Let us challenge our spiritual growth

                                        Hindi translation is below)

 We all need to understand that satan is defeated by our Lord through His death on the cross and resurrection from the grave. We are saved by His grace and that is our position in Christ Jesus but it will take time have experience of that position in Christ.

Remember Jesus Christ is coming back to take His bride without spot and wrinkle. But when we came to Him, we are not without spot and wrinkle. Our mind and souls were in mess (we are spirit, soul and body 1 Thessalonians.5:23). Here you require to fight and to reclaim the territory of our mind by overcoming the enemy who is already defeated. God has given us all that we need to lay hold of Christ Victory and be more than conquerors (see Romans 8:37).

However, Satan does not want us to know that victory God has already given us. Satan wants us to keep in bondage through fear so that you never become an acceptable bride. Remember God has no intention to letting you give in or go down to defeat. God want you to be strong and triumphant.

In Habakkuk 2:3-4 the word Of God says “Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.”

 Satan will try every effort to bring every fear you have ever had in the past in an effort to press in and strangle the new spiritual life in you. Satan goal is that you never reach spiritual maturity.

 Paul wrote in Galatians 4:19 “My little children, for whom I labor in birth pain until Christ is formed in you”. Paul found that getting people saved is easy part but getting them to grow up them spiritually mature and victorious is different matter. Apostle John reinforces this when he tells on in John 1:12 “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the power tom become the children of God”.

 Remember half of the virgins shut out of the wedding feast (Mathew 25:1-10). Can you imagine 50% fatality rate in the Churches today?

 Let us remember the following two things and act according. Remember that fear ------

 1.FEAR IS A CRETIVE FORCE: The first step to overcome is to understand it that fear is a spirit (see 1 Tim.1:7) and is a powerful force which can create and call into being things that is feared. Job experienced that in Job 3:25 “What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me”. This being so, how does the evil power work.

 Note: This way works the power of darkness and influence minds and if we imagine and act then it happens in our life. The fallen world and its inhabitants are controlled by the power of darkness like this only.

 Remember what ever spirit we chose to accept into our mind, will determine what will be manifested in our physical realm. For example, we allow the spirit of fear in your life, we will think fearful thoughts, speak fearful words and what you fear will eventually come to pass. You have the spirit above all spirit (spirit of God) allow to work in your life, you will think peaceful thoughts, speak peace and create serenity all around you.

 Let us make no mistake, there are two kinds of spiritual forces in the world those that are of God (for good) and those that are form satan (for evil). You have the spirit above all the spirits (Spirit of God) dwelling deep in your inner being. The crucial question you will face daily which spirit, Spirt of Good or the spirit of evil-----will I choose to accept in my mind today.

 Be warned that which side you permit to control your thought that side will control your whole being.

 See Romans 6:6- “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”

 2.FEAR IS A FACT BUT FEAR IS AN ACT: - Remember that faith is a fact but faith is also an act. It means that faith is a created spiritual force is not manifested in the physical realm until you chose with your mind and your will to bring into being by acting on it.

 Fear works in the same way; Satan can roar at you in your mind by pushing various thoughts and if you refuse to let his fearful thoughts dwell in your mind and refuse to act on them then nothing more satan can do and he will flee from your resistance.

 However, if you chose to act on suggestion planted by the spirit of fear (or the word of you moth to reinforce them), you will release powerful evil force to start working your life (see proverb 6:2 and proverb 15:21). The fear will become a dangerous habit which is hard to break.

 Likewise work the other evil forces of darkness and create havoc in the life of the believers. This way works the evil spirits like sickness, bitterness, hated, unforgiveness, depression, heaviness of the heart and others……

 Remember what happened in Garden of Eden, satan wasted no time in going after eve’s mind. He knows that if she accepted his suggestions in her mind, this thought then would feed her will. Once she chose (with her will) to act on it what all happened after that you all now.

 Let is challenge our faith today what we believing A famous scholar has said: -

 “Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson.

God bless you

Brotherly yours in Christ

 Ramesh C koundal

 

 

Your circumstances are hinderance to see the ability of Almighty God

 

Your circumstances are hinderance to see the ability of  Almighty God

(Hindi Translation is below)

Romans 8:35-39: -

 

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:

 

“For Your sake we are killed all day long;

We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

 

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”.

 

What ever trials, troubles , problems ,circumstances you are facing, today speak over them as per above Romans 8:35-39. Do not look to the bigness of your need. Look to the bigness of your God! Your circumstances are hindrances to seeing My abilities God says. If you keep your eyes on your circumstances, the devil will use your circumstances to defeat you and accuse the Word of God—the written and the living Word. Your victory is in keeping your eyes on the bigness of your God and His ability to keep you victorious in all circumstances. He has promised to take you step by step—not all at once, but step by step, and each step will be a miracle!

