Delight in Jesus January-March 2022 Issue 1

Delight in Jesus!

A PUBLICATION OF EL BETHEL INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES

Delight thyself also in the LORD: and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart PSALM 37: 4

January-March 2022 1st Edition

Message from Dr. Pradeep Stephen It is with great thankfulness and joy that we welcome you to the very first edition of our magazine, “Delight in Jesus!” from El Bethel International Ministries. It is such a wonderful blessing to have God as our Delight! Psalm 37:4 states that as we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will then give us the desires of our hearts. How good and kind our Heavenly Father is! It is His delight to abundantly bless those who are walking in His love and whose desires are in accordance with His perfect will.

I have found this to be true in my own life over and over again. God is faithful and His promises are always, “Yes and Amen” in Christ Jesus. The Lord also knows how to engineer our circumstances so that we can truly delight ourselves in Him. Indeed, there are different trials and valleys that one must go through as one’s faith in Him is being perfected. For me, one such trying situation was my battle with chronic asthma, which lasted for 11 years. As I struggled to breathe normally even with the use of heavy medications, my quality of life appeared to decline greatly with each successive year of my childhood.

Prior to the onset of this illness at the age of 8, I did not think I needed the Lord, although I was aware of Him. It was when I began to miss school for weeks at a time, miss out on normal family activities, and became the object of ridicule due to my physical weakness by my so-called friends, that I began searching for a Friend that would never forsake me. The physical pain in my lungs and chest during the life-threatening wheezing attacks made me despair and brought a sense of fear and hopelessness. During this time, the Lord led me to take His Word seriously and I began to read the Bible with reverence. As I read the book of Proverbs, my heart and mind were alerted to the two roads that are presented to every human being.

I discovered that one was the path of wisdom and life, and the other was the path of foolishness and death.

Suddenly, the sins of my youth came to full view and I asked the Lord to forgive me and change me. When I read of the Lord’s Eternal Sacrifice on the Cross for me, I wanted Him to save me. After He gloriously saved me, the Lord Jesus also miraculously healed me of the asthma in May of 1990 following a godly friend’s prayer for me. The brother quoted Matthew 18:19, “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in Heaven.”

I read and believed those Words of Jesus, exercised faith in Him, and began to praise Him even before the physical manifestation of the healing had occurred. As I continued doing these things, I was set free! I did not need the usual medications or treatment from the physicians any longer and I was so excited that I began to tell everyone about the awesome love and power of the Lord! I was filled with the Spirit shortly thereafter and began to share my testimony with others.

The same loving and majestic God is waiting for you, dear friend, to draw near to Him in faith. He wants to work miracles in your life also and take you to new spiritual heights far beyond your greatest expectation. Indeed, this truth is found in Ephesians 3:20, 21: “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the Power that worketh in us. Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”

My prayer is that the contents of this magazine would speak to your heart. We trust that you would come into a deeper fellowship with the Lord as you read about God’s blessings upon those who fear Him and lead obedient lives. You will read about the Prophecy for 2022, how you can always have a thankful heart, overcome trials and temptations and follow the Holy Spirit’s supernatural leading in all of life’s circumstances. There is also a wonderful testimony of healing through the Power of Jesus Christ.

The feature article, “A Revelation from the Book of Ruth”, will help you to understand how faith, love and obedience can lead you to a glorious, eternal inheritance. In our children’s section, you will find a story, poem, Bible quiz, and a maze to challenge your youngster in the things of God. It is also a good place for you to test your own knowledge of the Bible!

Please continue to read of God’s awesome power and His amazing love for you in the following pages.

May the blessings of our All-Sufficient God, our El-Shaddai, abound in your lives through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Pastor Pradeep Stephen is the President

2

January-March 2022

Delight in Jesus!

A PUBLICATION OF EL BETHEL INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES

January-March 2022 1st Edition

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Prophecy for the Year 2022

20 22

By Kiruba Stephen......................................................................................4

A Thankful Heart

By Dr. Pradeep Stephen............................................................................6

A Revelation from the Book of Ruth

By Kiruba Stephen......................................................................................7

How to be an Overcomer in the Midst of Trials and Temptations

By Dr. Pradeep Stephen..........................................................................10

The Happiest Way to Live

F u n Fact

By Esther Stephen

Please circle the correct answer: 1. How many Isrealites came to fight the Midianites? a. 25,000 b. 32,000 c. 9,000 d. 23,000

IT’S TIME TO CALL ON JESUS

2. Why did God tell that there were too many Isrealites to fight the Midianites?

By Esther D. Stephen

a. Because the Isrealites would crush Gideon b. Because the people would claim the victory for themselves c. Because the people would take a nap in the Midianites tents d. Because the people would fight for the torches and pots

Maggie was a little girl who loved the Lord Jesus very much. She and her best friend Daisy loved to go to school together. She also liked to talk with Daisy on the phone with her mom’s permission. Daisy was a very bright student, who loved to do her school work. One day, Maggie came home from school feeling very hungry.

She had played very hard at recess time and had also helped her team to win at basketball. She ran to her Mom and said, “Hi Mom!” “Hi Maggie, how was school today?” asked her Mom. Maggie replied “school was good.” “Mom I am hungry! Can I have a snack?” Her Mom said, “Sure” and gave Maggie her favorite: a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!

After finishing her snack, Maggie went to her room and started doing her homework. She had a hard time doing her math homework and so she thought,“I’d Maggie was a little girl who loved the Lord Jesus very much. She and her best friend Daisy loved to go to school together. She also liked to talk with Daisy on the phone with her mom’s permission. Daisy was a very bright student, who loved to do her school work. One day, Maggie came home from school feeling very hungry.

