1 Minute Speeches – Bejoy Peter's Public Speaking ®

November 9, 2024December 19, 2024

Accept Jesus Who Is the Gift of Christmas

Santa Claus brings gifts at Christmas. It reminds us of God’s gift of Jesus. Jesus came to bleed and die on the cross. It was to gift you with God’s forgiveness.

Now is the time to accept his gift. Just thank him for bleeding to death on the cross for you. Turn away from all evil and say Yes to the gift of eternal life. For he rose from the dead and lives forever.

Jesus loves you and accepts you for you are his child. Nothing can separate you from his love. So thank God for Jesus, the indescribable gift.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16 Bible

Sunday Sermonettes | How to Get Your Heart’s Desires God’s Way

August 12, 2024August 12, 2024

This Day Choose

This Day Choose to be positive in spite of setbacks and disappointments that have come your way.
This Day Choose to lend a helping hand to someone who needs your presence or encouraging words even when you are hurting within.
This Day Choose hope even when all your circumstances make it look like you are alone without help in a desert.

This Day Choose to stand with the truth though it is painful even when it seems easy to speak a lie and get away with it.
This Day Choose to show mercy to others about whom many are speaking slander and gossip.
This Day Choose to love your loved ones even when they are unlovable in their attitudes, words, and actions.Yes, it is all a choice.
We choose to love God or reject him. We choose to bless with our words or wound with our tongue. We choose life or we choose death with the choices we make. We choose what is of the earth and passing away or we choose what is eternal and lasting forever.
If we don’t choose; we do by habit what we chose the first time when confronted with choices. So change your choices.
Thus change your habits. Thereby, change your life and destiny.

Featured image courtesy: Photo by Ahmed ツ on Pexels
See this Post This Day Choose on LinkedIn

April 30, 2024July 22, 2024

Don’t You Quit

There is great power in 3 things when you think about Don’t You Quit:

First of all, trust in God. When things look hopeless and no one is in a position to help you and no door seems to open, God is still there. He is ever willing to help you. So hold on in faith. Don’t you quit.

Secondly, trust in the dream God has given you. There might be things that have gone wrong. You might have made mistakes and have had your share of failures. But the good Lord who put the dream in your heart wants to see it fulfilled. So sharpen your skills, raise your vision to higher goals, and bless people through your efforts. Hold on in faith. Don’t you quit.

Thirdly, trust that a comeback is possible for you. Don’t lie down. Don’t give in to despair. It might take longer than you think. Progress might be painfully slow. But every step you take is forward. Every failure is just going to increase your resolve to succeed. So hold on in faith. A comeback will truly showcase to the world how God showed mercy to you. Don’t you quit just at the verge of victory.
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This post was inspired by the Movie HOOVEY | INSPIRATIONAL TRUE STORY | PATRICK WARBURTON

March 31, 2024March 31, 2024

Meet the Risen Jesus

Hope came to this world like never before when Jesus rose alive from the dead. That hope is yours for the taking.

Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, gifts you his peace and his constant presence. “I am with you always,” is his assurance. Let that promise drive away your fear.

Doubt no longer. Death has been conquered. It has been swallowed up in his victory. His life has triumphed over death.

Therefore be filled with joy. Let hope arise in your hearts. For Jesus lives! The Risen Jesus shows you the same compassion he showed to all while he walked on earth. His love for you is everlasting.

So fear not. You too will live. The blood that he shed on the cross has made peace between you and God. Now there is nothing that stands between God and you. Your sins have been washed away. You stand clean before God.

Without doubt, the resurrection of Jesus challenges us to answer the question “Where am I headed to?” Is it to heaven? Or to hell? On your life’s busy road he stands: asking you to repent, turn away from evil, and choose life. The gate is small and the road, he said, is narrow. But it leads to eternal life.

