1 WAY JESUS - ROAD SIGNS TO LIFE

STOP! LOOK! GO! :

"Road signs" are essential. If you don't follow..life is at stake.
Life's journey can be rough and tough at times but with proper road signs and clear directions it can make things pretty easier. Don't take your life for granted. If you follow the signs correctly, you can be at your rightful destination on time. When you know the WAY, you can lead others in this wonderful Journey of Life.
(Permission: You may download this to use it as an evangelistic tool. Please credit the creator/publisher. Don't change the contents without written permission. TQ)

DARE TO FACE THE LIONS IN OUR LIVES

Some time ago I heard a joke about a missionary going into the jungle to preach the gospel to the unreached tribal people. On his journey he met a roaring lion coming against him, he quickly knelled down and said a prayer and when he opened his eyes, he was surprised to see the lion also was praying – he was happy and said: “Hey! You too pray, are you a Christian lion?” Then the lion answered: “Yes sir, I always pray with thanksgiving before I enjoy my meals.”

In the same way we too go through many lions in our lives but sometimes we don’t overcome it, we just try to negotiate and simply give in to those bloodthirsty roaring lions. The Bible says that the devil is like a roaring lion looking to devour someone. In this article, we’re going to see the story of three mighty men of God who versus lions in their lives.

· Samson vs lion: Judges 14: 1- 20

In this chapter we see that Samson an anointed man who knows the will of God for his life. He wanted to marry a Philistine even though his parents disagree.

According to history, at this time Israel was ruled by Philistine and God wants to use this situation / occasion to confront the Philistines. Somehow later Samson together with his parents went to Timnah to make the marriage agreement.

On that journey a young lion come roaring toward Samson and he defeated it by tearing it apart with bare hands as they tore young goats ( holding goat’s leg upside down and tearing it like been practiced in Arab ).

Some time later he went back to marry the girl and on his way he turned aside to look at the lion’s carcass and found in it swarm of bees and some honey…he ate it and also gave some to his parents. Here we see that Samson turned aside to look at his past victory, it’s nothing wrong but staying put and digging the carcass means dead works are the symptoms of pride and eating honey out of the ‘dead body’ is not just disgusting but sinful thing to do for a Nazarene.

Yes! I agree that honey is sweet but sometimes sin also can be sweet like honey. Samson not only sinned against God by touching the carcass but he also shared his sin with others (gave some honey to his parents). Sometimes we too like that; we sin and later drag others into that zone to share the blame.

Speaking about honey; in 1 Samuel 14: 24 – 48 we see that Prince Jonathan on his way to war saw honey oozing out and he ate it. His action was against his father, King Saul’s command that no one in the army eat anything until they defeat the Philistines or they shall die by sword. Jonathan took for granted the father’s command (just like some of us take for granted our Father God’s command). He suppose to die but by grace he did not face the consequences but they retreat from fighting their enemy at that point of time. ‘Sin puts fear in us to fight on’. Honey is good, even God promised the Israelites a land flowing with milk and honey but if the Lord says No! It is simply means No! Taste the LORD and not sin.

Sometimes the LORD uses our parents or guardians to speak to us and there are times He uses man of God to say No! to us – don’t argue or debate, just obey for obedience is better than sacrifice’ (1 Samuel 15: 22-23 ).

· David vs lion : 1 Samuel 17: 34-37

Psalmist David faces many battles, first when he was a shepherd boy he defeated not only lion but also bear and later Goliath…one victory after another, he did not give up. David did not fear obstacles and giants in his life, he was brave and dare to take challenges.

Don’t stop at one victory and go back to it again. Don’t be like Samson but be like King David – go ahead, face the trails and it will be easy to defeat as you go on defeating your sickness, problems, failures, financial breakdowns and ect.

