LET’S BE AWAKE AND SOBER

The Holy Bible says, “Submit to God, resist the devil and he will run away from you.”  (James 4: 7)

PART I

When an evil spirit goes out of a person, it travels over dry country looking for a place to rest.  If it can’t find one it says to itself, ‘I will go back to my house.’ So it goes back and finds the house empty, clean and all tidy.  Then it goes out and brings along seven other spirits even worse than itself and they come and live there.  So when it is all over that person is in a worse state than he was at the beginning.  This is what will happen to the evil people of this day. (Matthew 12:43-45)

A life excluding Jesus is valueless; something the devil too would not be interested in. But the moment we are united with the Lord Jesus, satan will have his eyes fixed on us and will plan ways to deviate us from our Savior.

Just like a robber who comes to steal some valuable possession, so does the devil, the enemy of the Kingdom of God and God’s children; comes to rob us from the Precious Blessings of Salvation.

Through the above parable, Lord Jesus teaches that when a devil is driven out; God creates a contrite heart through forgiveness of sins and the heart is set free. So it is utmost important that we recognize that the occupancy of the heart is vacant and accept Jesus as Savior and Lord venerate and reign Him in the centre of your heart.

Lord Jesus compares the heart of a person who lives in union with God to that of a neatly arranged home. It is clean and beautifully arranged with all its furniture in order. A well ventilated space; it gives the required light, while the breeze of freshness purifies it. Everyone is attracted and welcome to it and feels at place.

When we set up a disciplined spiritual life, the exterior beauty gets relevant too.

Such an orderly and closely controlled life, subjected to alertness in prayer, resisting the devil is a blessing from God, giving us hope to do well.

On the other hand, the evil spirit who left the person, tired from wandering in dry places and pushed out from everywhere is always on the lookout for an opportunity to return to the ‘now perfected’ home. He will be excited to see the heart without the Master. As said above, his intention is only to rule and destroy us.

Many people accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, when they are enlightened with the knowledge of truth. They promise themselves that they will progress in Spiritual Life, read the Holy Bible regularly, make time for personal prayer and confession, attend Holy Mass, partake in prayer meetings and works of charity etc.

After few months, they begin to waver in their resolutions and begin to prioritize other works over their spiritual Life, leading to more laziness as days progress, and finally giving it all up, unaware that the devil is at the corner all ready for return. When Jesus the personal Savior, is not given the due honor and reverence, we tend to ignore His voice and lead a cold life propelling us to postpone daily spiritual activities. The unholy spirit grabs this opportunity, and gains easy reentry into their life  bringing alongwith it seven other evil ones, to destruct, ruin, create chaos in their life and put off even the little burning flame of faith.

This parable is a wake-up call for such individuals. Though it does not elaborate on the characters of an individual, it is all about a heart kept ready to welcome someone.

                                                                        (to be continued….)

With love filled blessings,

Your Sister in Christ

LIFE IN HOLY SPIRIT

PART IX

The Holy Bible says, “The Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22)

Humility & self-control

The Prophet Zechariah jubilantly proclaimed about the future King – Christ the Messiah. “Look your King is coming to you!  He comes triumphant and victorious, but humble and riding on a donkey.”     (Zech. 9 :9)

Lord Jesus said, “Happy are those who are humble, they will receive what God has promised.” (Matt 5:5)

Mother Mary sang the hymn of praise to God when He was pleased with her loyalty.  Lord Jesus comforts us saying, “Come to me all of you …… I am gentle and humble in spirit and you will find rest.”

Pure wisdom produces the fruit of humility.  The anointed apostles were skilled with humility and they even instructed their followers to practice humility and gentleness. 

St. Paul says, “We were gentle when we were with you like a mother taking care of her children.” 

The manner in which with great sacrifice they took care of their virtues is also a lesson for us.  Paul wants his fellow workers not to speak evil of anyone but to be peaceful and friendly always to show a gentle attitude towards everyone.  Be always humble, gentle and patient.  Show your love being tolerant with one another.  (Eph. 4:2)

God pours out His marvelous blessings on those who own humbleness.  King David says, ‘God defends the right of helpless and they may prosper forever.  God honors the humble with victory and remembers always the loyal servants.  He lifted up the lowly and filled the hungry with good things.”

Take your part in suffering as a loyal soldier of Christ.  A soldier on active service wants to please his commanding officer.  Similarly, one who carries his hardship of life with a gentle attitude can obtain God’s blessings hidden it.

