A paper plane is a toy that can fly. It may not fly perfectly. But it is one that inspires a child to aim high in life and have great ambitions in life.
For the early wonder of running out of one’s house to see the thing that flies with that roaring noise is never ever lost on a child!
A paper boat on the other hand kindles imagination. It is a simple toy when children are restricted not to play outdoors in the rain. Then they find joy in the boats they float in water.
Oh, how children clap and laugh and jump about at the little progress their boats make before they get carried away with the swirling currents!
Everywhere! I find people ready to give up.
Everywhere! I find people in need of an encouraging word.
Will you shine your little light?
There never was a time when men and women needed the courage to hope more than now. Yes! Now is the time. If at all we needed light to shine in our darkness; it is now. Will you shine your little light?
But who will show the light? Those that have it, have covered it tight. O foolish ones who think that light gets lost if it is allowed to shine. So they light candles in burning sunlight.
Oh, how they lack the simplest of wisdom. That light should shine not when it is daylight. But light should shine when it is pitch black at night.
So unravel your light. Let it shine. It can be that just before one step to the blackest night; some poor soul will find the light. So will you shine your little light; in this time of rampant night?
I am a kite. I am colourful. I might never compete with planes or rockets but I too can fly. It is my unique ability.
I have a tail. Often it is long. It makes me look beautiful as I fly. But there is more. It gives me stability as I fly. And I always try my best to stay true to the purpose for which I was made.
If you ask me; I too am like you. I always feel the urge to cut off the string that holds me. I am tempted to do things my own way. I want to be free.
But I am also wise. If I cut myself free; where do I end up? No longer am I in control. The same wind that made me dance will dump me in some wasteland in quick time.
So dear friends, freedom is not the same as rebellion. And in yielding to the one who controls you is safety.
First of all, smile at all times. A smile keeps you looking innocent. It makes others say, I am so cute. I hope you also think of me that way too.
Secondly, never lose your curiosity. Always hold close to your heart a sense of wonder. Look up at stars once in a while. Then say to yourself, “If the underside of heaven is so beautiful I wonder what the real side would be!”
Finally, God truly made me innocent. I am like a clean board on which others write on. If I can keep the good things and wipe away the bad things then I can always look innocent as I really am. Thank you.
It’s up to you you to choose to believe the truth when God says “there is hope for you,” or give in to the lies of the devil. Choose to listen to God. And hold the fort for God’s help will surely come.
It does not matter how long the darkness has kept you in fear. God’s light will yet shine. It might not shine a long beam to your future. But it certainly will show you where to walk the next step. So hold the fort for God’s help will surely come.
Why hold the fort? Your mind is under attack from all sides. You easily lose heart. Therefore look up. There is a flag of victory waving. You go and stand underneath it. Now what does it say: It says, “I am your helper. So do not fear.”2 Therefore hold the fort for God’s help will surely come. It will not delay.
The night will pass. Dawn will break. And God will whisper in your ear,“I am with you.” What an assurance that is! Therefore hold the fort; for God’s help will surely come.
You can rise up in God’s strength today. This message is for you who think you are a failure in life.
Dear friend, you might have regrets in life. There are many wasted opportunities and many things you wish you could have done differently; isn’t that so?
Do not despair. There is still hope. For God is with you and for you. The only thing he demands is that you trust in him.
And when you trust in him you can rise up in God’s strength today. This is possible for four important reasons:
Secondly, God is a God of second chances. He doesn’t count you a failure even when you fail multiple times. He believes in your willingness to keep trying. Even if your efforts are imperfect God delights in you and gives you second chances to make it successful in life. Yes, he wants you to rise up in his strength today.
Thirdly, God is the master of creating opportunities. It doesn’t matter if all doors are closed. You go and keep knocking. In unexpected ways and from unexpected sources doors will open for you. So do not lie down in despair. Get up and rise up in God’s strength for opportunities will come to you.
Fourthly and finally, remember that with God nothing is impossible. The only thing that matters is whether in God’s eyes something that you desire is good for you or not. If it is God’s will for your life do not look at the impossibility. But put your hope in God. He is bigger and stronger than all the giants you are facing at the moment. So believe that you can rise up in God’s strength today.
The second F is Family. All of us are born into a family. Of course there are many who are less fortunate and are orphaned early in life. Now the divinely ordained instiution of family has undergone many changes in the last few decades. Yet in spite of all that has changed, the family is where we learn the first lessons of being loved and cared for.
The third F is Finance.Money is not everything in life. Yet money is needed for meeting the basic necessities of life. Therefore one has to learn to earn money through honest hard work. One has to learn to be wise and prudent in spending and investing money. Greed can make you blind to the more important values in life and can make you lose compassion to others.