She had played very hard at recess time and had also helped her team to win at basketball. She ran to her Mom and said, “Hi Mom!” “Hi Maggie, how was school today?” asked her Mom. Maggie replied “school was good.” “Mom I am hungry! Can I have a snack?” Her Mom said, “Sure” and gave Maggie her favorite: a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!

After finishing her snack, Maggie went to her room and started doing her homework. She had a hard time doing her math homework and so she thought, “I’d better get help from Daisy. She is good at math and she’s probably done with her homework by now!” Maggie went to her Mom and said “Mom I am having trouble with my Math homework and I need help. Can I call Daisy? She is good in Math and she will help.”

Her Mom replied, “Go ahead Maggie, but make sure you finish your homework first and then you may play.” Maggie was so happy!

4. How many men did Gideon choose to take with him to the battle?

Please read the following Bible passage and answer the Questions below: Judges Chapter 7:1-22 New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible Challenge For Kids The Story Of Gideon

By Daniel J. Stephen

3. How many people were sent home by Gideon after the two tests? a. 37,000 b. 92,000 c. 14,000 d. 31,700

a. 3600 b. 2000 c. 300 d. 97,600

5. Who did God tell Gideon to take with him to the enemies? a. Gehazi b. Purah c. Eliezer d. Elisha

6. What did Gideon and his army take with them to the war? a. Torches, clay pots and trumpets b. Sling and five smooth stones b. Swords and sheilds d. 300 foxes tails tied in pairs

7. Who won the battle? a. Mideanites army b. Philistines c. Egyptian army d. Gideon and his army

Gideon Defeats the Midianites 1.So Jerub-baal (that is, Gideon) and his army got up early and went as far as the spring of Harod.

The armies of Midian were camped north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh.

2. The LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength.

3. Therefore, tell the people, ‘Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain[a] and go home.’”

So 22,000 of them went home, leaving only 10,000 who were willing to fight.

4 But the LORD told Gideon, “There are still too many! Bring them down to the spring, and I will test them to determine who will go with you and who will not.”

5. When Gideon took his warriors down to the water, the LORD told him, “Divide the men into two groups. In one group put all those who cup water in their hands and lap it up with their tongues like dogs. In the other group put all those who kneel down and drink with their mouths in the stream.”

6. Only 300 of the men drank from their hands. All the others got down on their knees and drank with their mouths in the stream.

7. The LORD told Gideon, “With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home.” 8. So Gideon collected the provisions and rams’ horns of the other warriors and sent them home. But he kept the 300 men with him.The Midianite camp was in the valley just below Gideon.

9. That night the LORD said, “Get up! Go down into the Midianite camp, for I have given you victory over them!

10. But if you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah.

11. Listen to what the Midianites are saying, and you will be greatly encouraged. Then you will be eager to attack.” So Gideon took Purah and went down to the edge of the enemy camp.

12. The armies of Midian, Amalek, and the people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts. Their camels were like grains of sand on the seashore—too many to count!

13. Gideon crept up just as a man was telling his companion about a dream. The man said, “I had this dream, and in my dream a loaf of barley bread came tumbling down into the Midianite camp. It hit a tent, turned it over, and knocked it flat!”

14. His companion answered, “Your dream can mean only one thing—God has given Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite, victory over Midian and all its allies!”

15. When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship before the LORD.Then he returned to the Israelite camp and shouted, “Get up! For the LORD has given you victory over the Midianite hordes!”

16 He divided the 300 men into three groups and gave each man a ram’s horn and a clay jar with a torch in it.

17. Then he said to them, “Keep your eyes on me. When I come to the edge of the camp, do just as I do.

18 As soon as I and those with me blow the rams’ horns, blow your horns, too, all around the entire camp, and shout, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon!’”

19 It was just after midnight, after the changing of the guard, when Gideon and the 100 men with him reached the edge of the Midianite camp. Suddenly, they blew the rams’ horns and broke their clay jars.

20 Then all three groups blew their horns and broke their jars. They held the blazing torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, and they all shouted, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!”

21 Each man stood at his position around the camp and watched as all the Midianites rushed around

For Children

It’s Time to Call on Jesus by Esther Stephen...................................12 Bible Challenge for Kids by Daniel Stephen.....................................14

Please pray this prayer with me and God will answer you whenever you need help.

Dear Lord, Please forgive me of all my sins.

Please help me to trust in you when I need help.

Help me to always remember to turn to you when I need help.

Thank you for always being there for me. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Delight In Jesus 1st Edition

3

Prophecy for

the

Year

By Kiruba Stephen Prophecy from the New Year’s Service 1. This church shall rise to the vision of God, says the Lord Most High.

2. “I will do a new thing in your life. I will do a new thing in your life.”

2022 for the Deliverer. There are people who are crying out saying, “Is there a Deliverer? Is there deliverance for me? It is dark all over. It is dark all the time. It is dark in the night, and it is dark in the day. Will someone come and take me out of this dungeon?” Jesus says, “The Light of the Lord Jesus Christ will penetrate into those dungeons.”

3. The Lord will take you to resting, still waters.

“You will drink from those still waters,” says the 10. God wants to transform you from your ladybug-type of ministry into someone who Lord. The Water of the Lord is Peace. would have the vision of an eagle, the wings 4. God will prepare His people who are eagerly of an eagle, be sustained by the Hands of the Almighty God, to soar to greater heights to waiting for the appearing of the King of Glory. accomplish great and mighty things for the God will lead them into a deeper walk with the Almighty God. Living God. God says that He will prepare this church for a deeper walk with God this year.

