Psalm 122:1 “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” David never lost an opportunity to go into the Lord’s Holy Temple as he was always thirsty to be in the presence of the Lord Almighty. David knew that the Temple was the place where he could off-load his burdens, get deliverance from all his sins, and receive all blessings. Likewise, even we must possess the thirst to come to the Lord’s Holy Temple, for this sanctified and chosen place is where we will receive answers to all of our prayers.

When Solomon built the Temple, he made sacrifices to the Lord in this Holy Temple; and the Lord spoke to him as given in 2 Chronicles 7:15 “Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attend unto the prayer that is made in this place.” God is everywhere and we are the temple of the Holy Ghost. There is no doubt about this, but yet there is a chosen place where the Lord abides in all His Holiness, power, and glory; which is the epicentre of all our blessings. It is up to us to have faith that the Lord our God, will answer our prayers. God’s eyes will see, and His ears will be open to every prayer made in the Holy Temple, as recorded so many times in the Bible!

Psalm 91:14 “Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.”  From the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God and the Word was God. Jesus proclaimed that those who did not love Him, would not obey His Word. Also, if you do not have the true love of God in your heart, no matter how much the Word is preached, it will never touch your heart.  John 14:24 “He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.” Jesus said that the Word that He preached was not His own, but that of His Father from above, who had sent Him.

Hence Jesus and the Word in the Bible clearly state that those who do not love Jesus will not believe and accept His true Word. When we believe in His Word, we will surely see the mighty works of God in our lives. Our God is not a partial God, He does not change; rather we must change and turn away from our wicked lives.

Hence dear brothers and sisters, whenever you go to God’s church, viz. the Holy Temple, keep in mind that you are going to meet the Lord your Saviour; go into His presence with all holiness, praise, gladness, truth, and with all reverence in your heart; for then only will the prayers you offer to Him be answered.

Your sister in Christ,

Pastor Saroja M.

Praise the Lord. A few months ago, I began having conflict at my workplace with the management and their working style. They offered to shift me to another work profile with extra hours during weekends but with no extra pay. Also, they were not reimbursing me for any of my travel costs during the pandemic and I used to receive my salary very late. Finally, I decided to quit my job and put in my resignation. Just after I quit, the second lock-down took place. I had told of this matter to Pastor Saroja who was keeping me in her prayers daily.

Three months passed by, and I was trying for various jobs, but nothing seemed to be working out. Pastor would always encourage me to not lose hope, and wait on our Lord Jesus Christ. On Pastor’s encouragement, I kept applying through various job portals and fervently prayed for the best job. Then one day I received a call directly from a UK-based Multi-National Corporation looking urgently for a Finance Assistant. (They had seen my application for this role on one of the job portals). They took my interview and made me a good offer. Pastor advised me to go for it. All the formalities got done within a week. By God’s tremendous grace and our dear Pastor Saroja’s fervent prayers, I got this job, wherein I have very flexible timings, as per my comfort and with the weekend off. Also, the Company has provided for all Work-from-Home equipment, so that I may work comfortably; apart from a very good pay package – higher than all my previous jobs. Also, the Salary here is paid in advance! This is a marvellous work that the Lord has done in my life, and just as Pastor had advised and prayed for me, I got the best job as I had desired. I immensely thank and praise our Lord Almighty for doing this great miracle in my life. I sincerely thank Pastor Saroja for fervently praying for me and always advising and counselling me at the most difficult times of my life. Thank You Jesus!!!

*Sis. Evangela Roberts, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Praise the Lord. For six months, I had pain, irritation, and blockage in my left ear. I finally visited a doctor who prescribed me ear drops. I continued using those drops, but it was of no use. I replaced them with different ear drops but still got no relief. I got fed up, and then applied prayer oil for two weeks. To my delight, I got healed completely. I give all glory to God for this miracle through the prayer oil, and I thank our dear Pastor for praying over the prayer oil.

*Bro. Lancelot Lobo, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Praise the Lord. A few months ago, there were campus recruitment online interviews held at my college. At first a  company approached me,  I applied and got shortlisted. But since I specialized in Food & Beverages, I did not get my preferred job profile. Besides, the workplace was quite far from my house. I told this matter to our dear Pastor Saroja, who advised me to hold on to this offer, and also try for other places. She assured me of her prayers. A few days later, I got another job offer from a well known big branded company for the post of Food & Beverage Associate. I applied there, completed all three rounds of the interview process, and out of the many candidates who applied from our college, only two were selected and I was one of them, by the grace of God. Also, the workplace is quite near to my house, and I kept updating Pastor about my joining process and various other necessary credentials required. Pastor kept advising me from time to time and assuring me of her prayers. By God’s grace, my joining process went through smoothly, my pre-employment medical fitness report came normal, and now I have joined and started working. I give all glory, honour, and praise to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for doing such marvellous work in my life, in these times. I also thank our dear Pastor for keeping me always in her prayers and giving me perfect guidance at every point along the way. Thank You, Jesus!!!