The Prophet Isaiah pronounced about the tolerance of King Jesus.  “He was treated harshly, but endured it humbly; He never said a word. Like a lamb about to be slaughtered, like a sheep about to be sheared, he never said a word.’ (Isaiah 53: 7)

For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid, instead His Spirit fills us with the power of love and self control.  

So St. Paul reminds us to keep alive the gift that God gave you.  He calls the power of God as spirit of self control.  It has a good role to make you active and effective in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:6).  One who is being born in the Holy Spirit has been gifted with the gift of self control.

Dear faithful ones in Christ, let’s understand the fact that God loves us, He helps us, but He will not force us.  The Lord always leads us but the devil always pushes us.  We can notice in the first book of Holy Bible God created man being of spirit, soul and body.  But through temptations the devil turned the man around body, soul and spirit. Here we can hear the cry of God our Creator. Then the Lord said, ‘I will not allow people to live forever.  They are mortal.’ 

So start seeking God! He can certainly anoint you and come back to Him earnestly by hearing His call for, ‘Return’.

Let us conclude this session with some testimonies:

Participating earnestly in KLWC prayer service I came to know about myself, enabling me to abandon my mistakes and accept the cross of my daily life whole heartedly. No sooner had I received the faith to put my refuge in the care and concern of my Lord, my husband was blessed with a better job with more facilities. I glorify the Lord!! By granting a better job to him, Lord imparted more satisfaction to me! Through another miracle God revealed that if we share the difficulties of life with more mutual understanding, then family life will be far more content. As far as Christian family and community are concerned, sharing the burden, developing care and concern for one another by uprooting the roots of selfish motives, increases the luster of true faith. Through KLWC service Lord Rises up to the fullness of His glory, definitely imparting comfort to people and it gives immense joy to share the burden of this service.  I thank and praise the Almighty and Loving God.  May His Name be blessed forever. Alleluia!!

…published in August 1995 Issue, LWE 2000

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“Refrain from anger and forsake wrath, do not fret it leads only to evil.” (Ps.37:8)  

Immense anger and sorrow surrounded me always.  On 19/5/1996 when I attended the KLWC prayer service, the discomforts which troubled my mind for many years began to fall off one by one when the anointed persons began the praise and worship.   Within 5-10 minutes of worship, my hatred, anger and sorrow deep within vanished away.  I began to experience great joy, peace and patience.  I realized the truth that  when I had only sat along with the people who were praising God such miracles were performed, then how much blessings will be given to those who themselves praise God.  This thought led me to follow a life of praise. I glorify the Highest Name of God.

…published in August 1996 Issue, LWE 2000

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In the month of August 1994, I was struck with acute back ache and advised bed rest, so we moved to my mother’s village with an intention to get better care. My mother, who knew about the KLWC prayer services, dialed them to drop a petition as my pain had severely increased. On their instructions, I was brought to the prayer ground. On reaching the vicinity itself, I could feel a new strength within me. When Respected Sister approached and asked me to praise the name of Jesus, while placing her hands on my head. That spur of moment, I felt the touch of Jesus and forgot everything. All I heard then was a voice asking me to get up and walk in the name of Jesus. I obeyed it!!  Those standing around me began to praise and rejoice in the Lord.  All my pain, numbness of my leg, pulling of nerves, and stiffness of my body all vanished away.  The joy within me began to flow out as drops of tears.  Along with many others I too began pour gratitude and happiness to glorify the Lord.  Alleluia! I exalt your Mighty Name!  Indeed unexplainable was the joy and contentment of my relatives and all those who had seen me sick in bed.  I am a witness of the truth that the Lord Jesus is alive and active even today.  Through me many are given opportunity to come to the real faith and receive blessings through this service.  Glory to God!  Today in the Name of Jesus with great courage, the Lord enables me to lead those who are sorrowful, troubled and oppressed to this prayer service as a servant of peace.  Praise the Lord.  I offer bountiful praises and gratitude to my Lord for this Mighty Grace and believe that the Holy Spirit strengthens us to lead a sinless life. The Lord enables me to forgive everything and also to love everyone.  Anger, hatred, laziness, pride all other such bad habits have departed and I am able to pray for others.  I learnt a truth; it is the famine of Word of God, which puts us into distress.  Abandon laziness and come to this cool shade of power of Living Word which has been prepared and set out for each one.  Praise the Lord!  Alleluia. 

