Sreedhar's Journey

Your actions speak louder than your words. Your talk talks, and your walk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks. Monkey see monkey do. These are common slang phrases to talk about how we have a disconnect between what we say and what we do. I apologise for using a political example. One political party raised huge doubt about the sanity and patience of the supporters of the other party, and warned of great violence when they lose the elections. Fast forward and after losing the elections, it was instead the supporters of this political party that was engaged in violence instead. There is little remorse till now for this. Such was the situation when it came to the priests of Israel. They dealt with double standards. Malachi 2:14-15 Yet you say, “For what reason?” Because the LORD has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, With whom you have dealt treacherously; Yet she is your companion And your wife by covenant. But did He not make them one, Having...

New Zealand suffers many earthquakes and someone of them sever.  Whenever a significant one occurs, within minutes, this information has circulates to the whole world and people around the world respond to it. Tsunami warnings may go out and the full extent of the damage will only be known at a later time. But I can assure you that those photos circulate just as fast. The same was said by the prophet Malachi to the people of Israel. God will be magnified all over the world. Malachi 1:5 Your eyes shall see, And you shall say, ‘The LORD is magnified beyond the border of Israel.’ Just look at what happened with the verses of Number 6:24-26 in a song called "Blessing".   This video is one of children from around the world singing this song. God is worshiped by peoples other than the people of Israel. And He will be praised 24 hours a day.  Malachi 1:11 For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gen...

There are continued reports of earthquakes, volcanoes erupting and large sink holes developing. The earth's crust is generally unstable caused by the internal pressures of the earth. The recent major earthquake off the coast of Sumatra was the first one that had such a catastrophic impact in terms of number of people and number of countries. There is another one being foretold. It is in Israel. The Mount of Olives will spilt and the Dead Sea will have waters flowing into it. Zechariah 14:4-5 And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south. Then you shall flee through My mountain valley, For the mountain valley shall reach to Azal. Yes, you shall flee As you fled from the earthquake In the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Thus the LORD my God will come, And all...

Pledging allegiance to the country of your citizenship is a given and important. With that comes various accepted norms to show your allegiance. This includes showing respect to the leaders of your country, standing up straight when the national anthem is being sung and/or played, and protecting the national flag from touching the ground and honoring it when raised. This past few days I saw many dishonouring their country by doing the contrary. The country will become weak if there is a growing number that choose to sustain these acts of counter allegiance. Zechariah prophesied about what God did to counter this same situation among His people Israel.  Only a third passed the test of allegiance. Zechariah 13:9 I will bring the one-third through the fire, Will refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them. I will say, “This is My people’; And each one will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’ That's right, n...

More history!  We may want to forget history, change it or even make it, but the hard facts staring in our faces are hard to ignore.  The history of the city of Jerusalem is rich and profound. David encountered an angel of the Lord there and he proceeded to make plans to design and build the temple of the Lord there. It did not come free. He paid a big sum for the property. In today's terms it would amount to billions of dollars.  It grew in prominence probably because of David and Solomon and eventually got destroyed multiple times. Any archeological dig in Jerusalem will yield literally multiple layers of history. Zechariah 12:10 And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. In this chapter of Zechariah God promises deliverance in Jerusalem...

Many nations rise and fall with the quality of their leadership. In 2016 we saw a historical moment in the United States where for the first time someone not from the "political elite" has been elected their President. The political scientists, statisticians and researchers had their work cut out to understand how this happened. And I believe the year 2020 will yield its own surprises politically.  In addition, it is facing many domestic issues that do not seem to go away.  These internal issues are compounded by the fact that the United States is at an important milestone in its journey as a nation given the emergence of other superpowers in economic and military terms. Israel faced ALL these as well. Zechariah 11:17 Woe to the worthless shepherd, Who leaves the flock! A sword shall be against his arm and against his right eye; His arm shall completely wither, And his right eye shall be totally blinded. With authority comes responsibility to lead with Godly wisdo...

A ship without a captain, an army without a general, a company without a CEO or Managing Director, and a country without a leader is commonly becoming the case eventhough in the formal sense there is one. No one is leading right and well. The ship is off course, the army is entering an ambush, the company is on a steady decline because it has not properly transitioned to the next S curve, and a country is heading towards anarchy where everyone does what is right in their own eyes. Zechariah says there is no shepherd. Instead there are goatherds as mentioned in verse 3 of this chapter that God will punish. Zechariah 10:3 My anger is kindled against the shepherds, and I will punish the goatherds. For the LORD of hosts will visit His flock, the house of Judah, and will make them as His royal horse in the battle. Israel will be delivered and they will flourish on every land, and they will return to the promised land. There is a strong prophesy of Jesus being the Shepherd that wi...