*Bro. Obed Roberts, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Praise the Lord! I got an insect bite on my left arm while on holiday. It was really sore and itchy and I observed that it was growing. Due to this I was worried, and my husband suggested showing it to the doctor. That night I applied prayer oil on the infected area and the next morning I saw there was no sign of the sore and itchy patch on my arm. All glory to my loving and omnipotent Lord Jesus Christ for healing me. Thank you, dear Pastor, for your ceaseless prayers and love always.

*Sis. Smitha Wilson, London, England

Praise the Lord. My name is Deepak, and I am from Thane District, Maharashtra. I had tested myself for Covid-19, and before going for the tests, I had called and requested Pastor Saroja for prayers. I got my reports and it was negative.

I thank Lord Jesus for this great work in my life. I also thank Pastor Saroja for praying for me. Thank You, Jesus.

Bro. Deepak Khajekar, Thane (West), Maharashtra.

There once was a family who had nothing to eat. The cupboard was bare, and there was no money for groceries. But they did have an old shotgun and three shells. The eldest son saw the hunger in his family’s eyes and decided that he would go out and hunt something for dinner. He was a good shot, and he set off into the forest feeling optimistic.

As he walked, he saw a rabbit nibbling at a fern. Taking careful aim, he fired at the rabbit, but he missed it. Then he saw a squirrel scampering up a tree. He fired at the squirrel, but he missed it. Nervous now, he walked deeper into the woods. After some time he saw a wild turkey. He knew he had only one bullet left. He had to make this shot count. In frustration he looked up high in the skies and with tears in his eyes asked, “what should I do?” He sat down in despair. Then a voice came to him saying, “Pray first, aim high, and stay focussed.”

At the same moment, he saw a beautiful buck walk into a clearing. That much meat would feed his family for a week. He slowly raised the gun and took careful aim at the deer. He shifted his weight and rose from the grass. Looking down, he saw a Rattlesnake coiling between his legs. Terrified now, he began to lower the gun to shoot the snake and save his life, even if it meant his family would continue to go hungry. But again, the voice from sky said to him, “Pray first, aim high and stay focussed.”

Seeing no other option, the boy decided to listen to the voice. He prayed, imploring God to save his life, and hoping that he would somehow find a way to feed his family. He aimed the gun high up in the tree and shot at the wild turkey. The shot was good and the turkey fell from the tree.

But then something amazing happened. The bullet bounced off the turkey and struck the deer. At the same moment, the old shotgun finally gave up and broke. The handle of the gun recoiled off the barrel onto the snake, killing it instantly. The combined recoil of the shot fired and the breaking gun sent the boy flying into a pond.

When he swam back to shore to get his bearings and look around, he found he had fish trapped in his pockets, a dead deer, and a turkey to bring home to his family. The rattlesnake was dead because the boy listened to God and trusted blindly.

So, we must always pray first before we undertake any difficult task, and then aim high, and shoot for our goals.

Even though they may seem far out of reach, stay focussed on God, for in His wisdom all things are possible.

Luke 18:27 “But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

 

1 Chronicles 13:14 “And the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obededom, and all that he had.” The house of Obed-Edom accepted the Ark of God in their house with great love. Therefore, the Lord blessed this house, and the family of Obed-Edom. During the time of the chief Priest Eli, the Philistines constantly warred with the Israelites. It was during one such war that the Philistines captured the Ark of God from the Israelites. Let us see what happened at the time when the Ark was captured and taken away by the Philistines.

1 Samuel 4:22 “And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken.” The Philistines took the Ark of God and kept it in the temple of Dagon, by the side of their idol, Dagon. That night, Dagon fell down face ward, bowing down to the Ark of God. The Philistines were shocked and surprised. They immediately put Dagon back to its original place; but the next day it happened once again. This time however, Dagon lay fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him.

There may have been a war between the Ark of God and Dagon, in the temple; wherein the idol was completely destroyed. When the Philistines came the following day to the temple, they were once again shocked to see what had happened; but this time they feared the Ark of God. They immediately returned the Ark of God to the Israelites.

1 Samuel 5:4 “And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him.” Even after up righting the fallen statue of Dagon, the very next day the Philistines saw that their idol, Dagon was destroyed completely into pieces.

