Friday, September 14, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
40 days- MORNING WATCH( Sept 12-Oct 19)
PRAYER PONDERINGS
- Pray for Jubilee Working Committee
· Protection
· Good health
· Integrity
· Faithfulness
· Accountability
- Pray for Coordinator (Pas. Prabhat Thapa)
·Good health
·Wisdom and understanding
·Discernment to take right decision
- Pray for unity & one mind for all those serving on the various committees.
- Pray for ….. all logistical preparation, promotions and communication.
- Pray for financial needs – the estimated budget is Rs. 4 lakhs. Pray for the N.C.F. members & others that God may open their hearts for generous contribution. (We need another Rs 2 lakhs ie Rs 200000/- (INR))
- Pray for the treasurers [Mr. Isaac Thapa & Ms. Poonam Rajput] that God may grant them wisdom to handle, estimate, and utilize money for different needs.
- Pray for Building Committee – Mr. Benjamin Thapa, Mr. Dhan Bdh Gurung, and Mr. Pankaj Thapa.
- Pray for the construction of Prayer House, which will be dedicated in memory of Late Ms. Elaine Crane who pioneered the establishment of N.C.F. Shillong.
- Pray for the construction of temporary Jubilee Conference and Celebration hall.
- Pray for the Magazine Committee – Mrs. Phulmaya Palanwal, Ms. Kalpana Rana and Ms. Sarda Baral
- Pray for the successful printing of the Magazine – editing and arrangement is being done done by Mrs. Phulumaya Palanwal and Mr. Anil Palanwal.
- Pray for the young people who will come forward to help and show their creativity in this Jubilee conference.
- Pray for…peace and stability in Shillong and in the North East.
- Pray for JUBILEE CONFERENCE & CELEBRATION-
· Pray for Program Coordinator
· Pray for good weather during the celebration conference.
· Pray for God’s anointing on all the speakers and worship team
· Pray for the main speaker. Rev.Vanlal Nghaka for good health and spiritual annointment while delivering the Word of God.
- Pray for the Youths & other believers who are outside Shillong that God may open the way for them to come and be a part of the Jubilee Celebration in October.
- Pray for the travel of N.C.F.believers and invitees to Shillong during jubilee time from
- Pray for all those who will attend the Jubilee Conference & Celebration may spiritually be blessed and strengthened.
- Pray that new souls to be led to Christ during the time of Jubilee services.
- Pray for parents to set a good example towards their children, to follow and encourage them to use their talents for the glory of God.
KEEPING YOUR HEART RIGHT!
“Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?
Who may stand in His holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who does not lift up his soul to an idol.
Or swears by what is false.
He will receive blessing from the LORD
And vindication from God”
Who may stand in His holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who does not lift up his soul to an idol.
Or swears by what is false.
He will receive blessing from the LORD
And vindication from God”
God looks at our inner man. God is not looking us to be perfect but wants us to be honest. As we look at the passage we find that God looks for two things as we draw near to Him. They are clean hands and a pure heart.
The end results is “He will receive blessing from the Lord” (vs. 5)
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matt 5:8) - A person with a pure in hear sees God in their circumstances i.e. every area of their life. Real holiness is on the inside that is manifested on the outside.
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Proverb 28:13)
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
12/9/2007 (Mrs Meena Thapa)
Psalm 66:18
“If my thoughts had been sinful, he would have refused to hear me”
As we gather together to intercede before the Lord our thoughts are very important. We have to search ourselves whether we have any sinful thoughts i.e. anger, wrath, grudge, envy etc. If we have wrong and lustful thoughts God cannot answer our prayer"If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14)
We need to confess our sins and turn from our wicked ways. Our God is faithful. His eyes and ears are open to usJust like Hannah we need to come to the Lord with broken-ness and check our thoughts.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.”
Psalm 139:23
13/9/2007
Mr Bikash Thapa
Matthew 6:5-8
"When you pray, do not be like the hypocrite, for they love to pray standing in the synagogue and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have recieved thier reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to you Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of thier many words. Do not be like them for your Fahter knows what you need before you ask him"
We have gathered here this morning with a burden to pray. It should not be a routine. we should pray with a prayerful heart. When you pray do not look at each other but pray in secret. God has already given the reward but will be manifested in the jubilee. Our prayer should not be showy but faithful prayer
" If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer" ( Matt 21:22)- Prayer with faith brings answer to prayer
------------------------------------------------------------
14/9/2007
Mrs D.Thapa
Declare His glory among the nations, his wonders among all people. For the Lord is great and greatly to be praises, he is to be feared above all gods- Psalm96:3-4
Declare His glory among the nations happens only there is unity, when we near to God and blessing of God. Obstacles will come on our way but we will not be afraid.
eg Nehemiah- He heard that the wall of Jerusalem were broken and he took the initiative to build the wall.
Builder is God and the foundation is laid by God. The brick and other stones is laid by us. The foundation of our faith is God.
Psalm 46:10-11
"Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge"
On the 60th year of NCF we see God's glory being manifested- construction of Verandah, Prayer hall, Guests room, stair case. Experience the Glory of God. Do the work of the LORD. We have the responsibilty from God.
----------------------------
3-THINGS TO VERIFY BEFORE WE PRAY:
***************************************
22/9/2007
Mr L.B.Thapa
"For we do not have high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who is being tempted in every way just as we are- yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find the grace to help us in our time of need" ( Heb 4:16-17)
But because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who comes to God through him because he always lives to interced for them".
