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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.
Blood Jesus Cleanse

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.

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Sunday Sermonettes | 7 Secrets of How To Be Friends with God

Sunday Sermonettes #031

Who is your best friend? Surely good moments you had together and memories might flood your mind even as you think of him or her. What if Jesus is your best friend. It is possible. For Jesus told his disciples, “I have called you friends” (John 15:15).

#1. Love

The first thing about friendship is love. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). When he bled on the cross he showed the full extent of his love for all he called friends. And those stretched out hands on the cross is welcoming you to be friends with him.

#2. No Secrets

The second thing about friendship is that there are no secrets between friends. Jesus said, “I have told you everything the Father told me” (John 15:15). Jesus took time to be with his disciples telling them about the kingdom of heaven and what the future is going to be. You too can have intimate friendship with Jesus. Tell him everything—your good and shameful thoughts, your worries and anxieties, and your desires, both good and bad. This habit will bring you closer to Jesus.

#3. No Barriers

The third thing about friendship is that there are no barriers separating friends. When it comes to friendship with God; the separation comes only because of sin. God forgives all your sins through the blood of Jesus shed on the cross. You need to turn away from what is not pleasing to God and ask him to cleanse you through his blood. Then the dividing wall will come down and there can be continual friendship with God.
Blood Jesus Cleanse

#4. Quality Time Together

The fourth thing about friendship is that friends invest time to build the relationship. Friendship grows over time. It happens through a lot of conversations, sharing, and caring for each other. Sometimes we neglect this principle when it comes to God. Do you give him quality time? The kind of time you spend with God and the time you spend on social media: Which is more important to you?

#5. Desiring the Best

The fifth thing about friendship is that it is desiring the best for the other. Surely, God desires the best for you. Our friendship with God is often strained when life doesn’t go as we hoped. When our plans don’t work out, we might miss this truth: God could be redirecting us. He might be trying to get our attention to lead us toward something better that he has lovingly kept in store for us.

#6. Access

Now think about this. What if you were friends with the President or Prime Minister of your country? How privileged you might feel? What if you had the freedom to speak to them over phone any time of the day or night 24 x 7? That might not be practically possible. But when Jesus says, “I call you my friend,” you have absolutely continual and unrestrained access to God through the blood of his cross.

#7. Guard Your Friendship

Finally, good friendships are about jealousy too. You guard your friendships; don’t you? Likewise, the Bible also warns against things that destroy friendship with God.

James, a brother of Jesus wrote: “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” (James 4:4 NIV)

John, another friend of Jesus, wrote, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world.” (1 John 2:15, 16 Berean Standard Bible).

Yes, to safeguard friendship with God, you must say NO, jealously, to every distraction.

Featured image courtesy: Image by kp yamu Jayanath from Pixabay | Fotor

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Sunday Sermonettes | The Glorious Hope of Seeing You in Jesus’ Likeness

Sunday Sermonettes #029

What Is this Glorious Hope

If you ask me, what is the glorious hope ahead, without doubt I can answer that it is the hope of seeing you and me in the likeness of Jesus. It is the most awaited and anticipated event in God’s timeline for the end of human history.

It will also be the beginning of the glorious and never-ending companionship of Jesus with his brothers and sisters; for Jesus shared in our humanity having flesh and blood.

For then we shall see God face to face and he will wipe away every tear from our eyes.

When and How Is this Glorious Hope Going to Happen

Resurrection of the dead is what happens in the twinkling of an eye sometime soon. It will happen when God makes a trumpet call and those who are dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, Jesus. Instantly they will live and be changed.

This mortal body will be clothed with immortality, what is perishable will be transformed to what is imperishable, what has no honour now will be crowned with glory and honour.
Blood Jesus Cleanse

For Whom Is this Glorious Hope

This promise and certainty of faith is for those who have put their trust and hope in Jesus and his shed blood on the cross for the forgiveness of their sins.

This promise reassures us that we who have borne the likeness of the first man, Adam , who was of the dust of the earth, will one day soon bear the likeness of the man from heaven, Jesus.

Each one of us will bear our own individuality and personality; but at the same time when God looks at each one of us, he will see Jesus in us.

Your body will be released from all its earthly limitations; its weakness changed to power; and it will be glorified like the resurrected body of Jesus.

Why this Glorious Hope of Jesus’ Likeness

The truth is God created men and women in his image and likeness (Genesis 1:26, 27). But that likeness was marred and smudged and blurred by sin, disobedience and rebellion against God.

And there came an immediate separation that prevented God from having friendship with us anymore.

But Jesus restored that friendship through satisfying God’s demand for an appropriate sacrifice through his blood on the cross. It was innocent blood shed for the sins of the whole world.

Where this Glorious Hope of Jesus’ Likeness Becomes Reality

This resurrection of the dead will be sudden and universal. Out of tombs and graves, out of ashes, out of the depths of the earth and the oceans; God will bring back to life all those who have put their hope in him.

And they all will be caught up in the air to be with God forever.

All those who are alive and have put their trust in Jesus will also be caught up to God in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye.

What a glorious and joyful gathering it shall be. Hope to see each one of you then. Changed. Transformed. Made brand new in his likeness.

“And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven .” (1 Corinthians 15:49 Bible)

But What About Those Who Say No to this Glorious Hope

Then what about those who say No to Jesus now? Hope is lost for them for ever.

For even God cannot offer any hope to those who deliberately walk away from his love that sacrificed his Son Jesus on the cross.

But they too will rise from the dead. This is called the second resurrection at a later time and date.

It is for judgement and hell and unquenchable fire, where there will be darkness and weeping, gnashing of teeth and worms which never die and agony and never-ending torment. Jesus while on earth had warned people of this sad reality.

Those who go there are separated from God for ever. There is absolutely no second chance.

“If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).

What About You Who Have This Glorious Hope

Know that God never created hell for man. It was originally meant for the devil and his angels (see Matthew 25:41). It is only because men and women reject God’s love that they go there.

For this is the heart of God:

“For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, ‘declares the Sovereign LORD.’ Repent and live (Ezekiel 18:30)!”

For the Bible says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).”

So, do not reject this hope and promise given to you.

Who Is Present and What Is Absent in this Glorious Hope

The glorious hope is that you will see God face to face and you will be in the likeness of Jesus.

“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is (1 John 3:2 Bible).

The Spirit of God will complete this transforming work. And we will live with God for ever in a place where there will be no more sin, no evil, no disobedience or rebellion, no sorrow, no suffering, no sickness; no more death or mourning or crying or pain. Heaven!

What a glorious hope of being in Jesus’ likeness for ever and ever!

Featured image courtesy: Photo by Joëlle Moreau on Pixabay | Pixir Fotor

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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.
Blood Jesus Cleanse

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

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ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസൻ: ശുശ്രൂഷാനേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത

Bishop Jesudasan

ഒരു ഫോട്ടോയുടെ നഷ്ടബോധം: ഒരു അനുഭവകഥ

യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ 85-ആം ജന്മദിനം (2010 February 14) പ്രാർത്ഥനാപൂർവ്വം കുടുംബാംഗങ്ങളോടൊത്ത് ആചരിക്കാൻ ആലോചിച്ച സമയം. അന്ന് എനിക്ക് ഒരു ആഗ്രഹം തോന്നി. തിരുമേനിയുടെ ജീവിതത്തിലെയും ശുശ്രൂഷയിലെയും മികച്ച നിമിഷങ്ങൾ ഫോട്ടോകൾ ചേർത്തുവച്ച ഒരു കോഫി ടേബിൾ ബുക്ക് പുസ്തകമായി (Coffee Table Book) പ്രസിദ്ധീകരിക്കണം. അത് ഇനിയുള്ള തലമുറകൾക്ക് ഒരു പ്രചോദനമാകും എന്ന് വിചാരിച്ചു. പല ദിവസങ്ങളും തിരുമേനിയുടെ ഭവനത്തിൽ ചെന്ന്, തിരുമേനിയുടെ ഔദ്യോഗിക ജീവിതത്തിലെ നിർണായക നിമിഷങ്ങളെക്കുറിച്ച് ചോദിച്ച് മനസ്സിലാക്കാൻ ശ്രമിച്ചു.

അങ്ങനെ ഒരു സംഭാഷണത്തിനിടയിലാണ്, LMS (London Missionary Society | Later name changed to Council for World Mission)  ദ്വിശതാബ്ദി “സ്വപ്നം കാണാൻ തുനിയുക” (Dare to Dream) എന്ന ആശയത്തെ ആസ്പദമാക്കി  ലണ്ടനിൽ 1995-ൽ ആഘോഷിച്ച അവസരത്തിൽ, ഒരു പ്രത്യേക യോഗത്തിൽ പ്രസംഗിക്കാൻ മൂന്ന് പേർക്ക് മാത്രമേ അവസരം ലഭിച്ചുള്ളൂ എന്ന് തിരുമേനി പറഞ്ഞത്. അതിൽ ഒരാൾ ഇംഗ്ലണ്ടിലെ എലിസബത്ത് രാജ്ഞി. മറ്റൊരാൾ ആഫ്രിക്കൻ ഭൂഖണ്ഡത്തെ പ്രതിനിധീകരിച്ച് ബിഷപ്പ് ഡെസ്മണ്ട് ടുട്ടു. പിന്നെ, ഏഷ്യൻ ഭൂഖണ്ഡത്തെ പ്രതിനിധീകരിച്ച് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി.

വളരെ ആവേശത്തോടെ ഞാൻ തിരുമേനിയോട് ചോദിച്ചു: “അതിന്റെ ഫോട്ടോ ഏതെങ്കിലും ഉണ്ടോ?” അതിന് തിരുമേനി പറഞ്ഞ മറുപടി എന്നെ വല്ലാതെ നിരാശപ്പെടുത്തിക്കളഞ്ഞു: “എടാ, ഫോട്ടോ എടുക്കണം എന്ന് ചിന്തിച്ചുകൊണ്ടല്ലലോ നമ്മൾ പ്രസംഗിക്കാൻ അങ്ങോട്ട് പോകുന്നത്.”

ഒരു ഫോട്ടോ പോലും തന്റെ മഹിമ കാണിക്കുന്നതിന് വേണ്ടി സൂക്ഷിക്കാൻ ശ്രമിക്കാത്ത ഒരു മനുഷ്യൻ. അതാണ് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി.

This article is a translation of: Excellence in Leadership in the Ministry of Bishop Jesudasan published in the Sunday Sermonettes series. For pdf version, see end of article.

ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസൻ

യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി എന്നാണ് യേശുവിൽ മറഞ്ഞ മോസ്റ്റ് റവ. ഡോ. ഐ. യേശുദാസൻ ബിഷപ്പിനെ ഏവരും സ്നേഹത്തോടെ വിളിച്ചിരുന്നത്. അഖിലലോക സഭാ കൗൺസിലിന്റെ (WCC) കേന്ദ്ര കമ്മിറ്റി അംഗമായും (1983–1991), ആദ്യം ഡെപ്യൂട്ടി മോഡറേറ്റർ (1980-’81), പിന്നീട് തുടർച്ചയായി മൂന്ന് കാലയളവുകൾക്ക് (1982-’88) ദക്ഷിണേന്ത്യ സഭയുടെ (ചർച്ച് ഓഫ് സൗത്ത് ഇന്ത്യയുടെ) (Church of South India) മോഡറേറ്ററായും, 17 വർഷം ദക്ഷിണ കേരള മഹായിടവകയുടെ മൂന്നാമത്തെ ബിഷപ്പായും സേവനം അനിഷ്ഠിച്ചു (1973 to 1990). ആ കാലഘട്ടം മഹായിടവകയുടെ ചരിത്രത്തിലെ സുവർണ കാലഘട്ടമായി അറിയപ്പെടുന്നു. ആത്മീകവും ഭൗതീകവും സാമൂഹികവുമായ സമഗ്ര വളർച്ചയുടെ കാലഘട്ടമായിരുന്നു അത്. തന്റെ ശുശ്രൂഷയിൽ ഉജ്ജ്വലവും ഉത്‌കൃഷ്ടമായ നേതൃത്വം കാഴ്ചവെച്ച വ്യക്തിയായിരുന്നു യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി.

നൂറാം ജന്മദിനം |  14 February 2025

Bejoy Peter delivering sermon on the occasion of the 100th birthday of Bishop Jesudasan at St. Luke CSI Church

ബിഷപ്പ് അങ്കിൾ എന്നു ഞാൻ സ്നേഹപൂർവം വിളിച്ചിരുന്ന യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ പ്രാർത്ഥനാനിരതമായ ജീവിതത്തെ ആസ്പദമാക്കി അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ നൂറാം ജൻമദിനവുമായി ബന്ധപ്പെട്ട ആരാധനയിൽ (ഫെബ്രുവരി 16 ഞാറായഴ്ച 2025) CSI St. Luke സഭയിൽ പ്രസംഗിക്കുവാൻ എനിക്കു അവസരം ലഭിച്ചതു ദൈവകൃപയുടെ ധാരാളമായ അനുഗ്രഹമായി ഞാൻ കരുതുന്നു. തിരുവനന്തപുരം ജില്ലയിൽ അമരവിള എന്ന ഗ്രാമത്തിൽ കരിയിൽത്തോട്ടം കുടുംബം സ്ഥിതി ചെയ്യുന്ന പ്രദേശത്തു തന്റെ പൈതൃകമായി ലഭിച്ച കുടുംബവീട് St. Luke സഭയായി മാറ്റപെടുന്നതിനു അദ്ദേഹം തന്റെ അവസാനത്തെ ആഗ്രഹം എന്ന നിലക്ക് മഹായിടവകക്ക് കൈമാറുകയായിരുന്നു.

