If I were to tell you, “I will not forget you,” the chances are that I will. Life is busy and when other priorities get the upper hand, you will soon be forgotten once you are out of my sight.
But when God says, “I will not forget you”, there is absolutely no way he is going to forget you, ever!
First of all, God loves you and cares for you. Therefore he will not forget you. Do you doubt whether he is interested in all the small things of life that trouble you? He is concerned for you and looks on you with favour.
Secondly, God remembers the love you have for him. He knows the times you stumbled. He has seen your earnest tears. He values your thankful heart. More than all these, he appreciates your spending time in his presence. Yes, God will not forget you.
Thirdly, God uses an unforgettable argument to make you remember that he will not forget you. He asks whether a mother can forget the baby at her breast and show no compassion on the child she has borne? Even if she forgets, which is highly unlikely, God says “I will not forget you.”
So if you are feeling lost and helpless, forsaken and misunderstood, lonely and without hope, this is God’s message for you today: “I will not forget you!” Read this post on LinkedIn
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Bible references: Isaiah 44:21; 49:15, Ezekiel 36:9, Hebrews 6:10.
Many years ago, I delivered a sermon in CSI Mateer Memorial Church, Thiruvananthapuram. The sermon was based on Isaiah 49:15. It was the month of March. And this is how I began and concluded the sermon.
Sermon Introduction: “This is the month of March and it is the festive season of autographs.” [In a few quick sentences I explained how in Schools and Colleges, Students write autographs for their friends and in the coming years what is written is soon forgotten.]
Sermon Conclusion: “This is the month of March and it is the festive season of autographs. And God in a fresh new page of your autograph book writes in the blood of his Son Jesus, ‘I will not forget you.’ “
We all know the story of the greedy fox. Therefore, today, let me tell you something about greed.[Click this link to listen to the BPPS Podcast of this speech on YouTube.]
First of all, greed makes you blind to true love. When greed takes over; people become willing to tear apart blood relationships. Remember this is just for some material gain, wealth, money or inherited property. What a sad situation it is!
Secondly, greed makes us worship money and wealth. Dear friends, only God alone is worthy of our adoration, praise, and worship. But greed makes us forget that. And we start to bow down in front of greed.
Thirdly, greed can make you grab all you want; but at the end of the day you’ll be left with nothing. Remember, how Alexander the Great had the wisdom to ask his friends to put two holes in his coffin through which his empty hands could be put outside of it for all to see and think. He had conquered a large part of the world. But he was taking absolutely nothing with him when he died.
Finally, greed can make you a monster. Many angels at heart have become ruthless when they had allowed greed to take control of their lives. Values like love, compassion, mercy, and kindess disappear from the lives of those who are greedy.
Therefore my friends, stay away from greed. Let the story of the greedy fox remind you to stay away from greed. Let me conclude with the words of Jesus Christ: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”1
Thank you.
1Luke 12:15 Bible NIV 1984.
Featured image courtesy: Amanda Frank (Unsplash)
Attitudes influence our behaviour. It cements our character. And it can determine our ultimate destiny too. Therefore you need to learn to put off old attitudes and put on new attitudes.
Anything negative, anything dealing with darkness and evil, anything that is self-defeating, anything that is shameful; all come under old attitudes. But whatever is of the light, whatever is positive and creative, whatever builds you up and does not tear you down comes under the colourful umbrella of new attitudes.
Looking at life, we find negativity everywhere. No doubt, we are influenced by how those close to us look at life. Some of their old attitudes do create dents in our life and we too follow their thinking patterns and even the way they speak.
But life can be approached on another plane too. It is an invitation to rise up and fly high in the skies. Instead of the drag of negativity of old attitudes; you find lift in the positivity of new attitudes.
Without doubt, this freedom and joy of new living is God-initiated to those who choose to have it that way. But to continue in that attitude of positivity; you need to be watchful and you need to be in an attitude of constant improvement. If you neglect your part of the deal; if you become slack; if you become lazy; then like weeds overrunning a neglected garden; so will negative attitudes make a rush in. So be alert.
On the other hand, by welcoming change, by making efforts to conquer bad habits, by mingling with friends who demand that you be at your best; new attitudes do take hold of you. Then you can take off old attitudes; discard them, and put on new attitudes like you put on new clothes. It requires a renewing of the mind.
Yes, the mind is where the battlefied is. Your mind is often taken a prisoner in battle. And you think, speak, and do, what you don’t like. When you find that happening, intensify your efforts to seek after the good, the lovable, the excellent, and whatever spurs you on to have new attitudes that spell life, and joy and the radiance of shining light.
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!
There is great power in belief, especially the belief, “I Can!” And there is great danger too in the belief that faith in “I Can” is a kind of a magic wand that can bring rabbits out of an empty hat. But still we need to look seriously at what Jesus said: “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to the mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” 1
Now let us look at some of the fascinating lessons the small mustard seed size of faith offers us.
First of all, look at the contrast. The mustard seed is small. The mountain is big. Moving something huge like a mountain with something small the size of a mustard seed is improbable. Jesus was talking about you facing difficulties that look imposing like a mountain in your life. The key is not to look at the mountain but to look at what you have; even it be the size of a small mustard seed. Let that look be one of belief; one of faith; and with that stance of undoubting trust. Then mountains will move.
Secondly, look at faith itself. Faith as I said earlier is no magic wand. It cannot operate on its own. It needs an object. See, the point is, your faith can be as small as a mustard seed. That doesn’t matter. It can still move mountains if that faith, even when small and looking seemingly insignificant, is placed in God who is able to move mountains. So what Jesus meant is not us doing some magic; but what he meant us to understand is where or upon whom to place our belief on. Our faith should be in God himself.
Three, look to God who moves mountains. There will be plenty of mountains to be removed in the lives of each one of us. No doubt they will look threatening and impossible to overcome. Do you know why they are there? Do you know why God doesn’t take them out of our way? Surely there has to be a purpose! They are there to help us exercise our faith; to make us come out of struggling with the clouds of doubt to the sunshine of faith in God who is the God who makes the impossible, possible.
