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.
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.
Positive thinking is much talked about because most of us think negatively all the time; isn’t it? We worry too much and get stressed when we face problems. And therefore it is not surprising that so many motivational books on positive thinking have been and still are best sellers.
Let me try to say a few thoughts on positive thinking:
First of all, positive thinking is a deliberate act of the mind. It doesn’t happen naturally as most of us seem to be wired to be negative thinkers. Thinking positively is like switching on the lights so that the darkness of negative thoughts cannot stand before the light.
Secondly, positive thinking is about choices. It is about choosing to keep your mind focused on good things. For there are lot of negative suggestions that bombard your mind from external sources all the time—even as you walk the streets, listen to conversations, or watch something on television or YouTube. So choose life instead of death, dreaming instead of defeat, hope instead of despair, and light instead of darkness.
So my friends, life can throw a lot of changes especially as the world is nearing its end. The moment I say this, negative thoughts might have clouded your minds. That is why positive thinking is needed even when the world is about to end.
—
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
“Where are you?” God is asking you this question today. It means that he cares about you.
When God is asking, “Where are you?” it is to help you realise that life without him is miserable. He earnestly wants you to come back to him, even if you have rebelled against him.
When you do so, you’ll find God, full of compassion and mercy, waiting to lead you home. In Jesus, who on the cross bled and died for you, you’ll find what you’ve been seeking all along.
In him, you will find unconditional love and acceptance. He is the one who understands your pain, your loneliness, your weaknesses and temptations, your search for meaning, and above all who has experienced rejection first-hand more than you do.
When he is asking, “Where are you?” he sees your heart and all the doubts you have. Just come to him. He is willing and has the authority to forgive you if your heart is burdened with sorrow over sins you’ve done.
For you are not lost, but you belong to him. His eye is watching over you and ever asking, “Where are you?” What will be your response? Will it be, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”
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“Where are you?” is the first question that God asked Adam in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve were hiding from God after disobeying him. See Genesis 3:9 Bible. Who Will Show Me Compassion?
One long sentence begins with the thought that has crossed each of our minds when we looked up at the twinkling stars at night in our childhood and we started thinking on how it all began and how the universe came to be without man’s effort because he was not there when with just the spoken word God created the world in all its variety and beauty and order until there was that little bit of rebellion which cut off and separated man from the presence of God and it was so sad and tragic and brought death’s curse over the world which showcase God’s wisdom and power and love and care and it all seemed to end in failure when God promised that a Man would come as a child one day to bring back peace between God and sinners which became the good news for which the world waited for centuries until the Word became flesh and lived among us and faced the increasing hostility of men which finally made them nail him to a wooden cross on top a hill where he bled and died for the forgiveness of your sins and rose again from the dead the third day to live forevermore to gift eternal life to all those who would trust and believe in him which tells us that there is hope for each one of us and life will continue with you finding joy in heaven and living in the presence of God and angels and seeing the face of God only if you repent and believe the good news failing which you go to hell where the fire never stops burning and worms do not die as Jesus said which is a reality that will be your ultimate destiny if you deliberately turn away from God’s love shown you on the cross for then nothing else remains but the wrath and judgement of God falling on you which you cannot escape but can if you choose the love of God for there is no condemnation or eternal punishment for those who trust in Jesus Christ the Son of God who loved you and bled to death for you.
Jesus is coming soon. It is going to be a sudden coming, a majestic coming, a joyous coming, and a momentous coming. Let us look at how this next great event on Planet Earth and witnessed by all is going to happen.
Warning and Encouragement
When Jesus comes back it will be like a flash of lightning.
It will happen in the twinkling of an eye.
Those who are ready will be taken; others left behind.
When the LORD Jesus comes down from heaven,
with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel,
and the sounding of the trumpet call of God,
the dead in Christ will rise first.
When Jesus comes in the clouds with power and great glory,
believers who are left and still alive at that time,
will be caught up together with them in the clouds
to meet the Lord in the air
and be with him forever.
Others will be left behind.
A Sudden Coming
The second coming of Jesus will be a sudden coming.
Without warning, when people least expect him,
when they say “peace and safety,”
when mockers and scoffers who follow their own evil desires ask,
“Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?”
When people are busy planning, eating, drinking, and making merry;
then Jesus will come like a thief in the night,
and there will be sudden destruction and judgement by fire.
And people will not escape.
So be ready. Look to Jesus with hope;
for there is not much time left to decide where you will spend all eternity:
Hell or heaven is totally your choice!
A Majestic Coming
The second coming of Jesus will be a majestic coming.
He will come as KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
And as the Judge of the living and the dead.
And his coming on the clouds of heaven,
with power and great glory,
will initiate events that will lead
to final and inescapable judgement.
So be ready. Look to Jesus with hope;
or else you’ll be left behind.
A Joyous Coming
The second coming of Jesus will be a joyous coming.
For Jesus is coming to take us to heaven;
all those who have believed in him
and in his shed blood on the cross
for the forgiveness of their sins;
that they also may be with him forever.
But if you are left behind,
the world can offer you NO hope,
for the world in the end times will witness great trouble,
never ever before seen in the history of this world.
So be ready. Look to Jesus with hope.
You who have this hope in you purify yourself;
in the precious blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God,
so that you may not be left behind.
A Momentous Coming
“Look, he is coming with the clouds,
and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him;
and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.”
No one knows about that day or hour of his coming.
Be on guard! Be Alert!
You do not know when that time will come.
Are you ready for his coming?
Or will he find you unprepared and sleeping?
Arise, shine, for your light has come. There is a moment when God touches your life. You can never be the same again. Neither the present crisis in your life; nor the baggage of the past is going to prevent the future glory that God will bring into your life.
Arise, shine, for your light has come. There is a moment when God will shine his light in your life. You can then never be in love with darkness again. Though darkness never gives up easily; God’s light that shines is powerful enough to drive all darkness away. And there shall be light.
Arise, shine, for your light has come. There is a moment when God will show you compassion like never before. You’re hurting and you’re troubled and you’re anxious and worried about your future. God will comfort you like a mother and you will know who God really is. His love is strong and gentle.
