Sreedhar's Journey

Are you free? Are you free to do what you wish? Usually this comes with a life that is free from any responsibility and pressure. We would all love to be in this place. Is it ever possible? In a way yes! We can because we are children of the promise as mentioned by Paul. Galatians 4:6-7 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. It is interesting that Paul brings in Hagar, the bondservant, into the story. Yes, her son is blessed but the full blessing of the promise is only through Isaac in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus only can save us and give us the true sonship in God. It is available to all, including the descendants of Ishmael. Galatians 4:22-23 For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he o...

Ever seen yourself in the mirror? Of course you have. Even in the remotest places, people see themselves in the mirror through the reflection in some water.  Most are concerned about what they look like. We need to see ourselves to be able to help correct something before we look lousy and perhaps embarrass ourselves. The law of God is no different. It is also a mirror. In this chapter, it is evident that Paul is having trouble with the church in Galatia that has reverted to following the law for their salvation. He keeps referring to the promise of Abraham and that we need the faith promise of Abraham to have salvation. Paul emphasizes that the law came 430 years after the promise was given by God to Abraham. The law has not canceled the promise. The promise is fulfilled through Jesus Christ' death and resurrection! Galatians 3:17 And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, tha...

It is interesting how sometimes we would do things to please man even if it is against our good conscience. Sometimes it is because you are employed in a particular organization and you are paid for the job you do. Or, you sense an obligation to stay connected with a particular individual or organization because of some historical ties. In the early church this was also evident. Paul straightforwardly highlights some hypocrisy about the adherence to the law. There were Jewish followers of Jesus who kept the law, including circumcision. There was even references to situations where people will not sit together because there were Gentiles. Paul clearly shows (there are indications in Galatians that he spent 17 years in quiet study of the Holy Scriptures from a new perspective as a follower of Jesus Christ) that if the law was to be fulfilled, then Christ' death on the cross was in vain. We are saved by faith. Old habits die hard. Galatians 2:20-21 I have been crucified with Christ;...

So you believe in miracles? I do! There is something called prayer that can change things and people. Sometimes we pray half heartedly, not believing that what we prayed for would actually turn out. But God surprises us and shows off (in a good way). I am not sure if and how the early church prayed for Paul when he was persecuting the church. But, I believe someone prayed for something to happen. God answered in a way that they least expected. Paul greets the churches in Galatia and preambles his introduction with a statement about them following a different gospel. There was going to be some tough correction to be presented. But what caught my attention is the miracle that happened in Paul's life. He went from killing followers of Jesus Christ to promoting Jesus. Galatians 1:23-24 But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God in me. Paul had his Damascus road experience and was interesti...

It is always easy to find fault with someone. But it is harder to see mistakes in our own lives. The simple example is food stuck in the corners of our mouth. In anticipation that something is stuck there, we use a napkin to wipe our mouth every so often during a meal. Otherwise, someone may have to point it out to you. Other issues or mistakes can be a lot bigger and more sensitive for another person to point out. Paul was in such a predicament with the Corinthians. Paul closes his letter with a general open statement encouraging the people to check themselves, even if they do not accept his words of correction. Basically "get your napkin out". 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. In a way, this is still a strong statement, but Paul had no choice but to bring this church back to the right understanding. It is not easy as egos a...

Are you talking to a brick wall? There are many situations you try to talk to somebody about an important matter but they don't seem to get it. I remember once trying to buy a house and we connected with a real estate agent to do this. We mentioned what our budget was and that we were not interested in schools or school districts as our children were homeschooled. In the first home visits he took us to all the homes that were above our budget and in good school districts. We gave him the benefit of the doubt and reiterated our expectations. In the second round he still kept taking us to the wrong homes. Paul had a similar experience with the church in Corinth. Paul explained that he did not need to boast about his experience with the Lord to gain credibility with them. He just wanted the best for them. He had realized that as a minister of the gospel he is made strong through his weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, not in needs, ...

If you want an easy life, then compromise at every turn. Don't get me wrong. I am not saying compromising is wrong. You should compromise when you come to a disagreement that is not adverse to anybody and does not break someone's conscience. We however should NOT compromise when it is the truth, or when it is going to bring harm to a person or situation. Paul never compromised the truth and suffered great persecution as a result. 2 Corinthians 11:23 Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. Paul suffered greatly from the Jews and those whose livelihood or positions were impacted by the increasing followers of Jesus Christ. However, he was relentless in his efforts to share the good news of the gospel. He found every opportunity to address a crowd with the gospel. You may ask why he did that. The good news is true, and people will die without God and into hell other...

Are you breaking down doors? Don't be too happy about it. Firstly, if you are going to remain in the same house, then you need to replace the door as soon as possible for safety. Even if you are not going to stay in the same house, the remaining innocent persons that had nothing to do with the reason you broke the door would be left unprotected and worst than before the door was broken. We need Godly wisdom here. Paul was trying to do this with the church in Corinth. There were disagreements in the church about the handling of some differences. This led to Paul intervening and some reacting to this by saying that Paul had no role in advising them on the matter. Paul carried on in the letter with a great appeal for them to focus on the things of the Lord and not destroy their walk with the Lord. I am reminded about the numerous times Moses went to Pharoah to seek permission to leave Egypt. He did not "break down the door". He went back to Pharoah 10 times. Of course Phar...

