Watch Yourself and The Doctrine
A. Lionel, General Overseer, Blessing Youth Mission
1 Timothy 4:16 “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching”
I greet you in the name of our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Lord has been
gracious to us and has led us thus far. He
has guided us through the rivers and fires.
In spite of all such difficult circumstances
the Lord’s grace was more than sufficient
for us. May the Lord grant us new blessings
this year.
In Blessing Youth Mission, we have
a custom of meditating one topic every
year during our major camps and in our
magazine. 2018 was declared as the Year of
Integrity. Similarly, we have declared this
year as the Year of Watchfulness.
When Jesus lived on this earth, He
taught many things to His disciples. Once,
when He was sitting on the Mount of Olives,
His disciples came to Him and queried Him
about the signs that would precede His
Second Coming. Jesus answered them that
they need to be watchful.
Mark 13:37 –“What I say unto you I
say unto all, Watch.”
When we say that we need to be
watchful, it not only means that we stay
awake, but also stay alert, to be careful and
to be prepared.
The apostles of Jesus also taught this
truth. Apostle Paul taught the Christians at
Rome to be fervent in spirit.
Romans 12:11 – “Do not be slothful
in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.”
Apostle Peter too, in his letter,
emphasized the need to be watchful in his
letter.
BLESSING / March 2019
1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober-minded; be
watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls
around like a roaring lion, seeking someone
to devour.”
In this article I want to focus on two
main subjects based on Apostle Paul’s
exhortation to Timothy, “Keep a close watch
on yourself and on the teaching” (1 Tim
4:16).
A) Watch Yourself
1) Wake Up and Strengthen
Apostle John when writing to the
Seven Churches in Asia, exhorts the
believers to wake up from the spiritual
slumber.
Rev 3:1,2 – “And to the angel of
the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of
him who has the seven spirits of God and
the seven stars. “I know your works. You
have the reputation of being alive, but you
are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what
remains and is about to die, for I have not
found your works complete in the sight of
my God.”
Again in the third verse God warns,
“Remember, then, what you received and
heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not
wake up, I will come like a thief, and you
will not know at what hour I will come
against you.”
When we meditate the Scriptures from
Genesis to Revelation, we find that many
fell because they were not careful. Starting
from Adam and Eve who were not careful
2
in obeying the Lord, we find even today
many are deceived by the devil. They are
not awake and alert.
The same thing applies to us, if we
are not careful in our day to day life, we
will also get into several troubles. Consider
a driver who drives a car. If while driving
he notices a warning which says, ‘Men Are
At Work’, but ignores it, he might cause an
accident. Even while cooking in the house,
if we are not careful, the food may become
unpalatable.
Hence we need to be watchful always.
We should not lead a lethargic lifestyle. We
should have constant self-assessment and
self-examination. Periodic times of personal
fasting and prayer would help us keep our
spiritual fervour intact.
2) Work Out The Salvation
Phil 2:12 - “Therefore, my beloved,
as you have always obeyed, so now, not
only as in my presence but much more in
my absence, work out your own salvation
with fear and trembling.”
In First Corinthians 10th chapter,
we read about how the Lord led the
Israelites in the wilderness. They were led
through the Red Sea and were baptised.
They experienced all kinds of spiritual
experiences - salvation, baptism and also
witnessed several mighty miracles of God.
But the Lord was not pleased with them.
They were overthrown in the wilderness
for their sinful acts. They did not inherit the
Promised Land. This is a warning to each
and every one of us who are living in these
last days.
Apostle Paul warns, “Therefore let
anyone who thinks that he stands take heed
lest he fall” (1Co 10:12).
BLESSING / March 2019
Many of us boast about many things
by saying, ‘I am strong and grown up’, ‘I
have a lot of spiritual experiences’, ‘I walk
with God’, ‘I minister and God uses me.’
But we need to be careful lest we fall.
Even before penning the contents of
the 10th chapter of First Corinthians, we
find Paul writing about personal carefulness
and discipline in 1 Corinthians 9:27, “But
I discipline my body and keep it under
control, lest after preaching to others I
myself should be disqualified.”
Apostle Paul was a dynamic minister.
He had several super-natural experiences.
He was used by God in a mighty way. He
planted churches. He wrote theological
letters. Paul well knew that all these things
do not guarantee a holy living ahead. He
understood that he needed self-discipline
and that he needs to be careful and alert.
Even spiritual giants can be
disqualified. Hence, being watchful over
ourselves is of prime importance. If we
are not careful over ourselves, God would
bypass us.
Some argue that once we are saved,
we can live as per our whims and fancies.
But, if we do not maintain a daily
communion with the Lord, there is a
possibility that we might even lose our
salvation. Hence we need to work out our
salvation with fear and trembling.
3) Watch What You Watch
Samson was endowed with super
natural physical strength. He performed
mighty acts of valour. He was chosen by
God even before his birth. His mission was
to deliver the Israelites from the hands of
3
the Philistines who ruled over them for 40
years. But sadly Samson fell prey to his own
passions. He lost his strength and anointing.
He fell because he was not careful about
himself.
He trusted his own strength. He
trusted his past victories. He forgot that
his strength was given by God. He became
filled with pride and ego. He thought that
he was invincible. He remembered how
he fought the lion and tore it into pieces,
how he was bound by the Philistines but
broke away easily. He thought that he
was indomitable. This pride led to his fall.
Does not the Bible say, “Pride goes before
destruction, and a haughty spirit before a
fall”(Pro 16:18)?
Jesus warned His disciples regarding
pride. When Jesus warned Peter about the
impending difficult times, Peter trusted
in his self and declared that he was even
ready to die with Christ. But we know what
happened later.
