tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289887402024-03-16T20:15:07.353+05:30Paulson Post“I don't know what I think until I write it down.” ― Joan Didion.Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18396751197029542968noreply@blogger.comBlogger222125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-18499638489133799042024-03-16T20:14:00.004+05:302024-03-16T20:14:31.403+05:30Re-wiring Minds for Eternity<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“</span>If
then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where
Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are
above, not on things that are on earth” (Col 3:1—2).</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Christian faith is not just a set of beliefs but involves
experiencing the Lord daily. Growing in faith means experiencing more and more
of our Saviour and Lord and becoming increasingly like him.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEkUFFe2MxO-k1ybC79joD-gx151aFHEBRHvwJiG0CGg_sg9VU_5pwmyYLebHIhdqL_H51NBvLy02eieqgW2GpYBGX6gdgC9sUrWbOvzBuBk9oOmWs82r0v6g5pvQEeF6cScpixy08F4_W2RUF7edqe8PcUxdMObV7LbWtEeMp16i43ArqlL1/s1024/brain%20neural.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEkUFFe2MxO-k1ybC79joD-gx151aFHEBRHvwJiG0CGg_sg9VU_5pwmyYLebHIhdqL_H51NBvLy02eieqgW2GpYBGX6gdgC9sUrWbOvzBuBk9oOmWs82r0v6g5pvQEeF6cScpixy08F4_W2RUF7edqe8PcUxdMObV7LbWtEeMp16i43ArqlL1/s320/brain%20neural.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">The Christian life begins when we recognise the need for a
saviour and continues as we identify with him in his death and resurrection in
Christian baptism. We are seated with him through the spiritual resurrection,
though we are still physically on earth. Paul sums up this experience: “Even
when we were dead in our trespasses, (God) made us alive together with
Christ—by grace, you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us
with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus….” (Eph 2:5—7).</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">People who accept God's salvation through Jesus Christ should also know they are destined for life in another world.
They must have a different orientation of mind than the unsaved.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">People who have experienced God’s salvation and belong to
the world where Christ is should re-orient their minds from things of this
world to things of that world. Just as a person who plans to immigrate to
another country gets rid of things that are of no use in the new country, learns
the language, culture, and manners of the host country, and lives each day waiting
for the day of entry in the new country, so must we too; feet on this earth,
eyes on the world above with eager anticipation.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jesus had promised that one day, he would take us to be with
him: “I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be
also” (John 14:3).<o:p></o:p></p>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">This re-orientation of thinking, hopes, and aspirations determines the
quality of Christian life we live. Paul reminded Philippians, who were Romans
by citizenship, that “our citizenship is in heaven, and from it, we await a
Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil 3:20). This realisation of where we belong
gives the momentum for the Christian life. Instead of being stagnant, in Paul’s
words, we must forget “what lies behind and straining forward to what lies
ahead, [and] press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God
in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:13—14).</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-69857749928849087612024-03-04T14:11:00.000+05:302024-03-04T14:11:07.818+05:30Wait, Do not Wilt<p> “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in
the land of the living! Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take
courage; wait for the LORD!”</p><p class="MsoNormal">
(Psa 27:13—14).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The person who penned this Hebrew poem expresses his trust
in the Lord. Line by line, he describes how he will overcome every adversity
that rises against him through the power of God. He narrates his story so that
every believer then and even now may have their confidence in the Lord.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYkq8Nq92Cn8D5q7GZXCA2cg9fkD3DFFOtYFu43PloL3-EoC0NdhEeBKLK6MSTRbT-nmKfLLY0OVAv3IKnWTRQbofRpNBR9Y_tzBtuK4bpxTKTJQj9MmsT7ggzb7IkTnxvU8GjZEeg3YlckRW5DVKeumRSRXcS1I43GpS5s2zN0-n92YQUwgt/s1024/Waiting%20clock.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYkq8Nq92Cn8D5q7GZXCA2cg9fkD3DFFOtYFu43PloL3-EoC0NdhEeBKLK6MSTRbT-nmKfLLY0OVAv3IKnWTRQbofRpNBR9Y_tzBtuK4bpxTKTJQj9MmsT7ggzb7IkTnxvU8GjZEeg3YlckRW5DVKeumRSRXcS1I43GpS5s2zN0-n92YQUwgt/s320/Waiting%20clock.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">His confidence comes from the fact that the Lord is good and
always favours those who approach him for help. He is confident that his
prayers will be answered during his lifetime. (“The land of the living” denotes
a person's lifetime).</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord may not act according to our timetable, but he
certainly acts according to this will in his own time. This requires
patience. Exhorting the worshippers to “wait for the Lord”, the psalmist
encourages them not to give up but to hold on for the Lord’s time. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Waiting could be extended, and it could be tiring. People
waiting for the Lord to act should be prepared to remain strong and courageous
and never give up.<o:p></o:p></p>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">While growing impatient and at the point of giving up hope, the stories of godly
people, ancient and modern, had always motivated me to keep my eyes fixed on
the Lord. Wait, do not wilt—that is the punch of the last line that opens and
closes with the phrase, “wait for the Lord.”</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-81544616134671561382024-03-02T10:46:00.000+05:302024-03-02T10:46:03.930+05:30The Secret of Victory<p> “He asked life of you; you gave it to him, length of days
forever and ever” (Psa 21:4).</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 21 thanks the Lord for answering the prayer for
victory that the people prayed in Psalm 20 as the king set out for the battle.
The people had confessed that it was not their military strength but the Lord’s
might that made their army win the war. Now, the king and the military have
come back victorious.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmKvBAE8VM8I_zVN90MMXFBKC2EUVa5xKfpDotUWkkyJiAHl7L9kGBZoG8j6URkeXG3L8wbgrMfGGsvQvSH8bI_7BmMjUd7SL3chhTZ4kZhv9sdN97QA5yJXmSolu4-7NP_mkQy_zY7D_RflazRX0GBEu9OQbGD0oWnqvklX-GpVoD2NPk6cU/s1024/Crowd%20celebrating.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmKvBAE8VM8I_zVN90MMXFBKC2EUVa5xKfpDotUWkkyJiAHl7L9kGBZoG8j6URkeXG3L8wbgrMfGGsvQvSH8bI_7BmMjUd7SL3chhTZ4kZhv9sdN97QA5yJXmSolu4-7NP_mkQy_zY7D_RflazRX0GBEu9OQbGD0oWnqvklX-GpVoD2NPk6cU/w320-h320/Crowd%20celebrating.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The first part of the Psalm (verses 1—7) elaborates on what
the Lord has done for the king, while the second part (verses 8—12) expresses
their hope for a future free of threats from the enemies. In the last verse,
they praise the Lord for his strength and mercy in preserving them. “Be
exalted, O LORD, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power” (Psa
21:13). Ancient Israel was a tiny nation among powerful and more prominent
nations. They had never been an empire except during the period of David, who
had subdued some smaller countries. Still, that is enough to make an empire.
They were bullied by the small nations and raiders and were controlled by
powerful nations such as Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome. They had
to keep alive throughout history, resisting the forces that demanded their
life.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">An overview of Biblical history teaches that the Lord
protected them against their mighty enemies when they trusted him but had to
give them up when they failed to acknowledge him and sought his protection.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalms 20 and 21 teach us an essential truth about our life
with the Lord. Trusting in our strength alone is the recipe for failure since
we never have the strength to protect ourselves. On the contrary, acknowledging
the power of God and being totally dependent on him is the way to victory.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-46407065799658923622024-02-29T20:00:00.002+05:302024-02-29T20:00:42.238+05:30Serve with Power, Love, and Self-discipline“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:6—7).
Paul wrote this letter towards the end of his life to his young colleague Timothy, who will continue the ministry by caring for the churches they founded. Paul advises Timothy to remain faithful and continue his example in faith and ministry.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7j5atrC5xQ10jYgdju6sjmffCcRQMEqiLY2rOBHYNKpIc7X6Cs8VP_vSU1ebks_1qILNSOGoBvedy_wlSCub03XxURUUcPXQA4r9CCJrWlN93i09eX5DGRuxdyCfic1dE4aD5Shj1GUWKxmO4K8DgBfdfnrgT3dl0MZnt4mNRCEYDv0wSX5F2/s1024/embers%20in%20charcol%20fire.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7j5atrC5xQ10jYgdju6sjmffCcRQMEqiLY2rOBHYNKpIc7X6Cs8VP_vSU1ebks_1qILNSOGoBvedy_wlSCub03XxURUUcPXQA4r9CCJrWlN93i09eX5DGRuxdyCfic1dE4aD5Shj1GUWKxmO4K8DgBfdfnrgT3dl0MZnt4mNRCEYDv0wSX5F2/s320/embers%20in%20charcol%20fire.jpeg"/></a></div>
To emulate Paul in his life and ministry, Timothy does not need any more spiritual gifts; he has all he requires to serve God and God’s people. But he has to “fan to flame” what he has already received. An ember would slowly die and grow cold if not fanned to flame. Similarly, spiritual gifts given to us for service will die if not used regularly and properly.
The master condemned the person who buried the talent, but those who multiplied what they were entrusted with were honoured and trusted with more (Matt 25:14—30). Similarly, the Lord endowed spiritual gifts to us (1 Cor 12) to serve others and help them grow in faith and maturity. If we fail to use them, we fail to serve others, and the gifts may be taken away.
Some fear using the gifts of the Spirit they are given. But this contradicts the very nature of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of “power, love, and self-discipline.” On the contrary, “fear” describes a person fleeing the battle. A follower of Christ empowered with the gifts of the Holy Spirit should not flee but keep fighting and advancing.
The first step in using the gifts of the Spirit given to us is to realise its inherent power. The second is to love the people we serve so that we cannot withhold using it to serve them. Third, it requires self-disciple, a life structured according to God’s will.
For example, a person with the gift of healing (1 Cor 12:9) should not shy away from sick persons but boldly offer to pray, disregarding the medical probability of healing. That is advancing boldly. We can take that bold step only if we love those persons and seek their well-being. It takes self-discipline and re-ordering our personal lives to be there for them and pray for them.
It is time for many of us to find out what gifts the Holy Spirit has given us and put them to use for the benefit of others before the ember dies out.
<div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-15375136128588886892024-02-29T11:06:00.000+05:302024-02-29T11:06:19.511+05:30Re-wiring Minds for Eternity“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col 3:1—2).
