I am convinced that I am right this time!

 

“I want what I want” is a mantra most of us use and find enough reasons to rationalize our desire however harmful it maybe. There is an amount of exploration, chasing and seeking we do to get what we want. If our desire is acceptable within the societal norms, even better. An example is gay marriage, which is acceptable in some societies so it’s okay to be gay and look for a gay partner. The matter of right versus wrong depends on the environment we are living in.

So, what is the parameter for right and wrong. Each culture dictates its own dress code, food habits, relationships models and people adapt to them accordingly. For example, are live-in relationships one of the models for marriage? Not really. Let me point out an example from the Bible, one of the apostle’s states, 1 Corinthians 11:14-16 “Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.”. This issue can be argued based on each culture’s preference.

However, certain choices of individuals are questionable and at times up for criticism. There is the cultural framework but more than that there is the moral framework of God. As humans we have tested the boundaries of God’s moral framework and have nudged the boundaries lines far enough to brazen our conscience. Recently, I read a shocking news about Ukraine. Its parliament has planned to legalize pornography to fund its war efforts. Seriously? The means can be justified based on the need, but we fail to see the larger picture of what it will do to the country. It will disintegrate family, society and community, culminating to a massive swift downfall. It means your goal (the end) is so important that any method you use to achieve your goal (the means) is acceptable.

The lines of right and wrong have blurred with every passing generation. Our selfish needs have moved the boundaries significantly. Beware! Trial and error method doesn’t work in real life. Mistakes being repeated does not mean you were wrong the first time but right the next. 

The more we push our moral boundaries the greater is the fall. When the spirit of the Lord leads us then there is perfect leading and peace. Decisions within the moral framework of God don’t need social and cultural acceptance. It’s perfect on its own. The Bible states “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”. Quit compromising on your values and heed to the leading of the Spirit of God. Assess your selfish desires and the lessons you learnt by giving into them. We learn from the Bible, "The Spirit of the Lord will not always strive with man", which means it signifies that God's patience with humanity's sinfulness has its limits. It also implies that there will be a point where God's Spirit will cease striving with people, leading to drastic consequences. You are in God’s hand and His perfect plan for your life is for your own welfare. Quit creating your own plan and tagging it as God’s will for your life.

 

Click to read the previous blog HERE

 

You can follow us on Twitter

 

Reference link:

News NewYork Times

News Global Defense

Resources:

Knowing the Saviour 

THE FOUR

Denying the knowing!

We play dumb even after knowing the truth as it contradicts our beliefs or our spiritual habits. We lie to ourselves and one of those lies is the existence of an Almighty. In the Bible it says, “The fool says in his heart ‘There is no God.’”. The interpretation here is not calling man a fool for thinking there is no God but for telling himself there is no God. Self-deception is pretending to ourselves that we don’t know what we really do. Unbelievers do not disbelieve, they reject.

One of the apostles in the Bible says, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of men who by their wickedness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse; for although they knew God they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened.”. Here, the author is not criticizing them for not knowing about God but pretending not to know God. 

Today, Religious festivals and celebrations are more hazardous, unhealthy and politicized. People want  everyone to accept their version of truth and fight for it. Deception and lies are already existing in every spectrum of society but more so in the human heart which denies merely for moral reasons. Due to this pervasive mind-set most people seek out temporary truths or truths given for the moment. Additionally, the worries of life distract majority of us from seeking an answer to the transcendent question of whether there is any ultimate universal truth. Instead, we seek theories and advice that can just help us get through another day. Although this type of information doesn't answer our deepest longings and questions about life, we often feel it is the best we have. 

