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Showing posts from October, 2023

God's protection

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But you, O LORD, are a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of my head. Psalms 3:3 In times of trouble or adversity, we can take comfort in the idea that God is our shield, providing protection and refuge. Just as a shield guards a warrior from harm, God watches over us and shields us from life's challenges. When we feel surrounded by difficulties, we can trust that God is our ultimate source of protection. God is our glory and the One who lifts our heads high. When we face moments of despair, doubt, or shame, God is there to restore our confidence and self-worth. He encourages us to stand tall and face challenges with strength, reminding us of our inherent value and dignity as His creation. Consider moments when you have felt His protection and His uplifting presence, and meditate on how these aspects of God's character can bring comfort and strength to your faith journey. - Sam Sasikumar 

The Unwavering Faith of the Righteous

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The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly will not stand in the judgment, or sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly will perish. Psalms 1:4-6 These verses highlight the diverging destinies of those who choose to follow the path of righteousness and those who stray into wickedness.  Verse 4 paints a vivid contrast between the righteous and the wicked. The wicked are likened to chaff, the husks and remnants of grain separated during the threshing process. Chaff is lightweight and easily carried away by the wind, symbolizing the impermanence and lack of substance in their lives. This image emphasizes the transitory nature of wickedness and its ultimate futility. Verse 5 underscores the consequences of choosing a life of wickedness. The wicked will not be able to stand in the judgment, and sinners will not be welcome among the assembly of the...

The Path to Blessedness

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Psalms 1:1-3, found in the book of Psalms, is a profound passage that lays the foundation for a life filled with blessings, wisdom, and spiritual growth. These verses offer timeless guidance on how to live a fulfilling and righteous life. Let's delve into this enlightening scripture. Verse 1: "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers." This verse emphasizes the importance of choosing our companions wisely. It encourages us to be cautious about the company we keep and the influences we allow into our lives. By avoiding the paths of the wicked, we protect ourselves from moral and spiritual corruption. Verse 2: "But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night." Verse 2 highlights the significance of delighting in God's word and meditating on it consistently. When we immerse ourselves in the teachings of the Lord, we gain...

Relationship

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And the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him”. Genesis 2:18 In Genesis Chapter 2, we delve into the intimate details of God's creation of humanity and the divine purpose behind it. This chapter sheds light on the profound connection between man and God and the sacred institution of marriage. God, after creating the heavens and the earth, sculpted Adam from the dust of the ground, breathing life into his nostrils. This act of intimate creation symbolizes the divine connection between God and humanity. Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden to tend it, highlighting our responsibility as stewards of God's creation. However, God observed that it was not good for Adam to be alone. Out of love and care, He created Eve from Adam's rib, forming the first human companionship and illustrating the sacredness of marriage. God designed marriage to be a union where two become one, a partnership based on love, trust, and ...

Rivalry and Redemption

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Cain and Abel, the biblical figures from the Book of Genesis, offer profound messages that remain relevant in the modern age. Their story of sibling rivalry and its tragic consequences provides valuable insights into themes like jealousy, responsibility, and the consequences of one's actions. The tale of Cain and Abel revolves around jealousy and the destructive nature of harboring resentment. In the modern age, where competition is ubiquitous, their story serves as a cautionary tale. It underscores the importance of addressing envy and rivalry constructively, rather than letting it fester into destructive actions. Cain's impulsive act of killing his brother Abel demonstrates the dire consequences of unchecked anger. In a world grappling with anger management issues, this narrative teaches us about the importance of emotional regulation and conflict resolution. It encourages us to seek peaceful alternatives to resolving disputes. Additionally, the story emphasizes p...

Unpacking Consequences

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And the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” Genesis 3:9 The disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, a pivotal event in the Bible, carries profound spiritual lessons. In Genesis 3, we see the first humans succumbing to the temptation of the serpent and eating the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, in direct violation of God's command. This event reveals the consequences of disobedience, illustrating the rupturing of the harmonious relationship between humanity and the divine. Lessons for us 1. Temptation often disguises itself in appealing ways, drawing us away from God's path. 2. The gift of free will, underscoring that humanity has the capacity to choose between obedience and disobedience. 3. Sin is not merely a personal failing but a disruptive force with far-reaching effects. 4. God's response demonstrates His justice and grace. 5. The need for a Savior who would ultimately reconcile humanity with God. 6. ...

Testing of Faith

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The testing of Abraham's faith in the sacrifice of his son Isaac, found in Genesis 22, is a powerful biblical example of unwavering faith in the face of a challenging test. God's command to offer his beloved son as a burnt offering was a profound trial of Abraham's faith, trust, and obedience. Hebrews 11:17-19 in the New Testament sheds light on this event: "By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, 'It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.' Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death." This passage reveals the essence of Abraham's faith. He trusted in God's promises and believed that God's plan was greater than his own understanding. Abraham's willingness to obey God's command to the point of rai...

Waiting for the Promise of God

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...and I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, and you will be a blessing. Genesis 12:2 God's promise to Abraham is a profound testament to the unwavering faithfulness of our Heavenly Father. When God told Abraham to leave his homeland and go to an unknown land, He made remarkable promises. God pledged to give Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, to provide them with a promised land, and to bless all families on earth through him.  This promise is a reminder of God's incredible love and His desire to establish a covenant with His people. It also serves as a beacon of hope, teaching us that God's plans are beyond our comprehension, often requiring faith in the face of the seemingly impossible.  In our own lives, we can draw strength from God's promise to Abraham. It teaches us that God's promises are trustworthy and enduring. Like Abraham, we must trust in His plan and walk in obedience, even ...

Stepping into the Unknown

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Abraham's journey, as outlined in the Book of Genesis, is a remarkable testament to his extraordinary faith and obedience. It commences with a divine call from God, instructing him to leave his homeland and embark on a journey to an entirely unfamiliar land. This call was both extraordinary and demanding, requiring Abraham to uproot his life, leave behind the familiarity of his homeland, and venture into the uncertainty of the unknown. Abraham's faith in God's calling is evident in his prompt response. Without hesitation, he gathers his family and possessions, setting out on a journey with unwavering trust in the divine promise. His obedience to God's command, leaving behind the comfort and security of his homeland, illustrates his profound commitment to the divine will. This decision to embrace the unknown and follow God's guidance is a powerful example of faith in action. Abraham's journey embodies the essence of faith itself, characterized by trus...