· Daniel vs lions: Daniel 6: 1-28

Daniel was thrown into the lions den because of his prayerful life. That didn’t hinder him from doing the will of God. In verse 22 he said: ‘God sent his angels to shut the mouth

of the lions’. Yes Amen! God will surely deliver us from the mouth of the lions as it says in (2Ti 4:17,18 MKJV) But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, that through me the preaching might be fulfilled, and that all the nations might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me to His heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Probably, Daniel could have given a look at the hungry lions and they knew who he is and where his soul belongs, they dare not hurt him for the power and the glory of God enfolds

him; Hallelujah!

In the same way, after we learn to overcome one lion after another, bears and Goliaths in our life, a day will come for us to just give a stare at the devil, he will fear and shiver and shut his mouth and flee from us. Remember the finish work of the Cross.

Because of that victory in our life, God will make away even for the non believers including rulers of nations, kings, law makers, presidents and prime ministers to praise Him.

In Daniel 6: 27 we see that king Darius praised God for delivering Daniel from the mouth of the lions.To destroy ‘lions’ in our lives, we need God’s help and He will save us from their clutches. (Psa 58:6 MKJV) O God, break their teeth in their mouth; break out the big teeth of the young lions, O Jehovah.

(Job 4:10,11 MKJV) The roar of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken. The strong lion perishes for lack of prey, and the strong lion's cubs are scattered abroad.

(Job 5:15 MKJV) But He saves the poor from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty.

Remember, Jesus Christ our Savior and Mighty Warrior is with us and has given us the authority to destroy the foes of darkness in His powerful and glorious name. The Bible says in (Psa 91:13 MKJV) You shall tread on the lion and adder; the young lion and the jackal You shall trample underfoot.

Amen, Praise God!

The End.

@B.Kumar

TRUST THE LORD!

(Part 4)

Recently after I shared with you about the beautiful poster on TRUST that was in my house, many remarkable things happened to us. I hope you would like to hear them.

Last week we went for a service in a nearby church. The preacher was sharing from the book of Exodus about how the people of Israel that saw God’s awesome power demonstration, His signs and wonders in Egypt and also in the desert after they come out of the Egyptian captivity could not fully trust God but instead they were always looking up to a man called Moses – a mere man who only trusted in God.

God did so many things to capture their attention and wanted them to put their trust in Him and not on men but they wouldn’t. What a pity. The preacher concluded by saying: “Don’t look to men for help in terms of finance or anything because they will fail us….just Trust God!”

I would agree with this man of God because the Bible says in (Jer 17:5 MKJV) So says Jehovah, Cursed is the man who trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from Jehovah.) And in another scripture it’s written: Put no trust in a friend; put no hope in a guide; keep the door of your mouth from her who lies in your bosom (Mic 7:5 MKJV).

The same week, I received a phone call from a friend who wants to meet up with us. When my wife and I went to meet this newly married couple, we had some coffee time that filled with encouragement and joy. At that juncture, my friend passed me a small packet and said: “This is a gift for you and your family”. Guess what? That small red packet was truly a great blessing to us as we were ‘trusting God for the chariots’. Amen!

Friends, please allow me to show you from the scriptures –

# Why we must trust in the LORD and the LORD alone?

Because:

(i) Its The Promise of God

- (Isa 41:10 MKJV) Do not fear; for I am with you; be not dismayed; for I am your God. I will make you strong; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.

(ii) You Will Be Delivered and Not Be Ashamed

- (Psa 22:4,5;9,10 MKJV) Our fathers trusted in You; they trusted, and You delivered them.

They cried to You, and were delivered; they trusted in You, and were not ashamed.

For You are He who took Me out of the womb, causing Me to trust while on My mother's breasts.

I was cast on You from the womb; You are My God from My mother's belly.)

- (Rom 9:33 MKJV) as it is written, "Behold, I lay in Zion a Stumbling-stone and a Rock-of-offense, and everyone believing on Him shall not be put to shame."

(iii) Its a Matter of Life and Death

- (Joh 5:24,25 MKJV) Jesus: Truly, truly, I say to you, He who hears My Word and believes on Him who sent Me has everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death to life.

Truly, truly, I say to you, The hour is coming and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and they who hear shall live.

