Sreedhar's Journey

Anyone that murders another human being does this against his God-given conscience. Some time ago I saw the news of the 23 Coptic Christians in Egypt being shot and killed while traveling in a bus. This happened shortly after the murder incident in Manchester where 22 people were killed by a suicide bomber who had just returned from the Middle East. This is not only happening in these places, but in Western cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. The murderers can only do this if they are possessed by a demonic spirit. There is an urgency to bring people to Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. I have many friends who keep rejecting the claims of Christ. But if they were to do serious literature review, both Christian and other religious books, they cannot avoid the conclusion that Jesus died and rose again, and He is God. He is merciful and able to...

What is true faith? Many people go to great lengths to demonstrate their religious piety through various religious activities. It may incur great cost to them in terms of time and cost.  The view is that there is no cost too great to fulfill their religious duties. Their devotion is seen through the sacrifices that they make. Unfortunately, it comes to nothing if it does not help them through to eternity. Most are unclear about their future after death. Most hope that their good works and acts of piety will allow them to live life with success and die peacefully. Jesus is the only one that gives clarity on this matter.  No religious leader or founder of a faith or religion has this clarity for life, death and life after death. 1 Timothy 1:14-16 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. Howev...

The worst thing you can do to a beggar that is in a good healthy condition is to give him money. Do you agree with this statement? Many need to be delivered from their unhealthy state of mind. Jesus healed many both in mind and body. The healing of the mind was mostly dealt with the deliverance from a spirit. Paul admonishes the church to not feed the people that do not work. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. The church performed a social welfare role and some were probably taking advantage of this. We ought to occupy ourselves with any work that pays, and not be complacent or lazy. This is Godly character. Paul encourages the church to continue being good...

Are you superhuman? You may qualify to be the great leader that needs to save the earth. Everybody is saying the earth will come to a tragic end in one way or another. Whether it is the environment, space rocks, religion or war, people are either resigned to these, or a minority are actively doing something to counter these time bombs. Satan has already planned for this superhuman. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Paul gives us a glimpse of what is to come. Revelations says more and I will soon be reading that this year. People think they can out think God. In the process they seek to be honored and worshiped as demigods. All this takes them away from the creator God and Satan knows tha...

It is natural for parents to take great pride in their children. On occasion they can embarrass you and you take immediate, and sometimes not so great, steps to correct the situation. We take it upon ourselves to make sure our children look good. We obviously want to look good as a family. Paul was likewise proud of his family in the Lord and brags about them. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure. But notice what Paul boasts about. Their patience and faith in the midst of persecution and tribulation. Yes, the steps to follow Jesus is simple but you could suffer greatly for it. But it is worth it. We experience the love and the presence of Almighty God in our lives. We have certainty ab...

Our human state has a tendency to complicate matters. We always feel that the better way to do something is another way, when there is a simpler way. So what way are you taking to know the certainty of your life after death. The first reaction or response is to say, "I don't know". To make sure there is no further conversation on the matter you may say, "And, I don't care". In actual fact you care and it matters. Paul here is giving a clear reminder of what God has in mind and what we have in Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. It is that simple. Follow Jesus and you will be saved. It is not complicated. It does not require deep analysis. All this has been done. Many who set out to disprove the Christian faith have ended up becoming Christians. You may raise objections, but a serious seeker will find the answers, and be faced with the penultimate question, "Since what J...

Our state of mind is determined by our relationships. It starts with the family, friends, and ends with the communities that we engage with on a regular basis. And yes, that includes your workplace. When relationships get disrupted, our state of mind gets disrupted and our entire wellbeing is also affected. This is not limited to human relationships. It extends to our relationship with the Creator. Paul makes some strong points about this. 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit. The way we go about our daily lives can affect our relationship with God. When you are separate from the Lord, much of you gets into a state of uneasiness and unpredictability. You can only do so much and control so much. God is able to intervene in ways that we cannot ask or think. And so, I need to go to Him for everything. He will take care of it. Our relationship with o...