 

God bless you all, please

Read and share with others

In Christ your brother – Ramesh C koundal

 

                                                     उपरोक्त संदेश का हिंदी अनुवाद

आपकी परिस्थितियाँ सर्वशक्तिमान ईश्वर की क्षमता को देखने में बाधक हैं

 

“आप जिन भी परीक्षणों, परेशानियों, समस्याओं, परिस्थितियों का सामना कर रहे हैं, आज उन पर बोलें!

कौन हम को मसीह के प्रेम से अलग करेगा? क्या क्लेश, या संकट, या उपद्रव, या अकाल, या नंगाई, या जोखिम, या तलवार? जैसा लिखा है,

 

“कि तेरे लिये हम दिन भर घात किए जाते हैं; हम वध होने वाली भेंडों की नाईं गिने गए हैं”

 

परन्तु इन सब बातों में हम उसके द्वारा जिस ने हम से प्रेम किया है, जयवन्त से भी बढ़कर हैं। क्योंकि मैं निश्चय जानता हूं, कि न मृत्यु, न जीवन, न स्वर्गदूत, न प्रधानताएं, न वर्तमान, न भविष्य, न सामर्थ, न ऊंचाई, न गहिराई और न कोई और सृष्टि, हमें परमेश्वर के प्रेम से, जो हमारे प्रभु मसीह यीशु में है, अलग कर सकेगी॥

 

आप जिन भी परीक्षणों, परेशानियों, समस्याओं, परिस्थितियों का सामना कर रहे हैं, आज रोमियों 8:35-39 के अनुसार उन पर बोलें। अपनी जरूरत को बड़ा मत देखो. अपने परमेश्वर की विशालता को देखो! बाइबल में परमेश्वर कहते हैं, आपकी परिस्थितियाँ मेरी क्षमताओं को देखने में बाधक हैं। यदि आप अपनी परिस्थितियों पर नजर रखेंगे, तो शैतान आपको हराने के लिए आपकी परिस्थितियों का उपयोग करेगा और परमेश्वर के वचन - लिखित और जीवित वचन - पर आरोप लगाएगा। आपकी जीत आपके ईश्वर की महानता और आपको सभी परिस्थितियों में विजयी बनाए रखने की उसकी क्षमता पर नजर बनाए रखने में है। उसने आपसे कदम दर कदम आगे बढ़ने का वादा किया है - एक बार में नहीं, बल्कि कदम दर कदम, और हर कदम एक चमत्कार होगा!

आज से आप विश्वास करना शुरू करें और परिणाम देखें।

 

परमेश्वर आप सब का भला करे. कृपया पढ़ें और दूसरों के साथ साझा करें।

प्रभु मैं आपका भाई रमेश सी कौंडल.

life after death?

                                                     

The book of Job asks a question about life after death: "If a man dies, will he live again?" (Job 14:14). This question is as easy as asking; Equally difficult is finding someone to answer the question with authority and experience.

 

Jesus Christ is the only one who can speak with real authority (and experience) about things related to the afterlife. The only authority He has to speak of heaven is that He came from there: "No one has ascended into heaven except He who came down from heaven—the Son of Man who is in heaven" (John 3:13). The Lord Jesus, with His first experience in heaven, presents to us three fundamental truths about life after death:

1. There exists a life after death.

2. When a person dies, he can only go to one of two possible destinations.

3. There is a way to ensure a positive experience after death.

 

First, Christ confirms several times that there is life after death. For example, in a meeting with the Sadducees, who refused to accept the doctrine of the resurrection, Jesus said, “Concerning the resurrection of the dead—have you read the story of the bush in the book of Moses? Have you not read that God said to him, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? God is not the God of the dead but of the living; therefore you are greatly mistaken! "(Mark 12 :26-27). According to Jesus, people who had died centuries ago were now very well alive with God.

 

In another passage, Jesus consoles his disciples (and us) by telling them about life after death. They can look forward to being with him in heaven: “Do not let your hearts be troubled; have faith in God and have faith in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would tell you For I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am, you may also be." (John 14:1-3).

 

Jesus also spoke authoritatively about two different destinations awaiting those in the afterlife. In the account of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus says, "And it came to pass that the poor man died, and the angels carried him into Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried, and in hell he saw his tormentors." Lifted up their eyes, and saw Lazarus afar off in Abraham's bosom." (Luke 16:22-23). Note, there is no intermediate state for those who die; They go straight to their eternal destination. Jesus taught further about the different destinations of the righteous and the wicked in Matthew 25:46 and John 5:25-29.

