There are no advises in this book. It is an open-ended material, that is: one can draw their own conclusion of final ideas of the principles discussed in this module, one can develop and design the application to suit their your own context and need.

This module can also be used as a tool for self study, small group studies, within a structure or within any cell group within the Church or outside.

Introduction: This module is designed for self study, growth and development. It is designed to have an integrated growth covering: spiritual, intellectual, personal, devotional life to enhance effectiveness in thought and action. As you work through the module you need to be aware that not one topic is more important than the other, whichever topic you are in need for further development you need to work on at a deeper level and move on to the next. That way you can have a better way of utilizing this module for your own growth and development.

It is also designed to help individuals to understand time management, leadership qualities and function. While devotional and spiritual aspects form as foundation one has to grow like Jesus in physical, intellectual, spiritual and social dimensions of life. Luke 2:52

Jesus grew in wisdom, stature in favor with God and man.

It is the author`s desire and prayer that everyone who reads and uses this module would be empowered by the Spirit of God to grow in the likeness of Jesus.

In the hallow of His hand

I take my refuge and stand

In the hallow of His hand

I find the radiant sun

In between clouds and rain

In the hallow of His hand

I see the rainbow

during my sweat and brow

In the hallow of His hand

I see His love & light

To keep my path straight

In the hallow of His hand

I find green meadows

Through depressing shadows

In the hallow of His hand

I mount with wings

To face the strong winds

In the hallow of His hand

I find moment of rest

In my spiritual quest

In the hallow of His hand

I find true living water

While crossing my desert quarter

In the hallow of His hand

I find anointing and rest

While I tame my very beast

In the hallow of His hand

I wish my journey to end

While I yield to His will and blend

In the hallow of His hand

I am drawn from strength to strength

In my weakness and lack of strength

In the hallow of His hand

I move from glory to glory

While in bits I pick my story

In the hallow of His hand

I see the world in pain

And learn to leave all my gain

In the hallow of his hand

I see the need of prayer

To pass through each hour

In the hallow of His hand

I hear His gentle voice

Amidst various noise

In the hallow of His hand

I see all my dreams crumble

While I learn to be humble

In the hallow of His hand

I see my desires shatter

While His love holds my fetter

In the hallow of His hand

I seek to see my neighbor

And extend my help as brother

In the hallow of His hand

I am broken to bits and pieces

While I am made to see His bliss and peace

In the hallow of His hand

I find the care and comfort

amidst chaos and conflict

In the hallow of His hand

I learn to walk alone

To hold my living stone

In the hallow of his hand

I learn to be His child

To understand His strength and shield

In the hallow of His hand

I see facets of spirituality

That stands beyond all quality

In the hallow of His hand

I learn to keep moving

Through His love over-shadowing

In the hallow of His hand

I hear His gentle call

To love and serve one and all

In the hallow of His hand

I take the cross

To count all my gain as loss

In the hollow of His hand

In the hollow of His hand

You too, can find

Greater love and peace of mind

In the hollow of His hand

Come and sit alone

To gaze at heavenly throne

INTRODUCTION

1. DEVOTIONAL SECTION

Devotional Thoughts

Old Testament New Testament Passages

Seasonal Messages

Christmas

New Year

Easter

2. PRAYER SECTION

Lord's Prayer- A reflection

Points to Ponder in Prayer

Prayer Workshop Material

3. SPIRITUAL WARFARE SECTION

Essay on Spiritual Warfare and it's dynamics.

Tips for spiritual Mapping *

4. DISCIPLESHIP

Who is a Disciple

How to Disciple

3 Dimentional View of a Disciple

12 Marks of A Disciple

Luke's Paradigm of Disciple

5. LEADERSHIP SECTION

Joshua- A Leadership Challenge From the Bible

Qualities of Leader & Development

Accountability *

Acrostic Formula of Leadership

Leader and Vision and Mission

Leadership Tips from Nehemiah

Self Evaluation.

6. PARTNERSHIP SECTION

Essay on Partnership

7. FAMILY SECTION

3D of a Family

Self Evaluation

Children and Challeges of Upbringing

8. MANAGEMENT SECTION

Time Management- Part 1 & Part 2

Team Building

Goal Setting- Planning and Programing

Problem Solving

Decision Making

Great Commission and Management

Critical Thinking

Children and Challeges of Upbringing

9. COMMUNICATION SECTION

How to Be good teacher- Laws of teaching.

How to be good trainer- Developing Staff Developmental Program- A model.

How to be a good Preacher.

10.RESOURCE SECTION

History

Bibliography *

CONCLUSION

A CALL TO WALK THROUGH THE STORM

For our meditation let us see the passage in Matthew 14:22-32. It is a familiar passage, where we see Jesus calms a storm. We see seven dimensions of Jesus.

1. Jesus sends Ver 22

In this passage we see Jesus sending his disciples across the sea. We need to remember that as children of God we are - sent. God has a purpose and plan in sending us. So we need to always recollect that we have a divine destiny ahead of us and God knows us and sends us.

2. Jesus prays Ver 23

We see here Jesus going to a mountain and praying. In Mark 1:35 we read that Jesus went early in the morning to pray. Prayer has been the main strength in the ministry of Jesus. While he sends his disciples we see him in prayer. He prays for us when we are undertaking a journey . When we are sent we need to remember that we have the backing of prayer. God who knows everything is also one who intercedes on our behalf.

3. Jesus keeps the vigil Ver 25

after the disciples. The Bible says " He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:4. We can be assured that God keeps a watch over us.

4. Jesus comes Ver 25

We see that the disciples are caught in a storm and they are struggling. The winds and the forces of nature are too much for them to handle. They are at the point of despair and danger.

At that moment Jesus comes to them. They are afraid to such an extent that they thought that Jesus was a ghost. Jesus comes to us when we are in trouble. When we are at the point of giving up hope Jesus comes. When we are under stress we need to be remember that Jesus is aware of our situation and He is coming to help us.

5. Jesus assures Ver 27

We see Jesus assuring them, " Take courage, It is I, Don't be afraid " . Whenever we go through troubled times we need to remember the assurance of Jesus. It is a wonderful thing to know that Jesus is coming near us and cheering us up and telling us to leave the fears we have. May God always grant us His grace to appropriate this wonderful assurance when we face storms in our lives.

6. Jesus calls Ver 29

Here we see the difference between Peter and other disciples. Peter wants to brave the storm with the help of Jesus. He wants to apply faith and action. While others are going through this experience Peter is lunching ' out " into the stormy sea to exercise faith. Infact we have say that Peter is real soldier in action. When Peter asks permission, Jesus immediately says,

" Come " . With Jesus it is always an open invitation for all who wants to come close or exercise faith in action. On his way Peter for a moment sees the wind and begins to sink. Yes, when we take our eyes off Jesus during the storm we also will sink immediately. But Peter calls for help." Lord,save me " .

7. Jesus rescues Ver 31

Here we see Jesus comes to Peter's rescue. When we call He is always there at that moment to lift us up. We can always count on Jesus to come to help us when we need him. All we need to do isto " call " him. Jeremiah 33:3. Here we see that Jesus reached out his hand and caught him ( V 31). He is personally involved in our sufferings and gives His touch of deliverance.

May God grant His grace to venture in faith and may we find his help always near and dear to us.

Book of Acts Chp 8:26-40

PHILIP'S PATTERN

 The book of Acts is such a wonderful book. It is also called the book of the "Holy Spirit". We see the wonderful work of God in the early church and it's developments. We also see as to how the ministers of God are moving in the spirit to spread the good news of the Kingdom! It is a challenge to look and learn from these passages!

FIRST: Philip was walking in the spirit.

If we see the passage closely we see that Philip has had a wonderful public ministry at Samaria(Chp 8:4-8).Philip has seen God's power in Samaria through the convention he has been involved. Never theless he has been in tune with the Spirit! We see him receive and respond to the soft and sweet voice of the Holy Spirit.In other words Philip has been under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

SECONDLY: Philip was witnessing effectively :

We see-Philip meets the Ethiopian,he runs up to "catch up " with him(V29-30),then he asks the right question to the Ethiopian. That leads to a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel to an eager soul! When the Gospel is shared in obedience to the Holy Spirit-then the results follow! The Ethiopian gets Baptized!(V38)

APPLICATIONS:

AM I WALKING UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT? IS MY WITNESSING EFFECTIVE?

Dear friends we may have to ask these questions over and over again in our lives to be good servants of the Lord. We may carry on in our faith and ministry with the "gifts" God has bestowed upon us, but to be always under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to be effective we need to have a definite dicipline-that of prayer and reading the Word of God!

CHALLENGE:

AM I WILLING TO PAY THE COST? AM I GOING TO DISCIPLINE MY PRAYER AND READING OF THE WORD?

Prayer will keep us in tune with the spirit and the Word of God will process our thoughts and actions and it will mould us.(Remember the WORD-PROCESSING!). May God bless you and may His Spirit guide you in all your efforts and endeavors to be effective for the extension of His Kingdom Amen!

For our meditation let us look into the book of Joshua Chapter 1:1-9.

A CALL TO LEADERSHIP

Israelites have been led out of Egyptian bondage wonderfully under the leadership of Moses. Now the covenant community has come to the banks of river Jordan. God is calling Joshua to take the leadership, to lead the people of Israel.

Bob Clinton says that the greatest famine now is for-Leadership. We can see the need of leadership in the families, communities, nations and in the world at large. Apart from holding a prominent position or a post, the challenge of " leadership " is truly a great one. It is easy for us to follow a strong and good leader than to take up the challenge of leadership. Leadership involves: courage, commitment, consistency, enthusiasm, caring, sharing, empathy and a lot of qualities that are to be used as situation demands. It is understandable that Joshua in this passage needed an affirmation and a motivation to lead on. It is so with us. May God bless this passage for us.

1. Get Ready

It is easy to sit at the river bank enjoying the breeze than to make a decision to move. God is challenging us to get ready. It involves taking courage, building our confidence in God, exercising our faith, being prepared to take risk, investing all we have got to claim the promise of God.

Are we ready ? Can we trust in God in taking such a step ?

2. I will give you.. Your territory will extend.

Only when we exercise the first step the second blessing will follow. God says, " I will give you ". What an assurance from Almighty. Not only it is an entry but an extended exploration for a personal possession! Is it not wonderful to take the word of God and move in faith and confidence in Him.

Are we ready ? Can we claim the blessing in it's full measure?

3. No one will stand up against you all your days...." I will be with you I will never leave you nor forsake you ".

When we make a move we are worried whom we will meet on the way? How we will answer them ? On whose authority we are moving? For all these questions God is giving a personal affirmation.

Is it not wonderful to claim His word and move on in the challenge of leadership. Leadership involves changes and challenges ! But God is always looking for people who will obey Him and take the step of faith.

4. Be strong and be courageous

The Reader's digest magazine featured an article on the voyage of ships and captains. It said in olden days, " The ships were made of wood and the captains had Iron hearts, but now the ships are made of Iron and the captains have plywood hearts ". It is true that we loose the " inner strength " and " courage " we need to have for the task ahead of us. Knowing that, God affirms Joshua in this passage, which is also an affirmation for all of us.

Are we ready to take the word of God and His affirmation?

5. Be careful to follow the - Law

The final formula is, being careful to follow the law - the Word of God. God says, do not move left or right. It is imperative that we hold the " Word of God " dearly to our heart for our life and ministry. Do we not hear the Apostles say, As for us we will continue in prayer and the ministry of the word. Acts 6:4.

A minsitry centered in the Word of God and bathed in prayer is bound to release the powers of God in signs and wonders. Are we ready to pay the cost?

May God help us with the current challenge we face and may His grace lead us on.

FROM LIFE STORY OF DANIEL

Daniel's life is a Challenge to all of us. Having been in the confines of Babylon we see how Daniel has served His living God and how he has faced challenges of faith. We are seeing life lessons from Daniel.

MARKS OF FAITH IN THE LIFE OF DANIEL

We are what we repeatedly do.

Excellence,then is not an act, but a habit. Aristotle.

I. PERSONAL HOLINESS

II. PERSONAL CONVICTION/RELATION WITH GOD

III. PERSONAL VICTORY

I. PERSONAL HOLINESS

A. Being set apart.

B. Standing alone.

C. Getting Empowered.

II. PERSONAL CONVITCTION

Faith is venturing out off the boat like Peter, leaving the safety and security.

A. Anchoring faith.

B. Applying faith on daily basis.

III. PERSONAL VICTORY

"Private Victory is more important than public Victory " _ Stephen R. Covey.

A. Handling Conflicts.

B. Gaining insigt into Victories.

GEN 22:1-20

INTRODUCTION:

STORY 1:

6 Year girl and the Sunday school teacher. teacher I do not know the meaning of begot, but I like begot.

The passage for our meditation comes from the old testament.

Dr. Linvingston, the professor of OT used to say that many christians do not read OT for the following reasons:

* Because it is Old.

* Because it is culturally different from our context.

* Because of it's language.

Mr. Robert Broad man, the Navigator staff in Japan says that reading bible is like trekking the mountains. The unfamiliar places will become familiar only if we trek those areas regularly. It is like the computer the more we work the more we learn. There is always something new.

Genesis is an interesting book. It starts of with the creation story, the fall and the flood. It gives the glimpse of 5 great Characters:ADAM/NOAH/ABRAHAM/ISAAC/ JOSEPH and moves us on to the origin of Israel Nation.

We cannot know every thing about these people. We only see a "window" in their life to challenge us in our faith and action.

The passage for our meditation is found in Gen Chp 22:1-20.

The sacrifice of Isaac. Quite a challenging passage. When we hear about the passage all kinds of questions come into the mind of a common christian.

* Why should God give a son to Abraham?

* Why should he God ask Abraham to sacrifice Isaac?

* Can I deal with this type of expectations from God?

But we need to remember that these are applicational questions.

There are three levels when we come to truth and we need to regoconize that first.

Level 1: Information

Level 2: Illustration

Level 3; Implementation.

We cannot jump from one level to another and make it a meaningful exercise or experience. Going back to the common questions I mentioned above we see we are in level 3. Let us come to the passage. To understand today's text we need to see the background. We see the information we read about Abraham are in logical sequence.

Ist we see God's Call:

Abraham hears the call of God. With the information he received, he illustrates his faith in action by implementing the call.

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritence, obeyd and went, even though he did not know where he was going. Heb 11:8

2nd we see in chp 13 - ABRAHAM AND LOT SEPARATE

Chp 13:14 Abraham hears from the Lord, and with information received he illustrates his faith by implementing it in action.

" So Abraham, moved his tents and went to live near the great trees of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the Lord ". Gen 13:18

CHP 18: GOD'S DIALOGUE WITH ABRAHAM ABOUT SODOM & GOMORRAH

Here again we see that Abraham hears the information about God's plan and illustrates his faith by implementing an intercessory prayer for Sodom.

So in the analysis we see that Abraham is willing to:

1. Obey Place

2. Willing to take a risk. Persoanl right.

3. Willing to pray in faith. Own son.

4. Wiling to pay the cost.

THE SUPREME SACRIFICE:

We have seen the background of Abraham and his faith. Now come the climax. The test he had to face. God told him to sacrifice Isaac as burnt offering.

I meet Young couples. To the newly married men I say,

friend, you may have to take the " burnt offerings "

often. ( because the wife is learning cooking)

I also add, " accept it with thanksgiving".

In the passage we have for meditation we see in verse 8 we read,

" Abraham, answered . " God himself will provide the lamb

for the burnt offering, ny son,.......

Here we see the process reversed. This verse gives Abraham's faith in an implementation level. He moves up to the mountain and goes even to the point of slaying his son. They find a goat and offer it to God. Isaac goes scot free. It Illustrates that God as a loving God is concerned about you and me. It is only a test. The information here we see is a challenge for our faith and life.

If we study the New Testament we see that Jesus gives:

First the Principles of the Kingdom of God.

Secondly, he illustrates it with parables.

Thirdly, it is for implementation by each one of us.

As some one said, The Bible not only gives answers to our questions, But also helps us to ask the right questions?

* What are the challenges we face from the word of God?

* How do we respond in faith and action?

* Are we willing to act on faith, and move on to greater sacrifice like Abraham?

* How we can emulate great characters of faith like - Abraham?

* Can we move on to cost paying life of faith and action?

It is an individual challenge. Only each of us have to answer the above questions. We can stop at one level of faith and God will not force us to the next level unless and until we are ready and willing. It is also a challenge of the Christian community/ the Church at large.

THE STORY:

When we put our trust on the word of God it is an exiting experience. Story about the man who crossed Niagara River.

He asked do you believe, the crowd answered. Yes. Then he said, now I am inviting one of you to come and sit on the wheel barrow.

No one did,expect a 11 year old boy. The matter was every one believed, expected the boy who had enough trust to take a risk and move forward.

May we trust God's word like Abraham, and may we move to greater heights of faith and action. Amen

Passage: Matthew 14:22-33.

Incidence: Jesus calming the storm.

The book of Mt is written by a Jew to Jewish audience. It presents Jesus as the - King of the Jews. His authority is displayed in this book over:

1. Sickness - in Miracles.

2. Nature

3. Over demons and demonic forces.

4. Death

We are going to see this passage from a different paradigm. In the Bible the truth is held in tension. For example we see Paul mentioning about the struggle " to Be " in his letter to Romans. Chapter 7 & 8. The Character of God in the OT is one that of Justice and that of NT is one that of grace and love. In the OT we see the God of commandments and in NT we see Him in service as a son of man as a servant. We see many polarities: light & darkness, good and evil. In life also we see there are polarities: Science and arts,Professionals and non-professionals. In our spiritual pilgrimage of faith and love to God we see polarities: we see wilderness wanderings and reaching Canaan. So in nut shell the truth is always ia a state of dynamic motion. We CAN VERY WELL SAY, " One who stays more becomes a sage ".

