Ashes- [de-lite] December-With the Shepherds@xmas!!

Dearest in the Lord,

Yet another year is coming to an end and time just flew bringing us to the December of 2007.This season brings families together,gifts,cards and there is a festive atmosphere around the world,how I wish that we all would come closer to Him!!. Child of God, God just doesn’t want us to be Season oriented. He wants people of consistence and who are diligent. The shepherds were told of the birth of Jesus because when all the world was sleeping, they were diligent about the times and God visited them. My text for this month is chosen from Luke 2:8-20.

 

The passage talks about the angel of the lord appearing to these shepherds and we notice the transition happening to these shepherds. The Lord reminded me also to have these in our lives

 

1) From Fear to Praise

The angel of the Lord appeared to them and they were afraid. The angel pronounced Fear Not and we read later that the shepherds went praising an glorifying God.I can sense in my Spirit, that there are some of you who are afraid ,fearing how your future will be and what if you continue the same way..i wish if you hear those shepherds who were afraid chanting “Glory to God,Praise ye the Lord”//

The child in the manger just caused them to glorify God.Jesus in your heart can cause your heart to flow with ceaseless Praise.To aid you in the Praise process,God has sent us His Holy Ghost.He has not given us  a Spirit of Fear,but of adoption crying “abba father”.

 

2)From glimpse of God’s glory to the glance of God

These shepherds were covered by God’s glory as the angel spoke to them.They were not satisfied with that.We read that “the shepherds were saying to one another”Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this..”They were hasty,they didn’t postpone the time with God ..they said.”lets go now”.they were not satisfied with the glory or His word..They wanted to see this.When the word is coming to you,do not postpone it..Go now and pray..Do not postpone..Let not the glimpse of His glory satisy us,we need to see Him.Seek Him..and you will experience Joy Unspeakable.

 

3)From Experiencing to Witnessing

They experienced the glory of God,the word regarding the new born Child and we read in v17 that they made WIDELY KNOWN the saying which was told them concerning the Child.

Are we just people who want God to do something for us and be shameful in telling the gospel??are we making it WIDELY KNOWN that Jesus is the son of God and we are eye-witnesses of His majesty??Let our lives be a witnessing life.This season we have many opportunities to tell about the Lord,lets use it to the fullest.lets make the GOSPEL widely known

 

May I request you to bow ur heads in reverence wherever you are,thank Him from the bottom of your heart for His word,His Son and the communion of the Holy Spirit.Take care of your spiritual life.Do not neglect it.God has placed you in this world.Lets move on from Fear to praise,from glmpse of His glory to see His son,from just experiencing God to witnessing Him.

 

Our Father in heaven,we thank thee for the last month of 2007 and you have been with us,its not because of the lack of accidents or turmoils that we are praising you,but its because of your great grace and mercy.Father,we pray that like those shepherds we will understand to be diligent and vigilant,from seeing the glimpse of your glory to see you,from an experiencing life to witnessing one.Fill us with thy Spirit.Cleanse our hearts and make us devoted to thee.Protect our parents and friends.We pray for those who are afraid,fearful,weary.Those who are sick,heal them all….As we stand in the last hours of the last days,help us to prepare ourselves for thy coming.Let none of us be left out.help us to discern your will and not by customs and traditions.Grant us a pure  clean heart filled with love and humility.make us more like thee

We bless your Holy name.

In Jesus’s precious name we pray

Amen

 

Wishing you a great season of thanksgiving this xmas and a blessed new year 2008

 

Maranatha

Ash

 

Ashes-Experience(3)

Yesterday we had a session or ergonomics, which was about all health related problems to IT sector people. The doctor was telling simple steps like a brisk morning walk,jogging,improving the posture,exercises.I ,along with most of them present there must have undoubtedly heard this from our parents, friends etc.But when the doctor says, the extent of practicing the same goes to a HIT. Today I looked at many of them who attended yesterday’s meeting. they  were all  doing something what was said like the “neck rotation”, sitting properly, standing for a while. The truth what I wanted to make here is we implement or believe something depending on the source of information. When a doctor tells us to do something,we blindly do it because we know He is specialized in that, Now the word of God is living, it contains many promises, warnings and everything needed to live the right way. We often neglect those and believe the circumstances and situations. God who is specialized in our life says” Do not worry” but we cant help but to worry. God says “wait on me and put on strength” while we are in a hurry. He promises healing ,health and great future. The word of God says also mentions many “DO NOT’s” while we end up “doing” most. Believe and live God’s word. believe the source and live it. GOD Is “YOU” Specialist;-))

“For I know the plans I have for you, plans not to harm you but to give you and hope and a future”(Jer 29:11)