Jesus is our high priest who regualrly pray and intercedes for us
*******************************************************************
25/9/2007
Mrs Ruth Rana
" My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" ( II Cor 12:9)
Paul had some weakness and he prayed for three times and the Lord revealed to him that " His grace is sufficient for him".
eg As Moses led the Israelites from Egypt. In the front there was the Red Sea and at the back there was the Egyptian army marching towards them. They grumbled against Moses but it was not Moses who led the Israelites but God himself. Moses might have questioned at that time in his heart. Do I make the right decision?
The Lord said " Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water"(Ex 14:16)
Exodus 14:21...... The water of the Red sea divided into two and the Israelites safely crossed the sea.
What was Moses response after that?
Exodus 15:2 " The Lord is my Strength and my Song; He has become my salvation. He is my God and I will praise Him, my father's God and I will exalt him. The Lord is a warrior, the LORD is his Name."
Beyond problems, difficulty, obstacles, weakness there is victory and strength.
'DECLARE HIS GLORY AMONG THE NATIONS ' is the theme for the year of jubilee'2006.
Exodus 15:11 " Who is like you- majestic in holiness, awesome in glory! working wonders."
I rejoice in my weakness because at that time I expereince the power of God
test me and know my anxious thoughts.”
Psalm 139:23
13/9/2007
Mr Bikash Thapa
Matthew 6:5-8
"When you pray, do not be like the hypocrite, for they love to pray standing in the synagogue and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have recieved thier reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to you Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of thier many words. Do not be like them for your Fahter knows what you need before you ask him"
We have gathered here this morning with a burden to pray. It should not be a routine. we should pray with a prayerful heart. When you pray do not look at each other but pray in secret. God has already given the reward but will be manifested in the jubilee. Our prayer should not be showy but faithful prayer
" If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer" ( Matt 21:22)- Prayer with faith brings answer to prayer
------------------------------------------------------------
14/9/2007
Mrs D.Thapa
Declare His glory among the nations, his wonders among all people. For the Lord is great and greatly to be praises, he is to be feared above all gods- Psalm96:3-4
Declare His glory among the nations happens only there is unity, when we near to God and blessing of God. Obstacles will come on our way but we will not be afraid.
eg Nehemiah- He heard that the wall of Jerusalem were broken and he took the initiative to build the wall.
Builder is God and the foundation is laid by God. The brick and other stones is laid by us. The foundation of our faith is God.
Psalm 46:10-11
"Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge"
On the 60th year of NCF we see God's glory being manifested- construction of Verandah, Prayer hall, Guests room, stair case. Experience the Glory of God. Do the work of the LORD. We have the responsibilty from God.
----------------------------
Elder K.B. Rana
GLORY OF WHAT?
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the “Father”- John 14:13
The disciples forsook everything and followed Jesus Christ.
Do not let you hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me – John 14:1
Anyone who has me (JESUS) has see the Father- John 14:9
Who are we calling? Whose presence are we standing?
I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than theses because I am going to the Father- John 14:12
In the book of Acts we read that the disciples did greater things in the power of the anointing of the Holy Spirit i.e. “Bring many dead souls to the Lord”.
Whatever Jesus did He did it for the Glory of the Father.
The desire and goal of our prayer is for the glory of the Father. Let’s search ourselves what types of life are we living? For whom are we spending our life? Are we doing it for the Glory of God?
Pastor Prabhat Thapa
OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE
“…………….To obey is better than sacrifice”- I Sam
Obedience is better than sensational things for God. Things you do for God.
King Saul was given direct assignment by God to destroy the Amenities but Saul disobeyed.
God is going by the assignment that God has given you and not by the extra credit. Prayer is a required assignment for a Christian. Do you want to be popular or powerful; God pleasers or men pleasers.
II Kings 5… Namaan was commander of the Army of the King of Aram- great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded but he had leprosy. He heard about Elisha from a young girl who was serving Namaan’s wife and he went to meet him.
“ ……………. Taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold and ten sets of clothing” (2 Kings 5:5)
In II Sam 11 we read about David committing adultery with Bathsheba and murdered her husband Uriah. Nathan rebuked David (II Sam 12) and in Psalm 51:16, 17 David writes “You do no delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasures in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite hear, O God you will not despise”
Ms Asha Pun
Peter and John went to the temple for prayer. And they found a crippled man begging at the gates of the temple. As the beggar saw Peter and John he asked them for money. Peter said”………………………….. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6) - A deeper relationship with God
- Prayer is power. Power is the ability to influence, to change something. When we pray we change something. No ordinary man can say “In the name of Jesus Christ”
- Prayer has power
- Prayer gives us the power to survive
HOW PRAYER HELPS:
1. To have personal touch with God
2. To discover the depths of God’s love for you.
3. To center our life in Christ.
4. To relax in times of worry and fear
5. To gain inner strength and joy.
6. To gain understanding and fulfillment.
7. To be kind and gentle with yourself.
8. To less out the less fortunate
Mr Suraj Rai
Do not worry. Trust in God. God is everything. When we are sad, broken, remember God. We need obedient faith.
We should patiently wait for the answer of prayer. The Lord had already answered our prayer but it will be manifested in His time.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
20/9/2007
Mrs Ruth Thapa
Matt 17:14-21
vs 14 Jesus replied : it is because you don't have enough faith! But I can promise you this. If you have faith no larger than a mustard seed, you could tell this mountain to move from here to there. And it would. everything will be possible to you"
God knows before we ask Him. At times we doubt but nothing is impossible with God. With humility , have faith in God. God can do everything if we have faith.
Sometimes in front of our eyes we see great things but we still doubt. Pray with Faith.