ദാസ്യ നേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Servant Leadership

ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസൻ തന്റെ പേര് അന്വർത്ഥമാക്കുന്ന വിധത്തിൽ സ്വയം യേശുവിന്റെ ദാസനായി കരുതിയിരുന്നു. “ക്രിസ്തുവിനായി ഞങ്ങൾ മൂഢന്മാരാകുന്നു” (“We are fools for Christ” | 1 കൊരിന്ത്യർ 4:10) എന്ന വിശുദ്ധ പൗലോസിന്റെ വാക്കുകളിൽ നിന്നാണ് അദ്ദേഹം ധൈര്യം കണ്ടെത്തിയത്. തനിക്കായി ഒന്നും നേടുവാനോ കീർത്തി സമ്പാദിക്കുവാനോ അദ്ദേഹം ഒട്ടും താത്പര്യം കാണിച്ചിരുന്നില്ല. ബഹുമാനവും അദ്ദേഹം ഒരിക്കലും അന്വേഷിച്ചിട്ടില്ല. എന്നാൽ ഈ സാധാരണ മനുഷ്യനെ, ദൈവത്തിന്റെ വിനയശീലനായ ദാസനെ, ദൈവം അതിശയകരമായ രീതിയിൽ ഉയർത്തി. സ്ഥാനമാനങ്ങൾ അദ്ദേഹത്തെ തേടിയെത്തുകയായിരുന്നു.

സഭാ നേതൃത്വത്തിലും, എക്യൂമെനിക്കൽ പ്രസ്ഥാനങ്ങളുടെ അമരത്തും, പൊതുസമൂഹത്തിന്റെ മദ്ധ്യേയും അദ്ദേഹം കൈവരിച്ച അത്യപൂർവ്വ നേട്ടങ്ങളെക്കുറിച്ച് നമ്മൾ എത്ര മഹത്വമായി കരുതുന്നു എങ്കിലും, തന്റെ കല്ലറക്കൽ ലൂക്കോസിന്റെ സുവിശേഷത്തിൽ നിന്നുള്ള ഒരു വാക്യം (Luke 17:10) എഴുതണമെന്നായിരുന്നു അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ആഗ്രഹം. അതോടൊപ്പം  “കർത്താവിന്റെ അയോഗ്യ ദാസൻ, നിന്റെ സ്നേഹമുള്ള കൈകളിൽ വീഴുന്നു,” എന്ന വരിയും.

Bishop Jesudasan’s tombstone in M. M. Church Cemetry, LMS Compoiund, Thiruvananthapuram.

ജനാധിപത്യ നേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Democratic Leadership

യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി ബിഷപ്പായിരുന്ന കാലത്ത്, ചർച്ചയിലുള്ള വിഷയം സംബന്ധിച്ച് അഭിപ്രായമറിയിക്കാൻ ആഗ്രഹിച്ച എല്ലാവർക്കും അതിനു അവസരം നൽകിയിരുന്നു. അജണ്ടയിലുള്ള വിഷയങ്ങൾ നന്നായി പഠിച്ചു, നല്ല തയ്യാറെടുപ്പോടെ  മാത്രമേ അദ്ദേഹം മീറ്റിംഗുകളിൽ പങ്കെടുക്കുമായിരുന്നുള്ളു. വ്യത്യസ്തമായ കാഴ്ചപ്പാടുകൾ പങ്കുവെച്ചവരെ ശ്രദ്ധാപൂർവം കേൾക്കുകയും ചെയ്തു.

എല്ലാവരും അവരുടെ അഭിപ്രായങ്ങൾ പ്രകടിപ്പിച്ച ശേഷം മാത്രമേ തിരുമേനി സംസാരിക്കാറുള്ളു. ആ സമയത്ത് ആരെങ്കിലും ഇടപെടാൻ ശ്രമിച്ചാൽ, അദ്ദേഹം ഉറച്ച നിലപാടോടെ, നിർണായകമായ  അധികാരത്തോടെ, “ഇപ്പോൾ ബിഷപ്പ് സംസാരിക്കുന്നു” എന്ന് പ്രഖ്യാപിക്കുമായിരുന്നു. അങ്ങനെ ഇടപെടാൻ ശ്രമിച്ചവർ “Now the Bishop is speaking,” എന്ന വാക്കു കേൾക്കുമ്പോൾ അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ യഥാർത്ഥ നേതൃത്വത്തെ തിരിച്ചറിയുകയും ശാന്തരാകുകയും ചെയ്‌തിരുന്നു.

കാലത്തിന്റെ ചുവരെഴുത്ത്  | അഗ്നിസ്ഫുടമായ വാക്കുകൾ

അദ്ദേഹം CSI മോഡറേറ്റർ ആയിരുന്ന അവസരത്തിൽ സിനോഡിൽ (Synod) ബിഷപ്പുമാർക്ക് വിരമിക്കേണ്ടതില്ല എന്ന വാദം ചിലർ അതിശക്തതമായി ഉന്നയിച്ചു. മറ്റു സഭാവിഭാഗങ്ങൾക്കു ഉള്ളതു പോലെ നമുക്കും ബിഷപ്പ്മാർ മരണം വരെ അധികാരത്തിൽ തുടരണം. അതു ബിഷപ്പ് എന്ന പദവിക്കു സ്ഥായിയായ (permanent) സ്വഭാവം കൊണ്ടുവരും എന്ന് ശബ്‍ദയാനമായ സംവാദം നടന്നു. ഈ ചർച്ചക്ക് അവസാനം കുറിച്ചത് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി നൽകിയ ചരിത്രപരമായ മറുപടിയാണ്.

ദൃഢതയോടും ഉൾകാഴ്ച്ചയോടുമുള്ള യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ കാലത്തിന്റെ ചുവരെഴുത്ത് എന്നു പറയാൻ സാധിക്കുന്ന അഗ്നിസ്ഫുടമായ വാക്കുകൾ ശ്രദ്ധിക്കുക:

“Are you permanent? Am I permanent? None of us is permanent.”

ഈ വാക്കുകളാണ് ബിഷപ്പുമാർ 65 ആം വയസ്സിൽ വിരമിക്കണം എന്ന ചരിത്ര തീരുമാനം എടുക്കുന്നതിൽ നിർണായകമായത്. പുതിയ തലമുറക്ക് നമ്മൾ മാറി കൊടുക്കണം എന്നും അവർക്കു മാത്രമേ കാലം ആവശ്യപ്പെടുന്ന വേഗത്തിൽ തീരുമാനങ്ങൾ എടുത്തു മുന്നോട്ടു പോകുവാൻ കഴിയു എന്നാണ് തിരുമേനി ഇതേ പറ്റി പിന്നീട് ഒരു സ്വകാര്യ സംഭാഷണത്തിൽ പറഞ്ഞത്.

പ്രൊഫഷണൽ നേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Professional Leadership

തിരുമേനി അദ്ധ്യക്ഷനായ യോഗങ്ങളിൽ പ്രൊഫഷണലിസത്തിന്റെ ചിന്തയും ലക്ഷ്യബോധവും അദ്ദേഹം കൊണ്ടുവന്നിരുന്നു. ഒരിക്കലും സമയം കളയാതെയും, എല്ലായ്പ്പോഴും കൃത്യസമയത്തെത്തിയും, യോഗങ്ങളെ ബിസിനസ് രീതിയിൽ നടപ്പാക്കിക്കൊണ്ട് അതിൽ അച്ചടക്കവും ക്രമവും കൊണ്ടുവരികയും ചെയ്തു. തിരുമേനിയുടെ മരണ ശേഷം, അന്നത്തെ CSI മോഡറേറ്റർ, “യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി ഓരോ യോഗത്തിലും കൊണ്ടുവന്ന ദൈവസാന്നിദ്ധ്യത്തെ” കുറിച്ച് പരാമർശിച്ചിരുന്നു.

തിരുമേനി ഓരോ ദിവസവും പുലർച്ചെയുളള സമയം ദൈവവചനം വായിക്കുന്നതിനും ധ്യാനിക്കുന്നതിനും ചിലവഴിച്ചിരുന്നു. ഈ സമയത്തു പ്രാർത്ഥനയിലൂടെ ദൈവസാനിധ്യം ആഴത്തിൽ അനുഭവിച്ചിരുന്നതാണ് അദ്ദേഹത്തെ ഈ വിധത്തിലുള്ള ദൈവഭക്തിയുള്ള നേതൃത്വത്തിലേക്ക് നയിച്ചത്. തിരുമേനിയുടെ സ്വകാര്യ ദൈവാനുഭവം, പൊതുജീവിതത്തിൽ അദ്ദേഹത്തിനു പ്രൊഫഷണൽ ആയ മുന്നേറ്റം നൽകി.

സമൂഹ നേത്യത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Community Leadership

ദൈവം തന്നെ ഇടയപരിപാലനത്തിനു ഏല്പിച്ച ജനങ്ങൾ ഭൂരിഭാഗവും ദരിദ്രരും തളർന്നവരും പാർശ്വവത്കരിക്കപ്പെട്ടവരുമാണെന്നു ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസനു അറിയാമായിരുന്നു . അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ഹൃദയം എപ്പോഴും അവരുടെ കൂടെയായിരുന്നു. കേരളത്തിലെ രാഷ്ട്രീയ നേതാക്കളും, അവരുടെ വ്യത്യസ്ത പ്രത്യയശാസ്ത്രങ്ങൾക്കപ്പുറമായി , തിരുമേനിയുടെ ഹൃദയം ദരിദ്രർക്കായി നീതി ഉറപ്പാക്കാനാണ് തുടിക്കുന്നതെന്ന് അറിഞ്ഞിരുന്നു.

അദ്ദേഹം ഒരു കുഞ്ഞാടുപോലെ സൌമ്യനും താൻ സേവിക്കുന്ന ജനങ്ങളിൽ ഏറ്റവും എളിയവന്ന് എപ്പോഴും സമീപിക്കാവുന്ന വ്യക്തിയുമായിരുന്നു. എങ്കിലും ദരിദ്രർക്കായി നീതി ഉറപ്പാക്കുന്നതിനു ശബ്ദം ഉയർത്തുന്നതിലും സഭയിലെ എല്ലാ അഴിമതികളേയും വിമർശിക്കുന്നതിലും അദ്ദേഹം ഒരു സിംഹം പോലെ നിലകൊണ്ടു.

എക്യൂമെനിക്കൽ നേതൃത്വത്തിൽ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Ecumenical Leadership

യേശു തന്റെ ശിഷ്യന്മാർ സ്നേഹത്തിൽ ഒന്നാകണമെന്ന്, “അവർ എല്ലാവരും ഒന്നാകേണ്ടതിന്നു” പ്രാർത്ഥിച്ചു, (യോഹന്നാൻ 17:21). ഇത് ദക്ഷിണേന്ത്യ സഭയുടെ മുദ്രാവാക്യവുമാണ് (Motto). ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസൻ ഈ പ്രാർത്ഥന യാഥാർത്ഥ്യമാക്കാനും പ്രകടമായതാക്കാനും വിവിധ സഭാവിഭാഗങ്ങളെ ഒന്നിച്ചുകൊണ്ടുവരുന്നതിലൂടെ എപ്പോഴും ശ്രമിച്ചുകൊണ്ടിരുന്നു. ദൈവജനത്തിനിടയിൽ ഈ ഐക്യം സാധ്യമാക്കുന്നതിന് അദ്ദേഹം എപ്പോഴും ദൈവത്തിന്റെ ആത്മാവിൽ ആശ്രയിച്ചിരുന്നു. “ദൈവരാജ്യം ഭക്ഷണവും പാനീയവുമല്ല, നീതിയും സമാധാനവും പരിശുദ്ധാത്മാവിൽ സന്തോഷവും അത്രേ (റോമർ 14:17) ”  എന്ന് അദ്ദേഹം ശക്തമായി സമർത്ഥിച്ചു.

ഈ ഐക്യം വിശ്വാസികളുടെ തലത്തിൽ സാക്ഷാത്കരിക്കുന്നതിന് അദ്ദേഹം നിരവധി പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങൾ ആരംഭിച്ചു. ഇന്നും അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ എക്യൂമെനിക്കൽ ദർശനവും ദീർഘവീക്ഷണവും വളരെ ആദരവോടെ കരുതപ്പെടുന്നു. മറ്റ് സഭാവിഭാഗങ്ങളുടെ തലവന്മാരുമായി അദ്ദേഹം ഉഷ്മളവും ഹൃദ്യവുമായ ബന്ധം പാലിച്ചു. മറ്റ് മതസ്ഥരും സംഘടിപ്പിച്ച യോഗങ്ങളിലേക്കും അദ്ദേഹം ക്ഷണിക്കപ്പെട്ടിരുന്നു.

