The halfbaked Bard

For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 2 Cor:2:15 Do you smell Christ? Do you exuded His fragrance to God, among others? Do you have that sweet aroma of the knowledge of Christ? Or do you stink? The knowledge of God and sim cannot stand together. Sin will run in the presence of the knowledge of God. Wash clean of your dirt and apply the aroma. Similarly, wash clean of your sin by the blood of Jesus through confession and apply the knowledge of God. Simple. Image credit: https://gulfnews.com/amp/story/friday%2Fbeauty%2Fyou-smell-nice-choosing-the-perfect-fragrance-learn-the-art-1.1643542938723

2 Cor:2:7-8 You should rather forgive and comfort him, otherwise such a one might be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. When someone is sorrowful. 1. Forgive - forgive him for what He has done unknowingly or knowingly, personally and publically, verbally or physically, out of his sorrow. Just forgive. Just forget. Give another chance. Keep on giving one more. 2. Comfort - tell him it's okay to feel so. To feel overwhelmed. Tell him, I am there for you. God sees you and knows you.  3. Affirm your love to him - tell him I love you. I am there for you through thick and thin. To the best that I can, I will be there. You are not facing it alone. I am praying for you. Do not judge. Do not label. Do not gossip. Image courtesy: https://www.vectorstock.com/royalty-free-vector/child-and-dog-comfort-and-sorrow-vector-61716299

For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes. 2 Cor:1:20 All the promises in the Word of God is 'yes' through Jesus Christ. Concerning salvation, peace, joy, redemption, sanctification, glorification. That means everything concerning the purpose and will of God. There is no scope of misinterpreting God's word and claiming that promise personally for you. It has to be in line with the central theme. All those are yes, in Jesus and through Jesus. And He never vacillates. He is not like shifting shadows, saying yes now and no then. For example; Now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, means, you stand uncondemned always if you are in Christ Jesus. He is always true. He never dwindles. He is not indecisive. He is sure. He is certain. He has set His eyes like a flint to bless. He will not flinch. He is trustworthy. His promises for you to bless you, to preserve you, to make you grow unto the head that is Christ, to establish you,...

2 Cor:1:10 Who delivered us from so great a peril of death and will deliver us. He on whom we have set out hope. And He will yet deliver us. He who delivered us from death, physical death situations. He who protected us this far.  He who has delivered us from spiritual death, eternal separation. He who gave us a wonderful salvation. He will yet deliver us now in this present perilous situation. God is bigger than the mountain that you face now. Even bigger mountains He has conquered for us. He will yet deliver us. In times of crisis, we need to repeatedly look at our salvation. How a Holy, Eternal God, became a finite being and die for a wretched man like me to redeem me. That is the greatest miracle. Keep looking at the ways in which He hath delivered you till date. He will still carry you through. Trust is all that is required. He will do what is best for you. That Rom:8:28 is always true. That Phil:1:6 is always true. That 2 Cor:1:10 is always true. 2 Tim:4:17. The L...

So also our comfort is abundant through Christ. 2 Cor:1:5 Afflictions come. God will comfort us, for He is the source of all comfort. Because you have a God who comforts, you go to Him who comforts abundantly and receive His comfort. When someone you know is in trouble. You extend that comfort which you received from God, to him who suffers. This makes sense now. Why afflictions or sufferings? That you would taste the God of abundant comfort. And that you would be a channel to a brother who suffers. So when afflictions come, not to complaint or whine. But to seek comfort from the rich source and be the reason for comfort to another who suffers. Image courtesy: https://www.gettyimages.in/videos/woman-comforting-crying-woman?family=creative

Maranatha 1 Cor:16:22 Which means, Come O Lord. Why do you want Jesus to come?  As an escape route from difficult circumstances? Christian has a promise of suffering. Because our Master says, if the world has hated me, it will hate you also. The enemy is rampant to discredit a child of God.  Through sickness. Some might suffer. Some might get through. Some might succumb. Through financial instabilities. Through many unanswered prayers. Why do we pray, come Lord Jesus? Based on a hope that all these are temporary. A hope that transcends all pain. Maranatha, Lord Jesus. You can't get accustomed to grief over the loss of a loved one. When Lord Jesus comes, when we see him face to face, we hope to see our loved ones too. Victorious over death, we will see them glorified, for eternity we can have fellowship with them. Maranatha, Lord Jesus. When the Lord Jesus comes, He will vindicate me. He will prove me right. My intentions, my naveity. He will judge others. Maranatha...

