Career and Calling

Career and Calling!!

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Nehemiah was not known as the best CUP BEARER, but he was known as the leader who gathered a group of visionless people and motivated them to complete something important.The cup was his career, but the destroyed walls was his calling!!

 

Moses was the prince of Egypt.His career was the position he was in, but his calling was to bless God's people.

 

Peter was not the best Fisherman.The nets was his career, but to be an apostle was his calling.

 

Don't mistake careers with calling!!'

 

May your careers lead you to a higher calling

--

Maranatha
Ashley Benjamin,

www.ipashelterhouse.com

Your Light, Your Hope, Your Church
Phone-Off:080-26480600,

Tweets:@ashleysheba
Facebook:pastorashley

~Vision->Passion->Expansion!!

While climbing a mountain..don't look back,you may get scared,don't look at the top of the cliff,you might think you can't make it..look beyond that, look above and take one step at a time!!YOU CAN CLIMB AND CLAIM THE MOUNTAINS

His Word and the old toolbox

"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. "(Eph 6:17)

He was repairing the motor which suddenly stopped working in our place. He opened an old bag with his greasy hands. It had around 3 pockets and each pocket had his drivers,nails, nuts and everything required for his profession. He had always stuffs handy for his work in that old bag. It was his daily companion through the years and it was always sufficient for him. We have a toolbox in God's word. It is the best suited for any situation you face. You can find help anytime, anywhere in His word. Make sure to hide His word in your heart. All devil's tantrums will be ineffective and you wil be victorious.

7 fold blessing for my Life this new Year

As I enter yet another year of my life, my heart leaps with joy for His grace He has showered on me.
The birthday cake was not a surprise anymore but the time with precious family was so great.
The Lord has given me 7 promises to claim from the word of God.
Ps 90:12-17
1)HEART OF WISDOM
2)COMPASSION
3)UNFAILING LOVE
4)GLADNESS
5)WORK OF HIS SPLENDOR
6)FAVOR
7)ESTABLISHING THE WORK OF OUR HANDS!
Thank you Lord,
Thanks for everything..Love you specially for giving such a wonderful partner Shebu and a beautiful lovely Tia

She walked!!

1.2.3..first time.1..2..3..4..5 second time.!! Yes she walked .It is a milestone today as September 30th is the first time my baby walked alone.
In the cool of the day, God used to come for a stroll with Adam. He cherished walking with His creation. Sadly Eve, used the facility to walk to a forbidden place,therefore they were banished from EDEN, the place where God intended and created them to walk.
When we walk into forbidden places , our purpose of walk is thwarted.Lets walk with Him, walk into His presence.
Psalmist said"I was glad when they said unto me, let us go to the House of the Lord"

Yes lets make it a point to walk into His presence, with His people, with a passion!!

A blessing for you my baby as you walked today as your daddy"3He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber"

First Year of Fatherhood

The house is silent. The girls of my life are in a bus now to Udamalpet with amma. Last year almost this time the expectancy and moments of anxiety equally were there. The Lord saw us through. we were just 2 and now we have this gift which is undescribable. She added joy and comfort to our lives. Tirzah-Baby you light our lives.
The day of birth,the blessings and support of all who love her were really cute. As a dad I cherish those.
The transition of Shebu from my wife to tia's mama was phenomenal. She gave it all..She didn't let anything come her way. She was really superb in handling tirzah, the family and the church.I couldn't ask God for any other best heart.

The Jan 2010 time when Tia became sick, those were agonizing moments,Praise God,Provision was there and she became well.

God's provision was there when we took crucial decisions and never did we lack His grace.

As a dad I could understand God's heart better and if at all I boast. I boast in the cross of the Lord Jesus.

Now as I write this, the bday is over and we were blessed by the immense love of family and friends. It was a great time in Udamalpet

Some stuffs I learnt was
1)The Lord is in control of His gifts
2)We need to retain His gifts by prayer
3)Cherish His gifts and keep thanking Him
4)Nothing is as powerful as worship that will keep us in His grace and power
5)Nothing is as comforting as a mother's presence for the child.
6)The best feeling for a dad is when the kid leans on the dad
7)Vows are powerful.
8)FAMILY IS THE UNIT GOD IS LOOKING TO BUILD YOU UPON..Its the base.Don't lose the family and gain everything

CREATE CREATIVE WORDS!!