The fourth F is Friends. There is a wider circle than our immediate family that makes an impact in our lives. Even though it includes many, there are few who stand with us in all our needs and moments of difficulty. They are your friends. There might not be many, but only few who will have your best interest in mind. Value and cherish them.
So let me conclude. The four F’s that make life what it is are: Faith, Family, Finance, and Friends. Faith in God, love in the family, faithfulness with one’s finances, and fun with friends are what makes life what it is.
We all long to have a glimpse of heaven. Here is how heaven is going to be like:
Heaven is the home of God the Father. It is a real place. He awaits his children to arrive there. Meanwhile preparations are on for welcoming them home. What a joy when life’s race is over and you touch the finishing tape. You wake up to a new morn—a glorious beginning that will never end.
Heaven is a place of joy. It is a place where God will wipe away all tears from your eyes. No more death or mourning or crying or pain. I tell you it is not the boring kind of entertainment that you get on earth. Heaven is joy unspeakable and full of glory.
Heaven is where Jesus is. He said that he is the way. He said that in his Father’s house there are many mansions. And he is going to prepare a place for those who believe in him. One day he is going to come back to take us there. Amazing, isn’t it? God wants to share his home with us brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ.
Now the question is how soon will all this become real to us?
I hope most of you have seen Umpires calling “Time” during tennis matches. That trumpet call will sound from heaven soon. Earth will give up her dead. Books will be opened. Each man will have to give account for his life before God’s judgement seat.
And then those whose names are found in the Lamb’s Book of Life will live with God for ever. Others who never accepted God’s offer of life while living on earth will be thrown into the lake of fire from which there is no escape!
Sounds too narrow-minded; isn’t it? I cannot find fault with you for thinking so. But the truth is that Jesus said the way to heaven is narrow. This is what he said. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it (Matthew 7:13, 14 Bible).”
Heaven, my friends, is not open by popular vote. It is open only for those who enter through the way of the cross. For it was on the cross that God came near to man like never before. That was where God put the punishment due to me and you for all our sins on his own beloved Son Jesus. That was where he shed his precious blood for us. And when we look to him in faith, he welcomes us home to heaven!
Children love to play. Studies are boring to them. But they need to study anyway. And here are some tips to make studies interesting for children.
The first step to make studies interesting for children is to make them believe in a dream. Often parents would love to impose their dreams on children. Sometimes it works out; but often it might not. If parents can try to understand the talent, passion, and ambition of the child, they can possibly help him or her understand in what area of life he or she will excel in. And then tie their studies to that dream.
The second step to make stduies intersting for children is to make them have a learning methodology which is fun. Just for an example, what if questions are asked in a professional quiz format with audio visual rounds and other stuff it is made of and rewards given at the end! Or what if the child is asked to take a class to parents or siblings on the topic studied in as creative ways as possible! Teach your children how to make an attempt at inter-disciplinary learning early in life by showing them analogies from other branches of study.
The third step to make studies interesting for children is to help them understand the importance and habit of preparing summary notes from the texts they learn from. The notes can include their own version of shorthand, symbolic representations, tree diagrams, flow charts and so on. Along with that they should be taught how to effectively retrieve information from these notes taken. This resource can be time-saving as well as enable scoring of high marks in examinations.
The last step and perhaps the most important step is to never compare your child with anyone else. Not even their siblings. This is absolutely negative, destructive and of no use. Give allowances for mistakes and failures. And keep on affirming that you believe in your children and that they will come up in life with flying colours.
One day they will make you proud with their achievements and thank you for believing in them.
Respected Dignitaries, Distinguished Guests, Youthful audience, and a wide spectrum of viewers watching on Television,
It is indeed a moment of great joy this evening. I stand here with an immense sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. This musical reality show that stole the hearts of millions of people worldwide is coming to its grand finale tonight.
The entire last year; viewers especially Malayali communities across the globe had tuned in every night to not only watch this vibrant program but also support and encourage the child prodigies who had delighted us with their wonderful singing and dancing and interactions with judges and audiences.
Let me first of all welcome all the dignitaries from the TV Channel management, and the Senior Executives from the Companies who have generously sponsored the cash award and prizes. As the Chief Organizer of this event, let me welcome each one of you and request you to kindly occupy the seats allocated for you in the front row.
We have here with us a well-known and eminent panel of judges. They are names that are synonymous with the music world and the film industry. Their rich experience and their connect with audiences is without parallel. Welcome you all to this grand finale.
Of course, here on my right stand the ten finalists. They are all familiar faces to all of you. What a thrilling musical journey they had had. The tremendous improvement they have shown over the last one year is phenomenal. They have mesmerized us on many nights with their unbelievable singing.