Not only was Samson filled with pride
but he was also lacking self-control. He
was not watchful over his eyes. He aptly
embodies, Proverbs 25:28 – “A man without
self-control is like a city broken into and left
without walls.”
He was led by his eyes. He let them
roam freely. He went after women. He was
not watchful over his eyes. This led to his
downfall.
Are we watchful over our eyes? Do
we have self-control? Let us not be careless
like Samson.
We might face a lot of temptations
in our life. But we should be encouraged
by the fact that Jesus too went through the
BLESSING / March 2019
same path. He helps us and also provides us
ways of escape as promised in I Corinthians
10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you
that is not common to man. God is faithful,
and he will not let you be tempted beyond
your ability, but with the temptation he will
also provide the way of escape, that you may
be able to endure it.”
Even Jesus was led by the Spirit into
the wilderness to be tempted by devil (Matt
4:1). In the wilderness the devil tempted
Jesus through various tactics but Jesus
overcame all those temptations through the
Word of God. We should not be defeated
by sin in our personal lives. The world, the
devil and the flesh may be against us. But
we need to stand on the Word of God.
4) Wrapped in Christ
When a hen senses danger, it calls out
its chicks. On hearing the warning sounds,
the chicks take shelter under their mother’s
wings. Similarly, when we foresee a danger,
we need to take shelter in the wings of the
Most High. Let us confess to the Lord that
we can do nothing apart from Him (John
15:5). Let us commit our lives in His hands
so that He will keep us safe.
The Word of God says that the prudent
sees danger and hides himself (Pro 22:3,
27:12).
Though the prevalence of sin has
increased manifold, let us not lose heart. Let
us run to God and seek His help. He will not
allow us to be tempted beyond our capacity,
for He is faithful. He sympathizes with us in
our weaknesses. He understands. Since He
went through the same path, He understands
our human frailties. He remembers that
we are dust. “For we do not have a high
4
priest who is unable to sympathize with our
weaknesses, but one who in every respect
has been tempted as we are, yet without
sin” (Heb 4:15).
Heb 2:18 - “For because he himself
has suffered when tempted, he is able to help
those who are being tempted.”
Hence, let us run to Jesus when we
are tempted.
Let us now study the second aspect of
the verse 1 Timothy 4:16.
B) Watchfulness Over Doctrine
We are living in the last days and we
are flooded with false teachings and false
doctrines. When Jesus’ disciples enquired
Him about the signs of His Second Coming,
He immediately replied that they need to
be watchful lest they be deceived by false
teachings.
Note the following verses:
Mat 24:4 – “See that no one leads you
astray.”
Mat 24:11 – “ And many false prophets will
arise and lead many astray.”
Mat 24:24 – “ For false christs and false
prophets will arise and perform great
signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if
possible, even the elect.”
Mat 7:15 – “Beware of false prophets, who
come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly
are ravenous wolves.”
Note how, time and again Jesus
warned His disciples about false prophets
and false christs. In Matthew 7th chapter,
when Jesus was talking about the narrow
gate and how hard it is to find the way to
life (v14), He immediately warned about
BLESSING / March 2019
false prophets. “God will any way take
you to Heaven” will be their core doctrine.
We have so many such teachers today.
Multitudes throng to their meetings. But,
we need to be watchful with regard to such
preachers.
2 Tim 3:16,17 – “All Scripture is breathed
out by God and profitable for teaching, for
reproof, for correction, and for training in
righteousness, that the man of God may be
complete, equipped for every good work.”
A preacher of the Word of God should
be able to rightly handle the Word of God.
He cannot cite a verse out of context to
establish a doctrine. He must be able to
teach the whole counsel of God. If not, he
is deceiving us.
I want to cite five wrong doctrines
which are prevalent these days.
1) Christ Has Suffered For Us, Hence We
Need Not Suffer
This teaching may sound sweet to our
ears. But what does the Bible say?
2 Tim 3:12 – “Indeed, all who desire to
live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be
persecuted.”
Phil 1:29 – “For it has been granted to
you that for the sake of Christ you should
not only believe in him but also suffer for
His sake”
Ever since its inception, the Church
has been facing persecution. Hence, we
need to be prepared to face troubles and
persecutions. Did not Jesus Himself say
that we will have tribulation in this world(Jn
16:33)? So, let us not lose heart when we
face trials and hardships. We need not be
guilty when we suffer for Christ’s sake
(1 Pet 2:21).
5
2) Prosperity Doctrine
This teaching gives emphasis to the
physical wealth and health of a believer.
“God will give us a big house and riches” is
their core cry. But what does the Bible say?
3 John 2 – “Beloved, I pray that all
may go well with you and that you may be in
good health, as it goes well with your soul.”
While the Apostle John focuses on the
soul, these preachers emphasize material
blessings. Christ warns us, that our life
does not consist in the abundance of our
possessions (Lk 12:15). He calls us “Fools”
when we lay up treasures for ourselves but
are not rich toward God (vv20-21).
All the desires of the world will pass
away (1 John 2:17) and “if in Christ we have
hope in this life only, we are of all people
most to be pitied.” (I Cor 15:19). If being a
Christian is of value to us only now in this
life, we are the most miserable of creatures.
We should never focus our attention
upon earthly blessings. We need to keep
our minds on things above (Col 3: 1,2).
Preachers who preach this ‘Health and
Wealth Gospel’ would never preach on
the subjects like holiness, evangelism and
missions. Their talks and teachings would
be focused on acquiring wealth, being
successful in businesses, climbing up the
ladder and all such things.
