Monday, September 06, 2010

PROPHECY - A GODLY COUNSEL!!

I am urged to write this note. I have been following through a mail from a servant of God that I received on July 16, 2010, which I indeed shared with you all. This mail is prophetic and Holy Spirit has been mentoring me based on the content of the mail.

This mail has just outlined the deeper things and blessings of God. Holy Spirit has been digging out the treasures hidden in this mail to bless you and me. The next word of study was in fact the "Favor of God," which the God's Servant mentions "I believe your best days are ahead. That's why I teach so much about favor. God's plan is bigger than just what He wants to do for you — it grows into what God wants to do through you." Though it is mentioned in the mail, "I teach so much about favor of God," I couldn't get access into his teachings on Favor of God. But God has been really gracious to teach on the favor of God through Ps. Tommy Tenny who visited our church service and other servants of God  over the past weeks.

We do discover from the teachings that God has already favored us so much, but if we do not DOCUMENT the ways and means by which we get the Favor of the KING, we may forget things and may not be able to pass it on to the next generation. Deut 11:20 (11: 16 - 25 must read).

Prophecy is a divinely inspired prediction, instruction, exhortation, utterance or revelation. Bible is full of prophecies. In the book of Genesis itself God has prophesied the redemptive work of Christ on the cross that was going to happen thousands of years later and God has reconfirmed it at various places throughout the Old Testament until it was actually accomplished in the New Testament period. Mary and Joseph were pre-informed of the birth of Christ, the Messiah, in their family and they were given the mission to protect the CHILD from the enemy. Prophecy is a very good gift that is used by GOD to guide us in the way that we should go. But we should never be over-dependent on any prophet or prophecy alone. A few years ago, I had been over-dependent on prophets and prophecies and OTHERS' PRAYERS. God gave me so many prophecies in my life and I was just waiting to have them come true in my life. Some of the prophecies did not come to pass at all. God in all His grace taught me to RELY ONLY ON HIM, HIS WORD, HIS HOLY SPIRIT; HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SOURCE OF THE GIFT OF PROPHECY. Nevertheless, God has taught me also to find TRUE PROPHETS who are a source of revelation of God's heart and mind. II Chronicles 20:20 says - Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful."  In these days of false prophets and prophetess, You can completely trust the LORD TO SHOW YOU HIS PROPHETS, whose godly counsel will help you succeed.

In the initial stage of your christian life, God may allow you to run behind prophets, but to teach you about seeking Him and His presence in your daily life and to develop a more intimate relationship with you He will disappoint you by not speaking through a prophet whom you have sought.  In stead, God would urge you or push you to devote yourselves in His presence and spend time with Him, where He would choose to interact with You. 

ALWAYS SEEK GODLY COUNSEL. ALSO, ASPIRE FOR THE GIFT OF PROPHECY TO BE GIVEN TO YOU. Nevertheless, NEVER BE OVER DEPENDENT ON PROPHECIES ALONE, BUT FOCUS ON THE INTIMACY WITH JESUS, He will lead you and guide you through HIS WORD, HIS SPIRIT, and HIS WAYS, including PROPHECIES. Bless you!!

Written By: Shanta S. Daniel
[Copyright@ Permission is granted to duplicate this article in its entirety, but only without additions, alterations or omissions of any kind, including the author and ministry name at the end]

Friday, August 13, 2010

"Eternal pleasures!!!"

In Psalms 16:11 we read - You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand."

Pleasure refers to the feeling of being pleased and happy - it is a positive feeling. Pleasure and pain are antonyms to each other. God wants to encourage us by reminding us of the pleasures in Christian life. Christian life is a holy life. Holy life is not a dull, boring, painful life. Holy life really has joy, adventure, and pleasures. We do not need to get to heaven ENDURING Christian life all the time. There is happiness, joy, fun in Christian life and we can "feel like heaven" on earth. Our life with Jesus is filled with surprises and happiness. Every time God teaches us from HIS TREASURES, there is immense pleasure. Every time we worship God and do the Will of the Father, we are filled with divine joy, happiness, and hope. Every time He pours out His goodness in our lives and every time we come to know of Him more, there is unspeakable happiness.

