The halfbaked Bard

Do I deserve to be heard when I pray?  Do I deserve to be answered?  For I am futile and He is eternal Can I present my case and make God answer?  Can a goat demand to be answered before it is slaughtered?  Can a calf ask for an explanation before being sold?  Can a vessel ask the potter, why he made him like thus? Can an ornament ask the goldsmith, why?  Yet He chose to answer when I pray When I am helpless, I look unto His face And He looks at me with compassion He listens when I talk  That is His choice; His mercy His kindness that He chose to listen to me His promise to listen to me is His grace.  Not my right; nor anything which I can demand It becomes even more significant when there is a huge barrier A mighty gorge between God and me All my prayers, all my worship and my requests Fall into that canyon; because of my inherent sinfulness He is holy and I am sinful He doesn't need to hear, because out of my choice I am His sworn enemy; because He is pure white and I

Ps:92:1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord To sing praises to the Most High.  Hallelujah!  Praise be unto God.  When do we thank God? Is it only when things go well with us? So this is like, being grateful to Him when things happen the way you want to happen. That means you see Him as a genie probably to satisfy all your desires.  See! He is Almighty. He can transform all apparent bad things for your good. Is He not able?  Shall that be a reason for us to thank Him at all times-even in apparent bad and horrible times?  Only if we offer our prayers and petitions with thanksgiving, only then will your hearts be guarded (Phil:4:6). Guarded against complaints, discontentment, grumbling. Always to be thankful. Always to be grateful. As one of my mentors and motherly figures always say - "To have an attitude of gratitude" At least if we are not able to find reasons to be thankful; is not the cross more than enough? 

“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman. Does he not see my ways and count my every step? Job 31:1‭, ‬4  This was the verse written and pasted on the door of a junior in college. I was surprised to see this from an NRI, far from his family. With nobody to question his integrity. Nobody to answer, he could have "enjoyed" his life to the core like others. But he chose a different path. And he did enjoy...  What is my character when no one else is looking at me. Job was sure. This 16 year old boy was sure. Integrity means to be the same always. He chose to be on one side of integrity but he chose to be there always. No dwindling. No wavering. Always the same. Can I be the same man always.  Always reflecting the Lord Jesus. Always in line with His purpose. Doesn't mean always reading the word and praying. But am I always reminded of being a child of God. Even if there is a temptation to dwindle do I come back. There is a reminder. T

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High  will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  This I declare about the Lord:  He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;  he is my God, and I trust him.  For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.  He will cover you with his feathers.  He will shelter you with his wings.  His faithful promises are your armor and protection.  Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.  Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.  Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.  Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished.  If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you;  no plague will come near your home.  For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.  They will hold you up with their

Ps:90:12 Teach us to realize the brevity of life.  So that we may grow in wisdom.  Yes! Life is so brief Life in this earth is so futile You are not the most important.  Life to you might be significant But it is like a withering reed.  It is worthy only with the creator.  Unless there is this connection with Him.  Life is, otherwise hollow.  It makes a lot of noise.  But restful you will be.  When you are filled with Him.  And His love ebbs out.  The brevity of life because of your need Your ultimate want for life Not to do something. Not to be someone But to be the Lord's beloved To be engrossed on His love.  To be immersed in His purpose to love you.  Realizing this beloved God.  That is a sign of a wise person That fulfils the purpose of your life God's purpose is to love you.  To fill you with His love.  To make you sure that you are loved.  Fretting and running amok and worrying Brooding of things in itself which are futile Whereas on the other side of the bal

Ps:89:46 O Lord how long will this go on? Will you hide yourself forever How long will your anger burn like fire?  Why?  How long?  What is happening?  Where are you?  O dear! Are you filled with question marks? Are you not able to decipher? Are you perplexed?  Do you doubt His existence because of these questions? Or do you wonder why these are happening always? Or why does God do this? Is it because of my sins? What can I do to please Him? What more should I do?  Inspire of all these questions; Ps:89:52 Praise the Lord forever Amen and amen.  Phil:4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.  Phil:4:6 Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God.  In the midst of anxiety, be thankful. And with thanksgiving continue to pray.  Keep saying Hallelujah. Keep praising God. Keep thanking God remembering what He has done.  That is child like faith.  There is nothing beyond His palms. In the pas