1Cor:16:18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Do I refresh the spirits of people whom I interact with? In my workplace. In my church. In my own house. Or do I gossip? Do I enquire and encourage? Do I make things difficult and hardpressed at home? Knowing each other's needs and genuinely praying and finding out answered prayers helps. Giving a listening ear helps. There is no need to talk always. Just to listen. You need not crack jokes often to be light hearted always. Being genuine is better. Considering others more important than you. When you talk, let it not be about you always. Rather theirs. Image courtesy: https://bestlifeonline.com/reasons-not-to-wash-face-morning-news/

1 Cor:16:13 Be on the alert, stand firm in faith; act like men; be strong. Watch out. Look out. Be on the alert. Stand firm in faith. That is what men do. Be strong. Stay strong. Dwindling in your trust in God is what children do. Act like the man you are. Be a man. Stay strong on your faith. No matter what happens, hold fast to your God. That is mature faith. Do not let go to fear or anxiety. Be strong. Faith is trusting God, the Father despite what the circumstances look like. Knowing fully that He is in control. That He will take care and thats enough. He is enough. Image credit; https://www.freepik.com/premium-photo/hand-holding-fist-symbol-determination_139829368.htm

O death where is your victory? O death where is your sting? 1 Cor:15:55 The sting of death is sin. Death is effected through sin. The inevitable. The unescapable. The unavoidable. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. None can escape. I was inexorably dead. I was to die for eternity. The pain of separation for eternity from my Lord was fully mine. Deserving for endless ages. But the cross cancelled it all. The cross dissolved it all. Deleted it all. My trust is on the finished work of Jesus on the cross. God bore all my punishment including the crown of it all, death. And therefore it stands cancelled for me. I can no longer be stung. Immunized. Free. Free from the punishment which was destined for me. Oh! Thank you Jesus. What about you? Are u still stung? Image credit: https://www.alveole.buzz/blog/bee-stings-guide/

1 Cor:14:33. For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. Let there be peace in your heart In the middle of confusions. Yes the clutter will dissolve And there will be clarity. That God will work on your behalf And bring in a solution. God is able to bring peace, In the midst of the confusions. But He is able to clear the muck and the mire as well It is His job to do that You in your finiteness might not be able to But His infinite wisdom will He will do it For He is the God of peace, not confusions. And He loves you  And He doesn't want you to struggle In the clutter; in the chaos He will clear for you Trust even when it is uncluttered That He will do. Yet He will do. Still He will do. For sure He will do Without doubt He will do. Because of the peace and the love,  Therefore He will do. Image credit: https://www.bombaytimes.com/astro/healing/unclutter-and-declutter-your-mind/amp/1758866184850

But do not have love, I am nothing. 1 Cor:13:2 Love is the center. Love is the core. Paul talks about apostleship, prophesy, miracles, gifts of healing, tongues, interpretation of tongues as secondary to love. 1 Cor:12:32. But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way. Lord, teach me to love - my loved ones - unconditionally. With no tags. Just as you have loved me. Lord, teach me to love - my neighbour, my brother. Just as I love myself. Remove the self tag in my love. Lord, teach me love. Your love. Love that is patient. Love that is kind. Not seeking my own. Not taking into account the wrong suffered. Help me to still love. Bearing all things. Enduring all things. Teach me to love with a love that never fails. Teach me to love with a love that will always be there. No matter what. Lord teach me to love. Image credit: https://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/15niky/just_because_youre_mad_at_someone_doesnt_mean_you/

1 Cor:11:1 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. As I imitate Christ always. There is not even a second that Paul is in doubt, whether he doesn't imitate Christ. He can be an open book to his brethren to see. Is there a duality in my life? Fearful of being exposed. Fearful of being pointed fingers at. Why can't I live a life that fully reflects His image? Why do I still yearn for things not of Him? Why do I still seek things which are not His? Why do I behave in a way the world behaves?  The carnal worldly man, with all his lusts, fears and dreams. Why is there no difference in me? Lord make me fully yours. Make my heart turned to you alone. Help me to imitate you. And as I imitate you, let others imitate me. My children, let them see you fully in me with their tiny little eyes. Let my bosses see you in me, with their judgemental eyes. Let my colleagues and my friends see you in me with their equivocal eyes. Let my acquaintances see you in me with their a...

Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbour. 1 Cor:10:24 Selfless giving of time; And assets; for the others sake. Not seeking your own benefit. Loving him so much that you would seek his good alone. Not yours. We live in a world which looks for- what would I gain from it? It is in this context that Jesus asks to have an attitude to serve. He asks you to look for - what does he benefit from me? How can he come closer to God because of me? By my words. By my acts. Jesus' only priority was - How can he know the Father through this? For Him, it was all about the Father. Image courtesy: https://www.popularmechanics.com/adventure/sports/a2072/4221210/

No temptation has overtaken you  but such as is common to man. 1 Cor:10:13 It is not impossible. There is no need to struggle. To fall and then get up, to fall again. It is common to all men and many have overcome it. It is not beyond what you are able to. The way of escape is always provided. You just don't lose courage and give away. You will be able to endure it. It is assured. When about to fall, remember this. Moreover He is your strength and it is He who will enable you to be holy just as your Father in heaven is holy. Image credit: https://sharedveracity.net/2018/08/03/is-the-temptation-to-sin-itself-sin/

We would not crave evil things. 1Cor:10:6 Despite knowing His love unconditional to me. Despite knowing that it was my wretchedness That nailed Him to the cross. Why would I crave the very things He abhor? The very things my husband hate. I end up desiring, longing for  This lover who gave His life and privileges for me. Him, I disappoint yet again. For it is the heart's motive that He looks for. It is the heart's desire that He looks into. What my heart longs for And who my lover yearns for? Selfish; idolator; immoral; gambler Dissatisfied; discontented; complainer. Adulterer in the heart. Murderer in the mind. Every thought in my heart, brings a teardrop in His eye. Why am I tuned like this? Why am I so fallen?  Oh! Wretched man, that I am Who will deliver me from this hopelessness. The word "grace" is yet beautiful  Favour when I don't deserve it. Difficult as I am, He still loves me. Improbable to be rectified; He still gives grace. He would transf...

1 Cor:9:27 But I discipline my body and make it my slave. Self control is a discipline. A gift. A fruit. A quintessential quality for a disciplined, gifted and fruitful life. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self control in all things. To beat my body. To discipline literally means, to hit under the eye. To knock the body out, so that you may win. Regarding gluttony, lust, negative thoughts, anger, hatred, vengeful words. Have self control. Keep quiet when you need to. Say no, when you ought to. Keep the mouth shut, when you are supposed to. It is not just the willpower, but about grace too. Both are important for self control. If you don't have the will power ask for GRACE. Grace is always there. Seek grace, because it is made available always. It is just that once you are made aware of the need, you seek, you pursue.  You might fall occasionally. But get up and start from scratch. It is worth it. Image courtesy: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/32...

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Cor:6:12 Everything is permissible. But not everything is beneficial. Let it not overpower you. You shall not be addicted to it. Definitely not the vice things. But the not so harmful things. The harmless habits. Things that you can, but would you? Does it edify you? Is it beneficial? 1 Cor:10:23 is the litmus test. Does it bring God glory? Ask yourself. Why do I want to do this? Does it bless me? Or will it take me farther away from God. Put your thoughts to what you do. Do not go with the trend. Just because others are doing. Just because of the hashtag. Just to be viral. Just to gain acceptance. Is it good? Is it profitable? Will I be mastered by it? Is it beneficial? Image credit: https://www.whoa.in/gallery/funny-men-wallpaper

But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Spirit of our God. 1 Cor:6:11 From head to toe, all muscles are aching, all joints are swollen. Fully worn out. Can't move an inch because of pain and tiredness and rejection. You have given your 150 %. Every inch, every cell has worked full throttle. There is no energy left. All you want is to just crash. Just sleep sound. But you decide to take a warm shower. As you stand beneath the spout, as the warm water exuberates it's strength into all your muscles and sinews, you think this was the wisest choice you made. Taking a bath refreshed you to take rest. In minds, idolators we were, thieves we were, covetous we were. Destined to face the wrath of God. Tired, bereft of hope. No scope. As you were washed by the blood of the Lamb, you were sanctified, you were justified. He has already done it. Refreshing as it looks like. Take rest in His bosom. Unloveabl...

Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? 1 Cor:6:7 Not that you would be wronged or defrauded. But it doesn't matter when you are wronged. Let it be. Let you be wronged. Let yourself be snatched from. Let yourself be misunderstood. Let you be blamed wrong. When you are affected, when it happens to you, that is self being dented. When others cheat you, if you are hurt then that is ego. You think, people think of you what you are actually not, why do you get affected. What does it cost you if others have a wrong opinion about you?  Where is the attitude of Christ? Who was fully misunderstood, fully blamed wrongly.  If I am sure of my identity in Christ i would never feel bad. He never misunderstands me. He never judges me. He knows me in and out. It is only His opinion that matters. Then let others wrong me. Christ took the freedom to let me go through this. Image credit: https://daily.wordreference.com/2025/07/17/intermediate-word-of-the-day-snatch/

