Motivational Sermonettes – Page 3 – Bejoy Peter's Public Speaking ®

March 19, 2021July 22, 2022

“I the LORD Do Not Change!”

Change is what we see all around us. Maybe it would be more right to say that change and decay is what we see all around us. In this backdrop of flux and change comes this authoritative word from God, “I, the LORD, do not change!”¹

What does it mean? It means that God is unchanging in his holiness, unchanging in his love, and unchanging in his judgement. Let me repeat that for you: “I the LORD do not change,” means that God is unchanging in his holiness, unchanging in his love, and unchanging in his judgement.

First of all, there is nothing more awesome than the unchanging holiness of God. He is full of light and there is no darkness in him. Nothing in the entire universe can compare with the splendour of the holiness of God.

Secondly, there is nothing more amazing than the unchanging love of God. He so loved the world that he gave Jesus and sent him to bleed and die on the cross. That each one of us might find mercy, forgiveness and pardon for our sins; and that each one of us might find the free gift of eternal life by believing in him.

Thirdly, there is nothing more scary than the unchanging wrath and judgement of God. It is popular to believe that a loving God will not punish rebellion, disobedience and sin. But then can a God of justice leave the guilty unpunished? The only way out for anyone is to cry out for the mercy of God.

Yes, God is unchanging in his holiness. Therefore his unchanging wrath and judgement on sin fell on his innocent Son Jesus on the cross.² This was the greatest expression of his unchanging love towards you.

“I the LORD do not change,” also means that he is a rock and tower of strength to those who trust in him. God can be relied on in all the changes of life because he, the LORD, does not change!

—
¹Malachi 3:6 Bible
²“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us.” — 2 Corinthians 5:21 Bible.

Link to post Short speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks! — Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!

March 19, 2021July 22, 2022

Assurance Like No Other: “I Am with You Always!”

King David wrote in his famous Psalm 23, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Yes, he was looking to the presence of God with him for strength in the difficult times of his life.

What an assurance the promise that God himself is with us does give you and me: “I am with you always.”¹

Life is a journey where we need companionship. Our loved ones and friends do give us needed support in different phases of our journey. But then is that enough? Isn’t there that vacuum in your heart that only God can fill?

It is when you feel lonely and without hope that you should be able to hold on to this reassuring promise of the Risen Christ: “I am with you always.”

When God himself is with us, it is a treasure that no riches of the world can compare to or is a match for. The realization that God is with you is the greatest motivation for you to walk out of discouragement today.

You don’t need proof for the promise, “I am with you always,” because his word is good enough. It stands steadfast and immovable; no waves of doubt can assail it and crash it to the ground.

Yes, the presence of God with us gives us courage to face life and all its challenges. In God, you have a constant companion and friend. When you walk along with him, you need to align yourself with him to walk in step with him. The easiest way to do so is to do what pleases him. But is that easy? I doubt.

Yet the assurance “I am with you always,” is that of God and isn’t it comforting to know that he holds your hand even when you falter and lifts you up when you fall down?

—
¹“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” — Jesus Christ, Matthew 28:20b Bible NIV 1984

March 17, 2021July 22, 2022

The LORD Says: “I Have Loved You with an Everlasting Love!”

My dear friend, “Are you thirsting for true love?” If so, your thirst ends here. For it is God who is saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”¹

First of all, it is God’s promise of love. What he promises, he keeps. He remains true and faithful to what he has said. That means he will never break his word to you: “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”

Secondly, it is God’s love that is immeasurable. You cannot go beyond the extreme heights or depths or length or breadth of God’s love.

Thirdly, it is God’s love that death cannot break. God’s everlasting love goes beyond time to timelessness and stretches beyond death to all eternity.

Finally, it is God’s love for you for which proof and evidence has been already given. For God so loved you and me and the people of the whole world that he sacrificially gave and gifted his Son Jesus to bleed and die on the cross.

Yes, my friend, God has indeed loved you with an everlasting love. Do not trust your emotions which might feel this love at times and on other occasions feel great dryness in your heart and soul. God loving you with an everlasting love is real fact and truth. Will you love him in return?

—
¹“The LORD appeared to us in the past saying, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” — Jeremiah 31:3 Bible NIV 1984

Link Page to Read Along Motivational Sermonettes and Speeches
A Short Speech on L❤️ve!

March 17, 2021July 22, 2022

“Why Are You Downcast, O My Soul?”

Most of us worry constantly. It can depress you and make you lose hope. In the midst of your anxieties, one way to stay afloat without losing hope is to ask yourself the question, “Why are you downcast, O my soul?”

Asking that question will compel you to think. It will make you confront the basis of your confidence, hope, and trust: “Who am I trusting my life with?” If it is God, then there is no reason for your soul to be downcast or for you to be disturbed within.

See, the present crisis in your life is yet another opportunity to trust God with. His arm is still strong to save and he is willing to help you. Do not give up hope. Your trust in God will be rewarded. You will not be put to shame.

Instead of the sighing you are going through now; your mouth will sing forth praises to God. Look forward to that moment. God has a way of making the end better than the beginning, the latter half more glorious than the former one.

The delay has always been in his sovereign control. He will never be late but on time. And when he acts, he will do it swiftly in its time. It will be immeasurably more than what you asked for or imagined.

Therefore say to yourself in the words of the Psalmist, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God.”¹

—
¹Psalm 42:5, 11; and 43:5 Bible NIV 1984

March 17, 2021July 22, 2022

“Come Back Home, My Child!”

Did you know God is waiting for you? He knows that like a foolish child you’ve strayed and lost your way. So he is anxiously waiting to see you come back home.

“Come back home, my child,” is your Heavenly Father’s voice to you today. “Return to me,” is the call he sounds to you now. So take words with you, “Father, I have sinned against you. Please forgive me.”

Oh, God will run to you, embrace you, kiss you and accept you when he sees you come back from afar!

He will not find fault with you nor condemn you for wasting your life in wild living. But he will receive you with great compassion when you come back. He will show you great mercy.

The door of heaven and the heart of God is always kept open for you to come back. Angels will rejoice at your coming back. There will be celebrations in heaven when you come back to God and your home.

When you get back home my child God will put rich and royal robes on you. Then to all you will no longer be the beggar on the streets, but a son or daughter of God. Come back home my child to the rich welcome of God.

—
This post is inspired by the story of the Prodigal Son Jesus told (Gospel of Luke Chapter 15 Bible).

March 16, 2021July 22, 2022

Seeing God Face to Face Beyond Poor Reflection in a Mirror

Not many of us are fully satisfied with what we see in the mirror; are we? Your image in the mirror does not reflect you accurately; does it? But then a mirror reflects a longing within us to see ourselves as we truly are; to be known fully and perfectly as God alone knows you and me.

St. Paul uses the image of a mirror to write about things we know now on earth and things we are yet to see in life beyond the grave. He says, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.”¹

Paul reminds us that realities and truth we have understood now is just a glimpse of what heaven is going to be like.

