Prof. M.Y. YOHANNAN

Publisher

Phileo Books

Kolenchery - 682 311

How long in two boats?

Prof. M.Y. YohannanFormer Principal

St. Peter’s College, Kolenchery

Mechankara, Kadayirippu P.O., Kolenchery - 682 311Kerala, India. Phone: (0484) - 2689489, 2689889

E-mail: profmyyohannan@crfgospel.orgWebsite: www.crfgospel.org

Publisher:Phileo Books,

Kolenchery - 682 311

Translated byDr. Priya Joseph

Sr. Lecturer, Mar Baselios Dental College,

Kothamangalam

Cover DesignLijo Puthusseril

Price: ` 60

Printed atFive Star Offset Printers, Cochin

All rights reserved with the publisher

How long in two boats?

PREFACE

Every good and perfect gift from above,

coming down from the Father of the heavenly

lights, who does not change like shifting

shadows. James 1:17

This is the thirtieth book composed by our most

beloved and venerable Prof. M.Y. Yohannnan, who has

committed himself so that people in dire need like myself

can reach out and humbly accept the gifts, boons and

blessings that continue to bubble forth from this perennial

spring of the Word of God.

I consider myself incapable of fulfilling the complex

task of writing an introduction to the work of this servant of

God, who was also my teacher. This is because I know

him to be a person not only filled with knowledge of the

Bible by the eternal God, but also blessed with a taste for

literature and a simple, yet beautiful style of language.

Hence, when I was called upon to write the preface, I

became anxious. Then all of a sudden I remembered

Simon Peter. Two thousand years ago he obeyed the Lord

saying, “Yet at your word, I will let down the nets,” Thinking

about the fortunate experience he had, I praised the Lord

for this privilege and decided to fulfill this task relying

solely on His grace.

Exempting the latest book released by Sir, I have

read with deep contemplation all of his books at least

three times. It is my experience that, for people like me

who lack deep insight and interpretation of the word of

God; this book is like a spiritual spring from which I can

draw refreshing water whenever I need it. When reading

certain portions, I have sipped every drop as I would taste

honey. I have made use of it when I am asked to deliver

messages in Women's meetings. I have gained

unforgettable experiences through this word that cannot

be described because of lack of space here. I thank my

good God for all this.

I have often thought that it was very fortunate that I

had a chance to attend classes taken by Sir in the ninth

standard; an experience much craved by many. Then and

even afterwards when I attended Pre degree classes

taken by Sir in college in Kolenchery, I regularly attended

Bible classes taken by Sir. Those are unfading memories

that still stand verdant.

I remember how I wrote a letter to him in 1967

describing the situation when I joined for MBBS in

Kottayam Medical College. He replied to me instructing

me to “keep my body, mind and soul untouched.”

However I failed to understand the gravity of that

statement and lived in a worldly way. In 1997, my elder

son went missing and from then on, my life became ridden

with problems. When the Devil rocked my life with a

violent tempest, God used Sir to enable me to hold onto

solid rock without complete collapse. In 1994, Sir; who

was incidentally a close friend of my father; visited my

4

home many times accompanied by his wife ( Alicechechi),

when I lost my elder son Geomon. He prayed for us. I

remember the advice he gave me at that time as if were

today, “Try to gain heavenly peace.”

At that time, I could not fathom how I could get peace

without finding my son. As is outlined in his first book

'Amruthadhara', we need to be reconciled to God by

obtaining forgiveness for our sins. That become my

personal experience by God's grace. Today, I see many

receiving this heavenly peace through Sir's ministry of

the word of God. Praise the Lord. Giving glory to the

Father, Son and Holy Spirit let me openly admit one fact. It

was the Word of God flowing forth from Sir that has lead

me to repentance. It was this word that has given me an

earnest desire to live a holy life pleasing to God. Again,

this word has inspired me not only to face tempestuous

times in life with a smile but also to strive to lead others to

this way of spiritual truth. Above all, it has instilled in me

the goal of conforming to God's nature in holiness and

thus be prepared to gain entry into heaven, which is being

prepared to receive only holy people. There is a

noteworthy characteristic about Sir's life that has

attracted me. The holy living and peace in family that he

preaches about are very much relevant to his personal

and family life. On close observation, the inner holiness,

the love of God, and the simplicity of his life become

increasingly evident not only to myself, but also to all who

regularly attend this fellowship.

As your eyes and heart move during the perusal of

this book, the fire of the Holy Spirit continues to burn within

5

you. You can hear the longing voice of the Son of God

warning you against putting a foot into Satan's boat, but

beckoning to you in love to enter into His boat completely.

It was from Tishbe, a remote village that Elijah, a man with

a nature similar to ours, arose. This book delves into the

depths of how he was used by God, who is a consuming

fire. This book is a composite of 15 messages that can be

appreciated by both scholar and common man alike.

The author puts forth a question, “Can you observe

that the altar in your life is in ruins?” I realized that though I

took pride in the fact that I was a repented and

transformed person, the altar in my personal life was

actually devastated. With a contrite and convicted heart I

submitted myself to the Lord to be built anew. I had the

experience of being caressed by the Lord. May the Lord

be praised. I earnestly desire that all who read this portion

will receive this miraculous experience.

Elijah's ministry did not aim at personal gain, a better

future or fame; therefore it was effective enough to bring

down fire from heaven. I humbly hope that this fact will

become an eye-opener for many ministers of the Word of

God. In the last chapter he brings to light a loving God,

who waits, looking into our hearts with longing. It exhorts

us to tirelessly do the work God has entrusted to us. It

warns us against allowing the grain stored in the granary

ending up in rat holes. It calls upon us to step into the fields

and reap and gather the grain that is ripe for harvest. We

are treading the path in which the brave have succumbed

and the mighty have fallen, yet fishermen have gained. It

is my humble desire that through the meditations provided

6

by this book, the readers will be enabled to run forward by

faith, without stepping on two boats, but looking unto

Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith. I pray that

through the perusal of this book, the fire of the Holy Spirit

will descend on many and equip them for a glorious

ministry, that they may become heirs to eternal life. I

earnestly pray that our dear Yohannan Sir, who has been

lead till today by the eternal God, will continue to be filled

with all heavenly blessings, long life and health. With this

sincere prayer I present this invaluable book in God's

name in the midst of all believers.

With humble regards,

Dr. Daisy George,

Rt. Civil surgeon, Muvattupuzha.

7

Introduction

Benjamin Franklin was a great leader and a genius.

He used to receive letters from intellectuals all over the

world. Once he received a noteworthy letter. It was from a

very famous British evangelist named George Whitefield.

“I find that you grow more and more famous in the

learned world. As you have made such progress in

investigating the mysteries of electricity, I now humbly

urge you to give diligent heed to the mystery of the new

birth. It is a most important and interesting study, and,

when mastered, will richly repay you for your pains.”

The letter invited him to research deeply on new

birth of the soul.

Being born again is a secret, it is a mystery. Such

spiritual concepts are beyond a man's understanding;

they cannot be grasped by the human brain. However

understanding these things are possible by God's grace.

That is why Jesus once said:

“At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father,

Lord of heaven and earth, because you have

hidden these things from the wise and learned,

and revealed them to little children. Yes,

Father, for this was your goodpleasure."

Matthew 11:25,26

It is good fortune to be able to sojourn by faith into

the mysteries of the Word of God and depths of the Spirit.

It was my intense desire to gain this good fortune that first

stimulated me to make a commitment to live a life pleasing

to Christ. My thirtieth book entitled, “How long in two

boats?” is my second book focusing on the prophet Elijah.

He is a character in the Bible who has deeply influenced

me. The book “Elijah” written by F.B. Meyer has

profoundly impacted the composition of this book. The

facts of how Elijah 'The man with a nature like ours'

became useful in God's hands, motivates us to apply this

in our daily lives. This has been the primary source of

inspiration for this book.

Let me express my sincere and fond appreciation to

Dr. Daisy George for writing a noteworthy and detailed

preface that has actually assessed the quality of this

book. I regard the strong and mature words of Dr. Daisy

George to be a glowing tribute to this book. Dr. Daisy is a

person I look upon with fond esteem; to her patients she is

a source of comfort and to all other believers she is held

in high regard.

I hereby express my deep and heartfelt gratitude

towards Dr. Priya, my beloved niece who has translated

my Malayalam book into English. Priya is working as an

Associate Professor in Periodontics in the Mar Baselios

Dental College Kothamangalam. She is also assisting her

husband, Dr. Joseph Baby in his Karunya Dental Clinic,

Tripunithura. I wholeheartedly congratulate Dr. Priya for

sparing time to translate this book amidst laborious

responsibilities.

The printing, proofreading , cover design and layout

9

of this book came into fruition by the never-ending efforts

of my dear brethren in the fellowship, to whom I don't wish

to cause embarrassment by my continual thanks. Let me

mark an end to my introduction with the prayer that the

venerable readers of this book will be able to delve deep

into the depths of spiritual life and attain a fruitful ministry

of saving souls.

Sincerely Yours,

Prof. M.Y. Yohannan

10

CHAPTER 1

When he saw Elijah, he said to him, "Is that

you, you troubler of Israel?" "I have not made

trouble for Israel," Elijah replied. "But you and

your father's family have. You have

abandoned the Lord's commands and have

followed the Baals. I Kings 18:17,18

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours. But he was

a man of God, who was used most powerfully in God's

hands. He was like a diamond lamp shining in the age of

darkness. The life of Elijah teaches us many spiritual

lessons.

When Ahab the idol worshipper saw Elijah, he

asked, “Who is this? Is it the troubler of Israel?” Ahab

declared Elijah to be the one who caused trouble to Israel.

It is customary for people who oppose God to label

believers as antisocial elements. They accuse the

believers of causing damage or loss to society and family

discord. They say they alienate parents and children.

“Who is this? Is it the troubler of Israel?” This was

the opinion of Ahab about Elijah.

As we read from verse nineteen onwards in the

sixteenth chapter of the book of Acts of the Apostles in the

New Testament, the Apostle Paul and Silas in Phillippi

rebuked a slave girl who was possessed by a spirit by

which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of

money for her owners by fortune-telling. When her

masters saw that their source of income was lost, they

were angry and assaulted Paul and Silas.

When the owners of the slave girl realized that

their hope of making money was gone, they

seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into

the marketplace to face the authorities. They

brought them before the magistrates and said,

"These men are Jews, and are throwing our

city into an uproar by advocating customs

unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice."

The crowd joined in the attack against Paul

and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to

be stripped and beaten. Acts 16:19-22

Observe what they accused Paul and Silas, “these

Jews have brought turmoil into the city….” They were

angry that their source of income was abolished.

The demonic spirit in the girl gave her the ability for

fortune –telling which reaped much profit for her masters.

The evil spirit in her presented certain magic tricks and

mesmerism in order to entice the crowd. In so doing, she

received money from the spectators, which became the

possession of her masters. When the evil spirit left her,

they saw that their means of income was lost. They were

infuriated at the apostle Paul and Silas. They protested

against them saying, “These Jews have brought strife into

12

the city and have introduced unlawful customs that cannot

be acknowledged or obeyed by us Romans.”

They accused them of creating turmoil and

confusion in the city. They charged them with teaching

new and unlawful customs. They opposed the children of

God because they were enraged at their loss of income.

They attacked the children of God. They tore off their

clothes and beat them with sticks and had them jailed.

In chapter 17 verse 6 of the Acts of the Apostles we

can see the crowd attacking Jason, who had received the

apostle Paul and his fellow-worker Silas into his home.

We can see that they encircled the house of Jason to try

and seize Paul and drag him outside. When they did not

find Paul and Silas, they dragged Jason and some others

to the city authorities and framed charges against them

as, “These men who have caused trouble all over the

world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed

them into his house.” In this matter Jason was blamed.

In Thessalonica, they sought to seize Paul and

Silas, but did not succeed. So they seized Jason and

dragged him out. They spoke of Paul and Silas as

troublemakers who had come to the city. They labeled the

children of God as troublemakers; whose teaching had

turned the world upside-down. One thing is for sure;

society does not esteem the children of God nor does it

value their services. Society not only refuses to

acknowledge the blessings gained by the efforts of the

children of God, or congratulate them, but actually

continues to stand in opposition to them. The reason for

13

this being the loss of their personal profit.

They actually try to cause harm out of spite and

jealousy. When they realize that the children of God are

able to achieve what they could not, they were furious and

wanted to completely excommunicate and ostracize them

in society. They wanted to eliminate them. So they labeled

them as trouble-makers.

Ahab spoke on similar lines when he saw Elijah.

He asked, “Who is this? Is this the trouble-maker of

Israel?” Ahab said that Elijah brought hardship for Israel.

He called him a person who brought trouble and distress

for Israel. He meant that it was because of Elijah that rain

had not fallen for years. It is the nature of man to pin the

blame of negative events on the children of God instead of

viewing the consequences as punishment for his sin. It is

one's own sin that invites punishment and leads to

disastrous consequences.

Living in sin and leading a dissipated lifestyle

inevitably opens the door for curses, harm and

destruction to enter and reside. It is the innate tendency

for all men and society to pin the blame of ruin on the

children of God instead of comprehending the fact that it

was the inevitable outcome of their sin. This is historical

truth.

This is why Ahab said thus when he saw Elijah.

“Who is this? Is it the troubler of Israel?” Elijah answered,”

I am not the troubler of Israel. It is you and your father's

household who have troubled Israel. I have not brought

14

trouble. It is you who have brought ruin. You are

responsible. Are you not the ruling authority? Have you

not lead the people astray? Have you not encouraged idol

worship among the people? Has not the worship of Baal

grown because of you? Have you not abandoned the true

God? Have not the people become separated and

scattered as a consequence? Is it not because of your evil

behavior that severe famine has afflicted the land, and no

rain has fallen? Has not the wrath of God fallen on the

land?

Elijah fearlessly declared that the blame rested on

Ahab and his father's household. He spoke impartially. He

did not regard the fact that the wrongdoer was the highest

authority in the land, but delivered God's message as

such .

He specifically pointed out that as the ruler of Israel

Ahab had misled the people into wrongdoing by

abandoning the LORD's commandments and

encouraging idol-worship.

Under his prerogative, the worship of the Baals had

thrived, bringing destruction. Elijah stressed that Ahab

himself was responsible it was the sin of Ahab, his wife

and his forefathers that specifically brought ruin of the

nation.