Job:27:1-4, 6 I vow by the living God who has taken away my rights By the Almighty who has embittered my soul As long as I live While I have breath from God.  My lips will speak no evil And my tongue will speak no lies.  I will maintain my innocence without wavering My conscience is clear as long as I live.  Job's devotion to God is unwavering. Even though he was dealt unjustly, he clings further more to God.  So is Job's confidence that he is innocent and blameless. His love and persistence to God and his surity that his conscience is clear.  When can we reach that level of trust and love? Why do we fret at the drop of a hat? Why do we get upset with unprecedented circumstances? Why do we get disappointed when prayers are seemingly unanswered atleast when delayed.  Undistracted devotion.  Clinging on.  No matter what.  May the Lord help

Ps:89:16 They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation.  Phil:4:4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again - rejoice.  To rejoice is a command. There is no need to command you to rejoice when all things go wonderfully well. It becomes a natural response.  But it is a command when you have to take an effort to rejoice. When it is difficult to rejoice. When you are in a precarious situation. When you are surrounded and grounded. That is the time God urges you to rejoice.  It might seem impossible and improbable. But you can. Because rejoicing happens not on circumstances, but on His wonderful reputation, His character, His faithfulness.  Rom8:28 All things God works together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  Phil:1:6 He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of coming of Christ Jesus.  It is because of hope in Christ Jesus, we can rejoice.  It is because of the trust in the person cal

When He tests me, I will come out as gold Job:23:10 Testing times are extremely difficult Horrendous and hard to push on When pressed from one side it is painful Then how about being pressed from every side?  But testing time; purifies you like gold You come out as pure gold Purging out all impurities He does this, so that His face shines through you.  Do not worry dear one As you are being pulverized from every side Though intended by devil to torment you It happens for your good alone.  The Lord is Almighty He is your Eternal Father Will He allow anything which you can't beat?  You are a tough fighter; an amazing warrior.  You are an encouragement for others Others they see you coming out as pure gold And has a motivation to keep fighting Challenged by seeing God's reflection in you.  I too want to be like that I too want to keep fighting, they say If God can bring the best in him I will also triumph over the enemy.  Your fight brings in hope Your fight brings in

Make Almighty your treasure Job:22:25 Let Him be your only pleasure All others will add on pressure Only Him is beyond your measure Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also The Lord in His richness He made you so What cherishes? What drives you so?  There has to be one thing; not anything also.  God created you in His being Fallen from that is human being Second chance He gave redeeming To live life to the fullest; on the cross; He dying Eternal life is knowing Him And the one who was sent by Him Fullness and richness of life is there in Him You can do nothing; apart from Him.  Nothing else would matter As long as He is the only One who you bother Almighty God; He will take care For He loves you; He is your Father

Job:19:25-27 But as for me I know that my Redeemer lives And He will stand upon the earth at last.  And after my body has decayed Yet in my body I will see God.  I will see Him for myself Yes I will see Him with my own eyes.  I am overwhelmed at the thought.  A man with no Bible in his hands. A man who hasn't heard of any prophesies. A man who hasn't even heard of Jesus the Redeemer. What a hope? What an insight? What wisdom? What longsightedness?  I presume all these came as a revelation to him especially when he was going through the darkest time of his life.  Revelations of truth and words of wisdom reach out to you as you go through the deepest vallies of your life. More of God you learn. If it was a highway always you would never have sought God dear one. Because you would be too comfortable to want to know God. Tough times polish you.  As in the age old story of "Footprints" - during the toughest times of his life,  the only set of foot prints that c

