The Bible says "My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge(Hosea 4:6).Everything happening in the world has a heavenly dimension to it.Through Viewpoint we desire that we may understand more about the times we are living in.

RECESSION

We are facing the most unpredictable time in History.Millions of people around the world are facing job cuts and pink slips.What is the reason behind this?People commiting suicides, world leaders gathering and breaking their heads on how to save the world.

What is the reason for a recession?

We know that Pride goes before a fall.

In the Bible we read that whenever people went away from God, there was a famine in the land. Remember the famine in the times of Elijah.Famines and recession is a wake up call for the people of God.Hosea 13:6..When I fed them they were satisfied;when they were satisfied ,they became proud ;then they forgot me

When people got money and sudden increase in prospects they forgot God,they never were interested in the work of God and they forsook Him in the comfort of their lives.They started disobeying the people of God and the godly parents.They like the "prodigal" got the comfort of the Father and ran away from the House and encountered the Famine.

What should be our Lifestyle?

We cannot run away from the famine.We have to face it.The only way we can face these times is by coming back to ourselves.We should know where we were and now where we are.Like how the Prodigal returned to the Father's house, we need to return back to God confessing our weakness.God always preserved His people in times of famine,but we need to get back to that way to the Father's house.A broken and contrite Spirit God will never forsake.So as people of God lets come back to Him,fast ,pray and seek His face for mercy.Pray a prayer like Daniel 9.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

I believe that the coming of the Lord will take place soon.The economy will revive again as the people of God still are on the face of the earth.God always regards the prayers of you and me and because of you and me God will spare the earth.I believe through this recession many will come to the knowledge of God and a mighty revival will spread across the planet.Remember this is a sign of the last days.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

1.Pray,pray and stand in the gap and ask for God's mercy.

2.Trust in God with all your heart(see Jer 17:7-9).Never boast about what you have.Boast only in God's cross and His mercy

3.Participate in the work of God.Do not be a person who attends the church.Participate by giving your best energy,time and talents for the expansion of His kingdom.If you are just attending a church,God might just be attending in your life.If you participate He will partner with you

4.Sow seeds of encouragement and hope and faith in other lives.The world is looking for hope.Show our Lord to them.

5.Look forward to the coming of the Lord.

Church ...as I Ponder

6 months of church ministry taught me many lessons.Thought to write some of em so that later I can recollect the great deeds of what He has done.
Taking up the ministry was not easy.It was challenging.After around 4 months of prayer and seeking God's face concerning this He helped us to realize that this was what He wanted.
One of the miracles happened today when the arrogant owner of the previous church building gave us the advance amount which we paid.Yesterday night when we were perplexed with regard to the discouraging challenging GOLIATHIC statement he made.We looked unto God and a verse that came from Michael.W.Smith's A NEW HALLELUJAH assured of divine intervention in this issue.THE ENEMY'S BEEN DEFEATED...Hallelujah. and I joined with King Asa in praying..LET NOT MAN PREVAIL AGAINST THEE.

God is a good God.Now in the church as a Pastor am happy that we are strong ,united and happy to see the favor of God at work in our lives.Shirley's testimony of being the top in the IBM appraisal.Wilson's gold medal from Anna university,Merrilyn's Onsite travel,Ben's presence that gives the Pastor a boost to speak,Priya's library management,Selwyn's marriage to merlyn,Beena aunty's US travel,Immanuel's promotions when firing is happening around,Alitha's competition with Sheba in the dining table,Madhu's commitment to Sammy and church,Joel's words(NOT IN THE MOBILE) and works,Sebastian's and Dilu's invisible presence.. give us reasons to smile and thank God.

The visit's of my dear parents sply my Mother Dr Jayakumari,Rev Billy Graham's timely encouragement ,Pr Joy George's help in communion services,the support of the Prakasams.The encouragement of our dear partners,the backing of Ebianna and priyakka with regard to designing the site and book marks is noteworthy.

With Sheba set to reveal God's gift to our family,am so thankful to God for He was gracious to me to gift me with such a wonderful partner.

The church is poised to have an influence in Bangalore.With the COMFORT OF THE HOLY GHOST the church multiplied in the first century,same will happen in the days to come.I believe greater days of His power are ahead of us and God will have His say in our lives.I believe there is MORE.

Prayers will be answered,church will grow,enemy's plans will be aborted...

Thank you Lord..for being the God of IPA SHELTER HOUSE..continue to lead us.....

Rest later.




-- MaranathaAshProvision is attached with the Vision..God gives you

MAY-Lets overcome

These are the times of panic around the world.Panic caused by ethnic problems,the killer flu in the so called "H1N1 or swine flu",the economic recession.The Lord does not want His people to live in a state of fear.He expects that we overcome the world.The promises of the Lord never changes and this is the time where we need to live in hope and anticipating the coming of Christ.While the entire world panics we need to be overcomers.The Lord reminded me the need of clinging to His promises these days like never before.This can be compared to the "SPYING THE PROMISED LAND" experience of the Israelites in numbers 13 n 14

Let me share with you 3 important characteristics you need to possess to be an overcomer 27 They gave Moses this account: "We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. 28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan." 30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.

1)SILENCE THE SOURCES OF DOUBT:Many a time we see the majority speaking and we tend to be flowing along the current.Caleb here chose to have a different stand.He first silenced the people.Many victories start from the heart.When we chose to silence the people,when we take CAPTIVE all thoughts obedient to Christ,we start the journey of being an overcomer.So lets silence all sources of doubts.Jesus had to speak "GET AWAY FROM ME SATAN" to the nagging Peter who tried persuading Jesus on not going to the cross. Ps 131:2-32 But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. 3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.