“Leave all your worries with Him, because He cares for you.  Be alert! Be on watch! ... Humble yourself then under God’s mighty hand so that He will lift you up in His own good time” (1 Peter)

                           ……….. Published in May 1996 Issue, LWE 2000

LIFE IN HOLY SPIRIT

PART VIII

The Holy Bible says, “The Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22)

FAITHFULNESS

Sovereign God says, “I will not break my covenant or take back even one promise I made.”

Glory to God and His faithful promises that strengthen us.

The Holy Bible reveals that God is constantly pleased with His faithful people. For God, Moses was more humble than anyone else on earth. God said, “It is different when I speak with my servant Moses. I have put him in charge of all my people of Israel. I speak to him face to face.”

Here it proves that Moses was faithful and loyal to God’s command and by practicing faithfulness he deepened his faith which brought God down to the midst of clouds. Amen!

Mission of King David and Daniel were also filled by the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Added enthusiasm and faithfulness were evident in their call.  

Honest people will lead a full and happy life and the one who belongs to Christ will also obtain these virtues.

It is important to put into practice the virtue of faithfulness so as to please God in his status of life.

The faithfulness of the spouse of Holy Mary- St. Joseph is also admirable. God submitted His own life into the hands of Joseph, who lifted his eyes and ears towards God, throughout his mission. He underwent immeasurable sacrifices in his life to be an obedient servant to set us an example to build a family according to God’s will. Devoid of any worldly support he teaches us that God will never forsake those who loyally follow His advice and confess God’s promises.

Our hardships and brokenness leads us to faith. Faithfulness leads us to deepen our growth in faith, which ultimately grants us righteousness.

It is worth to mention the faith of Abraham the Father of our race here.

The Scripture says, "Abraham believed God and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous."

A person’s wages cannot be considered as a gift because that is something he has worked for and earned, but the person who depends on his faith – who believes in the God who declares the guilty to be innocent, it is his faith that God takes into account in order to put him right with Himself. 

The one who accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior are eligible to have these virtues because the Love of God inspires him to love and serve others faithfully.  This is what Jesus asks us to do – Love your neighbor as I have loved you. 

Christ Jesus, the Faithful and True Witness who is the origin of all that God has created, wants us to be faithful to one and all.

The Holy Bible explains to us that- The one who grows in the skills and abilities which God our Father gifted him is the one who is faithful.  The Lord Jesus continued teaching through the parables and was pleased with the faithful one.  

“Who, then, is a faithful and wise servant?  He is the one that his master has placed in charge of the other servants to give them their food at the proper time.  How happy that servant is if his master finds him doing this when he comes home.  Indeed I tell you the master will put that servant in charge of all his properties.”  (Matt 24)

Being His servants let us examine how faithful we are towards our calling.  You may be a parent, spouse, laborer, officer, businessman or doing direct service of the Lord such as a preacher, priest, evangelist, etc.  We all are called by God for serving the Lord.  So then, each one of us should receive the anointing that befits our calling. 

The Bible says “He who calls you will do it, because He is faithful.” (1 Thess.5:24). 

A faithful man is always alert of his duties.  He does it with sincerity and punctuality.  Selflessness adorns the beauty of a faithful man.  Every responsibility either big or small, he considers equally important.  Whoever is faithful in small matters will be put in charge of large ones. 

The Bible says, “The one who have not been faithful to worldly wealth cannot be trusted with the true wealth.”

The Bible again asks us, “If you have not been faithful with what belongs to someone else who will give you what belongs to you?”

Let us examine Biblically what is mentioned about an unfaithful servant. 

The Holy Bible says that,  “If he is a bad servant he will tell himself that his master will not come back for a long time and he will begin to beat his fellow- servants and to eat and drink with drunkards.  Then that servant’s master will come back one day when the servant does not expect him and at a time he does not know.  The master will cut him in pieces and make him share the fate of the hypocrites.  There he will cry and grind his teeth.”  (Matt. 24:48-51)

So devotees of Christ, let us hold on firmly to the virtues of the Holy Spirit awaiting for the King who has said, “I am coming soon.”  And He says, ‘I will bring my rewards with me to give each one according to what he has done.  Happy are those who wash their robes clean and so, have the right to eat the fruit from the tree of life and to go through the gates into the city.  Amen.