Christian faith is not just a set of beliefs but involves experiencing the Lord daily. Growing in faith means experiencing more and more of our Saviour and Lord and becoming increasingly like him.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fkkWPa7C9wnnMdfrovS_2V6W-J7AXCDROwtfJwO_n0YGCKBJzBjsS_BOH6M1waCwMJOt7UayRbWwc8hODNUS4BeyvHij30iklz-SneCIB9eFBlVhCjSpe2fNLjnDL7akF-bH7PrH_SjHRD9zX1OT7joYqtDhIcdC28IVpMT-igcRuDVp5E5z/s1024/brain%20neural.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fkkWPa7C9wnnMdfrovS_2V6W-J7AXCDROwtfJwO_n0YGCKBJzBjsS_BOH6M1waCwMJOt7UayRbWwc8hODNUS4BeyvHij30iklz-SneCIB9eFBlVhCjSpe2fNLjnDL7akF-bH7PrH_SjHRD9zX1OT7joYqtDhIcdC28IVpMT-igcRuDVp5E5z/s320/brain%20neural.jpeg"/></a></div>
The Christian life begins when we recognise the need for a saviour and continues as we identify with him in his death and resurrection in Christian baptism. We are seated with him through the spiritual resurrection, though we are still physically on earth. Paul sums up this experience: “Even when we were dead in our trespasses, (God) made us alive together with Christ—by grace, you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus….” (Eph 2:5—7).
People who have accepted the salvation God offers through Jesus Christ should also know that they are destined for life in another world. They must have a different orientation of mind than the unsaved.
People who have experienced God’s salvation and belong to the world where Christ is should re-orient their minds from things of this world to things of that world. Just as a person who plans to immigrate to another country gets rid of things that are of no use in the new country, learns the language, culture, and manners of the host country, and lives each day waiting for the day of entry in the new country, so must we too; feet on this earth, eyes on the world above with eager anticipation.
Jesus had promised that one day, he would take us to be with him: “I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:3).
This re-orientation of thinking, hopes, and aspirations determines the quality of Christian life we live. Paul reminded Philippians, who were Romans by citizenship, that “our citizenship is in heaven, and from it, we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil 3:20). This realisation of where we belong gives the momentum for the Christian life. Instead of being stagnant, in Paul’s words, we must forget “what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, [and] press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:13—14).
<div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-80307367847479360052024-02-21T16:08:00.005+05:302024-02-21T16:08:33.386+05:30Praying at the Face of Threats“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright” (Psa 20:7—8). Read Psalm 20:1—9.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPznx_4Qjli5MQVX7MgfZVWPtNSIdDmY9FxAV4XrWXxkWLnL4hBaw3w1BdZXbds4k4N1hE81AeVtXmtvtgC2FoO_rV7hoTm6L6WBpSvJeRdJrCOEBHaryZtnn345M6IXOJcSZvU3saTVTMtf8a7LJ2a3_oNneG7EjCE6tOA3VR4UcnGs7MsY8J/s1024/Biblical%20army.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPznx_4Qjli5MQVX7MgfZVWPtNSIdDmY9FxAV4XrWXxkWLnL4hBaw3w1BdZXbds4k4N1hE81AeVtXmtvtgC2FoO_rV7hoTm6L6WBpSvJeRdJrCOEBHaryZtnn345M6IXOJcSZvU3saTVTMtf8a7LJ2a3_oNneG7EjCE6tOA3VR4UcnGs7MsY8J/s320/Biblical%20army.jpeg"/></a></div>
Wishing the king success as he set out for military campaigns was a significant part of the life of nations in the ancient world. Only one party wins any battle. Defeat is the last chapter in the life of that nation. The king who leads the battle may lose his life, along with many army officers and soldiers. The survivors will end up in exile in faraway nations, never to see their homeland again.
Psalms 20 and 21 are written against this historical background. The first one is the prayer offered while sending out the army led by the king, and the second one celebrates the victory. In this case, the king and the army returned victorious.
In the first five verses of Psalm 20, the subjects wish that everything will go well with the king. As they wish the king success, the people do not praise the king or his army for their power or abilities. But they invoke the blessing of the Lord upon the soldiers stepping into a venture that would decide the destiny of their nation, praying, “May he (the Lord).” Every sentence begins with this phrase and seven times in five verses! The Lord determines the outcome of the battle.
They reiterate this truth in the following verses. The enemy seems to be stronger and has advanced battle equipment like chariots and horses. Israel was always far behind other nations technologically. In the late bronze age, when the Canaanites had fortified cities, horses and chariots, they had none. Later in the Iron Age, when the Philistines knew iron technology and had swords and spears, Israel had only two swords in the entire nation—one for Saul and another for his son Jonathan. Later in the eighth century, when Assyrians threatened them, Hezekiah had to buy horses and chariots from Egypt to withstand the enemy.
Though poor in the armoury, they had great confidence in the Lord. Their history has taught them to say: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright” (Psa 20:7—8). Knowing that no nation is a match for the Lord they serve, they prayed: “O LORD, save the king! May he answer us when we call” (Psa 20:9).
Yes he did, that is the story the following Psalm tells. The Lord who collapsed the walls of Jericho without an arrow shot, who helped David to fell the gaint with just one sling shot, did it again.
When we stare at formidable challenges, fear of failure, our confidence is in the Lord who repeats history for his faithful.
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Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-87989153323920105862024-02-21T09:06:00.002+05:302024-02-21T09:07:44.269+05:30From the Stars to God’s Story“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer” (Psa 19:14).
The starry sky over a village on a dark day is a treat for the eyes, but the city's sky, polluted with light from automobiles, street lights, and high-rise buildings, dims this view. Stunned by this display, the psalmist lying on his back outside his house muses: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psa 19:1). In the day, he watches the sun rising in the East and moving to the West, lightening and warming the earth (Psa 19:4—6). The creation is a witness to the splendour of its creator.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_ua5PnCk3boLDnCGSel49JqBGI1Uve-4vTXHQ6S6orUgcxvJa0EBYE2Ihdx4EdWkKJ-gVegLjGK8HfKOkpAQvJrFFUV8psxPKfdVP5Z_I5TIb_hpm1wpEfQjn2VIGVWyGqNgpzly9-59P1tD30HysQzCs3zNiV7P0bV4CmI3Fbu-J6fKNm7u/s1024/starry%20sky%20in%20oil%20paint.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_ua5PnCk3boLDnCGSel49JqBGI1Uve-4vTXHQ6S6orUgcxvJa0EBYE2Ihdx4EdWkKJ-gVegLjGK8HfKOkpAQvJrFFUV8psxPKfdVP5Z_I5TIb_hpm1wpEfQjn2VIGVWyGqNgpzly9-59P1tD30HysQzCs3zNiV7P0bV4CmI3Fbu-J6fKNm7u/s320/starry%20sky%20in%20oil%20paint.jpeg"/></a></div>
The psalmist's musings stray to another revelation of the creator of the universe in the second part of the Psalm (Psa 19:7—14). It is the Bible, the revelation of God’s will, that he gave to his people to know him and follow him. “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple” (Psa 19:7).
The Scripture, where God’s will is revealed, does far more than what the sun, moon, and stars could do. While the constellation lights up, warms, and makes life possible on this blue planet, real life with God is only possible through God's Word.
The Word of God imparts wisdom (v. 7), brings gladness to the human heart (v.8), and is most desirable. “More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb” Psa 19:10). It is more desirable than scanning the starry sky or enjoying the cool of the cheesy moon or warming up in the Sun on a beech. The Word of God makes life with God richer as we ponder on the truths in its pages.
Nature reveals God, but the Word of God goes deeper. It shows how to get closer to the creator as it guides us in the path of God by warning when our feet stray away from the path of life (Psa 19:11).
By tracing the journey of his thoughts from the creation to the Word of the creator, the Psalmist invites us to delve into the Word and cherish it to grow in wisdom.
<div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-45857453714913355552023-01-22T08:54:00.004+05:302023-01-22T08:56:00.536+05:30Between God and the Devil<p> <span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: 0in;">The spiritual essence of human life is
determined by the choice between two persons who demand our loyalty</span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">. One
is God and the other is his antagonist, the Devil. The followers of Christ have
already made their choice by choosing God and shunning the Devil. However, the
Devil will not leave them so easily. He hangs around.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxWjp1wTWQpd8WtH4bNC0qZ5PojrCxz61yStraXaRClcgP6-38mbn4JLjVlFj9AV3zCo3sTC6RAgSEHYQNyyBzZ33qoSQLRnQcHGZFEPHFM8fqwBCZ5-mX-UggE9cISaHji6JIV2brpwD9z6tJI-c1USUUp-ICH3aO0jkkUWOXPrynFmblg/s3089/Battle%20Queen.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2114" data-original-width="3089" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxWjp1wTWQpd8WtH4bNC0qZ5PojrCxz61yStraXaRClcgP6-38mbn4JLjVlFj9AV3zCo3sTC6RAgSEHYQNyyBzZ33qoSQLRnQcHGZFEPHFM8fqwBCZ5-mX-UggE9cISaHji6JIV2brpwD9z6tJI-c1USUUp-ICH3aO0jkkUWOXPrynFmblg/w320-h219/Battle%20Queen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Apostle James advises, “humble yourselves before God. Resist
the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). To live away from the sphere
of the Devil’s influence we must humble before God and resist the devil. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Prophet Micah who lived in eighth century B. C., advised the
people to “walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). We need to humble before God
because he never helps those who are proud as James says: “God opposes the
proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6, ESV). Those who humble
themselves before God must keep resisting the Devil to live in allegiance to
God. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Devil is busy. He keeps tempting God’s people, but he
gives up those who do not yield. He is very economical in his efforts. He
leaves those who resist him to go after easy targets without wasting his time
on the strong-willed. He tempted Jesus in the wilderness and when Jesus did not
surrender to his offers “then the devil went away, and angels came and took
care of Jesus” (Matthew 4:11, NLT).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Each time we give in to the temptations that the Devil
brings up, we are giving him more space to govern our lives. So, it is important
to keep resisting. This is the spiritual warfare that are we are in on this
side of the eternity—keep resisting the Devil to cling on to God.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-86846687774765040312021-08-30T20:52:00.004+05:302023-01-12T08:53:33.160+05:30Three Shades of Trust<h3 style="text-align: left;">However
long may be our fuse, we finally explode. The difference is only in the time it
takes. Remember, on its way to the explosive crux the ignition keeps the fuse hot.
