Training: Inward and Outward

The Lord has been training me these days in all possible ways. I have been blessed to be under His divine dealing and training. Last week, we had a three days training on the recent international training for elders and responsible ones on "Being a Vessel unto Honor, a Fully Equipped Man of God, by Being Empowered in the Grace Which Is in Christ Jesus to Fully Accomplish Our Ministry in the Unique Ministry of God’s Economy." The speaking of the Lord has been timely. Though His speaking through the training were outward, His work has been intrinsic. Through His word, here a little there a little, the Lord does His work gradually, especially in me.

For three days, we, brothers in North India, came together at the meeting hall in New Delhi for the training. The Lord has been preparing our vessels to be a vessel unto honor usefull to the Master. But for this, He has been perfecting our vessels to be like that of a soldier who would not entangle himself in the affair of this life, an athlete who contends in the game, a laboring farmer who labors faithfully, a carpenter who cut straight the word of the truth, and a proper workman. All these are to constitute us to be useful to the Lord.

Suffer evil with me as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please the one who enlisted him. And also if anyone contends in the games, he is not crowned unless he contends lawfully. The laboring farmer must be the first to partake of the fruit. (2 Timothy 2:3-6, RecVer)

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

But in a great house there are not only gold and silver vessels but also wooden and earthen; and some are unto honor, and some unto dishonor. If therefore anyone cleanses himself from these, he will be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, useful to the master, prepared unto every good work. (2 Timothy 2:20-21, RecVer)

This was how I experienced the Lord’s perfecting outwardly through His speaking. But following this training ,we also had another two days of seekers' training. This training, though at the very outset, it might be for the seekers, but it was a training for me particularly. My inward being has been dealt with by this training. I bore the responsibility for inviting and taking care of them all. Though only half of the ones who confirmed to join turned up, the training went on. This was a dealing for my inward being that I should not boast of anything relating to the seekers. 

To care for the seekers, I looked to the Lord for those who came and also for those who could not come. Besides, throughout the training, I was with the seekers, learning together with them and taking care of them. Out of my own burden, I also took part in whatever way I could. I spent and I was being spent for the sake of the seekers. It was a burden to bear, but with the Lord’s grace, everything was taken care. The saints in the church in New Delhi and Gurugram coordinated to take care of the hospitality. In this way, we all bore the same burden together. What a learning and what a training! Praise the Lord! These two trainings were a training for me inwardly and outwardly. What the Lord spoke became my experience. His hand followed His words. What a grace!

Lord, make me a vessel useful to You, a vessel unto honor.

Give Thanks for All Things

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28, RecVer)

Giving thanks at all times for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father, (Ephesians 5:20, RecVer)

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:17, RecVer)

All things work together for good! Yes, indeed. But do you give things for all things that work together for good? It is one thing to acknowledge and accept the fact that all things in our life work together for good. This, many Christians have accepted it in obedience to the word of God. But the issue here is not the mere acceptance of the fact, but the giving thanks for all things that have happened. This is the challenge here.

Two weeks ago, in a fellowship with a brother I saw this new light of the need for giving thanks at all times for all things. I do accept many things that happened to my life as allowed by the Lord. In fact, I always acknowledged that He is sovereign over all. But rarely did I do so with thanksgiving. I accepted the facts but "with grudgingly, murmuring, complain, and even opinion." The Lord exposed who I was inwardly. Though I might display self control and handled the situations spiritually, deep within me, I did not give thanks for what had transpired. I was exposed. This was a new lesson learnt on that day of the fellowship. I thank the Lord for using the brother to open my eyes and see who I had actually been all this while. 

This fellowship also led me to realise that many things that the Lord sovereignly allowed in my life, though I did not like many of them initially but I accepted all of them gradually, were the best for me. Now, having realised that they were indeed the best, I can eventually give thanks for all those things that had transpired. The realisation of God’s will, not merely accepting the fact as God’s sovereignty, enabled me to give thanks to God for all things. This should be the case, henceforth. Give thanks for all things at all times!