 

Have a Great Weekend!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ashes-From UnexPected Places @ Unexpected Times

 

 

Jacob was all alone as he slept in Luz because the sun had set.Lonely,fearful,anxious like many of us. He was a runaway kid. he had to do so to escape from his brother,Esau.He had just one good thing here, the father’s blessing. He slept on one of the stones there. He dreamt like never before,He saw the God of His fathers in the dream and a ladder that had angels descending and ascending. From the top the Lord spoke..many promises. The Lord said one more thing”I will not leave you until I fulfill all what I spoke to you”. Child of God remember, He is committed to fulfill what He has promised you.! He who called you is faithful,he will do it. The point I want to make here is God shows up in the place where you do not expect Him to be.jacob woke from his sleep and said “Truly this place is awesome”>he renamed Luz to bethel.

 

Moses was completely out of place. He was skilled in Egyptian warfare and had many “talents” and now He is grazing sheep of his father in law in Midian.Like Jacob, completely “out of place” He even named his son “Gershom” meaning” iam a stranger in an alien land”. He “accidentally” came to the mountain of God. He saw a great sight n the most unexpected place.He suddenly was standing on “HOLY GROUND”. Dear friend,God shows up when you give up. He will never forsake you. He knows you. He calls you by name as He called from the burning bush”Moses,Moses”.He has a great plan for you. Do u think you are in a place where you don’t like to be ??”out of place”He is going to show up soon and give you a new direction and guidance.!!

 

Elijah was sleeping all alone,dejected.He came till the wilderness, trying to hide away from Jezebel. He could not manage then.he slept,but God of Israel who never sleeps nor slumbers watched over him. The angel came and woke him up and gave him food to eat and strengthen him.Elijah never expected God to show up there,soon He was experiencing Fire, earthquake and wind ,but God was not there.A still small voice,he had to be silent so much,wait so much.But God showed up,the still small voice gave Him a ministry of anointing.!!

 

Look at the crooked hills of calvary,it was a “thankless, ruthless” mankind.Noone would dare to save the planet, but God wouldn’t leave it .He showed up himself to the world on that manger.He exposed His love as He died on that cross.Still He shows up to you in your grief, in your struggles,in your weakness,in your loneliness,in your tears! Expect Him to show Himself in the unexpected way in the unexpected place!!

 

“to the old rugged cross,I will ever be true

Its shame and reproach gladly bear

Then He’ll call me someday to my home far away

Where His glory forever I’ll share”

 

Maranatha

Ash

http://ashleybenjamin.blogspot.com

 

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Ashes-Capsule(ps57:2)

Psalm 57:2 I will cry out to God,Most High,to God who performs all things for me

 

Thought 1:This Psalm begins with the verse where the Psalmist wants hide under the Shadow of God’s wings, from all the calamities that was around Him. He picturizes Himself to be like a small chicken that runs to its Mother, to rest under her shadow from the cruel beasts seeking to devour. In verse 2,He goes on to do one more thing, He will cry OUT TO GOD! He is not ashamed of telling that. When all is hopeless, in midst of so many calamities, Psalmist says HE WILL CRY OUT TO GOD. The Psalmist also understands that His God is Most High. May I hear a hallelujah. He says God is MOST HIGH. let not this revelation depart from us.He is the MOST HIGH. Higher than your managers, your friends, your rulers,your enemies, your diseases, your woes, your struggles.He is seated on a HIGH AND EXALTED THRONE. Yes our God is Most High. Will you cry out to Him in midst of your calamity???

 

Thought 2:He also understands, that He is a God who is MOST HIGH yet so approachable, so near that God performs all things for us. Absolutely all things.In your work place, Its His presence that works FOR YOU. Its He who protects you.Its He who opens new ways for you. He performs all things for you.He maintains the universe and also your body such that all body organs perform well. He is all for you. Paul later gets this and says” IF GOD BE FOR US WHO CAN BE AGAINST US”. He also says”I can do all things thorugh Christ who strengthens me”.Child of God, God performs all things for you.Will you take off that element of “leaning on ur own understanding”? Will you allow Him to work..yes He is for you and He will perform all things for you.

 

Introspection

1)When is the last time that you felt the Lord as MOST HIGH??

2)What was your response to that??

 

 

Application

1)In your workplace,in midst of calamities,do what the Psalmist did,Cry out to HIM……

2)Allow Him to perform ALL THINGS FOR YOU!!Do not TEACH HIM what to do..Humbly walk in His way.