Job:16:21 I need someone to mediate between God and me As a person mediates between friends.  A human mediator has limitations. Sometimes he is biased; inclined to either party. Sometimes he is in favour to someone in particular. Sometimes he keeps quiet and let others do the talking;to talk it out or argue and solve it between themselves.  An ideal mediator is on both sides. He is a peacemaker. His only agenda is peace between the two parties. Not biased. No favouritism. Openly helping both.  Jesus is the only mediator. Justice and righteousness on one side because He is God Himself. Compassion and love to mankind on the other side because He is fully man. He understands the Father's standards and man's weaknesses at the same time.  Jesus is our only mediator.  1Tim:2:5 For there is only one God, one mediator who can reconcile God with humanity, rhe man Christ Jesus. 

Is God's comfort too little for you? Is His gentle word not enough?  Job:15:11 Comfort from God is the most satisfying. The peace that passeth all understanding. But what do you seek O my soul? What do you want when faced with trials?  Do you look for positive responses, positive affirmatioms from men or women - your dear ones? Do you demand other's presence or company or comfort? You are privileged if you have them. God will use others to comfort you.  But most importantly, His presence will only give you rest . Abounding joy. Peace that passeth all understanding. Unconditional love. Abundant life.  He is Immanuel. He is always with you. Though your mother may desert you, this Abba is an everpresent help. He will never leave you nor forsake you. His peace He giveth unto you.  Matt:11:28 Come to me you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.  There is healing in Jesus name. 

Job:14:4 Who can bring purity out of an impure person?  No one.  Job comes to the reality of man's sinfulness. That because of the fall, mankind has become totally impure, fully marred that no good thing can come out of him. Everything is smeared with a tinge of his fallenness.  Isa:64:6 All our good deeds are like filthy rags.  Not out of human efforts. It had to be a divine intervention. To save man from the wretched plight - he is only able to sin. God Himself had to do something.  Job:14:17 My sins would be sealed in a pouch And you would cover my guilt.  Man out of his helplessness needs to look at the finished work of salvation that Christ Jesus has offerred. Not just as a one time act. But in our daily living - that is the process of salvation. 

Why do you turn away from me?  Why do you treat me as your enemy? Job:13:24 A common question that is asked by the person who goes through much trouble. Be it, one burden which is quiet heavy or a series of troubles.  My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?  Why are you so far away when I groan for help?  Ps:22:1 O Lord, why do you stand so far away from me?  Why do you hide when I am in trouble? Ps:10:1 Though He seems so far away; He is very nigh. Though He seems not listening, He is very close by your side. Do not worry dear one; it is just a testing time, a passing one.   In my desperation I prayed and the Lord listened  He saved me from all troubles  Ps:34:6  The one who promised, "I will be with you till the end of days" is always with you. He says "Do not be afraid for I am with you". He is with you, even though you have to walk through the valley of shadow of death.  Forsaking has already happened on the cross. Because of the weight of yours a

Job:11:18 Having hope will give you courage.  Hope is often thought as foolishness.  A Eutopian ideology that you stick on to.  Despite evidence to the contrary, you cling on On an unrealistic, improbable future.  But hope is not on any situation Nor is it on circumstances that would change By chance; whether it happens or not Looking at all permutations and combinations.  Nor is hope dependant on your goodness,  I have done no intentional harm,  So nothing ill would ever happen Coz, all our good deeds are like filthy rags.  Hope is yet on the personality of God.  The very character of His; That He is good That He is in control; He turns everything wonderful That He loves this child of His.  That He wouldn't want His child to suffer He sympathizes; His heart aches He cries along with you Your pain is His too.  But still He allows, with a purpose That you would bloom into a beautiful flower That He has already planned you to be Your destiny; your purpose in His palms.  O

It is alright to ask God why! Why, so that you can rectify Not out of rebellion or curiosity For knowing without acting is futility. It is alright to ask Him why! When all queries you can't clarify But unless that WHY leads to a HOW! It is useless without a vow. Asking God why, is not wrong If it leads to change, after pondering for long But if it is only to question Him You are proving you are your God, not Him . May we ask, WHY, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN and HOW. But ultimately to Him we bow. A change in course, a decision to be made For difficulties are agents of transformation that God laid.

