It was night. Jesus knew he was going to be betrayed and crucified to bleed and die for the forgiveness of our sins. The heart of his innermost circle of friends were troubled at the news. Their Teacher was saying farewell and about to leave them alone. But Jesus comforted them saying, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”
He rolled out a bundle of certain and sure promises to comfort their troubled minds.
The Promise of a Place
He said that he was going to prepare a place for them. And in his Father’s house are many rooms. And when they are ready he would come back to take them to be where he was.
Here is a true leader. Just at the moment of his greatest test, he calmly tells his disciples of a certain future; the glory through his suffering. You too can look ahead to heaven’s joy in future; and beginning now in your heart.
Therefore, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”
The Promise of a Person
Jesus promised them the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of Truth. So far he was with them. Now that he was going away, it was for their benefit. For the Spirit of God who comes from the Father and he himself was to going to dwell within them. What a glorious promise it was.
God not just near them, God not just with them, God not just for them, but God in them. Yes the Spirit of God has come to dwell in our hearts. You know it by faith and can experience the living presence of Jesus today for real through the Spirit of God.
Jesus told them that he will not leave them orphans without anyone to take care of them, teach them, or guide them. The Holy Spirit would be their Comforter, Helper, Counselor, Guide, and Friend. He will be someone truly like Jesus who is called alongside to help like an Advocate pleading their cause.
He will make Jesus real to them like they used to know him while he was alive and was with them. So Jesus will no longer be absent but will be real to each one of them anytime anywhere. So also believe this promise is for you too today.
Therefore, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”
The Promise of Answers to Prayer
Jesus promised them that they will know answers to prayer. There will be joy. For God the Father himself loved them. And he told them that the world will hate them because they loved him. And their path forward will also involve a lot of suffering and hardships.
But it all had a purpose. That of pruning. God will make use of suffering and hardships to remove what is hindering their close walk with God in their lives. Jesus told them that God wanted to make them fruitful. And pruning was essential for that. Answers to their prayers and yours too would be part of this fruitfulness to bring praise to God.
Therefore, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”
The Promise of Joy
Jesus promised his disciples joy. He told them that if they remain in his love they will obey his commands. And when his words remained in them, it will help them remain in him. This will give them his own joy so that their joy and yours may be full as you maintain a personal intimate relationship with him.
He told them that their grief of temporarily not seeing him because of his upcoming crucifixion will turn to joy when they see him again in resurrection power and glory. Their hearts will rejoice then and no one will take away their joy. He further encouraged them to pray, to ask in his name and receive so that their joy and yours too might be full.
Therefore do not let your hearts be troubled.
The Promise of I AM
But at the beginning the disciples were confused about where Jesus was going to. So one of them asked him about the way. Jesus gave an emphatic answer to that: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Here is true leadership communication. Clarity and conviction and courage to declare it.
At the end of his farewell speech, light dawns in the hearts of his disciples. And they said they now believed in him. Jesus says, “You believe at last.” The absolute certainty of his mission reflected in his words. That helped the disciples believe. You too can place your entire confidence in Jesus, in his words and the blood he shed on the cross for you.Therefore do not let your hearts be troubled.
The Promise of Peace
Jesus ended that speech by once again reminding the disciples that in this world they will have trouble. But his peace he promised them. Oh, how much his peace is needed today. Peace because our minds are constantly troubled by fear, worry, anxiety and about what will happen tomorrow. Let the gift of the peace of Jesus surround your hearts and minds today.
“Peace I leave with you: my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27).
Therefore do not let your hearts be troubled.
Featured image courtesy: Photo by Rakicevic Nenad
This article is based on Jesus’ Farewell Speech on the night of the Last Supper when he was betrayed. Found in the Gospel of John Chapters 14, 15 and 16. In this talk, he introduces God the Holy Spirit in very loving and intimate way whom he would soon send to be making a dwellling in the hearts of his disciples and followers.
She came to the well at noon. A foreigner who had no cultural ties with their people was sitting at the well. He asked her: “Will you give me a drink?” This was a conversation starter. And it changed her life. It helped her to understand her thirst was not just about water but about finding a higher purpose in life.
What is Jesus asking you today? Are you listening? He is not asking something fantastic from you. May be it is a simple request like, “Will you give me a drink?” How will you respond?
Objections Met with a Promise
The woman had objections. A male teacher called Rabbi generally never talked to woman alone in public. But here he was bypassing traditional norms. She also pointed to the fact that his race and her people never did mix with each other. Yet Jesus persisted in asking her questions.
Then Jesus promised her something. Jesus told her if she knew the gift of God and who is it that was speaking to her she would have asked him and he would have given her living water.
She totally lost the intent of that statement. For she looked at the depth of the well and seeing nothing in Jesus’ hand to draw water with said: “Where then do You get this living water?”
Oh, yes, when Jesus speaks you think of earthly things but he has eternal things in mind. “Will you give me a drink?” is to ask you not for a favour but to help you to climb higher in life, look at the state of your heart, realize how much you are in spiritual poverty without a personal relationship with God.
Jesus also told her that: “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
Trying to Avoid that Difficult Question
Soon the conversation led to her personal life. It made her uncomfortable. For she did not have a clear answer to what Jesus said next: “Go, call your husband and come back.”
So she tried to divert the conversation using a high-sounding argument about where to worship and which is the right place to worship and so on?
Hey, when Jesus is asking you something, yes something that touches your point of pain, struggle, or shame; have you not tried to send the conversation in another direction?
Jesus did not condemn the woman for her stained past. But was simply pointing to her that there is only one thing that can truly satisfy the longings of her heart. A meeting, an encounter, and a personal faith in the Saviour of the world—Jesus the Christ. This is what Jesus referred to as living water which will result in an overflowing life, that is eternal life.
Jesus Knows What Is Happening in Your Life
She had come to the well at noon. Probably to avoid being seen by people to avoid social contact. Yet God has kept a time to meet with you to change your direction and the destiny of your life. This encounter with Jesus left her without doubt for Jesus revealed to her what was truly happening in her life.
The power of this encounter is the value that Jesus placed on one soul; on someone who had a past she was not proud of; a present which was not morally right; and a future which might not have held any hope of anything better.
Jesus is willing to reach out to you right now beyond your objections and gift you with eternal life no matter what religious, cultural, economical, moral, or political background you are from.
She left her water jar at the well. And went to her town. She told the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did.” The people came to Jesus as a result of her words. “Will you give me a drink?” was just a conversation starter. Are you planning to hear what else and more Jesus is saying to you now!
This Sunday Sermonettes Newsletter article is based on Jesus’ enounter with the Samaritan woman recorded in John’s Gospel Chapter 4 verses 1 to 42
We all face problems. And they are real. Financial crunch, broken relationships, career choices, family needs, sickness, misunderstanding, rejection, personal failures, wrong habits, and mental health might be a few of them. And as time passes and solutions don’t come by they loom bigger in our eyes.
And sometimes fear creeps in. Along with worry and anxiety about the future. Does that describe you?
There is nothing to be ashamed about it if it does. We are human beings capable of making things look bigger than they are. It is a problem of focus.
If we keep our eyes focused on the problem, they start to grow. And in that process, they can kill our creativity and faith in God and the ability to take the initiative to solve the problem.
To be honest, not all problems have easy solutions. But to change your perspective on the problems you can do a few things.:
Focus on God
One, focus on God who is bigger than all your problems. Forget about whether your prayer is answered or not forget about whether nobody is helping you or not, and forget about who is against you. God is bigger than all these.
He calls each star by name by his great might and wisdom. He counts the hairs of your head. Look to him. He is bigger than you problems.