2)SPEAK OUT YOUR VISION"WE should go up and take possession of the Land".This was the vision Caleb had.He never doubted in that.He knew the God who brought him out of Egypt.He said WE SHOULD GO UP AND TAKE POSSESSION.We also should be people who encourage one another about the great promises God has for us.We need to take possession of those promises by speaking out the VISION.Lets speak out and take hold of the promises God has for us

3)SENSE THE VICTORY:Overcomers have not doubt that they will overcome,they do not see the magnitude of their problems.They always approach those with God.When Caleb said"We can certainly do it",he had already sensed a victory in His mind. St Paul sensed victory when he said"I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO GIVES ME THE STRENGTH"LETS NOT SENSE DEFEAT in pursuit of our vision.I read the other day that "VISION IS WHAT YOU SEE WHEN GOD"S POWER AND GRACE STRIKES".Yes these are days where we need to take possession of the great promises God has for us.There are opposing forces,but we shall overcome.We shall overcome the ecnomic recession,the epidemic,we shall overcome over the powers of darkness and will possess what God gives us.hallelujah

Lets pray a moment for these critical issues
Father we pray in the name of your son Jesus Christ that thou would heal us by your stripes.
Let the plague stop and we pray that thou would forgive our sins and heal our land.
We also pray for our daily bread that thou would provide for us,PLease protect us by your power and word.Let your blood cover us from all attacks of the evil one.We pray that we will overcome by the great promises you have given us,Bless us and the world ..prepare us for thy coming,
In Jesus's precious name
Amen

April-From gloom to bloom

Gen 26 starts in a gloomy situation in the land.There is a famine and the man of God Isaac also is in the land when famine struck.Its very much equivalent to the recession period we are facing.As big companies and corporates run out of funds,as people are given pink slips,its very typical of the situation we are facing.We can be gloomy as the world,but the word of God came to me telling YOU CAN BLOOM in these tough times if you take measures like Isaac.
1)STAY(v2)
The Lord asks Isaac to STAY in the place and he specifically asks Him to STAY in the land.When situations rise against us,our natural tendency is to look for alternate solutions.If one thing that the Lord expects from us ,it is to STAY in His presence.People of God who stay in His presence will not affected by any external situations.Naomi and Elimelech went to Moab in times of famine and landed in great catastrophe.God expects us to be clothed by His power.See Ruth 2:8.Boaz asks Ruth to STAY in the field and not to go anywhere else.In Luke 24:49:Jesus asks His disciples to stay in the city till they are clothed with power from above.
So Isaac obeyed and stayed in Gerar.

2)SOW(v12-15)
We read Isaac planted crops.He sowed seeds in the time of famine.The world must have mocked him,but He believed in God and agreed with the promise the Lord gave Him in the above verses.When we agree with God we disagree with our flesh and situations.When suicides and hopelessness is spreading ,God expects us to SOW His word of Hope and blessing into lives .You are the need of the world.Never give in to doubt.Sow love in people,Sow faith in the lives and be a blessing.We read the Lord gave a 100 fld harvest to Isaac and He became very rich and wealthy in times of recession.Child of God SOW in tears and reap with joy,.Carry the seeds with weeping and return homes with sheaves rejoicing.Hallelujah(Ps 126:5)
Read Gal 6:7-10.Do not be weary in doing good.Lets not be people who hurt...these are the days where God has called us to SOW into the hearts of people
God is faithful to give 100 fold harvest

3)SEEK(v15,18-22)
Isaac kept on digging wells.He unearthed the wells at the time of his father.This shows that we need to seek the presence of God.The presence of God is everywhere but we can appropriate only by spending time in digging through the word,persevering in prayer.Fasting and standing in the gap.The Bible says Seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and all these things will be added unto you(Mt 6:33)See Jer 2::13,Deut 28:29

4)SEE(v28-33)
The enemy who was hostile to you will come back to you.In the land of rejection God will lift you up.The world will see the God who was with you and blessed you in times of famine.The same Haman who lifted gallows for you will be the one who will take for a ride on the King's horse.I wish the Spirit take a grip on you and encourage you to be like Isaac.See the goodness of God ,see the God of turnarounds.See the Lord working for you,...Hallelujah...

May you be blessed prospered this month.Be of Good courage.I speak blessings and peace and deliverence in your life.May bondages,anxious thoughts break and let the Spirit of God take complete control

My first glimpse of my baby

It was really awesome to see how the Lord was forming our baby.The first images were like WOOOOOOOOW,God is really great and He forms us,He makes our framework.His work in our life starts from the mother's womb and He wants to continue till we see His face.It looked like Sheba haha,said by the doctor and me and it was opening and closing its mouth.It was one of the best moments of my life.3rd April.2009.
Cradle hospital in jayanagar was the place and we truely cherished those moments,
Thank God

March 2009-We will Live!!

 

Psalm 118:17I will not die but live,
       and will proclaim what the LORD has done.

 

These are the days of pink slips,debts on the rise,Shattered dreams,broken hearts and people feel all is lost.For a child of God we need to understand and confess the goodness of the Lord.This  month the Lord inspired me to tell all God’s people to make confessions of your faith.Your tongue can determine your destiny.So don’t think about giving up,I follow a God who is the Hope of glory.He is my hope hallelujah.