Job:7:3 I too have been assigned months of futility Long and weary nights of misery Job was clear of what is happening. When one after the other troubles come His way; He is still sure that these are assigned by God with a definite purpose. Sent from God. According to His foreknowledge. That His hand is in control. So as you face unsurmountable difficulties right now;you wouldn't question God once you are sure that your good Father has assigned this time for your good only. Troubled times are obviously difficult to face. But He is nigh. He has this in the centre of His palm. This is God's assignment. Take courage.

Darkness is dangerous, uncertain and fearful Blackness none would aggrandize An eclipse is not that anyone prefers to Shadows are often eerie Quietness, absolute stillness Is something shaky and sheepish Silence is often scary Placidity brings a fear of something camouflaged. But it is in the darkest place the light shines the brightest  It starts with a glimmer In quietness His voice is the loudest In the most silent place is His presence most felt As I walk through the valley of shadow of death I experience His rod and His staff more Tenebrosity and tranquility though appear distressing Are actually agents which God uses to communicate louder. Elijah in Kerieth brook David amidst those nameless caves It was the darkest time of exile That the prophets said of a Redeemer It was in the darkest hour on the cross Salvation was presented to us as a free gift Dear one - Are you in the darkest and quietest time? Something most wonderful is awaiting!

Job:6:11 But I don't have the strength to endure. I have nothing to live for. I don't have the strength to endure I am utterly helpless But God is my strength He enables me: He equips me. The future looks bleak and foggy Uncertainty and lack of clarity looming around But God is my victory Flag He is my solid rock on which I stand I am a loner; I am alone in this busy world No friend to sit and open up My friend my lover is He And His gift to me still is a wound afresh Nobody understands me; Nobody to listen My voices hit against the wall and come back He is with me - promise eternal I hold fast to this truth I will ever be true I will ever be faithful All i desire is this Though I may fall; He will help.

Job:5:18 For though He wounds He also bandages He strikes but His hands also heal A God who cares as He disciplines. A God who gets hurt as He restraints. I'm reminded of the pain, I have to go through as I discipline my children. How much more the Holy Father & who abhors sin, but unconditionally loves His children. Nothing in your life my dear happens without His foreknowledge. He is your Father who loves. He is not cruel. He is not a hard task master. He is not brutal or savage. But filled with tender loving care. Compassionate.

Doesn't your reverence for God give you confidence? Job:4:6 Eliphaz the Temanite has words of wisdom. He says in the past you have encouraged many who were in trouble. Now when you are in trouble why do you lose heart? Your reverence to God is your confidence. The confidence that God is in control. The confidence that God the Holy One isbthe Almighty One and you have chosen (or rather you have been chosen) to be His child. He is your Abba. Then will He not take care of your all things?

"What foolishness Aristophiles? Why? You just had to obey the orders." "I couldn't Mastus. I couldn't." For Mastus the dinginess in the cold dungeon was already killing him. He was wondering how Aristophiles could survive in this crampiness. That too in chains. He is unable to even walk about. He remembered how his brother was the one who could not sit idly. Wanted to do something or the other at home. Always moving about. What changed him? The water droplets dripping down the damp walls are already taking him on his nerves. The clothes are all wet. The atmosphere is unrest because of humidity. Though it is ice cold, he is sweating. How could his younger brother tolerate this voice (which has become a noise) day in and day out. It has been a dragging twenty eight days. Rats and mouses (and what not) running around. Stale breads nibbled by creatures unknown. The squalor all around makes him want to sneeze. How could Aristophiles still be smiling?