That is what the boy David did when he faced the giant Goliath. So you also focus on God who is BIG, much bigger than all your big problems.
Praise and Thank Him
Two, start to praise and thank God. You might not feel like doing so. And you might be angry that I suggest that you praise God in your worst nightmare situation when you are neck deep in your muddy problem pit.
It is a way of telling God that you trust him to take care of the solution and also manage the consequences of mistakes you have made. So praise and thank him in spite of not feeling like doing so.
Ask for Wisdom
Three, know that God is ever-willing to guide. He knows your past, is in control of your present, and is seeing what the future holds for you. And he can make all things work together for good in your problematic situation.
But you need to ask for wisdom. It is sad that we often neglect the simple task of asking. God is delighted when you ask him, especially when you ask with a child-like faith that he will answer your prayers.
As a true child of God, washed and cleansed by the blood of Jesus, you need not doubt when you ask for wisdom. God will guide you with his eye upon you and will show you the best way to move forward.
Trust in God’s Grace
Four, when Apostle Paul prayed to God to have some difficulty in his life removed, Jesus answered him in an unexpected way. Paul called it a thorn in the flesh. We don’t know what exactly it was.
But the answer Jesus gave is true and a sure source of confidence each one of us can rely on. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).”
That means that God’s strength is always there to sustain you in the midst of your problems and he is there to help you when you are weak through his almighty power.
Your problems might not disappear but God’s grace will help you to depend on God daily and come out strong from your negative and acidic situations in life.
What a huge heart-cry this is. King David realizing his great sins against God is crying out. He simply says he cannot clean his own heart.
When you and I realize that the cleansing of the heart is an impossibility; it is then that we cry out to God to do it for us. The Bible promises that when we confess our sins to God he is true to his word to cleanse our hearts by the precious blood of his Son Jesus shed on the cross.
Whatever your heart’s condition is, God is open to your cry of “Create in me a clean heart O God.” For this prayer means you know that your very best is just like filthy rags before God. It means you know that the very best of you will smell like rotten eggs before God.
The blazing light of God’s holiness shows you the true ugliness in your heart. So why not choose to cry out to God instead of coating your heart with flimsy “I am good enough” whitewash that will peel off in crispy flakes when the sun burns hot.
A new heart is God’s gift to you with the possibility of a brand new beginning in life. It gives you new attitudes, a new hope, and a new direction in life. A new heart will also help you to say No to wrong choices that you are confronted with each day.
The Bible speaks of a heart of stone that is unresponsive to the loving ways of God. It also talks of a heart of flesh that God is willing to give. It can respond to God’s love, remain soft and pliable in the hands of God.
God does not despise a broken heart. When you are truly sorry deep in your heart, God will not refuse you this prayer.
With so much garbage being thrown at you and me through our mobiles through social media through conversations and suggestions, we all need to cry out this prayer, “Create in me a clean heart O God.” If that prayer is truly desperate God will certainly answer that cry.
No firewall, no filter, no jammer, is good enough to prevent the garbage trucks from dumping its filthy contents into our hearts each day. So cry out to God in all sincerity and in truth, “Create in me a clean heart O God.”
Jesus was kept busy all the time. People crowded around him to listen to him and often with a desire to get healed. Luke the doctor-historian in his gospel records, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16). That was Jesus’ method of getting a recharge. He took time off from his busy schedule to talk to his heavenly Father. It was a deliberate choice he made to meet the challenges of each day.
If the Son of God as man on earth needed this recharge everyday; how can we dare to neglect talking to our heavenly Father! We often miss the blessing of this recharge for at least 3 reasons:
#1 Fear
One, fear. We fear God like we fear a strict school teacher. That is not what Jesus taught about his heavenly Father. Jesus said, the Father himself loves us. And through the blood of Jesus shed on the cross we have access to God 24 x 7. The Bible teaches us to approach God boldly with freedom and confidence.
#2 Doubts
Two, doubts. We have so many doubts about God, about faith, about prayer, about so many things. Be honest with God with your doubts. The best person to take your doubts to is God himself. Tell him all that is in your mind. He will listen and guide you with his wisdom.
#3 Focus on Answers
Three, focus on answers. We think of prayer as a transaction to get something from God. Far from it. It is an opportunity to talk to him about anything and everything that concerns you. God knows what you need before you ask him. Then why is the necessity to pray? Because he loves you, his child. And he is desiring you to spend time with him. So enjoy the process of prayer.
Accomplish More Through Recharging in Prayer
The more time you take to recharge yourself in God’s presence, the greater energy and enthusiasm you will have to do your duties and responsibilities. You will carry a bit of heaven, a bit of love, joy, and peace when you go about your tasks each day.
God will carry your burdens because you took time to recharge. He will also gift you with courage to face your challenges. He will give an assurance in your heart even before the answer to your prayers come by.
So, if you are truly busy and have got much things to do and accomplish, the best preparation is to get to a quiet place by yourself and pray to your heavenly Father. Do recharge every day!
Just Like Your Mobile, Your Car, or the Food You Eat
Just like you recharge your mobiles, just like you fill fuel in your car or bike, just like you eat food each day, you need God’s guidance and wisdom and strength each day to carry out your responsibilities. Of course, there are people who can do it in their own strength. But the wise people do it by recharging themselves through time spent talking with God and listening to him.
Let us also follow Jesus’ example of finding a quiet time and place to talk with God and find God’s ever-present help to meet the challenges of each new day.; from sunrise to sunset and from dusk to dawn.
God selects you not because of your accomplishments but looking at what you will become as you trust in Jesus. He knows that you might fail at certain moments. Yet he will use those very failures to polish you and refine you first.
God does not choose you because you are wise by the world’s standards. He often selects the foolish things of the world. He is willing to invest in you who is insignificant and small in the measure of this world.
God is not impressed with your outward appearances. He looks at your heart and weighs your motives. In other words, he is not going to recruit you because you can smile well, or you are smart and talented, or have superior education. But he is looking for character; a heart that loves God.
God’s Selection Process
God often gives you opportunities to serve as second fiddle to someone before elevating you to positions of leadership. He looks for people who serve joyfully and with humility. After they prove themselves reliable, trustworthy, and faithful in little things, God exalts them to offices of trust and gives them honour.
The path that God chooses to take you through will sometimes involve periods of loneliness, misunderstanding, hardship, suffering, and rejection by those close to you. This is the testing phase which is really tough to endure. Often he leaves us in the dark and the only option when all visible support and encouragement fails is to trust him in faith.
This process is hard because we are not told when God will shine the light in our path. This process is difficult because God seems not to be present in our distress and despair. This process is tough because our prayers seem to be swallowed in a black hole and God remains silent.
God Has Your Future in Mind
But if you are his child, washed by the blood of Jesus, you can be assured that he holds your hand, is guiding you continually, and has your highest good in mind. He knows when to make you pass through the fire to burn away your impurities; and when to walk along with you through the fire and bring you through.
The future he has in mind for you can come only through preparing you through such a process. And when his time is right; suddenly he will showcase you. He has now made you skilled for the work he has in mind for you and you will stand before kings and not before unknown people. Cheer up, for you are now taking part in God’s placement drive, and he will lift up your head in due time.
It is amazing what God thinks of you when you are his child. You are God’s child when you trust that Jesus shed his blood on the cross for the forgiveness of your sins.
God Does Not See You as a Failure
When you think that you are a failure, God does not despise you. He does not give up on you. He does not break you and throw you away. He does not stamp out your flickering flame. Instead he looks at ways to fan into flame the smallest hope you have in him. He looks to make you strong.
God Rejoices Over You with Singing
Is a deep friendship with God possible? Yes over the years. For God rejoices over you with singing. That speaks of his delight in you. His love for you cannot be measured. It is not because of what you do for him, but because you have put your trust in Jesus.