Alexander the Great changed the whole landscape of Europe and Asia. We saw multiple civilisations combine under one ruler. It was an amazing feat by one man that brought large areas under a single rule.  However, the Greek civilization's world prominence started before that and was recognized during the days of the Old Testament right here in this chapter of Zechariah with the conquest of the many cities. Zechariah 9:5-6 Ashkelon shall see it and fear; Gaza also shall be very sorrowful; And Ekron, for He dried up her expectation. The king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited. “A mixed race shall settle in Ashdod, And I will cut off the pride of the Philistines. This further confirms that no historian should be studying history without checking the corresponding record of world events (though it may be from a spiritual context) in the Bible. That is how much the bible can contribute to our understanding of world history. Zechariah also records some ...

Israel has been the common enemy for many Middle Eastern countries and their allies over the years since Israel's formation. In a way it unified the main divisions of Islam, the Sunni and the Shiite. But this changed when much of the Muslim world saw the radicals from the Sunni sect engaging in proactive violence against the Shiite. Thus defocussed the militant efforts against Israel, especially when Syria started to have internal conflicts that allowed for a brand new militant group called ISIS. Israel is at the moment enjoying relative peace.  Zechariah prophesied something interesting about the future Israel. Zechariah 8:23 Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you. WOW! Amazing. Reflecting on this prophecy, I can say that it is coming to pass. I am involved with a work where I deal with leaders from across the globe,...

There is a common phrase that we use, "We are only going through the motions". Your heart is not in it. You do it because you need to either look good or it is something that you have always done, and you do it without thinking about the reason for your actions. Why do you visit your in-laws? Why do you greet your boss GOOD morning? Why do you go to church or any place of worship? Zechariah highlighted here that the people were engaged in religious activities because "they were going through the motions". Zechariah 7:5-7 “Say to all the people of the land, and to the priests: ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months during those seventy years, did you really fast for Me—for Me? When you eat and when you drink, do you not eat and drink for yourselves? Should you not have obeyed the words which the LORD proclaimed through the former prophets when Jerusalem and the cities around it were inhabited and prosperous, and the South and the Lowland ...

Horses and chariots remind me of the film Ben Hur. You can say that was one of the most impactful movies I saw as a child that pointed me to Jesus. The movie was set in the days of Jesus Christ.  As a Hindu family in Muslim Malaysia, it was an eye opener.  I am sure many were spoken to through the movie at that time. I googled the movie and read this powerful line towards the end of the movie when Jesus was crucified. "And I felt His voice take the sword out of my hand."  Here is the link to watch the trailer for the movie. Zechariah 6:1-4 Then I turned and raised my eyes and looked, and behold, four chariots were coming from between two mountains, and the mountains were mountains of bronze. With the first chariot were red horses, with the second chariot black horses, with the third chariot white horses, and with the fourth chariot dappled horses—strong steeds. Then I answered and said to the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?” Zechariah speaks...

Documentation is important to ensure that all that has happened can be reviewed for complete information and basis for anything that was decided upon. It especially helps those that need to make decisions in the future on the right course of action. This same thing is practiced in a heavenly way by God. There is a scroll that keeps track of all our doings and there will come a time when all these will be measured out. Zechariah sees the vision of these things that are to come in the future. The scroll and the measuring basket. Zechariah 5:2-3 And he said to me, “What do you see?” So I answered, “I see a flying scroll. Its length is twenty cubits and its width ten cubits.” Then he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole earth: ‘Every thief shall be expelled,’ according to this side of the scroll; and, ‘Every perjurer shall be expelled,’ according to that side of it.” The Bible is clear. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Our re...

If you are doing a new big thing, you may feel overwhelmed with the task. Sometimes this is referred to as being thrown into the deep end. Basically you either sink (and drown) or swim. I have been in those situations many times in my career and I have learnt to pray "hard" on the job. Yes, pray big time for everything from difficult clients and other stakeholders to big meetings involving heads of large corporations and governments. It was something I learnt to do early in my career and I carried on more intensely as I took on more senior roles. In all of these times I can identify with Zerubbabel who received this word from the Lord, and that was on the ceiling of my old church in Toronto. Zechariah 4:6 So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts. Yes, like Zerubbabel who was given the big task of rebuilding the temple, I was many times in tough situations that c...

