Letter for Praise and Prayer

Dear Beloved Brethren:

Greetings to you in the blessed name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Promise for the Year

Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast. 1 Sam. 25:6

As we come to the close of the year let us look once more into the church promise mentioned above from 1 Sam. 25:6. Let us look at one character from Hebrews chapter 11: 31. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. Her name is mentioned also in James 2:25. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

In the previous issue, we have learnt some lessons about Jacob. Now we are going to see one very unlikely character (Rahab) as mentioned in the references above, whom God uses to fulfill his purpose and to grant perfect peace, protection and deliverance to her and to her household in a mysterious way.

Firstly, let's begin with the place of Rahab or the city of Rahab, Jericho. The meaning of Jericho is, a place of fragrance. But if something dead thing is there, that produces stinking smell. Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: Eccl. 10:1. That was the condition of the city of Jericho. After crossing river Jordan, Jericho was the first city to be given to the children of Israel by God. And we all know the city of Jericho, it had broad walls, nicely fortified and there was so much of protection and safety there. However, in the sight of God it was filled with wickedness and evil. There was no Bible there. No prophet there. There is no law there. Their sin reached heaven, and the time had come to destroy them. We may also be very fragrant outside. People may say, you are a very good person. But where does the Lord look at? He doesn't look at the outward appearance. He looks at the heart. How is our heart? If it's filled with sin and evil, it is displeasing to the Lord. We will be part of the city of destruction. The day did come for the city to be

destroyed. In the same way the day will come, our lives are going to be destroyed. The soul that sinneth, it shall die. In Isaiah 1:6. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. In spite of all this, today the grace of God is always available for all people.

The second aspect is, in such a city, Rahab lives there. Was she a good person? No. She is always attached with a surname called Rahab the harlot. What does that mean? She lived very licentiously. Because of the immorality, city and the people were immoral. If we join with such wicked people, we also will be part of them. The word Rahab means broad, wide or large. Maybe she must have had a broad heart, but still it was a rebellious heart. It was a sinful heart. She was committing wickedness in the sight of God. Because of her bad testimony, maybe the parents didn't like her. Or she must have not liked to stay with the parents. They must have been always warning her of her way of life. Some of us, especially young people, we don't like instructions from parents of what to do and what not to do. We finally take decision and go our own way. God's word says. There is a way that seems right unto man, but at the end thereof is the way of death. They are willing to suffer rather than come under submission and also under authority. That's how many of the youth are spoiled. It happened to Rahab. Her life was destroyed. She was a lonely person. She was a separated person. She was a sinful person. She was a secret hiding person. And finally, she was a condemned person. There is no hope for that person. That's the kind of person God is seeking for. Lord Jesus Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10.

The third aspect is, we find God was gracious to her. It was a wonderful encounter with God. It was quiet common in those days that when strangers come, they try to stay in some place. It is possible agents like harlots are hired by the king or of that government, who report of any strangers. Two people came from the land of Israel whom Joshua sent to spy the land of Jericho. They went into Rahab's house which was on the wall of the city. They did not have any bad intention. But their mission was different. They were messengers of peace. She knew these men are from the people of Israel. First thing she hid them. The king's men came to enquire of the strangers to Rahab's house. She told the truth, mostly she must have allowed them to search the house. and they left the place. We find God's grace working there. She heard about the God of Israel, believed in the God of Israel and his mighty works in the parting Red Sea and Jordan, and confidently acknowledged, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. Josh. 2:9. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom. 10:17. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Eph. 2:8. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared (Rahab). Tit. 2:11. God's grace transforms our whole life. That very day Rahab became a different person. And desired that she and her family, her relations should not be destroyed along with this city. She had a longing for heavenly things. The day when we accept Jesus as your savior our sins are forgiven and we taste the grace of God. Things of the earth become dim and desire for heavenly

things stronger. And we all know the story that she not only hid the messengers, Rahab took a risk in sending them out also using a scarlet thread through the window, which became a symbol of protection, as covered by the blood, which she agreed to retain on the window because of the oath.

The fourth aspect is her faith which saved her and her household. She was justified not not only by faith but also by works. God sees not only our faith but also our works. Rahab's faith was proved not only in hiding the messengers, but also in gathering her household and keeping the scarlet thread intact. She was a witness to a perishing city, as the news must have spread to the least and even to the king himself who perished of unbelief. Rahab lived and her household. Rahab enjoyed peace in her heart, and her household, and all that she possessed were protected and safeguarded. She became part of the inheritance of God. She became part of the plan of God. Rahab became the great great great grandmother of David. Rahab became part of the lineage of David. Rahab's husband's name was Salmon. Salmon gave birth to Boaz. Boaz to Obed. Obed to Jesse, Jesse gave birth to David. The greater son of David is Lord Jesus Christ. It pleased God to share His abounding grace and His great plan to this unlikely character. God wants to bless us and our families the same way. May it be well with you and with your family and all that you possess.