I am not saying that God will not bless
us materially. God blessed Abraham. But
see how Abraham lived:
Heb 11:9,10 – “ By faith he went to
live in the land of promise, as in a foreign
land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob,
heirs with him of the same promise. For
BLESSING / March 2019
he was looking forward to the city that has
foundations, whose designer and builder
is God.”
Our focus should be on the Kingdom
of God. Let us not strive to be rich. Let us
look to God and seek His righteousness.
When our prime aim is to get earthly
blessings,we might be deceived. “For
the love of money is a root of all kinds of
evils. It is through this craving that some
have wandered away from the faith and
pierced themselves with many pangs. But
as for you, O man of God, flee these things.
Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love,
steadfastness, gentleness” (1 Tim 6:10,11).
3) Teachings Based on Emotionalism
Some people base their teachings
on their super-natural experiences. They
claim to have super-natural visitations
by the angels and base their authority on
such dreams and visions. These kind of
teachings look very attractive to people.
People consider the preachers to be spiritual
giants and slowly start to worship them.
This approach creates a chasm between
the preachers and the hearers and keeps the
preachers on a higher spiritual plane, while
the hearers follow them blindly.
The hearers drift away from the Lord
Jesus Christ and are lured towards such
experiences and dreams.
These dreamers say and teach things
that which are not found in the Bible. They
do this with much boldness. The Apostle
Paul warns us against such teachings in
Colossians 2: 18,19 – “Let no one disqualify
you, insisting on asceticism and worship
of angels, going on in detail about visions,
puffed up without reason by his sensuous
6
mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from
whom the whole body, nourished and knit
together through its joints and ligaments,
grows with a growth that is from God.”
Let us not seek such visitations and
dreams. Let us stay focused on Jesus Christ.
Such teachers will eventually make the
believers lose their salvation. Scripture
clearly states that all the things that are
revealed to us belong to us. And all those
things that are not revealed belong to God.
Deu 29:29 – “The secret things belong
to the Lord our God, but the things that are
revealed belong to us”
Let us not poke into the territory of
the things that are not revealed.
4) Twisted Teachings
Acts 20: 29,30 - “I know that after my
departure fierce wolves will come in among
you, not sparing the flock; and from among
your own selves will arise men speaking
twisted things, to draw away the disciples
after them.”
Twisted teachings are teachings that
pull people to themselves. These teachings
will be against the sound teachings of
the Word of God. Apostle Paul preached
about Holiness, Resurrection, and Second
Coming. But the teachers who twist the
Word teach that holiness is not necessary
and give no importance to the Lord’s Second
Coming. They are experts in diluting the
pure Gospel of Jesus Christ. They would
twist the Word of God to suit their ambitions
and programmes. But they are unaware that
they do that to their own destruction.
2 Pet 3:16 – “There are some things
in them that are hard to understand, which
BLESSING / March 2019
the ignorant and unstable twist to their
own destruction, as they do the other
Scriptures.”
5) Perfection Doctrine
Phil 3:12 – “Not that I have already
obtained this or am already perfect, but I
press on to make it my own, because Christ
Jesus has made me his own.”
These people teach that only after
you become perfect, you need to preach
the Gospel. But we find the Samaritan
woman telling about Jesus to the village
people as soon as she found out that Jesus
was the Messiah. We also find that the man
who was delivered from the evil spirit was
immediately commissioned by Jesus Christ
to tell his relatives. I have known many
people who were once very active in the
Kingdom of God but are now backslidden
because of believing this wrong doctrine.
Some have even lost their salvation.
Sanctification is an ongoing process. We
grow to perfection till the Lord’s Coming or
till we die. We cannot wait until we become
perfect.
We are living in the last moments of
the last days. Many today have redefined
sin and consider many sinful things as
not sin. Even among Christians, love has
become cold. All the prophecies concerning
our Lord Jesus Christ are finding their
fulfillment. Hence, to be watchful is the
need of the hour. Jesus may come at any
time.
Even while you read this article, the
Lord may come. Hence let us be watchful!
Maranatha!
7
 Self-Examination Questions To Watch Ourselves
Tim Keller and David Powlison
Think hard. Answer each question honestly after taking time to ponder. Set aside
a day or several evenings to reflect on your life and ministry. Wherever possible give
concrete examples of fruitfulness or failure, of growth or struggle.
Pray. Pray for wisdom to know God and yourself better. Pray for wisdom to serve
God more effectively. Pray to know yourself before the eyes of the God who is both light
and love.
Seek counsel from others. Many of the questions are difficult to answer about
yourself. This self-evaluation questionnaire will be most useful when you combine it with
feedback from others. Ask other leaders, friends, spouse, co-workers on a ministry team,
and so forth.
➢ Are you honest enough? Do you demonstrate a willingness to admit your limits,
mistakes, sins and weaknesses?
➢ Are you defensive, guarded, hypersensitive?
➢ Do you model that the Christian life is an open life?
➢ Do you demonstrate that the Christian life is a work in progress rather than a completed
product?
➢ Do you deal forthrightly with the common temptations you face: anger, anxiety,
escapism, love of pleasure, self-love, materialism, perfectionism, and the like?
➢ Are you too open? Do you wear your heart on your sleeve, indulging and wallowing
in your limits, mistakes, sins and weaknesses?
➢ Are you morbidly or ‘exhibitionistically’ confessional? Or have you learned to speak
of your weaknesses in ways that (1) point to your confidence in Christ, (2) genuinely
seek help from people who can help, and (3) edify others?
➢ Are you flexible enough? Do you adapt faithfully, flexibly and creatively to the
unexpected? Do you value and encourage the ideas and gifts of others?
➢ Do you insist on your own way, whether forcefully or through subtle manipulation?