There is something you create inside you that you use to create or to destroy!!
Yes, these are your WORDS. Words are created in the deepest of your heart. The Creator said "out of the abundance of heart, mouth speaks".

Taking time in creating stuffs ensure that its defect free and it becomes ultimately satisfiable to those who encounter those. Your words should have an element of PAUSE before it is unleashed.A MOMENT OF PAUSE like how the Lord Jesus stooped on the ground to write something before he said"LET HIM WHO HAS NO SIN TAKE THE FIRST SHOT".

Understanding this is very important"YOUR WORDS IS THE FUTURE YOU CREATE".

Words of gratitude,appreciation, encouragement always have a positive effect on your future. God has given you the power of speaking. Speak life into situations. May your words be seasoned with salt so that it brings out the best in people and not cut them off!!

GOD BLESS

A new song..on June 1st2010

As I knelt to pray in my small office room, I could feel the power of the precious Holy Spirit so close , His encouragement, warmth is just uncomparable..Dont know much guitar but started humming these lines

THINGS WILL NOT BE THE SAME
THINGS WILL NOT BE THE SAME
THINGS WILL NOT BE THE SAME-AGAIN
HE WHO MAKES ALL THINGS NEW
WILL DO SOMETHING NEW
THINGS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN

TIMES WILL NOT BE THE SAME
TIMES WILL NOT BE THE SAME
TIMES WILL NOT BE THE SAME-AGAIN
HE WHO HOLDS TIMES IN HIS HANDS
EACH AND EVERYTIME
WILL MAKE ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL IN HIS TIME

Maybe I need lloyd to give a tune for this.....wow amazing!!
Blessings

Lessons From IPL

Indian Premier League has become the attraction of everyone. As the poorman tunes his TV to SetMAX the rich become still richer and the poor becomes still poorer.
What an irony!!
The IPL however is in news for the wrong reasons too. The growth of IPL was just tremendous. Money power, bollywood celebrities, cheerleaders and top cricketers were roped in and this grew leaps and bounds.
Some lessons which I learnt from this is

1.Things that grow fast will not stand too long!!!

2.Pride goes before a fall.

3.Honesty is the best policy

4.Do not take your position for granted, be responsible with the little and God will make you overseer of many. Dont go for overseeing many in the first instance, God will take what you have also.

5.An inheritence quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end

6.Riches do not endure forever and a crown is not secure for all generations.

One prayer as I write this is
Keep falsehood and lies away from me ;give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread(Pro 30:8)

APRIL- My Feeling!!

As 3 months of 2o10 has passed by, I have a feeling on this first day of April that this is going to be a month where your situations are going to change. I was wondering how the face of Hannah was before and after she poured out her heart. She was constantly nagged by her adversary. Feelings of insufficiency, weakness, inferiority complex and what not , she was a victim of all this. If you are in that place , dont worry Hannah was there centuries before just as you are now, but she did not continue to be in that realm. Hallelujah...
The Bible records that after she prayed ,her face no longer became sad. Now what happened was remarkable. All her feelings and complexes were replaced by the power of God as she prayed.

During prayer we should feel God's power intervening in that issue we are praying for. Intense times of prayers will definitely result in answers which you can perceive instantly.
A woman with the issue of blood touched the garment of Jesus and the Lord FELT power flowing from His body. Wow...So let me make this short...During times of intimacy with God prayer or worship,we should feel power flowing into our lives and God in heavens will feel that someone on earth has tapped His power. Will that someone be you??
Well I sincerely wish that you will be one along with me as we together experience the goodness of God.