There had been true worship of the LORD in the

distant past especially during the time of King David. The

name of the LORD was honored and revered and people

walked in the ways pleasing to God. But now all the

15

traditional worship of the forefathers was abandoned and

was replaced by worldliness, amassing of wealth,

indulgence, and idol worship. Did not the king and his

father's household turn to this way? This was the question

put forward fearlessly by the prophet Elijah. The courage

of the man of God, the bravery of the servant of God, filled

with the Spirit of God is an eye-opener for all.

It is not I, but you and your father's household who

are to blame. Don't you serve the idol Baal? What is the

Lord's command? What are Lord's commands? Has He

not forbidden other gods? Has not God forbidden making

an image of any creature on earth, or in the sky or under

the earth or in the waters? What about the commandment

in which the living God has absolutely forbidden idolatry?

Don't you worship dumb idols which cannot speak and are

lifeless? Not only have you practiced this but also have

encouraged , provided inspiration and even leadership

for this terrible sin. In this way you and your father's

household have brought great trouble on the land.

Brethren, think; have we brought any goodness to

our society? How should each of us stand? Can you look

back? Is there any thing we have done that may reap

disaster for our children in future? Do we realize that any

kind of behavior, nature, manner of speech, words or

deeds that outflow from us can bring about harm to our

future generations? Are we steeped in sin? Do we neglect

worship of the living God? Have we strayed from the path

shown to us by the living God and turn to the way shown

by the Devil? Examine your life. Don't give room for Satan.

16

Don't give the devil a foothold. Don't serve the evil one and

become his agent or his mediator by turning to the

pleasures of the world. Bid farewell to the pleasures of sin,

renounce carousing, drunkenness, immoral living,

adultery, murder, all forms of theft, quarrels, bitterness,

rage and start a new life. If any man be in Christ he is a

new creation. The old has gone, the new has come. All

this is from God, who reconciled us to himself in Christ.

17

CHAPTER 2

Elijah went before the people and said, "How

long will you waver between two opinions? If

the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God,

follow him." But the people said nothing.

1Kings 18 : 21

When Ahab saw Elijah, he had said “Who is this ? Is

it the troubler of Israel? But Elijah replied, “ It is not I who

brought trouble, but you and your father's household. It is

because you have abandoned the commandments of the

Jehovah the great God and have followed the worship of

the Baals.”

Now summon the people from all over Israel to

meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four

hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four

hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at

Jezebel's table. So Ahab sent word throughout

all Israel and assembled the prophets on

Mount Carmel. 1Kings 18:19-20

Elijah went before the people and said, "How long

will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God,

follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." But the people

said nothing. 1Kings 18:21

The prophets of Baal were assembled together on

Mount Carmel. There were 450 prophets of Baal. There

were 400 prophets of Asherah who were fed and allowed

to thrive by Jezebel. In this manner there was a large

gathering on Mount Carmel of those who denied God and

abandoned the worship of the true God.

There is Ahab the king and Jezebel the queen. Also

present are the soldiers of the king and the personal

servants of the king. Four hundred and fifty prophets of

Baal and four hundred prophets of Asherah are seated

together. It is the scene of the assembly of those who

opposed God. There is only one person present who is a

worshipper of the true God; it is the prophet Elijah. The

majority are those who oppose God. They are against

worship of the true God. The prophet Elijah was the only

servant of God who loved God , revered and worshiped

Him.

The prophet sets forth a challenge. What is the

challenge? How long will you tread two boats? If Baal is

the true God , worship Him. If Jehovah is the true God,

then worship Him. The prophet Elijah put forth this grave

truth as a question before them. He tells them: Choose

what you want. Religion and devotion cannot be forced on

people. You have the complete freedom to worship the

true God if you choose. But if you would prefer to continue

serving the Baal idols or Asherah poles, I leave the choice

to you.How long will you keep your feet on two boats? You

want to have both the Living God and the Baal idols, both

God and the opposers of God. This type of ideology will

never help you.The prophet said, “Choose whichever way

19

you want.” In the Old Testament, there is a similar

situation in which Joshua spoke to the people.

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to

you, then choose for yourselves this day whom

you will serve, whether the gods your

forefathers served beyond the River, or the

gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are

living. But as for me and my household, we will

serve the Lord ." Joshua 23:15

Here Joshua gives the people a chance to choose

whichever they wanted. “Do you want to serve the true

God, the living God who delivered you from bondage to

the Egyptians and brought you to the land of Canaan ?

You were given a land on which you did not toil, houses

you did not construct ; you received cities that you did not

build, all granted to you by the Eternal Holy God. Will you

serve this God? If serving the Lord seems undesirable to

you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will

serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond

the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you

are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve

the Lord .Choose today whom you will serve. As for me

and my household, we will serve the LORD.

In the New Testament when the Lord Jesus was

being judged, Pilate asked him.

But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to

have Pilate release Barabbas instead. "What

shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of

the Jews?" Pilate asked them. "Crucify him!"

20

They shouted."Why? What crime has he

committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all

the louder, "Crucify him!" Mark 15:11-14

Now it was the custom at the Feast to release a

prisoner whom the people requested. A man

called Barabbas was in prison with the

insurrectionists who had committed murder in

the uprising. The crowd came up and asked

Pilate to do for them what he usually did. "Do

you want me to release to you the king of the

Jews?" asked Pilate, knowing it was out of

envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus

over to him. But the chief priests stirred up the

crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas

instead. "What shall I do, then, with the one

you call the king of the Jews?" Pilate asked

them. "Crucify him!" They shouted.

Mark 15:6-13

There was a provision to release one criminal on the

day of the Feast. You can choose to release one man,

either Barabbas or Jesus. Do you want to have Jesus or

Barabbas ? The people are faced with the choice there.

Dear friends, the miraculous and loving word of the living

God reminds us today. We can now choose in which way

we would want to live. Would you like to turn back to the

idol worship and culture of the nations or would you like to

serve the living God? From now on don't try to step in two

boats at the same time. If you feel that Baal is God,

worship him. If you feel that Jehovah is God then serve

Him. Do you want to worship the dumb idols that you once

21

worshipped when you were beyond the river? Or do you

earnestly desire to serve the true God Jehovah who

supplied you with miraculous grace and mercy and

delivered you from bondage?

Choose whether you and your household want to

serve the living God. Do you want the cruel Barabbas who

is was a criminal, murderer and thief or do you want

Jesus? The crowd replied, “We want Barabbas.” They

demanded the unconditional release of Barabbas, the

robber. They roared for Jesus to be crucified.

There is a road to the kingdom of heaven. It is a holy

road. It is a narrow and arduous road. Whereas the road to

eternal damnation and raging hellfire is wide and there are

many who tread this path. Few in number are those who

select the narrow way and the constricted entrance to

eternal life. Do you wish to tread the path that leads to

eternal life or the wide way that leads to eternal torment?

In the first public message on the mountain, our Lord

Jesus exhorted the people to choose whichever way they

wanted. Select which way you want to walk in.

Dear friends, Elijah put forth a mystifying question to

the people of Israel. Decide what you want. As you read

these words think about whether you want to worship the

living God who has guarded you as the apple of his eye,

lengthened your life and been with you in times of trouble

providing deliverance. Or do you want to backslide to

heathen customs giving room for sin, indolence, evil,

immorality and lust as well as murder. Do you want to

adopt cruel deeds and lead a vile life? Which do you

want?

22

The merciful Lord tells you to decide for yourself

once and for all what you want. You are free to choose the

despicable way of sin, going forward in immoral ways, you

an revel in sin and delight in evil. You can take up the vices

of drinking and drugs, you can become addicted to drugs.

Nobody is going to stop you from these habits. We can

proceed in these ways according to our own free will.

Nobody has the right to obstruct your way. On the other

hand, you can use your own free will and decide whether

you want to battle against sin, drunkenness drugs , loose

immoral living and adultery. You can opt to leave these

disgraceful ways and turn to God. For this option too you

have absolute freedom. The Lord Jesus writhed in agony

and died on the cross, The eternal son of God who shed

blameless blood on the cross beseeches you in love to

come over to his side.

My son, which way do you want? Do you want harm

or relief and comfort? My son, turn around, my daughter,

repent. You can enter eternal life and avoid eternal

torment. eternal. Therefore accept Christ right now, turn to

God's way now, start worshipping God now.

23

CHAPTER 3

Get two bulls for us. Let them choose one for

themselves, and let them cut it into pieces and

put it on the wood but not set fire to it. I will

prepare the other bull and put it on the wood

but not set fire to it. Then you call on the name

of your god, and I will call on the name of the

Lord . The god who answers by fire-he is God."

Then all the people said, "What you say is

good." 1Kings 18:23-24

The God who answers by fire! The prophet Elijah

spoke very confidently and courageously to the people. In

the presence of the king, the queen, the governing

authorities and all the followers of the king as well as the

multitude of subjects of the kingdom, he made this

statement fearlessly. He asked for one bull to be given to

himself and another to the prophets of Baal for the

sacrifice.

He instructed the prophets of Baal to cut the bull into

pieces and place them on wood arranged for their altar to

Baal, without lighting a fire. He said, “I will cut the bull

given to me and place the pieces on an altar dedicated to

the LORD.” He said to the prophets of Baal, “Call on the

name of your God and I will call on the name of Jehovah.

Let the God who answers by fire be the true God. At this

the entire people assembled there replied,” Your word is

good.”

The God who answers by fire. The prophet Elijah

believed and knew for certain that God in heaven is fire.

He knew that God in heaven would come down as fire.

Elijah knew the eternal God would surely come down on

the train of prayers and praises that reached heaven,

whenever a child of God knelt down to pray.

God dwells among the praises of his people, He

comes down to the earth on the holy praises of His people,

in the brightness and glory of holy worship. The prophet

Elijah was familiar with this wonderful God. He said “The

God who answers by fire is indeed God.”

Therefore he asked for two bulls to be brought. He

said “Let the prophets of Baal cut one bull into several

pieces and lay them on fire wood without lighting a fire. I

will do the same with the bull given to me. Let the prophets

of Baal pray. If fire comes down from heaven in response

and consumes the sacrifice placed on the altar, then Baal

to be the true God.

On the other hand, if fire comes down from heaven

in response to my prayer, and consumes the pieces of the

bull that I have arranged on the altar, then know that

Jehovah is God. Then you will realize who is the true God.

The prophet Elijah said this out of the deep knowledge

and discernment of the Word of God. He is indeed the true

God.

Moses and Aaron then went into the Tent of

Meeting. When they came out, they blessed

the people; and the glory of the Lord appeared

25

to all the people. Fire came out from the

presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt

offering and the fat portions on the altar. And

when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy

and fell facedown. Leviticus 9:23,24

In the book of Leviticus, Moses and Aaron had

offered a burnt offering with the fat on the altar and were

waiting for the fire from heaven to descend and consume

the offering. The fire from heaven came down as they

anticipated and consumed the sacrifice. When the people

saw this, they fell down prostate and worshipped. They

bowed down and worshipped God. This recorded incident

came to the mind of the prophet at this juncture. Therefore

the prophet knew for sure that he worshipped the God

who answered by fire. Again in the Bible we observe that

God answered David by sending fire on the sacrifice

offered by him.

David built an altar to the Lord there and

sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship

offerings. He called on the Lord, and the Lord

answered him with fire from heaven on the

altar of burnt offering. 1 Chronicles 21:26

We can see here the God who answers prayers by

fire. He is the God who revealed himself to Moses out of

the burning bush. The prophet is well acquainted with this

God.When Moses was on Mount Sinai grazing his flocks,

he observed a burning bush. Curiously the bush did not

get burnt. At this Moses understood that the presence of

the Living God was there in the bush.

..for our "God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:29

26

Our God is a consuming fire. On the day of the Feast

of Pentecost, the disciples purified themselves and

awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit. They gathered

together of one accord in the upper room at Jerusalem

praying, and waiting in anticipation.

Suddenly they heard the sound of a mighty rushing

wind. There appeared before them split tongues of fire. In

the flames of fire the brightness and glory of the Spirit of

the eternal God descended. An outpouring of fire anointed

the heads and burnt the hearts of all those present .The

fire burnt and this great wonder was described thus in the

word of God:

They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire

that separated and came to rest on each of

them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit

and began to speak in other tongues as the

Spirit enabled them Acts 2:3-4

The flames of fire touched all present and spread

among them. The power of the flames of fire attracted all.

The Spirit of God is fire. The eternal God is fire indeed.

The fire of God descends in prayer.

This is why the Psalmist says;

My heart grew hot within me, and as I

meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with

my tongue Psalm 39:3

As we meditate the fire should burn. Only when the

fire burns should we speak. Only when the flames

permeate throughout the mind, will words of fire be

spoken. The flames are ignited by the tongue. The fire

descends upon a man and sets him ablaze. In the flames

27

of fire, the old man dies and the new man resurrects. This

is the fire of the Holy Spirit. The glory of the Holy Spirit.

The fire of the Holy Spirit. If fire has to descend on us, we

have to prepare ourselves and wait.

In Genesis chapter 15, Abraham prepared an altar

and placed a sacrifice on it. He placed a sheep and a lamb

and a pigeon and its young one and a calf on the altar. He

did not cut the birds into halves. The fire passed through

the split portions of the sacrificial animals. If fire has to

pass it has to be split. When the disciples walked to

Emmaus they were accompanied by the Resurrected

Lord and Messiah, the Lord Jesus and later they said

thus:

Were not our hearts burning within us when He

talked to us by the road and opened to us the

Scriptures? Luke 24:32

When the words of the Spirit of Christ descends fire

burns in our hearts. The fire in our hearts continues to

burn. The flames of the fire blaze and spread. And the

heart is always on fire. Do we desire to have the fire

descend onto our lives in acclaim ? Are we interested in

having fire descend upon us in all power? Are we ready to

be influenced by the power of this fire? Are we willing to be

filled by the power of the Holy Spirit? Do we earnestly

desire for the fire to burn as we meditate? If so then we

should split ourselves, meaning we should destroy our

self will. Then we should give ourselves to Christ and His

hands. Lord from today on, I am yours. Jesus, from today

on I belong to you. Set apart your life for Jesus.