May the Lord grant you all a very happy, blessed, prosperous and victorious NEW YEAR.

News Update – October - December 2024

Thanksgiving

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:. Psalm 92:1

Sick and Needy

Let us give thanks to the Lord for the following brothers and Sisters who were being treated for various ailments and infirmities and have been recovered by your prayers.

Sis. Lokeswari, Bro. Jacob Padmakar, Sis. Freeda, Bro. Samuel D, Bro. Joseph Raju (B/O SR), Benjamin Boaz, John, Praisy, Nikki, Bro. Pullaiah (Kims), Sis. Swarna PP Rao, Bro. M John (Surgery), Sis. Merlyn, Bro. Preetham, Bro. Yesaiah, Bro. Narendar, Child Fortunatus, Sis. Sudha Wesley, Bro. Vijaya Rao, Sis. Vijaya Buggaiah (Cataract), Sis. Neerada, Sis. Angelin, Emmu’s child, Venkata Ratnam (Chandraiah’s brother), Ravindhar (Isaac b-i-law), Venkata Ratnam (Chandraiah’s brother), Bro Emmanuel’s new borb child & Others

New Born

T hank the Lord for the blessing of a baby girl/boy given to the following parents, and for safe c onfinement. Pray that the Lord may give grace to the parents to bring up the child in the fear of God a nd in the nurture of His Word.

Bro Emmanuel & Sis. Hepsibah Emmanuel blessed with baby boy on 4th Nov 2024 Bro Joy & Sis. Nancy Joy blessed with baby boy on 11 Dec 2024

Marriages

Kindly pray that the Lord may bless the following couple and make their home a witness and testimony to others and to build their lives in the house of God.

1. Susan & Samuel (18 Dec. 2024)

Glorified Saints

Our dear Saints, mentioned below, went to be with the Lord. Kindly pray for the comfort of the family members.

1. Sis. Clara John called to glory on 16th Oct 2024

2. Bro. Chandra Mohan Called to glory on 28th Nov 2024

Special Meetings, Seminars & VBS

26 Oct. 2024 - Seminar for Word ministers, for Sisters, Sis Flory Kumar 11-13 Oct. 2024 - Youth Camp, Bro Don Davis

23 Dec. 2024 - Neighbours Meet, Bro M John

Gospel Outreach Ministry

The Lord gave us full liberty and good response during the gospel outreach in these places. Thigalavani - 16th Oct. 2024, H. Junction – 23,24 Nov. 2024, Kanampet – 3-4 Dec. 2024, Pargi - 14th Dec. 2024. In all these places we could see so much hunger to receive the literature, NTs and gospels and testimonies. A good number of souls were prepared, eagerly responding to the gospel, although we had opposition which is minor, some objections, a major hindrance was at Syedpalli, Pargi, we had to encounter a mob who threw away our books, but wonderfully the Lord helped us to move away from them under police protection. Kindly pray for the follow up work by the local God servants and gathering of the harvest.

Website, Youtube Channel, Elsph-app & Online Ministry

We have incorporated a separate Youtube channel for El-Shaddai, and we would encourage you to subscribe to our channel at the link - https://youtube.com/c/elshaddaiprayerhouse. Presently the website elsph.in is active and audio and video files can be accessed at the following link http://elsph.co.in. A Separate VIRTUAL CHANNEL for weekly messages are uploaded and can be viewed at https://youtube.com/c/elshaddaiprayerhouse.vc. Thank you for your prayers the El-Shaddai App has been installed in the google playstore, and apple IOS which you may access it under ELSPH.

Kindly pray for a media team who are managing this ministry. Send in your enquiries at elshaddai.ph@gmail.com, we would be happy to respond to your request.

Prayer Requests

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jer. 33:3

Continue to pray for the following issues:

1. Recovery of Old Aged, Sick and Needy:

Sis Leelavathi, Sis Grace Elizabeth, Sis Sudhamani, Sis Mary Mani, Sis Dorapandian, Bro & Sis Kondiah, Bro & Sis Obulesh, Sis Ananthamma, Sis Anthony Mary, Sis Emily Marthamma, Bro & Sis Nathaniel and Radha, Bro Ramalingam for their old age infirmities.