That is the fretting all of us go through occasionally. The Psalmist, an old wise
man (Psa 37:25) gently admonishes “do not fret!” (Psa 37:1). I am certain that
he might have learned this valuable lesson from his long journey of life.</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE;">The
Hebrew verb translated as “fret” has the sense of “heating up” or “being hot.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though most translations translate it as “fret”,
</span><span lang="EN-GB">if given the opportunity I would translate it as “do
not fume over.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE;">The
psalmist talks about the godly people becoming envious of the godless people
who are faring well in their life. Though godly seems to have all that they
need, and doing well, they fret over the comparatively better benefits that the
ungodly have. So, the Psalmist elaborates the idea of “fretting” as “being
envious” in the next line.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE;">The
trigger that causes our fretting may not be the same as what the Psalmist describes
here. Though the reasons for fretting over might be different, the cure that the
psalm prescribes apply to all scenarios of fretting. It is a “one size fit all”
kind of remedy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Before
we move on to talk about the cure, we need to understand that if left untreated
fretting could harm us extremely badly. It causes tremendous stress that may paralyzes
us. Most importantly, it blocks our mind in such a way as that we cannot focus
or hear God. Fretting is a spiritual impediment. It may lead us to fight with
those who cause us to worry, where victory is not always assured. What makes us
fret may still hold the fort after a war of words.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Trusting
in God is the remedy to get over getting over fretting: trust over fret! According
to the Psalmist, trust is divided into three shades, and we need each one. Trust
in God should be focused, joyful, and wise.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE;">First,
trust in should be focused. “</span><span lang="EN-GB">Trust in the LORD and do
good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness” (Psa 37:3</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><!--EndFragment-->). In
the following lines he elaborates what trusting the Lord means.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand this line as saying, trust in the
Lord while you keep doing good. The focus in on doing good or being fit for the
purpose for which we are created by God. In the Bible “being good” is to serve
the purpose for which something is made. An apple that can not be eaten is not good
apple nor a rose that never blooms is not a good rose worth keeping. Trusting
in the Lord is to take our eyes off from what distracts us from our God-ordained
task. When we are immersed in serving God’s purpose in our lives, there is no
time to fret over anything.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Focussed
trust comes with its own rewards which is dwelling in the land in order to feed
on God’s own faithfulness. The word translated as “befriend” in ESV can also be
rendered as “feed on.” (See the ESV note.) As we focus in fulfilling the God-ordained
purposes in our lives, God responds by constantly supplying us by his faithfulness.
He makes us satisfied.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE;">A
second shade of trust in God is joy, it is joyful trust. “</span><span lang="EN-GB">Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of
your heart” (Psa 37:4</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><!--EndFragment-->). The word “delight” evokes the experience of eating.
We don’t eat to just fill the stomach. In choosing the places to eat and ordering
the food we make sure our eating is a delightful experience. That is why the
restaurant reviews talk about the décor of the place. That is the reason why
the menu card also carries the pictures of the food (along with the price). When
we eat, we roll the food in in our mouth before swallowing it. No child washes
down MnM (the chocolate brand) with a glass of water though each piece of MnM looks
like tablets. But they are colourful chocolate balls. Those who love MnM allow
it to slowly melt in their mouth, cherish its taste if it remains and takes another
one when the one in the mouth is gone! That is delighting in.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Trusting
in God should be a similar delightful experience. God rewards by such trust by granting
the desires of our heart. When we delight in God, God keeps us delighted in him.
When trust in God raises to that level of delightful experience then there is
not reason to fret. We are fully engrossed in what God has done in our life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE;">A
third shade of trust is that it is wise. We don’t trust God blindly, but it is
insightful that brings a divine calm in to our lives. “</span><span lang="EN-GB">Be
still before the LORD and wait patiently for him” (Psa 37:7</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><!--EndFragment-->). What
is being still? Stillness is that quality of life that there is nothing to be anxious
about. The psalm opens with a wise observation that the things that we usually
fret over are not there for ever. “</span><span lang="EN-GB">For they will soon
fade like the grass and wither like the green herb” (Psa 37:2</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><!--EndFragment-->). From
his life lessons, the old wise man realized that the pomp and glory of the
godless would not last forever. It is this divine insight on life that enriches
our trust in God. To trust God is not to be foolish. It is the wisest choice we
have made.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE;">When
God orders our lives, we don't need to spend energy on venting our
frustrations. We don’t stall on the way like a car that stops in the middle of nowhere
on the highway as the heat builds up in the engine. As it has always kept
itself cool, it runs its course steadily. <o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-84563886922882844632021-07-27T08:35:00.000+05:302021-07-27T08:35:10.055+05:30Crowd Encouragement<p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such
a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight
that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us
run with endurance the race God has set before us” (Heb 12:1,
NLT).</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">I am always inspired to go after a
challenge when I realize others have gone before me. It need not be high-risk adventures
like walking through a long, dark, narrow tunnel, bungee jumping in a remote
location, or paragliding over a deep gorge. It could be any mundane aspects of
life, where bold, confident action is involved.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Christian life is an adventure. It is a journey
to the invisible, eternity or our life with God that we never been to through
unfamiliar territories. In this journey every step is stimulated by faith in
Jesus Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">But still, when tempted to give up hope and
confidence comes from the realization that we are not alone but there are others
who have already completed this race successfully. This verse is the climax of
the long list of heroes of faith that begins in the previous chapter (Chapter 11).
These superheroes of faith crossed the finish line, and they await our arrival
as we are still on our way. This crowd of witnesses motivates us in our
Christian race. If they could do it, then we can do it too.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white;"><span style="color: red;">“O, Lord, give me the same strength that you gave to those
who went ahead of me to complete their race despite discouragement, weakness,
and doubt. Let me run this race with the strength you give me."</span></span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-11521238914467357972021-06-17T21:23:00.006+05:302021-06-17T21:25:23.819+05:30It rains differently everywhere<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXFSwp0h1SEiymnxyJ3_RIfQlq0wGVAbZFzNFBZ38PZV47PjH1ogbpSTu3OzlkLVw0JmncQMCVzA1ztcsI8bxCJmZa8e3n1ICCXRQWcJEfSaAEqsqCC6ohuiMyckSCv8vJLDt/s2048/London+in+rain.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXFSwp0h1SEiymnxyJ3_RIfQlq0wGVAbZFzNFBZ38PZV47PjH1ogbpSTu3OzlkLVw0JmncQMCVzA1ztcsI8bxCJmZa8e3n1ICCXRQWcJEfSaAEqsqCC6ohuiMyckSCv8vJLDt/w426-h640/London+in+rain.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Rain is a universal phenomenon. All over it rains,
except maybe in deserts. The phenomenon of rain is a process of recycling
water. Rain fills the waterbodies. Then, water in rivers, lakes, and oceans
evaporates and it rains down again, repeating the cycle. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite how heavily it rains the total amount
of water on earth remains always constant. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">However, it rains differently in different places
and seasons.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">It is almost time for monsoon in southern parts of
India. During this season dark rain clouds travel from the southern tip of the
country diagonally across past Myanmar. On its way it refreshes the land except
the north-western fringes of the country. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The down pour is heavy at the center of its path
and lighter on the edges. Though an exaggeration, the people in the
south-western tip of India (Kerala) where the monsoon begins its cross-country
travel say each drop is one bucketful. It is so heavy and loaded. It lashes the
ground so harsh sometimes uprooting small plants. It cleans the ground as it
washes the trash, twigs, and dry leaves down the hill.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">I love the monsoon rain. It brings relief from the
summer heat. The earth turns cool.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">However, it rains differently in every place. The
sound it makes in the city is different from the country. The sound of rain on concrete
and tin sheets in the city and the sound of rain on the trees and the grass in
the countryside are vastly different. The wind on the trees in the countryside
and on the windowpanes in the urban skyscrapers are different. The urbanites
hear the thunder but do not see the lightning since their vision of the horizon
through the windows is limited.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">It rains differently in each place. It is the same
rain but where it falls makes the difference. Grace is something like that. It
is the same grace, but who receive it what they do with it makes the
difference. Apostle Paul was keen that all the grace that God lavished on him
was used well. So, he proclaims: “</span><span lang="EN-GB">But whatever I am
now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without
results” (1 Cor 15:10<!--EndFragment-->, NLT</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The ground may reject rain drops falling on it. The
raindrops may splash, and scatter. But the good ground absorbs it, holds it for
the dry season. It flourishes new life. The difference the rain makes depends
on how it is received. So is the favour of God.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">(Photo courtesy: Sid Ali on Pexels.com)</span></p><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-31836659510668541442021-05-31T22:42:00.004+05:302021-06-04T14:58:32.069+05:30Amaranth Wisdom<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9Ql-VWNWFNguBNuyO-tUWtKB6z2XxVaPYfVh19hDyencExcDqmuo7kKWhqyIhYA5IYGTRQt1CHxGP-R3hfPKujs4OcMWCAazeopYCj2wFHPHbnv_nsZjPU-WZeQZFKiPV8nr/s1600/Amaranthus+%2527Red+Cathedral%2527+2010.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9Ql-VWNWFNguBNuyO-tUWtKB6z2XxVaPYfVh19hDyencExcDqmuo7kKWhqyIhYA5IYGTRQt1CHxGP-R3hfPKujs4OcMWCAazeopYCj2wFHPHbnv_nsZjPU-WZeQZFKiPV8nr/s320/Amaranthus+%2527Red+Cathedral%2527+2010.jpg" /></a></div><br />Buddha discovered the mysteries of human suffering while meditating under a banyan tree. The falling
apple triggered thoughts of gravity in Isaac Newton’s head. I got some trace of
wisdom when I bought a packet of rajgira (seeds of Amaranth).<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Rajgira is the
seed of the Amaranth plants. These tiny seeds are used for food as raw seeds or flour. It is also called the Indian Quinoa. The leaves and stem are
also used as vegetables. They could be pink or green. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-no-proof: yes;">My experience of
the rajgira seeds in my porridge was horrible. It seems that the packet of seeds
that I bought from Amazon had fine grains of sand. At every spoon, I bit
something hard making me throw the whole bowl of porridge away. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-no-proof: yes;">I was angry that I
was duped. I had no idea about what I can do with two large packets of it that
I was left with.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Like Buddha, and
Newton I started thinking deep. I took the packet of seeds and threw it on the wet ground. It rained the following two days as
well. Then lo and behold on the third day, the seeds have sprouted. The little
plants rose up from the grains of sand it was mixed with. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-no-proof: yes;">The seeds had life
packed in each of them which the sand lacked. The particles of rock turned
to the soil from which it came–dust to dust. The patch of land where
the seeds fell are decked with little pink rajgira plants. They will grow, bloom
and produce seeds. I can harvest them fresh and make porridge that won’t hurt
my teeth any more.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-no-proof: yes;">This is an allegory.