Jesus said He is the truth. Jesus once had a fascinating discussion with a man called Pilate who was the governor of the Roman empire. Pilate asked, ‘what is truth?’ Jesus had previously given His followers the answer to this very question - “I am the way the truth and the life no one comes to the father except through me” with this statement Jesus was indicating if you are confused and lost and don't know what direction to go, ‘I am the way’. If you're looking for someone in whom to trust someone to believe in or wisdom or what you should do, ‘I am…the truth’. If you're seeking an answer to why you exist and how you should live, ‘I am the life’.  The point is that truth could be found in the man who was standing right in front of Pilate - in the person of Jesus Christ. The truth of Jesus is not abstract relative or ideological, it is definite, consistent, and universally applicable. Such an assertion is sadly foreign to many people's reason and prior experience. The moment one rejects the truth or downplays it, deception takes over. Do you want to be open to knowing this truth which is an invitation for all to know and adopt? 

 

Click to read the previous blog HERE

 

You can follow us on Twitter

 

Resources:

Knowing the Saviour 

THE FOUR

Subtle Assurance!

Have you observed that people give you just enough love to keep your hopes up. Just enough attention to convince they’ve changed. We all long to receive genuine love and care. This becomes a vantage point for many to approach and befriend temporarily. Maybe because you are candid and honest you expect the same in return. But how many times did you find out that those whom you were counting upon were the ones who just left you with subtle assurances that they care for you and love you with all their heart but what they did is using you in their story for their personal advantage. 

Disappointed? The good news is you are not alone. Many who keep longing for support, friendship and a little care have been victims of such deception at some point of time. This world has increasingly become hostile and disloyal. Selfishness has taken the front seat. People find ways to use one another as a ladder to climb, stomping others down. The Bible narrates how people in the end time will turn to be more subtle and crafty. It is found in the Bible, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,  having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”

Deception is rampant and it is so hard to trust anyone these days. We are dependent on each other but are we paranoid in our relationships? That will be too crude. We will offend each other and ourselves in the process. The teaching of the adage “Treat others the way in which you wish to be treated,”. Some people do the opposite. Whether it’s an act of disrespect, manipulation or exploitation. Some people will only “love you” as much as they can use you. Their loyalty ends where the benefits stop. You will find kindness misinterpreted as weakness. When you have a kind heart, people can play at your heart strings to get what they want. And then people also want to hold each other as bait by showing little kindness, little favors, feigning trustworthiness all the while playing subtle games. 

How do we go forward with such people? Continue to be kind, genuine and honest. You don’t have to change yourself because you are hurt. Trust God in your difficult times. Jesus faced betrayal and deception, yet He sacrificed Himself for the salvation of mankind and understands your pain. Jesus promised, “I will never leave your nor forsake you”. He is closer to you than you think. You can never be alone and despondent of your situation or you crisis. He brings the right help and people who could understand you when you are in your lowest moment. We tend to focus on people but help from the Lord is abundant and can come in any form, if you learn to know Him and trust Him more. 

Click to read the previous blog HERE

 

You can follow us on Twitter

 

Resources: 

Click the links to know more👇

Knowing the Saviour 

THE FOUR

The Transaction of Love!

 

People’s perception of relationships is that its transactional. The opposite of that is relational. It is in the relational that true intimacy can exist, where you enjoy the company of the other person with little or no expectations. Kirill Koles in his article states, “there’s always an exchange happening. And the first rule of the transaction? You don’t talk about the transaction. Not directly, anyway. Even if everyone knows what’s happening, we all play along like it’s about something deeper, something nobler. And that’s how the dysfunction sets in.”.

Each relationship operates on exchange. You give time, you get companionship. You lend an ear, you feel good about being there for someone. This is how human nature thrives. But when does it actually become contractual? It’s not the give and take that’s the problem—it’s the cold calculation that sucks the soul out of it. We are all guilty of it. Who hasn’t weighed the pros and cons of a relationship, even subconsciously? But here’s where it gets murky: not every connection fits the “You scratch my back, I scratch yours” mold. Take, for example, unconditional love. A parent doesn’t keep a tally of every diaper changed or sleepless night endured. A best friend doesn’t charge for midnight calls when your world’s falling apart. These are the relationships that transcend the transactional muck, rooted in a pure desire to give, without expecting anything in return.