Therefore say yes to Jesus, the Son of God; the Crucified and Risen One; King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Read The Risen Jesus Meets You on LinkedIn

March 30, 2024

Saturday Awaits a Sonrise

Saturday is when nothing seems to happen. That is the day Jesus lay dead in the tomb. But that was not the end. The Sonrise was about to happen. And it will happen in your life too. Have hope.
Jesus died in weakness. He bled to death on a cross. It was our sins and it’s due punishment that he carried on himself. On Saturday he lay dead in a tomb.
Saturday stands for our hopes being dashed. This happens in our lives. It’s a time we feel helpless and despair. It’s a time we see no way ahead. For God whom we thought will help seems far away.
Yet Saturday is that time of silence and darkness that the Spirit of God is at work the most. He is preparing to show his mighty power on our behalf.
Have you locked yourself up in your own discouragement? Weeping may remain for a night but rejoicing comes in the morning said King David. He knew that Saturday awaits a Sonrise. Then the power of God will be unleashed in your life.
And you will rise up in God’s strength from all your defeats. For the Son of God has risen from the dead. And there will be the same Sonrise in your life with better hopes, better dreams, and better tomorrows.
Read Saturday Awaits a Sonrise on LinkedIn

March 29, 2024March 30, 2024

From Death to Life on Good Friday

Someday soon each one of us will stand before God. Then the only hope is what you decided about the Man bleeding on the cross for you.
For the blood of the cross of Jesus holds an attractive power nothing else on earth can match.
It is not only the central truth of all human history but also the life-giving power in every human soul as well.
It is love on public display calling you and me to see God’s judgement and wrath fall on the Son of God.
He took all the punishment of our sin and rebellion against God upon his body and gave himself for us. Why?
Because of his love for you. Because you as an individual is so precious in his eyes. Because he wants to gift you God’s forgiveness for all your sins and rebellion against him.
Therefore, come to the blood of the cross and pass over from death to life.

Read From Death to Life on Good Friday on Linkedin

October 24, 2023

A Child’s Dream About the Future

A child will always dream about the future and I am no exception. I wish to make myself a success in future. My dream today is to become a doctor. I would like to be a child specialist. This is because I love children. To be able to care of children will give me great joy because it not only helps the children but also helps the parents as well.

To become a Paediatrician I will study hard. I will focus sharply on my goal and will not allow distractions like movies and video games to sidetrack me from my goal.

The next step that I will take is to find out about the best medical colleges in India as well as outside the country where I can study. Learning about such colleges will inspire me and keep me motivated to achieve my goal.

But the best motivation to me comes from the joy of seeing the smiles on children’s faces whom I will treat. A child helped means that I have touched the destiny of that child. If there are healthy children that means there is a healthy tomorrow. It means that there will be people to lead the future.

Then my goal becomes more meaningful. So let me conclude by saying that I wish to become a Paediatrician in the future and bring health, healing and lovely smiles to all young children. This is my dream and my future.

October 4, 2023October 27, 2023

Life at the Airports

Airports show us a slice of life. Arrivals are marked with joy and elation. Departures, on the other hand, are often accompanied by tears and sadness. It is a constant scene of activity 24 x 7. Now fasten your seatbelt as we take off and land again.

The constant buzz of life; of people coming and going, baggage and cargo, waiting taxis, relatives, and friends; all make airports an interesting hub of activity. It is not just people travelling; it is more about hopes and dreams; finding better jobs, visiting close relatives, going on vacations to tourist spots, making business happen, negotiations, and even participating in sporting events.

Perhaps compared to other forms of traffic like cars and buses, trains and ships, bikes and scooters; the percentage of accidents is very low as far as air traffic is concerned. Can you imagine a traffic jam in the skies? What if all airports in the world were closed down?

Those questions help us understand the importance of take off and landings. And also listening to the control towers and obeying instructions. Relying on technology like the autopilot, making use of PAPI lights while landing at night, are all part of the process. A good beginning is not enough; it is far more important to finish strong and finish well in whatever we attempt to do.

Another thought that airplanes bring to mind is the importance of time. There are people who have missed flights because they were delayed on the road by traffic blocks. Always the emphasis is on reaching airports early to avoid the final hour rush. Punctuality and discipline; if it is part of one’s lifestyle, will help you avoid tension and anxiety during plane travels.

