of two different families from two different nationalities and two different races and culture is possible only in Christ. My "in-laws" are my "in-the -Lord", and in the Lord, there is oneness, for the Lord is only one. 

How much have the Lord accomplished in us, I do not know. Yet what the Lord has done is really marvelous. In Christ, we all get along, understand one another and are blended in the Body.Reviewing of all that the Lord has done, I marvel in wonder the great things the Lord has done especially in my family. Everything is a blessing; be it spiritual, physical, psychological or even financial, the Lord's blessings are upon us. What a grace, what a mercy! I have no word to thank the Lord enough.

Personally I have not done enough, to both our parents, in an outward way to specially accommodate them or cherish them during their stay with us. I don't even know what is the best way to give hospitality to them. But normally, I just live out as usual and let them join in the flow of our family life in India. The Lord is gracious to arrange circumstances where we can all experience the real Indian life of serving the Lord, and the real church-life here in Gurgaon with the saints visiting and inviting us for love-feast and fellowship. Few occasion of outing, and a memorable family photograph with a banner "One in Christ". What more can I expect? To me this is sufficient- a normal and simple living together in oneness in Christ.

Now with three children, none of them was planned, the Lord just gave us by surprise. And all of them are growing in the grace of God, and sometimes, I still soliloquies , "Am I dreaming? Or are all these for real?" Just to wake up from mind's sleep and exalt in praise to the sovereign God, "Yes, all these are for real! It's all the Lord's blessings. And all for the Lord and His economy". Yes, all for the Lord, and we are " One in Christ" for Christ and the church.

Thank You Lord, for my family, making us One in Christ! Preserve us ever in this oneness.