 

 

Maranatha

ash

Ashes-Capsule(phil 2.5)

Phil 2.5:Let this mind be in you ,which was also in Christ Jesus

 

Thought 1:Our minds are created once,but the beauty is it can be renewed.Our minds are where heated discussions and arguments occur.Mind is the stage where thoughts wage a war.The whisperings of the devil,the communion of the Spirit all occurs here and what succeeds in our mind becomes our act.

Here Apostle Paul admonishes from the Prison to the church in Phillipi,Have the mind OF CHRIST in you.Trade it.Exchange it.Get that mind.

 

Thought 2:The good news is, what Mind Christ had can be yours.That mind that had compassion on the multitudes,that healed the sick,that fed the hungry,that humbleness that made Him to stoop down from the throne of heavens to the old rugged cross thinking of you and me.This can be yours.many a time we don’t take time to take THAT MIND that was in Christ Jesus.IF WE HAVE THAT MIND,WE WONT MIND DOING ANYTHING.This mind made Christ of being of no reputation.REPUTATION ,is the most soughted word now.Taking the form of BONDSERVANT.,born to serve.We have only leaders these days,no servants. Humbled Himself…we like others telling about our luxury..have we ever taken an “effort to be humble”.?Became obedient even unto the death unto the cross.

 

 

Introspection

1)what is the mind we possess??Is it the mind to go to any extent..to humble ourselves,the extent to obey Him??

 

2)How do you respond to the SUCCESS Mantras of the world??Will you trade your comforts for the blessing of others??Some time of sleep to pray for others,some holiday to tell about the gospel of Christ??

 

Application

1)Write down your likings in your heart,compare it with the “MIND OF CHRIST”Refuse any thing that comes against that

 

2)See Rom 12:1-2..sumbit your minds to be renewed as you offer your bodies as a living sacrifice

 

Ashes-Capsule(ps 84:11)

Psalm 84:11: For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

 

Thought 1: The Psalmist gets a great vision of who the Lord God is. At one point He notes the Lord God as the sun, from where we derive all benefits He specifically states the “rays” of grace and glory that comes from Him. Child of God, Our Lord is a sun to us. As earth cannot have existence without the sun, we too frail humans cant exist without God as our sun. He bestows grace and glory. In His light we glow, In His grace we live. But are we deriving the rays falling on us? As the plants exhibit photomorphism,do we “intentionally” protrude to get the rays from the Lord through prayer and feeding His word? Do we grow because of the rays from HIM???

 

Thought 2:The second revelation, Psalmist gets from the Lord is that He is a shield. A shield who blocks the evil rays from the devil. Child of God, do you recognize that you are in a battlefield and constantly being targeted by the devil,who wants to threaten your finance,job,family.Yet you are alive and safe.Its because of the Lord being our shield. Shout a big hallelujah to your shield.He is for us.He is our shield. He acts a s filter also. He filters wat comes to you. He blocks the evil designs and plans and acts of the enemy, but will not withhold any Good thing from you.He will not! hallelujahI!Iwhen you walk uprightly,no good thing will He withhold.

 

Introspection

1)Did you receive the rays of grace and glory from the Lord your God ,your sun??

2)Do you exhibit the growth as required when He is your sun and shield??

 

Application

1)Understand what it is to walk uprightly and mend our lifestyle

2)take steps on how to constantly be under the light of the sun and His shield

 

 

Ashes-Mourning to Morning

That night Mordecai must have gone to sleep with a burdened heart,I amgine he would have sung with David" I will both lie down in peace and sleep;for you alone,O Lord make me dwell in safety".The thoughts of His people and Him being killed by the enemy must have put him in lot of pain.Next morning,something unusual happened,Haman was knocking his doors,he must havepinched himself ot see whether he was dreaming or not.At the entrace stood the Royal Horse on which the emperor rode,he was asked by haman to put the ROYAL GARMENTS and also the Royal crown.He could not believe what was happening.He was escorted through the streets by Haman tellng"This would be done to the man whom the Kings wishes to honor".The reason was when Mordecai was resting at night,his keeper was not sleeping!!

 

The Israelites were in anguish,they murmured to Moses asking him why he brought them from Egypt while they were near the bowls of meat and had so much to feast on.They were perplexed by the sight of Pharoah and his army chasing them and the red sea was roaring in front of them.They could not do much during the night,but their  keeper could.He drove an east wind over the red sea all through the night.At the morning watch,they could see a new way paved for them.

 

King Hezekiah also will not forget to narrate His experience.He faced a strong enemy who threatened him for days.The enmy breathed out heaps of insults and demoralized the people of God.They were silent because that was the order from hezekiah.The king rent His garments and went to the presence of God with the cruel inhumane threatenings from the enemy.With a heavy heart they went to rest at night.Morning they saw 1,85,000 dead bodies lying around them.One angel of God went through the enemy's camp.