To conclude, let me spell out the mighty lessons of faith contained in this statement Jesus made. Jesus wanted us to know that faith, even when small like a mustard seed, can accomplish great things even when facing mountains of difficulty when that faith is in God for whom the impossible is always possible. Therefore, you too can say with St. Paul, “I can do everything through him [Jesus Christ] who gives me strength.”2
Therefore, do not look at your faith that is small like a mustard seed and feel insignificant and weak; but be made strong in faith by looking to God and expecting him to move the mountains for you. It is not the popular positive thinkingmantra, I can, but instead it is, “With God, I Can!
It is time once again for the flowers to bloom and the song of the birds to make music in our ears. Our hearts are again in spring time and we look forward to yet another year of friendship and laughter and healthy fun. As leader of the school, I wish to present before you a few thoughts on how to build healthy relationships.
At a time when relationships are crumbling everywhere; when relationships are characterized by what one can get and grab; when relationships are based more on money power and social status than on values like honesty, integrity and faithfulness; there is much to be said about building healthy relationships especially in our schools where boys and girls study together.
First and foremost, all healthy relationships are built on trust and mutual respect. Trust does not happen overnight. It is a sacred responsibility that is an outflow of good character. Trust once lost; it almost impossible to regain it. Therefore, guard it carefully. Respect each other and give each other the private space needed; not only physically but also emotionally too. Trust never crosses boundaries and does not trespass on the other’s personal space.
Secondly, all healthy relationships are built on encouragement and mutual support. When you encourage your friend to be his or her best; when you give a listening ear when your friend would like to share life’s burdens with you; when you rejoice at the academic and co-curricular achievements of your friend; and when you correct with honest intent so that your friend does not end up a loser by taking the wrong path; you are building a healthy relationship.
Finally, all healthy relationships have to be maintained. At a time when mobile phones and social media are relied upon to maintain relationships; do not mistake them for the reality of keeping in touch in flesh and blood. Lending a helping hand when needed; encouraging to hold on and not give in to life’s troubles; connecting and networking with others and speaking a good and timely word for your friend; all will go a long way in maintaining healthy relationships.
We do not live in isolation. And none of us can afford to be lonely. We have families; but we also need healthy relationships with our friends; with both boys and girls. When greed and selfishness and cut-throat competition have become the dominant and aggressive mindset of the 21st century; let us strive to be unselfish and pray for the best for our friends. In that way we can truly be the salt of the earth by building relationships that abound with life and joy.
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.
What comes first to your mind when you think of God? This is no chicken first or egg first question. If you do an opinion poll, the results would surprise you. For what should come first might not be listed at all.
Probably the first answer would be God is love. True. The next could be that God is to be feared, held in awe. Right again. Then might come the thought that God is a judge. Of course many people fear God’s judgement but most people now live as if judgement will never come. Next one might say, God is good. So on the list will go on.
But what people neglect or do not know is that God’s primary attribute is that God is holy, holy, holy. He is light and in him is no darkness at all. He lives in unapproachable light and no one can see him and live. Whether it is chicken or egg first; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Then you might ask, how ever can we know God? Good question. God himself has answered that question. A holy God became human in Jesus Christ. There is God’s fullest image, imprint, or representation of God’s character in him. Those who have seen him and know him has seen and known God.
In Jesus, God’s holiness came to be with us in great compassion, in mercy, and in love. Therefore sinners found in him a Friend. With our own good deeds we cannot approach God. Therefore God came down to us in Jesus. He is the only bridge that connects us sinners to God who alone is holy and worthy of our highest praise, adoration, and worship!
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Featured image: Emiel Maters (Unsplash)
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
“Search me, O God, and know my heart,” is a prayer that should rise out of every sincere heart. There are several possibilities of this prayer.
One, there might be hidden sins in our hearts that only God’s penetrating search lights can reveal. It will give us a chance to confess and renounce them and find God’s mercy.
Two, there can be worries and anxieties in our heart which shows lack of trust in God, our Heavenly Father. When God’s search brings them out, it gives us a chance to ask God to give us grace to believe in his goodness and care towards us.
Therefore “Search me, O God, and know my heart,” is a prayer that requires honesty as well as courage. It demands a willingness to change and also take action. It also shows trust in God who knows all about us—all our innermost secrets, fears, worries and hopes.
So let us too pray in the words of the Psalmist David,
“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.”
“All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players”; so wrote Shakespeare. And he further added about the school boy thus: “And then the whining school-boy, with his satchel And shining morning face, creeping like snail Unwillingly to school.” Let me start right with school boys and girls; that stage where the drama of life enacts itself through the humourous fun, fight, and flight that happens when getting children ready for school.
Even when there is great fun at school and life is cool with friends, children don’t like to get up in the morning. They love to tuck themselves in the bed and say, “2 minutes,” “1 more minute,” “Please Mummy,” and so on. If that doesn’t work then there are fireworks. The only exception is when there is a picnic and they are ready even before parents are up!
As you look at what happens every morning, you simply say life is beautiful. Why? I don’t know. But memories of this fun and fight every morning are precious. No doubt the fights look terrible at times and can turn into screaming and physical fighting; there is a great relief when you catch the bus after a last minute olympic sprint defying and records-breaking run to the bus stop.
I wonder if there is any home that is free of this fun, fight, and flight I was talking about. It is only when parents talk freely with other parents that they discover this struggle is a common experience and it happens in every home in some way or the other.
Maybe that is when they realise something about the opening lines of Leo Tolstoy’s 1877 novel Anna Karenina, which begins: “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way,” whatever that means!
It is also said that a family that prays together stays together. But I would also like to add that families that experience the fun, fight, and flight of sending children to school also bond in ways that defy logic. It is the heart that wins at the end. And sometimes chocolates too which are offered or demanded as means of compromise. Life is beautiful in the fun, fight, and fight mode; without doubt.
Victors, even when they have seasons of doubt, never yield to despair. Their attitude is not that of a defeatist one but one of a champion, a winner or a victor.
If at all you have a defeatist attitude here are three ways to change them to a victor’s attitude:
First of all, stop telling stories of doubt, negativity and hopelessness. They only feed the spirit of despair already filling your mind with darkness. Instead start to talk hope and possibilities and you will see closed doors open and light shine. That is a victors attitude in action.
Secondly, think on the big picture of your life. Do you wish a season of darkness to make you see your whole life as a failure? Surely not; isn’t it? So, look for ways you can leverage the lessons of your dark days to inspire and motivate you to achieve. You still can finish strong in spite of stumbling. That will take the sting out of your defeatist attitude and make you a victor.