11. In this 2022, the Holy Spirit says, “There are Through this church, God will make a people some of you who will be turned from water into ready for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. wine. There will be no resemblance of water in 2022, when God turns you from water into 5. The Lord will do great and mighty things wine.” One thing is required and that is, the in this year, 2022. God will open rivers in the water needs to go into the ceremonial jar. desert, and your wilderness will blossom as a rose. “Wherever there is dryness in your life, 12. In this year 2022, the Lord says, “God will the Rain of the Lord will touch those parched renew many things in your life. There will be a deserts,” says the Most High God. renewal of mind. A renewal of relationship. God will perform it in this church,” says the Lord 6. Jesus says, “Those who set their hearts to Most High. In this year 2022, the thief will not pursue the things of God, those who set their be able to break in. Jesus says, “It shall be a faces to follow the path of the Lord Jesus work of restoration and work of renewal that Christ - I will be your Provider.” will take place in the House of God and in the lives of the people of God.” Those who look to 7. “Your spiritual life will take off to a new Him and look to Him alone will have the change level,” God says. And the Holy Spirit says, “From there, God will cause you to inherit what that comes from the Living God. This is the Word of the Lord for 2022 and God will perform God has for you, the call of God that God has it according to the integrity of His heart. For the for you - from gleaning to giving out.”

Mouth of the Lord has spoken it and the Hand of the Lord shall accomplish it.

8. “The Hand of the Lord will move on our behalf to perform mighty signs and wonders before our eyes so that the Name of the Lord Prophecy from January 6, 2022 God Almighty will be heard by many nations, both near and far.”

Whatever you are seeking God for in this 2022, 9. The Hand of the Lord is not shortened that He cannot save. The Hand of the Lord will reach to the depths of the earth to rescue those who cry out to Him day and night looking

4

January-March 2022

the Holy Spirit says, “Do not waver in your goal. Whatever you are going after Jesus for, go after it with everything that is within you.”

Prophecy from January 14, 2022 If you want to receive big things from God (which is already a part of God’s plan), your hands must become big and strong. You must get ready to receive what God has for you, which He has prepared for you by positioning yourself, by preparing yourself and by strengthening yourself. You need to be in a place of integrity, humility, and holiness to be counted worthy to be a steward who can receive what God wants to give.

Prophecy from February 1, 2022 The work of restoration that God has promised for this 2022, God is going to begin in a big way. He will lead you. He will lead you to still waters. He will lead you into green pastures.

He will restore your soul. God Himself will begin this work of restoration in a big way. God will begin to build the broken-down walls by you working with Him. He’s looking for all those who will join their hands to the Hands of the King.

The Lord says, “There will be reunions.” God is going to cause several reunions to take place in this 2022 and the beginnings of that will take place in this month, beginning in February.

Rebuilding the walls with the Master Builder, the Lord Jesus Christ. The work of restoration to restore that which is stolen, God says He will begin in this month of February. God will restore one by one, that which the enemy has stolen. Because He cares for you, God wants to do something new. Something glorious that God alone can do. He will restore your soul. He will restore your health. He will restore your finances. He will restore relationships. He will restore properties. He will restore everything which the enemy has stolen. You will see the beginnings of the restoration that will take place in this month of February. It will continue to take place throughout this year. It is only for those who take this Word of God seriously.

life. As the dove that brought the twig to Noah, to show that life has begun, God will give you the signs of the beginnings of life, the work of restoration in this month of February. “This hinges upon one condition,” God says. “You should be willing to wait and work with God Almighty.” The Spirit of God Who is in our midst is speaking to our hearts in this hour asking these questions: “Do you want it? If so, how much do you want it?” That is question number one. Two is, “If you want it, how much are you willing to co-labor in order to obtain it? What is your contribution? In what way are you going to contribute towards your own restoration? What are you going to do, in order to see God restore what the enemy has taken?”

Prophecy from February 2, 2022 All through 2022, at the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided. Counsel from a Wonderful Counselor. When we need strength, it will come from Almighty God. The Prince of Peace will give us constant peace in every situation, and He will be an Everlasting Father in every situation. We will never be alone. Our Father will always be with us. He is our Father Who sees us, and He will see us through every situation. He will provide for us emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually, and financially at the Mount of the Lord. God will provide for us royally!

Prophecy from February 5, 2022 God will lead us into the path of righteousness, and He will lead us into the place of restoration. Restoration itself is a place where God brings His people to, and it is there where God restores everything. God brings us into a season of restoration. God brings us into a place of restoration and the path to it is righteousness.

Scan or click this QR code to watch the Prophetic Word “Moving from Curse to Blessing”

Where there is no life, we will begin to see

from December 12, 2021 Delight In Jesus 1st Edition

5

A Thankful Heart

By Dr. Pradeep Stephen

L

ife can sometimes make us feel like we are on one big roller coaster ride with many sudden twists and drops along the way. We can get emotionally up one day and feel totally run-down the next day! The one thing that many seem to lack today is control over their lives.

That is to say, we cannot predict what each day will bring and that can give some people a certain sense of dread. Frustration and even bitterness can surface when things don’t seem to go their way.

However, we need to remember that the Lord’s desire for us is to learn to thank Him daily in the midst of every situation. The God Who made us and knows all things, wants us to have a heart filled with trust and thanksgiving.

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Let’s pause for a moment right here, shall we? Let’s go back and read that Scripture presented above one more time.

One may be tempted to ask, “Give thanks in everything? But, I am suffering in the midst of some very trying circumstances! How can I possibly praise God now?”

To the doubtful, fearful or weary believer, it may even appear justifiable to complain a little here and murmur a little there. Yet, God has spoken to us through His Word that when we were born again, each of us became new creations in Christ. All the old things were done away with and everything

6

January-March 2022

became new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Therefore, our behavior is to be very different from that of people who don’t know the Lord.

be manifested is when we believe His promises and intentionally choose to give Him thanks in every circumstance.