Arise, shine, for your light has come. There is a moment when God will make a change in your fortunes. Yes, there will come a time when you will forget the shame of your youth. There will come a time when gifts will be brought to you. Those who had despised you shall then honour you.
Arise, shine, for your light has come. There is a moment when God will rebuild your life. You might be looking at the ruins of what once was glorious. You might be thinking of how big a challenge it is to bring back to life all that is lifeless and looks like trash. But God will help you rebuild your walls once again.
Arise, shine, for your light has come. There is a moment when God will better everything about you. There will be a qualitative improvement in your life’s situation. Instead of trouble; there will be peace. Your present circumstances will prove no match for the might of God who will demonstrate his power and deliverance on your behalf.
Arise, shine, for your light has come. There is a moment when God will not delay any longer. He will make a quick response to your cry. He will come to help. The swiftness with which God will act on your behalf will take all by surprise. For God is working in your life even now when no outward act of his is seen. Let hope overflow because Jesus bled for you on the cross where God’s light of compassion, mercy, and forgiving love had shone to remove all despair and darkness from your life.
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.” — Isaiah 60:1 Bible NIV 1984.
— Note: This motivational speech is inspired by Isaiah Chapter 60 in the Bible.
I, as the School Leader, stand here representing all the students of our school. It is the first time any one of us have been given a chance to speak out loud and clear what is in our hearts. We cherish this great opportunity.
Today, let me spell out for you what our hearts want to speak out.
First of all our hearts want to say thank you dear parents and beloved teachers for all what you have been to us, for all the wisdom you have shared with us and for all the encouragement you have given us.
Secondly, all of our hearts are anxious. In this increasingly technology driven world when many are compelled to spend much time online by choice or chance; it is becoming difficult to find true friendships. And when around the table talk during family dinner in many homes have been stolen by busyness and addicition to mobile screens, we children, each one of us feel like stranded on islands of our own making.
Thirdly, let me say we are ambitious. There are lot of more career opportunities ahead. There are a wide variety of courses to choose from to reach there. What our school has taught us is to pursue our goals and dreams. We are so happy that our parents and teachers have instilled in us the courage to persevere, to put in honest hard work, and have untiring enthusisam and hope in the midst of failures and setbacks in life.
Above all, we are learning to be compassionate and kind-hearted. We were given a lot of opportunities to get to know how people struggle to make ends meet in the communities around us. We were given many chances to make a difference in a few lives. I am sure that these efforts and the willingess to lend a helping hand will not vapourize like dreams but stay embedded in our minds for a long time to come.
Therefore dear parents and beloved teachers, thank you once again for the light you have shone on our paths; it shall be our beacon of hope when clouds obscure the sun. Thank you for the seeds scattered on good soil; they will surely sprout, grow, multiply and yield a great harvest. Thank you for your love; for even in our moments of rebellion we still believe in the goodness you have reserved for us in your hearts. There shall be a come back home. God bless you all. Thank you.
Today my heart bubbles up with joy to speak about my school. I love my school with all my heart. Well, we have shared the same premises all these years and our minds are filled with memories of all that we were able to learn and do together.
So what makes our school special? What makes me love my shcool with all my heart?
Let me try to spell out a few reasons why this school is so special to you and me. It is not the buildings or the infrastructure that makes this school dear to us. There is something beyond the physical.
First of all, this school has always been student-friendly. It has welcomed us with both arms and made us feel that this is our second home. In fact, we have spend more time here than in our homes during our waking hours. And each day we carried home to our parents and brothers and sisters some story that became part and parcel of our lives; didn’t we? That is why I love my school and so is it why you do too.
Secondly, this school has always had excellent teachers. They have been good in their knowledge; but beyond that they have been truly great in treating each one of us with dignity. They have helped us see our hidden potential and encouraged us at every turn. They have sacrificed much personal comfort to give us a vision and a dream about our bright future.
To borrow words from Henry Van Dyke, let me promise you my dear teachers that for all the sparks you ingited in us; some day we will shine a light back on you. Yes dear teachers, even when years roll by we cannot forget you. Even though we may not be coming back to be in daily touch with you; our hearts will always have in it a place for you filled with gratitude. Dear teachers, you are the reason why I love my school with all my heart.
Finally, I love my school for all the values that it has taught me.Discipline, integrity, sportsmanship, pursuit of excellence, compassion to people, unwavering optimism and hope, and much more came to me from this institution. They were not only taught but it has been integrated into the very culture of this school. We go from here not just having bookish knowledge but as well-rounded personalities with excellence of character. Thus my school has truly served the purpose of education. For these invaluable contributions, I love my school and I am sure you too share the same.
My dear friends, my heart is sad at this time of parting. Along with you, I too say goodbye to this beautiful campus, the classrooms, the playgrounds. A few days from now the band that plays, the morning assemblies, the chit chat during the breaks, the festive arts and literary competitions, science exhibitions, talents day, and the like will not be ours. But life moves on. We move out to let another set of youngsters take over. But nothing will change the love I have for my school. Thank you.
In this post, you will find these in four sections:
I. A Brief Introduction to Bishop Jesudasan’s Life and Legacy
II. Bishop Jesudasan’s Sermon: The Feast of Life (transcript).
III. Sermon Analysis
IV. Related Content: Links to condolence messages and media reports.
A Brief Introduction to Bishop Jesudasan’s Life and Legacy
Bishop Jesudasan’s sermons are remembered for their clarity of thought, their grounding on God’s Word, their depth of understanding of cultural contexts, his unique way of combining eastern and western elements, their relevance to the occasion, and for their force of delivery and impact.
He always approached the pulpit with utmost sacredness only to preach God’s Word and never for any other purpose; a lesson his father had taught him.
Bishop Jesudasan came from a very humble background and was exalted by God to positions of leadership: He was a presbyter in the South Kerala Diocese, became Lecturer and subsequently Principal of Kerala United Theological Seminary. He was elected Vice-Chairman of South Kerala Diocese and then its Bishop for a span of seventeen years which is described as the golden age of the diocese. During this time he was elected Deputy Moderator of the Church of South India and later its Moderator for three consecutive terms.
He was Co-Chairman of the CSI-CNI-Marthoma Joint Council, a member of the Anglican Consultative Council, Council for World Mission (formerly London Missionary Society or LMS), and the World Council of Churches; being an elected member of its central committee for ten years. He has authored several books that are Christ-centred and expound the Word of God with great depth of theological understanding and insight.