I used to be in the news media, and we continuously look for what we call newsworthy stories to publish (internet) or produce (TV or radio). It is not easy and because we operate in a highly regulated and/or listened/watched industry we always need to verify our information. It is not good if we put out false information. Paul was anxious to know the true state of the church in Thessalonica.  He had a father's heart for the people of Thessalonica. 1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain. In return he got the good news from Timothy. 1 Thessalonians 3:6-7 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you— therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith....

Ever been in a haunted house? Or heard ghost stories? I am not here to unduly scare you, but ghosts are real. There is a spiritual realm, that if we are allowed to see, may scare us to bits. Some have said that they have been gifted with the ability to see spirits. Paul refers to Satan in this chapter. 1 Thessalonians 2:18 Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. Yes, Satan is real. But he is not all-knowing, all-powerful and all-present. He is not God. In spite of this, there are people worshiping Satan, instead of God. There are books written on the study of angels. Demons, and Satan included, are fallen angels. God has given us not a spirit of fear. Instead, He has given us love that overcomes all fears. What Satan desires is to make us stumble like he seemingly did with Paul. But God is in control! God has a greater plan. We have nothing to fear. Hallelujah!  And so in spite of Satan's plan for disruption, God is touching lives. 1...

What do people say about you when you are not around? Most times when it is something bad it can be said many times by many people, and even get distorted in the process. Are you having to repair some bad talk? I pray not. Instead, I pray that they are only chatting up good things about you. Paul mentions that some good things are being said about the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 1:8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. What a great testimony of God's move on their lives. Once I received some news from Malaysia that a Muslim had made a police report against a senior politician saying that she is proselytizing Muslims through her published biography. Apparently he admires the God of Hannah Yeoh based on what he read. Praise the Lord! Yes, our testimony needs to go everywhere. We cannot fear sharing what God has done for us. The T...

Are you in any kind of contract that binds your time and requires that you perform certain tasks? This could be an employment contract or a service contract. I have worked a fair number of years in different employment and service contracts. I praise God for giving me the wisdom and the endurance to be able to fulfill the obligations under those contracts and be able to let Jesus speak through my life. Employers are likewise urged to be just and fair. Paul encourages this after his instructions to employees to stay correct and obedient to their employers in the fear of the Lord in the previous chapter. Colossians 4:1 Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. I have worked with a number of entrepreneurs and each one has their own perspective on what is fair. I am usually limited in my actions based on what the entrepreneur wants to permit. Sometimes I am conflicted on these matters and I express this. It is not easy to be jus...

I am a certified Character First consultant and used to be invited to many private gatherings, kindergartens, schools, churches, businesses and government agencies to talk about character building. In this program we teach leaders, parents and teachers how to build character in individuals they are responsible for and this includes creating a culture of character in their unit, department, school, organization, or company. It was a very satisfying time for me as I spoke into many lives using values taught in the Word of God. Paul continuously emphasizes this in his letters, including this one. Colossians 3:12-14 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. When we become children of God, we receive...

Sometimes as we set out to do something, we forget the original thing that we set out to accomplish. We get distracted. Of course, this does not happen to you. It has happened to me many times. In today's world of technology, it is very easy to be distracted. Just look at your own smartphone. Paul urged the Colossian Church not to be distracted. Colossians 2:20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations. There is a tendency to go back to the old. I have hinted this before, but can I be a little more forthright. This teaching of following the old traditions of the law mixed in with some comprehension of who Jesus is led to the formation of some key established sects in the Arabian peninsula that influenced a charismatic young trader. This led to the formation of a new faith for the people of the tribe of Quraysh. What a sad way for wrong doctrine to influence the people of ...

When you are getting around and occupying your day with many tasks does it all have a clear direction and purpose? Or, are you just getting things done based on some kind of need to basis? People are busy with many things today. They say women and children are great examples of people who can multitask. I am not sure if it means clear profitable work or just plain doing many things at one time without any clear objective. Paul however was clear. Colossians 1:13-14 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. He was preaching, teaching, praying and writing. He was multitasking in a way for great profit to see people give their hearts to the Lord. Paul would not have anything else on his mind except to share the gospel in whatever way possible. Colossians 1:24-25 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflicti...