Today we see through a glass, darkly; or in a mirror, dimly. But he shouts out the hope that one day we shall see face to face.

Yes, those who have known the love of God in their lives and have responded to that supreme sacrifice of Jesus on the cross where he poured out his blood for the forgiveness of our sins; one day will see Jesus face to face.

We will also see our loved ones again—all those who have died believing in him who died for them and rose again from the dead.

Then reflections in the mirror will give way to realities when what is dimly seen becomes clearly seen. This is our blessed hope when Jesus comes again as he promised to take us home for ever!

—
¹1 Corinthians 13:12a Bible NIV 1984. See different translations of this verse.

March 14, 2021January 8, 2024

Hope in God Will Be Your Strength

There are times when the flowers are in bloom, the sky is clear and blue, and everyone seems to sport a smile, but you are down; unable to see any good in things around you! It simply means you are depressed. And there seems to be no way out. But wait. There is still one thing you have; that is, hope in God. It will be your strength in these difficult days and times.

There might be no easy answers. And you might not feel radiating with joy. Your one thought will be how to make it through the next few moments. You might be fighting thoughts of giving up on life; you might be struggling with feelings of failure; above all you might be doubting God’s love for you. This is depression at its worst but hope in God will be your strength.

Even when there seems to be no way forward; even when no one seems to care or understand; even when there is no end to criticism against you; even when everything you’ve tried to do have seemed to have failed; there is God above it all, watching over you my friend. You are the apple of his eye. No trouble will separate you from his love and he will not give up on you. So hope in God and he will be your strength.

“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.”¹

¹Psalm 62:5 Bible NIV 1984.

Yes, hope in God will be your strength.

“Get Up” Is the Motivational Word You Need to Hear Today
God Give You the Grace to Overflow with Hope
You Can Bounce Back from Defeats Always
Touch of an Angel Is What You Need Today
A Short Speech How to Find Hope When Situations Look Hopeless!
Three Things You Shouldn’t Forget When in Despair

March 11, 2021February 17, 2025

Four Reasons Why Your Prayers Can Go Unanswered!

Many people are disappointed with prayer; maybe you too are! In this short speech you’ll discover four reasons why your prayers can go unanswered. Do keep in mind that your failure to wait to listen to God in prayer contributes to the problem of unanswered prayer as much as the four reasons that are going to be mentioned.

Prayers can go unanswered when your asking is not with right motives. God’s searchlights penetrate and light up every nook and corner of your heart. It shows up what you hide.

And when your lips say one thing and your heart means something else, that means you are asking with wrong motives and those prayers can go unanswered.

Prayers can go unanswered when they are not made in faith. If you look at many prayers they are just wishful thinking. Faith goes deeper. It is confidence in the person, who is God himself, to whom you pray to. It is faith that delights in your relationship with God as your heavenly Father and you as his child.

Faith looks more at the Giver than at the gift you expect to get. If this kind of faith is absent, then prayers can go unanswered.

Prayers can go unanswered when there is no persevering in prayer. God is not an ATM that delivers cash when you put in your card. He is more interested to see you grow in character. Therefore like a wise parent, he often delays answers to prayer. That will make some people quit praying. But those who are desperate for answers to prayer keep on praying.

This is not vain repetition but it is more of a “Do not give up” attitude Jesus taught about prayer. When this kind of perseverance is absent, prayers can go unanswered.

Prayers can go unanswered when they are not in tune with God’s will. This is very perplexing to many. We wish one thing to happen and we pray about it, and it does not happen. We become angry with God about it. Quite natural that we react like that. Yes, there are questions to which we don’t have any answers to.

Therefore Jesus taught us to pray to God, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” If our desire is in contradiction to God’s will, that prayer can go unanswered.

Finally, let me end by saying God is interested in answering your prayers. But he is more interested in changing you to be ready for the answers when he is pleased to give them to you.

So pray with right motives, pray in faith that God will answer prayer, pray with perseverance, and ask God for wisdom to pray according to his will.

“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:17. 18 Bible NIV 1984.

All Sermonettes List
In these speeches you’ll find hope in God to meet the challenges that you face in life!

1 Minute Speech on the Magnetic Pull of the Cross!

Jesus Is Risen!

March 7, 2021July 22, 2022

Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”¹ But is it easy to become poor in spirit? No, not at all. You can be assured that it might take a lifetime to even come near to being poor in spirit.

Being poor in spirit is to see ourselves as spiritually bankrupt when we are without God in this world.

Being poor in spirit is to see how ugly it looks in the eyes of God when I am puffed up with pride.

Being poor in spirit is the opposite of self righteousness which claims ‘I am right, absolutely,” status always.

Being poor in spirit is a state of humility where you are aware of how much and more of God’s grace sustains you each day, moment by moment.

Jesus started off his Sermon on the Mount by pointing to those poor in spirit as heirs to the kingdom of heaven. He was saying that those poor in spirit are truly blessed, happy, and wealthy in a way earthly riches cannot make you.

His standards have not changed. Therefore, when the kingdom of heaven literally dawns on earth someday soon, there will be plenty of shocking surprises.

That is why Jesus said, “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.”² And in those who finally become first will be a host of innumerable people who became poor in spirit and were rewarded with the kingdom of heaven.

Let me therefore end by asking, “Are you poor in spirit?”

—
²Matthew 5:3 Jesus, Sermon on the Mount.
²Matthew 19:30 NIV 1984

A Short Speech on Love

February 28, 2021July 22, 2022

All My Wasted Years O God to Your Hands I Give

Hear my cry O God
When my lips
Can scarcely utter
Even a single word in prayer.

It is painful O LORD
When I do not know
How to make known to you
What I really need.

It is tough O LORD
When I see that there is no fruit
For all the labour
Of days gone by.

Will you be near me O God
As I struggle
To make sense of life
And the future looks bleak?

Come and be my guide O God
And give me your peace
That I may trust and rest
In your strong and mighty arms.

I am fearful O my LORD
For even I do not know
The anxious thoughts
That battle in my heart.

Gift me your presence O God
And let me have you above all
And that shall be my courage
When I seem to sink in fear.

Abba Father will you be
My help and strength
In my hour of need
That you alone know for all its depth?

Have mercy on me O God
For without it can I survive
Or make it to the end
Of the race that was well-begun?

All my wasted years O God
To your hands I give
To make a blessing of it all
And build a precious dream.

God Give You the Grace to Overflow with Hope

“Come Back Home, My Child!”
“Why Are You Downcast, O My Soul?”
The LORD Says: “I Have Loved You with an Everlasting Love!”

Other poems:
Of All the Lessons You’ve Taught Me: Finish Strong!
A Short Prayer: When My Heart Is Broken
In His Eyes I Saw That Look Of Love’s Gentle Light

https://www.bpps.in/

February 24, 2021July 22, 2022

Of All the Lessons You’ve Taught Me: Finish Strong!

Of all the lessons you’ve taught me,
There is one that has remained
My favourite:
Finish strong!

Life is full of beginnings,
Second chances,
And starting all over again
To pursue your goal.