Bishop Jesuadasan was a man who was faithful to God’s call. He truly made memorable his name Jesudasan, which in his mother tongue Malayalam means, servant of Jesus. He had a true shepherd’s heart and did his utmost to keep the people of God united, He had the attitude of a servant leader, lived a simple life, had absolute trust in God, walked in his integrity before God and men, was compassionate to the poor, cried out for social justice, commanded the respect of secular and religious leadership alike, was a man of prayer spending early morning hours in reading and meditating on God’s Word, and wherever he went spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ and brought a sense of God’s presence to all worship services and meetings he conducted.
Most Rev. I. Jesudasan, the then Moderator of the Church of South India, delivered this blessed sermon at the World Council of Churches Assembly in Vancouver, Canada, on 31st July 1983.
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes (1 Corinthians 11:26).”
The sacrament of Eucharist is indeed a festival of great joy: the feast of life. Because, here we celebrate the wonderful and unique act of God by which He shared His life with our humanity. This is the cardinal mystery that we proclaim in and through this sacrament. God in His boundless love had shared His life with us by sending His son Jesus Christ to take upon Himself the fallen human nature and to give us eternal life. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us full of grace and truth.” And the Son of God shared His life with humanity by proclaiming the good news to the poor, by doing deeds of love and finally by laying down His life for all. This unique sacrifice is the source of abundant life to all people. The Holy Spirit makes Christ’s life a transforming and life-giving power in the world.
But how do we participate in this feast of life?
The Lord of life calls us to humble ourselves; to leave our pride and, like Peter, to be washed by our Lord, who emptied Himself to take the form of a slave. When we come to our senses we would also confess before God’s embracing Love, just as the Prodigal son did: “I have sinned against heaven and before you, I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” We feel the compulsion to cry out, beating our breast like the Publican, “God be merciful to me, a sinner.” It is only the poor in spirit who are deemed worthy to enter into the joy of the kingdom. If we approach the Lord’s table with contrite hearts and empty hands, there awaits for us the bread of life. The Lord is ready to fill the hungry with good things.
Here in Vancouver, we, the representatives of different church bodies who acknowledge and proclaim, “Jesus Christ—the Life of the World,” are privileged to celebrate this Eucharist, offering thanks to God our Heavenly Father. God’s people from all nations, tongues, and cultures have come together to make this occasion unique. We are thrilled at this grand spectacle which gives a foretaste of the heavenly scene of the great multitude which throng around the throne of God singing the new song of praise as we read in the Book of Revelation.
Against this glorious and luminous backdrop we are alarmed to see the acts of betrayal still being enacted in our day. Principalities and powers around us cause fear and anxiety as in the days of Christ. During these days we have been made aware of these frightful depressing modern betrayal scenes.
The darkness that surrounded Jesus Christ was basically a spiritual one, caused by unbelief. According to the New Testament witness, eternal life is to know the Father and His son, Jesus Christ, and the work that is pleasing to God, is to accept Jesus Christ whom the Father had sent for our salvation. For the witness is that in Him we have life. And it is this life that we are called to proclaim to a world in spiritual crisis.
Many in our world do not care to have vital spiritual relationship with the living God through His son Jesus Christ. So atheism, agnosticism and different types of secular materialism are on the increase. We cannot deal with them either by ignoring them or by replacing them with other concerns. It is in this context that we bear witness to the living Christ who says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. St. Paul says that, “the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” At the Eucharist we are made to see the terrible loss that happens to life—whether individual or collective, which is not related to God through Christ. We are called upon to feed the world with the bread of life and lead the nations to the living waters.
Christ sent the disciples to the upper room to make arrangements for the last supper. They went and set one table for it. Painfully we still sit at separate tables in the ecumenical upper room, excluding each other in the name of Him who invited all to His table, propping up our differences with theological arguments. It is, however, a happy thought that the liturgy that we celebrate today is a sign of the advances we have made on our common understandings on Baptism, Eucharist and the Ministry. It is at this table that we become aware that truth is not a theological affirmation, but the sharing of the life our Lord. This feast is, and always will be, one that calls and compels us to be inclusive.
Poet Markham says,
He drew a circle that shut me out . . .
But love and I had the wit to win;
We drew a circle that took him in.
What is the context of this feast?
We know it only too well that millions suffer all over the world, living under poverty, oppression and exploitation. The crafty designs of unjust socio-economic structures crush the voiceless poor, they cry for justice. In the name of freedom, values of the kingdom of God are brushed aside and for selfish gains and pleasures of life; people choose to walk on the road that leads to death. Our societies are producing more and more druggists, delinquents, unclaimed children, broken homes, etc. Are these not symptoms of disintegration of our modern civilization? People in such conditions stretch out their hands for help.
Consequent on the massive accumulation of nuclear weapons we live under the dreadful fear of total annihilation of the human race.
The abundant world resources are being wasted on destructive purposes while poverty continues to assume alarming proportions. Indeed the creation itself mourns over the irresponsible and sinful acts toward nature and its resources. The frightened people all over the world yearn for peace while political structures defiantly ask, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The church too is often tempted to pass by.
The great Indian sage and Poet Tagore says:
“Thou are the Brother amongst my brothers,
But I heed them not,
I divide not my earnings with them,
Thus sharing my all with Thee.
In pleasure and in pain I stand not by the side of men.
And thus stand by Thee.
I shrink to give up my life,
And thus do not plunge into the great waters of life.”
We are very much conscious of the darkness that surrounds us. God has opened our hearts to be concerned about these situations, of which we have just heard. It was in the midst of challenges posed by destructive forces and death, that our Lord instituted the sacrament of Eucharist as the feast of life and then down his life to win victory over the powers of death. In Christ we find the new life which God shares with the world and learn the secret of the life in God. Jesus said, “whoever loves his own life will lose it, whoever hates his own life in this world, will keep it for life eternal.” Eucharist celebrations become meaningful only when it points to a sharing of our lives. “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls,” says Paul to the Church in Corinth.
On September, 1224, the Holy Cross Day, St. Francis of Assissi prayed thus in a prayer vigil:
“Who are thou, my God most sweet?