The word of God says that we are called to live and not die.God promises us life in abundance .

 

Let me share with you 3 vital life providers

1)THE WORD OF GOD

Matthew 4:4

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

 

We should understand that its not the calories that we get from bread or the meat that you eat that you live.Of course it helps,but I believe If God tells”Let Ashley Live” I shall live.Provision,protection will come as a package.My Life is not determined by the job I do,its by the word of God.Hallelujah.The centurion whom the Lord commented for his great faith said”One word from you can heal my servant”He compared the power of His words to that of the Lord.If I say come.one comes.if I  say Go,one goes…Similarly Lord if you say Let me live,I shall live

 

2)The Faith in God

Hab 2:4

“but the righteous will live by his faith”

 

Without Faith in God ,we cannot live.A double minded person is unstable in all His ways.A doubting person cannot get anything from God.

When the disciples were facing a life threatening storm,the Lord looked at them and asked”where is your faith”.God looks at your faith.The amount of faith you have shows the maturity you have in God.

The faith you have signifies the belief you have in His power

Lets remind ourselves that without faith its impossible to please God.Its by faith men of the old were approved by God

3)The Spirit of God(Eze 47:9)

So where the river flows everything will live

 

The Holy Spirit is referred in the Bible many a times as a river , as a stream that flows from God.

Where the Spirit flows , there everything will live.As you open up to the Spirit of God,you will not die but will carry the power and life that the Spirit gives.Remember,when God breathed upon the Man whom He made out of mud and clay,he became a living being

Will you open up to the precious Spirit of God.Lets not live lives grieving the precious Spirit .O Hallelujah,I can fell and sense the presence of the Spirit all around me as I write this.

Let the Spirit of God take control of our lives,jobs,ministries,families and nation…as we open up to Him

 

Lets pray

Heavenly Father in thy presence we want to make a confession of faith”I shall not die,but live and will proclaim what the Lord has done.Precious Father send your word and help us to have tremendous faith in you.We want to open up our lives to the movement of the Spirit.Sweep across our lives,our jobs,our families,our nations so that we might live in thee and have partnership with the precious Spirit of God.We confess that closed doors be open,we bind the enemy and allow the Spirit to take us to the new level which you desire from us.Protect us.help us in the month of march.

We love you so much Lord.Do not take thy presence from us

 

This we pray in Jesus’s name

Amen

 

Maranatha

Ash

P.S: for daily inspirations visit www.ipashelterhouse.com and see the GLOW TODAY Section

 

Thanks,

With Best Regards,

Ashley Benjamin

Infosys Technologies

Bangalore

Go Green...Shutdown PC when not using ,Print only when necessary,Recharge laptop only after draining battery

 

 

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FEB 2008-DO HIS WORK

John 9:
4As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."


We must do the work of Him who sent me
These days we hear a lot of news about the global economic slowdown,recession,unemployment,terrorism,wars…and we are living with lots of fears.F
or a child of God who believes and lives a purposeful life,there should not be fear of unemployment as we are already employed for the King of Kings.
In the verse above we see the Lord telling WE must.He included all of us and let me tell you we have a WORK to do and the reward is with the Lord.The economy of heaven’s is not for the greedy,its for the humble,meek,servants of the Lord who take heed to His word and work for His cause.
Some characteristics of a Worker of God

1)He has to Die to Himself(John 12:24)
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
The Lord Jesus emphazised in working for Him.For that cause ,we need to hate our life,we need fo die to our self.Only if we do that we can be used of God and that will lead to eternal reward.
The Lord promises that the Father will honor those who serve Him.If the Father honors no one can put you down, if the father honors ,child of God ,its marvelous,but it takes so much from us.Dying to self and loving God more than the pleasures of the world

2)His Food longing will be to serve God(John 4:34)

34"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
Jesus had no other longing than to finish the WORK of Him who sent him,Child of God you are Sent by God.You are not an accident.You are in the will of God and will you long to do His work.
While hanging on the cross,carrying all our sins,the son of God cried”It is finished”

3)His lifestyle will be to please God

3Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. 5Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
Pleasing God in our life…serving Him with all our heart, mind and strength.
The Lord needs faithful servants and He is looking for you and me
Remember the verse we saw at first,We must do the work of Hm
Let me ask you
1)What is your commitment to the work of God
2)How much time do you take pr day/week to do His work/think about His work
3) see acts 20:24 and pray with a commitment surrendering your life for the Master’s use
24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace

Go,Glow,Grow..2009

GO.GLOW,GROW 2009
Greetings dearest one in His precious name,
God’s mercy led us into the beginning of another new Year.We had a powerful time of praise word and worship in our church.Praise God
The Lord impressed into my heart that 2009 is going to be an year of Growth.
Growth in your Spiritual Life as you welcome the work of the Holy Ghost.Growth in your material aspects as you grow Spiritually.

John 4 describes the conversation of the Samaritan Lady with our Lord Jesus.
The Lord intervened in the life of the Samaritan Woman and the response of the Samaritan Woman was commendable.

