A SONG OF THANKSGIVING

I give you thanks, O Lord and King;

I praise you as my God and Saviour.

I give you thanks,

For you have helped me and protected me.

You have rescued me from death,

from dangerous lies and slander.

You helped me when no one else would;

in your great mercy you saved me

from the many troubles I have known:

from the glaring hatred of my enemies,

who wanted to put an end to my life;

from suffocation in oppressive smoke

rising from fires that I did not light;

from death itself;

from vicious slander reported to the king.

I was once brought face to face with death;

enemies surrounded me everywhere.

I looked for someone to help me,

but there was no one there.

But the, O Lord, I remembered how merciful you are

and what you have done in times past.

I remembered that you rescue those who rely on you,

That you save them from their enemies.

Then from here on earth I prayed to you

to rescue me from death.

I prayed, “O Lord, you are my father;

do not abandon me to my troubles

when I am helpless against arrogant enemies.

I will always praise you

and sing hymns of thanksgiving.”

You answered my prayer,

and saved me from the threat of destruction.

and so I thank you and praise you.

O Lord, I praise you!

(Sirach 51:1 -12)

May the Lord bless you and take care of you. May He be kind and gracious to you. May the Lord look on you with favor and give you peace.

With love filled blessings,

Your Sister in Christ

A CALL TO REPENTANCE

PART III

The Holy Bible says, “When anyone is joined to Christ, he is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.”

 (2 Cor. 5:17)

We have learnt that, the more you invite the Holy Spirit; the more you will be aware of those areas of your life where Jesus is not fully revealed in you.

Whenever you begin to feel, that life is a failure, remember, the power of God’s forgiving love as expressed on Calvary. Then praise Him for a while. God’s unconditional love will shower upon you. You don’t have to stay stuck with guilt.

Sin has a power to hold us down and to block the unconditional love of God. This is how we hide when we feel guilty.

Repentance has a power to lift us up again and release the flow of God’s love into us.

“If we live in the light – just as He is in the light--- then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son purifies us from every sin.” (1 John 1:7)

After John the Baptist was put in prison, Jesus continued the call for repentance. “Turn away from your sins, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near!”      (Mark 4:17)

Repentance is an ongoing process. Regularly reading and meditating the Word of God, inviting the Holy Spirit to lead you accordingly to His Will is the process.

Christ Jesus says, if My words remain in you and you abide in Me, then you shall ask for anything you wish and you shall have it.

“If you hear God’s voice today, do not be stubborn.” (Heb 4:7)

Again in the Bible, Jesus says: “How wrong you are! It is because you don’t know the Scriptures or God’s power.” (Matt.22:29)

Meditating on the above holy verses we realize the importance of a repentant heart.

Repentance is intellectual; Repentance of the Samaritan woman acknowledged that she listened to the Word of God and accepted her mistakes.  (John 4)

“After you had punished us; we hung our head in grief.” (Jer. 31:19)

Repentance is emotional: “When the people heard what the Law required, they were so moved that they began to cry.” (Nehe.8:9)

“Just when the cock crowed a second time, Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the cock crows twice, you will say, that you do not know me.” And he broke down and cried. (Mark 14:72)

A discerned person himself takes the decision to have true repentance.

Here it is wise to remember the prodigal son. (Luke 15:17-18)

“Return to God is the Biblical message to one and all.”

Let us invite Christ Jesus into our hearts and venerate Him as Lord and Savior. Ask Him for the Holy Spirit to enlighten. Invite and enthrone Jesus as your Lord. Allow the majestic power to rule you. He knows what to break and rebuild.

He will do it and make you a new being. These are all the work of our Loving Father, who calls us to enjoy a life in its fullness in His Kingdom.

Let us obey to the voice shouting in the desert (Luke 3:4-6) and break the mountains which are the pride, prejudice, disobedience, hatred, greed etc., demolish the hills that represent our immoral behaviors, depraved, dishonesty etc., and fill the valleys that indicate the Loneliness, gloominess, depression, spiritual weakness within us and smoothen the path of our life with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

“So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to-- the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. Your hearts and mind must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God’s likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy. (Eph. 4: 22-24)

“The One who sits on the Throne said, “And now I make all things new!” ……These words are true and can be trusted…….I am the first and the last, the beginning and the end. To anyone who is thirsty I will give the right to drink from the spring of the water of life without paying for it.  Whoever wins the victory, will receive this from me. I will be his God and he will be My son.” (Rev.21:5-6)

Glory to God!!! Amen!!!

