See! Made Without Hands!

It is in my heart to share about 2 things today. One is that this extended lockdown is getting on the nerves of many who have lost jobs, many who are struggling to even get their daily necessities.

Much like in the days of Noah, it seems as if there is destruction all around, while there are few who have found refuge in the ark – the cross of Jesus Christ. We hear of wars and rumors of war, there are famines and earthquakes, men rise up against his fellow countrymen and deliver them up for (unfair) judgment.

And When these rains turn into floods, it will only lift the ark, a picture of rapture of the Church of Jesus Christ – the eternal King of Kings. The signs are all in place for such an HISTORICAL EVENT to take place; when Jesus comes we will be CAUGHT UP to heaven to meet the Lord IN THE AIR!

The second thought I want to share with you is that of the Kingdom. It does not come with observation as some saying, “Here it is!” or “There it is!” for the kingdom of God is within you. It is not somewhere far, that one should say Who will ascend into heaven to bring it down or descend to the depths to bring it up. Righteousness (received as a gift), the peace of God (received as a gift) and joy in the Holy Spirit (received as a gift again) – this is the kingdom of God!

In the history, we read about this great king of Chaldean dynasty – Nebuchadnezzar, who conquered Jerusalem, killing the princes of Judah before their father and king Zedekiah, Jehoiakim’s brother; and then he put out both the eyes of Zedekiah and bound him in bronze fetters and carried him away captive to Babylon, along with many of the children of Israel. Later, his captain burnt down with fire the Solomon’s temple, the King’s palace and all the houses of the entire city, (2 Kings 25, 2 Chronicles 36). Indeed, a very cruel king!

But we also read that one night he had a dream that would shake him up so much, that he called for all the wise men in Chaldea to tell the dream as well as its interpretation. When it was pointed out to him that it is next to impossible for the wise men to say what the King saw in the dream, Nebuchadnezzar coolly took it upon himself to wipe out and kill all the wise men in Babylon. Daniel was there!

And God revealed to Daniel about the king’s dream and its interpretation. He tells the king these words: There is a God in heaven Who reveals secrets; ”You. O king, were watching; and behold, a great image! This great image, whose splendor was excellent, stood before you; and its form was awesome. This image’s head was of fine gold, its belly and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. You watched while a stone was cut out WITHOUT HANDS, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were CRUSHED together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away so that NO TRACE OF THEM was found. And THE STONE THAT STRUCK THE IMAGE BECAME A GREAT MOUNTAIN AND FILLED THE WHOLE EARTH.” (Daniel 2: 31-35)

Daniel also made the interpretation, about 4 kingdoms that will come and go. The Chaldean dynasty (gold – Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar), the Mede-Persian dynasty (silver – Darius, Cyrus, Ahasuerus), the Greek dynasty (Alexander, Ptolemaic) and finally the Roman kingdom (Herod). The FIFTH kingdom was about to blast away the previous 4 kingdoms. Jesus, the King was born in Bethlehem. There was turmoil in the palace during His birth; and there was turmoil in the governor Pilate’s palace during His death and resurrection!

One of the accusations against King Jesus before His crucifixion was this: We heard Him say, “I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I WILL BUILD ANOTHER MADE WITHOUT HANDS.” (Mark 14:58).

An everlasting kingdom has been established by King Jesus. Of the increase of His government and peace, there shall be NO END. And Jesus Himself says: Upon this rock, I will build MY CHURCH and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. A kingdom made without hands – just like the stone cut away without human hands!

The Rock Solid Church made Without Hands!

We ARE the Church that Jesus is building; we are the kingdom citizens (holy nation) – called out and separated out; we are the kingdom priests (royal priesthood) to declare, decree and build.

In the Old Covenant, for every male child, the sign of circumcision– a permanent mark, was given. But now in the New Covenant with the blood of Jesus, we are OF THE CIRCUMCISION who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. (Philippians 3:3; see also Romans 2: 29). In Him (Jesus) you were also circumcised with a circumcision MADE WITHOUT HANDS (Colossians 2:11).

The great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The DREAM IS CERTAIN, and ITS INTERPRETATION IS SURE. (Daniel 2: 45).

The earth shall be full / filled with of the knowledge of the (glory of the) LORD, as the waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11: 9 and Habakkuk 2: 14). In Jesus name, Amen

No idols_  Exodus 20:4

 We see idols all around here in Mumbai, Schools are shut normal work in the city disrupted, as the streets are filled  with people  and their idols!!!

Idolatry an abomination to our God and to us His children.
We know, when God gave Moses ten commandments , it's clearerly mentioned

"Exodus 20:4 NKJV
"You shall not make for yourself a carved image-any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;"
Also the Lord says to His people,

"Leviticus 19:4 NKJV
'Do not turn to idols, nor make for yourselves molded gods: I am the LORD your God."
 We also learn that it is an abomination to our God,
Bible registers many incidents how people stood firm in their faith and how they refused to bowdown before idols.

Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, are few of them.
We learn about Daniel in
"Daniel 1:8 NKJV
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself."_ he madeup his mind that he would not defile himself with the food offered to idols though it could be a king's delicacy _food of the Royal table. God honoured His standing, his faith by favouring Him_Daniel  to be healthy even without the "king's delicacasies"
 Also we know about three Friends, who refused to bowdown before idols though it could cost them their life.
"Daniel 3:14-15 NKJV
Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? [15] Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?"_

But  God delivered them, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, from the fiery furnace, they have been delivered and set free even when in the fiery furnace.
We serve the Living God who is mighty to save.
We find a woman Rachel, who could not leave her father's household idols, though loved by her Husband could not live through because of the abomination which she carried along.
"Genesis 31:19 NKJV
Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel had stolen the household idols that were her father's.
"Genesis 35:19 NKJV
So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)."
God sent a warning through prophet Ezekiel as he said,

"Ezekiel 20:7 NKJV
Then I said to them, 'Each of you, throw away the abominations which are before his eyes, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.'

We also find in many incidents of caution in the New Testament as well
"1 Thessalonians 1:9 NKJV
For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,"

Present day or modern day idols could be education, technology, Career wealth or could be people!!!_anything which takes God's place
May the Lord JESUS help everyone of His chosen ones to say No noooo to idols and throw away idols and come to the True
Living God
 "1John 5:20-21 NKJV
And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. [21] Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen."

The Word "Pray" is mentioned in New Testament( NKJV)_150 times. Prayer is talking to God through Jesus Our Saviour. Jesus said in,
"Matthew 7:7 NKJV
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."_  so we can ask and God will surely give us/ answer our prayers.
"James 5:16
The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with."_ Righteousness.
Righteousness can be understood, from the following, instance.
Simply anyone who is dressed up as Traffic Police   can regulate, not because of the individual's ability, because of the authentication which this uniform brings. In the same manner, any of God's children who are clothed with the Righteousness of Jesus Christ, as it's  mentioned in,
"1 Corinthians 1:30 NKJV
But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God-and righteousness and sanctification and redemption-" People who are clothed with the Righteousness of Jesus Christ_their prayer avails much. Jesus Our sanctification, redemption and Righteousness. Hallelujah

Rahab and Ruth
These women from old testament times have many similarities.Both were gentiles, unacceptable into the congregation of Israel according to law. Both wouldn't pass, if law was the parameter! But, both found grace in the sight of the Lord; He justified them. Also, they found more grace (great favour) as their names find place in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.
"Matthew 1:5 NKJV
Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse,"
We know that Rahab, was a harlot and she was a gentile_a Canaanite woman. But her life was changed when she sheltered the spies sent by Joshua and spared their lives. She was aware how great our God is, as she rightly says that, "
"Joshua 2:11 NKJV
And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath."_ we know later her life was changed and lived a honorable life. Yes , God's grace has the power to change and turn every sinner, when they believe in the God of heaven and earth. Yeah, sin had not reined in her.
Another person in our discussion is Ruth.
She is a Moabite_a non-Jew!! People who are Christians for generation can understand very little about the hardships this woman would have faced!!
Yes her everyday existence would have been very very difficult. But I really love the way that she assures herself of the faith in the Living God as she says to her mother in law Naomi,
"Ruth 1:16-17 NKJV
But Ruth said: "Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. [17] Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me."
She didn't take a U_turn or V_turn. She would not return to her household of unbelievers- she was determined in that. She had found parents, brothers and sisters in God's kingdom, as she had accepted Naomi's people as her own.
Lord Jesus assures those who have left their household for His sake, that He will repay them, hundredfold
(See also Matthew 19:29 NKJV)
"Mark 10:29 MSG
Jesus said, "Mark my words, no one who sacrifices house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, land---whatever---because of me and the Message will lose out. They'll get it all back, but multiplied many times in homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land---but also in troubles. And then the bonus of eternal life! This is once again the Great Reversal: Many who are first will end up last, and the last first."
We find a negative example too- Lot's wife, who turned back and became a pillar of salt, which stands even today,
"Genesis 19:23-26 NKJV
The sun had risen upon the earth when Lot entered Zoar. [24] Then the LORD rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the LORD out of the heavens. [25] So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. [26] But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt."
I am sure if Ruth would have lived in our present age, she would have sung,
"I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus
No turning back, No turning back"
"I will follow You, I will follow You, I will follow You my God
I will follow You, I will follow You, I will follow Your testament.
"Though none go with me still I will follow
No turning back, No turning back"
Ruth and Rahab are examples of people who were determined not to leave God and His people!!, yes God's grace does that for anyone who believes in Jesus ... And she had found favour from God.
Even today Jesus is looking for New Covenant Rahabs, Ruths, Josephs, Daniels, Shadrachs, Meshachs, and Abed-Negos,
who are fully devoted to Him.
Hallelujah, Jesus Our Saviour.