1)GO.(V28)
The Samaritan Woman we see “LEFT HER JAR” and WENT back to the TOWN..This year the Lord asks us to GO to the Town where we belong.Our circle of influence.The Lord does not want us to be people who concentrate on our needs and miss out a great harvest.LEAVE YOUR JARS AND GET INTO THE TOWN.
Math28:18-20 SAYS.Go unto all nations making disciples,baptizing them in the name of the Father,Son and the Holy Ghost.TEACHING them to observe whatever I have commanded you to do.
HE PROMISES US HIS PRESENCE.
GEN 33;14:My presence shall go before thee and give thee rest
His presence will give us REST from Stress.May His presence fill you as you read this and take a decision to GO WITH HIS MIGHT into your families,friends,Cities.

2)GLOW(V39)
We read that because of the Woman’s TESTIMONY,they believed in Jesus.May we be TESTIMONIES that an entire City,en entire group and family will BELIEVE in the Lord.The world is dark.People who give no value to one another,who discourages us,whose lifestyle is filled with sin.The Bible says”Shine as stars Holding the word of God”.
Matt 5:14-16.Ye are the light of the world.SO let your light shine before men so that they may see your GOOD WORKS and glorify your father in heaven.

LET’s SHINE FOR JESUS.GLOW FOR JESUS(See IS60) for your promise as you shine.

3)GROW(v41-42)
The City of Samaria experienced a revival when Jesus was with them.We read that the CITY grew in the knowledge of God.They said to the woman,We believe in Jesus not because of what you said,but we ourselves have heard from Him.They asked Jesus to stay in that CITY for 2 more days.There were a large group of believers there.GROWTH happened there.

The Lord promises a GROWTH in your Ministry,in your CITY,in your Field,in your Jobs,in your families as you GO and GLOW like the Samaritan Woman,
1Cor 3:7 says”SO neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything,but ONLY GOD gives the GROWTH.
O child of God,if you are reading this and if the word is burning in your heart.Receive it with FAITH.Lord I claim your growth in this new year.
SEE 1PETER2:2
2PETER 3:18
Lets grow this year.
THE PROMISE FOR YOU”Joshua 1:6-9
6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Father I pray for thy beloved people who have read thy word.May thy word come true in their lives.I pray for peace,protection and prosperity in their lives.
MAy we grow in your likeness.May our churches grow,our ministries grow,our spiritual lives grow.Help us to GO,GLOW AND GROW.Holy Father we invite the work of the Holy SPirit into our lives,we open up our families and cities and jobs to you.

This we pray in Jesus's name
AMen.

December 2008:His love

Dearest in the Lord
 
What a time are we living in.The luxury and money power could not save the precious lives of people in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.Fear and panic all around and how much does the world need our Everlasting Father,Wonderful COunseller,Prince of Peace and the Mighty God.
How much we need the government to be on His shoulders and am sure that the Lord's coming is near.Let us prepare ourselves and ask the Holy Spirit to do His precious work.Lets open up our hearts and homes and hands for His precious work.Traditions and beliefs cannot save us.THERE IS ONLY ONE NAME UNDER HEAVEN AND AMONGST MEN TO BE SAVED AND LETS LIFT HIS BLESSED AND PRECIOUS NAME -JESUS
 
John 3:16 is a well known passage for all of us.Let me tell you a truth.When we see the violence,hatred and selfishness around I have a Goodnews for you.GOD LOVES THE WORLD,HE LOVES YOU AND ME.He has already displayed the precious love He has for us when He sent Jesus to die for us on a cross.O How He loves you and me.What can we do in return for His great Love
 
1)Appreciate His love(1John 3:1)
Behold,what manner of Love the father has given unto us that we might be called the children of God.Talk about His love this season.Take a decision to reach out with His love to your collegue,to your boss,to your neighbour.Appreciating His love ,talking about the greatness of His love will draw people unto Him.He gave us His everything,so that we might be saved.Precious soul,You are loved by God and the cross at Golgotha is a proof for that.WIll you appreciate His love,talk about His love.Worship Him for His love?
 
2)Appropriate His love(John 3:16)
Take possession of His love.We read whosoever believeth in Him.You can appropriate His love by Believing in Him.Belive in Him for your salvation and deliverence.He can save you.He is mighty to save.Your family,your unsaved friends are not far off from His love.If we appropriate His love,we will be saved

3)Associate with His love(Rom 5:5)

We should not only be on the receiving part,we should be on the giving part,where we show the love of God,where we become carriers of His love.In the verse above we read that THE LOVE OF GOD is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit He has given us.Can we be ambassadors of His love so that the world can be a better place to Live in?

Lets appreciate,appropriate and associate ourselves with His love.

It was a joy writing to you for the past months.I believe these thoughts on the beginning of each month were encouraging you and helping you in your walk with God.You can see these thoughts anytime @http://ashleybenjamin.blogspot.com

May you be blessed and empowered by God

Lets Pray

Our precious heavenly father,

We thank you for this new month.We thank you for your mercies are new everyday,every moment of our lives.Lord I pray that our eyes may be opened to see the greatness of your love,to receive you love and to be carriers of thy divine love.keep us safe and sound so that we may serve thee.may answers to our prayers happen before the end of this year.Holy Spirit,hasten your work,we invite your precious presence into our lives once again.Thank you Lord for blessing our lives.Help us to have a heart of gratitude and to live this life for your glory.We remember Mumbai and all states of India that the Love of Jesus will cast our fear and cause a great revival.

 

We thank you Lord,We bown down before your awesome presence

This we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord

Amen

Have a blessed Christmas season and a great new year ahead in Advance

 

Maranatha

Ashley n Sheba

P.S.If you are in Bangalore and is looking forward for wholesome christian growth do join our church..IPA shelter house in bannerghatta road.