Only what has life force in them will grow. The chickens lay eggs. Usually farm
chicken lay unfertilized eggs that cannot be hatched. They can be boiled, fried
and eaten raw. But free-ranger country chicken lay fertilized eggs that can be
hatched to adorable chicks. Anyone who want to raise a chicken farm has to
choose fertilized eggs for the incubator. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-no-proof: yes;">All are not fit to
be the citizens of the kingdom of God. Jesus told that kingdom of God is like
the net that catches all sort of fish. But all fish are not good for food. So,
the fisherman discards the bad catch and keep only the good ones in his basket (Matt
13:47–50). The Kingdom of God is also like sown field where the weeds grow with
grain. But when the plants are big enough to tell the weed from the wheat, the farmer
picks the weeds and burns it (Matt 13:24–30). Otherwise it will choke the good
plants.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Sow and nourish.
That is how to have a good harvest. Seeds may be adulterated, but good seeds will
certainly grow while the lifeless grains of sand sink into the mud they belong
to. That is secret of the confidence and joy of the sower.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-7313915606389015092021-05-29T15:25:00.006+05:302021-06-04T14:59:23.511+05:30Good soil and wild mushrooms<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFchxq1DP6taJfWy9eF0vrCNnIykpGQ91d0QTmFotlbsurBRr4xk8G905zMPoSCLJ8ahNDUlvf8gSIOFu1yOYsSb52tIKESV_U1lwJ5U08T5TH29G-dAB1oYuy9vJwJb2ypak/s2048/pexels-dominika-roseclay-3104857.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFchxq1DP6taJfWy9eF0vrCNnIykpGQ91d0QTmFotlbsurBRr4xk8G905zMPoSCLJ8ahNDUlvf8gSIOFu1yOYsSb52tIKESV_U1lwJ5U08T5TH29G-dAB1oYuy9vJwJb2ypak/w266-h400/pexels-dominika-roseclay-3104857.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /> Last week I spoke at the 100<sup>th</sup>
death anniversary of Volbrecht Nagel, a German missionary to the South Indian state
of Kerala. Though he was in Kerala only for two decades, the songs he composed
are still sung in the churches. They also have made into cinematic music. Some
are translated into 21 plus Indian languages. He is still remembered, and his
contributions are extolled by Muslim, Hindu, and Christian Orthodox academics
though he was a Christian Brethren missionary.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: black;">Also
last week was the first anniversary of the death of a famous apologist of our
time. During his lifetime, he faced many allegations against his character. A
few months after his death, an investigation by his own organization revealed
serious character flaws and sex scandals in his life.</span><span lang="EN-GB"> The organization that he founded published apologies to the victims
of his un-Christian behavior on their website. Now, the organization that he
founded has removed all references about him from their website, his books are
withdrawn from the market. The reputation that he built by making himself a
brand and his ministry a commodity is now being trampled underfoot. All this within
an year of his death.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The reputation of the Nagel, the man who
wanted to be more like Jesus continues to inspire us. There must be something
to learn from the stories of these two people. These are two allegories of two
types of Christian lives. The right and wrong beginnings which naturally led to
wrong courses and then the wrong end.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Christian discipleship could be imagined using
the metaphor of the seed sown, grows, fruits and is harvested.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">To live a Christian life, our hearts must be sown with
the gospel of God's kingdom.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">In Luke 8, Jesus illustrates this with a parable. The
story is about a farmer who went out to sow. While many seeds perished and did
not yield anything, he was able to harvest a good harvest. Some seeds fell on
the rocks, and they dried up. Some fell on the path and were trampled. What
fell among thorns were choked. Several of them were eaten by birds before
sprouting.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The soil was the problem, not the seed. All seeds came
from the same basket, by the same person, but the place where they landed made
all the difference. As with the soils, not all hearts were ready to receive the
Word. Some denied it right then without allowing to take roots. A few were
choked by hearts preoccupied with worry and anxiety. A word could not grow
there because they did not have enough space.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Christian life begins as the Word of God is planted in
our hearts. James refers to the seed that begins the Christian's life as
"the implanted Word". “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant
wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save
your souls” (James 1:21).</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">When James speaks of "salvation," he refers to
the judgment of God. The Word implanted in us will grow to save us on the day of
judgment. The Christian life is successful when one has planted a seed in his
heart and nurtures it so that it grows and bears fruit. In Hebrews, the writer
makes a similar observation about the generation of Israelites who perished
along the way. “For this good news—that God has prepared this rest—has been
announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they did
not share the faith of those who listened to God” (Heb 4:2, NLT). The hearing
of the Word did not profit them for their salvation.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">It is sad that many people follow Christ without their
hearts being sown by the word. Their journey begins with some miracles in their
life, or some needs met in answer to prayer. Their hearts are devoid of the
Word and then the wither away when miracles do not happen again when they
expect.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">People who begin their Christian life without the Word implanted in their hearts are like wild mushrooms. The wild mushrooms are aplenty in the farms though they
are seasonal. The people in the countryside gather them on the morning after a
night of thunderstorm. They believe that it is the lightning the previous night
that caused them to sprout. They are usually found on decaying vegetation. You
must pick them immediately before another torrent wash them away, or before the
worms begins to feast on them. Not all mushrooms are edible, and some are
poisonous. Many Christian journey begins with the splashing display of
miracles, answered prayers, or the compelling oratory skills of celebrity
preachers. Their hearts are barren, but their appearances are alluring. Though
they are beautiful in shape and colour they do not have deep roots. Most of
them cannot stand the heat of the sun or the hunger of the worms.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">For the sown seed to grow, the soil symbolizing our
hearts should be pure. James urges us to remove all filthiness, wickedness and
all that turns the soil sterile. We must accept the Word in meekness. Meekness
is that quality of our character that makes us low down under the weight of the
Word of God. Unless we are humble, we cannot carry the Word in our hearts, and
keep it until it sprouts to become a plant yields fruit. Word of God sown in
the hearts that are unclean and arrogant cannot grow into plants that
productive. They may grow on decaying vegetation, instead of the living Word of
God and perish as wild mushroom when the show is over.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">(</span><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "segoe ui", roboto, oxygen, cantarell, "helvetica neue", ubuntu, sans-serif" style="background-color: #e8e8e8; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 16px;">Photo by </span><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "segoe ui", roboto, oxygen, cantarell, "helvetica neue", ubuntu, sans-serif" style="background-color: #e8e8e8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://www.pexels.com/@punchbrandstock?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Dominika Roseclay</a></span><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "segoe ui", roboto, oxygen, cantarell, "helvetica neue", ubuntu, sans-serif" style="background-color: #e8e8e8; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 16px;"> from </span><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "segoe ui", roboto, oxygen, cantarell, "helvetica neue", ubuntu, sans-serif" style="background-color: #e8e8e8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/macro-photography-of-red-and-brown-mushroom-3104857/?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Pexels</a></span>)</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-23296472249100354612021-05-14T22:01:00.005+05:302021-05-15T11:59:42.940+05:30Israel-Palestine conflict: Where is Christ in this?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLq0qbAuwgCUqz5EOKtVJiPjlBuZHXnr4xSWYiZ1smqodP6KajG1UBCMYazQYP9yO2yneGsZCP5qfVCooVd0_8QhcPWsK1jMu-HixM4ATp90fQ59vfykScONRIeP1-7IsOvMF/s1024/And+Jesus+Wept.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLq0qbAuwgCUqz5EOKtVJiPjlBuZHXnr4xSWYiZ1smqodP6KajG1UBCMYazQYP9yO2yneGsZCP5qfVCooVd0_8QhcPWsK1jMu-HixM4ATp90fQ59vfykScONRIeP1-7IsOvMF/w266-h400/And+Jesus+Wept.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>The developments of this week in the centuries-old Israel-Palestine
conflict has created a lot of clashes of opinions. Christians have taken sides,
mostly on the Israeli side. The media is divided but mostly are on the side of
Israel.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The reasons for the support for Israel are many. First
sympathies. Historically, they had been a persecuted minority except in India and probably
in the United States. Who can ignore the six million Jews who died under Hitler’s
gas chambers? The sorrowful part of their history, along with the propaganda in favor of them has created lot of sympathies for them. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">In addition to the popular sympathy for Israel,
some Christians also find that what happens in Israel is fulfilment of Biblical
prophecies. These Christians think that all Palestinians are Muslims, though a
significant number of them are Christians. Many Christian Holy places are in
Palestinian territory (including Bethlehem, Jericho, Hebron, etc.). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Many Christians think that the Jewish nation is a friend
of Christianity. But there is lot of intolerance in Israel. Attack on Christian churches
are a regular event that fanatic Jews stage. There are restrictions on building
churches and Christian institutions in Israel. Even a person who is Jew by
birth but converted to another religion is not eligible for immigration to
Israel. This includes Messianic Jews born outside Israel. They are denied citizenship though they have Jewish blood running in their
veins, but they are different by faith. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">All these are facts of history.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Jews have a right to live in their land; but the
Palestinians also have the same right. Historically, they were living in that
land for centuries. The Jews are Palestinians who were in exile and in Diaspora
for centuries and returned in different waves over centuries. They too have the
right to live in their ancestral land. They needed a home to come back to. The
best home is certainly the land where their ancestors lived. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">We should recognize that the present conflict is not
religious but purely political. It is the result of the Arabs hating the Jewish
nation called Israel, their denial of Israel’s right to exist, and Israel’s
arrogant claim that the whole land belongs to them. The whole of it never
belonged to them in history. In most of their history foreigners ruled over them,
and rest of the time they had to live with people who did not share their faith
and from different ethnic stocks.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">But modern Israel has the power to stand up to any
threat to their existence. They have their own military power and international rapport
to add to their might. The Hamas, the violent face of the Palestinians inflict
pain upon the majority of neutral Palestinians by inciting Israeli Defense Force to retaliate. I recall one Friday
evening six years ago witnessing a conflict between Palestinian young men and Israeli
soldiers in Bethlehem. The young men were pelting stones at the Israeli
watchtower and Israeli soldiers were firing at the unarmed youth. It was an
unequal exchange.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">One of the characters in a book by Israeli writer, Amos
Oz said, the non-Jews must be treated as “drawers of water and cutters wood” (Joshua
9:23). Many people (but not all) in Israel share this view—treating non-Jews
with contempt. At the same time decades of subjugation is the propellent that
powered the rockets from Gaza towards Israel. The arrogance fueled mixed with the spirit of revenge is the reason why Gaza is being razed
to the ground by Israeli counter attacks. Those who died in Gaza or lost their homes have never seen a rocket!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">As a student of the Bible, I do not see any support
in the Hebrew Bible (that I share with my Jewish friends) and the New Testament
to justify this conflict between Israel and Palestine. There is not any
biblical prophecy to support the present situation. All the biblical prophecies
are fulfilled except the prophecies related to the return of Christ, the rapture,
resurrection of the saints and their eternity with Christ. We are in the end
times right now, waiting for the end of the end times. That may happen at any
time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Christians in Palestine, and in Israel may have the
right to take sides in this conflict. Because it is a matter of their nationality
and their existence. But this does not apply to Christians in other places.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Since there are no historical or biblical reasons
to support either Israel or Palestine, where should Christ-followers stand in
this conflict? The Christians should seek God’s will in this matter. They
should ask what side would Christ take in this conflict where both sides suffer
loss of life, property, and their life of dignity? I think the heart of Christ
is weeping as he wept at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:35).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">I am sure that the Christ whom I know does not
support violence. He does not support either the hatred that the Hamas foster, nor
the arrogance of the State of Israel. He mourns that his command to love each
other has gone unheeded by the Palestinians and the Jews. If all Jews lived
according to the Royal Law of Love (James 2:8) there would be no conflict. Jesus
taught his disciples that violence is futile and destructive. His group of disciples
included some former members of the Jewish terrorist movement called Zealots (Simon
the Zealot). If Hamas heeded Jesus words, that “</span><span lang="EN-GB">all who
take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52<!--EndFragment-->)</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">, they would have reimagined the situation differently. Any Christian who
thinks that it is right to justify violence for whatever reasons is not a true
follower of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The sculpture at the Oklahoma Bombing Memorial is eloquent!