 

Jesus also emphasized that what determines a person's eternal destiny is whether or not a person believes in God's only-begotten Son. The necessity of faith is made clear: "Whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life." Have life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world through him might be saved. There is no condemnation to anyone who believes in him, but whoever believes in him He is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:15-18).

 

Those who repent of their sins and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior will have eternity in the afterlife to enjoy God. For those who reject Christ, life after death will be very different. Jesus described their destination as "being thrown into darkness: there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 8:12). As the heaven-sent authority on the afterlife, Jesus warns us to choose our destination wisely: “Enter through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and straight is the way that leads to destruction. and there are many who enter in by it. For narrow is the gate and hard is the way that leads to life; and there are few who find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).

 

Today “I have only two questions to ask. One, has anyone ever defeated death? Two, has he paved the way for me to do so?" Answer to both questions is "yes." One man has defeated both and provided a way for everyone who, like him, puts their faith in him to overcome it. Anyone who trusts in Jesus Christ need not fear death, and we can rejoice in God's salvation: "When this perishable has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then the word that What is written will be fulfilled:

'Jai swallowed death.'

'O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?'" (1 Corinthians 15:54-55).

 

 

 

 

 

Brotherly yours

Ramesh C Koundal

Please read and share further --

when did Satan fall from heaven?

How, why, and when did Satan fall from heaven?

Satan’s fall from heaven is symbolically described in Isaiah 14:12–14 and Ezekiel 28:12–18. While these two passages are referring specifically to the kings of Babylon and Tyre, we believe they also reference the spiritual power behind those kings, namely, Satan. These passages describe why Satan fell, but they do not say when the fall occurred. Jesus, the eternal Son of God, witnessed Satan’s fall, and He mentions it in Luke 10:18: “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” We know that the angels were created before the earth (Job 38:4–7). Satan fell before he tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden (Genesis 3:1–14). Satan’s fall, therefore, must have occurred somewhere after the time the angels were created and before he tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Whether Satan’s fall occurred hours, days, or years before he tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden, Scripture does not say.

The book of Job tells us, at least in Job’s time, Satan still had access to heaven and to the throne of God. “One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. The LORD said to Satan, ’Where have you come from?’ Satan answered the LORD, ‘From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it’” (Job 1:6-7). Apparently at that time, Satan was still moving freely between heaven and earth, speaking to God directly and answering for his activities. Whether God has discontinued this access is a matter of debate. Some say Satan’s access to heaven was ended at the death of Christ. Others believe Satan’s access to heaven will be ended at the end-times war in heaven (Revelation 12:7–12).

Why did Satan fall from heaven? Satan fell because of pride. He desired to be God, not to be a servant of God. Notice the many “I will...” statements in Isaiah 14:12-15. Ezekiel 28:12-15 describes Satan as an exceedingly beautiful angel. Satan was likely the highest of all angels, the anointed cherub, the most beautiful of all of God’s creations, but he was not content in his position. Instead, Satan desired to be God, to essentially “kick God off His throne” and take over the rule of the universe. Satan wanted to be God, and interestingly enough, that desire is what Satan tempted Adam and Eve with in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-5).

How did Satan fall from heaven? Because of Satan’s sin, God cast him out of heaven (Isaiah 14:15; Ezekiel 28:16–17). Heaven is no place for the wicked one. Satan fell from heaven because he was pushed.

Brotherly yours in Christ 

Ramesh C Koundal

LIFE ON EARTH IS LIKE VAPOR

 

LIFE ON EARTH IS like vapor and many ARE DOING SO MANY THINGS THAT they have to live here only for eternity

Life on earth is Like a Vapor: -

Our life, when compared to eternity, is like a morning fog, which quickly burns off in the heat of the day. Or as James wrote, it’s only a vapor that appears for a little while and is gone for good (James 4:14).

The things of this world may be very appealing as the fruit was in Eden Garden for the Eve. We are always enticed by the power of darkness to think like its thinking and enjoy whatever is appealing to our eyes or mind. These powers know their fate and they want as many as to take with them so that the Lord is defamed.  God has given human being a free will and it is human being who can chose to either love the Lord or things which appealing to eyes and mind. We are not supposed to learn from the world or people of this world but from the word of God given to us in the Bible. We are not only to learn but also put into practice the same in our life because whatever is in our mind will further reflect in our nature / behavior and will create character in us accordingly.

