My Presence Shall Go With You (1)

(Message by Pastor S. Joseph, Founder NLMI. Happy reading!)

When God’s presence comes down among us, His power does something within those of us who respond. For with God all things are possible. But if you have the question, ‘why is it not happening in my life?’- I say this: Because you do not respond in faith. Every step that we walk is by faith. Maybe for those of this world, fate plays a role; but for those in Christ, faith matters! I realize over these years I have walked with Him, that God has given us SO MUCH in the super-natural, and faith is the key to unlock those treasures given to us.

I want to remind you of the promise this year-the year of change 2012, from glory to glory according to the words of 2 Cor. 3: 18 and that NLMI is involved in the upcoming media campaign POWER TO CHANGE, that will happen in Mumbai around April this year. I am so blessed that God hears prayer and confirms His promise through His work among all believers. I ask you to be involved in this media campaign POWER TO CHANGE through prayer, winning souls for Christ, counseling and follow-up activities, for those who will believe among people in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and beyond. Many other churches too are involved in this; look around and you can see there is hunger for true knowledge and people are looking for peace all around and you can introduce the Prince of Peace to them (and for that you should know the Prince of peace yourself!)

I know there are millions around the world, posting their status, quotes, photos in facebook… but you know what? We have to look at our FACE in His BOOK-to see if there are any spot, wrinkle or blemish; because His BOOK is the mirror. As we read from His Book, we see the perfect Bridegroom and then see our self too-and say ‘Hey, what’s this spot here on my face?’ Or ‘Oh, I have a wrinkle!’ Then we may learn to pray, Lord please remove those wrinkles (get me an anti-ageing cream). {I am not against facebook, I too have an account and recently one of status message on my wall was ‘You are OLD when you stop learning’}

Do you know what are those spots, wrinkles and blemish written in Eph 5: 27? The SPOT represents our testimony in this world; the WRINKLE represents our relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ; and BLEMISH is something known only between God and you, in your relationship with God. Hot temper, short-temper, irritation, lust, greed, slander, gossip- you name any vice, and you will find it in spot, wrinkle or blemish. Only when you look into His word and choose to walk by faith, change takes place. This is an everyday battle-you know that, whether you are single or married, whether young or old.

I also want to say this that happiness depends on the happenings around us; and you must always look to make someone happy-whether in the house, or in the church or in the street even to a beggar , because an ounce of action is better than tons of preaching. 

Now let us turn to Exodus 33: 13 where Moses asks God to show him the way forward. Moses asks direction from God (even when he had the pillar of fire and the cloud before him); you see direction from God is important, whether for your ministry, whether as a leader or as a layman. God answers in verse 14: My Presence will go with you.

Exodus 33: 13 - 23

“Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.”

And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Then he said to him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.”

So the LORD said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.”

And he said, “Please show me Your glory.”

Then He said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you, I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” But He said, “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.”

And the LORD said, “Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”

Beloved, it is God’s Presence that divides light from darkness; and differentiates between people of this world and people of God. That is why we ought to be careful-what we think, what we say, what we do, where we go and who we are with. A man like Moses, so close to God, and delivering the Law to His people, was also hungry for God-or may I say greedy for God. Moses wanted more-MORE OF His glory, more of his grace.

But look at the two things Moses was refused: (i) he wanted to go to the promised land, but he was denied; (ii) he wanted see God’s glorious face , but this also he was denied-instead it was God’s goodness, all of His goodness that Moses was granted to see from the cleft of the rock.(yes, it’s a mystery how it is also written that God talked with Moses face to face Ex. 33: 11)

Spiritually speaking, Moses represented the Law, and Law CANNOT take one to the Promised Land, but grace CAN! 

But Moses DID see God’s glorious face in Jesus Christ. Turn with me to Luke 9: 28, where Moses, already in the Promised Land, speaks with Jesus who was transfigured on that mountain; it was there Moses saw the full glory of the Lord.