1 Samuel 5:6 “But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof.” The Philistines realized that the hand of God had fallen upon them, for God inflicted them with hemorrhoids or ‘piles,’ wherein they could not sit or stand, and they would bleed profusely from their rectum. Thus the punishment of our Almighty God came upon the Philistines. The Philistines realized this, and immediately they returned the Ark of God back to the Israelites. At that time, this righteous man Obed-Edom, accepted the Ark of God in his house and as a result his house received mighty blessings from God.

The Ark of God contained a golden pot of manna, the ten commandment tablets, and Aaron’s rod. Hebrews 9:4 “Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant.” Even today, if we accept the Ark of God, we will be blessed, but if we refuse it, we will lose the blessings of God just as how the Israelites lost their blessings when the Ark of God was stolen from their midst. When the Ark of God returned to Israel, God’s blessings returned back to them. Even today, we must accept every Word of God, for when we accept the Word, we will be blessed in our life.

Psalm 73:23 “Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.” God will hold our right hand and lead and guide us always. In such times, we will never lose our peace and love of God. If God is not with us, then He will not hold our right hand and lead us. We will then be led by the king of this world, and our life will be doomed. The devil will lead our lives into darkness, where finally we will burn in hell fire. But when we believe in God and walk in His ways, He will always hold our right hand and guide us. Those who have experienced the love of God will never want to leave His side. In the Holy Scriptures, we know of the person who was demon possessed and subsequently healed by Jesus.

What did this person request of Jesus? Luke 8:38 “Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,” The demon possessed man was now delivered and freed from torment. He had experienced the mighty power and love of God, and he requested that he be allowed to accompany Jesus. Those who have experienced the love of God will always want to remain entwined with Jesus. There are two types of people in this world; those who have experienced the love of God and want to remain with Him, and others who have seen God’s love and still don’t believe in Him. In the Scriptures, we know that though the multitudes had seen the mighty power and love of Jesus, they still asked Jesus to leave their country and go away, as they were afraid of Jesus’ works. Those of us who live the life with the ‘Ark of God’ accept God’s Word, and will have peace in our hearts and love in our lives. Today, we see in this world that there is no peace. It is difficult to get peace in this world; there are fights all the time within the family, outside the family, and in this world. But for those who love the Lord, our God has given us His peace that this world cannot give, nor take away.

In the Scriptures we know of a story of a Prophet who left behind only debt and sorrow for his family. His wife came crying to Prophet Elisha, saying ‘My husband has left us with debts, and now that he is dead, the debtors are come to take away my sons into bondage.’ The Prophet had left his family in debt, while our Lord God has left for those who believe in Him, His ‘peace.’ John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Our Lord God has left us with His peace, in this world; not in pain, sorrow, or shame, as the aforementioned prophet left behind for his family.

Saul was a great King of Israel, but he left back only wars and strife for his countrymen. We know the end of his life was really sad, and all his seven sons died in wars. Our Lord God has left for us His peace, which is beyond all understanding – peace that no one in this world can buy or give us. When we are entwined with the Lord God, our life will be a great blessing, but if God’s grace leaves us, we will lose all peace as well. What can this world give us? Nothing!

Today we have parents, but tomorrow we may not have them. Who should we then depend on? We should depend only on our God, and we must never ever forsake Him. When God is not with us, we lose everything in our life. Hence the Ark of God must remain in our lives. Only then will we be blessed by God. The moment we lose the Ark of God, we will lose everything in life. We have read in the Scriptures earlier, that when the Ark of God was kept in the temple, the idol fell flat on its face down on the earth, in a bowed position before God Almighty. Everything made by man eventually becomes dust before God.

Jesus Christ attended a wedding in Cana of Galilee on the third day of the week. John 2:1 “And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there.” Seeing the great miracle that Jesus performed at the marriage of Cana, the people of that country asked Him to leave. But when the demon possessed man experienced the mighty power of God and was healed, he did not want to leave Jesus’ side, and instead He wanted to stay with Him forever.

Psalm 34:8 “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Our God is a good God, and we must taste and see that the Lord is good. Those who have tasted God will always remain entwined in Him. It is through Him that we are blessed, and it is through Him that we derive our strength. We also know that Jesus’ disciples Peter and John were uneducated, yet being with Jesus they grew into bold and learned men.

Acts 4:13 “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Being entwined with Jesus, we are blessed with His grace, His strength and His wisdom. This world cannot give us that boldness and wisdom. It is only by being with God, we can become wise, strong, and fearless in this world. When God’s hand of grace is upon us, we will be blessed – hence we must spend time with the Lord to receive His blessings in our life.