To my left are seated the orchestra team. What a wonderful team they have been. Without their enthusiastic support and extraordinary skill with their respective instruments, this musical show could not have come this far. Welcome you all to this finale.
And finally the privileged members of the audience watching this show live and millions of viewers watching on television, welcome.
Look ahead to a memorable night that shall long remain in your minds for its fantabulous display of musical talent, the fierceness of the competition, the agony and tears of elimination, the joy and ecstasy of success. Yes, ladies and gentlemen tonight you are about to witness a musical drama that will set your hearts racing. Welcome you all once again.
Coaches help you win. They push you to perform at your best and to achieve a world-class performance.
Performance management and optimisation is the key after you have put in all the hard work in your chosen passion and pursuit.
Performance becomes critical in all disciplines—be it athletics, sports and games, Formula One (F1) racing, coding, signing or dancing or acting, or without doubt public speaking too.
Here are four important points I can remind you as a Performance Coach just before your important performance:
Be Yourself
Many lose at the final performances because they carry a subtle baggage of people they have imitated or looked to for inspiration as role models early in their lives. In mirroring your role models you limit being yourself. So do away with all that is not true to yourself. It can be even certain mannerisms or speech patterns you picked up from others.
Be Relaxed
Nothing hinders performance as much as tension and stress and nervousness. If you can manage to have a good peaceful sleep the previous night before your critical performance what a difference it can make! A certain amount of nervousness will be there when you are thoroughly prepared. But imagine it to a be a race horse raring to go.
Focus on Giving Your Best
Some habitual winners lose when they focus on winning the prize. This happens because they forget what made them winners in the first place—it was their thirst to do their best. But the label of winner is a tough one to carry. It puts a lot of pressure on you to keep winning and it makes you focus on winning the prize. This can affect your performance if you allow it to dominate your thoughts.
Enjoy the Process
All great performers enjoy what they do. They especially dream of doing well the few days that lead up to their performance. They entertain no negativity. Their minds are full of joy at what they are about to do. As Eric Lidell is found saying in the 1981 Oscar-winning movie Chariots of Fire, “I believe that God made me for a purpose. But He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure.” So also you too focus on enjoying your performance.
To conclude, let me say that when you perform better than your best, you not only entertain but also inspire a host of others to raise their standards to that of excellence.
Windows are part of your outlook. Therefore keep it clean.
For it is mostly through glass windows, either closed or open, that you look out, observe, gather information, and make judgements. Therefore it is of first and paramount importance that you keep your windows clean.
Why?
Simply because windows stained with dirt can distort your vision and thereby your impressions and perceptions of people and situations.
Why again?
Simply because many problems that you attribute to others are of your own making and caused by log in your own eyes1—the windows with which you see the world.
And why a third time?
Simply because clean windows allow the sunlight to brighten up the interiors of your home. Allow nothing to obstruct light from passing through, for light brings cheer and hope with it.
Let me conclude by saying that it is a good exercise for your mind and body and sometimes even your computers to clean up windows.
Hope rises in every human heart even as light shines. Therefore “Lead us O LORD from darkness to light,” has been a prayer in the lips of many for centuries.
Light conquers darkness—whether it be the darkness of ignorance or the darkness of evil or the darkness of fear; it is the nature of light to conquer darkness.
Light brings hope. A world that has become so busy with even Nano seconds1 being taken into account has no room for failures and those who despair. But light brings hope to even those rejected and broken and marginalized.
Light shines knowledge. Ignorance can imprison people. It can chain people in superstitions, lies and deceptions. And it is the truth of knowledge that can break these chains and set people free.
Light spreads. It is impossible to conceal light and perhaps it is foolishness to attempt to do so. Therefore no one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; but puts it on its stand that it may give light to everyone in the house.2
And once upon a time there walked on this earth One who embodied all these. He said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”3
About him, his beloved disciple John wrote: “In him was life, and that life was the light of men.”
Yes dear friends, the greatest of all that light is; is that light gives life. It conquers death by its life-giving power. Therefore let us continue to pray, “Lead us O LORD from darkness to light.”
As a school student, the first step you can take is to stop giving excuses to your teachers on not completing your homework and not submitting your assignments on time.
The second step to stop telling excuses is to take responsibility for your actions. It is easy to put the blame on your teammates for the mistakes made. That is cowardice.
The third step to stop telling excuses is to find out what causes you to fail. Is it your laziness? Is it procrastination? Or is it poor listening that makes you miss out on vital information. For example, you did not listen carefully and therefore did not hear the teacher say, “Submit your notebooks on Monday.”