So why is unconditional love harder these days in relationships? Maybe it’s the cultural shift. We’re living in the age of individualism, where success is measured in personal achievements and material gain. Relationships? They’re just another checkbox on the life plan. But a deeper probe into the soul will reveal that our relationship with God is transactional, which is overflowing into our human relationships. We try to please God with our rituals to receive personal benefits from Him and we try out this same principle with human relationships. 

Jesus showed what unconditional love really looks like. He emphasized on relationship than rituals and spiritual duties. Jesus’ greatest commandment was “Love your Lord God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength and then to love one another as yourself.”. He demonstrated the importance of relationship and unconditional love by loving us when we were in our wretched state of sin. The Bible says he died for us while we are yet sinners. His death and resurrection saved us from the wretchedness of sin. As sin rules our relationships at times, Savior’s teaching on unconditional love is relevant for ages to come, irrelevant of how the world changes. 

Some of his teachings are “But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.  “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”. Do you see any of these transactional? When you are overwhelmed with Christ’s love, you become noble in your act of love. When you start knowing Christ and learning more about Him, you find new life and dimension to your life. 

 

Click to read the previous blog HERE

 

You can follow us on Twitter

 

Resources: 

Click the links to know more👇

Are you a good person?

Knowing the Saviour 

THE FOUR 

When you fear you have been uprooted!

Have things happened to you so quickly that all the confidence, hope, security seem to have been snatched unexpectedly, and you are fumbling in the dark? Are you flooded with questions like, ‘have I been uprooted?’ Can I restart again? Will light ever shine in my darkness?  Hello friend, if this describes your life situation, you are not alone. There are many who have lost their livelihood and their loved ones are battling with such questions. In conditions like these any possible explanation and hope would seem absurd and make less sense. How are we supposed to handle and draw our confidence in such a situation? 

I am not stranger to this. My best confidence and livelihood did shatter several times in my life. When I thought all is going to be well for me now and forever, then things suddenly went out of control. The experience was like being lost in the sea with a rudderless boat completely at the mercy of the raging winds and tough waves. Sometimes swirling in the same direction and yet sometimes been pulled by the fierce waves and storm to an unknown destination. ‘God, are you there?’ was my first reaction and then I cried and questioned God, why was I uprooted and why me Lord? Years later after I survived the tough situation, I found the answer to why it happened. 

When you assume you have been uprooted is when you have been actually shifted to a newer destination. Certain answers in life are always found in future tense. I like the way Augustine puts this, “Trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to His love, and the future to his providence”. Usually, in such time hope in God makes less sense to many, because they want immediate change in the situation without exhibiting any commitment from their side. What most of the people are expecting is to see fate playing a role in their life. What will happen will happen. It is not fate at all. God who created you and the universe is in control of your situation too.  If you acknowledge and believe that you have been shifted by God, then you will understand that it is taking time to prepare you to fit into that new situation. I like the way Lauren Fortenberry puts it,

ME: “What if it doesn’t work out, God?”

GOD: “You will still have me.”

Even when things have not worked as you expected and desired, you will have Christ the hope of all ages living in you. You are not navigated by the wind of fate but by a God who has desired to bless you. He is in control because He is the resurrected Savior. Resurrection is the greatest event happened in the world history and who has given hope to mankind with these words, “Because I live you will live also”. When God is shifting you, He is also preparing you not to just fit in the new position but to learn to depend on God and exercise complete reliability and deeper understanding on His sovereign will. Would you like to know Him more?  

Click to read the previous blog HERE

 

You can follow us on Twitter

 

Resources: 

Click the links to know more👇

Are you a good person?

Knowing the Saviour 

THE FOUR

Are you speaking meaning or just words!

Have you noticed when people speak words and then attach meaning to it? It is a yes most of the time. Our words don’t exactly reflect the expression of our heart. We are too complicated as human beings not because of who we are but due to a various set of factors like mood, feelings and emotions but mostly because of the state of our own heart. Based on the need, situations and context one changes the meaning to their own convenience. One of the quotes from Epictetus advises, 'First learn what your words mean, and then speak.' 

