How to Face Basic Problems of Life! – Bejoy Peter's Public Speaking ®

February 2, 2025February 28, 2025

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.

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

December 29, 2024April 7, 2025

Sunday Sermonettes | God Is the Lifter of Your Head

Sunday Sermonettes #018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Featured image courtesy: Photo by Inzmam Khan on Pexels

October 6, 2024March 26, 2025

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

Sunday Sermonettes #006

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But when calm had come, the friends were terrified and they asked: “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” The storm had rocked their boat; but it also made the friends of Jesus get a real glimpse of who he truly is.
—
Based on Mark’s Gospel Chapter 4: Verses 35 to 41
Featured image courtesy: Photo by Andrew Harvard on Pexels | Microsoft Designer

September 22, 2024April 7, 2025

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

Sunday Sermonettes #004

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Featured image courtesy:Photo by SHVETS production on Pexels

October 23, 2023October 26, 2023

Are You Unhappy at Work?

There is every chance that the title resonated with the pain in your heart; isn’t it? Many people are unhappy at work. Why is it so? There are no easy answers. But let us try to know what can be the reasons and perhaps how to try to get the better of them.

One, probably your immediate boss is your primary problem.

Always finding fault, always pressurizing you to meet deadlines, perhaps shouting at you occasionally might best describe this person. These are negatives, no doubt about that. At the same time, try to see all this as helping to push you beyond your limits to be the best you can be. This change of perspective can take the focus away from the negative boss to the positive process of growth that is happening for good.

Secondly, your passion might be somewhere else and your heart is there.

There are compromises we all make to meet current realities related to meeting our personal and family needs. No need to become frustrated about that. You need to wait patiently till the pressure of current needs are met and then you can think of switching to a new career or try to talk with your management to help you be in a role that bests suits your talent and passion.

Thirdly, it can be a toxic work environment, a bad work culture, or even your nosey colleagues that can be the problem.

There are no easy answers here. But for the sake of argument, let me say that you will always meet people who create trouble everywhere you go. Learn to avoid being with people who are potential volcanoes waiting to erupt. When they try to pry into your personal lives; don’t fly off the handle but instead with a gentle smile try to steer the topic away to something that is currently in the news. Not easy, but definitely doable.

Fourthly, it can be that you are too focused on the pay packet.

It can be less compared to others like you in other Companies or someone junior to you has been hired with a greater salary than yours. Both are hard to digest. One way to see your job is to see the big picture. If you can find meaning in your work because of the impact and influence it has on people it can make your burden light. Monetary rewards will come when you excel. Focus on excelling in your work even if your salary is not unto expectations at this time.

Fifthly, it can easily be a problem with work-life balance.

Personal and family needs and dull daily routines can take away your happiness at work. But life is real and not a fantasy. Problems are real and can lay their weight heavily on your mind. Try to see if some chores can be delegated. Try better prioritization of tasks and time management. Try talking with your friends. Take some deliberate time for yourself each day and spend it on your hobby. See, most people never ever get started on what they wish to get done in life. Get started now. Even if it is 5 minutes a day.

Sixthly, probably you are carrying someone else’s monkey on your back.

This concept was originally proposed by William Oncken Jr. in a Harvard Business Review article way back in 1974. It is a powerful image pointing to a daily reality at work. You might be saying yes to requests for help coming from others. There is nothing wrong with helping others. But consider whether they are just putting their monkey on your back and taking life easy. You should learn to help without carrying the burden. A gentle, firm, honest No to not-so-genuine requests can make life happier for you at work.

Finally, let me conclude by pointing out something we are all guilty of. Lack of gratitude.

So many of us take things for granted in life. Our loved ones, a home, a job, means of travel, good health etc., are some of the things that we don’t think much about. See, there is much in life we can be thankful to God for. An attitude of thanks and praise to God is a sure way to bring back joy and happiness in your work and keep the hope of a better tomorrow alive.

You can read Are You Unhappy @ Work on LinkedIn
Featured image courtesy: Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: Pexels.com

October 15, 2023August 2, 2024

When You Feel Anxious

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

First of all, look to God.

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

Secondly, try to declutter your life.

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

Thirdly, talk to your friends.

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

Finally, travel with hope.

