beside cheri th

8/12/2019 Beside Cheri Th

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Prof.M.Y.Yohannan

Publisher

PhelioBooksKolenchery-682311

BESIDE CHERITH


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Prof.M.Y.YohannanFormer Principal

St. Peters College, Kolenchery

Mechankara, Kadayirippu P.O., Kolenchery - 682311,Kerala, IndiaPhone : [0484] 2689489, 2689889

E-mail : [email protected], Website : www.crfgospel.org

Publisher :Phelio Books, Kolenchery - 682 311

Translated by

Dr. Priya JosephKarunya, Tripunithura, Ernakulam Dist.

Cover DesignSwaminathan, Computer Park

Layout & Printed atMerin Graphics, Edappally Toll, Cochin - 682 024

All rights reserved with the publisher

BESIDECHERITH


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"I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son,

But I was an herdsman, and a gatherer of sycamore fruit.

And the Lord took me as I followed the flock,

And the Lord said to me,

Go, prophesey unto my people Israel"

- Amos 7 : 14, 15

Prof. M.Y. Yohannan was born in a middle classagricultural family in Kadayiruppu, Kolenchery, Kerala.Three

of

his

brothers

died

before

his

birth.

He

lost

hisfather at the infant age of one and his surviving brother

when he was two years old. He could not continue hiseducation after passing out from the tenth standard ashe was forced to take up the responsibility of managinghis family affairs and working in the farm desolate anddesperate.

This young man with a shattered life accepted JesusChrist as his Saviour and Lord at the age of seventeenwhile attending a Gospel meeting at his local church.

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR


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Prof. Yohannan started his career asateacher in theRajarshiMemorialHighschool where he had studied. Duringhis nine - year tenure in the school, he took his graduationand post graduation, as aprivate student, in arts withfirst ranks from the KeralaUniversity. Later, he took B.Ed.degree also with University rank. In1964, he joined St.Peter's College and continued there for the next thirty-three years. He was appointed Principal of the samecollege in 1995 and retired after two years.

Even as a young teacher, he was an active memberof the Voluntary missionary society in Kerala. Many wellreputed and respected clergy as wellas laymen sincerelyparticipated in the activities of the Voluntary MissionarySociety, which in Malayalam, was known as "SwamedhayaSuvisesha Sangham."As a result of its earnest efforts onevangelisation, a large number of people got revived inthe Jacobite / Orthodox and other churches.

In 1973, a great spiritual revival swept over KeralaProf.Yohannan was in the forefront of this movement.The revival was based on the following divine words:

"If My people who are called by My name will humblethemselves and pray and seek My face and turn fromtheir wicked ways, then willI hear from Heaven and willforgive their sin and will heal their land."2Chronicles7:14

"Blessed are the pure in heart for they will seeGod."

Matthew5:8


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"Without holiness,no one will see the Lord.''Hebrews12:14

When a man gets the born again experience, hisdeeds and words are changed. But the transormation ofthe inner-man, thoughts, attitudes, the old nature, etc. isthe genuine sign ofatrue Christian.

Prof. Yohannan preached the Gospel throughout Keralaand many big cities in India. Later, he visited the UnitedStates of America several times in connection with theLord's service.He also visited great Britian and some ofthe Gulf countries in the Middle East and addressedseveral conventions.

In 1997, Prof. Yohannan commenced the"Amruthadhara' Radio Ministry on all Tuesday evenings. Itis the wholehearted encouragement of the listeners, asecond programme, was started on all Saturdays from7.30pm to 7.45 p.m.These programmes helped to preachthe Gospel to the unreached and remote areas andsegments of people, like in prisons, armed forece'barracks, hostels etc.

Prof.Yohannan utilized the facilities of television, oneof the most influential media today, to preach the Gospel.In 2000, the Amruthadhara' TV programme was started.Presently, the thirty-minute programme is telecast at6.30amonAsianet News, Surya TV and Jeevan TV networkson Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings respectively.

As requested by his ever - increasing listeners anddear friends, Prof.Yohannan has published his various


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messages, studies and devotions in book form. So far,as onApril 2009, he has published fiftytwo books. Mostof them are out-of-print within a short period. Few morebooks are getting ready for release.

Prof.Yohannan is fully engaged in the activities of theCRF

by

addressing

massive

Gospel

meetings,

Bibleclasses, prayer meetings, counselling sessions, etc. He

strongly believes that the need of the hour is "therepentance of the repented."

He advocates:"It is the soul that needs change, notthe religion, It's the inner - man (heart) that needschange, not the communityordenomination."

Prof.Yohannan gets whole-hearted support from hiswife, Alice, a retired teacher, in his Lord's service. TheYohannan's have three sons and a daughter, all married.The family is blessed with nine grandchildren.

6


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1 AMRUTHADHARA

2 AANTHARIKASAANTHI3 SUBHABHAVI4 SAANTHITHEERAM5 MADHUMOZHI6 MUKTHIMARGAM7 NITHYAVISRANTHI8 NIRAPARA

9 JAYAJEEVITHAM10 VISWASAJEEVITHAM11 VADAMALAR

12 DIVYARADHANA

13 ENIKKUKUDIPPANTHARUMO?14 NEETHIMANAAKUNNATHENGANE?15 THURANNAVATHIL16 VARAVUMCHILAVUM17 DAIVARAJYAM18 AMRUTHADHARA(ENGLISH)19 ORTHUKOLVIN

20 KRISTHUVIL

21 PARISUDHATHMAVU

22 PARISUDHATHMAVYAPARAM23 PARISUDHATHMASAKTHI24 UTHAMAGEETHAM25 SANKETHANAGARANGAL

OTHERBOOKSBYTHEAUTHOR


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26 MARUBHOOMIYILENEERPOIKA27 YONA

28 PACHAVELLAMVEENJAKKI29 KEREETHINTEVAKKIL30 ETHRATHOLAMRANDUTHONIYIL?31 ELIYAVINTAEDAIVAMEVIDE?32 PRAVACHAKANALLA,

PRAVACHAKASISHYANUMALLA33 MUDRAMOTHIRAMAKKUM

34 ENIKKUKAZHCHAPRAPIKKENAM35 ENIKKUASHAKKUVAKAYUNDO?36 INNER

PEACE

(ENGLISH)

37 AVARKKUBHAKSHIPPANKODUPPIN38 GLITTERINGFUTURE(ENGLISH)39 EKANTHATHAYUDEANDHATHA40 STREAMSINTHEDESERTS(ENGLISH)41 WAYTOLIBERATION(ENGLISH)42 NINTEMRITHANMARJEEVIKKUM43 VANNUPRATHALKAZHICHUKOLVIN44 ENNETHOTTATHAR?45 SOUKYAMAKUVANMANASSUNDO?46 ATHUSAHIKKAKUNNAVANAAR?47 ENNEAARVIDUVIKKUM?48 NANMAYUDEPANAPATHRAM49 PRATHYASAYUDEPRABHATHAM50 INIYUMVAIKANAMO?51 AREYOUWILLINGTOBEHEALED?52 KANNEERPPADAM(PART.1)


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PREFACE

Thebook BesideCherithcomprisingof16chapters, isthe twenty-first publication released by the respectedProfessor

M.Y.Yohannan.

The

opportunity

that

Ihave

receivedtowriteaforewordtothisbookisanunforgettableexperience.

Even if Malayalam is my mother-tongue, I have startedhandlingMalayalamwitheaseaveryshortwhileback.Withthis background I am truly unfit to write a foreword forYohannanSirsbook,hebeingoneofthegreatestauthoritiesonMalayalamliteratureofourtime.EvensotheworkoftheSpiritofGodistoequiptheunablesuchthattheyaremadeable.

ProfessorM.Y.Yohannan isaperson Igreatlyrespect. Ihaveknownhimcloselyforthepast14years.Heisaguidinglamptotheassemblyofpilgrims, includingmyself,whoaretravellingtotheHeavenlyZion.Hislifeisexemplary.HislifesmissionistoinculcatetheloveofChrist,andtoletthisloveemanate to all people by spreading the Word of Godthroughouttheworld.Ihaveheardmanyofhismessages.Asa humble servant of the Lord, a remark that he has oftenmadeisfixedtomymemory.

Evangelism is not hampered by lack of funds, butevangelismwillcometostandstillforlackofHolypeople.


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AnotherfactthatattractedmuchofmyadmirationisthathedidGodsworkwithgreatzeal,withoutneglectinganyofhisofficialduties.Evenwhenhewasteacher,departmentalheadandPrincipal,hecarriedoutofficialresponsibilitieswithutmostefficiencyandfaithfulness,whilesimultaneouslydoingevangelism giving Christ Jesus and Gods work the firstpriority.Suchpeopleare rare tomeet. Iearnestlydesire toemulate

this

example

in

my

personal

life.

BesideCherithisabookthatshouldbecomethepersonalexperienceofeverybeliever inChristJesus.TheChristianlife is a life lived in obedience to the Lord.As it is said inDeuteronomy11:26-27,wecanexperienceGodsblessingsonlywhenwestart livingaccordingtowillofGod.HoweverCherithmaydryup.ButGodwillnotforsakeus.Eveniftheraven stops bringing bread, the storehouses of the God inheaven will not become empty. Therefore do not focus onthegifts.HoldonfirmlytotheGiver.LookatJesus-theauthorandfinisherofourfaith.

The prophet Elijah was a man with a nature like ours.Howeverevenwhenthecircumstanceswereagainsthim,hefirmly believed and obeyed the Word of God; so God leadtheprophetwonderfully.

It is God who gives a bright future. Yohannan Sir haspersonallyexperiencedthisGodwhilewritingthisbook.ItismyfirmconvictionthatalltheprinciplesoutlinedinthisbookwillbeofimmensehelptomanytogoforwardinpilgrimagetoZion.

I pray that theAlmighty God will bless increasingly thisservantoftheLordwithlonglife,healthandspiritualgifts.

Ipraythatthisbookwillprovideheavenlyhappinessandpeace toallpeoplewho live in thiswickedworld filledwithwhirlwindsanddeception.Withthisaiminview,IpresentthisbooktopeopleallovertheworldinGodsname.

Dr.PriyaJoseph,KARUNYA,Tripunithura,Eranakulam.


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INTRODUCTION

InthebookTheBible-thearmoroflight,Mr.K.P.Appenhaswrittenthus:

Idonotknowhowmany times Ihaveread through theBible. Ihavebeenareaderandwitnessof theBible to thetimeuptilnow.Itismycontinualdesiretoremainaministerofthistentoftruth.TheBible,whichproclaimsbyusingparablesthehistoryoftheworldandtheproblemsthatmankindfacedas destiny, has been the prime power that has shaped mythought life. I meditate on certain passages from the Biblefromtimetotime.Asfarmyintellectuallifeisconcerned,thisistherejuvenationofredemptionforme.

Weseeinthesewordstheimpartialobservationsofamanwhoagreatseekeroftruthwhohadnotonlyrepeatedlyreadthe Bible and inculcated its values into his life; but alsoexperiencedthegloriousworthofdoingso.

InthebookAnOutlineoftheHistoryoftheWorldbyH.G.Wells,acknowledges theoutstandinginfluencethattheBiblehashad inmouldingandflourishingthecultureofmankind.TheoverpoweringinfluenceoftheBibleisrevealedbygreatmen in theBible through their lives. Iwasenabled towritethis book Beside Cherith based on Elijah, because many


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factsabout the lifeofthemanwithanature likeourshastouched/inspiredmy lifesuchthattheyconstantlysparkmyimagination.

Weattributethevaluablelessonsderivedfromtheschoolof hardship and loneliness of Cherith behind thewonderfulphenomenonofhowElijahthemanofGodbecameasuitableweaponinthehandsofGodofElijah.