In all this,
Keep your eyes on the finishing tape,
Never let your eyes wander,
But focus on the finishing line.

There is reward at the end,
Not for running along with others,
But for finishing well,
And finishing strong.

Therefore do not yield to despair,
Do not give up hope,
Even when the winds blow against,
And progress seems slow.

There are others who have finished
The race ahead of you.
They are cheering you like a cloud of witnesses
From all around.

Look at their faith,
Learn from their perseverance,
They finished strong in spite of troubles and trials;
For they endured the race,
Looking steadily at the Invisible One,
The Rewarder of those who finish strong!

Other Poems:
All My Wasted Years O God to Your Hands I Give
A Short Prayer: When My Heart Is Broken
In His Eyes I Saw That Look Of Love’s Gentle Light

February 23, 2021December 9, 2024

God Give You the Grace to Overflow with Hope

Napoléon Bonaparte said, “A leader is a dealer in hope.” Martin Luther King spoke about the buoyancy of hope while Barak Obama wrote and spoke about the audacity of hope. Whatever it be, God is the source of all hope and he is the One who can cause you to abound in hope or overflow with hope.

St. Paul said that when childish things are put behind, among three things that remain one is hope. Yes, whatever be the context, hope is what you desperately need today.

We live in a time when hope itself is a scarce resource. People are not finding time to spend with God because they are too much distracted with what can be consumed on mobiles. Therefore they fail to plug in to the one source of all hope, God himself!

There is brokenness in relationships that is creating divides that take time to heal. Yes, hope is what you desperately need today.

“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“

— Romans 15:13 Bible NIV 1984.

Read more on: The Audacity of Hope in God Who Does Not Disappoint on Sunday Sermonettes #014.
Last updated: 29 November 2024.

¹Romans 4:18

My Grace Is Sufficient for You!
What Better Hope in Life Do You Have Than This?
1 Minute Speech on the Hope That a Sunset Brings
By the Rivers of Babylon: A Song of Hope in a Long Night of Captivity!
This Is a Time to Hope–A Short Speech When Speeches Too Go Virtual!
1 Minute Speech for Kindergarten Children on Hope
The Hope of Christmas
The Hope and Legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” Speech
Radio Talk: Hope for Tomorrow
Radio Talk: The Hope of Christmas
2 Minute Speech on Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Mankind!
2 Minute Speech on Leadership that Impacts

February 22, 2021July 22, 2022

Do You Know Him Who Calls You by Name?

How many people know you by name? That question is deeper than you think. In that sense the question is, how many people know you truly?

Your name represents you. Isn’t your name sweet to your ears? Your name gives you your sense of identity and your sense of uniqueness and to a great extent you are not an impersonal alphanumeric code because you have a name.

When others call you by name they respect you as a person. In fact, by calling you by name others are not dismissing you as an lifeless thing or object.

And when God says, “I have called you by name; you are Mine!” it is the highest honour you can have. It means that God knows you like no other. He knows your heart’s true desires. He knows where you fail.

But beyond that when God says, “I have called you by name,” it means that he knows your future. You need not worry about it any more for you are known and intimately known by the One who holds you future.

Isn’t that comforting? But then do you know the One who calls you by name? Do you know the One who has even all the hairs of your head numbered? Therefore, try your best to know him who knows you by name!

JESUS—What Is in a Name?

February 21, 2021July 22, 2022

Life from Ashes and Rise from the Dust

A day will soon come when Jesus will call the dead to life. And those who hear his voice will come back to life. Yes, life will come forth from ashes and people will awake and rise from the dust.

What is the meaning of this? And how does it apply to you?

One, God’s ultimate plan for you is life, not death. That means death is not The End but a new beginning with God whom you’ll see face to face. Therefore those who trust in Jesus and die are in their sleep and will rise one day. The time between death and new life will seem to them like the twinkling of an eye.

Yes, life will come forth from ashes and people will awake and rise from the dust.

Two, God does not forsake any who trust in him. When he says, no one will snatch you out of my hand¹, it means that no evil force or death can wrest you away from his love and out of his mighty hand. There is an eternal security you can find in God alone. Yes, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” ²

Yes, life will come forth from ashes and people will awake and rise from the dust.

Three, God will wipe away your tears. It is true that there is brokenness of all sorts in your life. It is true that you despair at times. It is true that you feel forsaken by God in certain moments. But hold on to life and believe that his life is at work in your life—it is life that death has no hold on and which it cannot touch. One day, God will reward you for being true and faithful to him in the midst of your tough times.

Yes, life will come forth from ashes and people will awake and rise from the dust.

Therefore my friend, look beyond your present difficulties and troubles. “Your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”³ There is glory beyond the grave. Be courageous in your tough times and hold on to God for the Spirit of God shall give you strength. Oh, what a joyous day it’ll be when you meet God face to face and be with him for ever and ever!

—
¹John 10:28 Bible
² Deuteronomy 33:27a Bible NIV 1984
³ Colossians 3:3 Bible

February 20, 2021March 26, 2025

“Put Out into Deep Water, and Let Down the Nets for a Catch.”

What if at the end of a hard night’s toil; you just have an empty boat? Isn’t it good enough reason to be depressed?

Jesus Peter Sea Galilee Boat Fish

But then when Jesus is willing to step into the empty boat; will the nets return void? And when he says, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch,” you can raise a lot of objections; for you Simon Peter are an experienced fisherman in the sea of Galilee; aren’t you? And he is just a carpenter from the obscure town of Nazareth. Or isn’t he?

Is it positive thinking that what creates miracles? Or is it obedience to the voice of him who commands the winds and the waves?

But the greater miracle was not the miraculous catch of fishes.Instead it was Peter’s confession, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man.”

Isn’t that amazing?

Instead of striking a deep-sea fishing deal with a man who knew the seas better than he, Peter falls at Jesus’ knees. Worship is recognizing the worthiness of him who commands the winds and the waves. And in that process knowing my own unworthiness before his holiness.

The Master’s voice comes across to you today. “My child, have you been toiling hard? And are your boats empty? Do you really know what you need? Is it that you need a boat full of fish? I can give that to you. But is that what you really need? Or is it Me?”

And who is he?

He who angels worship;
before him demons trembled;
in him sinners found a friend;
the outcasts found mercy;
those who strayed met with compassion;
the sick found healing;
to the guilty, forgiveness was gifted;
he taught with authority;
the wild waves and stormy winds obeyed instantly and calmed;
death bowed down low and licked the ground at his feet;
as he triumphed over the grave
by his blood shed on the cross;
he opened heaven for all
who is willing to trust, obey, and follow him.

So, here is he standing across the sea watching you dock an empty boat and washing the nets which did not bring a catch saying, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

—
Post inspired by Luke 5:4
A Haiku Poem:

The empty boat docks.
Cast nets to blue deep says he.
Do that; fishes catch!