ആത്മീയ നേതൃത്വത്തിൽ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Spiritual Leadership

ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസൻ കരുണയുള്ള ഒരു വ്യക്തിയായിരുന്നു. ഹൃദയം തകർന്നവരോടൊപ്പം കരയുവാൻ മടി കാണിക്കാത്ത ഒരു വ്യക്തി. വേദനയുടെയും കഷ്ടതയുടെയും സമയങ്ങളിൽ ഒരു ദൈവദൂതനെ പോലെ യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി അവരെ ഭവനങ്ങളിൽ സന്ദർശിച്ചതായി അനേകർ പറഞ്ഞു ഞാൻ കേട്ടിട്ടുണ്ട്. അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ പ്രാർത്ഥനകൾ ദൈവത്തോടുള്ള ഒരു ആത്മീയ ബന്ധത്തിന്റെയും പരിചയത്തിന്റെയും സ്വരത്തിലായിരുന്ന. ലളിതവും ശിശുസദൃശവുമായ വാക്കുകളിൽ അദ്ദേഹം ദൈവത്തെ ഭയഭക്തിബഹുമാനത്തോടെ “നീ” എന്നു പറഞു സംബോധന ചെയ്തിരുന്നു .

വ്യക്തതികൾക്കും വ്യക്തിഗത ആവശ്യങ്ങൾക്കും കുടുംബങ്ങൾ, സഭകൾ എന്നിവയുടെ ആവശ്യങ്ങൾക്കും വേണ്ടി ദൈവത്തോട് പക്ഷവാദം ചെയ്യുന്നത് അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ വിശ്വസ്തമായ ശീലമായിരുന്നു. വെള്ളിയാഴ്ചകളിൽ അദ്ദേഹം ഉപവാസം ആചരിച്ചിരുന്നു. അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ഹൃദയം നിറഞ്ഞ പ്രാർത്ഥനകളുടെയും കണ്ണീരുകളുടെയും ഫലമായി പലരും അനുഗൃഹീതരായി.

അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ പ്രാർത്ഥനകൾ ദൈവത്തിന്റെ സ്തുതികളെ പ്രതിധ്വനിപ്പിച്ചു. പ്രതിസന്ധികളിൽ അദ്ദേഹം അക്ഷോഭ്യനായി നിലകൊണ്ട്, “യേശുവിന് സ്തോത്രം” എന്നും “പറഞ്ഞുതീരാത്ത ദാനം (യേശു) നിമിത്തം ദൈവത്തിന് സ്തോത്രം” (2 കൊരിന്ത്യർ 9:15) എന്നും പറയുമായിരുന്നു. “ദൈവം കാൽവരി ക്രൂശിൽ യേശുവിലൂടെ പ്രകാശിപ്പിച്ച സ്നേഹം…” എന്നത് അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ പ്രാർത്ഥനകളിൽ പല അവസരങ്ങളിലും മുഴങ്ങി കേട്ടിരുന്ന വാക്കുകളായിരുന്നു.

അദ്ദേഹം നിരവധി പുസ്തകങ്ങളും ലേഖനങ്ങളും രചിച്ചു, അതിലൂടെ തിരുവെഴുത്തുകളിൽ അദ്ദേഹത്തിനുള്ള ആഴമുള്ള ജ്ഞാനം മറ്റുള്ളവർക്ക് പകർന്നു കൊടുക്കുവാൻ സാധിച്ചു. ദൈവത്തിന്റെ ജനം ദൈവത്തിന്റെ ഉദ്ദേശ്യങ്ങളുമായി യോജിച്ചുനിൽക്കുമ്പോൾ, ദൈവത്തിന്റെ ആത്മാവ് വ്യക്തികളെയും കുടുംബങ്ങളെയും മാത്രമല്ല, മുഴുവൻ സമൂഹങ്ങളെയും പരിവർത്തനം ചെയ്യുമെന്ന് അദ്ദേഹം വിശ്വസിച്ചു.

ഒരു അനുഭവകഥ

യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയെ കുറിച്ചുള്ള എന്റെ കുട്ടികാലത്തെ ദീപ്‌തമായ ഒരു ഓർമ പങ്കിടട്ടെ. ഒരു ദിവസം മുതിർന്നവർ സ്ത്രീകൾ കുട്ടികൾ ഉൾപ്പെടെ ഏതാണ്ട്  20 പേർ ഒരു വാഹനത്തിൽ തിരുമേനിയെ കാണുവാൻ LMS കോമ്പൗണ്ടിൽ സ്ഥിതി ചെയ്യുന്ന Bishop’s Houseലേക്ക് വന്നു. ഏതോ പാവപ്പെട്ട ഗ്രാമീണ മേഖലയിലുള്ള സഭയിൽ നിന്നുള്ളവരാണെന്നു കാഴ്ച്ചയിൽ എനിക്കു തോന്നി. അവരുടെ ആഗമനോദ്ദേശ്യം തിരുമേനിയോട് സംസാരിച്ചു കഴിഞ്ഞ നേരത്ത്, തിരുമേനി അവരെ ഉള്ളിലെ ഒരു ചെറിയ മുറിയിലേക്കു ക്ഷണിച്ചു.

ഞാനും അവരുടെ കൂടെ ചെന്നു. അപ്പോൾ ഒരു കർട്ടൻ മാറ്റി തിരുമേനി ആ മുറിയുടെ ഉൾവശം കാണിച്ചു അവരോടു പറഞ്ഞതു: “ഇതു എന്റെ പ്രാർത്ഥനാ മുറി” എന്നാണ്. അവിടെ ഞാൻ നോക്കുമ്പോൾ ഒരു മേശ ഒരു കസേര ഒരു ബൈബിൾ ഒരു പായ് എന്നിവ മാത്രമേ ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നുള്ളു.

എന്തു കൊണ്ടന്നെന്ന് എനിക്കറിയില്ല ഈ ഒരു നിമിഷം നാൽപതു വർഷങ്ങൾക്കു ശേഷവും ഇന്നും മനസ്സിൽ മായാതെ നിൽക്കുന്നു. തന്റെ ഔദ്യോഗിക ഉന്നതികളെ കുറിച്ചൊന്നും വാചാലനാവാതെ യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി പ്രാർത്ഥനയെ ഉയർത്തിക്കാട്ടിയത് എത്ര മഹത്തരമാണെന്ന് ആ നിമിഷത്തിലേക്കു തിരിഞ്ഞു നോക്കുമ്പോൾ എനിക്കു മനസ്സിലാവുന്നു.

ക്രൂശു-കേന്ദ്രീകൃത ദൈവശാസ്ത്ര നേതൃത്വത്തിൽ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Cross-centred Theological Leadership

യേശുവിന്റെ രക്തത്താൽ ദൈവം ഒരു പുതിയതും ജീവനുള്ളതുമായ വഴി നമുക്കായി തുറന്നിരിക്കുന്നു, അതിലൂടെ  നമുക്ക്  ദൈവത്തെ സമീപിക്കാനും (എബ്രായർ 10:19, 20) പാപമോചനം പ്രാപിക്കാനും ദൈവത്തിനും മനുഷ്യർക്കും ഇടയിൽ നിരപ്പ് പ്രാപിക്കാനും കഴിയും എന്ന് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി ഉറച്ചിരുന്നു. യേശുവിന്റെ ക്രൂശിലൂടെയും അവിടെ പ്രകടമാകുന്ന ദൈവത്തിന്റെ സ്നേഹത്തിലൂടെയും എല്ലാ തിന്മയെയും ജയിക്കാനാകുമെന്നും അദ്ദേഹം വിശ്വസിച്ചു. ദൈവത്തിന്റെ വചനമായ യേശു ജഡം ധരിച്ചു മനുഷ്യനായി നമ്മിലൊരുവനായി; അവനിലൂടെ ദൈവം നമ്മോട് അടുത്തുവന്ന വിധത്തെക്കുറിച്ചും അദ്ദേഹം ഉത്സാഹത്തോടെ സംസാരിച്ചിരുന്നു.

അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ദൈവശാസ്ത്രം ക്രൂശിനെ കേന്ദ്രീകരിച്ചതും ജനങ്ങളെ മുൻനിറുത്തിയുള്ളതുമായിരുന്നു. ഒരുവശത്ത് ദൈവത്തിൽ മഹത്തായ വിശ്വാസം കാണിക്കാനും മറുവശത്ത് സഹാനുഭൂതിയും സ്നേഹവും നിറഞ്ഞ ഹൃദയത്തോടെ തന്നെ ഭരമേല്പിച്ച ജനത്തോട് അടുക്കാനും ഈ ദർശനം ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസനെ സഹായിച്ചു. “ക്രിസ്തുവിൽ ഞങ്ങളെ എപ്പോഴും ജയോത്സവമായി നടത്തുകയും എല്ലാടത്തും ഞങ്ങളെക്കൊണ്ടു തന്റെ പരിജ്ഞാനത്തിന്റെ വാസന വെളിപ്പെടുത്തുകയും ചെയ്യുന്ന ദൈവത്തിന്നു സ്തോത്രം” (2 കൊരിന്ത്യർ 2:14) എന്ന് അദ്ദേഹം വിശ്വസിച്ചു.

നേതൃത്വത്തിന്റെ സ്വരത്തിലെ ഉത്‌കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in The Voice of Leadership

ദൈവത്തിന്റെ കൃപ യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ മുഖത്തെ പ്രകാശിതമാക്കിയിരുന്നു. ഒരു പ്രഭാഷകൻ എന്ന നിലയിൽ, ആ പദത്തിന് സാധാരണയായി അർത്ഥമാക്കുന്ന രീതിയിൽ അദ്ദേഹത്തിന് കരിസ്മ (charisma) ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നില്ല. എന്നിട്ടും, അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ പ്രസംഗങ്ങൾ അവയുടെ ആഴം, ചിന്തയുടെ വ്യക്തത, ദൈവവചനത്തിൽ അടിസ്ഥാനമാക്കിയുള്ളത് എന്നിവയ്ക്ക് ഓർമ്മിക്കപ്പെടുന്നു. 1983-ൽ കാനഡയിലെ വാങ്കൂവറിൽ  നടത്തിയ “ദി ഫീസ്റ്റ് ഓഫ് ലൈഫ്” (The Feast of Life) എന്ന പ്രസിദ്ധമായ പ്രസംഗത്തിന്റെ വിശകലനം കാണുക.

അദ്ദേഹത്തിന് സ്വാർത്ഥ താല്പര്യങ്ങളൊന്നും ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നില്ല, സ്വന്തമായി ഒന്നും സമ്പാദിച്ചു കൂട്ടിയതുമില്ല. താൻ നേതൃത്വം നൽകിയ ജനങ്ങളുടെ പൊതുനന്മ മാത്രമായിരുന്നു ലക്ഷ്യം. അതിനാൽ സംസ്ഥാനത്തെ രാഷ്ട്രീയ നേതൃത്വം അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ അഭിപ്രായങ്ങളെ ബഹുമാനത്തോടെ കേട്ടിരുന്നു.

ടീം ബിൽഡിങ്ങിലെ നേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്‌കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Leadership in Team Building

ഒറ്റയ്ക്ക് പ്രവർത്തിക്കുന്ന രീതിയായിരുന്നില്ല ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസൻ അനുവർത്തിച്ചിരുന്നത്. സഭാനേതൃത്വം നല്ല സംസ്കാരം ജീവിച്ചുകാണിക്കുമ്പോൾ മാത്രമേ അത് പഠിപ്പിക്കാൻ കഴിയൂ എന്ന് അദ്ദേഹം മനസ്സിലാക്കി.

അതുകൊണ്ട്, സത്യസന്ധതയുള്ളവരെയും അവരുടെ സ്വന്തം മേഖലകളിൽ മികവ് പുലർത്തിയവരെയും അദ്ദേഹം തിരഞ്ഞെടുത്ത്, സഭാ ഭരണത്തിലും പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങളിലും പ്രധാന പങ്കുവഹിക്കാൻ അവരെ കൊണ്ടുവന്നു. ഈ ടീം വർക്ക് ആയിരുന്നു അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ജനനേതൃത്വത്തിലെ വിജയത്തിന് നിർണായകമായത്. എല്ലാവരുടെയും സംഭാവനകളെക്കുറിച്ച് അദ്ദേഹം വളരെ ബോധവാനായിരുന്നു. വ്യക്തിപരമായ ബന്ധങ്ങൾ പാലിക്കുന്നതിനും മറ്റുള്ളവരുടെ നേട്ടങ്ങളിൽ സന്തോഷിക്കുന്നതിനും അദ്ദേഹം വളരെ ശ്രദ്ധാലുവായിരുന്നു. പുഞ്ചിരിയും പ്രശംസാ വാക്കുകളുമായി അദ്ദേഹം എല്ലാവരെയും പ്രോത്സാഹിപ്പിച്ചു.