1 Cor:5:1-5 This is not something to be done away with. It is rebuked by Paul and he promises to deal with it the moment he comes. It is to be taken seriously. Well I don't commit such atrocities in my life. I am pure. If any one looks at a woman with lustful eyes, says Jesus in Matt:5:28, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart.  Be it offline, or online. Or on the Billboards or posters or in reality. Be it in your fantasy or in actual world. God defines it as adultery. Period. It is something that has to be dealt seriously and drastically. It is not to be pushed under the carpet. Paul says, such man, he has to be handed over to satan, so his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord. Jesus, May my eyes be pure And my heart be set apart For you my only husband. Image credit: https://www.istockphoto.com/search/2/image-film?phrase=boy+computer+night&tracked_gsrp_landing=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.istockphoto.com%2Fphotos%2Fboy-computer-night

Be imitators of me. 1 Cor:4:16 How confidently can you say this to your children? To those who follow you? Imitate me. Come to my home, come to my closed room and see what I do in private. See how I use my leisure time. That shows my integrity. What I am in the light, am I in the dark too? If there is a disparity, if there is no confidence in calling them up and showing your darkened corners, then it is hypocrisy. Lord help me to be a man of integrity  Help me to do consistently the things that nurture me. Help me to seek you always. Help me Lord. Image credit: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/earthshine-lights-up-the-dark-side-of-the-moon/

What did you have that you did not receive?  1 Cor:4:7 Why do I boast of everything I have is received? Why think I deserve, if everything I have is given, not gained? Self is the reason. Pride is the cause because I think deserve much better, because I am worth it. But the sad truth is I do not deserve these. I am not worthy. All I deserved is punishment. Not when I compare myself with others. But when I compare myself with the standard of God. So everything I have is a gift. A bonus.  Image courtesy: https://vintagekitchennotes.com/milk-chocolate-chip-cookies/

Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that Spirit of God dwells in you. 1 Cor:3:16 Temple of God you are, keep it holy. In your thoughts What do you feed your gluttunous eyes? What do you scroll through? What do you invest time for? That reflects who you want to be. That reflects your priority. That shows what you really want from life. Deep down in your heart. Sad to realize the truth. Lord, help me, to stay focussed on purity of thoughts. To invest in things of your kingdome alone. I am helpless, let you increase And me and my desires decrease. Only you I want to desire, this new year. Image courtesy: https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/shadow-sunset-and-silhouette-woman-drinking-water-for-marathon-running-fitness-gm1443773034-482644116

Are you not walking like mere men? 1 Cor:3:3 Why are you mere men, when you have the mind of Christ? Why are you running for the things of this world, when you have the mind of Christ? Why jealousy and envy, when you have the mind of Christ? Why the strife and unrest, when you have the mind of Christ? Why the faithlessness and unfaithfulness, when you have the mind of Christ? Mere men run around material things. Mere men look for earthly satisfaction. Mere men have shortsightedness rather than eternal heavenly perspective. Mere men think of finite goals. Yet you have the mind of Christ. Invest in the word of God and not fleshly motives. Invest in unceasing prayer. Invest in trusting and holding fast to Him. Not like mere men who have temporary goals. But you have the mind of Christ with an eternal mindset. Image credit: https://feedingonjesus.com/2019/05/07/never-lost-in-the-crowd-2/

For whom among men knows the thoughts of man, except the spirit of man which is in him. Even so the thoughts of God no one knows, except the Spirit of God. 1 Cor:2:11 The thoughts of a man, only his spirit within him will know. Similarly, the thoughts of God only the Spirit of God will know. This what the Holy Spirit knows, the depths of God has been given to us. He is the counsellor, the friend, the advocate, the free gift. The Spirit resides in us to reveal the truths of this God. His character, His plans, His standards, His truths. He is willing to teach us the wisdom of God. The very things that we lack. Willing to reveal Himself to us. Though we did not deserve to know Him. Because we were His enemies. We were rebels. Seek, ask, knock. Image credit: https://watermarkwaves.com/blogs/explore-the-bible/what-does-the-holy-spirit-do?srsltid=AfmBOor5R0SKCHKhcOoiylTJhviNTmoyewrK40otTdCXkk_GBM_bnAzu

Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.  1 Cor:1:30 Nothing that I did, I could please God. Nothing could gain me favour in His eyes. Nothing can earn me any reward. For it is said, all these are like filthy rags. A God who is infinitely holy. How can He look at my infinitesmally small good deed And be pleased. In contrast my sin is huge. He can't even weigh it on a scale, as is the norm. Love your neighbour as yourself. Anger is equivalent to murder. Lustful looks as same as adultery. An infinitely holy God's standard. No matter how high I jump, I can never reach. The standard of this Holy God. No good deed could ever please Him. I was helpless in that ditch. But the everlasting Father, as He is. Love incomparable, loves me and As He wants to save me. Came down to that ditch to rescue me. By His dying on the cross, He paid the debt, The ransom which I did not have to pay. It was His doing. He did it. Not me. Nor any of my attempts. The smartest, the wisest, the rich...