Job:2:10 Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad? How is a good God able to do anything bad? A very controversial question. It counters the very nature of God, denying His own attribute. Why does He allow sickness, war, famine, murder and riots in the first place? How can you call Him good if you see the everyday newspaper filled with such junk? The Lord who reigns over all the earth had kept mankind as the caretaker as the governor. Humans out of their rebellion pledged their allegiance to the evil one. He is now the prince of the earth and mind you he is the father of lies. His mandate to ruin the beautiful plan of God, to bring in havoc and destruction. To steal to kill and destroy. He has filled in every human's heart with selfishness and self centredness. Now how can you blame God if the world is under satan out of their choice? The Lord will bring to judgement in the right time. You who have put your trust in Him, have moved a

At one point of time there was financial loss from every side plus there is loss of all of his children. Job is jolted from every side by satan in order to crush him. When one or two are there we tend to hold fast to him. But when multiple problems come together do we tend to loosen our grip. In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God. Job1:22 When shaken from every side, Job gathered himself together to worship, to praise. He went to his core. Naked I came, Naked I go. The Lord gave; the Lord took it away. I am nobody to question. The Lord is in control. The Lord knows what I am going through. He will not let anything happen in my life, more than what I can bear. Even if it apparently looks difficult for me right now, I am able to be an overcomer. He will enable. He will comfort. He will strengthen. If you are crushed from every side, you can all the more be sure, that God is in control. That it is a challenge for God. That He is sure that you wouldn't waver. That

Job:1:11 But reach out and take away everything he has and he will surely curse you to your face. Is this human nature? Why, satan is so confident that Job would react to a crisis just like any other human being? That is because satan being the prince of the world, that is what he tries to instil in every human's heart. Come crisis there is frustration, there is breaking the back. Man trips over a small stone. The threshold is brought down. This is human nature because this is devil's nature. We are called to come out of this mould. Called to be different. Can the Lord be confident of how productively and positively we would react. Can we wait upon the Lord that He would be able to instil His character upon us. May the Lord enable.

How the Lord is proud of Job? How confident that He boasts of him to His enemy. It is like putting forth a challenge to Satan. So much He is due of Job. What is His confidence in you? How would He talk about your integrity and blameless. How would He boast about you? Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” Job 1:8

Job:1:5 He would get up early in the morning and offer a burnt offering for each of them.... This was Job's regular practise  If I don't get up early in the morning and pray for my dear ones, what else is my responsibility? If I do not forsake my sleep or food or likings and desires and be serious about praying for my dears, what else am I to do? When I neglect to pray, I think I am self sufficient. I think I have it under my own control. But when I pray, I am helplessly seeking God's aide. I am sorting out one of my greatest need of mine - dependence, trust and faith in God. I value this relationship much more than anything in this world. That He is my Abba and I am His son and depending on Him regarding everything in my life is the only thing that I can do.

Ps:71:1b We give thanks because you are near. The mountain look humungous. The path looks crooked. The future appears bleak and scary. But you are near. Ps:23:4 Eventhough I walk through the valley of shadow of death. I fear no evil for you are with me. Your rod and your staff they comfort me  Ps:91:4-5 He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings  His faithful promises are your armour and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night Not the arrows that flies in the day.

Esth:9:1-19 Victory is the Lord's. Ultimately victory belongs to the Lord. There is no single issue which He cannot handle. There is no mountain which He cannot move. The fire might be ablaze before it dies down. The enemy might seem to win, but in the end it is the Lord who would prevail. That gives hope; despite evidence to the contrary. That prompts us to trust in the everlasting arms of God. Keep hoping. Keep trusting. Keep praying. Keep striving. For He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. His reign shall last from everlasting to everlasting. From eternity to eternity. He shall be King forever and ever.