February 18, 2021July 22, 2022

യഹോവ എൻ്റെ ഇടയനാകുന്നു—A Short Malayalam Sermon by Daniela B. Peter

കർത്താവായ യേശു ക്രിസ്‌തുവിൻ്റെ ധന്യ നാമത്തിൽ ഏവർക്കും സ്നേഹവന്ദനം.

വളരെ വർഷങ്ങൾക്കു മുൻപ് വില്യം കൗപ്പർ (William Cowper) എന്ന കവി ഇംഗ്ലണ്ടിൽ ജീവിച്ചിരുന്നു. ഒരിക്കൽ അദ്ദേഹം നിരാശനായി തീർന്നു. ജീവിതം അവസാനിപ്പിക്കുവാൻ ആഗ്രഹിച്ചു. അതിനായി ഒരു ടാക്സി വിളിച്ചു അദ്ദേഹം ലണ്ടനിലെ തേംസ് (Thames) നദിക്കു മുകളിലുള്ള പാലത്തിലേക്ക് കൊണ്ടുപോകുവാൻ ഡ്രൈവറോട് ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ടു.

യാത്ര തുടങ്ങി കുറച്ചു നേരത്തിനുള്ളിൽ തന്നെ അവിടെ കടുത്ത മൂടൽമഞ്ഞുണ്ടായി. ടാക്സി ഡ്രൈവർക്കു മുന്നോട്ടു വണ്ടി ഓടിക്കുവാൻ കഴിയാതെയായി. ഒരു മണിക്കൂറായിട്ടും മൂടൽമഞ്ഞു മാറിയില്ല. അപ്പോൾ വില്യം കൗപ്പർ ഡ്രൈവറോട്, “എന്നെ തിരികെ വീട്ടിൽ കൊണ്ടാക്കാമോ?” എന്നു ചോദിച്ചു. “തീർച്ചയായും,” എന്നു പറഞ് ഡ്രൈവർ അദ്ദേഹത്തെ തിരികെ വീട്ടിലെത്തിച്ചു.

വണ്ടിക്കൂലി നൽകിയപ്പോൾ ടാക്സി ഡ്രൈവർ അത് നിരസിച്ചു. ഉദ്ദേശിച്ച സ്ഥലത്തു എനിക്കു താങ്കളെ എത്തിക്കുവാൻ കഴിയാത്തതു കൊണ്ട് എനിക്കു ടാക്സി കൂലി വേണ്ട എന്നാണു ഡ്രൈവർ പറഞ്ഞത്.

നദിയിൽ ചാടി മരിക്കണം എന്നാഗ്രഹിച്ച വില്യം കൗപർ സുരക്ഷിതനായി തിരികെ വീട്ടിൽ എത്തി. ആ അനുഭവം അദ്ദേഹത്തിൽ ഇടയനായ ദൈവത്തിൻ്റെ കരുതലിനെ കുറിച്ച് ഒരു വലിയ ധൈര്യപ്പെടുത്തൽ ഉണ്ടാക്കി. ആ സമയത്തു അദ്ദേഹം എഴുതിയ പ്രശസ്തമായ ഗാനമാണ്,

God moves in mysterious ways
His wonders to perform.

അതെ യഹോവ എൻ്റെ ഇടയനാണ്. അവൻ അത്ഭുതകരമായ രീതിയിൽ എനിക്കായി കരുതുന്നു. അവൻ എന്നെ അറിയുന്നു, എന്നെ സ്നേഹിക്കുന്നു, എന്നെ പുലർത്തുന്നു.

സങ്കീർത്തനങ്ങളുടെ സങ്കീർത്തനം എന്നറിയപ്പെടുന്ന സങ്കീർത്തനം ഇരുപത്തിമൂന്നിൽ പറയുന്ന സത്യങ്ങളാണ് ഞാൻ നിങ്ങളെ ഓർമപ്പെടുത്തിയത്.

യഹോവ എൻ്റെ ഇടയനാണ് എന്നു പറയുമ്പോൾ അവൻ എന്നെ നന്നായി അറിയുന്നു എന്ന സത്യം ഞാൻ മനസിലാക്കുന്നു. എൻ്റെ തലയെ എണ്ണ കൊണ്ട് അഭിക്ഷേകം ചെയ്യുന്ന ഇടയൻ എൻ്റെ തലയിലെ മുടി പോലും എല്ലാം എണ്ണിയിരിക്കുന്നു.

എൻ്റെ ജീവിതത്തിലെ എല്ലാ ആവശ്യങ്ങളെയും അറിയുന്ന ദൈവം മുട്ടുണ്ടാകാതെ പച്ചയായ പുല്പുറങ്ങളിലേക്കു എന്നെ നടത്തുന്നു. സ്വസ്ഥതയുള്ള വെള്ളത്തിനരികെ എന്നെ നടത്തുകയും എൻ്റെ പ്രാണനെ തണുപ്പിക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു.

ഈ ഇടയൻ എപ്പോഴും എൻ്റെ കൂടെ ഇരിക്കുന്ന ദൈവമാണ്. എന്നെ പേർ ചൊല്ലി വിളിക്കുന്ന ഇടയനാണ് അവൻ. ഈ ഇടയൻ്റെ സ്നേഹം ഏറ്റവും പ്രകാശം പരത്തിയത് കാൽവരി ക്രൂശിലാണ്:

അവിടെ യേശു കർത്താവ് എൻ്റെ പാപങ്ങൾക്കു വേണ്ടി രക്തം ചിന്തി മരിച്ചു. ആ നല്ലിടയൻ എനിക്കു വേണ്ടി തൻ്റെ ജീവനെ തന്നു. ആ സ്നേഹത്തെ ഏവരെയും ഓർമ്മിപ്പിച്ചു കൊണ്ട് ഞാൻ എൻ്റെ വാക്കുകൾ നിറുത്തുന്നു. ആമേൻ.

William Cowper, God moves in a mysterious way, Wikipedia.

യഹോവ എൻ്റെ ഇടയനാകുന്നു—A Short Malayalam Sermon by Stefan B. Peter

Motivational Speech: The LORD Is My Shepherd

Nativity Scenes and Songs by Daniela B. Peter and Stefan B. Peter

1 Minute Welcome Speech and Christmas Message (Kindergarten)

Oru Divasam Noor Addukkale (Malayalam Action Song)

February 18, 2021July 22, 2022

യഹോവ എൻ്റെ ഇടയനാകുന്നു—A Short Malayalam Sermon by Stefan B. Peter

കർത്താവായ യേശു ക്രിസ്‌തുവിൻ്റെ ധന്യ നാമത്തിൽ ഏവർക്കും സ്നേഹവന്ദനം.

എല്ലാ കാലത്തും വിശ്വാസികളുടെ ഏറ്റവും പ്രീയപ്പെട്ട സങ്കീർത്തനമാണ് ഇരുപത്തിമൂന്നാം സങ്കീർത്തനo. ദാവീദ് തൻ്റെ ജീവിതത്തിലെ അനുഭവങ്ങൾ ഇവിടെ എഴുതുകയാണ്. യഹോവ എൻ്റെ ഇടയനാണ് എന്ന ശക്തമായ വിശ്വാസ പ്രഖ്യാപനത്തോടെയാണ് ഈ സങ്കീർത്തനം ആരംഭിക്കുന്നത്.