28

CHAPTER 4

Then you call on the name of your god, and I

will call on the name of the Lord. The god who

answers by fire-he is God." Then all the people

said, "What you say is good." 1Kings 18:24,25

When Elijah declared that the God who could

answer by fire is the true God; all the people gladly

agreed. They accepted it as good . They reiterated that

the God who could answer by fire was indeed the true

God. The witnesses of the event were of one accord, as

they nodded their heads and voiced their approval,“ this

is a good word.”

Previously, Elijah had said, “How long will you tread

two boats, If the LORD is God, follow Him, if Baal is God,

follow him.” But the people had kept quiet. They did not

answer. They were actually not paying heed to what he

spoke. They stood there completely indifferent to what

was happening. Elijah's words did not touch them. Elijah

spoke from the overwhelming power of the Holy Spirit of

God. The prophet spoke in the name of the living God. But

initially the people did not pay attention to what he said

and regarded his words as worthless.

Infact, they were prejudiced against this commoner

from the village of Tishbe who was out to confuse the

people, the one who was responsible for the famine that

had ravaged the land and who had caused much

controversy, misleading the people. They viewed him as

a rebel who defied the authorities, including the King and

Queen.

Bearing all these misconceptions, the people stood

mute to Elijah's question, “How long will you tread two

boats, If the LORD is God, follow Him, if Baal is God,

follow him.” But now, Elijah descended into the heart of

the matter. He spoke a very serious matter and presented

the facts.

'Please pay attention to what I have to say. I will kill a

bull and cut it into pieces for sacrifice. Let the prophets of

Baal do likewise, and let them call for fire to descend and

ignite the sacrifice. If the fire from heaven descends on the

pieces of the bull prepared for the sacrifice, then Baal is

the true God and you may follow him. On the other hand, if

fire descends on the sacrifice that I have prepared, then

Jehovah is the true God. '

The people understood the gravity of the situation.

Hence they thought it was a good idea. Revealing the God

who can answer by fire is the essence of the ministry of

God. God's love burns away the old man. The old man is

reduced to nothing by the love of God. The old creation is

transformed into new creation by the love of God. His love

is able to completely set ablaze and reduce to shambles

all that belongs to the old man and then fashion a new

creation out of the ashes.

30

How does the Eternal God prove He is God? In order

to redeem the human race from sin what was declared at

the birth of Jesus Christ ?

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give

him the name Jesus, because he will save his

people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

The One who can transform a man's life is Jesus

alone. He alone can change a man's behavior, he even

controls the flow of blood in vessels in the body. A man's

instincts, attitudes, thoughts and views and opinions can

be radically changed by Jesus. Such a feat can only be

done with the aid of the Holy Spirit. Christ's love is able to

reunite those who are separated. His love brings amity

among those who are in discord. He removes dissensions

and brings harmony.

When the Spirit of Christ enters a man who has

alienated himself from his father; he is convicted of his

sin. He begs forgiveness from his father and is reconciled

to him. Couples who have been estranged for many years

are reunited. They are able to put away all their

differences and become of one accord. This is possible

only when the love of Christ enters them. This empowers

them in spirit.

We see individuals who had hitherto been in strife,

disagreement and dispute fuelled by denominational

hatred and intolerance for others, now of one accord.

Prompted by love, they are able to praise God in amity

and worship God together. How is this made possible?

This is the work of the Holy Spirit of Christ.

31

This is what happens in Christian Revival fellowship.

God in heaven has wrought many miracles in the

Fellowship by His grace. I see the reunion of numerous

estranged couples. I see them live together in harmony

and peace. Countless people have been delivered from

the bondage of alcoholism. They are able to lead sober

and righteous lives, caring for their wives and children.

People who have not been on speaking terms with

parents, have apologized and started to live together with

them. Not only so, I see them being filled with the love of

Christ; a steady and lasting phenomenon that does not

wane over time. What is the reason for this?

There is only one reason. The Spirit of Christ works,

fire descends. It is the God who answers by fire indeed.

When the miraculous fire of God descends then cancer

disappears. Asthma is removed. Sprains, stiffness and

disorders of the joints disappear. Diseases of the heart,

large blocks of the vessels, with thickening and clots, are

removed by the Spirit of God. Not only these, but several

other terrible and incurable diseases are burnt away when

the fire of God descends and the people are healed.

These are not coincidences nor are they a sway of

emotions or educated guesses, but realities.

It is the grace of our Lord Jesus and the miraculous

power of the Holy Spirit work to change a man's body,

heart ,mind and soul. What divine peace is gained! My

friend, as you read these word do you have this peace in

your heart? Do you want to acquire this tranquility? Do

you yearn for this great and good fortune? Do you want

32

those who have drifted away from you to be reconciled?

Do you wish to be on amicable terms with those who are

hostile towards you? Do you want to conquer you own evil

habits which subdue you?

Your vices of drugs, alcohol, evil company, vile

practices and habits, your longing for carousing, liking for

cinema, indulging and wasting money for practices that

defile the body. Do you want to be rid of your filthy desires

that expose your body and health to wanton lust and

impurity?

There is only one way out, let the Spirit of God;

indeed let the Fire of Heaven, descend on you. As you

read this, let the miraculous grace of the Spirit of God

touch you and move you. You will be bathed in the flames

of the Holy Spirit of God and experience a new anointing.

The Spirit of God will set you ablaze and completely

transform your personality. The old man will disappear

and the new creation comes into being. Your hearts will be

filled with the love of God. Let His love overflow in you, let

this love make you grow, let it provide for you and guide

you . This love will rule you; it will totally transform your life.

This miraculous love of God is the Fire from heaven. The

people said: “What you say is good.” They meant that the

prospect of fire descending from heaven was good.

Dear child of God who reads this book; if the world

today has to pay attention to the word of God, let the fire

from heaven descend on you. Let the fire of the Holy Spirit

come upon you.

“Is not the altar wholly fire itself, does not fire

33

encompass it?” It is not enough to merely sing thus in the

order of Holy worship; but we have to experience the fire

of the Holy Spirit encircling you. To know the Holy Spirit ,

to see Him , to feel Him close, to taste Him and relish and

enjoy His presence, being so close that you will be set on

fire. This is what is to be achieved in your life. When this is

fulfilled will your life be blessed. Then the dangers

afflicting your life will be removed. A bright future will

welcome you. You will obtain good days filled with

happiness. God's grace will encompass you. The love of

God will fill you. People who had hitherto refused to listen

to your words, who had paid no heed, will now take note.

When they see the fire from heaven falling on you, then

they will pay heed. At that time, the prophets of Baal will be

put to shame. Then the name of God will be glorified. They

will see the God of heaven come down to earth as fire. Do

you want this great happiness and privilege?

Do you want your ministry to be anointed by fire? Do

you want fire to come down when you pray? Do you wish

for the fire of heaven to descend on your praises,

transforming you and letting all that surrounds you, be

touched by the powerful working of the Holy Spirit ? Can

you experience the far-reaching and wondrous power of

the flames, the heat and the light of the Spirit

miraculously set afire distant nations. There is only one

way this can happen, let the power of the Holy Spirit

descend on you. Be filled with the fire of the Holy Spirit. Let

the fire descend from on high and acknowledge your

dedication and vows. Let the fire ignite your sacrifices on

34

the altar. If you want to this good fortune, then submit your

life to Christ.

Lord, descend on me a fire would, let the fire of the

Holy Spirit fall on me. Change me, make my self non-

existent , transform me , change my behavior, my nature

and my habits, totally and drastically. Let the fire that falls

on me cleanse me through and through.

35

CHAPTER 5

Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, "Choose

one of the bulls and prepare it first, since there

are so many of you. Call on the name of your

god, but do not light the fire." So they took the

bull given them and prepared it. Then they

called on the name of Baal from morning till

noon. "O Baal, answer us!" they shouted. But

there was no response; no one answered. And

they danced around the altar they had made.

At noon Elijah began to taunt them. "Shout

louder!" he said. "Surely he is a god! Perhaps

he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling.

Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened."

So they shouted louder and slashed

themselves with swords and spears, as was

their custom, until their blood flowed. Midday

passed, and they continued their frantic

prophesying until the time for the evening

sacrifice. But there was no response, no one

answered, no one paid attention. Then Elijah

said to all the people, "Come here to me." They

came to him, and he repaired the altar of the

Lord , which was in ruins. Elijah took twelve

stones, one for each of the tribes descended

from Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord had

come, saying, "Your name shall be Israel."

With the stones he built an altar in the name of

the Lord , and he dug a trench around it large

enough to hold two seahs of seed.

1King 18: 25-32

Elijah said to all the people, "Come here to me." The

man of God commanded the entire assembly thus.

Consider his courage and strength in this situation. It

is the power of the Holy Spirit God. It is not his own

strength, not the might contained in his intrinsic nature, or

power of human will, but the confidence granted by the

Holy Spirit. If the Spirit of God resides in a man, he will

have great confidence. He will be blessed with firm and

unflinching courage.

The word of God says: the man of God will have firm

courage. He will be unflinching and decisive. Here the

man of God is firm and resolute; he is confident and of a

strong mind. Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Prepare

and cut into pieces a bull and put it on the wood. They did

so. Then they began to call on the name of their god.

They called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. "O

Baal, answer us!" they shouted. But there was no

response; no one answered and fire did not descend.

Elijah watched the scene. The people, King Ahab and

Queen Jezebel looked on. The prophets of Asherah. The

prophets of Baal continued to pray and prophesy. They

cried out to Baal to answer. “So they shouted louder and

slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their

custom, until their blood flowed. Midday passed, and they

37

continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the

evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one

answered, no one paid attention.” This is what recorded

in the Word of God.

Their prayers were unanswered, they went

unheeded, there was no reply. Then Elijah said to all the

people, "Come here to me." They came to him. All the

people flocked to him together, standing close to this

courageous man of God. Then he repaired the altar of the

Lord, which was in ruins. By rebuilding the altar in the

name of the LORD ,he invited the people to the great

ministry of worship of the LORD. As you read these words,

understand what the man of God .Elijah was able to

achieve by gathering the people together; he was able to

repair the altar of the LORD.

Elijah performed the great feat of “rebuilding the

altar of God.” At the outset he gave the people a choice, by

putting forward the question, “ How long will you waver

between two opinions?” This situation can be likened to

that of trying to tread two separate boats at one time.

Secondly, he made the statement : “The god who answers

by fire-he is God." This is a 'Declaration of God. “The

pronouncement that God is a god who answers by fire.

So first he gives a choice, secondly, he declares.

What is the third? He now speaks to the people

convincing them to come over to his side. Elijah relies on

God' grace to win over the people to his point of view.

Fourthly, what does Elijah do? He repairs the altar which

is in ruins. He become a tool that God uses for spreading

renewal.

38

The altar was devastated and in ruins. There had

been no offerings or worship since a long time. The stones

of the altar were strewn all over. It was reduced to rubble.

Elijah picked up some stones and rebuilt the altar. A

broken altar, worship that was devastated; Elijah began to

reestablish that which was lost.

'Renewal' implies making something anew. It

means rebuilding of that which is devastated. Elijah

restored what had been lost. He rebuilt the altar. Do you

want the fire of God to fall? Rebuild your altar. Bring

together the stones which have been separated. When

estranged children of God strive to live in amity, then the

fire from heaven will descend. Even within the fellowship,

there are many who are separated in heart. That is why

the fire does not descend. Many children of God who at

one time had been of one mind now have difference of

opinion as they have fallen prey to different ideologies,

principles and beliefs that confuse them. There is

dissension and discord. As a result, the fire cannot

descend. Discord devastates fellowships. The altar lies

ruined. Many places of worship are now in ruins. On the

exterior, there are beautiful buildings, magnificent altars,

beautiful rendering of the worship services accompanied

by melodious songs and musical instruments. What

wonderful worship services! What pleasing tunes with

sweet voices singing together in symphony.

But the fire does not descend on the altar. The

reason behind this being dissension between the children

of God. When the children of God are in disunity; it is like

the stones of the altar being separated and strewn all

39

over.

We have to rebuild the altar that has collapsed and is

in ruins. For this we need to repair collapsed family

relations. The discord and disharmony between husband

and wife has to be sorted out first, they need to be of one

mind. Dear readers, parents and children have to be of

one mind and heart.

Old-time friends who had once worked together are

now separated in mind because of silly reasons and fixed

opinions on controversial issues. Here unity, love,

oneness of opinion and harmony must reign.

When unity and harmony prevails, then the Spirit of

God can descend. The stones that were separated are

now placed close to each other. This is what Elijah did-

renewal. First Elijah presented the people with the choice

of either way, but not to place two feet in two boats at the

same time.

Next, Elijah made the declaration. He pronounced

the true God to be the one who could answer by fire.

The third thing that Elijah did was to rebuild and

restore the broken-down altar. Renewal of the altar was

being done by Elijah. As you read these words, can you

see the altar in your life in ruins. Prayer-life that is

shattered, family life has been torn apart by differences,

the time spent alone in personal prayer has been cut

down drastically. Secret prayer has dwindled. Relations

with members of the fellowship are strained. There is no

longer any thirst or yearning for the Word of God. It does

not appear as sweet as it was before. The children of God

40

do not seem eager to get together for fellowship as they

did in the past. Their prayer- life lies in ruins. Meditation on

the word of God has ceased unlike in the past.

Some blemishes have fallen on one's purity. Some

commitments made for holy living have been broken.

Some good decisions have been violated. Despite

deciding firmly that against a particular sin, one finds all

resolutions crumble. A strong resolve against anger is not

sufficient to prevent one from falling prey to it.

Obstinacy and hatred may come into heart. Dislike,

resentment, grumbling, antipathy, bitterness and malice

may enter. There, hatred and desire for revenge come.

Then, aversion and intolerance also predominate. This

disrupts the altar, the stones of the altar lie strewn away

from each other.

People of God, do you yearn for a renewal, for a

rebuilding .Do you wish to repair an altar in ruins? Don't

give way to anger. If you have broken your commitment,

your past sins which you had once renounced will be

welcomed back . This situation is akin to a pig that goes

back to wallow in mud after it has been washed and like a

dog returning to its vomit. Therefore dear child of God,

pray for forgiveness for such sins.

My son, my daughter, pray and make new

commitments. Earnestly desire a renewal. Rebuild the

altar. Give yourself to God's hands and give him your

word.