In this time of "I am spared by the grace of God", "God has been gracious to me in the midst of all chaos" and "God is no one's debtor" Esther stands out. "For how can I endure to see my people and my family slaughtered and destroyed?" Esth:8:6 There is concern, there is love, there is responsibility, there is restlessness written all over it. So much so she fasted and prayed for divine intervention. Though she was initially skeptical to step up, finally took ownership. Oh! How saddened would God be to hear my prayers. Me, my family, my children, my loved ones. Why do I not intercede for others around me? Why can't I love them as my own. Why am I not concerned? Why no fasting and praying for others? ( It might be not true for you. But today's word is a prick for the bard) Forgive me Father. For God looks for someone who would stand in the gap. Eze:22:30

Ps:74:19 Don't let these wild beasts destroy your turtledoves. Are you helplessly trodding around seeing the havoc. Have you felt that the Lord isn't listening to your prayers. Do you feel the Lord has rejected you. Asaph echoes with you in Psalm 74. Lord walk through the awful ruins of the city.  See how the enemy has destroyed your sanctuary. We no longer see your miraculous signs. Or else we are all blinded by the trouble that is around. How long O God will you allow our enemies to insult you. Will you let them dishonour your name forever Why do you hold back your strong right hand? Don't let these wild beasts destroy your turtledoves Don't forget your suffering people forever Don't let the downtrodden be humiliated again. So arise O God and defend your cause. Work your salvation in us.  A prayer invoking your power, your justice and your faithfulness to your loved ones.

Pride can only look into oneself It fails to see the others around Pride always gives importance to self Pride thinks of glorifying me and mine Pride results in envy Pride brings forth hatred Pride results in all sorts of evil Pride brings forth rebellion In the Garden of Eden it was there In our minds too Led to the downfall of Haman Can lead to your downfall too.

Esth:5:9- 6:3 That same night Haman was plotting to impale Mordecai, Xerxes had sleepless night too. And as the King was exploring the book of history of his reign, God was working in his heart. God was planning salvation that very same night for Mordecai and for the nation Israel. What was intended to be harm, was turned to be a blessing for Mordecai that very same night. As long as God is on your side, there is nothing to worry. The enemy is totally defeated. His head is already crushed. Be of courage Oh! Dear one. The devil's schemes will not work against you. For the Lord has wonderful plans to prosper you.

Psalm 73 is an introspective dialogue by Asaph. There are a lot of unanswered questions in his mind, which he asks now. Regarding the prosperity of the wicked and the proud. How do they survive with the scoffing and cruelty. Yet God is in control. As he goes to the sanctuary he realizes God has placed them on slippery path and send him over the cliff for destruction. But he also realizes, he is no greater than them at all. He too was bitter, he too was torn up inside. Yet God in His gracious loving kindness, holds his right hand, He guides him. In response -  "Whom have I in heaven but you?" "I desire you more than anything on earth." "He is mine forever"

Esth:4:13 Do not think for a moment that because you are in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. Do not think that you will be exempted. Do not think that you will remain safe. Because you are a family baptized directly by the disciple Thomas. Because you have been Christians for the past 100 generations. Not even because of the usual misconception that you have not intentionally done anyone harm. Woe to you; if you think that you will be spared on the judgement day: the second coming of Christ Jesus. The only mandate is Christ in you. Therefore now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Rom 8:1 Unless there is a personal one on one relation with Jesus; there is no escape of the punishment. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Rom3:23 But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful to forgive all our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1John:1:9

There is a huge problem. There is a dire emergency. Helpless. Not knowing what to do. Suddenly the tables have been turned against us  What do we do first? Defend our cause. Try to involve all our influences. Suddenly we become activists and leaders and people bringers. We have our own solutions ringing in our minds. All sorts of permutations and combinations. Every single person motivates you to become a David, in the presence of a Goliath. A push to do the impossible in faith. Someone may push you to become a Joseph. To wait for the right time to raise you up. But at these end times, what is needed is to be a Mordecai. Tearing your clothes, putting on burlap and ashes and crying out aloud in bitter wailing. Fasting and praying about the problem. Praying without ceasing. Only when you are helpless you will realize the need for prayer.

