The halfbaked Bard

Ezra:10:2b In spite of this, there is hope No sin is too grave that God can't forgive Provided, it is dealt with accurately. Do you have a desire to come back to His bosom? In spite of this there is hope That the Lord is gracious to us We have failed Him in totality. He still wants to hold us close to His heart. In spite of this there is hope How can we ignore the heart of God Wanting to reinstate; wanting to restart. He could have pushed us aside; into eternal hell. In spite of this there is hope Love, that is unconditional, always forgiving Always accomodating, but not compromising He says it is okay; That is His Agape love. In spite of this there is hope That love and joy and peace is mine. For a reward is kept for me - eternal fellowship What did I really do to deserve? Oh! What is there in me to love so much? Why hope? Why peace? Why love? When I had only deserted you; again and again Even after knowing your sacrificial love I had only nullified that because of my

Based on Ezra:9 Where is your burlap? Where is your tearing of clothes? The Lord has asked not to worship idols But you've had them in every nook and corner The things you trust more than your beloved Lord Your instincts, your wit and wisdom Other wise men's advise, to please your peers Your money, your assets, your health and honour from men. Where are your tears? Where is your lying in ashes? The Lord has asked not to intermarry, not to mingle The love of the world and love of the Father can't go together You have diluted it so much That there is hardly any love for the Father left All you do, all you say is to appease the world The lust of the eyes and flesh, the pride of life Where is your self abasement? Where is your shame? You have been punished far less than you deserve Self love; self importance; self has been the sole priority All you do; all you desire; all your ambitions Is what "you" want to do! Not His will But trying to squeeze God into

Help me Lord; For I am helpless I can't do anything on my own I thought I could I thought I had it all under control. Realms of the unknown; in unchartered territory Things not within my fist Helpless, naked, thirsty, hungry I come Unable to figure out; numb weak and feeble. Can't even hold on to your arms The strong arms that sustaineth You hold mine arms Lord Lest I should leave, when I am done  You are a shield around me Your love covers me Underneath, above and all around me You would never let me go. You have promised to lead me When in the shadows of deep valley of death Fear looming; what next? Insecure;but unable to even run off. A glimmer of hope I will be able to see When darkness has covered my full vision That will lead me to broad daylight For the One who is light is my Father. Loosened grip; lethargic Lactic acid on the rise Lured to let go every moment But my Father; strengthens to fight the battle Help provided in helplessness Strength given when I a

Set apart. Betrothed. Engaged  I as a child of God, am set apart for God - yes for blessing, honour, glory, power, inheritance, relationship as heir of God. All of these are true  But most importantly - I am set apart for my Lord as holy (Ezra:8:28). Just like the silver and gold in the temple. Just like the utensils there. Just like the Levitical priests  I am set apart to be holy; just as my Father in heaven is holy.  How serious am I? How can I neglect this attribute of God and then seek the others? The very same attribute which He couldn't compromise on;but He gave His own life to redeem me. The worldly system is corrupted and fully against this. Anything of the world is not with Him and then anyone who loves and follows this system, the love of the Father is not in Him. The world's ways and God's kingdom values do not go hand in hand  The deeds that I do. The words that I speak. The desires of my heart  The intentions and motives behind every action. All po

Ezra 8:21 Where fasting is there is humbling. A willful declaration that I have set aside everything in this world that makes me proud and come to the holy presence of God. Nothing for me is important than being in the presence of God. It can be food, it can be water, it can be social media or gadget use, it can be silence, it can be solitude, it can be sleep. Through these, you are prioritising on God. Telling your body that God is more important. Fasting prayers have become signed blank checks from God, in getting things done from God , for a job, for healing, for clearance of debt  Can we fast and enjoy the presence of God? Fasting is not torturing the body in order to grab God's attention to get things done.