Now, the people of the world have nothing really going for them. They have no real hope or promises of blessings from God. However, we who are the children of God are reminded that the Lord is in control of every detail of our lives. When we truly trust in Him, we can have confidence that He will always engineer all things for our ultimate good. As we mature spiritually, we will experience God’s peace and understand His deep concern and care for us.

It’s a faith that works by love Galatians 5:6b.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”

Romans 8:28 Let us ever remember that when we walk with the Lord, He will never allow anything to happen to us randomly. There is never an incident or experience in the life of a Christian from which he or she cannot learn some spiritual truth and benefit in some way. When we intentionally choose to thank Him at all times, He will open our eyes to be able to see the good that can come from every situation. It may be that the trouble we find ourselves in, at times is actually a test.

Sometimes, God will cause our spiritual muscles to be stretched so that our faith can grow. Did you know that the Crown of Life is given to those who love the Lord as it is written in James 1:12? One way in which this love for Him can

When we deliberately make the choice to praise God in every situation and every kind of trial, it will reveal the genuineness of our loving trust in Him. It will show our faith in action. We will be demonstrating that we truly believe that He will work everything out for our good just as He promised He would So, no matter what you are facing today, don’t allow yourself to get discouraged or bitter, but maintain your trust in God and receive His peace. Sing songs of praise in the Spirit and the atmosphere will change!

Hearts and mouths that are filled with thanksgiving are wellpleasing to the Lord, so learn to give Him thanks always! It will bring the Presence of God right down to where you are. His infinite power, wisdom and love will surely carry you through to victory.

Hallelujah!

Please pray this prayer right now: “Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to cultivate a habit of thanking you more often for everything, even the difficult situations. I believe that you are with me to help me in every trial, always giving me the victory. Thank you for your Presence in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

A

Revelation

From

By Kiruba Stephen

There are two groups of people within the Christian world. The first group includes those who say, “Lord, I just want what you have.” These are the “me” centered people. Then, there is another group of people who say, “I am not after what you can give but I am after You, Lord. I want to get to Your heart. You are the One I want!” These are the “Godcentered” people. The difference between the two is quite profound. Those who go to God primarily for their needs, get what they want from God. Those who follow God because they want Him, are led by God into what He has for them.

Ruth 1:10 – 16 (KJV) says, “And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people. And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? Are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband.

If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also tonight, and should also bear sons; Would ye tarry for them till they were grown?

Would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me. And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law; but Ruth clave unto her. And she said, Behold, thy sister-in-law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister-in-law.

And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” Naomi was an Israelite woman who left Israel with her husband and two sons to Moab due to famine

in Israel. In Moab, both her sons got married to Moabite women. If we read the first chapter, we will see that she lost both her sons and her husband in the land of Moab. Thus, Naomi and both her daughtersin-law became widows. After this heartbreaking loss of her husband and her sons, Naomi heard that God had visited His people and had brought the famine to an end. Then Naomi decided to go back to her country and to her people. She gave all the valid reasons as to why these two daughters-in-law should go back to their people. She told them, “You are not going to have husbands if you follow me.” She made it clear to them that there would be no future for them if they followed her to Israel.

Both of them respond to her with tears: “We are going to be with you. We are not going to leave you. We love you, and we want to be with you.”

Naomi in turn, said to each of them, “Okay, if you come with me, you are not going to get anything.

You are not going to become rich. You are not going to be happy. I cannot give you any more sons. If you go back, your life will be better.” One of the two women named Orpah cried and initially stated that she wanted to stay with Naomi. However, she kissed her mother-in-law goodbye and went her way leaving Naomi. She would have thought, “If I stay with Naomi, I may die as a widow. I may not get the money I need. I may not be happy, so I am going back to my place.” She belongs to the first group of people who are the “me-centered” people. She got what she wanted from Naomi, which was to go back to her people and get on with her life.

On the other hand Ruth, who heard the exact same words from the mother-in-law responded very differently. She said, “...Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” At this point, Ruth also cried, but her cry was different. It was an expression of true love for Naomi. She made a very clear choice to follow her mother-in-law no matter how difficult her path may become. Her decision to follow Naomi after hearing all the reasons from Naomi as to why she should not follow her just displays the depth of her love for Naomi. Though she was given an option to leave and even encouraged to do so, she did not leave her mother-in-law. Though she saw her sister-in-law leave, she chose to take the most difficult journey of Delight In Jesus 1st Edition

7

following a widow to a foreign land. Ruth said, “No matter what may happen, I am going to follow you.

Your people are going to be my people and your God is going to be my God. Where you are going to stay, I am going to stay.” Out of these daughters-in-law who faced the exact same situation, one stayed and the other left. Orpah chose comfort over hardship and returned to her people, while Ruth chose hardship over comfort and followed Naomi.

Two Kinds of Christians Just like Orpah and Ruth, we also see two groups of people in the kingdom of God. One group will say, “Okay, I will come to Jesus. Jesus, give me food. Jesus, give me clothing. Jesus, give me shelter.

Jesus, You give me a good life and I will be with You.” Then, there is another group of people who are determined to follow Jesus no matter how difficult the journey may appear, because they truly love Him and want to be with Him. Which category are you in? When the challenge of true commitment comes up, and you see many go back, will you stay?

When many say, “I don’t want suffering. I don’t want persecution. I want comfort. I want security. I want my people. I want a good future.” When you see them leave, will you stay? Do you have the kind of love for God that surpasses the love for comfort, riches, and the pleasures of world?

The Choice to be Led Ruth made a very clear choice. She left her parents, her friends, her relatives, her birthplace and everything that was familiar to her and followed Naomi. She did this due to her strong love for Naomi. Ruth chose Naomi to be her leader and made the choice to trust in her for the rest of her life. She proved her commitment to her mother-in-law by her actions. When Ruth left everything for Naomi, and trusted Naomi with her life, Naomi became her leader. Just as Naomi laid it all out for Ruth and Orpah, saying that it won’t be an easy road if they follow her, so the Lord has laid it out for us also. He says to us in Mark 8:34b, “If anyone wants to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” Only those who truly love the Lord and trust Him like Ruth did, will leave Moab (sin) to follow Him. Don’t say you love Jesus, if you can’t leave sin to follow Him.