THE FIRE AND THE COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL

Fire needs a combustible material to spread on. If there are elements that are not combustible, it will prevent fire from going through.
Let me put this clear...For the Holy Spirit fire to catch and grip you, you need to have a combustible material in your heart and that's nothing but the word of God.
The Holy Spirit cannot and will not take control without your heart having the word of God.
I have wondered why are the Christians still holding on to this World and not giving time to His word. If at all we miss out on a day to day basis is to read and meditate His word. By meditation I mean allowing the work of the Holy Spirit on the word.
DO you have the fire..is your passion still hot for God..Is your heart filled with His word...

If so, expect the Holy Ghost to set you on fire and enable you to be His ambassador in this world.

God bless

FOLLOW ME vs FEED MY SHEEP

From the blog title you will understand that these are 2 statements our Lord Jesus told to Peter.
The first one is FOLLOW ME, which was a sort of command. MORTAL MAN cannot do anything rather than obey the divine VOICE. Peter along with all other disciples obeyed that voice, they left all that they had and followed Jesus.They however, had no transformation from inside,if the Lord left them ,they would have easily gone back.This was evident after the crucifixtion of Jesus ,these disciples under the leadership of Peter went back to the seas.

They were then met by the resurrected Lord who prepared a good GALILEAN BREAKFAST for them , without using the fish they caught. God doesnt need your resources to do His work, He looks at you. The Lord then dealt with them perhaps the most intimately. He asked a question to Peter.."DO you love me more than these"...Peter at first just gave an answer without his heart involvment, the Lord then repeated the question which almost pierced the heart of Peter.The Lord then told him to FEED HIS LAMBS...

FOllow me was non transformational but FEED MY LAMBS was.!!Follow me signifies the sovereignity of God and fraility of man, FEED MY LAMBS signify the change that real LOVE can make.

Peeple of God who are involved in the ministry in any ways, please make it a point that you minister to God , with your heart moved out of LOVE for the master.When Love is not there, you can't feed His lambs...!!Love God with all your heart and minister.

Blessings!!

OCT-From Congestion to Expansion

In 2 Kings 6 we read the prophets facing a problem of congestion and they realized the need for an expansion.. Many a time we also struggle in congestion. We get our minds blocked, our thoughts congest us, we live in limitations and weaknesses. To get rid of Congestion we need to 1)INTROSPECTION OF OUR SELVESThese prophets examined themselves, the found out that they needed an expansion.They saw where they were.We also need to have daily examination. We need to take time to judge ourselves. Psamist says in Ps 139..Search me O God and try me, see if there is anything wicked in me.
2)COMPULSION FOR HIS PRESENCEThey introspected themselves and they did not stay there.They came to the man of God. This signifies the importance of telling our problems to God in prayer.We need to be very convinced on what we need and we have to take it to the Lord in prayer.They brought their request to the man of God.Men of God in your life signifies God's presence.HThe man of God agreed to their request,but they did not stop there. They requested the Man of God to go with them.The Presence of God should be requested by us.Only if we request will His presence be manifested in our lives,jobs,families and churches.Ex 33:15-16 says how Moses persuaded God for His presence.Ps 51:11.David cries.Cast me not away from your presence o God.
3)PROGRESSION BY HIS PROMISES(v4)They went to Jordan and started cutting the trees one by one.The trees signifies the problems and challenges we face.As we cut down these trees by His word and His promises our problems become the building blocks of our life.We can only progress if we cut down these obstacles by the shard edge of His word.When you face the tree of financial difficulty cut it down by Phil 4:19..My God shall supply all my need.Wehn you encounter the tree of diseases strike it down by Is 53:5.By His stripes am healed.When you feel you cannot do it and feeling to give up , cut that tree by Phil 4:10.I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.If you dont have the word you cannot progress.
4)RESTORATION BY HIS CROSS(v5-7)As the prophets were cutting the trees and gathering logs, one of the prophet's axe head fell in the river jordan.He cried out to the man of God Elisha. He was more worried as it was a borrowed one also.Elisha asked the prophet to show the place where it fell.He then cut a log and threw it to the place where it fell and the iron axe began to float.This is what the SPirit reminded me, all of us have been entrusted with CUTTING EDGE potential. You have a uniqueness that is given by God that is strong enough to cut mighty tree like problems.Over the years you used that extensively,as you started cutting, that iron axe is no more there. In this journey of life we have hidden that cutting edge potential. Without that you are nothing.God's giftings and potential in you has to be triggered by the Spirit and once its lost,only way you can restore is through the CROSS OF JESUS CHRIST.COme to the cross and show God the place and the situation in which the iron axe fell..That prayer life was lost,the smile in your face disappeared,that gutsy faith you had vanished.Take the presence of God to that bitterness.It may be an abuse,a failed relationship, a financial difficulty that caused that CUTTING EDGE Potential to vanish into river Jordan.Child of God take Him there,restore that great potential through the cross of Jesus Christ.