And what am I, that unprofitable servant and vilest of worms?
O, my Lord Jesus Christ,
Two graces do I pray thee to grant unto me before I die.
The first that while I live I may feel in my body
And in my soul that sorrow, sweet Lord, that thou didst
Suffer in the hours of thy most bitter passion.
The second that I may feel in my heart that exceeding love
Wherewith, Oh, Son of God, thou was enkindled to endure
Willingly for us sinners agony so great.”
May this be our prayer as we take part in this Holy Eucharist.
Sermon Analysis and Appreciation
The Setting
Bishop Jesudasan’s sermon The Feast of Life is based on God’s Word, focuses on the meaning of the Holy Eucharist instituted by our Lord, is set against the backdrop of situations of current relevance and has a global and heavenly perspective.
Two Questions
The whole sermon hinges on two questions he asks about the sacrament of Holy Communion:
Question #1: “But how do we participate in this feast?”
If anyone is not related to God through Christ, we find there a terrible loss that happens to life. In order that we might not suffer loss, we need to humble ourselves like Peter and the Publican and the Prodigal son and seek God’s mercy. It is when we acknowledge that we are sinners, it is when we leave aside our pride, and it is only when are empty and poor in spirit, that we can approach the Lord’s table with “contrite hearts and empty hands.” Then we will find there the Bread of Life awaiting us with his embracing love and ready to fill the hungry with good things.
Question #2: “What is the context of this feast?”
The Bishop points out for us the fact that Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper “in the midst of challenges posed by destructive forces and death.” But he also points out that Jesus triumphed over them by laying down his life “to win victory over the powers of death.”
The Feast of Life Is About Sharing
He speaks about the sacrament of the Eucharist as a festival of great joy because it is the feast of life. And it became the feast of life because it centred on one thing: sharing. First of all, God shared his life with our humanity. He did this so by sending his son Jesus to this world. And then the Son of God shared his life with humanity “by proclaiming the good news to the poor, by doing deeds of love and finally by laying down his life for all.” Therefore “Eucharist celebrations become meaningful only when it points to a sharing of our lives.”
The Feast of Life Means Becoming Inclusive
We are called by our Lord, as we participate in the Lord’s supper, to become inclusive and sit at one table and not be divided by “propping up our differences with theological arguments.” We are called by our Lord, to see and listen to the cries of millions of people who “suffer all over the world, living under poverty, oppression and exploitation.” “People in such conditions stretch out their hands for help,” he says.
The Feast of Life Is About the Grand Spectacle of the Foretaste of Heaven
When Bishop Jesudasan looks at the gathering, he sees representatives of different church bodies from all over the world coming together to celebrate the Eucharist. All of them together proclaim Jesus Christ—the Life of the World. It is a great moment to offer thanks to our Heavenly Father. The redeemed people from all nations, tongues and cultures coming together like this, according to the Bishop, is a “grand spectacle which gives a foretaste of the heavenly scene of the great multitude which throng around the throne of God singing a new song of praise.”
The Feast of Life Is About Witnessing to Jesus in an Unbelieving World
The Bishop is alarmed to see “acts of betrayal” that still happen against this “glorious and luminous backdrop.” He highlights the fact that humanity in plunged into spiritual darkness because of unbelief—the refusal to believe in the One whom God sent to this world. The New Testament witness is that in the Son of God we have life. And when we celebrate the sacrament of Eucharist, we have to be reminded that “it is this life we are called to proclaim to a world in spiritual crisis.” Thus the Bishop reminds us that we the church as a people are not only called to be a believing and worshipping community but also a witnessing community to the life that is in Jesus, the Son of God and the Saviour of men and women.
The Acts of the Holy Spirit
The Bishop also reminds us how the Holy Spirit makes Christ’s life a “transforming and life-giving power in the world.” He reminds us that the kingdom of God does not happen in the pursuit of atheism, agnosticism, and secular materialism. But it happens when people seek God’s righteousness first and foremost. He reminds us of the words of St. Paul who wrote: “the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
The Historic Value of the Sermon: The Feast Is About Sitting at One Table
At Vancouver, Canada, at the World Council of Churches, when the Bishop spoke, he was not only testifying to his personal walk with the Lord and Saviour Jesus whom he loved, but he was also speaking as a representative of a community of peoples God redeemed from under oppression and slavery; who by the mighty transforming act of the Holy Spirit and by the relentless and untiring efforts of missionaries in the fields of education, medical care and social reform became united under the umbrella of the Church of South India on 27 September 1947.
Having seen and experienced first-hand the transforming and life-giving power of the Holy Spirit in the life of communities; and having seen the formation of the CSI where four different traditions; viz—Presbyterian, Methodist, Congregational, and Anglican came together to become one under the administration and guiding hand of the Holy Spirit; it is no wonder that the Bishop was calling up to give up theological arguments and sit together at one table thanking God for the feast of life he has provided us with.
The Shifting of Scenes
The Bishop lifts up our eyes to looked beyond the grand spectacle of the people gathered together to celebrate the Lord’s supper at WCC Assembly to the great multitude in the heavenly scene as portrayed in the Book of Revelation.
But then from there he invites us to the earthly scene of injustice and oppression where we are called to act to help. In the context of unjust socio-economic structures which crush the voiceless poor who cry out for justice, in the context of values of the kingdom of God being brushed aside for selfish gains and pleasures; a choice that makes people walk on the road that leads to death, in the context of world resources being wasted for destructive purposes where even creation mourns because of sinful acts against nature and its resources; political structures ask that question that was heard at the dawn of human history: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” At the same time the church is tempted to “pass by” like the priest and the Levite in the story of Good Samaritan.
The Triumph of Christ’s Life
The whole sermon is a reminder that Christ emptied himself to give up his life to feed us with the bread of life. He triumphed over the forces of darkness and death by giving up his life. It was loss of his life that rewards us with eternal life. We are called to share this life with the world by a sharing of our lives.
Eastern and Western Elements
The Bishop quotes the American Poet Edwin Markham to highlight that we have to be inclusive. He quotes the Indian Poet Rabindranath Tagore from his classic and Nobel prize winning work Gitanjali to remind us that devotion to God which makes us insensitive to the needs of our neighbours is not what the Feast of Life is meant to be.