When this is the realisation, it is also the knowing of God’s will. For, all things that the Lord allows is His will. To acknowledge and give thanks for all things is the understanding of God’s will, and infact, the doing of God’s will as well. This truth revealed to me through the brother's fellowship is a great salvation to me. What a relief, what a salvation!

I even shared my newly found revelation and realisation to all the brothers in the fellowship right there at Lemon Tree, suite room, in Sector 56, Gurugram where we brothers gathered together for two days.

It is one thing to pursue, study, know, and speak the truth, yet it is altogether another thing to receive light from the truth. The Lord has blessed His recovery with the ministry of the word. I pray that I should not miss the knowing, pursuing, and studying of the truth. Much more, I must receive light and revelation through the truth that has been ministered to us richly.

Lord, open up Your word and give me light!

The opening of Your words gives light, Imparting understanding to the simple. (Psalms 119:130, RecVer)

The Father’s Will

Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the times of the ages (2 Timothy 1:9, RecVer)

But you have closely followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, long-suffering, love, endurance, (2 Timothy 3:10, RecVer)

The will of the Father is to accomplish His own purpose, of His chosen ones to enter into the kingdom of the heavens, relating to the saving of sinners and perfecting the saved sinners to be builded up in the Body of Christ. This was Paul's purpose which was also God’s purpose. Paul was so one with God that his purpose is one with God’s purpose. And he laboured all his life to fulfill God’s purpose as his purpose. Therefore, he did not ceasing praying for the believers that they also may be filled with the full knowledge of God’s will.

Therefore we also, since the day we heard of it, do not cease praying and asking on your behalf that you may be filled with the full knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, (Colossians 1:9, RecVer)

Apart from God’s purpose, everything and anything anyone does will only amount to nothing. Hence, it is imperative to first of all know God's will and then serve God according to His will. Lest, the Lord would deny knowing the so called servants of God doing their own will in the name of the Lord. To such, the Lord will even dubbed them as workers of lawlessness. What a terrifying words to hear this denial from the Lord? This word sends chill down my being in fear and trembling before God, not to be disapproved. So, better look to Lord now and make sure that whatever one does is indeed according to the Father’s perfect will.

Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but he who does the will of My Father who is in the heavens. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, was it not in Your name that we prophesied, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name did many works of power? And then I will declare to them: I never knew you. Depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness. (Matthew 7:21-23, RecVer)

Having warned of not doing the Father’s will, one must walk the way that leads to life, the constricted way of the narrow gate. This way is the way of the cross, denying the self, and following the Lord Jesus absolutely.

Enter in through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter through it. Because narrow is the gate and constricted is the way that leads to life, and few are those who find it. (Matthew 7:13-14, RecVer)

The constricted way of the Lord seems tough, but the grace of the Lord will enable all the faithful servants of God take this way. God always grace His children who follows Him absolutely. This may as well be connected to taking up the Father’s yoke and learning from the Lord whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light.

Come to Me all who toil and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30, RecVer)

In summary, to do the will of the Father, one must seek the Father’s will first of all. Then, take the Father’s will as our own will. Henceforth, it is the Father who will grace His children to accomplish His will. Thereby, enabling all His children to rest while laboring all the while and yet fulfill His will.

This revelation is yet a salvation to me. I labor yet I rest in the Lord while laboring. His grace is sufficient for me. This makes serving the Lord so enjoyable. Because, it is He who does the willing and working for His won purpose. I even shared this message to the believers in a meeting online to the brothers and sisters in Madhya Pradesh.

For it is God who operates in you both the willing and the working for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13, RecVer)

Lord, preserve me in You, resting in You while I labor to fulfill Your will, all the days of my life.

Ministry of the Word to Dalhousie and Chamba

Chamba and Dalhousie have been in my heart to visit for the introduction and distribution of the ministry books. This time, the Lord opened the door for us. Though we did not know anyone when we planned to visit, only the night before we left for Chamba, a contact was introduced. After some calls and fellowship, we had to readjust our schedule. The Lord was behind the scene.