All of us in a similar verbal community might use a similar collection of words but we attach wildly different personal meanings to these words. Each of us come from our own subjective set of beliefs and perceptions, yet we take this subjective set of beliefs and perceptions to reflect objective reality. Michale Schreiner from the study of existential psychology states this, ‘We all believe we can understand one another, that if we’re both seemingly sane and reasonably intelligent then we can exist in the same psychological space. Yet we leave encounters with completely different interpretations of the verbal material presented and therefore never really understand each other at all. We each continue to exist on our own psychological island with its own rules.’

People are shrewd in choice of words to make people understand and believe what they want them to understand. Man is subtle and crafty and rarely speaks the true meaning. People hide behind words to escape from being responsible for who they are and what they speak. It is usually because the heart is often unchecked and misaligned before God and man, and their conscience is dull. Rights and wrongs vary from people to people and meanings of words too. 

Words can be deceptive which comes from the heart. Bible states, ‘The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it.’ Apostle Paul in the New Testament of the Bible warns, "Let no one deceive you with empty words," highlighting the dangers of being misled by deceptive language. People usually have a different motive in their heart and manipulate with using deceptive words. 

Further study from the Bible states “the tongue of the just is as choice silver; the heart of the wicked is worth little.”. The words of the just are non-contradictory and of worth, unlike the wicked. When one speaks words and attaches his/her preferable meaning then the problem is not about your lack of understanding but because the person is wicked and proud assuming there is always a way out of the trap. It is written "Though the LORD is high yet has respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knows afar off." This verse indicates that God pays attention to the humble and pure in heart, while the arrogant are known to Him from a distance. If you are smart attaching manipulative meaning to your words, then you are in danger of falling into a snare. Jesus always emphasized by saying, “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” Evil will always be punished because God is holy and immaculate. If you need help, talk to Christ from where you are. He will transform you to live with the divine nature of Christ the Savior. He is not just an ordinary moral guru but a God who rose from the dead and therefore we call Him a resurrected Savior. He has the power to resurrect you from anything that is prone to decay.

 

Click to read the previous blog HERE

 

You can follow us on Twitter

 

Resources: 

Click the links to know more👇

Knowing the Saviour 

THE FOUR

Money vs Meaning – Which is the greatest risk?

 

Man upon facing disappointment, anxiety, disorientation and crisis in life concludes that lack of money is the only cause for all these emotions. Pennilessness is a scary experience. To watch your savings run dry and living from paycheck to paycheck can be a daunting existence. Losing money can be in various forms. Financial experts list several reasons: It can be unexpected expenses, low income compared to expenses, health issues, high education expenses and so on. The world has concluded that making money and hoarding it will never put a person in a position of risk. But reality dictates otherwise. We still see the ultra-rich struggle to maintain balance in their life. The poor continue to believe that money is the solution for their wearied existence. This dichotomy is real. However, this teaches us one truth that risk is not always running out of money, but it is running out of meaning. 

Man did not evolve under the influences of blind meaningless forces. There is a purpose to life. If one can understand the true meaning and purpose of life, the perspective changes the crisis and challenges a person faces. In the book ‘I Don’t Have Enough Faith To Be An Atheist!’ the author Frank poses five questions which are of paramount importance. Once we comprehend it better, there is clarity and hope in our existence.  The five most consequential questions in life are these:

Origin: Where did we come from?

Identity: Who are we?

Meaning: Why are we here?

Morality: How should we live?

Destiny: Where are we going? 

The answers to each of these questions depends on the existence of God. If God exists, then there’s ultimate meaning and purpose to your life. If there’s a real purpose to your life then there is a real right and wrong way to live it. Choices you make now not only affect you here but affect your eternity. Knowing the true God is the biggest accomplishment in man’s life. The story of Jesus, the evidence of His lifestyle and His resurrection from dead changes the course of human history. The unique book on the planet called “The Holy Bible” has all the answers to our questions as humans. The meaning of life is unfolded in the person Jesus. Life is not just meant to live with a religious identity on this earth but to find the Savior of our soul. God is not an animal, plant, sun, moon, or in the religious structure built by man. The living Christ indwells human heart and is personal to us. You are His unique creation. The Bible calls us His masterpiece. Do not deny Him without knowing Him. Once you find purpose in Christ all your needs and risks are no longer at the mercy of money but in His favor and immense kindness. The Bible states, “He loads us with daily benefit.” When your soul is intact with the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ, life becomes meaningful and purposeful.