 

CHild of God,are you facing a difficult situation in your life,be careful not to sin against God by your words.Allow Him to work.Though the weeping  may last for a night JOY comes in the morning.Your morning is coming!!Hold on!!

 

 

Ashes-Say Thy Word and Save our World!!

The wedding house at Cana was so attractive from outside,guests were pouring in,and  as they were coming in the wine was going out and noone seemed to care abt the situation in the house.They had invited Jesus and His disciples for the wedding and His mother also was there.Fear set in there was a panic all around,people were asking for wine but the wine was over.Mary came and told Jesus because she knew who Jesus was and also knew that if Jesus was told something,He will do something about it.Sher went and asked the people in the store," WHATEVER HE SAYS  TO YOU DO IT".

 

A centurion met Christ on the way and asked Him to heal His Servant.Christ said" I will come and Heal Him".The centurion full of faith said a  "LOrd,AM unworthy to have you under my house,Say a Word and my servant shall be healed".Prayer of faith acknowledges Him as Lord,it also expresses our unworthiness in His presence ,but RELIES ON THE POWER OF HIS WORD.The centurion like Mary understood that His word can do great things,it can travel upto any distance,it  accomplishes the purpose for which it is sent.Let me add one more thing,even the angels are so keen on hearing and obeying His word.When God sents a word unto us,I also imagine a host of unseen angels being sent to fulfil His word regarding us.Hallelujah!!

 

Jesus and His disciples faced a tempest at the Sea and when the disciples saw the master sleeping,they got afraid.They woke Him up and cried"lord we are perishing".Jesus woke from the sleep and asked them "where is your faith"??He spoke"peace,be still"And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.The disciples then said to one another"Who can this be,that even the wind and sea obey Him!!".His word changed their world!!!!

 

Child of God,Lets pray O GOD SAYTHY WORD AND Save OUR WORLD!!!

 

Thanks and With Best Regards,

Ashley Benjamin,

Infosys Technologies,

Trivandrum

Cell:9961497670

 

Ashes-Speak thy word and Change our World!!

The wedding house at Cana was so attractive from outside,guests were pouring in,and  as they were coming in the wine was going out and noone seemed to care abt the situation in the house.They had invited Jesus and His disciples for the wedding and His mother also was there.Fear set in there was a panic all around,people were asking for wine but the wine was over.Mary came and told Jesus because she knew who Jesus was and also knew that if Jesus was told something,He will do something about it.Sher went and asked the people in the store," WHATEVER HE SAYS  TO YOU DO IT".

 

A centurion met Christ on the way and asked Him to heal His Servant.Christ said" I will come and Heal Him".The centurion full of faith said a  "LOrd,AM unworthy to have you under my house,Say a Word and my servant shall be healed".Prayer of faith acknowledges Him as Lord,it also expresses our unworthiness in His presence ,but RELIES ON THE POWER OF HIS WORD.The centurion like Mary understood that His word can do great things,it can travel upto any distance,it  accomplishes the purpose for which it is sent.Let me add one more thing,even the angels are so keen on hearing and obeying His word.When God sents a word unto us,I also imagine a host of unseen angels being sent to fulfil His word regarding us.Hallelujah!!

 

Jesus and His disciples faced a tempest at the Sea and when the disciples saw the master sleeping,they got afraid.They woke Him up and cried"lord we are perishing".Jesus woke from the sleep and asked them "where is your faith"??He spoke"peace,be still"And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.The disciples then said to one another"Who can this be,that even the wind and sea obey Him!!".His word changed their world!!!!

 

Child of God,Lets pray O GOD SPEAK THY WORD AND CHANGE OUR WORLD!!!

 

 

 

 

Thanks and With Best Regards,

Ashley Benjamin,

Infosys Technologies,

Trivandrum

Cell:9961497670

 

Ashes-Capsule(Ps48:14)

Psalm 48:14:For this is God,our God forever and ever;He will be our guide even unto death

 

Thought 1:What a verse is this!!A verse that expresses an eternal relationship.He will be our GOD forever and ever.We need God who can control things beyond our control.From our inner lives to the outer galaxy we need GOD.A God who can cleanse us from sin,heal our diseases,give us peace,joy and happiness.We need a God who has control over the earth we live,the sun rise,sunset,rains at due time,protector from calamities.Imagine what is God to you.Child of God ,He never shirks from His responsibility.HE IS OUR GOD,FOREVER and EVER.He never changes.He is God.hallelujah.

