2 Minute Speeches – Bejoy Peter's Public Speaking ®

April 20, 2025April 21, 2025

Sunday Sermonettes: When the Last Chapter Ends Life Begins

Sunday Sermonettes #034

The End

Have you ever watched a thrilling movie and missed to see the climax at the end? Have you ever read a touching novel only to discover that the author had left the last chapter of the story unwritten?

Beginnings are good but it is the end what matters most. For each one of us the end will come. Death is that reality each one of us will face.

But if death be the end of all, then surely life has not much meaning. We are then just pawns on the chess board someone is moving at his will and pleasure.

The Gift

See, the last chapter in the life of each one of us is death. It is this reality that should make us think. We cannot worry about it and keep it away. It will come at a time none of us can foresee.

The Bible says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 ESV Bible).

Wages is what is deserved. And death is what we earn because we sin against God. There is no goodness in any one of us that can earn us an exemption from death.

Then there is the gift. That gift is given free of cost. That gift is a sacrifice of love paid in the blood of Jesus on the cross. Nothing more is needed for your salvation. But the simple faith in him who died to take away your punishment.

The Hope

If Good Friday was the end then we would have no hope. But Easter came on Sunday morning. Jesus rose from the dead.

Look at the reactions of his disciples: They found it difficult to believe. They were filled with fear. But joy also. Some worshipped him while others doubted. It took some time for them to really believe that Jesus is indeed alive.

Like Jesus, your last chapter can be different too. If you believe in him, the risen life of Jesus will flow into your life as well.

God who raised Jesus from the dead with extraordinary display of his mighty strength and power will give life to your dead bodies and raise you up to be with him for ever.

The blood of the cross of Jesus is sufficient to wipe your past clean and his risen life is the sure hope for your future with him. May the Spirit of God make your heart overflow with this hope with his great might and power.

March 8, 2025March 8, 2025

Sunday Sermonettes | Women Standing Near the Cross and Empowerment

Sunday Sermonettes #028

“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.” (John 19:25). The nearness of these women to the cross speaks volumes about women empowerment—about their courage, loyalty, and love.

Women Empowered by Their Courage

All the men, except John, who were the closest disciples of Jesus had fled. Only these women stood near the cross. It is sheer courage. Mary the mother of Jesus might have remembered the prophecy made by Simeon as he took the infant Jesus in his hands and had said: “And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:35).

In spite of the brutal and public humiliation and suffering Jesus was going through, these women stood near the cross. They were empowered by their courage.

Women Empowered by Their Loyalty

Looking at these women, we need to ask ourselves an important question, “Where am I staning? Near the cross or far away from it?” See the cross is a sign of shame. Jesus bore the shame of our sins as he hung naked on public display bleeding and dying on the cross.

Standing near the cross needs courage and a willingness to share the shame. In today’s context, it can mean friends rejecting you and saying that you are weird because you stand near the cross. These women were empowered by their loyalty to Jesus. By standing near the cross, they were, in a way, sharing in his suffering and shame.

Women Empowered by Their Love for Jesus

When you stand near the cross, it gives Jesus a chance to intervene in your lives positively. Jesus seeing his mother standing near entrusts her to the care of John. Beyond this, they all got to know that the cross is not the end but the road to glory, to hope, to life eternal.

Therefore,these women were the first news bearers of the resurrection of Jesus. It was out of love for Jesus that these women went early, just after sunrise, (the men were hiding in a room out of fear beneath locked doors) to the tomb of Jesus to anoint his body as the custom of the day was.

They were talking with themselves as to who will roll away the stone at the entrance of the tomb as it early morning and no one might be around to help them. Still they went. And they found the stone already moved away, for Jesus had risen from the dead.

Mary Magdalene gets the honour of running with the news, the good news of Jesus’ rising from the dead: “I have seen the Lord.” It was a time and culture where a woman’s testimony was not valid in court. Yet it is astounding to note that the whole world is still listening to her proclamation of the truth that Jesus is risen indeed.

Yes, these women were empowered by their love for Jesus as they stood near the cross. They were richly rewarded in three days’ time to be the first witnesses of his resurrection, the greatest breaking news the world has ever heard.

The Challenge to Stand Near the Cross and Be Empowered

Standing near the cross is about empowered women. Women who were empowered by their courage, loyalty, and love for Jesus. In a world that talks much about women empowerment, this moment in history should be a challenge to both women and men. To stand near the cross and be empowered.

Featured image courtesy: Photo by Los Muertos Crew on Pexels | Canva Pixir

February 9, 2025February 28, 2025

Sunday Sermonettes | Worship Jesus the Victorious Lamb of God Who Has Triumphed

Sunday Sermonettes #024

“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”

Above all, we are called to look beyond time and into the heavens to see and experience the mighty thundering songs of praise, adoration, and worship that belong to the victorious Lamb of God who has triumphed:

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise.”

Yes, in heaven, the songs of praise revolve around the Lamb who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.

We see in heaven the Lamb of God mighty like a lion in judgement and awesome in wrath against all rebellion of mankind against him.

We see the Lamb at the centre of the throne of God in heaven lead his people like a Shepherd and wipe away every tear from the eyes of those who suffered for him and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power, for ever and ever!” “Amen.”

“Hallelujah!

For our Lord God Almighty reigns,

Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!

For the wedding of the Lamb has come.”

Yes, look to the Lamb of God. Salvation belongs to him, our God, and he will overcome everyone who makes war against him because he is the Lord of lords and King of kings.

Featured image courtesy: Photos by Caleb Oquendo on Pexels Microsoft Designer

The above post is based on truths from the Book of Revelation, the last book in the Bible. It is a sequel to the Sunday Sermonette published on September 15, 2024 titled: An Unusual Introduction: Look, the Lamb of God

January 5, 2025January 10, 2025

Sunday Sermonettes | God’s Compassions Never Fail for They Are New Every Morning

Sunday Sermonettes #019

Sometimes, you are tired of living. Troubles everywhere. No one seems to care. Everybody is busy with their own lives. You have no one to turn to. Then remember, you have God whose compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Like dewdrops that appear each morning bringing in fresh hope and renewal.

It is good to note what David the king and poet has described. He says that God remembers that we are but dust formed from the ground of the earth. So God has compassion on those who fear him just like a father has compassion on his children. There is a gentleness that is reflected here. God has a perfect understanding of your brokenness in life; and he visits you with compassion.

Yesterday you might have failed. You might have sinned against God. You might have made mistakes that you regret today. Yet do not give up. For God will show you compassion. Morning brings word of his unfailing love. He gives you a fresh start today. For his compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Just accept that in faith even as you trust in him.

Remember, your failures are opportunities for God to show his grace to you. Grace means undeserved mercy. He wants you to get up and not lie down in despair. He is showing you what you can be in Jesus. Your future has been sealed with the precious blood of Jesus shed on the cross. Therefore God is showing you compassion today.

So, rise up. Each new dawn is God’s way of saying: “Go on in the strength I will provide. Do not look at the threatening circumstances and lose heart. Do not look at your sins and give up. Instead look to me. I will show you mercy. I will give you yet another chance. Turn away from all evil. Then you will find that my compassions never fail. They are new every morning.”