********************************************************************
21/9/2007
Miss Kalpana Rana
"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know"
"Call"-
- Prayer is the greatest power on earth- it transforms
- It is an commandment
- It is a way we can talk to God
- Jer333 is God's telephone or cell number. God's phone is always on, not busy, not out of range and it is never switched off
3-THINGS TO VERIFY BEFORE WE PRAY:
- Our life before and after prayer ( I John 3:22,23)- Does it glorify God?
- e.g Hezekiah ( Isaiah 38:1-7)
- Our Faith- Do we have total faith in God? A faith without doubt- When Jesus healed, he said "your faith has healed you"
- Patience- At times God delays. In His time, He makes everything beautiful. Never be anxious
- e.g Lazarus was dead for 4 days. Jesus intentionally delayed and in the end He did wonders.
***************************************
22/9/2007
Mr L.B.Thapa
"For we do not have high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who is being tempted in every way just as we are- yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find the grace to help us in our time of need" ( Heb 4:16-17)
But because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who comes to God through him because he always lives to interced for them".
Jesus is our high priest who regualrly pray and intercedes for us
*******************************************************************
25/9/2007
SEEK & PRAY
Rev Prabhat Thapa
“ And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your hear”- Jer 29:13
Why seek God?
It means “God fix my problems. God, I want Your hand!”
- We might rediscover Jesus
- There are times when God is discoverable. “………………………………………………………… it is time to seek the LORD. Until He comes to rain righteousness on you ( Hosea
“Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near” (Isa 55:6)
- We will discover our destiny. “What is God’s purpose for my life?”
- Understand God fully. “ ………………………. But those who seek the LORD understand all things” ( Prov 28:5)
- Victory in life- Matt 36:40-41
- ***********************************************************
Mrs Ruth Rana
" My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" ( II Cor 12:9)
Paul had some weakness and he prayed for three times and the Lord revealed to him that " His grace is sufficient for him".
eg As Moses led the Israelites from Egypt. In the front there was the Red Sea and at the back there was the Egyptian army marching towards them. They grumbled against Moses but it was not Moses who led the Israelites but God himself. Moses might have questioned at that time in his heart. Do I make the right decision?
The Lord said " Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water"(Ex 14:16)
Exodus 14:21...... The water of the Red sea divided into two and the Israelites safely crossed the sea.
What was Moses response after that?
Exodus 15:2 " The Lord is my Strength and my Song; He has become my salvation. He is my God and I will praise Him, my father's God and I will exalt him. The Lord is a warrior, the LORD is his Name."
Beyond problems, difficulty, obstacles, weakness there is victory and strength.
'DECLARE HIS GLORY AMONG THE NATIONS ' is the theme for the year of jubilee'2006.
Exodus 15:11 " Who is like you- majestic in holiness, awesome in glory! working wonders."
I rejoice in my weakness because at that time I expereince the power of God
Sunday, August 5, 2007
GLORY OF GOD IN THE BIBLE
GLORY OF GOD IN THE BIBLE
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18, NIV).
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you (1 Pet. 4:14, NIV).
One of the most important phenomenon revealed in the Hebrew Scriptures deals with the "Glory of God". This term denotes the very essence of God manifested in the physical realm. God has declared that He desires to dwell on earth in the midst of His people Israel and, in turn, in the midst of mankind. Based on this, the rabbis developed the concept of the "Shechaniah Glory of God".
The concept of the Glory of God dwelling in the midst of man has almost been lost in Christian thought. This is due to the influence of "Gnosticism" during the period when Christian doctrine was being formed (2nd through 4th centuries AD). In gnostic thought, the physical universe was seen as evil while the spiritual realm was seen as good. Gnostics denied that Jesus was born in the flesh. John challenged this teaching in his first epistle (I John 4:1-3). Even though traditional Christianity overcame the gnostic challenge, many gnostic concepts were incorporated into Christian thought. The result of this influence was that the Christian vision focused on "going to heaven" rather than focusing on God’s Glory dwelling in the earth. The beautiful vision of God’s indwelling presence in the midst of man has largely been lost.
Glory of God in the OT
Moses saw the glory when God gave him the Law. The face of Moses shined from God’s glory. The people saw his radiant face, and it frightened them. Moses put on a veil until the glory faded away (Exod. 34:29–35).
Smoke filled the Temple … from the glory of God. This gave us a picture of God’s glory in the OT Temple. When the priests put the Arc into the Most Holy Place in Solomon’s Temple, a cloud filled the Temple. The priests could not do their duties because of the cloud of God’s power and glory. (1 Kings. 8:6–11)
When Isaiah saw the glory of God, the Temple filled with smoke;( Isa. 6:1–8).
Glory of God in the NT
The Lord also revealed his glory in the NT.
An angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds on the night that our Savior was born. The glory of the Lord shined around them (Luke 2:9).
When the Sanhedrin stoned Stephen, he looked into Heaven and saw the glory of God (Acts 7:55).
Paul said that the NT ministry of the Spirit is more glorious than the OT glory. The glory of the OT faded away, but the glory of the NT lasts forever (2 Cor. 3:7–11). We have the Spirit of the Lord, and this gives us freedom. Our faces in the Church reflect the Lord’s spiritual glory. The Spirit of God transforms us into his likeness and gives us ever-increasing glory (2 Cor. 3:16-18).
Paul saw the Lord’s glory in the Spirit domain. He understood that even when we don’t see the Lord’s glory, it’s still here among us. We only see in part. We look through a dark glass at the work and the glory of God (1 Cor. 13:12). God gives us the Good News of salvation, and Christ gives us the Holy Spirit to walk in faith.