നേതൃത്വത്തിൽ നിന്ന് പടിയിറങ്ങുമ്പോൾ അദ്ദേഹം തന്റെ വിടവാങ്ങൽ പ്രസംഗത്തിനായി തിരഞ്ഞെടുത്ത ദൈവവചനം , ടീം വർക്കിനെക്കുറിച്ചുള്ള അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ തത്വചിന്തയെ യഥാർത്ഥത്തിൽ പ്രതിഫലിപ്പിക്കുന്നു: “ഞാൻ നട്ടു, അപ്പൊല്ലോസ് നനെച്ചു, ദൈവമത്രേ വളരുമാറാക്കിയതു.” (1 കൊരിന്ത്യർ 3:7 വിശുദ്ധ പൗലോസിന്റെ വാക്കുകൾ).

ആത്മപരിശോധന മാതൃകയാക്കുന്ന നേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്‌കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Leadership in Modelling Self-Introspection

ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസന്റെ പെരുമാറ്റ ശൈലി ഉന്നതമായതും മാന്യവുമായിരുന്നു. താൻ എത്തിച്ചേർന്ന ശ്രേഷ്ഠമായ സ്ഥാനങ്ങളുടെ ഔന്നത്യവും മഹത്ത്വവും യഥാർത്ഥത്തിൽ എല്ലാവരുടെയും മുന്നിൽ അദ്ദേഹം ഉയർത്തിപ്പിടിച്ചു.. സി.എസ്.ഐ. മോഡറേറ്ററുടെ പദവിയെ അദ്ദേഹം സത്യസന്ധതയോടും പരാമർത്ഥഹൃദയത്തോടും ദൈവിക നേതൃത്വവും ഉള്ള ഒരു ബഹുമാനപ്പെട്ട സ്ഥാനമാക്കി മാറ്റിയതിൽ ഇത് വ്യക്തമായി കാണാമായിരുന്നു. ദൈവം ഉയർത്തുന്നതനുസരിച്ചു ദൈവത്തിന്റെ മുമ്പിൽ അദ്ദേഹം താഴ്മയോടെ നിന്നു.

അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ഒരു മറക്കാനാവാത്ത ശീലം എന്നത്, എല്ലാ വർഷവും ഓഗസ്റ്റ് 5-ന്, അദ്ദേഹം ബിഷപ്പായി അഭിഷിക്തനായ ദിവസം, എല്ലാ പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങളിൽ നിന്നും വിശ്രമിച്ച് പ്രാർത്ഥനയിലും ആത്മപരിശോധനയിലും ദിവസം മുഴുവൻ ചെലവഴിക്കുക എന്നതായിരുന്നു. ആ ദിവസം തന്റെ ജീവിതത്തിൽ ദൈവത്തിന്റെ വിളിക്ക് വിശ്വസ്തനായി നിൽക്കുന്നുണ്ടോ എന്ന് പരിശോധിക്കുകയും ആലോചിക്കുകയും ചെയ്തു.

ഈ ആത്മപരിശോധനക്കു അദ്ദേഹം യേശുവിന്റെ ക്രൂശാണ് മാനദണ്ഡമാക്കിയത്. “സമൂഹത്തിൽ ഏറ്റവും നല്ലവരെന്ന് ആദരിക്കപ്പെടുന്നവരും തങ്ങൾ എന്തുമാത്രം പാപികളാന്നെന്ന് മനസ്സിലാക്കണമെങ്കിൽ യേശുക്രിസ്തുവിന്റെ ക്രൂശിനു മുന്നിൽ നിന്ന് സ്വയം പരിശോധിക്കണം.” [യേശുക്രിസ്തുവിന്റെ ക്രൂശുമരണവും തിരുസഭയും ഒരു വിഹഗ വീക്ഷണം” എന്ന തലകെട്ടിൽ യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി എഴുതിയ പ്രബന്ധത്തിൽ നിന്നു എടുത്തത്. ക്രൈസ്‌തവ ദീപിക ജൂലൈ 2010].

അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ നേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ശ്രേഷ്ഠത എന്നത്, മറ്റുള്ളവരോട് പ്രസംഗിക്കുന്നതിന് മുമ്പ്, യേശുവിന്റെ ക്രൂശിനു മുന്നിൽ നിന്ന് ആത്മപരിശോധന നടത്താൻ അദ്ദേഹം തയ്യാറായി എന്നതാണ്.

യേശുവേ നിന്റെ രൂപമീയെന്റെ
കണ്ണുകൾക്കെത്ര സൗന്ദര്യം
ശിഷ്യനാകുന്ന എന്നെയും നിന്നെ-
പ്പോലെയാക്കണം മുഴുവൻ

എന്ന പാട്ടുപുസ്തകത്തിലെ തനിക്കു ഇഷ്ടപ്പെട്ട 282-ആം ഗാനം തന്റെ 85-ആം ജന്മദിനത്തിൽ ഗായകസംഘം പാടണം എന്ന് അദ്ദേഹം നിർബന്ധമായി ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ടതു ഈ ആത്മപരിശോധനയുടെ തുടർച്ചയാണെന്നു നമുക്ക് മനസ്സിലാക്കാം.

അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ നേതൃത്വ പൈതൃകത്തിലെ ഉത്‌കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in His Leadership Legacy

യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയെ ഇന്നും ജനങ്ങൾ വലിയ ആദരവോടെ ഓർക്കുന്നു. താൻ നേതൃത്വത്തിൽ ഇരുന്ന കാലത്തിലെ മഹാന്മാരോടൊപ്പം അദ്ദേഹം ധീഷണാശാലിയായി നടന്നിരുന്നു. എങ്കിലും ജീവിതത്തിന്റെ ഒടുവിലത്തെ വർഷങ്ങളിൽ ഒരു ചെറിയ വീട്ടിൽ (Bishop’s Cottage ) വസിച്ച് താഴ്മ പുലർത്തിയ ഒരു ജീവിതമായിരുന്നു അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റേത്. ഇന്നും നമുക്ക് ഒരു മാതൃകയായി കാണാനും പിന്തുടരാനും കഴിയുന്ന ഒരു വ്യക്തിയായാണ് അദ്ദേഹം ഓർമ്മിക്കപ്പെടുന്നത്.

അദ്ദേഹം ജീവിതത്തിന്റെ അവസാനം വരെ ദൈവത്തിന്റെ വിളിക്ക് വിശ്വസ്തനായിരുന്നു, ഓഫീസിൽ നിന്ന് വിരമിച്ച ശേഷവും കർമനിരതനായി ജനസേവനം തുടർന്നു.

അദ്ദേഹം തന്റെ ജീവിതം മുഴുവൻ യേശുവിന്റെ മുഖത്തേക്ക് നോക്കി, ആ നോട്ടം അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ജീവിതത്തെ മാറ്റി മറിച്ചു—അന്ധകാരത്തിലും ദാരിദ്ര്യത്തിലും മറഞ്ഞിരുന്ന ഒരു കൽക്കരികട്ടിയിൽ നിന്നും ശാശ്വതമായ തിളക്കവും പ്രകാശവും ഉള്ള ഒരു വജ്രമായി അദ്ദേഹത്തെ മാറ്റിയത് യേശുവിലേക്കുള്ള നിരന്തരമായ നോട്ടമായിരുന്നു. അനേകരുടെ വാക്കുകളിൽ, “യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി ഒരു വിശുദ്ധനായിരുന്നു, കൂടാതെ തന്റെ  ഭൗമിക ജീവിതത്തിൽ യഥാർത്ഥത്തിൽ അദ്ദേഹം യേശുവിനെ പ്രതിഫലിപ്പിച്ചു.”

Bishop’s Cottage where Bishop Jesudasan lived after his retirement.

അനുബന്ധം

P. Christudas

1800 കളിൽ എപ്പോഴോ മിഷനറിമാരുടെ പ്രവർത്തന ഫലമായി യേശുവിനെ അറിഞ്ഞ നല്ല കായികാഭ്യാസിയായിരുന്ന സുബ്രമണ്യം. അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ മൂത്ത മകൻ ജോഷ്വ. ദൈവത്തിൽ തീക്ഷണമായ വിശ്വാസം ഉണ്ടായിരുന്ന, നല്ല പ്രാർത്ഥന ശീലമുണ്ടായിരുന്ന ജോഷ്വ എന്ന കരുത്തനായ മനുഷ്യന്റെ 9 ആൺ മക്കളിൽ മൂത്ത മകനായ Rev. J. Isaiah യുടെ മകനായിരുന്നു യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി. എന്റെ പിതാവ് പി. ക്രിസ്തുദാസ് രണ്ടാമത്തെ മകനായ പത്രോസിന്റെ മകനാണ്. യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയും കൊച്ചു ദാസ് എന്ന് കരിയിൽത്തോട്ടം കുടുംബാഗങ്ങളുടെ ഇടയിലും അമരവിള സഭയിലും അറിയപ്പെട്ടിരുന്ന എന്റെ പിതാവും തമ്മിൽ ഗാഢമായ സഹോദര ബന്ധം നിലനിന്നിരുന്നു. പലയിടത്തായി ജീവിതമാർഗങ്ങൾ തേടി പോയ കുടുംബാംഗങ്ങൾ തമ്മിൽ സ്നേഹ ബന്ധം നിലനിറുത്തുന്ന കണ്ണിയായിരുന്നു എന്റെ ഡാഡി.

1962 ൽ അമരവിള സഭയിൽ മഹായിടവകക്കു ആകെ മാതൃകയായി ആദ്യമായി Poor Fund (സാധു സംരക്ഷണ നിധി) നടപ്പാകുന്നതിൽ ഒരു സുപ്രധന പങ്ക് വഹിക്കാൻ എന്റെ പിതാവിനു ദൈവം കൃപ ചെയ്തു. മഹായിടവകയുടെ നന്മയും വികസനവും മുൻനിറുത്തി പലരേയും നേതൃത്വത്തിലേക്കു കൊണ്ടു വരുവാൻ നിർണായകമായ റോൾ വഹിക്കുകയും അതിനായുള്ള ചർച്ചകളുടെ നാഡീകേന്ദ്രമായി പ്രവർത്തിക്കുകയും ചെയ്ത എന്റെ പിതാവിനെ Kingmaker എന്നാണ് മഹായിടവകയുടെ ആദ്യ സെക്രെട്ടറിയും പ്രഗത്ഭ പട്ടക്കാരിൽ ഒരാളായിരുന്ന Very Rev. Philip David അച്ചൻ വിളിച്ചിരുന്നത്.

ഞങ്ങളുടെ പൂർവപിതാക്കന്മാർ കായികാഭ്യാസികളും മർമ്മചികിത്സാവിദഗ്ധരും സിദ്ധവൈദ്യത്തിൽ നൈപുണ്യം ഉള്ളവരുമായിരുന്നു. ഒരു കാലത്തു അവരുടെ വിശ്വാസത്തോടൊപ്പമുള്ള ചികിത്സാശുശ്രൂഷയുടെ ഓർമ നിലനിറുത്തി കൊണ്ടാണ് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി തനിക്കു പരമ്പരാഗതമായി ലഭിച്ച കുടുംബവീട് യേശു ശിഷ്യനും വൈദ്യനുമായിരുന്ന ലൂക്കോസിന്റെ നാമധേയത്തിൽ ഒരു ദൈവാലയമായി മാറ്റണം എന്ന് തീരുമാനിച്ചത്‌.

Malayalam PDF ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസൻ: ശുശ്രൂഷാനേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത

Bishop Jesudasan–Positions Held, Books Authored. പ്രവാചകദൗത്യം was published in 2013 while he was on his deathbed.

For further reading:
Bishop Jesudasan–A Short Speech of Tribute
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി: ദൈവവിളിയോടു വിശ്വസ്‌തത പുലർത്തിയ എളിയ ദാസൻ
The Art and Craft of Sermons and Preaching
Are Sermons About God or Are They to Make You Feel Good?

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Sunday Sermonettes | The Great Kitchen Debate: Distraction or Devotion Which Is Better

Sunday Sermonettes #027

The Complaint: My, Me, Myself; a Victim Story

Martha opens her house for Jesus and makes herself busy trying to prepare; probably a meal. See, hospitality was held in high esteem in the culture of those days. The story says that she was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. It leads us to the “Great Kitchen Debate. Distraction or Devotion Which Is Better?”

Now she had a sister named Mary. She came and sat at Jesus’ feet listening to his words. This troubles Martha. She comes and asks Jesus, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me.”

This seems to be a normal complaint and request in this context. One person is doing all the work. The other is simply chatting with the guest. Martha feels herself a victim left alone to do all the work.

Don’t you also feel like complaining when others seem to take it easy while you alone shoulder the burdens at work, whether it be home or office?