ഒന്നാമതായി ഇവിടെ കാണുന്നത് നമ്മുക്ക് ദൈവവുമായിട്ടുള്ള വ്യക്‌തിപരമായ ബന്ധമാണ്.

യഹോവ ഇടയനാകുന്നു എന്നല്ല ഇവിടെ പറഞ്ഞിരിക്കുന്നത്. യഹോവ എൻ്റെ ഇടയൻ എന്നാണ്. എന്താണിതിൻ്റെ അർത്ഥം? എന്താണിതിൻ്റെ അർത്ഥം? ഇടയനായ യഹോവയ്‌ക്കു അനേകം ആടുകൾ ഉണ്ട്. എങ്കിലും അവൻ എന്നെ വ്യക്‌തിപരമായി അറിയുന്നു, പേർചൊല്ലി വിളിക്കുന്നു, എന്നെ സ്നേഹിക്കുന്നു. എത്ര വലിയോരു വിശ്വാസ അനുഭവമാണ്‌ ദാവീദ് വിവരിക്കുന്നത് എന്ന് നോക്കുക.

അതുകൊണ്ട് ജീവിതത്തിൻ്റെ ഏതു സാഹചര്യത്തിലും എനിക്കും നിങ്ങൾക്കും ധൈര്യമായി പറയുവാൻ സാധിക്കട്ടെ, “യഹോവ എൻ്റെ ഇടയാനാകുന്നു.”

രണ്ടാമതായി യഹോവ എനിക്കായി കരുതുന്നു. അതുകൊണ്ട് എനിക്ക് മുട്ടുണ്ടാകയില്ല.

ജീവിതത്തിൽ പ്രയാസങ്ങൾ വരാത്തവരായി ആരും ഉണ്ടാകാത്തില്ല. എങ്കിലും യഹോവയിൽ ആശ്രയിക്കുന്നവൻ്റെ ആവശ്യങ്ങൾ നടത്തികൊടുക്കുവാൻ യഹോവ മതിയായവനാണ്. അവൻ തൻ്റെ ജനങ്ങളുടെ ആവശ്യങ്ങൾ മുന്നമേ അറിയുകയും അവർക്കായി കരുതുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു.

അതുകൊണ്ട് അനുഗ്രഹങ്ങൾ തേടി ആരും ഓടേണ്ട. പകരം യഹോവയെ അന്വേഷിക്കുമ്പോൾ, അവനെ സ്‌നേഹിക്കുമ്പോൾ, ആവശ്യങ്ങൾ അവൻ നിറവേറ്റി തരും.

മൂന്നാമതായി യഹോവ എപ്പോഴും എൻ്റെ കൂടെ ഇരിക്കുന്നു.

മനുഷ്യൻ്റെ സഹായം ലഭിക്കാത്ത സാഹചര്യങ്ങൾ ജീവിതത്തിൽ വരാം. എന്നാൽ അത്തരം കൂരിരുൾ താഴ്‌വരയിൽ കൂടി നടക്കുന്ന അനുഭവങ്ങളിലും യഹോവ എന്നോടു കൂടെയുണ്ട്.

ഒരിക്കൽ plane–ൽ ഒരു ബാലൻ യാത്ര ചെയ്യുകയായിരുന്നു. പെട്ടെന്നാണ് പ്രതികൂലമായ കാലാവസ്ഥയിൽ പെട്ടത്. യാത്രക്കാരെല്ലാം ഭയപ്പെട്ടു. ചിലർ നിലവിളിച്ചു. എന്നാൽ ഈ ബാലൻ മാത്രം ശാന്തമായി കാണപ്പെട്ടു.

അപ്പോൾ അവനോട് ഒരു യാത്രക്കാരൻ ചോദിച്ചു, “മകനേ, നിനക്കു പേടിയില്ലേ?” അവൻ മറുപടി പറഞ്ഞു: “എനിക്ക് പേടി ഒട്ടുമില്ല. എൻ്റെ പപ്പാ ആണ് ഈ വിമാനം പരത്തുന്നത്. ഈ ധൈര്യമാണ് യഹോവ എന്നോടു കൂടെ ഉണ്ട് എന്ന ബോധ്യം നമുക്ക് നൽകുന്നത്.

എന്നെ കേൾക്കുന്ന ഏവരുമെ, യഹോവ എൻ്റെ ഇടയനാകുന്നു എന്ന വിശ്വാസ പ്രഖ്യാപനത്തിനു പുതിയ മാനവും അർത്ഥവും നൽകിയത് യേശുവാണ്.

ഞാൻ നല്ല ഇടയൻ എന്ന് അവൻ പറഞ്ഞു. ആ നല്ലിടയൻ എനിക്കും നിങ്ങൾക്കും വേണ്ടി കാൽവരി ക്രൂശിൽ രക്‌തം ചിന്തി മരിച്ചു.

നമുക്ക് വേണ്ടി ജീവൻ നൽകിയ ആടുകളുടെ ഈ വലിയ ഇടയനെ പൂർണ്ണഹൃദയത്തോടെ സ്നേഹിക്കുവാൻ നമുക്കേവർക്കും സാധിക്കട്ടെ. ആമേൻ.

യഹോവ എൻ്റെ ഇടയനാകുന്നു—A Short Malayalam Sermon by Daniela B. Peter

Motivational Speech: The LORD Is My Shepherd

Nativity Scenes and Songs by Daniela B. Peter and Stefan B. Peter
1 Minute Welcome Speech and Christmas Message (Kindergarten)

Oru Divasam Noor Addukkale (Malayalam Action Song)

February 17, 2021February 26, 2022

Meet the Risen Christ Who Walks Along with You on Lonely Sunset Roads

Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. There stands before men and women no greater truth and hope than his life triumphing over death. And the good news is that he walks along with you on lonely sunset roads.

In that unforgettable walk the evening of his resurrection day, the Risen Christ joined with two men who were walking towards their village called Emmaus. But they were kept from recognising him.

The men were sad, their faces downcast. They were moving away from Jerusalem the scene of Jesus’ crucifixion. In their minds, Jesus was dead and gone. Their hopes about him had been dashed.

They had heard the joyous news that angels had broken to some women who had gone and seen the empty tomb that morning: “He is not here; he has risen.”

Yet these men did not believe even though they were amazed at the news.

But then in the walk towards their village as they listened to him open their minds to understand the truth written in the Scriptures that he had to suffer and then enter glory; their hearts burned within them!

By then the sun was setting. And Jesus acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us.”

If “abide with me” is your prayer this moment, Jesus will come in to your home however humble it is and to your heart however sad and broken it is.

And there will be a moment of recognition as it happened with those two men when they understood who their companion was when he took bread, gave thanks to God, and broke it for them.

Jesus immediately disappeared from their sight. But the men now had news to carry. They hurried back to Jerusalem at once with the news, “It is true. The Lord has risen.”