Therefore when you wake up, thank and praise God for there is hope for you. No matter what you feel, the compassion of God is real, authentic, genuine and true. It will not fail. You can trust in its newness every morning because it comes from God who is the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.

When you wake up, if your heart is burdened, just think of God’s compassions as a soft bed on which you can sink into and still find it holding you up with needed strength. God promises you today that his love for you will not be shaken even if mountains are shaken and hills removed because he has compassion on you.

Featured image courtesy: Photo by Pixabay on Pexels | Microsoft Designer.

December 29, 2024April 7, 2025

Sunday Sermonettes | God Is the Lifter of Your Head

Sunday Sermonettes #018

Sin, failures, mistakes, and troubles caused by people who are close to you can cause your head to bow down. You might feel defeated. Sometimes you are burdened by sorrow. Or you can think of any number of reasons that pull you down. It is at such times that you need to think of God, who is the lifter of your head.

Life might bring unexpected reversals of fortunes. Sometimes friends and family can act against you. Those who stood by you in your good days and were loyal to you might change sides quickly. You might be forced to lick your wounds. When everyone and everything seems to turn against you, and your head is bowed down in despair, it is then you need to remember that God is the lifter of your head.

Even when others think that you are finished and there is no fight left in you; know that God is not finished with you yet.

First, he will be a shield around you. You know what that means. It means that God himself will take the hits against you so that you will be protected. It means that he has a stake in your life that no force on earth or hell can disrupt. He has invested in you by the blood of his Son Jesus shed on the cross. He will therefore surround you with help.

Next he will be your glory. You know what that means.

In spite of all the trouble you are going through right now; your value, worth, and significance come from God.

No matter what negatives others are telling about you, no matter how much they shout you are a failure, no matter how firmly they believe that God will not help you anymore, the weight of evidence is on your side. God will come to your help and will be the lifter of your head.

What you should always recall in your mind is that the author of Psalm 3 (where we find the words, “But you … O LORD … lift up my head” ) was going through a great crisis in his life when he wrote these words. His own son was trying to kill him and take over the throne. He had to flee for his life, covering his head, walking barefoot, and being pelted by stones while being cursed by his enemies. Moreover people were saying God will not help King David because he had committed grievous sins.

It was true that he had sinned—adultery and murder. It was true that he had no right to expect help from God. But because he admitted to God saying, “I have sinned against the Lord,” and had sincerely repented of his sins; he found mercy and forgiveness with God. At the same time the troubles he was now going through were the consequences of his sin.

Yet, in spite of his present misery, David had the courage to hope in God. You too can hope in God even when defeated and down. Seek God’s mercy and expect his help. There is no defeat in your life that God cannot bring good out of it.

So David cries out to God for help. He is assured that God will answer him. Therefore even when enemies are closing in on him, he is able to lie down and sleep at night. For his found strength to sustain in his trust in God. And he expressed confidence in God even when tens of thousands are drawn against him in battle on every side.

You too can find consolation in the fact that your deliverance and your salvation does not depend on your goodness but God’s mercy alone. Even when you find yourself in a defeated situation today, lift up your eyes and look to God who is the lifter of your head. He will not leave your head bowed down in shame. He will lift you up. For God delights in showing mercy to those who trust in him.

“Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. Because I have sinned against him, I will bear the LORD’s wrath, until he pleads my case and establishes my right. He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness.” — Micah 7:8, 9 Bible.

Featured image courtesy: Photo by Inzmam Khan on Pexels

December 22, 2024January 10, 2025

Sunday Sermonettes | When You Feel Forgotten by God

Sunday Sermonettes #017

At some point in life each one of us might have asked this question, “Has God forgotten me?” We ask this question during the difficult times in our life.

The first thought is that delay to God’s answers to your prayers are no indication that God has forgotten you. Often, in the waiting period, when you see-saw between hope and despair, God is preparing you to receive the goodness he has kept in store for you.

Secondly, God has promised not to forget you. And he does not lie. He never fails to keep his promises. He has said that it is highly unlikely for a mother to forget her new born baby. God says, even if she forgets, I will not forget you.

Thirdly, God is teaching you to walk by faith during those times you think that God has forgotten you. When God seems absent, the path ahead might look dark and threatening. Your friends might fall to help you. But your faith does not depend on sight. You learn to take one step at a time in hope.

Again, many times it is written in the Bible, “God remembered” someone. Does that mean God had forgotten them? No. God remembered is an expression which means the season for God to act in their lives had then come. And suddenly things begin to move in their lives swiftly.

Now, does your complaint that God has forgotten you make you an unbeliever? No. It simply tells us how weak we are and how much ẁe need to learn to depend on God to live our lives. God is bigger than we think and he does not find fault with your honest doubt, “Has God Forgotten me?”

One of the things that helps you rise above despair is looking back on your past and seeing how God has helped you. Think about how God took care of your needs during the very difficult situations in your life. He is the same God and changes not. He will not forget you. He will surely come to your help.

December 15, 2024January 30, 2025

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

Sunday Sermonettes #016

The Promise

“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4 Bible).

That is an exciting promise. No limits. It simply states that God will give you the desires of your heart. When God’s Word says so, you can put your confidence in it because God always keeps his part of the promise made. As you look at this promise you find God’s part as well as your role in it. God will give, but you have to delight in him.

God First

In simple words, it means you should not put the cart before the horse. You have to put God first in your life. In all things. It is then that God becomes the delight of your heart.

When your thoughts revolve around God most of the time; he becomes the delight of your heart. This is a simple way of saying it. But it can become a start pointing. Start thinking about God and his everlasting love for you. Think of God sending his Son Jesus to bleed and die on the cross for you. Think of his forgiving love towards you.

Love for God

Delighting in God is all about love for him. He simply desires you to love him “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Love for God and delighting in him go hand in hand.

Again, try to express your love to God. Start to praise him. Just thank him that he has been good to you. Maybe you have gone through great troubles in life. You feel a grudge against God for the bad things that have happened. Still, make a try to tell God that you love him.

It might seem like offering God bits and pieces of a broken toy. But he accepts them all from you because you are genuinely trying to express your love. He accepts it from you as a loving father would accept it from a little child.

Talk to God

If you persist in expressing your love for God and try to talk with him; then over a period of time, God works in your heart. Be honest with God when you talk with him. Bring all your desires to him. And tell him all that is in your heart. He listens to all that you say and even what you do not say. Your heart is an open book before him; so are all your thoughts too. So he knows it all.

When you delight in God, that is when you put God first, something happens. That means you don’t fight with God about your desires. You don’t quarrel with him over it. You just tell him whatever is in your mind.

When God’s Desires Become Your Desires

During this process, God gets the chance to help you understand what his mind is about the desires you have. He will, through different people or situations but mainly through words of the Bible, speak to you. And he will show you what is best or wrong about your desires. And you get a chance to align yourselves with the best that God desires in your life. It is like having the sail of a boat catch the wind.