We discerned that it would be better for us to visit Dalhousie first according to the Spirit's leading felt in our spirit. Therefore, we went to a village near Dalhousie to hisue of a brother who was introduced just the night before we met. In fact, our host happened to be the most senior Christian leader who shepherds the biggest Christian congregation in Dalhousie. As we introduced the ministry books, they selected almost all the books I carried along with me, paving the way for the ministry to spread. 

Later, we visited Dalhousie hill station and met with the CNI Pastor. As soon as we introduced the ministry book, he thanked the Lord for bringing us to him. He had been longing for some good Christian literature and the Lord met his longing by sending us to him. Since the meeting hall was a centre of tourist attraction too, the Pastor also requested for more books that can be given out to anyone who would be interested. In this way, the door to Dalhousie was opened up.

After an overnight stay with our host, we went to Chamba the next day morning where another Pastor received us and took care of us. The moment he heard about the ministry books and the Recovery Version Bible, he immediately place ld order for the entire set along with the Bible. Then, he took us to visit other Pastors to whom the ministry was introduced. With these few Pastors, we covered the key Christian leaders in Chamba. 

Though, our plan us to travel by bus to Pathankot to board our late night train, the meetings with Pastors took more time than expected. We had to take a cab instead. This cab became the vehicle the Lord alloted for us to commute in the town for the distribution. We tentatively planned something, which if we were to strictly follow, it was impractical. The Lord was sovereign and led us according to His plan instead. Therefore, we could accomplish the purpose of ministry books introduction and distribution. Praise the Lord!

Thus, the burden for Himachal Pradesh was released and the practical sowing of the seed was carried out. In His time, the Lord will accomplish His heart's desire. 

Lord, raise up Your testimony in Dalhousie and Chamba!

Ministry of the Word to Dharamsala

Since our flight to Dharamshala was cancelled, to save time, we decided to travel overnight by bus. Therefore, we took an AC Volvo bus so that we could get some sleep to have enough strength for the next day. The bus was to take about 9 hours journey, but it got delayed by over an hour as the battery blasted just before it even started from Shimla. After a long overnight journey of over 9 hours, our bus got stuck on a muddy road and we got stranded for over four hours. After a long wait in the road, a car drove by and with three other passenegers we were rescued. Nonetheless, all these worked together for good. Otherwise, it would be troublesome for our host too. Later, we came to realise that even if we were to arrive earlier, he was busy for other works. Our delayed arrival time was apt for him and us. So that, we could go straight to the meeting hall for the Lord’s Day meeting.

We were welcomed by the Pastor of the church meeting we attended,  and were also given time to l introduce the ministry books to the believers at the meeting hall. Then, a family took us for lunch and had a time of fellowship with his family along with personally introducing the ministry books. And then, we went to the house of a brother who was our host.

The next day morning, we introduced the ministry books to a group of IT people in a small company run by a brother as his tent making ministry. They all were very encouraged with the truth we presented to them. All of them received the ministry books, and some paid the price to purchase even more books.

We then visited McLoad Ganj and spent a considerable amount of time to a group of serving ones who were laboring among the Tibetans. I was so impressed by the consecration and dedication they had towards the Lord. They poured themselves out to bring the good news to the unreached. Many of them received the ministry books and purchased them too.

On our way back, we briefly visited The "Church of St. John the Wilderness" where a funeral meeting was just concluded. We were able to meet some believers and introduced the ministry.

Then, in the afternoon, a group of Pastors and missionaries came together at the house of our host where we introduced the ministry books to all of them. A good percentage of them placed order for the ministry books. One particular brother was so seeking that he came back for more fellowship. Since he was seeking and interested to know more, I gifted him some crucial books on the church as I also discerned that he was also in need. To our host too, we presented a couple of ministry books. 

Thus, the burden for Dharamshala was released. The seed has been sown. Now, we look to the Lord to cause the growth and that there be a harvest one day.

Lord, gain Your testimony in Dharamshala!