At the end of every lonely walk and darkness sunset brings; there comes in Jesus the Risen Lord to walk along with you. Let hope rise again in your hearts because this my friend is the great assurance that you have: The Risen Lord is with you!

Believe in the Message of the Foolishness of God!
Link Page to Read Along Motivational Sermonettes and Speeches

February 16, 2021July 25, 2022

Can You Make a Bolt for the Finish Line with Bricks on Your Head?

You might be the fastest sprinter in the world. Yet you won’t think of or ever imagine to run a 100 metres sprint at the Olympics or World Athletic championship finals with bricks on your head; will you?

But the sad thing is that in real life you are probably attempting to run life’s race and rush ahead with many bricks on your head. And what are these bricks? They are dead weights that slow down your progress.

And what are these dead weights?

The first one is definitely the baggage of your past. Your past might be full of mistakes you made and plenty of regrets you have. But they are to be left behind. Let the lessons you learned from them remain. Let those teach you humility. But never entertain the past and its baggage with the same dignity given to a foreign head of state paying an official visit to the country. So, leave your past behind.

The second dead weight is definitely negative habits you entertain. You might have struggled with them for years. You might have pledged to stop indulging in them many times. And especially every new year you might have taken the resolution to get out of that habit or habits pulling you down. But you might not have succeeded. Perhaps you need to be reminded that sometimes your resolve is not enough. Therefore, seek God’s help.

The third dead weight you carry is, worries of this life. Each day the news is getting bad and worse. There is not one day without some kind of negativity being heard. In spite of all the entertainment going on, bad news still makes its rounds. And you are worried. Especially about what the future is going to be. The only antidote to worry is trust in God.

Now what can you do about these three: baggage from your past, negative habits from your present and worries about your future?

The main thing is to renew your mind: Think on the finishing tape. Think of things that matters at the end. Refuse to worry. Say no to negative habits. And seek God’s help to wipe your past clean and give you a brand new beginning in life.

Life is a race. And you’ve to learn to discipline yourself and go into strict training to keep yourself ready for your best performance in the race. Those who run well avoid distractions and focus on the finishing tape. They throw away all bricks that weigh them down and run.

So many runners in the Olympics in its earliest form ran to win a wreath or a laurel that faded away. But God rewards for an eternity with a crown that does not perish, spoil or fade away. So be careful how you run life’s race. Run so as to win the prize. There is going to be rewards and joy at the end of the race if you do away with the bricks you are carrying today.

World Records Are My Favorite Food: Featuring Sydney McLaughlin

What Better Hope in Life Do You Have Than This?

—
Post inspired by:

“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,
and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”

— (Hebrews 12:1b, 2a Bible NIV 1984)

Featured image courtesy: Photo by Jonathan Chng on Unsplash

February 14, 2021July 22, 2022

Three Quick Things to Do When You Are Tired of Living

Are you tired of living? If yes, there are three quick things you can do.

One, call out to God for help. You need not worry how he is going to answer your prayer. Instead what you need to believe is that God is able to help you and willing to help you.

No need to wait for the right moment. Now just call on his name. He will listen for he is compassionate.

Therefore the first thing to do if you are tired of living is to call out to God for help.

Two, believe in goodness ahead. It is easy to lose hope when you are under pressure constantly. That is quite natural. But when you wait for God to answer your prayer you need to look ahead to see God’s goodness stored for you.

When it comes, people who despised you and mocked you will see that is God who has shown you goodness. You too will know how troubles you faced moulded you to be prepared for the goodness which God had already prepared for you.

Therefore the second thing to do if you are tired of living is to believe in goodness ahead.

Three, do not entertain bitterness in your heart. It is true that words were painful when people stung you bitterly with their accusations and criticism. It is true that you faced pressure beyond your ability to endure. In spite of all this do not hold a grudge against those who hurt you.

That is not easy. Yet if you can try to see the hand of God orchestrating events, managing people, bringing situations to a crisis, and finally bringing you to that point where you are ready to live your true dream; then instead of bitterness your heart will overflow with gratitude to God.

Therefore the third thing to do if you are tired of living is to stop entertaining bitterness in your heart.

To conclude, the three things to do if you are tired of living are:
One, call out to God for help.
Two, expect goodness ahead.
And three, do not entertain bitterness.

My friend, this is not the time to give up or to quit. But it is the time to hope, to believe and to hold on.

What Better Hope in Life Do You Have Than This?

—
Post inspired by the reading of Psalm 31:19—22.
Rise Up and Soar on Wings like Eagles!
Motivational Speech: You Can Rise Up in God’s Strength Today!
You Can Bounce Back from Defeats Always
The Promise of the Comforter
Say Yes to the Gift of Life Always!
JOY Is a Gift; Happiness an Attitude!
Lead Us O LORD from Darkness to Light

February 11, 2021July 22, 2022

Hold the Fort for God’s Help Will Surely Come!

Hold the fort for God’s help will come. Hold on to hope. For those who hope in God will not be disappointed.¹

There might come to your mind 10,000 reasons why life is not worth living. The devil will shout in your ears how you are a failure and that there is nothing good about you.

It’s up to you you to choose to believe the truth when God says “there is hope for you,” or give in to the lies of the devil. Choose to listen to God. And hold the fort for God’s help will surely come.

It does not matter how long the darkness has kept you in fear. God’s light will yet shine. It might not shine a long beam to your future. But it certainly will show you where to walk the next step. So hold the fort for God’s help will surely come.

Why hold the fort? Your mind is under attack from all sides. You easily lose heart. Therefore look up. There is a flag of victory waving. You go and stand underneath it. Now what does it say: It says, “I am your helper. So do not fear.”² Therefore hold the fort for God’s help will surely come. It will not delay.

Let not your struggles depress you. Let not others lack of understanding make you feel lonely.

The night will pass. Dawn will break. And God will whisper in your ear,“I am with you.” What an assurance that is! Therefore hold the fort; for God’s help will surely come.

What Better Hope in Life Do You Have Than This?

“I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” — Psalm 121:1, 2 (NIV 1984).

—
Post inspired by Philip P. Bliss hymn, Hold the Fort.
¹Isaiah 49:23 Bible
²Hebrews 13:6

February 10, 2021October 13, 2023

Motivational Speech: You Can Rise Up in God’s Strength Today!

You can rise up in God’s strength today. This message is for you who think you are a failure in life.

Dear friend, you might have regrets in life. There are many wasted opportunities and many things you wish you could have done differently; isn’t that so?

Do not despair. There is still hope. For God is with you and for you. The only thing he demands is that you trust in him.

And when you trust in him you can rise up in God’s strength today. This is possible for four important reasons:

One, God is a God of compassion. He loves you. He understands the pressures you are facing in life. Even when others criticize and despise you, God sees your potential. He wants you to rise up and soar on wings in his strength today.

Secondly, God is a God of second chances. He doesn’t count you a failure even when you fail multiple times. He believes in your willingness to keep trying. Even if your efforts are imperfect God delights in you and gives you second chances to make it successful in life. Yes, he wants you to rise up in his strength today.