In this passage we see that Jesus and his disciples had a wonderful time feeding the 500o thousand. It was an ideal stage to set up a campaign for Jesus after a successful convention. But we see Jesus asking his disciples to move. It is said, we normally resist change. Jesus takes the initiative for this move.

REFECTION 1

When we feel everything is going smooth when was the last time Jesus prompted us to move ?

WE ARE GOING TO SEE THE MIRACLE IN PARTS AND INTEGRATE THEM AS A WHOLE.

JESUS DISCIPLES

A.PLAN:

Dismissed the crowd

the disciples. A constant challenge for the disciple.

we see the crowd & The disciples.

B. LOCATION

Stayed Moved

On the Rock Into the Sea

ACTION-1 PRAYING ROWING

Private victory over

Public victory.

Stephen Covey.

C. CLIMATE STABLE STORMY

Areas of storm:

Physical health.

Emotional health.

Academical setting.

Relationships.

Social settings.

Economical pressures.

Spiritual struggles.

NOTE THE TIME LAG 4TH WATCH OF THE NIGHT.

ACTION 2 CAME TO THEM STRUGGLING

It is said that

that those who

pray can feel the

need of the other

person in " spirit "

Law of Newton. Every action has equal and opposite reaction.

REACTION TERRIFIED

ACTION - 3 SPOKE TO THEM Peter's Challenge.

Can I Brave the Strom?

Can I Walk on the Water?

A Million Dollar ?

Peter is really a pro.

He signed for IB - High level

Peter Other Disciples

Bold Timid

Willing to Try Quiet

ARE WE WILLING TO JUMP OUT OF THE BOAT ?

Boat signifies safety, security. protection, maintaining status -quo. Falling in line with others.

But Peter is telling us that faith means storm, risk, endanger from the sharks around and even death.

Peter tries, he sees the wind and sinks. He has made an IB 7.

At the time he was sinking he called for Jesus and he rose again.

It is a constant reminder that we will face storms and till Jesus is in the center of our life and boat it will rage. Further when we brave the storm with Jesus help he is always there to lend us His hand to make us stand.

True discipleship has always a cost tag ? Should we take up the challenge.

MAY Go bless us and may His spirit naviagte us through challenges of faith and action.

PROVERBS 6:10-11

A little sleep, a little slumber, alittle folding of of hands to rest - and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity an armed man.* ( like a begger)

Introduction:

Secular management book uses Proverbs in it's chapter on decision making. How much more we as Christians should use the Word of God. In scanning the word of God we are challenged by men of God to be awake.

1. NOAH Gen 6:1-10 - was awake for " righteousness "

In an age of sin and, alienation from God Noah was awake for righteousness. Jesus reminds us to Seek first the Kingdom of God and,his righteousness,and all these things shall be added unto you. MT 6:33. Q. Am I interested like Noah to pursue righteousness?

2. SOLOMON Book of Proverbs - was awake for " wisdom ".

Solomon asked for Wisdom, and getting wisdom he got it all. It is believed that Solomon had such good archives to store all the collection of material he accumulated. It takes time, effort, energies, and willingness to go through that discipline. How is your collection of material for your own wisdom, and for sharing it with others? Q.Am I taking pains like Solomon to collect good saying? Am I interested in building wisdom?

3. AMOS - 5:24. Amos was awake for justice. Amos 5:24.

During Amos time the nation of Israel was going down in its moral, religious, social and, ethical commitments. God through his servant Amos was challenging them to repent and, return to God. Q. Where is justice? What are we doing as Christians?

4. Nehemiah - was awake for the " broken walls " in his time.

Book of Nehemiah. Broken walls of society, walls of religious commitments, walls of justice, walls of moral and, ethics. Q. Are we interested in such a thing in our time?

5. Ezra - 7:10. He was awake for the " word of God "

When everything was crumbling in the history of Israel Ezra was giving himself for the word of God. To study, to observe, teach and, challenge others to do the same. Q. Are we intersted in the word of God like Ezra?

6. Jesus - MT 26:41. Told his disciples to be alert in "prayer ".

Communion with God. When things around us press and, they threaten to break us we should resort to prayer like Jesus.It is one of the most powerful resources that God has granted us for our development. We must use it and, become familiar with the warfare in the spiritual world.

Q. Are we interested in keeping awake in prayer like Jesus?

7. A. PETER - I Peter 5:8 reminds the early christians to be aware of the devil.

Know yourself, know your God and, know your enemy. Q. Are we aware of our enemy and, his attacks on us? Are we taking the necessary precautions - Ephe 6:10-20.

B. l PETER 3:8-10. Be aware of the "second coming" of the Lord. Matt 25:13

Q. Are we waiting like the wise virgins? Mat 25:1-12.

* They were alert. * They were prepared.

* They were ready * They rejoiced.

It gives me a joy to write to you during this season. Let me share a thought from the word of God. The Christmas narrative is a familiar one for all of us. It has simple and, profound truth every time we think about it. This time we are going to look at characters around the cradle. They give us message of hope, faith, love and commitment.

1. MARY: LUKE 1: 30-38.

Mary, the mother of Jesus is an important character in this narrative. She finds God's intervention in her life, in her married life in an unusual way. Her first reaction was, "How will this be, I am a virgin?" But after the assurance of the angel, she submits herself. "I am the Lord's servant".

Yes, Mary is challenging us in the area of - submission to God.

2. JOSEPH: MATTHEW Chp 1: 18-24.

Joseph, is a man of character. The Bible says, " Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man,......, he had mind to divorce her quietly." MT 1:19. Here again we see a divine intervention in his life. It came to him in a dream. But, he willingly accepted it and acted on it.

Yes, Joseph is challenging us to accept God's will.

3. THE WISE MEN: MT Chp 2:1-11

We see the wise men from the east on their way to Jerusalem Chp2:1. They are looking for Jesus. They are guided by the star. They are ready to acknowledge the greatness of God and are on their way to worship him.V2. Yes, all wisdom originates from God. So we need to look up to God and follow Him.

Yes, the wise men are challenging us to - Look up & follow.

4. SIMON:LUKE 2:25-35.

Simon, we see is a spiritual leader. He has heard the promise of God and has been waiting for the fulfillment of the promise. Yes, 2:29-32.His song reveals his hope, waiting period and the joy of Seeing God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise. Yes, Simon challenges us to - " wait on God's promise ".

5. ANNA:LUKE 2;36-38

Anna, we see is a prophetess. She has spent all most all her life in the temple.V 37. She has been fasting, praying and worshiping the Lord. The Bible says, that she , " coming up to them at the very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child...".

Yes, Anna is challenging us to be in - tune with God.

6. SHEPHERDS: LUKE 2:8-18

Shepherds hear the good news of the birth of Jesus. They trust in Gods word and obey. In the Greek text the urgency with which these shepherds left indicates a sense of astonishment & action.

Yes, Shepherds are challenging us to - trust and obey God's word.

7. JESUS CHRIST: MT 1:21

Jesus is born here with a name and a purpose. The purpose of his incarnation (JN 1:14) is a clear plan of Salvation. He has to submit his life to God the Father. It involves - service & sacrifice. It is possible by only love and commitment. Throughout the life of Jesus we see his mission plan - salvation. LK 19:10.

Yes, Jesus is challenging us to a life of - service & sacrifice.

In the story of Christmas we see the basics of Christianity:

Love, commitment ,service, sacrifice ,obedience to His word, praying, fasting, waiting on God, submission , and acceptance. May God grant his grace to think about these qualities in this season to strengthen our relationship with Him & others. Amen.

A NEW MILLENNIUM & A NEW CHALLENGE AD 2000

MARY: A TRANSFORMATIONAL UNDERSTANDING OF - ANOINTING

In the Christmas story we see Mary in Matthew Chapter 1:18," but before they came together, she was found to be with the child through the Holy Spirit ". As an young Jewish girl Mary is shocked, surprised and puzzled. We see the Angelic visitation in Lk 1:26-38, when Mary wondered, V34 " How this will be, the Angel answered, " The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of most high will overshadow you. LK 1:35 We see, Mary's response in LK 1:38. " I am the Lord's servant, " Mary answered. " May it be to me as you have said ". Anointing here leads Mary through an encounter where she sea's a new dimension of her self, her mind, her culture, her society and her - God, It is a Transforamtional experience. It leads her to a pradigmatic change from her own doubt, fear, rejection and alienation from pubic to an attitude of submission and willingness. A new liberation of ideas! Is it not wonderful ? That is a real - Transformation. For Further mediation please refer Mary's song LK 1:46-56.

God's anointing comes in His way, His will, wisdom and His time. (Kiros - the appointed time). No human mind can ever fathom and figure out all about His great anointing! It is so dynamic, so very different and so Divine! It is an " unique " tailor made gift from God to each and every person who acknowledges His Lordship over them. We need to accept them as they are. Mary is challenging us to see " God's " anointing from a new perspective where we need to come " out " from time to time, our own boxes of: personal, cultural, psychological, and sociological frame work we are part of. In this growing understanding of transformation I even add our own " static " spiritual understanding. Mary walks out with her personal experience and encounter with God where she is exposed to her own " void " (nothingness) and to the dimension of Holy. It is these moments of "transformation" that leads us " on" in our faith and walk with God. May we have such experience with God during this Christmas.

JOSEPH: A TRANSFORMATIONAL UNDERSTANDING OF PRACTICAL FAITH

In Matthew 1:19, we read about Joseph," Because Joseph was a righteousness man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly ". We see that Joseph's " righteousness " is a practical one.

We see Joseph with a " human " heart. He is willing to take an issue so personal, so deep in a martial situation and have a good praxis - A practical approach. True " humanness" is also a reflection of God since we are created in His image. Gen 1:27 The word of God says, " But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, " Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, be cause what is conceived in her from the Holy Spirit ". She will give birth to a son, and you are to give the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins " 1:20-21.

Joseph has to go the - Second Mile. Being "righteous" calls him to take this new challenge of faith and act upon it. By being an instrument in God's hand He and Mary are to discover a new responsibility. Joseph joints Mary in her " anointing " experience. In Jewish culture the woman were given very - little importance . Joseph is encountering a " tansformational" understanding of anointing of God over Mary and His role and responsibility as well. The Angel recommends a - A Practical Faith Formula. Joseph faces his own " void " and allows the dimension of " Holy " (God) in his life. Now Joseph and Mary can be agents of - Transformation. From a plan of a secret "divorce " the story moves on to fulfilling the Providential Plan . Further Joseph and Mary " parent " Jesus who is the savior of the world. Is it not a Challenge for all of us as - Parents? To understand His anointing over us individually in our lives so that we can exercise Christian care, compassion and commitment at home. develop a new understanding of God's anointing over our us individuals and our team work in bringing God's grace and Glory at " Home Sweet Home " in the modern 21st Century.

AGENTS OF TRANSFORMATION?

There is a lesson for us. We all need from time to time God's anointing over us which gives us the real - Transformation. A liberated spirit, mind, attitude and behavior. We also need to see that anointing in the light of - Greater cause, Greater Glory of God, His Kingdom and His Church and the world at large. We are not alone, we need to work with others. Greater the Unity, greater the empowerment of Holy Spirit and it's impact in the world of hunger, pain, poverty. For Further meditation read the declaration of Jesus in Luke 4:18-19. " The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me .................".

May His Spirit empower us for the new Millennium with a new anointing, a new hope, new faith and a transformational understanding of his anointing over our lives which has practical ways of expression of our faith, life and ministry. Are we willing to pay the cost to be His agents of Transformation ?

May God bless you.

EASTER ECHOES

As we are approaching Easter let us remember the passion, death and the resurrection of our Lord. This time we are going to meditate on the morning of - Easter.

A NEW DAWN:

The sun rising in the east is an every day event. But, the morning of Easter is a new dawn declaring the wonderful work of God in Christ. The redemptive plan of God for justification, sanctification and glorification has just begun. Apostle Paul says " behold all things have become new ". 2 Cor 5:17 It is so with this dawn. It is not only a past reality but an existential reality. We can experience it every day. Do we taste this new reality of Jesus Every morning ?

A NEW OPENING:

In the grave of Jesus, " the stone has 1been rolled away ". MK 16:2-4.It is a new opening and a new way of opening. Here we see the Risen Christ breaking the barrier over sin, death and the powers of darkness. The way God opens a close door may not fit our normal expectations and aspirations. We operate on human categories. But the way God operates in our situation, in our life is something new, something fresh and Divine. Are we ready to respond to Christ who breaks the barriers ?

A NEW LIFE IN CHRIST:

Christ who was born in Bethlehem comes out on the Easter morning with new identity and offers a " new life " an - Eternal one. The historical Christ has indeed become the Christ of faith. This" newness " is not for him alone but for all who believe in Him. John 3:16. This new life in Christ offers Salvation on Individual level, freedom and unity in social and community level and, peace and justice on the Kingdom level. Is it not a wonderful reality to meditate on ?

ARE WE SATISFIED WITH OUR OWN SALVATION ? DO WE SEE OUR ROLE IN THE SOCIETY ? A NEW COMMISSION:

The Easter morn puts us on a new relationship and responsibility with Christ and the world around. Stephen Covey says responsibility = Response ability. Because He is risen we have eternal life in Christ, when we believe this reality He becomes " Our Lord " by faith. In this new relationship we understand the redemption and, we have the responsibility to proclaim the Gospel. We need to take the Great Commission of Jesus in Matt 28:20, and Acts 1:8 together for our empowerment and Evangelism. We live in a multi religious context in social, cultural and economical dimensions of India. Millions are starving. The rampant changes in society is a constant challenge to our witness. In the context of capitalism, consumerism, terrorism, vandalism, and landlordism injustice is increasing and growing violence becomes part of - every day life. How do we share the love of Christ? Our understanding about " loving God " and loving " our - neighbor " is a dynamic challenge. There are no static answers or well tested formulas. This calls for a constant commitment, contemplation and creativity. As we critically see our relationship to God and our neighbor in the light of His Word and in prayer " new " understanding and new applications of our responsibilities emerge. Then, we can proceed in the direction of the New Commission.

Do we spend enough time in prayer and reflection? How is our commitment, contemplation and creativity ? May the Risen Lord and His power enable us to meet the challenges of our time and relevantly share his love to the hungry millions who need Christ the reconciler, redeemer and the - liberator.

INTRODUCTION

This is a letter written by Apostle Paul to the Church at Collossae. He did not evangelize . This city, but has written this letter of advise to admonish them in their Christian faith. It Is a fitting book for Indian context because of the religious plurality we see.

OUT LINE

I. REDEEMED IN CHRIST

A. PAUL`S PERSONAL CONCERN

1. INTRODUCTION CHP 1: 1-02

2. PRAYER 3-12

3. PERSONAL PEACE WITH CHRIST - REDEEMED & RECONCILED 13-20

B. PAUL`S PARTNERSHIP: 22-29

1. As a servant

2. As a sufferer

3. As a strengthener- Strains like an- Athlete Verse28-29

II. GOWING IN CHRIST

A. Liberation in Christ CHP 2: 1- 15

0 Accept

0 Live in Him-Christ

0 Be rooted in Him BE FOREWARNED ABOUT

0 Be strengthened in your faith MISLEADING IDEAS

0 Over flow with thanksgiving

B. Limitations in Community of faith 16-23

1 Instead of Seeing the Law /Rules/Expectations- Live by Grace in Christ.

1 It is not static regulations but dynamic living.

1 In essence you are not guided by men in flesh but by Christ.

1 If you have truly died for earthly things why Bother to hear these things?

MOVING ON TO - MATURITY IN CHRIST. CHP3: 1-11

A. Principle for Spiritual life

Be eager for the things that are above-V1 - Attitude Keep your mind on things above. -V2 (Mt 6:33)

" Accept suffering in earthly life so you can enjoy Glorification in Christ ". V4 Action - Put off - Earthly things:

h Sexual Sin

h Uncleanness

h Passion = Idol Worship

h Evil lust

h Creed

h Anger

h Rage

h Malice

h Slander

h Dirty Talk

B. Moving on to Maturity in Christ - HOLY LIVING 3:12ff

K Have peace of Christ as one Body in Him.

K Be Tenderhearted.

K Be kind.

K Be Humble

K Be Gentle

K Be patient

K Bear one another.

K Forgive -As the Lord has forgiven

K Have love that binds

K Be united in the Body of Christ

C. Marks of Maturity in Christ for Believers: 3:12ff

f Be thankful

f Let Christ`s word dwell richly in you.

f Warn one another with every kind of Wisdom

f Sing hymns & spiritutal songs to God.

f Do it all for Jesus.

D. Marks of Maturity in Christ - At Home . Chp 3:18-25. chp 4:1ff

M Married woman- SUBMITT- In the context of submission love is a natural expression

M Married men- LOVE- In the context of love Obedience is natural

M Children - OBEY- In the context of submission and love as role model - Obedience is natural.

Are parents updated in their understanding the current trend and child challenge?

M M - MASTERS TREAT SLAVES- Having the right understanding of roles and responsibilities in Christ - will give us a kind heart to treat the slaves right.

