JONATHANS INTERNATIONAL

 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control"  Gal: 5: 22:23

Periodical publishing spiritually edifying articles, prayer requests etc

Published [E-edition only] by Bible Study Centre; P. O. Box 14, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala 680651; INDIA

EW. 1/2007                                                                                            July 29--Aug 4, 2007

THE NOBLE SOLDIER

T. John Mathew

    A study of the character of Jonathan is useful to all who like to lead a victorious Christian life. It is in the chapters 13, 14, 18, 19, 20 and 31 of the first book of Samuel that we read about him. We find that he was willing to submit himself to the will of God, disregarding all the undesirable consequences that he might have to face.

   In chapter 13 we read that the Philistines, the enemies of Israel had gathered together at Michmash, ready to launch an all out aggression against Israel at any moment. In the next chapter we read that king Saul was unable to provide his people with effective leadership; only six hundred people were with him. The morale of Israel was very low; their king did not know what to do. Now it occurred to Jonathan, son of the king that the God of Israel would save His people from their enemies if they trusted Him. The Spirit of God led him to understand that he would be able to defeat the Philistines and thus glorify his God

   When Jonathan knew for certain that it was God?s will about him that he should go alone unsupported by anyone except his armor bearer to the Philistines? garrison, he acted accordingly and his action enabled all Israel to gain a great victory over the idolatrous Philistines. The faith of one man resulted in the victory of thousands and the glorifying of the name of God in heathen land. This incident described in the Word of God teaches us a very valuable moral lesson: It is very important that we learn the will of God and act accordingly; if we submit ourselves to the Spirit of God we will know the will of God correctly and God will endow us with the necessary abilities to do the work He assigns to us. 

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Sister Mariakutty, Kotteckad, Thrissur, who has undergone chemotherapy for cancer has not fully recovered. Please pray for her.
2. Bro. George T. John, Mannuthy, Thrissur aged 85 is bedridden; kindly pray for him.
3. Sister Vijayamma, wife of Bro. Sasikumar, Thrissur solicits your prayers for her speedy recovery as she is now recuperating after getting the blocks in her artery removed  by the insertion of a stent.
4. Sister Mariamma Mathai, Vadakkencherry, Thrissur is suffering form pain and inflammation on joints after recovering from viral fever. Please pray for her.
5. Thousands of people in Kerala have got their houses damaged in the recent floods and landslides. Kindly pray for them.