It is now 24 years since Lucy (not her real name) was diagnosed with colon cancer. It had claimed her mother’s life a few years back. Being genetic, Lucy’s chances of survival were thin. Lucy was not yet 40 years. The diagnosis devastated her husband and her two teenage boys. The treatment would drain their […]
What does Christ expect from his followers? The prayers of Christ drop enough clues about his hopes in us. Christ is looking for strong, sanctified lives who live fully surrendered to him.
Scarecrows are placed on farms to scare the birds away. Even though the scarecrows have only a skewed resemblance to human beings who can harm them, birds go nowhere near them. But some birds are smart enough to tell the scarecrow from a real human. They know that they are just hay for the body, a broken pot for the head and still. These birds also know that the scarecrow is placed where there is something to eat. No one puts a scarecrow where nothing is grown. Instead of being scared away, they dare to land on the scarecrows to enjoy the feast the ripe field offers. This is the difference between faith and fear. (Click the title to read further.)
Truth should get the priority in resolving conflicts.
Centurion’s faith was commended because his faith came from his experience and his recognition of Jesus’ authority. In Jesus he saw more than a Galilean tramp. In Jesus he saw a man who has authority over all sickness. That belief is what the Bible calls faith. Faith involves how we perceive the divine. Jesus Christ is not just a Galilean carpenter.
The journey with the risen Christ is exciting. “The longer I serve him the sweeter he grows.” But why?
Faith is not just believing something but acting on God’s commands even if they seem ridiculous.
God’s demands more than just the willingness to obey but to go the full extent of obeying him.
God’s will is good, acceptable, and perfect. We should surrender ourselves to his perfect will.
Paulson Pulikottil 