God Is Not Measuring You by Your Past Mistakes
Is God thinking on your past and measuring you by your past failures? No. He wants you to get up each time you have fallen. He wishes that you lean on him more and more. Better still, ask him to hold you by his right hand of might and power.
God Overrules Your Wrong Choices
What if you have made foolish decision and choices! It might have hurt his heart. But even those cannot prevent God from doing you good. For God has a plan and purpose for you. Your mistakes can hinder the plan, derail it, delay it; but can never destroy it as long as you humble yourself before God and seek his face.
The Spirit of God Is Active in Your Life Now
The Spirit of God is hovering over the darkness in your life at the moment. He is mighty to save. He will act on your behalf and command his light to shine. Why? Because God is not the author of chaos but instead he creates praise on the lips of mourners. Yes, God delights in you. He will give you honour and comfort you once again.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9
When Jesus died on the cross shedding his innocent blood for our sins; something supernatural happened. It is recorded in Matthew 27:51. “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” God thus threw open for us access to him.
It means that you now have access to the throne of God 24 x 7. You are loved by God when you love Jesus and it is always, welcome, come in.
Symbol of Separation
The curtain in the temple was huge. It was, according to Jewish sources, approximately 60 feet hight and 30 feet wide and 3 inches thick. Only once a year the High Priest could enter in behind the curtain with the burning of incense and sprinkling of innocent animals’ blood.
After the death of Jesus, the Holy Spirit revealed that the curtain represented the body of Jesus (see Hebrews 10:19, 20). And when Jesus’ body was broken on the cross for our sins, through his blood a new and living way of hope was thrown open to us.
Through this way we can enter the presence of God always. You are always welcome there.
You Are Always Welcome
What a privilege it is to have access to God at all times. Wherever you are right now, even as you read this, can you say, “Abba Father God, my dearest Daddy, I come to your presence by the precious blood of Jesus.” That’s all you need to know and say. You are then welcomed into his presence.
Don’t look at your insignificance. Don’t look at your sins, failures, and mistakes. Don’t trust in your goodness, your knowledge, or good deeds. Simply trust in the blood of Jesus to gain access. And just enjoy the presence of God. He is ever waiting to welcome you and enjoy your companionship.
Jesus and His Blood Speaks for You
And what can you tell him. Anything that is in your heart and mind. He is willing to listen. Is there any need for formal language? No. The blood of Jesus is sufficient to speak for you and on your behalf. And God honours the blood of Jesus above everything else. That is why prayers in his name are answered.
Will you take a moment to step into the presence of God right now with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith that you are most welcome there? Be confident. Do not fear, “for perfect love drives out fear.” Jesus is always there to speak on your behalf. So go in!
Featured image courtesy: Photo by Monica Silvestre on Pexels
When he was born, wise men saw his star and came from the east to worship him and present him with gifts. They knew that he was born king.
After he had performed the miracle of feeding the five thousand with five loaves and two small fish, the people tried to make him king by force. He withdrew from them.
For his kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. And his rule was not to be established by armies and show of power.
Instead at the appointed time and prophetic hour he chose to ride to Jerusalem on a donkey signifying a peaceful conquest of hearts. We call that Palm Sunday.
The people hailed him as king with joyful shouts of “Hosanna.” But he knew that in a few days’ time the same crowds would cry out, “Crucify him.”
Yet he rode to Jerusalem with people waving palm branches and children shouting accepting the truth that he is king the expected Messiah or Saviour or Deliverer or the Anointed One.
Even Pilate the Roman Governor while he was questioning Jesus during the trial exclaimed, “You are a king, then!” The answer was Yes. But Pilate did not understand that Jesus’ kingdom was not of this world.
And when Jesus died on the cross Pilate had an inscription above him which said Jesus was king.
This king is asking in all humilty, “Do you truly love me?” If the answer is”Yes,” you have crowned him king in your heart. And love for him enables you to obey his commands.
And he will reign. Lord God Almighty. Forever. Hallelujah. For he is King of kings and Lord of Lords. Amen.
–Featured image courtesy: Clker-Free-Vector-Images on Pexels
Simon was an experienced fisherman of the Sea of Galilee. But this time his boat was empty. He had toiled hard all night. But he and his friends caught nothing.
At this point in time Jesus, because people were crowding around him, stepped into Simon’s boat. He asked him to put out a little from shore and talked to the crowds.
The Call to Launch Out into the Deep
At the end of it he asked Simon to cast the nets into the deep for a catch.
Simon told Jesus of their hard work all night and they had caught nothing. But still he added that because Jesus said so he will put down his nets once more.
Two Things to Remember: Who Is Commanding and Obey
There might be nothing to show for all your hard work. You might be discouraged because your boat is empty. But there are two things you can remember.
One, who is the One stepping into your empty boat. He is not just the Carpenter of Nazareth but God himself.
Two, listen to what he is asking you to do. It might not make sense at first look. But as Simon obeyed, why not choose to obey what he is asking you to do.
The Miracle: Huge Catch and Self-Awareness
The miracle that followed was amazing. There was a huge catch of fish. But the greater miracle was that Simon called Peter knelt before Jesus and said: “Go away from me Lord; I am a sinful man.”
Jesus tells him not to be afraid and tells him that he has a greater calling in life. To win the hearts of people for Jesus. He was called to fish for men.
Empty Boat Becomes Full Only to Make Way for a Greater Calling
An empty boat after all your toil and hard work is discouraging. But it might be the right condition for Jesus to step in to your empty boat and do a miracle.
Who knows, he might show you what your true calling in life is!
It was the time we had planned to prayerfully celebrate the 85th birthday of Bishop Jesudasan (February 14, 2010) with family members. I then had a desire to publish a Coffee Table Book that would compile photographs capturing the most significant and finest moments of the Bishop’s life and ministry. I thought it would serve as an inspiration for future generations.
For several days, I visited him at his home, trying to understand and document the defining moments of his official life.
During one such conversation, Bishop Jesudasan mentioned that during the LMS (London Missionary Society | Later renamed the Council for World Mission) bicentenary celebration in London in 1995, around the theme “Dare to Dream,” only three people were given the opportunity to speak at a special gathering. during the event. One of them was Queen Elizabeth of England. Another was Bishop Desmond Tutu, representing the African continent. And the third was Bishop Jesudasan, representing the Asian continent.
With great enthusiasm I asked my Uncle, “Do you have a photograph of that moment?”
His response deeply disappointed me: “Hey, we don’t go there to speak while thinking about taking photos!”
A man who never sought to preserve even a single photograph to showcase his own greatness—that was Bishop Jesudasan!
Bishop Jesudasan
Bishop Jesudasan. That was how people lovingly called the late Most Rev. Dr. I. Jesudasan, who exhibited excellence in leadership in his ministry during his tenure as member of the Central Committee of World Council of Churches (WCC) (1983-1991), as Deputy Moderator (1980-’81) and then Moderator of the Church of South India (CSI) for three consecutive terms (1982 to 1988), and as the 3rd Bishop of South Kerala Diocese for 17 years regarded as the golden period in its history (1973 to 1990).
It was a period of holistic growth—spiritual, material, and social—for the diocese. Bishop Jesudasan, who exhibited brilliant and exceptional leadership in his ministry, led this growth from the front.”
Bejoy Peter delivering sermon on the occasion of the 100th birthday of Bishop Jesudasan
The sermon I had the joy, honour, and privilege of delivering on the occasion of the 100th birthday of Bishop Jesudasan, my Uncle, at the St. Luke’s CSI Church, Kariyilthottam, Amaravila, a village in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday 16th February 2025, focused on the prayer life of Bishop Jesudasan. This church stands where his ancestral home had been and as his last wish it was deeded to the diocese to. build a church.