Ministry of the Word to Shimla

On our way from Reckong Peo to Shimla via Rampur, we were forced to detour due to landslide on the mountain road. It took us about an hour longer and a rougher road drive with a further delay to our destination. Even when we arrived Shimla, it was about midnight and we had nothing arranged for our accommodation yet. Still, as we got off the bus, there were travel agents on the road side who led us to an affordable hotel. We stay for the night and were to catch our flight the following morning. But as we got ready to leave for airport the next morning there were thunderstorms and rain. Then we received a call from a flight operator informing us of the flight cancellation at the last minute. 

Initially, we were a little disappointed. But as we considered and fellowshipped together, we realised that the Lord wanted to do something in Shimla. Otherwise, we had no plan in this city this time. So, I started calling all the contacts from Shimla recorded in my phone. Two brothers wanted to meet. One immediately, and the other in the afternoon. As soon as we had our breakfast, we went to meet the brother in the Ridge at The Indian Coffee House.

As we sipped our coffee facung the the brother, I started off by introducing who we are, then the Holy Bible Recovery Version, and the ministry books in English and Hindi. The moment I finished introducing the ministry, the brother placed order for all the ministry books in Hindi and English along with the Recovery Version. He happened to be one of the key Christian leaders in Shimla and are in network with many other Christian groups in Himachal Pradesh. The Lord opened this door for the ministry to be distributed among all the seeking believers in Shimla!

Even as we were fellowshipping about the ministry books, two more brothers joined in. To them, we also introduced the Recovery Version Bible and the ministry books. One of them is a retired secretary of an Indian Army officer who also purchased the Recovery Version Bible. 

Later, another brother came to meet us. He also is taking care of a small group of believers meeting as "house church" in Shimla and surrounding areas. Thus, our whole day was well utilised in meeting these brothers. The Lord knew who were the ones we should meet. Therefore, led us accordingly, and even cancelled our flight.

Lord, gain Shimla for Your testimony!

Sabbath Rest

Come to Me all who toil and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30, RecVer)

This week, I enjoyed the Lord’s uptodate speaking on resting upon Him by enjoying Him as the reality of the Sabbath. God rested on the seventh day because He created man and accomplished His heart's desire. His resting had to do with having His expression and representation on the earth through the created man. Later, this seventh day was commemorated as the Sabbath Day. 

The Sabbath Day is not a religious observance to be ritualistically followed nor is it the sanctify of a day. The Sabbath Day is the day of resting in the Lord with a prefect peace and complete satisfaction. This day was ordained by the Lord for us to remember to enjoy and rest in Him all the days of our lives on this earth.

What I enjoyed most about this truth is, to enjoy the resting in the Lord, one must come to Him first. Christians have been toiling and laboring so much. If not outwardly, at least inwardly. Too many struggles and too many toiling in vain. The reason for this is obvious; they are not doing the will of the Lord. In their ignorance of God’s will, they try many things blindly and ended up nowhere, only toiling without definite and satisfactory result that pleases God. 

The lesson to learn here is, come to the Lord, take the Lord’s yoke by doing the will of God, and learning from the Lord. The Lord Jesus,  while on the earth, did everything according to the Father. In like manner, we must learn from the Lord and do everything according to the will of the Father. When this condition is fulfilled, there will be perfect peace and complete satisfaction. Then, there will be the reality of the Sabbath Day.

In fact, the will of the Father is easy. For where God leads, He makes the way. His grace is sufficient where His will leads His children. In doing God’s will, everything is at ease and at peace. Inwardly and outwardly, there is complete satisfaction. There is complete rest and peace. 

I enjoyed this truth so much as it was proven by my personal experiences of the Lord. I shared it last Wednesday to a group of seeking ones from Madhya Pradesh online, and today I also I prophesied on the Sabbath rest. It turned out that many saints also enjoyed the same matter and many prophesied on the same point of truth.

Lord, draw me to come to You daily, to take up Your yoke by doing Your perfect will, to rest in You as my Sabbath, and to enjoy Your perfect peace and complete satisfaction!