Devotion to Christ
In closing, the Bishop quotes the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. To those who have known the Bishop personally, this prayer comes from his lips not as a matter of oration or rhetoric; but as a sincere prayer. It was his life’s walk. He was truly devoted to Jesus Christ and had a personal relationship with his Lord and Saviour.
A Classic Sermon
This sermon is a classic because it does not come to us as a usual three-points sermon or even a sermon that is built on stories. Instead, it weaves in and through the pages of the Bible; reminds us of Cain’s question to God in Genesis and takes us to the heavenly scene as shown in Revelation.
In between, he makes us see in our mind’s eye Peter leaving aside his pride to be feet-washed by his Lord, the returning Prodigal son making his speech of repentance and meeting the “Embracing Love” of his father, and the Publican beating his breast. These pictures remind us of all that we learned in Sunday School but with deeper and more enduring lessons attached.
This sermon is a classic because of its huge relevance as it was delivered in the context of the celebration of the Eucharist by believers coming together from all over the world from different languages, nations, and cultures.
This sermon is a classic because we find the Holy Trinity and the Bishop’s adoration of the Trinity holding the sermon together. At the introduction he reminds us of God sending his Son to this world and the Holy Spirit making Christ’s life a transforming and life-giving power in the world. Again in the middle of the sermon the Bishop talks about the New Testament Witness of what life is: it is to know the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Then he goes on to say along with St. Paul that the kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
This sermon is a classic because of implied contrasts throughout the sermon. The Bread of Life is being offered to those who will take it. But there is terrible loss and betrayal and death when the Bread of Life is rejected. Life on one side and death on the other. Sitting at one table together; at the same time propping up differences. The stretching out of hands for help while those cries are ignored on the other. Glorious and luminous backdrop on one side; on the other darkness and unbelief.
One Final Thought—The Feast of Life
The sermon leaves us thinking on the true meaning of the sacrament of the Eucharist. It is a reminder of the Lord’s death. It reminds us that in the death of our Saviour we have life. It reminds us there is one table and we have to leave our differences behind and sit united at one table. It reminds us that “acts of betrayal” are still going on and many people choose the road that lead to death. But when political structures deny that they are their brother’s keeper and when the church itself is tempted to pass by we are called to share our lives for the people of this world. It is then that the Lord’s table truly becomes the Feast of Life.
The dead in Christ will rise first. Along with them believers living at the time of Jesus’ coming in the clouds will then be caught up in the air to be with the Lord for ever. Others will be left behind.
The second coming of Jesus will be a sudden coming.Without warning, when people least expect him, he will come like a thief in the night.
The second coming of Jesus will be a majestic coming. His first coming was as a humble child born in a manger. But this time he will come as King of Kings and Lord of Lords and as Judge of the living and the dead. And his coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory, will initiate events that will lead to final and inescapable judgement.
So be ready. Look forward to the glorious hope of the second coming of Jesus. Or else you’ll be left behind
The second coming of Jesus will be like a bridegroom coming. Jesus is coming to gather to him his bride. That includes all those who have believed in him so that they all shall be with him forever. And if you find yourself in this great gathering of multitudes in the skies; then know that it was out of his everlasting love for you that Jesus shed his blood on the cross for you.
So be ready. Look forward to the glorious hope of the second coming of Jesus. Or else you’ll be left behind.
But till Jesus comes again, he expects you to be busy doing your work faithfully; the work he has called you to do. He is coming at an unknown hour and an unexpected time and let him not find you lazy and oppressing others. For there will be judgement on all such.
So be ready. Look forward to the glorious hope of the second coming of Jesus. Or else you’ll be left behind. See LinkedIn Post
“Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.” — Revelation 1:7 Bible NIV 1984.
Other keywords of interest related to this post: #Antichrist #Rapture #End of the World #Judgement Day
#666 #Mark of the Beast #The Great Tribulation #Signs of the Times #End Times #Armageddon
Respected dignitaries on the dais, beloved colleagues, and graduating students,
Have you wondered how it feels when you’re aboard a ship going on a long voyage for the first time? What is the feel when the ship moves away from shore? You slowly lose sight of your loved ones and all familiar landmarks. Then it is all water everywhere.
But then what sustains you there? Hope! Hope of fulfilling your dreams, hope of a better tomorrow, and hope of a great journey ahead. My dear graduates and post graduates College of Nursing, you are soon going to be part of this situation I have just described. Life, my dear friends, is forward. There comes moments when we have to step out into the unknown and unmapped territories.
Let me briefly spell out three magic words that can light up your path ahead:
The first magic word I would like to shout out loud to you is the word LIFE.
We live in a world which is increasingly becoming hostile to life. The dignity of life is challenged everywhere. People are being reduced to labels, numbers, and even objects. It is in this context that we Nurses are called to nurture life, value life, cherish life, and bring health and healing to the world.
Have you understood the real impact of this? There was once a man, a common labourer in Europe who said, “I am building here a cathedral with the great Architect Sir Christopher Wren.” See, that person had the insight that though his role was to bring together the bricks and build the wall; he was engaged in a larger task of helping people worship God in a beautiful cathedral. He also had the sense of pride and dignity that he was working along with a great builder of cathedrals.
My dear Nursing graduates, you too are working along side our Creator God. He is in the business of giving life; and you along side with him are also engaged in helping people maintain healthy lives. Be thankful that God has entrusted you with this awesome privilige.
In this context let me remind you those beautiful lines from Michael Jackson,
Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me
And the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough for the living
Make it a better place
For you and for me.
The second magic word I would like to leave with you is PURPOSE.
In that classic movie Chariots of Fire which shows the Olympic Gold winning effort of Eric Liddel, there is a moment where he speaks his heart out to his sister Jennie. He says, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast! And when I run I feel his pleasure.”
Likewise you all are called to be nurses with a purpose—the purpose to care, to give hope, and to put confidence in people. This is a high calling in life. To fulifil that call, you may have to make personal sacrifices.
