It takes strong faith to launch a major enterprise during a time of recession. One man who was a passionate lover of God did so. And the profit he made was purely amazing – one hundred percent! He became so rich that some even started envying him! Well, the man’s name was Isaac and his enterprise, agro products (Genesis 26:12,13,14).

Today, recession has become a familiar term since nations around the world are affected by it. Media analysts affirm that nations like India and China are successfully tackling this giant. World leaders are searching to find strong measures to lift up the economy.

The Bible speaks of God as One who loves to see people and nations progress. He is a God of increase and growth. He wants His children to prosper in every area, including their finances. So He set specific principles that usher in productivity. The principle of giving is one among that.

In 2 Corinthians 8:1-6, we read about Apostle Paul writing to the Corinthian church about the generous giving of the churches in Macedonia. He says, “…brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will”.

Giving for the expansion of God’s Kingdom is an important aspect of the New Testament church. Whether there is financial crisis or not, we are supposed to give more than our time for the work of proclaiming the Good News and discipling nations.

Like Isaac sowed during a time of recession and had a hundred-fold harvest, you can give during a financial crisis and receive a multiple profit! Some times, you may not feel like giving since the financial inflow is low. But when you give in faith in spite of your feelings, there will surely be a breakthrough.

In Malachi 3:10-12, the Lord says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit. Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land.” God guarantees you His abundance as you do what He asks you to do.

So, if you are sensing a financial meltdown, start applying the giving-principle. God will open new doors for you to have a job, if you have lost your job. He will give you wisdom to work productively, if you are seeking advancement in your job. There may even be surprise gifts from people coming your way!

- – - written by Joe Abraham & Ancy Joe

Prayer To Jesus : Prayer To Christ The King

Christ Jesus, I acknowledge You King of the universe.
All that has been created has been made for You.
Make full use of Your rights over me.

I renew the promises I made in Baptism,
when I renounced Satan and all his pomps and works,
and I promise to live a good Christian life
and to do all in my power
to procure the triumph of the rights of God
and Your Church.

Divine Heart of Jesus,
I offer you my efforts
in order to obtain that all hearts
may acknowledge your Sacred Royalty,
and that thus the Kingdom of Your peace
may be established throughout the universe.

Amen.

Prayer To Jesus : Prayer To Crucified Jesus

Here I am, good and gentle Jesus, kneeling before you. With great fervor I pray and ask you to instill in me genuine convictions of faith, hope and love, with true sorrow for my sins and a firm resolve to amend them. While I contemplate your five wounds with great love and compassion, I remember the words which the prophet David long ago put on your lips: “They have pierced my hands and my feet, I can count all my bones.” (Psalm 22/17-18).

Prayer To Jesus : Prayer To The Sacred Heart of Jesus

O most holy heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore you, I love you, and with lively sorrow for my sins I offer you this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to your will. Grant, Good Jesus, that I may live in you and for you. Protect me in the midst of danger. Comfort me in my afflictions. Give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen.

Can we pray for you? Goto our prayer requests page in this site.

What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?

It is the immersion of a Christian in the full power of the Holy Spirit, empowering that person for mission. In this pamphlet the Baptism of the Holy Spirit refers to any time of empowerment by the Holy Spirit and should not be a singular event in a believer’s life.

How does one receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?

At the time of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) the disciples were together in one place waiting and praying. In later instances in the New Testament church, the Holy Spirit was received when the apostles prayed for people and laid hands on them.

In Acts 10, however, there is no indication that Peter laid hands on the people he prayed for. It appears that those in the audience received the gift of the Holy Spirit while Peter was speaking. Some examples of receiving the Holy Spirit are: John 20:22, Acts 2, Acts 8:4-25, Acts 10, and Acts 19:1-7.

What is the purpose of the gift of the Holy Spirit?

The gift of the Holy Spirit is given to enable and empower God’s people for mission and ministry. The basic pattern is found in Acts 2. The Spirit is given (verses 1-4) and then powerful ministry follows (verses 5 and following). Trying to get the Holy Spirit in the wrong way, such as by buying the gift, or for the wrong purpose can be extremely dangerous. (See Acts 8:4-25).

“But it is the Spirit who does all this and decides which gifts to give to each of us.” – 1 Corinthians 12:11

How can I know whether I have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?

The reception of one or more of the gifts of the Holy Spirit makes the internal, spiritual work of the Holy Spirit apparent in the life of the believer. Try to identify at least one gift of the Holy Spirit that you are using for service. Sometimes a brother or sister in Christ can help you identify your gifts.

Is speaking in tongues the only sure sign of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?

No. In the New Testament the gift of tongues almost always accompanies those cases in which the baptism is explicitly described. In many, even most, cases, the gift of tongues will accompany the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

But in describing the gifts and how they are given, Paul indicates that not everyone will receive any specific gift (1 Corinthians 12:30) and that the Holy Spirit gives out the gifts as He decides (1 Corinthians 12:11).

The best indication that one is filled with the Holy Spirit is that one acts to carry out the gospel commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

Can someone be saved without receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

Yes. Salvation is a result of the action of the Holy Spirit, and one receives the Holy Spirit, but one can always receive a new empowerment.

Paul told the jailer at Philippi: “Have faith in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved!” (Acts 16:31). But to be obedient to the Lord, one must also engage in ministry. Why would one refuse the power God offers to engage in ministry?

Do not pressure people to receive the Holy Spirit, but always encourage them to take hold of everything that God offers them to aid in their Christian life.

What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

• Words of Wisdom and Knowledge
• Faith, Healing, Miracles
• Prophecy
• Discerning spirits
• Speaking in tongues
• Interpreting tongues
• Leading and Helping

In addition, God has called various members of the body to different offices in service. The gifts and the offices are different, even when they relate to the same activity. A gift equips for a ministry; an office is that ministry in the church. For example, one can have the gift of prophecy while not exercising the office of prophet in the church.

Is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit a one-time event? Is it possible to receive more of the Holy Spirit?

The Christian life is a journey. Paul says: “I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me. So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize.” (Philippians 3:12) This applies to all aspects of the Christian life.

We can always come closer to God and receive more of the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

What is the relationship between holiness and the gifts of the Spirit?

The book of Hebrews describes the requirements for the priests to approach God and then calls for us to approach God boldly through Jesus Christ. “So let’s come near God with pure hearts and a confidence that comes from having faith. Let’s keep our hearts pure, and our consciences free from evil, and our bodies washed with clean water.” (Hebrews 10:22)

When we experience the Holy Spirit we experience the presence of God. Jesus told his disciples that this was even better than his physical presence (John 16:7).

Also Read – How To Receive The Holy Spirit