ARC OF PRAISE

PART IV

The Bible says, “Come, let us praise the Lord! Let us sing for joy to God, who protects us! Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and sing joyful songs of praise. For the Lord is a mighty God, a mighty king over all the gods.”     (Psalms 95: 1-3)

An attitude of openness and expectancy are essential to approach God.  As I mentioned earlier, a yielded heart which expects a transformation or you can say, a relaxed mindset will gain good result. The Lord is awesome in His greatness and 

the Majestic  power is overwhelming.

Therefore, the Bible tells us, to praise Him with all your skills and might.

The Heaven above is adorned by angels array, praising His Glory and Honor whereas on earth (i.e) his footstep, He has created us with His skills and wisdom to ordain His glory.

Our Glorious Lord wants “His will be done on earth as in Heaven.”

So it will be more acceptable to God if we praise and worship Him as how it is in Heaven.

The Book of Revelation to John, in his heavenly vision explains to us that, “it sounded like a large crowd, like the sound of roaring waterfall, like loud peals of thunder; I heard them saying: Praise God, Lord Almighty, God is King.” (Rev.19:6)

During the assembly of prayer service, the devotees witness the above experience.  When a faithful one starts exalting His Name and Praise Him, Heaven truly opens and joins us and we build the Kingdom of God.

It is an amazing experience to be in this Kingdom and in His Kingship on Earth.

He commands His Authority and eradicates all unwanted interference. Alleluia!!

Here are few testimonies from children under the age of twelve:

·         I hesitated to raise my hand when asked to witness all who heard thunder, echoes and seen visions of heavenly beings. Many witnessed by raising their hands. But today in writing, I am testifying the experience. Alleluia!!

·         On the 15^th April 1995, while praising with closed eyes, I clearly saw Lord Jesus adorned with crown, seated in the Most High. I was extremely happy and ran ahead to witness. Alleluia!!

·         I was unable to sleep due to nightmares and fear engulfed me all the time. As I began to praise God in my mind, my fears as well as my nightmares vanished. Praise the Lord!!

·         From the past one year, many times I have been able to see Jesus in different visions amidst a huge ball of light. Two  weeks ago before the reading of the Bible, when we were thanking and praising God in Christen section, I could again see the above part of Lord Jesus, who was standing with outstretched hands. Surrounded with a fluorescent color. My eyes were filled with tears of joy and did not feel like opening them. I soon told Miss that Lord Jesus is present with us. Alleluia!! Amen.

·         In the new prayer ground, when we were praising God together, I saw a beautiful light. Amidst the light I vividly saw Mother Mary riding on a donkey with a little boy in her arms. I was filled with great joy. When asked to witness, soon I lifted my hand and glorified my Lord. Henceforth, my bad habit of biting nails, saying lies due to fear departed from me. Today I love my Jesus and Mother Mary very much.

Yes, our children are evidence of the fact that whenever two or three gather in Lord Jesus’ name anywhere He descends amidst them. Their eagerness and enjoyment in witnessing the Lord is indescribable. Praise God!!

It proves that the King of Israel is pleased and honors the humble with victory.

Let’s refer to the Biblical way to Praise God

The book of psalms will guide and urge us to praise Him in spiritual manner. It says, “Praise God with all your musical instruments by clapping, lifting and waving hands and by dancing too.”

Psalm 47:1, tells us to “clap our hands for joy, all people. Praise God with loud songs.”. It is one of the most efficacious acts of prayer.

So the ignorant leading unhealthy life feels restless to be with people of praise.

King David, with his best soldiers in Israel, a total of 30,000 men were dancing and singing with all their might, to honor the Lord. They were playing harps, lyres, drums, rattles and cymbals. Saul’s daughter and few were disgusted and criticized about it.

Yet David said, “I will go on dancing to honor the Lord and I will disgrace myself evermore to honor Him.”

We are sure that even today there are faithful people to stop and ridicule people of praise.

Never mind, the Bible says to us, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to depend on men.” (Psalms 118:8)

So never lose heart!! We, great and small are called to praise our Creator (Book of Rev).

Memorizing His virtues, Highness, Royal Power and Loving Kindness to all creatures will encourage us to exalt Him as well as recollecting God’s compassion, well planned promises and His Majestic authorities will help us to bow down our pride and prejudice. So, let us humble ourselves to make us worthy to be His children.