Lini Puthussery is one among us in Kerala who with great courage and dignity made a great sacrifice to take care of people infected with the Nipah Virus. She could have played it safe. But she chose to pursue the call of duty. Florence Nightingale could have played it safe duringthe Crimean war but she was ready to be used as an instrument of healing in God’s hands. Or take the example of Edith Cavell, a British nurse who was executed by the Germans for saving the lives of many soldiers during World War I. She was quoted as saying, “I can’t stop while there are lives to be saved.”
So my dear graduating students, you are on a mission with a purpose–the purpose to care, to give hope, and to put confidence in people while nursing them back to good health.
The third magic word I would like to bring to your attention is COMPASSION.
We live in the age of ever-happening technology. What is the impact of this? Many husbands know their mobile phones better than their wives and vice versa. With artificial intelligence making great progress; today life is becoming more and more mechanical and robotic. Lost is the time of family prayer and dinner together. We have also let go of simple conversations at home. Everybody is busy chatting with everyone else in the world but not with members of family.
As Mother Theresa noted, “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.”
So know that most people who come into your care are poor. They may have houses, cars, jobs, and plenty of gold but they are emotionally and spiritually poor. What they need is compassion. One of the characteristics of Jesus during his earthly ministry was that he stopped to listen to the cry of individuals because he was moved with compassion.
Can you be a channel of God’s compassion? If yes, a healing beyond that of physical sicknesses can take place. That is a greater miracle.
Let me conclude. I would like to thank all of you for inviting me to deliver this graduation address. I am deeply thankful for the kind words of introduction too.
My dear graduating students you are now going to be angels of encouragement and hope. You are going to be carrying the light of hope in jars of clay. In yourselves you may feel weak and inadequate for the great task ahead. But let me wish and pray that God Almighty hold you by your right hand and lead you on your journey ahead.
Did you know God is waiting for you? He knows that like a foolish child you’ve strayed and lost your way. So he is anxiously waiting to see you come back home.
“Come back home, my child,” is your Heavenly Father’s voice to you today. “Return to me,” is the call he sounds to you now. So take words with you, “Father, I have sinned against you. Please forgive me.”
Oh, God will run to you, embrace you, kiss you and accept you when he sees you come back from afar!
He will not find fault with you nor condemn you for wasting your life in wild living. But he will receive you with great compassion when you come back. He will show you great mercy.
The door of heaven and the heart of God is always kept open for you to come back. Angels will rejoice at your coming back. There will be celebrations in heaven when you come back to God and your home.
When you get back home my child God will put rich and royal robes on you. Then to all you will no longer be the beggar on the streets, but a son or daughter of God. Come back home my child to the rich welcome of God.
— This post is inspired by the story of the Prodigal Son Jesus told (Gospel of Luke Chapter 15 Bible).
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
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.
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
Today I thought to challenge you with the Greek word “hamartia.” It means missing the mark.
Imagine someone trying to throw a dart into a bull’s eye. It falls short and misses target. That is an example of missing the mark. Or else think of a basket ball player shooting the ball into the basket. Instead of falling through the net, it hits the board and rebounds. That is yet another example of missing the mark.
In family, we can miss the mark if we do not value our loved ones and spend time with them when there are chances to do so.
In friendships, we can miss the mark if we fail to be a friend in need and do not give an empathetic listening to one who is sharing his or her pain with us.
In the perspective of eternity, we can miss the mark if we don’t prepare for it by making wise decsions and honouring God in our hearts on earth.
Yes friends, missing the mark is something each one of us should fear. This fear should make us have sharp focus, avoid distractions and unhealthy habits. This fear should make us strive with all our heart and mind and soul and strength not to miss the mark.
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!
But then when Jesus is willing to step into the empty boat; will the nets return void? And when he says, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch,” you can raise a lot of objections; for you Simon Peter are an experienced fisherman in the sea of Galilee; aren’t you? And he is just a carpenter from the obscure town of Nazareth. Or isn’t he?
Is it positive thinking that what creates miracles? Or is it obedience to the voice of him who commands the winds and the waves?
But the greater miracle was not the miraculous catch of fishes.Instead it was Peter’s confession, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man.”
Isn’t that amazing?
Instead of striking a deep-sea fishing deal with a man who knew the seas better than he, Peter falls at Jesus’ knees. Worship is recognizing the worthiness of him who commands the winds and the waves. And in that process knowing my own unworthiness before his holiness.
The Master’s voice comes across to you today. “My child, have you been toiling hard? And are your boats empty? Do you really know what you need? Is it that you need a boat full of fish? I can give that to you. But is that what you really need? Or is it Me?”
And who is he?
He who angels worship;
before him demons trembled; in him sinners found a friend; the outcasts found mercy;
those who strayed met with compassion;
the sick found healing;
to the guilty, forgiveness was gifted;
he taught with authority;
the wild waves and stormy winds obeyed instantly and calmed;
death bowed down low and licked the ground at his feet; as he triumphed over the grave
by his blood shed on the cross;
he opened heaven for all
who is willing to trust, obey, and follow him.
So, here is he standing across the sea watching you dock an empty boat and washing the nets which did not bring a catch saying, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
—
Post inspired by Luke 5:4 A Haiku Poem:
The empty boat docks.
Cast nets to blue deep says he.
Do that; fishes catch!
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
First of all let me thank all of your for placing your confidence in me and electing me as the Social Service Leader of our school.
I consider this a privilege as well as a great responsibility. At the very outset let me seek your cooperation in dreaming big as well as achieving something noble for the good of the less privileged of the society. I cannot do anything alone, but together we can.
All that we need is a real honest desire to help others. Together with God’s blessings and the help and encouragement of our school management and teachers we can certainly plan and implement a few projects that will help the needy in society.
If I have a message for you this day, it is this that every single rupee counts. The help we give is far more than charity. Know that our efforts are going to help the the downtrodden, the marginalized, the orphans and the poor widows to live with dignity.
Each one of your efforts counts significantly towards the achieving of this goal. A kind attitude, a helping hand, a giving heart, and a we-can-do-it team spirit will go miles to get things done. Let me repeat again, alone I cannot; but together we can. Thank you one and all.
Imagine!
With that one word the inspiration to make new discoveries begins, the spark that ignites ideas to solve problems catches fire, and dreams of success are brought to reality.
Imagine!
With that one word you can create a world of loveliness that is pure or with that one word you paint what is ugly that colours your mind with dark pleasure.
Imagine!