Excellence in Servant Leadership
Bishop Jesudasan considered himself a servant of Jesus. That is what is name means in his native tongue Malayalam. He found courage in the words of St. Paul, “We are fools for Christ” (1 Cor. 4:10). He showed no interest whatsoever in gaining anything for himself or acquiring fame. He never sought honour for himself. But God exalted this ordinary man, a humble servant of God, in extraordinary ways. Positions and honours sought him out.
Yet in spite of all that we consider his phenomenal achievements in church leadership, ecumenical and social standing; he asked that his tombstone bear the words from the Gospel of Luke (17:10). And also inscribe the words “An unworthy servant of the Lord, falls into they loving hands” along with it.
Bishop Jesudasan’s tombstone in M. M. Church Cemetry, LMS Compoiund, Thiruvananthapuram.
Excellence in Democratic Leadership
During his tenure as Bishop, he always gave space to everyone who had something to say, allowing them to share their opinions on the topic under discussion. He came to meetings well-prepared on the agenda items and listened attentively to those who held opposing views.
After everyone had their say, he would finally rise to speak. If someone attempted to interrupt him at that moment, he remained firm and, with decisive authority, declared, “Now the Bishop is speaking.” Those who tried to heckle him would then recognize his true leadership and settle down.
The Writing on the Wall of Time | Fiery Words
When he was the Moderator of the CSI (Church of South India), during a Synod (the highest decision-making body) meeting, some strongly argued that bishops should not retire. They reasoned that, like in other church denominations, CSI bishops should remain in office until death, as this would bring a sense of permanence to the role of a bishop. A heated, intense vocal debate ensued. What brought this debate to a decisive conclusion was the historic response given by Bishop Jesudasan.
Bishop Jesudasan. with his firmness and insight, spoke words that can be called the “writing on the wall of time”—fiery words worth noting:
“Are you permanent? Am I permanent? None of us is permanent.”
Later, in a private conversation, Bishop Jesudasan reflected on this decision, saying, “We must step aside for the new generation. Only they can move forward at the pace that the times demand.”
Excellence in Professional Leadership
He brought a sense of professionalism and a sense of purpose to the meetings he chaired. He never wasted time, was always punctual, and brought discipline to the meetings by conducting them in a business like fashion. After his demise, the then Moderator of the CSI remarked about “the presence of God he brought into every meeting.”
It was his daily habit of early morning quiet times with God in reading the Bible and prayer that helped him bring this kind of a godly leadership to all meetings. His private time with God gave him the professional edge in public life.
Excellence in Community Leadership
Bishop Jesudasan knew that a vast majority of the people God had called him to shepherd were poor, downtrodden and marginalized. His heart was always with them. Even the political leadership of the Indian State of Kerala irrespective of ideologies knew that his heart beat with the thoughts of helping the poor and brining them social justice.
He was gentle like a lamb and always approachable to the least among the people whom he served. But he was like a lion when he championed their cause for justice and spoke against all kinds of corruption within the church.
Excellence in Ecumenical Leadership
Jesus had prayed that his disciples be united in love, “That they all may be one (John 17:21 which is the motto of the Church of South India as well).” Bishop Jesudasan was always looking forward to making this prayer real and tangible by brining denominations together. He always relied on the Spirit of God to bring about this unity among God’s people. He truly championed that the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Ref. Romans 14:17).
There were several initiatives he took to make this unity happen at the grassroots level. Even today his ecumenical vision and farsightedness is held in high esteem. He maintained a warm and cordial relationship with the heads of other denominations and he was invited to many meetings organized by people of other faiths too.
Excellence in Spiritual Leadership
Bishop Jesudasan was a man of compassion and someone who would weep with the broken hearted. I have heard people describe him as an angel of God who visited them in their time of pain and suffering. His prayers had a tone of familiarity with God addressing him “You,” with reverence and adoration in simple childlike words.
He had a faithful habit of interceding with God for the personal needs of individuals, families, and churches. He observed a fast every Friday. Many were blessed through the fruit of his heartfelt prayers and tears on their behalf.”
His prayers echoed the praises of God. In crises, he stood firm and unshaken. and was often heard saying: “Praise be to Jesus,” and “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift (Jesus)! His often repeated prayer was: “May the love of God that shone through Jesus on the cross . . .”
He authored many books and wrote many essays that showed his deep understanding of Scripture. He believed that when God’s people aligned themselves with God’s purposes the Spirt of God would move and transform not just individuals and families but entire communities.
An Anecdote
Let me share a radiant childhood memory of Bishop Jesudasan. One day, a group of about 20 people comprising of elders, women, and children arrived in a vehicle to meet him at the Bishop’s House located in the LMS compound. From their appearance, I felt they were from a poor church in a rural background.
After they had spoken with him about the purpose of their visit, the Bishop invited them into a small room inside. I, too, followed them in. Then, drawing aside a curtain, the Bishop revealed the interior of the room and said to them, “This is my prayer room.”
As I looked inside, I saw that the room contained only a table, a chair, a Bible, and a mat. I don’t know why, but that moment has remained vividly in my mind even after forty years.
Looking back at that moment now, I realize how profoundly the Bishop upheld the power of prayer without making any effort to highlight any of his achievements in life.
Excellence in Cross-centred Theological Leadership
Bishop Jesudasan championed the truth that God had opened a new and living way through the blood of Jesus shed on the cross through which we could approach God (Hebrews 10:19, 20), find forgiveness of sins, and also reconciliation between God and men. He also believed that the victory over all evil is possible through the cross of Jesus and the love of God on exhibit there. He spoke passionately about how God came near to us in Jesus, the Word of God become flesh, human just like us.
His theology was cross-centred and people focused. This vision helped Bishop Jesudasan show great trust in God on one hand and be near to the people he shepherded with an empathetic and loving heart. He believed that God “leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him” (2 Corinthians 2:14).
ഒരാളായിരുന്ന
Excellence in The Voice of Leadership
Bishop Jesudasan had the grace of God lighting up his face. As a speaker he did not possess charisma in the way that word is popularly understood. Yet his sermons are remembered for their depth, clarity of thought, and grounding in God’s Word. Kindly see the analysis of his famous sermon, The Feast of Life, delivered at Vancouver Canada in 1983. As he had no vested interests—only the common good of the people he led—the political leadership of the State listened to his opinions with respect.
Excellence in Leadership in Team Building
Bishop Jesudasan was not a one-man show. He understood that culture can only be taught as it was lived out by the top church leadership.
Therefore, he found people of integrity and having a track record of excellence in their own respective fields and brought them to key roles in the church administration and activities. This teamwork was crucial to his success in leading the people. And he was very conscious of the contribution of every one of them. He was very particular about keeping personal relationships and rejoiced in the achievements of others. He encouraged everyone with his smiling face and words of appreciation.
The words he chose for his farewell speech as he stepped down from leadership truly reflect his philosophy of team work: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” (Words of St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:7).
Excellence in Leadership in Modelling Self-Introspection
Bishop Jesudasan had a manner of conduct that was dignified exhibiting a true knowledge of the Chair he occupied and elevating its stature in the eyes of all. This was more than evident in the way he made the CSI Moderator’s post an honoured one with his reputation of integrity and godly leadership. The more God exalted him in leadership roles, the more he humbled himself before God.
One of his unforgettable habits was to take a day off from all activities on 5th of August, the day he was consecrated as Bishop and spend the day in prayer reviewing and reflecting on whether he is staying true to the call of God in his life.