Finally seek the help of your friend to remind you whenever you tell an excuse. This will help you realise telling an excuse each time you do it. Becoming aware of it like that will alert you next time you attempt to tell an excuse.
Let me end by reminding you that the best place to start to stop telling excuses is your home itself. The basic excuse you give there is “I forgot”; isn’t it? Remember that forgetting happens because in your mind you have given priority to someone else or something else.
Right from a child’s wonder as to who made the stars to a philosopher’s explanation of the meaning of life there is in every human heart an yearning to search for the truth.
If truth can be found through men and women’s search for the meaning of life, it might not be a complete understanding because his or her circumstances will certainly colour his or her painting of life.
The question therefore is whether truth is abstract or concrete? Truth, if it has to be within the reach of all, has to be made plain for all to understand. In that sense truth came to us when Jesus was born a child. God came down to us not to judge, accuse, or condemn but to save.
But many people act like how the Roman governor Pilate did when he asked the question “What is truth?”1 to Jesus standing trial before him. But he did not wait for an answer.
And again truth was on public display when Jesus lay hanging on the cross and bleeding to death. The truth that all men and women deserve to be punished for their rejection of God was proclaimed by this act of God. BUT, the truth that God is showing mercy to all who would believe and receive him by placing their punishment on Jesus was a greater proclamation.
Thus in Jesus we find God showing us the truth—the truth about who God is: that he is merciful and compassionate and willing to forgive your sins however great they might be.
Therefore truth is not abstract. It is found in him who claimed: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”2 Look to him and you’ll find meaning in your search for the truth.
Yes you can. There is no reason why you can’t? Simply believe. Go deliver your speech with enthusiasm.
Step #2 Smile
Never forget this basic human relationship principle. Remember to smile at the beginning of your speech and maintain a pleasant attitude throughout your speech.
Step #3 Salutation
Address people on the dais with appropriate titles and respect. Do not use wild gestures and broad sweep of the arms. Gently tilt your face and look at each person addressed when you say their names.
Step #4 Introduction
A catchy introduction makes people give you attention. A quote, a story, a question, or even an interesting object or picture shown can make the audience curious and compelled to listen to you.
Step #5 Mention the Topic
Tell the audience what is the topic of your speech and the broad elements you will be covering in the speech. For example if you are going to speak on the Importance of Reading, you can also tell them that you will be covering how reading can inspire, inform, and entertain. That will help the audience look forward to those sections of your speech.
Step #6 Create a Framework
It is the skeleton that gives shape to the human body. Likewise a framework can give your speech an intelligent structure which will help not only you remember the main points of your speech but also enable your audience to follow your speech.
Add details to each point you want to say. For example if you are speaking on Covid-19 you can mention its global spread, statistics of people affected, mortality rate, post Covid medical care needed, vaccines, stories of survivors, the role of medical personnel, politicians, administrative officers, police, and volunteers who made sacrificial contributions in fighting Covid-19
Step #8 Summing Up
You can summarize your main thoughts at the end of your speech. It will help people recall the main points you covered in your speech.
There is always something more you can add to the answer you say that will make your interviews meaningful and memorable. It is an art you can easily master with a little bit of creativity and presence of mind. Here are some sample questions that have been answered for you. Always remember to stamp each answer with your individuality so that the listener or audience will feel your character and personality reflected in it.
Question:
What is your greatest fear? Answer:
If I tell you my greatest fear it also will mean that I have many fears. But if you still ask me, my answer would be to leave unfinished the work I was called to do.
Question: How do you measure love? Answer:
Love is measured immeasurably. Within the scope of that definition there are certain yardsticks that can be applied one of which is forgetfulness. It means the ability to forget wrongs especially the ones causes irritation and friction in daily life in the family.
Question: Who is your role model? Answer:
That question belongs to the past when you looked up to a few in your immediate neighborhood or in your understanding of history. But today genuine heroes and heroines are celebrated instantly through social media. One can learn some lessons from all of them.
Question:
What is your greatest entertainment? Answer:
The ability to shut down my laptop and switch off the mobile and look up into the clear night sky and gaze at the stars.
Question:
Will the Covid–19 Pandemic end? Answer:
Why not? It will end. But what will not end are the viruses in the human heart that cries out, “me, mine, mine alone, and more for me!” You can call that selfishness.
Question:
Are Online classes and work from home going to be the normal? Answer:
How could it be otherwise? The invasion of technology has made normal study and work look odd, out of place, and from a distant era. Future will mix traditional modes of study and work with the new reality. In other words, teachers and classrooms will co-exist with the online platforms for learning with no one method making an absolute claim over the other. The True Story of How I Lost an Interview Due to the Interviewer’s Blindspot
A new year with many unknowns. Eager expectations on one side. Worry and anxiety on the other. How can I move forward with courage? is the question that might dominate your mind at this time.