Then God’s desires for you become your desires. And he will give you the desires of your heart. So delight yourself in the LORD, Let him be first in your life. It will exclude and put to death every evil and sinful desire; and the temptation to do wrong that comes to your mind.

The Cleansing Blood of Jesus

And then when your heart is free of all darkness and is filled with God’s light, there is no limit to God fulfilling the desires of your heart. You might wonder how your heart can be rid of evil! Is that even possible? Yes, it is possible if you ask God to wash you clean by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross for you. The power and effectiveness of the blood of Jesus is overwhelmingly real.

Yes, when you delight in God, he will fulfil the desires of your heart. Isn’t that like one blank cheque given you to draw from the unlimited resources of God?

Featured image courtesy: Photo by SLZ on Pexels | Microsoft Designer

November 10, 2024January 10, 2025

Sunday Sermonettes | God Motivates You to Cross the Finishing Line

Sunday Sermonettes #011

Can you expect to rise above your defeats? Yes you can, God helping you.

Can you find strength to go on in spite of all failures you have faced? Yes you can. For God’s Word says to you:

“Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” ¹

You might have made mistakes; but that is how life is. Not one of us is perfect; and it is foolish to think that all those who succeed do it perfect all the time.

Now life for you might have slowed down; it might have even come to a standstill.

Hope might be at its last flicker. But there is a God who fans into flame the smoking wick.

He will not give up on those who think themselves failures.

He comes to give you strength. His love is neither weak nor sentimental. What he sees when he looks at you is unparalleled beauty arising out of what has been wrecked.

There is a voice of hope that whispers courage in your heart. He is asking, “What are you doing here lying down on a bed of despair, my child?”

You cannot lock yourself in your room and expect to hide from him. When he has business to do with you; he will walk right in. For he holds the key to your life; didn’t you know?

Your heartaches are his concern even when you think no one cares.

Never will he ask you to walk alone. You might not recognize his presence with you; for he loves to see you walk by faith and not by sight. He is there by your side when you are losing grip on the rocks you climb.

Still believe: When you have lost your strength and you feel that you can longer fly; he will lift you high. And make you climb the heights.

You can soar on wings like eagles on high for it is love that brings him near and touch your hurting life.

Never give up for there is a finishing line. And he is waiting there to see you cross the line.

It doesn’t matter you stumbled and fell many times. But all that now counts is that you did not lose faith in God who bled on the cross for you and did not lose sight of the finishing line.

Featured image courtesy: Image by Satya Tiwari from Pixabay | Microsoft Designer

November 3, 2024January 10, 2025

Sunday Sermonettes | I Know You: Nine Truths That God Says About You

Sunday Sermonettes #010

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.

God knew you before anyone else knew you. It is an amazing foreknowledge. You were seen in his radar before any scan could see you.

I know you by name.

God calls each star by name. Such is his immense wisdom and power which holds them. And he is longing to be friends with you. To have a personal relationship with you. He, therefore, calls you by name and says, “You are mine.”

I know your thoughts.

When your heart is proud and unresponsive, he knows it. When your heart is broken and you are humble in your attitude, he knows it. He knows when you feel like a failure and he knows when you are nesting evil thoughts. Everything in your mind is laid open and bare before him.

I know your deeds.

Our system of evaluation is based on what we see. God’s standards are different. He weighs our deeds on a different scale. He looks at our motives and judges our deeds accordingly. Will you and I pass this test?

I know the plans I have for you.

When God’s people were in exile and captivity because of their sin, rebellion, and disobedience; he sent them a message through a prophet. God made a promise that after several decades he would bring them back to their own land. The plans he had were for their good; to prosper them, and not to harm them. His plans for you are also for good; to give you hope and a future even when your circumstances look hopeless today.

I make known the end from the beginning.

God often spoke through prophets and predicted events in the future. As he knows what lies ahead; it is wise to ask him to lead and guide you. He will not only guide you continually; but to the very end. His counsel is always wise and best. Therefore listen to his voice. You will hear him say, “This is the way, walk in it.”

I know your love for me.

The old fire has gone out. The romance is no longer there. You are doing lip service to me but your heart is not in it. What wrong did I do to you that you have forsaken your first love for me? Therefore return to me. I have loved you with an everlasting love. “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken,” says your God.

I know your secret sins.

I know that you have tried to avoid them but have failed time and again. Your good deeds will not save you. Trust in the blood of my Son Jesus shed on the cross for you. You are clean and purified because of faith in his blood. Your heart is washed whiter than snow. So don’t be disheartened. Don’t be discouraged. Rise up from your bed of defeat. Walk away from evil. And be clothed in garments of praise.

I know your prayers.

God says: “I have heard your prayer and seen your tears.” He sees your unspoken desires; your inaudible groans, and silent lifting up of your heart to his throne of grace. He listens to your every sigh; and even what you are unable to share with your most intimate friend. Therefore do not lose heart. He is near you. He is with you. He is in you. And he is for you. He answers when you call. And he will show you great and mighty things you do not know in response to your prayers.
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Featured image by Traveler stories photos on Pexels | Microsoft Designer

October 27, 2024January 10, 2025

Sunday Sermonettes | Your Heart’s Overflow Is What Your Mouth Speaks

Sunday Sermonettes #009

Do you consistently speak words of hope or do you speak words of despair? The power of words we use is immense. Some of their impact even time cannot erase.

But from where do words pour out? Jesus spoke the truth when he said: “For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Yes, speech is an outflow of the abundance of good or bad we store up in our hearts.

Words spoken do carry great power. In fact, the wise King Solomon said, “The tongue has the power of life and death; and those who love it will eat its fruit.” It is no secret that words affect us, influence our emotions, and colour our relationships.

So let us strive to build others up through our words. Let us encourage others; and let us avoid diminishing people in front of others. A little bit of kindness in our hearts can make the words we speak have a healing touch. It can become a lifeline of hope to a discouraged person.

But an empty vessel cannot pour out water. Likewise life-giving thoughts have to be stored up in our hearts to give life-giving words to others.

In other words, motivational speaking is effective only when the speaker is overwhelmingly thinking of uplifting the audience and painting for them the possibilities that life and the future holds for them.

His or her words should help the listeners look away from their current reality which might look like a wet blanket of despair to the future that is like a door wide open to what each of those persons can become.

Your words therefore can throw open God-gifted possibilities in the life of people. So store up God’s Spirit-filled wisdom in your heart; and your words will truly ignite hope for others. Let your mouth always speak the good, the lovely, and the inspiring that your heart is full of.

But inspiring words do not happen by chance. It has an intense and intimate connection with what our character truly is. And character is not formed in a day or two. It is shaped over the years.

For we are shaped not only by what we allow to influence us but also by what we make an honest effort to avoid. For if we avoid the baggage of words that are acidic like slander, gossip, and mocking others; our mouths will speak only of the beautiful things stored up in our hearts.

Then when we talk; our conversations will turn out to be pleasant; filled with kindness like food seasoned with salt. It will taste good and preserve relationships in contrast to having a bad taste and destroying others.