➢ Do you exemplify confidence in the sovereign control of God down to the details of
life?
➢ Are you caught up in the various aggressions and fears produced by a drive to ensure
your own control? Are you willing to try things experimentally and then re-evaluate and
make changes? Are you evidently a learner?
➢ Are you too flexible? Do you bend too much?
➢ Do you blow in the wind of others’ opinions and get overwhelmed by people’s demands
and agendas? Do you compromise, under-assert, seek to please, fail to push things that
need to be pushed? Do you let people or circumstances control you rather than the Lord?

BLESSING / March 2019 8

To the attention of BYM Partners and
subscribers sending offerings..
All those who want to send their
offerings to BYM (for missionary work,
sponsorship, magazine subscription and
other supporting funds) you can do so
through any one of the following methods:
Home & NRE donors
Name : Blessing Youth Mission
A/c No. 10545849472
Bank: State Bank of India
Branch Name : Siruthozhil,
Vellore 632 006
Branch Code: 007274
IFSC No: SBIN0007274
Gulf Donors
A/c Name : T. Prince Stachys Ravindran
A/c No: 35374362080
Bank Name : State Bank of India
Branch Name : Siruthozhil
Vellore 632 006
IFSC No : SBIN0007274
Online payment
www.bymonline.org
When you transfer your offering
through net banking, please make sure you
fill your name, address and the details of
fund to be used for in the remarks column
and notify us by any of the following
methods
- SMS to 9445275410
- Phone call to +91 416 2242943 or
2248943
- Email to hq@bymonline.org
Those who have contributed through
online from April 2018 to Feb 2019 and not
notified yet, are requested to kindly send
the details as early as possible. Thank you.
BLESSING / March 2019
Vacancies in Sitheri School!
Asirvatha Middle School was established
to educate the tribals in and around
Sitheri Hills. We are in need of teachers
in our Sitheri school for the upcoming
academic year 2019-2020.
1. PET and UG/PG Trained Teachers to
handle all subjects upto std 8 including
computer science
2. Montessori Trained Teacher for
KG sections
Committed and missionary minded
Christians teachers can apply!
Send your application with resume to:
The Principal
Asirvatha Middle School
Sitheri(Post), Harur (Via)
Dharmapuri District - 636 903
Phone No. 9442151504
email : bymhqc@gmail.com
Statement about ownership and other
particulars about newspaper BLESSING
Form IV (see Rule8)
1. Place of Publication : Chennai
2. Periodicity : Monthly
3. Editor : J.D. Sapphire
8 Church Colony,
Vellore 632 006.
4. Publisher : V.Ashok Immanuel
21 West Coovam River Road,
Chennai 600 002.
5. Printer : Paul Aravamudhan
Bapuji Printers, 5 Kurban Ali Street,
Chennai 600 002.
6. Owner : Blessing Ministries
Church Colony
Vellore 632 006
I, V.Ashok Immanuel, hereby declare that the
particulars given above are true to the best of my
knowledge and belief.
V. Ashok Immanuel
March 2019 Signature of Publisher
9
 Girls be wise!
(Message given by Mrs. Lalitha Benedict in the recently held
Aroma in Sitheri Hills, Tamil Nadu)
None can forget the exciting moments
of building sand castles on the beach. But
we have seen them demolished by the
rushing waves of the sea or under the feet
of men. Haven’t we? It takes only a few
minutes to build sand-castles whereas it
takes much more wisdom and planning to
build concrete buildings.
Notice what the Bible says,
“By wisdom a house is built, and
by understanding it is established; by
knowledge the rooms are filled with all
precious and pleasant riches.” (Pro 24:3,4).
We are living in a time when families
are being shattered because of foolishness.
Today, God is calling you to build a
Christian home with His wisdom. Only the
wise woman can build her house.
Proverbs 14:1 - “The wisest of women
builds her house, but folly with her own
hands tears it down.”
Similarly, we also read about the wise
and the foolish man in Matthew 7:24-27.
The wise man built his house on the rock
whereas the foolish man built on sand.
When the rains fell and floods came, the
house built on the sand collapsed.
Hence, God calls us to build our
houses on rock with wisdom. I want to
write on how we can build our house with
wisdom.
1. Be Wise In Speech
Pro 31:26 - “She opens her mouth
with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness
is on her tongue.”
BLESSING / March 2019
We see in this verse that the wise
woman pours forth wisdom. In the Old
Testament (1 Sam 25), we read about a
mean man named Nabal. We also read about
his beautiful and intelligent wife, Abigail.
David was fleeing from his father-in-law
Saul, and was living in the wilderness
of Carmel with his men. While Nabal’s
shepherds were tending their sheep, David
and his men protected Nabal’s flock. When
it was time for sheep-shearing, David sent
his young men to Nabal, asking for his
favour. But foolish Nabal replied harshly
and sent away David’s servants empty
handed.
Hearing about the ill-treatment of his
servants by Nabal, David became furious
and prepared to attack Nabal. On hearing
this turn of events, the wise Abigail acted
swiftly. She took food for David’s men and
met him on the way.
Note what she says to David,
1 Samuel 25:24 - “On me alone, my
lord, be the guilt. Please let your servant
speak in your ears, and hear the words of
your servant.”
By her wise and swift action she
prevented a bloodshed that day.
Notice the words she uses - ‘My lord’,
‘Please’.
Our words need to be seasoned right
from our young age. We should know to use
words such as, ‘Thanks’, ‘Please’, ‘Sorry’
and the like, frequently. Our language
should be full of graceful words. We should
learn to speak with respect and dignity.