LIFE IN HOLY SPIRIT

PART VII

“Your life in Christ makes you strong and His love comforts you.  You have fellowship with the Spirit, and you have kindness and compassion for one another.”  (Phil 2:1)

Goodness

Sovereign God is the focus of all Goodness. Since He is the stream of goodness and when we take it from His cup, we grow in goodness.  Saints rejoice in the goodness of God because they are the ones who searched for it and keenly analyzed their work.  

In the book of the Acts of Apostles, Peter spoke to the people, “You know about Jesus of Nazareth and how God poured out on Him the Holy Spirit and power.  He went everywhere doing good and healing all who where under the power of devil, for God was with Him.” 

The deeds that He has done have been called ‘the Goodness of Lord’. 

God can see goodness in every human being. 

The Lord Jesus visualized goodness in the life of the woman caught in adultery. 

Aware of her obedient nature within, Jesus said to her, “Go, but do not sin again.” The Lord poured out His goodness when He whispered the words to her.  Alleluia!!  Amen!!

Similarly, the Lord found the spirit of evangelization in the Samaritan Woman. Only Jesus could glimpse into the inner heart thirsting to share and help the poor in Zacchaeus who was nicknamed ‘sinner, tax collector, cheater, full of malice.’

Above all Jesus had always loved those in the world who were his own and he loved them to the very end.  (John 13 :1)

Let us urge for this nature of Lord Jesus. St. Paul assures us that “God has already gifted you with full of goodness that you have all knowledge and that you are able to teach one another. (Romans 15)

For it is the light that brings a rich harvest of every kind of goodness, righteousness and truth.  (Ephesians)

The law of the Holy Spirit brings life in union with Christ. Jesus has set us free from the laws of sin and death.  Leading a life according to the laws of Holy Spirit is the command given by our Good God.   

The Bible says when “the Holy Spirit comes He will prove to the people of the world, that they are wrong about God’s judgment.  They are wrong about sin because they do not believe.  They are wrong about what is right. “ (Jn 16 : 8)

Goodness can be interpreted as blessings.  People who fear the Lord receive the gift of blessings.  God gifted king David with blessings as well as the people of Israel and King Solomon were happy about all blessings – goodness , that the Lord had given to them. 

To do good at all times and to see the goodness of others are the inheritance that belong to the people of Holy Spirit and they can keep their blessings forever.  The most and best blessing is the achievement of the Holy Spirit.  The person who appreciates and adopts goodness is acceptable to God and He writes off all his wrongdoings and blesses him with more virtuous habit to practice.

By gentle attitude towards everyone, be ready to do good in every way and speak good to one another, so that we will abide in the peace that our Lord granted us.

LIFE IN HOLY SPIRIT

PART VI

“Your life in Christ makes you strong and His love comforts you.  You have fellowship with the Spirit, and you have kindness and compassion for one another.”  (Phil 2:1)

KINDNESS

The Holy Bible teaches us that the Almighty God is full of kindness and goodness which is Eternal. The Lord who has compassion on you says, “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed.”  (Isaiah 54:10)

In the Book of Exodus we observe that the God of Israel came down in a cloud, stood with Moses and pronounced His Holy Name “I, the Lord AM God who is full of compassion and kindness.  Who is not easily angered and who shows great love and faithfulness.”  Praise the Lord for Holy is Name!

The Book of Nehemiah explicate the kindness of God that was illustrated to the Israelites.  “O Lord, You saw how our ancestors suffered in Egypt.  You worked amazing miracles against the king, because You knew how they oppressed Your people. Through the sea You made a path for Your people and led them through on dry ground.  With a cloud You led them in day-time and at night You lighted their way with fire.  At Mount Sinai You came down from Heaven; You spoke to Your people and gave them good laws and sound teachings and taught them to keep Your Sabbath Holy.”

“When they were hungry, You gave them bread from Heaven and water from a rock when they were thirsty.  You told them to take control of the land which You had promised to give them. But our ancestors grew proud and stubborn, refused to obey; they forgot all You did.  They forgot the miracles You had performed in their trouble.  In pride they chose a leader to take them back to slavery in Egypt.  

But You are a God who forgives; full of kindness and goodness, slow to anger. 

 Your Mercy is great, You did not forsake them.  How much they insulted You!  They made an idol in the shape of a bull – calf and said, ‘it was the god who led them from Egypt’.  Even then You did not abandon them there in the desert, for Your kindness is greatest.  You did not take away the cloud or the fire.  In Your goodness you led them.  Through 40 years in the desert You provided all that they needed.  

