tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67444618530945545452024-03-12T16:22:28.069-07:00Thoughts from the HimalayasLaji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744461853094554545.post-62904826553446163352016-12-31T02:35:00.000-08:002016-12-31T02:37:11.399-08:00Demonitization<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Demonitization</h2>
<br />
Evil in the society can be controlled only by hard hitting laws. Untaxed money or undeclared income is at the core of our society. All of us are guilty of some amount of corruption in money matters. Corruption can also be at the heart level of getting what we want through hidden agendas. None of us can claim to be righteous. Our Govt with ‘some good intentions’ decided to implement demonetisation to set our society right. According to their calculation they are the chosen ones to wipe out black money, arrest terrorism at the borders and make India digital and all will be well.<br />
Is it blind leading the blind?<br />
<br />
There are reasons why, as people of a great nation, we accept corruption so easily. We take pride in being a tolerant society.We tolerate everything including all that should not be tolerated. Toleration is ‘putting up’ with something or someone for various reasons. It can arise from lack of conviction, respect or from benefits or personal advantage. May be we just don’t care enough! There is much injustice, violence, partiality and unfair practises in the society. Very few people pay tax. As we do not have social security, good medical care or good education for all, people choose to take short cuts to get some extra cash for emergencies and for the future of their children. Comfort and convenience are available at a price but many do not have the means to get it. Unemployment and addictions kill the human spirit. Powerful and influential people get away with much dishonesty. They have the buying power to manipulate people and systems. Life passes by without noticing the common man. There is a build-up of frustration in the poor as they are faced with their harsh reality.There is a sense of betrayal by the democratic government to take care of the grievances of the common man. There is a denial about our true condition. All political powers behave in the same way. Their promises are the same and their failures are same. Leaders who are elected to be servants and representatives of people, now become masters who forget their primary role.It’s so depressing to watch the debates and discussions in the media. Blame game is the norm and the media thrives on this unashamedly.They get their energy from making the parties bash each other up. The spokespersons are drilled to defend their position by lies. The past sins of others seem to give them a good enough reason to continue their own corrupt agendas. Those who read or watch the game feel so lost. People at large feel betrayed by the very own leaders they chose. Inability to change anything for the better, we tolerate all that's going on. Our collective sins are too many to have a simple solution. We are our own enemies.<br />
<br />
We as a nation have lost the moral authority to talk about good governance. There are no absolutes. Everything is grey. Laws can be twisted for personal benefits.Many can get away with wrong doing. The judicial system can also be manipulated, so faith in that system is also eroding. No one has the decency to apologize or admit wrong-doing. One’s status or public image is more important than sincerity. Sentiment is more important than justice. The corrupt shall inherit the earth is the reality today. We all know this - it’s nothing new and nothing much can be done to set it right adds to the pain of living. We rejoice when some one is caught by authorities without acknowledging our share in the collective moral failure.<br />
<br />
What is the solution to this sickness? As a nation, we need mechanisms to enforce the laws as no one will embrace personal or civil laws willingly. Religious instructions or fear of punishment help some to live with checks and balances. But it does not touch the core of our being with a desire for truthful living. Knowing what is good but impotent to do it is the human dilemma. We know too much but it does not make any difference to life. “I do not know what evil resides in me” wrote the Father of the Nation – Mahatma Gandhi. This truth can be multiplied by 1.4 billion to see our true situation.All of us are fallen creatures and, no system can make us what we ought to be is an unpleasant truth that we refuse to believe. We have enough proof of this pathetic condition within and without. Education has not diminished it, development has not touched it and philosophy has not transformed it. This is universal and all are infected with this inner corruption. The differences are only in the shade. We can live comfortably only as we lower the standard of ethics.<br />
<br />
As a nation, we can work towards some civility to make our daily living tolerable. Some degree of well being is possible within our current situation. It can be enhanced by many factors. Unless we embrace common good, we will only be self-seekers. But do we have a good enough reason to think about others in our scheme of things? Unless we are convinced and convicted of our reasons, we will never desire change.<br />
<br />
Family, school and religious institutions are the basic pillars that mould our thinking and direct us to take the path of goodness and truth. We have no role models for children to look up to and be inspired.But if these pillars are falling apart in delivering the ethics and reasons for choosing, then we fail ourselves dangerously. We promote an unhealthy and polluted culture. We influence our children’s world and train them unconsciously to take the easy path or the broad way. Thus the key to creating a civilized society is compromised forever. We move towards becoming a superficial people group whose god is plastic money and parent is google.<br />
<br />
But there is a superior way for a personal transformational encounter with Truth that can produce radical change from within. This happened to an income tax officer called Zach. His deep desire to come out of the restlessness within drove him to take up the unusual method of climbing a tree to get a glimpse of a Sachguru, ‘Teacher of truth’. It was an encounter of truth and falsehood, light and darkness, around the dinner table in Zach’s house.<br />
<br />
In that brief meeting, his lies and darkness acknowledged the the inner state of his heart. His lavish home, his bank accounts, his gold and silver that gave security, all were stained with corruption. He had taken what did not belong to him rightly. He had used various unethical means to acquire wealth. He had exploited the poor. He had coveted and cheated to get what he wanted and now it was giving him a burden that was too much to carry. The only way to his inner freedom was to unburden himself by giving up all that he had taken and shifting his value system. He embraced a different life style for his future. He found joy in giving up something that was eating away his soul, to get that which could not be taken away from him. He was willing to lose everything to find another way of living. The teacher did not ask him to do it. Darkness walked away in Light’s presence. It was spontaneous, voluntary and joyful.<br />
<br />
What political maneouvering could not do, the Man who is Truth did over a dinner table. It was not enforced but embraced. Zach found his reason to come out of darkness into Truth. Salvation comes from unexpected places. Why only Zach? Can this happen to us today? Do we want to live a truthful life? Are we willing to pay the price?<br />
<br />
There is no limit to our greed. There is no limit to our twistedness to make happen what we desire. “I have a streak of cruelty in me that compels people to attempt the impossible in order to please me,” said Mahatma Gandhi. Our deception has no boundary. No enforcement is going to touch our hearts. We will find new ways to do old things. We invent our own unhappiness.<br />
<br />
Demonetisation is a call to examine our hearts in the light of truth. It is not a call only to empty our pockets but our hearts. It’s a call to shift gears and change lanes. It’s a call to come down from our vantage points and face our truth however painful it may be. It’s a call to look at the incarnated Truth and embrace the moment of grace to change.All these depend on our eagerness to be free from the bondage of living a lie. If there is a welcoming place in our hearts and homes for truth, then the Man who is Truth incarnate will set us free to a life of contentment.<br />
<br />
December 2016</div>
Laji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744461853094554545.post-11835966484872029632016-12-29T20:35:00.003-08:002016-12-29T20:35:57.114-08:00Emmanuel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christmas 2016</span></h2>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christmas is a good time to introspect to see where we stand
in our conviction about what we profess to believe.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mary allowed her body to be the home for the God cells to
grow and take the human shape. Her obedience made the miracle possible.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joseph nurtured and cared for the baby by watching over, providing
and protecting the little one and embraced the responsibility of being the
human father.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Others like the shepherds, wise men, Simeon and Anna
worshipped the promised one, not knowing the whole story.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Millions of people all over the world continue to experience
life changing encounters with this Jesus and their lives are being changed for
the better.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many leave the faith as it becomes difficult for them to
embrace the moral demands of the gospel. Others stay at a distance. The church
continues to disappoint many by becoming irrelevant in its current
geo-political situation. Materialism, power games, competition and compromises
mark the church. Church seems to have lost its moral prophetic voice to awake a
dying world. It has no counter culture to offer as its life style is no
different from the rest.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus, the man from Nazareth, continues to disturb the
status quo. He challenges us with Truth. He touches the raw nerve at the dark
and hidden recesses of our being and exposes the lies we live by. This makes us
uncomfortable. His answers are a big blow to the human ego yet Life giving to
those who seek truth. He invites all but only a handful respond. He makes the
dead alive through His death and offers a life that will not die. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His indwelling in us alone can empower us to live out His
life in and thru us. No Christian life is possible without this. “Christ with
us” is taken to another dimension where “Christ in us” becomes a reality. The
heavenly perspective of “We are in Christ” is equated to “Christ in us” from
the earthly perspective. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If Christ is in us, then how shall we live becomes</div>
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the
question? How shall we allow His qualities and attitudes to replace ours and
manifest thru our attitudes and actions?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are called to offer our bodies to be His instruments to
express and live out His life on a day to day basis. It’s a joyful voluntary
submission to the One who continues to love us by His indwelling presence. This
is the only rightful response to God’s love. Together we can become “Christ” to
the hurting world.</div>
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May the Christ of Christmas give us faith, hope and love for
2017. </div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take some time to reflect about what Christmas actually
celebrates: the coming of Jesus, a fragile baby born into a politically
dangerous situation. He continues to come in to our turmoil filled life and
seeks a welcoming place where He can live out His life. Are we ready?</div>
</div>
Laji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744461853094554545.post-91628974062474326472013-02-22T06:28:00.000-08:002013-02-22T06:40:47.700-08:00The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The Grace of our Lord Jesus.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Recently I was thinking about this special Grace. What is it
and how does it work? The following thoughts evolved as I pondered over this.</div>
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I think this Grace is different from God’s redemptive Grace.
God showers upon us unmerited or undeserved favor. We are paupers and in no way
can we buy favor from God. So God decided unilaterally to give this Grace to us
freely. This is the saving Grace.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But what is the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ? It is his ‘life
style’ grace.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The word became flesh and lived among us…He walked the talk…those
who witnessed this talk and walk, this word and flesh, made the remarkable
statement “Full of Grace and Truth” about Him. Full of light. From His fullness
all have received Grace upon Grace. A life full of Grace and Truth. Not a bit
of this and a bit of that!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paul explains this Grace, “you know the Grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ, though he was rich, for our sake he became poor.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The graciousness of Jesus was his willingness to let go, to
descend, to become helpless and vulnerable for the nobodies. It also meant saying
a big ‘Yes’ to his Father and an emphatic ‘no’ to evil.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every Sunday we receive the benediction, “The Grace of Our
Lord Jesus Christ be with us all”, telling us to go out and live. So how does
it work?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This Grace is filled with the wisdom of God, the ability to
live a different kind of life in this world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My own experience is that: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This Grace awakens my heart to the things of God, to Righteousness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grace brings to my consciousness truths from the scripture
that are applicable to my situation. It helps me to remember and prompts me to
obey.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This Grace produces a desire in me to seek God’s kingdom.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This points me to Jesus and his ways and enables me to say
NO to all that’s evil. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">This Grace is the Spirit
of Lord Jesus Christ, His very own nature.</b> His Humility.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This gives us the capacity to postpone the immediate
gratification of our flesh for long-term blessings. Eventually we may reach a
place where we may not have to struggle endlessly to choose between evil and
good. Pleasure of sin may lose its affinity and appeal to us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This Grace helps us to accept difficulties and sufferings by
changing our focus to joy beyond measure. This is the kind of life style we
have been invited to take up. Jesus suffered everything that came in his way so
as to let us know that it could be done. He was content to let God set things
right.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are still left with a choice to listen to this Grace,
which is calling out all the time. We can choose to heed its warnings,
encouragements or ignore it or respond partially. We can waste this work of Grace
by betraying that moment of awakening or stirring deep within us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We can learn to live in the atmosphere of Grace. It is just like
the air we breathe without effort or conscious awareness. It’s always there for
us to take in. We breathe in the Grace and its life -giving energy and words. Jesus
said that his yoke is bearable and what he tells us to do is easy<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">. Grace is the presence of Jesus</b> in and
with us and our awareness of this truth in all our happenings.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
What was the secret of Jesus? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did he become full of Grace and Truth?</div>
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It came from knowing who he was. An awareness of his father’s
love became the foundation for his Rest. There was no need to impress, threaten
or boast. No need to do spectacular things and push His own agenda and draw
attention to him by being somebody else.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was an expression of his trust and security in his
father.</div>
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He became truth incarnate. He made choices based on truth,
so lies had no power over him. Not loving was not an option for him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we do not know who we are, our worth and preciousness
of our being, how much we are loved, then we try to grasp what is missing in some
form or other. We become Graceless people. We see people as objects. We see
them enemies to avoid, criticize, to demean and to hate. We begin to use people
for our benefit. We bully and ignore them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grace prompts us to reach out, to love, to respect, to
understand, to trust, to forgive and to overlook many failures in the other. Grace
holds on to truth all the time. The moment we ignore this prompting, we betray
this Grace and ourselves and move towards self -justification to defend our
self- betrayal.</div>
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To acknowledge to oneself and to God this betrayal is
confession. Grace continues to walk with us and takes us to this point of
confession and repentance. </div>
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How much of self- betrayal can we cope with? It soon begins
to break through our system and begins to manifest in all sorts of negative and
damaging ways. Eventually we become slaves to ourselves and this gives a handle
to the devil to torment us and manipulate us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We begin to represent more of evil and become controlled by
fear. All our relationships will suffer as we live in this darkness. We become
even afraid to look into our own hearts. We would rather ‘be sick’ and cover up
our darkness rather than find healing through facing our real inner condition.
Sometimes over activity or laziness become the only escape route.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ continues to call us. As
long as it is called TODAY, this salvation from our self -deception is
available if we heed to this Grace. The only things that will destroy us are
fear and pride.</div>
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How shall we escape if we neglect such Grace?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are partakers of Gods nature. His seed is in us. We are
recreated for some thing super. Every sharing in the Holy Communion is an act
of receiving Grace. Taking in the life of Jesus is the sacred invitation. This
invitation challenges us to live out His life in the sad world all around us.
This Grace is Life giving. He gives it freely. We receive it with thankfulness.
It is a movement towards humility. We freely receive and so we freely give. We
become channels of this Grace to the hurting world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May this Grace of our Lord Jesus be with us to walk the
talk.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me conclude with this ancient prayer called <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;">‘Soul of Christ’:</span></i></b></div>
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Jesus,</div>
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May ALL that is you flow into me,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbwJ3Qh1i2HwJWngxOXwDOS7KeUMFwLmZy6SKVnbCQPD6BP4HV0yD9fmsK415QlHsoBcoYOAXjBs3xNnbudWheDRoB0Ip_lKUTtfI6-OzoqJ5Zp1OizUFLTKKoaXgip8BEB_GPVUV8M0/s1600/P1110135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbwJ3Qh1i2HwJWngxOXwDOS7KeUMFwLmZy6SKVnbCQPD6BP4HV0yD9fmsK415QlHsoBcoYOAXjBs3xNnbudWheDRoB0Ip_lKUTtfI6-OzoqJ5Zp1OizUFLTKKoaXgip8BEB_GPVUV8M0/s320/P1110135.JPG" width="320" /></a>May your body and blood be my food and drink,</div>
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May your Passion and death be my strength and life.</div>
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Jesus,</div>
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With you by my side, enough has been given,</div>
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May the shelter I seek be the shadow of your cross,</div>
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Let me not run from the love that you offer,</div>
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But hold me safe from the forces of evil.</div>
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On each of my dyings shed your Light and Love</div>
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Keep calling to me until that day comes,</div>
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when with your saints I may praise you forever.</div>
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Amen.</div>
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Laji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744461853094554545.post-25225993387665473532012-05-30T08:35:00.000-07:002012-05-30T08:35:06.212-07:00My Jesus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">My Jesus</span></span></h2>
</div>
<h1>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">If…Then<o:p></o:p></span></b></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">If</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US"> Jesus is the desire
of ages, the fulfillment of all prophesies</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">If</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US"> Jesus is the exact
image of the invisible God and the final revelation of all dreams for a perfect
man</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Then</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US"> everything in scripture
needs to be seen, interpreted and lived out through His eyes and His
perspective!</span></div>
<h1>
<span lang="EN-US">Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. </span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This statement means that His words in the
gospels become the final authority in all matters of life and death and beyond
death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His values, attitudes and
truths become our foundation for living and the yardstick for interpretation of
everything that matters. All other revelations and commentaries remain
incomplete and fragmented shadows. What He spoke about himself, God and His
kingdom, life, relationships, the world and death, all become the final word.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span class="MsoIntenseEmphasis"><span lang="EN-US">He calls us to follow Him<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span class="MsoIntenseEmphasis"><span lang="EN-US">The Voice tells us to Listen to Him<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span class="MsoIntenseEmphasis"><span lang="EN-US">Apostles encourages us to behold Him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span class="MsoIntenseEmphasis"><span lang="EN-US">He matters more than anyone here and now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Our minds can fathom Him and understand Him
only partially even as a man. He draws our hearts and our attention. He is full
of truth and grace. Our hearts burn within as we listen to what he says. Yes, a
compassionate, uncompromising radical who brought light and life to our world.
Gentleness and kindness poured out from His being. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">He had love for all. So spacious was he
with open arms, yet he could not be trapped or manipulated or taken for a ride.
He knew how to handle power. He displayed utter humility. There was nothing in Him
to respond to evil. He knew the tempter, his voice and his offers. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Jesus had the final word. Yes, He said some
hard and difficult words unpalatable to our liking. He talked about a better
home. He did not hide the reality of evil and the nothingness of hell. He was
proactive, yet surrendered His will to lay down His life. His trust in His
Father was so complete. Yes, His humanity moves me to adore Him and want to
take a second look at Him. There is something about Him that makes me wonder
who he resembles, more than a man, different, unlike anyone else. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">There was no fear in Him, no malice, no
hypocrisy. There was nothing wrong in Him yet a mystery surrounding Him. In His
transparent presence, sinners felt comfort, religious people felt threatened,
children laughed, women found dignity, the tired found rest, the broken found wholeness,
the sick found healing, the demons fled, nature obeyed. He generated faith in
many, anger in some but questions in all. No one could remain neutral.</span></div>
<h1>
<span lang="EN-US">The more I look at Him</span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The more I look at Him, the more I want to
understand Him, love Him and be accepted by Him. I want to touch Him and be
touched by Him, to feel His acceptance and embrace. There is a deep longing to
be united with Him, to be His friend and for Him to be mine.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">His humanity draws out my humanity from its
dark dungeon and floods my life with His light. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">His truth awakens all I know to be true
deep in my subconscious mind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">His humanity gently edges me to ask the
unthinkable, “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Could this man be God</b>”?
If God has a face will it look like Jesus? If God walked on earth, will it be
same as this man?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Happy are those who move from seeing His
humanity to worshiping His divinity!</span></div>
<h1>
<span lang="EN-US">Seeing and believing His divinity: always a revelation</span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">No amount of logic can make someone believe
that He is man as well as God. It’s a miracle and supernatural. This revelation
can take place on a mountaintop, behind closed doors, on a walk to Emmaus, on
the road to Damascus or in a garden. It can be in a moment or through a series
of encounters.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span class="MsoIntenseEmphasis"><span lang="EN-US">My attraction to him transformed into worship<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span class="MsoIntenseEmphasis"><span lang="EN-US">My friend becomes my God<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span class="MsoIntenseEmphasis"><span lang="EN-US">My lover becomes my Lord<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span class="MsoIntenseEmphasis"><span lang="EN-US">The lamb becomes the Lion<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span class="MsoIntenseEmphasis"><span lang="EN-US">The son of Man becomes The Son of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This change of mindset challenges me to
take His words seriously and obedience becomes an expression of my devotion and
love.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">His followers take in all the words that he
spoke and let His words dwell in their hearts and minds. His words in the
gospel become our living bread. His spirit takes these words and makes it flesh
and blood to us for all our thoughts and actions. This act of “Taking in”
becomes the point of transformation. It gives life, energy, reason, healing,
joy and confidence in the midst of darkness and confusion. His followers will
face all the temptations their master faced. Yes, Jesus through His spirit and
promises stays with us through thick and thin and gives us wisdom to go on. We
learn to align our will to His will and learn the intimacy of communication.
This prayer becomes the very atmosphere in which we live and actions become an
expression of what He desires for the world and for us. His kingdom becomes our
focus. He becomes its message. We are called to share Him, lift Him up and he
has promised to draw all to himself.</span></div>
<h1>
<span lang="EN-US">All scriptures are God inspired</span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">People who were moved by God’s spirit in
the past wrote them. These writings are good for giving us instruction to live
a Godly life. There are lessons to be learnt by what happened to people when
they obeyed and disobeyed.</span></div>
<h3>
<span lang="EN-US">God inspired and God breathed</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Prophets, who watched the events and
analyzed and interacted with people and authorities, wrote down the historical
facts from a heavenly perspective. Others experienced God’s movements and His
presence in the world and human affairs, wrote down their experiences and their
understanding of God’s mind. Some had direct revelations about the future.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">All these writings were breathed upon by
God’s Spirit, animated or made alive with the potential to give life and wisdom
to those who accept and believe and obey. These words became like seeds that
could be planted and could bring life. It has built-in life principles within
itself to generate new life. Unlike all other words of philosophy and writings,
the scriptures claim to have this unique power to change lives. It educates us
on life and draws our hearts to look at the Creator and worship Him and obey Him.
It gives us partial understanding of the unseen God. It is incomplete and
fragmented but promises a fuller revelation some day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Just like Adam who was made out of the
earth and became animated when God breathed to his nostrils the breath of life,
words of men and women became animated when God breathed on these people and
their writings. It became God’s word in the sense that it had His authority
about what is permissible and what is <a href="" name="_GoBack"></a>not accepted. It
reveals a way of living in a damaged world with damaged relationships and environment,
but opens up the possibility of hope for a better life. It does not edit events
but truth is told. Wherever there is truth, God’s spirit is active. We may not
accept or understand the past, but basic human makeup, behaviour, needs and
longings are similar and the applications of truth in any context ought to
produce similar results.</span></div>
<h1>
<span lang="EN-US">Deep down Man has not changed </span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">His cries for love, purpose, and security
all remain the same.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In Jesus the complete revelation of God is
seen. His words are not just inspired. He <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i>
the word. He claims to have come from above. His word is life. Every one may
get inspiration once in a while but He alone promises E-life. Others can give
good advice, suggestions and an 8-point program for healthy living. All may be
good and appropriate and helpful. It can modify our behavior and excite us to
change our lifestyle and help us towards civility with many rules and
regulations to contain the hidden darkness in man.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Jesus talked about a new life different
from all the other forms of life. It is not just an improvement but so radical
that it looks out of place. It is not a controlled and modified human behaviour
based on fear or rewards but results from “having God’s life within as a source”,
a spring of living water, abundant and ever-flowing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As far as the Gospel is concerned, I
believe that the disciples sat together and recollected stories, events,
sayings of Jesus; their collective experiences of Him. The Spirit reminded them
of their time with Him. They talked about what happened to their friend and
teacher and its significance. Peter helped Mark to put it all in writing at a
later stage. Luke too investigated various stories and interviewed people who
encountered this carpenter and compiled a more accurate document. May be he met
with Mary to get a personal understanding about His birth and early years.
Mathew too added other events to give connection with the Jewish history. John
wrote about those intimate talks and personal moments with Jesus and showed us
the lover’s heart. These writings are special and that’s the reason the church
all over encourages people to stand while </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Baskerville;">The Gospel</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US"> is
read. They are the WORDS and ACTIONS of the Lord Himself. They demand our total
attention. The ETERNALWORD became flesh and lived among us, speaking
life-giving words. So let the words of Christ dwell in us richly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Jesus himself talked to the disciples about
various prophecies and its fulfillments in the events that took place. He alone
knew which part talked about Him from earlier writings. He spent many days
after His resurrection explaining about the kingdom of God and its message.