Esther:3:12 A decree was written exactly as Haman dictated. Do people dictate terms to you? Do they define the path you should walk? Do people label you that this is the way that you should go? Do you feel helpless? Determined as you are; do you see others defining norms for you? Does devil have the last laugh in your decisions? Determined to stay pure; you fall yet again. No matter however hard others try; God is in control. Nothing happens without His foreknowledge. And He is our Abba. Will He let anything which is harmful for His own children. Against His perfect and beautiful will for us? Let's just trust in Him.

Esth:3:4 All the problems started with Mordecai's decision not to bow down before Haman. Though it was a decree passed by the king himself, Mordecai refused to bow down and show respect to Haman. Why? He would have just bowed down? A simple act. Which now puts in danger, the entire race.  The answer Mordecai gives to the palace officials is that, he is a Jew  Now. What is so special about Jews. There would be other Jews as well, who would have bowed down? But probably the conviction of Mordecai would be something like this....The very identity of a Jew is 'aseret ha-dvarim' or the Ten Commandments.And it is this identity that is being exploited and asked to defy, by this act of bowing down. Whether it is because of the defiance of Haman to God of Israel, being and Agagite; or whether there was an idol in his turban which any Israelite would deny bowing down - the exact reason we do not know. But what we do know is that Mordecai is sure of his identity and he wil

He was the one who made me suffer; knowingly or unknowingly is not he relevant question. Now justice is served. God has proven yet again that He is on my side. Though I never intended any harm for him. God has proved yet again that He is a just God. Mordecai could have thought about King Xerxes when he heard about the plot against King Xerxes by Bigthana and Teresh. Finally God is formulating another miraculous releasing of His people. No! Though King Xerxes was not on their side to be precise, Mordecai being a loyal citizen was quick to perform his duty . ( Esth:2:21-23) People whom we don't like; or those whom we tend to avoid, how do we react to, when they are in trouble? Where is your love your enemy attitude which Jesus personified. Saddened should we be seeing the heap standards of humanity. In contrast to the Kingly standard of "Forgive them, for they know not what they are doing "

Esther's loyalty to Mordecai, even after being queen to Xerxes' is very commendable. Definitely not an example to young wives to follow. But her love and respect to her father who raised her up, her loyalty and obedience to his concern to protect her identity is creditable. Though she was queen imperial now. Though she could have decided on her own. Though she had the authority, still she submitted to. Though she was supposed to be obeyed; she obeyed. When few things get under our control. When some authority comes out way. Do we continue to submit? There are people still to be obeyed. You have not reached above them. You can never be proud enough to be over them. Be humble. Continue to submit to one another. Continue to yield. Continue to obey. Continue to be loyal. When pride creeps in; when you feel you have become somebody. Your willingness to remain under authority slowly creeps out. Why should I? What is the need for me to? I need not. Because I have placed my

Esth:2:1 But after Xerxes' anger had subsided,  he began thinking about Vashthi. Anger is the easiest way to ascertain authority. But definitely not the most effective way. It brings regret. It brings a feeling that you have done a mistake. It brings hurts  It never brings in surity of you doing it the right way. It never brings clarity. Anger comes out of pride. It comes out of the thinking that you are right. It never considers the other person more than yourself. Eph:4:26 In your anger do not sin;do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Eccl:7:9 Don't be too angry because anger lives in the fool's heart  Being angry - doesn't have love in it. We are called to love each other. Not to be angry at each other.