The cross was his touchstone. In one of his articles he wrote:
“Those who are respected as the best in society must examine themselves before the cross of Jesus Christ to realize how great sinners they are.”
(Christava Deepika: July 2010 Article titled: The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and God’s Church—A Bird’s Eye View). His excellence in leadership was that he was willing to do this self-introspection standing in front of the cross of Jesus before he preached to others.
“Jesus, how beautiful is Your form to my eyes!
Make me, Your disciple, wholly like You.”
യേശുവേ നിന്റെ രൂപമീയെന്റെ
കണ്ണുകൾക്കെത്ര സൗന്ദര്യം
ശിഷ്യനാകുന്ന എന്നെയും നിന്നെ-
പ്പോലെയാക്കണം മുഴുവൻ.
The 282nd song from the Malayalam Hymn Book, which he particularly loved, was one he insisted the choir sing on his 85th birthday. This can be understood as a continuation of his practice of self-introspection:
Excellence in His Leadership Legacy
The legacy he left behind is that even today his name is spoken with great admiration as he had exhibited a life of humility (living in his small cottage in later years) even while he walked with dignity along with the great men of his times. Even today he is spoken of as a role model whom we can look up to and emulate.
He was a man faithful to God’s call on his life till the very last. He prayerfully continued to serve the people even after retirement from office.
He looked to the face of Jesus all his life and that look transformed his life from a lump of coal in obscurity and poverty to that of the enduring shine and brilliance of a diamond. In the words of many, “he was a saint and during his earthly life he truly reflected Jesus.”
Bishop’s Cottage where Bishop Jesudasan lived after his retirement.
Bishop Jesudasan–Positions Held, Books Authored. പ്രവാചകദൗത്യം was published in 2013 while he was on his deathbed.
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At some point in life each one of us might have asked this question, “Has God forgotten me?” We ask this question during the difficult times in our life.
The first thought is that delay to God’s answers to your prayers are no indication that God has forgotten you. Often, in the waiting period, when you see-saw between hope and despair, God is preparing you to receive the goodness he has kept in store for you.
Secondly, God has promised not to forget you. And he does not lie. He never fails to keep his promises. He has said that it is highly unlikely for a mother to forget her new born baby. God says, even if she forgets, I will not forget you.
Thirdly, God is teaching you to walk by faith during those times you think that God has forgotten you. When God seems absent, the path ahead might look dark and threatening. Your friends might fall to help you. But your faith does not depend on sight. You learn to take one step at a time in hope.
Again, many times it is written in the Bible, “God remembered” someone. Does that mean God had forgotten them? No. God remembered is an expression which means the season for God to act in their lives had then come. And suddenly things begin to move in their lives swiftly.
Now, does your complaint that God has forgotten you make you an unbeliever? No. It simply tells us how weak we are and how much ẁe need to learn to depend on God to live our lives. God is bigger than we think and he does not find fault with your honest doubt, “Has God Forgotten me?”
One of the things that helps you rise above despair is looking back on your past and seeing how God has helped you. Think about how God took care of your needs during the very difficult situations in your life. He is the same God and changes not. He will not forget you. He will surely come to your help.
Into this brokenness there walks in someone who was himself rejected, despised, wounded, bruised and forsaken.
To those who find it difficult to forgive themselves, he says, “Your sins are forgiven.” To those who are rejected, he opens his arms wide like when they were stretched out on the cross.
After all, at the end of the day, you need someone who understands; don’t you? Do not shun him thinking you are beyond help. There is no one else like him who comes to your help when you are hurting.
He never said, “I love you!” But Love was never on exhibit more plainly than when he was lifted up on the cross. He bled for you that you may belong to him. His promise to you is not an easy life but his presence with you in your troubles.
Yes dear friend, he walks in when everyone else has rejected you and walked out on you. His name is Jesus. He is your glorious hope who will make life shine bright once again for you.
Featured images courtesy: Collage of images by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke, Вероника Сбитнева, Nick_the_Photographer, Foundry Co, Alexandra_Koch by Pixabay.
I remember the emotion I felt when I read the first five books of the Bible for the first time. The realization that I stand in front of a holy God hit me with full force then.
Often we think of God as God is love. That is true. But the one unique thing about God is that he is holy.
I have no clue how to describe the holiness of God. In simple terms, he is separate from us because of his holiness. Glory, splendour, majesty, worship, awesome, beauty, unapproachable light; are all words that are associated with his holiness.
God’s Holiness is Incomparable
Often we compare ourselves with others and think, “I am better than him or her.” But God is inviting us to be holy like him. And it is impossible by any human effort.
Why? When Moses, who twice spent time with God forty days and nights on a mountain, asked God to show him God’s glory; he was told: “You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
Prophet Isaiah, likewise, had a vision of God seated on his throne and heavenly angels calling out to one another non-stop in his presence:
“Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
His response as he cried out was: “Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips.”
Simon Peter, who was a disciple of Jesus, had his first encounter with Jesus when his fishing boat was empty after a hard night’s toil in the sea of Galilee. Jesus told him to put his nets into deep water and there was a huge and miraculous catch of fish. Then Peter fell at Jesus’ knees and said: “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man.”
All these examples show us that not one of us qualifies to stand before God. The Bible says that all our righteous acts, which means all the good deeds that we do, are like filthy rags or really dirty clothes before God. They cannot earn us our salvation.
God’s Holiness Will Search Us Out
As we stand before God, his light will bring out all the hidden things in our heart and mind—even those things, minute things, that we might have forgotten. There is no escape. Every single thought; every single word; every act that we did will all be shown for what they truly are:
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
Can we stand before this holy God? No. There is a huge separation between God and us because of his holiness and because of our sinfulness.
God’s Holiness Demands Sacrifice of Sinless Blood
Therefore God himself made a way for us to approach him. He sent Jesus as a human being to bleed on the cross and die for all the sins that we have committed. As we look to Jesus and accept the truth that he died for you and me; God cleanses us from all our sins by his blood.
How is that possible? It is because Jesus lived a sinless life. And the sacrifice of his broken body and blood has all the merit in the world to give us the right to come before God without fear. For the Bible says,
“And without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
And since Jesus shed his sinless blood for you; that is the only way we can go to God who is holy. He is inviting us to be holy like he is. As you look at your own sins; you might feel like giving up because being holy is impossible. But God is coming near to you in Jesus; loving you and accepting you just as you are.
God Is Commanding You and Me to Be Holy like He Is
But he won’t leave you just as you are today. He will work on you and put in your heart a desire to be holy like Jesus. And he will also make you holy like him.
That is why the Bible calls us to repent of our sins. In popular terms, it is like making a U-turn from the wrong way and moving on in the right way.
As we walk on the roads, dust and other dirt will definitely stick to us. And therefore we take a bath everyday. It is the blood of Jesus that washes us clean every moment from all sin in our lives so that we too can share in God’s holiness.
It is a process; and not just a one-time event. So the bible asks us to purify and cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. So let us fear God and shun all evil and constantly increase in desire to be holy like God.
“I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.”
This Day Choose to be positive in spite of setbacks and disappointments that have come your way.
This Day Choose to lend a helping hand to someone who needs your presence or encouraging words even when you are hurting within.
This Day Choose hope even when all your circumstances make it look like you are alone without help in a desert.
This Day Choose to stand with the truth though it is painful even when it seems easy to speak a lie and get away with it.
This Day Choose to show mercy to others about whom many are speaking slander and gossip.
This Day Choose to love your loved ones even when they are unlovable in their attitudes, words, and actions.Yes, it is all a choice.
We choose to love God or reject him. We choose to bless with our words or wound with our tongue. We choose life or we choose death with the choices we make. We choose what is of the earth and passing away or we choose what is eternal and lasting forever.