Ezra:7:28b Be encouraged; for the Lord is with you Be encouraged; for the gracious hand of the Lord your God is on you Be encouraged; for if the Lord is with you, who can be against you Be encouraged; for He works in you to will and to act Be encouraged; though it is slow, it will surely come to pass Be encouraged; He will work in favour for you. For you are His beloved You are His prized possession You are His signet ring You are His very own You are in the center of His  palms Remember your eternity is taken care of  It is okay; as you go through this rough road God sees you; He knows what you are going through He will do it for you; favourable for you Do not worry; do not be discouraged His everlasting arms always protects He is your Father; be encouraged.

The gracious hand of the Lord was on him. Ezra:7:6,9 Ooh! Every single one of us want this blessedness. That the gracious hand of the Lord , be upon us. We bless each other with this. We desire for ourselves the same. Ezra, according to the Persian Empire was a nobody. Not a prominent figure in the kingdom. Not politically important. Not a publically acceptable identity. But he was favoured by the authorities because the gracious hand of the Lord was upon him. Why? Ezra:7:10 - This was because Ezra was determined to study and obey the law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel. His determination was to seek God. His value system, his living style were all concentrated around God Himself. His passion, his priorities, his desires were all God's too. There was no agenda separate for him. How can we even dream of having our own separate prayer lists and priorities. And asking God to bless. Asking for degrees, money, material possessio

Ezra:6:16 The Temple of God was then dedicated with great joy Ezra:6:22 There was great joy throughout the land Great joy is ours for the taking. Because the cross is the answer Great joy is ours; for the cause is dealt Great joy is ours; for the Lord is on our side Great joy is ours; all others a lie Great joy is ours; for all things He works for good Great joy is ours; from darkness to light we have passed Great joy is ours; from enemy we have become children Great joy is mine; for I am His beloved

Ezra:6:1-12 What intended to be harm by Tattenai, turned out to be a blessing for the remnant. Not only did Darius issue a decree to continue the rebuilding, he also asked the enemy Tattenai to provide for them the necessary commodities. But all this happened because the remnant was rebuilding the temple  They were in the center of God's will for them. They were doing what they were supposed to do. They were seeking God and pursuing Him. You cannot expect God to be on your side, as long as you are doing your things, appeasing the pride of your heart, doing things which you want to do. Unless you seek God, how can you expect Him to be on your side. How can you cling on to the promise "whatever he does prospers" unless you "delight in the law of the Lord meditating on it day and night"? How can you hold fast to "all these things shall be added unto you" unless you seek first the kingdom of God"? We concentrate on the getting part; where

When an explanation was asked; why they were reconstructing the temple - This was their answer: We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and we are rebuilding the Temple that was built many years ago by a great king of Israel. Ezra:5:11 What is the subject of your every conversation? Is God the point of your every talk? This was to unbelievers or their enemies who would be triggered by whatever they would hear. Representatives from authority, who had the ability to stop everything. But they were bold to uphold God in their explanation. They could do that because they were sure of the reason why they were doing, what they were doing. Where is your boldness? Even to believers, your friends, do you bring in God to your talks. Acknowledging Him, telling them what He taught you, how He corrected you? Is God the centre of your decisions? Why are you doing things which you are doing? Have you put God in the centre of your life, or are you in the centre of God's will

God watched over them. Ezra:5:5. But because their God was watching over them, the leaders of the Jews were not prevented from building until the report was sent to Darius and he returned the decision. There is this Sunday School song - God is watching, watching over you 24/7 watching over you Your life is in His hands, Ooh He's got great big plans cos He's watching over you  We love to sing this song. It is good for us to remember that God is watching over us. That He will never leave us not forsake us. The presence of God always with us is a good feeling, assurance. But what is it for? God's presence is with us to rebuild. We  enjoy the fact that God is watching over and neglect the fact that we are supposed to rebuild. We are supposed to do the work of God. Rebuild, restore yourself unto Him. Reinstate yourself from self righteousness and pride and self love to God orientedness. His kingdom come and His will be done. Unless His will be done, why on earth shou