 

Click to read the previous blog HERE

 

You can follow us on Twitter

 

Resources:

Knowing the Saviour 

THE FOUR

The Nosedive of Conclusions!

Chocolates make you smarter, therefore, I should eat lots of chocolate every day – We find this statement in Matt Fujimoto’ article. He explains our habit of jumping to conclusions as: Though the statement looks convincing, yet it is not completely true. Arguments are not just about making true statements but about connecting statements to each other or inferences. Similarly in our day-to-day life there are many things that are so close to facts yet don’t make sense when applied in our personal life. 

Theories of cognitive therapy claim that “we are what we think we are”. When a person is jumping to conclusions, they are drawing negative conclusions with little or no evidence. Researchers suggest this type of error in thinking is common, but it can come with considerable costs. In one study, researchers found that people who often jump to conclusions are also susceptible to other cognitive distortions. They were more likely to make decisions based on limited information and are overconfident in their choices.

There are cases where our instincts trigger us to jump to conclusions and judgements based on our realities and personal intuitions.  Yes, the realities of life are real, the problems we face are real, the challenges we encounter are daunting & unchanging, but the conclusions don’t have to be negative. I agree there are cases which are simple and straightforward. When we attract a particular problem and we become the reason for it then the outcome of it is unchangeable. On other hand we have situations which consume us to the point we find ourselves sinking. It may look as though there are no alternatives but to be submerged and lose ground, yet the outcome doesn’t have to be based on our assumptions and conclusions. 

I am not telling to build an irrational hope over the toxic situations created and then expect a positive result. That may be quite difficult unless you again want to use unfair means to get away from the situation unscathed. The Bible also clearly states, “whatever a man sows,  he reaps.” But I am referring to a situation you are battling with and based on all the realities your situation is looking grim. I challenge you not to jump to conclusions. The outcome can be different if you look to the Savior for help. The Bible states, "For in Him (Christ Jesus) we live and move and exist." It signifies that our very being and existence are dependent on God. Therefore, your hope doesn’t have to be based on what and how you foresee things. Let me emphasize that we cannot see reality beyond each day. Your estimations are limited. I entreat you to learn more about Jesus who can give you hope and endurance through such seasons in your life. The easiest thing is to connect with Him and speak to Him where you are. Confess your shortcomings, failures, crisis and ask for help. This is not a Christian religious mantra, but the truth that Jesus is the source of life. Therefore, do not jump to conclusions but trust on His sovereignty for divine outcome. 

Click to read the previous blog HERE

 

You can follow us on Twitter

 

Resources: 

Click the links to know more👇

Knowing the Saviour 

THE FOUR

When People assume wrong about you!

Worried about people’s opinion about you? Don’t worry! You are not the only one. Many will share their story of being misunderstood and framed based on people’s opinion. Reality is that you can't control what other people think about you. Sometimes no matter what you do to prove their opinion about you to be false they will continue to think the same. It hurts when you know that you are misunderstood and wrongly estimated. It is not always possible to keep clarifying. Therefore, don’t waste your energy doing that if you are on the right track.  You are not here to correct every rumor or reintroduce yourself to every person who never took the effort to understand you in the first place.

You are a unique creation of God created by Him wondrously. There are people who will never know a paragraph of your story. Most of the time we are worried about other’s misunderstandings and misconceptions about us and stress ourselves. We strive to live up to people's expectations. You don’t have to do so. Your chapter of life is entirely different from others; your roadmap of life is based on what God intended it to be. You are concerned when people assume wrongly about you, but have you ever thought about what God thinks about you.