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

You can read When You Feel Anxious on LinkedIn

¹1 Peter 5:7
Featured image courtesy: Photo by Roy Reyna: Pexels.com

July 1, 2023September 14, 2023

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.

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

Give Me This Mountain

June 21, 2023October 27, 2023

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.

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

November 18, 2022November 19, 2022

You Are Invited to LIFE

Why should you be invited to life? Aren’t you living already? Or is there life beyond life as we know it? These are important questions. The answers can impact your life more than you can imagine.

Let me invite you to look at this grand statement of truth in the Bible which says: “In him was life, and that life was the light of men.”¹

In Jesus was found true life. That means the life of God himself. A life that showed to us that there is hope when everything around us is filled with despair; joy even when there is heartbreak; light in the midst of thick darkness; forgiveness we do not deserve; and life that death cannot steal.

His life shows you that God is merciful, compassionate, good, and kind-hearted. His life is always a welcome to you to reach out and grip his nail-pierced hands which bled on the cross for you.

There is something about Jesus that is full of life—abundant life, eternal life, and joy-filled life. There is peace in his life that is not absence from activities but the calm and serene authority in the midst of being busy at the marketplace.

And he is your invitation to life—life which has the expectant hope of some day being like him and enjoying the presence of God.

This life is not an end of oneself or dissolving of oneself or nirvana or rebirth of oneself. But it is knowing God and being able to love him just as you are now; and in a far better way when your death is conquered by his life in you.

Therefore choose life. And it will become the light in your life. It means that in Jesus you’ll find a true knowledge of God as your Father in heaven who cares for you.

Let me end by saying that you should not miss this opportunity to life by being busy with the worries of your daily earthly living. Choose life—life that is found in Jesus!

¹John 1:4

August 15, 2022August 15, 2022

When Problems Appear Bigger to You Than They Really Are

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

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

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

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

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

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

—
¹ Philippians 4:6, 7 Bible NIV 1984.

July 14, 2022July 14, 2022

Who Will Show Me Compassion?

When people misunderstand you and question your good motives, what do you think you need the most? Perhaps a compassionate heart, an understanding touch, a word of comfort; isn’t it? But the question is, “Who will show me compassion?”

When all call you a failure, when your best work is criticized, when you in spite of all your prayers and efforts are unable to succeed in the eyes of others, and you feel like there is no one to stand by your side; the question still is, “Who will show me compassion?”

When hope flickers and despair creeps in, when you feel like you cannot live another day, when you ask “Why am I going through all this?” the question still is, “Who will show me compassion?’

But after passing through all these, is human compassion enough? Even if someone weeps with you, who is powerful enough to heal those deep wounds in your heart and mind?

Therefore consider God. He is full of compassion. He remembers that you are nothing but dust of the earth and shows compassion like a father shows compassion to his child. His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. So look to him. Seek his face. He will show you compassion today.

He has seen your tears. He knows the pain of your broken heart. He feels your godly sorrow over your sins. Just run to him and his loving embrace. Yes, God will certainly show you compassion today.

***
Bible passages referred to: Psalm 103:13, 14; Lamentations 3:22, 23; Matthew 14:14, 20:34; Mark 6:34, 8:2–3.

May 26, 2022October 4, 2023

Distractions Drug You to Lose in Life

Usain Bolt, one of the greatest sprinters the world has seen, wrote in his autobiography¹: “Distraction for one hundredth of a second might be enough to lose a race.” In this modern world of gadgets when most of us spend too much time on our mobiles, distractions, especially caused by time spent on social media can drug you to lose in life.

Why do I use the word drug? Because drugs cause addiction. And who will disagree that social media is so addictive that you simply cannot control the urge to check and recheck and scroll through the reels and trolls and status updates.

Now the impact of distractions can be felt in a few areas: Losing focus, losing a sense of priorities, and losing the sense of responsibility are some of those.

First of all let me talk about focus. Take the example of a student preparing for the upcoming exams. Think about the student having books on one side and chatting on the mobile at the same time. It is like trying to pilot a plane while also trying to drive a car.

Secondly, let me talk about losing a sense of priorities. Time is limited. So not one of us can accomplish anything worthwhile in life without establishing priorities. That tells us what is urgent, important, can wait, and not needed. But distractions often make us spend valuable time on minor things, things that don’t matter, and what is frivolous.