Thirdly, God is the master of creating opportunities. It doesn’t matter if all doors are closed. You go and keep knocking. In unexpected ways and from unexpected sources doors will open for you. So do not lie down in despair. Get up and rise up in God’s strength for opportunities will come to you.

Fourthly and finally, remember that with God nothing is impossible. The only thing that matters is whether in God’s eyes something that you desire is good for you or not. If it is God’s will for your life do not look at the impossibility. But put your hope in God. He is bigger and stronger than all the giants you are facing at the moment. So believe that you can rise up in God’s strength today.

My dear friend, don’t look back at your past and lose hope. Do not despair. There is forgiveness with God. He wants you to rise up in his strength. He will rebuild your life once again. The faults and cracks, mistakes and failures, regrets and opportunities lost will all bow down to the absolute Lordship and leadership of God in your life.

Therefore there is no moment to waste. Do not wallow in self-pity. Look to God. Put your hope in him. And rise up in God’s strength today.

Read this motivational speech: You Can Rise Up in God’s Strength Today on LinkedIn.

What Better Hope in Life Do You Have Than This?

Life from Ashes and Rise from the Dust

February 9, 2021April 28, 2025

Have a Glimpse of Heaven

We all long to have a glimpse of heaven. Here is how heaven is going to be like:

Heaven is the home of God the Father. It is a real place. He awaits his children to arrive there. Meanwhile preparations are on for welcoming them home. What a joy when life’s race is over and you touch the finishing tape. You wake up to a new morn—a glorious beginning that will never end.

Heaven is a place of joy. It is a place where God will wipe away all tears from your eyes. No more death or mourning or crying or pain. I tell you it is not the boring kind of entertainment that you get on earth. Heaven is joy unspeakable and full of glory.

Heaven is where Jesus is. He said that he is the way. He said that in his Father’s house there are many mansions. And he is going to prepare a place for those who believe in him. One day he is going to come back to take us there. Amazing, isn’t it? God wants to share his home with us brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ.

Heaven has music. Never-ending praises will be sung to God. Hallelujah’s (which means Praise the LORD) and Amen’s (which means so be it) will resound. Multitudes from every tribe and language and people and nation will join the angels in singing songs of praise to the Lamb of God who shed his blood to save men and women from spending an eternity in hell.

Now the question is how soon will all this become real to us?

I hope most of you have seen Umpires calling “Time” during tennis matches. That trumpet call will sound from heaven soon. Earth will give up her dead. Books will be opened. Each man will have to give account for his life before God’s judgement seat.

And then those whose names are found in the Lamb’s Book of Life will live with God for ever. Others who never accepted God’s offer of life while living on earth will be thrown into the lake of fire from which there is no escape!

Sounds too narrow-minded; isn’t it? I cannot find fault with you for thinking so. But the truth is that Jesus said the way to heaven is narrow. This is what he said. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it (Matthew 7:13, 14 Bible).”

Heaven, my friends, is not open by popular vote. It is open only for those who enter through the way of the cross. For it was on the cross that God came near to man like never before. That was where God put the punishment due to me and you for all our sins on his own beloved Son Jesus. That was where he shed his precious blood for us. And when we look to him in faith, he welcomes us home to heaven!

The Spirit of God’s Invitation

Revelation 22:17

“Come!” Whovever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.”

January 26, 2021September 8, 2024

Lead Us O LORD from Darkness to Light

Hope rises in every human heart even as light shines. Therefore “Lead us O LORD from darkness to light,” has been a prayer in the lips of many for centuries.

Light conquers darkness—whether it be the darkness of ignorance or the darkness of evil or the darkness of fear; it is the nature of light to conquer darkness.

Light brings hope. A world that has become so busy with even Nano seconds¹ being taken into account has no room for failures and those who despair. But light brings hope to even those rejected and broken and marginalized.

Light shines knowledge. Ignorance can imprison people. It can chain people in superstitions, lies and deceptions. And it is the truth of knowledge that can break these chains and set people free.

Light spreads. It is impossible to conceal light and perhaps it is foolishness to attempt to do so. Therefore no one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; but puts it on its stand that it may give light to everyone in the house.²

Yes my friends,
Light conquers darkness.
Light brings hope.
Light shines knowledge.
Light spreads.

And once upon a time there walked on this earth One who embodied all these. He said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”³

About him, his beloved disciple John wrote: “In him was life, and that life was the light of men.”

Yes dear friends, the greatest of all that light is; is that light gives life. It conquers death by its life-giving power. Therefore let us continue to pray, “Lead us O LORD from darkness to light.”

What Better Hope in Life Do You Have Than This?

—–
¹Nano Seconds Wikipedia
²Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:15 Bible)
³Jesus Christ (John 8:12 Bible)
⁴John 1:4 Bible

January 19, 2021January 19, 2025

In Search for the Truth

Right from a child’s wonder as to who made the stars to a philosopher’s explanation of the meaning of life there is in every human heart an yearning to search for the truth.

On the other hand; a world of entertainment, wonders of the world of technology, and the worries of daily living drown and suppress people’s active pursuit of the search for the truth.

If truth can be found through exercise of the intellect and pursuit of knowledge, an illiterate person living in the forest and has not been exposed to the ideas of the world has no chance ever to know the truth. Therefore truth cannot be the exclusive claim of intellectuals alone.

If truth can be found through men and women’s search for the meaning of life, it might not be a complete understanding because his or her circumstances will certainly colour his or her painting of life.

The question therefore is whether truth is abstract or concrete? Truth, if it has to be within the reach of all, has to be made plain for all to understand. In that sense truth came to us when Jesus was born a child. God came down to us not to judge, accuse, or condemn but to save.

But many people act like how the Roman governor Pilate did when he asked the question “What is truth?”¹ to Jesus standing trial before him. But he did not wait for an answer.

And again truth was on public display when Jesus lay hanging on the cross and bleeding to death. The truth that all men and women deserve to be punished for their rejection of God was proclaimed by this act of God. BUT, the truth that God is showing mercy to all who would believe and receive him by placing their punishment on Jesus was a greater proclamation.

Thus in Jesus we find God showing us the truth—the truth about who God is: that he is merciful and compassionate and willing to forgive your sins however great they might be.

Therefore truth is not abstract. It is found in him who claimed: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”² Look to him and you’ll find meaning in your search for the truth.

What Better Hope in Life Do You Have Than This?

——-

¹ John 18:38 Bible
² John 14:6 Bible NIV 1984

JESUS—What Is in a Name?
1 Minute Speech on Jesus the Light of the World
Jesus–the Friend of Sinners!
Motivational Speech: The LORD Is My Shepherd
But Why? Is the Question Christmas Answers!
1 Minute Speech on the Meaning of God with Us
He Walks in When Everyone Else Has Rejected You and Walked Out on You!

January 1, 2021July 1, 2023

Move Forward with Courage

A new year with many unknowns. Eager expectations on one side. Worry and anxiety on the other. How can I move forward with courage? is the question that might dominate your mind at this time.