 

Thought 2:This God not only is God,but our guide.He is so interested in each step we take.He guides us.He speaks to us.His word guides us.We read in Psalm 32:8.He will guide us with His eye on us.Dear Reader,If He is your God,He will guide you.Have you made Him God of your life.Have you entered into an eternal relationship with Him??This eternal relationship will prove to be very vital in our day to day life.Invite Him into your heart.Give Him room.Dont worry about what situation you are in right now.HE IS YOUR GOD-the one responsible for your birth,responsible to guide you,responsible to lead you to eternity.

 

Introspection

------------------------

1)What experiences do you have with GOD??

2)Have you ever cherished that eternal relationship??or are you iterested in temporal relationships that you forget the eternal relationship??

 

Application

---------------------

1)Write down your experiences with God in a diary.This will encourage you later and be a blessing

2)DO your maximum this weekend and henceforth in cherishing the relationship with your God.Talk to Him,walk with Him.Read His word.May He guide you

 

 

maranatha

Ash

http://ashleybenjamin.blogspot.com

 

 

Ashes-Capsule(ps84.5)

Psalm 84:5:Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee,in whose hearts are highways to zion

 

Thought 1:We live in a world that robs our strength.We long for strength to move on in this world.God does not want us to be weak and dejected all the time.He wishes His people to use Him as their energy source,from where they derive their strength.AM thankful that the Bible does not say"blessed is the man who has strength,power"..It says when we are dependent on God for everything,we are blessed.He does not want us to live independent of Him.He wants us to be dependent on Him.The Bible says.."The eyes of the Lord run to and fro the whole earth to show HIMSELF strong on behalf of them whose hearts are blameless towards HIM"

 

Thought 2:For us to derive strength from God,we need to have a way within our heart that reaches heavens.The first time we ask God and receieve mercy,I imagine a road being opened from your heart to His throne.The  times you pray,the road becomes more bigger...Its not a struggle.When faced with weakness,lets take that HIGHWAY of faith from our heart to heavens,lets not again be in that narrow struggling road of doubt in our heart.Child of God,are u facing a critical moment,is anxiety and worry draining ur energy.Search in your heart,look that road which was built when you prayed the first time and He answered you.Its a wide road,you will reach the destination.Get your strength.Move forward in Life

 

Introspection

------------------

1)Do you think that God wants you to live independent without Him??

2)When you are weak,what do you normally do??Do u have that way of prayer in your heart or have you closed that path??

Is that way a HIGHWAY??

 

Application

--------------

1)Maintain a diary that records your prayers and the ways He answered you

2)Draw strength from Him by attending fellowships,feeding His word and meditating and praising Him.You are blessed

 

maranatha!!

Thanks and With Best Regards,

Ashley Benjamin,

Infosys Technologies,

Trivandrum

Cell:9961497670

 

Ashes-Capsule(ps 34.8)

Psalm 34:8:Oh Taste and see that the Lord is good;blessed is the man who trusts in Him

 

Thought 1:This Psalm is written in one of the most horrible circumstances in David's life.This as prelude He invites all the people to TASTE n See that the Lord is good.The Bible is a book that contains many stories.Its not just STORIES but HOW GOD dealt in those STORIES is what should be noticed.Many a time we feel the BITTERNESS of life that we forget THE GOODNESS of the Lord.When faced by unforeseen circumstances,when facing bitter experiences in Life,do remember ITS TIME TO TASTE AND SEE THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD THAN THE BITTERNESS OF THE CIRCUMSTANCE.Its not feel God..its tasting Him...that you keep going on being thirsty for the tasty !!!

 

Thought 2:He also notes here,BLESSED is the man who trusts in this Good GOD!!...Blessing starts from your heart of trust in God, not in the bank balance you have.We all love to be blessed.We look at the worldly situations and commend"See how much He is blessed"...Even when Jacob had a large group of herd and cattle and servants and wives and children,IN PENIEL HE Cried to God..UNLESS YOU BLESS ME I WONT LEAVE YOU..Then we see the night of fear being turned into a blessing!!His name changed,That heart that cheated His dad and Uncle was changed by od's touch and blessing and brokeness of His body.Psalmist understood this great truth and proclaimed BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO TRUSTS IN HIM

 

Introspection

------------------

1)Are you in a bitter situation??how can you tase the the goodness of the Lord

 

2)What is your definition on being "blessed"??