One last thought about delays, long waits for connecting flights, last minute cancellations, and so on. It is not surprising at all. Life is like that. Journeys and travels will end one day. Blessed are you if you have thought about and prepared for life’s final journey. It will come even when life goes on as usual at airports you are familiar with.

Featured image courtesy: Photo by Skitterphoto: Pexels.com | People Inside Airport
You can read Life at the Airports on LinkedIn

October 4, 2023October 4, 2023

Cars—A Reflection of Life!

Cars have revolutionized the way people live. It once was a luxury; but now it is a common vehicle. Cars offer style, comfort, ease of travel, and togetherness of family. It also reflects life in many ways.

Cars are chosen with respect to their looks, brand, fuel efficiency, leg space, boot space, interiors, power, and even the ability to park easily in busy city spaces. Owning a car, especially a car of one’s choice, is a dream come true for many. In the Indian context, often the gift of a car is common as a wedding present.

Cars are maintained well by many. It is a reflection of the owner’s personality. At the same time certain cars do make a style statement. It can easily reflect the financial or social status of those who drive expensive cars.

Cars reflect life in many ways. A brand new car signifies beginnings. And like in life, cars do get dents in busy traffic while vehicles brush against each other. A neglected car or poorly taken of car is easy to spot. So maintaining a car well takes effort. Likewise maintaining a healthy life demands good habits.

Cars also remind us of the journey of life. However good a car is; it wears down in the long run. Finally it ends up in the scrap heap. So cars remind us of a final destination. And how you should be prepared for a journey for a life beyond the end point.

So next time, you see a car; have a closer look. You might not just find your reflection but also it will set you thinking. Yes, cars do reflect life.

Read this article Cars—A Reflection of Life on LinkedIn
Featured image courtesy: Photo by Pixabay | Pexels.com | Red Alfa Romeo 4C on Road Near Trees

June 22, 2023February 13, 2024

Open Doors for You!

Open doors are everywhere. But if you don’t see them; it is simply because you are looking at the past and looking at the already closed doors! You can see open doors if you trust God and are ready to wipe your tears away and look.

What can you see then? Do you see problems instead of possibilities; do you see despair instead of hope; do you see darkness instead of light? It all depends on how you look.

Open doors will help you see a glimpse of the future. Maybe you are restricted in your circumstances and in your resources. But that does not prevent you from looking ahead in hope and believing in your God-given dreams. So look through the open door ahead. And you will see a glimpse of your future.

Open doors will help you see what task God is entrusting you with for today. When you are afraid to step forward because of your inhibitions, discouragement, and a consciousness of your own insignificance, you will hear his voice saying. “Have I not commanded you. Be strong now, and act.”

Finally open doors will help you see people who are cast down and who need a word of strength, comfort, and cheer. When you see them you will know the meaning of the days you struggled. All of it was to make you a useful instrument to touch the lives of many with God’s blessing and peace.

So look through the open door ahead. And step out to meet the need that you see ahead. Open doors will not always remain so. So walk through it right now. The opportunity is yours!

Read Walk Through Open Doors on LinkedIn

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“After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven.” — Revelation 4:1 Bible NIV.

November 9, 2022November 9, 2022

Curse Words Children Use Rob Their Innocence

Curse words and dirty swear words have become fashionable. Movies, music, and friends make them common. But do they rob children of their innocence? Yes.

Children use curse words often without thinking. They imitate either their parents, friends or what they see in movies. This then becomes a bad habit.

Who is to blame? Society today is going from permissiveness to permissiveness. Children are exposed to swear words and curse words everywhere. And it is quite possible that they pick up a few of them.

But where lies the real trouble? It is in the negative impact it creates on other children. It hurts their esteem, dignity, and emotional well-being.

Is there any way this trend can be controlled? Probably, teachers can play a role for at school children use curse words profusely.

Teachers can tell students that words do hurt badly. They can advise that words, especially the swear words and curse words, once spoken are like pouring hot burning oil into the mind of others. It burns the sensitive minds of those listening.

Children need to be reminded that their innocent minds are being corrupted by ugly caricatures of what is lovely and pure when they use explicit swear words. What is happening now is a loss of innocence; a loss of childhood which should be healthy fun and laughter.