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10Emona de Souza, Mahima Tagaram and 8 others

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Vessel_clang clang

Vessel_clang_clang:
God chooses the vessel to be used in His  service. There are  vessels of honor and dishonor and also vessels of God's mercy and  some  are  vessels of wrath.

Some  vessel claims it had food once upon a time. Some vessel receives bread for itself and  fills and getting ready with the stones for others.

But  God fills the vessel in His kingdom to serve the Living bread_Jesus, Jesus said  in
"John 6:51 NKJV
I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world "
Also  any service to God needs to be done in  love  with  love. Bible says in
" 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NKJV
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. [2] And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. [3] And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing."
Serving  God  without  love   amounts to nothing!!
I'm  reminded  of  a proverb which  says 'Empty vessel  make much  noise'_clang,  clang !!!
Christianity is  all about  God's love, God the Father's love _"John 3:16 NKJV
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
God the Son's love :"John 15:13 NKJV
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."
Spirit of God's love : " Romans 5:5 NKJV
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."_ Dear Heavenly Father thank you for the living bread_Jesus,  Lord  Jesus  we love you  because you  loved us first . Help us to  constantly  remind us of your unfailing  love  for us. Amen.

Believe in Jesus

 Danger of believing in one's own strength and riches  :
We see people around who believe in  certain things,  some  believe in people,  some believe in themselves,  some believe in  Medicare,  some in power and some in fame.
We see the plight of the man who trusted in  riches instead of believing in God.
"Luke 12:19-21 NKJV
And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry."' [20] But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' [21] "So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."_ Here we see the foolish man who trusted in His  riches. Being rich is not bad but putting our trust in these things is an act of foolishness.
Also,  we learn about this in
" Psalm 33:16-18 NKJV
No king is saved by the multitude of an army; A mighty man is not delivered by great strength. [17] A horse is a vain hope for safety; Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength. [18] Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy,"_In olden days,  the king who  possessed a great army and horses and chariots believed that,  these could save Him and His country from the enemy. But we learn that God's eyes are  on those who believe in Him_in His  Son Jesus Christ.
And
"Psalm 33:12 NKJV
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance."_Blessed is the nation to which you and I belong,  who has Lord as God.
Also
"Jeremiah 17:7-8 AMP
Most blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is. [8] For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; and it shall not see and fear when heat comes; but its leaf shall be green. It shall not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought, nor shall it cease yielding fruit."_Lord Jesus Thank you for planting us near the Living waters to have green leaves.  and to bear fruit. Amen.

Vessel

THE VESSEL :
"Hebrews 9:21 NKJV
Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry."
Vessel is very essential in our day_to_day life. We all use some or the other every day.
I remember as a young girl the hardships  my Mom experienced, when the vessel cleaning Maid wouldn't come.!!!
Even today my Maid, is highly appreciated for her help to me in cleaning vessels.
Bible talks about vessels as well. In Physical terms and spiritual. Spiritually, vessel implies people/Individuals. We learn this as Lord Jesus talks to Ananias  of Apostle Paul in
"Acts 9:15 NKJV
But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel." Also Psalmist address himself as a vessel as he prays "fiil my cup Lord".
Also there are vessels of honor and dishonor as in
"2 Timothy 2:20-21 NKJV
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. [21] Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work."
What I have understood is that  the Vessel gains  honor when it knows that The Master JESUS holds it.
Oh the world will try to find you _the precious vessels of God - to defile or misuse.
"Daniel 5:2 NKJV
While he tasted the wine, Belshazzar gave the command to bring the gold and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple which had been in Jerusalem, that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them."_The kings Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar wanted the Vessels which belonged to God's Temple.
If you are lost in the world and worldly things, yeah Cheer up,
"Joshua 6:19 NKJV
But all the silver and gold, and vessels of bronze and iron, are consecrated to the LORD; they shall come into the treasury of the LORD."_The Heavenly Joshua _Jesus Christ is at work to bring you back to Lord's Treasury.
Every vessel  in Ministry needs to undergo cleansing work, not once a week, twice a week, not even once a day_ but a continuous cleansing by the blood of Jesus_Sanctification.
If you don't allow to be cleansed, then there is no taking part with Him (Jesus)_
"John 13:8 NKJV
Peter said to Him, "You shall never wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me."
We need to experience the cleansing from the Saviour Jesus.
'1 John 1:7 NKJV
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin."
Hallelujah to JESUS the Redeemer and Sanctifier.