God wants us to enjoy the pleasures that last forever and not the pleasures of sin, which is a "negative pleasure" that is short-lived and results in death (of the soul). Hebrews 11:25. There are "eternal pleasures" at His right hand. God's right hand is majestic, displays awesome deeds. There is so much pleasure when we meditate on His mighty deeds and wonders that He has done in our lives.

In Psalms 77: 12-14 - we read -
"I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples."

So, let us be encouraged today to look forward to happier days as we have a grand future in Jesus and our best days are yet to come!! God Bless You!!!

Written By: Shanta S. Daniel
[Copyright@ Permission is granted to duplicate this article in its entirety, but only without additions, alterations or omissions of any kind, including the author and ministry name at the end]

"Increase!!!"


How fascinating this word is!! In general sense, on hearing this one gets "fired up," excited; why???!!! it generally denotes a positive term or effect; increase in wealth, wisdom, knowledge, happiness, or prosperity.

God wants to turn our attention to this kind of increase, which is mentioned in John 3:30. John said to his disciples, "He (Jesus) must Increase, I must decrease." This is a personal message for me. I don't write anything that touches my brain, but that touches my heart. This is my personal prayer - "Let Christ increase and Let Him become greater."

Let this mind of Christ be increased in me and in you all!!
"Have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a human being, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death —even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:5-8.

Let CHRIST continue to INCREASE in me and you!! God Bless You!!

Written By: Shanta S. Daniel
[Copyright@ Permission is granted to duplicate this article in its entirety, but only without additions, alterations or omissions of any kind, including the author and ministry name at the end]

PRESS ON!!!


"PRESS ON!!" This is the "Rhema" word - spoken word - of encouragement for each one of us today.

Bible says that Christian life is like a race with the runners running in their tracks (I Corinthians 9:24). Like every race, here too we have rules and regulations. If we are out of track forever, we are disqualified forever. However, God is still compassionate and kind and comes in all His mercy to set us back on the right track. The runners in this "marathon race" would become discouraged, weary, and backslide and say, "I can't run any more, I give up!," but the HEAVEN WITH ALL ITS CHEERLEADING TEAM says to the runners, "come on, press on, move forward, you can do it....march forward, get up and get going, don't give up!!"

HIGH CALLING:
I do believe that God has called each one of us for a great destiny. We are called to soar high into the skies. Therefore, we are never to let the circumstances cloud our vision from that HIGH CALLING. Apostle Paul says, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:14.

EACH ONE GETS A PRIZE:
I Corinthians 9:24 says, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." In Christian race, every one has a prize of their own. We need not worry that someone might snatch our prize away, because each one of us have a GUARANTEED PRIZE. There is no insecurity in Jesus as He is our SECURITY. This is absolutely not the CORPORATE RAT RACE. This is a race that has to be run with patience, encouraging the fellow runners, lifting up the ones that have fallen to the ground in their tracks, at the same time looking on to the AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH RACE, the very PRIZE - JESUS.

We are so much encouraged by the TRUTH today that Heaven is encouraging us saying, "KEEP PRESSING ON TOWARDS THE HEAVENLY, ROYAL PRIZE IN JESUS!!!" God Bless You!!!

Do share with us your testimonies where you have been a source of encouragement for others or other inspiring stories related to this short note. Your valuable suggestions related to this post are greatly appreciated.

Written By: Shanta S. Daniel
[Copyright@ Permission is granted to duplicate this article in its entirety, but only without additions, alterations or omissions of any kind, including the author and ministry name at the end]

PROGRESSING INTO GOD'S PREPARED!!!