I stood before it deeply contemplating on the mind of my Lord! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1995, domestic terrorists </span><span lang="EN-GB">Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols exploded the Federal building in Oklahoma
City where 168 people including children died. The explosion injured more than 600 people. At the
far end of the memorial stands the sculpture titled “Jesus Wept.” It
depicts Jesus with his face covered in his palm, turned away from the site. It
tells it all, the one who embraced death on Calvary-cross to raze down the wall
of enmity and hatred is weeping and calls us to weep over the violence that is in
the DNA of the unredeemed humankind.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9ijRkK3eqEYILfp4MPwVmeE6sNYAv4n1MybPCtDBxtZZBmbLMNyxDkNxET76mY_Fenir2_IzB4vqc_vtrbwSrBEcswRDTJibmSw2K_elEY7PfRUp6Xh6hw1FIlEBKxIrFbDB/s1024/2018-06-25+Christ+statue+across+from+bombing+site.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9ijRkK3eqEYILfp4MPwVmeE6sNYAv4n1MybPCtDBxtZZBmbLMNyxDkNxET76mY_Fenir2_IzB4vqc_vtrbwSrBEcswRDTJibmSw2K_elEY7PfRUp6Xh6hw1FIlEBKxIrFbDB/w400-h300/2018-06-25+Christ+statue+across+from+bombing+site.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-74854016189283624742021-05-05T16:03:00.007+05:302021-06-05T10:09:27.491+05:30Pandemic, panic and boredom<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeHb4nP3ZHLpAh56Hck_vOlmIUzk9gEfxV4wGNm3NxYwwzm0k8YIswwL7iqF8H7JJibOuR3A5vZXjs41GSmKc4xxknQ7xNWtUA5aCnvEc2rotRrsucPnAzjLMSQrXTDjwQTBN/s1024/Don%2527t+Panic%2521.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeHb4nP3ZHLpAh56Hck_vOlmIUzk9gEfxV4wGNm3NxYwwzm0k8YIswwL7iqF8H7JJibOuR3A5vZXjs41GSmKc4xxknQ7xNWtUA5aCnvEc2rotRrsucPnAzjLMSQrXTDjwQTBN/w300-h400/Don%2527t+Panic%2521.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> Aside from claiming many lives, the Covid-19
pandemic also affects the mind. People panic and dive deep into boredom.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cambridge dictionary defines panic as "a
sudden, strong feeling of anxiety or fear that prevents reasonable thought and
action and may spread to influence many people."<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Anxiety can be caused by real or imaginary
perceptions of threat and harm. Panic is also a type of fear triggered by our
perceptions. Perceptions that trigger panic may be present or absent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In addition, panic is especially undesirable
because it prevents people from thinking or acting rationally. Panic
impairs their ability to rationally think and act.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Panic drives many people to explore tips about
healthy living, avoiding, or managing Covid that are available all over
the internet out of panic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There are many factors that cause panic during the pandemic. First, we are isolated by lockdowns, social distancing, fear of death,
the loss of friends, etc. Suddenly, our support systems have disappeared, and
we are forced to live in our own cocoons.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Related to this is the lack of access to whatever
gave us meaning, enjoyment, and purpose in life. Imagine driving down to the
favorite coffee place after a busy day only to be greeted by the closed sign.
Or the seats are limited. You return dejected. Coffee made at home is never
good as the one at the coffee house, moreover, we miss the crowd and the ambience of
the place as well.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As the Cambridge Dictionary states, panic "may
spread to influence many people". You might have guessed the reason people who panic turn to social media such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. They
cannot control their fear without spreading it to others.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Initially, work from home (WFH) was welcomed with
enthusiasm. But boredom developed due to WFH's social isolation. The result of
boredom is to engage in useless activities that only provide us with wrong
pleasure. We often use social media as a way of escaping boredom by forwarding
things even before we open them. This is fun for people. Some people beat
boredom by posting or sharing on social media like Facebook, Instagram, or
YouTube. Watching the growing number of likes and shares gives an adrenaline
rush much greater than that of a large Cappuccino.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There is a flipside as well. Everyone is so busy
posting (like you do) that they don't have time to read or like your post. The lack of likes
and shares may also cause you to dip into depression. The dwindling number of
likes and shares may be perceived as rejection, so you give the world a reason
to remind you that you are not as popular as you thought. It hurts when ego is deflated as a punctured balloon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: medium;">How can we avoid panic and boredom? We must first
recognize that we are not in control of our own lives. In fact, we cannot
prevent many things from happening. For instance, the Corona Virus. There is no point panicking over things beyond our control. It is not to accept
it as fate that we will suffer. Instead, it is to realize that God is in charge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Second, we must recognize the reason for our
existence. We do not exist for mere pleasure. Heaven is our goal, and we don't
seek earthly pleasure to sustain our lives. "Joy of the Lord" means
we draw pleasure from God's presence in our lives and looking forward to what
is waiting for us in heaven. A worldview such as this provides an immunity to boredom
caused by an absence of earthly pleasures.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Additionally, the advice is to stay calm, don't panic! Make sure you are not spreading your panic to others through your social
media accounts. That would be a great service to humanity. Give yourself some time
to make rational decisions before reacting.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: medium;">-------------------------------------</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(Photo courtesy: Glyn Nelson licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)</span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-63702143992377652642021-04-27T19:12:00.008+05:302021-05-01T09:03:46.811+05:30Staying hopeful in hopeless situations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtfEJE7GziSNQcFr1mt4UJiU-BkPSm1tr3GVmkkLdLQiFiHh8fRfnbb18ATTx09AwD6t47yc60I5QHT_6OWdZFMopwiH5tMMsTqGMOhslubXxlJabkTRlpMe3Cwn9skeUu40q/s1024/Jeremiah+Lamenting+the+Destruction+of+Jerusalem.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="821" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtfEJE7GziSNQcFr1mt4UJiU-BkPSm1tr3GVmkkLdLQiFiHh8fRfnbb18ATTx09AwD6t47yc60I5QHT_6OWdZFMopwiH5tMMsTqGMOhslubXxlJabkTRlpMe3Cwn9skeUu40q/w321-h400/Jeremiah+Lamenting+the+Destruction+of+Jerusalem.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>That was the most irrational suggestion; to buy a land in a country which at war when the enemy has advanced to the citadels of its capital. But that suggestion was from God.<br /><br />Prophet Jeremiah had been prophesying that his beloved country, Judah, is to fall at the hands of the Babylonians. His prophecy has come true. The Babylonian army has besieged Jerusalem. It has been a year now; the Babylonians had been waiting for the surrender of the people in Jerusalem. Other prominent cities are already fallen. Judah is already under the control of the Babylon for ten years now.<br /><br />But God told Jeremiah to buy a land in his village of Anathoth from his relative (Jeremiah 32). The whole country, including the village of Anathoth (just 5-6 km from Jerusalem) is about to be occupied by the Babylonians in a matter of days. Though Jeremiah protested, he had to surrender to the divine command, and he bought it. That was a risky deal—buying a land in a war-torn country, which is sure to fall to the enemy. But Jeremiah did it, or God convinced him to do that.<br /><br />What was God's argument? God told Jeremiah, that it is a symbolic act. The Babylonian army is to have a sure victory and they will overrun the land in a matter of days. The king, nobles and many people will be exiled out of their country, if they are fortunate enough to survive the sword. However, God is going to bring them back in the future, to occupy their land to build their houses and dwell. Though it will take about seven decades, God will make it happen. Jeremiah had a double message. One of judgment—God is going to punish the people for their sins as he allows the Babylonians to rampage the land and people. At the same time, God's act is not only judgment. He also promised them hope. After seven decades of exile is over, they will return to their land. <br /><br />The message of judgment is proclaimed, and it is now taking place as the Babylonians army is positioned at the gates of Jerusalem. But in this situation of fear and hopelessness God want to assure them of the future hope of return to the land.<br /><br />That hope must be demonstrated, and God asked Jeremiah to help. By buying a land, in a country threatened with war and imminent defeat, Jeremiah had to buy this piece of land to proclaim by his action that: "For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land.’ Jeremiah 32:15). It was an act of trust in God's promises.<br /><br />God judged his people as Jerusalem and its temple was destroyed and the people were taken to exile. But God did not forget his promise. Seventy years after this event, he brought his people back, as he promised to buy houses, fields, and vineyards in that land.<br /><br />However, Jeremiah never claimed his property. A few years after the destruction of Jerusalem, he was dragged to Egypt and died there never to see the land he purchased during the wartime. That is the life of the prophet, they live out the word of God in absolute surrender without any questions asked. They are loser in some sense, but they made the point clear that God is not just a God of wrath but also hope and compassion. <span style="background-color: white;">Purchasing the land, he lost money, so he was a loser in one sense.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">However, he inspired many to hope in God. </span><div>-------------------------------<br /><div>Photo courtesy: (<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22490717@N02/11716194406" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #ed592f; cursor: pointer; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">"Netherlands-4257 - Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem"</a><span face=""Source Sans Pro", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22490717@N02" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #ed592f; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">archer10 (Dennis)</a></span><span face=""Source Sans Pro", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 16px;"> is licensed under </span><a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #ed592f; cursor: pointer; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">CC BY-SA 2.0</a>)</div><div><br /> </div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-35469281964858162752021-04-25T17:34:00.002+05:302021-04-27T14:52:22.371+05:30The Lonely Jungle Babbler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfCAedq8H_Vl1VuoOn3NYnlLHXw4IzK0nagVZMTi9F46emi_bxciUvMqRSsNyicGBvlIlIkHKj-xuRnDsx_hRjfH5KybmmWTWg8VNjPwOgxkGliRNSpzKoJN9yL5GUUJRurNc/s1024/Jungle+Babbler+%2528Turdoides+striata%2529+%25281%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfCAedq8H_Vl1VuoOn3NYnlLHXw4IzK0nagVZMTi9F46emi_bxciUvMqRSsNyicGBvlIlIkHKj-xuRnDsx_hRjfH5KybmmWTWg8VNjPwOgxkGliRNSpzKoJN9yL5GUUJRurNc/w400-h300/Jungle+Babbler+%2528Turdoides+striata%2529+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /><span class="TextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Every day it comes, and pecks at the glass panel of the window of my study. It is a Jungle Babbler, a very common bird in the Indian subcontinent. It dances flying up and down and fluttering its wings. Sometimes, three or four times a day it repeats this ritual. I thought it is trying to get </span><span class="TextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">into</span><span class="TextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> my room or fly through as it can see the other side. But why does it keep coming, can't it make out after three or four attempts that it can't fly through?