The average life span has increased over the last century, but even so, when we look at our life compared to eternity, it seems less than nothing. So, what impact can we have while here on earth that can have eternal implications? For one thing, the message of the Gospel promises eternal life for all who believe in Christ (John 3:16). Is there anything in this life that compares with the message of eternal hope that is found only in Christ (Acts 4:12)?

Wasting Time on the Temporal: -

I have to plead guilty to wasting a lot of my earthy time on things that would not have an impact on eternity. At my age (60+), I might not have too many years left. Why would I be so frivolous with my time when there are things that are much more important? I need to learn the value of each and every day and make every one of them count (Psalm 90:12) because life is so fleeting (Psalm 39:4).

I can watch TV, surf the Internet, social sites or any number of other things to entertain myself, but when I look back at my life when in heaven, I can surely count the days and hours that were a complete waste of time. Do not get me wrong; there is a time to rest and relax because even Jesus took time to get away and rest (Mark 6:31), but I can overdo that, too. One man asked D. L. Moody after another long, grueling day if he was tired of the work. D. L. Moody said, I am tired in the work but not tired of the work. He was a tireless worker for the kingdom, and much of what he did will impact all eternity. In the wake of his life, he left a great church (Moody Church) and college (Moody Bible College and Moody Theological Seminary). How’s that for making the most of his time?

Forsaking Much for Eternal Rewards:-

Jesus once said that even a cup of water given in His name will not go unrewarded (Matt. 10:42). When Peter said that he and the disciples had left everything to follow Jesus (Matt. 19:27), he reminded them all that the disciples who forsook all they had would sit with Christ on 12 thrones in the kingdom and be judges of the 12 tribes of Israel (Matt. 19:28). How is that for making an impact on eternity? For the disciples, that impact will be great because Jesus reminded them, and, really, He reminds us that everyone–I shall say that again–everyone who has left mother, brothers, sisters, fathers, and children for His sake will receive a hundredfold in the next but also eternal life (Matt. 19:29). How is that for a return on our investment? Did not the disciples leave everything for Jesus? Yes, but the impact on eternity is titanic, as they left us most of the New Testament, and their writings are still reaping eternal rewards.

A CLOSING PRAYER

Father, please help me live as per your word, not wasting time on irrelevant things but redeem the time and make the greatest impact I can for eternity by forsaking many things that do not really matter in my life as the life here is like vapor. In the name of Jesus my savior I pray.

 

Proverbs 27:19 “Just as water mirrors your face, so your face mirrors your heart”.

 

Proverbs 27:19 “Just as water mirrors your face, so your face mirrors your heart”.

 Here is a simple simile, a comparison made by “like” or “as.” In the way a man can see his face and know its features by reflection in water, so a man can know and understand other men through having a similar heart. Your experiences in life should give you the discernment and understanding to help others when they face similar circumstances.

 Just as gazing into the mirror-like qualities of a still water-pool reflect the detailed features of a man's face, so the standards and qualities residing deep within a heart, reflect a man's character and display the innermost caliber of his soul. Face express the same.

 Too often we are quick to identify the qualities, or criticize the defects we see reflected in the life of a fellow believer, but often we are not as swift to identify areas in our own hearts that need to be critically analyzed and spiritually evaluated as unholy or detrimental to our spiritual growth, offered-up to the Lord, and purged. 

 God alone knows a man's heart and can read the secret thoughts in the inner depths of his soul, but it is the outworking of those concealed attributes, which are demonstrated through words, actions, and attitudes, that manifests a man's true identity to his fellow-man.

 

Reverence and respect towards our heavenly Father, a Christlike love towards others, and inner peace, is often identified through the godly works, pure thoughts, and sound speech, that flows through our daily life. It is the inner heart that identifies a life that is walking in spirit and truth. It is careless speech, a critical attitude, thoughtless behavior, and an unrighteous lifestyle that warns us that we have fallen from grace and strayed from the path of peace. Corrupt hearts breed corruption, while a sanctified heart exhibits Christ-likeness.

 Man's countenance is frequently an index of his thoughts, and the fruit of his attitude of mind is often displayed in his words, his ways, his will, and his walk. As a man thinks so is he, and whatever becomes the central focus of that man's mind, influences his attitude of heart and is displayed in the out-working of his life, "As water reflects the face, so the heart of man reflects that man's character."

 Ambitions and emotions, temptations and trials, hope and fear, inner thoughts and expectations, together with spiritual strengths and weaknesses, can all be reflected in the face and mirrored in the expression of the eyes. It is often as we openly gaze into the reflection of our own face, through the mirror of God's Word, that we can identify areas that need spiritual adjustment and God's forgiveness. 