Let us therefore keep our eyes and ears open to store up good things in our hearts so that when we speak they will bring words of cheer, hope, and comfort out of the abundance stored up there.

“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgement for every careless word they have spoken.” — Jesus Christ

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Featured image by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels | Microsoft Designer

October 20, 2024March 30, 2025

Sunday Sermonettes | Friend, Your Sins Are Forgiven

Sunday Sermonettes #008

Jesus told the paralyzed man “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” People were crowding around Jesus. So his friends had lowered him on a mat before Jesus from an opening made through the tiles in the roof of the house. They had faith that Jesus would heal him. And they were desperate to get him to Jesus.

It was clear to all that the man needed physical healing. Some of our needs are obvious like this. But when you come to Jesus, he often confronts you with a deeper and greater need than the physical. It is a need that nobody can help you with. It is your need to find forgiveness and peace with God.

When Jesus said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven,” the religious people who had gathered there began to think, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” They were right. Only God could forgive the sins of any man or woman. But they failed to understand that Jesus was God in human flesh.

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus asked them whether it was easy to say, “Your sins are forgiven,” or to say, “Get up , take your mat and walk?”

It brings us to the question of authority. The government or a bank can decide to cancel debts that individuals or organizations owe them. This is because they have the authority to do so. But when it comes to sins; no human agency or individual has the authority to forgive. It is an act of God’s mercy alone.

That also tells you there is nothing you can do to earn God’s forgiveness. No self-punishment, no pilgrimage, no acts of charity, no good deeds are enough. But if your heart is broken and you humbly seek God for his mercy; he will certainly forgive. Remember, no man or woman on earth can forgive sins. Only God alone can forgive.

And there is no limit to God’s forgiveness. There is no sin, however greatly it has stained your life, that God cannot forgive. Jesus shed his blood on the cross so that all can find forgiveness for their sins. He not only forgives when you tell your sins before him; but his blood also cleanses you from all sins.

Sometimes, you look at your own goodness and think there is no need for God’s forgiveness in your life. But is that true? The Bible declares, “There is no difference, for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.” And all of us know that there are thoughts, attitudes, words, and actions that are not right in my life and your life as well.

The point is that when such wrong things happen in our lives, you and I owe God a huge moral debt that not one of us can pay. The only solution is to take it to God and seek his forgiveness. Then, if you are truthfully earnest, God will tell you. “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” That settles it forever.

God hurls your sins into the depths of the sea and sweeps away your offenses like a cloud when he forgives you. Even though he has kept your secret sins in the light of his presence, when he forgives; he will remove them from you as far as the east is from the west. How sweet and comforting to hear Jesus tell you: “Friend, your sins are forgiven!”
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Read more on the healing of the paralytic man in the Gospels of Matthew 9:2–8, Mark 2:1–12 and Luke 5:17–26.
Featured image courtesy: Image by NoName_13 from Pixabay on Pexels | Fotor |img2go

October 13, 2024March 22, 2025

Sunday Sermonettes | Fall in Love with the Name of Jesus

Sunday Sermonettes #007

Each one of us has stared into the face of despair at some point in our lives. No hope. No one to say words of comfort. No one who understands. We, at such moments, question God’s care for us. But there is one Name that you can call upon at such times. It is the name of Jesus.

The name of Jesus brings to you God’s love and compassion. For God is merciful to those who call on him. When you speak the name of Jesus, all heaven is ready to come to your help and aid.

Many people, even those who have not known Jesus as an intimate friend, have called upon the name of Jesus while in danger and have found help. The Bible says, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” You find that true in the name of Jesus. Yes, there is divine protection in his name.

The name of Jesus is also a lover’s password. The more you love God, the more you fall in love with the name of Jesus. For in that name is contained the fullness of God’s being and character. When you speak the name of Jesus with love for him in your heart, it draws you close to God.

So fall in love with the name of Jesus. When he becomes the object of your thoughts and conversations, he draws near to you. There is no other name like the name of Jesus to release God’s love and power and authority in whatever situation you find yourself in. His name means your salvation.

For, the primary meaning of the name Jesus is that he will save his people from their sins. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Your burdened heart because of guilt or shame of past sins will find a sweet medicine in the name of Jesus. His name is forgiveness if you are willing to turn away from wrong.

The Bible also says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” So there is hope for you. There is healing in his name and deliverance from all kinds of oppression of your mind for God has given the name of Jesus extraordinary power and authority. Even demons are subject to the name of Jesus who made peace between God and you through his blood shed on the cross.

When you trust in the name of Jesus, you are moving from ignorance to truth, from darkness to light, and from death to life. When you trust in the name of Jesus, you receive a rich welcome to God’s family as his child.

Like how one of the thieves crucified along with Jesus became one. He said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, today, you will be with me in paradise.” Yes, today, now, this moment, you can become a child of God in Jesus’ name.

And when you are his child, prayers in his name are always heard and answered. It is a child’s privilege to ask; for there is freedom to access God the Father’s presence at all times. Be bold. Ask with confidence in the name of Jesus. It is God’s great joy to listen to you speak the name of his Son. And he will answer your prayers.

Finally, when you speak the name of Jesus and proclaim his name to your friends; there will come a change in you. Slowly but surely, you begin to capture the loveliness of the character of Jesus in you. So fall in love with the name of Jesus, the name that is above every name!
Sunday Sermonettes | The Glorious Hope of Seeing You in Jesus’ Likeness

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Watch Video on The Names of Jesus on YouTube
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October 6, 2024March 26, 2025

Sunday Sermonettes | When Your Boat Is Caught in the Sudden Storm

Sunday Sermonettes #006

Life is like that. The calm of life is suddenly broken by the unexpected changes that come. And it is quite natural that we become afraid when our boat is caught in the storm.

Remember it was the same sea Jesus and his friends had travelled many times before. But the challenge of the storm this time was totally new. And all the wisdom of past experiences failed to give the friends courage in the sight of this present danger.

As we look at this incident; there are many simple lessons we can learn from it:

One, just because Jesus is in the boat with you and me, doesn’t mean that the storm won’t come. Life’s struggles are common to all. Some storms do threaten to drown us. And being afraid is a normal reaction at such times.

Even though the friends of Jesus who were with him in the boat were experienced fishermen; they were afraid. They came to Jesus, sleeping on a cushion, woke him up and asked, “Teacher, don’t you care, if we drown?” For the waves threatened to sink the boat.

Second, Jesus sleeping is no sign that he does not care. Often, we expect him to do something in our desperate situations. And he seems to be totally not available to attend our frantic prayers and calls of distress.

At such times, it is quite natural to find fault with God for the troubles we face in life. But don’t ever forget that Jesus, the Son of God, is with us in our boat; even in the storm.

Third, we find the disciples waking Jesus up. It was after talking to the crowds and teaching them during the day that Jesus was sleeping. He, as a human being, was just like us. He became tired, hungry, and thirsty like any one of us.

But Jesus did not become angry with his friends for waking him up. He immediately got up and took care of the storm. So don’t you worry to call him 24 x 7 in any of your crises in life. He understands. And he helps because he too was caught in the storm.