O Lord, everything is ruined. I have done certain

things that are wrong, my altar is in ruins. The altar of my

41

life is damaged, it lies shattered and in ruins. My prayer-

life is falling to pieces, my worship has ceased, and so

has my praise; my ministry is lifeless.

My spiritual strength has dwindled, there is no

descent of fire or the spirit of praise. Forgive me Lord, I will

make a new decision. My Saviour, I give you my word. I

will repair my altar which is in ruins. I long for a renewal. I

will commence a new life. Forgive my sins and reshape

my life into a new one. Restore and rebuild me. Let your

grace fall on me. Embrace me and keep me close to you.

42

CHAPTER 6

Elijah took twelve stones, one for each of the

tribes descended from Jacob, to whom the

word of the Lord had come, saying, "Your

name shall be Israel." With the stones he built

an altar in the name of the Lord, and he dug a

trench around it large enough to hold two

seahs of seed. He arranged the wood, cut the

bull into pieces and laid it on the wood. Then he

said to them, "Fill four large jars with water and

pour it on the offering and on the wood."

1King 18: 32,33

Elijah builds the altar. He starts to present the

sacrifice. The sacrifice is on Mount Carmel. The man who

is dear to God; Elijah, is ready to present a sacrificial

offering to the eternal God; to the God of Elijah, on the top

of Mount Carmel. The man of God presents a sacrifice to

God. Dedication is emphasized as he cuts the bull into

several pieces.

Dear child of God, you need a renewal. You need to

repair a broken-down altar first and rebuild it. This is not

enough, you need to dedicate your life and submit it to

Christ, making a new commitment to God.

Don't be content with rebuilding the altar. You have

to place on the altar what has to be sacrificed, which is the

bull cut into pieces. Split yourself asunder and place

yourself on the altar. Abraham once made a sacrifice and

cut a heifer, a goat and a ram in two and arranged the

halves opposite each other; however, he did not cut in

half the dove and the young pigeon. The fire from God

passed through only the offerings that were split.

Dear child of God, keep split open whatever you

have, before God. Only when you keep everything open in

God's presence will the fire of God descend.

Elijah kept everything open in God's presence and

offered a sacrifice. He made a dedication, he cut the bull

into pieces ,placed it on the altar and offered it before God.

A good sacrifice.

At any time people who have been used by the Lord

have made deep commitments, indeed complete

commitments. An unconditional commitment. A

commitment with no strings attached; which implies that

the surrender was not subject to certain terms or

restrictions. There is no reason for this or an ulterior

motive behind such a deep and heartfelt dedication. A

surrender that stems from the love of God working in a

man. A commitment that springs from the deep realization

that I belong to God.

It is the spontaneous reaction when we understand

what great things God has wrought for us. It is a

commitment that can be likened to a spring of gratitude to

God. It is an expression of our love for God.

It is not to show people or get someone's good

44

opinion. It is fostered by sense of indebtedness to God,

which makes it impossible for a man to keep himself from

being dedicated to God. It is a fulfillment of the deep

yearning to express his love and gratitude .

David made such a commitment. He submitted

himself to God. A young man like Saul, who was

foremost among the Jews of Tarsus and had a

prestigious Roman citizenship. He was a learned man

and a philospher. He knew Greek philosophy. He was an

Israelite of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews.

An expert in law; who had undergone training from an

eminent professor of that time named Gamaliel. He was a

good student of his mentor, in regard to the law, a

Pharisee; an expert in the scriptures, an eminent

personality of high position in society, a young man filled

with enthusiasm and vigor; yet he dedicated himself to

Christ. He submitted himself to Christ with all these

assets.

In the epistle to the Philippians, the apostle Paul

mentions these things. When Saul was transformed to

Paul and was imprisoned in Rome, he spoke thus:

Circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of

Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of

Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as

for zeal, persecuting the church; as for

legalistic righteousness, faultless. But

whatever was to my profit I now consider loss

for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider

everything a loss compared to the surpassing

greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for

45

whose sake I have lost all things. I consider

them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.

Philipians 3:5-8

And be found in him, not having a

righteousness of my own that comes from the

law, but that which is through faith in Christ--

the righteousness that comes from God, and

is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power

of his resurrection and the fellowship of

sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in

his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the

resurrection from the dead. Phillipians 3 :9-11

“I consider all things loss, I consider all things

rubbish….” The manner in which the apostle Paul

considered all things as loss or rubbish when he ventured

forth is being described here in detail.

This complete surrender to Christ was the reason

behind the conversion of Saul to the apostle Paul. Saul

became Paul. Can you make such a wholehearted

dedication? When you come to a point of a complete

surrender, complete dedication, a commitment without

any conditions, with the actual surrender of body, soul

and spirit at the feet of Christ out of deep devotion, then

the Lord will pleased. Jesus acknowledged the widow's

coin. She had put only one coin into the temple treasury

as offering. But God said, “She has put in the most.” What

was the reason? What is implied is not that she had put in

a large amount. Jesus did not see how much she put in,

but how much was left for herself. She had put in only one

coin, a trivial amount. But that was all she had. Whatever

46

he had, she put in. What she gave as an offering was all

that she had to live on. There was nothing left for herself.

Jesus honored this offering. Jesus declared that she had

given the most.

What have you left for yourself? What do you have in

hand to offer to God? What is left for you to offer to God?

Have you given your secret life to God? Is he pleased with

your private life? Would he look with favor on the

imaginations and thoughts that run through your mind?

Just think on whether Christ would approve on your

relationships with others? Son, what that your wife does

not know, or daughter, what secrets your husband is

unaware of , child of God your personal life which is

hidden from view of children, parents and colleagues at

your workplace is known by God. Would he be pleased on

seeing the kind of thoughts your heart harbors? Would

God become happy at this?

You will become fortunate if you are able to able to

offer a sacrifice pleasing to God. Are you willing to present

yourself as a sacrifice? Give yourself completely to God.

He will make all things wonderful and flourish. The sinful

woman came to Jesus and offered an alabaster jar full of

perfume which she broke at His feet. We read that the

house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. It was

said that wherever the gospel would be preached what

she had done would be praised. Why was this act deemed

wonderful and praiseworthy and upheld before all

generations for centuries to come? It is because she

submitted her all, her most precious possession to the

Lord Jesus.

47

Child of God, do you feel like surrendering all that

you have to God? If you offer all that you have into

Christ's hands then you are fortunate.

The wise men came to Jesus and made their

offerings. They opened their treasure chests. The wise

men who were intellectual geniuses who had come from

land of the East opened their treasure chests and offered

to the Lord, gold, frankincense and myrrh.

They were scholars. They understood that this was

no ordinary child and that he would be king. So they

offered him gold. Because the child was to fulfill the role of

a prophet, he was given myrrh. They realized that he was

the High Priest to come. So they offered him frankincense

appropriate for a priest. Jesus who is prophet, priest and

king. They offered to him gold, frankincense and myrrh.

We don't have gold, frankincense and myrrh in our hands.

We don't have such precious possessions to offer, but we

can do one thing. O Lord, I offer to you, my spirit, soul and

body. Can we offer ourselves? Can we give all to His

hands? Then He will bless you and make your future

bright.

Brothers, let me speak again. The prodigal son was

a spendthrift. He left his father and went to a foreign

country where he squandered all his money on wasteful

living. He had spent all the money that his father gave him.

Dressed in tatters and muttering some words, he

resembled a scarecrow or a madman, as he ran to his

father. He fell at his father's feet.

“Father, I have sinned against you and Heaven. I am

48

no longer worthy to be called your son. Receive me as you

would one of your servants…..”

When this plaintive cry interspersed by sobs, fell on

the Father's ears, he kissed him and welcomed him. My

son was dead and is now alive again, was lost but now is

found. Quick, bring the best robe and clothe him. Get

sandals for his feet and a ring for his hand. The matchless

love of the father prompted him to declare a feast, for

which a fattened calf is slaughtered to celebrate the return

of the prodigal son.

Child of God, if you give all that you have, he will blot

out the past, he will cover all that happened. Just as the

prodigal son received a new life, so also you will be gifted

with new life and a bright future from God. He will bless

you. Give all that you have. Cut into pieces all that you

have placed on the altar. Split the offerings into halves.

Don't keep anything aside from the altar. Place everything

on it.

Elijah made a sacrificial offering. Let us also make

an offering. Let us thus gain good fortune. Let us

surrender all to God's hands and be worthy of gaining the

paradise of happiness. At the second coming of Christ let

us be in receipt of the term, 'good and faithful servant.'

May God bless us.

49

CHAPTER 7

With the stones he built an altar in the name of

the Lord , and he dug a trench around it large

enough to hold two seahs of seed. He

arranged the wood, cut the bull into pieces and

laid it on the wood. Then he said to them, "Fill

four large jars with water and pour it on the

offering and on the wood.""Do it again," he

said, and they did it again. "Do it a third time,"

he ordered, and they did it the third time. The

water ran down around the altar and even filled

the trench. At the time of sacrifice, the prophet

Elijah stepped forward and prayed: "O Lord ,

God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be

known today that you are God in Israel and that

I am your servant and have done all these

things at your command. 1 Kings 18:32-36

The prophet Elijah prepared the altar. He built the

altar. He cut the bull into pieces and arranged them on the

altar, over firewood. The prophet Elijah consecrated the

altar.

He made a profound dedication, a total surrender.

But, if the fire of God had to descend, fire from alien

sources should not prevail. There should not be even a bit

or a touch of unauthorized fire.

Therefore Elijah commanded the altar to be

drenched with water to quench any other earthly fire. They

made a trench around the altar that had the capacity of

holding two seahs of grain. Four buckets of water were

poured onto the offering and the firewood. This process

was repeated twice and then thrice. The water flowed and

filled the trench around the offering. In this way the large

trench around the sacrificial altar was filled with water.

What was the purpose? The water flowed to prevent the

any spark of unauthorized fire. The fire engineered by

man should not be ignited on the altar. This is of utmost

importance for the fire of God to descend. This is very

meaningful. No unauthorized fire should be allowed to

burn.

We see such a situation in the first verse of the tenth

chapter of the book of Leviticus.

Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu took their

censers, put fire in them and added incense;

they offered unauthorized fire before the

LORD, contrary to his command. So, fire came

out from the presence of the LORD and

consumed them. Leviticus 10:1-2

Nadab and Abihu were the sons of Aaron . Aaron

was highly regarded as a priest and man of God. Aaron

was a minister of God. But his sons lit unauthorized fire

before God. They brought unauthorized fire , contrary to

God's command. They took censers on their own accord

and put fire in them and added incense. So fire came out

51

from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and

they died before the Lord. Therefore let not unauthorized

fire burn. It is fire from the Lord that should burn. There

should be no alien fire. What is alien fire? This is a very

serious issue.

It says thus in the ninth verse of the thirtieth chapter

of Exodus:

Do not offer on this altar any other incense or any

burnt offering or grain offering, and do not pour a drink

offering on it. Do not offer any other incense, burnt offering

or grain offering. Offer only what is from God. Let it be a

pleasing offering to the Lord.

There are people who use gifts of grace that are not

from God. There are those who exercise gift of healing

that is not from God. There is a gift of tongues that is not

from God and is a counterfeit sign.There are people who

prophesy and see visions that are not from God but man-

made and forged.

Some people speak out prophecies that are from

their own intellect and not divine in origin. Gifts that are not

from God, and not from the Holy Spirit.

Fire that is not from the Holy spirit , gifts that arise out

of one's own intellect, ministry that is one's own, taking up

responsibilities that have not handed to you by God, all

these can be dangerous. You could be consumed by fire.

Therefore do not let unauthorized fire burn, let not

falsehood prevail.

In the book of the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul talks

about some people who are puffed up about the false

52

visions they have seen. We read in the scriptures about

people who are puffed up with pride and become

conceited with false visions.

Remember, let not deception prevail. O Lord, let me

not have any ministry that you have not sanctioned. Let

me note in possession of any gifts that you have not

bestowed. O Lord, let not any unauthorized fire burn in

me. This should be our earnest desire. In the tenth and

eleventh verse of the ninth chapter of the book of Isaiah

we read thus:

Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the

word of his servant? Let him who walks in the

dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the

Lord and rely on his God. But now, all you who

light fires and provide yourselves with flaming

torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of

the torches you have set ablaze. This is what

you shall receive from my hand: You will lie

down in torment.

In the Living Bible the interpretation is as follows:

“Who among you fears the Lord and obeys His

servant ? If such men walk in darkness without one ray of

light, let them trust in the Lord , let them rely upon their

God. But see here, you who live in your own light, and

warm yourselves from your own fires and not from God's,

you will live in your among sorrows.”

The above verse warns those who delight in their

own fires. Are you content with your own light? Are you

satisfied with the warmth of the fire that is not from God,

53

but lit by yourself? Then you will live in sorrow.

Remember, there are people who gird themselves with

flaming arrows that are not from God. The fire in the

arrows is not from God, but from self, and praise and

worship that arises from the flesh not from the inner

being. They proclaim, “Praise the Lord , Hallelujah, Praise

, and Glory” loudly, out of human intent. All this is

dangerous.

When the fire of the Holy Spirit burns, out of the

depths of the heart , from the belly, from the innermost and

secret recesses of the heart will arise and bubble forth ,

an overflow of the praise from the Spirit. This is true fire.

Do not enter into your own fire. Let not unauthorized fire

burn.

Remember that unauthorized fire is dangerous. If it

burns in anyone's life so as to produce false visions,

strange tongues, and utterances, and ministry of the

flesh, do not offer these to the Holy spirit. Do not despise

the Holy Spirit and do not grieve the Holy Spirit. If you sin

against the Holy Spirit you will be committing a sin that

cannot be forgiven on earth or in heaven and that will

cause to fall into bondage that leads to eternal ruin.

Unauthorized fire must never burn. Take heed, be

content with what is original, from God . We don't want

duplicate and counterfeit spirituality. Where there is

original spirituality, there will be holiness.

If you see visions and speak in strange tongues

when you don't have a purity of heart and sin reigns in

your life, then there is no doubt that it will be falsehood.

54

When the heart is pure, there will be true filling of the

Spirit.