BesideCherithisanexcellentillustrationofhowordealsandadversitycanbecomeuseful,upliftingexperiencesforaman at any time. In this book, the crises that Elijah faced,and the divine provision for them, opens our eyes to themanner in which God is able to foster us in toughcircumstances,andinthefaceofopposition;evenifwedontlive

the

life

of

a

hermit

and

recluse

like

Elijah.

Iwouldalsoliketoexpressmy thankstoDr.PriyaJoseph,myniecefortranslatingtheMalayalambooktoEnglish.Inspiteofheruntiringandbusystudies forherM.D.Sdegree,shehas allotted special time and effort to fulfill the hazardouswork of translation. But for her diligent efforts constantenthusiasm, this book may have never seen l ight. IwholeheartedlyextendmysinceregratitudeandprayersforherzealtodotheLordswork.

Iamdeeplyobligedtotherespectedreadersofmyotherbooksfortheirfelicitations,complimentsandencouragement.Ipraythattheperusalofthisbookwillshowerunprecedentedblessingsonthereaders.Iespeciallypraythatitbepossiblethat all the readersshould have a personal encounter withtheGodofElijahandfollowHim.


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Chapter1 AndElijahtheTishbite,oftheinhabitantsofGilead,said

toAhab,AstheLordGodofIsraellives,beforewhomIstand,thereshallnotbedeworraintheseyearsexceptatmyword.Then thewordof theLordcame tohim,saying, Getawayfromhere,andturneastward,andhidebythebrookCherith,whichflowsintotheJordan.Anditshallbethatyoushalldrinkfrom thebrook,and Ihavecommanded the ravens to feedyou there.

SohewentanddidaccordingtothewordoftheLord,forhe

went

and

stayed

by

the

brook

Cherith,

which

flows

into

theJordan. 1Kings17:1,2

ThetimeinwhichtheprophetElijahlivedwasthatofidolworshipasintheothernationswhodidnotknowtheLord.

AhabthereigningkingofIsraelatthattimeandtheQueenJezebel, both promoted idol worship. The idols ofAsherahandBaalcrownedthedistressandtroublesoftheworshippersofthetruth.TheidolworshipofBaalarosewiththestaunchsupportoftheKingandQueenandthosewhowereinterestedinserving the idol-the priests ofBaal continued to multiply.Evenatthattime,theprophetElijahcontinuedtostandwith


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great fervour and devotion for the Lord and for worship ofthe trueGod.

For this, the prophet Elijah derived support, inspirationand spiritual insight from the prophet Samuel. The prophetSamuelwaslikeadiamondstarthatshoneinthedarkages.Therewasa time,after theperiodof theJudgeswhen thenation underwent moral decline and spiritual vision wasextinguished. It was a period when both the king and hissubjectsturnedawayfromGodandforsooktrueworship.

Atalltimes inhistory thereare instancesof leadersandnationsturningawayfromGod.

ThatwaswhentheEternalGod liftedSamuelbygivinghimHisWord. SpeakLord foryourservant is listening,(1sam.3:10) was the attitude of humility, submission andobedience with which Samuel came. He received therevelation fromGodandconveyed it to thepeople.By thistherewasaspiritualrevivalamongthepeople.

Inallages,societyhasexperiencedaspiritualrenaissancethrough the prophets who received the Word of God. TheprophetSamueltravelledthroughmanyterritories.Whereverhe went he started small prayer groups or schools forprophets.Theyoungmengatheredand the peoplestartedtogettogethertopray,wheretheprophetSamuelgavethemleadership.

TheprophetSamuelhadestablishedaschoolforprophetsinShiloh.ThereweresimilarschoolsinGilgal,Bethel,JerichoandJordan. Inall theseschools thereweredisciples.Theywould gather together and pray. They worked hard for theworshipof the trueGod togrowand flourish.Samuelgavethem leadershipandguidance.


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ThusfromsuchasmallschoolinTishbe;aremotevillage-aroseaspiritualman like theprophetElijah.HewascalledElijahtheTishbitebecauseheborewitnesstotheLordinasmall,unsophisticatedvillagecalledTishbe.HeglorifiedthenameoftheMasteroflifeinHeaven.HeenteredthearenaoftheLordsministrywithgreatenthusiasm.ThatwaswhatElijahthe

Tishbite

did.

Elijahobservedthemoraldegradationofthepeopleandthedeclineoftrueworship.Thepeoplehadturnedto idols-they worshipped dumb idols. Baal worship had spreadthroughout the nation. The kingAhab and Jezebel wereleading this.

Baalworshipwasflourishingunderthepatronageofroyalpower,

pomp,

and

authority.

The

people

of

God

wereweakenedandbecomingcorrupted.Filledwith theWordof

Godand thepowerof theSpirit, thisunsophisticated rusticservantofGodproceeded to thekingspalace.HepointedhisfingeratthekingAhabwhowasseatedonthethroneandspoke thus:

AstheLordGodofIsraellives,beforewhomIstandthereshall not be dew or rain these years except at my word.1Kings17:1

The courage of Elijah! The children of God arecourageous. They are not anxious whether they will bephysically tortured, or whether their existence will bethreatened.Thatisnotatallofconcerntothem.Willsocietyisolate them? They are not the least bothered. Will theyexperience loss of worldly goods and possessions? Theyarenottheleastworried,burdenedoroffended.Atalltimesthe prophets of God who spoke the Word of God facedopposition.Everyonewouldhate,abhor,isolateandfindfaultwiththemandspreadfalserumoursaboutthem.Theywould


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trytotarnishtheirimage,anddemoralisethembycharacterassassination.

ButtheSpiritofGodremainedwiththem,sustainingthemwithstrengthandmight,enablingthemtostandwithcourage.

Thus Elijah courageously went to the kings palace andspoke-AstheLordGodofIsraellives,beforewhomIstand-werethewordswithwhichhebegan.Itimpliedthatthe

reasonforhiscouragewasthenameoftheLord,whomhehadwithhim.

ElijahwasfirmlyconvincedthattheGodwhomheservedwasOmnipotent.Hewent to thepalace in thenameof theLord,withthesupportofthetrueGod.Onhisownhedidnothave

strength;

but

he

knew

that

even

ifhe

was

weak,

Godwouldstrengthenhim.ManyyearslatertheApostlePaulsaid:

I cando all things through Christ who strengthens me(Phili.4:13)

Ifwewantstrength,hold on tightly toGod. Ifwewantmight,strengthen yourself in thepowerofGodsmight. BestrongintheLordandthepowerofhismightwasthecounselthat

the

apostle

Paul

gave

the

Christians

of

Ephesus

ThepowerofGodsmight.BlessedisthemanwhosestrengthisinYou,whoseheart

issetonpilgrimage. Psalm84:5Brothers, do we have might in the Lord? Is the firm

resolutionthatwhateverbethedifficultyIamfacingIwillneverabandonGod,strengtheningyoutostandfirm in

Christ?The psalmist declared, God is my refuge and strength.

Heistheverypresenthelpintimesoftrouble.(Ps46:1)


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Thereforeweshallnotfearthoughtheearthberemovedandthemountainsbecarriedintothemidstofthesea.Thoughitswatersroarandbetroubled,thoughthemountainsshakewithitsswelling.Thiswaswhatheproceededtosing.

Hesaidhedidnot fear.Whyshould therebe fearwhenthe Lion of the tribe of Judah is with us? If the miraculouspower

of

the

Heavenly

king

sustains

us

then

why

should

wefear?

Whyshouldwelosecourage?Therefore Elijah courageously proceeded to the palace.

His strength was in the Lord whom he served. Elijahsconfidencewas inthatheservedtheEternalGod,theTrueGod.That isstrength;notthatIhaveabilityofmyown.Butthere isaChristwhostrengthensme,whogivesmegraceand power!

TheapostlePaulwrotetoTimothythus:AndIthankChristJesus our Lord who has enabled me, because he countedmefaithfulputtingmeinhisministry.(1Thim.1:12)

Dearfriend,doyouhavepowerinChrist?Youmaybeanordinarymanwithoutmucheducation,or

academicqualificationsorgoodhealth;evensoareyouabletodeclarethatChristisinyou?Findshelter inChrist,relyonhim,gainstrength inHim!Let Him become the refuge of your life. Will you dedicateyourlifeatthefootofHiscross?

AsyoureadthesewordswillyoumakeapromisetoChrist.Lord,becauseyoudiedformeonthecrossIwilllivefor

You from this day on. I dedicate myself at your feet. Havemercyonme.Clothemewithyourstrength.FillmewiththeinfinitepowerofyourPreciousBlood.LetmyheartoverflowwithyourHeavenlylove.LetYournamebeglorified.


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Chapter2Elijah, the man of God- and the God of the Elijah. The

GodofElijahlivesindeed!Elijahwasamanwholivedaholylifeinthemidstofmoral

degradation. He was a man of God who expoundedrighteousness in an evil generation and courageously heldfast to theworshipof the trueGod,evenwhensurroundedbyidolworship.

The prophet Elijah presented himself before KingAhabandspoke thus: Assurelyas theLordGodof Israel lives,there

shall

not

be

dew

or

rain

in

these

days,

except

at

myword 1Kings

17:1

KingAhablookedatElijah,stunned.Whoisthismanwhodared tocome to thepalaceand fearlesslydeclare, Thereshallnotbedeworraininthesedays,exceptatmyword?

ButElijahhadalready turnedandwalkedaway.Hehaddelivered

his

message.

He

had

no

more

to

say.

His

ministry

inAhabspalacewasaccomplished. Nowheneednotwaita

secondlonger.AllhisstepsweredirectedbyGod.EverythingwasledbytheHolySpirit.


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hand.Contrarytothis,theravenwascommandedtosupplyElijahwithfood!

HowwondrousarethewaysoftheEternal,HeavenlyGod!ThereisaGodwhofeedsus;protectsus!TheGodwho

feeds the young ravens when they cry; who continuallywatches and over, and cares for how the lilies of the fieldgrow. Man does not know how the lilies grow. But there isgoodGodwhoknows,controls,guidesandleadsallthings.WeseeGodprovidingforHisservanthere.

God worked a miracle using means that seemedimpossible.Araventosupplyfoodtoaman!Howwouldtheravendeliver it? Itwassupposed tobringElijahbreadandmeat.Didtheravenholditbetweenitsfeet,ordidithangiton its neck? If so, how would it fly unimpeded then? Dearreaders, it is a subject that is thought-provoking indeed.Nevertheless,weneednotworryunnecessarilyaboutit.

IsthereanythingimpossiblefortheAlmightyGod?Indeednothing is impossible for Him. The Living God is a God ofmiracles.Thereisnoendtomiracleseveninthisage.Heisabletoworkmiraclesinyourlifetoo.Heispowerfulenoughtoremovetheburdenofdebtfromyourlife.Areyousunkendeepindebt,withnohopeforthefutureandinmuchturmoil?Heisabletogiveyoupeace.Heisabletoprovideyouhelpbymeanswhichmayseemimprobable.BelievethatGodwillusethehandsofthosepeoplewhohadhithertousedcunninganddeceittostealfromyou;tohelpyounow.

Youmaybeillwithaterribledisease,whichischronicandincurable.Allformsoftreatmentmayhavebeenfruitless,andyoumaybeintotaldespair.Yourwifemaybelivinginagony;your children may be sighing, and sobbing, and in deepdepression.Evensomydearfriend,God inheaven isabletocureyouofyourdisease.ThereisaLivingGod


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Whoknowsexactlywhichpartofyourbodyisaffectedbythedisease,whatistheetiologybehindit,towhichpartshasitspreadandproliferated,thesiteswherethedisease-causingcellsarehidden,theconditionofyourblood,theconfigurationofthevesselsthroughwhichitflows;everything!