It is vital and wise to confirm our faith that the Lord, who is able to create good out of bad, will definitely change the bad into two fold goodness.

When you meditate the above said qualities and glorify His Name, then spontaneously the lips will start the sacrifice of praise in its own way and God’s power will lead us towards the praise. 

Once you start exercising this act daily, the Holy Spirit, himself will take charge of your spiritual growth.

Let’s go through a testimony:

As I was standing along with the entire community, asking God how to praise, when unknowingly my lips began to move continuously and I experienced an inexpressible tranquility. My tears were overflowing. After that I was relieved from fear, anxiety and sorrow. (Oct 1995 edition of LWE 2000)

If you had a past joyful life in union with Christ and now you feel the doors of blessings bolted up and a bed of hopelessness? Never mind: Begin today, believe the truth that the light is still flickering with you. Perhaps the oil in the lamp is evaporated. Yet do not be worried!!

Since it is your desire and decision, confess it, “I will always Praise the Lord, I will never stop praising Him, I will proclaim Your greatness every day, I will thank You and Praise You forever and ever. I will praise Him as long as I live and sing to my God my whole life.”

By taking pleasure, confessing truly and a steady mind by removing the moles in your eyes and looking into your heart deeply, you can find your little light.

You can rekindle your lamp by praising God. Allow the lamp to burn like the flickering lamp to lead your path and share your good experiences to many.

Then you will be able to stand as a bright lamp in the commemoration of the second coming of our King Jesus Christ.

May Lord grant you the grace to proclaim the Good News of He, who is calling You from darkness into the anointing brightness of His Light.

Thus obtain the grade of being His own Chosen People.

Happiness makes for a long life; and makes it worth living. (Sirach 30:22) 

PSALM 92

A  SONG OF PRAISE

How good it is to give thanks to you, O Lord,

To sing in Your honor, O Most High God,

To proclaim Your constant love every morning

And Your faithfulness every night.

With the music of stringed instruments

And with melody on the harp.

Your mighty deeds, O Lord, make me glad;

Because of what you have done, I sing for joy.

How great are your actions, Lord!

How deep are Your thoughts!

This is something a fool cannot know;

A stupid man cannot understand:

The wicked may grow like weeds,

Those who do wrong may prosper;

Yet they will be totally destroyed,

Because you, Lord are supreme forever.

We know that your enemies will die,

And all the wicked will be defeated.

You have made me as strong as a wild ox;

You have blessed me with happiness.

I have seen the defeat of my enemies

And heard the cries of the wicked.

The righteous will flourish like palm-trees;

They will grow like the cedars of Lebanon.

They are trees planted in the house of the Lord,

That flourish in the Temple of our God,

That still bear fruit in old age

And are always green and strong.

This shows that the Lord is just,

That there is no wrong in my Protector. 

ARC OF PRAISE

PART III

The Bible says, “Come, let us praise the Lord! Let us sing for joy to God, who protects us! Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and sing joyful songs of praise. For the Lord is a mighty God, a mighty king over all the gods.”     (Psalms 95: 1-3)

When we pray with a gratitude heart, God’s peace which is far beyond human understanding will keep our heart and mind safe in union with Christ Jesus.

When we praise with a gratitude heart we obtain peace.(Phil. 4)

 He forgives and forgets all our sins and He heals our diseases.        (Psalm 103)

“How happy are the people who worship You, with songs, who lives in the light of Your kindness. Because of You, they rejoice all day long and they praise You for Your goodness and You give us great victory." (Psalms 89) God will bless them with His constant love and His Mercy.They will have a cheerful heart and pleasant face.

When Daniel and his friends were accused of disobedience, the king flew into a rage and ordered his servants to heat the furnace seven times hotter than usual and commanded the strongest men in his army to tie the three together and throw them into it. As per the order, they were thrown into the blazing furnace. Three of them courageously started singing glorious songs of the Supreme God.

God of the Universe intervened and sent his angel to save them. The angel went into the furnace and formed a cool mist among them and they were not hurt at all. The king saw that they were loosened and rejoicing, dancing and praising their God. Soon he commanded his servants to release them. The king too believed in True God and commanded all to worship the Supreme God.

A praising lip can make God perform powerful miracles because the Living God abides in him. Alleluia!!