</span><span class="EOP SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":284,"335559740":360}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; user-select: text;"> </span></a><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW171547945" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW171547945 BCX8" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8c8749a7-dc49-4420-ba73-26a0713a469b}{253}" paraid="382117873" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">I told my Neighbor, whom I consider an expert on birds, about this winged visitor. She explained that the babbler is pecking at its own reflection, thinking that it is another bird. I thought of verifying her suggestion. The following day I kept the window half open, drawing one panel fully open. The babbler came as usual. Perched on the window, </span><span class="TextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">looked into</span><span class="TextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> my room through the open panel but did not enter the room or peck. But it moved to the side of the window where there is glass and started pecking on the glass and dancing. So, I my </span><span class="TextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Neighbor</span><span class="TextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> is right, it was pecking at its own reflection, thinking it is another bird.</span><span class="EOP SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":284,"335559740":360}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW171547945" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW171547945 BCX8" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a5b55b39-872c-488f-951c-639f1a5b769e}{11}" paraid="838369352" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">The Jungle Babblers are found in flocks of seven; that is why they are called "Sath Bhai" in Hindi, or "seven sisters" in English. But this Babbler moves around </span><span class="TextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">alone,</span><span class="TextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> not in a flock. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Maybe</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> it is an outcast. It may be searching for a friend or a flock to belong to. It comes many times a day, hoping to lure its image to join his company. Poor lonely Babbler.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":284,"335559740":360}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW171547945" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW171547945 BCX8" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a5b55b39-872c-488f-951c-639f1a5b769e}{24}" paraid="305449198" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Loneliness is a terrible thing, to be alone, having no one to belong to. God pitied the man he created and said to himself that, "it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him” (Genesis 2:18). So, </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2 SCXW171547945 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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"); background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">God</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> made a female companion for the first man. The institution of marriage is seen as God's remedy for loneliness. But not all humans get married, there are lots of singles, many widows and widowers as well. Loneliness prevails.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":284,"335559740":360}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW171547945" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW171547945 BCX8" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a5b55b39-872c-488f-951c-639f1a5b769e}{37}" paraid="294147322" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Human beings are social. God intended that they live in the company of each other. Loneliness creates distress and meaninglessness. Like the lonely Jungle </span><span class="TextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Babbler,</span><span class="TextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> we are looking for someone to belong to as we live in an increasingly individualist world. All that many of us can see is only our image and nobody else. That sinks us further into loneliness and depression.</span><span class="EOP SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":284,"335559740":360}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW171547945" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW171547945 BCX8" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a5b55b39-872c-488f-951c-639f1a5b769e}{50}" paraid="1359349355" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">One way of beating loneliness is to experience the presence of God in our lives. The indwelling Holy Spirit enables us to experience the presence of God. Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit who will be with us "forever." Through his Spirit, Christ is present with us as he promised that he is with us till the end of the world. A person who </span><span class="TextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">holds</span><span class="TextRun SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> on to the promises of God could be alone, but not lonely.</span><span class="EOP SCXW171547945 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":284,"335559740":360}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: "Times New Roman", "Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont", "Times New Roman_MSFontService", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-43491198986636894032021-04-01T16:44:00.003+05:302021-04-01T16:48:50.848+05:30The midday heat and the morning breeze<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisW73v1IqSUwvddQ0Db067_0F0HUo45arIIhpvR4gRAaJ3FjSEpEyCFrpfl8cLGHcsTKsVmi2K1c0dge4yzoorcgBWZsH3A2n1ivJm2CoEheR0lz5p_fRa3Brlu7ku0mMnMP1m/s2048/6C581276-3DD2-43EF-ACAD-1588212AC37F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisW73v1IqSUwvddQ0Db067_0F0HUo45arIIhpvR4gRAaJ3FjSEpEyCFrpfl8cLGHcsTKsVmi2K1c0dge4yzoorcgBWZsH3A2n1ivJm2CoEheR0lz5p_fRa3Brlu7ku0mMnMP1m/w554-h554/6C581276-3DD2-43EF-ACAD-1588212AC37F.jpeg" width="554" /></a></div><br />The night is hot, the mercury could touch 42 Celsius or more in the coming days. However, I normally sit on the balcony in the morning and evening for my prayer and meditation where there is a generous supply of refreshing morning breeze. But by midday, I forget the cool breeze and complain about the heat, sweat, and humidity. Often forget that the evening breeze will be cool, and then comes the morning with an even cooler breeze to make up for the heat of the noon. <p></p><div dir="auto"><div class="ecm0bbzt hv4rvrfc ihqw7lf3 dati1w0a" data-ad-comet-preview="message" data-ad-preview="message" id="jsc_c_in"><div class="j83agx80 cbu4d94t ew0dbk1b irj2b8pg"><div class="qzhwtbm6 knvmm38d"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh a8c37x1j keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">We complain when life gets hotter but ignore the moments of cool breezes that we had and still have.</div></div></span></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-51781883031451489482021-02-23T16:16:00.005+05:302021-02-23T16:30:02.467+05:30Not practical, nor pragmatic, just blind faith<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsekVn4I-yiEx-xbDEGAXWYDJyvEg9rJIPagRZQyR55MwCQlMSw9BelqdapJDm0WZ1-ydsYxArVq7AxKzRy1q1-fRPLwbjub8KCY4L0jUl4HsUpMjEZNBMIenlVkxN7akDVU-/s2048/Bungee+Jump.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsekVn4I-yiEx-xbDEGAXWYDJyvEg9rJIPagRZQyR55MwCQlMSw9BelqdapJDm0WZ1-ydsYxArVq7AxKzRy1q1-fRPLwbjub8KCY4L0jUl4HsUpMjEZNBMIenlVkxN7akDVU-/w587-h391/Bungee+Jump.jpg" width="587" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;">I believe most of us are very practical
in our thinking. Practical thinking is assessing if something that we
plan to do is doable. For example, Bungee jumping. The observation that
so many people have done it, and they are doing it makes me think that I
can do it also. So, I do it. That is practical thinking.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />However,
though we often confuse practical thinking with pragmatic thinking they
are different. In simpler terms the pragmatic decision also asks another
question—though it is achievable, will it lead to some useful results?
Bungee jumping is again the example. I can plunge into the ravine with
one end a rope tied to my ankle and the other end firmly tied to a post,
with all life-saving systems on stand-by. But what am I going to get
out of it? In real terms, nothing useful is going to come out of it. So,
though it is practical it is not pragmatic. But if I am descending to
the ravine to save a person fallen into it, that Bungee jumping is not
useless; the decision to do that is certainly pragmatic.<br /> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ruth’s (the
Biblical character) decision to follow Naomi was not pragmatic. Her
sister Orpah weighed the pros and cons of following the mother-in-law to
the homeland and decided that it is not pragmatic, so she returned
home. However, Ruth was also equally persuaded by the mother-in-law to
return; she also might have found out that it is not pragmatic to follow
the frail old woman who cannot promise a better life. But she still
followed her.<br /> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;">However, the rest of the story tells us that, though
Ruth’s decision was not a well-considered pragmatic decision, it turned
out to be the best for her and her mother-in-law. Orpah who was
extremely pragmatic vanished from the story as she took the first step
back home.<br /> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ruth flourished, she found a husband who happened to be
rich, kind, and righteous in his dealings. She became the grandmother of
the great king of Israel, David, and also the ancestor of the promised
Messiah. Her name is mentioned in the sacred books of two major ancient
religions—Judaism and Christianity.<br /> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;">What turned Ruth’s decision a
very pragmatic decision? It is the invisible mover who is behind the
story of the Book of Ruth. The book got its name after the main
character, Ruth. However, a closer look reveals that Ruth is not the
main character, nor even Naomi. The name Ruth is mentioned 12 times in
the Book excluding the pronouns referring to her. However, God is
mentioned 19 times excluding pronouns! So, in the author’s mind, the
crucial character is God rather than Ruth. Though he is not center
stage, he moves the pieces, to bring what otherwise ended tragically to a
happy ending—and they lived happily ever after.<br />God is the divine
orchestrator, the invisible mover. He prompts Ruth to follow Naomi back
to her homeland. He leads her to Boaz’s field during harvest season. He
brings Boaz to the field when Ruth was there. He makes Naomi advise Ruth
to go to Boaz’s threshing field to ask Boaz to marry her and protect
her. The same invisible mover makes the marriage happen and a son born
to the once destitute Ruth.</span></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Though pragmatic thinking has its due
place, the success of life is not all in the best pragmatic reasoning.
