JESUS Christ Ministries malawi

JESUS Christ Ministries malawi An indiginous ministry focusing on discipleship and church growth Registered with malawi goverment

23/02/2020

UNREACHED PEOPLE OF THE DAY LET'S KEEP PRAYING FOR THEM!!!

Mal (Hindu traditions) in India
Mal is a shortened form of a Sanskrit phrase that can mean wrestler. The Mals live mainly in the Indian states of Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand. They speak Hindi, Bengali, or another language, depending on their location. Most of them are agricultural laborers with no land of their own, although they are also known for being watchmen or gatekeepers.

Ministry Obstacles
The Mal people live in states where there are very few followers of Christ, and they have almost no contact with anyone who has put their faith in the only Savior.

Outreach Ideas
Believers can sponsor cultural events that honor the Mal people with demonstrations of their wrestling abilities, etc. These events can include showings of the JESUS Film and free gospel material.

Pray for the Followers of Christ
There are no believers among the Mal people that we know of. Pray that this will change soon.

Pray for the Entire People Group
* Pray that the Mal, the "wrestlers," will soon have an opportunity to be confronted by the true and living God. Pray that they, like Jacob, will persevere in faith and find their true purpose as children of God.
* Pray that God gives the Mal dreams and visions leading them to Jesus Christ.
* Pray that the community leaders among them will come to Jesus Christ and lead the others to salvation.
* Pray for Mal believers to disciple others who will in turn disciple others.

Scripture Focus
"As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him, and will make him fruitful and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation." Genesis 17:20

16/02/2020

*Sunday, February 16*

*John 9:24-34*

*A living Witness*

The religious leaders had their preconceived ideas about Jesus. That affected their ability to appreciate the good work that had taken place in the life of the blind man. They had concluded that Jesus was an impostor. So, even when there was a clear miracle, they would not acknowledge it. Why did they invite the man over a second time for interrogation? The man was obviously not telling them what they wanted to hear. Notice his boldness (vs.25, 27, 30-31). The man had had an encounter with Jesus. There was a definite impact on his life. Now he knew the power because he experienced it. View his action in the light of Daniel 11:32, an ordinary man but able to strongly confront and challenge the leaders. How does your testimony impact your faith and presentation of Christ? Like this man, if you are truly Jesus' disciple, you too will often be rejected and persecuted (v. 34, compare John 15:20).

Such miracles as this do not occur frequently but we encounter the Lord in various ways and the encounters that impact lives remain with people forever. Do we, like the leaders, deny obvious move of God because of our prejudices?

*Prayer:* Lord, please open my eyes to your moves and dealings so I give you the glory.

13/02/2020

*Thursday, February 13*

*John 8:48-59*

*One greater than Abraham*

The Jews accused Jesus of having a demon (v.48) because of their limited understanding of the Scripture. By this accusation they dishonored him. But he does not need the praise of men because God honors him. It's important for us to study the Bible to avoid similar error.

"Before Abraham was, I AM" (v.58). The Jews recognized the implication of this statement. First, Jesus was claiming to be greater than Abraham, their patriarch. Secondly, he was claiming to be more than who they were seeing, to have existed from eternity (v. 57). Thirdly, "I AM" is God's personal name (Exodus 3:14). To claim that title is to declare himself Jehovah. That was too much for the Jews to take. But the truth is that, although Abraham was indeed a great man, a man of faith (Hebrews 11:8), the Lord Jesus, the Son of God, existed before man was created (John 1:2). He is not only alive now, but he is able to give life to those who trust in him. This is why he could make the promise in v.51.

In spite of who Jesus is, notice his humility in vs. 50 & 54. Let us learn from the Lord Jesus how to speak the truth humbly but confidently.

*Prayer:*
Jesus, we extol you. We proclaim you are Lord.

12/02/2020

*Wednesday, February 12*

*John 8:31-47*

*The Truth sets us free*

First, Jesus emphasises what true discipleship means (v.32). Meditate on what it means to hold on to the teachings of Jesus. It is one thing to claim to be a child of God, and another to be truly his child. The Jews thought being physical descendants of Abraham frees them from enslavement. Unfortunately, they did not know that they were in a terrible form of bo***ge of ignorance, error, sin and superstition (v.34). Notice Christ's response and challenge in vs.34 & 39 and his offer (v.36). Knowledge of and adherence to the truth protects us from enslavement to sin. Only Jesus can give us true freedom.

Many in our world today are still living in similar bo***ge because the truth that could set them free is far from them. For us to be set free from the bo***ge we are in we need Jesus in our lives. He is the one who will teach us free from the truth that will set us free.

Note how the argument shifted from Abraham to God (vs.41-42). We all have earthly fathers but we each must choose our eternal father; God or the devil. It is up to us!

_Thought:_ Are you a slave or a son? It depends on who your father is.

*Prayer:*
Dear Lord, teach me your truth so that I can live my life in the freedom that you provide.

11/02/2020

UNREACHED PEOPLE OF THE DAY LET'S KEEP PRAYING FOR THEM!!!