The Lord Jesus said: The hairs of your head are allnumbered. (Mat 10:30) Our Beloved Lord Jesus has saidthat not one hair would fall without the Heavenly Fatherknowing it!

Dearfrienddoyouknowthenumberofhairsonyourhead?ButGodinHeavenknows.Ifevenonehairshouldfall,Godseesit.

Look, theGodwhoknowsyou,Son, theGodwho lovesyou,Youngman, theGodwhocaresforyou,Sister,theGodwhoaimsonlyatyourbenefit;andiseagerlywaitingtoperformmiracles inyour lifestandsbesideyounow.Godsays: theGodofmiraclesisstillalive.SubmityourentirelifetimetothehandsofthislivingGod.

YieldyourlifetothehandsoftheLordJesus,whoacceptedthefiveloavesofbreadandtwofish.Thebreadandfishyoudonothave,butsubmityourbody,soulandspirittoHim.Thewisemenofferedgold,frankincenseandmyrrh.MySon,youmaynothave these;butyoucanofferyourbody,soulandspirittoChristshands.

LetChristtakechargeofyourlife.LetHimmakeyourlifebeautiful, remove your misfortunes, put an end to yourhardship, and relieve you of sickness. May he grant youhealing,peaceandhappiness.Lethimdisseminatepeaceinyour family, and transform your life with prosperity. Let themiraculouspowerofHispreciousbloodawakenyou.


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LettheHeavenlyKingofkingsdescend,andabideinyouand fill you with Heavenly love. May you receive theinestimablegiftthattheCrossoftheLivingChristbestows.

TheGodwhofedElijah,indeedtheGodwhofedhimwithravensstilllives!Theravensuppliedhimwithbreadandmeatattherighttimes.Thatiswhatwereadinthescriptures.Theravenbroughthimbreadandmeatdailyinthemorning,andin the evening. He would drink water from the brook. Theraven was always on time. Poor Elijah, a rustic and anunsophisticatedyoungman,wasprobablyunaccustomedtoregular mealtimes. Under normal circumstances, for him,having fooddependedon itsavailability.Butnow,whenheobeyedGodsWord,hereceivedaregularsupplyoffood,atthe

exact

times

morning

and

evening.

Howwouldtheravenhaveobtainedthefood?TheWordofGoddoesnotrevealit;itiskepthidden.MaybeachildofGodwouldwrapupaparcelofbreadandmeatfortheraventocarry.Maybe theravenwoulddeliver theparcel toElijahand flyoff to thebushandwait,perchedonabranch, till itsaw Elijah arise, after having the satisfying meal of breadandmeat.Allthisisconstruedfrommyhumbleimagination.

GodinheavensuppliedHisservantwithfoodusingaraven.Child of God, God is powerful enough to work miracles inyour lifetoo.

Son, God is able to remove the shortage of money youmay be facing. Daughter, are you experiencing scarcity oflove? Do you desire to be loved, but face a famine of it?Deprived

of

love,

do

you

desperately

hunger

for

it?

Son,maybe your wife does not give you compassion, love or

respect.ChildofGod,maybeyoudonotreceiverespectfromyour children.


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Todaythereisafamineofloveeverywhere.Mydearones,todayfamiliesexperienceawantofunityandamicability.Godwillsendyoubreadandmeatattherighttimes.Hewillputanendtoyourfamine.Miracleswilltakeplaceinyourlife.The

AlmightyGodwhoprovidesforyouintimesoffamine,isabouttoworkamiracleinyourlifetoday.

SubmityourlifetoHishands.AcceptHim.Givehimyourword,startanewlife,biddingfarewelltosin,andexperiencethe healing of a sinless life. Welcome Christ as your Lordand Leader.

Lord,fromtodayon,Iamyours.TellJesus:Master,fromtodayonIamyours.Fromtoday,Iwillliveasanewcreation.

GiveGodyourassurance,andletHimblessyou!


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Chapter 3Elijah, prophet of the Living God, hid beside the brook

Cherith. He continued to drink water from the brook. Thatwas

a

time

when

there

were

no

rains.

No

rain

or

dew.

It

was

atime the scorchedcountrysidewasgettingdevastateddue

toaridity.Allvegetationwasdryingup,andwitheringaway.Everywheretherewerepilesofdriedleaves.Therewerenofoodgrains,riceorwheat,andnofood.ButthemanofGoddidnotfacewantoffood.becauseGodhadcommandedtheraven to feedhim.The ravencontinued tobringhimbreadand meat. Elijah would drink from the brook Cherith.Aftersatisfying

himself

with

the

timely

bread

and

meat

brought

bytheravens,Elijahcontinuedtolivehiddenamongthebushes

bythebrookCherith.Evenso,whathappenedsoonafter?TheWordofGodsays:The raven brought him bread and meat in the morning

andevening,hewoulddrinkfromthebrook.Andithappenedafterawhilethatthebrookdriedup,becausetherewasnorainintheland. 1Kings.17:6-7

Aftermanydaysthebrookdriedup.Therewasnowaterandnorain.Howcanamanlivewithoutdrinkingwater?Elijahsawthebrookdry,waterless,andparched.Hewasthirsty.


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oflove.Thegoodwillofkithandkinmayhavedwindled.Thelove and faithfulness of co-workers may diminish and fail.Everywhere you may experience a decline in the moralsupport thatyouwereonceaccustomed to.Previouslyyouhadenjoyedpopularity.Youhadaplaceinsociety,youhadstatusandworth.Youwereesteemedamongthearistocracy,andregardedasoffinelineage.Haveyousufferedlossofallthis?Son,hasCherithdriedupforyou?Asyoureadthesewords, look back at your life, is not your Cherith gettingdrainedanddry?HasCherith ledyoutoadryandparchedexperience?However,todayletmeshowyouaspringofwater.

Thisspringisunfailing.Itwillneverbecomedry.It isthespringofGolgotha.ItisthespringthatflowsfromthepiercedsideoftheKingofkings.Itisthebloodandwater,whichourmercifulLordletflowfromHisside,thatwellsupasaspringofeternal life.

Itisthelivingspringofbloodandwaterthatstemmedfromthe wound of the side of the holy body of the Lord whodeclared, Lethimwho is thirstycome toMeanddrink.HewhobelievesinMe,astheScriptureassaid,outofhisheartwillflowriversoflivingwater.(John.7:37)

Myfriend,haveyouseenthespring,thespringof lifeofthe living ,whodeclared: Whoeverdrinksof thiswaterwillthirstagain.HewhodrinksofthewaterIshallgivehimwillnever thirst again. (John. 4:13-14) You need not travel toGolgothatofindthisspring.ChildofGod,youneednotembarkonapilgrimagetoJerusalemtofindthesourceofthisspringof

life.

A

visit

to

the

country

of

Israel

is

not

obligatory

for

this.Lookevenasyoureadthesewordsthatspringisinsearch

ofyouandisbesideyou!Thatspringhasopenedupbesideyou.


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ThespringthatwelledupforHagarinthedesert,isnowopenbesideyouforyou.Thelivingspringthatopenedupinthedesert isherebesideyou.It isthefountainthatspringsoutofthesacredheartofthemercifulChrist.Willyoudrinkofthisspring?Willyourelyonthisspring?Ifyoudrinkofthisspringyouwillneverthirstagain.Youhavetrieddrinkingmanythingsthatthisworldhastooffertofulfilyourthirst.Youhavesoughtliquorasameanstoderivepeaceofmind.YouhaveresorLordted tosmoking,snuff,anddrugs in thevainhopethatthesewouldofferyoutranquillity.

Have these fulfilledyour thirst?Nomyson,nothing thatthisworldhas tooffercansatisfyyour thirst.Nospringsofthis world can eliminate thirst. Neither the goodwill of yourfriendsnorthecounselormoralsupportofyourcompanionscanquenchyourthirst.

The spring that fulfils thirst is the spring of life; it neverrunsdry.ItisthespringofHispreciousblood.Youcanderiverefreshment from thisspring. Itwillconferyoucomfortandpeace.Youcangainforgivenessofsinsfromit.Itisthespringthat the prophet Zechariah foresaw, when he spoke aboutthefountainthatshallbeopenedforsinanduncleanessinZechariah13:1;indeedthefountainofGolgotha,which isasourceofcomfort.

Evenasyoureadthesewords,thatfountainiswellingupbesideyou.Justdrinkof thisspring,myson,mydaughter.Takerefugeinthesacredblood.Beginanewlifewithoutsin.GiveHimyourwordandcommenceanewlife.

Elijahobservedthatthebrookwasdry.Your popularity may decline. Many may refuse to be

associatedwithyou.Yourformerfriendsmayviewyouasanenemy, and betray you. They may circulate false rumors


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aboutyou.Theywill notwasteanychance todestroy you,butwillseekloopholes;plottingandwaitingforanopportunetime.Myson,donotbeanxious.TheGodwhohasplacedyouatCherith,isabletoprovideforyou,andprotectyou.

TheGodwhohascommandedyoutohidebesideCherith,hasprovidedforyourfuture.TheOnewhohasbegunthingsisabletocompletethem.Heistheauthorofourfaith.Heisalsothefinisher,theonewhobeginsandalsotheonewhocompletes things. Do not fear my son; as you read thesewords,childofGod,Hesaystoyou,IamtheBeginningandtheEnd.(Rev.22:13)Infact,Hesays,Iamthebeginninglessbeginningand theendlessend.

AcceptHim,makeasolemnpromisetohim.Commenceanew

life

without

sin,

Lord,

from

today

on

Iam

yours.

LordJesus,letmedrinkofthefountainthatstemsfromyourpierced

side.Letmebathe inthatfountainandbepurified,becomeholy,sothatIwillbenumberedamongthegatheringofsaints.

ShowerYour graceonme.LetYour Spiritabideonme,guide me in your ways. Protect me in the anointing of theHoly Spirit. Give me the good fortune of becoming a holywitnessoftheHeavenlykingofkings.


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David declared thus because he had personallyexperiencedhowGodcares,guards,protects,sustains,uplifts,andmakestogrow.Thismotivatedhimtostate:TheLordismyShepherd,Ishallnotwant.

When our merciful Lord commenced his public ministry,hestood in thesynagogueatNazareth,anddeclared thus:ButItellyoutruly,manywidowswereinIsraelinthedaysofElijah,when theheavenswereshutup threeyearsandsixmonths,and therewasagreat famine throughout the land.ButtononeofthemwasElijahsentexcepttoZarephath,intheregionofSidon,toawomanwhowasawidow.(Luke:4:25-26)

Thereweremanywidowsatthattime,butElijahwassentto a widow at Zarephath. It is good that the prophet wentthere, and that he was welcomed there. It is a blessing tohave a man of God in the house, good fortune for thehousehold indeed. There is no doubt that it will create agracefulatmosphere in thehousehold. In later times,whenElizavisited thehouseatShunem,blessingandprosperitybudded there.

GodcommandedElijahtogotoZarephath.Blessingcameuponthewidowandherson,andonthelandofZarephath.The neighbours of the widow were also blessed. God sentthe prophet Elijah to the widows house; she received andwelcomedhim.

HewhoreceivesyoureceivesMe,andhewhoreceivesMereceivesHimwhosentMe.Hewhoreceivesaprophetinthe

name

of

a

prophet

shall

receive

a

prophets

reward.