 How important to examine our own heart and scrutinize our inner thoughts, through the mirror-like qualities of a still water-pool and to reflect whatever is good, and pure, and wholesome, and holy.

 The Word of God is the truthful mirror into which we should look carefully. The Bible is the still water-pool in which to gaze day by day - for the face of Christ is the reflection upon which our hearts should rest.

 May we preach this truth to our own hearts and be doers of the Word as well as hearers of God's truth. May we all... with unveiled faces, gaze at the glory of the Lord... as beholding HIM in the mirror, so that we may be transformed into His glorious image, from glory to glory - through the power of the indwelling Spirit of the Lord - as we die to self and live for Him.

 My Prayer

Blessed Lord and Father, what wonderful truths are contained within Your Word. I pray that I may learn to keep the eyes of my heart fixed upon Christ, and to daily search the Scriptures more faithfully, so that I may learn more of You and increasingly reflect the Lord Jesus in all I say and do.

 I pray that my life may be a mirror-image of Him, that I may only say the things that He has taught me, and only do those things that honor Him, so that His grace, and love, and care, and beauty, may be seen in me and flow out to others. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.

 God bless you

ACTIONS ARE THE MIRROR THAT REFLECTS THE SOUL (OURSLEVES)

 

ACTIONS ARE THE MIRROR THAT REFLECTS THE SOUL (OURSLEVES)

 Nothing goes out first without going through our mind. We are the product of our mind. Our words reveal about ourselves how we live our life, Our thinking, our life style as well as our interests. A person’s actions reveal his thinking. Powerful and benevolent thoughts produce actions within ourselves. If our thoughts are confused or selfish, our actions will be the same, and the results will be ineffectual or cause sorrow. A famous quote indicates: -

“Our Thoughts Become Words, Our Words Become Actions, Our Actions Become Habits, Our Habits Become Character, Our Character Becomes our Destiny”.

Paul in Romans 12:2 says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” And 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “Take every thought captive.” When you correctly apply biblical truth, our thought life will change and you will be able to accomplish more than you imagine.

We must understand that we are made by God and if we go to Him then only can live quality of life but generally we go to the world /people of the world and try to get the things which make us happy but that is temporary and without any quality of life. The things of this world can never make us happy and the world of God also say the friendship with the world is enmity with God. Thus we get bad to worse and it goes on lime this.

No matter how much we claim that we are strong, if our actions are weak and indecisive, no one will believe us as we would not be able to live quality of life. Merely understanding something intellectually, without having an experience of it, is like sitting at home and imagining that we are very clever. However, if our knowledge and intelligence are not applied in the correct way at the right time, who will regard us as clever? It is our actions that prove our worth.

Most people try to hide their weaknesses from others. Some speak of their shortcomings but are unaware of the roots, or the seeds they have germinated from. They only have a superficial awareness of it. The result is that they rid themselves of the external forms of the weakness, and for a while feel as though they have become completely free of it. However, since the seed is still there, the weakness crops up again after some time.

 

Proverbs 4:23 says “Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life”.  Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. "Eat and drink!" he says to you, But his heart is not with you”. 

 

Something similar happens with physical ailments, which are often not cured permanently because doctors do not know the root of the illness. The illness gets suppressed, but is not fully cured.

Spiritual weaknesses can be eradicated only by destroying the seed. Sometimes people know where a weakness stems from, but they are casual about it and say, “Yes, it will be removed one day. It cannot be finished in one go, it takes time!” Instead of being strong and determined in this regard, they resort to clever arguments. Knowledge is a power, but they do not use it as such and get power of the same.

 

The first requirement for self-improvement is not to hide or gloss over one’s defects. Being casual about them or trying to rationalize them is also not a good idea. To bring about the change we want to see, we need to use our knowledge, discernment and other powers in a practical way.

 

When that change is visible in our actions, we are able to inspire others. Even though it is true that actions are gross and thoughts are subtle, it is easier for most people to recognize the value of virtues and spiritual powers when they are demonstrated in action. Serving others by creating an elevated atmosphere with our positive thoughts and pure feelings is a great act of charity, but it is important to give expression to our vision and principles through our actions.

 “Our Thoughts Become Words, Our Words Become Actions, Our Actions Become Habits, Our Habits Become Character, Our Character Becomes our Destiny”.

A small thought can decide our destiny -------> where we would live in eternity. Let us apply Roman 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will”. 

So let us know His perfect will and live accordingly while living in this world so as to be with Him when we leave this world.

 God bless you