Fourth, we find Jesus having authority over the winds and the waves. There is no situation or difficulty in our lives he is not able to handle.

When frightening situations seem to overwhelm and destroy us, our emotions will give us no rest. We will be tossed about on the rising waves. Yet, let us find courage in this true incident that Jesus is in control even when the circumstances are all against us, and threatening to drown us.

Again, one word from Jesus, the wind died down and it was completely calm. He stood up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet, Be Still.” The storm is not the end of the story. The command of Jesus is.

He, with you and me in the boat, is the greatest assurance we can have in life. He won’t throw you or me away. But will act when it is needed.

Finally, his question to his friends, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” is a challenge to each one of us. His friends had seen him do a lot of miracles. They had seen impossibilities turn to triumphant possibilities with Jesus. Yet the storm drove the wits out of them!

But when calm had come, the friends were terrified and they asked: “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” The storm had rocked their boat; but it also made the friends of Jesus get a real glimpse of who he truly is.
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Based on Mark’s Gospel Chapter 4: Verses 35 to 41
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September 29, 2024January 10, 2025

Sunday Sermonettes | Jesus Is Calling You: “Come, Follow Me”

Sunday Sermonettes #005

Jesus is calling you to himself. You cannot stay where you are to answer that call. You have to take a step forward. He is inviting you to a life of daring into the unknown. He is not promising you a bright future. He is simply promising himself.

Many people are disappointed because they look for material benefits when following Jesus. But Jesus pointed out that he had no place to rest his head unlike birds of the air which have nests and foxes which have holes or dens to retire to at the end of the day. So he was not promising an easy life to anyone who chose to follow him.

Jesus also demands for himself the highest priority you can give when he invites and commands you to follow him. He is asking for your best love towards him. All other loves you have will appear like hate compared to your love for him. Perhaps this is hard to swallow.

Then look at role models; we have many. But when we look closely; there are so many things we find in them that can disappoint us. With Jesus, the more you look at him, the more you talk with him, the more you think of him, his loveliness only increases. He is not asking you to follow rules; he is simply calling you to follow him.

That also means that even when he seems to be absent in our struggles of life; he is always there. Though at times, he seems to have forsaken us; he is there. For he who said, “Come, follow me,” will not leave us or forsake us in times of our distress. He has gone ahead of us. Our role is to keep our eyes focused on him; and him alone.

Following Jesus can be a lonely journey at times. Some of your best friends might hate you because you follow Jesus. Your close relatives might not be as enthusiastic as you are in following Jesus. But Jesus is not calling you to follow him with a crowd. His call to you is personal.

Following Jesus demands that we focus on him; and try to avoid distractions. It is not easy. We are surrounded by gadgets that steal away much of our precious time. So to focus on Jesus, you need to make deliberate choices:

Instead of reaching out for your mobile to check for messages or updates the first thing in the morning; why not spend five minutes thanking God for the gift of a new day. Ask him for his help, presence, wisdom, and guidance to do all that you need to do that day.

“Come, follow me,” is both an invitation and a command. You are free to accept or disobey. The choice is entirely yours. But if you reject Jesus and his call; you are missing a journey along with the One who loved you and gave himself on the cross for you where he bled and died.

There are so many broad paths in this world that lead to destruction. But Jesus is inviting you to follow him along the narrow way and find life.

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September 22, 2024April 7, 2025

Sunday Sermonettes | That First Question: “Where Are You?”

Sunday Sermonettes #004

“Where are you?” That was the first question God ever asked the first man and woman. Even now he is asking that question to you.

The question “Where are you?” is full of mercy. It shows that God has not given up on you. You might have made mistakes and also gone away from the right ways. God doesn’t want to lose you. So he is calling out to you.

“Where are you?” God is asking because you belong. If you did not belong to God; he would not be searching for you. You have been lost. But God is coming after you to find you and celebrate it with joy. That is why Jesus said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

“Where are you?” God is asking not because he doesn’t know where you are hiding and why you are hiding from him. He already knows what you are thinking. He knows that you are afraid to face him. But he is asking the question to give you a chance to become friends with him again. Will you listen?

The question, “Where are you?” is so simple. But it has potential in it to bring you back to your senses. The question should make you think: “Am I now where I am supposed to be?” The question will help you to know that now there is an opportunity to return to the love of God. Those who will return to him; he accepts without finding fault.

The question, “Where are you?” is God calling out to you to come out of your hiding from him. He is hurt by your disobedience. But he is looking at you with love.

The question, “Where are you?” finally is a chance for you to be honest with God. It is easy to put the blame on others for your moral failure. But God’s question is an invitation to you to confess to God what you have wrongly thought, said, or done. And find in him a father’s love and a mother’s comfort.

Now what will be your response to God’s question? Will you come to God with a grateful heart, seeing that he cares for you and came to seek you? For the ultimate need of any man or woman is God’s forgiving love. You find that in Jesus, the Lamb of God, who came to reach out to you.

Remember, God is asking “Where are you?” not to the crowds, but to you as an individual. It is a very personal question; because he is concerned about you and cares for you.

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September 15, 2024February 7, 2025

Sunday Sermonettes | An Unusual Introduction: Look the Lamb of God

Sunday Sermonettes #003

No one in all human history has been introduced to the public in this fashion. The forerunner of Jesus, John the Baptist, cried out when he saw him: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” The question is what does this intro mean to you?

First of all, it is an invitation. To look closely at this person.

He is described as a Lamb. Gentle. Not rebelling and crying out against all the sufferings inflicted on him as he was led to the cross. To bleed and die for all of us.

Secondly, lambs were used for sacrifice. An innocent animal’s blood had to be shed for God to turn away from punishing someone who had done wrong. The Bible calls all wrongdoing and rebellion against God, sin.

When the forerunner said, “Look, the Lamb of God,” he was saying to the people that all those animal sacrifices in the past were looking forward to this Man sent from God to die for all.

Thirdly, he was like a sacrificial lamb roasted over the fire as God’s judgement and wrath against all our sins fell on Jesus on the cross.

In that sense, Jesus is your substitute. He died in your place. The punishment for all your sins that should have rightly come upon you; the whole of it came upon him. Yes, the Lamb of God has taken away your punishment.

Finally, in the sacrificial system, a lamb that was to be sacrificed had to be without blemish, without spot, and without defect of any sort. So the priest would examine a lamb carefully to make sure it is perfect before sacrificing it.

The invitation to you is to look and examine this Man closely. What is the fault you can find in him? If you can’t find any; look to him in faith. It was sacrificial love for you that took him to the cross. If that doesn’t prove that God loves you; nothing else will.

One look of faith is enough to fall in love with him.

“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”

Above all, we are called to look beyond time and into the heavens to see and experience the mighty thundering songs of praise, adoration, and worship that belongs to the victorious Lamb of God who has triumphed:

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise.”

Yes, in heaven, the songs of praise revolve around the Lamb who bled and died to remove our sins from us.

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power, for ever and ever!” “Amen.”

“Hallelujah!