If we don’t choose; we do by habit what we chose the first time when confronted with choices. So change your choices.
Thus change your habits. Thereby, change your life and destiny.
“Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.”
Respected Teachers and my dear friends,
Today as I speak on the pleasures of reading, the first thought that comes to my mind is from Francis Bacon. As he said, reading is like tasting and enjoying your favourite food. It gives immense pleasure. As food nourishes your body; reading refreshes and strengthens your mind.
The second pleasure of reading is that of knowledge. Reading exposes our mind to different cultures and languages of the world. It is through reading that we connect with people across the world and participate in their lives drama; through their sorrows and joys; their despair and dreams.
The third pleasure of reading is that of inspiration. Biographies of great men and women tell us that most of them became great because of the inspiration they got from reading books especially during their childhood days. So also, as we read, our minds are ignited with hope and courage, with cheer and determination to make our lives count and leave footprints on the sands of time.
The fourth and last point I would like to communicate regarding the pleasure of reading is that of entertainment. Novels, short stories, poems, travelogues, even comics and cartoons entertain our minds. It helps us relax. More than that it engages our mind in a way nothing else does. Our imagination is ignited when we read. We become co-creators of stories as we animate the stories we read in our minds. It is definitely a healthy exercise for the mind.
Let me conclude now by saying that books continue to be written and published because people continue to read and be entertained and inspired. Reading is one of the healthiest entertainments a man or woman can have. I am sure the pleasure of reading will continue to ignite hope in countless lives even like a thousand points of light twinkling in the night sky.
There is great power in 3 things when you think about Don’t You Quit:
First of all, trust in God. When things look hopeless and no one is in a position to help you and no door seems to open, God is still there. He is ever willing to help you. So hold on in faith. Don’t you quit.
Secondly, trust in the dream God has given you. There might be things that have gone wrong. You might have made mistakes and have had your share of failures. But the good Lord who put the dream in your heart wants to see it fulfilled. So sharpen your skills, raise your vision to higher goals, and bless people through your efforts. Hold on in faith. Don’t you quit.
Thirdly, trust that a comeback is possible for you. Don’t lie down. Don’t give in to despair. It might take longer than you think. Progress might be painfully slow. But every step you take is forward. Every failure is just going to increase your resolve to succeed. So hold on in faith. A comeback will truly showcase to the world how God showed mercy to you. Don’t you quit just at the verge of victory.
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This post was inspired by the Movie HOOVEY | INSPIRATIONAL TRUE STORY | PATRICK WARBURTON
A warm good morning to you all. Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The topic obedience is of great relevance in today’s world where artificial intelligence enables robots to obey commands. They are programmed to obey. In contrast, God gave human beings the ability to choose. We have been given free will. We can choose to obey.
Listen to God’s Word
But unfortunately, in the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve chose to disobey God. How did that tragic fall happen? It was simply because they chose to listen to the serpent which made them doubt God’s word. The question the serpent asked Eve was, “Did God really say?” She doubted God’s word and therefore disobeyed.
So my first point is that obedience can happen only when we listen to God’s word. That is why Jesus at the end of the Sermon on the Mount told us that the man who listens to his words and does them is like a man who built his house on the rock.
Secondly, obedience is love in action.
For Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey my commandments.” Now a lot of people believe that Christianity is a set of rules dominated by the Ten commandments. But Jesus summarized those commandments into two: Love God and love your neighbour. And this love, if it is true, is always accompanied by obedience.
Jesus himself showed the extent of his love for all of us through his obedience. In Philippians Chapter 2 we read that Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. The practical lesson for us is that there are many things that are not pleasant to do. But we do them because we love God and show that love through obedience.
Thirdly, we need to learn from examples in the Bible.
For example, we have a tremendous example of obedience in the life of Abraham. God gave him the promised child, Isaac. But after a few years God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah. Abraham obeyed and went. He asked no questions. We all know how God blessed Abraham for that act of unquestioning obedience.
In contrast we have the example of Prophet Jonah. He was commanded by God to preach to the people of Nineveh. Instead, he ran away in the opposite direction and boarded a ship bound for Tarshish. He had to spend three days and three nights inside the belly of a huge fish before he came back to the path of obedience.
My final thought is that Paul writing to the Ephesians says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” In a generation where obedience is not regarded as popular, this command is a clear direction to children. I am sure that children who obey their parents will receive God’s blessings in their lives. Let me conclude with the chorus of a meaningful song:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Champions have a different mindset. One thing that makes them different from others is their ability to raise their game to highest performance when situations demand it from them. Let us look at some the highlights of a champion’s mindset.
First of all, champions don’t think defeat.
They are realistic with who their competition is. But they don’t allow that to intimidate them. Often the best opponent and the toughest teams bring out the best in them and help them bring out their best performance.
Secondly, champions enjoy their game.
They workout, toil, and spend long hours in practice. All these are tolling on the mind and body. But they persevere because they enjoy what they do. Even when they sleep they dream of enjoying their game. This undoubtedly makes them raise their game to highest performance while on the field.
Thirdly, champions don’t give up till the very last.
They have the ability to bounce back from early setbacks if it happens. They keep cool under pressure. They anticipate in hope till they catch the opponent relaxing for perhaps a split second and turn the tables around. Often champions show their true colors by unbelievable comebacks especially during final moments of a game. This is performance at its very best.
Fourthly, champions treat victories differently.
They are happy; but they are dissatisfied with even their best performance. Always, they strive to find what they could do better next time. No champion relaxes on reaching a summit. They treat it as history and focus sharply on the next game coming up. Looking forward is one way champions raise the level of their game to highest performance.
Finally, champions sense it when their fans, the situation, and the watching world is expecting them to perform.
They adapt to even hostile situations and deliver under pressure. Perhaps this one distinguishes a champion from others. They raise the level of their game to highest performance when all is against them.
To conclude, you too can be a champion if you strive to win, have that killer instinct, and a never give up hope-filled attitude until you win.
Shankumugham Beach, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
10th September 2010.
Scene I
Two sets of fishermen were standing in line. They were holding on to two ends of the fishing net. With great effort they were hauling the net in. Two men were out in the sea guiding the net even as they kept swimming. Though the tide seemed low, the waves were crashing in. And soon it started raining.
But my wife and I stood watching the fishing process with great fascination. It was the first time we were seeing it live. We found that our umbrellas were no protection against the slanting rain. And it was cold.
Yet the men toiled on; unmindful of the weather. I admired their sense of unity and purpose and how focused they were on their work. Dark and cloudy skies, crashing waves, heavy rains and biting cold—circumstances that look not promising to an average onlooker did not seem to even bother them the least. And finally they brought in their catch. Small and big fishes were there. They struggled to hold on to their freedom and life one last time. But the game was over. They were soon transferred to the waiting baskets of fisherwomen.
As the umbrella offered little protection from the rain and the winds, we tried to find shelter underneath the roof a small house nearby. From there we watched a group of fishermen trying to wash their nets. It was a fascinating sight. All of them together carried the bundled up net down to the sea. They were singing and chanting “ellelo, ellelo” and “hoi, hoi” encouraging each other and creating a jubilant mood.
Perhaps their hearts were content and thankful because of the catch of fish they got and for the safe return of those who had gone out to the sea. Well, in that heavy rain, and drenched to the core, they cast the bundled net into the sea. As the waves washed it, they straightened out that net into one long stretch.