Whatever we need to have faith in Jesus to receive this E-Life is available in
the gospels.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">All the other New Testament writings are
written to various people-groups who took the step to have faith in this Jesus
about how to conduct their lives in this world. It was also written to give
sense to His humanity and divinity and to challenge us to walk in His
steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<h1>
<span lang="EN-US">It is like the Ten Commandments Moses gave</span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It was not given to people in Egypt or to
Hebrews in Egypt. It was given to a delivered people group from the power of
Pharaoh and to those who experienced God’s mercy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It was a message of radicalism to slaves
who embraced the Egyptian lifestyle for 400 years. They had become idol
worshipers of multiple gods; people who swore all the time, who had no rest for
their bodies or minds. They had lost respect for their parents, they were used
to a life of lies, cheating, murder, adultery, greed and covetousness.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Ten commandments are a call to total
reversal of their habitual destructive lifestyle. They had to learn a new
language of life before they entered the Promised Land. But most of them
remained illiterate and unwilling to learn the new way. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We too are delivered, liberated, redeemed
and transferred from the power of Evil buy paying a ransom. Our debts all
cancelled. All accomplished by God through Jesus Christ. We had nothing to do
with it. We only have to believe and accept this as grace and extreme mercy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But once we believe, we are given a model
to live by. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In order to live out
this model of Jesus we need to discard our habit pattern of disobedience and
self-worship. Time and again people refused to live by this model and the
disciples wrote letters to encourage them to come back to a real life, filled
with the presence of God. It’s a call to live out what’s already in.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">So faith in Jesus is followed by a life
lived out in His way. This is what the kingdom message is all about. When a
small community begins to embrace this message and live out its truths, people
around are affected. Light begins to disperse the darkness. There will be
justice, peace and joy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Let us soak ourselves in the Gospel. Let
our imagination go wild and enter those stories and dialogues with Jesus. Let
us walk the dusty roads with the Nazarene and see people and situations through
His eyes. Let us see God, the Father through His eyes. Let us behold this
Eternal man in the Gospel. Let us whole heartedly enter His vision of kingdom
living.</span></div>
<h1>
<span lang="EN-US">Many have to go thru various stages of seeing Him</span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Maybe as a good man, a wise man, a
compassionate man, a man with authority.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Then some may see Him as a miracle worker
and a prophet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In others it may raise questions like”
Could this be the promised one?’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Some will come to an earlier understanding
like ‘The lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">There will be those who remain at a lower
level or in a negative frame of mind. They will see Him only as a clever
somewhat misguided man. Maybe crazy, demon-possessed and blaspheming disturber
of peace.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A sudden revelation of His divinity can
shock and paralyze others.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Also it can take an intense form of revelation
of utter unworthiness about oneself! Which may make them say, “Depart from me”.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Both beauty and the beast are revealed in
that encounter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We are left with the responsibility of
making a choice, to follow or walk away. He gives us the option. We alone are
responsible for this decision. The outcome may surprise us.</span></div>
<h1>
<span lang="EN-US">Only the sick need a doctor</span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Jesus made it very clear that only the sick
need the doctor and the lost one needs to be found. But if we do not feel the
need or think differently, he allows us to take our choices and pursue our own
path. But those who decide to follow, he offers the cup of pain and joy along
with the promise of the presence of the triune God on a daily basis. When we
accept this offer, the spirit will take the words of Jesus and make them alive
in us. This word, which is living, will take our mortal bodies, our eyes and
hands, to become His to reach out to others and touch their lives just the way
He did 2,000 years ago. Our surrender to this love and union with the triune
God will become heaven on earth in a small way. So let us share this Jesus, the
Man for all, to those who are around us in a meaningful and loving way. Let us
pray that all those who will see his humanity will also have a revelation of
his divinity.</span></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>Laji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744461853094554545.post-14677039261728823692012-01-20T08:23:00.000-08:002012-01-20T08:23:38.441-08:00Man shall leave......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Man shall leave!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Scripture says that when God made the first man and woman, He gave clear instructions for them to have a new identity as a couple. They were to ‘leave’ their parents and ‘cleave’ to one another to become ‘one’. They ought to discover joy in having a nest of their own. Over the years someone somewhere made changes and the Hebrew culture was accepted as the ‘norm’.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Today the woman leaves her parents and is asked to make all the sacrifices to fit into her husband’s family. This style is accepted as divine. Women have less value and bridal price is becoming bigger in spite of equal education and equal earning capacity of women. Many of the problems women face are related to the joint family expectations and the control of the new bride by the in-laws. Even though the joint family has many advantages depending on the character of the in laws, the underlying fact is that the bride is the property of the bridegroom’s family. She has to make all the adjustments to fit into the new setup. She loses her own identity as she gives up her surname. Why? Why can't she retain her surname? Why can’t the children have both parents names as part of their name?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Why does the Church encourage this pattern in spite of all the other major changes happening all over the world? The Church gives no teaching about this cultural aberration. What about inheritance? Job gave equal share to his daughters thousands of years ago!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Marriage brings in a new unity that needs space and time to mature and function in the right way. The reality of this ‘Oneness’ is planned by God and needs to be learned by the couple in this space and time. Yes, wisdom is available from elders and parents in times of need but the man and woman have to be by themselves to learn this ‘Oneness’.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Man and woman are equal and they have equal responsibility to make this new life meaningful. Man needs to leave his parental control just the way a woman is expected to . This leaving is crucial for love to blossom and responsibility to make the Oneness real. Both families need to let go of their children but support them as they create their own destiny. The new couple needs to make decisions about the way they are going to care for their parents when the need arises. Both sets of parents are equally important and this care can be expressed without coercion and blackmail. It is the strength of the oneness of the couple that frees them to be involved in caring activities for others. We have reversed what God said and made the woman do all the leaving. Man continues to be the aggressor and his family continues to dominate the decision-making processes for their advantage. The woman’s love for her own family is choked. Most of the men do not have the moral courage to stand up to their convictions. They are too dependent on their parents to make decisions. These men have no real life goals and marriage goals. They are immature and see women only as a commodity. It is automatically assumed that the woman shall follow her husband wherever he goes. Or they stay with his family for x number of months or years. There seems to be no healthy dialogue based on scripture and Trinitarian love. This culture has made men spineless and irresponsible in their own family matters.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> The tradition of men and the cultural background undermines the truth of the scripture. Women continue to pay the price for this but they also perpetuate this malady through their intense desire to have a son who will carry on the family name. Many in-laws treat their daughter in-laws as second-class citizens and much psychological oppression goes on even in so called middle class respectable Christian families. Money becomes the real god that determines the way a woman is treated. Marriages are arranged and conducted almost as a business deal. Weddings are a display of wealth and status.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> We all behave in a worldly way when important life issues are faced. Our faith gets buried or ignored and we embrace our deep-seated cultural values and prejudices with out a second thought. We have taken in the values of the cultures around with out questioning. Our behavior is the same as someone who has a different faith. Our faith has not overcome and displaced this aspect of flawed culture. Not many people question the customs and traditions and vocalize their disapproval when it’s against ‘kingdom values’. Our real self has not undergone radical conversion. Our polished behaviors as a result of education, social upbringing and tradition soaked religious activities do not have the moral fiber to withstand the power of conformity. The scripture tells us not to conformed to the pattern of the world around us but be transformed according to the kingdom values. Most of us have not heeded to this high calling for revolutionary change in our families and in our churches.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">We have created double standards for our children. Discrimination based on sex continues to thrive. Religion also seems to sanction this bias. The girl child from the very early years gets the message that she does not belong in her own home. She exists for some other family. Her rights are suppressed and her gifts are buried. In many cases she has no control over her own feelings, her future and her income. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">The Trinitarian concept of love is vital for change to take place at the mind level. Marriage ceremonies and messages give too much one sided importance to submission of the wife to her husband and his family. Man leaving and cleaving and loving with a sacrificial love is belittled or completely ignored. No wonder men behave the way they do. They have no model except the model that is in the culture or what they have seen in their own fathers. The woman learns to suffer silently and eventually turns to her children for some compensation and attention. Soon she realizes that they too have inherited their tragic image and characteristics and the cycle continues.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc; font-size: 18pt;">Is there any hope in coming back to the original purpose that God desired? Can the church begin to affect the families in discovering the truth? Is it possible to help young people in the church to think Biblically? Can the church help the parents to ‘let go’ of their children and trust God more? Can the church support and encourage new couples to understand the Trinitarian love? Is it possible for families to redefine inheritance and how to come with a counter- cultural value system? May be a few families can start this.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> for a couple that is the reality</span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Kingdom people need an inside out revolution in these matters. Our minds need to be realigned to kingdom values so that we become aware of our choices. We need to remember that we are called to BE the heaven on earth and act and deal with what we face in a different spirit. <b>We need to model Kingdom values to our children.</b> Can the change begin in our churches? How long are we going to be blinded by the powers that are behind the evils plaguing our society? Evil is not some thing far away but it is so close that we fail to see it. We are contaminated and corrupted by it. It comes in various forms and bombards us from every corner. We as followers of Jesus need counseling to recognize the trap that we are in and get rehabilitated through spiritual therapy. The Holy Spirit is longing to release us from our cultural bondages and bring us to the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">land</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Trinitarian</st1:placename></st1:place> love. The question is ‘Do we want this’?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6tBmVNHuGMSDfm_zkwXS0Vu9Tw72Ueu_8SxOJh1Pi1PAaZ0-QFyr2IBbLV0-ozf2oUFa0OpqWm5cKZ03ysmF4D-lXuRZcNV3KsbpJ6P4ycdVEY6kxzrHm7soIH1f9896k0qPo1jrXN8/s1600/IMG_2333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6tBmVNHuGMSDfm_zkwXS0Vu9Tw72Ueu_8SxOJh1Pi1PAaZ0-QFyr2IBbLV0-ozf2oUFa0OpqWm5cKZ03ysmF4D-lXuRZcNV3KsbpJ6P4ycdVEY6kxzrHm7soIH1f9896k0qPo1jrXN8/s320/IMG_2333.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br />
</span></div></div>Laji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744461853094554545.post-77617665276207157482011-12-29T08:57:00.000-08:002011-12-29T08:57:48.341-08:00The Kingdom of God<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> The <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIxYn8NLtCw/TvyZ5aTFoiI/AAAAAAAAAI4/4cTAYZPSnoU/s1600/IMG_1758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIxYn8NLtCw/TvyZ5aTFoiI/AAAAAAAAAI4/4cTAYZPSnoU/s320/IMG_1758.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Last night I was awakened suddenly with what Paul wrote about the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> being <span style="color: red;">Peace, Joy and Righteousness</span>. So I lay awake thinking about what it meant. The Major theme of Jesus’ messages was the Kindom of <br />
God. He explained about how and who can see and enter this Kingdom. He talked about the principles of the Kingdom and the great reversal. John the Baptist called out to people to repent and get ready for the Kingdom. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Peace:</span></u><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> This quality of peace is between Man and God vertically, and with one another horizontally. The means of this peace is the cross. So what happened on that cross is central to peace. Jesus’ death on the cross, paved the way for man to be reconciled with God and re-establish a loving relationship with Him. God has forgiven man in Christ and there is no condemnation. Sin (trustlessness and lovelessness) that separated us from God was dealt with. Man is no longer a condemned sinner but a new creation. Fear and guilt are replaced by a sense of belonging and a gift of ‘sonship’. The result is peace where my inner being is at rest in God’s goodness and mercy. It’s a contentment of the soul in God alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The other aspect of peace is what the cross does between people. It brings together all sections of the society and creates a new identity. All barriers are broken down. Enmity, prejudices and complexes are removed and a new humanity is born at the cross in Christ. The Cross makes it possible to look at the other and consider him as a brother loved by the same God. For this process to become real, the cross has to be embraced. Peace does not mean compromise but overcomes evil with good. Peace opens the way for a compassionate outlook and a radical brotherly love towards people all over irrespective of their reactions or responses. It is also a calling to be peacemakers in this world.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TB_m5HZ_SdM/Tvyaj5p2n_I/AAAAAAAAAJE/Zo2Ury-9-S8/s1600/IMG_1820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TB_m5HZ_SdM/Tvyaj5p2n_I/AAAAAAAAAJE/Zo2Ury-9-S8/s320/IMG_1820.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Peace is a gift that Jesus left with us. It is His personal presence in the midst of all possible problems and difficulties. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Joy:</span></u><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> This aspect of the Kingdom is a gift given by the indwelling spirit of God. Joy is an expression of freedom. This happens when one knows that God is smiling as He sees us. When shame is removed, it is replaced by joy. It is part of the blessing God pronounces on His children. It is God’s face shining upon us. It is a result of knowing and experiencing God's amazing love. It is having the assurance David talked about in Psalm 23 “goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of God for ever”. It is the result of knowing that all is well and will be well. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Righteousness:</span></u><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> When there is peace and Joy in our hearts, it gives us motivation to live the right kind of life in accordance with God’s will. It starts with a major shift in values and attitudes. It is counter to our culture and traditions. This dangerously radical life style, Jesus modelled for us to embrace. It cannot be done without the cross and it is the result of the ongoing work of the cross. Right living is a trusting life in a gracious God. It is a life style where self is dethroned and self-will is submitted to God’s will. Right living embraces various truths revealed in the word of God and allows ongoing repentance to take place at a deeper level.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oolamLmnBKI/Tvya8F3FhlI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/pNONPw_wHY8/s1600/IMG_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oolamLmnBKI/Tvya8F3FhlI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/pNONPw_wHY8/s320/IMG_0146.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Power:</span></u><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> This is very different from the world's idea of power. Power in the Kingdom is to love and to forgive. It is the power to serve and to be humble. <b>It is the power to say No</b> to sin and to the devil. It is the power to say Yes to God's will. It is not to control or dominate things and situations and people but rather to lay down one's life for the other. It is not position hungry or title crazy. It does not judge the other but understands and empathizes and acts in love. It is proactive and full of energy to do good. It refuses to be self exalted. It is the power to hang on the cross when there are options otherwise. It is the power to wait and allow the outcome in God's hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">So the Kingdom is a growing phenomenon. It begins with hearing, understanding, repenting, inviting and receiving God’s gift of salvation in Christ. It is grace in action in human hearts. It is life that flows from being united with Christ. It is not a calling to copy or duplicate Jesus. No one can do this with out the indwelling of the risen Christ. The <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> being with in you is an ongoing experience as He transforms the inner man. This is the work of God's spirit and a transformed person will be empowered and enabled to live out the Kingdom life in the world. Jesus used many parables to show us what the Kingdom is like. No one picture is sufficient to show all the aspects of this new order. Man cannot create it. It is from above and it is a redeemed community living out ordinary life in an extraordinary way. It faces opposition and persecution yet continues to expand. It waits patiently for human habits to be altered, godly character to be formed and a new humanity to arise out of the old order of things.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">It knows no barriers but the devil and his forces are against this movement and will do everything possible to damage and destroy the unity and the love in the community. This makes its witness ineffective and delays the expansion at a slower pace in a particular locality. At the same time it leaps and bounds in other areas in the world. It is a mystery. Its impact is felt in all areas of life as individuals gets transformed and reclaim God’s creation from the devil’s hand. It will be a minority, yet so powerful and their light will shine and the darkness will not overcome it. It wins wars with out weapons and defeats the enemy through the Word and prayer. It knows only one enemy who needs to be resisted. No man is kept outside its perimeter of love and the doors lay wide open for all to come in to faith. Every one has a choice to enter or not. All are given the grace and free will to accept or reject. Heaven alone knows how and what transpires in human hearts. Others have no business to judge or condemn or question the dealings of God. If God is just and fair and full of mercy we need to believe that He loves all equally and He desires that all will come to the saving knowledge of His Kingdom. Our responsibility is to live out this life and be a witness. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Jesus taught us to pray, ‘let your kingdom come’. This ought to be an ongoing prayer and a desire of the Kingdom community. We need to be involved in Kingdom building activities. Basically it is believing who Jesus is and going about doing good and trusting what He did. This involves proclaiming Kingdom news and displaying Kingdom lifestyle. God will confirm this kingdom through wonders and miracles and by affirming His presence in our midst. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">May all who call upon the name of The LORD seek this Kingdom individually and collectively. Kingdom people will wait for their King to return. So we also pray, “Let your kingdom come’ (and in the same breath – let my kingdom go) and also ‘Lord Jesus, come quickly’.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div>Laji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744461853094554545.post-59374322084480380202011-12-29T05:41:00.000-08:002011-12-29T05:41:09.471-08:00Scripture<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> My understanding of Scripture<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hmVQtrzEFBQ/TvxtvUOhnqI/AAAAAAAAAIo/QnKpDDk5tCU/s1600/Rinzins+pictures+++nov+2010+6-25-2011+12-26-07+PM+3072x2304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hmVQtrzEFBQ/TvxtvUOhnqI/AAAAAAAAAIo/QnKpDDk5tCU/s320/Rinzins+pictures+++nov+2010+6-25-2011+12-26-07+PM+3072x2304.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Paul wrote to Timothy saying " All scripture is God -breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in right living" so that a man of God is equipped for all good work. Paul, at this time had only the Jewish scriptures, The Law of Moses, Psalms and the Prophets. In the book of Hebrews it says, 'God spoke through prophets at many times in various ways". Peter says that, "Prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, ( no prophecy of scripture is a matter of private opinion), but men spoke from God as they were carried along or prompted, by the Holy Spirit". When God made man out of dust, He breathed in to him and man became a living soul. When God breathed on the written word of men and women who were inspired or moved by God's Spirit, it became alive having the power to speak, challenge and transform those who believed in it and it also brought condemnation to the disobedient. "The word of God is living and active, sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joint and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart," The scripture became animated with God's authority. It can scan and apply its lazer power to burn the dross. It reflected God's character and His desires partially. Revelation, history, experience all found their places in the scripture. The power of the choices made by people and the consequences that those choices brought are recorded for our benefit. Public reading of the scripture awakened people to follow God's ways and it instructed them about how to conduct their lives in this world. Paul says that "everything that was written in the past was written to teach us and to give us hope." The scripture can be used to teach truths about God and man. There are stories that can show us the effect of human sin and the reality of God's mercy. It has warnings about the consequences of breaking the built -in life principles in humans. The scripture has enough instruction about living a life of wisdom. Correct and diligent application of the word is needed for it to be effective in people's lives. God's common grace to all is displayed in the scripture and there is more than enough for any one for wise living in this world.<b><i> But it is incomplete to bridge the gap between fallen man and God.</i> </b>Hidden away in this scripture was the promise of the coming Messiah. Prophets could see this hope dimly. In the fullness of time Jesus of Nazareth was born in an insignificant village. Being a Jew, he too studied this scripture. Slowly and steadily, the picture of the Messiah began to emerge, not as a <b>powerful warrior</b> as others expected but as a<b> suffering servant.</b> The Messiah's words, actions and life style were all portrayed in scripture in bits and pieces like a puzzle. Jesus began to embody this picture of the Messiah and lived out his story in the scripture and began to fulfill the role that was given to him. Jesus saw himself as the one crushing the serpent's head, as Moses rescuing people from slavery, as a priest interceding for all, as a prophet expounding the kingdom of God, as a teacher instructing the way of life, as a sacrificial lamb becoming a ransom and a sin offering as the Son of Man triumphing over death.So the fulfillment of Jewish scriptures was all concluded and maximized in Jesus Christ. What ever else is still left to be fulfilled will be accomplished as history comes to a close. History is His story indeed!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">After His resurrection, Jesus met with two of his disciples and explained to them what was said in all the scriptures concerning Him. He opened the scriptures and opened their eyes to see Him as the fulfillment of all the Desires of ages and what prophets had longed to see. As followers of this Jesus, we need to see Jesus in the scripture and proclaim this Man-God who is The WORD. Everything needs to be examined through this Living Word. <b>The Living Word can be experienced through the written word.</b> His words and His life rise above all that was and is and is to come. Every interpretation of the scripture ought to be done from His revelation and His perspective. Yes, there are events, stories, predictions, actions and reactions, which can all be used to draw lessons for living in this world. The human 'sin experience' (missing the mark or falling short of the standard) is universal and we can be equipped to act and react in a right way if we apply the truth of the scripture and its instructions in our lives. Yet all the Old Testament revelations culminate in Jesus Christ and He became the salvation for all. Jesus said,"you diligently study the scripture because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the scriptures that testify about me." So anyone who 'has the Son' has life. The Scripture cannot reduce or replace THE SON. He alone is above all. The word became flesh and this Living Word alone needs our full attention, adoration and obedience. "Listen to Him" is what The voice said. 'Do what ever He tells you' is what Mary said to the disciples. We are admonished to let the Word of Christ dwell richly in us. Jesus said that "His words are Spirit and Life." Anything that does not incorporate the mind of Christ needs to be discarded, discredited or displaced to make room for His words. He is the Pearl of Great Price. He has supremacy over everything. Jesus revealed the truth about the unseen God as a Loving Father. Once some thing is fulfilled it has only academic interest and we ought to hold on to the fulfilled reality.<b><i> The fulfillment of any pregnancy is the birth of a healthy child. After the child is born, it is not so vital to continue to talk about and focus on all that happened during pregnancy.</i></b><i> <b>The Baby is the focus.</b></i> Jesus came to give rest to our souls from all religious struggles. When religion becomes a burden and an end in itself, Jesus offers rest. He is the focus. Coming to Jesus and having faith in what He has done on our behalf and being united with Him on a daily basis is the Gospel that frees us. It is all about Mercy, Mercy and more Mercy!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The biggest Mercy of all is the Gift from the Father of 'the comforter', the blessed Holy Spirit. Even His job is to reveal the greatness of The Son and empower us to live out the Kingdom Life which is The GOOD LIFE. It is impossible to live out the Christian life with out the Triune God. At every moment we need This God.<b><i> The purpose of reading and studying the scripture is to appreciate and acknowledge what the Triune God has done and enter into a loving relationship with God and with one another for ever.</i></b> The devil's strategy is to blind people from seeing this miracle of Grace and miss out life in its fullness. Our prayers ought to focus on opening the eyes of all and the removal of the veil that blocks the truth, to behold the Glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></div>Laji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744461853094554545.post-8929463660961603632011-12-29T05:32:00.000-08:002011-12-29T05:32:17.599-08:00Pioneering<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Pioneering In today’s world.<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