The use of bad words in public by little children should be a matter of concern. It shows how children grow up without proper care, attention, or discipline. If only children understood that use of curse words is not a sign of bravado but instead it is a sign of weakness and lack of moral strength and character!

August 30, 2022August 31, 2022

Do You Know the Good News?

Do you know the good news?
Jesus came to bleed and die on the cross.
He died in your place taking your punishment upon him.

But why should you be punished at all if you are good?
Well, even a good person will say that not everything is right in his heart and in this world.
There is something gone wrong with all of us.
There is the shadow of death everywhere.

But why is this so?
Because sin or rebellion against God came to this world through our first parents.
And we have inherited that tendency to disobey God.
Our hearts are deceitful; not loving the truth.
We need God’s mercy and forgiveness.

And God offers it for you at the cross where Jesus bled and died.
So, turn away from all wrong and look to him.
Because Jesus lives, we too can find life in him.
It is God’s free gift to you!
That is the good news of God.

August 16, 2022June 22, 2023

Was That the Last Knock?

A while ago someone rang the doorbell in my house. But no music was heard. It was not faulty but there was no electric supply. It was power cut here. He then started knocking and saying, “Hello,” and “Is there anyone in the house,” out loud.

But I was too lazy to get up and look. I was taking a short nap. It was too hot and it was just past noon.

Shortly I got up and went to answer. By that time the person had left.

I thought a little bit about this simple incident. Some knocks are heard, some are not. At least a few, we ignore.

What if the knock or doorbell ringing is a messenger with an urgent message? That thought was what finally made me get up and have a look. But I missed that opportunity.

Then I thought, isn’t this what Jesus said: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”¹

Ignoring his knock can not only make me lose the opportunity for now; but for ever and ever and ever and ever . . . Only death and hell and burning and unending thirst remains then for ever and ever and ever and ever. . .

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Featured image courtesy: Kampus Production (Pexels)
¹Revelation 3:20 Bible NIV 1984.

August 15, 2022August 15, 2022

When Problems Appear Bigger to You Than They Really Are

We have, it seems, an in-built microscope which magnifies problems to make them look bigger than they really are. Let us look at some simple steps to zoom them out to normal sizes.

First of all, problems appear big because we despair and give up hope easily. Problems look big because we look at it in fear. Instead look at problems as opportunities to make you strong in your character. This change in outlook can make a positive difference.

Secondly, problems appear big because you think on it all the time. Probably you are unable to share them with anyone. If that is the case, engage in any activity, hobby, or work that will give you relaxation and joy. The idea is to have something creative to do.

Thirdly, problems appear big because we fail to look to Jesus. The look doesn’t take problems away. But what it does is, the more we focus on him, the more God will appear big to us as he truly is. The more we look, we start to experience the peace of God.

This peace of God is beyond human understanding or logic. Like special security personnel or military forces standing guard, so God’s peace will guard your mind from all anxious thoughts invading your mind or making you to run away from facing problems.

So instead of taking a microscope to look at problems in a magnified way look to Jesus. And as St. Paul wrote: “Do not be anxious about anthing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” ¹

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¹ Philippians 4:6, 7 Bible NIV 1984.

August 12, 2022August 12, 2022

Short Speech: What Is True Independence?

Independence is a popular word. But what is true independence? Let us look at some examples.

First of all, let us look at a child flying a kite. The kite flies with great freedom as it rises up high. We get joy watching it. But its flight is not independent. It is controlled and guided by the hand of the child with the string attatched to the kite. What if the kite snaps the thread and breaks free? Its independence ends in misery.

Secondly, let us look at games like football, basketball, cricket, tennis, hockey, and the like. All these games have boundaries, rules, and umpires or referees. The game goes on because it is played within boundaries and according to predefined rules. When played according to them, there is freedom for all players. If violated, then for example, a red or yellow card will be shown in the case of a football match. So freedom is experienced within boundaries and rules.