The Path to be Led Ruth’s relationship with Naomi was so close that she trusted Naomi with her life and obeyed her in

8

January-March 2022

all things. If we read the following chapter, we will see how she was led by Naomi into a life of great prosperity, because she made the choice to humbly, trust and obey Naomi.

We must trust the Lord like Ruth trusted Naomi and consult Him in every situation just like she did in Ruth chapter 2. We need to ask the Lord, “Can I go to this place or not? Can I do this? What is your Will in this matter?” If you keep reading further down in chapter 2, you will see Naomi giving a detailed plan to Ruth. She will say, “You go to this field. He is your nearest kinsman. Go and approach him in this way.” In chapter 3 you’ll see that it’s written twice as to how implicitly and precisely Ruth obeyed Naomi.

She was focused on what was told to her by Naomi and was not distracted by the men and women who were working in the field. Like Ruth, those are determined to follow the Lord will seek to be led by the Holy Spirit. Like Naomi, the Holy Spirit will lead followers like Ruth to the very Heart of Jesus Christ. Only those who seek the Lord desiring to be led by Him and are determined to follow Him, will be led by Him.

Learn to be Led When Ruth trusted and followed Naomi, she did not know how prosperous her future was going to be. She did not go after prosperity like Orpah did.

Instead, she faithfully followed Naomi and Naomi led Ruth into the prosperity God had prepared for her. This is what the Holy Spirit will do for all those who are led by Him. He leads them into God’s inheritance. There are two very important qualities that we see in Ruth’s relationship with her motherin-law that we must cultivate in our relationship with God: 1. Ruth’s love for Naomi, and her trust in Naomi that caused her to leave everything once and for all to follow Naomi all the way to Israel. This is the first and very crucial, life-changing step that she took. Those who truly love Jesus will take this most important initial step, which is to leave this world and its sinful ways behind to follow Jesus, choosing Him over everything.

2. Her eagerness to continue to trust and obey Naomi in Israel, where she exactly followed Naomi’s instructions and did not do anything beyond what she was told. The same love we had for Jesus when we first got saved, and the same trust we had in Him to do anything He would call us to do, must continue

My

Avni

Please write to us if you’d like to share what God has done for you!

Delight In Jesus 1st Edition

A Recent Testimony

Boaz, the Kinsman Redeemer, Jesus Christ! Our beyond our initial salvation period. These two qualities are essential for our lives to be continuously Spiritual Inheritance is Jesus Himself, an Inheritance that will never fade away! led by the Holy Spirit. When we become deeply acquainted with the Holy Spirit by spending time in His Presence and immersing ourselves in His Word, name is we will come to a place of understanding that comes from God, to trust Him in all things. God knows the and I am from Australia. I had been sufend from the beginning, and His plan will never go fering from migraine headaches for the wrong in our lives when we obey His Voice. Even if past 11 years, but the early part of 2021 we have to go to an unknown place, even if we have was a nightmare. Every morning I would to leave everything we know, the Lord will establish wake up with a severe migraine. It was us. God will settle us. Though the journey may not very difficult for me to concentrate on my be very comfortable, the destination will be glorious. daily activities and it would be a struggle Being led by the Holy Spirit is not a sudden thing, just to stay focused and not be cranky for but a continuous trust and communion with Him. no reason.

Ruth did not get attached to Naomi just casually. She I used to take 6 painkillers a day, but they was with Naomi, talking and listening to her while weren’t helping me. My doctor said that doing her chores, washing clothes, cooking, etc. In the migraine pain was incurable. I lost all short, she spent most of her time with her. That’s hope of ever getting healed from it. Then, how her relationship with Naomi was so strongly my brother who lives in the US told me built. It’s the same with us and the Lord. Strong about EL Bethel International Ministries relationships are not built overnight! We must spend Church. time with the Lord in His presence and get to a place He explained to me about how people are of total faith and obedience in every situation and getting healed by the Stripes of Jesus become a good follower of our Perfect Leader, Who Christ. I started listening to the fasting has glorious plans for His Own. prayer call meetings, morning prayer calls and the recordings of the Sunday If We Follow, God Will Lead church services of EL Bethel InternaIt was through Ruth’s obedience to Naomi’s counsel, tional Ministries Church. I felt a deep that caused her to be able to get to Boaz’s heart. She conviction in my heart and surrendered did not accomplish this on her own, but through myself to the Lord Jesus Christ. On the Naomi. Similarly, in our Christian journey, we need night of February 21st, I had a severe the Holy Spirit to prepare us to become the bride migraine attack and was struggling to of Christ and to lead us into the eternal inheritance sleep. So I began listening to the recordthat God has for us. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal ing of the previous Sunday service. Sudto us the secrets of the Kingdom of God from His denly I heard Pastor Kiruba say, “I see Word. Just reading the Bible is not going to open someone with a migraine headache and up spiritual treasures, but it is our love for the Lord God is healing that person right now.” proven our obedience to His Word that will move the Then Pastor Kiruba prayed for the healHoly Spirit to take us deeper in our relationship with ing of people with migraine headaches.

Jesus.

I felt God’s Presence and the Lord took my migraines away and healed me comLed into the Greatest Inheritance pletely. It was a miracle! Since then, I Naomi was also able to trust Ruth to do exactly don’t suffer from migraine headaches. as she was instructed in everything and having Jesus healed me from what the doctor the confidence that she won’t ruin Naomi’s name. said was incurable. If God can heal me, Similarly, the Lord should be able to trust us also.