Glory of God Today
It seems strange that the people appeared to see the glory of God more in the OT than we do today. Peter spoke the words of the prophet Joel. He said that God would give the Spirit to all who called on his name. The young people of God would prophesy and see visions. The old men and women would dream dreams. Then he spoke about the glory of God in the heavens and on earth (Acts. 2:17–21).
God shows his glory today, but Christians need to put on spiritual eyes to see it. The Holy Spirit living in us gives us faith to see God’s glory in others. The Church of Jesus Christ remains a spiritual Church today. The God of Truth helps us understand that the Spirit works within the spiritual domain of redeemed children.
Glory of God from the Father
Our Father of compassion does many wonderful miracles in the Church today. Every time someone says yes to the call of Jesus Christ, we see the glory of God. When a person decides to follow Jesus through good times and hard times, we see the glory of God. When someone begins to pray for others, we see the glory of God. When a Christian helps another person understand that Jesus loves them, we see the glory of God.
The Spirit works in many mysterious ways. Why does the wind blow on some and not on others? Why do some of our prayers seem neglected? Why does the Lord let us struggle in life? Why doesn’t our Father give us more insight into his thoughts and actions?
God Appears to His Children
The Spirit of Love appears today in glory to many of his children. The Spirit comes down on churches and prayer groups during worship in glory and power. At times, the glory seems so strong that many saints cannot stand up. Children of the Savior lay prostrate in the presence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The glory we see today is the same that the Spirit has given throughout the OT and NT Ages.
Many children of God change the direction of their life after they feel the glory and love of Jesus. The ways of God become more important than the ways of the world. We see the fruit of the Spirit manifested in their lives. Some appear with a radiance of love and joy from the Spirit.
Saints sit in the presence of the Lord for weeks and years. The Wonderful Physician brings healing to their lives. The Spirit gives them spiritual, physical, and mental healing. We don’t perceive all that the Spirit does in our lives. We only know that when we enter the glory and love of God, our values change.
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18, NIV).
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you (1 Pet. 4:14, NIV).
One of the most important phenomenon revealed in the Hebrew Scriptures deals with the "Glory of God". This term denotes the very essence of God manifested in the physical realm. God has declared that He desires to dwell on earth in the midst of His people Israel and, in turn, in the midst of mankind. Based on this, the rabbis developed the concept of the "Shechaniah Glory of God".
The concept of the Glory of God dwelling in the midst of man has almost been lost in Christian thought. This is due to the influence of "Gnosticism" during the period when Christian doctrine was being formed (2nd through 4th centuries AD). In gnostic thought, the physical universe was seen as evil while the spiritual realm was seen as good. Gnostics denied that Jesus was born in the flesh. John challenged this teaching in his first epistle (I John 4:1-3). Even though traditional Christianity overcame the gnostic challenge, many gnostic concepts were incorporated into Christian thought. The result of this influence was that the Christian vision focused on "going to heaven" rather than focusing on God’s Glory dwelling in the earth. The beautiful vision of God’s indwelling presence in the midst of man has largely been lost.
Glory of God in the OT
Moses saw the glory when God gave him the Law. The face of Moses shined from God’s glory. The people saw his radiant face, and it frightened them. Moses put on a veil until the glory faded away (Exod. 34:29–35).
Smoke filled the Temple … from the glory of God. This gave us a picture of God’s glory in the OT Temple. When the priests put the Arc into the Most Holy Place in Solomon’s Temple, a cloud filled the Temple. The priests could not do their duties because of the cloud of God’s power and glory. (1 Kings. 8:6–11)
When Isaiah saw the glory of God, the Temple filled with smoke;( Isa. 6:1–8).
Glory of God in the NT
The Lord also revealed his glory in the NT.
An angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds on the night that our Savior was born. The glory of the Lord shined around them (Luke 2:9).
When the Sanhedrin stoned Stephen, he looked into Heaven and saw the glory of God (Acts 7:55).
Paul said that the NT ministry of the Spirit is more glorious than the OT glory. The glory of the OT faded away, but the glory of the NT lasts forever (2 Cor. 3:7–11). We have the Spirit of the Lord, and this gives us freedom. Our faces in the Church reflect the Lord’s spiritual glory. The Spirit of God transforms us into his likeness and gives us ever-increasing glory (2 Cor. 3:16-18).
Paul saw the Lord’s glory in the Spirit domain. He understood that even when we don’t see the Lord’s glory, it’s still here among us. We only see in part. We look through a dark glass at the work and the glory of God (1 Cor. 13:12). God gives us the Good News of salvation, and Christ gives us the Holy Spirit to walk in faith.
Glory of God Today
It seems strange that the people appeared to see the glory of God more in the OT than we do today. Peter spoke the words of the prophet Joel. He said that God would give the Spirit to all who called on his name. The young people of God would prophesy and see visions. The old men and women would dream dreams. Then he spoke about the glory of God in the heavens and on earth (Acts. 2:17–21).
God shows his glory today, but Christians need to put on spiritual eyes to see it. The Holy Spirit living in us gives us faith to see God’s glory in others. The Church of Jesus Christ remains a spiritual Church today. The God of Truth helps us understand that the Spirit works within the spiritual domain of redeemed children.
Glory of God from the Father
Our Father of compassion does many wonderful miracles in the Church today. Every time someone says yes to the call of Jesus Christ, we see the glory of God. When a person decides to follow Jesus through good times and hard times, we see the glory of God. When someone begins to pray for others, we see the glory of God. When a Christian helps another person understand that Jesus loves them, we see the glory of God.