10
 We find young people giving more
importance to external beauty. People might
be impressed by external things for a while
but soon our inner self will speak out. Outer
beauty fades away but inner beauty never
fades.
1 Peter 3:3,4 - “Do not let your
adorning be external—the braiding of hair
and the putting on of gold jewellery, or the
clothing you wear but let your adorning
be the hidden person of the heart with
the imperishable beauty of a gentle and
quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very
precious.”
Solomon has harsh words for women
who have external beauty but lack discretion.
Proverbs 11:22 - “Like a gold ring in
a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without
discretion.”
2. Be Wise In Redeeming The Time
The days of our youth are the glorious
time of our life. If we would make most use
of time during these years, we would be
harvesting rich dividends in the years to
come. In Colossians 4:5, Paul warns us to
“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making
the best use of the time.”
The Bible teaches us to go to the ant
and learn to be wise.
Prov 6:6 - “Go to the ant, O sluggard;
consider her ways, and be wise.”
Many of us need a lesson from the
ants. If you haven’t yet, I encourage you
to do so.
In Genesis 24th chapter, we read about
the industrious Rebekah. When Abraham’s
servant came to seek a girl for Isaac, he had
asked of the Lord that whoever would give
water not only to himself but also the camels
BLESSING / March 2019
would be the chosen one. We find Rebekah
joyfully giving water to him and the camels.
By this Abraham’s servant understood that
she was the girl chosen by God.
Is it so easy to draw water for the
camels? Rebekah was not lazy but was
hard-working. Proverbs 31 is a must-read
for all girls. The virtuous woman was hard
working and industrious.
“She seeks wool and flax, and works with
willing hands. She is like the ships of the
merchant; she brings her food from afar. She
rises while it is yet night and provides food
for her household and portions for her
maidens. She considers a field and buys
it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a
vineyard. She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.”
My dear child of God, cultivate the
habit of rising up early in the morning.
Learn the things which are necessary for
everyday living like cooking, stitching and
the like. Girls ought to learn to keep the
household neat and clean. Cleanliness is
next to godliness. We need to learn to be
hospitable to the guests who come to our
home. We should learn the basics of finances
so that we can cut down on unnecessary
expenses. We can also learn a new language
like Hindi.
The Bible teaches in Ecclesiastes
9:10, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do
it with your might, for there is no work or
thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol,
to which you are going.”
Now, shout aloud and confess, “I can
do all things through him who strengthens
me “ (Phil 4:13).
3. Be Wise To Be Virtuous
In 2 Samuel 13th chapter, we read
11
about the tragic story of Tamar. She was
so beautiful that Amnon, her half-brother
was obsessed with her beauty. In order to
spoil her, Amnon acted craftily. He invited
her to come to his chamber all alone. And
when she came, he forced himself on her.
It was too late for Tamar. Her screams went
unheard. Poor girl! She went alone into
his room not knowing the vile schemes of
Amnon. Since he was stronger than her, he
raped her.
Note the verses that follow this event:
(v 15) - “Then Amnon hated her with
very great hatred, so that the hatred with
which he hated her was greater than the love
with which he had loved her. And Amnon
said to her, “Get up! Go!”
(vv 18,19) – “Now she was wearing
a long robe with sleeves, for thus were the
virgin daughters of the king dressed. So his
servant put her out and bolted the door after
her. And Tamar put ashes on her head and
tore the long robe that she wore. And she
laid her hand on her head and went away,
crying aloud as she went.”
My dear child, we live in terrible
times. You need to be very cautious. It may
be your very close relative, your uncle,
cousin or any close family friend. Be bold
and wise enough to say “No, never.” Don’t
go alone with any man. Do not think, “Oh,
that brother is very spiritual.” Beware of
such spiritual brothers and uncles. If you
happen to stay in hostels, be wise to escape
from the lustful traps of the perverted girls.
1 Cor 6:19,20 - “Do you not know
that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit
within you, whom you have from God? You
are not your own, for you were bought with
a price. So glorify God in your body. You
BLESSING / March 2019
were bought at a price. Therefore, honour
God with your body.”
God’s temple is holy and it should be
filled with praise, prayers and glory of God.
Be careful how you dress. Never wear
anything that would provoke men. Precious
things like gold, diamond, silver and pearls
are all hidden deep underneath the earth.
Similarly, you must also be hidden in Christ.
You should learn to treasure your body.
I Thess 4:3-5 “For this is the will of
God, your sanctification: that you abstain
from sexual immorality; that each one of
you know how to control his own body in
holiness and honour, not in the passion of
lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.”
Will you commit today?, “My spirit,
soul and body, my whole being belongs to
God and to God alone.”
4. Be Wise In Choosing The Right Kind
Of Friends
I Cor 15:33,34 - “Do not be deceived:
“Bad company ruins good morals.”
In Genesis 34, we read that Jacob
travelled from Paddan-aram and settled
in Shechem with his family. His daughter
Dinah went out to visit the women of the
land. Her mother would have stopped her
saying, “My dear, this is a new place. We
don’t know what kind of people live here.
Stay home. Your brothers and father are
not there.” Dinah would have answered
“Oh, mummy are you still in the stone age?
World is becoming so modernized. Let me
go out and check for myself. ” As she went
repugnantly, it so happened that the eyes of
Shechem, the son of the ruler of that land
fell on her. His heart was drawn to Dinah
and he spoke tenderly to her. Believing his
12
enticing words, she lost her virginity and
was defiled.
Her brothers came to know about this
and slaughtered the whole city of Shechem.
Dear child, to live a witnessing life in
a particular place takes long years. But, one
foolish act will spoil the toils of many years.
Never give room for any kind of friendship
that would spoil the name and reputation of
your parents.