Their clothes never worn out, their feet were not swollen with pain.  They insulted time after time.  They killed all Your prophets who warned them to turn back to You.  They enjoyed all the good things You gave them and they rebelled, disobeyed and in their pride they rejected Your laws.

O God Our Lord, how great You are!  How terrifying and powerful!  You faithfully keep Your covenant promises.”

Prophet Joel calls us, “Come back to the Lord Your God, He is kind and full of goodness; He is patient and keeps His promises.  Remember that He is always ready to forgive and not to punish.”  Praise the Lord!

Prophet Jonah also says to us, ‘I know that you are a loving and merciful God, always patient, kind and ready to change your mind not to punish.” (Jonah 4:2)

In the New Testament we can seen that during His public ministry, Lord Jesus was moved with compassion.  For example, Jesus raising a widow’s son from death is indeed worth meditating.  Through many incidents Jesus warns the people to honor and protect widows.  The Bible says that when Christ Jesus saw the widow crying for her son His heart was filled with pity for her and he comforted verbally as well as he raised her son from dead and handed over to her.

The Beloved God created Eve to break the loneliness of mankind.  God commanded us to live in unity. 

The teaching was followed by the Lord’s Apostle.

Another event is also noticeable.  Lord Jesus arrived in Bethany after hearing about the death of His friend Lazarus.  There the Lord saw the sisters and the people weeping.  His heart was touched and He was deeply moved.  Jesus could visualize the two sisters’ future life, having no protection of ‘man’ power.  Having a compassionate fleshy heart He restored to life Lazarus and protected the sisters.

Having a compassionate fleshy heart is a blessing from God and it is already given to the mankind.  Since kindness and goodness are virtues given by the Holy Spirit, St. Paul warns us, “Chosen people of God so then you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and politeness.” 

Dear devotees in Christ, if you lack any of these virtues ask the Lord to send His love upon you.  Through His love alone you can repair yourself and be saved from the awaiting disaster.  I don’t feel hesitant to rewrite to take proper care of your good qualities as your Loving Father has kept you a reward for it.

Testimonies that reflect on kindness of our Lord

 My nephew was blessed with a good job. Due to some satanic inspiration he took a large amount from the office locker and spent it.  The authorities tracked it out and the matter turned out to be very grave. Anxious and distressed about the fact that we would be unable to repay amount incase his authorities would demand I put a petition at KLWC.

Participating in the prayer service I asked forgiveness to the Lord for him.  The Lord gave courage to my nephew to ask forgiveness to the authorities for his wrong-doings.  He bestowed his forgiving love in the minds of the authorities too, who not only warned him but also allowed him to continue his job.

 Thanks be to God who showered His grace of forgiveness on us and bestowed his grace on the officials to write off the amount.  I proclaim the forgiving love of my Good Lord.  I glorify His Name and offer gratitude to my Lord who removed all my anxieties and fear.

                              ---- Published Feb-March 1996 Issue, LWE 2000

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From the past 4 years, I have been receiving empty promises from agents who had fooled and acquired a large sum of money from me. I had begun to lose all hope of obtaining the amount. One day while attending the prayer service at KLWC, Respected Sister taught us the forgiving love. Mesmerized with the message, Lord enabled me to forgive the agent and to pray for them.

The Results were laden with high hopes and worth believing!! The entire amount that they had acquired from me was returned along with interest sum to my home. I glorify the forgiving power of the Eternal God. 

Similarly, the obstacles in the settlement of my brother’s life were also removed by the Almighty God. Lord has removed the scarcity of joy and peace.  Praise the Lord.  These are only few in thousands of blessings that I and my family received.  I thank the Lord for the numerous spiritual and physical blessings.

                                                             …Published April 1996 Issue, LWE 2000

LIFE IN HOLY SPIRIT

PART V

“Your life in Christ makes you strong and His love comforts you.  You have fellowship with the Spirit, and you have kindness and compassion for one another.”  (Phil 2:1)

Patience

“Abba Father, the greatest forgiver, Your Name be honored and Your Will be done forever.” Amen

God is the source of forgiveness. His constant love and mercy make us worthy to breathe the air. His marvelous forgiveness bestows numerous blessings upon us through the Holy Spirit. The infilling of the Holy Spirit bestows us with the recognition of our misbehavior and the depth of our selfishness. Only those who seek the heavenly wisdom and realize its true value continue to implore God for forgiveness.  Troubles of our life produce endurance, which also signify patience.