WATER WALKER-Sep09

Leaders rise and fall..one generation comes and another goes.As we are left with countable days in our life span, we need to understand our purpose and run the race with perseverance.
The Lord impressed upon my heart to be a water walker.Many a time we feel drowning under the problems of life,reeling under its stress.Waters with the stormy surrounding as we see in Matthew 14.
Family breakup,financial struggles,diseases and pain..curses.envy..problems with one another,we face a lot of waters and we need to be a water walker this month and so forth.
If you need to be a water walker, you will have to have
1)His Voice to be your choice
We hear a lot of sound in a stormy sea,the sound of the wind,waves and the boat being tossed up and down.In midst of that Like How Peter heard the sound of Jesus COME...We need to hear the sound of the almighty God asking you to walk upon the waters that trouble us.Ony His word can keep us from drwoning as His word will not sink...When we walk on the word of God,we walk on the waters.Hallelujah..
Read Ps 29,Is 30:22..His voice should determine and govern each and every decision of our life.

2)Our sight should be right-ONLY LOOKING TO JESUS
we read in the scripture that WHEN PETER SAW the winds,as he was walking on the waters,But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" The first indication of our sight problem happens when we encounter Fear.Fear is the most common visitor to every human being and God wants us to get over all our fear,When we fear,we get weighed down and we start to sink....The Bible makes it very clear that when we look to Jesus and Him only, He is the author and finisher of our Faith..the journey of faith..amen..
Lets focus on Him..take some time to gaze upon His loveliness...Let not our focus be lost...Only He can cause us to walk on waters

3)His Hand should cause you to stand
The hand of God is what gives us the stability in life.We cannot make it on our own, all the wealth we gain,the glory we attain,the honor we have is all vanity and in a seconds time all hopes can be lost.When we are in such situations, we need a hand to cling on and walk.We need the support of our God who loves us.As mentioned in my earlier posts,the hand of God refers also to the precious Holy Spirit.God has not left us as orphans,as we open up our lives and enter into a partnership and relationship with the Holy Spirit, we stand and we will not fall...His gentleness and comfort,His strength and power and guidance will cause us to walk upon waters.
Be a water walker....in an age that is facing moral decline and in a sodomic society.,..walk on the waters and glorify God.


Father I pray for thy precious people who read thy word.Help them to make the difference,let them walk on waters.In a stormy atmosphere as we look to thy face,breathe in us and fill us with thy Holy Spirit so that we will be a blessing, a water walker.
Father please help us to concentrate and seek thy face and continue our journey by looking unto your glorious blessed face.
Protect us O Lord,provide all our needs as we rely on you.You are a faithful God.If any one is sick,may your word rush into their system and make them whole by the power of your name.Give us a fruitful month ahead.
This we pray and ask in Jesus's mighty name
Amen.