“Whenever the evil spirit came on Saul, David would get his harp and play it. The evil spirit would leave, and Saul would feel better and be all right again.” (1Sam. 16:23)

By praising we obtain deliverance. Here again the Bible says that they obtain the grace to overcome the boring attitude towards reading the Word of God. God blesses those who are ceaselessly active in praise with a “Gift of Intercession”  to accept Jesus as the King and center of their life.

“You are enthroned as the Holy One, the one whom Israel praises.”

(Psalms 22:3)

These are few among many of the blessings just waiting to flow on an arc of praise.

I wish to remind you that God is not getting any benefit by you honoring Him because He is the origin of all.

“From one man He created all races of mankind and made them live throughout the whole earth. He Himself fixed beforehand the exact times and the limits of the places where they would live. He did this so that they would look for Him and perhaps find Him as they felt about for Him. Yet God is not far away from any one of us.” (Acts 17:26-28)

The Holy Bible warns us to praise God whenever you face hardship or persecution to overcome it.

Paul and Silas were arrested for injustice and they praised God loudly and they were released.

“May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: Rejoice! Show a gentle attitude towards everyone. The Lord is coming soon. 

Don’t worry about anything but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking Him with a thankful heart.” (Phili.4: 4-6) 

Job even in his deepest despair, proclaimed, “I know that there is someone in heaven who will come at last to my defense. Even after my skin eaten by disease, while still in this body I will see God." (Job 19:25-26)

“It is not appropriate for a sinner to sing hymns of praise, because his worship is insincere. A hymn should be an expression of wisdom, inspired by the Lord Himself.” (Sirach 15:9-10)

Again the Bible says: “They know God, but they do not give Him the honor that belongs to Him, nor do they thank Him. Instead their thoughts have become complete nonsense, and their empty minds are filled with darkness.” (Romans 1:21)

The Holy Bible teaches that a sinner cannot praise God because he is under the power of darkness. He will not get inspiration to honor the Lord.

God our Father always blesses us with the knowledge of good and bad. It is our duty to utilize this freedom in an appropriate way.

The Bible says that we should not be hesitant to praise God.

“Be joyfully grateful for the Lord’s mercy and never be ashamed to praise Him.” (Sirach 51:29)

 “The Lord gave me a gift for words, and I have used it in His praise.” (Sirach 51:22)

So understanding God, our Creator, who says, “Listen to this, you that ignore Me or I will destroy you, and there will be no one to save you. Giving thanks is a sacrifice that honors me, and I will surely save all who obey me.” (Psalms 50:23), let us open our inner eyes and step towards the treasury of praise.

                                                                       (TO BE CONTINUED)

ARC OF PRAISE

PART ii

The Bible says, “Come, let us praise the Lord! Let us sing for joy to God, who protects us! Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and sing joyful songs of praise. For the Lord is a mighty God, a mighty king over all the gods.”   (Psalms 95: 1-3)

When the triumphant approached near Jerusalem at a place called Mount of Olives, a large crowd of His disciples began to thank God and Praise Him in loud voices for all the great things they had seen.

“God bless the King who comes in the Name of the Lord! Peace in Heaven and Glory to God!”

Then some of the Pharisees in the crowd spoke to Jesus, “Teacher,” they said, “command your disciples to be quiet.”

Jesus answered, “I tell you that if, they keep quiet, the stones themselves will start shouting.” (Luke 19:28-40)

The Holy Bible clearly reveals the truth that, “By praising and glorifying the Lord, we are fulfilling God’s purpose of our life.” (1Thess. 5)

Similarly it’s worth paying attention in this regard!

When the chief priest and the teachers of the law, saw the children who after seeing the wonder works of Lord, were shouting in the Temple:  “Praise to David’s son.” They became angry and said to the Lord, “Do you hear what they are saying?” 

At this Jesus answered, “Haven’t you ever read the scriptures? You have trained children and babies to offer perfect praise. From the lips of children and infants, God has ordained praise to silent his foes and avengers.”  (Psalms)

Through the Holy Word of God, the Son of God, Lord Jesus, gives an apt answer to those who throw questions about praising Him. These quotations are sufficient to claim that it is a traditional custom to praise and worship God.

The one, who has the knowledge of God, will freely enjoy praising God.

There is none like our Lord, who is most Holy and is Eternal, there is no refuge as firm and strong as the Lord.