Thirdly, let me talk about losing the sense of responsibility. Take the example of a mother of school kids and also a professional. If the mother spends long hours with her mobile, she is not doing justice to her prime responsibility of caring for her children. And one cannot find fault if her kids too just snug her and watch all that she is watching.

Let me conclude. My dear friends, life is short. And today, distractions are stealing away much time from your life. You are losing focus, losing a sense of priorities and also the sense of responsibility. So say no to distractions and avoid being drugged to lose in life. The decision is yours. Take it now!
Clip on Distraction from Malayalam Sermon on the Blood of Jesus

¹Usain Bolt | Faster Than Lightning | My Story | Published by Harper Collins

March 19, 2022July 23, 2022

Low Self-Esteem and 3 Things to Remember

You are reading this probably because you are going through a period of low self-esteem. It can happen due to a lot of reasons. But it need not stop you from moving ahead successfully in life.

There are many external causes for low self-esteem. Being unable to do what you are good at, lack of finances, words of criticism, emotional or physical abuse during childhood, rejection from loved ones, breaking up of relationships, ill health; can all contribute to low self-esteem.

The chances are, low self-esteem you feel is based on others’ negative opinion and false estimates about you. When someone says, “You’re an utter failure,” or “What benefit do you get when you help others?” it is bound to make you feel low and down.

But are those estimates true? Maybe that’s how someone feels about you. Their ideas of success might be totally different and influenced by the crowd they mingle with.

Whatever it be, feeling low on self-esteem is painful and can take away the enthusiasm to do anything purposeful. There are three things you should keep in mind when you go through a period of low self- esteem:

One, God values you and sees infinite worth in you so much so that he sent his one and only Son Jesus to shed his blood on the cross and die for you. Believe God’s truthful estimate about you.

Two, patiently keep doing your good work knowing that its fruit and reward will come someday without fail. Do not mistake slow-moving phases of life as failure.

Three, the pain of low self-esteem can make you a better person. It can make you more creative, more compassionate, and more humble before God. In due time, God will exalt you. Trust in his perfect timing for you.

So when low self-esteem troubles you, pour out your sorrow before God. He will listen to you, for he is compassionate. You can lean on him for strength in times of low self-esteem. The night is darkest, as it is said, just before dawn!

March 17, 2022July 23, 2022

Speech on Pollution of the Mind

Air, water, soil, and noise pollution are commonly talked about. The advancement in technology and the giant leaps made in development has caused harm to our environment and to ourselves. But today I would like to speak about the pollution of our minds which nobody talks about much. This pollution is immersive and no one can easily escape the web it weaves.

Pollution of our minds is a reality. There are several ways in which it can happen. Pollution of the mind happens when the gateways of the mind like the eyes and ears are open to pollutants.

We live in a highly visually stimulated world. Technology has brought lot of distractions too right in front of our eyes along with all the educational, informational and entertainment possibilities it offers. The question is, “Are children taught to filter all that they see?” Does our educational system teach them how to discern whether what they consume on the internet is polluting material or not?

As there are non-biodegradable waste, so also there are pollutants of the mind that are non-erasable. Some kinds of conversations we listen to which fall into the category of slander and gossip remain in the minds with permanence. So also certain kinds of literature we read, movies or videos we watch, or sensational news we consume that glorify evil; all put their roots deep down in our minds.

So here are three simple steps to avoid pollution of the mind:

One, avoid and run away from places, situations, and entertainment, which you know can poison your mind.

Two, do not engage in conversations that make fun of others, mock, and demean people.

Three, involve in creative activities and cultivate good friendships in life.

To conclude, let me remind you that in this age of Space travel and tourism, we have created a huge quantity of debris in Space already, thus polluting what was majestic, glorious, and reflecting God’s incomparable wisdom and power. We’ve polluted everything possible, filling it with junk. Therefore, let me plead with you not to let your minds become a garbage graveyard from where nauseating smell emanates and the smoke of burning never stops.

March 14, 2022July 23, 2022

Do You Hold a Grudge?

Forgiving someone who has done you harm or wronged you in some way is not easy. We hold a grudge against a person who has wronged us. This can go on for years.

But consider. Who are you harming in the long run? It is you yourself. I do not know about the chemical changes that happen in the body due to this; but I can assure you it is certainly negative.