Blood Jesus Cleanse

The Response: Nailing the Problem Which Is Lack of Focus

What makes this normal situation different is Jesus’ response: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Jesus is not finding fault with Martha’s hospitality. But Jesus is pointing out that she is worried and upset about many things. The language that Jesus used tells us about a person being pulled in different directions at the same time. There seems to be a lack of focus.

Isn’t it typical of many of us? Aren’t we pulled in many different directions when it comes to work? When that happens, can you stop for a moment and try to prioritize. Look at what is urgent and of utmost importance at that point in time. Then focus on that one thing. It will make a difference.

Which Is Better: Distraction or Devotion

Jesus is trying to point out to Martha that her value in life does not come from what she does. God does not give us marks according to our performance even though he has promised many crowns and rewards to his faithful followers.

Jesus is present in her house. He was welcomed as the guest. Yet Martha is now very busy, distracted with preparations, her many tasks, and much serving.

She failed to value his presence. She failed to value his words—his words which Peter once described as words of eternal life (John 6:68). More than that she feels herself to be a victim of the situation when she could have had the joy of having the companionship of the Son of God in her home.

Martha is someone with great faith as her extraordinary declaration of who Jesus is shows (John 11:27) while at another time she conversed with Jesus by the grave of her brother Lazarus. But on this occasion, she is making her kitchen the greater priority.

Always put people first and tasks below them in your priority list whether at home or the office. You will be blessed and you will be a blessing in doing so.

God Is Valuing Your Companionship Not Your Busyness

We live in a fast paced world. We are busy all the time. We are dominated by the chores of life and its dull routines. Unless you make a deliberate effort to sit at Jesus’ feet, you will miss him altogether even when he is present with you.

Jesus in his response to Martha tells her that the better choice is devotion. Spending quiet and quality time with him is more important than attempting to do something for him.

So many of us are trying to do things for him. He doesn’t find fault with that. But he is asking us not to lose focus. Not to miss the better thing.

Life’s moments might not repeat themselves. So when you are with someone who loves you and cares for you, give him or her the fullest attention you can possibly give. That is the better thing than the good things you might be able to do for them.

Choose Devotion: Spending Time with Jesus

When was the last time you enjoyed the presence of God in your life? It is not something dramatic. It can happen in the kitchen in the ordinary routines of life. Just think on God. Thank him and praise him. Tell him you love him.

Will you not take a few moments to stop and talk with Jesus. In the words of Robert Frost,

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Choosing to spend time with Jesus who bled and died for you on the cross is a choice very few make on a daily basis. That is a road that is less travelled by. But if you choose to go that way, the way of love, adoration, worship, and devotion; it will make all the difference.

Featured image: Photos by Monika and Elina Fairytale from Pixabay | Adobe

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Sunday Sermonettes | Excellence in Leadership in the Ministry of Bishop Jesudasan

Sunday Sermonettes #026

The Missed Photograph: An Anecdote

It was the time we had planned to prayerfully celebrate the 85th birthday of Bishop Jesudasan (February 14, 2010) with family members.  I then had a desire to publish a Coffee Table Book that would compile photographs capturing the most significant and finest moments of the Bishop’s life and ministry. I thought it would serve as an inspiration for future generations.

For several days, I visited  him at his home, trying to understand and document the defining moments of his official life.

During one such conversation, Bishop Jesudasan mentioned that during the LMS (London Missionary Society | Later renamed the Council for World Mission) bicentenary celebration in London in 1995, around the theme “Dare to Dream,” only three people were given the opportunity to speak at a special gathering. during the event. One of them was Queen Elizabeth of England. Another was Bishop Desmond Tutu, representing the African continent. And the third was Bishop Jesudasan, representing the Asian continent.

With great enthusiasm I asked my Uncle, “Do you have a photograph of that moment?”

His response deeply disappointed me: “Hey, we don’t go there to speak while thinking about taking photos!”

A man who never sought to preserve even a single photograph to showcase his own greatness—that was Bishop Jesudasan!

Bishop Jesudasan
Bishop Jesudasan

Bishop Jesudasan. That was how people lovingly called the late Most Rev. Dr. I. Jesudasan, who exhibited excellence in leadership in his ministry during his tenure as member of the Central Committee of World Council of Churches (WCC) (1983-1991), as Deputy Moderator (1980-’81) and then Moderator of the Church of South India (CSI) for three consecutive terms (1982 to 1988), and as the 3rd Bishop of South Kerala Diocese for 17 years regarded as the golden period in its history (1973 to 1990).

It was a period of holistic growth—spiritual, material, and social—for the diocese. Bishop Jesudasan, who exhibited brilliant and exceptional leadership in his ministry, led this growth from the front.”

Bejoy Peter delivering sermon on the occasion of the 100th birthday of Bishop Jesudasan

The sermon I had the joy, honour, and privilege of delivering on the occasion of the 100th birthday of Bishop Jesudasan, my Uncle, at the St. Luke’s CSI Church, Kariyilthottam, Amaravila, a village in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday 16th February 2025, focused on the prayer life of Bishop Jesudasan. This church stands where his ancestral home had been and as his last wish it was deeded to the diocese to. build a church.

Excellence in Servant Leadership

Bishop Jesudasan considered himself a servant of Jesus. That is what is name means in his native tongue Malayalam. He found courage in the words of St. Paul, “We are fools for Christ” (1 Cor. 4:10). He showed no interest whatsoever in gaining anything for himself or acquiring fame. He never sought honour for himself. But God exalted this ordinary man, a humble servant of God, in extraordinary ways. Positions and honours sought him out.

Yet in spite of all that we consider his phenomenal achievements in church leadership, ecumenical and social standing; he asked that his tombstone bear the words from the Gospel of Luke (17:10). And also inscribe the words “An unworthy servant of the Lord, falls into they loving hands” along with it.

Bishop Jesudasan’s tombstone in M. M. Church Cemetry, LMS Compoiund, Thiruvananthapuram.

 

Excellence in Democratic Leadership

During his tenure as Bishop, he always gave space to everyone who had something to say, allowing them to share their opinions on the topic under discussion. He came to meetings well-prepared on the agenda items and listened attentively to those who held opposing views.

After everyone had their say, he would finally rise to speak. If someone attempted to interrupt him at that moment, he remained firm and, with decisive authority, declared, “Now the Bishop is speaking.” Those who tried to heckle him would then recognize his true leadership and settle down.

The Writing on the Wall of Time | Fiery Words

When he was the Moderator of the CSI (Church of South India), during a Synod (the highest decision-making body) meeting, some strongly argued that bishops should not retire. They reasoned that, like in other church denominations, CSI bishops should remain in office until death, as this would bring a sense of permanence to the role of a bishop. A heated, intense vocal debate ensued. What brought this debate to a decisive conclusion was the historic response given by Bishop Jesudasan.

Bishop Jesudasan. with his firmness and insight, spoke words that can be called the “writing on the wall of time”—fiery words worth noting:

“Are you permanent? Am I permanent? None of us is permanent.”

Later, in a private conversation, Bishop Jesudasan reflected on this decision, saying, “We must step aside for the new generation. Only they can move forward at the pace that the times demand.”

Excellence in Professional Leadership

He brought a sense of professionalism and a sense of purpose to the meetings he chaired. He never wasted time, was always punctual, and brought discipline to the meetings by conducting them in a business like fashion. After his demise, the then Moderator of the CSI remarked about “the presence of God he brought into every meeting.”

It was his daily habit of early morning quiet times with God in reading the Bible and prayer that helped him bring this kind of a godly leadership to all meetings. His private time with God gave him the professional edge in public life.

Excellence in Community Leadership

Bishop Jesudasan knew that a vast majority of the people God had called him to shepherd were poor, downtrodden and marginalized. His heart was always with them. Even the political leadership of the Indian State of Kerala irrespective of ideologies knew that his heart beat with the thoughts of helping the poor and brining them social justice.

He was gentle like a lamb and always approachable to the least among the people whom he served. But he was like a lion when he championed their cause for justice and spoke against all kinds of corruption within the church.

Excellence in Ecumenical Leadership

Jesus had prayed that his disciples be united in love, “That they all may be one (John 17:21 which is the motto of the Church of South India as well).” Bishop Jesudasan was always looking forward to making this prayer real and tangible by brining denominations together. He always relied on the Spirit of God to bring about this unity among God’s people. He truly championed that the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Ref. Romans 14:17).

There were several initiatives he took to make this unity happen at the grassroots level. Even today his ecumenical vision and farsightedness is held in high esteem. He maintained a warm and cordial relationship with the heads of other denominations and he was invited to many meetings organized by people of other faiths too.

Excellence in Spiritual Leadership

Bishop Jesudasan was a man of compassion and someone who would weep with the broken hearted. I have heard people describe him as an angel of God who visited them in their time of pain and suffering. His prayers had a tone of familiarity with God addressing him “You,” with reverence and adoration in simple childlike words.

He had a faithful habit of interceding with God for the personal needs of individuals, families, and churches. He observed a fast every Friday. Many were blessed through the fruit of his heartfelt prayers and tears on their behalf.”

His prayers echoed the praises of God. In crises, he stood firm and unshaken. and was often heard saying:  “Praise be to Jesus,” and “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift (Jesus)! His often repeated prayer was: “May the love of God that shone through Jesus on the cross . . .”

He authored many books and wrote many essays that showed his deep understanding of Scripture. He believed that when God’s people aligned themselves with God’s purposes the Spirt of God would move and transform not just individuals and families but entire communities.

An Anecdote

Let me share a radiant childhood memory of Bishop Jesudasan. One day, a group of about 20 people comprising of elders, women, and children arrived in a vehicle to meet him at the Bishop’s House located in the LMS compound. From their appearance, I felt they were from a poor church in a rural background.

After they had spoken with him about the purpose of their visit,  the Bishop invited them into a small room inside. I, too, followed them in. Then, drawing aside a curtain, the Bishop revealed the interior of the room and said to them, “This is my prayer room.”

As I looked inside, I saw that the room contained only a table, a chair, a Bible, and a mat. I don’t know why, but that moment has remained vividly in my mind even after forty years.

Looking back at that moment now, I realize how profoundly the Bishop upheld the power of prayer without making any effort to highlight any of his achievements in life.

Excellence in Cross-centred Theological Leadership

Bishop Jesudasan championed the truth that God had opened a new and living way through the blood of Jesus shed on the cross through which we could approach God (Hebrews 10:19, 20), find forgiveness of sins, and also reconciliation between God and men. He also believed that the victory over all evil is possible through the cross of Jesus and the love of God on exhibit there. He spoke passionately about how God came near to us in Jesus, the Word of God become flesh, human just like us.

His theology was cross-centred and people focused. This vision helped Bishop Jesudasan show great trust in God on one hand and be near to the people he shepherded with an empathetic and loving heart. He believed that God “leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him” (2 Corinthians 2:14).
ഒരാളായിരുന്ന

Excellence in The Voice of Leadership

Bishop Jesudasan had the grace of God lighting up his face. As a speaker he did not possess charisma in the way that word is popularly understood. Yet his sermons are remembered for their depth, clarity of thought, and grounding in God’s Word. Kindly see the analysis of his famous sermon, The Feast of Life, delivered at Vancouver Canada in 1983. As he had no vested interests—only the common good of the people he led—the political leadership of the State listened to his opinions with respect.

Excellence in Leadership in Team Building

Bishop Jesudasan was not a one-man show. He understood that culture can only be taught as it was lived out by the top church leadership.

Therefore, he found people of integrity and having a track record of excellence in their own respective fields and brought them to key roles in the church administration and activities. This teamwork was crucial to his success in leading the people. And he was very conscious of the contribution of every one of them. He was very particular about keeping personal relationships and rejoiced in the achievements of others. He encouraged everyone with his smiling face and words of appreciation.

The words he chose for his farewell speech as he stepped down from leadership truly reflect his philosophy of team work: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” (Words of St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:7).

Excellence in Leadership in Modelling Self-Introspection

Bishop Jesudasan had a manner of conduct that was dignified exhibiting a true knowledge of the Chair he occupied and elevating its stature in the eyes of all. This was more than evident in the way he made the CSI Moderator’s post an honoured one with his reputation of integrity and godly leadership. The more God exalted him in leadership roles, the more he humbled himself before God.

One of his unforgettable habits was to take a day off from all activities on 5th of August, the day he was consecrated as Bishop and spend the day in prayer reviewing and reflecting on whether he is staying true to the call of God in his life.

The cross was his touchstone. In one of his articles he wrote:
“Those who are respected as the best in society must examine themselves before the cross of Jesus Christ to realize how great sinners they are.”
(Christava Deepika: July 2010 Article titled: The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and God’s Church—A Bird’s Eye View). His excellence in leadership was that he was willing to do this self-introspection standing in front of the cross of Jesus before he preached to others.

“Jesus, how beautiful is Your form to my eyes!

Make me, Your disciple, wholly like You.”

യേശുവേ നിന്റെ രൂപമീയെന്റെ

കണ്ണുകൾക്കെത്ര സൗന്ദര്യം

ശിഷ്യനാകുന്ന എന്നെയും നിന്നെ-

പ്പോലെയാക്കണം മുഴുവൻ.