WELL - Be sensitive to cultural / social practices. Deal them with Wisdom in Christ.

Keep on Praying - Pray to Pray and continue in your prayers that your prayers will continue - C H. Spurgeon

Watch as you pray

Give thanks - Absence of thanks = ungratefulness and Murmuring = Murmur +in

Be wise in the way you live amidst people of other faith. - See the evangelistic potential!

Make the most of your opportunities.

Always talk pleasantly.

Season your talk with -Salt.

Use S-M- A-R- T formula:

Smile

Motivate

Accept

Relate

Trust in the people with whom you share the Gospel. Trust in the continuing work of The Holy spirit for the person to meet Christ.

Accept others - Acknowledge their talents - Admonish them always!

Apostle Paul acknowledges others in ministry.

3 Tactics - A dear fellow servant.

3 Onetime - Our loyal and fellow servant. - Mention the pun Paul is using in his letter to  Philemon.

3 Aristarchus - My Fellow prisoner.

3 Mark - The cousin of Barnabas.

3 Jesus Justus - Greets - Only Jews who are faithful with Paul. They add comfort.

3 Epaphras - One of your men , a servant of Christ greets you. He is wrestling in prayer

3 For you that you will stand mature and convinced in everything God wants.

3 I assure you he works hard for you and the people of Laodicea and Hierapolis.

3 Luke,the doctor and dear friend.

3 Demas greet you.

3 Greet the Fellow Christians in Laodicea and Nympha.

3 Read the letters interchangeably in these churches.

3 Tell Archippus - "See that you do all the work you were given to do as the Lord`s Servant".

I Paul, am writing this greetings with my own hand. Remember I`m in chains.

Introduction:

Starts of with =+ ve note ( we always thank God)

Reason - The believers faith in Christ Jesus / Love you have for all the saints.

Faith: Has two components. One is the heavenly and one is the earthly. To connect these two we have - hope. To bring hope to reality Jesus is there with His message of love ,peace joy and eternal life.

EV: Do we encourage the topic of faith and hope amongst people of fate ideology - Whatever comes only will come according to Karma Theory.

The Gospel is multicultural, multinational. It will grow in any environment.

THE SOWER - THE SERVANT - THE SPIRIT GUIDED INDIVIDUAL

EV challenge: Are we acting on these roles God has placed us in our given situations. In all the over 30 incidences of the Gospel only 2-5 places Jesus approached the individual with spiritual need. It is always through the - Felt Need. Are we developing the sensitivity?

Saints: Who are they? Should we know about them? Dr. Coleman used to say in the Evangelism class that next to Bible read - Biographies. They inspire, instill Hope in our lives to remind us the fact that with all our faults and failures, By His grace there is the possibility of - saintly life here on this earth. We can for our own understanding categorize them: Spectacular Saint & Ordinary Saint.

EX. A little girl in the catholic Church was asked - Who is a saint? She replied Saints are people who let the sun light come into the Church. She had seen the colored glass paintings on the wall of the Church.

Challenge: It is up to us to bring the heavenly to the homely environs of our da!

Do we care to know about the life and ministry of the saints? Do we get our faith challenged from time to time? Do we have a +ve image of them and their role?

Can we share that to other believers and friends.

EV: In a non Christian context, saints can be one common door for our dialogue

And entry to other peoples lives. Are we prepared for such a thing?

To make Gospel work we need to embark on persistent prayer. V 9 ff

Non Stop Prayer.

Prayer to fill them with spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Pray to live a life worthy of the Lord.

Pray to please Him in every way bearing fruit.

To grow in the knowledge of God.

Be sterengthened with all power - according to his glorious might!

So you will have: Endurance

Patience

Joy &

Be Thankful.

ALL THE ABOVE BECAUSE OF REDEMPTION:

MEDITATION ON LUKE CHP 10:38-42

I. INTRODUCTION:

Book of Luke is the longest of all the Gospels. It is Written to Gentile audience by Luke a Physician. He is also the author of book of Acts. His paradigm of Jesus in his Gospel is: Jesus is the Universal Savior. He focuses also on the ministry of Jesus to the Gentiles. In this passage we are seeing the dynamics of a home!

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HOME AND A HOUSE:

A House is only a building; but a home = building + people with the right attitude, responsibilities & relationships.

A little girl playing in her neighbor's house said,

"Aunty we have a home but we do not have a house to put it".

II. CHARACTERISTICS OF HOME

1. It is a place of Residence.

It is a place we reside, we make our abode, we make our stay permanently. We cannot do that in the Hotels . Home is a place to learn about relationships, responsibilities and love. Our attitude determines the altitude in our homes.

2. A.It is place to invite others as guest

Home is a place to invite others as a guest. It is a place we make any visitor " feel comfortable ". The visitor feels that he is having a loving, caring and a giving atmosphere where he/she feels at home. One singer artist says, " Coming home to a place I have known ". We read in the bible how Abraham & Sara have had Angels as guests in Gen Chp 18.

lve the conflicts. The conflicts within us, with us and God, and the conflicts between us and our family members/neighbors. The Holy Spirit our comforter would teach us if we " wait " on him. May His gentle breeze revive us, recharge us and use us for His Glory.

MARTHA'S CHALLENGE TO US - Go to Jesus.

Here Martha goes straight to Jesus to solve the conflict. We should also follow this example. First We must go to God/Jesus to solve the conflicts. Prayer can involve us in more prayer, pleading prayer, intercessory prayer and even spiritual warfare prayer. Secondly Bible and, thirdly the guidance of senior Christian people. This can offer a guideline for our help and counsel from time to time.

5. It is a place to set the right priority.

Jesus said, " Martha, Martha you are worried and troubled about many things.V 41. Is it where we stand ? What worrying and troubling us which is blocking us from the word of God? ( Mat 13:22) Jesus is advising Martha, do not be worried or troubled. Worry can rob us off the great blessings God has in store for us. Worry can distract us and deviate us from the plans and purposes of God? Remember the chorus, Why worry, when you can Pray, Trust Jesus He will be your stay, Don't be a doubting Thomas, But rest fully on His Promise. Why worry, worry worry worry, When you can Pray. Sing and affirm His love from time to time.

MARY'S CHALLENGE TO US - Set the right priority!

" But, one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her. V42.

It is said, that " The important things in life are not things ".

If we give value to the eternal things and set the right priorities in our homes our temporal things will take care of itself. " But, Seek ye, first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, all these things are added unto you". Matt 6:33

Reflect Col Chp.3:1-3.Our life here on earth is temporal and a transitory. Read 2Pet.3:11-18.

III. CONCLUSION:

" The foundation we lay now will be used by our children later "

Is our home a good model in the Society ?

Is it like salt to permeate and penetrate the Society?

Can We give the Cost now, so our Children will learn?

Can we let God rule and rein in our heart and home?

Can we set our priorities based on the Kingdom Principle?

Introduction: Talk 1.

+ Do you know that more and more the basic unity at home is getting disturbed?

+ Do you know that there is a 2-3 Dowry Death/Hour listed by Home Ministries?

+ Do you know that one out of 10 Christian marriages suffer and go for separation?

+ Do you know that Teen agers in High School 12-15 years are engaged in Sex?

+ Do you know startling facts are revealed through print and other medias about homes?

The Modern life has offered many comforts:

* Cord less Cell Phone.

* Strain less Steal utinsels.

* Noise Less Cars.

* Pollution free factories. EPA

* Trouble less shopping through - Internet.

But the fact remains that we are rest less. This week magazine carried an article some time ago with high paid computer personnel as: Financially well, but emotionally bankrupt, needing social skills. We need to go back to the basics. Back to the Bible.

q Bible had good image about home.

q It is Gods own idea. - Garden of Eden.

q The home that honors God is the home God honors.

q Ample proof in Old and New Testaments.

Jesus had been visiting homes during his earthly ministry. That is what we are going to see now. But the fact remains that we are rest less. This week magazine carried an article some time ago with high paid computer personnel as: Financially well, but emotionally bankrupt, needing social skills.

Today we are going to look into the passage in Gospel of JN Chapter 12:1-11 Where we see Jesus. What are the Characteristic of a Home:

1. It is a place of Gathering

l For fellowship,

l For food &

l Fun

2. It is place to Honor God

k Breaking the precious ointment- Mary`s Alabaster Box. What is our favorite thing that we hesitate to loose or surrender to God.

k Reconciling our relationship to Him

k Yielding our wisdom, will and way to him.

3. It is a place for Growth and Development:

LK 2:52.: Jesus Grew in wisdom, stature and in favor with God and man.

o Intellectual Growth

o Physical, Emotional Growth.

o Spiritual Growth]

o Social Growth.

o Nurturing and Building one another. Remember some tearing takes place before Building.! God`s grace is there to amend our attitudes and actions.

It is a place to carry on the sweet smelling aroma of Christ.

LOVE HIM - LIVE FOR HIM - LEAD OTHERS TO HIM

Mary Did it let us do the same

HOME AND CHRISTIAN CHALLENGE IN THE NEW MILLENIUM

Introduction: Talk 2

Do you know that more and more the basic unity at home is getting disturbed?

Do you know that there is a 2-3 Dowry Death/Hour listed by Home Ministries?

Do you know that one out of 10 Christian marriages suffer and go for separation?

Do you know that Teen agers in High School 12-15 years are engaged in Sex?

Do you know startling facts are revealed through print and other medias about homes?

The Modern life has offered many comforts:

Cord less Cell Phone.

Strain less Steal utinsels.

Noise Less Cars.

Pollution free factories. EPA

Trouble less shopping through - Internet.

But the fact remains that we are rest less. This week magazine carried an article some time ago with high paid computer personnel as: Financially well, but emotionally bankrupt, needing social skills. We need to go back to the basics. Back to the Bible.

Bible had good image about home.

It is Gods own idea. - Garden of Eden.

The home that honors God is the home God honors.

Ample proof in Old and New Testaments.

Jesus had been visiting homes during his earthly ministry. That is what we are going to see now in the passage found in Mark Chapter 2:1-11..

The KOG concept is a long time concept. It is an important concept that every Christian ought to know. The fore runner of Jesus, John the Baptist talked about the KOG. Jesus began His sermon by teaching about the Kingdom of God. Mat Chp 5 - 7. Infact very little teaching and preaching is offered on the subject. Infact the Gospel of Matthew lays importance on the KOG. Studying through the book of Matthew we can get a deeper understanding of the KOG.

THE - KOG

It is God's plan to establish the Kingdom of God. It is His plan that Jesus should begin the Kingdom of God on this earth in His mission for the mankind. Infact establishing the KOG is such an important task that Jesus has talked so much that we hear from the Gospel of Matthew. It is not a fancy thing of the future but a living reality of today for every Christian. Even in the Lord's prayer we say, " your kingdom come, your will be doneon earth as it is in heaven" MT 6:10.

Though salvation is an important task of Jesus mission, His mission toward the KOG is the main theme if we study the word of God. God operates in eternal time scale and KOG fits that perfectly well. Hearing Jesus statement to Peter at Caesarea Philippi, we can say that there is a conflict between Church/Kingdom of Heaven and Hell. MT 16:17-20

THE - CHURCH:

Apart from inaugurating the KOG Jesus also mentions to Peter that and on the rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hell will not over come it '. MT 16:18-20. To understand the Church it is better we understand the underlying concept from the Old Testament. In the OT the Israel nation was called - the covenant community. Covenant means a legal agreement between 2 parties and one stands as witness. In the case of Israel nation Yahweh, makes the covenant with them. In that covenant party witness and one party is God and nation Israel is another party. Then you can imagine if there is error or fault it can be only on human side. The covenant community becomes the Christian Community in the NT

OT NT

THE COVENANT COMMUNITY THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

Had special relationship with Has special relationship

God. with Christ.

It was a " light " unto It is the light unto the nations world.

Mat 5:14

The Christian community The covenant community

Represents the Law Represents Grace

FAITH + WORKS -JAM/GAL

Community centered Community centered Exodus Chp:19/20 Acts 2:44-47

Represented Yahweh's Represents Jesus love &

Power & majesty kindness.

Fore-Runner of the Fore- Runner of the KOG

Church in OT in the world.

GOD GOD

Respected MAN Should respect MAN

NATURE NATURE

Seeing the Church continuum culminating in the KOG.

I. THE CULMINATION OF THE CH & KOG: FUTURE EVENTS

Secret coming/Second Coming- Tribulation + 1000 Years -

WHITE THRONE JUDGEMENT

ETERNITY AT HEAVEN OR HELL

II. THE CONCEPT OF THE CHURCH & KOG: NOW AT PRESENT

Should reflect * Righteousness & Goodness

* Justice

* Peace

Man - Man

* Harmonious Living Man -Nature/Animals - ISAIAH

GOD

* Right Relationship - MAN

NATURE

III. THE COMPONENTS OF THE CHURCH: NOW

* All - Rev 7:9

* Global/local

* Body of Christ.Ephesians/Cor.

* Members of the Body - Believers

IV. THE COMMISSION OF THE CHURCH:

* To be salt and light.Mt

* To be path finder for the seeking. Mt 11:28-30

* To be the healer MT 5:3-15

of wounded/weary & the suffering.

Refer Jesus mandate

Luke 4:18 -19

* To be built by Jesus MT 16:18-19

(to face conflicts with Hell)

V. THE CHARISMA OF THE CHURCH:

* Gifts of the Holy spirit.

Not 9 but many.Consider OT/NT

* To serve while waiting.

* To wait for the bridegroom.

MT 25:1-13

* To be a family of God.

* To influence the society.

Like salt - preserve and permeate.

BEFORE CONSIDERING THE PRIVILEGE OF THE CHURCH LET US ACCEPT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CHURCH.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Let me be conscious of my responsibility in the world you have placed me. Let me represent Your Church and Your Kingdom here on earth faithfully. Amen!

KINGDOM OF GOD - A PERSPECTIVE FROM GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

THE KINGS ARRIVAL

* The birth of Jesus opens the door way to the KOG.Chp1:03

* of the KOG - John the Baptist Chp 3

* see the Kingdom in conflict with Satan Jesus wins MT 4: 4 verse

7

10

* Credentials of the King Established............ Chp 4

* Principles in the - Beatitudes of the Kingdom Chp 5

POOR

" those who " MOURN

MEEK

HUNGER AFTER RIGHTEOUNESS

PURE IN HEART

PEACKE MAKER

PERSECUTED

Chp 5 :3-11 Blessed are - You

* King has Lordship/Authority/power over

1. Demons

2. Torah - Law " I say unto U

3. Sickness and Death Chp 8-9

* King needs prayer Warriors Chp9/36

* King selects/Kingdom partners.Chp10

* King is also the Lord of sabbath * KINGDOM PRABLES: Chp 13

SOWER& SEED PEARL

WEEDKOG KOG HIDDEN TREASURE

MUSTERED SEED = "

YEAST = "

* Kingdom forerunner executed Chp 14

* Kings love includes gentiles also. Tyre/Sidon Chp 15

* King's credibility testified - Caesarea Philippi Chp 16

* King appears in glory to his disciples. Chp 17

* Kingdom of God denotes humility and service Chp 18:1

* KOG needs workers CHP: 20:1-16

* KOG treats workers equally

* The King's tiumphant entry to Jerusalem Chp 21

* The King predicts the end of earthly kingdoms Chp 24:4

* The king expects wisdom for his followers Chp 25

(10 vigrins - 5 wise & 5 foolish)

* The King submits to the "will of the father" Chp 26

A lesson of submision

* The king conquers death Chp 28:6ff

* The King's Assignment Mt 28:16-20

1. Go

2. Make disciples - Greek verb emphasis.

3. All Nations - Have a world view for missions.

* The King's Assurance

"Lo, I am with you always,,,, even unto the end of age." Mt 28:20

* FOUR DIMENSIONS OF THE KING

1. THE SOCIAL DIMENSION - ABRAHAM - JEWS

2. THE POLITICAL DIMENSION DAVID

3. THE SALVATIONAL DIMENSION JOSEPH & MARY & GOD

4. THE ESCHATOLOGICAL "THE CHURCH/HEAD = JESUS/GOD

Let us preach and practise the Kingdom of God in all it's dimensions.

I. INTRODUCTION:

A. About the author. A Jew - Apostle

B. About the audience. Jews expecting the messiah.

C. About the language. Aramaic, a popular local language.

D. About the contents. Arranged in teaching style.

Has 5 parts like Torah.

Sees the work of Jesus as a fulfillment of prophesy.

E. About the theme. Jesus is the King of Jews.

& THE KINGDOM OF GOD

So we see in the book of MT, how God intervenes into human history through the birth and work of Jesus Christ. The creator becomes the Redeemer. MT 1:21. The Kingdom of God is a vital theme in this book. While salvational aspect of the work of Jesus is stressed often, His Kingdom is not presented vividly to the hearers of the Gospel. But, we see Jesus systematically preaching on the subject of the KOG. If KOG is emphasized then the important aspect of Jesus's I st coming and 2nd coming is to be meditated upon.

FIRST COMING SECOND COMING

* Jesus is the savior Jesus is the King.

* Jesus offers Salvation Jesus offers judgement.

* We see His grace We see His power and authority.

* Lamb of God Lion/ Authority

Submission

MT: 24:15-28

I. THIS IS A WARNING: FOR ALL- STOP/LOOK/PROCEED - A TRFC SIGN

All People

All seasons

It is a warning for All times

All places

Always

The warning includes sabbath/slow life as an example.