Filling of the Holy Spirit is not speaking in strange

tongues, seeing visions, having the gift of healing, it is to

be filled with the love of God. To be filled with the Holy

Spirit is to demonstrate the love of Christ on Golgotha, to

be completely filled with His love and His purity, that He

revealed on the cross. Only when we are thus filled with

the Holy Spirit are we are inspired to do God's work. Only

then will we have a fruitful ministry. Only then will the fire

burn and countless souls are attracted and come and bow

down at the feet of Jesus and are stricken by conscience.

They confess their sins and transgressions and renounce

them, and are able to start a new life.

Dear child of God, pay attention, let not

unauthorized fire burn. Elijah poured water so that it

flowed and collected around the altar. Elijah poured four

buckets of water each time, for not just once, or twice but

thrice. The entire altar lay drenched. There was no other

fire.

We don't want fire from any other source, we want

fire from heaven. As you read this, most honorable brother

will you pray for this? Lord, please do not let any other

alien fire descend on me. Let not duplicate fire from the

devil descend on me. Lord, I don't want to receive any

false coins or false notes from the Devil, I want only what

is original.

O Spirit of God, Spirit of holiness, Spirit of love, Spirit

of peace and mercy, my God, Spirit of unity, O Lord the

55

Spirit of your fire, I am content with whatever gifts you

bestow upon me, the gifts of grace and the spiritual

experiences you grant. O Lord, in this manner let my

entire lifespan be spent for your glory. Are there people

willing to make such a commitment; to make a promise to

God? Let the children of God, who read these words,

humble themselves before God. Plead to Him for His

grace. Pray for blessing with earnest desire. O Lord, from

today on, I am yours. My Jesus, from today on, I am your

slave. My Jesus, from today on, I am your humble

manservant or maidservant, from today on, I will live for

you. I will live for you because you died for me.

56

CHAPTER 8

At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah

stepped forward and prayed: "O Lord, God of

Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known

today that you are God in Israel and that I am

your servant and have done all these things at

your command. Answer me, O Lord, answer

me, so these people will know that you, O Lord

,are God, and that you are turning their hearts

back again. " 1Kings 18:36,37

Removal of other fire and of falsehood was achieved

by pouring water on the altar. A trench was made around

the altar and water flowed into it. It was true that false fire

was eliminated but everything was not over.

Prayerfulness is the next important factor. Prayer –that

stems from reliance on God. A Trust prayer. A prayer that

arises out of faith and is filled with dependence on God.

The prayer of a child of God will brim over with faith and

trust in God.

Elijah says: “Let it be known to all that I have done

these things at your command.”

We see three things in Chapter 17:

One: the dry brook. The brook Cherith had dried up.

Two: the depleted barrel. The oil in the jar was used

up.

Three: the dead boy. The child was dead.

God used these tough testing times and instances to

discipline Elijah, and take him forward. Why? So that fire

might descend on Carmel; to enable fire to be brought

down on Carmel, to bring down the fire of God on the

mountain. God was training Elijah for this great feat. It was

not only the matter of the dry brook, but also the depleted

barrel of the widow at Zarephath and the dead boy, all

these instances were used by God to train Elijah. God was

polishing Elijah, submitting him to coarse and hard

scrubbing, in the course of disciplining him and training

him to lead him forward to the great ministry of bringing

down fire from heaven.

In the training ground of your life you might face

several rough times and setbacks. Certain brooks may

dry up. The brooks that provide you with water today may

just cease to exist. Some facilities you enjoy today may

not be available tomorrow. All the good things of life that

you enjoy today, may fade out and disintegrate tomorrow.

You may face unexpected bereavement, parting or

separation. Sometimes certain hardships or losses may

occur. All these are trials and tribulations are to test us.

Even so, just as the man of God overcame these

trials and grew in spirit to minister on Carmel; so also we

can overcome and grow and mature into the ministry of

bringing down heavenly fire on Mt. Carmel. Only one thing

need be done. Submit all that you have into the hands of

God, believe and pray.

“Let the people know that you are turning their

58

hearts back to you again.” …so that the people come to

realize this fact. Elijah prayed, worked and brought down

fire from heaven; all this was done to glorify God. He did

not seek glory for himself nor did he want to be preeminent

. He did not seek personal benefit or a better future. He did

everything purely to glorify the name of God.

I remember three things for daily prayer, told to me

by a venerable and holy man of God.

A man should love God as much as is possible for

any human being. A man should live as holy as is possible

for any human being on earth. A man should expend

himself to the maximum limit for God's glory. These are

three things for daily prayer.

I meditate daily on the words spoken to me by the

holy man of God. My brethren, let me remind you. Every

motive of your life should be centered on glorifying God.

The ownership of all glory rests in Christ Jesus. The

supreme possessor of all glory is the eternal God. To Him

alone be all the glory. My son, my Children, the praise is

not for yourselves. There is worth attached to your name,

or fame or your position or your standing in society. There

is one thing of value; if you give Christ all the glory, then

you will become priceless.

On the day of the feast of Hosanna as the donkey

moved ahead bearing Christ; the disciples had spread

cloaks on the donkey's back so that Jesus could sit on it.

The donkey walked on a path on which clothes were

spread, because it bore Christ on its back. People

showered flowers on the donkey as it walked. As the

donkey treaded on flowers, soft flowers were resting on

59

its head . The senseless donkey walked enthralled with

the experience of a rain of flowers.

The donkey is most inferior among animals. It is

regarded as an unclean animal and lacks sense and

beauty. It has a harsh voice to add to it negative points.

But the donkey may have thought thus: “I am so important

that people spread clothes on my path for me to walk,

and honor me with showers of flowers. Even the apostles

have spread their cloaks on my back… If the donkey

exulted in itself in this manner what folly it would have

been.

The glory belonged to the One who sat on the

donkey. For him were the clothes spread and to him were

the songs of Hosanna sung. The shower of flowers was to

honor Him who sat on the donkey. They did not see the

donkey or extol it or give it honor. The spreading of

branches and clothes on the street by the people and the

singing of Hosanna by the children; all were done to glorify

the king of kings who rode on the donkey.

Child of God, don't exalt yourself or become proud,

pray and depend on God, giving Him all the glory and

honor. The goal is to have the people turn to God. The

people should see God and know him. This was the

prayer of the prophet Elijah.

At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah

stepped forward and prayed: "O Lord , God of

Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known

today that you are God in Israel and that I am

your servant and have done all these things at

your command. 1 Kings 18-36

60

Let the people turn back. As you read these words

what your prayer? Are you giving glory to God? Is it to

spread the kingdom of God? What is your aim? Is it for

multitudes to be introduced to the true God? Do you want

many to know the love of God at Golgotha? Do you want

many to comprehend the meaning of the cross of

Golgotha and to experience it? Does your heart yearn to

introduce to the world, the matchless love of Christ; that

was hung on three nails on the cross of Golgotha? In this

matter, my own self becomes irrelevant. Are you able to

comprehend the fact that your involvement is negligible?

Then what about myself, Lord? I am just a silly

donkey, the most ugly, and dull among animals with a

harsh voice; knowing only how to bear heavy burdens. A

donkey, who was tied up and doomed to be killed by

wringing the neck. Oh my God, I am just a humble man.

Let all the glory be given to you my Owner! To You alone O

Master, belongs all praise!

The people should turn. They should know the true

God. Our ultimate aim is for the people to return to God.

Let this be our aim. Pray for this end to be achieved. Cry

out to God and entreat Him for an answer in this regard.

Let God answer our prayer and make the people flock

back to Him. Let many gain true peace and tranquility .Let

many attain heavenly peace. Let many reach a city of

refuge and gain redemption of their souls and so become

inheritors of eternal life. In this manner, let many gain the

right to enter heaven, to become citizens of the heavenly

kingdom. For this let us submit ourselves. For this let us

pray and surrender ourselves.

61

CHAPTER 9

Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these

people will know that you, O Lord, are God,

and that you are turning their hearts back

again." Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned

up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the

soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.

When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate

and cried, "The Lord -he is God! The Lord -he

is God!" Then Elijah commanded them,

"Seizethe prophets of Baal. Don't let anyone

get away!" They seized them, and Elijah had

them brought down to the Kishon Valley and

slaughtered there. 1 Kings 18:37-40

Glorification of God.

God took the glory. God sent down fire. God, who is

fire, descended on the altar prepared by Elijah. God heard

the prayer of Elijah. He is a God who hears prayer. God

regards the tears. God respects the man of God. He

considers him precious.

The prayer of Elijah reached heaven. The prayer of

Elijah reached the doors of the heavenly Jerusalem.

Jerusalem and His prayer entered through the doors of

the heavenly Jerusalem and presented itself before God'

s throne. It is when Elijah's prayer reached heaven that

fire from heaven descended onto the earth. When you

hear this, do you long for your prayers to reach God's

presence? Do you yearn for your prayer to reach before

the throne of grace?

For we do not have a high priest who is unable

to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we

have one who has been tempted in every way,

just as we are--yet was without sin. Let us then

approach the throne of grace with confidence,

so that we may receive mercy and find grace to

help us in our time of need. Hebrew 4:15-16

We can boldly approach the throne of grace. Ask

and you shall receive, seek and you hall find, knock and

the door will be opened to you.

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to

give good gifts to your children, how much

more will your Father in heaven give good gifts

to those who ask him. Matthew 7:11

He has promised to give us the Holy Spirit ; to send

the heavenly fire and make the fire from heaven descend

onto the earth? It is the God of heaven who says thus:

Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a

stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a Snake

resembling a fish? If he asked him for an egg ,would he

give a scorpion to him? If you, then, though you are evil,

know how to give good gifts to your children, how much

more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to

those who ask him.

63

The prayer of Elijah reached God's presence. How

was God glorified by this?

“Immediately the fire of God fell from heaven and the

flames licked up the burnt offering, the water in the trough

around the altar completely evaporated. When the people

saw this they fell down and said; Jehovah is the true God.

He alone is God.”

At the outset, the people had not given any reply. But

the second time they certified it as 'good words'. They

were standing there watching whatever happened.

They saw the prophets of Baal crying out to him, cutting

and wounding themselves frantically till noon. Blood

flowed from their bodies, but no reply came from Baal. But

now, the God of Elijah replied to his prayer with fire. They

found this fact to be acceptable.

'The God who answers by fire is God indeed!'The

God of Elijah sent forth a reply with fire. What a

miraculous event! God in heaven is merciful. He

acknowledged the face of his servant. He protected his

servant from being disgraced.

My honorable brothers, there is a God who keeps

your face from becoming downcast with shame. He is a

God who is able to remove your shame. My son, my

daughter, he is able to repair whatever damage,

destruction, trials and losses have occurred in your life.

He is able to answer your prayer. He can wipe away your

tears. God reveals His presence close to you, whenever

you pray. He is a God who hears you when you call out to

Him. He does not ignore and pass by you disregarding

64

your tears and petitions.

The God of Elijah, the living God, performs a great

miracle here. Fire descended. O child of God, let the fire

descend in your life. Cry out to God for the heavenly fire.

When the people saw all this they fell down

prostrate and said; “the The Lord -he is God!

The Lord -The is God!" Then Elijah

commanded them, "Seize the prophets of

Baal. Don't let anyone get away!" They seized

them, and Elijah had them brought down to the

Kishon Valley and slaughtered there.

1 Kings 18:40

What is the meaning of this? It simply means to

destroy all that is evil. It does not imply killing men. In the

present day, it does not mean putting to death all

evildoers, for God is love.

What is the true meaning of these words as given in

the Old Testament? What is the spiritual meaning of the

statement about killing the prophets of Baal? It means that

we should destroy the evil forces within us. We must kill all

the evil forces residing in our selves. Annihilate our evil

habits. Put to death the barbaric nature and uncivilized

habits in us. Destroy the anger, rage, obstinacy, hatred,

discord and illfeeling within us. Kill the nature that has

tendencies for adultery and prostitution says thus : Kill the

avid interest for lusts of the flesh, and for carousing. Kill all

that is evil. Kill idol worship of any kind. Kill any vices that

are part of the wicked and sinful nature. Only then can we

receive God's grace. Annihilate every evil force within

65

ourselves. This is what the apostle Paul meant.

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to

your earthly nature: sexual immorality,

impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is

idolatry. Colossians 3:5

Put to death the members of your body.

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin

but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Roman 6:11

Count yourselves dead. You died but you live for

Christ. The sixth verse says thus:

For we know that our old self was crucified with

him so that the body of sin might be done away

with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.

Romans 6:6

Not only is the old man crucified, but also we read:

For we know that our old self was crucified with

him so that the body of sin might be done away

with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.

Romans 8:13

Put to death the misdeeds of the body by the Spirit.

How do we put to death the instinctive to the body and its

evil tendencies ?. That is only possible with the Holy Spirit.

We can take decisions, but only the Holy Spirit can make it

fruitful.

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this

is impossible, but with God all things are

possible." Matthew 19:26

We read thus in the gospel of Matthew in the

66

nineteenth chapter.

Only God is able to put to death the 'old man'. The

Holy Spirit must come. In the Holy Spirit we will able to put

to death the misdeeds of the body.

All our irritability and illfeeling will die. Our anger and

quarrelsome nature will die. Our stubbornness, our

attempts to flatter others and our partiality will die.. Our

hypocrisy and false pretences of devotion will die. When

we invite the Holy spirit of God into our life and the fire

descends we will be able to cast off the old man and the

old flesh which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no

longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live

in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who

loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have

crucified the sinful nature with its passions and

desires. Galatians 5:24

May I never boast except in the cross of our

Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has

been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Galatians 6:14

The world is crucified to me, the self or flesh, (the old

man) is crucified to me.

Do you desire to have the world, the self and the old

man to be crucified and become a new creation? That is

what happens in our life when the fire descends. When

67

the fire descends our old man becomes crucified. The old

man ceases to exist.

God sent fire down on the altar built by Elijah. The

Holy Spirit descended on Elijah's altar. God heard Elijah's

prayer. The fire from God descended and consumed the

offering, wood, and the earth around it. It dried up the

water in the trench around it. When the people aw this, all

of them fell prostrate and cried out, “The LORD-He is God!

The LORD-He is God!”The Elijah caught the prophets of

Baal and put them to death.

Let us put to death the old man. Let us kill our old

anger, our old vices and sinful habits, then we will be able

to live and abidein Christ. We will be filled with the

presence of Christ and will glorify His name. In this

manner let everyone have the good fortune of being able

to lead a holy and glorious life.