Tirzah

THe doctor who took ULTRA SOUND for shebu in her fifth month i guess said"the Baby looks like sheba"...I also felt so..Was this a hint!!!!:)
I was introduced to TIRZAH by Shebu as we were searching for a name for the new entry to be joining our family very shortly. The name gave a good feeling in my SPirit.Within hours of this Rev Billy Graham asked me to study on the DAUGHTERS of ZELOPHEHAD from Numbers 27 and Joshua 17.I immediately turned my Bible to the portion mentioned and my eyeballs popped out seeing TIRZAH.The Lord was almost making it double sure:)..As days passed by the time was nearing for the baby to come out.We were still having the THOMAS ATTITUDE that unless we see the baby we wont believe what people say about the gender of the baby.When people said IT WAS GONNA BE A GIRL from their viewpoint we were having smiles..a deeper peace.When some of the others said it was gonna be a boy,we almost cried..dont know why..then we took some mental preparation to accept a BOY.NOw "mental preparation" was needed because we were uncertain of what the Lord will give us.
Searched through the net and the Bible for whatever Baby boy names and we never reached a compromise.One week before the scheduled delivery date God gave me a thought from Joshua 17 and asked me to tell His church that ITS TIME FOR AN EXPANSION.I spoke about the daughters of ZELOPHEHAD in the church.and what a blessed time that was.
On 11th July i thought to go to OM BOOKS to get some books for the library and proceeded to Forum.Now life without shebu around was not so convenient ...the food department was severly hit..haha...but then had to pass through this phase.My wonderful church members made sure to entertain me with their hospitality whenever they had time.As I was in Forum,after check up with the doctor Sheba said,that in next 48 hours the fluid level needed for the child would be over.Not knowing what was happening I asked" so when is the baby going to come out"?.AMma took over the phone and said that "ANY TIME FROM NOW THE BABY CAN BE OUT-SO DOCTOR HAS ASKED YOU TO COME OVER".I had the excitement of my life..also knew very well that shebu had to go through one of the toughest times of her life...Prayed and passed through the escaltors of Forum and wnet to ABTX Travels and booked my ticket for the night.I sincerely prayed that if the baby comes before I reach..I needn't see the pain my wife goes through.Submitted every thing to the hands of the Lord and made sure that all doors were locked and with a smile on my face I closed the door of my house I said "LORD WHEN I COME BACK I WILL BE A DAD,PLEASE GIVE US THE GRACE AND BE THE EVER PRESENT HELP TO SHEBA".
Sunday morning 12th I slept off a bit and reached POLLACHI the last stop of ABTX travels not knowing that UDUMALPET passed by without my knowledge.I said to the Lord"THIS IS INTERESTING.."haha..Reached the house and saw Shebu,we attended the service as usual.APPA and AMMA were telling that they think the baby was going to come out that day.I had my heart in my mouth..O GOD I DONT KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN,I GIVE SHEBA N THE CHILD Again in your hands.We sang for offeratory in the morning service "HOW SWEET TO HOLD A NEW BORN BABY"..By faith we were singing.Sheba as usual was on the keys with her big stomach..SHe was holding it in her womb...we sang and gave God glory.EVening nothing happened so I had to take over.. the English service.The Holy Spirit inspired me to teach the congregation some songs which expresses the need and importance of the Holy Spirit.I taught them to maintain a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit and spoke again on Joshua 17 of which one character is Tirzah.I ended the service by singing"HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD"with sheba again on the keyboard.
13th I woke up sensing a huge responsibility.We took her to hospital and doctor said the position of the child was not right and that sheba was having high blood pressure.We were quite anxious and they gave a medication that would help in inducing pain and the effect will be evident if no complications in 6hrs time.Time passed by but shebu had no signs of pain,but 2:15 the pains started and Praise God by 3:44 Tirzah was out into the world.I was there to welcome her and it was such a beautiful feeling...words of praise and thanksgiving filled my heart
Tirzah is His gift and she delights us with her pleasantness.
as she starts this whole new journey..our blessings as parents are with her.Tirzah touch the next generation for Jesus..
Love you...