 

Application

-----------------

1)Write down those moments of bitterness where you TASTED the goodness of God in a diary and thank Him

 

2)Trust God in whatever situation you are in and confess that "I AM BLESSED BECAUSE MY HEART DOES NOT TRUST IN THE CIRCUSTANCE BUT ON GOD WHO IS THE GOD OF THE CIRCUMSTANCE"

 

 

Thanks and With Best Regards,

Ashley Benjamin,

Infosys Technologies,

Trivandrum

Cell:9961497670

 

Ashes-Capsule(Psalm 121:1-2)

 

Psalm 121:1-2."I lift up my eyes to the hills-from whence comes my help?My help comes from the Lord,who made heaven and earth

 

Thought 1:Help ..we all need it.We need it when we cannot move further,we long for a hand that holds ours,that shouldres our burden and here we see the Psalmist also in a "helpless" situation to which He does one thing.He lifts His eyes!!

Child of God when feeling helpless we often tend to put our faces down discontented,disappointed,but we get encouragement from this verse.I LIFT UP MY EYES TO THE HILLS...!!!A child whom I know was trying to lift up a weight tht she could not bear,she knew that I was standing nearby,she tried a lot to take that "heavy toy".At last she made it and suddenly it fell down from her hand and there she with tears in her eyes looked upto me.When helpless its not time to put our faces down,its time ,I said ITS TIME TO LOOK UP  AND SEEK OUR EVER PRESENT HELP AND FIND AN ANSWER IMMEDIATELY!!HIs help is timely and Immediate!!

 

Thought 2:The Psalmist ends the question is verse 1 with an answer in verse 2 and then we see the qualities of the Helper He found!!We also need to pen down the HELP that He provides in our OWN terms as we move through the paths of life.

He says MY HELP COMES NOT FROM THE HILLS,BUT BEYOND THE HILLS FROM THE ONE WHO MADE THESE HILLS, FROM THE ONE WHO MADE THE SKIES AND THE UNIVERSE.My Helper is My Creator!!When we try looking to various locations for help,do not miss the PERSON who created THOSE.We dont get help from where our eyes see,we get help from the INVISIBLE GOD WHO DWELLS IN  THE UNAPPROACHABLE LIGHT,THE ONE WHO CREATED THE UNIVERSE!!David must have known the scripture Moses wrote "Genesis 1.1:In the beginning God created Heaven and the earth" and David added to that verse"My Help comes from the LORD who created,who made the Heaven and the Earth"

 

Introspection

--------------------

1)When was the most recent time when you needed a help desperately??What was your immediate response?

2)How do you approach God when you need Help??Do you find Him evry present to you??

 

Application

---------------

1)Write down what God means to you as YOUR HELPER from HEB2.18,4.16,13.6,Psalm 46.1

Thanks and With Best Regards,

Ashley Benjamin,

Infosys Technologies,

Trivandrum

Cell:9961497670

 

Ashes-Capsule(Ps84.3)

Psalm 84.3.Even the Sparrow has found a home,and the swallow a nest for herself ,where she may lay her young-even Your altars, O Lord of hosts,my King and my God

 

Thought 1:As the Psalmist gazes into God's presence He himself with awe.How lovely are your dwelling places and He expresses His deep longing to be in His presence,here he writes this verse even the Sparrow has found a home.Now the difference between us and the Sparrow is evident.Sparrow has found a home in the altars of God.We rather become visiters.We often use God's presence like a travel inn..after becoming weary and tired we reach His prsence.Still by grace He touches us.Now why not we like those little sparrows make His altars our Home???Remember when you make His presence as your home,its safety for your young ones too.........!!!

 

Thought 2:Altar is not a "good" place.Its a place of slaughter and blood shed,where sacrifices are done.But here we see the altar as the home for the sparrow.Child of God we are not destined to be in the outer courts.Are we Living in His altars??A life of sacrifice that's pleasing to God??When it is done,it will be so so beautiful.Only when you present yourself on the altar, the devil will not alter you from fulfilling the divine plan.

 

Introspection:

1)Are you a visitor to God's presence or have you made that your HOME??

 

2)Have you enjoyed the safety God's presence provide??

 

Application

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1)Enjoy God's presence each and every moment of your life.Identify those "tactics" of the devil that prevents you from making His presence as your HOME....

 

2)Sing songs of surrender whenever possible in your heart like "All to jesus I surrender","I just wanna be where you are"

 

 

Thanks and With Best Regards,

Ashley Benjamin,

Infosys Technologies,

Trivandrum

Cell:9961497670

 

Ashes-Servants of God vs Masters of His blessings

Elijah burst into the scene from nowhere.We see Him warning King Ahab that unless He tells its not going to rain in Israel.We see later in James 5 that Elijah came into the scene from His "prayer room".He explodes in front of the evil king ..he says As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.Elijah knew whom he served.The blessings of the land are dependent on the Servants of God.These days we see Masters of His Blessings and very few Servants of God.In Carmel He prayed like this" Elijah stepped forward and prayed: "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command".