Ezra:4:1-5 After the foundation has been rebuilt, as they proceeded to the rebuilding of the Temple, there was opposition by the enemies. For 16 years, there was discouragement, frightening, bribing, frustrating - through the entire reign of Cyrus. More opposition was to follow later - in Xerxes' and Artaxerxes' reign. But still, they pursued rebuilding the Temple. Later we see God working in favour of the hearts of kings and they approve. God will work in your favour; only if you continue to persists even if there is opposition. Only if you take a vow to the living God; that no matter what: I will pursue. If you leave what you are called to do when discouragements come - you are nothing less than a coward and good for nothing and God wouldn't be on your side to work in your favour. You might fall occasionally, but do you lie down there or get up and repent continue to pursue again? Whatever you are asked to rebuild now, continue to pursue. Do not leave it half

In the midst of sadness, is there praise  In the midst of madness, is there thanksgiving In the midst of low spirits is there lifting up of voice In the midst of crying, is there joy In the midst of weeping, is there gratitude In the midst of crushing spirit, is there tears of joy. Ezra:3:13 The joyful shouting and weeping mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance  You o friend, might be in the deepest pit In the darkest hour, with the heaviest load But is it an excuse to thank Him for what He has done in the past. Praise Him for what He is. Does your mood negate the truth? "I don't feel like." It's not your feeling. It is the fact. "You don't understand, brother." Yes i very well do. So does your Father in heaven. So does all mankind who has gone through their own troughs. But that does not negate the goodness of God. "I don't want to." That might be right. Because it is out of your rebellion you

Ezra:3:3 Eventhough the people were afraid of the local residents, they rebuilt the altar at its old site.  There will be opposition as you rebuild the altar that is broken down. There will be discouragements. Others wouldn't have the burden, as much as you have. Others would say you are foolish and your efforts would be rendered useless. People may even threaten you. Not because they are your enemies. (May be your own loved ones). But because the prince of this world is getting restless seeing the altar rebuilt. The rebuilding process might be in your life. Or in your family. Or in your church. Or in your youth group. In your place of work. Wherever it is; if God brings in your heart a burden to rebuild the altar, rebuild without being afraid, for He has promised to be with you till the end of days.  Rebuild without being discouraged, for He has promised never to leave you nor forsake you. Keep rebuilding. Bit by bit. May be only you are burdened. Others are busy settl

In the time of dryness and drought What could I give you Lord What could I offer I am already empty My hands are all filthy and wounded My sores are deep and have distorted me My pockets are empty and torn I come empty handed and ashamed. I see people looking at me with eyes of contempt Useless and wasteful, I am labelled They close their eyes and nose upon the sight As I walk to the Father dejected As I tried my heavy steps ashamed Nothing to give; nothing to offer People on either side of the road In their pompous dresses and richest gifts to the Father Whereas I come with torn dresses and crushed spirit With dirty rags and disgusting hands Smelly feet and downcast eyes Nothing have I; yet I kept walking Despite pointing fingers and jeering eyes Despite harsh and painful words I dragged myself along Not sure how I would face Him. The Father runs to meet me In His richest and finest garments He embraced me; says He is glad I am here Kisses me on my forehead and mine eyes S

Ezra:1:7 King Cyrus himself brought out the articles that King Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the Lord's temple in Jerusalem and had placed in the temple of his own god's. Why should Cyrus do this? Actually there was no need. It was not he who sinned. Releasing these people in itself to rebuild the temple was a magnanimous nature. Nebuchadnezzar who did this was not his family. Not even his country. But when God stirred his heart he went out of the box to facilitate. We have known God for so long right? Why are we not so challenged to go that extra mile? To take that added effort for the Kingdom's glory? Let ourselves be at loss. Let us lose our time, our energy, our money for the sake of the Kingdom. Your reward in heaven is great. Why are we so over protective and over possessive of your assets. Why are we self centred. When the other friend is driving down to hell. Where is the compassion that the Father has lavished upon us?