The 282nd song from the Malayalam Hymn Book, which he particularly loved, was one he insisted the choir sing on his 85th birthday. This can be understood as a continuation of his practice of self-introspection:

Excellence in His Leadership Legacy

The legacy he left behind is that even today his name is spoken with great admiration as he had exhibited a life of humility (living in his small cottage in later years) even while he walked with dignity along with the great men of his times. Even today he is spoken of as a role model whom we can look up to and emulate.

He was a man faithful to God’s call on his life till the very last. He prayerfully continued to serve the people even after retirement from office.

He looked to the face of Jesus all his life and that look transformed his life from a lump of coal in obscurity and poverty to that of the enduring shine and brilliance of a diamond. In the words of many, “he was a saint and during his earthly life he truly reflected Jesus.”

Bishop’s Cottage where Bishop Jesudasan lived after his retirement.
Bishop Jesudasan–Positions Held, Books Authored. പ്രവാചകദൗത്യം was published in 2013 while he was on his deathbed.
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For further reading:

Bishop Jesudasan–A Short Speech of Tribute
ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസൻ: ശുശ്രൂഷാനേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത
The Art and Craft of Sermons and Preaching
Are Sermons About God or Are They to Make You Feel Good?

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Sunday Sermonettes | The Power of Prayer: Discovering How Prayer Works

Sunday Sermonettes #025

Disappointed with Prayer

Most of us do not know how prayer works. When you discover it; you will be confident to pray. And also experience the power of prayer. The truth is that most of us are disappointed with prayer. Simply because God did not answer prayers according to our wishes; many of us have given up on praying to God.

Encouragement to Pray

This post is an attempt to encourage you to pray. For God is always listening to your prayers. There might be a lot of doubts in your mind about prayer. All of them cannot be answered.

But I can assure you one thing–-If you keep on praying in spite of your doubts, and your feeling that God is absent and not listening; there will come a day and a moment when you will have the joy of knowing that none of your prayers were lost.

Prayer Is About Seeking and Finding God

Remember, God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, He has promised that when you seek his face (that is his companionship and not his gifts), you will find him when you seek him with all your heart.

Yes, you will find him if you are earnest in prayer. Finding God and discovering more about him is the great encouragement and joy in prayer.

Prayer as a Relationship Based on Love

Prayer is not all about asking; even though God encourages us to ask, seek, and knock. He delights in us asking him because those who believe and trust in the name of Jesus are his children. So prayer is a joyful time of sharing things in your heart with your Father in heaven. So it is based on a relationship of love and not on fear.

Prayer Is the Ability to Listen to God

Prayer is also the ability to listen to what God is saying. He mostly guides us through words from the Bible. When God speaks there is an unmistakable certainty about it. It will be specific with a calm assurance of God’s peace.

When he speaks he will never contradict what he has already said in the Bible. Jesus has promised his gift of peace to us. So if you have an impression in your heart and it takes away your peace and brings distress and conflict in your mind; know that it is not from God. When God speaks, it will also come with his peace in your heart.

Prayer and Emotions

Prayer can become a time of display of strong emotions too. Sometimes we are too burdened to even utter a word. There is an inward groan from the heart for help while the lips are silent. Often we cry in our distress.

God collects all our tears in his bottle and records them in his book or scroll says the Bible. So there is nothing to be ashamed about crying or weeping as you pray. The shortest verse in the Bible says: “Jesus wept.”

Prayer as a Discipline

A life without prayer is like a barren desert. There is no refreshing, no renewal, no reviving or recharging. If the Son of God could not live without prayer while on earth; how can we?

Even though it is possible to pray anywhere and everywhere at any time during the day or night; it is good to set aside time for prayer regularly at a place which is quiet where no one will disturb you. A place where you can be alone; talk to God and listen to him.

Prayer and Action

A day begun with a prayer of thanks for the gift of a new day, and a seeking of help and wisdom for the activities of the day, will be a day accompanied by God’s blessings. Instead, we often rush to work, get too busy with our daily routines, and forget God.

Prayer is also work. So much can be accomplished if people would pray more for God’s guidance and help and knowing his will than trying to achieve everything in their own strength and knowledge.

It is prayer that gives you the courage, wisdom, and strength to make your faith become action.  It assures you of success in your efforts because God is involved in your attempts because you prayed.

Prayer and Distractions

A problem with prayer is that a lot of distractions come to mind when you try to pray. Why? Because the devil knows that if someone gets connected to God; then he has to flee. So he prevents that from happening.

With the mobile in our hands; it is quite an easy thing to keep us buried in the entertainment it brings. Even the good things you watch can take away the best time you can spend in prayer.

Prayer Starters

The miracle of prayer is that even a child can pray. No qualification is required for you to start praying. If you don’t know how to start praying, why not just say, “O God, I love you.” It is a good starting point.

Or say “Hallelujah.” it means Praise the Lord. All heaven resounds with joyful notes of thundering Hallelujahs in song and praise to the Lamb of God. Oh, it can bring down God’s presence to surround you!

God’s Help in Prayer

There is also God’s help and assistance in prayer. God the Holy Spirit from within our heart, lifts up our inmost desires and heartbreaks to the throne of God. the Father. The Bible presents God as our Saviour who daily bears our burdens.

Jesus, present at the right hand of God, always lives to intercede for us. He shared in our human experiences and prayed to God while on earth with loud cries and tears. So when prays for us, he is merciful and compassionate and a great friend to bring our needs before God.

Jesus the Only Mediator Between God and Men

See, there is no need for any other person, past or present, to come between you and God. For the Bible declares that Jesus is the only mediator between God and men.

He is your advocate who speaks in your defense before God. He speaks on your behalf and through him alone you can approach God in prayer.

The Name of Jesus carries authority. God listens when you pray in the Name of Jesus for his precious blood always speaks the word of forgiveness for you when you are broken in heart and turn away from your sins.

Blood Jesus Cleanse

How to Pray

You can pray anytime. You can keep your eyes open or closed. You can stand, sit, walk or kneel, or prostrate yourself face down and pray. You can pray while in the kitchen, while you are driving, or while you are attending a business meeting.

You can pray in any language or just pray to God silently. Sometimes God gifts you a language you might not know, a language that is angelic or human to help you pray.

What to Pray For

You can ask for help, for wisdom, for guidance, for strength of mind, for grace to forgive others, for courage to face difficulties, for receiving favour in the eyes of others, for health and healing, for mercy and forgiveness; and patience to wait for God to act in your life in his time.

You can ask God to gift you his peace and joy in all your troubled situations and even ask God to help you to pray in the right way. .

If you have sinned against God; ask for cleansing through the blood of Jesus from all that defiles heart and mind.

You should pray for the Spirit of God to touch you with God’s everlasting, unfailing, and compassionate love, because God pours out his love into our hearts through the Spirit of God.

Prayer Changes and Transforms Us

Prayer also changes us. God uses delays and frustrations and cries of “How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” to break our wills and make us humble. He prepares us before he blesses us. Therefore be bold and confident to pray to the God of all hope and mercy.

He first of all encourages us and makes our heart strong before he answers our prayers. He also prepares circumstances so that the time of our relief and deliverance will be of maximum impact to strengthen our faith in him.

The New and Living Way Opened for Us to Pray

When Jesus shed his blood on the cross and his body was broken on that tree; the huge curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom supernaturally. It indicated that by the blood of Jesus a new and living way was opened for all to approach God with boldness and freedom. Yes, you have access to God the Father 24 x 7 through the blood of Jesus and the Spirit of God.

Peace as a Sign of Assurance in Prayer

Then, there is the peace of God which guards our hearts and minds like a battalion of soldiers and secures it against all invading worries. It can happen even in the most trying circumstances when we pray.

Therefore we need not be anxious because the peace that comes from God in answer to prayer surpasses all logic and human understanding. Yes, God will gift you his peace and make you bold. The assurance in your heart comes even before the answer to prayer comes and no change is seen in the negative situations you are in.

Why Prayers Go Unanswered

Even though there are so many things that put a roadblock to effective praying; there are a few things that need to be highlighted:

  • If we cherish sin or wrong things in our heart; God cannot answer prayer.
  • If we harbour unforgiveness in our heart; God cannot answer prayer.
  • If we ask with wrong motives, God cannot answer prayer.
  • If there is a lack of faith and there is doubt in our heart; then God is not pleased with that prayer.
  • And if we do not ask according to his will for our lives; God cannot answer that prayer.
  • And often we give up praying before God’s answer reaches us. See he is shaping and moulding your character and strengthening your faith while the answer is on the way. But a lack of persevering prayer can cause us to miss God’s best in our lives.

Start Praying Now

So my dear friend, why not start praying. Come to God with a child-like expectation. Be honest about anything and everything. God listens and he already knows what you need even before you ask him. And all heaven notes a man or woman who prays.

It is a blessed joy and great honour to have an audience with God every time you pray. And signing off prayers, “In the Name of Jesus,” aligns your requests to God’s character and his purpose for your life. Amen (it means “so be it.”).

Discover How Prayer Works

There is no way that any one of us will ever graduate in prayer. Prayer is like an ever-deepening river. You learn to pray by praying. The more you pray, the more you discover about prayer and the God who answers prayer.

As said in the beginning, prayer is an expression of a love relationship. You are God’s child. So talk to your Father in heaven. You can talk about anything; even your secret innermost thoughts and struggles of the mind which no one else can know anything about.

Whatever is your concern; is his concern too. Prayer helps you know God and discover him as your Comforter and Friend and Guide and Helper. May God gift you joy in prayer as he has promised in the Bible.

Simplicity in Prayer

The Bible says in Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

God is asking you to call on him. He promises to answer you. You have direct access to God through Jesus. He will show you things you do not know in response to prayer. Just call him.

And speak to him as you would talk with a friend.

The Power of Prayer

Prayer is powerful. It is your direct connection with God. Prayer has got the power to demolish strongholds of negativity and wrong thoughts in your life. Prayer has got the power to move mountains that stand in your way. Prayer has got the power to change the hearts of people. Prayer has got the power to bring you angelic help in times of distress. Prayer has got the power to open doors in your life. Prayer has got the power to make God’s promises real in your life.

So “pray continually,” “pray without ceasing,” “never stop praying,” “pray all the time,” with thanks in all circumstances to experience the power of prayer.

Fight Discouragement in Prayer

The greatest weapon the devil uses to get people to stop praying is discouragement. He will tell you that God will not answer your prayers. He will discourage you through opposition even through your close relatives, family, and friends.

Discouragement can come when you prayed for something positive but its opposite happened. Discouragement can come through delays to getting answers to prayers.

But Jesus is encouraging you to close the door and pray in secret to God and not give up praying. Do not doubt God’s Word. Throughout the Bible we find God answering prayer on behalf of his children. Therefore you need to fight discouragement that comes and go on praying.

Ask | Seek | Knock | Receive

Let me end with this encouragement to pray from Jesus’ words in Luke 11:11–13 in the Bible:

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Read more on The Holy Spirit Who is our Helper in Prayer

Featured image courtesy: Photos by Israel Torres on Pexels | Microsoft Designer

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Sunday Sermonettes | Making and Giving Excuses: The 9th Habit of Highly Ineffective People

Sunday Sermonettes #023


Understanding the 9th Habit

Stephen R. Covey wrote about The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. And he added an 8th one which says “Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs.” Here is the 9th habit which can undo you. It is the habit of making and giving excuses. They are the hallmark of highly ineffective people.

We learn to make and give excuses at home to avoid punishment, practice it at school to fool teachers, and bring it to perfection at the workplace to cover up our inefficiency. It is a blessing for the lazy and a mask for the perfectionist who never gets started. But it is a habit the 9th one that will undo you.

The Parable

Jesus talked about people making excuses. He told a story or a parable to illustrate it. He spoke about a man who was preparing a banquet and had sent out invitations for the feast. When the time for the feast came he sent out his servants to bring in the invited guests. And surprisingly all those who had earlier accepted the invitation began to make excuses.

The first one said, “I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.” The second one said: “I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.” And still a third one said: “I just got married. So I can’t come.”

At first look, you can’t find fault with any of them. They gave legitimate excuses. But if you think why Jesus told this story; then you will understand what these people missed.

The man who hosted the feast is God himself. The invitation is to enjoy God and be part of his kingdom. In that sense, the invitation was to be seen as a huge privilege; much greater than a personal invitation by The President of the United States of America.

The Excuses

Now let us look at the excuses: There is the tragedy of the present and now; toppling the eternal. There is the disaster of earthly things crowding out spiritual things. There is the sorrow of priorities being misplaced.

Business and work or career and personal relationships are important. But they should never crowd out your love for God and seeking him.

What Happens When You Reject God’s Invitation?
God will simply bypass you to extend the invitation to those whom you think are not worthy to be part of God’s kingdom. In this story the man sends invitation to people in the streets and alleys of the town to bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.

Yes, when you make excuses to God, he will be extending the invitation to people you will never normally accept to be part of your group.