 

Daniel was a young hebrew lad who experienced God's presence and favour in midst of great emperors like Nebuchadnezzar,Belshazzar and Darius.A law was passed by Darius to put anyone who worships any other God in the Lion's den,but Darius knew the God Daniel served.He woke up early in the morning and ran to the lion's den and cried loudly

 O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?.

what an example!!Those who serve the eternal almighty God needn't fear the temperory LIONS..God of the Lions is your God!!

 

St paul was in a ship that faced a great hurricane called "northeaster".He also knew the God whom He served.In midst of all fears and turmoils and tensions in the ship,Paul was encouraged to say this to those in the troubled waters."But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me 24and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' 25So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me

 

Child of God...Will you take a decision that can change your way of life as Joshua said"As for me and my house we will serve the Lord".The rains on the land,the lions in the den,the hurricane of the sea wont destroy you as long as you serve Him with all of your heart ,mind and soul.

 

 

Thanks and With Best Regards,

Ashley Benjamin,

Infosys Technologies,

Trivandrum

Cell:9961497670

 

Ashes -Capsule(7)

1 Cor 10:1-5

MoreOver Brethren,I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud,all passed through the sea,All were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea,All ate the same spiritual food,And all drank the same Spritual drink.For they drank of that Spiritual Rock that followed them and that rock was Christ.

But with most of them God was not well pleased,for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness

 

Thought 1:The Provision we enjoy when we are stuck,the new doors we see whenever we find all exisiting ways are closed all reminds us that we have a SPIRITUAL ROCK that follows us.He follows us wherever we go .When faced with hunger and thirst,when we long for something new to happen always see the Rock that is following us.He is our shepherd.he is our rock.Rock of our provision

 

Thought 2:The spiritual and worldly provision we enjoy is not a sign of God's pleasure in us.ITS WHAT WE DO WITH THOSE THAT COUNTS You may have the greatest of houses and cars and jobs.You may be speaking of great Spiritual gifts and exercising them,but listen to this..."All ate the same spiritual food,And all drank the same Spritual drink.For they drank of that Spiritual Rock that followed them and that rock was Christ.

But with most of them God was not well pleased,for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness"..Jesus is coming soon,we are almost nearing the promised land.IS GOD PLEASED WITH YOU..what are you doing with the Job He has given you,what are you doing with the "palaces" and "luxuries" He has given you....Rather than being people who enjoy God's gifts based on grace Lets be people who please GOD IN EVERYTHING WE SAY AND DO...

 

The most significant part of the life of Jesus was when heavens opened and the voice of the Father said"This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased"..

 

Introspection

1)Is your life pleasing to God???

2)Are you thinking that God's blessings are for your pleasure and heavens are not thinking how wisely you use it??

Is the heavely Father happy for the blessings He has given you and the productivity you have??

 

Application

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1)See Heb 11.6,13.16,Rom 12:1-2,2tim 2.4.......write those specific subjects through which God will be pleased in you

2)Pray this prayer

Psalm  19:14...Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight,O Lord ,my strength and my redeemer.

 

 

Thanks and With Best Regards,

Ashley Benjamin,

Infosys Technologies,

Trivandrum

Cell:9961497670

 

Ashes-Lets Sing!!

King Jehoshaphat was facing a great crisis in His life as He saw a multitude of enemies coming against Him.When He looked at His resources He felt so inadequate,but then He turned His eyes to the one who provides resources,who gives victory.He adopted a military strategy which no other ruler in the entire world History employed.he sent a group of musicians in the front of the army,they sang the song which was familiar in every hebrew family's house..I believe this song was resonating from the smallest child to the oldest person."O GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD FOR HE IS GOOD ,HIS STEADFAST LOVE ENDURES FOREVER"...

 

Daniel knew that a law was signed against praying to the Almighty God.He was a free person whe it came to puring out His heart before God.Though there is no law agaist prayer in our lands and terriritories we find it very difficult to pray.When the Law was signed against Him,He got onto His knees and the Bible says.He gave THANKS to the Lord as He was doing before three times a day with His windows opened towards Jerusalem.I imagine he must have sang this HYMN"O GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD,FOR HE IS GOOD,HIS STEADFAST LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.."...

 

Our blessed Lord Jesus as He stood before the 5000 odd men with 5 loaves and 2 Fish.He lifted His eyes towards Heavens and we read He thanked the LORD.Same thing He did when he stood before the tomb of lazarus.