The Spirit works in many mysterious ways. Why does the wind blow on some and not on others? Why do some of our prayers seem neglected? Why does the Lord let us struggle in life? Why doesn’t our Father give us more insight into his thoughts and actions?
God Appears to His Children
The Spirit of Love appears today in glory to many of his children. The Spirit comes down on churches and prayer groups during worship in glory and power. At times, the glory seems so strong that many saints cannot stand up. Children of the Savior lay prostrate in the presence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The glory we see today is the same that the Spirit has given throughout the OT and NT Ages.
Many children of God change the direction of their life after they feel the glory and love of Jesus. The ways of God become more important than the ways of the world. We see the fruit of the Spirit manifested in their lives. Some appear with a radiance of love and joy from the Spirit.
Saints sit in the presence of the Lord for weeks and years. The Wonderful Physician brings healing to their lives. The Spirit gives them spiritual, physical, and mental healing. We don’t perceive all that the Spirit does in our lives. We only know that when we enter the glory and love of God, our values change.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
ZACCHAEUS
(Preached on THANKSGIVING SERVICE conducted by Mr Sunder S.Thapa & family on his youngest son graduation with a B.E ( Electronics) and his appointment with INFOSYS)
ZACCHEUS- (a Greek name from the Hebrew, pronounced zakkay, meaning pure) was a chief publican, or superintendent of customs
Zacchaeus means pure and innocent
Zacchaeus was an innocent person who is out of the way. The best person who knows you is your mother. - she will tell all about you. A MOTHER IS ALWAYS A CHILD IS!
In the Old Testament and in the Jewish culture the name tells about their traits and characteristic.
However, Zacchaeus is the high ranking official, Prince of evil among the people, corrupted. So he is not popular among people
Ø Silence is the only reply he gets.
Ø Everybody avoided him.
Ø “Curse is the day you were born”, Zaccheus.
Ø He was absolutely lost.
Our moral fibre is lost, innocence is lost, our nation is lost.We are lost! The one person who can find us is the one who found Adam , Moses , Elijah, Peter, James & John. In the midst of the story Jesus found Zaccheus on a tree.
Zaccheus was the chief tax collector. He was the Supdt. of Customs. The name Zaccheus means “righteous one” but the tax officer was not living up to his name. He was collecting more tax then required.
Jericho is the city of Palms in the Old Testament.
Zaccheus was short in stature and powerful. Rich- “plousis”- abundance, wealthy person.
There are three things about this person:
1. Chief Tax Collector
2. Short -
3. Not popular
Our life is full of brokenness- broken relationships, broken promises, and broken expectations. How can we live with that brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful except by returning again and again to God’s faithful presence in our lives
- Thomas Nouwen
Carl Young a Psychologist said “The central neurosis of our time is boredom and emptiness”
Actress Celine Holm said “we live by encouragement and die without it- slowly, sadly and angrily.”
Discouragement affects relationship- A SENSE OF LONELINESS, REJECTION AND ISOLATION GRIPS A PERSON
Zaccheus was curious. John Calvin wrote “Curiosity and simplicity are a sort of preparation for faith.
< SINNER TOO SHORT TO SEE JESUS (vv 1-4)
Short- mikros ( micros)- very short person. So, short little Zacchaeus couldn’t see Jesus in such a crowd; he needed to get higher, someplace higher to see over the crowds. He didn’t have a stepladder but he saw a sycamore tree, right there on the side of the road that Jesus was travelling. Zacchaeus ran ahead and cleverly climbed that sycamore tree. Now a sycamore tree is like a fig tree but taller; some 50 to 75 feet tall and some 50 feet wide. It has large leaves, like a maple or an oak tree. A sycamore tree is a shade tree, and so Zacchaeus climbed up, took out his bag of popcorn or pomegranates, his bottle of pop and waited.
The sycamore tree was meant for shade. It was planted on the road side. Zaccheus wanted height not shade.
How Zaccheus life was changed?
< ZACCHEUS A SINNER TO HIGH IN THE TREE (vs 5)
.Sure enough, here came Jesus. Just like he planned. Zacchaeus could see the donkey and The Man through the leaves, coming up the road. People were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” Wow! What a seat. And then the donkey stopped right beneath his branch. What luck. My friends will never believe it. Ringside seat.
Though Zaccheus was too short, Jesus came and stand in front of the tree. Zaccheus was popular in Jericho Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, you come down, for I’m coming to your house this day.” You know the song from childhood. “Zacchaeus, you come down, for I am coming to your house today.”
Zaccheus thought quickly to himself: “How does he know my name? ... How would he know me? ... Why me? ... What does he want with me?” Zacchaeus quickly slid down the tree, the buttons bursting from his shirt with pride. “Jesus, I would be honored to have you come to my home, the loveliest villa in Jericho, right down there overlooking the river.” As Zacchaeus sashayed to his house, everyone was gawking at Jesus and Zacchaeus too, which pleased Zacchaeus immensely.
But the crowds weren’t too pleased with Jesus’ choice of a new found friend. Zacchaeus was the most despised man in Jericho, a crook, a cocky little crook. Not only was he a tax collector at the toll booth; he was the chief tax collector. The big boss. The richest man in town. He worked for the Roman government, collecting their taxes, and Zacchaeus would pad the tax, for his own personal benefit. If there was an immoral skunk in town, Zacchaeus was the man. A thief, a con man, but untouchable because he was protected by the Roman government. What a poor choice Jesus made.
It was Jesus who saw Zaccheus; it was Jesus who talked to Zaccheus. Jesus will initiate the conversation.
“Come down……………… go to your home”- Zaccheus never anticipated. Jesus knew his problem.