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</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The Pioneering spirit originated in God. He is the original Pioneer. He pioneered in creating the world and us when He could have been content with heaven. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Pioneering is sharing God’s love</i></b> <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">God took risks in creating both the angelic hosts and <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Man.</st1:place></st1:state> Yet for Him it was a love worth risking. When man failed to receive love in one form, God pioneered into acting it out in a different way. The Devil too pioneered in inventing ways to destroy all that God was doing. So pioneering can be for selfish reasons or altruistic reasons. It can be for enslavement or freedom. It can either promote life or death. We have examples of both in abundance in the history of mankind. Jesus pioneered in reclaiming all that was lost or corrupted and in bondage. His pioneering started in heaven, limiting himself of privileges and rights and took upon incarnation, entering into the dark world. It involved a simple life style, hard work, being misunderstood, laughed at and labeled. He experienced rejection, loneliness and pain as a result of it. He saw many deeply entrenched in religion yet trapped and hardened by it. They had a negative vision and power struggles. Others oppressed, harassed and controlled both from with in and with out. Incarnation helped Jesus to enter their lives and feel what they felt. He watched the way society and religion functioned and how it shut God out. Yet he saw the yearning in many to seek truth and have a revelation of God. These people longed for some kind of touch from God out there. Jesus pioneered in revealing God and gave Him a face. He lived a life so radical in loving, that he could unashamedly say, “He who sees me sees God”.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MiSCCvyQJ9E/Tvxj564otxI/AAAAAAAAAHU/iNkyntZWi64/s1600/P1110646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MiSCCvyQJ9E/Tvxj564otxI/AAAAAAAAAHU/iNkyntZWi64/s320/P1110646.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Jesus the God-revealing Pioneer<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">After walking around the villages and towns of <st1:place w:st="on">Galilee</st1:place>, Jesus was at His best when He hung on a cross. He showed that God is on the side of man and no power on earth or hell could separate man from His love. He pioneered in death defeating and hell conquering life style. He pioneered in absolute trust in God and obedience unto death, displaying that the urge to sin could be overcome. Yes, Jesus, above all pioneered in showing that this world is not the ultimate reality, but there is a life beyond the grave and it is possible to have eternal hope through His resurrection. He called the disciples, all weak, fearful and ordinary people, to pioneer in the spreading of God’s kingdom.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Now you and me<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">As a follower of this matchless pioneer of faith, love and hope, I am called, as you are called, to this adventure of life-giving pioneering! It means incarnation to a new situation and a definite sense of being sent out into the same old dark world. Nothing has changed after 2000 years either in God or in humanity. The message to man is the same and the remedy for his sickness is the same. It is a call to ‘Act out faith, love and hope” in the way Jesus did. All those who truly follow Jesus will face similar experiences. But there will be great Joy deep within. We have a responsibility to know what is happening around us and enter into our neighbor’s story. Empathy ought to become compassion. The Pioneering spirit is to know how to express this compassion in practical terms and also using the Jesus’ way. It is a calling to remain uncontaminated by the moral filth and pressure to take on the worldly ways to solve problems. The pioneer needs to be constantly in need of inner transformation.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bmrxYyUAvJY/Tvxp4iTQuZI/AAAAAAAAAIE/lGZknd___yM/s1600/laji%2527s+blog+42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bmrxYyUAvJY/Tvxp4iTQuZI/AAAAAAAAAIE/lGZknd___yM/s200/laji%2527s+blog+42.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b><i>Pioneers are God’s commando force<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In this there are risks and no guarantees. The whole picture is not given. It calls for trust in a God who is also the Father. Whatever may be the vision and the call, the pioneering spirit ought to be a loving, compassionate otherworldly spirit. There are many in the world who are involved in both good and useful ventures. Evil too is alive and will do everything to undo and undermine God’s mission mainly through interpersonal problems.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eBqQb7N_TKg/Tvxq_IFzSHI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/IIbIx47UUNQ/s1600/IMG_1945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eBqQb7N_TKg/Tvxq_IFzSHI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/IIbIx47UUNQ/s320/IMG_1945.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Medical Mission in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> had many pioneers. Learn from them. Read history. Now many such missions have lost their visionaries and have become just a structure that continues to do the ritual of routine medical work. It is so predictable and calculative; there is nothing exciting that draws one’s heart. Missions have negative rituals and many leaders do not have the courage to dismantle the structure and look afresh for a reason for its existence. Where is God in the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Mission</st1:place></st1:city>? Can these dead bones live? These are disturbing questions. God is able to raise up new people who will take up the new challenges if the old mission has lost its purpose. Just like the religious system prevented people from experiencing God and being transformed, the mission set up can be the biggest hindrance to any pioneering spirit. God is always doing something new. So the old pattern of functioning needs to be put aside to create space for the new wine to discover its potential. The new pioneers need the support and wisdom of the old. Know and understand the history of the mission. Respect the past but have the courage and freedom to experiment with the new. Every new thing will become old in a matter of time. Someone else will come and do something different and life goes on as usual. It is okay, as long as it is all part of the Kingdom building process. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><u>The Pioneer <o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>His person</b>: <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">His own personal encounter with the risen Lord qualifies him to be sent out as a pioneer. His model is Jesus Christ. He sees the world through God’s eyes and feels the needs the way God would feel. In the process he will be changed from within to become an instrument in God’s hands. He believes in the power of God’s word to speak and direct his steps. He accepts the correction and encouragement of God’s spirit. He realizes his strengths and weaknesses and is aware of various temptations to which he is vulnerable and takes the necessary precautions to be obedient to his Lord. He also realizes that his failures are not fatalities and God is able to bring out something good out of all negative situations. He has the ability to use the past as fertilizer for the future growth. The pioneer is primarily in a field for his own transformation and growth. If this is not achieved his whole mission becomes an anti witness. <u><o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>His mission</b>: <b>incarnation</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">His mission cannot be different from his master’s. It is to incarnate God’s love in a broken world and being an agent of re- conciliation and redemption. Jesus knew people and the way they felt and thought. He knew the struggles, the temptations and the oppressions. So the pioneer needs to prepare himself with sufficient knowledge and skills to enhance the healing process. He will not use these to promote himself or to make a big empire of self-glorification. The skill and knowledge ought to be upgraded according to the need and used as a tool to help people.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ltz3ZarCnQ/TvxnFVzCfpI/AAAAAAAAAHs/QIB3kerhAMc/s1600/laji%2527s+blog+41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ltz3ZarCnQ/TvxnFVzCfpI/AAAAAAAAAHs/QIB3kerhAMc/s320/laji%2527s+blog+41.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>His field</b>: <b>unlimited</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This can vary from person to person. The need in a particular field can be difficult to meet realistically but can be challenging for the pioneer if that is the call. It can be slum work, palliative care, and counseling. It can be work in an old mission hospital, either as a GP or a specialist. It may be private practice, polyclinic or freelancing. It may be a socio-economic development project or running a home for addicts or those afflicted with HIV. But job-hopping seems to be arising from a lack of commitment and inability to be part of a team. What ever may be the area of work, he ought to be part of a team and a servant. There is a need to value the gifts of others and work as partners in God’s field. He needs to see himself as a people- person and become part of the suffering community at a personal level instead of becoming a mission compound person.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>His team</b>: <b>relationships</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Here wisdom is needed in knowing who can fit in and who can be involved and trained to share the vision. The team ought to have people with different skills and knowledge and who will give differing points of view. They should be able to feel the pulse of the people around and be sensitive to the situation and provide wisdom. There needs to be openness, accountability and integrity. The team needs to sharpen each other to keep the Kingdom values and purposes as priorities in all decisions. The power of money needs to be dethroned and the unrighteous mammon ought to be used for furthering the things of eternal value. Looking to God for unmet needs and holding on to His promises ought to be the lifestyle of the team. Any unwise decisions and its consequences can be avoided through wise counsel. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>His support</b>:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">It is important to develop a group who will pray and provide spiritual nourishment to the pioneer and his team. Some individual may need financial backing till the work is established. Others need emotional support. Good communication with people around and with those who send the pioneer needs to be a day-to-day reality. He needs to have a lifestyle that will speak what he believes. Greed and covetousness that reflect the lack of trust ought to be abandoned. Hidden agendas and motives in financial matters only undermine the power of resurrection in one’s life.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oTue7yU4jMQ/TvxoHRc8I2I/AAAAAAAAAH4/CIzRKQUGsYQ/s1600/IMG_1864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oTue7yU4jMQ/TvxoHRc8I2I/AAAAAAAAAH4/CIzRKQUGsYQ/s320/IMG_1864.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>His own family</b>:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Again the need to have a shared vision and on going dialogue with one’s own family and choosing a lifestyle that reflects Kingdom joy and peace must become a priority. <b>Standing together as a family in God’s given field has big strength. Time given to family is time invested wisely</b>. Passion for the living God and His plans can be caught by one’s own children if they are loved and cared for through Jesus’ eyes. One’s family and God’s family in the mission field can be the biggest source of strength for continuing the work. To sacrifice God’s call for the sake of family’s material needs is a big temptation and the war zone is filled with many such casualties.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Reality check:</b> <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLh3UpztHEI/Tvxh9GYaX1I/AAAAAAAAAHI/Rj8iASINE3A/s1600/IMG_0881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLh3UpztHEI/Tvxh9GYaX1I/AAAAAAAAAHI/Rj8iASINE3A/s400/IMG_0881.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>None of the above guarantees a smooth sailing in pioneering. The enemy is constantly pulling down what we cherish. There will be sabotage and unexpected events and turmoil. Yet the deep conviction of the call and the encounter with truth will be the only anchor at these times for the pioneer. There are many great moments of joy for the pioneer. He experiences much appreciation and respect from simple people. There are many who pray for him and the work. Seeing God answering prayers and meeting needs can lift his spirit high and give strength to go on. Even professional satisfaction takes a new shade. Physical and emotional tiredness can be discouraging. Spiritual darkness can lead to days of depression. Interpersonal difficulties can take away all the energy even to look at another day with hope. One has to believe that all these will pass as the days go by. Yet he needs to examine himself to know whether the problems are caused by his own attitudes and way of functioning rather than some body else's. Sometimes a break is needed to get away to find rest and rejuvenation. Others may need a change of pace and programs. God is able to provide these at the right time. Every burnt out or distressed person in the field reminds us that there are others who are not responding to God’s call. Thus the load has become heavier for the pioneer. Moving away from the call because of disappointments, failures or lack of resources may not be the right thing for someone who heard the call.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">So may God give the pioneering spirit abundantly to all those who are willing to get out of the present systems of the world including the traditional mission setup. Let us run after the living God. It is an adventure of faith. It is a walk with God. It is beholding Jesus, the pioneer of faith, hope and love and becoming a channel for blessing! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zvhrUsA8aVo/Tvxrwbhm2VI/AAAAAAAAAIc/g5zcBt4l3HY/s1600/P1080656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zvhrUsA8aVo/Tvxrwbhm2VI/AAAAAAAAAIc/g5zcBt4l3HY/s200/P1080656.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></div>Laji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744461853094554545.post-9764009237118277002011-12-24T02:50:00.000-08:002011-12-24T02:50:22.924-08:00The blind man<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Healing <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">In this story of a miracle, Jesus encounters a man born blind. The disciples wanted to know the cause of this suffering. What causes such sickness and who is responsible for such meaningless suffering?. They could only come with two options, the personal sin of the man or the sin of his parents. Jesus discredited both and came with a third reason. This kind of situation happens and God uses this as an opportunity for showing kindness so that the person can experience God’s work in his life! His life can become a testimony to God’s grace. What a strange answer when everybody else is trying to find the cause and whom to blame. Jesus says that when an opportunity is given to us to show God’s heart for the suffering, take that opportunity and do not miss it. Such opportunities may not come all the time.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The blind man in this story does not ask for healing. He is too blind to know what was going on. He is just a victim and had no voice. The blindness made him to be a beggar. This is what happens to many in our country. Birth defects and handicaps make children beggars. They are a burden to families and they become social out-casts living without the dignity of a human being. They stretch out their hands and raise their voices to draw attention to get some coins for their food or eat from the rubbish bin. They hope for some one to show compassion. They are pushed around and scolded and seen as a nuisance to the social structure. They are the unwanted scum of the society living out their karma. They live in the dark and have no bright tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-buFLboCpRuA/TvWt7y_72_I/AAAAAAAAAG8/1bo-TCEKZEo/s1600/P1110543_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-buFLboCpRuA/TvWt7y_72_I/AAAAAAAAAG8/1bo-TCEKZEo/s400/P1110543_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jesus encounters such a person and decides to do the work of God. He took soil and mixed it with his saliva and made mud and applied it on the blind man’s eyes and told him to go and wash. A Strange act. The blind man could not see what was put on his eyes! He was a beggar any way and it did not matter. The man also needed to do some thing, to go and wash. It was not just a one sided miracle. He had to co-operate. He became a partner in this act of God. He got healed.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">He faced all sorts of questions and threats. He was ridiculed and eventually labeled as a sinner steeped in sin by the religious authorities. But in spite of all these, he developed courage and conviction to speak of his experience. He was willing to undergo rejection for the sake of his faith. His own parents did not give him the needed support. Now he could see but nobody wanted him. He faced a greater dilemma. When he was blind he could not see people, now he could see them and experience their hatred. He could see the blindness of the religion and its keepers. His own faith matured slowly. Initially his opinion about Jesus was that he was just a man called Jesus who healed him, then to a prophet, then some one sent from God. When Jesus heard about what happened to him, he used that opportunity to reveal himself as the Son of Man and bring him to a real faith. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">What is the work of God? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">In this story, it was to give dignity to a broken blind beggar and elevate him to a position where he could develop courage and conviction to face the world. His eyes were opened to see the wonder and beauty of God all around Him. Another aspect of the work of God is to help this man to recognize the one who healed him as the Son of Man, the Messiah and put his trust in Him. Jesus was able to accomplish both and challenges us to be involved in the work of God as the opportunity presents itself to us. Everyday we have enough opportunities to show compassion and kindness. We have people all around us whose dignity can be restored. Many of them may not even ask for it, but in the process of being given that dignity, they may open their minds and hearts to faith and see the Son of Man. Various problems that may arise as a result of restoring some one, but these are not that important. That’s how evil works. But God’s work is in spite of all that is negative. He redeems and restores. He gives hope and courage. He reclaims and sends us out to be His witnesses.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">My calling is to be involved with God in His work. I do not have to waste my time trying to find the cause and effect of so many problems. They happen. I am given an opportunity to give dignity to people and elevate them to a position as children of God. All that de humanizes people and diminishes them do not come from God. Many times people are just victims of something unseen. Any thing that devalues the worth of a person and disfigures the image of God needs to be restored. My concern ought to be the person who is suffering and what can be done to help. This may provoke anger and rejection from others but this is how God works. The suffering of others becomes a mirror to reveal my own need for healing at a deeper level. The Pharisee in me is in need of a greater conversion. I am also faced with the opportunity to reveal Christ who is the Son of Man. Faith and trust may take time to develop in an individual’s life but when that opportunity comes, I ought to be there to seize the moment and share the true healer and dignity giver! <o:p></o:p></div></div>Laji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744461853094554545.post-34639490211140500732011-12-21T07:26:00.000-08:002011-12-21T07:26:58.345-08:00The Seed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The story about the farmer and the seed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> ( in Matthew 13 and Luke 8 )<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I think it’s about opportunities and choices. It is also about various influences that we allow ourselves to affect us. It represents the state of our hearts. Receiving the word requires that we take in and understand and apply the word. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">When there is no thinking and understanding, devil takes away the word. If we think over what we hear, God will give understanding, if not devil will cause a premature death of that word.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">If there is no depth to our life, then difficulties and problems that come our way force us to compromise and we take the path of least resistance. Circumstances can influence us and we stop living according to the word.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">If we have not made serious heart decisions about what ought to occupy our hearts, then all the desires for glory and glamour will influence us and we will embrace sensual and material things above God's kingdom. Our own self can defeat the purposes of the word.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">But if we allow God's rule to influence, then we will have a fruitful, abundant life. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ryIANfx5esFYRC-UZDqY6yZQ4P8BN7GP5kkLzDku-xx_PpO6yd4x-0ff5PuQxFUuLqZIQmR9ZD74hsiLCdrCOcWAmGKbKRxfX8HQ90RpwoYvMOW_vHi6bjUHq8O9gw_ou5UKPiduqvY/s1600/P1110653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ryIANfx5esFYRC-UZDqY6yZQ4P8BN7GP5kkLzDku-xx_PpO6yd4x-0ff5PuQxFUuLqZIQmR9ZD74hsiLCdrCOcWAmGKbKRxfX8HQ90RpwoYvMOW_vHi6bjUHq8O9gw_ou5UKPiduqvY/s320/P1110653.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></div>Laji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744461853094554545.post-85490520576437423032011-12-21T07:11:00.000-08:002011-12-21T07:11:38.682-08:00christmas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Christmas 2011 <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOEN_hvdByJnAfT-VsXAPpSFzkKJUbu-ML0nfWhyphenhyphenr8I3eEj0mkaFhjNX_ISHw3xhB3cphLU4JTmuS-XAKXIEkYwy1gzSAj3_aP1KSsd1lifsIl4b2NNvg_g14_gHRgKBvZdPhpyDSR04/s1600/IMG_0350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOEN_hvdByJnAfT-VsXAPpSFzkKJUbu-ML0nfWhyphenhyphenr8I3eEj0mkaFhjNX_ISHw3xhB3cphLU4JTmuS-XAKXIEkYwy1gzSAj3_aP1KSsd1lifsIl4b2NNvg_g14_gHRgKBvZdPhpyDSR04/s320/IMG_0350.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">For many all over the world this is a time of stress. All worrying about what to buy, what to eat, where to go and how much to spend. Basically it’s all centered on money. This money god has captured the mind of all and everything is colored by this power. Individuals are valued, relationships are evaluated and success is measured by how much influence this god has on our thinking.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In the midst of this ugly power, a helpless babe is born to undermine and destroy this addictive power. This baby in the manger was born to die, to redeem all by becoming a ransom and also to cleanse us from all that is not of the Kingdom of heaven. This baby grew to become a teacher, a prophet and eventually a sacrificial lamb that conquered death, devil and hell. The historicity of the person of Jesus of Nazareth is well established and this challenges me to consider His words, His Life and His death. No one spoke like Him or lived and died like Him. He became my guru, my role model and my ideal. Then His resurrection from the dead made all the difference between seeing Him as a perfect man and God Himself. His own words about Himself leave me without a reasonable reason to ignore Him. My own heart echoes the truth that He is not just a man and compels me to call Him Lord and God. The good news proclaimed by the angels moves me to bend my knees and adore this God, the giver of faith, hope and Love. May we all share this joy that He brings in the midst of all the uncertainties of living in an unpredictable world?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Have a Blessed Christmas. <o:p></o:p></span></div></div>Laji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744461853094554545.post-73647914254768492962011-12-20T07:44:00.000-08:002011-12-20T07:59:14.481-08:00Captivated!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Who captures my attention?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhriHW7LSQM4csuo27xjVj1P5Kg2HYzNztQBwf9-Py4JiN2mNLlbaHzaF-q5IcIXDkiCJ94fo8IXXIrAf-rUScVZZANaN2cqLnC-FWExo1rqhrf02RVD9bNEps98I6VK2wLRmCb69xTGNM/s1600/himalayan+poppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhriHW7LSQM4csuo27xjVj1P5Kg2HYzNztQBwf9-Py4JiN2mNLlbaHzaF-q5IcIXDkiCJ94fo8IXXIrAf-rUScVZZANaN2cqLnC-FWExo1rqhrf02RVD9bNEps98I6VK2wLRmCb69xTGNM/s320/himalayan+poppy.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">How do we begin to get attracted to a person? I am not talking about physical or romantic attraction. How do we begin to follow some one and elevate that person to a level above everyone else? What are the qualities that will make us stop and take a second look and consider that person worth our attention? We watch that person in real life situations and listen to the words and analyze his actions. We look for contradictions and complexes in his personality. We watch him relating to people around. We watch his emotions and see his life in private. Many times we hear about a person and come to know about what he is and what he does and this creates a desire to know more about that person. There is a longing to meet that person and move from second hand knowledge to more of a personal encounter. We may move from appreciation and adoration to a desire to be with him. This likable quality eventually may lead towards a higher longing called 'love' where everything and everyone else may become shadows in his presence. This love has the quality of exclusiveness and can only be realized through sacrifice.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I look into my own life and look at the people I like and love to some extent. I see bits of good qualities in many of them. But none of them got all the qualities all the time. I also have not spent a lot of time with many of them to know all about them. I sense an inner resonance with them and a feeling of being understood. I think there is a spiritual dimension to such relationships. Some of these persons pulsate with life and spread a lot of energy around. They are not easily discouraged but seem to be having a different view of life. They have a higher reason for living and they infect others with this enthusiasm. They value people and elevate their moods. They are empathetic and care for people who ever they may be. There are no hidden agendas in their attitudes. They have a sense of humor and are proactive and display a great level of trust. They are forgiving and sensitive to the pain of others. I like the way they speak or the way they look. I am touched by their gentleness and courage.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Now how many people can we find in our own circle of friends with these qualities? There may not be more than one or two, yet this small number is sufficient for us to hold on to life and go on in the midst of meaningless life all around. Is there some one who has all the qualities that I long for? Is there some one who can take me to a higher level of longing? Is there one person who will take me as I am and lift my spirit to feel and think differently and enjoy life in its fullness? I too find that my own heart is empty of such qualities. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">As I read the Gospels, I see Jesus of Nazareth as that kind of a person. His words and life matched. He talked gracious word and touched people with compassion. He was not ashamed to express his feelings of sadness, anger and frustrations. He looked at people with moist eyes and felt what they felt. He taught what he believed and what He knew with out any apology in spite of it being other worldly. He did not compromise but was willing to pay the price for standing for the truth. He had authority that reflected the divine yet he could take a child in his arms and bless her. Evil shuddered in his presence yet sinners found peace in his presence. His hands touched the lepers and lifted little children. He exposed the inner thoughts of his critics without humiliating them. He stood tall before his enemies. He is the most beautiful person who draws my heart to himself. The Man among men.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The disciples were attracted to him as they spent time with him watched every move he made and listened to every word that he spoke. Their doubts slowly changed to trust. They watched his miracles and had dialogue with him alone. They walked with him and shared meals with him and had picnics. There was such openness in him that he welcomed them to come and stay with him. He washed their feet and shared his heart with them. He was totally free to be His true self at every given moment. He entered and embraced all that was awaiting in humility. They witnessed his agony in the garden and many hid themselves for self preservation. As he carried the cross to <st1:place w:st="on">Calvary</st1:place>, all of them lost their hope on that Friday. Their aloneness intensified and Peter's fear transformed into betrayal and then into tears in the darkness of the night. In spite of the message of resurrection, confusion overwhelmed them on Sunday. Their confidence and faith melted away at the crucial moment. They acted as if they lost their friend for ever. They could not handle his physical absence. They could not accept him as a Spirit ever present.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> In the midst of all these happenings, there stood women of ill repute, Mary Magdalene. She was well known for her fallen and devil possessed life. She was forgiven and touched by the Gentle Carpenter. She knew that she deserved death and hell, yet this Man from <st1:place w:st="on">Galilee</st1:place> made her human again worth all of God's love. She could not walk away from such wonder and mystery. She was not ashamed to break the alabaster jar of perfume, the symbol of her trade, before her critics and anoint this Man's feet. She was not occupied with her self image but became free to kiss his feet and wipe them with her hair. Such display of affection was too embarrassing for the onlookers. Yes her love for this Man made her stand near the cross and watch his slow death and hear the wonderful words that came out in between his gasps for a bit of air. On Sunday all she wanted was to touch his dead body and cover it with herbs as an expression of her intense love for this beloved. She could only think of embalming the memory of her beloved. She waited when all others left. She had no fear. May be in her heart she knew love never dies. She wanted to hear him and hold on to him. This kind of love only gets satisfied with another perfect love. That happened to her when Jesus called her “Mary". Human Love recognized DIVINE LOVE in that whisper.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPrFsW1QgKpQAWfHyA2UOKSkVx7LjcolkvA407mz8YvSliKNDmLjEwQDL49EusEm0ofeM8wZp6lNK0fIQvb7OF-jntwnvkyL3qXawXSRkESGI2AwK37HUtTPqIE-ttpqAjfqE3DsG0Vc/s1600/IMG_1537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPrFsW1QgKpQAWfHyA2UOKSkVx7LjcolkvA407mz8YvSliKNDmLjEwQDL49EusEm0ofeM8wZp6lNK0fIQvb7OF-jntwnvkyL3qXawXSRkESGI2AwK37HUtTPqIE-ttpqAjfqE3DsG0Vc/s400/IMG_1537.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Can truth alone produce such love? For Mary it was the tremendous experience of forgiveness that created such love. It became a reality for her, not just theoretical understanding of facts. Jesus wanted this kind of love from his disciples. He longed to experience such love from them. The Man who conquered the devil, hell and death, longed to hear this word of Love from the hearts of his followers. So he took Peter aside for a walk on the beach after giving him breakfast. Peter's heart was beating faster as he waited for the rebuke from his master. He was too ashamed to re-live that moment of betrayal. He could not face himself or his master. He only wanted to get away in to the familiar sea and go back to his trade and forget the philosopher. Jesus ignored all of Peter's negative thoughts and asked only for his love. Peter do you trust me to hold you for ever? Are you still committed to me Peter? Does your heart beat with my heart beat? Are you willing to forget all that happened and start your walk with me again? Can you take care of those who are in my fold? Can you share your joys and pain with others as you have experienced it? Can you be a wounded healer Peter? I need your Love more than anything else Peter. All that you are and what you will do needs to flow out of that Love, Peter. Are you willing to reflect my love in your love Peter?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