Let’s turn our attention to the Holy Scriptures:

A 17 year old young man Joseph, full of Holy Spirit was also blessed with the gift of interpretation. His brothers, who were jealous of him, in a fit of rage, conspired to kill him. They took their young brother, ripped off his robe and threw him into a dry well. The Merciful Lord saved him and later he went on to become the Governor over Egypt. By a famine in Egypt God formulate the young man to help his family. Without keeping any vengeance against his brothers, Joseph helps his father and family. Even after the death of his father, Joseph continued to take care of his family.

One day the brothers bow to him and ask for forgiveness from Joseph, who tells them, “Don’t be afraid; I can’t put myself in the place of God.  You plotted evil against me, but God turned it into good, in order to preserve the lives of so many people who are alive today because of what happened.”(Gen 50)

Here we see how Joseph not only  forgiving but also comforting and taking care  of his brothers, who once considered him as their enemy.

Number of times, the Sovereign Lord moved patiently and forgave the hard-hearted and stubborn Pharaoh. 

It teaches us that we are bound to forgive our brothers numerous times and patiently.

Stephen, who was full of Holy Spirit, even at the instance of being stoned to death is seen praying to the God for Pardon for his enemies. (Acts. 7)

The 40 days of temptation of Jesus Christ by the devil after His Baptism is indeed worth meditating.  Lord Jesus patiently endured the troubles overcoming the test by confessing the appropriate Word of God is a valuable example and a deed we ought to practice. 

When we patiently and softly confess the Word of God, the devil tends to react in similar way. Regular reading of the Holy Scriptures and reciting prayers loudly assists us in concentrating more in the divine practice, which shield us from the traps of the devil, thus grieving and weakening him.

Lord Jesus full of patient and obedient once knelt down before Judas, the man who had planned to betray Him. This deed of the Divine Lord provides us with the grace to forgive and forget even if we are right. This must be an ongoing process in our daily life so as to facilitate us to live in union with God and transform us to an individual of kindness and patience. God’s fortune and prosperity will rest upon such an individual.

The Apostles of Jesus were full of Holy Spirit and they gained the prolonged patience and endurance, which strengthened them to joyfully accept martyrdom.  Praise the Lord!  Alleluia.

One who neglects the Holy Spirit the origin of patience will not be given forgiveness.  Whoever says something against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven now or ever.  (Matt 12:31)

The Bible says, ‘If you don’t forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done’. (Matt 6:15)

Whoever stands against patience is indeed rejecting the Holy Spirit.

You must have heard the saying, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth’ but our Christ Jesus taught us not to take revenge on someone who wrongs you.’ 

Another saying that goes like this ‘Love your friend, hate your enemies.’  There too the Lord Jesus corrected us, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may become the son of your Father in heaven. Remember God makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike.  Why should God reward you if you love only those who love you?  And if you speak only to your friends have you done anything out of the ordinary.  Even the pagans do that.’

By practicing the above Lord’s law, He wants us to be perfect just as Abba Father in Heaven is perfect. 

Last but not the least: Even in the most acute agony and anguish, while hanging on the Cross, Lord Jesus did not forget God His Father and kept on praying to Him without any rage or malice towards those who were cruel to Him. He knew they had done all these harm due to the instigation of the devil. As His life was ebbing out He wished that God the Father’s punishment should not fall upon them and exercised the Power of Forgiveness- Patience.

Being the Lord’s devotee, we too walk in His way by forgiving others whole heartedly and patiently. Let us practice whispering “He/she did (whatever harm) to me in their ignorance. I urge forgiveness in the name of Jesus”  and when we do so we are fit to receive God’s grace and pardon that enables us to shine in His Presence.

So devotees of Christ, let us clothe ourselves with joy, peace, patience – to all these qualities add love which binds all things together in perfect unity. Praise the Lord! Amen!

                                                                                    …… (to be continued)

Time to go through some testimonies:

I lived a life relishing alcohol for past 25 years. Married for the past 11 yrs, I never bothered to love my wife, my children or family members and was successful in acting decent and cheating her parents too. Never cared to satisfy my family’s needs or fulfill my responsibilities towards them and kept on torturing them with my harsh and abusive words. My hands would reach out to the little money that my wife earned to meet our children’s needs. Alcohol sunk eyes of mine failed to see the pitiable  state of my family that was reduced to wearing torn clothes due to sheer poverty, rewarded by my alcoholism.