Pulayan in India
The Pulayan people of the Kerala and Tamil Nadu states of India know a lot about the word pollution. Their name is derived from p**a, which means pollution. And as members of the bottom Dalit rung of Hindu society, they are often treated like trash. Along with most other Dalits, the Pulayans are landless. Many are engaged as agricultural laborers, serving higher caste landowners without significant pay. Their economic status parallels their spiritual state. The Pulayans are known to be talented craftsmen and basket makers.
Ministry Obstacles
Those who reach out to the Pulayans would have to win their trust, and this could take a lot of time. Then they would have to use stories and music to help these people know biblical truths.
Outreach Ideas
Pulayan people have a tradition of oral storytelling and folk songs. When they are not working to please their landlords, they enjoy singing and dancing to the music of drums and stringed instruments. Those who learn their music style can write songs that glorify the Savior and use this music as an outreach.
Pray for the Followers of Christ
Pray that believers among the Pulayans will have their feeling of self-worth solidly founded on Jesus Christ as a testimony to others. Pray that they will be able to help others find their dignity and worth in the Savior.
Pray for the Entire People Group
* Pray for the Lord to bless the families among the Pulayan people with his presence and mercy.
* Pray for believers among this people group to disciple others who will disciple still others.
* Pray for Bible believing fellowships and churches among the Pulayan people.
Scripture Focus
"...since Abraham will surely become a great and mighty nation, and in him all the nations of the earth will be blessed." Genesis 18:18

09/02/2020

*Sunday, February 9*

*John 7:53-8:1-11*

*Go now but stop living in sin*

For the law that condemned this woman see Lev20:10 (cf Deutrronomy22:22). But notice who should be put to death. That the Pharisees brought only the woman before Jesus exposes their hypocrisy and the underlying reason for their action - to trap Jesus in like manner; a woman was condemned to death for adultery in an Islamic (sharia) court in a country in Africa. The man often was never arraigned before the trail judge. Our judicial system is often tilted against the poor and powerless. Thank God that everyone will one day stand before the judgement seat of Christ. He will mete out justice to each and every one according to his or her deeds.

Instead of judging the woman, notice what Jesus did in v.7. Everyone appears to have found himself guilty in one way or the other. And so are we all, Jesus did not condemn the woman even as he does not condemn anyone now. Instead, he offers his forgiveness to everyone. 'No condemnation', however, does not mean condoning sin in our Christian community (v.11b cf. Rom6:1-2)

*For further studies:* For Christ's warning against condemning others see John3:17; Mathew7:1-5. For dealing with sin in the community see 1Cor5 (2Cor2:5-11); Mathew18:15-17

*Prayer:*
As a forgiven sinner, dear Lord, help me to share your love with others so they too may receive your forgiveness

07/02/2020

*Friday, February 7*

*John 7:25-36*

*Labouring to the very end*

Notice the dilemma the ordinary Jews were facing in vs. 25-26. We often fall into confusion when we fail to either study and understand the Word of God or listen to the message God is sending to us through his servants. For where the Christ was to be born, see Matthew 2:3-6 (cf. Micah 5:2). But more than that Jesus had continually drawn their attention to his true origin - from the Father. Unfortunately, they appeared not to be ready to hear this. Notice therefore their reaction in v. 30. Jesus however continued to preach in public not minding any opposition or threats. The religious leaders also felt threatened by people testifying of Jesus and so they made efforts to silence such testimonies by attempting to arrest him (v. 32). Many Christians all over the world are being arrested and persecuted for bearing testimony to Jesus. We should pray for them but also bear the same testimony, refusing to the silenced by threats and pressures.

*Prayer:* Pray for Christians who are facing severe persecution as they witness for Christ, that they may remain undaunted.

31/01/2020

*Friday, Jan 31*

*Deutrronomy 4:32-49*

*Preamble 3 - Keep Sharp Memories!*

"Whoever would not learn from history", so the saying goes "is bound to repeat it." God revealed himself to his people as superior to all other gods and Moses, who had seen it all reminded them of their uniqueness in being blessed by both God's self-disclosure and dealings with them. Identify some of their unique privileges in vs.32-34. But it was not just about the uniqueness of Israel but of God himself! Moses asks "has any other God...?" God's revelation to us in various ways is for a purpose: for us to know that there is none other like him (v.35)! Reflect briefly on your own life. How has God revealed himself to you? Ultimately, he has drawn us to himself through his son, Jesus Christ.

Moses never stopped reminding the people that the land they were to possess belonged to some other people. As they were going to disposes them of their land, so God would do to them should they too turn to other gods. They were to keep all the deeds of God in their memories. Do you keep a journal to remind you the Lord's deeds in your life?

_Note in vs.41-43 God's provision to protect the life of one who killed a person unintentionally._

_Action:_
As you drive or ride in a vehicle or take a walk or work on the farm today today, reflect on God's Faithfulness to you.

*Prayer:*
There is no other God besides you, O Lord!

30/01/2020

UNREACHED PEOPLE OF THE DAY LET'S KEEP PRAYING FOR THEM!!!