While we may take the concept of KOG lightly, Jesus wants us to know that it is not so. He wants us to know the impending danger for people who take things lightly. We live in a world of injustice, poverty, pain, suffering, violence, destruction and death due to terrorism and vandalism. We even wonder, will it ever end ?

Here Jesus wants us to be warned to be cautious and also to have faith and belief inspite of hopeless and helpless condition. The peasants in Galilee who were exploited by the Roman rule had no hope either. They were like us wondering weather there will be any relief from their misery. It is a message of warning and hope. The second coming of Jesus has it's:

Message

Meaning

Mystery

MESSAGE:

Every one who hears the warning has to take his own course of action. The choice is ours. The message is clear that Jesus is coming. The passage in the book of Daniel, the passage we are seeing today and the passages in Thesalonian epistle and in the book of Revelation are all APOCALYPTICAL IN NATURE. May be we cannot understand all there is to under-stand. But, never the less we need to pay attention. For example we may not understand about the epidemic in our area but we run for our inoculation.

It has an implied meaning for all of us. DO we belong to the KOG or not. The Church is the visible arm of the Kingdom of God. Because we are born in a Garage we do not become a car, because we are born at Kodaikanal we do not become a potato or a carrot.

In the same way because we are born in a Christian family we do not become automatically - a Christian. We need to exercise our faith and take Jesus as our personal savior in our heart. Who is a christian ? This question was asked by sales executives at a retreat at the Holiday Home Kodaikanal.

1. Lord I am a sinner. Isa 53

2. I cannot help myself LK 15.

3. I am accepting the free gift of salvation in Christ.Jn 3:16

4. Come into my heart. Rev 3:20

If we have said this prayer or felt similar feelings in our spirit and reconciled our relationship with God then we become a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ and a member in the KOG.

Talking about our response to the KOG Jesus mentioned in MT Chp 13 the parable of the Sower. What is our response.

1. Is a bird picking our seed of the KOG.

It can come in the form of a future, job. life partner, and other concerns.

2. Does our interest in the KOG rooted in the word of God ?

3. Are the worldly worries pressing on our interest.

We live in a temporary world. We have changing kings and politics all the time. But the KOG is a permanent reality. That is why we need to pay attention to this warning and decide weather we are ready. The end of the passage says, it is going to come like a thief in the night. So we do not know when it is coming. It is our responsibility to be ready. EX. FIRE FIGHTERS/AIR FORCE PILOTS. READY ALWAYS !

II. IT IS A MESSAGE OF HOPE: FOR BELIEVERS

MYSTERY:

There are many things that we are not sure about. There is always an element of mystery in our faith. Infact without mystery there is no meaning in faith. If we know all there is to know, how can we exercise faith. Faith comes by exercising. EX, My son used to jump as soon as tell him. He had faith that I will catch him. It is so with us. If we take Jesus into our hearts we need to face the conflicts in this world with certain amount of faith. Why, because we do belong to the eternal Kingdom, the things that happen in this transitory world should not affect us.

That is why, we need take courage that inspire of all the changes and challenges around we have hope in Christ and His Kingdom. We long for peace, justice, equality, brother-hood and right relationships. Yes, it is coming, we need to keep waiting, praying, believing and hoping in the Lord. He knows. Our life of faith and love for God will show the world that we are salt and light in the community. Infact if we meditate and ask God's grace to practice Kingdom values, it will surely extend the Kingdom of God here on this earth.

I want to share what Amy Car Michael said,

FEAR NOT

FATHER KNOWS

ASK HIM

Remember we can be in only one place. Either we belong to the KOG or we belong to the Kingdom of this world.

SAM LAZARUS

NOV 16, 1997

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT - FOR EASTER

The Lord is Risen! Praise the Lord. For our meditation let us look in the passage in John 20: 1-16. We are seeing the encounter between Mary and Jesus.

EASTER ECHOES

The Desire: We see Mary going to the tomb in the early hours of the morning, her desire to see Jesus is very strong that she pays the cost to do so. She is fulfilling the Jewish ritual with a - personal touch. Do we have a deep desire to see Jesus?

The Determination: When Mary arrives at the tomb she sees finds the "unexpected ", the stone has been removed, she moves on with determination. Mary goes to Simon Peter. Mary and the disciples visit the tomb, while the disciples go back to their home. (V10). we see Mary standing there and weeping?.Ver11. How is our determination?

The Distress: Mary's determination has brought her to a dead-end. The disciples have left, she is lonely, she feels lost and left out. In her distress she looks into the tomb crying, she sees two angels! Yes, when we are in distress we should remember that God is sending His angels to assist us. Do we care to look for them when we are in stress and distress?

The Doubt: When Mary sees Jesus she cannot recognize him. Yes, when our doubts are big, we cannot see Jesus. even when he is near . We should stay calm, " Be still and know that I am God ".Psalm 46:1. Can we learn the art of - stillness?

The Discovery: When Jesus calls, " Mary " she rejoices and responds," Rabboni ". Mary's sorrow has been turned into a joyful discovery of the - resurrected Jesus. Her fears and doubts has vanished , she finds a new meaning of joy and hope. We cannot fully fathom the depth of Mary's joy at that moment. Her desire and determination has yielded a fruitful result. Yes, if we too pursue in our desire and determination to see Jesus we too can discover him in a new and dynamic way in our lives. We can recall the words of Jesus, - Seek and you shall find. May we hear the voice of God calling us afresh during this Easter Season.

The Declaration: Jesus admonishes Mary to convey the news of resurrection to the disciples. Mary is the chosen instrument to rely the wonderful news to all the world. Is it not a privilege? Yes, when we love Jesus with all our heart, soul and mind we would pay the cost to be a true disciple. Mary is challenging us to be a - True Disciple.

THE LORD IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!!

Introduction:

The book of Psalms come under Poetry & Widsom literature in the Bible. Psalms reflect the true struggles of a Christian who wants to take the comfort and confidence in the Lord God Almighty and faces conflicts in his mind, body and soul. Some of the psalms reflect honestly the feelings of a struggling individual. It is surely a book of strength and comfort for people of all ages. Psalms treaspass the barriers of culture, language, time and age.

It is divided into 5 parts: Ps 1-41, 42-72, 73-89, 90-106 & Psalms 107-150. PSALM 91

1. General note of faith V 1

2. Psalmist personal affirmation on God V 2

3. God's protection and his Children's comfort V 3 -8

4. Psalmist call to others to draw God's comfort V 9

5. God's Protection & Provsion at times of danger V 10 - 13

6. God's Promise to His Children who "love" him V 14 - 16

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. V1

" He who dwells "

The Psalm starts of with " he who dwells ". This means that " he who dwells " is different from the rest of the crowd. This person because of his act sets apart himself because of his choice. Karl Meninger the famous psychologist said, " attitude is important than behaviour ". Behind all our actions there is always the attitude that forms the core of our thinking and personality. He we find the psamlist is mentioning a person " who dwells ". By attitude this person is making a clear choice, a consious choice and a consistent choice to " dwell in the the shelter of the most high ". Is is not weonderful ? To day we find man and woman are making many choices and it has a bearing on all the things they do physically, emotionally, professionaly and spiritually. But above all these choices, where one wants to - dwell ? Is in in the high rise apartments in the multi-story buidlings, or in a nice country side house, or in the farm or in the hill station ? External environment is not the creteria here our attitude toward God is that what matters.

How is your attitude to God ? Is he a problem solver, Is he your magician who can give you a way out of trouble. Is he a quick fixer of things. Is God staying in the prime place of your life, your home and your heart ? Or He is sidelined " untill wanted ".

Jesus beautifully said in Matt 6:21."Where your treasure is,there your heart will be also".

1. Where does our mind find true rest, and where does it takes it foundational strength?

In the shelter of most hight Man seeks shelter from nature,animals environmental hazards and even againt other men who can endager his safety. India Today featured articles in Sep - Oct 97 on the issue of growing violence and lack of safety, security and protection for rich business magnets. Their shelter is threatened, it is in jeoprady, they live in constant fear, threat to their lives and the lives of their loved ones (especially their family members). Can the world offer - true shelter ? We face more threat to safety now than any other age humanity has ever seen. The growing incidence of Bomb blasts, terrorist attacks, untold violence against the innocent people are the indication that basically we live in a world of threat and danger. Timothy Migve, who was responsible for the bombing at Oklahoma City during Olympic Games in 1996 is on death sentence. His lawyer is appealing for mercy.

But, here we see that the shelter is - of the most high. Today if we get shelter from Central Govt at New Delhi or protection from Washington White House we will be very glad and assured of our safety. Do we consider here where our shelter comes from ? It comes from the " most high ". The height of all galxies and sky cannot match the high and awesome God. The creator, sustainor and ruler of the universe. The psalmist says that one who dwells in the shelter of most high will have his reward.

2. Where is our shelter today? Is it on the things of the world? or on the things of God and His Kingdom?

will rest in the shadow

The reward for choosing a place to dwell, a place to lay our foundational strength is the rest we get. It is not a transitory rest for a moment, but a deep inner peace, joy, comfort, confidence we build under the "shadow" of Almighty. Infact this strength is the foundation of a long time personal relationship with God. It is possible that through the mercies of God we can build that relationsip, reverence, regard, respect longing and love for God. That is turns out to be our foundational fact to give us peace, harmony, rest. We can feel the power and protection of God which alone can give long lasting rest in our mind. It is true what Daniel said, At the end of times man shall run to and fro and knowldege shall increase. The world has seen more travel in the last three dacades than many centuries in the past. The Air Ports, Sea Ports, The Bus and Train Terminals are crowded with people. Man is searching for God and in that search undertakes journies to gain peace with God. St. Austine said, For thou has mad us for thyself and, "Our hearts are restlees untill they find rest in thee".

Shadow

Shadow is silent, it has no particular shape but can assume the shape of any object. Shadow is caused by a bright light falling on some object. Here the shadow talks about the shadow of Almighty. Can any one no to the fullest extent the exact dimension of that shadow ? No, Almighty in His mercy and grace, has extended his hand of protection and peace and in that shadow we can take courage and confidence in times of conflict and chaos.

Introduction of the OT/Passage/Samuels time/Leadership Transition

I Samuel Chapter 17

Context: Valley- A point of decision. Two armies the Israelites and Philistines on either side of the hill.

Contrasts in the passage:

Israelites and Philistines

Valley and the mountain

3 sons and David

War and Sheep rearing

Giant and ordinary

Paradigm of people v 25 & Paradigm of David v26

Attitude of David`s brothers v28 attitude of David v29

The dress of the world and the divine strength V 37/38

The cursing warrior and the calm warrior One who believes in his strength and one who believes in Almighty.

One who projected victory- David- One who followed the victory  The crowd

Principles:

Face the enemy boldly.

Do not be intimidated by size.

Rely on the strength of God and the Relationship you have with him.

Convey your opinion to the authorities boldly. V 32

Share your past life experiences how God has been your help. V34-37

Do not put cloths that are burdensome to you.

Go with familiar tools you are used to . 5 Little stones . v40

Honor God and he will honor you.- See David`s Mission Statement . v45-47

Complete the Mission You can use even your enemies resources for your advantage. v51

Report to the Authority.V 53-58

JUDGES CHAPTER 6:1-40

INTRODUCTION: The book of Judges describes the period of victory and defeat. These were dependent of the obedience of Israel to God. Obedience brought victory and blessings and disobedience brought curses. This is in line with the covenant of God with Israelites. Deuteronomy Chp 32. It is true with our life. Whenever we are pressed with things around it is time to see why and set our relationship with God.

RELATIONSHIP & RESPONSIBILITY are two of the most important words in life. what are the pressures in life we face these days:

1. Economical pressure.

2. Educational pressure. ( 5 Million/ 50 lahks of people undergo higher education)

3. Relational pressure.- Famous Tamil actor Kuspu committed suicide.

4. Personal/Psychological pressures.

5. Sociological pressure.

6. Communicational/Media pressure.

7. Spiritual pressure.

How do we handle them?

Ver 7: When the people of the Lord cried unto the Lord on account of the Midianites.....

STEP I: GO DIRECTLY TO GOD

* He is the source of all comfort and counsel. MT 11:28.

* He is our shepherd. Psalm 23:1

* He is our Savior. LK 19:10

* He is Alpha and Omega.

* He is the Way. Light, Resurrection. JN

STEP 2: HEAR WHAT GOD SPEAKS

V 12 A. Assert your spiritual strength in your weak moments. Remember with the spiritual strength you can win greater victory. Battles are won in prayer long before they are won in the open world. Ex Jesus in the Garden. Doubts may arise. But always look unto God.

Ex Mt 14. Peter/Jesus & the storm.

STEP 3: ACT AS INSTRUCTED

V 14 B We are required to move in the strength of god and his word. We need to remember that He is with us. Our own limitation may loom large before our eyes. But we need to go to God and claim the strength.

V 16 C Focus and God's assurance on the victory ahead.

V 24 D Consecrate your self on the altar.

Break old altars and build new ones.

V 25 E Keep a constant vigil in prayer to hear God's word.

V 27 F Remember God has a team for you to help with you new

Goal. Do it wisely considering sociological implications.

V 31 G Act wisely when confronted with situations.

V 32 H Accept the assignment and activity God lays down for you.

CONCLUSION:

The end of the Chapter describes how Gideon confirmed his call and proceeded on to a life of leadership in Israel. We are in need of true leadership. God can and will use us if we get close to him in prayer.

Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at his disposition, and listening to his voice in the depths of our hearts. Mother Theresa. Pray to pray and continue in your prayers that your prayers will continue. C.H. Spurgeon

He stands best who kneels the most.

Daily prayer lessen daily cares.

Without prayer no work is well done.

Prayer is profitable whenever it is practiced.

Arguments never settle things, but prayer changes things.

More things are wrought by prayer than the word dreams of.

We have chord less phone, wireless telegrams, stainless steal, noiseless cars and prayer less Christians. E.M Bounds said, prayer less ness = power less ness. So it is imperative that to function normally as Christians we need prayer. Dr. Hagqq said, As breathing is important for living prayer is important for spiritual life. Only when we begin to pray things begin to move. A man of God said, Either prayer changes things or it changes us for things.

INTRODUCTION:

We live in a world of communication technology, which helps us to contact any one across the globe instantly through: Fax, E. Mail. Wireless Phone, and through communication networks. But we also live in a world of noises. We are constantly bombarded by Radio, Tv, traffic, and other noises all the time. It is becoming more and more difficult to listen to God, to listen to important messages from people, and to observe and understand events of life and their meaning. In this regard we need to be contemplative, we need to develop the art of prayer - talking to God and, listening through meditation.

Infact Prayer and Meditation are both art and science. That is there are rules and formats that will help us to understand the structure and form of prayer and there are guidelines to give us tips on meditation. But there is also the artistic part of it, That is the part we have to " do and learn ".

Chithiramum Ki Palakkam

ChenTamilum Na palakkam.

One who sings becomes a singer, one who plays becomes a player, one who buys our product becomes our buyer. In the same way one who prays becomes a - Prayer.

We have done prayer seminar before. But over the years I have been learning some new tips on prayer that I want to share. This time some how this " topic" came repeated in my mind as I was contemplating as to what to do for our Seminar ? From the beginning of this year some how God is laying a special burden upon my heart for prayer. Further, my recent visit to Korea has also challenged me on prayer. So with this in mind we get into the subject. It is more helpful if we maintain an attitude of learning and meditation as we explore this vast topic.

CONCLUSION:

So let us begin this seminar with the awareness that God is going to bless our effort to communicate with Him effectively. We can recall how nice it is to communicate with God with our past experiences. Let us renew our commitment afresh again to keep in touch with God through - the hotline communication. ( Ex. Hot lines between President of USA & Russia , Railways, Military operations and major industries.)

MT 6: 1-14

Introduction: The book of MT presents Jesus as the King of the Jews. The concept of the Kingdom is very clear as we read through the narrative of MT. John the Baptist is preparing the people to be ready for the KOG = The Kingdom of God. Jesus starts off His ministry with the same call - to repent and believe in the Kingdom of GOD.MT 3:17. The Gospel is always simple and straight. Repent, believe and accept the message. We can see teachings on the Kingdom of God in these chapters, Chp 5-7, Chp 13 and Chapter 22 -25.

If we see Chp 4. We can see 4 sub headings, they are:

1. Give

2. Pray.

3. Fast

4. Do not worry.

We are going to see only the sub heading 2 - Prayer.

Our Lord is laying the foundational teachings for the " topic" of prayer. Sometimes we should " know" - what we should not do to know what we should do and How? A good teacher always starts with where the students are and goes on to build something new and challenging in their minds. The famous axiom is - Go from the "known" to the - unknown.

1. WHERE SHOULD WE PRAY? Mt 6: 6 - 9

Go into your room Close your door & Pray to your father - Unseen then Your father who sees what is done is secret will reward you openly.

2. HOW ONE SHOULD NOT PRAY?

* DO not be like the hypocrites. 6:5

* Do not choose the public place.

* Do not seek attention in prayer.

* Do not limit the reward of prayer to mere praise of men.

* Do not use empty words that mean nothing to you.