- (Col 2:13,14 MKJV) Paul: And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,

blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross.

- (Joh 11:25,26 MKJV) Jesus said to her, I am the Resurrection and the Life! He who believes in Me, though he die, yet he shall live.

And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?

(iv) Its The Requirement of The LORD

- (Joh 14:1 MKJV) Jesus: Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me.

- (Psa 91:15,16 MKJV) He shall call on Me, and I will answer Him; I will be with Him in trouble; I will deliver Him, and honor Him.

With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.

Dear beloved, in conclusion of this article on “Trust The LORD” allow me to quote the main scripture once again:

- (Psa 20:7,8 MKJV) Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of Jehovah our God.

They have bowed down and fallen; but we have risen and stand upright.)

As you can see, those who trust in the LORD will definitely rise up (or in other words to be strengthened / established / accomplish / succeed) and stand upright (which means to be restored / lifted up / testify).

My wife reminded me that: “For every step of trust towards Jesus our LORD and Savior, there’s always a beginning of signs and wonders”. So keep trusting and learn to rest in HIM for it’s not in vain at all.

The End

Shalom!

B.Kumarathevan

TRUST THE LORD!

(Part 3)

Last week one of my friends, who commented on my articles on this subject, encouraged me by saying: “Let’s trust God for the chariots too”. Isn’t that wonderful? In fact the Psalmist who wrote

Ps. 20: 7 did not in any way say that we should not believe God for the ‘chariots’ or ‘horses’ but he was making a strong point by saying that our focus and trust must only be upon the Giver rather than the gift itself.

If you ask me, definitely I would like to have the chariots and the horses, BUT NOT WITHOUT GOD. I would rather trust God and even wait for the provision from His throne.

Friends, people always say: “Just talking or writing is easy”, but as you all know, every time we say something or preach or begin to exercise a certain truth, we ourselves have to face the test to understand the principals and experience the goodness of God. Am I right?

The other day, when both my wife and I were facing some struggles and waiting for an answer from God, I was attracted by a poster in my bedroom that explains the meaning of TRUST. These are the words that were written on the poster:

Take one day at a time.

- (Mat 6:34 MKJV) Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow; for tomorrow shall be anxious for its own things. Sufficient to the day is the evil of it.

Remember, all things work together for good.

- (Rom 8:28 MKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Under no circumstances should you worry.

- (Php 4:6 MKJV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

Start everyday with prayer and thanksgiving.

- (1Th 5:15-18 MKJV) See that none gives evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue the good, both towards one another and towards all. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

The Lord will never leave you or forsake you; Don’t ever forget that!

- (Heb 13:5 MKJV) Let your way of life be without the love of money, and be content with such things as you have, for He has said, "Not at all will I leave you, not at all will I forsake you, never!"

When I read it again and again, I just felt the Father’s tender care and assurance. I than shared this beautiful words with my wife. It really ministered to us. Hope it did the same to you. May God bless the anonymous writer.

Few days later, we had a special visitor from north Malaysia – a couple who involves in ministry/missions – shared with us from Ps 37: 3-6 that says: “Trust in the LORD and do good…”

Don’t you think that this is God who wants to get our attention to keep trusting Him no matter what the situation may be?

My beloved friends, Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember/make mention the name of Jehovah our God. (Psa 20:7 MKJV/ASV)

Let us once again read and ponder the scriptures which are taken from the poster. Pray that it will truly uplift you and make you see God in different perspective.

To be continued…

Stay connected.

B.Kumarathevan

TRUST THE LORD!

(Part 2)

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember/make mention the name of Jehovah our God.

(Psa 20:7 MKJV/ASV)

In part 1 of this subject, I explained to you about what it means by trusting in chariots and horses. Now in this 2^nd part, we will see: What it means “to trust in the LORD?”

I can share with you or make mention to you many personal testimonies and also of others, how God came through in our lives in times of our need or even in moments of desperation when we hold on and simply TRUST in Him.

(Pro 3:5 KJV) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In another translation it says, “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart…”.