As we watched, what happened next fascinated us very much. One fisherman lifted up the straightened out net at one end and drew it towards himself from the sea. After the net had come up two or three feet, another man stepped forward and took hold of the net ahead of the first man. Then the process repeated. Young and old stepped forward in almost rhythmically timed fashion, one at a time, until the entire net was carried by them in a single file. The wonder was that there was no one to instruct. It all happened with great precision. It was one example of brilliant teamwork.
What I thought was that they knew and understood their roles well. Without jealousy, without any thoughts that one was better than the other, with a great sense of purpose and unity, they toiled.
Epilogue
We left the shore with the thought that the morning was well spent. It was a joy to learn some life lessons first-hand. I also thought once again about that bit of sidelight information that I had read many times: Jesus called some of His first disciples “as they were casting a net into the lake” or some others who were “in a boat, preparing their nets.” Did something of the teamwork of those “unschooled, ordinary men” attract Jesus’ attention to them that made Him make them part of His team? I wonder.
Like the sea our lives are a big canvas. Nothing great can be painted there without such teamwork as these fishermen exhibit. Unflagging enthusiasm, unlimited patience, endurance and hope, the joy of celebration; all mark the lives of these men. They rise together as a team. This is their glory even as they wait for each new dawn.
Are you facing giants in your life? They can either kill you or make you strong if you fight and conquer them. The choice is yours. If you decide to fight, here are a few simple steps to remember when you face giants in your life. By the way giants refer to the BIG problems you are facing.
The first thing is to realize that every person fights a giant at some point in life. No one is exempted. Your giant might appear small to another; but to you the giant looks imposing. Don’t let that discourage you. The truth is that giants are everywhere and they are meant to be conquered.
The second thing to remember is that God is willing to help you. When you feel powerless, weak, and without strength; look to God for help. Your prayers are never lost. There might be delays; but God will answer in his wisdom with what is best for you. So trust him to conquer the giants in your life.
The third thing to remember is that giants always fight back. They never give up easily. So don’t expect an easy victory. Like the classic David and Goliath fight; the odds might be overwhelmingly against you. But then it was a simple stone slung in faith that felled the giant. Don’t fear when giants advance against you; you can conquer them if you face them with boldness and courage that the God-confidence you have gives.
Fourthly, remember that giants are meant to make you grow in your faith in God and to have courage in your character. Without giants you always will remain feeble unable to face the realities of life. So one of the best ways to face giants is to thank God for them and cherish the opportunity you have to graduate in life. Conquering giants will not only make you strong; but also inspire others to fight and conquer giants in their lives too. Believe it.
Finally, face giants with hope. There is nothing like hope that keeps your spirit bubbling and buoyant in your fight against giants. Hold on to hope even when the progress seems snail-pace slow. Don’t lose heart over repeated failures. Simply get up and fight again. You might get hurt but the victory is yours. So get up and conquer the giants that threaten you today.
Open doors are everywhere. But if you don’t see them; it is simply because you are looking at the past and looking at the already closed doors! You can see open doors if you trust God and are ready to wipe your tears away and look.
What can you see then? Do you see problems instead of possibilities; do you see despair instead of hope; do you see darkness instead of light? It all depends on how you look.
Open doors will help you see a glimpse of the future. Maybe you are restricted in your circumstances and in your resources. But that does not prevent you from looking ahead in hope and believing in your God-given dreams. So look through the open door ahead. And you will see a glimpse of your future.
Open doors will help you see what task God is entrusting you with for today. When you are afraid to step forward because of your inhibitions, discouragement, and a consciousness of your own insignificance, you will hear his voice saying. “Have I not commanded you. Be strong now, and act.”
Finally open doors will help you see people who are cast down and who need a word of strength, comfort, and cheer. When you see them you will know the meaning of the days you struggled. All of it was to make you a useful instrument to touch the lives of many with God’s blessing and peace.
So look through the open door ahead. And step out to meet the need that you see ahead. Open doors will not always remain so. So walk through it right now. The opportunity is yours!
Having a healthy mind is critical to your success in life. And surprisingly it is quite easy to have a healthy mind. Let me give you some simple tips to achieve good mental health.
First of all, to have a healthy mind, begin the day with a smile, a prayer, and a thankful heart. When you get up from bed; just smile because you have got the gift of a new day. Pray to God to give you wisdom for the day. And be thankful for all the blessings you have in life. In that way a positive environment can be created for having a healthy mind.
Secondly, to have a healthy mind, have good friends in your life. Friends will share your joys and sorrows. They will motivate you to do better in your studies, hobbies, and career too. They will play with you and talk. And they will team up with you for projects and activities. All these are good for your mind to stay healthy.
Thirdly, to have a healthy mind, try to help someone who is weaker than you. Encourage someone to push beyond what he or she has achieved in life. Most people suffer from low self esteem. Your motivational words can shine a light in their darkness. When you do so it not only encourages them; but will also make your mind radiate with joy. Isn’t that a great way to stay mentally healthy?
Finally, to have a healthy mind, deliberately say no to gadgets: your laptop; mobile; TV, gaming station etc. They have their value. But too much of entertainment without interaction with people; especially your loved ones is going to destroy your mental health. Addiction is more addictive than you think. The more you can stay away from gadgets; the better your mental health.
Let me conclude by saying that mental health is of great importance in today’s world. So make a deliberate effort to stay mentally healthy by being thankful, having good friends, helping others and saying no to gadgets. Keep up hope.
“Surely the day is coming; It will burn like a furnace,” says the Bible.1 These words written by God-breathed inspiration nearly 2400 years ago is moving at the speed of light to its fearful and inescapable prophetic fulfillment.
Surely that day is coming. People can laugh at it, scorn at the improbability of it, and mock the truth of it. But it will come. If you see warning signs and are not motivated to watch out; you alone are responsible.
Surely that day is coming. Look around you. Take earthquakes or floods or storms, wars, or the pandemic. Whether man-made or natural; there are enough warnings in these events for watchful living.
This present world is reserved for burning with fire.2 The elements will melt with fervent heat, 3 so says the Bible. It also says that our God is a consuming fire 4 and it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 5
Surely that day is coming. It will burn like a furnace. Will you be motivated for watchful living? Will you strive to find safety, refuge, and shelter under God’s wings 6 and the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God7 before that great day of burning, the day of the LORD8, comes?
Mother Theresa once said: “We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.”
Sometimes our home is the first place where charity and helping others should begin. Let us learn to treat our loved ones with courtesy and respect. Let us gift them a smile and a kind word.
Once our family thus becomes a place of love, peace and joy we can turn our attention to helping others. Helping others is a reflection of our love for God.
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen,” so wrote Apostle John. So without helping people whom we see we cannot claim to love God whom we do not see.
Now let us look at three different ways in which we can help people.
The first help you can do is to listen to people. In today’s busy world parents do not have time for their children and husbands do not have time to listen to their wives and so on. People are looking for someone to listen to them. Not only children but people who are in old age especially. If you can spend some time with them their sunset years will be filled with joy.
The second help you can do to people is to spend money for their needs. Their are many people who suffer from diseases like cancer. They require lots of money for their treatment. Then there are poor people who need money for their children’s food and education. Some people need a house to live in. The needs are several. If you can help them with such physical needs it will be a blessing.
The third kind of help you can do to people is to help them find a living. It is said, “Give a man a fish you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish you feed him for lifetime.” A job gives a man not only money but also self esteem and dignity and respect in society. He can take care of his family as well as help others. By teaching a man to make a living you are helping him to dream and achieve.
Let me now conclude by once again saying about the importance of helping others. Jesus Christ once told a parable in which he warned people “Truly I say to you, ‘Whatever you did not do for one the least of these, you did not do for me.’ ” The three kinds of help you can do to people is 1. Listen to them 2. Gift them with money for their medical, educational and social needs. and 3. Teach people to earn a living.