I believe that in many old cultures where money was hard to come by and certain festivities are well celebrated, these are times that the family will especially invest in new clothes. There were no credit cards, and month to month earnings were meant for other important expenses. Until then, you survived on clothes that you had and repaired or mended them as needed. There were no weekly weekend shopping trips. I remember those days growing up as child.  Today it is entirely different. In Zechariah's time I believe putting on new clothes was an important moment. Zechariah 3:4-5 Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to him He said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.” And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the LORD stood by. Joshua the High Priest, ...

We commonly call someone who has helped us significantly with something or a good person, "You are an Angel".  I am reminded of the angels God sends to be around us for our protection and to carry out God's instructions for our well-being. Many of us may wish that our eyes would be opened to see the angels of God around us. Zechariah speaks of seeing angels over Jerusalem. Indeed Jerusalem has a special place in God's heart. Zechariah 2:3-5 And there was the angel who talked with me, going out; and another angel was coming out to meet him, who said to him, “Run, speak to this young man, saying: ‘Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls, because of the multitude of men and livestock in it. For I,’ says the LORD, ‘will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.’” Not only does Zechariah speak of angels and God speaking over Jerusalem, he also speaks of a crucial matter that will happen in the future.  It is a promise of...

4 horses, 4 horns and 4 craftsman. The number 4 is an unlucky number for a superstitious chinese person because it sounds like the word for die in chinese. Perhaps it's God's way of speaking to the largest single racial group in the world. But aside from this, I am drawn to the "unlucky" verse 4 that says, "“Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets preached, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Turn now from your evil ways and your evil deeds.” ’ But they did not hear nor heed Me,” says the Lord." Just because we grew up doing something does not make it right. It is so critical that we search our hearts and seek the mind of God for His ways. Like the people of Israel we have such a rich blessing waiting for us as we get released from captivity. Likewise, God has blessed and used other nations.  He has used them to bring Israel to its senses about how the people have gone away from God.  But there is a remark here that they did it with ...

There are often periods in your life where you meet people at the right time and place. If God is acknowledged, we may say this is a divine appointment. Our paths cross and something special may happen from there. Zerubbabel was someone that probably had that situation with King Darius. He was appointed Governor of Judah and was blessed by God to build the second temple. Haggai 2:23 ‘In that day,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel My servant, the son of Shealtiel,’ says the Lord, ‘and will make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you,’ says the Lord of hosts. Nothing happens by chance.  He has chosen you to carry His stamp. To carry out His ordained tasks. In this case Zerubbabel was to build the temple.  Yes, each of us are God's signet ring to carry out a unique task for His glory. A unique and divine appointment. My task is clear. To reach the whole world for Christ and see the nations transformed. Father, help me complete the task yo...

It is very easy for people to become selfish and only concerned about their personal wellbeing and nothing else. When they do this they forget that what goes around comes around, meaning if you are selfish and uninterested in the wellbeing of others then there will come a time of personal need when no one is interested to lend you a helping hand. It's worst when you are selfish with the creator God. He supplies all your needs. This is the message of this book and chapter . Haggai 1:6 “You have sown much, and bring in little; You eat, but do not have enough; You drink, but you are not filled with drink; You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; And he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes.” No one was interested to give their time and material wealth to rebuild God's house in Jerusalem. Haggai goes through an elaborate discourse with the leaders of Judah of his day concerning the consequences of not looking into the spiritual affairs of the nation...

Excerpt from Wikipedia : Nobel Prizes have been awarded to over 870 individuals, of whom 185 - over 21.264% - were Jewish or people of Jewish descent, although Jews and people of Jewish descent comprise less than 0.2% of the world's population (or 1 in every 500 people). Overall, Jews or people of Jewish descent have won a total of 41% of all the Nobel Prizes in economics, 28% of medicine, 26% of physics, 19% of chemistry, 13% of literature and 9% of all peace awards. This is a fulfillment of a number of prophecies in the Old Testament and one of them is in Zephaniah chapter 3. Zephaniah 3:19-20 Behold, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you; I will save the lame, and gather those who were driven out; I will appoint them for praise and fame In every land where they were put to shame. At that time I will bring you back, even at the time I gather you; For I will give you fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I return your captives before your eyes...