Vs 6………………. Received Jesus joyfully
i.e.
ü Heart joyfully
ü Life joyfully
ü Home joyfully
Matt 11:28,29
We don’t need an Mt Everest of old newspaper to know the feelings of being trapped under the crush of our work and the burden of overwhelming spiritual demands. Jesus invites the weary to come to Him.
Stay- lodge, I must be guest in your house, comfortable in your life.
< ZACCHEUS TOO CONVINCED TO CONTINUE IN SIN (vs 8)
Zacchaeus was a repentant sinner. He was sorry for the bad things he had done. He told the Lord that he would give half of his possessions to the poor, and if he had cheated anybody out of anything, he would give back four times that amount.
Zacchaeus was dramatically and seriously touched by Jesus
Lev 6:5………… 1/5 i.e. 20%
Exodus 22:4, 7, 9
Zacchaeus came out of the front door by himself and addressed the large crowd who finally quiet down. He said, “I apologize to you folks. I have been cheating you for years now at the tollbooth. You know it and so do I. I have been a cad, taking advantage of my position. I’ve gotten richer at your expense. I apologize. To make it right, I will pay back each one of you from whom I have stolen. I will repay you back four times the amount I cheated you. Yes, each and every one of you. Also, I am giving half of my goods to the poor of our city.”
The crowd was shell-shocked. Their cynical selves couldn’t believe it. One man piped up: “Sure Zacchaeus, we’ll believe it when we see it. The Old Testament law is clear; you need to repay us what you stole from us plus 20%; but you say you are going to repay 400%? What’s the gimmick, Zacchaeus? What’s the trick?”
Another suspicious person chimed in: “Half your goods to the poor? You never cared a rip for the poor. You never dropped a dollar into the alms plate. When they rang bells for the poor at Hanukkah, you walked right on by the bucket. You often said: ‘let the poor go to work and not live off handouts.’ We’ll believe it when we see it, Zacchaeus.”
About that time, Jesus walked out, stood beside the white picket fence, put his arm around Zacchaeus, and quieted the crowds. “Today, salvation has come to Zacchaeus’s house. He has become a true son of Abraham. I have come to seek and save the lost. Zacchaeus has been found.”
Thus ends one of the most beautiful stories in the Bible, about a short little man who climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, a story about a man who was transformed from greedy to generous, from selfish to selfless, from a thieving heart to a thanksgiving heart. We ask ourselves: “What did Jesus say to him there in that house?” If only we knew what Jesus said, then perhaps we could say similar things to each other, and we too would be changed and become equally generous.
After salvation the same way is not there in Zaccheus.
There is a dramatic change in your life.
Vs 9-10…………… It is a theological truth. Jesus came to seek and save you. Jesus came to die, seek (seek to find) accomplish salvation. Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost.
When a day begins, you never know how it will end. For Zaccheus, that day ended in joyful fellowship with the Son of God, for he was now a changed man with a new life. Jesus is still seeking the lost and yearning to save them. Has he found you?
God is not looking for perfect people but people whose heart is right. God does not look what you are but you can be.
John 6:12- You can come to God with broken pieces.
The house of the Lord is the only way you can be found. Broken can be mended, shelter in the storm.
There are many things that are lost:-
8 Marriage lost their song.
8 Heart lost their joy.
8 Relationships that is lost.
When you look to Jesus you will find a comforter, a friend, cleansing fountain. Light of the world, heaven’s hope. Turn to Jesus; he alone can save you... By the time you see him he has already seen you.
ZACCHEUS- (a Greek name from the Hebrew, pronounced zakkay, meaning pure) was a chief publican, or superintendent of customs
Zacchaeus means pure and innocent
Zacchaeus was an innocent person who is out of the way. The best person who knows you is your mother. - she will tell all about you. A MOTHER IS ALWAYS A CHILD IS!
In the Old Testament and in the Jewish culture the name tells about their traits and characteristic.
However, Zacchaeus is the high ranking official, Prince of evil among the people, corrupted. So he is not popular among people
Ø Silence is the only reply he gets.
Ø Everybody avoided him.
Ø “Curse is the day you were born”, Zaccheus.
Ø He was absolutely lost.
Our moral fibre is lost, innocence is lost, our nation is lost.We are lost! The one person who can find us is the one who found Adam , Moses , Elijah, Peter, James & John. In the midst of the story Jesus found Zaccheus on a tree.
Zaccheus was the chief tax collector. He was the Supdt. of Customs. The name Zaccheus means “righteous one” but the tax officer was not living up to his name. He was collecting more tax then required.
Jericho is the city of Palms in the Old Testament.
Zaccheus was short in stature and powerful. Rich- “plousis”- abundance, wealthy person.
There are three things about this person:
1. Chief Tax Collector
2. Short -
3. Not popular
Our life is full of brokenness- broken relationships, broken promises, and broken expectations. How can we live with that brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful except by returning again and again to God’s faithful presence in our lives
- Thomas Nouwen
Carl Young a Psychologist said “The central neurosis of our time is boredom and emptiness”
Actress Celine Holm said “we live by encouragement and die without it- slowly, sadly and angrily.”
Discouragement affects relationship- A SENSE OF LONELINESS, REJECTION AND ISOLATION GRIPS A PERSON
Zaccheus was curious. John Calvin wrote “Curiosity and simplicity are a sort of preparation for faith.