He can heal you too. Surrender yourself The more diligent we are to obey, the more God to the Lord, repent of your sins and see will trust us and reveal to us the deeper revelations the miraculous changes Jesus can work from God. Just as Ruth was able to get to the heart in your life. I praise and glorify God the of Boaz and was able to gain her inheritance, we too Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! can gain our Heavenly Inheritance in our Eternal

9

By Dr. Pradeep Stephen

“Against Hope” “Against hope!” These are two choice words that the Bible uses to describe none other than the nature and quality of genuine faith (Romans 4:18). The Scripture refers to Abraham as an overcomer. In the natural, the promise of God seemed to elude the aged patriarch and his wife Sarah, when considering the obstacles that stood in their way to having a child. “Too old”, “too weak”, “too dead”, and “too long” appeared to stand squarely against the promise of God. Yet, he refused to focus on the hindrances and chose rather to focus on the Word of God. Then the miracle happened! He was truly one who held onto God’s promise, “against all odds”. He learned to talk faith during the waiting period and waited on God in faith until he saw the promise come to pass.

Abraham’s faith was standing strong and not weak in the face of situations that seemed to threaten the realization of God’s promise in his life. We all know the details of his pilgrimage and of his willingness to sacrifice Isaac in obedience to God’s command. He not only received the promised child back into his bosom, but also gained the Eternal Blessing of God for generations to come, in Christ through Isaac as prophesied by the Lord (Genesis 22; Galatians 3:14, 16, 29; Hebrews 11:17-19).

Temptations to doubt God’s promises may be sent from the devil to each of us from time to time, especially during trials, to move us to doubt God’s faithfulness. These temptations may come as direct suggestions to the mind and emotions. The enemy of our souls may threaten to destroy all the joy and victory that God has meant for us. Yet, on the strength of God’s promises to us from the Holy Bible, we must reject all of these lies from the devil, if we are to experience the Lord’s miracles in our lives.

In the moment of trial, it is most helpful to consider that our Great God is still on the Throne and that His Perfect Will for our lives has not changed one bit. We ought to consider that Jesus, Who faced the greatest trials, is drawing us even closer to Himself in love as we depend on Him for deliverance and victory.

The Lord allows trials in our lives to build our faith

10

January-March 2022

How does your faith stand today?

Is it willing to be considered foolish in the eyes of the world, when God commands you to trust Him unreservedly and persevere until the promise He has given you is fulfilled?

and character. Through the fire, God may also be fashioning us in true humility and compassion, refining our hearts to be able to minister to others facing similar trials. God has grand purposes for His children and yet, we may not always understand the Divine design immediately. Sadly, in the midst of trouble, some believers end up giving into the temptation to speak words of unbelief - just like the heathen who do not have God in their lives. Instead, like Abraham, we ought to speak out words of faith, believing God’s Word and never doubt His loving promises.

The Word is rich in promises and the life of faith is no doubt a very exciting subject to read and talk about. Yet, are we exercising faith when, in the natural, everything looks opposed to the healing, deliverance and success we are longing for? The great temptation is to abandon faith when fiery trials actually come our way, sometimes in rapid succession. When pressed with our backs up against the wall, do we despair in loneliness or do we call upon the Lord for His comforting Presence immediately? With the Almighty by our side, need we despair? We must encourage ourselves in the Lord like King David and as an act of faith, praise the Lord for His watchful care over our lives. We can readily trust Him with our entire future.

“More Precious than Gold” Peter tells us by the Holy Spirit in 1 Pet 1:7 that, “the trying of your faith” will prove the quality of that faith. Without this testing, one’s faith can remain immature, threatened by the presence of an undesirable admixture of doubt and fear. God’s grand design however, is that through every trial, our faith may emerge purified from the dross of unbelief, like the gold that has been refined in the fire and thus, made suitable for the royal use of the Master.

end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. (James 5:10-11) With our spiritual eyes we can see that the Lord indeed is gracious and compassionate. We can know in our hearts that He will reward us richly when we do not cave into the fear and worries prompted by the devil, the flesh, and the world.

The Lord is very faithful and will never allow us to be tried beyond our present ability (1 Cor 10:13).

Do you believe that? Then, if the trial you are undergoing seems to be “unbearable”, you must remember this promise and others like it to keep your hope alive. Furthermore, you are encouraged and privileged to request “extra” grace from the Throne of Grace to find to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). The power that raised Jesus from the dead will strengthen you indeed!

“More than Conquerors” What an inestimable comfort to know that according to Hebrews 4:14, our blessed Lord Jesus understands our trials, having gone through so much more than we can fathom and that He is able and willing to help us in all of our temptations!

The knowledge that God will always remain faithful, that the trial will pass soon enough and that the victory has been already granted in Jesus’ Almighty Name emboldens our faith. Let’s remain faithful to Him always and God will also transform us to be able to smile in the face of future temptations and trials (Roman 5:3-5). As in Romans 8:37, we are overcomers in Christ and more than conquerors through Him Who loved us!

Listen to our

“Grace from Above” Crying out to the Lord, in the midst of trials, we can claim the promise of His Presence, Protection, Provision, and Power over all obstacles, pressures, and dangers. Our Lord Jesus calls for us to be believing and not unbelieving (John20:27). Then His assurance and peace will fly down to the soul at once and the, “end of the Lord” will become sight in faith’s eyes even during the heat of affliction.

Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the

“God of Wonders” Radio Broadcast

Fridays at 9:30pm (US EST) 570AM in the NYC Tri-state area and worldwide at WMCA.com

Delight In Jesus 1st Edition

11

IT’S TIME TO CALL ON JESUS

By Esther D. Stephen, Age 9 (2012)

Maggie was a little girl who loved the Lord Jesus very much. She and her best friend Daisy loved to go to school together. She also liked to talk with Daisy on the phone with her mom’s permission. Daisy was a very bright student, who loved to do her school work. One day, Maggie came home from school feeling very hungry.