I hope you will be inspired to touch a few lives with your love and care in the days to come.
Respected Principal, Beloved Teachers, Dear Parents, and my fellow students,
Introduction
I stand here at this school assembly looking at the faces of young students who are the future of our country, India. There is much potential, talent, and energy in all of you. With discipline and creativity, imagination and enthusiasm, dream and drive; there is no limit to what each one of you can achieve. But sadly, today, there is a cloud that seems to darken this brightness; it is the menace of drug addiction. So let me start off this campaign by having all of you say no to drugs.
The other part of that slogan should be, “Say Yes to Life.” When saying yes to life, let me share a word of wisdom to all the stakeholders here.:To teachers, parents, as well as students.
Teachers
First of all, let me talk to our teachers. You constantly shine a light on our paths. You encourage us. We are grateful to you for that. But beyond this let me ask one more thing from you. Do not compare us with others. Do not compare our marks or our appearance.
What we expect from you is a word of appreciation. A good word of encouragement can go a long way in building our self-esteem. Give us a word of hope that in spite of our failures and mistakes we are going to make it. Perhaps the confidence you can give us, the trust you show us can in the long run help us say no to drugs than anything else.
Parents
Now let me to talk to our parents. You have made life possible for us. You have given us love and care and affection. You have given us great learning opportunities. We are here today only because of you. But there is one mistake that many parents make. You give the best toys and gadgets for your kids. You give money for their needs.
But how much of your time do you give them? Do you know the best gift you can give them is your unhurried time; your willingness to listen to them; and maybe play with them when you get a chance. Young children grow fast. And when you realize that time has flown; they will be already adults like you. Then it will be too late.
Many children turn to drugs because they seek love and acceptance they did not get at home. So they find it difficult to avoid the peer pressure and fail to say no to drugs.
Students
Now at last, let me to talk to you my friends. There is only one life. When you are young it is the springtime of life when everything is in bloom. But there are predators everywhere. They are those who seek to drain away the nectar of your life by luring you with the temptation of entertainment, pleasure, easy money and the like.
Always know that drugs come into your life to steal, kill, and destroy. It will hook you, addict you to a path of misery, and make a wreck of your mind, body, and soul.
Those who peddle drugs will make it look attractive and even innocent. But hidden behind could be the arm of mafias and terrorist outfits who have no respect for life. Know that their only aim is money by making you compromise your bright future by trading it off for illegal enjoyment the present moment.
Therefore think long-term. Think of the people who love you. Do not bring them to tears. Say no to drugs.
Conclusion
Let me end now. Even when you’ve made a mistake by chance or choice or by being forced, there is always a U-turn possible. Keep up hope. It takes courage to return and you can. It is like the prodigal son returning home to his father’s love after having wasted all his possessions in wild living.
Therefore, let me urge you once again, if there is anyone who has taken the wrong step already; it is not too late. Say no to drugs and return to life and there will certainly be a future for you.
There is no success, no movement forward, no progress, no growth, and no development if you don’t try. So it is popularly said, “Try again and again until you succeed.” But the question is how should you try. Here are a few ways in which you can and should try.
First of all, you should try again and again with enthusiasm. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” Don’t let anything discourage you. Interestingly, the word “enthusiasm” comes from the Greek words “en” and “theos”; and it means “in God.” So when you are full of enthusiasm it will be like you are energized with the joy of God.
Secondly, you should try again and again with persistence. It simply means to keep on doing and keep on moving. Many give up after they try a few times. A last final try is built upon many earlier attempts; and all of them go into the making of success. As Former U.S. President Calvin Coolidge said: “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.” He added that talent nor genius nor education can take the place of persistence. So persist.
Finally, you should try again and again with hope. There is much in this world that can cause despair. But as R. L. Stevenson said, “To travel hopefully is better thing than to arrive.” You should never give up hope. You should hope for a better tomorrow, always. You should hope that there will be light at the end of the tunnel. You should hope that love and truth will win over hate and lies. You should hope that your attempts will end in success. So journey in hope.
To conclude, think of what the motivational speaker Nick Vujicic said:
“I am gonna try again and again, because the moment I give up, is the moment I fail.”
Therefore try again and again with enthusiasm, persistence, and hope. Victory is near!
At the World Athletic Championships Oregon 2022, the mascot, Legend the Bigfoot, photo bombed Sydney McLaughlin while holding a sign saying: “World records are my favorite food.” She had won with an incredible time of 50.68 seconds in the 400 metres hurdles which people have compared to the legendary Usain Bolt’s World record of 9.58 in the 100 metres. McLaughlin had earlier said during her Tokyo record-breaking olympic win in 2021 that: “What I have in Christ is far greater than what I have or don’t have in life.”
Having said that let me just sketch how records are born.
Records as favourite food don’t happen without hard work, sacrificing a lot, avoiding distractions,a coach’s help, and training till you think you can do no further.
Records as favourite food do happen when you focus on giving your best, aspiring to better your performance, and looking forward with eagerness to face the fiercest competitors you have in the field.
Records come and go, and you create a legacy by breaking records and making new ones. But when you see them in the perspective of eternity; such glories are for the moment and they will fade away with time. There are things that matter most and that is what Sydney McLaughline referred to; having a personal relationship with Jesus and knowing him as Saviour and Lord.
It makes sense when one sees life as a race and your goal is to finish well. For that matter, how many world record holders do you remember from former years? Very few; is it not? That’s all about earthly fame and glory. But earning praise from God at the end of your life’s race is to get a crown that will not perish, spoil or fade. So do not run aimlessly, but run so as to win the prize.
Featured image courtesy: Athletic Federation of India Tweet
Read also on Sydney’s struggles with fame and her triumph through her faith in God in this article in the Indian Express: Sydney McLaughlin and the Toxicity of Fame
Tailpiece: When 400m hurdles for the first time was introduced in the Olympics at Los Angeles in 1984, the Malayali P. T. Usha from Kerala, India, known also as the “Payyoli Express,” lost the bronze medal by 1/100th of a second. It was a race which all Indians remember for that heart-break. In that race the runner who came first was Nawal El Moutawakel from Morocco and she had won gold after clocking 55.42 in that race. 38 years later Sydney McLaughlin’s time is 4.74 seconds better.
Thirst! That one thing on which a huge industry of bottled drinks from purified water to carbonated soft drinks thrive globally. Billions of dollars roll hands on thirst alone. But thirst also is one word which stands for an ocean of desires.
Let me suggest four types of thirst that motivates people:
One, thirst for personal glory. Right from getting the first rank in school to winning an olympic gold; from making money to wielding power; from being appreciated by friends to having many likes, fans, and followers on social media; most lives are characterized by thirst for personal glory.
Two, thirst for personal vengeance. Without doubt, many of us harbour resentments, hurts, jealousy, and the desire to see those who created trouble for us go down. We might not kill but we might make fun, slander, criticize, and gossip. Honestly, it is good to audit our hearts and open it up for a search to find what it contains.
Three, thirst for God. At some point in time, most people wonder about the meaning of life. When they find themselves in situations like in a desert experience, forsaken by others, they cry out to God. Jesus responded to this thirst by declaring: “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.”1
Fourthly, and finally, thirst for pleasure and entertainment. It can be mass entertainment, it can be solo in secret, it can be cruel, it can be fun, it can be hobbies or sports; life for many is defined and dominated by thirst for pleasure.
I have just mentioned four motivations of thirst in our human lives. But there are many more. Thirst continues in every human life. Yet no complete satisfaction comes in any human life until God is welcomed to meet your ocean of thirst with living water he alone can gift you with!
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Featured image: Johnny McClung (Unsplash) 1John 7:37