Prov 27:12 – “The prudent see danger
and take refuge, but the simple keep going
and suffer for it.”
If you feel that a particular friendship
is leading you to an unholy lifestyle,
you have to be wise enough to cut that
friendship. Yes, my dear, bad friendship
corrupts good character. Be very careful.
Are you in contact with unknown
people through Facebook, WhatsApp
Instagram or other such social media? Your
future is in grave danger. Never reveal your
personal identity. Detach yourself from all
such entanglements this very day. Cultivate
fellowship with girls who love the Lord.
In Matthew 25:1-13, we read about
the wise and foolish virgins. Even in your
church or fellowship, there may be girls
who are foolish. Like a cat on the wall, we
might not know when they would follow
the world and when they would follow the
Lord. Do not be led astray by them. Are we
going to lose His Holy Spirit, His grace and
His holiness?
The Scripture warns us in Matthew
10:16, “Be wise as serpents and innocent as
doves.” Just as the wise virgins were bold
enough to say “No” to the foolish virgins, let
us say no to the flesh, world and the devil.
BLESSING / March 2019
Our Bridegroom, Christ shall return
very soon, hence be vigilant to safeguard
your anointing. James 4:4 says, “Do you
not know that friendship with the world is
enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes
to be a friend of the world makes himself an
enemy of God. ”
Shout aloud and commit, “No more
friendship with the world, Jesus. I am Your
friend, and Your’s alone.”
5. Be Wise In Facing The Victories &
Defeats Equally
A coin has two sides. Likewise
victories and defeats are part and parcel of
our life. Just as the night follows the day,
so does defeat, victory.
Ecclesiastes 7:13,14 - “Consider
the work of God: who can make straight
what he has made crooked? In the day
of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of
adversity consider: God has made the one
as well as the other, so that man may not
find out anything that will be after him. ”
If we are victorious, it is by the Lord.
If we fail, then we need to learn and correct
ourselves. That is the path towards greater
victory. That’s why, David proclaims his
dependence on God in Psalms 18:29 as,
“For by you I can run against a troop, and
by my God I can leap over a wall. ”
And again in verses 34 and 35, he
says, “He trains my hands for war, so that
my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You
have given me the shield of your salvation,
and your right hand supported me, and your
gentleness made me great. ”
Hence my beloved, as you take these
counsels, may God help you to become a
virtuous and wise woman who builds her
home
13
 FIELD FRAGRANCE!
andhra pradesh
Praise
➢ More than 500 New Testaments and
Gospel Tracts were distributed to tourists
who spoke in English, Hindi, Bengali and
Telugu.
➢ 55 children were benefited by the
Sunday School.
➢ 22 youth were blessed by God’s Word.
➢ Missionary Sudhakar shared the Word
of God at Light of Living God Church. He
also shared the message at Kurnool.
➢ More than 180 participated in a one
day Youth Retreat arranged at CSI Jacob
Chamberlain Memorial Church. Mr.
Christopher Raju and missionary Suresh
Babu shared the Word.
➢ Missionaries Premalatha Chezhian &
Bharathi Saroj shared God’s Word in the
Women’s Retreat held at Prayer Power
Centre. 100 women were blessed. Mr.
Chezhian shared God’s Word in the night
meeting.
chhattisgarh
Praise
➢ ESAP Prayer was organized in Tarbahar.
➢ Praise God for our well wisher Mr.
Victor Anthony who recently met with a
road accident and was admitted in serious
condition. After prayers, he is better now.
➢ One Magazine Life Membership was
raised.
Pray
➢ For the spiritual growth and protection
BLESSING / March 2019
of new believers who were recently added
into His Kingdom.
➢ Dongakhamoriya, an elder in our
congregation is suffering from paralytic
attack.
➢ Pray for our Missionary Yishudas
whose right hand elbow is dislocated. Pray
for speedy recovery.
➢ Dinesh Thirthan, a 5 year old boy is
experiencing stunted growth. The parents
were saved through the tract distribution
ministry of our missionaries. Pray for a
miracle.
gujarat
Praise
➢ 100 gospel tracts were distributed, 15
new contacts were established and mission
work started in 3 new villages.
➢ Deliverance from demon possession-
Lalita, Biki, Kajal, Arvind and Rasila.
➢ Our youth leader Sharon got married
with Ashish. The new family is helpful in
assisting youth ministry.
Pray
➢ For Salvation - Rupa, Kajal, Vipul,
Deepak, Ramesh, Janak, Vigna, Jagu and
Arvind.
➢ For deliverance from demon possession:
Rasila, Sandeep, Deepak, Dharam, Mukesh
and Shilpa.
➢ For blessing of the womb - Chaku,Vigina
and Heena.
➢ For suitable life partner - Rekha,
Jayanthi, Arpit, Ashish and Shelly.
14
 karnataka
Praise
➢ 35 gathered for a one day Youth Meet.
Mr.Sydney Gandi was the resource person.
➢ Ganapathy was delivered from alcohol
addiction.
➢ Jitendra & Mahendra were delivered
from evil spirit.
➢ Govindappa’s son was healed from
stomach tumour.
➢ 3 people consecrated their lives to God.
➢ 22 new believers have started to attend
Church.
➢ 6 new villages were visited.
Pray
➢ Healing: Susila (Typhoid); Vinoth
(Kidney stones); Suvarna, Gangu &
Bageerathi (Arthritis); Nissi (3 month
old baby suffering from convulsions);
Basavaraj (Shoulder pain); Missionary R
S Pawar’s sister Somakka (Cancer) and
Narayan (Unable to see).