Revelation 17:14 “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Those who are with the Lord are called chosen, and faithful. When we spend more and more time with the Lord, we will be His chosen children. Do not love this world more than our God, and do not spend more time with this world, rather, spend time in the Lord’s presence, for this will bring true blessings into our lives. To be God’s chosen children, we must spend more and more time with the Lord. If we believe the Lord, we will trust the Lord. Even today, many of us are foolish, and we try to resolve our problems with our own wisdom, thereby losing the grace of God. Like the family of Eli the chief priest, we will lose the grace of God. God, through his great love for us, has left behind His peace on this earth.

No man can give us that peace, nor can any man take it away. We must always aim to gain the peace of God, for it is He who has delivered us from our sins, and not this world. We must give our right hand into His hand, and then no one will be able to shake us from our faith. With our knowledge we can do nothing. We must always give God first place in our lives. If we decide to do everything with our own wisdom, all will be worthless. Those who struggle for the Lord and live in unity with Him will always be victorious and blessed. They will never be deprived of anything in life.

The devil is like a prowling lion, he will always look at ways to devour us. Hence, we must always be vigilant, with clarity in our mind, and be still and wait on the Lord. 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” We must be wise and without confusion, and be watchful in the Lord always, letting God be our shepherd, letting Him lead and guide us.

Psalm 23:1-6 “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”

Once we win in our faith with God, our house will be made in Zion. We will never be able to reach God’s Kingdom without faith. Our faith must be strong and bound with the Lord always. We must be wise and vigilant. When Jesus was travelling by sea to go to the other side, to heal a man who was in bondage by a legion of demons, the devil knew beforehand that Jesus was coming to destroy him, so he created a storm in the sea. The stormy sea brings fear in everyone’s heart, and even the disciples panicked, crying out ‘Jesus, Jesus.’ Even in our lives, when there are storms in the family, we must cry out to our Lord God, for He alone can deliver us from every storm. No one on this earth, and no one’s wisdom, is able to deliver us. It is only Jesus Christ who can control every storm in our lives. Luke 8:24–25 “And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.” The devil knew the work Jesus was proceeding for; hence he sent a storm into the sea, to drown the ship. Likewise, the devil knows what work we are going for, and he brings barriers into our work. We should never be double minded, and we must stay firm in God. James 1:6-8 “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” Those who are double minded are unstable in all their ways.

Remember, our Lord God has left behind His great peace for us. Why should we lose our peace in this world by being double minded? When God is our shepherd we can lead a gracious and fruitful life. We can live an unwavering life. Why should we want to live a ‘rascal’s life? We don’t need to!

Whatever the situation in our homes and lives, if our faith is on God, He will hold us by our right hand and lead and guide us. We must not fear any adverse situation in our lives, and instead we must submit every work or plan of the devil into our Lord’s hand. God will give us victory in all of our endeavours. Psalm 42:11 “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” We should give all our confusion into God’s hand.

Hence, we must keep the Ark of God in our homes, walk according to the Word, and have faith in God. It is important for us to remember that the love, peace, and joy that God gives us, no man of this world can give us.

Let this message be a blessing to everyone who reads it! Praise the Lord!

Pastor Saroja M.

Praise the Lord! Prayers and wishes that all my readers are safe and healthy by God’s grace.

Churches were given permission to open on 7^th October 2021, just in time for our Harvest festival, celebrated on 10^th October. The celebration of thanksgiving was celebrated in the Rose of Sharon Church as well as at the Rose of Sharon Old Age Home.

As per normal routine, the Harvest paddy was distributed to all Church members, and all of us had lunch as one happy family.

The residents of our Old Age Home also enjoyed the Harvest lunch, and thanked the Almighty for keeping all of them healthy and safe during times which were so difficult for everyone across the world.

We are so thankful that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ opened places of worship, so that all may come together and praise and worship as one congregation.

Do continue to take care of yourselves and your family members, and also keep our residents in your prayers.

Your sister in Christ,

Pastor Saroja M

Praise the Lord!

We are glad to announce the Sunday School exam results for this year. Each year our children are getting better, not only in reciting the memory verses but also in the question and answers.

The children had their Sunday School exams and fared quite well. Full of zest on the day of exams, it was amazing to especially see the younger kids recite the memory verses so fluently, word by word.

We, at the Rose of Sharon Sunday School are pleased to announce the top performers for the year 2021.

For the Junior class, we have the following top-two positions:

1st rank – Irwin Patel

2nd rank – Grace Chilla

For the Senior class, we have the following top-two positions:

1st rank – Priscilla Rexy

2nd rank – Joel Samuel

Congratulations to our children!

Do continue to uplift our little ones in your prayers.