Do not fear. God never asked you to walk alone or shoulder all the burden by yourself. He is willing to help you and guide you. Simply trust that he has your good in mind as you move forward.
The overflowing waters which stand as a major obstacle preventing your progress will separate to reveal a way forward when you boldly step into the waters. It will not happen if you stand on the bank wondering how it will be accomplished.
The dry ground in the midst of the waters will be revealed only when you take the first step forward in faith. It is not by logic that it happens but by obedience to God’s command to you to step into the surging waters.
Impossibilities like what you are probably facing now are gateways to the land of the giants. You can look at them and be frightened or trust in God’s assurance, “I am with you, ” and find victory. But remember that there is no victory without battles.
Therefore look ahead to the New Year realistically. Much awaits to be accomplished. Old mindsets have to be left behind. And your mind has to be renewed. It was unbelief that defeated you so far. Now trust in God and believe you can.
It is then that the way forward will open up before. March forward and step by step claim your ground. If at any moment you falter and fall, look to God and rise up and move forward to victory.
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For who he is, Mighty God who is holy!
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For the gift of life and his guiding hand so far in your life’s journey.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For his unseen hand helping you and sustaining you in life’s difficult moments and troubles.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For what he is about to do in your life; even when you don’t see it, you know in faith that there is goodness and mercy ahead.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For his intimate knowledge of you: he knows your innermost thoughts, fears and worries and he has the hairs on your head numbered.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For his ever watchful eye on you; for the gift of his presence with you.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For being merciful and not treating you with judgement when you sinned against him and behaved with pride.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For his compassion, like a father pitying his child, on you when you failed, blundered, and made mistakes.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For his plans for your life. Even when you sit in darkness, he will be your light. And he will keep your lamp burning.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For accepting you as his child and lavishing his love on you—the same unchanging love he showed on the cross when he bled and died for you!
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For he came near when you stayed away from him doubting his love and when you were weighed down with feelings of inferiority and worthlessness.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For all those moments he held you close and did not let you perish even when you said, “It is enough O God,” in your depression.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For how can it be that your heart lift not up in songs of praise and joyous thanks when you think of him, the Lover of your soul!
So,
Bless the LORD, O my soul! Bless his holy name!
For there is no time by day or night you cannot bless the LORD. What a joy it is to bless the LORD. Even as the year ends and a New Year begins, what better thing is there to do than bless the LORD, O my soul!
— The above post, Bless the LORD, O My Soul! is inspired by Psalm 103:1, 2 Bible.
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
How much you miss the present moment and its opportunity because you constantly look back and feel helpless! But be of good cheer, a thorough cleansing of your past is possible!
The past is gone. Nothing can be accomplished by looking back. If you learn from mistakes made, that is something positive. But if you feel helpless and think that you will never make it; then that is cause for serious concern. But be of good cheer, a thorough cleansing of your past is possible!
Did you know there is Someone who handles your past with compassion? His name is Jesus. His sinless and precious blood was poured out on the cross. The blood of Jesus has the power to cancel all your sins—all its guilt and shame!
His blood is a fountain of cleansing. There is no limit to its cleansing power. The Bible declares that “though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”1
If you need this cleansing, look to the crucified One in faith. He will accept you just as you are. But he will not leave you at that point. Acceptance is just a beginning.
Then he will start rebuilding you. He will do it patiently with a Father’s love and disciplining hand.
Instead of the past gripping you and defeating you; God will make your life a story of transformation. Therefore be of good cheer, a thorough cleansing of your past is possible!
Therefore take heart. God is your Redeemer. Your past is taken care of in Jesus. Look forward to your future with hope!
— 1Isaiah 1:18 Bible
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
See, God acting on your behalf is not advertised. He doesn’t blow a trumpet to announce that he is making things work for you. Often what God does, happens behind the scenes. You need to believe that even when nothing seems to happen your prayers have been heard and your tears have been seen and preserved.
Then again, you need to anticipate and be ready for what God is going to do in your life. As it is popularly said you need to carry an umbrella when you pray for rain. It is unwise to remain idle when the Bible points out the wisdom of the ant which stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
Beyond being active with what your hands can do at the moment, you need to believe that God can do immeasurably more than all that you can ask or imagine. To have it happen that way you need to have patience to wait for God’s time. And you need to have the humility to ask God to do what is best in his eyes for you.
Finally, a thankful heart is what you need to recognize the hand of God in your life. At the end of life’s journey when you look back you might recognize that several people who crossed your way at the right time were God-sent.