August 09-The Time for the Holy Spirit

As I was asking God on what to write this month.He asked me to write what i spoke in the church last week.He desires that we have a personal relationship with Him.In this dispensation of grace He has given us His Holy Spirit.God sincerely desires that we get into a partnership with the Holy SpiritIt is He who takes what is from God and blesses us with.He helps us in our infirmities.He aids us and helps us.Through out all generations He has poured out His Spirit and in such a time as this He desires that we commune with the precious Spirit of God.This can turn around your situation.This can bless your heart and give a turn around to your ministry and your total perception about God.The Lord reminded me to share 3 IMPACTS of the Holy SPirit in your life
1)THE CREATIVE ACT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The beginning verses of the Bible says that" and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. "The next verse says and then God said “LET THERE BE LIGHT” and there was light.Wherever God has done something , there is an initial hovering of the precious Spirit of God. The Spirit of God initiates the work. Though the earth was void and formless, God didn’t leave the earth as it is, He did something new and beautiful. Am talking to someone who thinks all is lost and empty,I have news for you, the Holy Spirit will hover on you and God will do some creative work in your life.Mary was amazed at what the angel of the Lord spoke to her. She asked “How can this be’,the angel said..THE HOLYSPIRIT will come upon you, the power of the Most High will overshadow you…DO you need the hand of God in doing / creating something new, allow the Holy Spirit to take control of that area or issue of your life.
2)THE CLEANSING ACT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is termed as HOLY Spirit. He is the part of the Trinity. We read that God is a Spirit. The Spirit of God plays also a cleansing or sanctifying role. We read in Mark 7:21-23” What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' 21For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.' " He wants us to be Holy..Holiness is the act of being cleansed and set apart.When the Holy Spirit comes in our UNCLEAN bodies..He cleanses us by the blood of Jesus. He does the cleansing..and He dwells inside us. Thereby we become HOLY MEN nad Holy Women of God. In this context it will be wonderful to see 2 scriptures what Holy men and Holy women need to do 1peter 33Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 5For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. I tim 1:I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our SaviorI want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit and we are His(1 cor 3)Lets live Holy lives
3)The comforting act of the Holy Spirit Have you known that there is a place in your life where even you cant reach. We become depressed,frightful, disappointed and we lose a lot of time worrying.Knowing this the Lord Jesus asked His disciples to wait for the precious Holy Spirit .He referred to the Holy Spirit as COMFORTER.No matter what your struggles are…He is there to comfort you, like how a mother comforts her child.Allow Him inside your heart, commune with Him in the stillness of our soul and let me tell you-Everlasting comfort will be your portion.Do you need the creative, cleansing, comforting act of the Spirit. If you are one of those..take some time off.get to your room, on your knees ask God the Father to fill you with His Spirit. He will give liberally to who all ask /request Him.. My prayer for you with all sincerity isBE YE FILLED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT in the Precious name of Jesus Christ… Have a beautiful month ahead

Experience Expansion-July2009

Precious people of God,When the world is reeling under severe economic crisis and people dont know what is going to happen on the earth,as unpredictability becomes the key word and uncertainity looms,its time as people of God to look unto the hills to have a knowledge of who our helper is and where does our help come from.The Lord brought to my attention to Joshua 17 and i got a ray of Hope through His word.Relying on the Holy Spirit so that the same will happen to you.In Joshua 17 we read of 4 methods to experience expansion
1)EXPLORE AND EXPOUND THE WORD OF GOD...(17:4)
The daughters of Zelophehad had no inheritence as their father had no sons.Though the law didnt mention anything about their case,they took their case to Moses in Numbers 27:1-4.Moses takes the case to God and God stands for these women who understood the need of an expansion and of an inheritence.But in Numbers 36,we read a condition attached to this law.The condition was that they were not supposed to marry from another tribe because the inheritence was given to a tribe.What a beautiful reminder that we as God's children are having inheritence to all blessings,but when we go our ways,we lose our inheritence.Esau sold His birthright for a meal,inheritence was lost.Inheritence doesnt only mean financial blessings,it also means the possession of what all you have when you become a child of God and all that goes when we live a life of sin and according to our own desires.When we look in Joshua 17 we see that the inheritence is claimedThe steps therefore are1)SEEK THE WORD2)GET THE WORD3)KEEP THE WORD4)CLAIM THE WORD

2)EXPEL THE INHABITANTS(17:12)
We read that the people of Manasseh didnt drive away the inhabitants of that place Yet the Manassites were not able to occupy these towns, for the Canaanites were determined to live in that region. 13 However, when the Israelites grew stronger, they subjected the Canaanites to forced labor but did not drive them out completely. Many a time we too like the people of Manasseh dont drive away the inhabitants,We need to understand that we fight many a battle not against flesh and blood but against power and dark forces of the air and principalities.Only people in a battlefield get to become overcomers.We also need to prune the old habits,inhabitants of our bodies and expel them ,as our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.Lets expel the enemy from our lives,our ministry,our jobs...our churches...