One of the authors of the Bible, Apostle Paul, boldly​ states these ​words before the council and jury when he was falsely accused, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience to this day”.  I am referring to a God who is full of love and compassion, a holy God. Further Paul adds this, “I always strive to have a clear conscience towards God and Men.”. When you live with a good conscience before a true living God, you will inevitably live with a clear conscience, also towards men. Jesus surpasses human standard. He was not only powerful to heal the sick, the lame and the blind, but also raised people from the dead. He resurrected from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus  Christ from the dead is the ultimate event in human history. His life is worth studying. He did not just talk about ethics and good morals but set standards of living in holiness and purity.

Psalmist David in his writings in the Bible states, “The arrogant constantly ridicule me, but I do not turn away from your instruction.”. Sometimes you may not be just wrongly assumed but ridiculed too. Do not spend your energy defending or planning your response. Study Jesus’ instruction for it is the way of life. The Bible which is usually named as “Holy Bible” captures what God appraises about you. He says you are loved immensely. He poured His love while you were yet a sinner. His opinion about you changes everything.  When you live faithfully before God the savior, all opinions about you will not only be changed but it won’t matter anymore.

 

Click to read the previous blog HERE

 

You can follow us on Twitter

 

Resources: Click the links👇

Knowing the Saviour 

THE FOUR

Some Hearts Bleed Silently!

 

People are hurting and in pain. It cannot be emphasized enough. The world is full of damaged people preoccupied in their own turmoil, grappling with uncertainties of the future. They walk around with a smile to impress people but silently carry a gangrenous gash deep within. There is a need to reach out to such people with tenderness which will eventually reveal the invisible walls, the tragic stories and the overwhelming emotion they feel when they encounter kindness.

They hide their emotional fractures, bury their hopes and camouflage their scars. True love exposes these frailties. Hearts bleed silently and loving them just as they are without trying to fix their problems will make a world of difference. Your commitment to walk with them in this painful journey will build their hope in life one inch at a time.  In the book of Proverbs 18:24 it states, “…there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.”. In this world of brokenness people want a friend who can understand them, listen to them and walk with them. When they find the warmth in your company, they start listening to you and putting their faith in God whom they don’t see. 

Jesus describes true love as "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.". The greatest sacrifice in human history is alluded to Jesus alone who went through the excruciating pain and suffering on the cross. He laid down His life proving He is the best friend one could ever have. Pain and suffering did not spare even God, but it is this same God, Jesus who gives us hope in these trying circumstances. When one makes a choice to surrender and accept Christ as His savior there is hope. He works through the pain even though it is humanly impossible. 

I like the story of Scott Saul where he refers to a story about his daughter’s fractured hand. The doctor advised to fix her hand is to allow her to go through the painful medical process to heal which is not possible otherwise. We are in a fallen and broken world. Christ is the sovereign God who is here to save you, bless you and make you the heir of His kingdom. Life takes you through a painful process, but there is hope for sure. Would you reach out to Jesus and talk about your crisis? He is the way the truth and the life and there is no mediator beside Christ. Reach out to Him alone for your life transformation story. 

 

Click to read the previous blog HERE

 

You can follow us on Twitter

 

Resources: Click the links👇

If God is good why do bad things happen?

Knowing the Saviour 

THE FOUR

Use and Throw!

Use and throw is a phrase we use for things, but sadly it is also synonymous for people. This consumer age has groomed people to think selfishly. Hence, using people for our advantage and getting rid of them once we have received the benefit, is common. People do this so they don’t have to be committed to them in the future. Are you a victim of such treatment? Are you disappointed and discouraged of feeling used?

If you are someone who uses and throws away people repeatedly, you need to stop it. If you are in the habit, you perceive people as disposable and worthless. You fail to see that they are precious in the sight of their Creator, hence, they need to be treasured and preserved. So, what does it mean to throw people away? It's when someone says, or does, or condones, or writes something we don’t like, that becomes our instigator. When we start throwing people away, we start throwing away the divine. We remove the Prince of Peace and Mercy from our lives and instead enthrone an idol of bitterness and hatred – an idol that is much harder to serve than our Lord of forgiveness. 