Visit www.ipashelterhouse.com

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks

With Best Regards

Ashley Benjamin

Infosys Technologies|Bangalore|9900427670

.....Ancient Paths

Thanks be to God who was so gracious to us in bringing us to the eleventh month of this year.When we hear the news of Bomb blasts,communal violence and conflict between nations,caste and creed,we need to lift up our heads in anticipation for the coming of the Lord.His coming is so near.The Spirit of the Lord took my attention to

Jer 6:16
Stand at the crossroads and look;ask for ancient paths ask where the good way is,and walk in it and you will find rest for your souls

If we look at the characters in the Bible,we see that those who were really committed in walking in the "ancient paths" were blessed of the Lord.
Let me tell you in these "modern times" God looks for people who walk in those "ancient paths".Let me take you to some examples from the scriptures.

1)Jer 35:14
'Jonadab son of Recab ordered his sons not to drink wine and this command has been kept. To this day they do not drink wine, because they obey their forefather's command

The Lord commends the recabites for their determination in obeying their forefather's command.So we read in the last verse of this chapter that

Therefore, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'Jonadab son of Recab will never fail to have a man to serve me.' "

What a testimony were these recabites to the so called "children of God"

2)II Chronicles 7
17 "As for you, if you walk before me as David your father did, and do all I command, and observe my decrees and laws,
The Lord was asking solomon to follow the ways of his father and if he did that his kingdom would have been established.We know how solomon destroyed the inheritence of His father.He tried adopting "modern principles".He followed the policy of "confirming to the world" like many churches follow these days.
CHildren of God do you remember the ways of your Godly parents.Their path of faith and holiness.

3)Heb 13:7
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith

Old or new testament the word of God admonishes us to look walk in the ancient paths of holiness ,faith and prayer.
Let not our worship be dictated by the loudness of the music,but by the brokeness of heart.Let our prayers invlove more of fasting than feasting.May our lives be sacrificial that being stuffed up.Lets be givers rather than receivers.

Lets not walk in "modern pathways" and destroy the rich blessings we gained through out Godly parents and leaders.
This month may we stand at those cross roads and take a decision.Let us pray "Lord in changing times may I not be confirmed to the pattern of the world,let me be transformed and be made useful for thy use"


Lets pray
Heavenly Father we thank you and praise you for this new month you have given to us.Father please shower thy grace thy power thy wisdom to live in these dangerous times,Lord God help us to live lives of faith and not filth.Help us to pray more.love more and serve thee.Help us to distinguish between good and bad.Lord we pray for India,please grant us peace.We pray that you will be supreme over everything and thy name be glorified.Help us to walk in those noble footsteps of our Godly leaders.

This we pray in the name of Jesus our Lord

Welcome to the World of God(4)

Welcome to the world of God(4)

 

During the past lessons we talked about the world of God and how when we are born again enter a new world ie the Kingdom of God where we have a loving father and elder brother in the Lord jesus.We also saw about the diet in the world of God,the Milk and food.

Lets see this time from the Epistle of Paul to Ephesians. Once we have understood the earlier expositions,the passages that we come across in this epistle will bless our lives immensely

There are 5 fold blessings mentioned here once we are in the world of God.Look at the passage below.Kindly see the highlighted

 

Ephesians 1

3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he^[c] predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9And he^[d] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

 11In him we were also chosen,^[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.

 

Once a person is born anew ,what matters is the SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS He possess.The Spiritual blessings dictates the person’s outlook.No more a person longs for the material wants,His mind is set on things above.His yearning is for the Spiritual.Its sad that these days we covet a lot of the world inside us.Our prayers are filled with material blessings required.The Lord Jesus proclaimed’See ye first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you”.We do not make use or even are aware of the Spiritual blessings and inheritence we possess>

 

Blessing  1

Election.

Now when a person is born again,its not the choice of that person.Its the power of God.Its He who chose us,we are chosen by God to be Holy and blameless.How blessed is to be chosen by God to come out from the unholiness of the world and its filth

 

Blessing 2

Adoption

We should understand that we are ADOPTED into the family of God. Adoption doesn’t strip one off the inheritance you have as a son. We do not deserve to be the sons of God,but He adopted us in His mercy.Adoption brings in a new dimension to our lives.We become co-heirs with Christ.In other words,whatever privilege Jesus enjoyed,we enjoy that.Its a big topic.Please spend some time in meditating on this

Blessing 3

Redemption

Redemption  is the purchase made by the Lord.He shed His own precious blood and redeemed us and changed our lives.The forgiveness of all our sins,wow,whatever we did in our worldly nature that was sin to our inner being,that prevented our lives from experiencing God was washed by the precious blood of the Lamb.We are redeemed.Confess it loud.I AM REDEEMED BY THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF THE LAMB

 

Blessing 4

Salvation

Salvation is the fourth blessing. When we accepted whole heartedly the gospel of truth,we were included in Christ.Salvation is getting included in the Lord Jesus Christ.We need to work out our salvation with Fear and trembling.

Blessing 5

Possession

Having believed,opened our heart to the Lord,a big heavenly transaction occurred.We were marked with a seal.The seal is the promised HOLY SPIRIT.The world of God as said earlier is life in the Spirit.From the time we believed the Gospel,the Lord has sealed us with His Spirit.When we feel the Spirit,when we obey His guidance,when we have fellowship with Him,we understand that we are the LORD’s POSSESSION.Being possessed by the Lord,what a truth these verses add!!.