With that one word you can believe good about others or else you cook up the worst possible about them.
Imagine!
Yes, imagine the world of happiness created by Disneyland across the globe. What if they forget to imagine? The world of entertainment for people of all ages, and not just children, will then become a ghostland instead of a happy land or the happiest place on earth; won’t it?
Let me conclude saying imagination is a God-given gift. Use it wisely. Keep it pure like a crystal clear water flowing over a rocky stream bed. Imagine that!
A new year with many unknowns. Eager expectations on one side. Worry and anxiety on the other. How can I move forward with courage? is the question that might dominate your mind at this time.
Do not fear. God never asked you to walk alone or shoulder all the burden by yourself. He is willing to help you and guide you. Simply trust that he has your good in mind as you move forward.
The overflowing waters which stand as a major obstacle preventing your progress will separate to reveal a way forward when you boldly step into the waters. It will not happen if you stand on the bank wondering how it will be accomplished.
The dry ground in the midst of the waters will be revealed only when you take the first step forward in faith. It is not by logic that it happens but by obedience to God’s command to you to step into the surging waters.
Impossibilities like what you are probably facing now are gateways to the land of the giants. You can look at them and be frightened or trust in God’s assurance, “I am with you, ” and find victory. But remember that there is no victory without battles.
Therefore look ahead to the New Year realistically. Much awaits to be accomplished. Old mindsets have to be left behind. And your mind has to be renewed. It was unbelief that defeated you so far. Now trust in God and believe you can.
It is then that the way forward will open up before. March forward and step by step claim your ground. If at any moment you falter and fall, look to God and rise up and move forward to victory.
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
See, God acting on your behalf is not advertised. He doesn’t blow a trumpet to announce that he is making things work for you. Often what God does, happens behind the scenes. You need to believe that even when nothing seems to happen your prayers have been heard and your tears have been seen and preserved.
Then again, you need to anticipate and be ready for what God is going to do in your life. As it is popularly said you need to carry an umbrella when you pray for rain. It is unwise to remain idle when the Bible points out the wisdom of the ant which stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
Beyond being active with what your hands can do at the moment, you need to believe that God can do immeasurably more than all that you can ask or imagine. To have it happen that way you need to have patience to wait for God’s time. And you need to have the humility to ask God to do what is best in his eyes for you.
Finally, a thankful heart is what you need to recognize the hand of God in your life. At the end of life’s journey when you look back you might recognize that several people who crossed your way at the right time were God-sent.
And today do not be ashamed to testify before others that it was God who performed wonders and miracles for you. And those wonders and miracles don’t happen by chance. If you look at an embroidered piece of cloth you will not make any sense of what is being done if you watch the process from the underside; will you?
But you will know that it is a wise hand is working out the design. Blessed are you if you have learnt to recognize that hand in your life as the hand of God threading the various colours to a work of splendid art!
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”— Romans 8:28 Bible NASB
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
If you’re talented, don’t hide behind the baggage. Stand tall.
Didn’t you know that you’re chosen? Then why is that you’re trembling with fear?
You might not be from a big family. You might not have great wealth. But that is not what matters!
Come on, play it big!
It is not the size of the armies against you that matters either! Not even the mountainous obstacles and the gloomy shadows that they cast on your path.
Of course you’ll have to shoulder the burden, face the murmurings against you, and fight discouragement day in and day out.
But nothing can change God’s call on your life. So take courage. Move forward. For there is nothing like God is with you!
Come on, play it big!
When God has called you to be the city on a hill, don’t sit on a molehill and pity your insignificance.
Do not dare to tell God your petty excuses. For he knew you before you were born and has called you by name.
He didn’t ask for your resume not did he conduct an interview. He just called you. When he calls he also enables. When he enables he stays with you until the end.
Hear his call today; and don’t dare to say “No.” Nothing else matters only if you obey his call even now as he is giving you a second chance!
If you ask people what brings success, you will hear a lot of answers like hard work, perseverance, luck, ambition, and a host of other factors. But King Solomon had something higher to add: “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”1 This is how you can find success God’s way.
First of all, he asked us to commit to the LORD. It calls for trust. It implies that you give something over to someone for keeping it safe, watching over it, and seeing that it is well taken care of. When you entrust something like that to the LORD you stop worrying about it because it is in safe hands; don’t you? That is step number one to find success God’s way.
Secondly, whatever you do should be committed. If God is just asked to put a signature at the end of your plans you are sadly mistaken. For when you commit something to God, it also means that you ask God first for his wisdom and his will in that regard. And when your plans move accordingly, he will be able to bless. That is step number two to find success God’s way.
Thirdly, God counts success very differently. You can be a failure in the eyes of the world but be a success in God’s eyes. When the world counts money, power, fame, influence, possessions and even a YouTube video going viral as success; God measures success against your faithful stewardship of resources entrusted to you. Seeing success as God sees it is step number three to find success God’s way.
To conclude, God loves to see you succeed. In God’s terminology that reads, God loves to see you bear fruit. Well, a branch of a grapevine doesn’t wriggle and struggle and move here and there to produce fruit; does it? It simply remains in the vine; isn’t it?
And remaining in the vine can be understood as a personal and growing relationship with God. And like a true vinedresser God might prune you2—that is, he might discipline you-–so that you may bear more fruit.
God takes his own time with the process. He is patient. He reduces you to less so that you’ll bear more. He cuts you down so that your trust will be in him alone. All that he does with you is not without purpose; but with the aim of making you succeed. Therefore, rise up from your bed of despair! You can have hope that you’ll certainly find success God’s way!
The Bible declares that the present world is reserved for burning with fire and a time is coming when elements will melt in the intense heat. The possibility of a nuclear warfare can make this come true even as God’s Judgement Day will burn like a furnace.
Jesus also spoke about hell as a fiery furnace where there will be continual weeping and gnashing of teeth, torment, and consciousness that makes anyone there cry out desperately for a drop of water to cool the tongue because of the agony of the fire!
When the love of God towards men and women is spurned, mocked, rejected, and rebelled against; nothing else remains but for the wrath of God2 to fall on them. It’s a kind of invited disaster. Yes, the end of the world is near!