Thirdly, if you have placed your trust and confidence in God, look at the One who stands by your side to fight for you. He is El Gibbor, Mighty God. 1So do not look at your smallness, do not look at circumstances that threaten to defeat you but look to God who is always Victor. Do not be satisfied with just a look but fix your eyes on him to the exclusion of all else. That will energize you with his mighty power to win over your defeatist attitude and be a victor.
So let me conclude. Stop telling negative stories. Look at the big picture and seek to finish strong. Fix your eyes on God who is your El Gibbor. With these steps you will pull down mighty strongholds of defeatist attitude in your life and put on a victor’s attitude.
The James Webb Space Telescope, no doubt an engineering marvel in itself, opened our eyes to the exciting world of stars and galaxies billions of light years away. So let me speak on what the stars tell.
First of all, the stars tell us that how wise and creative and Almighty God is! He simply created it all with his word.1 Moreover the Bible says he calls each of them by name 2 and because of his great power and mighty strength not one of them is missing.3
Secondly, stars tell us how small we are in the vast expanse of space. It also reminds us of our ignorance rather than our knowledge. Each new discovery is claimed to be giant leap. Yes, it surely is. But it also shows how small we truly are.
Thirdly, stars tell us that they obey the laws of heaven.4 They are under authority. Imagine if the gravitational forces started rebelling. What chaos would result! So each one of us should stand in awe at the majesty of God. The Bible says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”5
Finally, what is the meaning of shining like stars. Does not life offer us numerous examples of people using adversity to scale heights in life? Taking responsibility for your decisions and mistakes and failures in life requires moral courage and that will bring star-studded success in your life.
When people misunderstand you and question your good motives, what do you think you need the most? Perhaps a compassionate heart, an understanding touch, a word of comfort; isn’t it? But the question is, “Who will show me compassion?”
When all call you a failure, when your best work is criticized, when you in spite of all your prayers and efforts are unable to succeed in the eyes of others, and you feel like there is no one to stand by your side; the question still is, “Who will show me compassion?”
When hope flickers and despair creeps in, when you feel like you cannot live another day, when you ask “Why am I going through all this?” the question still is, “Who will show me compassion?’
But after passing through all these, is human compassion enough? Even if someone weeps with you, who is powerful enough to heal those deep wounds in your heart and mind?
Therefore consider God. He is full of compassion. He remembers that you are nothing but dust of the earth and shows compassion like a father shows compassion to his child. His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. So look to him. Seek his face. He will show you compassion today.
He has seen your tears. He knows the pain of your broken heart. He feels your godly sorrow over your sins. Just run to him and his loving embrace. Yes, God will certainly show you compassion today.
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Bible passages referred to: Psalm 103:13, 14; Lamentations 3:22, 23; Matthew 14:14, 20:34; Mark 6:34, 8:2–3.
This post features the YouTube videos of short speeches delivered on different occasions by Daniela B. Peter and Stefan B. Peter. Currently available videos in this post are:
Speech on Discipline
Speech on Leadership
Speech on the Importance of Time
Speech [Podcast] on Environment Day
A Christmas Message [Kindergarten]
Speech on Discipline
Speech on Leadership
Speech on the Importance of Time
Speech [Podcast] on Environment Day
A Christmas Message [Kindergarten]
The Rainbow
Related video:
Speech on The Importance of Hiding God’s Word in Our Hearts
You need not be a millionaire to make people happy. You can simply make a difference by saying a timely word.
Let your timely word come straight from the heart. In other words, let it be sincere. The words “Children are enjoying your class,” are simple and down to earth. But the happiness it can bring to a teacher’s heart is immense.
To say a timely word, you should learn to appreciate others. It is simply an expression of your genuine wish to see others do well and succeed. “You sounded very confident when you gave your speech today,” will boost the speaker’s confidence and esteem still further. Without doubt it will make him or her happy. And you need not be a millionaire to do so.
Finally, saying a timely word can be that ray of hope which can illumine the darkness in a person’s life. Often God uses people to say a few words that might give others much needed wisdom and guidance at that point in time. “Don’t get discouraged. Your failure today can turn out to a blessing in disguise,” is an example of your timely word becoming a blazing torch of hope to someone ready to give up.
Let me conclude. You can live a life of purpose by speaking a timely word. Speak straight from your heart, appreciate with sincere words, and be a tool in God’s hands to light up the hearts of others with happiness. And let me remind you once again that you need not be a millionaire to spread happiness all around, wherever you are!
Most of you will agree that your mind is at war almost always. There are battles happening every now and then. Some thoughts pop up when you see, hear, or touch something.
These thoughts in your mind can look and feel innocent and harmless at first instance. But without warning it can tear apart your soul, you heart, your mind, your emotions, and your entire being if you are not watchful.
There are three simple things you need to keep in mind to win the battles that rage in your mind. One, do not entertain wrong and evil thoughts like how you welcome and entertain guests at home. Two, run away from all sources of temptation. The longer you stay the weaker you become. Three, the determination to win is crucial, but more important is your dependence and trust in God to find victory.
Of course, having said all that, you should exhibit courage when you are torn apart in your mind by wrong thoughts. You might be tempted to give up when the struggles become intense. You might find an accuser’s script running in your mind saying you’re a failure because of your previous faults. But that is a lie. You have hope as long as you choose to have God help you.
The good news is that the battles in your mind can make you become strong and mature and having a good character. They can keep you humble and in an attitude of prayer. For God’s wisdom is always available to all who seek it to find help in winning the battles of their mind. So don’t quit the fight to win!
Is entertainment the religion of the 21st century Masses? Oh, yes! Everywhere people line up to be entertained. Be it sports, films, music bands, reality shows, politics, gaming, or even religious meetings, people love to be entertained.
No wonder people are fans of those who not only perform but also entertain. Without realising it, there is a kind of worship of heroes and heroines in all genres of popular entertainment. Therefore entertainment is a religion in itself.
These icons or celebrities of entertainment help sell tickets, build brands, promote causes, and influence popular opinion. They are active on social media too.
In fact, life for the masses revolve around their admiration for heroes and heroines. What is reflected here is a search for meaning, for belonging, and for role models. Not to mention social acceptance and a sense of identity. The religion of entertainment promises all those and delivers too.