For our Lord God Almighty reigns,

Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!

For the wedding of the Lamb has come.”

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This post was last updated on 6th February 2025.

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September 8, 2024January 10, 2025

Sunday Sermonettes: Let There Be Light

Sunday Sermonettes #002

The first words God spoke: “Let there be light.” He can speak that word again in your darkness. It might be chaos at the moment in your life. There might be despair. And you might be losing hope. It happens like that sometimes. But when God speaks, there will be light.

We, who are used to seeing the darkness, often tremble in fear. But that is precisely when the Spirit of God hovers over you just as he did over the waters and darkness that was over the surface of the deep at the beginning of Creation. He prepares the circumstances so that when God speaks the word, there will be light.

Light that God causes to shine will dispel all your doubts. It will reassure you of his unfailing love for you. It will guide you. It will never shine a beam across the years; but enough light to guide you one step at a time.

Light that God causes to shine in your life will cancel all negativity. The more you have been in darkness the more your thinking has become tuned to failure and defeat. You might have counted yourself useless and might have lost your self-esteem. All these will bow down to the might of the light that God speaks to come to pass in your life.

Therefore hold on to hope. No darkness in your life is beyond God’s light. The Bible says about God that even darkness is as light to him. I read somewhere of a time when a cave inside the ocean depths invited the sun to come and experience the power of darkness inside it. One day, the sun came and stepped inside the cave and asked: “Now, where is your darkness?” Oh, it is just like that when God steps into your situation of darkness!

The night might have stretched long for you. But joy comes in the morning. Light will break. Invite God to speak a word of hope in your life: “Let there be light.” When God said those words, the Bible says, “And there was light.” God is unstoppable.

You need to believe that God is willing to help you. Don’t dictate how he should do so. Leave the methods to him. He is a God of creativity and joy. Let him speak light to blaze in your darkness in a way that surprises you; beyond all that you could ask or imagine or pray for.

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September 1, 2024January 10, 2025

Sunday Sermonettes: In the Beginning

Sunday Sermonettes #001

The opening verse of the Bible does not introduce God. He needs no introduction. He was, is, and always will be.

He created everything out of nothing. He created everything with a purpose.

The heavens are vast. They are beyond the stretch of human imagination and its ends beyond discovery.

But the earth he created for you. That you may know him and love him. He does not yield to your intellect. Because your intellect is like a spoonful of water beside the oceans. You cannot know him with your intelligence.

Like every kingdom has a currency; the kingdom of God too has a currency. It is faith. Therefore the Bible says that “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”

This faith is more personal when it comes to the cross of Jesus. When the world demands that we find God through knowledge and wisdom; God says find me through my message of foolishness.

The cross of Jesus is the message of foolishness. Why? Because the cross says you can have a new beginning in your life by simply looking to Jesus in faith.

He shed his precious blood there for you; that you might find peace with God. Yes, you can be friends with God right now as you look to the cross and put your faith in the Son of God who bled and died for your sins.

When you trust in him who lives forever, he makes you a brand new creation. It is a new beginning for you. For he puts his own life within you.

Circumstances might not change but the power of this new life will give you the lift to fly above all that pulls you down. You too can enjoy this new beginning in life.

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August 9, 2024

The Pleasures of Reading

“Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.”

Respected Teachers and my dear friends,

Today as I speak on the pleasures of reading, the first thought that comes to my mind is from Francis Bacon. As he said, reading is like tasting and enjoying your favourite food. It gives immense pleasure. As food nourishes your body; reading refreshes and strengthens your mind.

The second pleasure of reading is that of knowledge. Reading exposes our mind to different cultures and languages of the world. It is through reading that we connect with people across the world and participate in their lives drama; through their sorrows and joys; their despair and dreams.

The third pleasure of reading is that of inspiration. Biographies of great men and women tell us that most of them became great because of the inspiration they got from reading books especially during their childhood days. So also, as we read, our minds are ignited with hope and courage, with cheer and determination to make our lives count and leave footprints on the sands of time.

The fourth and last point I would like to communicate regarding the pleasure of reading is that of entertainment. Novels, short stories, poems, travelogues, even comics and cartoons entertain our minds. It helps us relax. More than that it engages our mind in a way nothing else does. Our imagination is ignited when we read. We become co-creators of stories as we animate the stories we read in our minds. It is definitely a healthy exercise for the mind.

Let me conclude now by saying that books continue to be written and published because people continue to read and be entertained and inspired. Reading is one of the healthiest entertainments a man or woman can have. I am sure the pleasure of reading will continue to ignite hope in countless lives even like a thousand points of light twinkling in the night sky.

Thank you

May 23, 2024May 23, 2024

Your Best Yes Can Be a No

It is impossible to grow in your career without being able to say No. If you say Yes all the time, that means you are being a people-pleaser. It means that you are not focused. It again means that you don’t set priorities. It also means others don’t respect your boundaries or are not even aware of them.

If you say Yes to everything; you are going to bleed your time, energy, resources, and money for the tasks others are responsible for. That means others easily make you work for them for nothing. A Yes man or woman does not realize that he or she is an individual worthy of respect and esteem like anyone else.

Now the question is how can you say No. You might be afraid that you will hurt people if you say No. That might be true. But we are not talking about saying No to genuine requests for help. Instead, you need to ask questions to find out the real intent of people asking for favours from you. If you discover that, you will be shocked to know that what they said to you to get things done was not sincere but only a mask to conceal the real motive of manipulating you.

Often there are people who want to get things done by dumping the task on the head of someone who is weak-willed. That is not delegation but just making use of you to get them some leisure time.

Now be courteous when you say No. Tell them you have more urgent priorities to deal with at the moment. Point out to them some other method or resource or help they can seek.

A No response comes from your realization of what you are called to do in life. The more you grow as a professional the more focused you should become. That can happen only if you learn to say No to anything that distracts from what you are converging in on life.

Read this article on Saying No on LinkedIn

January 8, 2024November 11, 2024

Overflow with Hope

Hope is in short supply in today’s world. But let me remind you of how to overflow with hope. If you are feeling tired and having no strength; if you feel powerless and weak; hold on. Even if you think God has forgotten you; don’t give up. For this promise of God from Isaiah 40:31 is for you:
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

What does this promise mean to you today? First of all, it reminds you to focus on God and not your problems. You have to hope in the Lord. You have to make a deliberate effort to turn your eyes away from all your troubles and failures and focus on God and his great power, mighty strength, and infinite wisdom.

Secondly, when you hope in the Lord, you will start to expect God to act in your life. Faith will begin to rise in your hearts. For the Bible says in Hebrews 11:1 that “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” This kind of hope is not wishful thinking. Instead, it is based on God’s promise and assurance in our lives that he will not leave us nor forsake us.

Thirdly, when you hope in the Lord, there is bound to be action. There will be renewal of strength. You will soar on wings like eagles; you will run and not grow weary, and you will walk and not be faint. Therefore, cheer up. Take heart. Make God the focus of your thoughts. And strength will flow into your lives.