Jesus himself asked the religious leaders of his day: “You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” At a later time he wept over the city of Jerusalem thinking of the future judgement coming on the city saying that they did not recognize the time of God’s coming to them.
The world is moving towards a one world order where there is going to be a one world economy and a dirty marriage of politics and religion. Trade will be the lynchpin on which everything revolves as the world is slowly converging towards the mark of the beast 666 as prophesied in the Book of Revelation. And it is related to who you will worship—whether God or Satan? Permission to buy or sell will be granted according to this choice you make.
Natural disasters like earthquakes and floods, famines and pestilences, wars and revolutions, signs in the sun and moon and stars,pollution, global warming, tsunamis, and pandemics are but signposts reminding us time is running out for Planet Earth.
Therefore great is the urgency to decide your destiny. Life on earth is a chance given to you to get to know your Creator and the salvation he has provided to all freely through his Son Jesus through the blood of his cross.
If you look to him in faith, then you find peace with God. Many have postponed this life-changing encounter with the Son of God only to find the sun go down on them to rise on them no more!
Other Biblical References: 2 Peter 3:7, 10, Malachi 3:1, Matthew 13:42, Luke 16:24, Luke 19:44, Revelation 13:17, 18, Matthew Chapter 24, Mark Chapter 13, Luke Chapter 21
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.
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
Santa Claus is not Christmas. In fact Santa Claus has hijacked the true meaning of Christmas.
Santa Claus is the commercial reason1 for Christmas celebrations. He brings gifts but makes all the sales possible around the world during happy holidays Christmas season.
Forgiveness, pardon, eternal life, and heaven’s citizenship come to you through Jesus which is the true meaning of Christmas.
My friend, remember Santa Claus, is not Christmas even as gifts and sales of Santa Claus figurines, mask, costume, and accessories will swell in ecommerce sites like Amazon, Flipkart, eBay, Walmart, Alibaba and the like this Christmas season!
You are not a loser if you believe that you can put in one more effort, one more try, one more attempt to do something in which you have already failed many many times. Be a fighter!
You are not a loser if all that you could do was put a smile on someone’s face by your presence with them in their hour of greatest need.
You are not a loser if you have faith that in spite of all past mistakes and failures in your life; God can put together all those broken pieces to display a design of marvellous beauty and grace.
You are not a loser if you have failed in all your exams, interviews and business attempts; but still have a thankful heart in someone who acknowledges that it was you who helped him or her to succeed in life.
My dear friend, know that loser is a term that others throw carelessly and thoughtlessly at you. Throw that label into the trash can where it rightly belongs. For you are not a loser; but a fighter!
No one else knows what exactly you have passed through; what struggles unknown to others you had to face; and with what unseen tears you wept when people rejected you saying you are a loser. God alone knows and has a record of those.
Therefore, today, if your heart is burdened because others call you a loser; get up from your bed of despair and prove to the world that you are a fighter till the very last. My friend; who knows how you might have inspired someone to get up from their bed of despair by the mere sight of you bravely fight your battles!
“Where do you see yourself five years from now?” is a typical question in a job interview. It is a tricky question and is used to assess the candidate’s commitment to the job and to find out his or her career goals. [Find multiple resources on this question at the end of article.]
What if the same question is changed into “Where do you see yourself at the end of life’s journey?” Then it becomes a question that pales everything else to insignificance.
But in case, you want to consider the possibility, think about a question Jesus asked: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”1
That means the entire possessions of the world, its pride and glory, riches and kingdoms, wealth and pleasures, selfies and social media, are nothing compared to finding life beyond the grave.
Therefore life on earth is just a preparation; an interview where you are given a chance not to answer the question, “Where do you see yourself five years from now?” but instead “Where do you see yourself spending eternity?”
The choices are clear: heaven or hell, God or judgement. The decision is made now and here. Like there is a final bell for every exam, there will be one in your life as well.
Let me end with the poetic words of John Donne:
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
Yes, there will be one last and final call. But then it will be too late to decide. Vote for God today; and that election will stand the test of time and all eternity!
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!
The message of the cross of Jesus is the foolishness of God. For it puts on exhibit a man crucified in weakness–scorned, mocked, rejected and despised by men.
The message of the cross of Jesus is the foolishness of God. Yet this public display of the one who was wounded and bleeding for the sins of all mankind is the good news and means of salvation to all.
The message of the cross of Jesus is the foolishness of God. It is foolishness because human wisdom does not account success or achievement in the manner in which Jesus felt forsaken by God on the cross.
The message of the cross of Jesus is the foolishness of God. For there is no sign or demonstration of the miraculous as the Saviour of the world lay dying.
The message of the cross of Jesus is the foolishness of God. But Jesus on the cross then had and still has a magnetic attractive power that is incomparable to anything else in this world.
The message of the cross of Jesus is the foolishness of God. For it demands that man accept that in his pride and academic brilliance he cannot find God; that he cannot earn his own salvation; but that he come to God in humble child-like faith.
The message of the cross of Jesus is the foolishness of God. For there on the cross the judgement of God on man’s sin and rebellion fell on his innocent Son Jesus that we may receive forgiveness and pardon and freedom from the guilt, shame, and power of sin.
Yes, the preaching of the cross and its message is foolishness to many who reject it; but it is the power of God to those who believe and accept its life-changing message.
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“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. . . . For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”
Get up!
Life is more about second chances than you can dream of. Champions and winners script success stories by rising up from the ashes of defeat. They are heartbroken when they see someone else lift the trophy for which they fought with sportsman spirit till the last moment. But that does not prevent them from pursuing their goal to win. You too should be like that. Don’t stay in your bed of despair. This is the time to get up!
Get up!
It might have been years that you stayed in this defeated mode. That doesn’t matter. God is not only the God of your past but of your present and your future as well. He is not limited by all that went wrong in your life. He is not limited by the victim stories you have told yourself and others countless number of times. He is not limited by all your negative circumstances, all those people who tell you that you can’t succeed, or any other force that is bulldozing you at this time. He wants to act decisively in your life. Therefore, get up!
Get up!
This one single act can change the way you think, act, and move forward. It is by taking this first step that you will realize all that the locusts have eaten away in your life. It is this one act of getting up that can change your destiny. Do not wait. Now is the time. This moment is your opportunity. Get up!
“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”