But does it fall short of expectations? What might be missing in this pursuit of happiness is life on a higher plane. Entertainment can never satisfy beyond its immediate gratification. What then follows is a vacuum, an emptiness, a sense of craving and addiction for more entertainment.
Therefore entertainment cannot be an end in itself. Rightly viewed, it is a kind of substitution of deep longings to find meaning in life. For riches, fame, power, and success have not given men or women lasting satisfaction, ever! Neither has entertainment of any sort even if it be the best the world can offer!
So, what can possibly quench the thirst for entertainment. Perhaps one should ask, can God? If your thirst is real, then he can meet it with rivers of living water that will ultimately satisfy! But will the lights and music and cheer groups and the glitz and the glamour of entertainment—the religion of the 21st century masses—stop you from seeking further?
I am reading Chris Gayle, the Six Machine’s, autobiography.1 Something which I found compelling there, l wish to share:
“The strong mind is what allows you to score big runs and dismantle big attacks, not the perfect front elbow or the back-lift that points straight to second slip . . .
“The determination to deliver. Being ready to endure whatever it takes to get the job done. Using those barbs can spur you on. Then you will make it, no matter what they put in your way. Trus’ mi.” (Page 45).
Having played a lot of cricket in my school days, I understand the value of what this great player says. It is not just about doing things right; but it is more about the will to win, the will to endure, the will to go the extra mile, and never stopping until there is victory.
Having that burning desire to win is what differentiates a champion from an ordinary player and stamps his or her legacy with excellence. When the stage is big and the audience demanding and expecting the very best, champions raise the level of their game to extraordinary heights.
He also speaks about himself as a gladiator wearing a mask. And he also speaks many times about the truth that “You can’t live in the darkness. You must come into the light.”
That means there is no time for wallowing in the past failures and mistakes; there is no time to despair but only hope; and there is no looking back or feeling miserable over coming close to losing your wicket. There is no time for regrets. Only look forward to victory.
*** 1Chris Gayle | Six Machine | I Don’t Like Cricket . . . I Love It | Chris Gayle with Tom Fordyce | Viking an imprint of Penguin Books |
You might be suffering from guilt. Now how can your guilt be taken away? Will due punishment take it away? It cannot! You still will hear accusing from your conscience and often from the devil himself. Is there an escape? Oh yes, there is! Come to the fountain!
What is this fountain? It is the blood of Jesus Christ shed on the cross. The Bible says the blood of Jesus is a fountain of cleansing. All our sins, when we confess them before God and repent of them with sincere and true and broken hearts, are forgiven. Its shame and guilt is taken away. So come to this fountain.
Come to this fountain with all your failures, mistakes, and sins. There you will find pardon and forgiveness in abundance. For God is compassionate and merciful. He is ever willing to forgive when you come to him broken. He does not want you to live in guilt and shame. Therefore come to this fountain.
When God forgives, he also restores. He brings you back to a right relationship with him. He brings you out of darkness into his light, from death to life, from lies and deception to truth, and from despair to healing.
Therefore do not lose your life to guilt trips. But find God’s unconditional love and forgiveness by coming now itself to the fountain of cleansing from sin and impurity. End your guilt trip today. Come to this fountain!
Have you ever closely watched a baby learn to walk? Now you got it before I even said it. The baby gets up each time it falls down. This simple act of getting up is what life is all about.
There are a few things we need to remember about getting up:
The first thought is that falling down is natural if you wish to learn to walk. There is nothing to be ashamed about mistakes and failures that happen when you try to master something. What you need to do is get up every time you fall having learned the lesson it was meant to teach you.
The second thought is that what keeps you moving and able to get up time after time again and again is a burning desire to learn to walk. There is no time to despair over falling down, there is no time to spend on regrets, and there is no time at all to weep over lost opportunities. Just get up and start walking again.
The third one and the final thought is that God encourages us when we try to get up and walk. Often he sends people to us, very unexpectedly at times, to help us find strength in God. They come like angels, lift up our spirits, remind us that God has not given up on us and he will still bring his promises to fulfilment in our lives in his time.
So let me conclude reminding you that falling down is a natural thing that happens when you learn to walk. You need to have a burning desire to move forward and you can look forward to God encourage you to get up and walk.
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“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their laboUr: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” — Ecclesiastes 4:10, 11 Bible NIV
Sometimes you feel all alone. You lose hope. There is nothing but despair.
But before you give up, consider: Night and darkness do not stay permanent. Light and joy comes with the break of dawn.
So you need to wait. Not just wait, but wait in hope. Why? Because focus on the negatives can make you lose sight of help standing by.
Yes, there are many situations in which no one else can share the burden of your anxious thoughts. But then hope is there because God has promised, “I am with you.” He also said: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
You can trust what he has said because God doesn’t lie. He remains true and faithful to what he has promised. Therefore you are never alone. God is with you. Do you believe it?
From this moment, ask God to help you know and experience with certainty that he is with you. God’s presence with you gives you the strength needed to face the giants in your life. You are not alone when God is with you; are you?
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ ധന്യമായ ജീവിതത്തെ ആസ്പദമാക്കി “ദൈവവിളിയോടു വിശ്വസ്തത പുലർത്തിയ എളിയ ദാസൻ” എന്ന തലക്കെട്ടിൽ ദക്ഷിണ കേരള മഹായിടവകയുടെ ഔദ്യോഗിക പ്രസിദ്ധികരണമായ ക്രൈസ്തവ ദീപികയിൽ ജൂലൈ 2013ൽ പ്രസിദ്ധികരിച്ച ലേഖനം തുടർന്ന് വായിക്കുക.
സാധാരണക്കാരനായ ഒരു മനുഷ്യന്റെ ജീവിതം ദൈവവിളിക്കു വിധേയപ്പെടുമ്പോൾ ഉണ്ടാകുന്ന അതിശയകരമായ ഉയർച്ചയുടേയും ദൈവ നടത്തിപ്പിന്റെയും നേർ സാക്ഷ്യമാണ് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ ജീവിതം.