Andhewhoreceivesarighteousmaninthenameofarighteous

manwillreceivearighteousmansreward.Andwhoevergivesoneoftheselittleonesonlyacupofcoldwaterinthename


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ofadisciple,assuredly Isay toyou,heshallbynomeanslosehisreward. Mathew10:40-43

. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophetshallreceiveaprophetsreward.Dearfriends,ifwewelcomechildrenofGod,blessingensues.It isablessingtoreceivechildrenofGod,andextendhospitalitytothem.

Irecallmychildhooddays,whenmymotherwouldinviteevangelists to our house and arrange food andaccommodation for them.Godwasmerciful in thatHehadendowedmymotherwithsuchaperspective.Godhadgiftedmy mother the grace to honour and respect people whopreachedtheWordofGod,andcordiallywelcomethemintoourhome.Whatgood fortune!

Today I havegrown into an evangelist of theLord. Godhasgivenme the fortuneof travelling throughout theworldfarandwideasamissionaryofmymercifulLord.Therearechildren of God wherever I go, and they welcome me andextend hospitality to me. They receive me willingly andrespectfully.

Whenwevisitaplace inGodsname,andare receivedgladly

and

welcomed

the

person

who

receives

us

is

blessed.When the Lord sends us, the house we visit and the land

itselfwillreceiveblessing.MostassuredlyIsaytoyou,hewhoreceiveswhomeverI

sendreceivesMe;andhewhoreceivesMereceivestheOnewhosentMe. John13:20

God said: Go to Zarephath, that belongs to Sidon anddwell

there.

Ihave

commanded

awidow

there

to

provide

foodforyou.SidonwasruledbyagentileKing,Ethbaalwhoserved

Baalandpromoted idolworship.HisdaughterJezebelwasthewifeofAhab,thekingofIsraelwhowashuntingEliahto


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proposal foryou.Son, theGodwhodecidesyour future, isspeaking tocertainpeople for you,so thatyoucansecureanadmissiontobrightenyouracademicprospects.Didyouknowthat?ChildofGod,theJehovahGodcommandedthewidow of Zarephath. I am sending my servant to you. Youmustprovidefoodforhim,sustainandfosterhim.

Friends,thereisaGodwhocaresforus.Inlatertimes,theapostlePeterwrote:Castallyourcares

onHim,becauseHecaresforyou.Thewordsthathewrote2000yearsagoarerelevanteventoday.

There is a God who cares for us. There is a God whowatchesoveruswithfondaffection.HeisaGodwhorelievesouranxieties.HeisaGodwhoseesoursorrows,andwipesawayourtears.Hemopsupourheartachesandgrief.HeisaGodwhocomfortsus.Hesustainsuswithfood.

Son,todayyouhaveyourfilloffood.Whogaveyouthis?Yourchildrenneverneedgotobedhungry,whoprovidesforthem?IsitnotGod?Wastherenotatimewhenyoudidnothaveasparesetofclothing,otherthanwhatyouwore?

Todayyourfamilydwellsincontentment.Whograntedyouthis?IsitnotourLordandGod.IfGodgives,itwillnotcease;infact,itwillbeanabundantblessing.

ChildofGod,willyouhumbleyourselfatthismoment?Can yousee a God whocares for youat this time? He

providedforyouonGolgotha.Hesaid,Woman,thisisyourson;thisisyourmother.JesusChristwhogaveHismotherand His disciple, mutual responsibility of each other; nowstands beside you, wishing to see that you are not leftorphaned.


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Ifyourbelovedwifehaspassedaway,thisGodisbesideyou, seeking to comfort and shelter you. Daughter, if yourbelovedhusbandhasleftthisworldearly,thisHeavenlyGodisstandingclosetosupportandshelteryou.

Look at Him, accept and welcome Him, honour Hisprophets,giveyourword toHimandbe transformed intoanewcreation.Beginanewlife.MayGodblessus.


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Chapter5And it happened after a while that the brook dried up,

becausetherehadbeennorainintheland.ThentheWordof

the

Lord

came

to

him

saying,

Arise,

go

to

Zarephath

whichbelongstoSidonanddwellthere.See,Ihavecommandeda

widow there to provide for you. So he arose and went toZarephath. 1Kings17:7-10

Elijahwasamanwithanaturejustlikeours,sowereadin the fifthchapterof thebookofJames.Elijah,whohadanaturejustlikeours,wasaprophetwhoobeyedGod.Intheseventeenth and eighteenth chapter of the Book of Kings,weseetwoinstanceofElijahobeyingGodscommands.

ThefirstcommandwasGoandhideyourself.ThesecondcommandwasGoandshowyourselfElijahobeyedbothcommands.Itwashisnaturetoblindly

obey whatever God commanded. That is the nature of thepeople

of

God,

the

trait

of

a

man

of

God;

itis

the

attribute

ofanychildofGod.

Godcommands,manobeys.Elijahwasindeedamanwithanaturejustlikeours.


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Dearfriends,haveweobeyedGod?HavewevaluedHiscommands?HavewepartakenofHisinstruction,Hiswordsand commandments like we would drink honey? Have weexperienceditssweetness?

RespectandesteemtheWordofGod.The cause of the moral degradation of man, infact the

originof the fallofmancanbeseen in the thirdchapterofthe book of Genesis. Man disobeyed Gods command. Heate the fruit thatGodhadcommandednot toeat.Godhadprohibitedhimfromeatingthefruitofthetreeofknowledgeofgoodandevil.Thefirstmandisobeyedthatcommand.HewasmotivatedtodosobySatan.

God exists; so does Satan, Christ exists; so does theAntichrist.Thereisgoodandevil,lifeanddeath,heavenandhell.

People of God; Satans intention is to destroy the greatandgloriousfuturethatiskeptinstoreforyou.Thedevil;thethief comes to steal, kill and destroy. Our merciful Lordreferred to Satan as the enemy, the devil, the wicked oneandthethief.Satanisaliar,andthefatherofthosewhotelllies.

Satan

comes

to

deceive

and

destroy

man.

Elijah;themanwithanaturejustlikeours,wasnotonlyaforeteller,butalsoaforthteller.Theforetellerpredictsthingsofthefuture.Theforthtellerdescribes impendingevents indetail.Hewasthereforebothaforetellerandaforthteller.

Elijahwasamanwithanaturelikeours.Godcommandedhim to hide by the brook, Cherith. Elijah did so. Godcommanded

the

raven.

The

raven

obeyed

and

provided

foodtoElijah.

In the Bible, the first mention of a raven is made in theseventhverseoftheeighthchapterofthebookofGenesis.


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immorallivinghadshespentherlife.ButGodusedevenher.Godcanuseanyone.

ChildofGod,yourpastlifemayhavebeensteepedinsin.Daughter,youmaybeashamedofyourpastwhichhasbeendespicable,andspentinimmorality.Son,youmaynothaveobeyedyourparents.Youmayhave raisedahandagainstyourFather,andgrievedyourmother.Youmayhavepushedyour mother outside, or even struck her in order to pleaseyourwife.

Son,youmayhavecarriedoutcertainillegalactivitiesinyour workplace. You may have fostered certain illegitimaterelationships.Yoursimple,pure,and innocentwifemaynothaveknown.Your lifemayhavebeenmostdespicable,butGoddesires to renewyou,andmakeuseofyou.TheGodwho wants to use you, desires to purify and sanctify yourlife,inorderforyoutobecomeusefulinHishands.LookHeishererightnow,standingbesideyou.

Child of God, Elijah was commanded by God to goZarephath.ThereGodcommandedawidowtofeedhimandprovideforhim.WhatablessingtoreceiveGodscommand,Godsdirective;andbeapartoftheplanthatHeisgoingtouse.Howfortunateitistohearit!

Whatgoodfortuneitisindeedtoobtainanopportunitytobeapartofthedivineagendaonearth.Friend,letussubmitourselvestobeapartnerwithGodswonderfulplanonearth.

Ifanyoneasksyouastowhyyouareuntyingthecolt,tellHimtheLordneedsit.(Lke.19:31)

TheLordmountedonayoungdonkey.Ithadbeen lyingtied up until then. The donkey was fated to be killed bybreakingitsneck.Thiswasaccordingtothescripture.


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InExodus13;13,34:20,Ifitisnotredeemedwithalambthen itsneckshouldbebroken.Suchwastobethefateofthis donkey, whom the disciples untied, released from itsbondage, andbroughttotheLord.

Amonganimalsthemostsuitablecreaturefortransportisthehorse.Itisthestrongest,canrunthefastest,andhasthedexterity forbattle.ButtheLorddidnotchooseahorse.Ahorseisavainhopeforsafety,neithershallitdeliveranybyits great strength (Ps. 33:17) My friends, the living Christchoseanuncleananimal,onewiththeharshestvoice,withtheleastintelligence,onewhoonlyknewhowtocarryburdens.ThelivingGodhasselectedyou,andHeiscomingtoyoutorelease you from your bondage. If anyone asks you as towhyyouareuntyingthecolt,tellHimtheLordneedsit.

Jesusneedsyou.MySon,Jesusneedsyou.GiveyourlifetotheLord.GiveyourshatteredlifetoHim.ThelifewhichtheDevil has toyed with, and destroyed! Will you give this lifethat the enemy, the devil has been using most shamefully,intothehandsoftheCreator?

Rightnow,willyoupledgeyourlifetoChrist,Willyougiveyour life toobeyingGodsword like theprophetElijah?Hewill fosteryou, feedyou,makeyou flourishandgrow;upliftyou,blessyou,andtakeyoutoHeavenlybliss.Hewillguideyou through paths of blessing. He will give you a gloriousfuture.Thedespair inyour lifewillvanish;aswill thegrief,scars, damageand ruin.ThereforeacceptJesus.May thenameoftheLordbepraisedandglorifiedforever.


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Chapter6SohearoseandwenttoZarephath.Andwhenhecameto

thegateofthecity,indeedawidowwastheregatheringsomesticks.Andhecalledher,andsaid:PleasebringalittlewaterinacupthatImaydrink.

Andasshewasgoing toget it,hecalledher,andsaid,Pleasebringmeamorselofbreadinyourhand.

Thenshesaid,AstheLordyourGodlives,Idonothavebread,onlyahandfulofflourinthebin,andalittleoilinthe

jar;andsee,IamgatheringacoupleofsticksthatImaygoinandprepareitformyselfandmyson,thatwemayeatitanddie. 1Kings17:10-12

TheprophetElijahwenttoZarephathinobediencetoGodscommand.WhenhereachedZarephath,hesaw thewidowgathering firewood. She had a little boy with her, her son.Bothmotherandsonweregatheringfirewoodtouseasfueltocookameal.Theprophetcalledout toher,asking foracupofwater.Hehadreachedtherewithouthavingadrinkofwater for a long interval. He had departed from the brookCherithafter itswaterhaddriedup.Nowhewasextremelythirsty.ThemanofGodwasparchedwiththirstwhenhemet


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thewidow,andrequestedherforwater.Evenasshewasonher way to get water, he called out to her for a morsel ofbread.

Hewantedwateraswellasbread.Hewantedtoalleviateboththirstandhunger.Heletherknowofhisdireneeds.HedoessowithconfidencebecauseGodhastoldhimtodoso.God had declared that He has commanded a widow inZarephathtoprovideforhim.

Therefore,theprophetreliedsolelyonthepromiseofthelivingGod,onHisWordalonewhenherequestedthewidowforacupofwateraswellasamorselofbread.

Thewomanlookedathiminsympathyandindesperation,wornoutasshewas;andadmittedherhelplessnesstothemanofGod,asshehadjustalittleflourinherbinandsomeoilinherjar.

Shehadplannedtomakeonelastloafofbreadandeatitwithherson.Theyweregatheringfirewoodtocookonelastloaf of bread. They wanted to eat not to live, because shehad nothing more to eat. They wanted to eat and then toawaitdeathdue tostarvation, likemanyothers.Theyweregoingtoeatanddie.