The glory from the Law is temporal-when Moses face was covered for only some time as he came down that mountain; but the glory from grace received within, is eternal. This is the glorious gospel that we share; and Jesus is our glorious Lord for whom we change from glory to glory. Jesus while praying for all believers who would believe, says in John17: 22 “And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one;”

God’s work goes on-in us and around us, till the coming of Jesus Christ. That is why I want to encourage any believer here, whose prayers are yet to be answered: keep on praying. Know that God’s work in precious young men and women continues. In Joshua 1:2, we hear God’s terse command: Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan… Charles Wesley puts it wisely: God buries His workers, and carries on His work. Therefore, one cannot say it is MY work, or MY ministry or MY church… but rather consider it a privilege to work along with Him, to serve Him in our lifetime, knowing that God can do anything without your permission. If you are obsessed with self, while seeking God, He says “I will give you rest.”

“Moses My servant is dead” – really? Then, how did he appear with Jesus on the mount of Transfiguration? You see, God is speaking in human figurative language-death of the physical body here. But then, we will have a glorious body, absent here and present there. Where is your eternal home? Are you afraid to die? Or are you prepared to go home? Have you laid up your treasures in heaven? [Matt. 6: 20] I do not know about you, but I am prepared to go home; yes, a burial place is also booked for me in the cemetery!

This life is temporal. Therefore live to fulfill His purposes, to declare His majesty, to have an eternal perspective of all that you do and wherever you go. Be willing to change from glory to glory, and God says “My Presence shall go with you”; whether in the workplace, or school, or any business place or at home. Psalm 16: 11 says “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” God Bless you.

The Important Responsibility

(Message by Bro. Samuel Cherian. Happy reading!)

Continuing from where we left last time, I want to emphasize the truth how we, although born of the corruptible seed, can experience a 180 degree shift, when we are born of the incorruptible Seed- Jesus Christ. He, our LORD, the only begotten Son of God, has made provision that we-of the human race, can become sons of God, and partakers of the heavenly kingdom. We become part of His family, and not only that, but we are heirs and co-heirs with Christ reigning with Him.

I had also mentioned last time that we, as the receiver of that Incorruptible Seed, have a responsibility toward that Seed. It will be foolish on the part of the farmer, if he does nothing after sowing of the seed!

In order that he sees a bountiful harvest, a wise farmer would invest his time and effort to nourish and protect the seed. In the same way, the bountiful riches of God’s promises are found in that incorruptible Seed-Jesus Christ; but WE, as believers, have our responsibility as well.

Just as a plant needs a habitat, the nutrients of the soil, the water and air, for it to grow, so also the (Spirit) seed within us require a willing soul and a surrendered body, for it to grow and function to its full potential.

We know the life-story of the hen, and her chicks-she sits on those delicate eggs for a full 21 days for it to hatch. And she can become very protective, before the egg hatches and also after the chicks come out. Similarly, the human baby, in the womb of a mother, is protected and nourished for a full term of 280 days, before it arrives to see the world. Therefore we must understand that the holy, incorruptible seed will not remain in just any environment that you provide it with; and it cannot function well unless it grows within you.

The wise Solomon, after building the temple, dedicated it saying, “But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built!” (2 Chr. 6: 18). But look at the paradox in Ex. 25: 8, God saying: “And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.” Indeed, God dwells among His children.

The place where God dwelt-the sanctuary, had God’s specifications “…according to all the pattern…” (Ex. 25:40): it had specific measurements, specific materials and specific men of skill to make it. Everything about the sanctuary reflected the glory of God. 

Do you know God’s specifications for your life here on earth? Let it reflect the glory of God. The prophet Isaiah declared the coming of John the Baptist, who had a specific assignment: To prepare the way of the Lord. He had this ministry of repentance from sin; and John the Baptist fulfilled it just at the coming of Jesus. Jesus came for specific purposes: Jesus' name meant salvation and He fulfilled it.

(i)                  Heart Habitat – Faith

The LORD of heaven and earth, took the form of a man, came down to be born of a virgin, and in lowly manger. In the spiritual realm, what this means to us is: Jesus is born to save those who simply, humbly believe! Yes, all that is required to become a citizen of heaven is to have a heart of faith, and a soul of repentance from sin. 