ദൈവവചനത്തിൽ അടിസ്ഥാനപ്പെടുത്തി പ്രാർത്ഥനയിൽ ശക്തി പ്രാപിച് ആരാധനയിൽ ആനന്ദം കണ്ടെത്തി പാവപ്പെട്ടവരുടെ കണ്ണീരൊപ്പുവാൻ വേണ്ടി ഉഴിഞ്ഞു വച്ചതായിരുന്നു അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ജീവിതം.
പ്രവർത്തിച്ച മേഖലകളിലെല്ലാം ദൈവ കൃപയിൽ ആശ്രയിച്ച് വിജയം നേടാൻ കഴിഞ്ഞത് ഒരു വ്യക്തിയുടെ മാത്രം ചരിത്രമല്ല മറിച് അദ്ദേഹത്തോടൊപ്പം വളർന്ന് സമൂഹത്തിന്റെ മുഖ്യധാരയിലേക്കു പ്രവേശിക്കുവാൻ ധൈര്യം ലഭിച്ച ഒരു ജനവിഭാഗത്തിന്റെ ചരിത്രം കൂടിയാണ്.
ലഭിച്ച ഉന്നതമായ സ്ഥാനമാനങ്ങളെല്ലാം തന്നെ പാവപ്പെട്ട ജനവിഭാഗങ്ങളുടെ ഉന്നമനത്തിനു വേണ്ടി അദ്ദേഹം പ്രയോജനപ്പെടുത്തി. യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി എന്ന നാമധേയം സാധാരണക്കാരായ മനുഷ്യർ ഹൃദയത്തോടു ചേർത്തു പിടിച്ചതിൻറെ രഹസ്യം ഇതു തന്നെയായിരുന്നു.
സുവിശേഷം ചെല്ലുന്ന സ്ഥലങ്ങളിലൊക്കെയും ദൈവാത്മാവിന്റെ പ്രവർത്തനമുണ്ടാകുന്നുവെന്നും അതു സമൂഹത്തിലെ അനീതികൾക്കും അനാചാരങ്ങൾക്കുമെതിരായ പോരാട്ടമായി മാറുന്നുവെന്നും തിരുമേനി ഉറച്ചിരുന്നു. സഭ ക്രിസ്തുവിന്റെ ശരീരമാന്നെന്നും അതിലെ ഒരു അംഗത്തിനു വരുന്ന പ്രയാസം എല്ലാവരുടെയും വേദനയാന്നെന്നുമുള്ള വിശാലമായ ദർശനം അദ്ദേഹത്തിനുണ്ടായിരുന്നു.
ഇതര സഭാവിഭാങ്ങളുമായി സഹകരിച്ചു പ്രവർത്തിക്കാവുന്ന മേഖലകൾ കണ്ടെത്താനും കൂട്ടായ പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങൾ പ്രോത്സാഹിപ്പിക്കുവാനും അതിനു നേതൃത്ത്വം കൊടുക്കുവാനും യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിക്കു സാധിച്ചു. കേരള ഐക്യ വൈദിക സെമിനാരി പ്രിൻസിപ്പൽ, [നീണ്ട 17 വർഷം] ദക്ഷിണ കേരളം മഹായിടവക ബിഷപ്പ്, ദക്ഷിണേന്ത്യ സഭയുടെ മോഡറേറ്റർ, സി. എസ്. ഐ.- സി. എൻ. ഐ. – മാർത്തോമ്മ ജോയിൻറ് കൗൺസിൽ ചെയർമാൻ, അഖില ലോക സഭാ കൗൺസിൽ സെൻട്രൽ കമ്മിറ്റി അംഗം എന്നി നിലകളിൽ അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ പ്രവർത്തനം സമാനതകളില്ലാത്തതായിരുന്നു.
മറ്റു മതസ്ഥരെ ബഹുമാനിച്ചിരുന്ന തിരുമേനിയെ അവരുടെ യോഗങ്ങളിൽ പ്രസംഗിക്കുവാൻ സന്തോഷത്തോടെ ക്ഷണിക്കുക പതിവായിരുന്നു. അങ്ങനെ മത സാമൂഹിക ബന്ധങ്ങളിൽ തിരുമേനി തന്റേതായ വ്യക്തിമുദ്ര പതിപ്പിക്കുകയും വ്യത്യസ്ത ജനവിഭാഗങ്ങളുമായുള്ള സൗഹൃദം ഊട്ടി ഉറപ്പിക്കുന്നതിൽ തനതായ സംഭാവന നൽകുകയും ചെയ്തു.
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിക്കു വ്യക്തമായ രാഷ്ട്രീയ ബോധം ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നു. പാവപ്പെട്ട ജനങ്ങളുടെ ഉന്നമനത്തിന് വേണ്ടി പോരാടുകയും പാർശ്വവൽക്കരിക്കപ്പെട്ട ജനവിഭാഗങ്ങളുടെ നീതിക്കു വേണ്ടി ഉറച്ചു നിൽക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുക എന്നതായിരുന്നു അദ്ദേഹത്തിൻ്റെ രാഷ്ട്രീയം. രാഷ്ട്രീയ നേതാക്കളുമായി വ്യക്തിപരമായ ബന്ധം കാത്തു സൂക്ഷിക്കുകയും ജനങ്ങളുടെ നന്മക്കു വേണ്ടി അവരുടെ മുമ്പിൽ പ്രശ്നങ്ങളവതരിപ്പിക്കുകയും ചെയ്ത യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ നിലപാടുകൾ ഏറെ ശ്രദ്ധിക്കപ്പെട്ടവയായിരുന്നു.
കരിയിൽത്തോട്ടം കുടുംബത്തിലെ അംഗങ്ങൾക്ക് അദ്ദേഹം വലിയോരു തണൽമരമായി നിലകൊണ്ടു. നിർണായക തീരുമാനങ്ങളെടുക്കേണ്ടുന്ന സാഹചര്യങ്ങളിൽ തിരുമേനിയുടെ ആലോചനക്കും പ്രാർഥനക്കും വേണ്ടി കുടുംബാംഗങ്ങൾ കതോർക്കുകയും കാംഷിക്കുകയും ചെയ്തിരുന്നു.