It is God, the invisible mover behind each individual’s story decides
the outcome of our life. Ruth decided to make Naomi’s God, her God. When
she decided to follow the God of the Bible, God shadowed her wherever
she went. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Photo courtesy: Arun Mathew)<br /></span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-17806012796641036622021-02-20T17:15:00.007+05:302021-02-20T17:15:53.967+05:30Overstating miseries, overlooking divine possiblities<p class="Textbody"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiCQy_NNyFuBDYajAf6vUyEzOyZecRwl15Ikj2qt2za2J_h9g3xyx5EZpx5eVtx1GxnJIDwg2ROnTVFYJpuV72TkJ5WFNmaQXXKYC9hs922I14E5qIrGckA5Fd8qfKUgQ2WGG/s1200/ruth-and-naomi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiCQy_NNyFuBDYajAf6vUyEzOyZecRwl15Ikj2qt2za2J_h9g3xyx5EZpx5eVtx1GxnJIDwg2ROnTVFYJpuV72TkJ5WFNmaQXXKYC9hs922I14E5qIrGckA5Fd8qfKUgQ2WGG/w562-h294/ruth-and-naomi.jpg" width="562" /></a></div><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sometimes we overstate our
miseries. That is what Naomi did also.</span></span><p></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="Textbody"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is true that he had become
a widow, and she lost her sons as well. She is too to old get married again and
have a husband or children. She had two words to describe her misery. She says
to the townspeople who had come to welcome her back to Bethlehem: “</span><span lang="EN-IN">I went away full, and the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call
me Naomi, when the LORD has testified against me and the Almighty has brought
calamity upon me?” (Ruth 1:21</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">).</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="Textbody"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A victim of self-pity,
she calls herself empty. However, she is not empty; she had
Ruth with her. In addition to her company and care Ruth later fills Naomi’s
life with joy, security and happiness. Naomi failed to see that life will
flourish again with that young woman who has left her kindred to follow her. In
her distress she over stated her misery.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="Textbody"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Another word that she
used to describe her also shows how she overstated the pain of her life. When
the women of her village called her Naomi (which in Hebrew means “sweet” or “pleasant”)
she retorted that she is no more sweet but bitter (Hebrew, “mara”). She even
changed her name! She is not saying that she is bitter towards anyone, but her
life has no joy, it is a bundle of bitter experiences. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">She thought that three
tragedies has wiped out all joy from her. I can sympathize with her. One small
discomfort could suck dry all our happiness. How much more three deaths in a
row? She is justified in some sense. But she seems to have ignored the truth
that sorrow is not there to stay forever. God being on her side, every mourning
will turn into dancing. The psalmist puts it this way: “</span><span lang="EN-IN">For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning” (Psa 30:5,
ESV).</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-IN">However, we have no excuse to whine as
Naomi did. Because God has assured us through his apostle that, “No temptation has
overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let
you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also
provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians
10:13, ESV). When there is no one in sight, the invisible
God is there. He fills our cup until it overflows, leaves none of us empty and dry.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-IN">In times of extreme suffering the promises
of God strengthens the believer:<sup> </sup>“Blessed is the man who remains
steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown
of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12,
ESV).</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-IN">To overstate our troubles, we need to close our eyes toward the God of possibilities. <br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-IN">(Photo courtesy: First Presbyterian Church, La Grange) <br /></span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-90189003241179067342021-02-17T16:10:00.006+05:302021-02-17T16:13:25.737+05:30Taking decisions<div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HdCQ0CpLvSCd6wm6jjxUdi98xZLIH4jdOyKq7l5dCjPD1tNbmC_pd7AnAy0PZPS9d5gL22wrIdyQ1R-kRt4axaGJB4jywiHLR_NTPd-Z05m2FgjnHLZuRLlPWQuswJiyePlk/s2048/Chess.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HdCQ0CpLvSCd6wm6jjxUdi98xZLIH4jdOyKq7l5dCjPD1tNbmC_pd7AnAy0PZPS9d5gL22wrIdyQ1R-kRt4axaGJB4jywiHLR_NTPd-Z05m2FgjnHLZuRLlPWQuswJiyePlk/w627-h308/Chess.jpg" width="627" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;">Naomi was a passive victim of a wrong decision that heaped tragedies upon tragedies upon her family. They decided to migrate to Moab when famine struck their town, Bethlehem, which rather ironically means "house of bread." There in Moab they had food in plenty, I suppose, but she lost all the male members of the family. Her husband first, her sons next, in that order. All that was left was two young widows and she.</span></span></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was indeed a wrong decision. They should not have left the Bethlehem. The Book of Ruth tells us that all the residents of that town did not leave their homes and fields for Moab during the famine. They stayed back and fought the famine. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;">However, Naomi was not probably responsible for that wrong decision. In a patriarchal society like hers, the husband and the adult male members took the decisions on behalf of the rest of the family. The women just followed since they didn't have a say in what was decided. Probably, the decision to go to Moab was her husband's decision not even of her sons' since they were probably young.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;">However, what is important is what Naomi did when the authority to take decisions in the family fell on her. In the absence of her husband and sons, she had to take decisions. She took the right decision: to return back to the homeland. That was the right decision in the right direction. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;">It led to blessings in her life. She had security in her life as Boaz walked in as the husband and redeemer of Ruth. There was immense joy when Obed was born who later became the grandfather of David the great king of Israel. Then centuries later, the Jesus Christ the savior of the world was born in her family. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;">One right decision, in the right direction is all that you have to take to walk the path of God's blessings and joy.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;">[Photo courtesy: Engin Akyurt]<br /></span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-53415713694408225262021-02-08T18:26:00.005+05:302021-03-27T08:50:15.918+05:30Praying for the enemy<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="woc"><span lang="EN-GB"><span> </span>“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall
love your</span></span><span class="woc"><span>
neighbor</span><span lang="EN-GB"> and hate your enemy.’</span></span><span lang="EN-GB"> <span class="woc">But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for
those who persecute you,</span><span class="reftext"> </span><span class="woc">so
that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise
on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust”
(Matt 5:43—45, ESV).</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="woc"><span lang="EN-GB">Sudeesh is honest and sincere with a good amount of curiosity. While passing by a church on Sunday morning he asked someone walking to the church what do they do in the church every Sunday. Tom, one of the church-goers whom he stopped, thought for a while and answered, “we pray for people like you.” Though it is the simplest answer that Tom come up with, it bewildered Sudeesh. "You pray for others?" Sudeesh was shocked. “We
only pray for ourselves and for those whom we love and care for.” That is true.
Most people limit their prayers to themselves and also for their dear ones, if they can find time for that. Jesus challenges us further demanding to love our enemies and even pray for them.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="woc"><span lang="EN-GB">Enemies fall into two classes.
One, the people whom we consider as our enemies—people whom we hate and hurt.
However, a disciple of Christ is not allowed to hate or harm others. So enemy
in this context are not those whom we consider as enemies. However, there is
another possibility. These are people who hate and harm us. We have no
control over them like the authorities who persecuted the poor, helpless
Christians. They considered the Christians whom they persecuted as enemies. They
could justify persecuting them once they view them as enemies because in their opinion enemies had to be done away with.<br /></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="woc"><span lang="EN-GB">However, the value-system
that Jesus taught his disciple is different. Jesus taught that our enemy is not the one we
hate, but they are those who hate us. But it is our duty to love
them and not hate them. In other words, though they consider us as enemies, we
have to consider them as people who deserve our love. </span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="woc"><span lang="EN-GB">Jesus raised the bar
further. He said, it is not just loving; love is just a feeling. But love should lead us
to pray for them. But Jesus didn’t clarify what should a Christian pray for their
persecutors. Are we asked to pray that they should stop persecuting, or that their persecution
is more bearable? </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="woc"><span lang="EN-GB">The answer to these questions is in Jesus’ prayer on the cross. He did
not pray that they will poke him with their spears a bit more gently, nor their ridicule is
milder. His prayer was an intercession for forgivenes for his persecutors. He asked father God to
forgive them since they don’t really understand what they are doing. He asked
God to forgive their ignorance. </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="woc"><span lang="EN-GB">Prayer for the enemy still focuses on
the enemy and not on us. It is not our comfort that we seek when we pray for
our enemies but theirs that God may forgive them.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-44611782046535269702021-02-03T09:38:00.005+05:302021-02-03T09:38:52.496+05:30Walking with God in Love and Justice<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-GB"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNXgRBfe_k2pOtfRxd35_9kcKpfXS03XFJWwGi-Yq6OwXm115bA501UsaVJSmfou_Loen-vaFC5trc2hDljDUsVxaHDrbsENSNCoROtuAk21nj56a3k9hCeldsNRQi7vYWRCh/s2048/pexels-rudolf-kirchner-831088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNXgRBfe_k2pOtfRxd35_9kcKpfXS03XFJWwGi-Yq6OwXm115bA501UsaVJSmfou_Loen-vaFC5trc2hDljDUsVxaHDrbsENSNCoROtuAk21nj56a3k9hCeldsNRQi7vYWRCh/w585-h254/pexels-rudolf-kirchner-831088.jpg" width="585" /></a></div><br />I recall the days sharing an apartment with
a few other single men. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of us knew
cooking so we had a lady sending us lunch-boxes every day. We noticed that over
the weeks this kind lady has customized our lunch boxes to suit each individual’s
likes and dislikes—each of us had our favorites dishes more often while the dishes
that we detested have disappeared from the menu.</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-GB">We were amused. How did this woman know what
each of us like though she hasn’t even met most of us even once? We quizzed the
man who brought the lunch for us every day. He told us the secret. She would
check all the lunch boxes that we returned and made a note of what remains in
them. Whatever, a person did not eat she considered it as a dislike and
whatever was eaten, she considered as his favorite. Thus, over the weeks she
knew what each of us like and what we detested. Now you know why we adored her!</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-GB">Knowing God’s will and pleasing him by
doing what he likes is even more noble. That is what we are called for.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-GB">Micah, a prophet of the eighth century BC
proclaimed, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD
require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with
your God?” (Micah 6:8, ESV). </span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-GB">Prophet Micah summarizes what God likes and
what God hates in Israel’s social life. He highlights three things. He expects
his people to do what is right, to love mercy and to walk humbly.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-GB">The book of Deuteronomy, all the prophetic
voices in the Old Testament and Jesus constantly reminded the people that God
desires righteousness, and justice. He demands that they show mercy to each
other especially those who are vulnerable in their society. Another prophet of
the same period cried out! “But let justice roll down like waters, and
righteousness like an ever-flowing stream (Amos 5:24, ESV).”</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-GB">Probably Micah stands out in the company of
the prophets by specifying that living a life that God delights is to “walk
humbly with your God.” </span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-GB">Walking humbly means to lead a modest life.