You are like a person poisoning yourself a little bit each day. You fail to enjoy the good things of life because the grudge you hold in your heart colours your emotions black and ugly. No matter what you do the grudge puts up its ugly head to distract and discomfort you.

Having said this much, is there any solution to it? Saying that you should forgive the person is easy. Because no matter what you do you are unable to forget the wrong that the person did to you. You might even get angry and burst out at the one who suggests to you to forgive the other.

That’s quite normal. But should it be left like that? Therefore seek God’s help. If you sincerly ask him for wisdom to deal with the situation, he will give it to you without finding fault.

The point is it is humanly impossible to let go of a grudge. Because it persists. It irritates. It clouds your mind and thinking. It makes you hate.

I don’t have solutions. But I know only to point you to the One who can provide you the grace to let go the grudge you have. Seek God and his help today. For his mercy is great and his compassions never fail. He will surely help you to give up the grudge you have.

Maybe it doesn’t happen like you switch on the lights. But when God gives you grace, there will be a diluting of acidity that has been eating away the peace in your heart and mind.

Can I Earn My Forgiveness?

February 5, 2022July 23, 2022

Are You Ready to Face Your Appointed Time?

Do you think time is going to last for ever? Don’t you think there is a time appointed for the end? If you have never thought about it, now is the time to think.

Jesus said, “Night is coming, when no one can work.” The Bible says yet again, it is appointed or destined for people to die once, and after that to face judgement. These are truths that point to the end.

Your end can come unexpectedly. If you are not prepared for it, you have nothing to hope for, but eternal doom. Health, wealth, influence, power, and relationships do not last forever. You cannot trust any of those to help you cross over from death to life!

Your only hope of mercy is at the foot of the cross where Jesus bled and died for your sins. In him you will find life, forgiveness, and hope. When you trust in him, you’ll have the courage and confidence to face your appointed time. It will surely come.

The world is fast moving towards its appointed end. It will be a time of trouble like the world has never known. If you are not alert and watchful; pleasures of this world, worries of life, and pursuit after riches, will dull your senses to the reality of coming judgement.

At this time, God’s warning signs are seen everywhere. At the same time, God is showing great patience and extending mercy to all; for “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” For the end is near and approaching us with speed and finality. Are you ready for your appointed time?

Link Page to Read Along Motivational Sermonettes and Speeches

December 9, 2021November 9, 2022

Even When Others Might Call You a Failure

Even when others might call you a failure; God doesn’t call you so. For the blood of Jesus shed on the cross was to give you a new beginning in life. So, thank God for all your failures.

Believe that God can use all your failures to make you a better person. A broken and contrite heart; and humility often comes as a result of failure.

God looks at your heart and your motives more than your failure; whatever that be. Therefore, if at all you have failed, do not give up hope.

For stars in the heavens still twinkle at night. And no failure in your life is final; if you can accept God’s help to rise up once again.

Link Page to Read Along Motivational Sermonettes and Speeches

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

March 25, 2021July 27, 2022

My Grace Is Sufficient for You!

Grace is often described as the favour of God which we do not merit or deserve. On one occasion the LORD Jesus said to St. Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”¹

Paul was praying to God for having a difficulty in his life removed. He prayed thrice. This man through whom God had done many miracles was given an emphatic NO in answer to his prayer.

But the real answer given was a greater lesson. “My grace is sufficient for you. ”

Now what does that mean? It means that God knows that we are weak vessels. He knows that we carry the treasure of God’s wisdom in jars of clay.

We can be easily cracked and broken in the daily situations of life. We are bound to make mistakes in spite of our best efforts. And often we fail.

Yet God does not give up on you and me. He looks ahead at what he is going to do in your life. He is never discouraged. His focus is on you crossing the finishing line strong.

So he gives you grace to stand up under pressure. He brings consolation to your soul when you have great anxiety.

He shapes your character when you pass through troubles and difficulties; and you then emerge as gold passed through and tested in the fire.

When troubles sustain, God’s grace sustains us all the more. When we are truly weak; our pride is kept in check, and God’s power is perfected in us.

In other words, we are kept humble and all the more dependent on God. There is less burden on our hearts and minds this way than if we tried to live our lives in our own wisdom and strength.

This is God’s grace. The ability and enabling he gives is sufficient to meet our pressing needs. In other words, you will not lack the supply of his grace. He will hold you by his right hand.