And today do not be ashamed to testify before others that it was God who performed wonders and miracles for you. And those wonders and miracles don’t happen by chance. If you look at an embroidered piece of cloth you will not make any sense of what is being done if you watch the process from the underside; will you?
But you will know that it is a wise hand is working out the design. Blessed are you if you have learnt to recognize that hand in your life as the hand of God threading the various colours to a work of splendid art!
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”— Romans 8:28 Bible NASB
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
If you’re talented, don’t hide behind the baggage. Stand tall.
Didn’t you know that you’re chosen? Then why is that you’re trembling with fear?
You might not be from a big family. You might not have great wealth. But that is not what matters!
Come on, play it big!
It is not the size of the armies against you that matters either! Not even the mountainous obstacles and the gloomy shadows that they cast on your path.
Of course you’ll have to shoulder the burden, face the murmurings against you, and fight discouragement day in and day out.
But nothing can change God’s call on your life. So take courage. Move forward. For there is nothing like God is with you!
Come on, play it big!
When God has called you to be the city on a hill, don’t sit on a molehill and pity your insignificance.
Do not dare to tell God your petty excuses. For he knew you before you were born and has called you by name.
He didn’t ask for your resume not did he conduct an interview. He just called you. When he calls he also enables. When he enables he stays with you until the end.
Hear his call today; and don’t dare to say “No.” Nothing else matters only if you obey his call even now as he is giving you a second chance!
If you ask people what brings success, you will hear a lot of answers like hard work, perseverance, luck, ambition, and a host of other factors. But King Solomon had something higher to add: “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”1 This is how you can find success God’s way.
First of all, he asked us to commit to the LORD. It calls for trust. It implies that you give something over to someone for keeping it safe, watching over it, and seeing that it is well taken care of. When you entrust something like that to the LORD you stop worrying about it because it is in safe hands; don’t you? That is step number one to find success God’s way.
Secondly, whatever you do should be committed. If God is just asked to put a signature at the end of your plans you are sadly mistaken. For when you commit something to God, it also means that you ask God first for his wisdom and his will in that regard. And when your plans move accordingly, he will be able to bless. That is step number two to find success God’s way.
Thirdly, God counts success very differently. You can be a failure in the eyes of the world but be a success in God’s eyes. When the world counts money, power, fame, influence, possessions and even a YouTube video going viral as success; God measures success against your faithful stewardship of resources entrusted to you. Seeing success as God sees it is step number three to find success God’s way.
To conclude, God loves to see you succeed. In God’s terminology that reads, God loves to see you bear fruit. Well, a branch of a grapevine doesn’t wriggle and struggle and move here and there to produce fruit; does it? It simply remains in the vine; isn’t it?
And remaining in the vine can be understood as a personal and growing relationship with God. And like a true vinedresser God might prune you2—that is, he might discipline you-–so that you may bear more fruit.
God takes his own time with the process. He is patient. He reduces you to less so that you’ll bear more. He cuts you down so that your trust will be in him alone. All that he does with you is not without purpose; but with the aim of making you succeed. Therefore, rise up from your bed of despair! You can have hope that you’ll certainly find success God’s way!
Imagine that night. In a few hours from the time he spoke, he would be betrayed with a kiss and arrested. All of his best friends would be scattered. One of his best men would deny knowing him. Suddenly the lives of his closest friends were going to be disrupted.
Then would come his hour of bleeding to death on the cross. His flock of sheep would lose their shepherd.
But there was this promise—the gift from the Father in heaven. The Comforter: A guide to show you the way forward, a counsellor to give you wisdom, a helper to give your inaudible sighs and groans a voice that will surely be heard by God, and when you fail and falter and fall down an advocate to plead your case with God. He truly is Someone called to come alongside to help when you are in need of him.
Awesome friend to be with you always is he! He makes Jesus real to you and makes the words of the Bible come alive and speak to you.
You’ll never be left alone. God will never be far away; but in you. You can always know his presence because this Comforter—the Holy Spirit—is with you.
Gentle like a dove, mighty like a wind, and burning to death from your life all that is not pleasing to God; he always points you to Jesus. And he says, “Look to him!”
What a joy it is when he is within you. He is the one who helps you experience the great love of God for you, and he is the one who gifts you the peace that Jesus promised.
Yet again his is that gentle warning when you are about to do wrong; he sorrows and grieves when a child of God strays from what is right and sins!
Yet when you turn back to God he holds you close like a hen gathering her chick under her wings or like a mother comforting her child. He is in the business of blazing truth in your hearts. When he walks with you, you cannot keep company with darkness but you can only walk in the light!