In Asia we have a practice of fighting for the bill. It's not a fist fight. We try to grab the bill and make the payment for everyone. It is an interesting method of blessing someone. I am not sure where this culture came from. It is very rare to see people "go dutch", a phrase coined by the British to mean each one pays their own way. The bill is split at the table and one person makes the payment from the collected pool of cash. Or, the waiter is prepared to prepare separate bills for each person.  Paul urged the people in Corinth to be generous. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. The early church in Jerusalem struggled supporting the many that came from all over and followed Jesus. Jerusalem was a hub for religious activi...

You may have been asked to be a reference for someone who is applying for a job. I am honored to be given this opportunity to speak for somebody that I know. However, it is difficult when I know some of the character flaws in the person that would make them unsuitable for the position. I usually decline these requests. I cannot give false information. Paul goes out of his way to give great reference to someone he is sending to Corinth. 2 Corinthians 8:23-24 If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf. The entire chapter is focused on giving a reference for Titus and other co-workers of Paul. This is especially in relation to gifts of money. In those days there was no way to operate the usual processes to avoid abuse of funds in the ministry. You...

Have you made a mistake before? Don't answer! Perhaps in the privacy of your reading and under your breadth, you are saying yes. But when in the middle of the issue or predicament it is (or was) hard to say yes. I have made many mistakes in my lifetime. What do I do with the mistakes? My intention is to always learn from them and do things differently the next time. However, I have failed many times. Paul is writing to the Corinthians who had a major issue in the church. A church is made up of humans who are sinners saved by grace. They are being sanctified by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the meantime, they make mistakes. Therefore, there is a need for us to seek the Lord's work in each of our lives. 2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Some of you reading this may be saying, "the reason I am not a Christian is because I know too many...

Are you a decisive person? Once I was with a successful leader who remains active to this day at the age of 93. He was asked what is his biggest regret in life. He aptly replied, "I am not a navel gazer. I don't typically look back at things, but one of the things that I would do better is to be more decisive. When you make a decision, you can only improve on something, but you cannot improve on nothing". If you are reading this please do not hold back on the biggest decision of your life. Follow Jesus! 2 Corinthians 6:2 For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. God has spoken to all of us in our daily circumstances. Through my sharing in this blog. Through the history of man. Through some of the oldest literature of each civilization. An example of this is the vedic scriptures of the Indians. Read it here. Also, many of the Chinese charac...

Demand for cosmetic surgery is on the rise in spite of the risks. See this article . We are trying to look the "perfect" self. Most of those who do it are women. Who do we blame? We are changing the natural us for something else. I suppose some see a great reason to do this and spend the big bucks to get it done. But there is another kind of transformation that is of the greatest life benefit. Paul refers it as the new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Rather than the physical, the spiritual is being renewed. We do not look upon the outside, but the inside. The body we have is temporary. We are not concerned about our face and body structure. Of course if you are overweight, you do something about it to help you stay a blessing for the longest time possible on this earth. But the focus is on our spiritual well being. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Chr...

No pain no gain! Most of us are familiar with this inspirational phrase. Many in our society are trying to gain something in the shortest possible time with little or no effort. We hear of weight loss pills, and get rich quick schemes. All targeting the same mindset from our human tendencies. Is it sustainable? Or, ethical? Or, has it got side effects in the long run? Paul is clear that the preaching of the gospel has great pain and sacrifice. But we do it for the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. It is worth it all when you see the light of Jesus Christ in each life. They are saved from eternal condemnation. All this takes an eternity mindset. What is your planning horizon? The next 3 years? Or, eternity?  I cannot be shortsighted and think only of the here and now when I have a heavenly Father who has a big...

Ever experienced the total eclipse of the sun? It is quite spectacular and eerie at the same time. Everything becomes dark and quiet for a short time. Nature does not know what is going on and it responds as though night has come. I was once in St Charles, near Chicago, in the early 90's to experience this. While we stood there and saw the eclipse form, we were told not to look directly into the sun, otherwise we may injure our eyes. When Moses came down from the mountain with the 10 commandments, the people of Israel could not look into Moses face and they had to put a veil over his face. Wow! Moses encountered God so close that he reflected the presence of God. So intense that people could not look directly at him. Have you encountered God that close? 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone bu...

Do you have disagreements in the family? In the workplace? In the community? This is natural. The issue is not whether we have disagreements but what do we do with them. Disagreements can lead to extended strife and affect a growing number of people who may or may not have anything to do with the original disagreement. Two things need to happen. Communication and forgiveness. Paul faced this with the Corinthians. 2 Corinthians 2:5-7 But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. In the disagreements, we need to have open conversations with great patience and tolerance. And be ready to be humble and forgiving. Everyone should be applauded for their good intentions without being judged for their personal agenda. The ...