Yes, God’s grace is sufficient for you and for me.

—
¹2 Corinthians 12:9 Bible NIV 1984

March 19, 2021July 22, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

March 17, 2021July 22, 2022

“Why Are You Downcast, O My Soul?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

March 14, 2021January 8, 2024

Hope in God Will Be Your Strength

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

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

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

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

¹Psalm 62:5 Bible NIV 1984.

Yes, hope in God will be your strength.

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February 23, 2021December 9, 2024

God Give You the Grace to Overflow with Hope

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

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

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

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

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit“

— Romans 15:13 Bible NIV 1984.

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

¹Romans 4:18

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February 21, 2021July 22, 2022

Life from Ashes and Rise from the Dust

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 14, 2021July 22, 2022

Three Quick Things to Do When You Are Tired of Living

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Better Hope in Life Do You Have Than This?

—
Post inspired by the reading of Psalm 31:19—22.
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February 13, 2021July 22, 2022

Are You in the Habit of Postponing?

So many people dream about the perfect time to begin. It rarely happens. Though there are occasions when timing means everything; most of life is about doing things now. Do not postpone anything that you can do today and now. If you do it becomes a habit that is going to be difficult to break.

So how do you get out of the habit of postponing? Take a look at certain elements you need to keep in mind.

We are told not to worry about tomorrow. It means that we use the present opportunities. The right time to start is now. The secret is to start small. There should be a sense of urgency in getting things done.

Many people never start to do anything thinking of the bigness of the task ahead. It is wise to break the big task into small bits and work on each bit at a time. That makes the big work manageable. So many small acts done consistently over a period of time will yield better results than attempting to do a big thing all at once.

It is observed that when there is a flow of things happening you do your tasks well. But when there is a break a long gap follows. Each time you want to restart what you have been doing you feel a kind of inertia holding you back. And you wait for an appropriate moment to restart.

Instead of waiting for the right time, start immediately. The joy of doing what you have been doing well will return very quickly. You will also start to wonder why you waited so long?

Avoid too much thinking and too much planning. It can take away your initiative. Start to act now. And be prepared to make the needed changes as you go along. Pick up a project or plan you had shelved long ago. If you haven’t played your guitar for a long time now, just pick it up, wipe the dust and start strumming. The tune will follow. The melody will return. The power of acting now will ensure that you will be able to follow through.

So now is the time to take action. Get up and do something. And get rid of your self-defeating habit of postponing.

What Better Hope in Life Do You Have Than This?

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February 10, 2021October 13, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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December 5, 2020July 20, 2022

Overcome Procrastination by Doing Things Today

If you procrastinate you are living on credit you can never pay back. For time is a limited resource and there is not anything that can replace time lost. Therefore overcome procrastination by doing things today.

The first thing to overcome the habit of procrastination is to start doing things immediately. Do not think too much about problems and difficulties. Get started.

If there are a set of things you are supposed to do, attempt the most difficult first. It might take a longer time to complete that than the rest. That is okay. But if you do the easy ones first you might have no energy or enthusiasm left to finish the big one at the end.

Again, most of us procrastinate because we think of just the tasks to be done. That creates a kind of laziness and lethargy in your mind. Instead connect it to a higher purpose and goal.

If you are a student, don’t just think about finishing your homework. Instead think about the dream career you want to pursue and think of the homework as a vital step to achieve your dream. That will energize you to overcome procrastination.

Breaking up big tasks into smaller ones that can be attempted at different intervals of time can ease up the mind a great deal. This will give you the much needed feel of “I can do it.” It will certainly help you overcome procrastination.

Reward yourself when you finish things without procrastination. The joy of reward will further motivate you to start doing things without postponing. Thus you can overcome the habit of procrastination.

What Better Hope in Life Do You Have Than This?

December 1, 2020July 20, 2022

Promise of New Year Resolutions and Its Heartbreak ?

New Year is a time of promise of a bright future ahead. It is a time you love to leave behind the baggage of the past and take new resolutions for the year ahead. So far so good.

But experience has taught us that New Year resolutions are broken sooner than expected in spite of all the good intentions behind them. And it is heartbreak time then. And giving up all as lost when promises are broken.

One thing you should never forget is that in our unending quest for ideal beginnings in life we wait to the end of the year postponing every good thing we could have attempted. Many opportunities are lost in this kind of waiting.