Destroyed cities or part of them is what you may see when you visit historical sites around the middle east. Conflict is not new there. The history of these ruins go back a few thousand years. If you are an archeology student it is an area of incredible discovery against the clear documentation given by the bible. Zephaniah touches on the destruction that will happen to Moab, Ammon, Ethiopia and Assyria. All states that are adjacent to Israel.  They once thought greatly of themselves, but in the end they were destroyed. Zephaniah 2:15 This is the rejoicing city That dwelt securely, That said in her heart, “I am it, and there is none besides me.” How has she become a desolation, A place for beasts to lie down! Everyone who passes by her shall hiss and shake his fist. What is your position with God? Are you against Him? You will be defeated. Get on God's side. Don't be indignant and ignorant. Many of these nations suffered great loss, as documented by history. You cann...

When something goes wrong and possibly a major accident happens a large number of people would usually call 911 to report the incident. In 2016 there was a tragic accident in Dreamworld, a big theme park in the Gold Coast in Australia. 4 people died and the emergency crew were there in double time because many raised the alarm. Israel was in a terrible situation. God raised the alarm through many prophets who were raised up in the 600 BC period to warn Israel. Yes, God raised the alarm through the many prophets, including Zephaniah. Zephaniah 1:4-5 I will stretch out My hand against Judah, And against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I will cut off every trace of Baal from this place, The names of the idolatrous priests with the pagan priests — Those who worship the host of heaven on the housetops; Those who worship and swear oaths by the LORD, But who also swear by Milcom. As I read about Baal worship and the mention of other gods here, it felt incredible that a people wit...

The Bible is a great source of information and knowledge about the geography of the world in the ancient days and through the many centuries. It also helps us understand some human history. Once I spoke to a brother from India who taught history in university and I wondered whether any research had been done on how the Hindus came up with the structure of their temple which is very similar to the design given by God to Moses. He did not seem to be aware of any. It is clear that the worship of God went through the many civilisations and a proper study needs to be done to see how this traveled across the lands in the way it is spoken in the Old and New Testament. Habakkuk 3:9-11 Your bow was made quite ready; Oaths were sworn over Your arrows. Selah You divided the earth with rivers. The mountains saw You and trembled; The overflowing of the water passed by. The deep uttered its voice, And lifted its hands on high. The sun and moon stood still in their habitation; At the light...

Books written, or for that matter, anything written could yield much wisdom and guidance for the reader. This is why I write the thoughts that the Lord places in my heart each morning. I used to write it in an open journal for many years for my family to read.  Late 2015 the Lord impressed me to go public with these thoughts. Hence, I started this blog that is dedicated for this purpose. I pray that what I say would help someone out there discover the God that has been leading and guiding me for the last more than 40 years. Habakkuk has something interesting to say about the written word. Habakkuk 2:2-3 Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. The says that "it will speak".  Yes, there was a strong oral tradition in thos...

Too many times we take it easy after we have had a good and successful event or project. We lose momentum and the learnings from these accomplishments (positive and opportunities for growth) and we wonder why we did not achieve the same success in the next project. It can be everything from losing weight to seeing a country turn to God. Habakkuk probably saw the deliverance from the Assyrians but the people of Israel did not pick up on it and change their ways to worship God. Habakkuk 1:5 Look among the nations and watch—Be utterly astounded for I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you. This spoke to me strongly some years ago and now. In the same way God demonstrated to Israel what He was capable of doing and did, I am expecting an astounding thing. It should be no surprise and we must not relent or be satisfied with the past. He is going to accomplish even greater things, and it may come with great pain.  The people of Israel...

Pandemics, protests, civil unrest, riots, anarchy and the like are continuing to be a common feature in these modern days.  Why so?  Has not science taught us what is good?  Are we not using the latest technologies to help us from conception through child birth, through the school system, through work and family life, and on and on and on?  Since these challenges of human living are still there, it is only logical to assume that we are missing something. Nahum 3:1-3 Woe to the bloody city! It is all full of lies and robbery. Its victim never departs. The noise of a whip And the noise of rattling wheels, Of galloping horses, Of clattering chariots! Horsemen charge with bright sword and glittering spear. There is a multitude of slain, A great number of bodies, Countless corpses— They stumble over the corpses As I read today's final chapter of Nahum, I am drawn to modern day Syria and its situation in recent times. It has been a virtually impossible position....