Finally, many people lose hope today as they focus on their past sins, present failures, and future worries. See, the blood of Jesus has the power to cleanse you from all your past sins, redeem your life from present failures, and keep your mind in perfect peace as you hope and trust in him.

So be filled with hope today. As Paul wrote in Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Let your cup overflow with hope today. God has heard your prayers and seen your tears. From the ashes of your defeat, hope will rise. And God will act on your behalf. Therefore, look to the God of hope today.

Read “Those who hope in me will not be disappointed,” on LinkedIn.
Isaiah 49:23
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December 7, 2023December 12, 2023

Our Daily Bread

“Give us each day our daily bread,” is a simple prayer Jesus taught us to pray.

First of all it is a child-like prayer to God our Father in heaven. A child simply expects his or her father to provide. It is an expression of trust in the love relationship between a child and father.

Secondly, it is a community prayer. It is not give me and my family our daily bread. Instead, it is a prayer for others included. We are taught to shun selfishness and embrace others’ needs too in our prayers and action.

Thirdly, it teaches us not to take anything for granted. We may have money and purchasing power. But food and our ability to enjoy its taste is God’s gift.

Fourthly, it teaches us to be thankful. There are many who thank God before they eat. It shows us that we should not forget the Giver of good gifts when we receive them.

Fifthly, daily is a key word. Life is, and should be lived one day at a time. The present moment is of great importance. We should not be paralyzed by our yesterdays nor should we be worried and anxious about our tomorrows.

Sixthly, bread is a result of man’s labour, toil, and sweat. It is a reminder to work hard with sincerity and earn one’s bread. Idleness is not part of God’s economy. When you work with professional excellence, you are being part of the answer to your prayers.

Finally, daily bread can also remind us about feeding on God’s Word each day morning; which nourishes and strengthens our spirit. It can satisfy us more than our daily food.

“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” — John 6:27 Bible

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October 21, 2023October 21, 2023

Interview Success Is About Your Passion

Be passionate about one thing. Your passion shouts out loud when you talk. You need not try to convince the interviewer about your passion; it simply shines through. Instead of wasting time mastering interview techniques, take time to be extremely good at one thing. This one thing can be your ability to code excellently well in a particular programming language or your passionate pursuit to excel in a hobby of yours. That will bring you success.

Now, interviews are won not by the precise answers you give. It is good if you can give the right answers. But it is more about the confidence you inspire in the interview board that enables you to get the job. And it is here that the passion you have will help you.

It is quite natural that the interviewer will, at some point in time, start asking about what you are passionate about. Then you get the chance of your lifetime to showcase your knowledge and expertise. If you say it well, then it will inspire confidence in them.

That brings us to yet another point. How to craft your answer well. The best thing you can do is to write down your thoughts as part of the interview preparation process. The first draft might be just a starting point, the second draft can improve upon it, and probably a third draft after striking out what is not needed can become your pitch for the interview. Many make the foolish mistake of being over confident of their ability to speak off the cuff and nose dive into the pit of failure.

When you prepare, try to connect some elements of your passion with the job you are being interviewed for. Something like: playing football taught me the art of teamwork; passion for photography helped me sharpen my focus; participation in chess tournaments have increased my ability to concentrate and enhanced my strategic thinking; and so on.

And definitely you should try to organize the points of your presentation. It will demonstrate your clarity of thinking; your level of preparedness; and your ability to inspire confidence. Organising content is not about saying everything about what you know. It is more about choosing the best things and editing out the rest.

If you have played cricket with passion; tell them something about your playing for your school, college, or club; about what kind of player are you; a batsman, a bowler; an all-rounder; if a bowler what kind of bowling you have specialised in: fast, medium, spin, and so on. Highlight some of your best achievements.

If you have captained any team; tell them so and it will highlight your leadership capability; your ability to motivate your team; and so on. And definitely be prepared to answer questions like who is your favourite cricketer and why? Such questions will help you to speak with authority and confidence on what you really know; and your passion will shine through.

Finally, let me say that if you are not passionate about something; it is highly likely that you will not be passionate about anything including your job. If you can demonstrate your enthusiasm and your ability to persevere by talking about your passion; you stand a good chance to clear the interview. So before you think about mastering interview techniques; make it a point to be passionate about one thing. And let it speak for yourself at the time of interview.

Beyond interview success; life is about passions; isn’t it?. As the famed Formula One (F1) Racer Michael Schumacher had written on his traditional Schuberth red helmet at his farewell: “Life is about passions. Thank you for sharing mine.” So having a passion in life is about continuing the journey in hope.

Read Interview Success Is About Your Passion on LinkedIn

October 15, 2023August 2, 2024

When You Feel Anxious

There is not one who does not feel anxious at some point in time. For a student it can be just before an exam; for a professional it can be some pending work or a meeting with the boss. For many others it is fear of the future; health issues; financial insecurity or being late to catch a train. It is natural to feel anxious. But let us try to look at how to manage it.

First of all, look to God.

He is a strong tower, a mighty rock, a shade and shelter, a comforting mother, a helping hand ever present, who lives for ever and never sleeps. He is watching over you all the time. Even when you are struggling he is seeing it and is moved with compassion for you. Cast all your anxiety on God, because he cares for you says the Bible¹. So look to God. Make a conscious effort to think about God.

Secondly, try to declutter your life.

See when we organize poorly; when we accumulate little things over the years; when we say yes to all unimportant requests from people; when we refuse to say No to activities that blurs our focus on what is important; they all lead to anxiety. So take time to remove the weeds that mar the beauty of the garden of your life. When you declutter it will make life simpler.

Thirdly, talk to your friends.

Just admit that you feel anxious. Talking things with your friends can relieve anxiety. They may or may not give advice. What they say might not help or be practical in your situation. But still talking with friends will relieve anxiety. Do not be like a dam with all shutters down; but open the spillways with trusted friends.

Finally, travel with hope.

Life might not be easy. It is natural to fear and feel anxious. But hold on to the firm hope that you will emerge strong in spite of all your anxiety; God-helping you. Never give up hope. Miracles do happen. It might not be like a burst of lightning always; but like the simple ordinary blooming of a flower bud more often.

You can read When You Feel Anxious on LinkedIn

¹1 Peter 5:7
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October 13, 2023October 13, 2023

Is God Dead?

It is easy to say God is dead. Atheists believe that there is no God. There might be logic in their argument. Questions like: “If there is a God, why is there so much suffering in this world?” or “Why do people who profess to believe in God, do wrong things?” or “Isn’t it enough that I just be living a good life; trying to help others and not doing harm?” do not have easy answers.

Having said that, let me try to raise a few concerns.

The first one is the reality of death.

Man is busy trying to explain origins dating back to billions of years. But while they are proposing theories; the reality of cold dark death bites. Why death?

Secondly, most human beings wear dress.

Forget about fashions; but think of normal wear. Why this distinction? If man is a social animal as many love to term it; why is man different from all other animals, birds, and reptiles in this regard? Isn’t it that the shame of the original sin in the Garden of Eden is haunting all men and women even today?

Thirdly, man thinks. And he expresses his thoughts through words.