Repentance is turning away from sin and turning toward God. This is the time you believe in God’s Son-Jesus Christ, and receive the forgiveness of your sins. This is the time you are born-again into the family of God and become His children. This is the time you receive that Incorruptible Seed. The gospel of Christ is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes… For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (Rom. 1: 16, 17)

Now faith is dynamic and grows, as it says, from faith to faith. This is the faith that pleases God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him… (Heb. 11:6)

We have seen examples of how faith can grow- from no faith to little faith (O ye of little faith); from little faith to just faith (your faith has made you well); from just faith to great faith ( O woman, great is your faith)…  This dynamic faith is the right habitat we give to the Incorruptible Seed within us. As Paul says in Phi. 2: 12, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”. And Holy Spirit helping us, we must develop this habitat of faith in our heart.

(ii)                Heart Soil – Singleness of mind toward God

Secondly, the soil of the heart matters for the seed to grow. This I will describe as the singleness of mind and purpose toward God. Once you have become a child of God, there is really only one way to go – His way! If you still harbor the options between your way and His way, then you are the captain of your own soul (and no better than a slave). 

Jeremiah prophesies hope to the backslidden and ravaged Israel; God saying thus: They shall be My people, and I will be their God; then I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them. [Jer. 32: 38, 39]

One heart-one way! Remember this in your days filled with many issues from morning till evening- relationships, work, food, business, rest, travel- so many issues that can grab our attention and hold us captive. In all these, know that a singleness of mind toward God is of utmost importance. Otherwise, it is easy to get distracted in our daily chores, so much so, that we pause and listen to the Tempter whispering those similar words: Has God really said….? You shall not surely die (it is not going to kill you)…; and then that fatal lie, ‘you shall be like God!’

We know the instance when Peter walked on water. There was a gathering storm around them; all his peers were safe in the boat. And then there was Jesus, as calm as He is, walking on the water. The disciples’ emotions ran high with fear (of a ghost) to wonder and awe (knowing that it was Jesus walking on the water). But then Peter too, took a step out of the boat at Jesus word ‘Come’ and began walking on the water. As long as his eyes were focused on Jesus, he continued walking on the water; but once he got distracted by the storm and the rushing waves, he began to sink! (Matt. 14: 29) That is why it is important to focus-fix our eyes on our Lord Jesus Christ- the author and finisher of our faith.

The singleness of our mind toward God must reflect in our everyday life, and our attitudes. And sometimes it may involve a waiting period, and that maybe painful for some. We know the story of Job, how he confessed: The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. (Job 1: 21) Job had lost everything about and around him-his children, wealth and his own health. And the situation is worsened by some ‘miserable’ company of friends who condemn Job; and this goes on for the next 36 chapters of the book Job. But the situation is entirely reversed when you come to the 42^nd chapter of Job. Isaiah writes about this waiting period too: But those who wait on the LORD (in union with God) shall renew their strength… (Isa. 40: 31)

The theme (promise) of the year (from 2 Cor 3: 18) is about change. And this too involves waiting period from glory to glory, in a life transformation (metamorphosis). 2 Peter 1: 4 reaffirms that we are partakers of the divine nature, because of the change. WE NEED CHANGE! As long as we are human and alive here on earth, there must be some change happening on the inside of us. 

Our desires need change; our prayers need change; our thinking needs change; our thinking on change needs change; our attitudes need change.

Beloved, let us therefore know that we are partakers of the divine nature, because of the incorruptible Seed within us, and we have a responsibility to keep our heart with all diligence-in faith and in a singleness of mind toward God. Amen.

The Incorruptible Seed

(Message by Bro. Samuel Cherian. Happy reading!)

Today, I want to share on the Incorruptible Seed-Jesus Christ, dwelling in our hearts. From our experience of being born-again, we know of Jesus as our personal Savior-and Him dwelling in our hearts. From His promise, we also know that we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in our hearts, and that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Reading through the Scriptures, this verse from John caught my spirit’s attention; “Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.” [1 John 3:9] Now what is that “seed” remaining in us?