God stirred the hearts of - Ezra:1:1&5 The Holy Spirit is constantly working in our lives. Continually reaching out to us. Constantly moving in our hearts. Convicting us of our sins and prompting us to repentance and edging us closer to the Holy Father. Continuously stirring our hearts to will and to act proactively so that, His work on earth is done, so that His Kingdom will come.  In stirring there is dissolution, there is mixing and uniformity, there is palatability and usefulness. And when you resist stirring; you remain the same. Sometimes it takes time to be useful. Sometimes, it is thrown away thinking it is useless. When the Spirit stirs in you and motivates you, take every effort to listen to that still small voice. When God convinces you of a sin, repent. There is no benefit brooding over it. When God motivates you to do something, obey it immediately. Do not wait for radicalism or rationality. When God urges you to pray for someone, find time to sit and pray.

The Lord had foretold the fate of the nation Israel, well beforehand. During the time of dedication of Solomon's temple; Jeremiah in multiple occasions. All of these; the epitome of it all comes true in 2 Chron:36. Everything that He has warned has come true. The accuracy is impeccable. This in itself proves the truthfulness of God. Whatever He has said, has happened in history. Many more instances. This very same God has also promised to come back, to judge the world, of its rebellion, of its arrogant ways. Are you filled with hope, or are you fearful? This too will come to pass. It is not a myth. At that time, when the Son of God would come riding a white horse and dressed in a robe dipped in blood as the heavens above open, to strike down the nation's with the sharp sword that comes out of His mouth. His name is the Word of God. (Rev:19) If He had not spared the sin of Israel, His very own people, will He spare the rebellion and wretched sinfullness of the presen

Josiah was a good king. But one act of foolishness cost him his life. 2 Chron:35:22 God spoke to King Neco of Egypt to fight Assyria and King Josiah tries to prevent that by attacking King Neco. ( May be he was trying to help Assyria) But it was the Sovereign God's judgement. We need to know there are realms which are beyond our understanding and control. Do not overdo things. Do not jump into other's matters. Do not judge others and act quickly only to make yourself a fool. There is wisdom in minding your own business; unless asked for. When someone seeks help, prayerfully get involved. Otherwise, pray for them, not correct them.

All of us are in positions, where we are looked up to. As fathers/mothers - children look upto us. As incharge in our work places - there are juniors and subordinates. As part of the fellowship there are young people who look up to us. Let us take the example of King Josiah  2 Chron:34:30-32 There the king read to them the entire Book of the Covenant that had been found in the Lord's temple. The king took his place of authority beside the pillar and renewed the covenant in the Lord's presence. He pledged to obey the Lord by keeping all His commands, laws and decrees with all his heart and soul. He promised to obey all the terms of the covenant that were written in the scroll. And he required everyone in Jerusalem and the people of Benjamin to make a similar pledge. My burden is we would take this up seriously as parents especially- other roles are also significant. But we have some tender buds given to us; to form their character; to make them what they ought to be;

2 Chron:34:21 The message of the Bible is simple. It keeps telling the same thing over and over again. And the central theme is this. As mankind, we have not been doing everything this scroll says we must do. In accordance with God's character. Rom:3:23. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Unless we realize this, there is no need for a Saviour or a Redeemer for us. Unless we are helpless and we realize we are helpless; help won't be found out. That we are trodding in the wrong path. That we have been on the wrong side. That we need to take the new difficult, narrow road to salvation. For that we have to admit we were wrong and turn back. Realization leads to repentance. Repentance leads to redemption. Gospel of Jesus Christ is bad news turned to good news. Bad news that I am a sinner. Good news that I can be saved.