Thirdly, let us look at children disobeying parents, teachers, and sometimes the law of the land. This is not independence. This is rebellion. And it does not give freedom but puts children into bondage to bad habits and attitudes. Therefore freedom and independence comes through love, respect, and obedience.

Let me end my reminding the words from Rabindranath Tagore’s words:

“The fire restrained in the tree
Fashions flowers;
Released from bonds it dies in ashes.”

#Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, #75th Indian Independence Day, #15th August 2022.
Short Compere Speech Online on Indian Independence Day Celebrations
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“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — Jesus Christ

John 8:32 and 36 Bible NIV 1984.

August 5, 2022December 23, 2024

Inspirational “I Will Not Forget You” Speech

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.’ “

August 3, 2022October 11, 2023

A Short Speech on Greed

Hi friends,

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)

July 31, 2022October 11, 2023

Try Again and Again Until You Succeed

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!

Read Try Again and Again Until You Succeed on LinkedIn

July 25, 2022September 29, 2023

World Records Are My Favorite Food: Featuring Sydney McLaughlin

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.”

Gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin: ‘What I have in Christ is far greater’ than anything else

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

A Champion’s Mindset: Raise Your Game to Highest Performance

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.

July 24, 2022July 24, 2022

Chicken or Egg First When It Comes to God?

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)

July 20, 2022July 22, 2022

Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart!

“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.

Three, there can be burdens which weigh heavily in our hearts. They sap our strength and kill our joy. The searchlights of God will spotlight them. Then we get a chance to pray to God to carry those burdens for us, which he does daily for those who love him.

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.”

— Psalm 139:23–24 Bible NIV 1984.

July 8, 2022September 29, 2023

A Champion’s Delivery Secrets

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.

June 16, 2022

You Are Not Alone

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?

May 24, 2022May 26, 2022

Short Speech on the Importance of Hiding God’s Word in Our Hearts

Hello Everyone,

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.

March 29, 2022July 23, 2022

The Art of Patience

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.

March 16, 2022July 23, 2022

Make Me a Channel of Your Peace Speech

Make me a channel of your peace is the first line of a famous prayer. I would like to share a few simple thoughts on it:

Each one of us is confronted with choices everyday—to be contributors to peace or let go of opportunities to make peace. It is easy to think, “Why should I bother?” But remember Jesus said in his Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”¹ So make an active effort to create peace and be a channel of peace wherever you get a chance.

Again, in contrast to this, many people take away from the possibility of creating peace by mocking others, slandering them, and spreading gossip. Such people never think of the pain of being the cruel victim of jokes and stories which have no basis on facts or truth. What if you heard someone telling false tales about to another and having a wicked laugh about it? Refraining from being a listener to taleberaers will itself make you a channel of peace.

Finally, it is easy to break relationships. One word from you can break years of friendship. On the other hand your words to promote peace and understanding can save families from breaking apart and friendships from being destroyed. Show initiative to be a channel of peace to restore strained relationships.

So my dear friends, join hands with God in creating peace on earth and reconciling people to each other. There is much hate and war in every heart, but you can pray to God to make you a channel of his peace.

—
Note: This prayer has been attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, but in all possibility the author is someone else. See the history of this hymn.

¹Matthew 5:9 Bible

March 5, 2022July 27, 2022

Have You Made the Most Important Decision of Your Life Yet?

Let us look at the most important decision of one’s life. As you think about it, you should also know that some people look at life as a joker’s circus, a traveller’s journey, or a pilgrim’s progress. Some seek pleasure, others knowledge, and a few truth.

But life does not wait for anyone. It goes on. Acts and scenes come and go in the drama of life. Some are too busy that they have no time to think.

At the end of the road they look back and wonder what life was all about. But then only few get a chance at that last hour to make the most important decision of their life.

What could be that decision? It is the decision about making peace with God and dying in hope. What else matters at the end? Maybe there are other concerns but nothing greater than peace with God.

The Bible says Jesus made peace between God and us through his blood, shed on the cross.¹ Jesus died so that you might find forgiveness with God. You understand it not by reason or logic but through faith.

Just believe. Then, not only life becomes meaningful, but life beyond death also becomes assured.

¹ Colossians 1:20 Bible