What this really means TRUST IN THE LORD and how to apply it in our daily life?

* It simply means:

1) Not to lean on our own understanding

(Pro 3:5 MKJV) Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding

I believe, we can fulfill this scripture in our daily life if we continuously walk by faith, not by sight (2Co 5:7 MKJV)

Friends, men’s knowledge and understanding can never be able to come close to God’s wisdom. That’s why we need to:

2) Acknowledge God in all our ways

Pro 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

With all our heart and mind we got to keep looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb 12:2 KJV).

Let us be let by the Spirit of God and let the radiance of the Lord Jesus Christ shine on our path throughout our life.

That’s why we got to:

3) Have the eyes and the mind of Christ, not our own

Pro 3:7a Do not be wise in your own eyes…

Paul the apostle said in (Php 2:21 & 24 MKJV) For all seek their own, not the things which are of Jesus Christ. But I trust in the Lord…

We must learn to die to ourselves and start focusing on our Savior and:

4) Fear God and shun evil to receive divine health

Pro 3:7b & 8 (…fear Jehovah and depart from evil. Healing shall be to your navel and marrow to your bones.)

Psalmist declared boldly and accurately that The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. (Psa 111:10 KJV)

Fearing God also means submitting totally to Him and resist the evil one as it is said in (Jas 4:7 MKJV) Therefore submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

All that we have belongs to God and as His chosen ones we ought to:

5) Honor God with our possessions

Pro 3:9, 10 (Honor Jehovah with your substance, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; and your barns shall be filled with plenty, and your presses shall burst with new wine.)

Besides receiving blessings from God, Asaph the psalmist understood that it is our duty and privilege to make: “vow, and pay to Jehovah your God; let all that are around Him bring presents to the Fearful One”(Psa 76:11 MKJV).

Naturally when our kids or anyone make mistakes, we do correct them and expect them to humbly receive it. Likewise, we too must be able to:

6) Receive the correction of God by humbling ourselves

Pro 3:11, 12 (My son, do not despise the chastening of Jehovah; nor be weary with His correction; for whom Jehovah loves He corrects, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.)

Receiving correction in humility reveals our character and definitely there’s a reward for it as it is perfectly said in:

(Jas 4:10 ASV) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall exalt you.

Walking in our own strength or trusting others above God will always fail us. The best thing to do is:

7) Finding God’s wisdom and His understanding

Pro 3:13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding.

Friends, we just need to ask God for wisdom just as King Solomon did. Even Jesus according to the gospel of Luke 2:52 advanced/increased/progressed in wisdom and stature and favor before God and men.

I totally agree with Apostle Paul that “..if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and with no reproach, and it shall be given to him. (Jas 1:5 MKJV).

Dear saints, to say: “come on…just Trust the LORD!” is pretty easy but when it comes to application and practicality, we got to really do it with all our heart.

…to be continued…

B.Kumarathevan 2009

TRUST THE LORD!

(Part 1)

WHEN you see this title, immediately you will remember that you yourself have used this phrase many times in your conversation. This is commonly used word among Christians. Preachers will always use them to encourage the believers and those who come in contact with them.

I remember a story, may be a joke too: One day a preacher went to visit a family in his neighborhood who was facing some problems and after encouraging them, he took a walk back home through a garden in the night hour. The day was quite dark. As he was walking, he suddenly slipped and almost fell into a monsoon drain. Anyway, he manage to grasp a branch of a huge tree and was hanging on to it.

The Lord spoke to him many times and asked him to let go of the branch but he refused because he couldn’t see what’s down there and feared that he would hurt himself. He hanged on till day light only to notice that his feet were just few meters above a rock. If he would have trusted the Lord, he could have easily stepped unto a safe ground and saved his time and avoid a nightmare experience.

Our main scripture for this hour is:

(Psa 20:7 MKJV) Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of Jehovah our God.

(Psa 20:7 ASV) Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will make mention of the name of Jehovah our God.