Let everyone receive this chance. Let everyone

grow in relation to Christ and be filled with Him. Be filled

with the power of the fire of the Holy Spirit.

68

CHAPTER 10

Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every

good and perfect gift is from above, coming

down from the Father of the heavenly lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows. He

chose to give us birth through the word of truth,

that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he

created. James 5:16-18

Elijah was a man just like us. He requested in prayer

that it would not rain. For three years and six months, the

land did not receive rain. When he prayed again the

heavens gave rain and the earth produced its crops.

And Elijah said to Ahab, "Go, eat and drink, for

there is the sound of a heavy rain." So Ahab

went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to

the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and

put his face between his knees. "Go and look

toward the sea," he told his servant. And he

went up and looked. "There is nothing there,"

he said. Seven times Elijah said, "Go back."

The seventh time the servant reported, "A

cloud as small as a man's hand is rising from

the sea." So Elijah said, "Go and tell Ahab,

'Hitch up your chariot and go down before the

rain stops you.' " Meanwhile, the sky grew

black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain

came on and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. The

power of the Lord came upon Elijah and,

tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of

Ahab all the way to Jezreel. 1Kings 18:41-48

It was because of Elijah's prayer that it did not rain

for 31/2 years. There were 450 prophets of Baal and 400

prophets of Asherah. Baal was proposed to be the 'God of

rain'. There were multitudes who worshipped Baal. But

there was no rainfall on the land.

Because the holy man of God, blessed by the

eternal God, prayed and desired that rain would not fall.

Why? It was not to destroy the land, but to save the

people. For the people to turn to God and to eternal

peace. Sometimes ruin, famine ,damage and losses can

occur to help us to turn to God. It turns out to be an

important factor helping us to turn to God.

Famine reminded the prodigal son of his father and

household. It was good the famine came.The great storm

occurred in Jonah's life to turn him to God and to motivate

him to go to Nineveh and fulfill the ministry that God had

entrusted to him.

It is good for problems to occur. It is good that some

illness may befall us. Accident, calamities, ruin, suffering

and losses are infact blessings because they become the

means for us to turn to God.

Elijah prayed that it would not rain and it did not rain

for three and a half years. But now Elijah prays. He is on

the top of Mount Carmel where he bends down with his

face between his knees, and asks his servant , “Go and

70

look towards the sea.”The servant went to look and came

back, reporting that nothing is to be seen. Seven times

Elijah said, “Go back.” The seventh time the servant

reports a cloud a small as a man's hand rising from the

sea.

'A cloud as small as a man's hand.' O merciful Lord,

let a cloud as small as a man's hand. O Lord, let a cloud as

small as a man's hand arise in these dark times, in these

times of drought and famine; times of lack of the power in

the spirit, lack of love, fear of God and faith in God.

Thus Elijah keeps his face between his knees and

cries out in prayer in God's presence. He continues to

battle in prayer. It is a battle in prayer.

Dear people of God, Elijah prayed. God heard his

prayer and answered it. There was the sound of rain. A

cloud as small as a man's hand arose. Here and there a

few people of God have risen. Here and there in a few

churches, a few people experience an awakening. Some

children of God ardently desire to live a holy and spotless

life. Some are turning to the faith. Many turn to God's

ways. What good fortune! We can see a cloud as small as

a man's hand. O Lord, begin the process of a cloud as

small as a man's hand, in me.

If my people who are called by my name,, will

humble themselves and pray and seek my

face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will

hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and

heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Let the people of God, who are called by His name

awake. There are some who have made a commitment

71

to God; those who have been preordained by God; and

He has set great hopes on them. God has selected them

out of His grace, let them come forward and experience a

revival. Then there will be the sound of great rain.

Despite informing Ahab of the sound of rain, he paid

no attention. He went off to eat and drink. But Elijah

remained there crying out in prayer. The man of God

continues to cry out in prayer. He does rest. He does not

want to eat and drink or indulge himself in luxuries or

delicacies. He steadfastly wrestles in prayer.

He told his servant, “Go and look towards the

sea.”The servant went to look and came back, reporting

that nothing was to be seen. Seven times Elijah said, “Go

back.” The seventh time the servant came back and said,

“A cloud a small as a man's hand is rising from the sea.”

Elijah told him to tell Ahab, “Hitch up your chariot and

go down before the rain stops you.” Instantly the sky was

darkened with rainclouds. A stormy wind blew, bringing in

heavy rain. Rain fell on the parched land after a period of

three and a half years. Heavy rain fell on the land that had

not received rain for years. Cool showers of comfort and

happiness is showered on families which were lacked

them. Hearts that had been parched and withered with

despair and depression experienced refreshing comfort,

joy and happiness surging because God works in them.

Dear children of God, do you want such an

experience?

There are those with dry, withered hearts that long

for death to come, hearts that lacked a trace of love,

mercy, tenderness or compassion. The dryness has

72

caused their hearts to become totally insensitive and

numb, so that they are unable to repent, cry or pray. To

such lives it is like the sound of cool, thundering and

welcome rain on parched earth. Rain will surely fall.

The sky darkened with storm clouds which poured

down heavy rain. Let there be a heavy downpour! Today

as you read this, earnestly desire rain to fall in your life. Let

the dry, scorched earth be flooded with water. Let the

shriveled earth become wet and soaked by absorbing the

water. The seeds get compressed and stifled under heavy

clods of solid earth. It is not because seeds were not

sown Whenever the seed sprouts, the heavy clods of

earth suppress it, making it shriveled. We read of this

experience in the first chapter of the book of the prophet

Joel.

The seeds are shriveled beneath the clods.

The storehouses are in ruins, the granaries

have been broken down, for the grain has dried

up. Joel 1:17

Let the clods of earth become wet and soaked so

that they can be crumbled and powdered. Then the seed

can sprout and grow. Let the seeds grow to become

fruitful crops in a flourishing green field.

Elijah prayed. After this, rain fell. What did Elijah do

then? Ahab was in his chariot. Elijah did not have a

chariot. Will a poor man of God have a chariot? Did he

have any worldly luxuries? This unsophisticated youth

came from the village of Tishbe. He did not have any

means of transport, whether a chariot, a horse or a

carriage . He did not have any amenities of convenience.

.

73

Dear friends, he had one thing, he had the Spirit of God in

him. The power and the grace of the Holy Spirit dwelt in

him. He had the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He was filled with

the Holy Spirit.

What do we read? The hand of the Lord came upon

Elijah. The spirit of the Lord came upon Elijah. The Spirit

of God filled him. What happened then? He tucked up his

cloak and ran ahead of Ahab and his chariot all the way to

Israel. The king was in his chariot and what about Elijah?

He was on the ground. He ran in front of the chariot. From

where did he get such strength? What was the source of

his newfound energy and vigor to achieve this feat? That

is the gift of heavenly grace. That is the grace of the

heavenly Holy Spirit. God will give you the energy and

stamina to run ahead of those who oppose you. He will

enable you to walk on the heights of the land.

When the power of God descends into your life, you

will outrun your enemies. You will surpass those who have

run ahead of you. Today as you hear these words, O

people of God; pray for the Lord's grace to flow upon you,

to be clothed with the power of His might and to be infused

with great strength. Dear children, pray to obtain the good

fortune to stand as His witness in this generation. Submit

yourselves to God. Give your word to God, and obtain

new energy, and receive new strength and might from

Christ.

Let the Holy Spirit of Christ descend on you.

74

CHAPTER 11

While he himself went a day's journey into the

desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down

under it and prayed that he might die. "I have

had enough, Lord ," he said. "Take my life; I am

no better than my ancestors." 1 Kings 19:4

Elijah was a man with a nature just like ours. The

man selected by God to glorify Him on the heights of

Carmel is now in the depths of despair. Elijah was man

just like us in that he plunged into the depths virtually

hitting the rock bottom of despair from the zenith of

Carmel.

God used the prophet to accomplish His mighty

tasks on Carmel. He was an instrument in the hands of

God who used him to destroy 850 prophets of idols and to

exterminate the evil practice of idol worship from the land.

God used Elijah. God gave him might. He used

Elijah to send the heavenly fire down onto the earth. The

heavenly fire descended onto the altar prepared by Elijah.

The fire that blazed on Carmel heralded the victory of the

people of God. It signified the success of God's plan to

destroy and eradicate idol worship from the land.

We have reasons to glorify God for his deliverance.

But the experience of Elijah reminds us that we need to be

careful. It alerts us and teaches us. The man of God Elijah

had faced the prospect of death by the sword of Ahab with

courage and calm. Undaunted by the Jezebel's threats,

he set out to battle against the prophets of Baal by the

blessing of the grace of God he had received. All forms of

idol worship, including Baal worship were wiped out of the

land. But we read in the first verse of the nineteenth

chapter that the wicked Queen Jezebel, wife of King Ahab

breathed out murderous threats against Elijah.

So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say,

"May the gods deal with me, be it ever so

severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make

your life like that of one of them." 1Kings 19:2

On hearing about the threats to his life by the wicked

woman Jezebel he was terrified. He fled in fear, fearing for

his life.

Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he

came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his

servant there, while he himself went a day's

journey into the desert. He came to a broom

tree, sat down under it and prayed that he

might die. "I have had enough, Lord ," he said.

"Take my life; I am no better than my

ancestors." 1Kings 19:3-4

The man of God Elijah is dejected, shattered and in

despair. He feels drained of his former vigor and hope. He

is exhausted and hopes to die. We must not be

discouraged when we hear things that are unfavorable for

us, if someone speaks things that are not to our liking.

When life is rocked by waves of problems that we dislike,

76

don't despair. Don't falter, but wait on the Lord.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young

men stumble and fall; but those who hope in

the Lord will renew their strength. They will

soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not

grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:30-31

We must wait on the Lord for his mercy and grace.

But Elijah was frightened by Jezebel's threats and

he fled for his life. He fled to Beersheba in Judah. He ran

away so far because he was disheartened. However, he

did not know that wife of the reigning King Jehoram of

Judah was indeed Ahab's daughter. Ahab and Jezebel

were allied to King Jehoram, (the son of King

Jehoshaphat), who was married to their daughter. Elijah

was unaware that he was going to a such a place.

He was thirty-two years old when he became

king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years.

He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, as

the house of Ahab had done, for he married a

daughter of Ahab. He did evil in the eyes of the

Lord . 2 Kings 8;17,18

Elijah did not know that he was running for refuge to

a country which was ruled by the daughter and son-in

–law of Jezebel , who did what was displeasing to the

Lord.

while he himself went a day's journey into the

desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down

under it and prayed that he might die. "I have

had enough, Lord," he said. "Take my life; I am

..

77

no better than my ancestors." 1Kings 19:4

Elijah cried out in prayer for his life to be taken. He

spent the nighttime praying for death to come. We see a

similar prayer in the book of Numbers, from the fourteenth

verse onwards in the eleventh chapter. It is a prayer of

Moses.

I cannot carry all these people by myself; the

burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you

are going to treat me, put me to death right

now-if I have found favor in your eyes-and do

not let me face my own ruin."

Numbers 11:14-15

Moses prays out of an exhausted mind and

despairing heart.

Moses was depressed. All throughout the trials and

tribulations that the people went through he was faced

with their opposition and rebellion. This broke his heart

and he prayed to God to take his life and to kill him. The

prophet Jonah prayed a similar prayer in the book of

Jonah, in the third verse of the fourth chapter.

“It is better for me to die than to live.” Jonah said.

Again in the eight verse of the same chapter Jonah

repeats this to God..

Elijah desired to die. Moses desired the same, as did

Jonah the prophet. They were men of God who were

plunged into the depths of despair. Does this shed light

into the lives of each of you? Has depression afflicted us?

Have you ever at any time felt defeated and weak? Has a

threat from anyone deeply wounded you? Has the

opposition, rebellion, battle, maligning, and attacks that

78

you face paralyze your life? Has your mind become

dejected and exhausted? Let each person think back.

God is able to remove the weariness and exhaustion

in your life. He is able to lift us up from depression and

gloom. He is able to rejuvenate us and instill courage in

us. The living God is able to awaken us. The living Christ

did not die on the cross, dreading suffering. He

courageously faced suffering .

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and

perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before

him endured the cross, scorning its shame,

and sat down at the right hand of the throne of

God. Consider him who endured such

opposition from sinful men, so that you will not

grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2,3

You will be opposed, people will rebel against you,

but don't falter my dear son .Don't be discouraged, my

dear daughter. When opposition hits out at you, when

attacks are unleashed at you, don't be afraid. Don't tire

out, don't despair.

Elijah was exhausted. But God rejuvenated him and

woke him up. Moses was weakened but God revived him.

Jonah was tired out but was awakened by God. He is a

God who revives the tired and weary. He strengthens the

weak, He uplifts those who are depressed by giving them

hope. Let Him direct us towards to good hope. Let him

give us good courage. Let Him bless us with strength,

courage and grace.

79

CHAPTER 12

while he himself went a day's journey into the

desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down

under it and prayed that he might die. "I have

had enough, Lord ," he said. "Take my life; I am

no better than my ancestors." 1 Kings 19:4

The prophet Elijah lay asleep; tired and weak. We

read the next verses as thus:

Then he lay down under the tree and fell

asleep. All at once an angel touched him and

said, "Get up and eat." He looked around, and

there by his head was a cake of bread baked

over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and

drank and then lay down again. The angel of

the Lord came back a second time and

touched him and said, "Get up and eat, for the

journey is too much for you." So he got up and

ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he

traveled forty days and forty nights until he

reached Horeb, the mountain of God.

1Kings 19:5-8

The prophet Elijah falls asleep out of sheer

exhaustion. He longs to die. He has lost all hopes for the

future. He is trapped in the vice-like grip of Depression.

..

This is like a whirlwind or storm that raged furiously

against him; shattering him. But the Living God sends his

angel to his side. The angel of God touches him on his

side and wakes him up. The angel has brought bread

baked on hot coals. He also has a jar of water. How

intense is God's desire to awaken him! It is God's deep

love for the exhausted man of God that has prompted Him

to send forth an angel to awaken him. It portrays the

ultimate attempt made by God's love to guide the

depressed man of God towards hope.

See how God attempts to awaken and revive us!