➢ For the new contacts that they might
be saved - Krishna, Subba, Thaddaraya,
Lurtha, Ganga, Lalitha, Jujubai, Ravi,
Vidhyanand, Thurgappa, Sanjal, Yellappa,
Narayan, Hanumanthappa, Manju, and
Renuka.
➢ Caleb to be delivered from evil spirit.
➢ For the 7 families which were ex-
communicated from the village for their
faith in Christ.
➢ For suitable life partner: Shivrudrappa,
Pushpa, Deepa, Akshata, Babu, Nagaraj,
Maruti, Manjula and Sachin Sarikar.
madhya pradesh
Praise
➢ Deendhayal was delivered from evil
spirit.
BLESSING / March 2019
➢ 2 people were healed from scorpion
bite and Mohini is able to walk.
➢ 6 boys of other faith were blessed by
Friends Tea Time programme.
Pray
➢ For blessing of the womb: Sunitha,
Sweety, Shalu, Sumitra, Elina, Neetal
Ali, Paridhi, Neelish, Priyanka, Rethu,
Kamakshi, Akhansha and Sweta.
➢ Balram, Nandkumar, Akhansha, Arpit
Morvin, Balchand, Ankit and Gajbhiye to
get a good job.
➢ Manmohan to be delivered from alcohol
addiction.
➢ Ramabai & Shivani to be delivered
from evil spirit.
➢ Missionary Betibai lost her mother.
Pray for the bereaved family members.
➢ For Salvation: Prakash, Munna family;
Shiv Prasad family, Ganesh, Parvathi,
Jamuna Babu, Janakirani, Kiran family,
Prahalath family, Sorab family, Sandeep
family, Ghoduram family, Ramprasath,
Sunil Kumar, Abinav.
➢ For Healing: Mahima (Head injury);
Daniel and Ajay William (Kidney failure);
Minakshi David (Weak bones); Vimala
& Mariyam (Bedridden due to old age);
Susila (Uterus cancer); Rashmi(Gall
bladder stone); Juhi (Hip bone fracture);
Hariram (Leg fracture); Narender (Critical
head injury); Vijay & Aarthi (Deaf &
dumb) and Kalu (Paralysis).
➢ Kala, a problem creator to come to the
Lord.
➢ For suitable life partner: Raja,
Raju, Umesh, Banti, Prathap, Sandeep,
Deepchand, Ashvin, Mayur Jha, Samuel,
Abhishit, Aline Rose, Sonu, Ankita,
Ashish, Bhijoi, Sanjana, Nirmesh,
Rackshit, Mahima, Victoriya and Ashish.
➢ Safe delivery for Sharon Srikanth.
15
 ➢ Missionary family Teresa & Selwyn
are shifting from Vasai (Maharashtra) to
Sagar (Madhya Pradesh). Pray for God’s
guidance.
maharashtra
Praise
➢ Blessing Church Anniversary function
was held in Jath in which missionary
Ramanathan shared the Word of God.
➢ A 3-day retreat for Maharashtra
staff was organized in Gargoti. Senior
missionary Mr. Y. Paul Dinakaran shared
the Word of God and encouraged the staff.
Pray
➢ New contacts to know the Lord –
Dr. Biswas, Kadam, Mane, Budhale,
Bandalkar, Moore, Khot and Shilde.
➢ For healing – Ravso, Sonali and
Mahananda(Cancer);Ankit(Epilepsy);
Smita & Malar (Severe headache) &
Deepak (Hernia).
punjab
Praise
➢ One new village was visited.
➢ Amerjeeth was delivered from evil
spirit.
➢ Harprit got a suitable life partner.
Pray
➢ For Salvation: Satnam, Amerjeeth and
Mrs. Harprit’s parents.
➢ Murti and Tingu to be delivered
from evil spirits and Raj from alcoholic
addiction.
rajasthan
Praise
➢ 20 were added to His Kingdom.
➢ 70 people saw ‘Jesus’ film in 3 villages.
Pray for the seeds sown to bear fruit.
➢ Kavitha was healed from Pneumonia.
BLESSING / March 2019
Pray
➢ Anita and Chanchal are new believers.
They are committed to marry believing
boys. For this reason, they face strong
opposition from their families. Uphold
them in your prayers.
➢ Manasvi is in deep depression. Need a
miracle.
➢ Safe delivery for Swarnima.
➢ The English classes conducted in our
Hope Infinity Shelter(HIS) to be a blessing
to young people so that they might know
the love of God. The classes for the third
batch have commenced since January.
➢ Sundari to be healed from Asthma.
➢ Avinash and Surrendra to get good jobs.
tamil nadu
Praise
➢ Kumaresan had a paralytic attack but
after prayer he was healed.
➢ The renovated building for the Girls
Hostel at Sitheri School was dedicated
for the glory of God on January 12th.
Believers, school children and partners
graced the occasion.
➢ Vengatachalam was healed from eye
problem.
➢ Palanivel escaped with minor injuries
when he met with a bike accident.
Pray
➢ Our believer John to regain his sight.
➢ Murugan, Sigaram and Venkatesan to
be delivered from alcoholic addiction.
➢ Arul Kumar to be healed from nerve
weakness.
➢ Missionary Rebecca James’ bones are
very weak. She is undergoing treatment for
cancer. Pray that God would strengthen her
and heal her.
➢ Seekers – Gomathy, Nataraj, Priya
Amalraj and Palaniyammal.
16
 telangana
Praise
➢ Two new missionary sponsors were
raised.
➢ Missionaries conducted Examination
Tonic; 70 students participated and Bro.
Sanjay Kiran shared the Word of God and
Bro. Sampath Kumar gave the examination
tips.