As Dr. Samuel Johnson said, “Language is the dress of thought.” But why so many languages in the world. Well, the world had one speech and language at the dawn of human history. Was it not God who scattered men all around the world by confusing their languages because of man’s rebellion against him?

Finally, let me end with love.

I do agree that love has been corrupted much. But then you will all agree that love is that which affirms us that we belong. It is love that reduces friction and makes hope-filled waiting possible. Who put love within man’s heart in the first place? If not God, then who? So then, Is God Who Gave You Life, Dead?

You can read Is God Dead? on LinkedIn
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September 29, 2023October 27, 2023

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

Champions have a different mindset. One thing that makes them different from others is their ability to raise their game to highest performance when situations demand it from them. Let us look at some the highlights of a champion’s mindset.

First of all, champions don’t think defeat.

They are realistic with who their competition is. But they don’t allow that to intimidate them. Often the best opponent and the toughest teams bring out the best in them and help them bring out their best performance.

Secondly, champions enjoy their game.

They workout, toil, and spend long hours in practice. All these are tolling on the mind and body. But they persevere because they enjoy what they do. Even when they sleep they dream of enjoying their game. This undoubtedly makes them raise their game to highest performance while on the field.

Thirdly, champions don’t give up till the very last.

They have the ability to bounce back from early setbacks if it happens. They keep cool under pressure. They anticipate in hope till they catch the opponent relaxing for perhaps a split second and turn the tables around. Often champions show their true colors by unbelievable comebacks especially during final moments of a game. This is performance at its very best.

Fourthly, champions treat victories differently.

They are happy; but they are dissatisfied with even their best performance. Always, they strive to find what they could do better next time. No champion relaxes on reaching a summit. They treat it as history and focus sharply on the next game coming up. Looking forward is one way champions raise the level of their game to highest performance.

Finally, champions sense it when their fans, the situation, and the watching world is expecting them to perform.

They adapt to even hostile situations and deliver under pressure. Perhaps this one distinguishes a champion from others. They raise the level of their game to highest performance when all is against them.

To conclude, you too can be a champion if you strive to win, have that killer instinct, and a never give up hope-filled attitude until you win.

You cn read A Champion’s Mindset on LinkedIn
Run! Life Is a Race!

Featured image: Photo by Jim De Ramos: Pexels.com

September 18, 2023January 31, 2024

Your Look Matters

Your look matters. What you see is what makes you think. Looking up at the twinkling stars is what made the poet ask, “How I wonder what you are?” Likewise looking at the beautiful can trigger your imagination to see diamonds in every twinkle in the sky.

That kind of look of wonder and imagination was in the past. Today people are hooked to what they see on the screen or in the streets. When you engage with what you see; you imagine, you think, and you act on your thoughts. So it is important to know that your look matters.

What you look at constantly can feed your mind. It can create a web which links to emotions. So it is up to you to choose what links you like to create. Remember it all starts with what you choose to see. Unlinking the hooks you have created is not easy like how you unlink when you write a piece of code. So be careful for your look matters.

There are a lot of things you cannot avoid seeing. Life is busy and your eyes and sight collide with too much visual information, entertainment, and enticement through the media too. Like there are censoring boards and editors in the movie world, you should consciously have filters in place which will weed out unwanted images and thoughts.

Otherwise, distractions can easily make you slip and fall. And it all starts with what you look at. The choice is yours. Make a wise decision not to look at what is wrong, what is tempting, and what can lead you down to a slippery path to destruction. Please God and you will have the courage to say no to the glittering things of life that appeal to your eyes. So watch what you look at; for your look matters.
Read Your Look Matters on LinkedIn

Featured image courtesy:Photo by Marina Vitale on Unsplash

August 21, 2023

The Mistake in Public Speaking I Remember the Most

I share with you this classic mistake I once made in my speech which I remember the most. The occasion was a sermon I delivered in my Church.

It was a few weeks after the Tsunami had struck South East Asia in December 2004. So I started off talking about it. In the third sentence of my sermon I said, ” A few days later the . . .”

At that point my mind went blank. I was standing in the pulpit. It was a raised platform. Around three to four hundred people were looking intently at me. I had no sermon notes with me. I simply had to go on.

I knew I had to say a word starting with the letter M. But it was not coming to mind. So I substituted with another word starting with the letter M. And this is what I said:

“A few days later the magnanimity of the tragedy struck us.”

The moment I said that in my mind’s eye I could see blue and red lights flashing and hear alarm bells ringing. But I couldn’t stop to analyze. I had to go on.

The sermon went ahead well with a few more mistakes but not as classic as the one I just mentioned. Truly “magnanimity” was a disaster.

The magnitude (which was the word I should have said) of my mistake is clear because magnanimity means generosity!

Truly a classic mistake.

But the point is that it did not stop my journey as a public speaker. I continue to speak even now.

So also can you. There is no need to fear mistakes. It can come to anyone; to the best of men and women on the best of their days.

Therefore you need not fear mistakes. Let them come.

Often there is nothing much I can do to correct the mistakes made in speech as with the case of “magnanimity” of the tragedy.

So I understand that it simply shows me as a human being capable of making mistakes, maybe time and again.

But beyond that I see that I can trust him who hung on a cross and bled for me to integrate my life’s failures and mistakes into what he is shaping and moulding me to be.

So be encouraged today to speak. Mistakes need not prevent you from achieving the best that God has kept in store for you.

July 17, 2023July 17, 2023

Hard Work Leads to Success

Hard work leads to success. There is no doubt about it. So many people have proven that through their life and experience. So what makes hard work work for you? Let us consider what it does.

Hard work often begins from a burning desire to get things done. It begins from a passion to fulfill some ambition or dream. It begins from a drive to achieve some goal.

Hard work without planning and organizing or scheduling your work doesn’t go a long way to get things done. You need to create a time table and learn to stick to it. Hard work therefore involves time management and effective use of resources available.

Hard work definitely involves working more than normal or usual. It involves saying NO to legitimate entertainment or other distractions to focus on your work. Disciplining yourself to spend extra hours at working hard is essential to success.

Then there are 3 enemies to hard work you should be aware of:

One is talk. There are many who talk big and deliver nothing. The Wise King Solomon wrote: “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”¹ Therefore talk less and focus on getting things done.

The second enemy of hard work is laziness. Let us look again at what King Solomon had to say. “Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, And a lazy person will suffer hunger.” ² So many people know what is defeating them. They know that they are their own enemy. And they are defeated not by anyone from outside but by their now laziness. The best way to get out of laziness is to act immediately. NOW is the key word.

The third enemy of hard work is procrastination. That is putting off doing something for a later time. Let me quote King Solomon again: “Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.” ³ Postponing things by looking at unfavorable circumstances is like never getting on the boat because you wait for the waves to stop.

So what is the conclusion of the matter. Stop talking. Stop being lazy. And stop postponing. Instead start doing now. Yes hard work with God’s blessings leads to success.

¹Proverbs 14:23 Bible NIV
²Proverbs 19:15 Bible NASB
³Ecclesiastes 11:4 Bible NLT