Many a time we don’t live that.We live like being possessed by the evil one,walking according to the flesh,living in sin and grieving the precious Spirit.If you have not had a close encounter with the Lord,accept the Gospel,goodnews now,believe that the Lord Jesus came for you to the earth and died for your sins.You will feel the blessed fellowship of the Spirit inside your heart,guiding you.Ask the Lord to fill you with more of the Spirit.I rely on the Spirit this sacred moment to instill an new level of fellowship with you.Being Possessed by God you is the greatest blessing.You have a heavenly possession.

 

Lets live in the WORLD OF GOD!!

Maranatha

Ash

 

October 2008-DO mot Miss out on Grace!!

 

 

Heb 12:15See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears.

 

Grace is something we should not miss. Grace is what that takes you to the throne room of God and makes all your wants and wishes known. Grace is that important that it covers your sins and enables you to seek His face.

 

The world that was distancing away from God and His Holy word, when the Law brought by Moses couldn’t make anyone righteous with God.The Son of God brought Grace into our lives.

John 1:

17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

 

Grace is not the license for us to sin,it’s a that brings us closer to God because from Jesus grace flowed.

 

Be careful of the Bitter roots.

 

Roots are in our hearts.Roots in our hearts determine the fruits we bear.Bitter roots give rise to bitter fruits and we need to guard our heart with all diligence for out of it flows issues of life and when God sees a bitter root ,we will not be able to experience His grace.One bitter root in your life can defile many.So lets be careful of what we cultivate in our heart.If there is any wicked way.Any wrong thought.Any emotional hurts,any unbiblical relationship,lets uproot it.Lets take some time this month in accordance to what God wants us to do.TO keep our hearts cleared of any bitter roots.

 

Be careful of the Choices you make.

 

Many a time like esau we end up making wrong choices that disturb the relationship which we have with God and the Grace we possess gets affected.Esau was having his inheritance.he did not ask it.Grace is the position we enjoy in God’s family which we got without us asking for it.Grace is unmerited favor of God.

Like Esau we most of the time do not realize the great position we are in. We forget the glorious riches of His inheritance in us and SELL off the inheritance for MONEY ,for FAME,for a meal. We lose sight of who we are and choices dismantle the grace from our lives. Children of God living in grace period, don’t forget if DEVIL wanted to strip the son of God from the grace and power He possessed in the desert, the enemy will offer us many “good-looking” “mouth-watering” choices. Lets be careful of the choices we make

 

Be careful of the LIVES we live

The writer to Hebrews warns us” See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau “Godless lives will lead to graceless lives. Sexual immorality and the so called “cool” culture has invaded our culture. Sexual immorality and Godlessness are so prevalent that the Grace factor in our lives is in danger.

Lets live our lives in the fear of God.

 

Yes the message is clear, if we are careful of the roots we have, the choices we make and the lives we live, we will receive His grace poured out.Its all that we need.

May God bless us as we appropriate His grace in our lives

 

Father we ask you for grace more and more in our lives. See our hearts o Holy God and test whether there is any wicked way in us and lead us in the path everlasting. We just want you. We need you so much. Help us to guard our heart with all diligence so that we will live a life appropriating thy grace.We pray that thy grace will abound and work in our lives. Grant us thy grace this month.We remember our brothers and sisters in Orissa in persecution.Thy Gopsel is thy power.Show thy power o God and bring about a great change in the lands.We pray for our parents,siblings,churches,pastors.Grant mercy unto all.May Healing and power flow.May closed doors open and wounds be healed.

This we pray knowing that our prayers are answered when we pray it in Jesus mighty name

Amen

 

Have a beautiful October

 

Maranatha

Ash

 

 

Thanks and With Best Regards

Ashley Benjamin

Infosys Technologies,

Bangalore

Mob:9900427670

 

Ashes:Welcome to the world of God(3)

Welcome to the World of God(3)

The Diet

During the past 2 expositions, the Lord enabled us to understand the differences between the Physical world one is in and the change that happens when he is born again.

When a person is born again His desire and appetite changes.His hunger and thirst is different.We are looking briefly today at the “diet” in the world of God.

Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something."  32But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."  33Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?"  34"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work

The Lord Jesus tells that doing the will of God and to finish his work was his diet.

Lets take a moment of introspection,many a time we use the Spiritual world to reap material benefits.

Before taking up ministry we enquire about the “FACILITIES” provided.We check up what is the “salary” the church may give or they pay.

To know the will of God and to do it we need to hear the word of God.

If we see 1 Peter 2:1-2

as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,^[a] 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

The pure milk of the word.Wow….How much time do we long for His word?What is the time we spend reading His word?You can have spiritual growth only if you desire the pure milk and drink that.

The Lord says in Matthew 5:6

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled

The hunger we have ,the thirst we have to live a righteous life.We are not called to compromise with the worldly system and patterns.We are called to set a standard by living a righteous godly life.

Rom 14:17 tells us a bit more about the World of God

for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

just take some time and ponder on these 3 words RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE and JOY in the Holy Ghost.This is the world of God,the kingdom of God.Our appetite and desire changes.Our yearning changes.

 

Let our food be doing the will of God,lets thirst for the word of God,lets be in atmosphere of righteousness,joy and peace in the Holy Ghost.This is what is important in the world of God.Are we having that righteousness.Are we bubbling with that Joy in the Holy Ghost.Do we possess that peace that passeth all understanding?