PREPARE means to put in proper condition or readiness. Our God is a God of plans and preparations. He is the one who teaches us on planning ahead and preparing for the future. God has plans for each and every one of us and His plans for us are always beyond our comprehension. We cannot define or ascertain that this is the result of this plan of God since God has wonderful surprises and blessings in each plan.

WHY GOD'S PLAN AND WHY NOT OUR PLAN?
God's plan for our life is THE BEST. He sees our past, present, and the future. He plans accordingly that HIS GREAT PURPOSE is fulfilled in our lives. GOD IS THE CREATOR AND HIS WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING CANNOT BE FATHOMED. Therefore, it is absolutely good and necessary to be in the CENTER OF GOD'S PLAN AND WILL and so our prayer and desire should be "TO BE IN THE CENTER OF GOD'S PERFECT WILL."

GOD PREPARES AHEAD FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM:
In practical sense, whether the children love the parents or not, parents do plan ahead and prepare things for their future days because of the love they have on their children. But what if the child shuns his/her parents and goes astray like the prodigal son. The plans of the parents may not come into his/her life. In the very same manner, Heavenly Father has wonderful plans for us and He has prepared many things for us and if we ABIDE IN HIS LOVE AND GRACE, we will be able to inherit GOD'S BLESSINGS. However, there is an exception OUR GOD IS A SOVEREIGN GOD AND WHAT EVER HE HAS PURPOSED IN HIS HEART WILL DEFINITELY COME TO PASS.

HOW DO WE SEE WHAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR US?
Simple answer is WAITING ON THE LORD TO SPEAK TO US. He is a God of clarity. He is a God who reveals deep and hidden things (Daniel 2:22).

Bible says in I Corinthians 2:9, 10
"However, as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. But God has revealed it to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God."

We can see the God's prepared goodness, life partner, job, business, place, and heavenly mansion (which Jesus has prepared for His children) only with the help of the Spirit, because the Spirit of God searches all things, even the deep things of God. WAIT UNTIL THE SCALES FALL FROM YOUR EYES AND YOU SEE IT CLEARLY FROM GOD. But remember, though you are blind and you are blindly trusting God to lead you, God will surely lead you through - as the Word of God says "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16

HOW TO PROGRESS INTO GOD'S PREPARED:
So now it is revealed to us the plan of God for our life or situation and what is the next step?

SHOULD NOT HURRY AND GO AHEAD OF GOD.
Exodus 23:20-21
"See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him."

WE NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND LISTEN AND DO WHAT HE SAYS. He will unfold the plans for us and progress us toward the God's prepared goodness. HE WILL NOT FORSAKE US ON THE WAY, BUT HE WILL LEAD US THROUGH UNTIL WE REACH THERE SAFELY.

Through all this process, we need to exercise FAITH, PATIENCE, HUMILITY, OBEDIENCE, AND COMPLETE SURRENDER. We need to tent where the cloud of God stays and move on when the cloud moves on. All through the way, we will experience the GREAT PROVIDENCE AND POWER OF GOD MANIFESTED FOR THE GLORY OF GOD and we will enjoy every step of it.


So, let us be encouraged today that THE LORD GOES BEFORE US LEADING US INTO HIS BLESSINGS AND INTO HIS PURPOSES!!!

Kindly share your experiences of waiting upon God and asking for His definite WORD, for your circumstances, that you can COUNT ON at all times. Also, kindly share your experiences of how you have approached GOD's Prepared for your lives. Thank you.

Written By: Shanta Daniel
[Copyright@ Permission is granted to duplicate this article in its entirety, but only without additions, alterations or omissions of any kind, including the author and ministry name at the end]

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

ALL things work together for Your Good When You Love God!!!


Today, God wants to encourage you saying "all these will work out for your good. For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11.

You may say it is easy to accept this word when things are fine, but I encourage you to take this word in, in your worst of your situations as the Word of God says "All things work together for the good of those that love the Lord and are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28.

God knows our strengths and weaknesses and to what extent we can bear things. When I believe and confess it is all for my good, my God whom I love and who has called me for His purpose will not do any harm, I stay closer to His heart.