Instead of waiting for the New Year to come, why not start today with your resolutions. Attempt something you always wanted to do. Begin small. Even when you fail start again. That is the true promise of life.

Achievements and success is not to be seen as destinations and the end of our journeys. Instead see attempts and failures as the real cornerstones of success.

So start today and now. Do not delay. Be realistic that there will be failures and setbacks. But be determined to bounce back. Enjoy the process. And then you will have a beautiful journey ahead.

Do not wait for the New Year. In spite of all the hype and promise about welcoming a New Year it is a deception as far as resolutions are concerned. Do not believe the lie that something magical is going to happen the first day of the year. It can happen or it might not happen.

But if you trust God, and believe in him for your future; today is the best day and now is your opportunity. The promise the Bible declares is that God’s compassions never fail and they are new every morning¹.

So get up and start to put your dreams to reality. By the time New Year comes around, you would have far advanced than most of those who chose to sit and watch and wait!

¹Lamentations 3:22, 23.

October 28, 2020July 20, 2022

The 1 Minute Guide to Find Your Ultimate Satisfaction in Life!

Have you tried to find satisfaction in work, in play, in entertainment, in relationships, in love, in pleasures, and even surfing the internet or chatting in social media platforms? Did you succeed?

Look at advertisements. They aim at creating the impression that it will satisfy one or many of your needs. The needs can be varied—it can be your need for comfort, for security, for a greater sense of pride, for happiness, for being loved or respected, for intimacy, for success or for health.

Advertisements promise much, but do they deliver as much?

Well, I know at least one Advertiser who delivers what he promises. It is none other than God himself. One of his invitations and promise made is this.

“Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters;
And you who have no money come, buy and eat.
Come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without cost.
Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And delight yourself in abundance¹.”

It was made to a people who were about to go into captivity and exile for their sins.

God is promising to satisfy free of cost. There are many thoughts related to this:

One, man is always dissatisfied with the best the earth has got to offer. There are limits to what money can buy.

Two, the best satisfaction a man has is incomplete. There will always be left a vacuum that no earthly pleasure can fill. That is why addictions and enslaving habits need more kicks to satisfy as time passes and they thoroughly deceive at the end.

Three, God sees what is driving you in your pursuit of satisfaction. He not only sees your action, but also sees what that emptiness in your life is that you are seeking to fill.

He cries out to you today: You have forsaken me—the fountain of living waters—and have made broken tanks that cannot hold water!²

Therefore consider. God is simply asking you to come to him. He will satisfy you with the gift of himself. He is no killjoy. Instead in his presence is fullness of joy!³ Drink of the waters he gives; it will quench your deepest longings and ultimately satisfy!

¹Isaiah 55:1, 2 Bible NASB
²Jeremiah 2:13
³Psalm 16:11

October 14, 2020December 12, 2023

Self-Doubt Can Be Overcome to Make You a Winner

Self-doubt can defeat you.

How can you tackle self-doubt? Let us look at seven steps to do so:

Look at the worst that can happen. You might fail. So what? At least your fear of failure will be removed; isn’t it?

Look at your best performance in the past. If you could do it then, you can certainly repeat that again; can’t you?

Look at all those who are eagerly waiting for you to do your part. Maybe it is your speech, your song, or your batting. Whatever it be they are all looking forward to your success. Isn’t that encouraging?

Look at those closest to you: Your parents, brothers and sisters, teachers, friends, Coach etc. They are people who believe the best about you. They know you can.

Look at the opposition. If they are strong it should bring out the fighting spirit in you. Therefore do not yield to a spirit of despair. You can conquer your doubts and win.

Look to yourself. You are unique; isn’t it? Doubts are not a sign of lack of talent but it is usually nervousness playing its trick before a critical performance. So learn to master it. Self-doubt comes to those who are genuinely talented.

Finally look to God. He is a great encourager. He says “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. I know you by name. You are mine. I have given you both skill and wisdom to perform the tasks I have called you to do. And I will never leave you nor forsake you. Therefore, be strong and courageous!”

Read How to Overcome Self-Doubt on LinkedIn
Isn’t that awesome? And the knowledge that God is there to encourage and help is the greatest cure to self-doubt I have known!

“Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

— Isaiah 41:10 Bible NASB

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