 

If not ask God for His grace to truly be in His world and lets pray “Lord let thy kingdom come,let thy will be done”

 

Thanks and With Best Regards

Ashley Benjamin

Infosys Technologies,

Bangalore

Mob:9900427670

 

Ashes:Welcome to the World of God(2)

The New Family

After a new born baby is born, it is a transition from the WOMB into the world. Its noticing carefully the Mother that Pats and who is always behind the child,notices the hugs of the dad that it gets,the adapting process.It recognizes its name when called by mama and dad.It starts crawling,the diet and mental system develops.Its really a joy when we see the little ones starting to communicate,when it starts adapting to the Family.

 

When the Lord revealed to  Nicodemus to be born again.He definitely meant a transition from the worldly system to the Godly system.In other words the world of God.

Once a person is born again,I mentioned in my previous post that there is great tremendous joy in heaven.The citizenship is done and to take things further,the new born child should be accustomed to hear the voice of God,the new born baby is in the safe hands of the Father and the new born believer who is born of the Spirit will experience the Spirit of the God the most like how the child gets the warmth of the Mother the most.The Spirit will teach the new born believer to adapt to the world of God to hear the savior’s voice.When the new born believer finds itself in this new system,it doesn’t find lonely when there is the gentle communion of the elder brother which it has in Jesus.Have we known this truth.He is our brother,our older brother.Hallelujah!!

 

He is the one who opened the new world where the believer could experience the warmth of the Spirit and relation with the Father.O How I wish you my precious reader to grasp this eternal mystery.hallelujah.praise The Lord.The elder brother is in the house!!:-)

 

He makes known our needs to our Father.Our heavenly dad.

 

Let me close this section,by not going more further.Are you in the world of God.

Are you experiencing the warmth and affection and Guidance of the Spirit.Are you hearing your elder brother’s voice.have you understood the great love the father has shown on us that we may be called the CHILDREN OF GOD.?

 

Grow closer to Him,Let Him who has an ear hear what the Spirit says.Let us not be of the world,lets be in the World of God.

 

Welcome to the world of God

 

Prayer

Father,I come to thee again.Thank you for reminding me that am in the household of God.many a time I feel lonely,frustrated that I don’t open my inner eyes to see the glorious riches and the glorious family am attached to.Thank you Father for loving me for thy son Jesus who brought me into thy house.I yield my body to experience the warmth ,care and guidance of the Holy Spirit.I don’t want to be worldly but want to be truly in thy world.

 

May my life be a blessing to others as I invite them to also be in thy family.

I love you so much

Open my eyes that I may behold the mysteries of the Scripture again

 

This I pray in the precious name of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

Amen

 

 

Ashes:Welcome to the WORLD OF GOD!!

Dear all,

I want to start a series of teaching on WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF GOD!!Do not miss out.May God bless as you read it!!

 

Welcome to the world of God

 

When a child is born,that is the best thing to happen.We love its actions,its language and we welcome the tiny little thing into our world.God sent His son to welcome the fallen Human race into His world,into His kingdom

 

John 3:16:For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish,but have everlasting life.

He was disclosing an important truth to Nicodemus.

 

“I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again”.

In other words you can see the kingdom or you can enter the World of God if you are born again.

Nicodemus had a genuine doubt

How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"

 5Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit^[b] gives birth to spirit. 7You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You^[c] must be born again.' 8The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

The Spirit must give birth to Spirit.There should be a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit to be born of the Spirit.Its like, the Spirit is the one who gives birth to you ,like in the flesh how your mother gave birth to you.We need to be Spiritual not in the flesh to enter the World of God.Still we see in our “spiritual world” many of the flesh claiming to be of the Spirit.

 

In other words if you are influenced by the Spirit that you get convicted of your sins and repent from your worldly ways,then you are a PRODUCT of the Spirit and you will enter into the world of God.

The Lord said BE BORN AGAIN,BE BORN OF THE WATER,BE BORN OF THE SPIRIT.Enter into my kingdom.

When that happens 2 things happen

1)           In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents

2)           do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven

Like how in the world we rejoice at the birth of a new baby,in heavens there is tremendous rejoicing when a wretched sinner turns to the Lord,.Like how we maintain birth register and validate citizenship.When we are born again,our names are entered in the heavenly register.We are no more of the world but of the Lord.We do not live as others live but we live for God.

 

Hallelujah..Welcome to the world of God!!

Let me ask all of God’s people reading this a question.

Have you been born again?or are you living an amphibian life sometimes in the land sometimes in water.God longs for truly spiritual people who are focused on God and his kingdom.Churches are demolished,what is our response?Missionaries are struggling to find food and a day’s meal while we are working FULLY for the world?

In the coming days I am relying on God to share some insights on WORLD OF GOD and How it looks like and How people of the World and People of God’s world differ.

 

May God bless you.If you have not been born again or living an amphibian life,in these moments of powerful working of the Spirit in your heart,just recollect all the past sinful acts,thoughts that pained the Lord.He wants you to be in His world.Will you pray with me with deep conviction and true repentance

 

Father I come to you.I acknowledge and confess my sinful activities before your throne.Lord make me and mould me.Cleanse me from my sinful acts and thoughts.I repent of living and making my life worldly.I want to have righteousness,joy and peace of the Holy Ghost.Father,write my name in the book of life and do not blot my name from there.I open my heart to you.Take your place.