The Comforter—God within us! Gently wooing you to fall in love with God. Aren’t you feeling that nudge in your heart?
Oh, what a joy it is when the comforter has come; when the comforter has come!
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
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He came to save people from their sins. No other person has ever addressed this basic need of men and women. And if you ask what sin is; it is anything that separates you from God. It can be your possessive love for anyone or anything; it can be rebellion in your heart against God; it can be pride or even attitudes and habits that are wrong. The name Jesus should remind you that you have a Saviour. He is always willing to save. There is absolutely no situation in your life where he cannot step in and no darkness in your life where his light cannot shine!
Immanuel
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Think about this. God became a single cell invisible to the human eye in the womb of the virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit and was born a child. God with us. Artificial intelligence, Nanotechnology, nuclear fission and fusion, supercomputers, interplanetary space missions and whatever marvellous else you can think of does not compare with God becoming a child. Immanuel. It means God with us. Jesus came as someone who could be seen and touched and one who mingled with the common people and the untouchables of society. He is with you today as a loving brother and faithful friend. Immanuel.
Wonderful Counsellor
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Google maps can help you when you travel. PAPI lights can help planes land safely. But what about situations in life where it seems a thick fog has come down on you? And you are unable to decide what to speak, whether to answer yes or no, and not sure about how your present action is going to impact your future? What about situations in life where you have messed up already? Don’t you think you need Jesus who has absolute knowledge of your life, is compassionate to you in your failures and doubts, and most willing to guide you continually? You might not hear angelic voices, neither see visions or dreams. Yet this Wonderful Counsellor will guide you. In spite of all the chaos you feel, the end of it will be peace; for in the abundance of his wisdom is safety.
Mighty God
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Calling Jesus a great teacher, a good man, a powerful prophet, a worker of miracles, or one who brings God’s blessings to people; all even when true fall short of who he is. When descriptions and adjectives don’t scale the heights of the majesty and holiness and supremacy and sovereignty of Jesus who is Mighty God above all; then you fail to know who he is. And when you come to know him for who he is; there is only one response that is possible—worship! And that is not possible unless you repent and turn away from all that is false and evil and turn to God in humility and tears.
Everlasting Father
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God, who is from eternity to eternity. He is, was, and will be. Jesus. He never can fail to be your strength and source of hope and comfort. Never will he leave you alone; never will he forsake you. When he steps in to your present moment, he will take the sting and bite and shame away from all that is past and take absolute charge over your future too. Death then becomes a curtain that is parted, and you will see him beyond life’s final farewell on earth. Eternal Father he is! Always there, always present, Jesus!
Prince of Peace
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Peace requires no definition as you know it when you don’t have it. But one thing is common to all: everyone is in search of peace. It is not to be found in pleasures nor is it to be found in living alone like a hermit in the forest. Peace with God can be found through the blood of Jesus shed on the cross. Have you found the peace that Jesus the Prince of Peace can give? It is not absence of trouble in life that he promises but his presence with you and his peace in the midst of life’s difficulties
Lamb of God
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Sinless One. Blameless. Innocent. Yet he was slain. He willingly laid down his life. His body was broken; and his precious blood was poured out for the forgiveness of your sins and mine. It was love for you that made him do that. Jesus, the Lamb of God. May this Name resound with the praises of his children time without end. May the corridors of heaven echo his praises for ever throughout all eternity! May his sacrifice be the subject of songs for ever and ever. Amen! Read 7 Names of Jesus on LinkedIn
— The above Christmas Day 2020 Special Post is inspired by the following texts in the Bible:
“You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” — Matthew 1:21b
“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means “God with us.” — Matthew 1:23.
“And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6b
“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” — John 1:29b
Christmas is the story of God’s great love for all people. No one is excluded. Christmas is the true story of God becoming man and being one among us. He was born a child whom people could see and touch. He came to shed his blood on the cross and die for the sins of all. One who looks to Jesus in faith will have his sins forgiven, become a child of God, and also inherit eternal life. This is the great hope to all which the event of Christmas brought to this world.
These nativity scenes featuring Daniela B. Peter and Stefan B. Peter help us to reflect on how God brought it all come to pass.
Songs by Daniela and Stefan
One Way Jesus
Risen
Our God Is an Awesome God
God with Us
10000 Reasons (Bless the Lord O My Soul)
Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart
I’ve Got the Joy Joy Joy
Baby Jesus We Love You
Deep Deep Deep
God Said to Noah – The Arky Arky Song (Rise and Shine)
Every Move I Make
Father Abraham Had Many Sons
Oru Divasam Noor Addukkale (Malayalam Action Song)
God did not give up on man when he rebelled aginst him. Instead God sent his one and only Son Jesus to this world; born a baby in a manger in Bethlehem. It was love that came down from heaven that first Christmas night.