Esther 1 Queen Vashthi is deposed from the position of royal Queen. Yes agreed that King Xerxes was in high spirits because of the wine. But what would have gone through the mind of the Queen at that time. It is said that she is beautiful. And it is also said that the king wanted all the nobles and other men to gaze on her beauty.  But the queen refused to do what was told to be done. Because of her pride. Because she thought she would decide for herself. I know I'm trading on dangerous territory now. Submitting to the husband's is what is expected of a Christian wife according to the word. Eph:5:22 addresses specifically to wives to submit to your husbands as to the Lord. Yes! As you would submit to the Lord. Then what about my individuality? What about my identity? Will he not utilize it and nullify me? What about my desires and passions? Many questions would come up.  But it is said so in the word! Husbands are supposed to love their wives too. How? Just as Chris

Ps 72 A Psalm asking for wisdom.  From the one who is wisest of them all. Because he realised his wisdom Is no where near the source of it all. Only when I realize I am not wise  Can I ask the source to give me wisdom Ask, seek, knock. That is the solution Keep on asking, seeking and knocking. Wisdom to deal with daily living Wisdom to fear the Lord always Wisdom for every walk of life. For world's ways are not the right way.

Are you in the midst of hopelessness? Lost everything? Nothing to hold fast to? Are you in a dead end? Not even a thread to hold on to? Deep down in the darkest pit, miry clay all around? Every time you struggle, you see yourself go deeper and deeper. And you do not know what more to do now. Ps:71:14 But I will keep on hoping for your help I will praise you more and more. Two things you can do in times of hopelessness - Keep on hoping and keep on praising. Keep telling yourself and to the others of the goodness of God bless. Yes; how He hath delivered you by His saving power all through these years. And how  you put your trust in Him, in the midst of all uncertainties. For His goodness lasts forever  Pro:18:21 The tongue can bring death and life. Negativities and hopelessness though it surrounds you with its fieryred eyes and blood dripping fangs trying to devour you and finish you. Speak out; keep on hoping; keep on praising. For He is good. And all my life You have been f

Seeking help is the first step to get help. Unless I realize, how will I receive aid. If I am adamant of my self sufficiency  And I trust in my own ability, There is no hope; there is no help coming Unless I really realize I am poor and needy That I need help and deliverance! If I am comfortable in my own plight Not even the most able man could do any aide Thence I would be called a fool. The helpless man who doesn't realize he is helpless Is like the swine who revel in filth Is like the foolish king who fails to run off When a mighty army he faced But clung on to his thrown. Why do I fail to admit I need help? Does it make me inferior? Is the fear Pride too is a solid reason: I don't want to stretch my palms before some one Seeking help is degrading to the self. Man's nature has been thus, so swollen with pride Anything that hurts my ego is so demeaning What will others think of me? What will happen to the honour from men, I've been enjoying  The ridicule,

Neh:10:39b We will not neglect the house of God. A solemn promise. Regarding giving. Regarding tithe. Regarding providing for the priests. Regarding the necessities in the temple. Regarding time spent there. What has happened now? The house of God has become a tourist place which is visited once a week. In the times of online meetings, further it was neglected. What about church elders, what about friendship and fellowship. What about responsibilities within the church.  The temple of God is supposed to be house of prayers. Ashamed should we be for we have made it a den of thieves. To be precise. Not a den too, it has become a wayfarer's stop over. This is how we neglect the church. It is the body of Christ which you are part of. The question to be asked us, how much do I love my church. How concerned am I about the people in it. What more do I know of the needs of the church. If the church is part of me, would I neglect it? So much so...... Would I say? I would rather

Why should God keep His covenant of unfailing love? He is great and mighty and awesome. We have broken it. We have deserted Him. But He chose to keep. We are cheaters and liers. But He has been true. He said His character is unfailing love. And He never deterred from that. We had promised we would obey His decrees and commands. But we have chosen to disobey according to our convenience. We had chosen to walk away. But He has always been there at the covenant table. Waiting for us to come back. Even though the covenant bond is broken and shattered, because of our disobedience. Eventhough He has no liability now, legally  he has added a clause of forgiveness. And that too even before we sought forgiveness. Before we even repented . Who is like you, O God? Where shall we go apart from you? Neh:9:32 And now out God, the great and mighty and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of unfailing love....