This I pray in the name of jesus our Lord

Amen

 

Dear all,

In these days where churches are being demolished,we are planning  and led by the Lord to plant one in Bangalore.There is a huge need before us.We have found the place,rather God worked miraculously to provide us with this.Now we need some funds,to keep going,We need good chairs,carpets,Microphone set,podium and other needs.If the Lord is burdening you,please open up your hands and help His work.Do reply to me if you are prompted and if you have prayed the above prayer and rededicated your life to God please let me know so that you can be on our prayer list.

 

 Maranatha

Ash

 

Ashes:When things go beyond your control..........

 

There was panic in the house.The guests who turned up were more than what was calculated or the wine intake was more than what was expected.Lack of wine in the house of feast is the most miserable time one host can have. Reputation and everything was at stake. Things went beyond control. Mary knew something that no one else knew.Mary had the knowledge of who Jesus was.The host did not know what Jesus could do, though he invited him. Many a time we are like that host who just invited Christ. Sounding quite similar to people being born and brought up in Christian families. The knowledge of who Jesus is and the knowledge of His power can give us significant breakthroughs in our times of panic.We panic because we do not know the power of Jesus whom we have invited into our homes and hearts. The Jars were within His sight, the water was within His reach.The molecular structure of H20 changed to CH₃COOH.Hallelujah

 

The boat in which the disciples were travelling was many miles away from the shore. To make the matters worse,the wind was against them and the boat was tossed about by the waves. It was a tuff time for the disciples to control the boat.Imagine having a roller coaster ride.The waves were putting the boat up and down. Such a terrifying time. The story doesn’t end there.Hallelujah.You might be facing a problem that is threatening to capsize your marriage your finances your ministry. Praise God your story is not over. The one who made the sea will walk over the sea and come to you. When things go beyond ur control.,its always within His reach.He will not pass you by. He will come to you.

 

See those fearful disciples,not knowing whom they served,forgot all what the Lord told them.Now that their “rabbi” was dead.They were all “united” and closed the door fearing that the jews may find and kill them.Fear takes you to a place where you lose control.

They could not do anything.The one whom they followed was no more.The master died the most cruelest form of death.All their hopes were shattered.But the story didn’t end there.Through those closed doors came the one whom the world crucified.Jesus rose again and when things went beyond their control,it was always within His reach.

 

End Note:The persecutions in orissa,the times we are living in are evil.Want to encourage you that when things go beyond your control.The one who saw the Israelites and came down for them will come down for us.He will come and save us.

Yes when things are beyond our control its always within His reach.

Maranatha

Ashley

http://ashleybenjamin.blogspot.com

 

 

Ashes: September 2008-The Lord who watches over us!!

 

 

The Lord our watcher

 

Children of God,what a start to this month.Hundreds homeless and shattered in Bihar due to floods and many escaping to jungles in Orissa and living in fear because of the communal riots and persecution.The Lord reminded me in my time of meditation that He is our watcher.We are not people who have are orphans,we are not without a protection.His children is His possession and he watches over us.What a consolation is the word of God.David also as he wrote Psalm 121 was living in catastrophic times like we are in.Lets see some qualities of our God who watches over us.let me put it in simple terms for us to understand

 

1)ALL time protection

He will not let your foot slip—
       he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
       will neither slumber nor sleep.

 

There is never a moment that He slumbers or sleeps.Imagine if the Lord closes his eyes for a second what a calamity we all will face.As a small baby crawling on the ground is under the watchful care of the mama,more intensely,more effectively ,more passionately He takes care of you and me.Cant we have a praise break here.For all those innocent in Orissa I believe they are under His watchful eyes.Thank you Lord that you never sleep nor slumber and you always watch over me

 

1)All Round protection

By all round protection I mean He encircles and protect us.In this Psalm we read that

5the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

 6 the sun will not harm you by day,
       nor the moon by night.

More closer than how the sun rays hit you is His invisible layer of protection around you.The Moon or sun,the cosmic elements not within our reach they cannot harm you,because you are His child and you are encircled by His presence and power.

Zechariah 2:5
And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,' declares the LORD, 'and I will be its glory within

 

3.All Life protection

 

The LORD will keep you from all harm—
       he will watch over your life;  8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
       both now and forevermore

All through your life ,all your life He protects you!!

He will not neglect your life.He protects your life as a whole your coming and going,your life is precious to Him and He watches over you.Be confident,be assured and thank Him for He is our watcher.

 

Lets pray

Father we thank you for the new month you have given us in your mercy.Times are in your hands and we are also in thy hands.For whatever purpose you caused us to see September let that come to pass.We need you so much Lord.Thank you for reassuring that you watch over us every moment,every way and all our life.Father if at all anyone is sick raise them up,encourage every discouraged soul,anxious fearlful ,weak one I place them to thy hands.Let thy Spirit of liberty and power descend on them and revive them .Lord God they have read thy word.Now work in their lives I pray.Prepare us to be a sanctuary pure and Holy unto you.

 

Protect us from evil and we once again come back to thee,Help us to pray like never  before,serve thee like we never before,love thee like never before.

We praise you..Hallelujah..In Christ’s precious name

Amen

 

Sing with faith this song

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Verse 2

"Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Verse 3

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

alternative Verse 1

Why should I feel discouraged,Wherefore do I weep at knowing the joy, the warmth, at feeling the the peace the fire

 

Maranatha!!

Thanks and With Best Regards

Ashley Benjamin

Infosys Technologies,

Bangalore

Mob:9900427670