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o:title="IMG_1537"/> <w:wrap type="square"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">What can be our response to such a longing from His Heart? All Peter could say was,” you know that I love you". What else can we say? What will make our hearts respond in this way? For Mary it was the intense experience of forgiveness and the way he hung on that cross. For Peter it was the wide open heart of the savior at the beach. For others it was the miracle of Pentecost when they experienced the reality of the lover as the Spirit in-dwelt in them. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Behind all these experiences, stands the Man from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nazareth</st1:place></st1:city> with nail pierced hands and crown of thorns. His voice full of grace and no condemnation. His wounds still fresh and life giving blood continue to flow from his side. His strong gentle hand takes the bread and breaks it and He calls me to part take of it. He gives the cup of wine to drink to experience the reality of His forgiveness. As He does this He asks me for my Love. <o:p></o:p></span></div></div>Laji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744461853094554545.post-52832712597193919382011-12-19T05:46:00.000-08:002011-12-19T05:46:56.769-08:00Incarnation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Incarnation...<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">God becoming man.. What did it mean for God?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Triune God's heart breaking with pain,sadness, anger, mercy.....<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Devil cheated the man and sowed seeds of doubt about the goodness of God..<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Man desiring to be like God...to decide for himself what is good and bad...<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Trust turned into disobedience..life into death...controlled by fear instead of love...<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Thoughts of the first person in the Trinity sensed by the second one…..who will go to save, rescue and redeem mankind?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">God's love bringing forth from its bosom an unthinkable thought, a plan..originated in the mind of the first person who was the Father,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Second person responding to become the thought of the first one thus becoming the Son... <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Third person.. the Blessed Holy Spirit..watching and ever waiting to animate the event..<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Son, equal with the Father and Spirit. omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent...to become a man..and enter space and time...<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The first step of emptying was to let go of God- power, knowledge and spaciousness.. to embrace weakness and limitation... to become nothing..just 46 chromosomes.. so minute and insignificant..<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">What did it mean? we will never know....!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Son becoming a real human child..second Adam...Where did God create the first Adam's genetic materials?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Yes, a man choosing to become a slave, a servant, the lowest level in the hierarchy of the human system.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Son shrunk to a single cell and was implanted by the Spirit into a borrowed womb.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">How long did this process take....from the foundation of the world to the fullness of time…… many centuries on the human clock...<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">This incarnation would go further and would hang on a tree and die naked and buried in a borrowed tomb..<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">How far can the second person 'let go' for love's sake? Was it only for 33 odd years? or was it for eternity..? Salvation of mankind cost the second person of Trinity His status and equality. He accepted new titles given to Him, a brother, a glorified man, the bridegroom, intercessor, the advocate and a name above all other names. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Yes, incarnation meant death of the second person of theTrinity but the resurrection of a perfect Man who will represent the redeemed community for ever. He holds the keys to life and death. His heart was big enough to embrace all who trusted in Him. We now have a man in the Trinity.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The Second person of theTrinity became a real man by descending to the lowest level and became one with humanity...to go back to the original place meant the reversal of the process. So He remained as a man and the Father exalted this man to the Highest level of authority and power because of His humility. Yes He became the LORD thro ughobedience.</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In the stillness of the night, this man was born, just like millions of other babies before and after him..yet so different by the choices he made.... This is what Christmas is all about...an example to follow in a power hungry world.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div>Laji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744461853094554545.post-45757005749177420892010-12-14T09:53:00.001-08:002010-12-21T07:57:26.785-08:00A Call to Real Freedom<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTudrHzywUi1W_ShXiKHBe7Znv2SlFgXtxlRJ05C21THIsiPlBasZQhUSoecm0anJbImSdK0q_7-xXps3R2AXVe_CUXuiA4tNNheEpkXYrjURcBhIFTjsknxWP2v5oPera3i58KiT1nfU/s1600/IMG_0707++blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTudrHzywUi1W_ShXiKHBe7Znv2SlFgXtxlRJ05C21THIsiPlBasZQhUSoecm0anJbImSdK0q_7-xXps3R2AXVe_CUXuiA4tNNheEpkXYrjURcBhIFTjsknxWP2v5oPera3i58KiT1nfU/s200/IMG_0707++blog.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Jesus went about teaching the <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</placetype> of <placename w:st="on">God</placename></place>. The main message and theme of John, the Baptist was the <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</placetype> of <placename w:st="on">God</placename></place>. Paul towards the end of his life in <city w:st="on">Rome</city> where he had spent 2 years, preached about the <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</placetype> of <placename w:st="on">God</placename></place> and the King Jesus Christ. Jesus whenever he spoke to His disciples and to the crowd talked about the <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</placetype> of <placename w:st="on">God</placename></place>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwJ5HHPNyBkm6-LPQXrM_XmWV3bEdlmGaIlJu2t36QXKMsfqSfOsIYr8k0nj5om1ha_g6sR6tU4Te086KuHPLX3v7x1j4eeIRXTeH1lcdlOnoWdzLtWFQqFpxUfqxnk7417ol8aYLdJo/s1600/IMG_1016blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwJ5HHPNyBkm6-LPQXrM_XmWV3bEdlmGaIlJu2t36QXKMsfqSfOsIYr8k0nj5om1ha_g6sR6tU4Te086KuHPLX3v7x1j4eeIRXTeH1lcdlOnoWdzLtWFQqFpxUfqxnk7417ol8aYLdJo/s200/IMG_1016blog.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the Old Testament, the Hebrews who were slaves in <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Egypt</place></country-region> talked about the Promised Land flowing with milk and honey, the dream land. Before they could enter this land Moses had to free them from the power of the Egyptian King. <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Egypt</place></country-region> represented another Kingdom where slavery was the lifestyle-oppression, violence, exploitation, hard work, injustice and slave drivers dictating how the slaves should live. People were helpless and had no voice against the mighty power of evil. All they could do was to cry out to the God about whom they had heard- the God of their fathers. They had no personal experience of this God, just a memory and a promise. 400 years is a long time to be disconnected and to take up the evil lifestyle of the alien country even though their souls longed for something called freedom. It is difficult to know what freedom is if one has never experienced it and is born into slavery. The only life they can desire is the life of the slave masters. From being oppressed to becoming oppressors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moses had the hard job convincing these slaves about the Real God Jehovah and undermining the powers of the Egyptian Gods. Ultimately through the death of the first born, the Egyptians and their King Pharaoh, the Exodus began. It also meant the sacrifice of the lambs by the Hebrews representing their own death, the price they also had to pay to come out of <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Egypt-</place></country-region> a sign of mercy- God substituting the human life with the life of a lamb. In fact all the Hebrews too died on that day to the life of slavery. Freedom also required that they take part in the life of the lamb by eating it and covering their homes with its blood. The blood was a sign to both the angel of death and to the Hebrews that freedom required a price, the death of an innocent animal on their behalf. The unleavened bread showed that they need to put on an uncorrupt lifestyle and bitter herbs represented that of the bitterness of slavery. So the death of the lamb started the beginning of their walk to freedom. </div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLxTDQ2SYajRosTuEEcVypT-i-Rh_Hc2787cq_t6cf8ODu1sNXSXinUzkmNl6CTx5-21Ful53bTKMAY9UOXsspPLxgn9F5K0qUQoG28nnlnEnuoYVYJOy6gAsVvIXeOMvAnHZGBB2CkY/s1600/P1090916blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLxTDQ2SYajRosTuEEcVypT-i-Rh_Hc2787cq_t6cf8ODu1sNXSXinUzkmNl6CTx5-21Ful53bTKMAY9UOXsspPLxgn9F5K0qUQoG28nnlnEnuoYVYJOy6gAsVvIXeOMvAnHZGBB2CkY/s200/P1090916blog.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>. Their identity as the liberated people became a reality as they crossed the <place w:st="on">Red Sea</place> where they experienced the death of the evening of their own freedom. Their walk through the <place w:st="on">Red Sea</place> became the sign of them being chosen once again to be a different people group. Till now Moses had not spelled out the new laws of the Promised Land nor the life style they needed to embrace. The initial exuberance of joy soon began to fade as they faced the difficulties of the life ahead and slaves take a long time to experience true freedom. They continued to experience the goodness of God and His provisions but soon the delay in reaching the Promised Land and the inconveniences of the way brought out the old habit patterns of the inner soul. They began their grumbling and complaining and longed for the old life style. In the end most of them perished before entering the promised land- a sad end to a good beginning. This story repeated itself throughout history. Most of the liberated people in the midst of trials choose to go back to the old life style. Very few longed to enter the Promised Land. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">External freedom does not guarantee internal transformation</span></b>. God too experiences this agony and promises another event where “His very own life will be implanted in the Human soul.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus came to inaugurate this event. He talked about the <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</placetype> of <placename w:st="on">God</placename></place> as a present day reality with a future fulfillment. He shared about the life in this Kingdom, its values, life styles, above all the language of love that is the hallmark of the kingdom. His initial step was to free us from the spiritual power of the Evil slave master. Jesus recognized the Devil as the one who controlled and blinded the minds and hearts of the people all over. The Devil controls and manipulates them through his agents and keeps humans in fear and under the spell of superstition. He encourages them to have religion and shifts their focus to materialism and power games. He gives them a sense of freedom but it is glorified slavery. So Jesus had to reclaim humanity from the power of the evil one. He became an exchange. He bought us back from the evil by offering himself as the price. Our initial freedom cost him, his very own life. God’s love for us was so great. He gave the second person of the Trinity whom he called His son to be the ransom to the Evil master to redeem us. This took place in the supernatural realm but was represented in history on a mountain called <place w:st="on">Golgotha</place> on a cross. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KIi1ji1Rq6JpTiRqXGbQ4VrLWGqbwaGzozEcos_3PfrCZzEI-_WtWT5mYYWBiJklqCuhSnSjrWuCuPaJlQLgGslq4PJjs6SW5Q70-lkP1OkSaF3BF1X_8I2cYYMyiEanysGwyz7OD9Y/s1600/DSCF0566_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KIi1ji1Rq6JpTiRqXGbQ4VrLWGqbwaGzozEcos_3PfrCZzEI-_WtWT5mYYWBiJklqCuhSnSjrWuCuPaJlQLgGslq4PJjs6SW5Q70-lkP1OkSaF3BF1X_8I2cYYMyiEanysGwyz7OD9Y/s200/DSCF0566_blog.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At the same time our death was incorporated in that glorious death. Just like the Hebrews slaughtered the lamb on their behalf and accepted the death of the lamb by taking part in the eating of the flesh and anointing their homes with the blood, representing their death to the life of slavery and penalty of their sinful life paid by the lamb. God put the sin of the whole world upon Jesus as our sin bearer on the cross. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We can only take part in this event through faith.</b> To believe that Jesus took my sins and freed me from eternal death is my salvation. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>These two events were accomplished by God without our help or initiative. Its God’s plan of freedom from slavery. (trust you are still with me!) Now we enter the <place w:st="on">Red Sea</place> called baptism saying goodbye to the past recognizing that the death of Jesus meant our death and the resurrection of Jesus is our resurrection to new life. We are still in the same world run by the defeated evil one. He is still the ruler even though we are bought at a price. He continues to convince people that he is in charge. If there is no faith in Jesus then we’ll continue to live in slavery even though we are freed. Our lifestyle shows whether we believe in Jesus and what he accomplished. Just like the Hebrews who had so much ‘<country-region w:st="on">egypt</country-region>’ in them even after they crossed the <place w:st="on">Red Sea</place>. Inspite of all their experiences of miracles and God’s visible power and presence, their hearts had not changed. Their enthusiasm and joy lasted only for a short time. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus spelled out the lifestyle of the <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</placetype> of <placename w:st="on">God</placename></place> for those who believe. It is radically different from the current worldly system. He shocks us with his almost impossible lifestyle, attitude and values. But the big difference is what he promises. His indwelling in us is to empower and enable us to live His Kingdom life in the evil world. It is tough but possible. This brings both extremes of joy and pain. Pain is a result of the enemy’s perseverance and also a result of experiencing death to self and the old life style. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus reminded us that we are made for better things. We are to be eagles living as the king of the sky enjoying the freedom of space and pure air. We are made to think high and live at a different level, in another dimension. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Life in this world is not the end. There is another world waiting for us. Everything pure is only there. But we are here to learn a new way of living and speaking. We are in a school of learning. Imagine a foetus in a mother’s womb for 9 months. Most of his or her organs have no use inside this dark world called the womb. There is no light, no sound, nothing to smell, no beauty around. Just an uninteresting world. Yet, slowly the foetus is developing organs in the silence of the darkness. Everything the baby is developing is preparing for a life outside the womb where every organ has a purpose and fulfillment. There is beauty to behold, music to be heard, flavour to be tasted, land to walk on, things to be touched, thoughts to be made and food to be eaten. If the baby decides to come out earlier than expected, then life becomes hard. He becomes a misfit and feels awkward and needs a lot of help from others. Freedom is restricted and dependency becomes the norm. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCo7K0AjEelr6KN7bRxkQA_nx9AmxSRDdFgShrp-NPJxH_I8SLxUhsUFGtLvTKk1WXehMs1LbrJwAoAhmLm2Swm1GxypXeGQN91rGpi2IZmNRIjroVr25ctvWPVW8KYkmMjcUker2sLc/s1600/P1040155++blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCo7K0AjEelr6KN7bRxkQA_nx9AmxSRDdFgShrp-NPJxH_I8SLxUhsUFGtLvTKk1WXehMs1LbrJwAoAhmLm2Swm1GxypXeGQN91rGpi2IZmNRIjroVr25ctvWPVW8KYkmMjcUker2sLc/s200/P1040155++blog.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If I want to go and live in another country, the first thing I ought to learn is the language and accepted behavior pattern of that country. If I don’t then I will feel awkward, miserable, misunderstood and basically will feel lost. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now Jesus tells us about another land far away where God reigns. But it can be experienced and tasted even now. The language and the lifestyle of that land are so different but one can learn some of it here so we will not feel misfits or embarrassed once we reach there. This language of love is spelled out by Jesus through many stories and discourses and above all through his life. The more we look at his life and practice the language of love it will be easier of us to taste the life waiting for us. We can transform our little world and make it the <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</placetype> of <placename w:st="on">God</placename></place>. As Jesus promises to live in us through faith and through his spirit, we are given power and reason to embrace this new lifestyle. The <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</placetype> of <placename w:st="on">God</placename></place> is a community living to express the life in the Kingdom. Jesus is the King and we are His subjects. The Devil is no more our ruler and we have the power to say ‘no’ to him. We can unlearn our old slave lifestyle and take on the new lifestyle of Jesus. It will take time. No one graduates from school in one day or in a year but definite progress is made. We can check this by evaluating ourselves against our master’s words. We can develop friendship with others who are in the Kingdom and continue to learn the language of love and become a body of light and salt. As we live in this world we are constantly bombarded with thoughts and ideas from the evil one who controls the system of this world. He has enough support from the majority of people who still give their allegiance to the evil one as the unseen master through ignorance. Many of his suggestions find a chord in our old lifestyles and it is easy to become victims of this manipulation again. So we need to keep vigil and in times of pressure not to conform to the patterns of this world system. We can use the power of prayer that will release God’s goodness and give us strength to overcome these evil schemes. We are already given much wisdom through the words of Jesus and when we face temptations prayer is the means by which God unleashes his power. God wants us to use our power and privileges as His children to stand against the evil one and his worldly system. Fellow kingdom subjects can join in this war of prayer. We need to constantly remind ourselves and each other who we are, who owns us and what we are here for. We can affect heaven and change can be set in motion in people’s lives. We need to be aware of the cosmic war for our souls. Every scheme of this world takes place to draw our hearts and minds towards destruction. It is camouflaged but deep down it promotes hatred, selfishness and death. Staying with Jesus in the Kingdom lifestyle alone promises abundant life and inexpressible joy. So let us prepare ourselves for this higher life where we will find our true freedom. Jesus personified the <placetype w:st="on">kingdom</placetype> of <placename w:st="on">God</placename> and if we want to know how the <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">kingdom</placetype> of <placename w:st="on">God</placename></place> looks like we can look at Jesus. We who have experienced the joy of being redeemed and forgiven and have tasted the life in this Kingdom ought to take active steps in making the message attractive and real. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcU7M0s5VByzVMzHTvbdTs0NbdahLgb0ugfhoqerG_phcUGCtQszJCPHYOdd6nYY29oJgBRGtdzoxWDVdnYWL8nSVbPhiOOzUxEwWxNf7PMpNec6Dqsu8dCK3gRrlrCvACBBtgwk6TMig/s1600/DSCN1029++blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcU7M0s5VByzVMzHTvbdTs0NbdahLgb0ugfhoqerG_phcUGCtQszJCPHYOdd6nYY29oJgBRGtdzoxWDVdnYWL8nSVbPhiOOzUxEwWxNf7PMpNec6Dqsu8dCK3gRrlrCvACBBtgwk6TMig/s320/DSCN1029++blog.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What are the benefits of living in the Kingdom? </i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">We have peace with God and with one another and with oneself. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">There is no guilt or shame of the past as we experience forgiveness of all our sins, wrongdoings and feelings. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">We experience victory over habits that are damaging and have the power to say ‘no’ to the evil ideas and plans. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">We have a sense of freedom to love God and a desire to be in His presence and a greater desire to do His will. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">We enter into a relationship with God as our Father and begin to understand his ways and be able to communicate with him. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">We have a sense of identity and security in God, we are loved by God and accepted by him as his beloved children. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">Jesus not only becomes our savior and our Lord but our friend and teacher. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">The Spirit of God becomes our guide and counselor.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are promised a life of joy have the privilege to suffer for God’s sake. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">We come to know the vanity of life here and the meaninglessness of materialism, so we hold on to eternal life and the hope that is waiting for us. The Kingdom life is a life of contentment and a life of sharing and receiving and a life of accepting the mysteries of life along with its paradoxes, yet having the assurance of God’s intimate presence as a gift. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">The Kingdom life is a life of grace, a thankful heart for all the wonders of life in the universe. It sees the design and beauty and complexity and purpose in everything. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">In Kingdom life one experiences the generosity and the greatness of God and also his utter humility and openness towards creation. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">In Kingdom life we become partners with God to reclaim the lost both in nature and in humanity from the defeated Devil. We feel responsible to shine in dark places and bring flavour to life through our own lifestyle. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">Kingdom life is a life of rest. All my longings continue to find its rightful place and its fulfillment in God and his promises.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Kingdom life I am challenged to be a servant who serves others. It’s a life of kindness and patience towards my fellows. It is a life of compassion and understanding where we see people through Jesus’ eyes and do what He will do in any situation. It is non-judgmental yet desires the best for others. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">Kingdom life is a life of true passion. This passion is kindled by God’s love and also by hatred towards sin and evil. It is awakened whenever one encounters the image of God being distorted and devalued. This anger directed towards evil becomes a motivating force to do something to redeem the situation. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">The Kingdom of darkness competes for all the good in the Kingdom of light by producing counterfeits. Spirituality is replaced by religion. Love is replaced by selfishness. God is replaced by money. Permanent values are replaced by temporary convenient glamour. Servant hood is replaced by manipulative power. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">The Kingdom life is the great reversal and Jesus of Nazareth came to inaugurate this through His life, death and resurrection showing that this is the business of heaven. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">As we are in the war zone we will face all kinds of trials and difficulties. We are not immune from the effect of war. Our minds will be affected and go under a blanket of depression, doubts and anxieties. Our bodies will be affected with sickness which may have no treatment. Our pain may not have any relief. We may experience the agony of broken relationships. The world may hate us and the Devil may tempt us. Inspite of all these, our faith in the living God and His presence will be enough to take us to the shore. Many casualties of this war can disappoint us. We are called to behold The Man and trust in His keeping power. Through it all we learn the language of love, “Jesus’ language” and are prepared for the ultimate life with the triune God of love in eternity. This hope does not disappoint us. We become more than conquerors and shall be called the over-comers. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">Those who live in darkness find it difficult to imagine light and the effect of light. Slaves find the concept of freedom rather frightening. Religious people find spirituality disturbing. So in his exposition of the message and the reality of the <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</placetype> of <placename w:st="on">God Jesus</placename></place> used familiar human stories and the wonders of nature to give some insight into the heavenly realities. His parables are meant to communicate one or two main truths. Too much reading and interpretation will distort the core message. Some of the parables Jesus explained to the disciples. He also challenged the crowd to see and hear in the right way. The <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</placetype> of <placename w:st="on">God</placename></place> has a small beginning but it has the power to spread and grow. It has a built in power to expand. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">The <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</placetype> of <placename w:st="on">God</placename></place> is a priceless pearl, a wedding feast. Missed opportunities, underserved grace, full of surprises and shocks, mercy and judgment both in its perfection will be revealed on the final day. The <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</placetype> of <placename w:st="on">God</placename></place> is already here with the coming of Jesus. Where two or three are gathered, it has the power of light and salt, and leaven and fishing net and a mustard seed. It can dispel darkness, give flavour to life, prevent decay and influence society and provided shelter to many and be fruitful. It also reveals the ugliness of life around, the corruption in society, the hatred and violence. It has the power to attract seekers and the oppressed and the wise. It also evokes violence from those who oppose truth. As Kingdom people worship in truth and in spirit they influence the decisions in heaven. This frees God to act on behalf of his people. They have the privilege to shake the very foundations of hell and paralyze the enemy. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Unity in the Kingdom is crucial</b>. Again when two people agree, prayer power will be unleashed in the spiritual realm. We are not called to make a <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">United Kingdom</place></country-region> of both God and the Devil but many try to bring these two opposing ideas and realities and work out a middle way. Jesus said it is impossible. So why waste our time? It’s futile.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a day of reckoning on the final day of history. Sheep and goats, wheat and chaff, good and bad, all will be separated and God’s justice will prevail. Till then all will be mixed. We do not have the authority to judge and categorize people. It is not our job. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is nothing common between light and darkness, life and death, hope and despair, heaven and hell, God and Devil. We have the freedom to make choices and live with its consequences. Love makes sense only if the possibility of not loving is present within the framework of genuine freedom. God alone is unfree in this character. Created beings need to become unfree through choices to embody the eternal truth and values. So ultimately they have the potential to be like God in his perfection. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">The <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</placetype> of <placename w:st="on">God</placename></place> is a call to believe and make choices that will have eternal repercussions. Jesus stands at the temple, in our hearts, in the streets and cries out, “If anyone is thirsty for this Kingdom let him come”. What a call from slavery to freedom. What will be our response? </div>Laji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744461853094554545.post-3365328002945302912010-12-14T09:49:00.000-08:002010-12-22T01:57:41.696-08:00Jesus and 'the Temple'<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0Cbvjw7bOKNPDaz1BwMMEHx0Deu9Q-RBLgPS9lCkqXq8WreA-sYD5tED0TPxBVdXeekMCDR9d7OsmwWIclSf56PNeo0t3YFt5XJnmFlHXJ4WqCaNn6Y_EK7NNv6AEBzFUZvTdTqwDSI/s1600/P1080650+blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0Cbvjw7bOKNPDaz1BwMMEHx0Deu9Q-RBLgPS9lCkqXq8WreA-sYD5tED0TPxBVdXeekMCDR9d7OsmwWIclSf56PNeo0t3YFt5XJnmFlHXJ4WqCaNn6Y_EK7NNv6AEBzFUZvTdTqwDSI/s200/P1080650+blog.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Today I read from John’s gospel about Jesus going to the Jerusalem temple (John.2) and His actions there. When the Jews demanded an explanation for His authority to do such a thing Jesus talked about His body. This made me think about my body, the hardware that keeps and protects the software!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">When the sense of holiness is removed, the temple is another structure, however beautiful and appealing it may look. Its stone, timber, a bit of gold and silver for decoration and fabric for covering. We can marvel at the time and investment put into it and feel very proud of the structure. Jesus walked into this set up and saw it as a place to rob people and to hide from reality. He saw a profit driven industry specialized in lies. The place became a stinker. Instead of the aroma of the incense, it was filled with the smell of animal waste.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">He demonstrated radical cleansing! And this was not appreciated and this sealed His destiny.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">He talked about His Body in this context. Yes the body you and I have- the flesh and blood that walks and talks –the mind that thinks and the heart that feels. The physical temple only represented the real temple - you and I. Jesus saw it as a house of prayer - open to all and for all. My body is the sacred sanctuary where worship and intercession for humanity should find its home. Even though this body is subject to decay, one day it will be resurrected and transformed. It is not a cheap biological tool to rob people off their dignity, worth and energy. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">It’s the abode of the Holy Spirit and its where Jesus and Father are waiting to come and make their home. It is where the triune God finds intimate communion with me –a place of Peace, Joy and Love.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Now what does Jesus find as He makes His way to this temple, this body?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Animal life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
A life full of meaningless exis<br />
A life lived at the level of instincts- at the sensual level. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">A life in the dirt.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Materialistic life? <br />
All talk is about money and more money.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">All concerns are about what can be bought, what profit can be made<br />
What investments to make<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">How to avoid tax, how to multiply, what is new to spend money on…..<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><br />
A life constantly seeking for sure security, power, prestige and pleasure. <br />
A life busy with covering up fears and purposelessness.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">What do I feed my body with at all levels?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">What do I take in and what comes out?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">When God is no more a reality or the Passover loses its meaning, life in the body becomes a burden and aloneness becomes restlessness.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The emptiness of a prayer less life is filled with noise and clutter. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The golden calf and the goddess Lakhmi replace the living God.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Preoccupation with the external at the cost of the internal leads to alienation-a divided house</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni SvtyTwo ITC TT-BookIta'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Bodoni SvtyTwo ITC TT-BookIta';">Jesus has nothing to do with this misuse.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">He whips it out-no compromise. He over turns the money world and chases the animal world-- to where it should belong-Out side!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">All short cuts to convenience and easy life need to be faced with ruthless honesty.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The Body is not a place to hide from the inner and outer realities of evil.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The purity and the holiness of the temple-my body- needs to be maintained for the purpose for which its made-communion with God. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">What a challenge to live an uncontaminated life</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgQur9_X98LWXE7-dLuvk9VXgjjGZfGmtTR8cnfPspJtjOClPh5TYTKfORgyCvPyggo3-4BvOjZO3SluIjdOIns0lQex7SJJRnOepl5rR5xvaAsd0aEH4k4cG7K_IEHSEGMIw9HEqOiQ/s1600/P1040188blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgQur9_X98LWXE7-dLuvk9VXgjjGZfGmtTR8cnfPspJtjOClPh5TYTKfORgyCvPyggo3-4BvOjZO3SluIjdOIns0lQex7SJJRnOepl5rR5xvaAsd0aEH4k4cG7K_IEHSEGMIw9HEqOiQ/s320/P1040188blog.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Out of this understanding alone flows my vision of the other bodies around.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">It can only come if there is a zeal for God’s view of life in this body. </div>Laji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744461853094554545.post-1513143988331025862010-12-14T08:37:00.000-08:002010-12-22T02:20:30.787-08:00Laji's Cortical Reflections<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">God’s word, or…</span></h2><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am getting a bit tired of all the interpretations and commentaries of the scriptures by preachers and teachers of ‘the word’. I feel disturbed by the sheer cerebral exercises that abound in the Christian world.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCrnqQrWyyzsGgoSaW_AneixNzO8ZKU6Mw94sRyC_M4GAof6csZnM263h8zVYNYF8ONPLxunj9F0Rr086uG97fmjbVMxuTfAONRNd-HxWwWVqRvYVc8POy-lKZ3eUd5ER0JohPoY_7g8/s1600/P1060954_blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCrnqQrWyyzsGgoSaW_AneixNzO8ZKU6Mw94sRyC_M4GAof6csZnM263h8zVYNYF8ONPLxunj9F0Rr086uG97fmjbVMxuTfAONRNd-HxWwWVqRvYVc8POy-lKZ3eUd5ER0JohPoY_7g8/s200/P1060954_blog.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Why do we find it so difficult to accept and understand the word as it is presented? Why do we have so many interpretations? Is it because we do not want to simply obey it and are trying to find a way to avoid obedience? Is it just a business to gain more wealth? If there is no monitory gain how many people would really write? I wonder!</span></div><h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The person of Jesus</span></h2><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I want to look at the person - the Man Jesus. This is how he was seen by most of the people in his time. A carpenter from Nazareth, Mary’s son. Then he began to do things that slowly changed some of their opinions. During the three years Jesus did various things:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">· </span></span>Jesus performed miracles and wonders</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">· </span></span>Jesus had encounters with various normal people</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">· </span></span>Jesus taught by straight talking and through parables</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">· </span></span>Jesus demonstrated through His actions</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the book of Acts, Peter said, “Jesus - a man accredited by God through miracles, wonders and signs”. God gave credit, honour, glory and declared that Jesus was special - His beloved Son.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So the purpose of the miracles that Jesus did was primarily for the disciples to have faith in Him. (John 2:11) These things are written for us to know and believe that Jesus is the Son of God and receive eternal life (John 20 30-31)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What about the Man himself? How much did He know to start with? If He emptied himself of divine nature (omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence) and took the form of a man, then his position and ability was very similar to Adam in his un-fallen state. Then how did he know all that he knew?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a child he heard the stories of his people and God’s dealings from his mother. Year after year he went to Jerusalem to attend the Passover festival and watched and discussed the meanings of those rituals. Every Sabbath he listened to the scriptures read in the synagogue. He spent time with the written word and had times of reflection.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As the days went by a greater awareness of God and his purposes began to crystallize in His mind. A picture began to emerge like a photograph in a darkroom. The hidden messages over the centuries began to make sense and he found his roles and goals in those words. In the OT he found The Code—not the Da Vinci code (!) but the Nazarene Code. It was all about how to live and how to die</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He found the pieces of the puzzles of his life in each book. In fulfilling those identities he found the purposes of his life. He enacted the bits and pieces of history and made history. In history he saw His story. The meaningless stories of the past became meaningful history.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus said it again and again – that the scriptures had to be fulfilled.</span></div><h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The Word of God…</span></h2><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlun1v_-8Py01U_GDyuKjucCy409Ff14l4xPzzXIR-v4vQ5hCn_F8NId3gQom-Bc3Ggz6oStOXjxNHL1v_qnlDvBE9a1LaBg1A7d425fwao1jG4PVZ78rNGvAyAmE_PmiBkE9rOCp6aQ/s1600/P1030618_blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="141" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlun1v_-8Py01U_GDyuKjucCy409Ff14l4xPzzXIR-v4vQ5hCn_F8NId3gQom-Bc3Ggz6oStOXjxNHL1v_qnlDvBE9a1LaBg1A7d425fwao1jG4PVZ78rNGvAyAmE_PmiBkE9rOCp6aQ/s200/P1030618_blog.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The word of God spoken by God in the past had power and creative life of its own – waiting to accomplish what it was sent to do. The word is referred to as the seed – something with potential to bring life. All those words, promises were buried in the scrolls waiting to become alive and real in the chosen one.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus became that person who made the word FLESH. Now those meaningless disconnected words became a walking and talking reality. The Man found all those words and he became the MISSION of those words. Both the Word and Man found each other. Spoken word became Living word – a life centered on the purposes of God. The Man had no other interests than fulfilling the words spoken. All his moments were defined by the word. He became ready and the word made him ready. </span></div><h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Revealed…</span></h2><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The one who came from God longed to reveal God. He became tired of all the mis-representations of God by religion. So He began His teachings to reveal the true heart and mind of God. He presented a radically different God – absolutely unbelievable to the religious kind.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; margin-left: 0.8in; margin-right: 0.8in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding-bottom: 10pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 10pt;"><div class="IntenseQuote" style="margin: 12pt 0in;"><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ever Loving and Waiting Father</span></em></div><div class="IntenseQuote" style="margin: 12pt 0in;"><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">A God who is tender, non-judgmental, forgiving, crazy and true</span></em></div><div class="IntenseQuote" style="margin: 12pt 0in;"><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">A God whose promises are outrageous and shocking:</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Abundant life, </span></em><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Overflowing life, </span></em><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Full life,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Eternal life, </span></em><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Joyful life, </span></em><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sacrificial life,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dignified </span></em><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">life, </span></em><em><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Fearless life, </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Secure life, </span></em><em><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Blessed life.</span></em></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 315.0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then he dies and is brought back to life. He continued to make promises. The biggest of them is Jesus, His Life and His Spirit, are mine. This looks like an impossible offer. Can this be true? Do I dare to believe this? It’s a very personal offer, a gift. His life can be lived out just like He lived. Breathe In and Live out Christ. What a Challenge to us in the 21st century!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 315.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">His Father, my father</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; tab-stops: 315.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">His Spirit, my spirit</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in; tab-stops: 315.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">His Love, my love</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 315.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">His Life, my life</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 2in; tab-stops: 315.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">His Style, my style</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 315.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The scripture is written to generate faith that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God and in believing in Him I may have His Life and all that this means. So instead of avoiding the central issue, I need to face it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Become flesh... to me</span></h2><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 315.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now what does it mean? Yes I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. I believe that I have eternal life. Now I need to find my role and goal in this world. Just like Jesus, I need to look at the Word. I need to allow the seed to take root in my life so that His words may find a home in my being. His words need to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">become Flesh</i></b> in my world. I need to learn to think and feel and act likes Him. I need to unlearn my old ways of relating to God and people. Jesus is the most loving person. This means that I have the potential to live a life of real love. He lives in me and as I interact with him thru his words, His spirit can form Christ in me. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jesus talked about eating and drinking him – a remarkable way of describing our daily diet. This changes my outlook on so-called bible studies. It is not for more intellectual knowledge and stimulation but for living the way he lived.</b></span></div><div style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; margin-left: 0.8in; margin-right: 0.8in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding-bottom: 10pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 10pt;"><div class="IntenseQuote" style="margin: 12pt 0in;"><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I read the miracles of Jesus, I need to look for a new revelation of God’s character that Jesus displays.</span></em></div><div class="IntenseQuote" style="margin: 12pt 0in;"><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I look at His personal encounters, I need to look at my life and listen to His challenges. </span></em></div><div class="IntenseQuote" style="margin: 12pt 0in;"><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I read straight talk, let me not come with excuses. When I read the parables, let me enter the mysteries of God and His ways.</span></em></div><div class="IntenseQuote" style="margin: 12pt 0in;"><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I read about his passion, let my heart be softened by his love.</span></em></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 315.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I need to be soaked in him so that in my encounter with the world outside, Christ is displayed and experienced. It means acceptance and rejection. It’s a call to enter into His life fully. All that He experienced will be my experience also. I may fall away like the disciples in many areas but slowly and steadily, I will be transformed to His image. I will never fall out of grace – this is His promise. </span></div><h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">What an exciting offer!</span></h2><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 315.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-QpO0KU5OMVgdaQdoMiyzg-V3D7OMO-Y3qTIJwNJT74HMMMH6mVSX2nsNXYrDhOzIeyGHOD4zA-LytR6d-DXgduSshUJ31fpokQ8DnMlXDXVjFh_-70IhqdICjiSxr4sTl-8Rxhp_4Q/s200/P1090338_blog.JPG" width="200" /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">He has put us in families and societies to learn this new lifestyle. I have a lot of unlearning to do and I find it hard. It is easy to live the way I always lived. But I know the deep restlessness and unhappiness that it brings. I want to look at all of life to express the life of Jesus. Every encounter with people is an opportunity to love unconditionally. Every day is a new day to know my Father’s love. Every opportunity is a chance to live the message of The Kingdom of God.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 315.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The simplicity of Jesus is amazingly attractive. Do I have the courage to leave everything and follow the lover of my soul?</span></div>Laji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744461853094554545.post-78417164921123444952010-12-13T10:40:00.000-08:002010-12-22T02:39:37.062-08:00Questions and Quest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpZL58_ylN5dLScUvCYMuSfUToXP6MS9ohyphenhyphenXrE4_mMOYG8ylZS5IydsAxsdJyc9NvzheIztO6gPCIkWkRRx6fcRcIYM81YcJ2f7WasOmpe28PC9HT9qiQVv4GuVL5I9pCn5SDlQVKo0U/s1600/IMG_0781_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="71" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpZL58_ylN5dLScUvCYMuSfUToXP6MS9ohyphenhyphenXrE4_mMOYG8ylZS5IydsAxsdJyc9NvzheIztO6gPCIkWkRRx6fcRcIYM81YcJ2f7WasOmpe28PC9HT9qiQVv4GuVL5I9pCn5SDlQVKo0U/s200/IMG_0781_blog.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;">Do theologians know all the answers? Whatever they seem to know and talk about is based on the scriptures, which is available to me also. How much of what they say is just interpretation and commentary? Why should I accept all these thoughts and teachings of the theologians as right and believe<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>what they say as its true meaning. They speak as if their interpretation reveals the exact mind of God for me. </span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So let me have my thoughts as I think about the word and what make sense to me. I can be wrong in my interpretations. But then who can claim to have got it right in every way? We all see dimly and our knowledge is partial. We are in the dark most of the time hoping for a greater clarity. It doesn’t change some of the facts; especially who Jesus is, what He has done and my faith in Him. I am totally mixed up. I do not have noble thoughts and desires all the time. It is not in me to be good all the time. Striving to be perfect only leaves me exhausted and depressed. I need some one higher, superior and perfect to sort me out and show me the way. I will never make it to the kingdom of God on my own. I do not buy the idea of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">karma</i>. It does not work for me. I continue to be a casualty in this chaotic cosmos. In this battlefield, we are all targets. No one is safe and nothing can be predicted. The only thing that does not change is God’s word and His principles.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span class="IntenseEmphasis"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The battle</span></span></strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are on God’s side, the spiritual battle is greater. God’s children are not exempt from attacks or dangers. There is no special protection guaranteed. We are all in this war. We need to know whose side we are on and whom we are fighting. The enemy does not follow any rules. He does not follow terms and conditions of war or UN resolutions. He attacks the mind, emotions and the body. He creates confusion, disunity and doubts. He knows the weak areas in each person and exploits that especially at the moral level. Our addictive behaviour pattern becomes the handle for him to control us. He disguises as a friend and an angel of light. He promises instant relief and good feelings. His main strategy is to take away our love for God and love for each other and get us pre-occupied with ourselves. Once we move toward seeking our own satisfaction, he makes us his puppets.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span class="IntenseEmphasis"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wealth and beauty</span></span></strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He charms us with glittering toys and candies and traps us to worship his counterpart – Lakshmi-the god of materialism. Once we are attracted towards her, it’s almost impossible to get out of her clutches. We begin to rationalize all that we do to avoid the inner pain and drivenness. Many give up and give in to the enemy. The temptation to be an ally to the enemy for short-term benefit and comfort is powerful. We can take advantage of grace, but somehow God prefers to give us this freedom of choice than control us to do His will. I am just glad that the eternal God found me hurt and broken in the battlefield. He took steps to rescue me and rehabilitate me. I am still recovering. It’s all His doing and I am glad for this extravagant grace. I am still shocked by this love. How long it will take to recover, I do not know. But His promises and His presence are there as a healing balm. So let me go on with my thoughts. Fellow failures and victims are welcome to share in this journey of my soul.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scripture - years and years of revelation/history/man’s struggle with sin and with life, all looking for some relief, trying to make some sense, their longings and doubts expressed, hopes and fears faced, evil exposed, big chunks of events missed, then finally a story about one man for me to look at and put my faith in. All previous revelations and future interpretations are to be judged and seen by what this one man re-reveals. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span class="IntenseEmphasis"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">GOD - this person, the Spirit - One or Many?</span></span></strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Was there a time in the timeless eternity - before the beginning of the beginnings that God existed as one unity of persons called HE? Everything was in Him. There was a Today when the Father “brought forth”, “begot” the first-born, someone from within Himself. He spoke out the Word from within Himself<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“one shall be two” and a separate Being took a special form. Like a cell splitting to form another equal; the same thoughts and feelings, same character, yet different. This begotten identity is called the Son of God and was always hidden in God. As John says ”The one who was in the bosom of the father” the Father decided to let the Son<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>exist as a separate person, a bit similar to Eve who was always in Adam. She was taken out of Adam. Even though the Son of God was equal with God the Father, He was not supreme. Jesus said that The Father is greater than him. Jesus was given a status higher than all creation and all angels. He shared everything except the ultimate authority, which the Father alone held. The Holy Spirit, the person that gives life to all, the very essence of God who makes us divine, the life giver and the revealer of truth who communicates also proceeded from the Father.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Both the Son and the Holy Spirit, find their origin if it can be said that way, from the Father. God the Father is referred to as the Eternal Spirit, the immaterial pure light, the One whom no one can see. Out of Him He gives a portion of His Spirit, His life to us. Both the Son and the Holy Spirit, in a way are subordinate to the Father. They share the same glory, the same purpose; their unity is unimaginable, yet total freedom to be different. Love and Light enveloped the three persons - the triune God. So, to all human understanding, they are one.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Son is also called the wisdom of God and the Word. The Holy Spirit is called the power of God and the counselor. The Father is the initiator of all activity. The triune council shares the dreams and is ever willing to act on behalf of each other. The Son talks of the father and the Spirit reveals the Son and the father affirms the Son. There is no rivalry or domination but a willing, loving submission and even acknowledgment of the Father as the final One on the throne. The Son has the special gift to take up human form to become flesh and blood, to enter the world. There was no need for the Son to be begotten if there was no need for redemption. This capacity was not a built-in, out of control destiny but a choice, a decision for love’s sake. To give up even for a moment such privilege to be in the eternal Godhead council is something unthinkable for the Son. Yet the Son was willing. He was humility personified. The Holy Spirit too decided to move in and live in humanity. The Spirit can indwell humans. One day the Father Himself will make His dwelling among us - the triune God with men and women.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span class="IntenseEmphasis"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Equality with God</span></span></strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When Paul wrote to the Philippians about the Son of God, Jesus Christ, he talked about the possibility of equality with God as something that could be grasped. Was there a possibility within the Godhead for either the Son or the Spirit to become the supreme? Maybe Paul was thinking about the archangel Lucifer who desired to be God, to take that supreme position. Maybe there was a time when all angels were asked to worship the Son. There was something special about the Son; superior to angels, greater than Moses, the great High priest for a special purpose. This was conceived in the Father’s mind in eternity. The Father also gave the name ‘Lord’ to the human Jesus. It’s the Father who raised Jesus from the dead and brought him back from hell, from the clutches of the evil one and made Him sit at the right hand of His throne and gave Him all authority. Yet the Son submits Himself to the Father. There are things only the Father knows. The Son limits Himself to what the Father permits. There is no grasping or seeking what is not given. This dynamic submission is the epitome of love and this we will never be able to fully understand.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QMIurwYOoAJdz8FyCZqnyfDWjMRyumcprCXj0kMRUGft56B7dtis9R7tWX-xhIaDMte5f_gY6UPKbel4Elpx0OuE1ALB2EJW0K5ImESNcq-mKd5bPddcd-rCVXAAf-U-AtHHwDuu0yI/s1600/P1000053log.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QMIurwYOoAJdz8FyCZqnyfDWjMRyumcprCXj0kMRUGft56B7dtis9R7tWX-xhIaDMte5f_gY6UPKbel4Elpx0OuE1ALB2EJW0K5ImESNcq-mKd5bPddcd-rCVXAAf-U-AtHHwDuu0yI/s200/P1000053log.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="IntenseEmphasis"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Incarnation</span></span></strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This perfect union and sharing yet submission and obedience to the Father by the Son is difficult to comprehend. So when the Son took up humanity and was given the name Jesus He emptied Himself of His rights and His privileges, His omnipotence, His unapproachable perfection and His omniscience. He allowed himself to be shrunk to be a zygote and confined to Mary’s borrowed womb. It was the Holy Spirit that put the genetic material together and implanted it in the womb. God made Adam’s genetic material from the earth and fashioned him and breathed His life into the clay, the Holy Spirit fashioned the second Adam out of nothing material. This heavenly Man limited Himself and took upon humanity; a new beginning, born of the spirit yet human, with all the limitations of an earthly being. He was a complete man with the possibility of falling, just like Adam, through choices. Heaven paused and the Father watched the Son of God living like a Son of man.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The devil became curious and decided to try to make Him fall many times. Whatever the first Adam was capable of as a perfect man, Jesus became that. If this was not so, it would not be fair to expect us to imitate Him or be like Jesus as the scripture challenges. He even expressed himself as our brother. The second Adam had to learn by obedience, what was required and how to live. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and empowered by the same spirit. He learned of His identity and His mission from scripture. He did not automatically know it. He grappled with the word, found His picture, understood His story and became the Word. He walked with God just like the sinless Adam before the fall. After thirty years of ordinary living, the Father declared for the first time, “You are my beloved son - I am well pleased with you”. What a statement from the Father who looked all over His creation for centuries to find one person who whole-heartedly loved and obeyed Him. God was satisfied and ready for the rescue operation of all His other children.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span class="IntenseEmphasis"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His Story</span></span></strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It looks like the Old Testament was written and preserved for the Son of God to know His mission. The history of humanity became His story. As Jesus read the scriptures and meditated on them, he experienced the struggles, the dreams, and the longings of man. He discovered His manifesto. He received knowledge and wisdom from the scripture. He understood the suffering required, the rejection, the pain to fulfill his mission. What the Old Testament prophets experienced partially, He endured fully. In fact most of His teachings were already there in the OT. He reinterpreted it and made them real and life giving. He went beyond the letter and showed the spirit behind the words.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was all about Love - love for God and love for people; nothing more, nothing less. Yet people had missed it and converted real love into rituals and traditions. Jesus talked to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus –“the whole scripture testified of Him”. He fulfilled the aspirations of people in the process of living out the word; He accomplished what the first Adam could not - absolute trust in the goodness of the Father. Jesus had no other desire, no other plan except what was given to Him. 1,500 years of random revelations, the cries of God’s people, He put together and found His role as the Son of Man, Saviour of the world, The Ransom.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was something about Him in each of the Books and many of the prophetic utterances. He also knew the mind and working of the enemy. He allowed that rat to be part of His group. Jesus had nothing to hide, unlike the first Adam who looked for fig leaves to cover him. He could invite His betrayer to watch and see. Again it was there in the scripture, His birth, His place of growing up, His work, His suffering, His death, His sinlessness, His resurrection, His second coming, all hidden away in the scriptures. He searched the scriptures and found Himself. He had to defeat the enemy and free us. He had to take our sin and save us. He had to live a model life and show us the way. He had to defeat death and take away our fear. He had to shatter our ideas of God and reveal a Father to us.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jesus accepted worship from people when He was on earth, but He always talked about the Father as the giver of all good things. He taught us to pray to the Father. There is no direct teaching, neither by Jesus nor the apostles to pray to Jesus. Prayer is always directed to the Father in the Son’s name, through the Holy Spirit. Even though Jesus accepts our worship and thanksgiving, the instruction is to pray to the Father. Worship and adoration and thanksgiving, the triune God receives and accepts.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span class="IntenseEmphasis"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Father</span></span></strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Somehow the Son desires that we learn to address the Father with our requests, our needs. He wants us to get to know the father and develop an intimacy just like He has. We are asked to seek the Father’s will and His Kingdom. There seems to be a distinction at this level. Jesus talked about Himself, His role, and His union with the Father as something unique. He said, “He who has seen me has seen the Father”. He talked about oneness in purpose and in character. If there is only oneness without the otherness why mention it. Why would we need all the separate persons in the Trinity?</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When Jesus came and dwelt among men, heaven was not empty of God. The Father still occupied heaven. So the Father is a separate being. The Father does not obey the Son, but the Son listens to the Father. It is the Father’s will that needs to be accomplished, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so the oneness that Jesus talked about is at the level of desire, purpose and character, not at the level of personality</i></b> and personhood. God made the proclamation that man and woman are one. We know they are different, but there is a oneness that surpasses physical differences. It is separate in identity, but there is no contradiction or competition in purpose and in living out all the thoughts and plans. The unifying factor is LOVE; giving of oneself to the other, a willing surrender, openness, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">transparency</i></b>, giving and receiving, a dynamic ever flowing dance. This love fills and unites the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, keeping the relationship alive, creative and full of joy. That’s why it says God is love - this feeling for the welfare of the other, this commitment to work towards the best and make the other beautiful in every way. There is adoration and longing to be in each other’s presence. This absolute relational unity, we can never know this side of eternity, but we are called to participate in a limited way. One day we too can enter this triangle of love - where we are known as we are, enveloped by love, totally immersed in the love of God, the grace of the Son and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. This is the blessing that awaits us.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span class="IntenseEmphasis"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Search the scriptures</span></span></strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As Jesus discovered His blueprint for life, we too can find what is required of us from the scripture. We too can get the wisdom to live, how to live, what to say, where we should put our trust, what pleases God, what will destroy us, how the devil works, his ways of damaging us, what is worth living for, all revealed in scripture. It talks about human nature through examples of people who lived years ago. It shows us what we are all capable of, both good and bad; and how in the midst of all that happens to us we can either come closer to God or move away and seek our own relief. Jesus found His vocation, God’s promises, developed trust in God’s word. What was revealed became His delight. Hidden away in scripture were the loneliness and the helplessness that He had to accept and experience. He saw his role as the Lamb, the Shepherd, the Bridegroom, the Servant, the High priest, above all as the One who crushed the head of the serpent. He also saw the destructive power of death and the hope in the resurrection.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkDGAm60ptrM-rOxWMS_RNUutPXft2FerBBEJxVb6SeFLuUKsgOJ9fy-BQMy-nRvLk9snSxAyjAVOrKL_MN7fCxPY7l4V9ah8n7QKmMejsnzsceZZuiw03lm4TKD3y1GaKw-MxOLqf0E/s1600/Laji%2527s+Fotos+2+2007+387++blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkDGAm60ptrM-rOxWMS_RNUutPXft2FerBBEJxVb6SeFLuUKsgOJ9fy-BQMy-nRvLk9snSxAyjAVOrKL_MN7fCxPY7l4V9ah8n7QKmMejsnzsceZZuiw03lm4TKD3y1GaKw-MxOLqf0E/s200/Laji%2527s+Fotos+2+2007+387++blog.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To defeat the enemy He had to enter his territory and become vulnerable. All He had was the word. He had to experience the abandonment of God, being forsaken by God, for our sake He became the price, the ransom. The incarnation was needed to represent humanity. The One, who was higher than the angels, became a little lower than the angels, to redeem humanity. The One, who was from the bosom of the Father, became a babe in Mary’s arms to taste what it means to be a man living in a sinful world, to listen to the cry of the people, to experience the effect of darkness all around, the bondage of sin and the devil. This second Adam had the power like the first Adam to dominate the world around, to stand against the evil one. Every act of Jesus was in a way “undoing the works of evil”. He rebuked sickness, he freed demon-possessed people, He raised the dead, and He gave dignity to disfigured humanity. What the devil distorted, He restored, including nature. He rebuked the wind, calmed the sea and pronounced peace. </span></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span class="IntenseEmphasis"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Exalted Son</span></span></strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When it came for personal reckoning, He submitted to the schemes of the devil, which the devil unleashed through people who were under his control. Jesus faced the enemy, the pain, and the rejection as part of the plan that was in scripture. He drank the cup to enter the eternal darkness on our behalf and pay the wages for humanity’s sin. In that moment, He became the exchange. The wages of sin, the eternal separation from the Father needed to be experienced. He embraced even that for our sake. Doing God’s will and God’s love for man kept this experience the supreme priority. He tasted both physical and spiritual death on our behalf.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The second person of the Trinity died. Being forsaken by the Father was unthinkable. He became sin. He entered the gates of death alone, yet taking all of us with Him. We were with Him in that act. This is all God’s work. We can only believe and accept this - one single, perfect life as the ransom for all humanity.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In Psalm 18 David describes the agony of hell that awaited Jesus. The Father could not abandon His beloved Son to the grave or see decay. Even in that utter desolation, amidst the sneering of the enemy, being bound by cords of death and destruction, Jesus continued to trust the Father and cried out to Him. God the Father acts. In the stillness of night, He broke open the gates of hell, shattered the chains and made a mockery of the devil and brought back His Son and exalted Him above every name. One day every knee including the knee of Lucifer will bow to this eternal man. Jesus is the everlasting MAN in heaven. He is not there as the second person of trinity, but as our representative. On earth he represented The Father. In heaven he represents us. His giving up of his status was forever. His incarnation was for all eternity. He is what the father gives… a name above all other name, all authority, the Lordship over all creation, holding the keys of heaven and hell. Even in this exalted position, he submits himself to his father. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For us to make scripture real and find our blueprint we need to start with believing what Jesus has done. It is at this point of trust that the spirit of God begins to indwell our hearts and make the word real to us. As we look into the word He will open our eyes to reveal His purposes for us. There is general grace available to all especially in a book like Proverbs. For anyone who is interested to live a decent life, wisdom is given but this is different from being saved. God’s grace is given to all, even to those who reject Him and to those who don’t feel their need of Him. Father let the sun shine on all irrespective of their belief. He has also given general grace to make it through life even under the slavery of the devil with the hope that some will seek Him. But those who are tired and are disappointed with life, He extends His invitation to come and find rest in what He has done. This greater grace is also available to all. It is up to us whether we want to be satisfied with general grace or to drink from the spring of living water that He so lovingly offers. The triune God is waiting for us to say, “Yes” to this invitation. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jesus came from the father. He shared life with the father. This knowledge of the Father’s Heart and His character gave Jesus the passion to do His will. He could subordinate all other desires and passions because He saw and experienced the Father’s heart and was one with His purposes.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpslUpNaNjr1X6-91Lap0DVGTgOEyxvYmsEVWVJMTGm77MC0DfDSX29PXDZp65PDbVHjRgf9waP9vXLDxXeJkdIlfis5_pZv-s0TqA79_0uIMtWHqZtlbRD4uqm_HnkljGIKzxvU5Bno8/s1600/P1090456log.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpslUpNaNjr1X6-91Lap0DVGTgOEyxvYmsEVWVJMTGm77MC0DfDSX29PXDZp65PDbVHjRgf9waP9vXLDxXeJkdIlfis5_pZv-s0TqA79_0uIMtWHqZtlbRD4uqm_HnkljGIKzxvU5Bno8/s200/P1090456log.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><span class="IntenseEmphasis"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Poor in spirit</span></span></strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How can we identify with this aspect of Jesus? How can we have such passion for the Father that all other desires and passions are next to nothing and take less priority and energy? It is not possible to see the father. But then Jesus came to reveal this unseen Father to us. He said that he represented the Father. He is the image of the Father, the exact replica. Yes, God looks like Jesus!</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If we can see Jesus from the scriptures and enter the experience of him just like the disciples, then faith can be translated into reality. This is what John said about the whole purpose of writing the stories and events of what happened. It is possible to have fellowship with the father and the son. The Holy Spirit is given to take us into this real fellowship with the Godhead. The hope of the gospel is this possibility of ongoing transforming relationship where we are known and we too know who God is. We need to behold The Man Jesus and fall in love with him. He is alive and this makes all the difference. We are not called just to intellectualise what he said or taught. It’s not about a new philosophy. We are called to be passionately in love with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Holy Spirit pours God’s love into our hearts and love is generated in our hearts for Him and all that he stands for. We will face more and more trials and tests and temptations and through it all we will discover the meaning of grace and God’s forgiveness and all-embracing love.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Instead of being guilt-driven and seeking self-perfection, we will be at rest in his love that knows all and accepts all. This becomes the cleansing that frees and liberates us from ‘karma’. He has gone before us and intercedes for us. It is love that changes us, not rule-keeping and fear. Anyone who tried it honestly can confess that it’s impossible to keep the law or be good. We can go through life out of fear, fear of punishment. This may serve for a while in getting the satisfaction of having some credit. But the soul will be restless and condemning us. We will always be short of perfection and purity. Ultimately we need grace and this is what the gospel is all about. Without this grace, we have only karma and the wheel of life and reincarnation - the hopeless, never-ending cycle of life and death with no guarantee of escape. In a Fatherless world of religion, this is the best option and somehow the human spirit cannot fully accept this option. Our stubbornness may not allow us to be humble enough to accept our inability to be good. Pride will block our need for God and move us towards self-improvement. Once we get tired of self-efforts there is a possibility of coming to Jesus. He said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for they shall inherit the kingdom of God.” It’s a definite promise; a message with hope. There is a way out of the wheel and Nirvana.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfl36gjHDuTsF-wX35FbVj4a0WBxJacVDQv8qTEohb5p6R7Bg5jydUbFglBQ5KucBiDZI_El35y0qEkAlIfWyTnQrKBYYn_07ExmBDixq1mkujHJxFlos4hrK6ATF9lXuiQs6ZQ0l70QI/s1600/IMG_0159blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfl36gjHDuTsF-wX35FbVj4a0WBxJacVDQv8qTEohb5p6R7Bg5jydUbFglBQ5KucBiDZI_El35y0qEkAlIfWyTnQrKBYYn_07ExmBDixq1mkujHJxFlos4hrK6ATF9lXuiQs6ZQ0l70QI/s200/IMG_0159blog.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="IntenseEmphasis"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If anyone is thirsty</span></span></strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This glorious message, the message of freedom has been edited, controlled and manipulated by the church over the centuries. Religious leaders of Christendom distorted this grace and made it into another power tool to dominate people and have wealth in their hands. The followers of Jesus became more lawgivers, watchdogs and less gracious than their master. Instead of welcoming broken people, the church sat in judgment, eating the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The church built barriers and blocked the door to freedom, spending all its energy talking about darkness instead of shining as lights.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s time to behold The Man and find once again the nail-pierced outstretched arms that long to embrace. The devil is so unhappy with anyone who dares to abandon himself or herself to this embrace. He will try to stop and distort the message and put doubt in the mercy of God. Many are victims of his deception. The church listens to the devil more than it heeds the saviour. We have a choice to make. Jesus cries out “If anyone is thirsty, let him come”. What an invitation compared to the calculated, organized, materialistic approach of both the devil and the church, as we know it. It’s time to repent of our hardness as church-lovers. We need to become God lovers and that’s why Jesus came - to take us back to Him.</span></span></span></div><div class="ListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlr9pdGPohOy2ngswnE0l1Htlu21H3NjrTkyFObT6K8R10CItfFa6Zpj53_WXdjGyRj3QqNnngfW4UiM6Oe0brsaPfaPYZAsYZ3SUbAA4lRnbpyomsoyQo8n46oVOmEYWyGmbuViiuaI/s1600/P1070908+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlr9pdGPohOy2ngswnE0l1Htlu21H3NjrTkyFObT6K8R10CItfFa6Zpj53_WXdjGyRj3QqNnngfW4UiM6Oe0brsaPfaPYZAsYZ3SUbAA4lRnbpyomsoyQo8n46oVOmEYWyGmbuViiuaI/s200/P1070908+blog.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><span class="IntenseEmphasis"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Learners All</span></span></strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.5in; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As children of God, we enter the school of learning. Together with others, we learn the language of love. We unlearn past ways of relating to God, people and the world around us. We have too much garbage with us from the past, and it’s a long process of unlearning. Our system rebels against this radical change and its new way of thinking and evaluating. Our mind needs to be renewed and our emotions to be refined. We need to take on attitudes that are Christ-like. So our coming together as a group week after week or day after day is to allow change to take place. Unfortunately, we have a tendency to be judgmental of others’ behaviour and habits. This ungracious attitude becomes the stumbling block for genuine love and acceptance. Unless we see our own failures and how gracious God has been, we will never extend compassion to others who are struggling and continue to be victims of warfare. Church is not for academic knowledge of God or to analyze the sins of others. It’s a home where the life of the Trinity is experienced. It’s where the world needs to see Jesus as a living reality. It’s not a place for show-business and mammon worship. It is the place where truth is proclaimed in love. It’s where sinners are embraced and given a taste of heaven. It’s not a place to control, manipulate and condemn strugglers. We need to get out of the judgment seat and allow God to be God. He knows whom He has chosen and He will complete what He has started in each person. We do not have to be so possessive of people. Our calling is to reflect Jesus and bring people to the throne of Grace in prayer. We will fight the enemy but not people. Church should be a place of healing and not a place that causes deep wounds. How much we need to see Jesus. Let us behold this MAN.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; tab-stops: 63.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>Laji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744461853094554545.post-40297646637246155042010-12-13T10:13:00.000-08:002010-12-18T01:44:45.384-08:00Jesus and sex<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In Heb 4.15 it says “we have a high priest who has been tempted in every way just as we are”.</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJ8LCbaQVOqvwiEi6W91GoTQ5VCNCNROaFyoWTg548Gos1DKdv6cXOgosgqYeBEjM77dTSl55zsLs-MerRcSYzpqvzMTnuwSi4JpJCjjLe02QFGEZOpJ_R0FknE1Mf3ecP1PociwdyEY/s1600/P1040114++blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJ8LCbaQVOqvwiEi6W91GoTQ5VCNCNROaFyoWTg548Gos1DKdv6cXOgosgqYeBEjM77dTSl55zsLs-MerRcSYzpqvzMTnuwSi4JpJCjjLe02QFGEZOpJ_R0FknE1Mf3ecP1PociwdyEY/s200/P1040114++blog.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As I read this I wonder what the temptations that Jesus faced were. Yes, the devil tempted him in the desert with power, wealth and position- all with out pain. But what about sexual temptations which we are all so familiar with each day and every moment. Did Jesus face these? If so how did he overcome these? I realize that all of us are not tempted in all areas with the same intensity. The devil must have tried every opportunity possible to make Jesus fall and discredit him worthy of being the sacrifice.</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The New Testament portrays Him as a strong healthy man, an adult with enough testosterone to make Him alive and attractive. Did he feel desires welling up in his mind and in his body? Did he feel aroused in the company of women? - There were enough of them around him. Did he feel attracted to the opposite sex like any other man? Were there moments of longings for a touch, an embrace, a kiss and sexual intimacy?</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tempted like any man? I believe yes. Jesus was fully alive to all the feelings that we are endowed with. Jesus was not ashamed to share all the God given feelings and desires. It was not in having them but in using that He showed what a real man is made of.</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yet with out SIN… At this statement we part paths with him. How was it possible?</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I believe that Jesus had a sense of His calling even at an early stage in his life. He understood from the scriptures the meaning and purpose of sex within the context of marriage. He did not come to settle down and have a family. He came exclusively to die a sacrificial death. To accomplish that purpose he had to put aside the wonderful gift God ordained – the institution of marriage and sex. But sexual desires are there as part of our human make up. How did he cope with this drive? </span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am called to consider Him and fix my eyes on Him -His person. I am sure that Jesus listened to the stories of His ancestors and saw the effect of sexual sin- the effects of going out side the God ordained boundary. He looked at Abraham, Lot, Jacob and Judah. He looked at strong men like Samson and wise ones like Solomon. He saw the effect of the sexual passion in Amnon.</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">He also heard the story of Joseph, his courage to say ‘No’. An awareness of God and respect for the other made it possible for Joseph to walk away from a trying situation. Where men failed, a slave triumphed. Looking and meditating on the lives of real people Jesus made choices. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">To say “No” to instincts meant saying “Yes” to God</span></b> and His ways. Sex is not the ultimate entertainment. He showed that Man can live with out sex and can be fully alive. It is not a must for fulfillment. It is possible to keep this body as the temple of the living God and find greater joy in other activities. He found the proper place for His body in God’s plan.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;"></span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As Jesus grew up He was aware of the local gossip about His birth - the names others called Him or referred by. We are familiar with these in our own situations- the nicknames, the whispers, the side glance and sarcastic comments. I wonder whether He rushed to His mother for clarity about His birth. Was His birth illegal? Was He an unwanted child of promiscuous sex? He looked at his mother and heard the stories of the angels, the shepherds and the wise men. He heard about the courage of His foster father Joseph and his loyalty. May be Elisabeth shared some secrets with him. Yes He knew all about the people of His town and their life styles. He did not allow either the labels to become His identity nor to label others in retaliation. He did not waste time in getting approval from others. He stood tall with His convictions and His call. He chose to love all. He saw the sufferings and pain of women- the loss of value and dignity, the shame and exploitation of the most beautiful creation in God’s world. He witnessed how men and law treated them. He decided to treat them differently because He had a higher view of them.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMc8U899u3mfCj_zfbU9bx0PYs6rBG1ScqdpGUANePy36spokzHQ3K_f6bwLZnxb3VzPqAeSkxel4wcBbfcQgQ8FJUnC_NthL7TEPEU9I_t1JD_35Fm0BcAIf07JmrI3Buipbt-wN5J0/s1600/P1030098++log.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMc8U899u3mfCj_zfbU9bx0PYs6rBG1ScqdpGUANePy36spokzHQ3K_f6bwLZnxb3VzPqAeSkxel4wcBbfcQgQ8FJUnC_NthL7TEPEU9I_t1JD_35Fm0BcAIf07JmrI3Buipbt-wN5J0/s200/P1030098++log.JPG" width="200" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I also believe that Jesus was taught by either of His parents in sexual matters. There is a fantastic picture of a real son talking about his father in Prov4.3 “When I was a boy, still tender, he taught me”. He taught me many things especially about sex and describes it in chapters 4, 5 and 6. Solomon talking about David I presume. David taught his son about the trappings of sex and its temptations. Jesus was taught this from the scriptures as he grew up. He saw the truth of the verse ‘Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched’ (we may talk about wearing shoes or rubber to disprove the truth) He took seriously the advice about not lusting in the heart. Pro 6.25</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">At this point I wonder how many fathers-evangelical, spirit filled and theologically right-got the courage and commitment to talk to their sons when they are tender about sex and God’s view of it. How important it is to install the right and wrong sexware before they download it from somewhere else! Yes, about the body changes, the desires, the drives and the temptations! We prefer to leave it to school and magazines to do this vital teaching. As I look back I realize that I had no input from my home in this area of my life and I grew up totally confused and misinformed. There was so much of fear and unhealthy curiosity.</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yes, Jesus a man full of life knew the boundaries and He knew how to discipline Himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hebrew 12.4 talks about the ‘struggle against sin’ and the fact that none of us really resisted it to our limit. In today’s context it’s all about avoiding pregnancy and infection rather than a higher reason. Jesus hid God’s word in His heart and found strength to face the temptation. It was a joyful submission to His father’s will - not a grumbling one. He knew the fleeting moments of pleasure from the history of His forefathers. He also knew the sense of inner rightness and peace that a disciplined life brought. Heb- 12.11.</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In spite of knowing and being taught, Solomon failed absolutely and repeatedly. But we have some one greater than Solomon. Jesus alone could embrace His sexuality and remain perfect with out sin. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In fact He went a step further and said that sexual sin starts in the mind. It is more than physical and it needs to be tackled at this level.</i></b> So much grace is available to us to overcome this addiction with sex. </span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">No one is capable of living this pure life. Let us not act as if we do. We are dust and corrupt. This is why Jesus came and lived it on our behalf. Keeping you and me in mind, He said ‘no’ to this temptation and became my redeemer. There was nothing in Jesus that the devil could use against Him. (John 14.30)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can only live in His righteousness. What I cannot do He did for me and I embrace His purity as mine. All my sexual sins and fantasies find it’s cleansing in His blood. It’s a call to start again afresh in His grace. It is not a calling to feel superior like the Pharisee or to become judgmental and withhold love. It is a call to see our need of Him even in this area more than ever before. It’s a call to have the mind of Christ as I look at the opposite sex. It’s a challenge to see my body and the other’s body as the temple of the living God. It’s a call to see others through His eyes and feel with His heart and love like He loved. So let us behold this Man. He is a model for us. Come boldly and receive grace upon grace. Let us talk to Him about our heart matters as we recline close to Him in the security of His unconditional love.</span></div>Laji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744461853094554545.post-14251401208786759072010-12-13T09:52:00.000-08:002010-12-22T03:07:44.550-08:00Expectations of a Mission HospitalWhen I was asked to write about my expectations of a mission hospital today, my mind went back to my own experiences of a mission hospital. When I was a boy, I was admitted in Neyyor mission hospital in 1964. What stands out in my memory is the friendliness of the nurses and the simplicity of the doctors. The room was small, adequate and clean. I was just a child and the male nurses played with me and showed me how to make small toys with rubber caps of bottles and small cardboard boxes. My family could afford the basic cost of treatment but many received concessions according to their needs. People on the whole were very kind.<br />
This experience stayed with me even after I joined CMC, Ludhiana to pursue medical studies. <strong><em>Many of my teachers who were missionaries showed me the meaning of Concern, Compassion and Care through their interactions with patients.</em></strong> So when I came to Manali with my wife Sheila to run the small mission hospital, I had memories, experiences and impressions to draw from. It was a joy to work with a handful of people and bring about a caring community.<br />
It took time, prayer and a lot of inner quests to develop this work.<br />
"What brings the spirit of Christ into our work?"<br />
"What is excellence?"<br />
"What is efficiency?"<br />
"Do we need to sacrifice one for the other?"<br />
"Do poor people need ‘excellent medical care"?<br />
"What is team spirit?"<br />
"How do we say ‘no’ to the rich and the pushy when we do need money?" <br />
These questions kept us focused and open to God and His thoughts. <br />
But as the work grew and more people were employed, it became difficult to know each of them at a deeper level and pass on the ethos, which we had received. We probably failed to communicate that on a personal level when the numbers became overwhelming. The atmosphere began to change and a group of people working together like a family with common goals became an institution with too many rules and regulations. This led to less interpersonal relationships and involvement with each other on a daily basis. We had no time to give to people to build them up as care givers. The joy of sharing was replaced by hurry, worry and complaints. Patients became problems and business took away time to listen, guide and really care. The more we grew the more indifferent and distant we became. Tension and distress replaced pleasant manners and welcoming attitudes. Yes, we continued to work hard, made new projects and statistics showed that we were viable and self-sufficient. Once we became smart and learned the tricks of the trade, people became irritants and priorities began to change. Real prayer that used to be the foundation of life expressing our dependency on God became more of a ‘duty’ with no depth. Slow spiritual depression set in and continued to keep the external appearances of religion. Various events brought us back to God intermittently and we are thankful to these interventions of grace.<br />
We realized that no one person in the mission field can provide all the care. Every one in the team is important. The staff members that are expected to <em><strong>give care</strong></em> to patients need to first <em>get cared for </em>themselves by the management. If they are treated with respect, they will give respect to others. <br />
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<u>So what have we learnt?</u><br />
<br />
♦ Working in the spirit of Christ is possible when we keep it small.<br />
♦ If we become an institution then each department can be given its own independent way of running by the leader so that it still remains a small unit. (Plural leadership)<br />
♦ Prayer is foundational. A core group of people interceding with God for direction and seeking wisdom are vital.<br />
♦ Business strategies learnt in the corporate world need to be redefined by Christ’s pattern of servant hood before they are implemented in a mission hospital. Priorities are different.<br />
♦ Plural leadership is important – it helps avoid power struggles and keeps us accountable to each other.<br />
♦ Delegation is an art to be learnt early in the game….to avoid burnout. <br />
♦ Communication with staff takes root outside working hours.<br />
♦ We need to rediscover the significance of the mission hospital in our own context. It’s different in different places even within our own country. Or perhaps even in the same hospital after ten or fifteen years.<br />
♦ Our staff needs to be cared for if we expect them to care for the patients.<br />
♦ Wisdom in choosing our advisors makes a lot of difference in our work. <br />
♦ Poor patients CAN get excellent medical care at a lower cost as long as our aim is not "making money at all costs".<br />
♦ God provides in unknown ways beyond human understanding…..always keep that in mind instead of a ‘plan B’<br />
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<u>Role Models of Care</u>:<br />
If a mission hospital is a place of witness, an arm of the Church which is the body of Christ, then it needs to become a place of compassion to all! True compassion is not natural to humans. Yet those who claim to follow Christ have a working model in the life of Jesus. It can be cultivated and communicated. It ought to reflect the outlook of Jesus. Its administrative outlook needs to be transparent and honest. It should be a place of clinical excellence.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Listening, showing empathy, a kind touch, speaking the truth in love are all hallmarks of the mission atmosphere at all levels of work.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div> Dependency on God and trust in His promises to take care of the needs of the mission needs to be expressed through corporate prayer. (At least the core group of people needs to be consistent) Any planning needs to keep the mission mandate in mind; in fact in <strong><em>all planning </em></strong>it is important to take God’s purposes into consideration. Seeking wisdom and clarifying motives needs to be a priority. Leaders need to show consistency in their approach to various issues and know the mind of God expressed in Jesus. It is important to question the reason and relevance of various activities that are brought to focus. <em><strong>Mission hospitals can be a place for God-encounters. Can our system provide such a place? </strong></em>We will fail in different areas as human nature and emotions are unpredictable. But this ought to be a challenge in reconsidering our style of functioning and taking steps to correct it rather than be aggressive and defensive. There is a need to be cautious about those who work against the mission ethos and take the necessary steps to correct unhealthy practices. There is always room in the human heart for improvement. Regular coming together as teams and also having input from patients and relatives about their experience of care are needed to improve the way we work. It is important to look into the family time available for young couples before they get burnt out through over work. Physical and mental tiredness of the staff needs to be taken care of before they quit the mission. Nurturing of new staff by the seniors is vital in sustaining the spirit of commitment and care. Attitude and communication skills of nursing and paramedical staff are vital to create the good will among the patients and relatives. They need all the support to carry out this big job.<br />
Small mission hospitals need to have partners for good referral places for their patients as all these hospitals may not have facilities for certain medical problems. So a good understanding between various doctors, clinics and facilities in the neighborhood are essential. Networking with those who are professionals in various fields is helpful.<br />
Mission hospitals need to take an active role in health education, preventive medicine and training programmes. It can also be involved in research that will not contradict Biblical values. Yes, a caring small mission hospital in rural India can make a big difference if it is motivated by a love for God and people. It can become a beacon of light that will elevate the value of life. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVkamotCyRGgSgahDWKNIQy4J7OoDryJTJouQF6VmKqtKY1ZIXdU0I2DQUJClvFYokJkeUQhUo6K61C5kcmD6CHcCUsv2wSs1HcTuEuRJUPZNb17lsWQFKst4BkeEgMq6_SxKEYCulQo/s1600/P1000622++blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVkamotCyRGgSgahDWKNIQy4J7OoDryJTJouQF6VmKqtKY1ZIXdU0I2DQUJClvFYokJkeUQhUo6K61C5kcmD6CHcCUsv2wSs1HcTuEuRJUPZNb17lsWQFKst4BkeEgMq6_SxKEYCulQo/s200/P1000622++blog.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><u>The Challenge of finding human resources </u>Mission work needs money. If there is no financial support from outside or from the church then the management needs to raise it from patients. To attract patients the management needs to provide services, which involves doctors, nurses, technicians, equipment and infrastructure. Now a day’s not many people are committed to missions or its ethos. Many come for salaries and other perks like children’s education, housing, security, leave benefits etc. In this changing world how do we get committed people?<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Many people may work for less pay if the atmosphere is a happy one and they experience care and understanding. A sense of vocation and belonging is needed for sustaining this commitment. A sense of belonging that is free of power struggles and full of caring for one another.</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>The management style, the atmosphere of the workplace, interpersonal relationships, and opportunities to develop confidence are all-important in this commitment building process. There ought to be role models of care in every mission set-up. Opportunities to express feelings and raise questions and seek answers without fear are essential for the commitment to take deeper roots. Medical students and young doctors need to be exposed and challenged to consider mission work. Retired Christian doctors ought to consider giving their time to train young doctors in mission field. This can be their retirement project!<br />
Knowledge is power and sharing power is not normal. My unwillingness to share knowledge and skills with my colleagues is a sign of wanting to remain supreme. Many are put off by this attitude in the mission hospitals. It is a way to control juniors. Knowledge puffs up and power corrupts. Genuine love is the antidote to both. A Mission hospital is a place where real love can be practiced and encouraged. It is the place for learning patient care and developing skills to provide such care.<br />
Continuing medical education by various professions (doctors, nurses, paramedical personnel) is important to make this kind of care effective. It is also a sign of ‘caring’ for our employees. Yes, it is possible to have a good management that will provide the atmosphere for all to serve and take care of the sick. Each department needs to have a caring leader who will give the needed direction and create an atmosphere that will reflect the mission ethos. If the local church is a witnessing and loving community then they need to be involved as partners in caring. Time for personal growth, reflection, recreation, informal dialogue and other such spiritual input are mandatory for the mission staff to stay alive. Fellowship, worship and challenges to follow Jesus Christ are the foundations of mission work. Worth and value of each one in the team needs to be cherished. Good communication, openness and trust needs to be cultivated. Hierarchy, bureaucracy and fear need to be replaced by respect, servant-hood and genuine interest in people.<em><strong> Servant-hood in leadership needs to be seen. </strong></em>Perhaps we need to organize more ‘servant-hood’ seminars instead of ‘leadership’ seminars<br />
<u>Delegation is important</u><br />
As we see in the Old Testament story it is important to heed the advice of Jethro as Moses did. To share the burden of caring by delegating responsibilities to able people who fear God, who are trustworthy and corruption free. This is the secret of good management. Moses himself had to provide the spiritual leadership and act as a consultant for difficult issues. When we delegate responsibilities we trust that person to do the job. <em><strong>True plural leadership is an outcome of true delegation.</strong></em><br />
This art of delegation needs to start early in our careers before burn out happens. We need to develop trust in our colleagues if we are to be a community giving care to others. People need to exercise their gifts in their work place and feel part of a team. Individuals with seniority and experience need not be just ‘figure heads’ to be used for attracting project funds, they need to be respected as individuals for who they are…….wisdom in delegation is important.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -39.5pt 0pt 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt;"><em>The basic ethos of a mission hospital:</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -39.5pt 0pt 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -39.5pt 0pt 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14pt;"><em>All said and done heartfelt concern and practical care are the core of a mission</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -39.5pt 0pt 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14pt;"><em>community. </em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -39.5pt 0pt 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><em>Serving one another is an expression of love. </em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -39.5pt 0pt 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><em>Loving my neighbor is the only expression of loving God. </em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -39.5pt 0pt 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><em>Everyone who comes to us in the mission setup deserves to be loved and listened to. </em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -39.5pt 0pt 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><em>The poor need much more tenderness to retain their self-worth in a cruel world.</em></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYg0vWT4s27kK1No_8c0ud-SXQd1URDiIOCuaf_y8e0DTIlY_cxGRKIR-OnzY7ynwkr9xD2rP4Fkoyb4AfPoIynZmfFHxaFFFIRYqJALMR8nLlAfb5ZEEU9PPhJ-jZvuBIwhBt17z5k0/s1600/IMG_2065++blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYg0vWT4s27kK1No_8c0ud-SXQd1URDiIOCuaf_y8e0DTIlY_cxGRKIR-OnzY7ynwkr9xD2rP4Fkoyb4AfPoIynZmfFHxaFFFIRYqJALMR8nLlAfb5ZEEU9PPhJ-jZvuBIwhBt17z5k0/s200/IMG_2065++blog.JPG" width="200" /></em></span></a></div><br />
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<u>A need to redefine ‘mission hospitals’ in our context </u><br />
In today’s India, there is a need to redefine what we mean by a ‘mission hospital’. What is the public’s understanding of a mission hospital? I think it started off as an expression of the church’s concern for the world. Just like the temple was meant to be a place of prayer for all nations but ended up as a den of thieves, the mission hospital’s original purpose got distorted and corrupted over the centuries to something entirely different. For Mission work to be real the core values and motives should remain Biblical. Just because the title deed belongs to some local church does not make a hospital a mission hospital. It will be like the blind leading the blind.<br />
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Many mission hospitals are no longer in remote places. Small towns have grown around them. People are no more illiterate and ignorant like before. Many can afford basic treatment. There are other private hospitals that provide better treatment for a price. Even some of the Government hospitals do good jobs. Diagnostic laboratories have sprouted everywhere. People do not have to travel long distances to get medical care except in some really rural places. There is a need for well-equipped urban mission hospitals that can be referral places for smaller mission hospitals.<span style="color: red;"> </span>These mission hospitals can adopt a business model that has a basic Christian agenda. The question will be "can such systems be a witness to the gospel?" (As the majority of the staff may not subscribe to the Christian belief system) Temptation to get side tracked will be high and very few people can cope with this challenge. <br />
I think there is a place now for small Polyclinics and nursing homes where a group of caring Christian doctors and nurses can work together as a team to reflect the "mission" ethos. Again with a trustworthy referral system this can work well.<br />
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<u>Search our hearts:</u><br />
Are we any different from those hospitals around us?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioP3VM9BeX9nItayq81r67EOjF3Q4yZ0d8U-yTTRwZWoXGJrFYVlgxPqgLB58Xo2nOmLS2oe4sJcnRWMfUZJPvo147W0Ov2LTSVY79GlzA-JNbNIkXTFTQus8E9AV69bmxJs6YHqwB6f8/s1600/Picture+of+Andrea+in+Kaza+335blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioP3VM9BeX9nItayq81r67EOjF3Q4yZ0d8U-yTTRwZWoXGJrFYVlgxPqgLB58Xo2nOmLS2oe4sJcnRWMfUZJPvo147W0Ov2LTSVY79GlzA-JNbNIkXTFTQus8E9AV69bmxJs6YHqwB6f8/s200/Picture+of+Andrea+in+Kaza+335blog.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
What do we claim ‘to have’ as a mission hospital that is different from others? We need to search our own hearts as leaders. Mission ought to be a place of ‘love in action’ for all irrespective of who they are. There is a need to critically analyze the ‘love level’ of the staff and make programs and training to improve this instead of appraisal forms to be filled in by various heads of departments and introducing unnecessary ‘control’ styles. The staff also needs to reflect the management’s level of compassion and feel free to give the needed input. Both management and staff need to listen to each other and be partners in decision-making processes.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Mission hospitals have a role to play in today’s technologically advanced and financially thriving health care system.</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><br />
In the midst of all the technological advancement and high cost of medical care how do we continue to have empathy towards the ‘have -nots’? Have we generated goodwill from the community around so as to benefit from their contributions towards the support of the poor and disadvantaged? We can have special clinics, may be else where, both preventive and curative where the poor can come without feeling odd and this could be an exciting venture. Various services can be tailored to meet the needs of those who do not have enough. Unnecessary tests and other expenses can be avoided. Consultants can give part of their time ‘free’ every week to enhance the care of the poor. Those who actually need financial subsidy may be a few on any given day and they must not be left out. Other avenues like medical insurance, sponsorship need to be looked into. Someone needs to develop a special interest in looking into the needs of the poor and find solutions that are appropriate.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHYDNP4omm5rpytMsYGyvzdlnRVLMcVnntj6IkjLN5xlWXnmP5sii9sCU9THoaLqPBmS4AXwUtTOli2-xvwMAeALqkjsTJEHfgRD7gNaf_ZE5nfZch2wVvxVNnI8TQVWgLMx-pn6oFjQ/s1600/Picture+of+Andrea+in+Kaza+393+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHYDNP4omm5rpytMsYGyvzdlnRVLMcVnntj6IkjLN5xlWXnmP5sii9sCU9THoaLqPBmS4AXwUtTOli2-xvwMAeALqkjsTJEHfgRD7gNaf_ZE5nfZch2wVvxVNnI8TQVWgLMx-pn6oFjQ/s200/Picture+of+Andrea+in+Kaza+393+blog.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><u>A Challenge to Exist</u><br />
Mission has a higher reason to exist but if the ‘Light’ in mission hospitals is dark then that is a great darkness. Nothing can dispel it. If the salt has lost its flavor, then it is useless! Any thing can be bought with money! But if we are a loving and caring community, people will flock to our doors in spite of us not having the ‘latest equipment’ or ‘sophisticated facilities’. This requires people with commitment, goals, a serving heart and above all a trust in the Almighty. We need not be in competition with the world, rather we and our work should be such that the world would stop and take a good look at us and learn something of value from the way mission hospitals function. <br />
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The worldly ways of running an organization need to be abandoned and Jesus’ way ought to be embraced. If this is not possible then we need to throw away the whole mission jargon and have the courage to call a spade a spade and not call ourselves by that name.<br />
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Drs George and Sheila Varghese</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy484ztZjSgh_2zx_LarIEodCOE91pocegncdiXmwWNtJ3fyFm37NvJul5_OgH9uNOZ0KS5DdPp8hr98s_BFieCsl_PrOx01V30rgkmHjgabbMXRuSw2EtnelTxOjOADs44JlWlcFrNyY/s1600/P1050489blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy484ztZjSgh_2zx_LarIEodCOE91pocegncdiXmwWNtJ3fyFm37NvJul5_OgH9uNOZ0KS5DdPp8hr98s_BFieCsl_PrOx01V30rgkmHjgabbMXRuSw2EtnelTxOjOADs44JlWlcFrNyY/s200/P1050489blog.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Laji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744461853094554545.post-77928109664485267442010-12-12T09:05:00.000-08:002010-12-22T03:26:36.678-08:00Possessions<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOl8VPi0H-PGg4BR_1Nz9HoN52l2JIOySlJOTRd0h0ZtwRnZ_MIiQrOAqftPep2c9xaUQx9Gu-UZ64AZB8G2FZD5WunQ5Flc-4dMFa2MCM031xKLDw4ZWts0nxlePjbOjQJ2BN28A73g/s1600/DSCN2993+++log.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOl8VPi0H-PGg4BR_1Nz9HoN52l2JIOySlJOTRd0h0ZtwRnZ_MIiQrOAqftPep2c9xaUQx9Gu-UZ64AZB8G2FZD5WunQ5Flc-4dMFa2MCM031xKLDw4ZWts0nxlePjbOjQJ2BN28A73g/s200/DSCN2993+++log.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Recently I watched some one moving house and various thoughts passed thru my mind. This person came to my place of work 7-8 years ago with one small bag. He was single at that time. A few years ago he got married and now has two children. Over the years he has amassed a lot of material goods. I watched him struggle to load the vehicle. I wonder about myself. What are my possessions? All these useful and not so useful things that we hold on to so passionately. They <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are bought with money. Money is wages that we get for <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>work that we do. We convert this into things when we buy them. Some of it will have a greater resale value, but most of them depreciate as the days go by. Many lose their charm and usefulness and begin to collect dust or remain in some forgotten corner. Some times we don’t even know we have them as we stop using them. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Now what is money?</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">Its again time converted into currency. Eight hours of my time of work is translated into cash </span>and it becomes my wages at the end of the month. Depending on the importance of my responsibility, my training, skills acquired and my contribution, I am remunerated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What is time?</b> <span style="color: #990000;">It is life. When I work for 8 hours I am giving 8 hours of my life and it is gone. </span>So when I buy goods, I am actually investing my life into it. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>My life now takes a lifeless form.</strong></i> I can once again give it life depending on how and for what I use it. I still have the power to give it meaning if I am willing to share it with others. What really gives it meaning is this aspect of sharing. None of these goods will accompany us when we leave this world one day. This is one of the fears of many people. They work hard and amass wealth but at the end they have to go empty handed. Naked we come, naked we go! We do not even know who will really enjoy what we leave behind. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6C4xniXHwyOINE90YY40YTLEgkfKCozZHeTIrDEuEF41uEf_lCLfzImPTOG2IL8VRqrdZkthuP4aR1Bb8h9kUCsX5VmbQ7V44wLMQyWTG9QU6rqaHLvKACxbg2jlk8OnVVbqe0PvOvQ/s1600/P1090814++blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6C4xniXHwyOINE90YY40YTLEgkfKCozZHeTIrDEuEF41uEf_lCLfzImPTOG2IL8VRqrdZkthuP4aR1Bb8h9kUCsX5VmbQ7V44wLMQyWTG9QU6rqaHLvKACxbg2jlk8OnVVbqe0PvOvQ/s200/P1090814++blog.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Imagine, instead of spending money on that which does not satisfy, we invest in people. May be helping children around to be educated, may be taking care of sick people by providing for their bills, may be training some one to have a skill that could bring livelihood to a family, may be helping some one to start an income generating small business, may be doing some thing to help the invalid, the neglected, the exploited and used. May be just doing something that will bring joy to some one.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">I think there is so much joy in seeing others happy. Jesus said, “Bear each other’s burdens”. When we spend money on others we are actually sharing a bit of our lives with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we withhold money, we are withholding life. We leave behind many happy people who may in turn begin to share their life with others. This ‘giving’ multiplies. We are showing mercy and mercy has a way of coming back through the back door. The book of Proverbs has many exhortations about giving to the needy. It is a sign of generosity and reflects God’s heart and His character. It is part of being wise.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDO_rq2P7gaCZGoEROD8ruvi2z0eYnpZ_gXGy4TaS59AIlvTbG-toZKGKWFXkYRKGrRYkK8Ep_EKLMGg0FRBqpFtQSIOKyXXJjxsFg3fV33sIo5opaUL5dM7dYi5WVfN0zRtSDMNQe52c/s1600/IMG_0983blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDO_rq2P7gaCZGoEROD8ruvi2z0eYnpZ_gXGy4TaS59AIlvTbG-toZKGKWFXkYRKGrRYkK8Ep_EKLMGg0FRBqpFtQSIOKyXXJjxsFg3fV33sIo5opaUL5dM7dYi5WVfN0zRtSDMNQe52c/s200/IMG_0983blog.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>So what shall I do with my possessions? May be twice a year I can clean up my house and give away that which will be of use to others. Many people have many clothes, which can be given away. Think seriously before we buy new things. Ask a few questions. Do I need it? Is it going to make any difference to my life? Is it possible to post-pone my urge to buy now? Can I use the money for something else? May be I can decide not to buy any thing new for a few months. May be I can wait and allow God to give me a surprise. Any new gadget seems to give some fascination. After we get it, we realize that it does not give what we anticipated. Soon it is out moded and we are ready for the next model. This chase continues in today’s world of technology. We are never satisfied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The market exploits this weakness in our system and we give in to this almost unknowingly. “Why spend money on that which does not satisfy?” the prophet asked centuries ago. Nothing has changed since then. We are still chasing after the wind. It is all vanity said the preacher.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UdW_BkQSuYvlNSbdV19-X6KUWeGJyzSD0GlwRDvr-ES_fJARZIxJ9g3EjplZkTix16V75A5UAiq1xQtCtx73BdvcZoofNqcDNV6Pg15OVtBZKY8BisQCY-hsbDPbLsKjgyykEj0tks8/s1600/DSCF0013_11++log.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UdW_BkQSuYvlNSbdV19-X6KUWeGJyzSD0GlwRDvr-ES_fJARZIxJ9g3EjplZkTix16V75A5UAiq1xQtCtx73BdvcZoofNqcDNV6Pg15OVtBZKY8BisQCY-hsbDPbLsKjgyykEj0tks8/s200/DSCF0013_11++log.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>God has promised to provide for our needs. May be we are impatient. We want some things and we want it now. So much of our anxiety is related to wanting. How much of out time is spent on this mind chase. We browse the internet and do window-shopping. Our time, yes, our life is wasted away. We give the impression that we are busy and very important. In fact we have no time for people or matters that are important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our possessions give us status and worth. How we long for this applause from friends. In spite of all the advances in communication, we find we have no time for communication. We spend too much time on mobile face less conversations, when we meet in person there is nothing much to talk. We prefer faceless relationships and superficial chats. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">Our material possessions reflect where our heart is. Jesus warned us about this and told us to invest in that which does not rot or get stolen. He also told us to seek His kingdom and right living, and promised to take care of our needs. What better way to invest than investing in people and be involved in life giving ventures?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s kingdom is all about people and how we can share in each other’s lives. The power of money is a force that needs to be contained and channeled in the right way. It has the power to possess us and make us addictive and leave us unsatisfied. It has a spiritual dynamism and demands our worship. James said, “The love of money is the root of all evil”. We may not agree with it initially but any one with wisdom will see how true it is. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">How do we acquire wealth? Of course we do inherit some from our families especially if our parents made sure of such inheritance. Very few of us question how our parents made money. We may have got a good education that enables us to get a well paid job and we save and can have more than we need. There are many well-paid jobs available depending on our training and our abilities to perform. Many go abroad to make money as the sole goal of life and use their profession only as a means to make more money. Job hopping is very common these days. We are always looking for more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many Christians are trapped in this activity, as they have no sense of direction or calling. They attribute all their seeking and achieving wealth as a sign of God’s favor. The more we have, the more we spend and we change our life style and circle of friends and the way we entertain ourselves and where we go for holidays. Our priorities change and our children take on a very different life style based on our own affordability. We look for better and thus more expensive schools for them and this demands more money, so we look out for another better paying job. We may even leave the country for this additional comfort and opportunity. No one will say in all these developments that they are walking away from an earlier commitment or a sense of an earlier call to do some thing else. This will be too much for the conscience to cope up with. So in today’s world it is better not to make a serious commitment what so ever, but just drift along and settle for what ever satisfies the immediate need and give the best opportunity for the family. It is amazing to see some of the jobs people are willing to take up in a different country which they will not even dream of in their own country. Again what is driving this? How does one make sense of what is happening at a deeper level? How do we make God fit in to all that’s going on? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">Soon the children get so used to another way of relating and living, they become misfits to our way of thinking. Now for the sake of our children, we sacrifice what we used to hold on to very dearly, our faith in a real God. Now God is an optional extra as we have mastered to live without Him. It is only pain, suffering and sudden loss that will shake us up. This can be seen if we look at the recent gulf war and the present economic melt down. People suddenly are afraid of their future and security. They are worried about not having enough to sustain their life style. They have enough for their daily bread and for their necessities but not enough for their luxury or additional comfort and extravagant personal habits. Now they begin to pray and go to churches and make promises. But once the difficulty is over, they are back on their self-sufficiency road. The Christian world is full of such people. Deep down the problem is the same old greed and covetousness, which comes out of their lack of trust in a living God whose promises are difficult to believe! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">The possessions that we accumulate will possess us and eventually will eat us up. Our worry and distress are all indicators of where our heart is. We need to ask “How much do we need”? What shall we do with the surplus? Jesus’ word about not to worry seems to be inappropriate and irrational. It is as if He does not know much about our life to give such advice! What are we to make out of all he says? Can we afford to believe in this person and go through life with out taking adequate precautions and preparedness? Don’t we need some security and guarantee in case the unexpected happens? All these are valid questions. We need to grapple with these issues and let God speak to our individual situations. Also guard our hearts against covetousness and face our doubts. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">May we take time to think and pray before we convert more of our life into junk!</i></b> Let us also be aware of the fact that the devil is also ready to give us many things just like he came to Jesus and offered everything for a moment of worship! He is listening to our prayers and watching our hearts. As soon as he finds an opportunity, he gives us what we are seeking and it becomes a trap and a handle for him to manipulate us. So let us watch and pray.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>Laji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744461853094554545.post-6154313382479840342010-12-12T08:15:00.000-08:002010-12-18T01:02:06.732-08:00The Master Designer<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 28pt; tab-stops: 28.25pt 56.65pt 85.0pt 113.3pt 141.6pt 170.05pt 198.35pt 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.75pt 509.1pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -28pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1f3QhILAhn7YNfL0ZYw9liauDxJyqP9S9zJ0KX4CgjwEk64fU-oTfirXvcMDSZidfBDkdiqzF_W7IqQE-cgc4q-6DgB_VYrZSRXhhQXxyfVaWY7sqWXc71ilP5EHB14H1DwBdPmrZ-c/s1600/DSCF0033_11blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1f3QhILAhn7YNfL0ZYw9liauDxJyqP9S9zJ0KX4CgjwEk64fU-oTfirXvcMDSZidfBDkdiqzF_W7IqQE-cgc4q-6DgB_VYrZSRXhhQXxyfVaWY7sqWXc71ilP5EHB14H1DwBdPmrZ-c/s200/DSCF0033_11blog.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt; text-shadow: auto;">The Master Designer at work</span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 28pt; tab-stops: 28.25pt 56.65pt 85.0pt 113.3pt 141.6pt 170.05pt 198.35pt 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.75pt 509.1pt; text-indent: -28pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 28pt; tab-stops: 28.25pt 56.65pt 85.0pt 113.3pt 141.6pt 170.05pt 198.35pt 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.75pt 509.1pt; text-indent: -28pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Recently one of our <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Day</placename> <placename w:st="on">Star</placename> <placetype w:st="on">School</placetype></place> ex- Students, Ashish came to visit us. Deepa took the opportunity to ask him to address the 9th and 10th grade students about his career. So Ashish shared about his job as an interior designer. He explained about the hard work that he put in to become a professional interior designer and his involvement <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with various coworkers who help him to work on an old building and do the interior designing to make it different and beautiful.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 28pt; tab-stops: 28.25pt 56.65pt 85.0pt 113.3pt 141.6pt 170.05pt 198.35pt 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.75pt 509.1pt; text-indent: -28pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">This made me look at </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus as the Interior Designer of the Soul</span></b><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">. The original design got distorted and nobody knows what it was in the beginning. So the architect sent the interior designer to re-design our souls according to a different yet incredibly super model. This interior designer came and lived out the design and made the design visible. Initially he bought the human soul with an exorbitant price and decided to spend all his time to re-design the interior. He does not take much priority in the exterior aspect like a face-lift but his main work is deep inside where decisions and desires take origin. He knows that once minds and hearts are changed, LIFE itself will change. This is a long process and may take years. Once the redesigning is completed, the final look will be an image of the designer himself.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 28pt; tab-stops: 28.25pt 56.65pt 85.0pt 113.3pt 141.6pt 170.05pt 198.35pt 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.75pt 509.1pt; text-indent: -28pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">You and I are called to look at the designer and see the beauty of his person, his attitudes and life style. Once we see this as the best model, then it will motivate us to submit to the designer to start his redesigning process. It will be painful and we will resist each move, but his patient work will be revealed as the years go by. The designer is very kind and patient. He does his work very lovingly and with great excitement. He does not give up in between but waits for us to ask him again and again. He respects our freedom and treats us with dignity. So it is up to us whether we want our interior to be re-designed by the Master Designer.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 28pt; tab-stops: 28.25pt 56.65pt 85.0pt 113.3pt 141.6pt 170.05pt 198.35pt 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.75pt 509.1pt; text-indent: -28pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What the Master Designer has in mind is some thing totally different from our ideas. Jesus spelled it out partially when he addressed the crowd in <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Nazareth</city></place>. In Isaiah 61 there was an echo of this re-designing process. In a nut shell it is all about creating 'a well lit spacious room with in us' from where beauty, joy and praise flow. Before this can take place the designer has to get rid of the spirit of despair. He needs to heal broken hearts and deal with the bondage of darkness, imprisonment, mourning and extreme sadness. This atmosphere of depression causes great anger in His heart and He takes the step towards doing something new in the human soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He planned to accomplish this by proclaiming and living out the good news. He has dealt with each of these dark shades in the human soul. His new colors consist of freedom, healing, comfort and release, finally resulting in the vibrant other worldly beauty, joy and praise. Once the work is done there is a feeling of rightness about this life and there is splendor and transformation.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 28pt; tab-stops: 28.25pt 56.65pt 85.0pt 113.3pt 141.6pt 170.05pt 198.35pt 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.75pt 509.1pt; text-indent: -28pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Imagine yourself with these vibrant colors. As I look into myself, I long to see a person free of addictions, who has the capacity to say NO to the dark powers that enslave. I see a person healed of hurts caused by rejection, criticism and meanness. I see that I can rise up and face the world because I know who owns me. I see a person comforted and cared for by the most loving God. I see that there is no need for me to wallow in self pity and revert to worldly ways to get what I want. I see myself released from all my sins and self deception and entering rest from all my strivings. I see myself filled with Beauty as I see God's love all around me. I see myself as a beautiful person cherished by God Himself. I see myself filled with Joy unspeakable as I see God delights in me and His face shining upon me. I see myself opening my mouth in praise and gratitude for all that He has done for me. I see myself so thankful to God for choosing me and making me His focus of love.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 28pt; tab-stops: 28.25pt 56.65pt 85.0pt 113.3pt 141.6pt 170.05pt 198.35pt 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.75pt 509.1pt; text-indent: -28pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">I long to look at myself and see the spaciousness in my heart for God and for people. I want to see the Windows of my heart kept open to allow His light to come in. There is no darkness and everything is lit and open. I look at the response of the Designer when some one asked Him, 'where do you stay?’ He said, "Come and see ". What a welcoming attitude and openness! If I can truly believe and see myself thru the Designer's eyes, then I will live differently. </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 28pt; tab-stops: 28.25pt 56.65pt 85.0pt 113.3pt 141.6pt 170.05pt 198.35pt 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.75pt 509.1pt; text-indent: -28pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">The Salvation Jesus offers is this RE-DESIGN. I can only trust His promises to complete the job. I need to look at myself with Him and see the progress. If I allow Him, He does something everyday. It may be small but significant from His perspective. He rejoices at the smallest move I make towards Him as He knows how difficult it is to unlearn old patterns of behaviors and the pressure to remain as I am. So He rejoices over me even as I take a small step in this transformational process. Let the re-design begin!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICsDjjLdzLG66TpGIM0jPDgCFvHbwrsoV-rtbkEx8Sqd7vlbWmdgzwcXofZDP4IkWW-33qaSsHZlrxvsGleyFocrvaB7hI8iW1yttZl9JUtC12jxR-7Af5gTrF-CWGVrMLe-33udqb9c/s1600/IMG_2549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICsDjjLdzLG66TpGIM0jPDgCFvHbwrsoV-rtbkEx8Sqd7vlbWmdgzwcXofZDP4IkWW-33qaSsHZlrxvsGleyFocrvaB7hI8iW1yttZl9JUtC12jxR-7Af5gTrF-CWGVrMLe-33udqb9c/s200/IMG_2549.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLhXtsQ-xU3Hs5hDNFNHqb8oDDCTffu4DH9f5hZZT_Z5HJGY6cejTK1X6WpOwtrM8jNCtXoFXcNhoYrktPAhUS8feTVrvl1e_FTS5WFMauGs4B4w70cPhtIPwTrFcCdD7Wy4H3Q1bw7o/s1600/IMG_2551+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 98px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 174px;"><img border="0" height="161" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLhXtsQ-xU3Hs5hDNFNHqb8oDDCTffu4DH9f5hZZT_Z5HJGY6cejTK1X6WpOwtrM8jNCtXoFXcNhoYrktPAhUS8feTVrvl1e_FTS5WFMauGs4B4w70cPhtIPwTrFcCdD7Wy4H3Q1bw7o/s200/IMG_2551+blog.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCax1qu914qLc1QGsx3qQynMDgr79noXi4xq3JGhInvknEj5uREjbCl4faWcxXDFNoTShyUknH-4LavyDVBiJHSEM29g1ffJMl8sU9tEmg62CXdmNGBuhwJKmoMHV-2BqHxNxArzzw6Eg/s1600/IMG_2848blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCax1qu914qLc1QGsx3qQynMDgr79noXi4xq3JGhInvknEj5uREjbCl4faWcxXDFNoTShyUknH-4LavyDVBiJHSEM29g1ffJMl8sU9tEmg62CXdmNGBuhwJKmoMHV-2BqHxNxArzzw6Eg/s200/IMG_2848blog.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>Laji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744461853094554545.post-43756120590196376032010-12-11T03:48:00.000-08:002010-12-17T04:11:26.706-08:00Settled Matters of the Heart<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">As followers of Jesus Christ we are either witnesses or anti witnesses of who He is. Our attitudes and actions display to the world what we believe, whether it means any thing to us seriously. Our anxieties and worries exhibit the level of trust we have in God. We can either draw people to a greater faith and love or repel people from coming to Him thus becoming a hindrance and a stumbling block. Many times we are caught up in the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">busy</b>ness of service. We want to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">do</b> some thing for God. We may feel that we are sacrificing much for God. Yet deep down we alone know what is driving us. Where ever we may be the question remains,' Are we changing as people to take on the character of Jesus our Lord’?</span> <br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">In His relation to His father, Jesus expressed absolute trust. His commitment to life came out of His willingness to surrender his will to His father's. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">He did not seek his own wishes</b>. Once this was settled in his heart, many options were automatically out of his mind. He did not waste his time struggling with issues that we worry about. There were many settled matters in his heart already. Some of the issues like getting glory, power and position, greed, lust and jealousy had no place in his heart. He did not seek these. He was committed “Not to sin" and gave no handle to the devil. Instead he focused on God's word and spent time with God wanting to share and know God's desires.</span> <br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">As far as the world around was concerned, he saw people and problems from God's point of view. He was committed to love and showed kindness and compassion to people. He lifted them up. He challenged them to trust God. He forgave and became a friend to all. He corrected and taught truth. He enabled people to understand God's ways, to look into their own hearts and find the source of their motives. He talked about the <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</placetype> of <placename w:st="on">God</placename></place>. He welcomed all and showed a different picture of God as Father. He could not be touched by racism and prejudice. He was a Man among men. He was aware of the devil's schemes and knew how evil paralyzed people and blinded them through deception and fear. He constantly told the disciples not to be afraid but have faith. Faith has the power to release the will of God on earth. He had the audacity to tell the truth about himself that would ultimately kill him. </span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The degree to which there are unsettled issues in our hearts to that degree we will be open to compromise and sin. We as God's beloved children need to check “the settled matters of our hearts". The more choices we make towards the path to life, the less it becomes possible to act other wise. The more loving choices we make in life, the more loving people we become. Making a series of covenants with oneself is important to escape the power of the evil one and from our own deceptions. The unsettled heart is like the waves of the sea. Under pressure of unguarded moments we may make sinful choices if we have unsettled heart issues. The Ten Commandments are basically these check lists.</span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span> <br />
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</div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">No other gods.</span></b> <br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">We all want some one to worship, to be accountable, to look up to, to respect and to adore. There may be many people who could be elevated to that level in our mind. There are forces both natural and supernatural that could draw our hearts. Also we could become a god to some one else due to the power, position, money and skills that we acquire or inherit. These can become a source of security and a means to control others- a god like power over people. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">So I need to settle in my heart </i>early in my walk that I will not allow any other person, power or things to become my god and also I will not become a god to others. I will continue to keep my heart and eyes focused on Jesus who is the exact representation of God who is Love and worship Him alone. I will give my loyalty, my devotion and my love to Him alone.</span> <br />
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</div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">No graven image</span></b> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5RISTyqGtRqr_ERcu1n06fKtMZfRiPKeH3lhMsp4MYDS75nR7_Ktgpx3R161ySneFsYOF7vaklrOEer7u2YLBQ2XLIb8mo9FRQLrCI_BeiaR8l01H0e0niQ_PNNEici5_-9o5bWOLdA/s1600/DSCN1493_blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5RISTyqGtRqr_ERcu1n06fKtMZfRiPKeH3lhMsp4MYDS75nR7_Ktgpx3R161ySneFsYOF7vaklrOEer7u2YLBQ2XLIb8mo9FRQLrCI_BeiaR8l01H0e0niQ_PNNEici5_-9o5bWOLdA/s200/DSCN1493_blog.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Man made in the image of God tries to make god in his image. The fallen man has distorted this image of god and all his attempts to create such a god will always be untrue to the real one. It will be a lie. God unfolded His character ever since the world began and His full and final revelation is in Jesus. Anything more or less is moving away from who God is. God's holy character, his father - heart, his longing for us to be united with him are all revealed in Jesus. The extent to which this eternal love is willing to go to get us back to his heart is reflected on the cross. The majesty and wonder of God cannot be portrayed through a graven image. His helplessness and humility as a price to redeem us cannot be fathomed in an idol. Jesus is not an invention of man. Such an idea did not originate in the mind of man. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">So I need to decide in my heart</i> that I will not bring down God to my level of thinking and feeling. God is spirit and he cannot be fashioned by the hands of man and locked up. I need to break all the various idols of my imagination I have of Him and hold only to what Jesus has revealed of this God through His words and person hood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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</div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Do not take God's name in vain</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Names have meaning and it carries the character of the person. A name represents that person. All that is good, perfect, worthy and eternal are in that name 'God'. That name ought to be respected, feared and upheld. It is holy and pure. Now a days people all around take the name of God so cheaply, use it as a shock word or as a curse word with no reverence. They do not even think about what they are saying.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> I need to settle in my heart</i> that I will show utmost respect to who God is and what He stands for. I will not take His name casually and also help others to think about God, not as a play mate, impersonal force or as a Joke, but as some one to whom all knees will bow one day. </span><br />
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</div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Keep the day of rest</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoauuszPwjhkictThKNnXem9oSjrSjqva71HnvZELEOZly5qMxjY1PuI33V5b-yWM8mkVJVQeYqLZ4kyeMRapZOeOm6pkthfroM_87ceL7E2LkTn77aLXTEbAebPbx07nXYBfJmckQEU0/s1600/P1090712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoauuszPwjhkictThKNnXem9oSjrSjqva71HnvZELEOZly5qMxjY1PuI33V5b-yWM8mkVJVQeYqLZ4kyeMRapZOeOm6pkthfroM_87ceL7E2LkTn77aLXTEbAebPbx07nXYBfJmckQEU0/s200/P1090712.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">We live in a hurry worry world where every one is on the move. No one has time to sit and share. Being stress- full is the latest fashion. Superficial relationships with no depth seem to be the norm. In spite of all communication devices all around, we still do not understand one another. If there is nothing to occupy us, we become fidgety, irritable and boredom sets in. Internet browsing and chit chats are all symptoms of a basic lack of purpose. The idea of taking time to ponder, to look at nature in wonder and enter the stillness of the heart, makes the present generation shudder. <span id="goog_1575442201"></span><span id="goog_1575442202"></span>In the midst of the chaos of communication, to take time off to look at what is going on in our hearts and mind is a challenge that we do not want to face. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I need to settle in my heart </i>that I will take moments and days to be with myself and with people, with nature and with God. I will give rest to my body and mind and discover the change I need in my soul to be healthy. I will allow negative and unhealthy thoughts to die in God's presence. Taking weekly rest is also a call to work hard on other days. The need to earn ones livelihood and to be part of God's kingdom building requires that we develop a right attitude to all that is around us. Rest-fullness gives that energy to be focused and motivated and to know the mind of God.</span> <br />
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</div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Honor parents</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUanTz7PAzd5XFishVl1mi3nwRWH5Nr_yxRCYMw6Sj_GbcVwLJjQsFInEDBOPQsL65hg-mVfePRlArX50tIcqnH8GsYAvlv1Z_iNBBJyaCB00wpedDVhl9tZe2xgAgyMmc5aVB3DpjN0I/s1600/P1050671_blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUanTz7PAzd5XFishVl1mi3nwRWH5Nr_yxRCYMw6Sj_GbcVwLJjQsFInEDBOPQsL65hg-mVfePRlArX50tIcqnH8GsYAvlv1Z_iNBBJyaCB00wpedDVhl9tZe2xgAgyMmc5aVB3DpjN0I/s200/P1050671_blog.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">We are all cared for by some one. We received so much from the beginning for our physical, emotional and mental needs. What we are today is the result of some one else's love, kindness and labor. As we get older we tend to forget our past. We begin to think and believe that we are 'self made'. We get educated, get jobs, become smart and begin to consider our parents or care- givers as less intelligent and out of touch with reality. We use their resources and but take a superior attitude. Yes, there are parents who manipulate and use force to make their children their clones. There are parents who work hard and accumulate riches by any means to make their children's life secure as if their children have no ability to fend for themselves! There are parents whose lives are in the dark and corrupt world. In-spite of their evil mind set, they desire some thing good for their children and are willing to sacrifice much for their betterment. Parents can be cruel and we have many examples all around. Yet I need to choose what will be my attitude towards them as parents. As an adult I can be critical of their failures yet try to develop a relationship where dialogue is possible and then forgiveness opens the way for acceptance.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> I need to settle in my heart</i> that I will honor and respect all those who care for me in a big or small way. My way of honoring will include keeping the communication alive and loving. I will pray for God's mercy and protection in their lives and remember them regularly. I will support and take care of them in their times of need and make alternative arrangements in case of my inability to be physically available. I will make all the efforts to discuss various issues and show my concern to ease their worries. </span><br />
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</div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">No violence</span></b> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8vGHr0KAK2F3BS0HKAS_theTR3eB0G9Sb9mBA8bWLduRoAHY0f9kfXnso_-CDvQtqhIMD58UGifnaJBc3kAxSlw-I6NOD3W-8axkqLZKxO4m85f4qcCTByxeVdnWTdn3m4Z0h-e6fnk/s1600/P1040347_blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8vGHr0KAK2F3BS0HKAS_theTR3eB0G9Sb9mBA8bWLduRoAHY0f9kfXnso_-CDvQtqhIMD58UGifnaJBc3kAxSlw-I6NOD3W-8axkqLZKxO4m85f4qcCTByxeVdnWTdn3m4Z0h-e6fnk/s200/P1040347_blog.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">We are endowed with the ability to procreate life and continue human species. We are called to give life. So any act of violence that destroys and takes away life or shortens life is against the very purpose of creation. God has set parameters for life and we are called to be coworkers with God to create life and all that is needed to sustain and enhance life. So killing or destroying life for what ever reason is against what we are made for. Destroying is in the nature of evil. So taking sides with evil and his nature is opposite of what God intends. God's anger is against all evil and unfortunately fallen man does not understand the mind of God. So in his anger he opposes his brother and destroys him for his own selfish reason. Devil controlled man some times only understands the language of violence. Some times God in his mercy stoops so low to accommodate our violence and allow violence as a means to draw our attention. This is not His heart. All the violence at all times culminates on the cross. It is meaningless, mindless and loveless. This is what evil is all about. Anger and foolish words are at the root of violence. Jesus showed that killing starts at the heart and our very thoughts can be violent and words can hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can destroy the other and diminish the other and snuff out life. Aborting a fetus is taking life at its start.</span> <br />
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</div><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to settle in my heart</span></i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">what I will do with my anger and all negative thoughts in my heart that are destructive</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to bring these to God in prayer and find relief and cleansing in His presence. I can move from violence to forgiveness and reconciliation by God's grace. When we work towards peace in our relationships, we reflect the heart of God.</span> <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWacLg0bcrj2o-8uIRV6Cc0FBn5zgp6T_7c-RI67wRK4d9WfQ8LLDHnBRijw9Ayg3v6TJvbH1dcSN5kRKTZzBi9D1l2BKIo8i1z8xZV0IFVDnKd1RjPQWKXcFvCstF-lJlLBX98vHO7k/s1600/P1060972_blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWacLg0bcrj2o-8uIRV6Cc0FBn5zgp6T_7c-RI67wRK4d9WfQ8LLDHnBRijw9Ayg3v6TJvbH1dcSN5kRKTZzBi9D1l2BKIo8i1z8xZV0IFVDnKd1RjPQWKXcFvCstF-lJlLBX98vHO7k/s200/P1060972_blog.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">No wrong relationships</span></b><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are made for intimacy with God and with one another. The Triune God is the ultimate example of this intimacy called love. Man is also capable of this in a limited way. Being a biological creature, physical, emotional and spiritual togetherness with a chosen opposite sex can lead to intimacy on this side of heaven. In a fallen world this intimacy is distorted and becomes a self seeking project rather than a self giving expression. This love can only be truly experienced by excluding all possible others through a personal choice called marriage. Our heart longs for one true love and we may be tempted to seek 'many' to fulfill our longing and desire to be known and to feel special. So God invented marriage and made a boundary for our own safety. This special relationship calls for transparency, trust and self denial. It is a school where we can learn the language of love and move away from selfishness and blossom as God imitators. Marriage relationship is the ideal environment for children to be born and grown. It reflects the love of God in giving and receiving. Adultery starts in the heart as I become unsatisfied with my choice and desire some one else to replace my choice. The heart can scheme, plan and deceive and devise hundreds of ways to covet. The heart can become addicted to an adulterous life style. This enslaves even though it loses its thrill. It also leads to spiritual adultery, in having more than one God to share our thoughts, desires and passions. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">So I need to settle in my heart</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that I will not allow myself to be enticed by another and I will remain true to my own lover.</i> I need constant reminding of the fact that I am the temple of the living God and keep it unpolluted. When I am drawn by some one and tempted to stray, I need to become aware of who I am and restrain my spirit, emotion and body. I will talk to God about it and also with some one else who may understand and help. The fact that jealousy, suspicion and anger do follow when love feels cheated shows that there is an in-built principle to protect monogamy. The pain of divorce or separation is similar to facing death. Adulterous life is a life of lie and pretense and God desires that we walk in the light and embrace His truth. I have to make a daily covenant with myself not to make compromises with this fun filled thriller that destroys my soul and imprisons me in darkness. There is hope at the cross for all those who have betrayed and all those who are trapped by this hideous sin. We do not have to be enslaved all our life. There is a way out. It is a choice, help is needed and it is available. The road to adulterous life is wide open because of technology. Magazines, mobiles and the internet make this temptation hard to resist. Yet the option to delete and switch off is also available. We have the power and freedom to say 'No' to sin and all its manifold vices. </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">No stealing.</span></b></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">There is a tendency in us not to be faithful and honest. We tend to hide like Adam and Eve. The need to cover up is a byproduct of breaking a law. It is natural to seek darkness when we are in the wrong. To take what does not belong to me whether it is time, money, position power or people, all fall in to the category of dishonesty. The very fact that we can remain honest gives us hope. Fear is the underlying reason for telling a lie. Fear is also the reason for taking short cuts. Fear reveals the demand for justice and punishment. We are law breakers and dread the consequences of our actions. Fallen man is controlled by fear. This fear can become the motivational force for a lot of things we do. We are challenged to do all that we do with all our hearts as unto the Lord. God sees and loves. So as a person seen and loved by God why should I be afraid? I have a desire to get praise from people, to be recognized and applauded by people. God is not the only one from whom I want praise. This desire drives me to 'take' from where ever possible and when ever possible some thing that does not belong to me. I take time from the time given to another in my employment, family and God. I take money that either belongs to God, Government or some one else. I can use unfair means or unjust ways to get more to fulfill all my plans and wants because of my belief that my worth is in my possessions. I can ignore the plight of the poor and needy when it is in my power to help them thus becoming an agent of an oppressive social regime. I can give lip service to God for my success, affluence and status when the truth is that I schemed and planned to make it happen. Stealing is a dark shaded life style that can affect all. One can also steal the hearts of people to exercise power over them and make them puppets. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">So I need to settle in my heart</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that I will not take that which does not belong to me in what ever context it may be.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will give what I owe to all whether it is to God, family, people or society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will try not to live beyond my means and plan a healthy lifestyle so as to avoid the trap of dishonesty. I will take to heart what the wisdom book says, 'Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread". If God in His mercy allows material blessings come my way, I will use it to enrich others and for furthering His kingdom. I will seek God as my richest gain.</span> <br />
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</div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">No false witness.</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ky_q8OQyIUWzIVnyerqOzlZFXc9LcTdq5iQ8_n0WX2aVXojhf-9OKzprKXRU0W-qNnww2cn_Jm7ZKZ3vppQqdT_YNI8tPnLM9p20eC1-qdzN96UIsJbiwijuQjFPi_9VgrgCeIFQxJs/s1600/DSCN1456_blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ky_q8OQyIUWzIVnyerqOzlZFXc9LcTdq5iQ8_n0WX2aVXojhf-9OKzprKXRU0W-qNnww2cn_Jm7ZKZ3vppQqdT_YNI8tPnLM9p20eC1-qdzN96UIsJbiwijuQjFPi_9VgrgCeIFQxJs/s200/DSCN1456_blog.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This is another evil waiting for my cooperation. The need to set standards for others in matters of right and wrong and judge people is a big temptation. We talk half truths about situations and people. We exaggerate events and feelings. We put down others and project ourselves as superiors or we demote ourselves in false humility. It is very difficult to know what our true self is. We make it difficult for others to know what we are and who we really are. We have many faces and moods. We can switch from one to another so fast. We can compartmentalize our days and pretend to be different to different people. We also think that we know why something happens to others or us and know the solutions to all problems. We also believe that we are God's favorites and He closes his eyes and over looks our ugly temperaments. We think we are blessed by Him because we deserve it and we are better than others. We act as if we are God's pets and He takes special care of us!!! So to really know people we need much more information and knowledge. We need to be omniscient like God but we are not. We are finite, fallen, selfish and confused people. We see some thing and give our own meaning to it. We hear some thing and give our interpretation. We sense some thing and color it by our own perception. Who knows all the facts behind any event? How can we know about some one unless that person reveals the truth? We can only deduct some partial truths by putting pieces together and unfortunately we put our own past experiences and prejudices to make the picture complete. So to be a true witness calls for what we actually see, hear and experience. We need to be transparent. There is no place for half truths and assumptions. I need to be aware of the fact that the measure with which I measure will be the measure when it is my turn to be judged. How incomplete we are. We can create sensationalism and headlines but the truth lies hidden elsewhere.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> I need to settle in my heart</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that I will not be a vehicle to defame any one or falsify facts to suit me</i>. I stand naked before God and He alone knows the whole truth and I will leave the judgment to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be comfortable with his justice and allow grace to work in everyone's life. I will believe in the power of prayer and allow prayer to change me and others. I will desire the well being of others and consider myself fortunate under God's grace. I will not burden others to meet my needs. I will only love and serve others irrespective of any return or reciprocity. I will look at people as those loved by God and worth His forgiveness. I will step out side the desire to decide for them but treat them with respect and gentleness. I will choose servant-hood above master-hood in my relationships.</span> <br />
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</div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">No coveting.</span></b> <br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The desire to possess what one does not have or need is very real. We are bombarded by so much everyday. Our senses are saturated by all the various things and people and it all seems to be with in our reach. We are forced to believe that these will give us success and popularity. It feels good to have those glittering things that promise fullness of life. Yet we all know that these promises do not last. It does not make life easier or add hours and days to our life. The fact is that possessions will posses us and trap us. There is no end to what our mind and body can desire. All that is new promises a better future and draws our hearts and we consciously get deceived. When we have enough resources or a credit card the temptation becomes stronger and eventually it leads to debt and depression and an early death. The time wasted on window shopping and browsing can become a major factor in displacing the passion for God and people. The desire to see and taste becomes the reason for double mindedness. The Lust of the eyes leads to lust of the heart and eventually we sell our soul to buy and pursue that which does not satisfy and it leaves us empty. To stop, think and evaluate what we really need may help us to avoid many trappings of covetousness. If our security and worth is in God, then we do not have to seek it else where. If our priority is God's kingdom then what we really need will be provided. So trusting in God whose promises are real may be the source from where we can draw strength to resist covetousness.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> I need to settle in my heart that I will postpone all my non essential desires to possess things and people and seek God's mind and what He values</i>. I will respond to the needs of my country and my people and will not abandon them to pursue my own comforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will reject all that is outside His kingdom and develop real trust in an all sufficient God for my earthly life. I will put aside my desire to get what I want "now" and align my desires to His desires. When I see myself acquiring possessions I need to step back and allow God's spirit to convict me of this idol and take concrete steps to divert my attention to that which is life giving. I will live with open hands and heart.</span> <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQD3tKrPOPxftdf9rSlQ5kceIemdGchh73WSV1yIUT27sJLyvn7SjQRLP_25E8zTaqH1fkMihmqCzBr5gC0JFhlQTiAN4c-qrx6IBA5tuMj2tm7ik7aNTNVn_TSjokgtyLFjV1fgS7Dx8/s1600/P1020737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQD3tKrPOPxftdf9rSlQ5kceIemdGchh73WSV1yIUT27sJLyvn7SjQRLP_25E8zTaqH1fkMihmqCzBr5gC0JFhlQTiAN4c-qrx6IBA5tuMj2tm7ik7aNTNVn_TSjokgtyLFjV1fgS7Dx8/s200/P1020737.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Finally, the Triune God longs for our love. People all around us are also longing for this love. We too long for this Love. If I have settled all these issues in my heart, then I will have time and opportunity to love God and love people in my context. Finding God's will for my life may not be such a difficult task as so many options can be put aside as having no place in the life of a child of God. The <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</placetype> of <placename w:st="on">God</placename></place> can break through only in settled hearts.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><img height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQD3tKrPOPxftdf9rSlQ5kceIemdGchh73WSV1yIUT27sJLyvn7SjQRLP_25E8zTaqH1fkMihmqCzBr5gC0JFhlQTiAN4c-qrx6IBA5tuMj2tm7ik7aNTNVn_TSjokgtyLFjV1fgS7Dx8/s200/P1020737.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 533px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 5035px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" /></div>Laji Varghesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589358977650245947noreply@blogger.com0