Thewidowknewforcertainthatdeathwasimminent.Shewellknewthatshehadreachedtheendofherlife.Hersontoohadcometorealisethisfact.Shestatedthattheywantedtoeatthebreadanddie.

However,theGodinHeavenwasabletotransformawomanwhowasgoing todieaftereatingameal, toapersonwhogaveherfoodaway;andyetlived.Shewasgoingtoeatanddie,nowshewasabouttogiveherlastcrustaway,andlive.

Master,Ihavealittleflour,ahandfulinmybin.Inmyjar,Ihavealittleoil.Iwasplanningtomakeapancake,andeatitwithmysonandthendie.


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Inlife,whoallseeableakfuture,andareindespairoverimpending death? Is there anyone who is helpless, like anorphan,beseechingaid fromothers,yetdeprivedof it,whoseesalldoorsclosed,facedwithnothingbutdespair.

Oncealadytoldme:Iamforlorn,helpless,withoutsupport,abandoned,myhusbandhasdivorcedme.He is livingwithanotherwoman.

Death has taken my husband away early, leaving medespondent.

A Man told me : My wife has abandoned me, and ourbelovedchildren,seekingpleasureandothermen.Iamleftalone,HowlongcanIsurvivewithoutmywife?Ilovedher,butshe

did

not

love

me.

Hearts

that

long

for

love!

Lives

that

pinefor whatever have been lost.As you read these words, is

thereanyoneinsuchsorrow?Therewasasmallchild,whohadlosthisfatheratanearly

age.Hisfatherhad lovedhimverymuch.Itwashismotherwhobroughthimupafterhisdeath.Buthewasdeprivedofhismotherscaresoon.Shewasremarriedandleft.Thenitwashisgrandmotherwhobroughthimup.Butthischildwasindespair;Idonothaveafathernoramother;Iamforlorn.

Thenhisgrandmother toldhim, Mychild,dont talk likethat;youhaveafather.HeisinHeaven,theGodofHeavenisyour father.Justaffirm thatGod isyour father.Declare itwithyourmouth.

Hedidso,andhegrewupassertingthisfact.Hestudiedandrosetoahighpositioninlife.Whenhewas24yearsold,hebecameworldrenownedfordiscoveringtheLawofGravity.Yes,thiswasSirIsaacNewton,thefamousscientist!Godshandwasbehindbringinghimupintoaworldfamousscientist.


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IsaacNewtonwasapersonwhogrewupassertingthatGodwashisfather.

Doyousaythatyoudonthaveanyoneonearthtocarefor you, Do you cry feeling forsaken? There is nobody toloveme,careformeorspeakakindwordtome.Howlongsincesomeonespokeasweetwordofcomforttome,Iyearnforapleasantwordfromsomeone.Areyousayingso?

AllthatIhearfromeveryonearewordsthatcuttheheart,rough words, that create inner turmoil, that wound theemotionslikesharpthorns.Maybeyouthink,Iamabandonedbyeveryone,isitnotbetterthatIdie?

Asyou read thesewords,seeLordJesusChrist. Christlovesyou.Christcaresforyou. Christshandreachedouttotransform the woman, who was going to eat and die. TheGodofheavenperformsmiracles.Son,dontthinkthatyourlifeisover,thatyourfuturelooksbleak.ThereisaGodwhoisabletocareforyou,watchoveryou,fosteryouandmakeyou flourish.

For Iknow the thoughts that I think towards you,saysthe Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you afutureandahope. Jeremiah29:11

Thereisahopeinyourfuture,saystheLord,thatyourchildren shall come back to their own border.Jeremiah31:17

Godwhocangiveyouabrightfuturelivesandlovesyou.HeisalovingGod.

Heisalive,andHecaresforyou.Elijahwasamanwithanature likeours.Hetoldthewomanthatheunderstoodherpredicament; that therewasonlya littleflour inthebinandmeagreamountofoilinherjar,andthatshewantedtoprepare


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a pancake for a last meal for herself and her son, beforedying.

Buthereassuredher, tellingnot to fear,but tocarryouther work after preparing a cake for him, and bringing it tohim.FirstforGod.

TheLordJesusattheoutsetofHispublicministry,inHisfirstsermononthemount,said:Anddonotseekwhatyoushouldeat,orwhatyoushoulddrink,orwear,norhaveananxiousmind.Forallthesethings,thenationsofthisworldseek after, but your Heavenly Father knows that you needthese things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all thesethingsshallbeaddedtoyou.

Mathew6:31-33Godwillgiveuswhateverweneed,everythingweneed.But first we should seek His kingdom, and His

righteousness.

TrustintheLord,anddogood,dwellintheland,andfeedonHisfaithfulness.DelightyourselfalsointheLord,andHeshallgiveyouthedesiresofyourheart.

Commityourway to theLord, trustalso inHim,andHeshallbringittopass. Psalm37:3-5

Godisabletosustainyou.GiveGodthefirstplace.GiveGodswork,andGod thesupremepriority.Godwillprotectyou,makeyougrowandattaingreatheights,hewillsustain,andcareforyou.ThisiswhatHisWordsays.

BlessedbetheLord,whodailyloadsuswithbenefits,theGodofoursalvation. Psalm68-19-20


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CastyourburdenontheLord,andHeshallsustainyou,heshallneverlettherighteousfall Psalm

55:22

ChildofGod,willyourelyonHimabsolutely?WillyouopenyourhearttoHim?WillyougiveHimyourwordandacceptHimastheLordofyourlife?

OfferyourselfatHisfeetatthisminute,andtellHimLord,fromtodayonIamyours.Fromtoday,Iamanewcreation.O,onewhodiedformeonthecross,fromtodayonIwilllivefor You!


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Chapter7AndElijahsaidtoher,Donotfear,goanddoasyouhave

said,butmakeasmallcakeformefromitfirst,andbringittome,

and

afterward

make

some

for

yourself

and

your

son.For thussays theLord, theGodof Israel,Thebinof flour

shallnotbeusedup,norshallthejarofoilrundry,untilthedaytheLordsendsrainontheearth.

SoshewentawayanddidaccordingtothewordofElijah,and she and her household ate for many days. The bin offlourwasnotusedup,northejarofoilrundry,accordingtothewordof theLord,whichHehadspokenby theprophetElijah. 1Kings17:13-16

ThewordoftheGodissomiraculous.ItisgoodfortunetoreceivethewordofGod.Theflourinthebinwillnotfailnorwilltheoil inthejarrundry.ThiswascommandedbyGod.The woman went and made a cake, and she went quicklyandgaveittotheprophet.

Thefirewasburningandthepanwasonthefirereadyfortheoiltobepouredonit,andacaketobemade.

Shelookedintothebin,therewasflourforonemorecake.Good!Shelookedcarefullyintothejar.Yes,therewasenough


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oil for one more cake. She took the oil and the flour andpreparedonemorecake,andplaceditintoavessel.Again,whenshelooked,shesawtherewasmoreflourandoil.Whatgoodfortune,she thought,andshepreparedanothercake.

Andagain,andyetagainanothercake,andsoon.Theflourinthebindidnotcease,nordidtheoilinthejarrundry.

She and her son had their fill of food. They provided aroom for the prophet on the upper floor. I see this in myimagination.Shemusthavesentonemorecakeofbreadtotheprophetwithherson.Andagainandagain.Theprophetwouldhavesaid,Ihavehadenough.Iamsatisfied,myhungeris satiated.

Thewidowandhersontooatesumptuously.Andyettherewasflourleftinthebin,andoilremainingin

thejar.Andsoshepreparedamealagain.Bythistimeshethoughtofherneighbourswhowerestarving,andshedesiredtocallthemoverforameal.Shecalledthem,thepoorpeople,how long since they had food! How many deaths due tostarvation!

Dearly beloved, as you read this, do you think of yourneighbours

who

are

in

anguish?

There

are

people

who

arefaint from thirst.Peoplewho long for the food that leads to

eternal life.Here food was given to those who were famished. The

famineandhungeroftheneighbourswerealleviated.Child of God, if you obey the word of God, it will be a

blessingforothers,manystarvingsoulswillbesaved.Manywho

deserve

to

go

to

eternal

hell,

will

receive

the

right

toeternalHeaven.

Somemayfearthefuturebecauseofan insecurefamilylife. Those who are sinking into the depths of despair, into


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the dreadful abyss of depression, will become radiant withhope.Lifewillbetransformedtoonefilledwithjoyandmirth.Peacewillpermeatethroughoutyourlife.Happinesswillcometoyourpossession.JustobeythewordofGod.

The prophet obeyed the Word of God, and went toZarephath.ThewidowobeyedthewordofGod,andmadeacakeandgave ittotheprophet.Theflour inthebindidnotcease,nordidtheoilinthejarrundry.Anunfailingsourceofabundant food!

Can you see this in your imagination? Just think, everymorning the children, women, and other starving peoplecrowdinginfrontofthewidowshouseforfood.Practicallyallthepeopleinthelocalitygatheredtothewidowshousedaily.

ChildofGod,letyourlifebecomethemeansbywhichthehungerofotherscanbestilled.Letmanyderivereliefthroughyou.WhateverpossessionsyouhaveareagiftfromGod.

TheprophetknewthatCherithwasagiftofGodaswerethat the widows flour and oil. He also knew that the crowwhich was used to provide for him was also a gift of God.EverythingwasGodsgift.

Cherithmayrundry,butGoddoesnotabandon.Thecrowmay cease tocarry food,but thestorehouseof theGod inheaven is not emptied. Gods heavenly storehouses areperpetually bountiful. His rich treasury of blessings isoverflowing.Itispulsatingwithabundantlife.

What awonderfulGod is He!Dont holdon to the gifts,holdfasttotheGiver.LookatJesus,theauthorandfinisherofourfaith.ThegiftsaregivenbyGod.

Butdonotrelyonthem.ChildrenaregivenbyGod.Butdontrelyonthem.AlovinghusbandisgivenbyGod.Evenso,mydaughter,dontdependonyourhusband.Ifyouhave


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aloving,affectionate,obedientwifewhoisofgoodcharacterand leadsapure life, it isGodsgift,myson.But let itnotmakeyouproud,orreliantonpeople.

TheGiver alone is to be reliedon. In Him alone shouldyou take refuge. Look, He is standing close to you. LeavethegiftsandholdfasttotheGiver

Elijahfoundabundantfoodinthathouse.Allthepeopleintheneighbourhoodhadplenty.WhenGodstartstogive,thereisnolimit.WhocanresistthehandoftheGodofheaven?

Iwork,andwhowillreverseit? Isaiah43:3Iwillwork,andbringtofulfilment,whowillreverseit?Will

awomanforgetherbaby?Willawomanforgetthebabyshehasborne?Evenifsheforgets,Iwillnotforgetyou,sodeclarestheloving,Eternal

Godtoyou. Isaiah49:15Even if a mother forgets the child she has borne, I will

never forgetyou.TheGodwhocaresforus;,whoprotectsus,whoperforms

allthingsforus.OGod,howgreatisyourmercytowardsus!Thewondrousmannerinwhichyoupreservethosewhoarebelovedtoyou.ThemiraculousmercyofGod;bywhichHeworksoutwhatisbestforus.Eventhoughwedontrealisethegoodnow,wemaycome torealise it in the future;howmuchawonderfulGodisurgentlyplanningthebestforus.

Theflourinthewomansbindidnotcease,nordidtheoilin herjar run dry; everything was plentiful. Blessing wasabundantly

poured

out

on

the

country,

on

the

house,

on

theson,his mother,andon theprophetwhowas stayingas a

guestwiththem.Asyoureadthesewordsnowwillyouthinkforaminute.Doyouwantabundantblessing?