One of my friends shared her experience with me, which I would like to mention here to understand better on how to exercise that Faith statement. She and her colleagues received their appraisal letters sometime recently. Her appraisal was not up to her expectation and one of her colleague, a Junior guy, has received a much better increment unduly. She was not able to bear it and she thought, "I didn't trust my bosses to be fair, but I trusted You, O GOD, but how could you allow this to happen? If I am blessed better, will I not give much more to your Kingdom than that guy who would spend it on disco and drinks? Don't you want your child to be blessed better and make a difference between those who know You and who don't know You?" As these thoughts clouded her mind and her eyes filled with tears, the Spirit of the Lord directed her to mediate on the goodness and faithfulness of God, and she started to confess "All things are working together for MY GOOD BECAUSE I LOVE GOD WHO IS GOOD, and immediately a great peace and joy filled her heart. This experience of hers is a blessing to me and I believe it will be to you also!!

What I learn from this: Having a positive attitude of gratitude towards God and NEVER ALLOWING ANY THOUGHTS THAT QUESTION THE GOODNESS AND FAITHFULNESS OF GOD TO PERSIST in our minds, will keep us closer to His heart, just like David who is called a man after the Heart of God. So, be encouraged today of the undeniable fact that "all things will work out for your Good," as you continue to love God.

God Bless you!!!

Written By: Shanta S. Daniel
[Copyright@ Permission is granted to duplicate this article in its entirety, but only without additions, alterations or omissions of any kind, including the author and ministry name at the end]

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

"You have the best place!!!"


Asking what is the best place you would like to be in.....some may say, "Switzerland," some may say "London", some may say "anywhere in UK", some may say "United States", some might say "home," some may even say "India," and so on and so forth....today, God tells you and me that the best place in the world is to be in His Arms, leaning on to Him, close to His heart.

Among the 12 disciples, 3 were very close to Jesus. Of the three, one was very close and was called the disciple whom Jesus loved." Jesus was "not unfair" to love one disciple so much so that others would become jealous. Jesus was not partial as well. He is a JUST God. It was the aspiration of this disciple to be very close and intimate with Jesus leaving us an example to follow. This disciple had the guts to recline onto Jesus while the others maintained reverence and distance. This showed how much he loved Jesus and Jesus loved him and allowed him to lean on Him. I wonder how privileged this disciple was, to lean onto Jesus and to be close to His heart and even ask the delicate question to Jesus which the other disciples were hesitant to ask Jesus directly and prompted this disciple to find out from Jesus who was the one that was going to betray Jesus (John 13: 21-26). So much was the intimacy of the disciple with Jesus. At the Calvary, when Jesus was about to give up his Spirit, he delegated His personal, earthly, responsibility of taking care of his mother, Mary, to this disciple whom he loved; it was like in the practical sense, anyone on his death bed would call his loved one and say "take care of my mom/wife/son/daughter/______ carefully, I trust you that you would do your best." John 19: 26 and 27.

Furthermore, the best and safest place for our mind, body, soul, and spirit is to be in the arms of Jesus leaning on to His bosom. You will be safe in His arms even in times of great danger. Lean on to Him in your wilderness, sorrow, failures, disappointments, brokenness, etc., and whisper to Him "I love you Jesus, no matter what happens. Nothing can change the love I have for you and I will love you even more irrespective of what is going on around me. "

When we lean on to His bosom and be in His arms, we will be able to hear the heartbeat of Jesus more clearly, which is indeed the Will of the Father and we will in turn be tuned to the Will of God. It is a daily longing of the heart and not losing the focus on THE GOAL.

Aspiring not the place of prominence before people, let us aspire for that best place, close to His Heart that is the Best Place ever for you and for me!!!

Has this post been a blessing to you? share with us....Jesus Loves you so dearly!! God Bless you!!