➢ Warangal team visited Cancer patients
and shared the Gospel & prayed for them;
65 of them heard the Gospel; 9 New
Testaments & fruits were distributed.
Pray
➢ Healing: Sionu Kumari (Pain in the
right side of her body) and Akash (Leg
pain).
➢ For suitable life partner: Sharon,
Sweety and Amala.
➢ For Salvation: Prabhudas, Anil, Francis,
Ashok, Sthuthi, Sunny and Sony.
uttar pradesh
Praise
➢ 25 people heard the Gospel in a ‘Bhajan
Mandali’ programme in another village.
➢ Maya was delivered from evil spirit.
➢ 6 accepted the Lord as their personal
Saviour.
➢ 120 students participated in an ‘Exam
Goers Meet’ held at Lucknow and Jhansi.
Pray
➢ Aman, David, Ashish and Jolly to have
a suitable life partner.
➢ For the recovery of Henry who met
with a road accident.
➢ Ganesh needs a miracle as he is suffering
from headache for the past 20 years.
➢ Raja, Kusum, Bandhana and Rajpal to
be delivered from evil spirit.
➢ Bansilal and Danishram to be delivered
from drunkenness.
BLESSING / March 2019
➢ Missionary Guru Prasath is suffering
from Pancreatic problem. Pray for healing.
➢ Rajiv to be saved.
➢ Healing – Sheela (Heart problem);
Pramila (Skin problem); Jane and Joseph
(Weakness).
➢ Saravan is facing hostile situation in his
home for his faith. Pray for boldness and
strength.
west bengal
Praise
➢ Missionaries Pintu Bagh & Ushangini
were blessed with a girl baby.
➢ Sithal was healed from bleeding nose.
➢ 10 children are regularly attending the
newly started Sunday school.
Pray
➢ For healing: Pravin & Emil (Leg pain);
Laxmi (Stomach tumour); Nikita (TB) and
Josbina (Unable to walk).
➢ Rajesh, Joseph, Praveen & Asith to be
delivered from alcohol addiction.
➢ For suitable life partner: Arabind, Dilip
and Basanti.
➢ For Backsliders - Plestia family &
Nandhini.
➢ For Salvation: Neela family, Sushoma,
Sulpa, Sunita and Rohit.
general
➢ Amelia daughter of our retired
missionaries Christmas David and
Vasantha joined hands with David on 11th
January.
➢ Tephillah Shulamite, the younger
daughter of our missionaries Anantharaj
and Jancy, joined in wedlock with
Immanuel on December 27th.
➢ Our retired missionary Y. Paul
Dhinakaran’s mother, Mrs. Lucy
Yesupatham (92 years) went to be with
the Lord on 5th February. Pray for the
consolation of the bereaved.
17
 Blossoms in Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Andra
The day was January 13 when the flowers aged between 16 to 25 from all over Tamil
Nadu gathered in the Sitheri Hills of Tamil Nadu. The registered students numbered 1301
apart from scores of volunteers and other leaders. Some participated with much interest,
while some others had come out of their parents’ initiation. For all the first-timers, the first
day was a bit shocking and exciting. The place, the forest, the auditorium, the crowd, all
would have left them mystified.
But as the sessions started, the flowers started to receive the Heavenly dew. 75%
of them committed their lives to God following the message of salvation on the first day.
There was a session on victorious Christian living and the Question and Answer session
dealt with the practical problems that the flowers faced. During the following day, God
poured out His Holy Spirit and the participants were anointed by Him. 93 obeyed the Lord
in baptism.
The field trip was an unforgettable one. The participants traveled to the interiors
and had a foretaste of the Mission field. During evening, the life of Dr. Ida Scudder
became a living reality on the stage. Following the call for full time missionary work,
157 people committed their life to God. As the 3 day camp came to a close, 127 decided
to start a prayer cell in their locality. The resource persons were Mrs. Sophia Godfrey,
Mrs. Lalitha Benedict, Mrs. Baby Raja, Mrs. Shyla Immanuel, Mrs. Minville Sapphire,
Mrs. Emerald Isaiah, Mrs. Angel Oswald, Mrs. Mahiba Victor, missionaries Premalatha
Chezhian & Bercy Jason. Literature worth Rs. 1,50,000/- were sold during the camp. All
Glory to Him!

AROMA was held for the first time in our Dhanpur Campus from 2nd evening
to 5th noon January 2019. Although it was organized when the schools reopened, 182
participated from 4 districts. All the messages were timely and based on the theme, “Dare
to be Different.” Women missionaries of Odisha enacted a drama on Dr. Ida Scudder
which impacted everyone. The Question & Answer session was practical & fruitful. 75
were filled with the Holy Spirit. 39 committed to start youth prayer cells in their places.
8 committed for full time. The resource persons were Sis. Jemimah Alex, missionaries
Premalatha Chezhian & Bercy Jason. Thank God for His goodness!

AROMA was organised in Andhra during 14-16, January 2019. 210 girls, 20 staff
& volunteers, 8 resource people made the event, a colourful one. More than 50% girls
witnessed that this programme enhanced their spiritual life. 80 girls decided to have
systematic Bible reading, 40 decided to do Gospel work, 10 have committed for full time
ministry. The resource persons were Mrs.Tabitha, Mrs.Anita, Dr. Madhulata, Mrs. Beulah,
Mrs.Kala, Dr. Manonmani, missionaries Malli Ramana and Suganthini Saravannan. Praise
God!
BLESSING / March 2019 18
 Bl
oss
omsi
nTa
mil
Nadu

Bl
oss
omsi
nOdi
sha& Andhr
a

BLESSI
NG/Ma
rch2019