My wife and children would patiently pray in tears for me, who would bite back at them like a snake.

Amidst the huge waves of suffocation at home, my wife once left a small booklet ‘LIVING WORD’ beside me. Not remembering the exact motive behind me lifting the book but the moment I held it in my hand, suddenly a special strength overpowered me. Just as how I gulped alcohol continuously and with greed, I began to complete reading the contents of the book. I was conscious about some transformation taking place within me and that moment the same strength withdrew me from the alcoholic power.

The next Saturday 31.12.1994 I told my wife that I too shall accompany them to KLWC prayer meeting. Thus for the first time I attended the prayer service. During the prayer, I sensed terrible pain in my chest and the whole body was shivering. In an uncontrollable manner tears began to roll from my eyes as I silently obeyed the instructions and submitted myself in prayer. I was unaware of so many bondages and obstacles that existed in me. Dear friends, I began to experience weightlessness and soon was free and satisfied. I kept on wondering how the numerous efforts and ways that could not change my life, but these little petals could do in the twinkling of an eye.

As I silently participated in the prayer, I realized that it was the Divine strength of Christ that prepared ordinary people into His anointed ones for God’s service. The same strength had worked in me too to prepare me for the service of Christ.

Though I gave up alcohol in one day, I did not experience any side effects or uneasiness. My whole body that used to shiver due to lack of alcohol intake is now filled with a new strength and it was a cause of surprise for my friends. Today, I am able to confess my sins in front of my family and asked for forgiveness for the days I misbehaved with my wife and her family.  The habit of judging, anger, revenge, grudge, stubbornness, self harming nature and torturing others all dissolved in God’s love. I am able to give more love and care to my wife, children and my family members.

The knowledge imparted through the Word of God preaching at KLWC inspires me to be filled with the Holy Spirit and transform myself into a new servant of Lord Jesus.

Today our home is an abode of prayer, peace and love. The family which was living like a hell was transformed by my Lord into a heaven- like a True Christian Family.  The Lord who delivered and saved me from such a big slavery and who can deliver you from all your problems is just beside you. So take refuge in Christ Jesus who can deliver us and destroy our sinful bondage.

                                    ----Published in March 1995 Issue, LWE 2000

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I had helped my brother to go abroad but a few months of his stay there he stopped contacting me. His behavior troubled and disturbed me deeply. The anger, sorrow and selfishness prompted me to accuse and complain about him to all my friends and relatives. Yet through all this I did not acquire any relief and ended up losing my peace and being sick. Through one of my friends I came to KLWC- the shore of God’s love. I was blessed with an opportunity to meet Respected Sister and lodged my complaint to her. Filled with serenity, she laid her hand on my head and said, “Just forgive Him in Jesus Name. He is contacting you.” The peace and comfort I obtained that moment is inexpressible. That day I returned home happily as all my grudges and anger rolled off with just one pray-over. The very next day, I received a call from my brother after 7 long years.

Conversing with him, I shared my experience at KLWC and I asked for forgiveness and comforted him.

                                                            ----Published in March 1995 Issue, LWE 2000

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I was deeply in sorrow and sunk in depression due to the behavior of my son. Because of this, I came to attend the KLWC prayer meeting.  I came to know that Christian faith in itself is a mighty grace and also learned how to proceed unfaltering in it.  Due to this my uneasiness drifted away.

The life of my son ruined my desire and hopes to live, but the word of God regained in me the desire to live. Being filled with the Holy Spirit was a divine experience which I was unaware of and now it enables me to receive the Holy Sacraments more significantly.  The knowledge of the Word of God enlightened and transformed my heart and brain which was rigid, dull & always filled with negative thoughts.

I would blame, ignore others and was unable to accept the welfare of those around me. The Word of God preaching at KLWC, pointed that these habits were cause of my physical illness which I was suffering from 9 years and that I need to transform myself. As I began to acknowledge my faults and began to plead for forgiveness, all my aches and pains began to depart from me. Praise the Lord!! Alleluia!!

I never used to listen to others when they spoke.  I was affected by severe infection & pain in the ear for the past 22 years.  The doctor who had advised me to go for an operation was surprised by examining my ear after my healing.  Along with this God gave me a listening ear and helped me to listen and comfort others. 

I glorify the Lord Jesus who through His anointed servants showed love, concern and hope to live a life for Christ. Thank you Jesus!  Praise your Jesus!

--(published in March 1995 Issue, LWE 2000)