വേദനയുടെയും വേർപാടിന്റെയും അവസരങ്ങളിൽ ആശ്വസിപ്പിക്കുന്ന ഒരു ദൈവദൂതനെ പോലെ കടന്നുവരികയും ഹൃദയ സ്പർശിയായ പ്രാർത്ഥനകളിലൂടെ ഏവർക്കും ധൈര്യം പകരുകയും ചെയ്ത സന്ദർഭങ്ങൾ അവിസ്മരണീയമാണ്. ഈ ശുശ്രൂഷ അനുഭവിച്ചറിഞ്ഞ ആരും അതു മറക്കുകയില്ല. തൻറെ ജീവിതത്തിൽ പ്രത്യേകമായി പ്രിയ പത്നി (ജസ്സി ബിയാട്രിസ് ) യുടെ വേർപാടിന്റെ അവസരത്തിലും തുടർന്നിങ്ങോട്ടും അനുഭവിക്കുവാൻ ഇടയായ ദൈവകൃപയുടെ ധാരാളമായ അനുഭവത്തെ കുറിച്ച് തിരുമേനി പറയുമായിരുന്നു.
സാധാരണക്കാരായ ജനങ്ങൾ തനിക്കുവേണ്ടി പ്രാർത്ഥിക്കുന്നത് തിരുമേനി വളരെയധികം സന്തോഷത്തോടെ ഇഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടിരുന്നു. പ്രഭാതത്തിനു മുൻപ് എഴുന്നേറ്റ് വേദപുസ്തക പാരായണം പ്രാർത്ഥന എന്നിവയിൽ സമയം ചിലവിടുന്നത് അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ചിട്ടയുടെ ഭാഗമായിരുന്നു. ആഴ്ചയിൽ ഒരു ദിവസം [വെള്ളിയാഴ്ച്ച ദിവസം] ഉപവാസം ആചരിക്കുന്നതു അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ശീലമായിരുന്നു.
ഈ നിഷ്ഠകൾ അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ശുശ്രൂഷയിൽ ശക്തമായ പ്രചോദനമായി മാറി. അതുകൊണ്ട് ദൈവം അദ്ദേഹത്തെ അത്ഭുതകരമായ രീതിയിൽ ഉയർത്തുകയും വിജയകരമായി നടത്തുകയും ചെയ്തു. ലഭിച്ച സ്ഥാനമാണങ്ങളൊന്നിൻറെയും പിന്നാലെ പോയതല്ല, മറിച്ചു അവ തിരുമേനിയെ തേടി വരുകയാണുണ്ടായത്.
ദൈവവചനത്തിൽ അധിഷ്ഠിതമായിരുന്നു യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ പ്രസംഗങ്ങൾ. ഇതിലൂടെ ജനങ്ങൾക്കാവശ്യമായ ആത്മീയ ശക്തി പകർന്നു നൽകുവാൻ അദ്ദേഹത്തിന് കഴിഞ്ഞിരുന്നു. ദൈവവചന ധ്യാനത്തിലൂടെ ലഭിച്ച ചിന്തകൾ പരിശുദ്ധാത്മ ശക്തിയിലും പ്രാർത്ഥനയുടെ കരുത്തിലും വ്യക്തതയോടെ അവതരിപ്പിക്കുവാൻ തിരുമേനിക്കു കഴിഞ്ഞിരുന്നു.
ലണ്ടൻ മിഷനറി സൊസൈറ്റിയുടെ (LMS) ഇരുന്നൂറാം (200th) വാർഷികം ഇംഗ്ലണ്ടിൽ വലിയോരു സമ്മേളനമായി നടത്തപ്പെട്ടപ്പോൾ മൂന്ന് പേർക്ക് മാത്രമേ പ്രസംഗിക്കുവാൻ അവസരം ലഭിച്ചുള്ളൂ. അതിലൊന്ന് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയായിരുന്നു. മറ്റ് രണ്ടു പേർ ഇംഗ്ലണ്ടിലെ എലിസബത്ത് രാജ്ഞിയും മറ്റൊന്ന് ആഫ്രിക്കൻ ബിഷപ്പ് ഡെസ്മണ്ട് റ്റൂറ്റൂ എന്നിവരായിരുന്നു. മുഴുവൻ ഏഷ്യക്കാരെയും പ്രതിനിധീകരിക്കുവാൻ ദൈവം യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയെ ഉയർത്തിയ ഈ അവസരവും മാർക്കാനാവാത്തതുതന്നെ.
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി പല അവസരങ്ങളിലായി അനേകം ലേഖനങ്ങൾ എഴുതിയിട്ടുണ്ട്. അവയെല്ലാം തന്നെ ആഴമേറിയ ചിന്തകൾ കൊണ്ട് സമ്പുഷ്ടമാണ്.
“ഹിന്ദുമത പ്രവേശിക (1970),”
“മിഷനറി വീരനായ പൗലോസ് (1985),”
ക്രിസ്തു ജയന്തി (1990),”
“ക്രൂശിലെ മേലെഴുത്ത് (1992),”
“ഇത്ര വലിയ രക്ഷ (1998),”
“നീ വായിക്കുന്നത് ഗ്രഹിക്കുന്നുവോ (2000),
“പാതയ്ക്കു പ്രകാശം (2004),”
“രക്തം നിലവിളിക്കുന്നു (2006),
“മതപരിവർത്തനം—ഒരു ക്രൈസ്തവ സമീപനം (2008),” എന്നിവയാണ് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ പ്രധാന കൃതികൾ. ഈ ഗ്രന്ഥങ്ങളിലെല്ലാം തന്നെ ബന്ധപ്പെട്ട വിഷയങ്ങൾ സമഗ്രമായി അപഗ്രഥിച്ചു അടുക്കും ചിട്ടയോടും കൂടി അവതരിപ്പിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്.
അദ്ദേഹം അവസാനം രചനയിലേർപ്പെട്ടിരുന്ന പുസ്തകം പൂർത്തിയാക്കണമെന്നത് തിരുമേനിയുടെ വലിയ ആഗ്രഹമായിരുന്നു. മേയ് 2013 – ൽ “പ്രവാചക ദൗത്യം ” എന്ന പുസ്തകം പ്രസിദ്ധീകരിച്ചു കാണുവാൻ ദൈവം അദ്ദേഹത്തിനു കൃപ നൽകി.