< SINNER TOO SHORT TO SEE JESUS (vv 1-4)
Short- mikros ( micros)- very short person. So, short little Zacchaeus couldn’t see Jesus in such a crowd; he needed to get higher, someplace higher to see over the crowds. He didn’t have a stepladder but he saw a sycamore tree, right there on the side of the road that Jesus was travelling. Zacchaeus ran ahead and cleverly climbed that sycamore tree. Now a sycamore tree is like a fig tree but taller; some 50 to 75 feet tall and some 50 feet wide. It has large leaves, like a maple or an oak tree. A sycamore tree is a shade tree, and so Zacchaeus climbed up, took out his bag of popcorn or pomegranates, his bottle of pop and waited.
The sycamore tree was meant for shade. It was planted on the road side. Zaccheus wanted height not shade.
How Zaccheus life was changed?
< ZACCHEUS A SINNER TO HIGH IN THE TREE (vs 5)
.Sure enough, here came Jesus. Just like he planned. Zacchaeus could see the donkey and The Man through the leaves, coming up the road. People were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” Wow! What a seat. And then the donkey stopped right beneath his branch. What luck. My friends will never believe it. Ringside seat.
Though Zaccheus was too short, Jesus came and stand in front of the tree. Zaccheus was popular in Jericho Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, you come down, for I’m coming to your house this day.” You know the song from childhood. “Zacchaeus, you come down, for I am coming to your house today.”
Zaccheus thought quickly to himself: “How does he know my name? ... How would he know me? ... Why me? ... What does he want with me?” Zacchaeus quickly slid down the tree, the buttons bursting from his shirt with pride. “Jesus, I would be honored to have you come to my home, the loveliest villa in Jericho, right down there overlooking the river.” As Zacchaeus sashayed to his house, everyone was gawking at Jesus and Zacchaeus too, which pleased Zacchaeus immensely.
But the crowds weren’t too pleased with Jesus’ choice of a new found friend. Zacchaeus was the most despised man in Jericho, a crook, a cocky little crook. Not only was he a tax collector at the toll booth; he was the chief tax collector. The big boss. The richest man in town. He worked for the Roman government, collecting their taxes, and Zacchaeus would pad the tax, for his own personal benefit. If there was an immoral skunk in town, Zacchaeus was the man. A thief, a con man, but untouchable because he was protected by the Roman government. What a poor choice Jesus made.
It was Jesus who saw Zaccheus; it was Jesus who talked to Zaccheus. Jesus will initiate the conversation.
“Come down……………… go to your home”- Zaccheus never anticipated. Jesus knew his problem.
Vs 6………………. Received Jesus joyfully
i.e.
ü Heart joyfully
ü Life joyfully
ü Home joyfully
Matt 11:28,29
We don’t need an Mt Everest of old newspaper to know the feelings of being trapped under the crush of our work and the burden of overwhelming spiritual demands. Jesus invites the weary to come to Him.
Stay- lodge, I must be guest in your house, comfortable in your life.
< ZACCHEUS TOO CONVINCED TO CONTINUE IN SIN (vs 8)
Zacchaeus was a repentant sinner. He was sorry for the bad things he had done. He told the Lord that he would give half of his possessions to the poor, and if he had cheated anybody out of anything, he would give back four times that amount.
Zacchaeus was dramatically and seriously touched by Jesus
Lev 6:5………… 1/5 i.e. 20%
Exodus 22:4, 7, 9
Zacchaeus came out of the front door by himself and addressed the large crowd who finally quiet down. He said, “I apologize to you folks. I have been cheating you for years now at the tollbooth. You know it and so do I. I have been a cad, taking advantage of my position. I’ve gotten richer at your expense. I apologize. To make it right, I will pay back each one of you from whom I have stolen. I will repay you back four times the amount I cheated you. Yes, each and every one of you. Also, I am giving half of my goods to the poor of our city.”
The crowd was shell-shocked. Their cynical selves couldn’t believe it. One man piped up: “Sure Zacchaeus, we’ll believe it when we see it. The Old Testament law is clear; you need to repay us what you stole from us plus 20%; but you say you are going to repay 400%? What’s the gimmick, Zacchaeus? What’s the trick?”
Another suspicious person chimed in: “Half your goods to the poor? You never cared a rip for the poor. You never dropped a dollar into the alms plate. When they rang bells for the poor at Hanukkah, you walked right on by the bucket. You often said: ‘let the poor go to work and not live off handouts.’ We’ll believe it when we see it, Zacchaeus.”
About that time, Jesus walked out, stood beside the white picket fence, put his arm around Zacchaeus, and quieted the crowds. “Today, salvation has come to Zacchaeus’s house. He has become a true son of Abraham. I have come to seek and save the lost. Zacchaeus has been found.”
Thus ends one of the most beautiful stories in the Bible, about a short little man who climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, a story about a man who was transformed from greedy to generous, from selfish to selfless, from a thieving heart to a thanksgiving heart. We ask ourselves: “What did Jesus say to him there in that house?” If only we knew what Jesus said, then perhaps we could say similar things to each other, and we too would be changed and become equally generous.
After salvation the same way is not there in Zaccheus.
There is a dramatic change in your life.
Vs 9-10…………… It is a theological truth. Jesus came to seek and save you. Jesus came to die, seek (seek to find) accomplish salvation. Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost.
When a day begins, you never know how it will end. For Zaccheus, that day ended in joyful fellowship with the Son of God, for he was now a changed man with a new life. Jesus is still seeking the lost and yearning to save them. Has he found you?
God is not looking for perfect people but people whose heart is right. God does not look what you are but you can be.
John 6:12- You can come to God with broken pieces.
The house of the Lord is the only way you can be found. Broken can be mended, shelter in the storm.