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IseeasceneonthemountainatBethsaida.Jesuslooked,andsawamultitudeofpeople,crowdingaround.The menalonenumberedfivethousand,withalmostanequalnumberof women, besides children. So many people were sittingthere,onthat levelground.

They listened to Jesus words eagerly, with thirst. TheycravedtoseeHim,andlongedtojusttouchHim.Thousandsyearned for thisas theycrowdedaroundHim in thatplace.TheyhadbeenwithHimforthreedays.

Jesusinstructedhisdisciplestoprovidefoodforthem.Hesaid, Thesepeoplehave been with me for threedays. If Isendthemempty-handed,theymayfaintontheway,formanyofthemhavecomefromfar-offplaces.

Thediscipleswerebewildered.Theylookedateachother.ThedisciplewhohailedfromthatregionwasPhilip,and

he had the responsibility for matters concerning thatregion.Theotherslookedtohimforasolution.

DidyounothearwhattheLordsaid?Hehas toldustogivethepeoplefoodtoeat.Immediately,whileadmittinghisresponsibility,PhilipaskedtheLordwherehecouldbuyfoodtofeedsuchmultitude.Hevoicedhishelplessness;asbreadwortheven200silvercoinswouldbeinsufficienttofeedsuchamultitude.Fromwherecanwegetbreadtofeedacrowdofsuchproportion;itisbettertosendthemultitudeaway.

ConcernandemotionwerediscernibleontheLordsfaceasHestoodthere,ponderingoverthesituation.

Atthattimeasmallboyhadasmallparcelwhichhehadinhis possession. The parcel probably smelt of sweat. Evenso,therewerefiveloavesofbread,andtwofishintheparcel.


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The boy looked at Jesuss face. Then he looked at theparcel. WouldHeacceptthisparcel?Andofwhatuseitcouldbeinfeedingsuchamultitude.Hewasdoubtful.

He looked at Jesus, then at the parcel. It was then thatAndrewpattedhimonhisshoulder.Son,ifyougiveittoJesus,Hewillsurelyacceptit.

SlowlyheapproachedtheLord,andstoodbeforeHim.HeextendedtheparcelouttoHim.Hishandsweretremblingashedidso.HefearedastowhethertheLordwouldacceptit.WhatifHeaskedastowhatextentwouldthisgotofeedsuchamultitude.Hehesitatedastowhetherheshouldgive itornot,butJesusextendedoutHishandtoacceptit.

Thereis

a

wonderful

Master,

who

will

stretch

out

His

handtoacceptwhateveranyonewantstogive.HeistheLordJesus.

Jesus stretched out His hand, and the boy gave it to Him.Jesus lookedatHim,andsmiled.Jesusopenedtheparcel.Heblessedit,andbrokeit.Hegaveittothedisciplestoserveittothemultitude.

The people sat down in rows on that mountain slope inBethsaida.Thetwelvedisciplesservedthousandswithpiecesofbreadandfish,fromtwelvebaskets.Andtheyservedagain,and again.

Everyonehadtheirfilloffood.Theyweresatisfied.Theygotup.Jesuswascontented,andsowerethedisciples,andsowasthelittleboy.

Theboyreturnedhome. Inmy imagination, therewasaconversationgoingonathome.Iseethemotheroftheboysaying, Three days have passed since we saw our son,andthefatherreplying,OursonhasgonetohearthewordoftheLord,hewillreturnsoon,dontworry.


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Themotheranxiouslyspoke,No,ithasbeenthreedays,and Ihadgivenhimjust five loavesofbreadand two fish;thatwouldnothavebeensufficientforonemeal,hemustbefamishedbynow.

WhenwehearthewordoftheLord,wewontexperiencehungerorthirst.Hewillreturn,dontworry,dontgivewaytofear, said the father as he tried to comfort her. Just thentheirsonarrivedecstaticwithjoy,hiseyessparklingwithglee,hewasjumpingwithhappiness.Joyknewnobounds.

Hehadreturnedhome.Hisfatherheldhimclose,andgavehimakissonhishead.Hismotherhuggedhimandkissedhim.

Just then, there arrived twelve people bearing twelvebaskets full of pieces of bread and fish. They placed thebasketsdownbeforetheboysparents.Dearfriends,wouldntthathavebeenawonderfulscene?

Finally, Jesusarrived,Jesus blessed them. Mayboth ofyoubeblessedbyyourson.YoursonhasbroughtblessingtotheregionofBethsaida,tothiscountry,toyourhouseandtoyourselves-theparents.Thereasonhebecameablessingis

because

he

gave

Me

whatever

he

had.

Son, will you give whatever you have to Jesus? He willconsecrate it. Let Him break you, and make you grow andflourish.LetHisgreatnamebeglorified.


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Chapter8Now it happened after these things that the son of the

womanwhoownedthehousebecamesick.Andhissicknesswas

so

serious,

that

there

was

no

breath

left

in

him.

SoshesaidtoElijah,WhathaveItodowithyou,Omanof God? Have you come to me to bring my sin toremembrance,andtokillmyson?

Andhesaidtoher,Givemeyourson. 1Kings17:17-19Thesonofthatwomanfellsick,andwasconfinedtobed.Hesuccumbed tohis illness,anddied.Howquicklyhad

the atmosphere in the house changed. There had beenabundanceandprosperity,withnodearthoffood.

While the entire country was reeling under famine, withcountlessdeathsduetostarvation,therewashappinessandabundanceinthathouse.Whatatimeofrejoicingithadbeen.Howmiraculouslyhadthingstakenplace!

TheprovidenceofGodisastounding.AfamilywhichhadGodinthemidst;afamilythatwasledbyGod.Afamilythatcomprised of people who obeyed and loved God. Even insuch a situation, disaster can occur. Nobody thought thatthingswouldgowrongsosoon.Thesonofthewomanfellill,


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andwasconfinedtobed,therewasnobreathleftinhim.Helayillinthismanner,andlaterdied.

Naturallythewomanwasplungedingrief.Sheapproachedtheprophetsobbingwithgrief,andsaid,OmanofGod,whathaveItodowithyou.Whyhadthishappened?

Have

you

come

to

my

house

to

remind

me

of

my

sin,

andkillmyson?

In life tragedymayoccur,wemaybebereavedof lovedones,andsufferthelossofparting.

Atamomentweleastexpect,calamitymaybefallus.Allofa sudden catastrophe may take us unawares, plunging usinto a sea of problems and antagonism. Just think of whatyoumustdoinsuchasituation.

Sherantotheprophet.There isaneternalprophet towhomwecanrun to.We

canrushatanytimetothegreatpriest.ThereisaneternalKingtowhomwecanruntoforrefuge,andcryoutto.Heisprophet,priestandking,HeistheLordJesus.WecanruntoHimatanytime.Wecanholdontoandhughisfeet.Wecanbeseechhimforourneeds.

CalluponMeinthedayoftrouble,Iwilldeliveryou,andyoushallglorifyMyname.(Ps.50:15)

ThereisaGodtowhomwecancryouttoatthefaceofhardships.A God to whom we can make our appeal whenadversityovertakesus.Whenwearehard-pressedwithurgentneeds,thereisaGodtowhomwecanmakeourpetition.Myson,cryouttoGod.

Ifwerequest,Hewillsurelynotwithholditfromus.IfyouapproachHimwithapetition,Hewill,surely,giveusareply.


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JesusChrististheepitomeoflove.Heistheembodimentofaseaofmercy.Heisthefountainofgrace,heislikevesselof blessing brimming over. He is the treasury of affection.Look,Jesusiswaiting,withHishandsoutstretchedtocomfortthosewhoapproachHim.Asyoureadthis,OchildofGod,cometoHimbearingthegriefsofyourheart.CometoHimwith

all

your

anxieties

and

grievances.

Approach

Him

bearingallyourburdens,andthenlaydownatHisfeet,everysingle

burden.TellHimeverythingopenly.Lord, there are so many problems, so many domestic

troubles,financialconstraints.Lord,Iamsinkingdeepindebt,anofficialnoticehasbeenissuedtoauctionmypossessions.OLord,somanyyearsaftermymarriage,Ihavenothadthefortuneofhavingachild.Allofasudden,amostunexpecteddisease has overtaken me, which does not respond totreatment. O Lord, my business has collapsed, my partnerhascheatedme;hehasmisappropriatedthefunds,everythingislost.

Lord,myhouseleaks.Wearetakingmeals?whileholdinganumbrella,toavoidgettingwet.Atnightwecantsleep,aswehavetokeepshiftingtogetadryplaceintheroom.Ihave

just one room, which serves the purpose of dining room,bedroom,dressing room,guestroomand drawing room,allcombined.Eventhekitchenisinthesameroom,Lord.Ihavenoothermeans,Lord.

Child of God, call upon the living God. Tell Him, Lord Idonthavemeans topay rent, Ijustmanagedsomehow tosurviveuptilnow.NowIhavenothingleft.IfIdontpay,Iwillbe

told

to

vacate

the

house.

My

daughter,

my

son,

are

youburdened with such problems?Are you in sorrow because

youdonthaveapersonalincome.Inwhatpredicamentareyouin?


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Whateverbeitcarryit,totheLordspresence.ThatwomanapproachedElijahandpresentedherpetition

tohim,WhathaveItodowithyou,OmanofGod?Haveyoucometometobringmysintoremembrance,andtokillmyson?

Throughthis

event

she

became

conscious

of

her

past

sins.ChildrenofGod,Iwilltellyouasecret,wheneveraccidents,

problems,opposition,adversityandgriefmaycomeintoourlives, isthereanyaspectofyour lifeonwhichthedevilhasclaim.Istheresinlurkinganywhere?Arethereanycorrectionstobedone,anywhereyouneedcleansing.Anyareawheretheenemy, theDevil, theaccuser isready tobrandyouasguilty?Insuchareas,Godsworkinyourlifewillbehindered.

InyourlifeisthereanythingthatputsshacklesonGodsworkinyourlife?

Behold the Lords hand is not shortened, that it cannotsave,norHisearheavythatitcannothear.ButyouriniquitieshaveseparatedyoufromyourGod,andyoursinshavehiddenHisfacefromyou,sothatHewillnothear. Isaih59;1-2

Myson,eliminatesinfromyourlife,sothatGodwillhearyour prayer, and His blessingswill flow to you unhindered,thebarriersbetweenyouandGodareeradicated.

Removetheobstructions.Getridofyoursins.Bidgoodbyetoyoursins.Examineyour life,andsearch

outwhatevergrievesthe livingGod,androotthemoutonebyone.Departfromyoursins.Humbleyourself,andreceivethepoweroftheSpiritoftheLivingGodflowingouttoyou;andtheshowerofHisblessingsontoyourlife.

ThewomanapproachedElijahandpresentedherpetitiontohim,WhathaveItodowithyou,OmanofGod?Haveyou


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cometometobringmysintoremembrance,andtokillmyson?

Thepoorwomanthoughtthatdisasterstruckbecausetheprophethadvisitedher.Sheactuallythoughtthatthecomingoftheprophethadkilledherson.Nomychildren,Goddoesnotharmorbringruintoanyone.IsnotGodfilledwithperfectlove,mercyandaffection?Doeshenotloveeveryone?Doeshenotmaketheraintofallonthewickedandtherighteous?

Is He not prepared to shower blessings on everyoneirrespectiveofhowtheyhavelived?Yes,mydearones,thelivingGodislove.