* Even if you are silent God can feel what is in your heart. Rom 8: 28

* Believe that your Father knows before you ask. ( Amy Car Michael - Fear not, Father knows, Ask Him.) ......3

REFECTIONS:

1. Do I have the faith that I can meet my God/ Our father in a particular place regularly?

2. Do I long to meet my God and commune with Him. ( Fany Crossby. " I am thine Oh Lord " Hymn

3. Do I take time and trouble to make this as my habit?

4. What are the barriers I have seen while attempting to pray regularly with my father in Heaven?

5. What are the serious steps I am taking to over come my barriers in my prayer life.

OUR LORD`S PRAYER

PART I

Our Lord Jesus has taught His disciples to Pray. It is called "a disciple`s prayer" MT 6: 9-15.

"Our Father in heaven hallowed be your name

your kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors

And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one

AN OUT LINE OF THE PRAYER:

I THE INTRODUCTION

II. A CALL TO REMEMBER THE KING/ THE KINGDOM OF GOD

III. A CALL TO REMEMBER OUR " OWN " - KINGDOM

IV. A CALL TO REMEMBER OUR PERSONAL PROVISION

V. A CALL TO REMEMBER PARDON/PEACE/ RECONCILIATION.

VI. A CALL TO REMEMBER - THE KINGDOM OF THE EVIL ONE.

VII. THE CONCLUSION

II. A CALL TO REMEMBER THE KING/THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Commonality

Our.... denotes Connectedness

one among many.

In short more of " we " than - me.

relational

Father..reminds us of emotional Dimensions.

personal

In heaven...... God has a place though He is omnipresence.(every where)

be exalted

hallowed.... be " set apart " for special purpose.

may receive the due respect/regard it is entitled.

be ever " holy " Rev Chp 4-5.

Your Kingdom come:

It is an important aspect of prayer. We shift our focus from this world to the world beyond. From the temporal to the - eternal and the heavenly. Unless we are able to maintain our strong desire to keep in touch with heaven by the grace of God,

it is possible to be distracted with our wandering thoughts in prayer and we cannot focus on the - The Kingdom of God.

* We acknowledge the fact that the earthly kingdoms come and go and they are all temporary.

* We are addressing the King.- The King of Kings.

* He represents His Kingdom/ The Kingdom of God.

* Jesus has inaugurated the Kingdom of God.

* Jesus has paved the " way " for us to the Kingdom.

* We need only to " repent " & " believe " & "accept".

* We are reminding ourselves about the principles and the priorities of the KOG. MT 5:1-14, Chp 6 & 7.

* We recollect the KOG with the sharp focus as we pray.

* We ask God`s help as to " confirm " to the KOG more and more every day.

* We long for his reign " over " us.

* We long for His Kingdom sincerely.

* We are beseeching Him that He will let us taste the Kingdom of God here and now - a foretaste of heaven.

Your will be done.....

III. A CALL TO REMEMBER OUR " OWN " KINGDOM

Our - Relationship/responsibility:

our response ability.

being proactive - being submissive.

Here we see the deeper dimension of our Lord`s prayer.

First we are called to remember the Kingdom of God. Then we are reminded that we need to take a deep look into ourselves. We have our "own" kingdom. However humble, simple and innocent we may be we have our own desire and dream to build our own self and our kingdom. That is why this section of the prayer is very important to us.

When we acknowledge the King of King and our Lord of Lord - Jesus Christ, we need to remember that we cannot be under two authorities: the authority of God, and the authority of our own self. Either we take over or we give ourselves to God. It is like the patient trying to take care of himself while undergoing a surgery. He has to give complete control to the doctor who will be able to decide the course of action for the benefit of the patient. For the development of a building the " will ", the desire of the architect is very important. It is so with the spiritual development of our soul. God`s will is important.

* We see God`s will in the context of our own will and our willingness.

* We are ready to place our will on the altar of God. ( altar - a place where God and man meet )

* It is not an act of neglect.

* It is an act of responsibility.

* It is a "total " surrender .

Dawson Trotsman said, we cannot tell how much God can use who is surrendered 100% )

* It is our willingness to take up the cross and follow our Lord daily.

* It is the reflection of our deep desire to be under His Lordship. It is the direction and a daily discipline.

on earth as it is in heaven:

* We recognize the fact that there is heaven and earth.

* We recognize the fact that there are things that are contrary to the will of God on this earth and they need a change.

* We recognize the fact that there has to be a petition or a request to God on this matter.

* We recognize the fact that we can offer our prayer along those lines. That will bring a change in:

spiritual

* our selves. emotional dimensions of our

physical lives.

social

* our families.

* our cities.

* our Countries.

* our world. Here and now.

Physical dimension : habits, like and dislikes.

Emotional dimension: anger, frustrations, bitterness.

unsettled reconciliation. Old hurts that are still bleeding.

Social dimension : Our friendship, our priorities.

our practices.

spiritual Our attitude to God.

Our altitudes/moods with God - feelings.

Our aptitude to learn and grow to represent the Kingdom.

" as it is in heaven "

There are things that need: Reshaping

Remolding. It is a process.

Remodelling.

Redesign.

This process takes time, effort, energies. It involves patience perseverance and practice of course through - prayer.

REFLECTION II

1. Do we like to think in this direction?

2. Does " heaven " or the Kingdom of God take a prime priority in our life?

3. If we mean this prayer how it would translate in our daily life?

4. What are the area we can think of ( in our life ) that will help us reorder our lives to give a sharper focus on the Kingdom of God. Discuss areas:

Physical

Emotional

Social

Spiritual.

5. Can we out line some decisions for our own help and practice?

PART II

In the first section of our Lord`s prayer we have seen how we need to focus on the Kingdom of God, His will and look deep into our lives to see and surrender our will to the will of God. We have also seen how we much let the Kingdom of God and its principles take priority over our earthly desires to bring " heaven on earth " experience to us through our prayer.

IV. A CALL TO REMEMBER OUR PERSONAL PROVISION

" give us this day our daily bread "

The second section of the prayer deals with our selves and our needs:

1. Our Provision:

First we need food to sustain our life. But the word of God tells us, Seek Ye first the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you. Mt 6:33. It is true in this Lord`s prayer when we have first focused our attention on the Kingdom of God, then we are asking God to provide our daily need. True to his word he will grant our petition. We see the word, " give " can be applied only between two people who have a relational bond. For example we never go to a stranger and use the word - give. We have established the relationship with us and our God as - " Our father in heaven ". That is the same relationship that makes us ask him to provide for our food.

Daily bread:

We can recall the experience of the Israelites in the wilderness. They were asked to pick up the food that God gave on a " daily " basis. Jesus while teaching has admonished that we should not worry for more than a day. All these things point out the fact that we are totally dependent on God but God in His mercy is taking us to be in " partnership " with Him. He wants us to have " daily" communication with Him. This prayer is also making us think of 1/2 of the world population now which is over 2.5 Billion who are below the poverty line, which means that they have only one meal a day. We should also pray that God in His mercy will help the poor and needy for their provision. We should remember that it is not God`s desire that man should starve but there are other dynamics that are preventing the extension of His Kingdom and allowing: poverty, hunger, unequal distribution of food that leads to mal nutrition, disease and death.

REFLECTIONS:

1. Am I sensitive to the issue of   hunger  and  poverty ?

2. Do I eat for my hunger or gratification of my appetite?

3. Do I believe that I can pray for God`s intervention over

this strongholds of the enemy?

4. How I will begin this prayer and how I will motivate others, God being my helper.

V. A CALL TO REMEMBER PARDON/PEACE/ RECONCILIATION

" forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors "

The issue of Pardon/peace and reconciliation:

This prayer we can say brings the golden nuggets of truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God has forgiven our sins and guilt by the work of His son Jesus. He is setting us free to go and - forgive others. So in our Lord`s prayer we remember this redemptive reconciliation of our redeemer Jesus Christ. We are asking God to forgive and we are assuring that we have forgiven our debtors. That is we have no past hurt, ill feeling or bitterness with any one when we come close to God in prayer and communion. This prayer brings healing to the scars and the wounds we may have hidden in our hearts prior to our prayer. It is said,

" God gives and gives and He forgives, and we get and we get and we forget".

This prayer will do good for our soul, body and mind. There are a lot of hurting people in the world because they cannot forgive themselves, they cannot forgive others and they cannot also accept and enjoy the forgiveness of God. Only when we are forgiven we can learn to forgive others. As God has forgiven our hurt we can forgive others. There is no old account of unforgiven attitude or act in the Kingdom of God. Psalmist describes the love and forgiveness of God in Psalm 103: V 8 -13.

REFLECTIONS:

1. When we approach God in prayer are there any disturbing relationships that comes to our mind?

2. Are we honest to accept the same before Him?

3. Are we willing to let the healing of God into our lives?

4. Are we sensitive to people who are struggling with the issue of hurt, pain and seeking God`s grace?

5. Are we willing to go the second mile for those hurting children of God?

PART III

In part I we have seen that God wants us to remember the Kingdom of God. In part II we have seen that God wants us to remember our relationship and our responsibilities by seeing our " own " little kingdom. In part III we are going to see how we need to recognize the kingdom of Satan and be protected from the evil one.

VI. A CALL TO REMEMBER - THE KINGDOM OF THE EVIL ONE

The kingdom of satan:

"And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one"

1. We need protection:

As we are part of God`s Kingdom living here on earth we face the conflicts between His Kingdom and the kingdom of our self and Satan. That is why we need protection. In part I of this prayer we have expressed our desire to let the " will of God " be done here on this earth in our lives. When we are proceeding in that direction we need " protection ". Our God not only gives provision for our lives but also protects us.

If we recall the story of Israelites the pillar of fire and the cloud by day were their protection of God. Here we are asking God to lead us not into temptation. On the other side we can also envision that he would lead us on to the greater purposes of His Kingdom. Greater willingness to follow His will. " deliver us from the evil one "

2. We need deliverance:

Sometimes more than protection we need complete deliverance. So God is teaching us a valid principle in the Kingdom of God. We need " deliverance " from time to time. From this prayer we can infer that it should be our " daily " routine to ask God to deliver us. In as mush we need our daily bread for our physical lives we need His protection for our spiritual lives daily.

It is not a mere mechanical words but words of deep conviction and compulsion that comes out from our inner most beings because we are of the Kingdom of God. It is our chief desire is to deliberately choose to fight all kingdoms that are at conflict with the Kingdom of God. No body is immune to the attacks of the evil one and so, as good children of God we should learn to use the prayer power to over throw the plans of the evil one. This prayer is a God given " tool " for the same.

VII. THE CONCLUSION:

For thine is the Kingdom, Power and glory for ever and ever.

This is added to emphasis the eternal nature and quality of God and His Kingdom. In the Book of Revelation we see this in Chapter 4 & 5.

REFLECTIONS:

1. Do we recognize the love and protection of God over our lives?

2. Do we recall the times we needed immediate - " deliverance " ?

3. Can we think of people who need deliverance now?

4. Could we offer a prayer on their behalf?

5. Do we hold the Kingdom of God and its eternal nature and His everlasting love to us always?

WHAT IS PRAYER?

* " P " is a gift of God.

* " P " is the key to unlock our heart.

* " P " is key to open the door way to heaven.

* " P " is communication with God.

* Prayer is the communion with God.

* " P " is not an one way street.

* "is a double way street.

* It is the " breath " of our soul.

* It is a source of nourishment to our spiritual life.

* Prayer is not a luxury but an absolute necessity

* Prayer is a place to see: Issaish 6 Chp

Who God is

Who we are

Where are others?

* Prayer is a " tool " to use.

* Prayer is the wire to " tap " God`s power.

* Prayer is the " booster " for our faith.

Charles Spurgeon said: In our prayer,

" little faith brings our soul to heaven. great faith brings heaven to our soul "

* Prayer & the word of God. is the armor/ battle equipment for a Christian. MT Chp 4: 4, 7, 10. Ephe 6:17B.

* Prayer gives the protection from the attacks of the evil one. 2 Cor 10: 3-4.

* Prayer is the " Blood pressure " of a Christian.

* Prayer is the road that leads us on to a deeper walk with God. Gen 6, Gen 12, 18. Neh

* Prayer helps us to see ourselves with our faults - The prayer of the publican.

* Prayer lays the foundation for us to build other steps. Our Lord`s example MK 1:35. Stephen Covey says, " our private victory is more important than our public victory.

* Prayer is the place where we can see the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus Christ.

* Prayer helps us see our roles and our relationships with God.

* Prayer helps us to be involved in Evangelism and Missions.

POINTS TO PONDER IN PRAYER JAN 2000

1. We should pray to the father in heaven. MT 6:6.

2.A. We should pray in the closet. MT 6:6.

2.B. We can pray in upstairs. Dan:6:10

3. We should pray in Jesus name. JN 14:13

4.A. We should pray in spirit. ROM 8:26-28. (un aware) refer Pt 20.

4.B. We should pray/worship in truth and spirit. Jn 4:24

5. We should pray for the kings & all those in authority - I Tim 2:1-2 - The political dimension for peaceful & - the personal dimension. quite lives - the social dimension to live in godliness & holiness - the spiritual dimension.

6.A. We should pray for the nations - Psalm 2:8.

6.B. We should pray for the city. Jeremiah 29:7.

6.C. We should pray an intercessory prayer for the city.

Gen 18:26-32. Abraham for Sodom 50/40/30/20/10 .

We must note here that God waited to hear the prayer.

7. We should pray for the sick. James 5:14-17. Psalm 41.

8. We should pray for wisdom - James 1:5.

9. We should pray for forgiveness - MT 6: 12. James 5:16.

10. We should pray maintaining good relationships. I PET 3:7.

11. We should pray without ceasing. Col 4:2.I THES 5:17.

12. We should pray in all circumstances. I THES 5:17.

13. We should pray in the will of God in Christ. I THES 5:17.

14. We should pray with thankfulness. I THES 5:17.

15. We should pray for God`s will LK 22:41-43.

16. We should pray with a contrite heart. Psalm 51:17.

17. We should pray with humility. The tax collector -LK 18:9 Prayer of Humble trust. Psalm 131.

18. We should pray with persistence. LK 18:7.

19. We should pray for " forgiveness " of others. LK 23:34. ACTS 7:60.

20. We should pray in the spirit. EPHE 6:18.(with awareness) Refer PT 4*

21. We should pray for the saints. EPHE 6:18.

22. We should pray for the ministers. EPHE 6:19.

23.A. We can pray in all occassions. . EPHE 6:18.

23.B all kinds of prayers - Adoration prayer Confession prayer Thankful prayer Supplication prayer - Intercessory prayer. Gen Chp 18. Spiritual warfare prayer.- Dan 10:13.LK 10:18-20. EPH 6:10-18.

23.C .and requests. Political, social evil, global concern World mission etc.

25. We should pray for Evangelism EPHE 6:19 I THE 4:3.

26. We should pray with spiritual armor of God. EPHE 6:10-18.

27.A. We can offer a prayer with " tears ". - Hannah. I Samuel 1:8-20." pouring our anguish & grief".

B. We can pray to God for help. Psalm 77:1. Psalm 57. Psalm 70,120.

C. We can offer a " prayer for protection ". Psalm 44

D. We can offer a prayer for mercy Psalm 123.

28.A. We can pray with fasting & repentance.

Jonah 3:7-8.Nehemiah 1:3. Daniel 9:4-19.

B. We can pray confessing the sin of the "community".Neh Ch 9. II Chro 7:14.

29. We can pray with generous a heart - Cornelius. Acts 10:2.

30 We can pray for people in prison. Acts 9:39.

31. We can offer a the prayer of "grace" for food. JN 6:11.

32. We should pray for people in trouble (Refugees/displaced people) Neh 1:1-4ff.

32. We can pray when we are despised. Neh 4:4ff.

33.A. We can pray to God for " trouble " makers. Neh 4:4-16.

33.B. Jesus said " pray for the enemies". MT 5:44-45.

33.C. We can pray for national deliverance. Psalm 74

34. We can offer a prayer of thanksgiving: For his name is near Psalm 75:1 for a project/ completion of a task. Neh 12:31 ff.

Solomon`s prayer of dedication I King Chp 8: 22 - 61.

God appears to him in a dream as an answer Chp 9:1ff.

35. A. We can pray for purification. Neh 13:29.

B.We can pray for restoration/salvation Psalm 80:3.

36. We can pray for god`s favor. Neh Chp 13:31.Chp 5:19.

37. We can pray for god`s remembrance. Neh Chp 13:14 & Neh 13:14.

38. We can pray with songs - Simon LK 2:29-35.

Song of God`s great love for ever. Psalm 89:1.

39. We can dedicate our lives for prayer/fasting/worship.

Annah LK 2:36-38. " Turning a tragedy into a triumph".

40. We can pray 3 times a day Daniel 6:10.

We can pray day and night. Psalm 88:1.

41. We can pray in upstairs. Daniel 6:10

42. We can fast & pray for many days to get close to God. Dan 10:2.

43. We should pray for our children. Job 1:4-6.

44. We should pray for our friends. Job 42:7-10.

45. Prayers of saints are accepted in heaven. Rev 5:8

Collected, preserved and presented to the Lamb of God.

This is a growing science that is gaining acceptance in the World Wide Church these days. God in His wonderful mercy is revealing deeper dimensions of prayer power and victory in these last days. An ongoing response in this direction has given room to more clarity and a deeper understanding of the length, breath, width and height of personal, communal, corporate and Global prayer in the context of the Church at large. Availing the down pouring of the Holy Spirit prayer can be used by one and all for it's God intended power by growing in this aware ness and application of this wonderful tool-Spiritual Warfare. We know the assurance of Jesus , And I tell you that you are Peter, On this Rock I will build my church, and the Gates of Hades will not overcome it . Matt 16:18

I. INTRODUCTION:

Spiritual warfare topic has caught the world wide attention these days. The Church at large has been equipped to fight the powers of darkness during these last days because of God's grace and the revelation the Church at large has received, throgh the weapon of - Prayer. It is a spiritual war that we are all facing every day. It is challenge for every believer to know, and to learn about different dynamics that are operative in prayer life. By learning them a believer can be effective. Through the Prayer Track ministry around the globe these facts are shared to the rest of the Churches. Praise God!

II. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SPIRITUAL WARFARE AND PHYSICAL WARFARE

PHYSICAL SPIRITUAL

1. We can see. We can't see

2. It is Physical enemy. A Spiritual enemy.

3. Attack can hurt us Attack can affect

physically/emotionally one's Body/Mind/Soul

and mentally. or his family members.

4. The physical warfare This is seen only

can be seen by the by praying Christians

affected person and and his prayer-partners.

others.

Spirtual warfare is Biblical & Practical. From the Bible we see symbolical lessons for all time. If we know about spiritual warfare we can learn, develop weapons and we can move toward the victory.

III. A. REFELCTIONS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

In the book of Genesis we see how Satan disturbs the beauty and harmony of the creation by throwing the seed of "doubt" in the minds of Eve and Adam. Infact the conflict starts there and and we can identify the struggle throughout the Bible. In Gen Chapter. 3: 14 -15 we see the curse of God on the serpent.

In Exodus we see how God brought his people Isralites out of Egyptian Bondage. The plauges have significant spiritual warfare dimension.

In Judges we see that: whenever Isralites obeyed the coveneant of God they were blessed or it became a spiritual struggle that led to other conflicts. God's chosen vessels were spiritual people who could fight the power of darkness. Gideon in Chapter 6/7.Samson and the Philistians. Judges Chp 13-15. In the book of Easter we see how prayer saved the whole community of Jews against a political plot.

In the Wisdom literature Psamls we see how David struggles for his faith. Ex Psalm 27,51 & 91 Only with His spiritual power he could be a successful King.

In the Prophetical Books we see how spiritual defeat in the Covenenant community contributes to Isralites Apostasy and then their lack of vision, Justice and peace as we go though the Mino Prophets.

In the book of Daniel we see how the angel fought 21 days the King of Persia, to meet Prophet Daniel. We the dimension of a Spiritual warfare. Daniel Chp 10:5 - 21.Verse 12 & 13.

III. B. REFLCTIONS FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

1. THE GOSPLE PERSPECTIVE:

In the beginning of Jesus life we see how Mary and Joseph had to be guided by Angel, indicating the spiritual dimensions at work. At the birth of Jesus we see King Herod, plotting to kill the infant Jesus. Throughout New Testament we see how Jesus had to fight the powers of sturctures both in Secular world and Sacred world indicating that the sturggles have a spiritual warfare dimension. Jesus talking to the disciples in Luke Chapter 10 mentiones that , " I saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpins and to overcome all the power of the nenemy;nothing will harm you. ". Luke 10: 18-19

In the Garden of Gethsemene, we see how Jesus used the power of Prayer to surrender to do God's will and how he faced Pilot during the trial. When we compare that to Peter we see how he slept during his prayer at Gethemene and denied Jesus later. This contrast between Jesus and Peter reflect the strength of spiritual power through prayer, over against physical forces.

2. THE EPISTLE PRESPECTIVE:

Apostle Paul mentions in his epistles about the spritual warfare dimension. We see this clearly in the Epistle of Ephesians Chapter 6. Infact the city of Ephesus was noted for it's Idolotary and heathenism. Paul has a wonderful ministry of Power of the Gospel and deliverance as we read in Acts Chapter 19. In his letter to the Ephesians he writes as a concluding remark to put on the armor of God, or in other words - BE READY FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE.Epheisans 6:10 - 20.

Apostle Peter writes in His Epistle that Satan is like a roaring Lion ready to devour. I Peter 5:8.

Apostle John mentions in his epistle that the work of Jesus was to destroy the works of satan. I John 3:8.

In the Book of Revelation we see the final battle,and the final Victory of the children of God.

"They over came him with the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives unto death. Rev 12:11.

IV. FROM THE HISTORY OF CHURCH AND THE MISSION

We see ample evidence as to How the Church has faced many struggles from infant age to the modern age. In that we see how spirtual direction and deicison have helped the Church to come out of all physical,political and even spiritual conflicts. We read in the book of Acts how the Apostles decided to stay only with the ministry of prayer and the word. Acts 6:4 when the early Church faced other issues of neglected " widows " that would divert their attention.

During the Roman rule the infant Church faced persecution since Christianity was not a recogonized as a religion. It was during the rule of Constantine, it was recogonized by the - Edict of Milan 313. Through the dark ages the Church fought various struggles untill the focus was turned to Bible in 1200 -1300 followed by the Reformation in 1515. It is seen from the History that whenever the Church went away from the Word of God and Prayer it faced many spiritual battles. God in His soverign mercy has also helped to Church to come back to it's basics. Later we see how in the 18th century the development of science and Philosophyical focus affected the Biblical Intepretation and how God brought the Revival into the Church to refocus on true spirituality through the Word and Prayer.

Missionaries have fought social sturggles using spiritual forces. William Carey fought Sati(wife bruning alive with her husband on his funeral pyre) in the state of West Bangal, India. David Livingston fought slavary during his missionary venture in Africa. Martin Luther King Junior, fought for the civil rights of Black American in USA. All these people had a spiritual strength behind them as they faced these issues.

V. CONTEMPORAY EXAMPLE:

1. The pastors shared how the Church at Varanasi was experiencing growth and power after engaging in warfare prayer for 2 years. APL 1995

2. A family with quarrael was brought to unity by a small " Dawn Prayer Group " who prayed asking God to intervene. OCt 1995 .

3. A couple who were seperated and living in two different cities of Tamil Nadu were united by God's grace through the warfare prayer by the same praying Group. May 1996

4. A sick person was prayed for. People engaged in prayer had to use spiritual warfare prayer. God answered their prayer and the sick person was healed. OCT 1997

5. Sisters from a well established social/christian organization shared how they could find victory in their urban work after specifically engaged in warfare prayer in an Urban Conference at Secundrabad. JAN 1995

These are other examples were the spiritual warfare at work is fought with the weapon of prayer and the Word of God. These are testimonies to thank God for His grace and intervention. This also serve as a model for Christians to sincerely walk with the Lord and engage in spiritual warfare prayer to meet the powers of darkness.

VI. THE KNOWLEDGE OF WEAPON AND THE USEAGE OF WEAPON

It is possible that a Christian may face these struggles and never be aware of it's potential. Hence he/she is ill equipped and not ready for the battle. It is said, " Being forwarned is being for armed " in military. It is the same with the spiritual warfare.

PRAYER

MAIN WEAPONS OF WARFARE ARE: &

THE WORD OF GOD

We see Jesus,before starting His ministry Jesus goes into the Wilderness as we read in Matt Chp 4. We see He uses the Word of God each time Satan comes to tempt him. V 7,9 & 10. The formula is: " It is written ". From the life of Jesus Mk 1:35, From the life of Prophets Moses in Ex Chp 17, and in the life of Apostle Paul I Theo 5:17 we see that Prayer is another weapon. We need to learn to use these weapons in combatting the enemy - Satan.

X- RAY PRAYER VS SCAN PRAYER:

Dr. Peter Wagner uses this illustraion to graphically illustrate the difference in our prayer. While X- Ray prayer can reveal only a general idea, scan prayer gives a clearer and accurate picture of our life and the related issues. That is the direction we need to move in our prayer life. There are different levels of prayer. We need to be aware of them.

This awareness helps a believer to move from one level to another, provided he/she is willing to pay the cost. Not only one can reach different level, but one should pray persistently to stay on an move. Charles Suprgeon one said, " Pray to pray and contiune in your prayers that your prayers will continue".

4 LEVELS OF PRAYER:

1. OP PRAYER:

The Out- Patient prayer. We go to God only when we feel we are sick to get his help.

2. CP Prayer:

The Christian Prayer with 4 parts.

A - Adoration Psalm 148-150

C - Confession - Nehemiah Chp 1

T - Thanksgiving - Psalmm 107

S - Supplications. I Thes 5:17 -19

3. IP Prayer:

The intercessory prayer. The prayer that requires stamina and faith. One that can be developed only by constant and consistent prayer. Gen 18:23-33. One has to pass from stage 1 - 2 - 3 - 4.There are no short cuts and quick solutions.

4. WP Prayer:

The Warfare Prayer. One that demands time.energy and spiritual strength to pursue. One that comes after a long time Relationship with the Lord and with constant and consistent prayer life. Some Young Christians who devot enormous time for prayer get into spiritual warfare prayer as led by the Lord. They have a deep desire to be in the presence of God. Warfare Prayer cannot be prayed untill a person replenshes his/her energies constantly spiritually. That can happen by proper intake of His word, a time of Praising and Singing. Fellowship with senior believers and prayer partners can also help us in this process. God provides wonderful guidance if we are in warfare prayer to recharge us through His servants of Prayer. The clasic example of such prayer is Jesus in the Gaden of Gethsemene We can take a moment to reflect on our own prayer life here.

REFELCTION - I

1. Am I finding strength and growth in my prayer as I go on in my walk with the Lord ?

2. Do I have a sense of " a developing desire " within me to see beyond my personal needs to pray for others ?

3. Do I long to spend time in the presense of God in Prayer?

4. Do I find myself engaged in prayer that drains my energy but I feel the Spirit of God is empowering me to continue in that direction ?

VII. THE BELLSING AND THE CHALLENGE OF PRAYER

Amy Carmichael, the founder of Donovur Fellowship said, Waiting time is not wasting time. A man of God said, " A spilt soul releases energy like spilit atom ". Jesus said, Blessed are the poor in spirit,For theirs the Kingdom of heaven. Mat 5:3.

It is in the moment of waiting we gain the strength from God to fight the struggles of life and the spirit. Luther, the Reformationist said, " If I do not spend enough time with the Word of God and in prayer, I am not ready to meet the devil or the day ".

There are lot of running Christians, walking Christians and sleeping Christians, but few " praying " Christians. Can't we not hear the wake up call from our Lord, " Stay here and watch with me ". Mat 26:38 We are living in an Era of the Holy Spirit. Joel 2:24. We see ample evidenceof anointing all over the world. Can we not wait like the early Christian community of Upper Room in Book of Acts ? Acts 1:8. The Church at large is moving toward the climax. Events around us point not only to the Second Coming but " Soon Coming " of our Lord. We face the signs of time in our life and we need to ask ourselves the basic question, What is worth the most in our life ? The Kingdom of God. Let us Seek the Kigdom of God. Mat 6:33. Let us remember the words of Paul to the Church at Collosse,

Seek those things which are above, Set your mind on things above,

not on things on the earth. COL 1 - 2.

REFELCTION II

Do I find a challenge in my prayer life as I walk with the Lord ?-0

Am I willing to pay the cost as a dear disciple of the Lord in prayer ?

THE MINISTRY MODEL

LK:10:1-24

I. INTRODUCTION:

* Luke's Gosple written by Luke who is also the author of book of Acts.

* Bible commentators tell us that he used very precise historical information. (professor Ramsay's study)

* Luke was a physician by profession.

* Bible commentators tell us that Luke used precise medical vocabulary while narrating a miracle.

(Ex. While other writers tell fever he indicates the degree of fever)

* Luke was a companion of Paul in his missionary journey. COl 4:14. 2 Tim 4:11

* Luke has a gentile focus the writing of the Gospel.

* Luke's theme of the Gospel is to present Jesus as "an universal Saviour".

II. BODY

The passage for our meditation in found on Chapter 10. It is during the ministry of Jesus Christ. He sends them with the ministry assignment. It is mentioned that he sent 70 people. 70/72 concept explain. It is likely that it coul have been 72.

The number appears to be the symbolic of the nations of the world as per the Jewish view as per Gen 10. It is 70 in Hebrew text and 72 in LXX. Moses delgated his work to 72 (Numbers 11:16f, 24f) and 2 remained in the camp. The number of Sanhedrin was 70. In one old Manuscript MSS it is 70 and in the LXX it is 72.

A. He sends them as a team! V1

It is interesting and challengeing to note that Gospel work is a team work. It is the work of the Father/Son/Holy Spirit. Father loves,sends his son JN 3:16 and son Jesus sends The Holy Spirit Jn 14:26. It is the work of the triune God. He expects us to work as team. Jesus has demonstrated in His life and minstry that team work works. He sends them as a team. EX. Moses/Aron Ex.Chp 3/4. Gideon and his team Jud 6:27. Joshua 1:6/9. Matt 28:16-20. Psalm 32:8.

B. He helps them focus on the task! V2

The task is great, it needs more labours, it can be done only in prayer and they need to move.

C. He makes them aware of the danger! V3

The task is not simple. There are conflicts, we need to be alert & aware. "Being forwarned is being forarmed". There are impending danger. We need to realize that we are helpless on our own and only God's grace can protect us. It can be applied in our life only with prayer.

D. He instructs them with details.....

They have to travel light. " Light luggage make your travel confortable ". Jesus is teaching the disciples that they are at the mercy of the world, and with their own strength they cannot cope up with the situation at hand. They need to rely on God. take no equipments. The money bag is only used in Luke. Take no sandal mean that they should not take an extra pair.

E. He tells them to share peace...

In a "peaceless" world what message could be more applicalbe than this. It is estimated that there are at least more than 30 major wars in the world at this time. (Ex. Bosina/Chezchans & Russians/African nations) It is believed that we are heading for a nuclear holocast soon. We all long and seek for peace.

This message has two responses:

It is taken or rejected. Accordingly we need to go on in our strategy of Evangelism. If they are not ready to take, why waste time. The missiologist say - " Win the winnable when they are winnable ". Here Jesus says, it your message is accepted you stay on or you move on. But the message they need to hear is - " The kingdom of God is near ". Jesus also categorizes the hearers: " one who listens and one who rejects ".

The disciples come back after finishing the assignments. They were glad to report the wonderful power ministry they have seen and exprienced. But Jesus, warns them of the speed of the evil one in Ver 18. " I saw satan fall like lightening from heaven ". Jesus could immediately recogonize the power of the evil one and the speed at which he is ready to attack the workers of the Kingdom. We see two kingdoms at conflict. The Kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. It is always a warning for Gospel workers to be aware of the spiritual forces that are at work and be prepared by the power of God. Jesus gives them a promise - a Power packed promise.

I HAVE GIVEN YOU ALL AUTHORITY TO TRAMPLE ON SNAKES AND SCORPIONS AND TO OVERCOME ALL THE POWER OF ENEMY. NOTHING WILL HARM YOU. LK 10:19

Jesus admonishes his disciples that more than the powers vested on them they should rejoice that their names are written in heaven. V 20.

Here we see the climax of the Gospel. It is the grace of God that makes us fit to enter. Inspite of all the barriers man can avail the blessings by - hearing and believing the Good News, that God loves the sinner. JN 3:16.

Challenges....

1. Do I have the team spirit to work with my fellow worker? (for the extension of the KOG)

2. Do I focus myself always on the task ahead of me?

3. Am I spiritually sensitive to acess the danger ahead of me in ministry?

4. Do I call to my memory the simple instructions before my mind in ministry?

Ex. Travel light, have a ability to trust Him.

5. Do I share " peace " wherver " I go in the name of God and His Kingdom?

6. Do I warn the people who reject the message that the KOG = Judgment is approaching.

7. Am I emphasising the fact that God's grace is the most imporant than any other thing?

WHO IS A DISCIPLE

A " D' is a person who follows his teacher/guru to learn from him the principles and practices of his master/guru. For Example in the Greek world, philosophers like Aristotle and, others had students. In the Bible we see that John the baptist had disciples as he ministered in river Jordan. JN 1:135.

So being a " disciple " calls for a deep desire and, dedication to " learn " from the teacher. It is a process. In christian faith it is a life long process. Here we are going to see some guide lines from the word of God. We can ponder and, think along in these lines and gather material for our own understanding and, growth. It is rightly said, " Disciples are not born but made ".

Have you considered the option of being a " disciple " of Jesus Christ? MK 8:34

WHAT ARE THE KINDS OF RELATIONSHIP WE SEE FROM THE WORD OF GOD?

1. Friend - Friend JN 15: 14-17.

2.A. Teacher - Student MT 13:18-23. JN Chp 13-17.

B. Trainer - Apprentice MT Chp 10 LK Chp 10.

3. Shepherd - Sheep PSALM 23. JN 10:ll (1-18).

4. Master - Slave/servant. PHILEMON 1:1. JAMES 1:1.

5. Lawyer - Client MT 10:18-20. MT 2:2-3.

6. Father - Child Rom 8:16.

7. Vine and the Branch Jn 15:5-8

8. Doctor - Patient MK 1:40-45.

9. Husband - Wife Ephesians Chp 5:21-32.

10. Counselor - Candidate Jn Chp 4. Jesus - Samaritan woman.

11. General - Soldier. God & King David I Chronicles 14:10-12.

12. Mother - Daughter-inlaw. Ruth/Naomi. Book of Ruth.

EXERCISE:

1. What are the relationships you have experienced in your walk with the Lord?

2. Are you interested in developing different dimensions in your relationships with Christ?

HOW TO SEE THE DYNAMICS OF A DISCIPLES

The whole idea of Salvation is a not a compulsory one, but an indiviudal choice. God honors his creation in that he gives the freedom of Choice to his creatures. This we see from the story of creation in Gensis. God gave Adam and Eve the freedom of Choice to choose between good and evil. A loving God cannot make his creatures fully submit to his will over against their own willingness. The Golden verse in the NT states, God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, whosover believeth will have everlasting life. JN 3:16.