She had played very hard at recess time and had also helped her team to win at basketball. She ran to her mom and said, “Hi Mom!” “Hi Maggie, how was school today?” asked her Mom. Maggie replied,“ School was good. Mom, I am hungry! Can I have a snack?” Her Mom said, “Sure!” and gave Maggie her favorite: a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!

After finishing her snack, Maggie went to her room and started doing her homework. She had a hard time doing her math homework, and so she thought, “I’d better get help from Daisy. She is good at math, and she’s probably done with her homework by now!” Maggie went to her mom and said, “Mom, I am having trouble with my math homework and I need help. Can I call Daisy? She is good in math, and she will help me.”

Her mom replied, “Go ahead Maggie, but make sure you finish your homework first and then you may play.” Maggie was so happy! She said, “Thanks Mom! I will do my homework with Daisy first and then play.” Maggie ran and picked up her cell phone and called Daisy. “Hi Daisy, this is Maggie! I need your help in doing my math homework.”

As she was speaking, she suddenly lost reception on her phone. Maggie got worried and asked, “Daisy, are you there? I, I am not able to hear you properly.

Hmm... I think I am losing reception.” She walked a little further outside to see if she could get a better signal. Unfortunately, Maggie’s phone battery died. So, Maggie returned to her house to charge her phone.

12

January-March 2022

All of a sudden, the electricity went out! Maggie became very frustrated, and she said, “I’ve got to get my homework done, otherwise my math teacher is going to lower my grade!” Suddenly, she remembered the Bible verse that her mother had taught her the previous week. It was from Jeremiah 33:3.

God said, “Call unto me and I will answer you…” Maggie thought to herself, “I am going to ask God to help me right now!”

Maggie prayed, “Dear Lord, please help me to be able to get in touch with Daisy. I need to get my homework done. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!” As she finished praying, she heard a knock on the door. When she opened the door, she was greatly surprised! It was Daisy! Maggie jumped up and said, “Thank you, Jesus!” Daisy asked Maggie, “Are you okay? What happened?”

Maggie told Daisy all that had happened and how God answered her prayer and brought Daisy right to her, even when the cell phone signal was lost. While they were talking, the electricity came back. Daisy said, “Wow! Jesus truly heard your prayers and He answered. He even caused the electricity to come back so you can finish your homework. Come on, let’s get to work!” But Maggie said, “Wait! We haven’t thanked Jesus for answering my prayers.” Right then, Maggie and Daisy bowed their heads and thanked Jesus. Maggie prayed, “Dear Lord, thank You for hearing my prayer and for surprising me by bringing Daisy to my house to help me with my homework. And thank You for bringing the electricity back, so I can do my homework now with Daisy’s help. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Please pray this prayer with me and God will answer you whenever you need help.

Dear Lord, Please forgive me of all my sins.

Please help me to trust in You always.

Help me to always remember to turn to You when I need help.

Thank You for always being there for me.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

The Happiest Way to Live

By Esther D. Stephen, Age 9 (2012)

God is good Ask Him if you would For anything in His Name He’ll answer...for He’s always the same Just believe Then you’ll receive The answer He will give That’s the happiest way to live!

Delight In Jesus 1st Edition

13

Bible Challenge for

Kids

The Story Of Gideon

By Daniel J. Stephen, Age 11 (2012)

Please read the following Bible passage and answer the Questions on the next page.

Judges Chapter 7:1-22 (NLT) GIDEON DEFEATS THE MIDIANITES 1. So Jerub-baal (that is, Gideon) and his army got up early and went as far as the spring of Harod. The armies of Midian were camped north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh.

2. The LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength.”

3. “Therefore, tell the people, ‘Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain and go home.’” So 22,000 of them went home, leaving only 10,000 who were willing to fight.

4. But the LORD told Gideon, “There are still too many! Bring them down to the spring, and I will test them to determine who will go with you and who will not.”

5. When Gideon took his warriors down to the water, the LORD told him, “Divide the men into two groups. In one group put all those who cup water in their hands and lap it up with their tongues like dogs. In the other group put all those who kneel down and drink with their mouths in the stream.”

6. Only 300 of the men drank from their hands. All the others got down on their knees and drank with their mouths in the stream.

7. The LORD told Gideon, “With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home.”

8. So Gideon collected the provisions and rams’ horns of the other warriors

14

January-March 2022

and sent them home. But he kept the 300 men with him.The Midianite camp was in the valley just below Gideon.

9. That night the LORD said, “Get up! Go down into the Midianite camp, for I have given you victory over them!

10. But if you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah.

11. Listen to what the Midianites are saying, and you will be greatly encouraged. Then you will be eager to attack.” So Gideon took Purah and went down to the edge of the enemy camp.

12. The armies of Midian, Amalek, and the people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts. Their camels were like grains of sand on the seashore—too many to count!

13. Gideon crept up just as a man was telling his companion about a dream.

The man said, “I had this dream, and in my dream a loaf of barley bread came tumbling down into the Midianite camp. It hit a tent, turned it over, and knocked it flat!”

14. His companion answered, “Your dream can mean only one thing—God has given Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite, victory over Midian and all its allies!”

15. When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship before the LORD. Then he returned to the Israelite camp and shouted, “Get up! For the LORD has given you victory over the Midianite hordes!”

16. He divided the 300 men into three groups and gave each man a ram’s horn and a clay jar with a torch in it.

17. Then he said to them, “Keep your eyes on me. When I come to the edge of the camp, do just as I do.

18. As soon as I and those with me blow the rams’ horns, blow your horns, too, all around the entire camp, and shout, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon!’”