3)EXTEND YOUR IMPACT(17:15) Why have you given us only one allotment and one portion for an inheritance? We are a numerous people and the LORD has blessed us abundantly." 15 "If you are so numerous," Joshua answered, "and if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go up into the forest and clear land for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaites." 17 But Joshua said to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh-"You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment 18 but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours;

We also know many a time that we are living in congestion,but we dont want or take steps to come out of that.Joshua tells the house of Joseph to understand their power and extend their impact.When we tithe and give to missions we extend our impact,when we know the gifts God has given us and when we trade that we extend our impact,we cut many wild forests and plant the grace in many lives.Brother.Sister..we are living in a hurting world and we need to agents of healing by extending our impact as much as possible.Acts 1:8(AMP)..You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit shall come upon you and you (shall make an impact..)shall be my witnesses.
4)EXALT THE NAME OF GOD(v25)
When the house of Joseph came to Joshua they said the canaanites have IRON CHARIOTS.Those who glorify their problems will not face an expansion.They underestimate the power of God when they glorify their problems.Joshua saysthough the Canaanites have iron chariots and though they are strong, you can drive them out."We need this type of gutsy faith and trust in God to experience an expansion.What is that area that needs an expansion...a possession of God's promises and blessings..experience expansion in the mighty name of Jesus

June2009-Cain Vs Joshua-Prayer for His presence

June started with a panic around when General Motors filed bankruptcy and the Airbus carrying 228 passengers crashed into the Atlantic.Will you take some time before I share the thought what God spoke to me to visit http://ipashelterhouse.web.officelive.com/Pray.aspx and join me in praying for the peace of the families in distress. As I was asking God on what should I share with you,He reminded me of 2 characters in the Bible whose decisions changed their destiny.Gen 4:16:So Cain went out from the Lord's presenceGen 33:11..Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent Both Cain and Joshua were exposed to the presence of God,their response was different though.Cain went out from the presence of God but Joshua remained there. Let me share 3 important characteristics what the Holy Ghost inspired me to share .

1)Welcome the presence of God in your life Moses cried out to God "If your presence does not go up with us,do not send us up from here".This should be our prayer.We should be always relying on His presence.His presence is the need of the hour.In midst of the valley of shadow of death,you will fear no evil because of His presence.Do not forget to welcome His presence in your life every day.His presence is truely the essence of life.

2)Make the presence of God your dwelling place God promises in His word from Ps 91"If you make the Most High your dwelling,even the Lord who is my refuge,then no disaster will come near your tent.Making His presence your dwelling place will bring blessings of God and will keep you from the evil one.In these evil times,we need to make Him our dwelling.Psalmist says in Ps 23:6 says "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of our life,and I shall dwell in the House of the Lord forever"

3)The presence of God is His promise

Our Lord before He ascended to heavens said"LO,AM WITH YOU EVEN UNTO THE END OF THE AGE".The Lord promised us His blessed presence and we need to claim that.He will never leave us and we need to cling on to His presence like never before.Lets pray more,fast more.........we need His presence. Remember lets be like Joshua who never left the presence of the Lord.His presence will make the difference in your life.Cain became a wanderer as he left the blessed presence but Joshua was elevated to lead His people. God bless you this month.May He protect you and bless you with His presence. Father I just ask thee one thing,help all of us to make your presence our dwelling place,We invite your presence in our midst.May you be exalted this month as we lift up thy name now,Give us thy strength and peaceIn Jesus's nameAmen

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