Sis. Shakila (leg problem), Bro. Dhanraj, Sis. Ratna Karan Singh, Bro. David Challam, Bro Pappa Rao, Sis Frieda, Bro Narender, Sis Rani Pulliah.

2. Gospel Outreach: praying for new places.

3. Seminars: Seminar for Youth & Family Relationships,

4. Special Meetings: Godwilling in March 2025

5. Children's Ministry:

a) Pray earnestly for the Sunday school children’s salvation and service for the Lord. b) Kindly pray earnestly for VBS / CBSC materials which are prepared so that the Lord may grant us a rich harvest and assemblies may also be stirred up through this ministry. Also pray the Lord may bless this ministry for the extension of His Kingdom. We covet your prayers for the coming years for volunteers to help us in this ministry. Also pray for the translation work in progress for Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kanada.

6. Ministry in God's House: Youth and Counsellors are being trained to take part in the regular ministry, kindly pray that they may be teachable, accommodative and be as good disciples to grow and establish in God’s house.

7. Inland and Overseas News: Pray for our brethren in various countries serving the Lord. In the US, Canada, Botswana, Germany, Ireland, UK, New Zealand, Australia, Georgia, Singapore.

8. Regular points for prayer:

a) Salvation of unsaved

b) Pray for the believers who have been baptized to stand for the Lord and maintain a good testimony and live a victorious life.

e) Pray for those in the family way, need of Jobs, financial difficulties. f) Pray for the Army brethren who are in the border areas for their protection and testimony. g) Pray for the Youth students who will be joining various colleges, for degree and professional courses, to be kept from wrong influences and friendships and be strong in faith and word. h) Pray for life settlements for our youth and their future decisions on study and job. i) Pray fervently for the political situation both at the Centre and States of India. j) Pray for Israel for its protection and God's purpose to be fulfilled in the coming days. k) As the Lord has been bringing conviction and reconciliation among believers, the enemy has also started bringing slowly some discouragement and hindrances among believers and especially within the families. So kindly pray earnestly that the Lord may give us burden to pray and wisdom to deal such issues.

l) Pray with burden especially for the situation at Hebron, so that there will be peace and harmony among the brethren and the ministry may not be hindered.

Yours in Christ,

Church at El-Shaddai

SECRET OF AN EFFECTIVE MINISTRY - IV

Bro. Bakht Singh

The third name is the God of Jacob. When God first met Jacob he was full of fear. He was fully transformed after going through many years of severe trials. Then he became Israel, i.e. God's prince (Gen.32: 26-29). Then the God of Jacob became the God of Israel. God has given us a high heavenly calling in the Lord Jesus Christ to be kings, but very few believers enjoy it in experience.

Many believers live as beggars rather than living as kings. Instead of having faith they are full of fear, doubts and anxiety. Our God is the God of Jacob. He has called us to be kings and priests forever, in His heavenly Kingdom. Now upon the earth we are being prepared for our kingship. Those who are washed by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ will sing the same song in heaven as we read in Rev. 5: 9, 10, "And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." One day we are going to be with the Lord Jesus Christ as heavenly kings, as His co-workers forever and ever. First we will reign upon the earth for a thousand years and then we will reign in the new creation for eternity. Thus if we believe from the heart that my Lord, my Saviour and my Redeemer, has redeemed me by His precious blood to be His king to reign with Him, first upon the earth and then in the new creation for ever, then we can thank Him for every trial in our lives. Our trials give us the training for our position in heaven as heavenly kings. Thus we can overcome every trial, every difficulty and every hardship in our lives.

The fourth Name is, I AM THAT I AM (Exo.3: 12,14). The meaning of that Name is, the Lord will never change. What He has said, He will do. What He has desired and declared, He will fulfill. "God is not a man that he should lie; neither: the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall not make it good?" (Num. 23:19). In the case of Moses, God proved His faithfulness and fulfilled His promises. In the same way, we too need not depend upon our own courage or qualifications, but claim God's promises day by day and prove His faithfulness.

God prepared Moses for the very hard task of bringing God's people out of bondage, by revealing His four Names to him. We are also being prepared in the same way for an effective ministry. To become unto Him more useful and fruitful, believe in Him as the God of Abraham and be His friend, sharing all your problems with Him. Know Him as the God of Isaac, and claim from Him the power of resurrection for all your needs. As the God of Jacob let Him prepare you for the high position of becoming His kings by your earthly trials. Finally, know that the "I AM THAT I AM", the living God, the faithful God, will always keep His promises. Whatever He has said in His Word, He must, He must fulfill it. By experiencing all that, you will become unto Him more useful and fruitful.

to be continued...