From the Parable of the Sower in Matt. 13, we also know that the seed is the word of God. And there the heart of man is typified as the soil. And reading from the first chapter of John’s gospel, John 1:1 says: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And verse John 1:14 continues: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

The word ‘seed’ appears many times in the New Testament; and in more than 95% of these cases, the word ‘seed’ means a physical seed that a farmer takes up to sow.  But in 1 John 3:9, the word ‘seed’ derives from the root word ‘sperma’ (meaning sperm) and pertaining to biological life; with all the DNA characteristics of the originator that influences and defines the receiver-whether it be his looks, character, health and even thinking.

In the plan of God, man was created in the image of God. Adam and Eve, with all the in-built characteristics of God’s perfection, were deceived by the Devil, and could not keep that one command given to them. And the seed in them became corrupted. And that corruption was transferred from generation to generation, through the seed, and continues even today. God, who made everything beautiful and saw and said that it was good, was sorry that He had made man on the earth (Gen. 6: 6). 

But the good news is that God’s promise preceded his grieving! In Gen. 3:15, long before the corruption of the seed was complete, we find God’s blue-print of correction through another Seed-that of a woman, even our Lord Jesus Christ.

And though we have inherited characteristics of the corrupted seed, the incorruptible Seed is sure to triumph, for it says: He (the Incorruptible Seed) shall bruise your head (of corrupted seed). Luke 1 lists the genealogy of Jesus Christ-42 generations of the corrupted seed; some were heroes of faith, but there were others ignoble and then others with a bad reputation. But the conclusion of the matter is found in Luke 1:35-Jesus is born by the power of the Highest and of the Holy Spirit; He is the Holy One, the Son of God. “For with God nothing will be impossible.” (v37)

The natural genealogy of the flesh and of the corrupted seed is now up against the spiritual genealogy of those who would believe in Jesus, receive Jesus as that incorruptible Seed, and become the children of God (John 1: 12) through faith. And to those who have trusted in Jesus, suddenly, the natural genealogy ceases to matter, whether it is good or bad. The expectation of a ‘good’ life in the flesh, through the corrupt seed, is no more a priority-as we focus on that incorruptible inheritance, because of the spiritual Seed within us. (1 Peter 1: 4).

What a great privilege for us! Not only do we have an incorruptible heritage (as children of God), an incorruptible inheritance (with a citizenship in heaven-Phil. 3:20), but we also have an inherited name from God-belonging to Christ (Eph. 3: 14, 15).

I remember during my younger days singing along this old Hindi film song: ‘Jeena yahan, marna yahan; iske siva jaana kahan’ (we live here, we die here (on earth); where else do we go?) The song had a catchy tune and I found no harm then; but now I realize that’s really a big joke from the Mera Naam Joker!). What a deceit of the enemy in this world song that we sing! The word song says something quite different: Behind the blue skies, we go to a place, where my Jesus stays! Yes, we do not belong here on earth; our citizenship is of heaven.

A citizenship in heaven is not granted according to one’s royal pedigree or high qualifications; it is not granted based on sporting skill or technical competence; it is not even given for any usefulness of whatever the corrupted seed can throw up. But a citizenship in heaven is open to one and all; by the grace of God and His gift of faith. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” [Matt. 16:26] Anyone can know Him-from the least to the greatest; Mary Magdalene knew Him, Simon the leper knew Him, the thief on the cross knew Him-yes, the despised of this world had a turnabout when they met Him.

But there is also a responsibility on our part, when we receive the incorruptible Seed. If you let the seed lie dormant within you, it will remain as it is. But as the good ground (and soil) of your heart, nurture the seed and see it grow. But I will talk about this responsibility on our part, when I share the word again.

But today, let the Incorruptible Seed-our Lord Jesus Christ grant you to know the incorruptible heritage, incorruptible inheritance and the inherited eternal name that we have in Him. God Bless you. Amen.

Changing from glory to glory

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Happy changing!)

God’s desire is to transform and change us… from one degree of glory to another, in accordance with 2 Cor. 3:18: But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

The promise for this year 2012 is put up for you: changing from glory to glory. This year let it be a year of change for each one of us, as we grow from degree of glory to the next degree. Prov. 4:18 says: But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. And may it be a reality in each one of our lives… increasing in brightness; Year 2012 being brighter than the year gone by; and increasing brighter and brighter as days go by-until we see Him {Jesus} face to face on that perfect day.