OtheloveofCalvaryscross,Thelovewhichredeemedme,

AndembracedmetoHisbosom-Thelovewhichwipesawaymytears.Eventhoughmycountrymenandfriendsgettogether,

Anddespiseandderideme,Ithenthinkofmybelovedsface,OfthesmileradiatingfromHiswonderfulface.ItistheloveofGodthatremindsmeofmysin,andpoints

outwhatevercorrectionsneedtobemade inmylife.Godslove

reminds

me

that

Ineed

to

improve

a

lot

yet.

When the man of God came, she became conscious ofhersin.Whenthechilddied,shewasstrickenbyconscience.

That is a positive approach. She is not depressed orfrustrated, nor did she grumble against God. She bore nogrudge towards theprophet,ordislike towards thewordofGodor thechildrenofGodwhopropagated it. Insteadshemaintained a positive attitude in her heart, a good thoughtsprungfromherheart,sherememberedhersin.

Whencircumstancesgostronglyagainstus,letussearchourlifeforunconfessedsin.Inthatmanner,mayyoubeable


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Insuchamannerdidgreatblessingvisitthewidowshouse.What isgreatblessing?The flour in thepotdidnotcease,theoilinthejardidnotrundry.Theywereabletohavefoodin abundance not only for themselves, but also to give toothers.Greatblessingindeed.Butgreatblessingwasfollowedby great testings- it was a fiery ordeal; a severe trial. Thechildbecameillanddied.Shebroughtthedeadbodytotheprophetshe laid thechildonher lap,andpleadedwith theprophet.

Whathave I todowithyou,OmanofGod?Haveyoucometometobringmysintoremembrance,andtokillmyson? The prophet replied, Give me your son. He meantGiveyourproblemintomyhand.TheproblemofachildofGod,whopraystothelivingGod,willbetakenupbyGodsownhands.

CommitthywaytoGod,Hewillsustainthee.(Ps.37:3)Put your trust in Him only, and dont rely on your own

wisdomorability.Hewillactonyourbehalf.DearchildofGod,putyourproblemsintothehandsofthe

livingGod.Yourstruggles,yourmentalanguish,tormentthatyou are undergoing, the heartaches, griefs, grievances inyour life; trials bring everything truthfully to the living God,openupyourhearttoHim.

TheBibletellsusaboutawomaninthefirstbookofSamuel.ShewasHannah.Shewassteeped insorrow,she lived inpainandmentalanguish.Shehadnochildren.Whataddedtohersorrowwas thecontinous tauntingofhercompanionPenninah.

Ihave

children,

why

is

itthat

you

have

none?

Itshowswhatkindofheartyouhave,andthequalityofthelife

youhave led.Youhavethereputationofbeingawomanofprayerandpiety,thenhowisitthatyouarenotabletobear


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children?Youshouldhaveacleanheart,ifyouwanttobearachild.InthismannerPenninahrelentlesslyscoffed,insultedandhumiliatedHannahonthisissue,anditpiercedHannahtotheheart.Shelivedinmuchagony.

Shewent to thehouseofGod inmuchsorrow,sobbingwithgrief.Shedidnotenterinsidethetemple.HowcanIbeingawoman in intenseanguishenter inside?Shestoodatthedoor.Sheburstoutcrying,whimperingandtriedtosuppresshersobs.

ThehighpriestEliwasseatedinsidethetemple.Shedidnotnoticehim,butcontinuedtocrythinkingofhersorrows,obliviousofeverythingaroundher.

A life filled with sadness, a barren woman, who had nochildren.Herbarrennessdrovehertodepressionanddespair.ThewordsofPenninah,hersisterhurtdeeply.Shesobbed,venting her sorrow.As she tried to smother her sobs, herprayeremergedasincoherentwordsfromherlips.Shetriedtoholdherlipstight.Evensooccasionalsighing,whimpering,and moaning escaped as stifled sounds. Her lips moveduncontrollably,herbodyshivered,andgarbledsoundscouldbe

heard.ThehighpriestElipresumedthatshewasdrunkwithmuch

wine, delirious, and that her intoxication made her react inthismanner.Thehighpriestcalledherandsaid,Howlongwill you stand here intoxicated with wine. Let yourdrunkenness,andhighspiritswearoff.Whenyouaresober,then come and pray. How dare you come to the house ofGod insuchan inebriatedcondition?Hespoketoherveryharshly.

Shewasstartled.ShelookedatEliwhowasseatedatadistance;ashespokeharshandseriouswords.


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Shereplied,NomyLord,Iamawomanofsorrowfulspirit,I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but havepouredoutmysoul before theLord.She managed to saythisamidstsobsandsighs.

Dearlybeloved,pourouttheanguishinyourlife,openupyourhearttoHim,theachesinyourheart;revealtoHimyourgriefs.DisclosetheagonizingissuesinyourlifetoHim.

OmyLord,Iamawomanofsorrowfulspirit,Ihavedrunkneitherwinenor intoxicatingdrink,buthavepouredoutmysoulbefore theLord.

ChildofGod,tellGodasHannadid.OGod,Iamawomanin intenseanguish,Lord, Iamaman in intenseanguish.OmyGod,IamachildofGodinintensementalagony.Havemercy

on

me.

Lord,

Ispeak

to

you

out

of

the

excessive

griefthatIbearinmyheart.

ThemiraculousgraceoftheLordwillthenpervade.ThemisconceptionoftheHighpriestEliwasremoved.PeopleofGod, do others misunderstand you?Are they priests orauthorities of the church? Their misconceptions will beremoved.Theywillalsocometounderstandthetruth.ThenglorywillcometoGodsname.

Hannasfacewasnolongerdowncast.Godhadremovedthe dejection from her face. Dear child of God, God is notonlyabletoremovethedejectiononyourface,butalsothedepressioninyourheart.Son,cryouttoHim.

ThedeadbodyofthechildwasbroughttoElijah.Shewassobbingingriefasshesupportedthedeadchildonherlap.Elijahsaidtoher,Giveyoursontome.There issomeonewhoiswillingtosolveyourproblem.Thereissomeonewillingto takeupyour issuesofagony,pain, the issues thathavemadeyoudowncast,theanguishinyourheart,yourwhimpersandsighs;everything.


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ThereisaGodwhostoresupyourtearsinavessel.Son,reveal your distress to God, Daughter tell God about yourdisappointments.ChildofGod,tellGodaboutthedepression,frustrations,andtheagonizingexperiencesinalifefilledwithgloominess.Look,Hestandshere,willingtotaketheseissuesonyourbehalf.

Giveyourson tome. Hewasbruised forour iniquities,thechastisement forour peacewasuponHim,andbyHisstripeswearehealed.

LetusgiveourselvesintoGodshands.TheOnewhodiedonthecrossforus;tobearourpain,andouragony.Surelyhehasborneourgriefs,andcarriedoursorrows.

TheOnewhotookupthecross,isherestandingbesideyoutocarrytheheavyburdensfromourshoulders.

JustobserveHim. Hisfaceisswollen.Hisheadbearsacrown of thorns. The blood that spurted out when theyhammeredthethornycrownontoHishead,isflowingdownto his eyes. He has borne countless slaps on his cheeks.TherearetracesofspitonHisface,whichismixedwithsweatandbloodandisflowingdownwards.

My Son,just picture Him. He bears our griefs. Theyscourged Him with a barbed whip. His back is bleedingprofusely fromHisstripes, likespringsofwater.Hisskin iscrackingwithdehydrationallover.Hisbody isblisteringallover from thehotsun.He lieson thecross ingreatagony.His feet and hands were shattered when iron nails werehammeredontothem,pinningHimtothecross.

Bloodand

water

is

welling

up

from

where

they

pierced

hisside.Coupledwiththeintenseheat,theheavierpartsofHis

bodyaresagging,asonly theextremitiesarebound to thecross.Thismakesbreathingdifficult.Ingreatagony,hegasps


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for breath desperately; the loud gasps can be heard fromafar.

DearchildofGod,deathonthecrossoccursinactualitynotduetothewoundsontheextremities;butduetodearthof lifebreath,forwhichthere isadesperatecry.Hepassesthrough this terrible ordeal of excruciating, desperate thirstfor air that gradually culminates in death. The lack of life-givingairoroxygenisthecauseofdeath.Thesaggingframeof the body, nailed to the cross, makes every breathagonizing,andhegaspsdesperately.

ChildofGod,justpicture that terribleexperience inyourmindseye.GiveHimallyourburdens,tellhimallyour lifesproblems,andopenyourhearttoHim.Jesus,Iam

yourslave.Jesus,youboremygriefs.ThereforeIamyourservant,yourpossession.IcrucifymyselftotheCross. Lord,

justashowyouresurrected,Itoowillresurrect,andlivealifeasanewcreation.FromtodayIamyours.Letthe nameoftheLordbepraised.


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Chapter 10AndElijahtookthechildandbroughthimdownfromthe

upperroomintothehouse,andgavehimtohismother.AndElijahsaid,See,yoursonlives!

ThenthewomansaidtoElijah,NowIknowthatyouareamanofGod,andthatthewordoftheLord inyourmouthisthetruth. 1Kings17:23-24

YouareamanofGod,andthewordoftheLord inyourmouth isthetruth.Elijahprayed.GodheardElijahsprayer.WeseethisinthefifthchapterofthebookofJames.Elijahwasamanwithanaturelikeus.

Themanwithanaturelikeours,wasamanofgreatprayer.Thisiswhatweread. Theferventprayerofarighteous

manavailsmuch.(Proverbs15:29;James5:16)ElijahwasamanwithanaturelikeoursHeprayedthatitwouldnotrain,anditdidnotrainforthreeyearsandsixmonths.Onprayingagain,

rain

fell

from

the

sky.

Grain

sprouted

from

the

earth.Hewasaprayerwarrior.HewasablessedmanofGod,who

hadintercededwithGodonseveralissuesthatneededprayer,andobtainedrepliesfromthesamefromGod.


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Thesonofthewidowdied.Elijahcarriedthedeadbodyoftheboytotheupperroomwherehewasstaying.Therehelaidthechildonhisbed.Elijahprayedforthechild.TheprayerofthemanofGodreachedatthethroneofGodsgrace.

Our spiritual forefathers, the saints of old generationprayedthattheirprayermayreachthedoorsoftheheavenlyJerusalem,tothethroneofGod.OLord,IpraythatlikewisemyprayerwillreachthedoorsoftheheavenlyJerusalem,tothethroneofthegloriousGod.

ThesaintswhoprayedthattheirprayerswouldreachthethroneofGod,beyondthedoorsoftheheavenlyJerusalem,realizedthatallprayersdidnotreachGod.Theyunderstoodthatallprayerswereconfinedtoearthly limits,andfailedtoascendtothethroneofGod.

Ifwenurturesin inour life,ourprayerwillnotreach thethroneofGod,itwillnotascendtoHispresence.Ifwedonotforsakesinourprayerswillremainasmere lipmovements.Wewilljustgothrougharoutineofpronouncingafewwords.

TheprophetIsaiahwrote:ThesepeoplehonourMewiththeir lips, but their heartsare far fromMe.TheyapproachGodtohonourHimwiththeirlips.TheyhonourGodbyutteringwordsofprayerandworshipwith their lips.Theychantouttheprescribedprayersmechanically.Itisjustanexerciseofthelips.Butifprayerhastospringupfromthedepthoftheheart, the heart should be clean and free from sin. Thereshouldbeanytraceofsinintheheart.Thethoughts,words,deeds,andattitudesshouldbeabsolutelyfreefromsin.Dearfriends,

there

should

be

no

tendencies

towards

sin

in

ourblood,inour nature,nosinfulthoughtsanddesiresreigning

inourbrains;ourheartsshouldbefreefromthemotivationofsin.


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wagesofsin,whichisdeath,reigninginthem;thosewhoaredead inspiritbecauseofsin.Areanysuchpeople readingthesewordsnow?