Just take note of this incomparable love. He does not

abandon us , letting us remain weary. He does not want us

to stay depressed. He wants us to arise refreshed and full

of vigor.

The angel of God awakens him and invites him to

partake of fresh bread baked on coals and a jar of water.

Elijah got up and ate and then lay down again. Some

children of God are like this. They may wake up once and

arise with new life in them, but it does not last and they go

back to slumber once again.

My friend, are you asleep today? What is your

condition today? Just look back for an instant into your life.

Is there any issue in your life that has made you lie down

drained of all energy? Are you afflicted by the despairing

thought that God has not heard your prayer? You may

have made the prayer request repeatedly, but have not

received an answer. Has the frustration of not getting an

answer from God pushed you into depression and

weakness? Are you mentally worn out ?

81

My son, are you feeling faint and weakened by the

misfortunes which encircle you? Is your husband steeped

in alcoholism ruining everything and getting ruined

himself? Is it sickening for you to watch this happen? Are

you feeling faint watching your children wasting time

lazying around in an irresponsible and not studying.

Dear children of God, you may have received new

life and vigor on hearing the word of God once. It is like the

experience of an angel of God coming to you and

awakening you once; it is true you woke up and became

refreshed but later have you resumed your slumber?

How many people who have been awakened have

fallen asleep again? Dear people of God, he has come to

reawaken you. Not only to awaken you, but to feed you

with the food that He has brought for you. He has brought

heavenly food which is manna; the bread of life. My son,

my daughter; get up and eat. Rejuvenate and strengthen

yourself for the long journey ahead of you. Humble

yourself to receive God's grace. Submit yourself to Him

and see His love for you.

It is the love that follows you tirelessly even when

you tire and hugs you. It is the miraculous touch of

everlasting love which searches you out when you are

sleeping under the broom tree in the desert. My son, wake

up! Surrender your life to God. Don't be weary, arise once

again and run for God. Gather strength to run along

distance. Elijah lay down again and slept. The angel of

God came a second time and woke him. “get up and eat

for you have to travel far.” He got up and ate and drank.

O people of God, get up and eat. The angel had

82

again told him about the long journey ahead. My brother,

you have a long journey ahead of you. He has to

accomplish mighty tasks through you. You are to be of use

in God's hands.

Have you heard of Martin Luther? He was a devout

person, he was one of the pioneers of the revival, infact,

he was the source of inspiration behind the revival. God

used this man of God to bring in reformation into the

society. However on one occasion, Martin Luther was

absolutely tired and dejected.

Society ostracized him. Politics sought to malign

and attack him. Soldiers and those with clout in society

sought to destroy him. He felt isolated in the midst of

society. He had the feeling that even the children of God

had abandoned him. 'I have no one, everybody is against

me, I am isolated, everyone finds fault in me, nobody is

prepared to see my sincerity of purpose', such thoughts

troubled him, making him distraught.

Dear children, Martin Luther was weary and

exhausted to the extent that he became incapable of

work. He became gloomy. He lost all enthusiasm, vitality

and vigor. At this point of time, something happened. His

wife approached him completely dressed in black. He was

taken aback and enquired, “Who passed away? I am not

aware of it.”It was customary to wear black mourning

clothes in that country when a close relative died. Martin

Luther asked his wife which relative had died.

His wise and devout wife answered, “Our God is

dead.” He asked, “What are you saying, 'God is dead.'

83

Can God die?”

She said, “I had thought that God would not die. I

used to believe that God always lives to help those who

believe in Him. But, when I saw my husband's dejection

and gloom, I thought that God is dead. My husband's

depression ,weariness and lack of vigor convinced me

that God is dead. That is why I am dressed in black.

Martin Luther replied, “No, my God is not dead. He is

the One who conquered death, and is alive today. He

resurrected to live again. Jesus has the incomparable

power to defeat death and Hades. He is victorious over

death. He has shattered the bolts of the gates of death

and my Jesus lives even today.”

Martin Luther said, “No, my God has not died and

will never die.”

Martin Luther got up, fired with enthusiasm. He

roused himself as a lion would; he gathered his strength

and braced himself for a battle. He worked dynamically for

God with renewed enthusiasm and vigor. This resulted in

the dawn of the great revival movement, that spread

across the world.

Dear child of God, are you feeling weak and tired?

Look God approaches you with food . The eternal God

comes to you bearing hot food. The merciful God comes

to you with your favorite food. He brings you heavenly

food. O weary child of God, open your eyes to see God

who is close to you. He is here to awaken and revive you.

See the treasure of His love. Focus on the owner of this

love, who is Himself a sea of mercy. See the love which

84

does not allow you to lie worn-out, but rouses you,

reminding you that you have a long journey ahead.

My son, you have to travel far, my daughter there are

many great things that you need to do. Don't sit in despair,

look to cross of Christ .Look at the miraculous victory of

the cross of Christ. Look at the powerful victory wrought

on the cross. Look to the love of the cross that disregarded

its shame. Look to Christ, take refuge in him, reflect on the

sacrificial death on the cross. Awake to become a hero of

the faith, stand for God, run for Him and work for him.

Gather and amass strength in Him.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their

strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary, they will walk

and not be faint. Isaiah 40;31

My son awake, my daughter arise!

85

CHAPTER 13

The angel of the Lord came back a second

time and touched him and said, "Get up and

eat, for the journey is too much for you." So he

got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that

food, he traveled forty days and forty nights

until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.

There he went into a cave and spent the night.

And the word of the Lord came to him: “What

are you doing here,Elijah?" 1 Kings 19:7-9

The prophet Elijah was lying down weak and tired.

He was asleep under the shade of the broom tree. The

angel of God arrived with hot bread and a jar of water and

– to wake him. Elijah woke up. The angel told him, “Get up

and eat, for you have a long journey ahead.”

So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened

by that food, he traveled forty days and forty

nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of

God. 1Kings 19;8

Horeb was the place where God revealed himself to

Moses. It is the place where God called Moses and

appointed him for his glorious ministry. Dear people of

God, Elijah walks upto Horeb. He walks upto the mountain

on which God had appeared to Moses. He walks upto the

place where God had revealed himself to his ancestors.

The saints of old, our ancestors lived a holy and

glorious life. There were useful in the hands of God. Elijah

walks upto the place where the saints of old had received

their instructions from God. The greatest among all the

prophets of God, indeed the head of all prophets of God

was Moses. Elijah walked till the place where Moses had

received revelations from God. What good fortune, that

Elijah felt like walking to that place in obedience to the

divine revelation and visitation.

Walk till you receive divine revelation, my son. Go to

the miraculous place where you first received divine

revelation of the presence of God. Don't falter even a little.

Don't complain. Is it not the living God who leads you?

Has not God given you food? Does he not give you water?

Is it not His love that has made Him prepare hot bread

baked on coals and provide a jar of water?

My son, get up and eat and start you great journey.

Elijah travelled as far as Horeb. Today, as you hear these

words, O people of God, will you set aside your fatigue

and walk on? Will you walk till you reach the place where

God had revealed himself to you in the past? Will you walk

to the place in which waves of sweet memories of the

divine presence and revelations till permeate in the

environment? The merciful, heavenly words of the eternal

God were miraculously proclaimed in the place you are

walking to.

Will you recollect your past experiences? Will the

experiences of the saints of old act as a pathfinder for

87

you? Dear child of God, do not wear out but go forward in

God's work. Proceed to do God's work with great courage.

Elijah walked till Horeb. What do we read? He got

into a cave and spent the night there. But God had sent

him there not to spend the night in the cave, but to do great

things for God. God wanted him to hear His word on

Mount Horeb, the place of divine revelations, and receive

the divine calling for great ministry like Moses did. This is

why God lead him to walk to this place. But Elijah failed to

realize the value of the divine providence and retired into

the cave to spend the night. But God did not leave him

alone.

What deep, unique, matchless, incomparable and

divine love, that overflows with heavenly mercy. It is the

miraculous love that brings to life. It woke him up again.

God spoke to him. Then he received a proclamation from

heaven. He asked him, “Elijah, what are you doing

here?”God asked him what he was doing there, in the

cave. He was not destined to be confined to the cave. Nor

was his ministry to come to an end.

“What are you doing here Elijah?” You don't have

any business here. Your work will take you to other places.

You have yet ministry remaining. Don't consider that your

work is over. You still have a bright future and much work

remains. Good times are still to come. Years of blessing

and goodness, and days of glory and greatness await you

in the future. The miraculous hands of the heavenly

Eternal Father will yet use you. Your ministry is not

finished. Elijah, what are you doing here?

Today are you worn-out and depressed? Has your

88

backsliding made you withered? Have you fallen from

grace? If people like these hear these words, let them take

heart. My son, the loving God comes close to your ear and

speaks to you tenderly. My dear children, what are you

doing here?

The God who loves you is hurrying to awaken you.

He yearns to use you. He wishes to wake you up and use

you, caring not to wear you out or lose you.

Then Elijah said, “I have been very zealous for

the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have

rejected your covenant, broken down your

altars, and put your prophets to death with the

sword. I am the only one left, and now they are

trying to kill me too." 1 Kings 19:10

Elijah told God that he was the only one left among

the faithful prophets of God. There had been many people

with God before. But now many had backslidden and no

one else was left to stand for God. He said: “I myself stand

isolated. There is no one to support me. There is no

fellowship to back me up. There is no one to help or

sympathize with me at my plight. Not one person provides

a helping hand or speaks a word of advice. O my God, I

am so lonely.”

My son, today are you in sorrow? My daughter, are

you in despair thinking of your loneliness? There is no

fellowship or children of God to turn to, no one to help or

support you. I feel faint in such a situation. Are you trying

to find reasons for the despondency in your life? Nobody

loves me. For whom should I work? Why should I continue

89

to live a life of self-sacrifice, as I have done for long. What

do I gain with all the pain I bear? Does anybody look upon

me with compassion after all this? Does anyone feel any

appreciation or respect for the hard work that I have

done? Such things are startling you, making you tremble.

My son, from now onwards don't sit down worn-out,

many have abandoned God's work in despair. Each

person thinks , “I don't have anyone to help. There is no

one to see the hard work that I do. There is no one to

appreciate my labor and selflessness. There is no one to

see my toil and labor. The struggles and pain that I bear

amidst my hardships and burden of labor are not visible to

any eye, nor does anyone utter a word of sympathy or

lend a helping hand. Is this what you lament about my

dear son?

But there is a God who cares for you. The God who

descended on Mount Carmel will be with you. The God

who sent down fire from heaven on Carmel in front of the

850 wicked men, Jezebel and Ahab and all who oppose

you, is able to perform miracles.

My son, why have you forgotten God? Why have

you forgotten about the eternal love of God? He is the

God who sends rain in answer to man's prayer; who sent

clouds of rain in answer to prayer, who sent rain on the

land that had not received rainfall for three and a half

years. Why did you perceive that that God does not love

you?

Look back on the past, O child of God, has He not

given you many good things? Has He not heard your

90

prayers? Has He not wiped away your tears? Has he not

blotted out your grief? Has He not helped you, and loved

you? Have you forgotten about the experiences of divine

grace? Have you forgotten his continual good blessings?

My son, don't be weary. Look back on all the good gifts you

have received in the past. Look on God's blessings of the

past. David once said:

Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost

being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O

my soul, and forget not all his benefits-who

forgives all your sins and heals all your

diseases Psalm 103:1-3

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he

removed our transgressions from us. As a

father has compassion on his children, so the

Lord has compassion on those who fear him;

for he knows how we are formed, he

remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:12-14

My son, don't weaken, arise and embrace the love of

the Cross. Hold tightly onto the cross of Christ, and

receive a new life radiating with selflessness. Spend

yourself for the glory of Christ.

.

91

CHAPTER 14

There he went into a cave and spent the night.

And the word of the Lord came to him: “What

are you doing here,Elijah?" He replied, "I have

been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty.

The Israelites have rejected your covenant,

broken down your altars, and put your

prophets to death with the sword. I am the only

one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."

The Lord said, "Go out and stand on the

mountain in the presence of the Lord , for the

Lord is about to pass by." Then a great and

powerful wind tore the mountains apart and

shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the

Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there

was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the

earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire,

but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the

fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard

it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went

out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a

voice said to him, "What are you doing here,

Elijah?" 1Kings 19:9-13

God changes the assumptions of Elijah the prophet.

He had certain misconceptions. He assumed that a big

miracle would take place and God would end down fire as

on Carmel, to consume Jezebel. Just as fire came down

immediately in response to prayer on Carmel, Elijah

expected Jezebel, who had opposed him and spoken

against him to be destroyed instantly by fire. But, when he

saw that such things did not happen, he was upset. Elijah

sat in the cave in depression. He was fed up and tired. At

this time he heard a wind that tore the mountains and

shattered rocks into pieces. But God was not in the wind.

God was removing Elijah's misconceptions .

God was showing him that His way was not in great

tumult or commotion, or loud acclaim or even in the midst

of great pomp and splendor.

What right does man have to decide God's ways?

What right does a mortal man have to advise God on

which way to take? Sometimes God may intervene in the

whirlwind. In the book of Job, we read that God appeared

to him in the whirlwind. God spoke to Job through a

whirlwind.

On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended.

A rushing wind lashed out. We read that the wind filled the

room of the house where the apostles were. A wind blew

that filled the house. Here we see the Holy Spirit

appearing as the wind. But we can see the LORD

presenting in the whirlwind, in the book of Job. Man has no

right to decide and predict that God will always work in the

same way. God can also speak in a gentle whisper.

God may reveal himself in a gentle whisper. A strong

93

wind blew; but God was not in the wind. After this an

earthquake ensued, but God was not in the earthquake. In

the powerful earthquake, the earth trembled and

quivered. The earth reels like a drunkard, the earth is split

asunder, the earth trembles.We see a fire after the

earthquake. But God was not in the fire. On Carmel, God

had descended in fire, but now why did God not do so;

man cannot ask this question. Man has no right to

question God. God cannot be dictated by man, he cannot

be entrusted with duties by man. How can a man muster

courage to speak to God? What right does he have to do

so?

Man is nothing, merely dust. He is only momentary,

a mere mortal. The storm passed, the earthquake

passed, the fire too ceased. God was not in any of these.

Then a gentle whisper could be heard. After the

earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.