Many Christians have the idea that being saved is somehow the finishing line. True, it is the great escape- from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light; but, beloved, being saved by Jesus is just the starting line of the justified. God’s plan and purpose includes a progress in each believer’s life-that goes forward and upward, from glory to glory, to be increasingly more like Jesus; yes, even being conformed to His image!

There are 2 parts to transformation: As we behold, the beauty of the Lord, we are being transformed (2 Cor. 3:18) by the working of the Holy Spirit; and as we renew our mind, we will be transformed (Romans 12:2). And both of these transformations (change) are necessary in a believer’s life!

Behold The Beauty

One Thing Needed

Change is NOT automatic! You must make a choice, if you so desire change (and some won’t). Among the sisters-Mary and Martha, it was Mary who made the choice to sit at the feet of Jesus, and it was she who received commendation from our Lord Jesus: “But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42)

Make a Choice-Come to Jesus

This is the simple first steps to draw close to Him-a simple devotion to Jesus. Do not let your minds be deceived, from the simplicity that is in Christ. (2 Cor. 11:3). As you draw close to Him, and sit at His feet, and listen to His voice, you will be able to see the change in your perspective- a higher way of thinking, a different way of walking. For we will be influenced by those we spend time with; and His ways are higher. (Isaiah 55: 8, 9) Hallelujah!

Abide in Him

Deep inside, many people of this world too want some change in their lives! They try out New Year resolutions, self-help books and maybe even worldly counsel. But the truth is that apart from Jesus, we can do nothing (John 15: 4, 5). But if we make a choice to stay by His side-abide in Him, we will bear much fruit.

Renew Your Mind

Your mind is the prize for which battles are fought-the ruler of this world against the One who has all authority; your will against His will; and the flesh against the Spirit! And there is some conformation taking place inside of you-you can either be conformed to this world, or you can be conformed to the image of Jesus. Paul clearly warns the believers not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind (Rom. 12: 2). There are again simple choices left to us to renew our mind. Let us review them one by one.

Think Scriptures, Think Change

Spend time each day to read His word. Expose your mind to God’s holy word-His love for the world, the work of the Savior, His love that will not let us go. Maybe it is just a change in a relationship that is required in us-maybe it is our judgmental attitudes and opinions that need some change; as you see through Scripture, you can see through eyes of God and see through people around you.

One Thing to Do

Paul says that he does one thing: Forget the past and press on (Phi. 3:12). Christ Jesus has laid hold of you-and you too must lay hold of the purpose for which He has called you! Reach forward to the future, let every stride of yours be filled with purpose-the purpose for which Christ Jesus has laid hold of you.

Walk In Light

No human is perfect-yet! We are all in the process of change, with increasing brightness. -John writes in 1 John 1: 7 “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” Notice in these lines, that Apostle John is not trying to preach only to others-but includes himself, too-and this from the disciple who was closest to Jesus and an Apostle of love; the only disciple of Jesus, alive during that time, aged 95 years- more than qualified to just preach!

We may not succeed if we think of changing others; but we most definitely will succeed, if we decide to change ourselves!

Know Your Faults

We generally tend to have a high opinion of ourselves. And when others come to the same conclusion, we think they have changed for good! But, beloved, neither our opinion nor other’s, really matters! It is God’s word that we must come to-to compare and find out our hidden faults. His word is living and active (Heb. 4:12); His word warns us as well as rewards us (Ps. 19: 11, 12).

Be Open to Correction

The process of change is also portrayed as refinement in the Bible-just as gold and silver (the precious metals) are refined in the fire. God allows us to go through times of difficulties, suffering and trial- that in the end it may be well with us! Remember how we, as parents, discipline our children-it is because we love them. God our Father too loves us. Therefore, do not lose heart. And we can even change-being renewed day by day (not year by year)! For the Bible says: Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

God Bless You, as you take the choices and steps to a glorious change in your Christian life. Amen.