Mangala in India
Mangalas are also called Mangali, meaning "happiness" in the Telugu language because they traditionally played flutes at weddings. They live in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Mangala people read and write in Telugu, although they have a low regard for literacy, they believe in education for their children. The primary religion practiced by Mangala people is Hinduism, having many forms, each with its own deities and beliefs.

Ministry Obstacles
Nearly all are Hindus, and the Mangalas are locked into the Hindu religious system, so they usually view accepting the lordship of Christ as a threat to their identity.

Outreach Ideas
Pray that the believers will make disciples, who will make more disciples. Pray for church plants to make more church plants.

Pray for the Followers of Christ
Pray that believers will depend upon Almighty God as their source and supply.
Pray that believers will recognize and carry the message where Jesus is about to come.

Pray for the Entire People Group
* Pray that Almighty God will overthrow the spiritual forces of darkness that oppose the spread of His gospel.
* Ask Him to deliver the families and communities among Mangala people from fears that hinder them from embracing His blessing.
* Ask the Holy Spirit to replace fear with love, power, and self-discipline, as God's blessing flows from family to family.

Scripture Focus
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

28/01/2020

UNREACHED PEOPLE OF THE DAY LET'S KEEP PRAYING FOR THEM!!!

Viswakarma Asari in India
Do you ever need a handyman? The Viswakarma Asari peoples have subgroups that are stonemasons, blacksmiths, workers with other metals like gold or bronze, and those who make jewelry. They are a relatively new caste. The caste system has some flexibility, in that new castes can be created, and others can be discontinued or combined with others. According to their traditional belief, they are descendants of Vishvarkarman, a Hindu deity.

Ministry Obstacles
This group of people is dedicated to the Hindu religious system.

Outreach Ideas
The Viswakarma Asari people live in states like Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, and Karnataka where there is a church, and there are even local evangelists who can reach out to their Hindu neighbors.

Pray for the Followers of Christ
Pray that the believers among the Viswakarma Asari people will be loving and bold as they share the blessings of Jesus Christ with their Hindu neighbors. Pray that they will walk in the fruit of the Holy Spirit, never giving way to discouragement or doubt.

Pray for the Entire People Group
* Pray for the Holy Spirit to give the Viswakarma Asari people a hunger and thirst for righteousness that will lead them to Jesus.
* Pray for Viswakarma Asari family leaders to be blessed by Jesus and recognize that their entire extended families need Him as well.
* Pray for a church planting movement to spread far and wide among the Viswakarma Asari people.

Scripture Focus
"And those who lead many to righteousness [will shine] like the stars for ever and ever." Daniel 12:3

21/01/2020

*Tuesday, Jan 21th*

*John 6:60-72*

*Some turned back*

Jesus now clarifies what 'eating and drinking' means. It is not to cut him to pieces and eat up his flesh. That will count for nothing. Only a spiritual understanding is profitable (vs. 62, 63). It would appear that the problem the Jews HD was not lack of understanding but unwillingness to accept what Jesus was saying (v. 60). Why is it difficult for them to accept? We should not insist on reasoning out spiritual things. They are to be believed by faith. What did these people then decide to do (v. 66)? Notice that these were not ordinary Jews (vs.60, 66). How would you have felt if you were Jesus? But he is never deceived, not even by the inspiring statement Peter made on behalf of the twelve (vs. 68-69). See v. 70 and compare 2:23-25. Occasions will come in our lives when we also must choose whether to continue in the faith or not. Can our Lord rely on you even if others desert him?

Many teachers teach and preach only what the people want to hear instead of the true words that come from God. Thank God for the faithful few who know the value of the words which lead to eternal life, even if they are hard. Do the hard words of the Bible put you off?

_For further study:_ Compare 2 Timothy 4:3-4 with Acts 20:27. What do you think are the different motives and how can we help people to move from one to the other?

*Prayer:* Lord, even when you appear not to make sense, give me the grace never to doubt or desert you.

20/01/2020

*Monday, Jan 20th*

*John 6:41-59*

*Eating the bread of life*

Notice that the food which Jesus Christ gives to those who do the work he describes is nothing less than his own body (v. 51). He compares it with the miraculous food of manna which the children of Israel ate in the desert (vs. 48-50). This is a warning for us as we set our minds on the miracles God performs through his servants in our world today. They are all temporary. Even people who are miraculously healed or raised from the dead will later die.

We should not only begin with him, but we remain in him. What do you think will help us to remain in him? Fellowship with other Christians, plus Bible study and prayers are certainly a help; but notice what it says in v. 57. He is the one who makes it possible for us to keep on living the life of faith. And where does it all end? It doesn't (v. 58)! This new life lasts through all the ups and downs of this world and continues into the world to come. That is something to remember the next time we take the bread and wine of the Lord's supper at church.

*_So what?_*
Meditate on 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 in the light of today's reading and thank the Lord for giving you life through his death and resurrection.

Address

Blantyre

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when JESUS Christ Ministries malawi posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category