Leave your comfort zone and go for the best zone

We go through life with our view of the world and many things assumed, and a given. We don't think about them. We don't challenge them. We accept them for what they are and build other experiences on them. When you meet Jesus for the first time, this changes because you suddenly realize there is something different, unexpected and better. We realize there is the perfect hope.

1 Peter 1:13
Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Yes, the challenges of life may be there, but you have a more certain understanding of what the future holds. The early Christians were greatly persecuted for their faith but held on because of the reality of the message. Are you questioning the authenticity of the Bible and the truths that lie within? Don't struggle with this.

1 Peter 1:12
To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.

Peter the apostle had firsthand knowledge of the good news. He perseveres in sharing the Word in spite of the persecution, because it is all true. The prophets of old spoke about it and their words preserved in writing. The angels knew these prophesies and desired to see when they would be fulfilled. The early Christians had first hand accounts or testimonies of these events and of Jesus Christ.

Father, let me speak the truth of the gospel at all times.

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My Journey of Faith

Sreedhar standing to the left of his grandfather in the center Almost 55 years ago a son was born to a Hindu family. The parents were 2nd generation Malaysians raised in a rubber estate near a small town called Sungei Petani in Northern Malaya at that time. This first child was given much love and care by their parents and had the privilege of growing up in 3 different states of Malaysia, most of which was in Petaling Jaya. He was blessed with his first domestic airplane ride when he was 10 years old, and made his first trip by airplane to Bangkok at the age of 11. In the mid 1970's the family moved to a large house in a relatively exclusive neighborhood in Petaling Jaya. This was a result of the favor his father, aged about 35 at that time, had in the workplace,. As a result, this son grew up in a mostly multicultural environment with Indian, Chinese and Malay children. In the process, his perspectives became cosmopolitan and racially neutral. On...

The commands are clear

Crossing of the Red Sea in the history of mankind was a spectacular event. The next spectacular event is the interaction with God on Mount Sinai. Cloud and smoke and ground of sapphire. Exodus 24:10, and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity. The sight and sounds must have been pretty amazing. This is where Moses gets the commandments from God. Exodus 24:12, Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.” There is such clarity in what God was doing here. The record makes clear the full situation as it happened after the people of Israel crossed the Red Sea. Important details are captured and presented for us to read thousands of years later. This is preserved and taught until today just like the days of Moses. Father, we h...

Rags to riches need something else

Can the impossible become possible? I have read many stories of rags to riches and have been naturally impressed by everything that has been said. It required great persistence, hardwork, endurance and something else. That something else is what differentiates between one rags to riches story, and the many other rags to rags stories. Unfortunately, we do not hear or read many of the latter. The successful ones had a "good break" that is a gift from God. Psalms 126:6 He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him. The people of Israel could only dream of being released from captivity. That is how this chapter started. Yes, the sowing of seed is needed. Hard work cannot be missed. But, along with the hardwork is the weeping. Weeping before God. He alone provided the deliverance when the people cried before God. Father, my heart's desire is to see all saved. Hear my cry O Lord fo...

Stand and raise your hands

I apologize if I offend anyone, but I feel free to lift up my hands when I worship the Lord. I would do it while standing up. It is only natural when you are worshiping the Almighty God, creator of heaven of earth. He is after all the God loves me and redeemed me by dying on the dying on the cross. The Psalmist agrees with me on this one. Psalm 134:1-2 Behold, bless the Lord, All you servants of the Lord, Who by night stand in the house of the Lord! Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, And bless the Lord. There are key elements to be observed here in this chapter being shared by the Psalmist. The familiar ones are us blessing God, doing it with hands raised, we doing this as servants of God. But a new element that I did not see before is doing all this at night, though it may have been said in other parts of the Word. The Psalmist ends with acknowledging God as the one who made heaven and earth. Reflection from 2016: Speaks to me about ...

It is premeditated

Have you ever found yourself in a corner? I am sure you know what I mean. Yes, this term comes from war campaigns, and widely used chess games. You pray that you are able to get out of it. David was also in a corner. He was about to go to war with his own people with the Philistines, but God provided a way out. 1 Samuel 29:9, Then Achish answered and said to David, “I know that you are as good in my sight as an angel of God; nevertheless the princes of the Philistines have said, ‘He shall not go up with us to the battle.’ He is given favor to live among the Philistines, but in this major campaign against Saul and his army, David's loyalty was not tested. God orchestrated a way out for David. Yes, God made a way when there is no way. Father, I will always look to you for your directions in everything that I do.

Do not fear death

Are you ready to die? There is a great fear of death. Much of it is because people are uncertain of life, or the lack of it, after death. What will happen? Will I get reincarnated into an animal or poor family? Will I go to hell, because I committed more sin than good? These are serious questions, and man tries to manage this with his own ability. But Jacob went peacefully. Genesis 49:33, And when Jacob had finished commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people. What gave him such great assurance? Before he entered into his "rest", he blessed each of his sons. He gave each their prophesy. Genesis 49:28, All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father spoke to them. And he blessed them; he blessed each one according to his own blessing. Jacob could only do this because he had full assurance of God's promises for him and his descendents. He served the God of Abraham, his grandfather, ...

Sreedhar's Journey

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