By recognizing the above fact that He is worthy to be praised and honored, the devotee rejoices in praising His Savior.

Though the message She received from God was unbelievable, Blessed Virgin Mother, accepted it believing that nothing is impossible for God and proclaimed His Glory.

Praise has been used as a weapon to scatter the enemy (satan) and its traps. When we confess the Holy Name of God, the dark sides of our life becomes weak and dissolves. It will totally disappear because Jesus Himself is the Light that shines in the darkness and the darkness has never put it out. Halleluiah!!! Praise the Lord!

The one who truly praises the Lord, who is full of grace and truth himself, will descend into the person and he/she will be transformed with a new life. They are the ones whom we refer to as ‘Spiritually Renewed Person.’

Here you can read a testimony:

I was sorrowful and Jesus comforted me.

I was broken and Jesus blessed me.

I was sick and Jesus healed me.

At a very young age due to sudden unexpected demise of my father, the family responsibilities fell on my shoulders. The burden and unhappiness started reflecting in me and it pushed me deep into the well of depression. On seeing my worries, a colleague, who had experienced the Love of Christ, told me about Jesus Christ and a prayer service. Since I too was a non-Christian, was hesitant at first but then began to look forward to attend the prayer. 

First few Saturdays I found myself sitting behind, observing everyone praying and praising God. Gradually I got attracted to the prayer. Without asking anything to the Lord, I was gifted with joy and immense peace. My family members were delighted and comforted on seeing me so cheerful.

By the grace of God, for almost a year, I was regular at the prayer meeting, feeling pleasant to be in the midst of faithful people and learning the Blessed Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. I thank the Lord!

With boundless love and compassion My Lord who seeks the sick, the sinners and the sorrowful ones, opened his Divine eyes towards me.

“I will look for those that are lost, bring back those that wander off, bandage those that are hurt and strengthen the weak.” (Ezekiel 34:16)

Dear friends, from the past four years, I constantly used high- powered specs and from two years I was suffering from continuous headache. The headache was also a cause of depression, as no medicine was able to cure me.

On the 15^th October 1994, I had a heavenly experience during the praise and worship. I saw a flash of lightning coming towards me. I looked out to see if it was raining!! As I sat down, staring into the light, unaware of what it is, a light of greater intensity struck across my face. That Saturday many, who experienced divinity, shared their blessings and experiences.

Though enthusiastic to share my experience too, I lacked courage. Soon I found myself standing near the microphone witnessing the divine experience. The Lord’s divine strength was enough to cast away all my fear.

Thus the word, “I will strengthen the weak” proved true.

 I realized that it was my duty to share the experience which even many Christians had not received.

Later, I got an appointment with my Spiritual Teacher. She enlightened me by the words, “Trust in Lord Jesus. Start offering all your little deeds for His glory. Accept Lord Jesus as your Savior and Divine Physician. You will be blessed to offer praise and worship to Him.”

Accordingly, I surrendered all my worries, sickness and burdened heart to my Savior and began to praise Him, the way I knew and had observed in the recollection.

The result was miraculous!

I was thoroughly filled with Spiritual joy which transformed me into a cheerful person. Today I am happy and content. Halleluiah!!

After few days, again during prayer service, it was announced that ‘five people have received the grace to remove spectacles’. I did not even imagine that the Lord had included me, but unconsciously I began to do work without the specs. Three days later I recalled the announcement and realized that the Divine Physician healed my sight, removing my specs. Praise the Lord!!

For the last four months I am doing all my work without the specs and without any help. He not only healed my eyes, but also the constant recurring headache. Today I can proclaim that Jesus is the light of my life.

I thank God for the grace He has bestowed on me to read the Holy Bible and spend some quality time with my Master every day. Halleluiah!!! Praise the Lord

As the Holy Bible says, “Your faith has saved you. Go in Peace!!”

When I surrendered myself and leaned towards Him, offering all my burdens and sorrows, the good Lord granted me complete freedom in Him.

Lord Jesus at the apt time through your Chosen Vessel, You revealed your love and Care to me, who was unaware of You!

I offer bouquets of praises and gratitude for giving me this opportunity to share my witness and happiness with all. Praise the Lord!!!
                                                                          Page taken from LWE 2000
                                                                           Issue : Nov' 1994

                                                                                                    

                                                                    (To be continued)