Jesus makes it clear while giving the call of Dicipleship in Mark said, " If any one would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. MK 8:34.

So we see the call to accept the way of Salvation in Christ and to follow Him as a dear disciple is purely a matte of choice of any individual. It is a voluntary act

A BELIVER A DISCIPLE

1. One who prays One who knows the power of prayer.

2. One who reads Bible One who knows the importance of Word of God.

3. One who knows about Quite One who grows in Quite time.

Time.

4. One who shares his witness. One who is a witness by word and deed.

5. One who knows about fellowship. One who promotes fellowship.

You can think about the list and add your own. It will simply amount to who is a practising Christian ? Though it sounds simple principles of discipleship is a - Discipline. Dr. Radhakrishan said, " Christians do the tall talk and small walk ". In this modern day development Christianity is also marketted as an easy commodity. Come to God He will give you health, wealth and heaven echo's the call of the Gospel. That is why we need to pay attention to the true call of disciple.

A BIBLICAL PROFILE OF A DISCIPLE REF:ESSENTIALS OF DISCIPLESHIP

By Francis. M. Cosgrove Jr.

1. A Disciple is a - Learner - Open and willing to learn.

Prov 9:8-10, Matt 4:19, John 6:60-66.

A disciple puts Christ first in all areas of his/her life.

2. Matt 6:9-13,24,33,Lk 9:23:John 13:13, II Cor 5:15

3. A Disciple is committed to a life of holiness and takes steps to avoid sin.

I cor 6;19-20, Ephesians 4:22-5:5,Colossians 3:5-10,I Thes 4:3-7,Titus 2:12-14.

4. A Disciple has daily devotional life and develops his prayer life.

Psalm 27:4, Psalm 42:1-2, Mark 1:35, Luke 11:1-4,I Thes 5:17-18. James1:5-7.

5. A Disciple demonstrates faithfulness in hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, and Meditating the word of God- the Word of God. John 8:31, Psalm 119:105, Acts 2:42,Col3:16. II Tim2:15.

6. A Disciple has a heart for witnessing- he lives a life to match the lip and life.

Matt 28:18-20,Acts 1:8, 5:42,14:21-23,22:14-15,Rom 1:16, I Cor 15:3-4.I Thes 2:4.

7. A Disciple attends and values the worship and the fellowship in the Church where his Spiritual needs are met. He/she also contributes to the body of Christ in return.

Psalm 122:1,Acts 16:5, I Cor 12:12-27,Col 1:15-18. Hebrews 10:25

8. A Disciple displays by action in his life by showing - Love and unity John 17:22-26, Acts2:44-47,4,31-33,Ephesisans 4;1-3, Hebrews 10:24, I John 1:1-3.

9. A Disciple demonstrates a servant heart by helping in practical ways.

Mark 10:42-45,Acts 6:1-4, II Cor 12:15, Phil 2:25-30, I Thes 2:8-9..

10. A Disciple honors God by his finances by giving regularly.

Haggai 1:6-9, Malachi 3;10-11, I Cor 16:1-2, II Cor 8:9 Philemon 1:14

11. A Disciple demonstrates the fruit of the Spirit by an attractive relationship with Christ and his fellow men. Acts 16:1-2, I Cor 13:4-7, Galationa5:22-23,

I Peter 2:18-23. II Peter 1:5-8

12. A Disciple demonstrates an interest and concern for the Mission of the Church in his l in his life, by loving, living and leading others to Christ and continuing the Mission. Rom 1:16.

THE THREE DIMENSIONAL VIEW OF A DISCIPLE

D = Disciple

A " D " is one who

Decides ..... to follow Christ MK 8:34.

Denies....... his old ways. MK 8:35 Phil 2:5-15.

Disciplines... his ways of life, thought and, actions.

Proverbs 12:1, 13:11-14.

A " D " is one who is

Interested .... in learning. Prov 2:1-8.

Inspired.... by the Holy Spirit. John 14:26. Acts 13:1-5.

Instructed ... by the word of God. 2 Tim 3:16-17.

A " D " is on who

Seeks...... Holiness. I Peter 1:15-17. Thes 5:23.

Sets ....... apart " time " for the Lord. MK 1:35. Dan 6:10.

Serves ... by giving his time, talent and resources.

John 6: 1-15. II Thes 1:3.

A " D " is one who is

Committed..... to have fellowship with other believers.

I Cor 12:30. Eph 4: 2-5.

Communicates... his faith by words/works /and is a witness.

I Tim 4:11-15. JN 13;33-35.

Cultivates..... his love to spread the Gospel.

Mk 1:38-39. Rom 1:16.

A " D " is one who

Involves ... in sharing his faith. JN 1:45. JN 4; 28-29.

Imparts....... his knowledge to others.2 TIM 2:2.MT 28:16ff.

Influences..... others. Paul - Onesimus. Elijha -Elisa

II Kings 2:11-12. II Kings 2:1-18.

A " D " is one who

Prays...... constantly. I Thes 5:17. Rom 1:10. I Cor 1:4.

Plans...... his activities along with his prayer.

Gen 41: 33-56. Neh Chp 1-3. Mt Chp 22-25.

Practices.. his faith. Mt 5:14. Phil 4:9. James 1:22.

A " D " is one who

Leans ... on the Lord completely. Psalm 37:3-5. Prov 3:6.

Leads.... others to Christ. Jn 1:45. Jn 4:39. Mk 1:45.

Leads.... believers to maturity and understanding.

Acts 18:1-3. Acts 18:24-26. 2 Tim 2:2.

A " D " is one who

Encourages... others to faith. Acts 14:22. 15:36-37.

Educates...... others in faith and systematic teaching.

Jesus - Disciple Mt Chp 13, 24, 25.

Paul - believers Acts 17:17, 18:11 & 19:10.

Endures...... hardships for the sake of the Gospel

2 Tim 2:3. 2 Cor 11:23-27.

LUKE'S PARADIGM OF A DISCIPLE

I. INTRODUCTION ABOUT DISCIPLESHIP

* It is an ancient practice.

* We see disciples of Aristotel & Plato (BC 300)

* We see similar concepts in Asia, China and in the East.

* We see John the baptist having disciples. JN 1:37.

* So it is easy for us Indians to understand the concept.

II. INTRODUCTION ABOUT LUKE & HIS GOSPEL

* Luke is the author of the Gospel.

* Luke is a disciple of our Lord Jesus.

* Luke is a physician by trade.

* Luke is also the author of - The Book of Acts.

* Luke is known for his accurate work.

(LK 1: 1-4, Acts 1:1-2)

Professor Ramsay says about his accurate understanding of History.

III. CONCEPTS OF "DISCIPLESHIP" FROM LUKE'S GOSPEL

1. Disciples are a - Called Community.

LK 5:1-11, LK 6:27-28. LK 9 :1, MT 10:1

Listening Community.

Obeying Community.

Forsaking Community.

Following Community.

2. Disciples are a - Chosen Community.

LK 6:12-25. MT10:2-4.

3. Disciples are a - Teachable Community.

LK 6:17-46.

Formal teaching - MT Chp 5-7, 13, 23 -25. JN Chp 13 -17.

Informal teaching -LK Chp 7:9 -10.LK 8:9-15. MT 13:18-23.

4. A. Disciples are a - Consecrated Community.

LK 8:19-21. MT 10:37-39.

B. Disciples are a - Cost-paying Community.

MK 8:34.LK 9:23-24.LK 14:25,33.

C. Disciples are a - Cross-bearing Community.

MK 8:34-35.LK 9:23-24.MT:10:37-39

5. Disciples are a - Sent-out Community.

LK 9:1-6. MT:10:1,40-42.LK:10:3.

6. Disciples are an - Empowered community."

LK 9:2. MT 10:1, ACTS 1:8.

7. Disciples are - Partners.

A. They are partners with Jesus Christ.

LK 9:10-17. JN 6:3-15.

B. They are Partners with others.

LK 10:1-4.

9. Disciples are a - Protected Community.

LK 10: 18-19.

10. Disciples are a - Praying Community.

LK 11:1-4.9-13. MT6:9-15.

11. Disciples are a - Watchful Community.

LK 12:35-37.MT 25:1-13.LK 21:36-38.

12. Disciples are a - Witnessing Community.

LK 9:6. MT:10:32-33.

13. Disciples are a - Waiting Community.

LK 12:35-37.II THES Chp 2.

The Principle: " WORK WHILE YOU WAIT. "

14. Disciples are a - Concerned Community.

LK 24:19-24.

15. Disciples are a - Commissioned Community.

LK 24:48. MT 28:18-20.MK 16:15 JN 20:21

JOHN'S PARADIGM OF DISCIPLESHIP

" D " = Disciples.

1. " D " bears witness( testimony) to Jesus. JN 1:29-31.

2. " D " bear witness to the work of the Holy Spirit.JN1:32.

3. " D " are willing to follow Jesus. JN 1: 35 -39.

4. " D " introduce others to Jesus. JN 1:40-42.45-46.

5. " D " take part in social events. Jn 2: 1-2.

6. " D " remember the Word of God. JN 2: 17.

7. " D " come from intellectual background. JN 3: 1-16.

(They come secretly/silently)

8. " D " are concerned about the Master/Jesus. Jn 4; 31.

9. " D " work in partnership with Jesus. JN 6:1-15.

10. " D " experience storms in their lives. JN 6: 16 -18.

11. " D " experience the help/intervention of Jesus.

JN 6:18-20.(during the time of storm)

12. " D " undergo formal teaching sessions with Jesus.

JN 6: 25 -59.

13. " D " are exposed to the tough side of discipleship.

JN 6:60-66.( some leave after some time).

14. " D " clear their doubts from Jesus for a better understanding. JN 9: 1-5

15. " D " learn about the deeper dimension of shepherding

care from Jesus. JN 10: 1-18.

16. " D " walk with Jesus to see the - " greater works ".

JN 11Chp.

17. " D " also express their - " humanness ". JN 12:4.

18. " D " grow in their understanding from " time to time ". JN 12:16.

19 " D " learn the concept of - " dying seed ". JN 12: 24ff.

20. " D " learn the concept of true leadership namely:

humility and service. JN 13: 17.

21. " D " are exposed to their failures:

1. Judas Betrayal. JN 13: 18-30.

2. Peter's Denial. JN 13: 31-38.

22. " D " get the comfort from their:

Master JN 14: 1-4. &

The Comforter JN 14:26. The Holy Spirit.

23." D " learn the concept of the - " abiding "

"vine and the branches ". They learn the importance

of " togetherness ". JN 15:1-8. Which is reflected late

in the book of Acts " one accord " prayer. Acts Chp 1-2.

24. " D " are expected to be fruitful. JN 15:8.

25. " D "learn that the key advise Jesus gives is to be

in love with God and others. JN 13:33-35. JN 15: 9-10

26. " D " learn about the deeper dimension of prayer by

watching Jesus pray. JN chp 17.

TWO MAIN THEME: UNITY & SANCTITY

It is a three dimensional prayer.

himself V 1 - 5

Jesus prays for his disciples V 6 - 19

all believers. V 20 - 25

Essence of the prayer for protection, unity & holiness. Sanctification. JN 17:6-19

27. " D "face the final test of loosing their Master's physical presence. Chp 18 & 19.

28. " D " go after Jesus on the Easter morning. JN 20:1-18.

concept _ Faithful follower.

Mary the woman to meet Jesus becomes the first Evangelist.

29. " D " rejoice in seeing Jesus after resurrection.

JN 20:19-21.

Jesus clears the doubt of one disciple - Thomas

JN 20:24-29.

30. " D " are encouraged by Jesus one more time. JN 21:1-14.

31. Disciple - Peter is reinstated by Jesus. JN 21:15 -25.

DISCIPLE MAKING IN THE 2000 & BEYOND

D - DENYING MK 8:34

I - INVESTING PSALM 37:4

S - SEARCHING JN 8:32

C - CONTINUING JOHN 15:5-7

I - INSTRUCTING II TIM 2:2

P - PRAYING MK 1:35

L - LOVING ROM 5:8. I JN 4:11-12.II TIM 1:7 &

E - EXEMPLIFYING MT 5:14

FOR SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS:

I. DENIAL: MK 8:34.MT16:24,2TIM 2:13,TITUS:16,JUDE 4,REV2:13

DENYING 2 TIM 3:5, TITUS 2:12, 2 PETER 2:1

1. What is self denial?

2. What self denial means to you?

3. What would you like to deny for Jesus Christ?

4. What types of barriers you face in such denial?

5. How do you plan to over come such barrier?

2. INVESTING: PSALM 37:4/PROVERBS 3:6 =COMMIT

EX 20:14,PROV 16:3,LUKE 16:11,LK 23:46,JN 2:24,I COR 10:8, I PETER 4:19I JN 5:16.

1. What is Investment/Commitment

2. What does Investment/Commitment mean to you in the context God has placed you?

3. What are the investments/small deposits you can make for God every day in terms of your time, talent, energies and efforts?

4. Have you made a decision to invest something for God?

5. If you have not what are the barriers you have faced?

3. SEARCHING:JN 8:32.Acts 17:11,1 Cor 2;10,Rev 2:23.

another word parallel in meaning = seek/seeking

DEUT 4:29, 2 CHR 7:14, 2 CHR 19:3, PSALM 27:4,PROV 8:17, ISAIAH 55:6

1. What does the word " search " mean to you?

2. Have you searched the word of God any time?

3. Has it meant any thrill to you?

4. Have you find any barriers?

5. How do you plan to over come them?

4. CONTINUING: JOHN 15:5-7, PSALM 34:1, PSLM 40:11, PSLM 119:44 HOS 12:6. HEB 13:15.

Another parallel word = Steadfast: JOB 11;15, PSALM 57:7, DAN 6:26,I COR 15:58, COL 1:23,ROM 12:12.

1. What does this word " continue " mean to you?

2. Have you experienced the continual walk with God and His word?

3. How far you are willing to walk with God?EX. Noah/Mark Twain.

4. What kind of barriers you face when you continue to walk with the word of God?

5. How you plan to over come them?

5. INSTRUCTION: PROV 4:13,PROV 8:33, PROV9:9,PROV 12:1,* PROV 19:27,PROV 23:12,2 TIM 3:16. 2 TIM 2:2.

1. Are you conscious of the fact that God has instructed you from time to time?

2. In what way you can be profited by listening to the instructions?

3. Have you learnt the instructions so you can pass on to other?

4. What barriers you face?

5. How you can over come them?

6. PRAYING/PRAYER MK:1:35. I THES 5:17-19 MT 6;6-10,I KIG 8:45,PSLM88:2, PSLM 102:17,ACTS 6:4,MAT 17:21, I COR 7:5, EPH 6;18,PHI 4:6,I TIM 4:5. JAMES 5;15.COL 4;12,I PET3:7,I PETER 4:7.

1. What does prayer mean to you?

2. How much time are you willing to " set apart" for prayer?

3. Have you experienced struggles in prayer?

4. What you think the cause of the struggles in prayer might be?

5. How you plan to over come them.

7. LOVING/LOVE:ROMANS 5:8 I JOHN 4;11-12 JN 3;16.I JN 4;19 LEV 19:18, DEUT 6:5,PSALM 119:47.MATT 5:44, MATT 5;46 JN 5:42. JN 21:15, 2 cOR 5:14, GAL 5;22, I TIM 4:12, I TIM 6;10,I JN 4:7, I JN 3:16, I JN 4:7, I JN 4:8, REV 2:4 ?, REV. 12:11.

1. "Love God will all your heart/soul/strength and mind" is it an easy command?

2. Loving our neighbor is it easy ?

3. Loving the enemies ? Is it possible ?

4. How are we going to apply this?

8. EXEMPLIFYING: MT 5:14/JN 13:33-35 JN 13:15, PHIL 3:17, 2 THES 3:9, I TIM 4:12, I PET 2:21, JUNE 7,* I COR 10:11, I THE 1;7, I PET 5:3.

1. Is our life reflecting Christ as a Model?

2. How much we are willing to reflect His love?

3. What kind of barriers we face?

4. How we can over come them?

Bob Clinton said, there is a famine for good leadership. It is true. Leadership is needed at home, in the society, in the nation, in the continent and in the world. Bible , Secular History and Missions tell us the good biographies of good leaders. One should aspire and be aware of good leadership and ask God to bless us in that direction. We also are to be sensitive to the work of God and the Holy Spirit in making us a leader by reflecting on how God is leading us through our lives in the path of a - Leader. That is why the section on Leadership is added. In the Biblical sense there cannot be a true leadership unless there is a proper foundation of Discipleship. Disciple ship is cost paying and cross bearing all at the same time.

JOSHUA

A Leadership Challenge:

Old Testament offers a wide variety of material on the topic of Leadership. It is motivating, challenging and inspiring for our faith and Walk with the Lord. We see that Moses ministry comes to a climax as we come to the end of the book - Deuteronomy. In Chapter 34 we read about his death. Verse 9 says,

" Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him, So israelites listened to him and did what the Lord has commanded Moses ".

Israelites have not crossed the river Jordan. They are close to the Promised Land. They have journeyed for 40 years, one whole generation of unfaithful people have died, youngsters with faith and hope are seen in this context.