Son,daughter,Christhascometograntyoulife.Godhascometogiveyouabundantlife.Thereforebidfarewelltoyoursin right now, and make a promise to God that henceforthyouwillleadalifeasanewcreation.

Jesus, I believe that you died on the cross in order tobear the punishment for my sins on my behalf. ThereforehereafterIpromisetoleadalifefreefromsin.Thenthenail-piercedhandsofChristwillrestonyourhead. Itwillreviveyour dead spirit. The wages of sin is death, but God isstandingheretogiveyoulife-givinggrace.

Theboyreceivedlife.TheprophetElijahreturnedthechildback to his mother alive. He had received a dead boy. Hereturnedachildwhowasvibrantwithlife,energetic,smiling,andsweet.DearchildofGod,whenyouhadbeguntoreadthesewordstoday,yourspiritmayhavebeendead.Butnowif you accept Jesus as your Master, Saviour and Lord intoyourheart,thenyourspiritwillberevived. Asyoureadthesewords,youcanalsoacquirenewlifeandresurrect.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.Psalm150:6

Letyourheart resoundwithpraisewhich isasymboloflife. Then your hearts will celebrate thejoy of salvation.Boundlessjoywillbubbleforthandoverflowfromthedepthsofyourhearts.Shoutsofjoyand happysoundsofpraise-echoeswillreverberateloudlyinyourhearts.

Dear child of God,Jesus has come to you to grant youlife.


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That child received life. The mother gave Elijah a deadchild.NowshereceivedfromElijahsarmsaliving,sweetchild.DearchildofGod,noonehassoughtGodspresenceandreturneddisappointed.There isnoone in thehistoryof theworldinthepasttwentycenturies,whohasapproachedGodafter forsaking sin, and pledging never to be consciouslyinvolvedinsin;andhasreturnedwithoutreceivingablessing.

DearchildofGod,justbelieveandsubmitalltheburdensofyourheart toGod.Tellhimaboutwhateverhasaffectedyour soul, any accidents in which you have succumbed tosin.Commenceanewlifeuntaintedbysin.

ThenGodwillsendcomfort,peace,andblessing.TheGodofHeavenhascomedowntoblessyou.

Elijahreturned

son

to

his

mother.

All

of

a

sudden,

thewoman overwhelmed with gratitude,and withjoy filling her

heart, exclaimed thus: Now I know that you are a man ofGod,andthatthewordofGodinyourmouthisthetruth.

ForthepastthreeyearstheprophetElijahhadresidedinthewomanshouse.Hehadmaintainedaholylife,eventhoughthe woman had a history of a degenerate past. HedemonstratedhowthewordofGod,whichhespokecouldbeappliedtopracticallife.

Hepractisedwhathepreached. PeopleofGod,servantsandministersofGod,areyoureadingthesewords?Doyouliveinaccordancewithwhatyoupreach?

Iwhowrites thesewords,submitmy lifeatChrists feet,and examine myself with fear and trembling.Am I living inaccordancewithwhatIpreach?Ifnot,thelossismine.

Iwillsuffergreatloss,irretrievableloss.Myson,youtakethe word of God on your lips and instruct people, and youteach them. Even as you read these words, do you teachyourself?


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TheapostlePaulwrotethustothechurchatRome:IndeedyouarecalledaJewandrestonthelaw,andmake

yourboastinGod,andknowHiswill,andapprovethethingsthat are excellent, being instructed out of the law and areconfidentthatyouyourselfareaguidetotheblind,alighttothosewhoareinthedarkness,aninstructorofthefoolish,ateacher of the babes, having the form of the knowledge ofthetruthinthelaw.

You, therefore who teach another, do you not teachyourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, doyou steal? You who say, Do not commit adultery, do youcommitadultery?Youwhoabhoridols,doyourobtemples?You

who

make

your

boast

in

the

law,

do

you

dishonor

Godthrough thebreakingof the law?For, ThenameofGod is

blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you, as it iswritten. Romans2:17-21

For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; nor is thatcircumcisionwhich isoutward in the flesh.Buthe isaJewwhoisoneinwardly,andcircumcisionisthatoftheheart,intheSpirit,andnotintheletter,whosepraiseisnotfrommen,butfromGod. Romans 2:28-29

PeopleofGod,examineyourselfearnestly.Elijahreceivedaverbalcertificateofappreciationforhavingleadaholylife,fromthemouthofawomanwhohadledacorruptlifeinthepast.

Shesaid thisafterhavingobservedhim for threeyears,duringwhichshehad lodgedhim inherhouse insecret. Iperceivethatyouareagodlyman.IunderstandthatthewordofGodinyourmouthistruthindeed.


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Wouldyoulikesomeonetotestifyaboutyoulikewise?Doyouwantyour life tobearagoodwitness toGod?Humbleyourselfrightnowthen,meditateforamoment.LordIlivedtillnowwithoutknowingYou.Icarriedoutyourministrywithoutrecognizing you. Lord, without experiencing holiness in mylife,Ipreachedthewordofholiness.WithmylipsIpronouncedYourword,andworshipped.Andallthetimemyheartwasfaraway from You. Forgive and pardon me Lord. From todayon,Idecidetoleadanewlife.Pleaseblessme.


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noaccesstonutritiousfood.It istruethateventodaythereare many who experience scarcity of food. They areunemployed,withnoincome.Theyhavenomeanstoliveon.There is no hope for the future. There is a host of peoplewho languish in despair, as they see no means of relief totheir predicament.

We encounter such people all over the world in variousregions,nationsandsocieties.

However that is not the only form of hunger.There is ahungerforlovetoday.Loveisnotgivennorisitreceived.Toloveandtobelovedisabasicrequirementforahumanbeing.It isanessentialphenomenon inmans life.To love,andtobe

loved.

There

should

be

someone

for

me

to

love.

Thereshouldbesomeonewholovesme.

Howevertodaythereisdearthoflove,adefinitescarcityorpaucity.Loveisnotreceived.Childrenlongfortheirfatherslove,ormotherslove.Wivesdesirelovefromtheirhusbands.Husbandsearnestlyseeklovefromtheirwives.Parentscravealittlemercy,pityandcompassionfromtheirchildren.

Dearfriendareyouexperiencinganintensethirstforlove?Are you in despair because of the intense famine of love.Amongthemyriadofproblemsthatamanhastofaceinlife,theshortageofmoneyisamajorone.Afinancialcrisis.Thesituationisthatofincreasingdebt,andnoincometorepayit.There are no means to pay rent. The owners threaten toforciblyvacatetheirpremises.Lifeisplungedintothedepthsofdespair.Themindisinconstantturmoil,andlackspeace.Scarcityofpeace.Thismaybeduetoseveralreasons.Theremaybediscordwithinthefamily,alackofunityandharmony.There is difference of opinion; a diversity in outlook and


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attitude.Thereisdislike,annoyance,protest,grumbling,andcomplainingofvariouskinds. Somefanintoflameasoutburstsof anger. Some continue to sting like smoke emitted fromembers of coals. There are many who suffer from lack ofpeaceintheirlives.Therearepeoplewhosufferfromshortageofunity.Therearethosewholacknotjustfinances,butalsolove.

Therearethosewholackgoodclothing.Thosewholongtohavegoodattiretoweartoafriendswedding,towearagoodsareelikeotherpeopledo,butcantaffordtobuyone.

Awomanonceconfessedtomethatshehadspokenalietoherhusband.WhenIaskedwhatitwas,shereplied,Sir,Itold

him

that

Iwas

not

feeling

well.

Iwas

supposed

to

go

to

asistershouseforawedding.Therealltheguestswouldcome

dressedelegantlyincostlysarees.Ididnthaveapresentablesaree.IjusthavethecheapsareesthatIwearathome;whichIfeltashamedtowearittoawedding,whereotherswouldbesmartlydressed.SoIliedtomyhusbandthatIwasnotwell.Pleasegototheweddingalone.Sir,IconvincedmypoorhusbandthatIwasill.Hewentalone.

Hungerforclothing.Dearfriends,whatisthefamineinyourlife?Atthattimein

Samariatherewasfamine.InthetimeoftheprophetElijahthere was famine because there was no rain. Even todaywhenthespiritualshowersdonotfallthesocietyexperiencesintensespiritualfamine.

Therearechurches,basilicas,chapels,priests,bishops,pastors, ministers and ministries, conventions and poorhomes. There are varied forms of pomp and show on the


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exteriorinfestivals,feasts,ritualsandpracticesinchurches.But spirituality is sorely lacking, people with Christ-like

attitude are scarce, there is a shortage of saints and thefaithful. Holy people with devotion to God are dwindling innumber.

Davidprayedthuswithdeepsighsofsorrow:HelpLordfor the godly man ceases! For the faithful disappear fromamongthesonsofmen. Psalm12:1

Dearfriends,youcanhelpalleviatethefamineinsocietyby being a saint of Christ, an ambassador of revival. Dearpeople of God, are you willing to leap to the forefront ofrevival?Are you interested? You can become a soldier ofChrist. You can become His saint.You can abandon yourformerlifeandbidfarewelltoyouroldnature,andcommenceanew life.ThenChristwillbeabletoabide inyouanduseyoutoworkgreatmiracles.

Christcanuseoneofyoutodirectheavenlyshowersandquenchthedroughtinthespiritthathasafflictedthesociety.

AtthattimeGodstoodintheprophetElijahandmaderaintofallinSamaria.

Elijahwasamanwithanaturejustlikeours.IfGodusedElijahwhohadanaturelikeours,tomakeraintofall,hecanalsouseeachofustoshowerspiritualblessingsonthesocietythatisparchedinthespirit.Godiswillingtoalleviateinthismannerthespiritualcalamities,damage,famineandhunger.ThisisGodsdesire.

AreyouwillingtostandforHispurposetobefulfilled?Areyouinterestedtoleadaholylife,asdidElijah.WehavereadandcontemplatedoverwhatthewidowofZarephathtoldElijah


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inthelastverseoftheseventeenthchapter.Iperceivethatyouareagodlyman.Iknownowthatthe

wordofGodinyourmouthistruthindeed.YouareamanofGod.IunderstandthatthewordofGod

inyourmouthistruthindeed.ThisiswhatthewidowtoldtheprophetElijah.Shetoldthistotheprophetwhohadresidedinsecretinherhouseforthreeyears.YouareamanofGod.IknownowthatthewordofGodinyourmouthistruthindeed.

Dearfriends,ifyourlifeisaholywitness,andyearyouatruetestimonyoftheloveoftheCross,thentheLordwilluseyou toalleviatespiritualdryness.ThenHewilleliminateallmisfortunes that have befallen your family, as well as thespiritualfamineofthesociety.Thenewlightofspiritualrevivalwill radiate out, new peace and serenity will permeate out,andGodwill liftyou,childofGod togreatspiritualheights.Do you want this great privilege? Just like what was saidabouttheprophetElijah,inlateryearsawomanfromShunemsaidaboutElisha.YouareamanofGod.IcanseethatyouareaholymanandthatthespiritofGodisonyou.

Icanperceivehe isaholymanofGod,waswhat theShunammitewomansaid.

Looknow,Icanseethatthis isaholymanofGodwhopassesbyusregularly.Thewomanwhospoke thusaboutElishatoherhusbandhadonlyseenhimpassbyregularly;shehadnotheardhimspeak.

Shehadnotheardhimspeak.Withouthearinghimtalk,shesaid:Looknow,IcanseethatthisisaholymanofGodwhopassesbyusregularly.


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Dearfriends,letusbecomeambassadorsofpeace,letusstand at the forefront of the wave of revival. Let us giveourselves to Christs hands to contribute to the spiritualrevival.Now,letuspra

beside cheri th

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