Every new and blessed thing that King Josiah did during his reign; every restoration process that he had initiated; all of them started with him seeking the Lord. At a very tender age of 16, Josiah started seeking the Lord and that brought a difference in his life  Because of his desire to know God in a much personal way; he became aware of the sin and detestable practises around and he takes proactive steps to purge them out. And because he continued to seek God, they found out the Book of the Law written by Moses and as it was read out, there was repentance and restoration personally. Only if we seek, would we find. Only if we ask will we receive. Only if we knock, will the door be opened for us. So may be we are not finding because we do not seek. Jesus Himself said, the Kingdom of God has to be sought first. But we are running after "these things" more often. Seeking a solution; seeking God's provisions in those; where as God is literally saying. You seek

2 Chron:33 Manasseh was a king who did many detestable things as the leader of Judah and made his nation to do as well. He ignored all the Lord's warnings. But when the Lord did justly to him, when He was taken by the Assyrian armies as a prisoner, while he was in deep distress, he sincerely humbled himself before God of his ancestors. And as he prayed; the Lord listened to his requests and brought him back to Jerusalem. And Manasseh finally realised that the Lord alone is God. Let everyday be a turn around opportunity for us. Every distressing situation, a channel of repentance and humbling and coming back to God. A realization that Jehovah alone is God. Once he was brought back; Manasseh - Rebuilt the outer wall - for protection - Removed the foreign gods and idols - purified - Restored the altar of the Lord - sanctified. He did everything possible to rechallenge the people of Judah. But they still sacrificed to the idols, which were nothing but the consequences of hi

2Chron:32:25 But Hezekiah did not respond appropriately to the kindness shown to him and he became proud. The Lord has always been kind to us. We do not actually deserve the goodness that we receive. Everything that we have is a gift. The sin that we are indulged in; according to the holy standards of God. The fists that we have raised. The rebellious hearts that we have. We deserve only eternal damnation. But the Lord has been kind. But instead of gratitude; we tune to pride. As if these are all my rights. As if we deserved all these.  How do I respond in gratitude? By humbling myself to the mighty hand of God. Saying I do not deserve all these.  But you have been gracious, merciful and kind. The food and shelter. The opportunities and privileges. The gift of salvation. The rejuvenated life. The second chances. 1Cor:4:7 What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast, as though it were not a a gift?

In crisis; cry out No other help No other way Not cry; condemning Not cry; blaming But cry; praying To Almighty; your Father Crying; helpless Not knowing what else Throwing to His hands Seeking divine intervention Setting aside your assets And strongholds As trash: useless But holding firm His hands Holding tight Not logic Not reasoning Just cry In the bosom of your Father What else could you do He will intervene Set aside pride Give Him space And full control As you humble yourself Saying you are nobody For God resists the proud He will surely act For He is your loving Abba He has plans To prosper And not harm Everlasting love He has And He is. For He never fails Be merciful, dear Lord Protect me from these hounds You put my tears in your bottle And keep a record in your book Your hand upon my shoulder Saying, "I have it Do not be discouraged" You will take care You will rescue You have it in control The One in me Is greater than the other The failed one: defeate

Are you in a crisis? Not knowing what to do. Not sure where to look or seek help from. Is the pressure crushing you? Pushing you from all sides? Restricting your ability to think or act? A helpless boat in a roaring sea. 2 Chron:32- Hezekiah was in a similar situation when he faced the mighty army of King Sennacherib. At this juncture, Hezekiah worked hard. * He repaired the broken sections of the wall ( confession of sins) *He erected towers ( watchtowers of prayer) * Reinforced the supporting terraces (reiterate the time with family and fellowship). *Manufactured large number of weapons and shields ( Word of God) Then he encouraged the people, motivated all of them. 2 Chron:32:7-8 Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or the mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side. He may have a greater army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us. Let us reinforce

2 Chron:31 Bring in reforms. Make drastic steps to come back to God. Demolish the pagan shrines in our lives which demand unholy worship, time and devotion. Respond generously. Sort things out in our lives. Look back and come back. Make an about turn and walk in the opposite direction. Return to our loving Father. Seek the Lord wholeheartedly, in all your efforts follow His laws and commandments.