We see God instructs Joshua to take charge as a - Leader. With this background we see the book of Joshua.

LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES FOR OUR THOUGHT AND ACTION

1. Leaders are not indispensable.

2. Take the Challenge and move. River side is good for breeze but God wants us to move. Do not settle down by the river side.

3. Remember the Authority comes from God.

We see God's instructions:

A. Get Ready. One your march, get set Ready - Go.

B. I will give you every place where you set your foot,... We cannot claim unless we act in faith.

C. Your territory will extend. - Unlimited opportunities lie before us if we are willing to exercise faith.

D. No one will be able to stand up against you. - A promise of - Affirmation and Assurance. A " DD " Divine Directive.

E. As I was with Moses, So I will be with you. - What we have witnessed before will become reality in our life and time.

F. I will be with you, I will never leave you nor forsake you.V5 - An ever sustaining support and strength.

G. Be Strong and courageous..V6. We need courage for this assignment. There is a challenge on our - Leadership.

We need to actualize the fulfillment of the Promise.

We have work to do, a tough one waiting ahead of us.

H. Be strong and very Courageous. V 7 When God reminds us twice, we better take heed to His advise. It is " total " belief that will take us through.

I. Be careful to obey all the law....... V 7

" Obedience is better than sacrifice ", formula for success. I Sam 15:22.

J. Do not let the law depart from you. V 8

Psalm 119: 11. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

It is possible that we can let the word depart from us.

We need to constantly check on that - Boeing have

computerized checks "every " second. That means in a

Trans Atlantic Flight it amounts to 6x60x60 = 2,16,000

times. If earthly people are so vigilant how much more

the spiritual people should be ?

K. Be strong and courageous.V9 Do not be terrified. Psalm 91:7-8.

L. For The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. V9

Is it not a wonderful assurance? A promise we can count on? We have a long way to Go and it is an assurance that has bearing on time and distance and destination. Irrespective of difficulties we are having the Divine assurance.

4. Make Leadership decision with discretion and Act. V 10-15

5. Make plans with personal touch.- Be a Motivator/ Team builder. V 16-18

6. God can make His plan work in an unusual way. Chp 2 See the Geneology of Matthew in Matt: Chp 1.

7. "Move with the Ark".

A. When God's presence goes before us we need to make a move. Chp 3:1-6.

B. The leadership is clearly defined. Priests have to set their feet first in the Jordan River.

Conseecration is pre-requisite to meet God. V5

D. God honors his servant - Joshua Ver 7

E. They cross Jordan when it was overflowing.V 8-14

F. They cross Jordan opposite to Jerico. Ver 15

G. The priests stand in the River so everybody could cross.V17

8. God wants us to remember and recollect His care over our lives. Chp 4.

9. They are asked to take twelve stones from the river to be a memorial for ever. V 4- Gilgal- Modern Jiljulieh (conder)According to Josephus it was five miles from the river and 2 miles from the city. A place, a high ground - A place of safety where, the Israelites have kept the Ark of God and all the woman & Children camped. Gilgal - God has rolled away the burden of Israelites. Ref Chp 5:9.

10. Build Team work as you move on.... Chp 4:1-6

11. Give simple but memorable assignment.

12. Remember God will confirm His Leadership call on you. V14

13. Get back to the Covenant. Chp 5.

Take Sharp knives for circumcision. In the crowd near Jordan we have see a whole new generation ready to claim the promise of God. Their fathers who were not blessed to see this promise. They died in the " wilderness wanderings " ( 40 Years ). This new generation has to be circumcised before actualizing the promise. That is why God says, Circumcise the people. After they obey the command of the Lord, then they are ready to claim the promised land - Canaan.

14. God will remove our reproach at His appointed time.V9.

Indicates the insults the Israelites have faced from the Gentiles/ Egyptians that they did not yet reach the promised land. It was a " trying time " for the faithful few like Caleb and others. But, God's kirotic time, the appointed time has come indeed for their reproach to be removed.

15. Remember God's goodness and greatness - Passover V10

After the Pass over celebration they enter the land. Once they started eating the produce of the land, the provision of " manna " stopped .

Recall Lord's Prayer, Give us this day our daily bread. Mat 6:9FF

God knows our need and provides us daily, weather it is manna or regular food. We need not be anxious for tomorrow.

16. Remember God will encourage you in the assignment He has

given you through a human or Divine source. V 15

CHAPTER 6

17. Victory is Ours/Yours as we proceed in His way.- Jerico

The walls will Fall.

Just carry the Ark - God's Presence and Power and follow it. Sing Praises. The Priest's were going before the Ark sounding

the trumpet. 7 Priests. The leadership roll is such an important thing in the OT. They literally followed God's instructions to the " T ".

Shout only when God tells you to do. V 10

It was a total take over, a complete victory over Jerico.

All things have to be destroyed, except Gold/Silver/Bronze to be

brought to the treasury of the Lord.

REFELCTIONS:

1. When was the last time we have obyed God and have seen His hand over our lives?

2. When we have celebrated victory that He has designed for us?

3. For some victories we need to wait for a long time?

4. Do we know where we are in this process of claiming His promise?

Do we have the inner satisfaction that we are following His instructions fully till the end ?

CHAPTER 7

You cannot jog when you have thorns in your shoes!

ACHAN'S SIN AND GOD'S RESPONSE

Same technique of spying was used for city Ai like Jerico. After first step Joshua sends 3000 men to conquer AI. These men were driven out by the people.

Why should we face failures in leadership roles ? Joshua had to deal with that.

Why should we cross River Jordan, to face defeat?

Do we have some burning questions in our life today?

Let us get back to God ? Ver 6-9

God says, stand up - face the issue,deal with the problem?

If we let the problem deal with us it will crush us down, if we let God deal with the problem there will be a solution. SL

Our God is a jealous God, and He will not take any second rated consecration. Once he gives guidance he expects 100% obedience.

" We cannot tell how much God can use a man who is 100% committed ". Dawson Trotsman.

" Consecrate and come close to God."......V 13 A theme repeated in the life of Isralites many times. It is true for any child of God any place any time.

CONSECRATION - PERSONAL/SOCIAL/COMMUNAL DIMENSONS

Acan confesses and gets stoned. The place called Achar- mean trouble.

Things away from the will of God though good would bring curse upon us. It is better to be in favor with God, than to have our own favorite things.

Chapter 8 - The City of Ai and the Ambush Consult God before facing a battle- Remember - " Victory with Him Always ".

God gave a plan. Kill the King, keep the plunder. Set an ambush.

Joshua held the Javeline V 18

The city people we led away by Joshua and the team.

When God commanded Joshua to show the Javeline he obeyed. V18-30.

While the ambush team entered the city, took the plunder and set in on fire. The people of Ai had been cornered by both sides.

Covenent Renewed at Mount Ebal - Ver 30-35

Altar made and sacrifices offered and the Law of God remembered and read for the benefit of the people. V 30-35.

Do we have time to renew our commitment to God from time to time ?

CHP 9 - REMEMBER GOD'S CHOSEN LEADERS CAN ERR

JOSHUA/GIBONITE/DECEPTION

* Seeing a situation and making a quick decision without proper data can put us in trouble. V 1-13

* It is nice to consult God in imporant decisions to have His higher input for long time vision/goal and action we have. V 14

* Truth cannot be hidden " too long ".

"One can fool some for all time, some can fool some for some time one cannot fool all for all times ". Saying. V 15-18.

* Leaders have to face criticisms good and bad- Part and parcel of Leadership Roles. V19

* Leaders need to give importance for - Both word and Deed. Do not break the oth. They defended their statements - Credibility of a leader. V 20-11

* Leaders are cabable of cicumventing the issue and coming with practical solutions. Thats what happens here - The Gibonites were used as a labor force - Willing to serve. No union I guess.

Chapter 10 - The sun stands still. V 14. Vicotry of Gibon city.

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES AND IT'S DEVELOPMENT

I. Leadership & Areas of Development

A. Faith & Character.- Life style & Ministry

B. Functions & Operations - Executive Skills.

C. Relationship & Roles - Relational Skills.

D. Developments & Disciplines - Developmental Skills.

II. Leadership & Character

A. Commitment

B. Courage

C. Dedication

D. Enthusiasm

E. Motivation

F. Humor.

G. Humility

III. Leadership & Functions

A. Select

B. Associate

C. Demonstrate

D. Impart

E. Delegate

F. Supervise

G. Reproduce.

IV. Leadership & Relationship

A. Sympathy.

B. Empathy.

C. Sensitivity.

D. Serenity.

E. Liberty to give autonomy to others.

V. Leadership & Developmental Tips

A. Seeing the value of disciplines.

B. Sensing it's importance for personal mastery.

C. Trying them in personal life with educational & experiencial reflections for moving toward perfection! ( working on +ve and -ve feedbacks!)

D. Teaching them for other potential young leaders.

VI. The Leadership Challenge

A. Are you conscious of these areas development in your life?

B. Are you interested in development in these areas?

C. Are you willing to pay the cost ?

VII. The Leadership Call -

The greatest famine on this earth is the famine of " leadership ".

LADDER OF SUCCESS

100% I DID

90% I WILL

80% I CAN

70% I THINK I CAN

60% I MIGHT

50% I THINK I MIGHT

40% WHAT IS IT?

30% I WISH I COULD

20% I DON'T KNOW

10% I CAN'T DO IT

0% I WON'T DO IT

* Taken from a Magazine.

L - stands for Learning/Listening.

E - stands for setting Example.

A - stands for Accountability.

D - stands for Dedication.(undivided loyalty for vision or for a cause )

E - stands for Executive skills. (efficient & FUNCTIONAL SKILLS)

R - stands for Responsibility (Shouldering "R" when things go wrong)

S - stands for Sensitivity. (To staff at all levels, to trends of time and

context) RELATIONAL SKILLS.

H - stands for Humor (Laughter is the best medicine! a leader should be able to see the funny side of things)

I - stands for Integrity. (an important qly for " L " being honest - DS.

I - Stands for Innovation. A leader should be innovative and creative.

To try something new as and when situation demands. Should be

willing to leave the normal/traditional way.

P - stands for Prayer. Leader needs to have the dimension faith. Here

Prayer is important.

Notes on Leadership acrostic:

EDUCATION

LEARNING: EXPERIENCE

EXPOSURE - A constant integration of the three.

TO GOD

LISTENING: TO OTHERS

TO THE SIGNS OF TIMES

WORD - LIP

EXAMPLE: WORK - LABOR

WITNESS - LIFE

SETTING A HIGHER STANDARD WITHOUT ANY BODY

ACCOUNTABILITY:

PRACTICING IT IN A DAY TO DAY LIFE

TIME

DEDICATION: TALENTS

TRUE SELF ( Self-less )

IN PLANNING

EXECUTIVE SKILLS: IN ORGANIZING

IN CONTROLLING

IN LEADING A TEAM

TAKING THE CREDIT WHEN THINGS GO RIGHT

RESPONSIBILITY: OWNING THE ERRORS WHEN THINGS GO WRONG

FEELING FOR OTHERS WHEN THEY ARE HAPPY

SENSITIVITY:FEELING FOR OTHERS WHEN THEY ARE SAD

BEING SENSITIVE TO THE SILENT VOICE OF THERS

SEEING THE ART OF FUNNY SIDE IN LIFE

HUMOR:

USING IT TO EASE THE TENSION AND TO CREATE RELAXED ATMOSPHERE

INTEGRITY: HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY

VISION

INNOVATION : MISSION

ACTION

PRAISE PRAYER - ACTS FORMULA

PRAYER: INTERCESSORY PRAYER

SPIRITUAL WAR-FAR PRAYER

Few years ago I heard the intereting quotation, " Leaders are readers, readers are leaders ". It is true one who leads should be going ahead of others who is following him. Learning is more in attitude than any other thing. If we set our mind to learn, we can. I heard a story of a lady who had only a streak of light in her eyes, kept the book in front of her and kept reading. Jesus was helping his diciples understand this. He would explain his teaching " indepth " to them to help them learn. Mat 13:1-25. Learning can occur in three ways: Education, experience and exposure.

EDUCATION:

Education can be formal or informal. I met a pastor who had only a 3rd grade eduction but showed remarkable interest in-learning. He taught himself Sanskrit through a radio program and could meaningfully interact with some concepts of Hinduism because of his radio classes. It is difficult for a pastor to study and manage the pastoral duties. Actually it is how we manage the time can help us integrate learning and working.

TIP: Try to read a new book that interests you in the area of Prayer, Bible study, Pastoral care, Leadership or Church management from time to time. Keep some points recorded for your use when you need them. You can be amazed to see how you can improve over a course of time.

EXPERIENCE:

As years go by God adds experience to us in ourfield of work. It is only " caught " than - taught. Unless we have a habit of reflecting and recording, what happened from time to time it will be very difficult to recollect and use any lessons from the past. Discuss with your friend who has similar taste and years of experience to integrate your understanding.

TIP: Write a reflection every 3 months. You can develop simple categorie: Victories seen, defeats faced. Gods help understood, prayer answered. Share it with your friend and add his ideas also. At the end of year you can improve.

EXPOSURE:

In this we see the situation,interaction with others

LEADERSHIP VISION AND MISSION NEW MILLENIUM

I. WHY VISION IS IMPORTANT

The wise man Solomon says, Where there are no vision people perish. Proverbs 29:19. Apostle Paul sharing his testimony to King Agrippa says, "I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision ". Acts 26:19. So we wee why it is necessary to have - A vision.

II. WHAT IS A VISION

Vision is what we visualize in faith. It is the destination we want to reach in faith and works. We believe in God, believe in ourselves and also our friends to help us reach the vision. The ability to think beyond our education, environment and exposure and exploration will lead us on to the - Vision.

III. HOW TO BUILD A VISION

Once we pray and wait on the Lord, the Lord would put a desire of in our heart. If we want His will to lead all our life, then we can see God's vision for us. For example Jesus knew it was Father's vision to take up the Mission on the Cross for the fallen human kind to Save them from their sins. Matt 1:21.

If you do not have a vision remember Satan has a vision and mission for you. Dr. Ninan.

God has a vision for each of His child and it is up to the Child, to think about it, talk about do all he/she can do to reach that destination. Infact in vision there are basically two components:

1. THE DIVINE INITIATIVE

2. THE HUMAN RESPONSE

IV. HOW TO MAKE A VISION - A MISSION/REALITY

While vision is the destination. It is like a journey. Suppose we are set on a long journey.( EX. Chennai - New Delhi ). We cannot see New Delhi immediately. But it is important to head in the direction to reach the destination. ( We cannot board Calcutta train or Mumbai train). To make our efforts useful, we need to see our whole vision in parts, that is what is our Mission is all about.

V. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VISION & MISSION

VISION MISSION

* Seeing the destination. Seeing the course of Journey.

* Developing faith. Developing - works.

* Developing motivation. Developing -GOAL/ACTION.

* Developing the - Dream Setting a - Dead Line.

* Continuing in faith. Measuring the progress.

VI. USING THE S-M-A-R-T FORMULA FOR MISSION

While we work on our mission, it is nice if we can come up with the simple but effective - Mission Statement. For example the mission statement of Indian Railways - SAFETY & PUNCTUALITY.

A simple but a clear mission statement. But how one can achieve that has to do with lot of details. That's where our Smart formula comes in. When we set our Mission/Goal, it should be

1. SPECIFIC

2. MEASURABLE

3. ATTAINABLE

4. RESOURCE/REALISTIC

5. TIME BOUND

This formula helps us to clarify our dreams and our deadlines so we can ascertain our progress from time to time. It also helps us to see how far we are moving toward our destination and Are there any changes we need to make on our attempt to reach the destination with our - Dead Line.

VII. WORKING ON OUR MISSION STATEMENT IN DETAIL

A Well thought, prayed and planed mission statement's worth is great.

It takes a lot of time,effort, energies and enthusiasm to develop a good mission statement.

It takes a lot of faith, guts, persuasion, prayer and planning to make a mission statement work in reality.

There is no substitute for " hardwork " in the area of mission for every disciple.- Cross bearing - Cost paying.

Our Mission Statement need to cover many areas of our life so we can work out a detailed, comprehensive action plan which we can follow it up from time to time. For example.

1. SPIRITUAL - Matt 6:33

2. PERSONAL

3. PROFESSIONAL

4. ACADEMICAL

5. RELATIONAL

6. SOCIAL

7. ECONOMICAL

Each of this area we can work out what is our:

1. Ultimate aim in life.

2. How we are going to develop ideas/information and action plan.

3. How to see the intermediate steps.

We need to have a long term plan for 10-20 Years and also a Mid term plan for 05-10 years. That is how we can develop a life time working mission model. Make your yearly goal early so you can start and head toward the first five years! To make it easier, start " a day's actitivtity " with calm prayer and mediatation. Have a To Do List.

1. Have a clear destination.

2. " See the end in the beginning ", says - Stephen Covey.

3. Pray, wait on the Lord and find His vision for you.

Commit it in His hands. Psalm 37:3/4.

4. B elieve that He will accomplish His vision in your life

if we trust and obey Him completely.

5. Share your vision with senior mentors who can offer practical tips for your life and mission.

6. Be brave to face the obstacles while moving toward your vision/mission. Joshua 1:6.

"Fear not be not dismayed" - God's Promise.

7. "Lo, I am with you always" ,,,,, Jesus.

If life is a challenge meet it.

If life is a gift accept it.