There are many things that are lost:-
8 Marriage lost their song.
8 Heart lost their joy.
8 Relationships that is lost.
When you look to Jesus you will find a comforter, a friend, cleansing fountain. Light of the world, heaven’s hope. Turn to Jesus; he alone can save you... By the time you see him he has already seen you.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
What is the glory of God?
Let's begin to answer that question by looking at the first time the glory of the Lord appears in scripture. In Exodus 16 we read that the children of Israel are complaining because they do not have any food. Moses and Aaron their complaint and call them to draw near before the Lord.
"Now speak to them that the Lord has heard it came to pass as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they look toward the wilderness, and behold the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud." (Exodus 16:9)
Moses asked God to show him his glory. God replied, "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." (Exodus 33:19-23)
God explained to Moses that no one could see his face and live and offered to hide Moses as his glory passed by. God also equated his glory with his goodness.
According to Strong's Concordance the Hebrew word for goodness is tuwb which means good in the widest sense. It also carries with it the idea of beauty, gladness and welfare. God also proclaimed the name of Jehovah before Moses. Jehovah is the Jewish national name for God and means self-existent and eternal.
‘Glory’ (Hb)- heavy with weight, tangible- It simply means manifestation
¯
- The original meaning of glory has to do with weightiness. The glory of God summarizes the seriousness, the perfection, and the infinite significance of all of the attributes of God. It sums up who He is, in the awesome brightness and weightiness of all His perfections.
- God's glory is everything that makes up God; his authority, power, and sovereignty. Psalmists wrote that “the heavens declare the glory of God and that his glory is above the heavens and earth. “(Psalm 19:1; 113:4; 148:13) His glory is much more than we can comprehend; the depth of his goodness exceeds our grasp.
“Therefore, also, God did highly exalt him, and gave to him a name that {is} above every name, that in the name of Jesus every knee may bow--of heavenlies, and earthlies, and what are under the earth--and every tongue may confess that Jesus Christ {is} Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:9-11
¯ - God's glory is the goal in all of His plans for mankind. The glory of God is all that we, his creation, are about. In fact, all that God orchestrates, all that God wills, all that God determines and purposes, all that God causes to occur in and through His creation in this life is for God's glory.
- God's glory is synonymous with God's magnificence, God's splendor, His beauty, His perfection. Glory speaks to God's dignity, God's honor, God's wisdom, God's majesty, and His unquestionable justice in all His dealings with His creation. All is to the glory of our God. All credit for all things is to be given to our God. To Him alone belongs all glory! At least, you'd think so...
ü God's Glory Revealed
It is one thing to understand the concept of God's glory, but Ezekiel was able to see it and feel it and taste it and hear it. (Ezek 1:25-28). He experienced God's glory! It is hard for us to walk each day with having only heard and read of His glory. Yet God has given us a very special way to experience His glory at any time we choose. The Psalmist David reveals that "the heavens are telling of the glory of God" (19:1). The Seraphim seen by Isaiah confirm that "the whole earth is full of His glory" (6:3). When we need a glimpse of God's glory, we need only to walk outside and lift up our heads!
v On a bright, sunny day, the radiance of the sun reminds us of the light of God's radiance. This suggests to us that God is powerful, omniscient, omnipresent, in control.
v In the sound of thunder we hear the power of His voice. In the storm we recall that He is a holy God who will demand justice.
v In the rain we remember His righteousness: "Drip down, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds pour down righteousness" (Is. 45:8).
v In the rainbow we focus on His mercy in judgment and His covenant-keeping nature. Even on hazy, cloudless days we can sense His peace and comfort. He is a God who delights to reveal Himself to us. We need only seek Him. "So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord. As surely as the sun rises He will appear, and He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain watering the earth" (Hosea 6:3).
ü God's Glory Acknowledged
We are not only to see God's glory, we are to acknowledge it. All of the men who recorded visions of God's glory also recorded the profound impact it had upon them. God's glory should impact us, too. A beautiful song relating to our response to God's glory has been written by Chris Rice and sung by Kathy Troccoli:
A purple sky to close the day,I wade the surf where dolphins play.The taste of salt, the dance of waves,And my soul wells up with, "Hallelujah!"
A lightening flash, my pounding heart,A breaching whale, a shooting star,Give testimony that You areAnd my soul wells up with, "Hallelujah!"
O cratered moon and sparrow's wingsO thunder's boom and Saturn's ringsUnveil our Father as you singAnd my soul wells up with, "Hallelujah!"
The pulse of life within my wrist,A fallen snow, a rising mist,There is no higher praise than this;And my soul wells up with, "Hallelujah!"
O praise Him, all His mighty works.There is no language where You can't be heard;Your song goes out to all the earth.Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
When our souls wells up with "Hallelujah" then we are giving the glory to God. To give the glory to God does not mean that we add anything to His glory; we merely acknowledge His glory.
ü God's Glory Applied
[Ezekiel] lived and wrought in the light and power of [this vision of God's glory]. We, too, need to live and work in the light and power of this vision, or we shall faint at the discouragements of the times. Servant of Jesus, stand with Ezekiel again: get the sound of the wings and the chariot wheels in your ears again. ... This is the ... vision which turns fear to hope, and sighs to songs. May it be ever before our eyes! (J. Sidlow Baxter 35)
Please, don't allow yourself to begin a day this week without a vision of the likeness of the glory of God!
The church is desperate for the glory of the Lord to once again fill the temple. When his glory comes, his manifest presence, people change. Once we have experienced the wonder of his glory we will be ruined to everything we have known as church. In the presence of his majesty man's agendas disintegrate. Only in a place where self has died can God take up habitation. Let us clear our schedules and make a place for the God of glory to call home.
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