In fact, one of the meanings of the word used for ‘humble’ in Hebrew is
‘modest.’ Modest life is not to live extravagantly but one that limits to what
is essential. At the same time, the expression “with God” means that God
determines this life-style. The standard of our life-style is decided by our
close walk with God.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-GB">A life lived in comparison with the
standards of others, sometimes even leading to competition to beat each other
leads not only to excesses. In a similar vein, life-style that focuses on the self
to the total neglect of the needs around us leads to all that is ungodly. The
immodest life-style leads to corruption, exploitation and causes pain for
others. The wealthy in Israel oppressed and exploited the poor to satisfy their
cravings for luxury. Prophet Amos condemns those who lived in palaces decorated
with ivory, and drunk to their fill and loved rave parties.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-GB"> “Hear this word, you cows of Bashan, who
are on the mountain of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who
say to your husbands, ‘Bring, that we may drink!’ (Amos 4:1,
ESV)</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-GB">“Cows of Bashan” is a metaphor that Amos
used to describe the obese wealthy women.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-GB">Amos condemned the rich further:</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-GB">“Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory and
stretch themselves out on their couches, and eat lambs from the flock and
calves from the midst of the stall, who sing idle songs to the sound of the
harp and like David invent for themselves instruments of music, who drink wine
in bowls and anoint themselves with the finest oils, but are not grieved over
the ruin of Joseph! Therefore, they shall now be the first of those who go into
exile, and the revelry of those who stretch themselves out shall pass away” (Amos
6:4-7, ESV).</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-GB">Their extravagant life-style was at the
expense of the poor and needy whom them conveniently ignored. They created a society
where injustice and inequality prevailed over love and mercy. However, a life pleasing
God is modest, is content with what one has than grabbing what others have to live
haughtily as Isaiah portrayed such lives.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-GB">“The LORD said: Because the daughters of
Zion are haughty and walk with outstretched necks, glancing wantonly with their
eyes, mincing along as they go, tinkling with their feet, (Isaiah 3:16,
ESV).”</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-GB">The pride in what one wear, eat and spend
is not the mark of a life pleasing God.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-GB">(Photo courtesy: </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-GB">Rudolf Kirchner) </span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-52917849232439693492021-02-01T10:21:00.003+05:302021-02-01T11:58:38.596+05:30Seeing beyond what we can see!<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 21.3pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDHJdQ4KRahkwDcCw5liiqZzu1LzsXP0noesfQoD55JIP0_gikChtngHYoqevt39UYdDCV6-lxvp1sT8rMC63xE0JazCckQqzOSE9a-PGASuLiAe-AlA2yLUbZSYX7vel0P1S/s2048/Binoculars.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1171" data-original-width="2048" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDHJdQ4KRahkwDcCw5liiqZzu1LzsXP0noesfQoD55JIP0_gikChtngHYoqevt39UYdDCV6-lxvp1sT8rMC63xE0JazCckQqzOSE9a-PGASuLiAe-AlA2yLUbZSYX7vel0P1S/w675-h291/Binoculars.jpg" width="675" /></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: medium;"><br />The
people of Israel on the way to the promised land was caught literally between
the Devil and the deep-sea. When they discovered that they were facing the Red
Sea, they were convinced that there is no way beyond the lashing waves—the path
ended in the sea. Then when they turned back, the dust being raised by the army
of the Pharaoh fast approaching. They were sure that their end has come. So,
they complained to Moses, “Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us
alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to
serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” (Exodus 14:12, ESV).<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 21.3pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: medium;">We
know the rest of the story that they did not perish by the sword of the Pharaoh,
neither did they drown in the Read Sea. They made it across, but the army that
pursued them perished in the sea. But why did they whine? What frightened them?
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 21.3pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: medium;">What
terrified them is certainly what they saw—the army behind, and the sea in front.
However, if they were capable of perceiving realities beyond what they could
see, they would have dealt with the situation more courageously. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 21.3pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: medium;">They
failed to perceive two realities. The first is that God is with them. That was
the immediate reality. The army of the Pharaoh is far behind, though they are fast
approaching. The God who has led them out of the land of slavery with ‘a mighty
hand and an outstretched arm’ hasn’t abandoned them, he is right with them,
beside them. The reality that is far off scared them because they ignore the ‘present-help’
that was nearby.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 21.3pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: medium;">Overlooking
what is close by is very much part of human nature. That is why the airhostess making
safety procedures has to remind us that “the nearest exit my be just behind
you.” In an emergency we may head for the exit far ahead in the front ignoring the
exit which is just one row behind us. We fail to realize that God is close to
us in every circumstance than our adversaries are.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 21.3pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: medium;">They
failed in another aspect also. They failed to see that there is a land beyond
the formidable watery chaos staring at them. God hasn’t delivered them out of
the Egypt to lead them into the sea but to take them to a land that is beyond the
sea. He is leading them to a land that God promised repeatedly to their
forefathers. The sea just happens to be on the way. The failure to perceive this
promise beyond the immediate threat is another reason why they thought that their
end has come. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: 21.3pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: medium;">We
need to realize that God is with us in all circumstances. We need to assure
ourselves as Elisha assured his scared servant that “for those who are with us
are more than those who are with them” (2 Kings 6:16<!--EndFragment-->). Realizing
God’s fuller purpose for our life is the sure way of combating fear that
cripples us. God’s plan for us doesn’t end with the immediate circumstances
that we face at the moment. He will not bring anything to an end unless he fulfill
his promises in our life and his plans are completed they way want them to be.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">x</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28988740.post-16661503315226131002021-01-05T17:11:00.002+05:302021-01-05T17:14:16.097+05:30The Conquering Grace<p>
</p><p class="western">
Grace of God is hard to define. When I was making baby steps in
Christian faith, mentors told me that ‘grace is unmerited favor.’ I
found that helpful. But as I <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">continued</span></span></span></span>
to experience God’s grace as I grew, I found that this definition is
inadequate to express all that God does in my life. Now, I have
come to realize that grace of God is such a thing that eludes any
definition. Grace, as I understand now is what God alone and no human
can do in our lives.</p>
<p class="western">It comes in various colors, shapes and sizes!
John, the gospel writer seems to have understood the multifarious
nature of grace that he talks about the ‘fullness of grace’ and
‘grace upon grace’ (John 1:17). Or the New Living Translation
puts it: ‘From his abundance we have all received one gracious
blessing after another.’ These expressions mean that grace is not
just one-sided reality but a multi-faceted reality. Its fullness
is beyond our comprehension just as God evades our understanding.</p>
<p class="western">One of the rare but important aspect of God’s
grace is its power to conquer even those who reject it. I call it the
‘conquering grace.’</p>
<p class="western">The story of Apostle Paul illustrates the point. He
experienced the grace of God in such a measure that towards the end
of his life he would proclaim that ‘But by the grace of God I am
what I am’ (1 Cor 15:10). What he is and what he has achieved is the work of God’s grace in his life.</p>
<p class="western">However, the work of grace in his life marks the
beginning of his service to God. That however, was the work of the
conquering grace of God. He was a rebel who rejected the grace of God
in his life. He was full of hatred for God’s own people. Not only that, but he
persecuted them, killed them and was bent on eradicating the whole
movement of the disciples of Christ. He was actually persecuting the
risen Christ.</p>
<p class="western">But what happened on the Damascus road was an act
of the conquering grace. God captivated Saul (who later became Paul)
by blinding him with a bright light and speaking to him. As Paul fell
off the animal he was riding and turned blind, God conquered him by
his grace. He became a disciple, filled with the Holy Spirit and
became the most important apostle of all time. Thus, the grace of God
conquered the vilest of offenders.</p>
<p class="western">As I think of people, some in my close circles
also, <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">I
</span></span></span></span>hope in God’s conquering grace. They
don’t heed God’s Word, they reject godly counsel, some are a law
unto themselves. But I hope and pray for them that one day they will
have the Damascus road experience where grace will conquer them. When
grace conquered him, Paul changed his address. In most of the letters
that he wrote to the churches, he <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">describ</span></span></span></span>ed
himself as ‘a slave of Jesus Christ’ because the conquering grace
had enslaved him.</p>
<p><style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.25cm; direction: ltr; color: #000000; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; orphans: 2; widows: 2; background: transparent }p.western { font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-size: 12pt; so-language: en-GB }p.cjk { font-family: "Droid Sans Fallback"; font-size: 12pt; so-language: zh-CN }p.ctl { font-family: "Meera"; font-size: 12pt; so-language: ml-IN }a:link { color: #000080; so-language: zxx; text-decoration: underline }</style></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paulson Pulikottil is the senior pastor of the COMMUNITY OF THE REDEEMED (CORe) a Full Gospel Church in Pune, India.</div>Paulson Pulikottilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18316431663325728550noreply@blogger.com