He lifted His eyes to the heavens and thanked His heavenly father.He did the same bofore going to the garden of gethsamane.He must have sang"O GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD,FOR HE IS GOOD AND HIS STEADFAST LOVE ENDURES FOREVER"

 

CHild of God,Thanksgiving in the present for the present will result in a miracle in the next moments.I wish this song will be so familiar in our mouths.In sorrows,through difficulties,through pain,when faced with shortages,when laws are passed against you.,lets sing O GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD,FOR HE IS GOOD AND HIS STEADFAST LOVE ENDURES

Ashes-Something Personal.Something Beautiful,SOMEtHing EterNal

Blind Barthimaues, in the road side of Jericho heard that Jesus, the son of David is passing by.Someone must have taught him about Jesus who would heal the sick,who would be the KING.A ray of hope hit his blind life.He never knew what it  was to be with sight.From the time He was born,he could not see anything.He was just acquinted with sounds and sounds only.

He immediately visualized inside his heart, what is needed from Him from not letting JESUS pass by.Yes the time approached as he heard a huge crowd walking by Him.He perceived and cried "JESUS SON OF DAVID HAVE MERCY ON ME".He wanted to have a healing personally which the world didnt want him to have.The world asked him to shut up.CHild of God only Jesus can sympathize with you  ...so make use of every   energy u have to catch His attention and let Him do something personal in us.THE WORLD WILL REBUKE U BUT JESUS WILL CALL YOU TO HIM and do something Personal in your LIFE!!

 

Mary broke a precious jar of ointment and anointed Jesus on His head.Judas Iscariot led the crowd in condemning her."Why did she waste this much money,the ointment could have been sold and given to the poor".Jesus knowing the love that broke that jar and anointing Him told the crowd gathered there that she has done a "beautiful thing" unto Him.

The world will not know the beauty of a broken heart,but God knows.he values every tear drop that comes from your welled eyes.World may look at the amount wasted,but the Lord will look at the jar broken.Something beautiful for the Lord,world will keep you from doing that.

 

Mary of bethany sat at the feet of Jesus.Her Sister Martha was busy preparing food for Christ.She was all alone in the kitchen but mary was too busy with the Lord.We often feel lonely,anxious and we look for someone who would help us out with the "cooking".She complained to the Lord and the Lord said,Martha!One thing is only needed and Mary has done the right thing and noone shall take it awy from her.The times at the feet of Jesus contributes to something ETERNAL.There also people will blame you!!

 

So remember the world will always prevent you,condemn you from something personal,beautiful and eternal to happen in your life.Take a decision...out of love..blind eyes He can open,Broken hearts He will not despise,At His feet everything is sweet.

maranatha

 

 

Ashes-Capsule(6)

Psalm 23.4:Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and Your staff they comfort me

 

Thought 1:The valley of shadow of death is where we see darkness all around. These are times where we smell ‘”evil” around us. We feel so lonely we lose sight of the way we need to take. But Psalmist still says “I WILL FEAR NO EVIL”. The reason is because the good Shepherd is with the sheep in this dark path. The good shepherd is still in control. The shepherd who led the sheep to the green pastures, the shepherd who led the sheep to the quiet waters is still the shepherd. He knows what he has to do. What an assurance we get from this verse. Thus the sheep is encouraged not because of the absence of the dark valley but just by the presence of the good shepherd

 

Thought 2.In those valleys of darkness, there is a chance that we might miss being in the shoulders of the shepherd. We feel directionless, it is at that time that we fear an enemy more closer than the shepherd. Suddenly there comes an attack. We lose sight of what’s happening! but we hear the sounds that terrify us, sounds of danger, we just stand still not too long till we hear the sound of a rod that hit the lions’ the enemy’s head. a silence all around. Suddenly the tip of a staff familiar to the sheep takes hold of its neck and guides it gently back to the road it has to be. The road of safety and peace. The tip of the staff also guides the sheep back to the shoulders of the shepherd who leads it close to His heart. The shepherd smiles at the sheep,encourages,wipes the tear of fear from the sheep. whispers gently” all is well my dear, no one can do anything to you. Am still your shepherd” what a comfort it is for the little one !!!and again puts the sheep back on the road of life.Oh the tip of God’s protection and guidance provides comfort to us many a time when we feel that the shepherd is no where near

 

Introspection

1)Were there dark valleys in your life? Was it fearful??

2)have you enjoyed the presence of the shepherd at those times??

Application

1.if you are in a valley, get encouraged because the shepherd’s rod and staff is your comfort even when you can lose sight of the shepherd who is with you

2.Sing songs of the protection and guidance the good shepherd can give you and increase your faith