And even after all these things had been done there was still room. So he sends invitation far and wide for people to come even from far away. He also added this warning: Not one of those who were originally invited will get a taste of my banquet.

As you look at the life of Jesus we find the religious people of his day rejecting him. But he was welcomed by the sinners, the common folk, and the social outcastes. People who were looked down upon by the society found a great welcome in Jesus’ invitation to be part of God’s forgiving love.

Know that Jesus accepts you just as you are with all your sins, mistakes, faults, and failures.

Practical Application

First of all, are you in the habit of making and giving excuses? Are you even aware that you have this 9th habit which is destroying you and is undoing you?

Secondly, when God gives you a chance, when he is inviting you; show urgency to accept the invitation and be part of his love. Lesser things will take care of themselves; be it career, family, friends, or earthly possessions. God first. Let that be your watchword.

If you have read this much; think of your excuse of not having a closer walk with God. What is the excuse of not coming to accept the love of God shown on the cross where Jesus bled and died for you?

Thirdly, making and giving excuses is a tactic we employ to avoid responsibility. When Prophet Nathan confronted King David telling him that he did great wrong in committing adultery and murder; he humbly accepted responsibility saying: “I have sinned against the LORD.” (2 Samuel 12:13) He did not make excuses for his sinful acts.
Blood Jesus Cleanse

Call to Action

#1. Become aware of your habit of making excuses; for making and giving excuses is that 9th habit of highly ineffective people.

#2. Show urgency to act when God is giving you a chance to put him first in your life without making excuses.

#3. Accept responsibility for your decisions without blaming others or circumstances for your behaviour.

The above post is based on The Parable of the Banquet or Great Feast found in Luke 14:15-24. Featured image courtesy: Photo by Kenneth Surillo on Pexels | Microsoft Designer

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Sunday Sermonettes | #OpenToWork | Tips to Find Your Destiny from the Search for Lost Donkeys

Sunday Sermonettes #021

The Context

Saul, in response to a request, went in search of his father’s donkeys that were lost. He was an impressive young man, without equal in that land. He went for an ordinary task. But that led him to his destiny. He met with the Prophet Samuel to whom God had already told to anoint the young man coming to meet him, king. This post from Sunday Sermonettes has invaluable tips to assist you in your job search as you are #OpenToWork.

Blood Jesus Cleanse

Be Enthusiastic

When you are #OpenToWork, always be enthusiastic about the work you currently have a chance to do. It might not be something spectacular. But when you do it with diligence and mindfulness, it will lead you to better opportunities.

Believe in Possibilities

When you are #OpenToWork, always believe in possibilities. How can you know if some ordinary task you are doing will not lead you to find a greater purpose in your life? Even after Samuel told him about the kingship, Saul was not fully convinced. When the time came and the people gathered together to greet the new king, Saul was not seen. Finally, they found him hiding behind the baggage.

Your inferiority or insignificance is no barrier for God to exalt you in the time of his choosing.

Seize Opportunities

When you are #OpenToWork, be ready to seize opportunities. It might be a half-chance or might not even have anything to do with your true calling in life. You might get an opportunity for something as ordinary as looking for lost donkeys. But like a goal-scorer in football who anticipates where the ball might come in the penalty area; you should anticipate opportunities to come your way.

Be Aware of What’s Happening Around You

That brings us to the next point. When you are #OpenToWork, be prepared. It requires constantly updating yourself and also having a big picture of trends and changes happening in your domain. As far as Saul was concerned, the political climate of that time was that people were clamouring for having a king like the other nations around them. Even though he least expected it, he became their first king. But you should make yourself aware about what is happening in the job market to be prepared for your opportunity.

Travel with Hope

When you are #OpenToWork, travel with hope. There came a point in their journey Saul was discouraged in his search for donkeys. It was his servant who encouraged him to go and meet the seer (the prophet was called seer in those days because he had a God-given ability to see into the future). His servant told him that the seer would tell them what way to take. As R. L. Stevenson wrote in his essay El Dorado: “To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive.”

Sharpen Your Skills

Again, when you are #OpenToWork, sharpen your skills. If your axe is not sharpened, all your efforts at felling trees is not going to be effective. And King Solomon shares his wisdom encouraging you to be skilled in your work: “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings, he will not serve before obscure men.” (Proverbs 22:29 Bible)

A Change of Heart

Perhaps, one more thought from the episode of Saul being chosen king is that you and I need a change of heart. Often when you search for a job, you might be rejected multiple times. That can lead to discouragement, resentment, and even a sense of failure. Saul, in response to Samuel informing him that he is to be king, says that his family is one having the least social status in their land. So God had to change his heart to prepare him for his destiny.

Similarly, you too have to realize that your worth and significance come from your value as an individual in God’s eyes. You need to see yourselves from his perspective.

When you are #OpenToWork, do not allow being fired from your work, being laid off, networking without results, enduring long periods of silence when you don’t hear back from your potential employer, or your applications being repeatedly rejected even after many positive rounds of interviews define you or your worth. They are just layers on the core value of who you are in God. He values you for who you are and not based on your performance.

“Follow Me” to Your Destiny

The big lesson to learn is that the lesser things will be taken care of. The donkeys for which Saul went searching were later found. Saul had no role in finding them. But he had found his destiny.

When Jesus asked a man to follow him, he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” What he meant was that he will finish all his household duties and after everything is settled he will come and follow Jesus.

To this Jesus replied, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” What Jesus meant was that those who are not having God’s life in them will take care of the ordinary tasks. You don’t worry about the routine and lesser things of life. But think of the destiny that God has planned for you. Act on it now.

The story of Saul’s search for donkeys and rise to the throne is found in 1 Samuel 9 and 10; and Jesus’s conversation with the man is found in Luke 9:59, 60.

Image courtesy: Luciana Evrard on Pexels and OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay | Microsoft Designer

#OpenToWork #JobSearch #Networking

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Sunday Sermonettes | Lessons of Faith and Possibilities from the Miracle of Jesus Feeding the Five Thousand

Sunday Sermonettes #015

God’s Compassion

The basis of any miracle in your life is God’s compassion. This is the first of many simple lessons of faith and possibilities in the miracle of five loaves and two fish multiplied to feed five thousand people..

Jesus is moved with compassion as he sees the hungry crowd. He wants to help them. So he asked his disciples to give them something to eat.

Your Focus

Their response is like how we respond to impossibilities we face. One of them said, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!.” That was true. But they forgot it was Jesus who was with them.

The simple lesson here is to take our eyes off the difficulties facing us and focus it on Jesus. We might not know what to do. But we can look to him with expectation and in faith.
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Possibilities in Small Things

Jesus already knew what he was going to do. He asked how many loaves they had. He said, “Go and see.” Jesus was willing to see the impossible happen in small things.

By this time, another one of the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish.” That was good for a boy’s meal.

The disciple also added his doubts to the introduction. He asked, “But how far will they go among so many?” That was a realistic question. We too often ask such questions that express doubt, negativity, and impossibility.  But we should not forget who is with us and what his plans are for the impossible situation.

Jesus was not disturbed by the question that was asked and the doubt that was expressed. He simply said, “Bring them here to me.” Yes, bring your meagre resources to Jesus and see what he is going to do with them.

A Prayer of Thanks and Expectation

Jesus creates expectancy now. He asks the disciples to seat the people in groups of hundreds and fifties. With nothing but the five loaves and two fish in the hands of Jesus,, the people would have wondered about what was going to happen.

Then Jesus exhibits his calm assurance that his Father in heaven always heard his prayers. He looked up to heaven, said thanks, and broke the loaves. He asked the disciples to distribute. He did the same with the fish. At least for once, the disciples did not doubt. They acted on his command.

Sharing and Multiplication

The five loaves of barley and two fish multiplied to feed the crowd of five thousand men besides women and children. I wonder at the willingness of the boy to share his food. Possibly if we are willing to share, God is willing to do a miracle.

Yes, God is moved with compassion when we are in need. He doesn’t always do miracles of this kind; but often uses people to meet our needs. You too can be a channel of his compassionate touch in the lives of your friends just like the boy who shared his food with Jesus.

Difficulties Can Be Met with an Attitude of Praise and Thanks

You can always take your difficulties to Jesus. You might not know what to do. But you can be assured that he has a plan. The feeding of the five thousand teaches us to thank God even before the miracle happens. It is a joyful expectation of our confidence that God is willing to meet our needs.

When we give thanks, God acts in ways beyond our imagination. We then see impossibilities give way to surplus with very meager resources. They even collected twelve baskets of barley loaves left over for Jesus had said, “Let nothing be wasted.”

What Are Miracles For?

Immediately after the miracle, Jesus dismissed the crowds and his disciples and went up alone on a mountainside to pray. That was the secret of his life. He always kept in touch with his Father in heaven, depended on him fully, and did everything to please him.

The miracles that Jesus did was a natural outflow of his constant and intimate connection with God, his heavenly Father.

The next day the crowds come searching for Jesus. Then Jesus told them something startling. “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.”

How true it is that even today many follow Jesus without realizing that he is the One who satisfies their deep spiritual hunger and thirst.

Miracles are meant to lead us to God and not to satisfy our selfishness. Miracles are meant to help us focus on eternity and not on our worldly desires.

Jesus the Bread of Life

Miracles should lead us to Jesus and to the moments his body was broken for us on the cross and his blood shed there for us and the forgiveness of our sins. He is the Bread of Life who alone can fully satisfy, nourish, and gift you eternal life.
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This article is based on Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand Narratives found in the four Gospels in the New Testament of the Bible: Matthew 14:13–21, Mark 6:30–44, Luke 9:10–17, and John 6:1–14.
Featured image courtesy: Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

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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

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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.
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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.

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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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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.

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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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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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A Child’s Dream About the Future

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

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

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

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

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

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Speech on Obedience | Stefan B. Peter | Elocution Competition

Respected Judges,

A warm good morning to you all in the matchless name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The topic for today is obedience. Isn’t it lovely that the New Testament begins with the story of one man’s obedience. The Bible says: “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.” The lesson for us is that one man’s obedience can impact history. So it is important for us to obey. This is especially true for us children as Paul wrote in Colossians 3:20, “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”

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Now let me point out a few thoughts about obedience.

First of all, obedience can take us through difficulties.

Our supreme example of obedience is that of Jesus Christ who obeyed God to the point of bleeding to death on a cross. The writer of Hebrews says, Jesus learned obedience from what he suffered. It tells us that the path of obedience is not always smooth. It might lead us through difficulties and suffering. But these pressures of life will transform us from an ordinary lump of dark charcoal to a priceless diamond that shines brilliantly.

Secondly, obedience is not about obeying rules but it is about a personal love relationship with Jesus Christ.

In John 14 Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” Therefore obedience is an outflow of our love relationship with God. We can obey God with joy when we believe that God is good all the time. We can obey God when we believe that God has our highest good in mind when he commands us to do something. Therefore let us obey God because we love him.

Thirdly, obedience is about faith.

Let us look at Abraham, the father of faith. In Hebrews Chapter 11, that great roll call of faith, it is said “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” He went because he trusted in God.

Let me conclude by saying that God always warns us when we try to disobey him. If we do not listen we will sink like the great ship Titanic which ignored warnings about icebergs ahead. Let us not be like Prophet Jonah who ran away from God in disobedience; or like King Saul who lost his kingdom due to disobedience; but let us be like Joseph who obeyed God and left his footprints on the sands of time. Amen.

Speech on Obedience | Daniela B. Peter | Elocution Competition

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Speech on Obedience | Daniela B. Peter | Elocution Competition

Daniela

Respected judges,

A warm good morning to you all. Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The topic obedience is of great relevance in today’s world where artificial intelligence enables robots to obey commands. They are programmed to obey. In contrast, God gave human beings the ability to choose. We have been given free will. We can choose to obey.

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Listen to God’s Word

But unfortunately, in the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve chose to disobey God. How did that tragic fall happen? It was simply because they chose to listen to the serpent which made them doubt God’s word. The question the serpent asked Eve was, “Did God really say?” She doubted God’s word and therefore disobeyed.

So my first point is that obedience can happen only when we listen to God’s word. That is why Jesus at the end of the Sermon on the Mount told us that the man who listens to his words and does them is like a man who built his house on the rock.

Secondly, obedience is love in action.

For Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey my commandments.” Now a lot of people believe that Christianity is a set of rules dominated by the Ten commandments. But Jesus summarized those commandments into two: Love God and love your neighbour. And this love, if it is true, is always accompanied by obedience.

Jesus himself showed the extent of his love for all of us through his obedience. In Philippians Chapter 2 we read that Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. The practical lesson for us is that there are many things that are not pleasant to do. But we do them because we love God and show that love through obedience.

Thirdly, we need to learn from examples in the Bible.

For example, we have a tremendous example of obedience in the life of Abraham. God gave him the promised child, Isaac. But after a few years God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah. Abraham obeyed and went. He asked no questions. We all know how God blessed Abraham for that act of unquestioning obedience.