It’s easy to keep tab of the negativity but do we keep tab of the goodness shown to us. Man’s self-centeredness always wants to go the way the person plans. People define offense based on how they perceive and cut people from their lives accordingly. Loving people and respecting people are mostly prejudiced in our culture. We walk around our past baggage called grudges, which needlessly weigh us down. We feed and nurture these grudges because of our pride and refuse to let go of them. The Bible admonishes us to lay down those weights that slow down our run in faith. Jesus and His followers were able to lay aside the weight of grudges to pursue and share the hope within them.

When Jesus framed the greatest commandment to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and then to love others as ourselves, He did not frame any condition. Loving one another is as equal to loving God. In the book of John in the Bible the author states this, "If you can't love your brother whom you can see, how can you love God whom you have not seen?" Love people unconditionally because they are the image of God. 

 

Click to read the previous blog HERE

 

You can follow us on Twitter

 

Resources:

Knowing the Saviour 

THE FOUR

When Your Imaginary Life Starts Fading!

 

 We all love to imagine our dream life of enjoying it to the fullest, succeed to the top, accomplish what we long for, and smooth sail through our dreams to see it fulfilled in real life. If only life could be this easy! When we were children and dependent on parents, decision making was not much of a deal. But when you come of age, adulthood demands a certain amount of serious life changing decision making, like selecting a course, professional career, or choosing a life partner. When expectations contradict the outcomes then disappointment sets in.

Life sees uncertain like a vagabond trying to survive with a little comfort. Let me quote the first two paragraph of the poem “Vagabond” by Robert L Stevenson. A simple expectancy for a serene dream life. 

Give to me the life I love,

  Let the lave go by me,

Give the jolly heaven above

  And the byway night me.

Bed in the bush with stars to see,

  Bread I dip in the river --

There's the life for a man like me,

  There's the life for ever.

 

Let the blow fall soon or late,

  Let what will be o'er me;

Give the face of earth around

  And the road before me.

Wealth I seek not, hope nor love,

  Nor a friend to know me;

All I seek, the heaven above

  And the road below me….

Who hasn’t felt the pressure or anxiety of not realizing their dreams? As human beings, our power of imagination is astonishing. The seed of a great dream can be born from a simple idea. However, the dreams and desires we harbor have a significant emotional impact. One day we may feel optimistic and confident, but the next, those dreams can vanish, turning our emotions into anguish. The curious thing is that, in some way, we all leave some dreams unfulfilled. Even the most successful people in the world do not actualize all their illusions. Does it means to just accept the reality and go with the flow where it takes? Or is there a hope to still find our expectations realized? 

How do we face and navigate through real life? Now comes the hard question. We all believe in God’s purpose in human life however vaguely we may understand its importance. We accept our present condition which looks like it is dependent on our fate, status, power of influence, power of money and how best we put our efforts as our reality. We usually put all our trust in our best efforts, influence and then cascade down to accepting what is available to us as the last option. We don’t have to be at the mercy of  residual options. If  you believe God who has brought you to existence you would know that He has also promised an abundant life. Jesus stated, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” He refers to abiding in the love of Christ the Savior. If you want your joy to be full, you should know who is Jesus  the resurrected Savior in the entire human history. Jesus promised “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” You have been promised an abundant life. You can inherit it if you truly know Him better and accept Him as the Savior of your life from all your sinful nature. There is remission and forgiveness of sins in His name.

We all want our dream life but as the good loving parents deciding the best even when we are not in our complete senses. That is our God, who has already planned the best for you if you seek Him and listen to Him. You can talk to Him from where you are and read the Bible to find all the answers in life. This is not a feel-good religious advice but to experience God navigating you towards an abundant promising life, grounded in Christ Jesus. 

 

 Click to read the previous blog HERE

 

You can follow us on Twitter

 

Resources:

Knowing the Saviour 

THE FOUR