I might not understand the logic behind God becoming man and tasting death for us all. But love that did not hesitate to give up his life for me holds no mysteries.
But then can I? One look at his face then bleeding with a head which was crowned with thorns; but now glorious like the sun shining in all its brilliance is all that is needed for me to bow down in worship saying, “My Lord and My God, I love you!”
The Bible declares:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6
Again the Bible says,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8
Online classes have changed the way children learn. It has also given rise to the practice of fashionable cheating. It is considered smart; but is it?
Many parents without second thoughts help students, especially young children with answers. And children get good marks. Parents are proud and children are happy.
But what are the consequences of this?
First of all, truth no longer has any weightage in the mind of the child. He or she is shown by example that it is ok to cheat by his or her parents who are most likely their primary role models. In this situation, how can you expect a child to grow up without resorting to greater malpractices in future?
Sadly, honesty is the best policy will remain in this growing up generation, a proverb to be recited and not to be practised.
Secondly, children will grow up thinking that getting full marks is quite easy if one is smart enough to invent ways to cheat. He or she will never be able to appreciate an objective evaluation whenever that happens. A child under the present fashionable cheating contexts grows up with no understanding of how to cope with mistakes,failures, criticism,rejection and unfavourable comparisons too.
Sad to say, a child grows up with a false estimate about one’s own intelligence and academic knowledge.
Thirdly, parents need to remember that children will grow up soon. They will learn to stand on their own feet. The Internet will become a gateway for them to a virtual world where one’s safety depends much on self-discipline. A child growing up learning fashionable cheating will soon master the craft of doing more tricks online that can bring real heartache for everyone concerned.
In all earnestness let me say that then it will be too late to correct.
Finally, what many parents are not aware of is that online video conferencing or online classes are tricky. Sometimes there can occur unexpected bugs. While they think that audio is mute, it actually might not be. When they help children write exams the instructions they give and the answers they whisper to their children are all heard by many. Many teachers might even be able to know which child is being helped. In this context, does fashionable cheating sound nice to you?
When your future looks uncertain and no one seems to be in a situation to help you; look to this promise of God for strength and encouragement.
It has remained a favourite with me ever since an elderly priest gave a short sermon on this promise while visiting our home at a very difficult time during my college days years ago.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.1“
Since you have such a precious promise to hold on to, remind yourself that God has chosen you and not rejected you. You belong to him and no power in the entire universe can snatch you out of his Almighty hand.
Again, remind yourself to focus on God and not your problems. God is bigger than all your troubles. Listen to his affirmation that he is with you. What an assurance that is. He, like a loving Father, a faithful brother, a true friend stays by your side at all times. Therefore do not fear nor be dismayed.
Be assured that when your strength runs out, God will strengthen you. When all other help fails, God will help you. He will uphold you. It is only when you hold on to God there is a chance that you’ll let go of his hand. But when God is upholding you, there is no fear of him letting you slip and fall.
Yes my friend, even as doubts cloud your mind as to whether this promise is as true as it sounds, clutch on to it like a drowning man clutches the life jacket thrown at him.
When God makes a promise his word itself is its guarantee that he will make it good and prove it true. Just believe it, hold on to it, and put your entire weight on it. The promise stands with the ring of authority of God surrounding it. May you find the promise true in your life even as I have found it true in mine. Amen!
You need the touch of an angel today. Have not all the troubles that you are facing wearied you down? And you feel like giving up?
Do not be disheartened. God will send an angel to touch you today.
See, when all have forgotten you and given upon you, the God who sleeps not is watching over you. He sees that your strength is gone. And you are no match for the journey ahead.
Yes, he will send an angel to touch you today and bless you with resources needed to move forward.
Is it that you are finding yourself in the midst of a tough battle against negative thoughts and habits? And in spite of all your repeated attempts, earnest and sincere, you find yourself failing and falling time and again.
Ah, you need the touch of an angel whom God will send your way today.
Life is not easy. When worries and fears and losses mount, and when your heart is broken and torn apart by sorrows that are expressed in groans and sighs that words cannot utter, it is then that the Spirit of God will share your burden and give voice and wings to your deepest longings in prayer.
And it is then in a joyous daybreak at a time of mourning that the touch of a God-sent angel would lift up your spirit and cheer you up on your journey ahead.
Oh, troubled child of God, may God strengthen you by the touch of an angel today!
—
“The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.”
—1 Kings 19:7 Bible NIV
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy” — Psalm 30:11 Bible NIV
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