You may have heard this scripture many times but please allow me to explain a certain truth to help us understand it better. Let’s do this in parts and our first discussion is:

# What it means to trust in chariots and horses?

(Deu 20:1 MKJV) When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots, a people more than you, do not be afraid of them. For Jehovah your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.

* I believe Chariots means: Man made vehicle for success (like bronze, silver, iron, gold etc); Human technology, man’s ideas, wealth, talents and off course pride.

Trusting in ‘chariots’ including in our own compounded strength and wealth will soon lead us to destruction.

>see reference (A) below.

(Pro 11:28 MKJV) He who trusts in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall blossom like a branch.

# What it mean to trust in horses?

* Horses are great but they are wild without a rider, they have no understanding. They must be guarded and guided.

Trusting in horses means believing in ourselves, self pride, and own ability. In another word, it’s the “horse-power mentality – “I can do it!”.

>see reference (B) below.

(Isa 31:1 MKJV) Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and lean on horses and trust in chariots, because it is great; and in horsemen, because they are so very strong, but they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor do they seek Jehovah!

It is also written, ‘He who trusts in his own heart is a fool; but whoever walks wisely, he shall be delivered’ (Pro 28:26 MKJV).

Friends, I’m not saying that we should not have added blessings in our life including riches, wisdom, talents and technology. What I’m trying to explain is that we must understand that all these will fade away but only in trusting God we can find hope, liberty, safety and victory.

(Pro 21:31 MKJV) The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but safety is from Jehovah.

Amen!

Shalom, see you in next session (part 2).

The End.

References:

(A)

Exo 14:6 And he (Pharaoh) made his chariot ready, and took his people with him.

Exo 14:7 And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them.

Exo 14:8 And Jehovah hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And he pursued the sons of Israel, and the sons of Israel went out with a high hand.

Exo 14:9 But the Egyptians pursued them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army. And they overtook them camping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baal-zephon.

Exo 14:26 And Jehovah said to Moses, Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.

Exo 14:27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea. And the sea returned to its strength when the morning appeared. And the Egyptians fled against it. And Jehovah overthrew the Egyptians in the middle of the sea.

Exo 14:28 And the waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen, all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them. There did not remain so much as one of them.

(B)

(Psa 33:17 MKJV) A horse is a vain thing for safety; neither shall he deliver by his great strength.

Psa 32:9 Be not like the horse, or like the mule, who have no understanding, whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, so that they do not come near you.

I HEAR THE SOUND

I HEAR THE SOUND

OF A DISTANT THUNDER

IT’S A SIGN OF THE COMING DOWNPOUR

I HEAR THE SOUND OF A ROARING LION

THE KING IS COMING

THE LION OF JUDAH WILL APPEAR

BE READY CHURCH FOR THE DOWNPOUR

PREPARE THE LAND

FOR THE COMING REVIVAL

THE KING IS COMING

THE LION OF JUDAH REIGNS

PREPARE THE BRIDE

TO BE PURE AND HOLY

COME, COME O LORD

COME IN POWER, COME TO REIGN

COME, COME O LORD

ESTABLISH YOUR KINGDOM

RISE WITHIN YOUR SAINTS.

@KUMAR 2001

Kejujuran Tuhan

Kejujuran Tuhan pada manusia

Membangkitkan rasa-rasa indah

Keikhlasan diri kita pada Dia

mestilah dikekalkan hingga akhir nyawa

Jauh perjalanan banyak pemandangan

kata orang dahulu kala

biarlah perjalanan ke haluan Maha Kuasa

semoga pemandangan mencuci dada noda

Alunan suara dari pukulan ombak

sering menyebutkan namaNya

tiupan angin juga menyanyikan namaNya

oh Tuhan, oh Tuhan, oh Tuhan sering kedengaran

Burung-burung kicaukan nama Esa

apa lagi kita insan ciptaan khas Maha Kuasa

walaupun kita tidak menyebut namaNya yang sungguh indah,

namun, Tuhan masih jujur kepada umatNya.

@kumar