Do not fear. God never asked you to walk alone or shoulder all the burden by yourself. He is willing to help you and guide you. Simply trust that he has your good in mind as you move forward.

The overflowing waters which stand as a major obstacle preventing your progress will separate to reveal a way forward when you boldly step into the waters. It will not happen if you stand on the bank wondering how it will be accomplished.

The dry ground in the midst of the waters will be revealed only when you take the first step forward in faith. It is not by logic that it happens but by obedience to God’s command to you to step into the surging waters.

Impossibilities like what you are probably facing now are gateways to the land of the giants. You can look at them and be frightened or trust in God’s assurance, “I am with you, ” and find victory. But remember that there is no victory without battles.

Therefore look ahead to the New Year realistically. Much awaits to be accomplished. Old mindsets have to be left behind. And your mind has to be renewed. It was unbelief that defeated you so far. Now trust in God and believe you can.

It is then that the way forward will open up before. March forward and step by step claim your ground. If at any moment you falter and fall, look to God and rise up and move forward to victory.

December 31, 2020July 20, 2022

Bless the LORD, O My Soul!

Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For who he is, Mighty God who is holy!

Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For the gift of life and his guiding hand so far in your life’s journey.

Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For his unseen hand helping you and sustaining you in life’s difficult moments and troubles.

Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For what he is about to do in your life; even when you don’t see it, you know in faith that there is goodness and mercy ahead.

Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For his intimate knowledge of you: he knows your innermost thoughts, fears and worries and he has the hairs on your head numbered.

Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For his ever watchful eye on you; for the gift of his presence with you.

Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For being merciful and not treating you with judgement when you sinned against him and behaved with pride.

Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For his compassion, like a father pitying his child, on you when you failed, blundered, and made mistakes.

Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For his plans for your life. Even when you sit in darkness, he will be your light. And he will keep your lamp burning.

Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For accepting you as his child and lavishing his love on you—the same unchanging love he showed on the cross when he bled and died for you!

Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For he came near when you stayed away from him doubting his love and when you were weighed down with feelings of inferiority and worthlessness.

Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For all those moments he held you close and did not let you perish even when you said, “It is enough O God,” in your depression.

Bless the LORD, O my soul!
For how can it be that your heart lift not up in songs of praise and joyous thanks when you think of him, the Lover of your soul!

So,

Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Bless his holy name!
For there is no time by day or night you cannot bless the LORD. What a joy it is to bless the LORD. Even as the year ends and a New Year begins, what better thing is there to do than bless the LORD, O my soul!

—
The above post, Bless the LORD, O My Soul! is inspired by Psalm 103:1, 2 Bible.

December 30, 2020July 20, 2022

Cleansing of Your Past Is Possible

How much you miss the present moment and its opportunity because you constantly look back and feel helpless! But be of good cheer, a thorough cleansing of your past is possible!

The past is gone. Nothing can be accomplished by looking back. If you learn from mistakes made, that is something positive. But if you feel helpless and think that you will never make it; then that is cause for serious concern. But be of good cheer, a thorough cleansing of your past is possible!

Did you know there is Someone who handles your past with compassion? His name is Jesus. His sinless and precious blood was poured out on the cross. The blood of Jesus has the power to cancel all your sins—all its guilt and shame!

His blood is a fountain of cleansing. There is no limit to its cleansing power. The Bible declares that “though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”¹

If you need this cleansing, look to the crucified One in faith. He will accept you just as you are. But he will not leave you at that point. Acceptance is just a beginning.

Then he will start rebuilding you. He will do it patiently with a Father’s love and disciplining hand.

Instead of the past gripping you and defeating you; God will make your life a story of transformation. Therefore be of good cheer, a thorough cleansing of your past is possible!

Therefore take heart. God is your Redeemer. Your past is taken care of in Jesus. Look forward to your future with hope!

—
¹Isaiah 1:18 Bible

December 29, 2020October 23, 2023

Come On, Play It Big!

Come on, play it big!

If you’re talented, don’t hide behind the baggage. Stand tall.

Didn’t you know that you’re chosen? Then why is that you’re trembling with fear?

You might not be from a big family. You might not have great wealth. But that is not what matters!

Come on, play it big!

It is not the size of the armies against you that matters either! Not even the mountainous obstacles and the gloomy shadows that they cast on your path.

Of course you’ll have to shoulder the burden, face the murmurings against you, and fight discouragement day in and day out.

But nothing can change God’s call on your life. So take courage. Move forward. For there is nothing like God is with you!

Come on, play it big!

When God has called you to be the city on a hill, don’t sit on a molehill and pity your insignificance.

Do not dare to tell God your petty excuses. For he knew you before you were born and has called you by name.

He didn’t ask for your resume not did he conduct an interview. He just called you. When he calls he also enables. When he enables he stays with you until the end.

Hear his call today; and don’t dare to say “No.” Nothing else matters only if you obey his call even now as he is giving you a second chance!

Come on, play it big!

What Better Hope in Life Do You Have Than This?

—

“For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.”

— Romans 11:29 Bible NIV (1984)

December 28, 2020August 1, 2022

You Can Find Success God’s Way

If you ask people what brings success, you will hear a lot of answers like hard work, perseverance, luck, ambition, and a host of other factors. But King Solomon had something higher to add: “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”¹ This is how you can find success God’s way.

First of all, he asked us to commit to the LORD. It calls for trust. It implies that you give something over to someone for keeping it safe, watching over it, and seeing that it is well taken care of. When you entrust something like that to the LORD you stop worrying about it because it is in safe hands; don’t you? That is step number one to find success God’s way.

Secondly, whatever you do should be committed. If God is just asked to put a signature at the end of your plans you are sadly mistaken. For when you commit something to God, it also means that you ask God first for his wisdom and his will in that regard. And when your plans move accordingly, he will be able to bless. That is step number two to find success God’s way.

Thirdly, God counts success very differently. You can be a failure in the eyes of the world but be a success in God’s eyes. When the world counts money, power, fame, influence, possessions and even a YouTube video going viral as success; God measures success against your faithful stewardship of resources entrusted to you. Seeing success as God sees it is step number three to find success God’s way.

To conclude, God loves to see you succeed. In God’s terminology that reads, God loves to see you bear fruit. Well, a branch of a grapevine doesn’t wriggle and struggle and move here and there to produce fruit; does it? It simply remains in the vine; isn’t it?

And remaining in the vine can be understood as a personal and growing relationship with God. And like a true vinedresser God might prune you²—that is, he might discipline you-–so that you may bear more fruit.

God takes his own time with the process. He is patient. He reduces you to less so that you’ll bear more. He cuts you down so that your trust will be in him alone. All that he does with you is not without purpose; but with the aim of making you succeed. Therefore, rise up from your bed of despair! You can have hope that you’ll certainly find success God’s way!

Try Again and Again Until You Succeed

What Better Hope in Life Do You Have Than This?

—
¹Proverbs 16:3 Bible NIV 1984
¹John 15:2