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ ഭരണനൈപുണ്യം ദക്ഷിണ കേരള മഹായിടവകയും ദക്ഷിണേന്ത്യ സഭയും രുചിച്ചറിഞ്ഞിട്ടുള്ളതാണ്. ദൈവഭയമുള്ള വ്യക്തികളെ കണ്ടെത്തി അവരുടെ കഴിവുകൾ പൂർണമായി സഭയ്ക്കു പ്രയോജനപ്പെടുന്ന താക്കോൽ സ്ഥാനങ്ങളിൽ പ്രതിഷ്ഠിച്ച് ഒരു നല്ല ടീം ആയി പ്രവർത്തിക്കുന്ന രീതി തിരുമേനിക്കുണ്ടായിരുന്നു. ദക്ഷിണ കേരള മഹായിടവകയിൽ വളരെയേറെ വികസന പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങൾക്കും അടിസ്ഥാനമിട്ടത് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ ഭരണ നേതൃത്യത്തിലായിരുന്നു.
യഥാർത്ഥമായ ജനാധിപത്യ മൂല്യങ്ങളെ ഉയർത്തി പിടിച്ചുകൊണ്ട് എല്ലാവരുടെയും ആശയങ്ങൾ ചർച്ചചെയ്യുവാൻ അവസരം കൊടുക്കുവാൻ തിരുമേനി ശ്രദ്ധിച്ചിരുന്നു. മിഷനറി പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങൾക്കും പുതിയൊരു ദിശാബോധം നൽകി ദക്ഷിണ കേരള മഹായിടവകയെ അതിലേക്കുള്ള സംരംഭങ്ങളിൽ, ആദ്യം ആന്ധ്ര പ്രദേശിലും പിന്നെ ഒറീസ്സയിലും മുന്നോട്ടു നയിച്ചത് തിരുമേനിയുടെ പ്രത്യേക താത്പര്യമായിരുന്നു.
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി ദൈവം തന്നെ വിളിച്ച ദൗത്യം വിശ്വസ്തതയോടെ അന്ത്യം വരെയും നിറവേറ്റി. പൂർണമായ സമർപ്പണവും അചഞ്ചലമായ ദൈവാശ്രയവും ദൈവനടത്തിപ്പിലുള്ള വിശ്വാസവും അദ്ദേഹത്തെ വിജയകരമായി ഓട്ടം പൂർത്തിയാക്കുന്നതിന് സഹായിച്ചു.
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയെ കുറിച്ച് ഓർക്കുമ്പോൾ അദ്ദേഹം പ്രിയം വച്ച യേശുവിനെ കൂടെ നാം ഓർത്തു പോകുന്നു. ക്രൂശിന്റെ മറവിൽ താഴ്മയോടെ പ്രവർത്തിച്ച ഈ ദൈവദാസൻ നിത്യ ജീവന്റെ സന്തോഷത്തിലേയ്ക്ക് വിളിക്കപ്പെട്ടിരിക്കുന്നു. യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ ജീവിതം ഇനിയും അനേകകാലം നമ്മുടെ മദ്ധ്യേ ദീപ്തസ്മരണായി വെളിച്ചം പകർന്നുകൊണ്ടേയിരിക്കും.
Watch on YouTube: Malayalam Sermon on the Blood of Jesus by Bejoy Peter
Bishop Jesudasan: The Humble Servant Who Remained Faithful to God’s Call
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി: ദൈവവിളിയോടു വിശ്വസ്തത പുലർത്തിയ എളിയ ദാസൻ എന്ന തലക്കെട്ടിനു പ്രേരകമായത് തിരുമേനിയുടെ ജീവിതത്തിലെ ഒരു പ്രത്യേക ചിട്ടയാണ് എന്ന് പറയുവാൻ എനിക്കു ആഗ്രഹമുണ്ട്. തിരുമേനി ബിഷപ്പായി അഭിഷിക്തനായത് 1973 ഓഗസ്റ് 5 ആം തിയതിയാണ്. പിന്നീടങ്ങോട്ടുള്ള എല്ലാ വർഷവും ഓഗസ്റ് 5 ആം ദിവസം തൻറെ ഔദ്യോഗിക തിരക്കുകളിൽ നിന്നു അവധിയെടുത്തു ഏതെങ്കിലും ഒരു സ്വസ്ഥമായ റിട്രീറ്റ് സെന്റെറിൽ ഒറ്റയ്ക്ക് പ്രാർത്ഥനാനിരതനായി ചിലവിടുമായിരുന്നു.
അന്നു തിരുമേനി ദൈവമുൻപാകെ സ്വയം ചോദിച്ചു ഉത്തരം കണ്ടെത്തുവാൻ ശ്രമിച്ചിരുന്ന ചോദ്യമിതാണ്: “ഞാൻ ദൈവം എന്നെ ഏല്പിച്ച വിളിയോടു വിശ്വസ്തനായിരിക്കുന്നുവോ?”
അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ജീവിതത്തെ അവലോകനം ചെയ്യുമ്പോൾ ഈ ഒരു ആത്മപരിശോധന അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ദർശനത്തിലും സേവനത്തിലും നേതൃത്വത്തിലും എത്രമാത്രം സ്വാധീനം ചെലുത്തി എന്ന് മനസ്സിലാക്കുവാൻ കഴിയും.
If you are young and probably in your teens, life can turn difficult from being rosy as quickly as lights are switched off. You can feel unloved, rejected, and confused. The longing for acceptance can be met with scorn. People can even make fun of you. But let not your hopes be dashed: Life can be better!
The question is whether you should allow negative feelings to determine your worth? If you allow others to decide how you should feel; then all through your life you will be at other people’s mercy. Your trying hard to please everybody and saying yes to everything will surely create unpleasant experiences for you.
There are no simple solutions I have to offer when you feel unloved, rejected, and confused. The only thing I can remind you of is hope. Hope in God comes first and following that hope of a better tomorrow. You might wonder how God fits in to the whole situation you are facing. Probably you are feeling like a failure already and doesn’t want God to come to play the game of your life.
But let me tell you a simple reason why you should consider God. He is someone who is willing to accept you just as you are. What does that mean? It simply means that God loves you the way you are right now. He loves you even when you feel unloved, rejected, and confused. He does not find fault with you for your doubts. He is not angry when you rebel against him; but is patiently waiting for you to come to him. For he believes that your life can be better with better hopes, better dreams, and better tomorrows.