Written By: Shanta S. Daniel
[Copyright@ Permission is granted to duplicate this article in its entirety, but only without additions, alterations or omissions of any kind, including the author and ministry name at the end]

Monday, July 19, 2010

"Don't Worry"

Worrying is common to all of mankind irrespective of the differences, but the things that cause worry differ from person to person. The Random House dictionary gives the meaning for worry as "to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts, cares, anxieties."

Don't we feel encouraged in our own life circumstances when our friend, a well-wisher, a family member says to us , "Don't worry yar, it'll be alright." However, there are times in the journey of life we don't find anything tangible around us to encourage us or to uplift our spirits. I would like to remind you all that those are the life situations that the Spirit of the Lord speaks to us , loud and clear, "Don't worry, Fear not, for I am with you. You are Mine. I have called you by name, I will never leave you nor forsake you"

David, who was called to be the King of Israel, had to undergo a path of tremendous anguish and turmoil. He composes a song with his stringed instrument to his Maker and his Lord with the words from his heart in Psalms 55. "Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea. Hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught." Later in the very same song in Verse 22, he reassures himself as inspired by the Spirit of the Lord saying "Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain (support and uphold) you; He will never let the righteous fall" and in Verse 16 he says "But I call to God and the LORD saves me."

There is an amazing, wonderful God who understands your situation and your mental makeup and the thoughts that torment you, and says to you "Don't Worry, leave it all to me, I will support you and uphold you." Therefore, be encouraged today my dearly beloved, trust in the Lord and rest in the abundance of His grace and peace. God Bless You!!
[Copyright@ Permission is granted to duplicate this article in its entirety, but only without additions, alterations or omissions of any kind, including the author and ministry name at the end]

Saturday, March 06, 2010

Severus, the Christian Roman Centurion


The history of Severus dates back to 361 A.D. in the land of Ancient Rome under the reign of Julian, after the death of his brother Constantius, the son of Constantine the Great. Though His father was a Christian and though he was taught by his father about Christianity, he remained to have trust in the heathen Gods and he also restored idolatrous worship in his empire. These were the times where people worshipped the ancient Gods of Rome and Greece, and there were records of persecutions of Christians for their faith in the Living God by the orders of heathen governors and officers.

There was a Christian named Severus in the Roman Army who was not any ordinary army personnel, but was a Centurion meaning "Captain of 100." He was the head of 100 foot soldiers. Centurions were noteworthy of their courage, loyalty, skills, and they were the backbone of the Roman Army. Centurions in Roman Army were well-paid, 20 times more than the ordinary soldier. Their attire was well-distinguished and they wore a special helmet and an ostentatious armor. In short, Severus was well-paid, highly dignified and influential man in his occupational and social realms.

Venus, the Roman Goddess of fertility, love, and beauty, was highly esteemed by the Romans. He constructed temples in her name and celebrated feasts in her honor. Severus, the Christian Centurion, was constrained to be part of such a feast. Severus not only refused to be part of the celebration, but also denounced Venus and stood for the Living God. The crowd that was gathered there for the feast was mad at his words. They seized him and brought him before the judge, and again, Severus, held on to his faith, denounced the Romans favorite, official deity. It took no time for the judge to sentence Severus to be scourged before their favorite deity. He was stripped and scourged with a plumbete, a whip that had many thongs each ending with a small lead ball. He was then brutally beheaded in front of the enraged crowd.

Severus, who was so dignified in his then society, dared to face anything for the sake of his faith in the only Living God. He did not fear losing his job or life, but detested to place anything in the place of the Living God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth.

PRAYER: Father God, remove all the idols in our hearts and You, You alone be enthroned in our lives. Help us to please "You only" and help us not to succumb to the pressures of this world. In Jesus name, Amen.

BIBLE VERSE : Ex 20:2-17

Written By: Shanta S. Daniel
[Copyright@ Permission is granted to duplicate this article in its entirety, but only without additions, alterations or omissions of any kind, including the author and ministry name at the end]

Follow Us