19. It was just after midnight, after the changing of the guard, when Gideon and the 100 men with him reached the edge of the Midianite camp. Suddenly, they blew the rams’ horns and broke their clay jars.

20. Then all three groups blew their horns and broke their jars. They held the blazing torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, and they all shouted, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!”

21. Each man stood at his position around the camp and watched as all the Midianites rushed around in a panic, shouting as they ran to escape.

22. When the 300 Israelites blew their rams’ horns, the LORD caused the warriors in the camp to fight against each other with their swords. Those who were not killed fled to places as far away as Beth-shittah near Zererah and to the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath.

Delight In Jesus 1st Edition

15

Now, see if you can find the correct answers without looking back at the passage on the previous page: 1. How many Israelites came to fight the Midianites? a. 25,000 b. 32,000 c. 9,000 d. 23,000

2. Why did God say that there were too many Israelites to fight the enemy? a. Because the Israelites would crush Gideon b. Because the people would claim the victory for themselves, instead of giving God the glory c. Because the people would take a nap in the Midianites’ tents d. Because the people would fight for the torches and golden trumpets

3. How many people did Gideon send home after the two tests? a. 37,000 b. 92,000 c. 14,000 d. 31,700

4. How many men did God choose to take with him to the battle? a. 3600 b. 2000 c. 300 d. 97,600

5. Who did God tell Gideon to take with him to the enemy camp? a. Gehazi b. Purah c. Eliezer d. Elisha

6. What did Gideon and his army take with them to the war? a. Torches, clay pots, and trumpets b. Sling and five smooth stones c. Swords and shields d. 300 foxes with their tails tied in pairs

7. Who won the battle? a. The Midianite army b. The Philistine army c. The Egyptian army d. Gideon’s army

16

January-March 2022

Fun Fact: God gave the Israelites victory over thousands of Midianites

with just 300 men!

Help Gideon and his army find their way to the Midianite camp.

START

FINISH Delight In Jesus 1st Edition

17

Are you facing a fin fi nancial crisis?

Are you or your loved ones addicted to alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, etc.?

Are you or your loved ones going through physical or mental illness?

Do you need healing for broken relationships?

Do you suff ffe er from depression, anxiety, OCD, sleeplessness or thoughts of suicide?

ELBIM CHURCH Scan this QR code Services held at

Deerpark Reformed Church 28 E. Main St. Port Jervis, NY 12771

Jesus Can and Will Do a Miracle For You! Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible, but with God everything is possible.”

- Matthew 19:26

to get in touch with us

Sundays at 1 PM

EL BETHEL INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES CHURCH

“A NON-DENOMINATIONAL CHURCH WHERE JESUS HEALS, DELIVERS AND SAVES”

P.O. Box 137 Port Jervis, NY 12771 Pastor Stephen (845) 360-0534 WWW.ELBIM.ORG

Sunday Service (1pm) Children’s Ministry (After Service) 28 E. Main St. Port Jervis, NY 12771 “Walking with the King” Morning Prayer Monday - Friday at 5:45am (Phone Conference) Dial-in Number: (701) 801-1211 Access Code: 356-285-321 Family Bible Study Tuesdays at 6pm (Video Conference) Young Adults Meeting Wednesdays at 7pm (Video Conference) Life Training School Thursdays at 6pm (Video Conference) “Trailblazers for Christ” Pre-Teens & Teens Fellowship Fridays at 8pm & Saturdays at 9:30am (Video Conference) “Champs for Christ” Children’s Ministry Saturdays at 11am (Video Conference)

18

January-March 2022

“Moms with a Mission” Meeting Saturdays at 8am (Video Conference) Church Fasting Prayer 1st to the 7th of every month at 6pm (Video Conference) “Tested by Fire” Ministers Meeting 5th Thursday of every month at 7pm (Video Conference) “Woman of Wisdom” Women’s Fellowship 2nd Friday of every month (Time and Place TBA) “Heaven on Earth” (Married Couples) 5th Friday of every month (Time and Place TBA) “God’s Man” Men’s Fellowship 4th Saturday of every month (Time and Place TBA) “Parenting God’s Way” 5th Saturday of every month at 7pm (Video Conference)

Delight In Jesus 1st Edition

19

Victory in JESUS!

By Dr. Pradeep Stephen

There is a Name I love to say And in that Sacred Name I pray It has more force than wind or sea Jesus’ Name brings peace to me Love Divine, that bore my shame From His Heart, the Pardon came In His Blood, how great the change!

Sin expelled, no longer same On the Cross, the price was paid On the Lord, my burdens laid Every sickness, weakness, pain

By His Stripes, My Healing gained In the midst of stormy seas Dangerous valleys, dark and deep Changing scenes, uncertanties My soul, my life, He ever keeps

Every sin and fear and doubt Every tear and painful bout Every problem, great or small Jesus’ Name has conquered all!

Drawing from that Sacred Name Glory Light, A Holy Flame Burn in me with endless praise Faithful ever, in His Ways Faithful to His Gospel Plan Loving, serving to the end Victory Crown on Heaven’s Stand Mine from Jesus’ Nail Pierced Hand!

FOR YOUR FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO OUR TRIMONTHLY MAGAZINE, CONTACT US:

EL BETHEL INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES P. O. BOX 137, Port Jervis, NY 12271 USA E-MAIL: contact@ELBIM.org PHONE: (845) 360-0534 Visit us on the web: www.ELBIM.org

TO REQUEST PERMISSION TO REPRINT ANY ARTICLE FROM THIS MAGAZINE, PLEASE E-MAIL OR WRITE TO US. EL Bethel International Ministries is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) (All donations are tax-deductable) © COPYRIGHT 2022 EL BETHEL INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES, NEW YORK, USA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation.

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved.