Posts

Walking in Newness

Image
An old parable tells of a water bearer who carried two large pots suspended on a pole across his shoulders. One of the pots was flawless, always delivering a full measure of water. The other, however, was cracked, and by the time they reached the master’s house, it had leaked half its water. This routine continued for years. The water bearer faithfully brought home only one and a half pots of water daily. The perfect pot was proud of its performance, while the cracked pot lived in shame. One day, unable to bear its guilt, the cracked pot spoke to the water bearer. “I am so ashamed of myself. I apologize for failing you,” it said. The water bearer smiled gently. “Why do you feel ashamed?” he asked. “For years,” the pot replied, “I have delivered only half my potential because of my flaw. My crack causes water to leak out before we reach the master’s house.” The man, still smiling, said, “Today, as we walk back, I want you to pay attention to the path.” As they traveled, the cracked pot ...

A Hand in the Storm

Image
  Based on Matthew 14:22-33 In life’s tempestuous storms, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and to doubt. The story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14:22-33 powerfully illustrates this experience, showing us that no matter how dire our circumstances, Jesus is always there to reach out His hand and rescue us. Walking on Water: Faith and Doubt In this narrative, the disciples are struggling against a fierce wind while crossing the Sea of Galilee. Amidst this struggle, Jesus approaches them by walking on the water, a stunning display of His divinity. Noted theologian R.T. France highlights this moment as a "revelation of divine power over natural forces," showing the disciples that Jesus is no ordinary teacher but God Himself in human form (France, The Gospel of Matthew ). When Peter recognizes Jesus, he steps out in faith, asking to walk on the water. For a moment, Peter is indeed doing the impossible. However, as he begins to notice the wind and waves, doubt creeps in, a...

The Power and Purpose of Prayer: Deepening Our Connection

Image
Prayer is one of the most profound and intimate practices in the spiritual life, embodying more than mere requests. It is an opportunity to commune with God, sharing our innermost thoughts, expressing gratitude, and seeking guidance. This article delves int o the meani ng of prayer, its transformative power, and how it enriches our spiritual journey. 1. What is Prayer? Prayer is often described as a sacred dialogue with God—a profound exchange where both speaking and listening are essential. Rather than a monologue, prayer is a relational act, granting believers a conduit to connect deeply and personally with God. Through prayer, we reveal our desires, express our gratitude, and open our hearts to His guidance and comfort. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) This verse invites us to surrender our worries, placing them in God’s capable hands and trusting Him for peace and p...

I CAN

Image
This is the story of a young boy born into a deeply affectionate family, blessed with God-fearing parents who instilled in him values of love and faith. Despite modest beginnings, his parents toiled tirelessly to ensure he received the best upbringing. Their home was a sanctuary of love and prayer, nurturing an environment of hope and resilience. As the boy blossomed into adolescence, his father enrolled him in a prestigious school with high hopes for his son's academic success. However, this boy struggled with feelings of inadequacy. Shy and timid, he battled with low self-esteem, often falling victim to the taunts of his peers who labeled him with hurtful epithets. Over time, these labels began to take root in his psyche, echoing a chorus of doubt and despair. "You're good for nothing," they jeered. "You're clumsy and incapable," they sneered. With each failure, his confidence dwindled, and he found himself trapped in a cycle of hopelessness, unsure of...

CONFIDENCE IN THE UNSEEN

Image
Its been just three months since 2021 has started. We all have crossed the year which none of us wants to remember.  2020, started with lots of hopes that the year will be great and full of prosperity; but by the time we all reached the third month, the glass of hope started cracking little by little. Then came the LOCKDOWN; something that the present generation had never dreamt about.  Everything came to a standstill. At the beginning there was still  hope, with the thought that, "perhaps the world will start working again in about a week."  One week passed with families spending time together and having fun with the hope that the lockdown will be lifted soon.  Another week went with aspiration and the desire that, "everything it will be normal sooner than later". Slowly . . . gradually, the hopes turned into distress and distress into hopelessness.  The whole world was at a standstill with no functioning offices, tourism, food joints or parties. And conse...

He Died so that I don't Have to Die

Image
I still remember, that month when school students used to celebrate and be happy because they are being upgraded to another class, It was me standing outside vice-principal’s office with my dad waiting for his secretary to call us. I was in my 11 th grade taken commerce. In fact a commerce student whose interests are more into extra-curricular activities is a dangerous combination. I loved playing drums and at that time I was pretty well known in my school for my drumming. Drumming was what interests me and I had actually forgotten that I am a commerce student and there is accounts also where I have to show my interest. Whole year I was away from accounts and economics but when exams came I had to bring it closer to me. I had to somehow manage clearing those papers. Barely clearing accounts and economics was what I thought will be my biggest achievement this year. I gave my exams and here I was standing in front of my vice-principal’s office. I had flunked in accounts and econ...

How can my Faith be Seen?

Image
During the Rainy season, all the roads and lanes are filled with mud and slush. While driving, that mud gets stuck on the car. It eventually dries and there are dried mud marks on the car. People prefer this state until the rainy season ends. Therefore one dirty car looks about the same as another . About this time when everyone is used to such state, a warm and energetic person rise from within them and washes his car. Then the difference is clearly visible. One clean car makes all the difference in showing how much dirt has accumulated on other cars..! Our lifestyle should also be like that one Clean car. It should stand out so brightly that, in contrast the person’s lifestyle is seen for what it is – muddy and slushy in darkness of sin. 1.    Matthew 28:18-20 – Great Commission Dear Reader, When we read Matthew 28:18-20, we see that before Jesus was taken up into heaven, He commissioned the disciples. He said “18. Then Jesus came to them and said, “all autho...