Beginnings are part of our lives. Much prayer, planning, and preparation ideally should go into making a beginning a success. A good start will pump a lot of confidence, hope, and the enthusiasm to persevere till the end. Now let me spell out a few tips regarding beginnings—the right way to begin anything.
#1. Begin with God.
He knows what is best for you. He is willing to guide and help you. Above all, he can give you the needed wisdom. So begin with God. Let your studies begin with God; for the fear of the LORD is beginning of wisdom and knowledge.
#2. Begin with a Determination to Finish.
You might have left many projects undone. This happens because you did not keep the long term view or have the big picture in mind. You should be prepared in your mind to deal with distractions and setbacks and obstacles. if you begin without having a plan to deal with these; most likely you will abandon what you started.
#3. Begin with Hope and Maintain It.
Life can bring a lot of changes. Some of them can threaten to derail your plans. It is in those times that you need hope. So put your trust in God and hope in him. If you do so, you will not be disappointed. So success is not just about beginning well, but keeping up hope as you progress through clouds and rain, through sunshine and storm.
#4. Believe in Small Beginnings.
One small seed can grow into a tree which in turn can provide plenty of fruit for years to come. So do not be afraid to start small. Make big plans but be willing to start small. There will be come a day when you can look back and be amazed at how far you have come. And be thankful to God for that journey.
Now let me conclude. Beginnings are special and remembered by all. But making a beginning is not easy and should not be attempted without adequate prayer, planning and preparation. When done well, beginnings are lovely; aren’t they?
Usain Bolt, one of the greatest sprinters the world has seen, wrote in his autobiography1: “Distraction for one hundredth of a second might be enough to lose a race.” In this modern world of gadgets when most of us spend too much time on our mobiles, distractions, especially caused by time spent on social media can drug you to lose in life.
Why do I use the word drug? Because drugs cause addiction. And who will disagree that social media is so addictive that you simply cannot control the urge to check and recheck and scroll through the reels and trolls and status updates.
Now the impact of distractions can be felt in a few areas: Losing focus, losing a sense of priorities, and losing the sense of responsibility are some of those.
Secondly, let me talk about losing a sense of priorities. Time is limited. So not one of us can accomplish anything worthwhile in life without establishing priorities. That tells us what is urgent, important, can wait, and not needed. But distractions often make us spend valuable time on minor things, things that don’t matter, and what is frivolous.
Thirdly, let me talk about losing the sense of responsibility. Take the example of a mother of school kids and also a professional. If the mother spends long hours with her mobile, she is not doing justice to her prime responsibility of caring for her children. And one cannot find fault if her kids too just snug her and watch all that she is watching.
Let me conclude. My dear friends, life is short. And today, distractions are stealing away much time from your life. You are losing focus, losing a sense of priorities and also the sense of responsibility. So say no to distractions and avoid being drugged to lose in life. The decision is yours. Take it now! Clip on Distraction from Malayalam Sermon on the Blood of Jesus
1Usain Bolt | Faster Than Lightning | My Story | Published by Harper Collins
The Bible says: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119 verse 11.
We live in a world where we face a lot of temptations. Our hearts and minds are not strong enough to resist them. We need God’s help. At the same time, we need to store up and hide God’s Word in our hearts. Why?
Because God’s Word is living and active. It is sharper than any double-edged sword. God’s Word is like fire and a hammer that breaks a rock into pieces. Therefore, storing it within our hearts gives us a fighting chance and resisting power against sin. God will bring to our minds the right word at our time of need.
Therefore, let us try to memorize God’s Word and hide it in our hearts. Yes, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119 verse 11. Amen.
Times have changed. Centuries have passed by. Empires have risen and fallen. From the man who walked all the way; we have come to a point when man travels to Space as a tourist. But man has not changed. His heart is having the same makeup and is prone to get corrupt. It is not virus free; not at all. Therefore let me talk about one of the viruses that plots evil in the human heart—the breaking of the 10th Commandment which God gave the world through Moses the prophet: You shall not covet!
Coveting is essentially an yearning to possess something which is not rightfully ours. It can be anything that you set your desire on. For a child it can be a pencil, a toy, or even a sweet his or friend has. For a man or woman it can be things much larger and more prized than all these. Coveting is a desire that crosses boundaries God has kept for our own safety. It is like ignoring the red lights and pressing on the accelerator of your car. You might succeed to get, to grab, to hold, and to possess. But it destroys everything that we cherish in life in that process:
Relationships turn murky. There is heartbreak and sorrow. Justice is upset. Wrong is done. There is violation of human dignity. The tales of misery and sorrow do not end; it continues in the family. The results of breaking the 10th Commandment which says, you shall not covet, is terrible.
So is there a checklist I can refer to in order that I might not violate the 10th Commandment? It is a good question. The starting point is, do not covet anything that belongs to your neighbour. The wise King Solomon made the point: “All labour and all achievement spring from man’s envy of his neighbour.”1 We compare and contrast with what our neigbours have. Then we start to covet.
Be thankful for what you have. Get rid of that sense of dissatisfaction in life. Serious consequences that can plague you lifelong accompany the violation of the 10th Commandment, you shall not covet. At the end of the day you and me are answerable and accountable to God when we stand before his judgement seat. Not one of us can stand before his wrath. So let us not covet.
Patience is a kind of outdated word in today’s busy world. When everything happens instantly at the touch of one’s finger on the mobile, people have lost the art of waiting.
Almost all good things in life can come with patience. A child might yearn to grow up and achieve great things. But that happens only as years pass by. There is no way this process can be made to run fast.
Patience is part of achieving spiritual growth too. The Bible says that patience is a fruit of the Spirit. It means that patience seen in the life of a man or woman is a sign of spiritual maturity.
Why is this important? Waiting patiently for Gods answers to prayer runs contrary to worldly wisdom which says when God doesn’t answer prayers quickly, he is denying you your request.
The truth could be otherwise. God is helping you grow strong by patient waiting. His delays are not denials, but grand designs of his wisdom in your life.
A patient man or woman will not easily get angry. He or she will be quick to listen but slow to speak; doing so only after thinking through.
On the other hand, God is very patient too. He is showing mercy to all by delaying judgement on man’s sin and rebellion against him.
To conclude, patience is not weakness but strength clothed in meekness.