And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When

Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face

and went out and stood at the mouth of the

cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you

doing here, Elijah?" 1Kings 19;12-13

"What are you doing here?" This was the question

God asked Elijah again. The voice of God in a soft and

pleasing tone. My son, this is the soft voice that resounds

in your ears. It reverberates on the walls of your heart. It is

the voice that calls you in tender love.

“Elijah, what are you doing here?” This was the

same affectionate voice which had earlier called him. It is

94

the voice of God that throbbed with incomparable love as

He called out, 'Moses, Moses!' This same soft, sweet

voice that radiated with affection called out, 'Samuel,

Samuel! 'out of His deep love.

It is the overflowing heavenly love that once called,

'Abraham, Abraham!' “Martha, Martha you are worried

and troubled about many things,” said the same gentle,

tender voice of God in a tone filled with fondness.

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked permission to sift

you as wheat, but I have prayed for you, that your faith

may not fail.” Saying this, the heavenly voice called him

several times, glowing with tender love.

The voice that called out, “Saul, Saul,why do you

persecute me?” This voice once cried out, “O Jerusalem,

Jerusalem!” He who called out, “Zacchaeus, come down

at once!” now says, “Elijah, what are you doing here?” to

wake him.

Son, see the love that tries to awaken you. 'Elijah,

what are you doing here?' was what the voice enquired of

him. To this he replied, “I have been very zealous for the

Lord God Almighty. The children of Israel have

abandoned your laws and covenant, torn down your

altars, and have put your prophets to death by the sword. I

am the only one left, and they are trying to take my life

too.”

Dear child of God, you have put forth certain claims.

Elijah said that he had been zealous for God, and that he

was isolated and alone in doing God's work. 'I alone have

worked hard for God in this generation.' He puts forward

95

his claims and his positive points and highlights his self

righteousness. My son what claim can you put forward? If

you have been zealous for God, is it not because He gave

you the grace for it? If you have spoken a word for God, is

it not because He gave the grace for it? Has he not

assigned you this great privilege?

It is indeed a privilege to speak for God, to stand for

him publicly, to be zealous for him. We are not worthy of it

nor is it inherent in us. It is a miraculous and exceptional

privilege that God's love has supplied what we lack. This

is heavenly love and we must give thanks to God thinking

of it.

David once said, “

How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to

me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on

the name of the Lord. Psalm 116:12-13

In so saying David assigns praise and glory to God.

David celebrated by giving glory, praise and honor to God.

My son, today leave despair and get up and start to work

for God, toiling hard for him. Start showing zeal for the

work of the Lord. Don't take pride in this. Don't let it make

you puffed up with pride, and claim credit for it. Instead,

humble yourselves and say: 'O Lord, you have given me

this very great privilege and grace of taking your word on

my tongue and of letting your voice speak through me.

You have put your word on my tongue and have given me

the great fortune of being able to praise you.

96

CHAPTER 15

When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over

his face and went out and stood at the mouth of

the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are

you doing here, Elijah?" He replied, "I have

been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty.

The Israelites have rejected your covenant,

broken down your altars, and put your

prophets to death with the sword. I am the only

one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."

1King 19:13-14

Elijah complains about certain things to God. Have I

not been zealous for you? Did I not stand for you with

great spiritual fervor? Did not I alone remain faithful even

when all of Israel abandoned you? Did they not kill all your

prophets by the sword? O Lord, do you not see how I

stood for you against all odds in this generation. Elijah

puts forth these claims as he stands petulant before God.

He stands before God, depressed. But God is not angry

with Elijah nor does He forsake him. The Eternal God who

once used Elijah in His glorious hands for His glorious

ministry is starting to bless him again.

Elijah said, “They have killed your prophets with the

sword. They have destroyed your altars. The children of

Israel have forsaken your laws. Only I am left and they are

trying to take my life too. Elijah complains that Jezebel

was trying to kill him. The wicked woman had sent men to

destroy him. She is plotting to kill him and had sent him a

message threatening him.

We are peeved over many things in life. We have

complaints against God, that he did not hear our prayer,

that He did not support or help us, that He did not reach

out His hand and help us. We have many complaints and

feel that God has neglected us.

My son, put away all irksome feelings of being

ignored by God. My daughter, uproot all complaints and

throw them away from your heart. Start to praise God.

Open your eyes to see only the good gifts that God has

given. See the many gifts of His grace and mercy that you

have received in your life. See the love of God that has

awakened and revived you. Focus on the endless

heavenly love that cares for you and protects you with

tenderness.

When Elijah vented out his discontentment, God

heard all his complaints and said: My son, I am about to

entrust you a ministry. Consider the heavenly love that

assigns a ministry to a complaining person. It is the love

that awakens a child of God who is peeved and

discontented, and appoints him for His work. In the first

book of Kings in the nineteenth chapter in verse fifteen we

read thus:

The Lord said to him, "Go back the way you

came, and go to the Desert of Damascus.

98

When you get there, anoint Hazael king over

Aram Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king

over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat

from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet.

Jehu will put to death any who escape the

sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death

any who escape the sword of Jehu. Yet I

reserve seven thousand in Israel, all whose

knees have not bowed down to Baal and all

whose mouths have not kissed him."

1Kings 19:15-18

God encourages, God entrusts him with His work.

God instills in him new hope. My son, from today on you

must do these things. Don't think that your work is over.

Your ministry is not complete yet. You must anoint Elisha

to take your place. You must anoint Jehu as King. There is

yet ministry left for you to fulfill. You must anoint Hazael as

king of Aram. Do not consider that your work is done.

Don't think that your life is over. Don't ever think that your

life is a closed chapter, my son.

O child of God, just see God's infinite love for you,

see His divine love and be grateful for it. He is assigning

His work to you. He gives new life to those who wished to

die and wanted to end their lives. He gives them new work

and a new ministry. They will have to take up new

responsibilities on their shoulders. What wonderful love

God has !

Son, do you realize that even as you sit dejected,

God is ready to entrust you with new ministry. Do you

know that God has placed new hope in you as he assigns

.

99

you to His work? Did you know that God nurtures fresh

hopes for your future.

See God's love for you, just humble yourself. God

said: “I have reserved 7000 men who have not bowed

down their knees to Baal. You said, Elijah, that you are the

only one left as a true prophet of God to deliver the word of

God. You said that you are the only faithful prophet left

alive. But hear this, I have reserved 7000 men who have

not bowed down their knees to Baal.

Dear child of God, where were these 7000 men?

Elijah did not know any of them. Maybe all of them were

hidden. Maybe they were afraid to come out to the open.

So there were secret saints of God, secret believers and

workers of God.

O child of God, do not consider yourself as alone,

there are many who believe in the true God. In the life

history of Sadhu Sundar Singh, it is written about a man

called Kailas Maharshi. Sadhu Sundar Singh thought that

in the Hindu religion there would be hardly anyone who

knew about Christ. But as he roamed the forest areas of

the Himalayas, he came across several ascetics. They

were secret saints. They knew about Christ and in their

hearts they loved him and worshipped him. They

meditated on the words of Christ and gave glory to God.

Sadhu Sundar Singh speaks about the Maharshi.

There are many who are true believers. We do not

know them in person nor do we see them. We don't have

the relationship of a fellowship with them. But know that

there many who are acquainted with the living God. They

100

love and worship God. There are those who love Christ

despite disregarding the barriers of religion, caste or

community and they would like to know him close. They

live as secret saints of God. Take heart , because there

are many people like this. Don't say that you are alone.

Don't say that the churches are up against you or that

community leaders are seeking to destroy you. Don't fear

that the authorities and rulers in high places will destroy

you. Do not faint because the Eternal God is with you.

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who

daily bears our burdens. Our God is a God who

saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape

from death. Psalm 68:19-20

There is a God who delivers from death. He keeps

you alive and prolongs your life. He lays aside the

deathbed. He can support and deliver you from the

sickbed and give you long years of comfort and

happiness. He assigns a new ministry to you. He guides

you in paths that are unknown to you. He waits to bless

with numerous blessings that you have hitherto not

experienced. God awaits in hope. Don't faint, get up. Take

up the work that God has destined to give you. Leap into

the area of God's work with renewed courage. Enter the

field of God's work and take up the scythe and reap the

harvest of the ripe crops and stack them. If you do not do

so, then the good grain will go to the possession of the

parrots and other birds as well as to the mice who will

store it in their holes. The grain is intended to be stored in

bins and granaries. But the sheaves bearing the grains

will be nipped up by the parrots or stolen by the rats. Let

101

not the good grain disappear into the nests of the parrots

and the holes of the rats. Make haste to enter the field of

God's work. Start reaping as soon as possible. Don't

stand hesitating beside the field. Don't stand idle at the

fence looking back. Don't stand there in despair. Proceed

to do God's work with renewed vitality, enthusiasm and

great zeal. Remember, there are 7000 who have not

bowed their knees to Baal. There are many who love God

and who are true believers. So don't be faint, but become

a worker of God. Toil for Him. Don't get caught in despair.

Walk with new zest on the path where the brave have

succumbed and the mighty have fallen. Become a useful

tool in the hands of God and for the work of the Kingdom of

God.

102

{KÙIÀ¯mhnsâ CXcIrXnIÄ1. AarX[mc 48. \·bpsS ]m\]m{Xw

2. B´cnIim´n 49. {]XymibpsS {]`mXw

3. ip``mhn 50. C\nbpw sshIWtam?

4. im´nXocw 51. ARE YOU WILLING TO BE HEALED? (English)

5. a[psamgn 52. I®oÀ¸mSw þ ̀mKw H¶v

6. apànamÀ¤w 53. I®oÀ¸mSw þ ̀mKw c­v

7. \nXyhn{im´n 54. BESIDE CHERITH (English)

8. \nd]d 55. btlmhbpsS ̀pP§ Ä

9. PbPohnXw 56. I®ocv tXmcptam?

10. hnizmkPohnXw 57. I®oÀ¡ W§ Ä

11. hmSmaeÀ 58. FÃmw \·bv¡ v

12. Znhymcm[\ 59. Bibn³ {]Imiw

13. F\n¡ v IpSn¸m³ Xcptam? 60. IjvS§ Ä kmcanÃ

14. \oXnam\mIp¶sX§ s\? 61. \nsâ KrlImcyw {Ia¯nem¡ pI

15. Xpd¶hmXn 62. Rm³ F§ s\ I­p kln¡ pw?

16. hchpw Nnehpw 63. DÕhw

17. ssZhcmPyw 64. AXyp¶Xsâ adhnÂ

18. AMRUTHADHARA (English) 65. C\nbpw tXm¡ Wtam?

19. HmÀ¯psImÄhn³ 66. acWm\´cmhØ

20. {InkvXphn 67. acn¡ m¯ a\pjy\pt­m?

21. ]cnip²mßmhv 68.

22. ]cnip²mß hym]mcw 69. Kncn\ncIÄ

23. ]cnip²mß iàn 70. THE CITIES OF REFUGE (English)

24. D¯aKoXw 71. KncnirwK§ Ä

25. kt¦X \Kc§ Ä 72. THE BLINDNESS OF LONELINESS (English)

26 acp`qanbnse \oÀs¸mbvI 73. bqZmbpsS teJ\w

27. tbm\ 74. Imänsâ hgntb

28. ]¨shÅw hoª m¡ n 75. Ibv¸nsâ a[pcw

29. sIco¯nsâ h¡ n 76. XfncWnbpw Imew

30. F{Xt¯mfw c­ptXmWnbnÂ? 77. PohPe¯n\cnsI

31. Genbmhnsâ ssZhw FhnsS? 78. BEYOND DEATH(English)

32. {]hmNI\à {]hmNIinjy\paà 79. ZmlPew

33. ap{ZmtamXncam¡ pw 80. Bizm-k-¯nsâ Ddh

34. F\n¡ v ImgvN {]m]nt¡ Ww 81. ]qt´\cphn

35. F\n¡ v Bibv¡ v hIbpt­m? 82. sIWnbpw IpSp¡ pw

36. INNER PEACE (English) 83. Agnbm¡ pcp¡ pIÄ

37. AhÀ¡ v ̀£ n¸m³ sImSp¸n³ 84. `bs¸tS­

38. GLITTERING FUTURE (English) 85. `ocpXzw amdWtam?

39. GIm´XbpsS AÔX 86. {]XnkÔnIfn XfcmsX

40. STREAMS IN THE DESERT (English) 87. s\Ãpw ]Xncpw

41. WAY TO LIBERATION (English) 88. im]tam£ w

42. \nsâ arX·mÀ Pohn¡ pw 89. A\p{Kl¯ntebv¡ v

43. h¶p {]mXÂ Ign¨psImÄhn³ 90. HOW LONG IN TWO BOATS? (English)

44. Fs¶ sXm«XmÀ? 91.45. kuJyamIphm³ a\Êpt­m?

46. AXv kln¡ mIp¶h³ BÀ?

47. Fs¶ BÀ hnSphn¡ pw?

Nqft]mse I¯p¶ Znhkw

I®ocnse aghnÃv

92. InX¸pw IpXn¸pw

93. \ãku`mKy§ Ä XncnsI In«ptam?

104

CRF’s MAIN MEETINGS IN KOLENCHERY

2nd Saturday : 9.00 am - 2.00 p.m

2nd Sunday : 12.30 pm - 5.00 pm(Followed by 2nd Saturday)

3rd Sunday : 12.30 pm - 5.00 pm

Mondays : 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm

Fridays : 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm(Bible Class)

1st Tuesday : 9.00 am - 12.45 pm(Ladies Meeting)

1st & 3rd Wednesdays : (Young Men Meet)

6.30 pm - 9.00 pm

Prof. M.Y. Yohannan’s Residence(

Kolenchery - Perumbavoor Road,

KADAYIRUPPU

Mechankara)

Valethupady Bus Stop,

Ph : 0484 -2689489, 9142 303096

Prof. M.Y. Yohannangives Gospel Message

For Free Gospel Messages & Songs

www.crfgospel.orgPh: 9142303096

ATHMEEYA YATHRA T.VFRIDAY 9.30 PM

ATHMEEYA YATHRA T.V.

TUESDAY - 2.00PM

SATURDAY - 6.30AM

SURYA T.V.

SUNDAY - 6.30AM

JEEVAN T.V. JAIHIND T.V.

JAIHIND T.V.

MONDAY - 6.30AM

TUESDAY - 6.30AM