In contrast we have the example of Prophet Jonah. He was commanded by God to preach to the people of Nineveh. Instead, he ran away in the opposite direction and boarded a ship bound for Tarshish. He had to spend three days and three nights inside the belly of a huge fish before he came back to the path of obedience.

My final thought is that Paul writing to the Ephesians says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” In a generation where obedience is not regarded as popular, this command is a clear direction to children. I am sure that children who obey their parents will receive God’s blessings in their lives. Let me conclude with the chorus of a meaningful song:

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Amen.

Speech on Obedience | Stefan B. Peter | Elocution Competition

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Interview Success Is About Your Passion

Red Ferrari

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.

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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

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Is God Dead?

Lightning Purple

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?

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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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Inspirational Teamwork Seen on the Seashore

Shankumugham Beach, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
10th September 2010.

Scene I

Two sets of fishermen were standing in line. They were holding on to two ends of the fishing net. With great effort they were hauling the net in. Two men were out in the sea guiding the net even as they kept swimming. Though the tide seemed low, the waves were crashing in. And soon it started raining.

But my wife and I stood watching the fishing process with great fascination. It was the first time we were seeing it live. We found that our umbrellas were no protection against the slanting rain. And it was cold.

Yet the men toiled on; unmindful of the weather. I admired their sense of unity and purpose and how focused they were on their work. Dark and cloudy skies, crashing waves, heavy rains and biting cold—circumstances that look not promising to an average onlooker did not seem to even bother them the least. And finally they brought in their catch. Small and big fishes were there. They struggled to hold on to their freedom and life one last time. But the game was over. They were soon transferred to the waiting baskets of fisherwomen.

I thought about the little fishes, the anchovies, (“netholi” in Malayalam) that were caught in the nets. I wondered what these small fishes thought about their lives in this big ocean. Sometimes our smallness in this big world bothers us a little bit; doesn’t it?

Scene II

As the umbrella offered little protection from the rain and the winds, we tried to find shelter underneath the roof a small house nearby. From there we watched a group of fishermen trying to wash their nets. It was a fascinating sight. All of them together carried the bundled up net down to the sea. They were singing and chanting “ellelo, ellelo” and “hoi, hoi” encouraging each other and creating a jubilant mood.

Perhaps their hearts were content and thankful because of the catch of fish they got and for the safe return of those who had gone out to the sea. Well, in that heavy rain, and drenched to the core, they cast the bundled net into the sea. As the waves washed it, they straightened out that net into one long stretch.

As we watched, what happened next fascinated us very much. One fisherman lifted up the straightened out net at one end and drew it towards himself from the sea. After the net had come up two or three feet, another man stepped forward and took hold of the net ahead of the first man. Then the process repeated. Young and old stepped forward in almost rhythmically timed fashion, one at a time, until the entire net was carried by them in a single file. The wonder was that there was no one to instruct. It all happened with great precision. It was one example of brilliant teamwork.

What I thought was that they knew and understood their roles well. Without jealousy, without any thoughts that one was better than the other, with a great sense of purpose and unity, they toiled.

Epilogue

We left the shore with the thought that the morning was well spent. It was a joy to learn some life lessons first-hand. I also thought once again about that bit of sidelight information that I had read many times: Jesus called some of His first disciples “as they were casting a net into the lake” or some others who were “in a boat, preparing their nets.” Did something of the teamwork of those “unschooled, ordinary men” attract Jesus’ attention to them that made Him make them part of His team? I wonder.

Like the sea our lives are a big canvas. Nothing great can be painted there without such teamwork as these fishermen exhibit. Unflagging enthusiasm, unlimited patience, endurance and hope, the joy of celebration; all mark the lives of these men. They rise together as a team. This is their glory even as they wait for each new dawn.

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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.

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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

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Conquer the Giants in Your Life


Are you facing giants in your life? They can either kill you or make you strong if you fight and conquer them. The choice is yours. If you decide to fight, here are a few simple steps to remember when you face giants in your life. By the way giants refer to the BIG problems you are facing.

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Some of the names of giants might be familiar to you like fear, worry, laziness, discouragement, depression, suicidal thoughts, feeling like a failure, financial difficulties,  wrong habits, career or marital problems and the like.

The first thing is to realize that every person fights a giant at some point in life. No one is exempted. Your giant might appear small to another; but to you the giant looks imposing. Don’t let that discourage you. The truth is that giants are everywhere and they are meant to be conquered.

The second thing to remember is that God is willing to help you. When you feel powerless, weak, and without strength; look to God for help. Your prayers are never lost. There might be delays; but God will answer in his wisdom with what is best for you. So trust him to conquer the giants in your life.

The third thing to remember is that giants always fight back. They never give up easily. So don’t expect an easy victory. Like the classic David and Goliath fight; the odds might be overwhelmingly against you. But then it was a simple stone slung in faith that felled the giant. Don’t fear when giants advance against you; you can conquer them if you face them with boldness and courage that the God-confidence you have gives.

Fourthly, remember that giants are meant to make you grow in your faith in God and to have courage in your character. Without giants you always will remain feeble unable to face the realities of life. So one of the best ways to face giants is to thank God for them and cherish the opportunity you have to graduate in life. Conquering giants will not only make you strong; but also inspire others to fight and conquer giants in their lives too. Believe it.

Finally, face giants with hope. There is nothing like  hope that keeps your spirit bubbling and buoyant in your fight against giants. Hold on to hope even when the progress seems snail-pace slow. Don’t lose heart over repeated failures. Simply get up and fight again. You might get hurt but the victory is yours. So get up and conquer the giants that threaten you today.

Read Conquer the Giants in Your Life on LinkedIn

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Have a Healthy Mind

Having a healthy mind is critical to your success in life.  And surprisingly it is quite easy to have a healthy mind. Let me give you some simple tips to achieve good mental health.

First of all, to have a healthy mind, begin the day with a smile, a prayer, and a thankful heart. When you get up from bed; just smile because you have got the gift of a new day. Pray to God to give you wisdom for the day. And be thankful for all the blessings you have in life. In that way a positive environment can be created for having a healthy mind.

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Secondly, to have a healthy mind, have good friends in your life. Friends will share your joys and sorrows. They will motivate you to do better in your studies, hobbies, and career too. They will play with you and talk. And they will team up with you for projects and activities. All these are good for your mind to stay healthy.

Thirdly, to have a healthy mind, try to help someone who is weaker than you. Encourage someone to push beyond what he or she has achieved in life. Most people suffer from low self esteem. Your motivational words can shine a light in their darkness. When you do so it not only encourages them; but will also make your mind radiate with joy. Isn’t that a great  way to stay mentally healthy?

Finally, to have a healthy mind, deliberately say no to gadgets: your laptop; mobile; TV, gaming station etc. They have their value. But too much of entertainment without interaction with people; especially your loved ones is going to destroy your mental health. Addiction is more addictive than you think. The more you can stay away from gadgets; the better your  mental health.

Let me conclude by saying that mental health is of great importance in today’s world. So make a deliberate effort to stay mentally healthy by being thankful, having good friends, helping others and saying no to gadgets. Keep up hope.

You can read this article 4 Simple Steps to Have Mental Health on LinkedIn

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Curse Words Children Use Rob Their Innocence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A Simple Speech on Helping Others

Red Lighted Candles Christmas GiftRespected elders and my dear friends,

Mother Theresa once said: “We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.”

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Sometimes our home is the first place where charity and helping others should begin. Let us learn to treat our loved ones with courtesy and respect. Let us gift them a smile and a kind word.

Once our family thus becomes a place of love, peace and joy we can turn our attention to helping others. Helping others is a reflection of our love for God.

“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen,” so wrote Apostle John. So without helping people whom we see we cannot claim to love God whom we do not see.

Now let us look at three different ways in which we can help people.

The first help you can do is to listen to people. In today’s busy world parents do not have time for their children and husbands do not have time to listen to their wives and so on. People are looking for someone to listen to them. Not only children but people who are in old age especially. If you can spend some time with them their sunset years will be filled with joy.

The second help you can do to people is to spend money for their needs. Their are many people who suffer from diseases like cancer. They require lots of money for their treatment. Then there are poor people who need money for their children’s food and education. Some people need a house to live in. The needs are several. If you can help them with such physical needs it will be a blessing.

The third kind of help you can do to people is to help them find a living. It is said, “Give a man a fish you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish you feed him for lifetime.” A job gives a man not only money but also self esteem and dignity and respect in society. He can take care of his family as well as help others. By teaching a man to make a living you are helping him to dream and achieve.

Let me now conclude by once again saying about the importance of helping others. Jesus Christ once told a parable in which he warned people “Truly I say to you, ‘Whatever you did not do for one the least of these, you did not do for me.’ ” The three kinds of help you can do to people is 1. Listen to them 2. Gift them with money for their medical, educational and social needs. and 3. Teach people to earn a living.

I hope you will be inspired to touch a few lives with your love and care in the days to come.

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School Assembly Say No to Drugs Speech

Red Lighted Candles Christmas GiftRespected Principal, Beloved Teachers, Dear Parents, and my fellow students,

Introduction

I stand here at this school assembly looking at the faces of young students who are the future of our country, India. There is much potential, talent, and energy in all of you. With discipline and creativity, imagination and enthusiasm, dream and drive; there is no limit to what each one of you can achieve. But sadly, today, there is a cloud that seems to darken this brightness; it is the menace of drug addiction. So let me start off this campaign by having all of you say no to drugs.

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The other part of that slogan should be, “Say Yes to Life.” When saying yes to life, let me share a word of wisdom to all the stakeholders here.:To teachers, parents, as well as students.

Teachers

First of all, let me talk to our teachers. You constantly shine a light on our paths. You encourage us. We are grateful to you for that. But beyond this let me ask one more thing from you. Do not compare us with others. Do not compare our marks or our appearance.

What we expect from you is a word of appreciation. A good word of encouragement can go a long way in building our self-esteem. Give us a word of hope that in spite of our failures and mistakes we are going to make it. Perhaps the confidence you can give us, the trust you show us can in the long run help us say no to drugs than anything else.

Parents

Now let me to talk to our parents. You have made life possible for us. You have given us love and care and affection. You have given us great learning opportunities. We are here today only because of you. But there is one mistake that many parents make. You give the best toys and gadgets for your kids. You give money for their needs.

But how much of your time do you give them? Do you know the best gift you can give them is your unhurried time; your willingness to listen to them; and maybe play with them when you get a chance. Young children grow fast. And when you realize that time has flown; they will be already adults like you. Then it will be too late.

Many children turn to drugs because they seek love and acceptance they did not get at home. So they find it difficult to avoid the peer pressure and fail to say no to drugs.

Students

Now at last, let me to talk to you my friends. There is only one life. When you are young it is the springtime of life when everything is in bloom. But there are predators everywhere. They are those who seek to drain away the nectar of your life by luring you with the temptation of entertainment, pleasure, easy money and the like.

Always know that drugs come into your life to steal, kill, and destroy. It will hook you, addict you to a path of misery, and make a wreck of your mind, body, and soul.

Those who peddle drugs will make it look attractive and even innocent. But hidden behind could be the arm of mafias and terrorist outfits who have no respect for life. Know that their only aim is money by making you compromise your bright future by trading it off for illegal enjoyment the present moment.

Therefore think long-term. Think of the people who love you. Do not bring them to tears. Say no to drugs.

Conclusion

Let me end now. Even when you’ve made a mistake by chance or choice or by being forced, there is always a U-turn possible. Keep up hope. It takes courage to return and you can. It is like the prodigal son returning home to his father’s love after having wasted all his possessions in wild living.

Therefore, let me urge you once again, if there is anyone who has taken the wrong step already; it is not too late. Say no to drugs and return to life and there will certainly be a future for you.

2 Minute Speech on That One Word Every Young Girl Should Be Bold to Speak!

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What Does the Excuse “I Don’t Have Enough Vocabulary” Mean?

What Does the Excuse “I don’t have enough vocabulary” mean?

First of all, it is another way of saying, “I have a problem with my confidence.”

Secondly, it reveals the thinking that “I need big words to communicate.”

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Confidence depends on a lot of factors. I have written about loss of confidence elsewhere.

But for now, let me mention that even if you communicate with gestures, your face, and your eyes; you probably might be able to communicate many things. And the fact might be that without realizing it; you often use non-verbal communication quite successfully each day; don’t you?

In that sense, let me ask you, “Are words needed for communication at all?” The point is that a limited vocabulary is not a limiting factor if you can use the few words you know, creatively.

But do you really need big words to communicate? I don’t think so. Communicate using simple words.

“The sprout of a lone blade of green grass lifting up its head through the brown mud should fill us with hope,” is a simple sentence that can be easily understood. But what makes it colourful is the images that sentence brings to our mind. We almost see what is spoken; don’t we?

So, the argument, “I have only limited vocabulary,” is simply an excuse you have found to hide and escape from any speaking opportunity that presents itself before you. Instead try saying, “I love to communicate using very few words. And I do so by my creative choice of words.”

There you are! Ready to speak and make an impact with the limited vocabulary you have. What you have now is more than enough to paint a whole world of colours in the mind’s eye of your audience.