What is the biggest challenge you are facing right now? Nothing is impossible to face if you are with God. He nourishes and looks into our every need. The question is whether we trust His word. Paul lived a lifestyle trusting God. Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Again, I am reminded that He will take care of it. What is the challenge? It is never too hard for God. Is He not the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is ready to supply: Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Our lives are constantly on the edge with different matters for consideration. God is there ready to intervene. Call to Him now. Cry out to Him in your desperate situation. Father, yes, I cry out to you!

When you get up in the morning is it just another day? It can feel like that when you have nothing to look forward to. No real purpose and challenge for the day. It is just another day of existence. Prisoners of war go through that experience as the captors use every method in the book to remove every desire for life. But Paul was different. Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Even though Paul was in prison writing this letter, it was obvious that he continued to have great drive for life and the ministry. Nothing about him seems to have been dampened by his current state. We who are free need to learn from this and look forward to accomplishing something each day. As we pursue this goal we will see God glorified!  Truly, our perspectives should be "...

Can you control everything? If you can, you are God. You need to be omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent. Otherwise, it is impossible. If this is the case, should we not look for creator God to help us in the daily affairs of our lives. Otherwise, it would be like having at our disposal a supersonic jet to fly us across the oceans, but we choose to make our own boat and row away. Paul as he continues to write to the Philippians, talks about the need to not think highly of one self. Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. He also shares how God himself lowered himself in Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:5-7 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. Whatever issues we face, we can go to Him....

Recently I spoke about being a good boss. Today, let's talk about a good employee. A good boss coupled with a good employee would contribute significantly to the success of any organization.  A good organization is one that has good processes, run with good technologies (including proprietary methods) and operated by good people.  The good people are obviously made up of good bosses and employees. Paul already spoke this in Ephesians 6.  We are to serve our bosses as unto the Lord. Where God has placed us we are to serve in a way that brings glory to God. Here Paul speaks of the people of Philippians serving God well without Paul coming to visit them. Philippians 1:27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. This is something Paul prayed for and I need to learn to pray in like manner ...

Are you a good boss? What defines one? I would love to hear from you on this. As we pursue God's ways His view can be quite contrary to what what most people consider acceptable for bosses to think, say, or do. Paul speaks of this besides talking about how children, parents and employees should behave. Ephesians 6:9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him. What are the same things we must do? We are to do all things as bond servants of Jesus Christ. As bosses we do it as unto the Lord. This will eliminate many of the bad approaches we take to manage people.  We may feel no one is watching, but God is.  Not so that He can punish at the first misstep we take, but so that He can help us stay correct, safe and blessed. Ephesians 6:5-8 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to C...

Has anyone told you that your children very likely will look and/or act like you? No? Really? Well my mother in law once remarked to my wife how my daughter walked like me when she was a toddler. If my daughter is reading this, she would have a good laugh. Seriously, your children, and eventually husband and wife, will look and/or sound the same. It rubs off. Does this happen between us and our heavenly Father? Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. As followers of Jesus Christ expect to do things consistent with God's ways and many times against the flow of the world around you. This chapter indicates the kind of culture the Ephesians lived in. There is special mention of husbands and wives as well. The union of husband and wife under God is very different. How Godly love and the way God relates with us fills the home is ...

In my thirty years of corporate life, I have been in some tough board meetings. These were mostly in my days as a management consultant. The toughest meeting was one that was filled with politicians. In reflection of that, it is clear that politicians will always be in conflict when they have to manage a corporation that has either a strong profit motivation or manages funds outside the purview of the elected legislative arm of the government. Everyone has an agenda and their humanness shows up. Paul addressed the same thing with the church in Ephesus. Ephesians 4:25-32 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but wh...

Anyone out there without a challenge? If you are, you are going to coast to a "full stop". Your body is designed to fight disease and bacteria. Research shows that too much cleanliness and bacteria free living can cause our bodies to lose its natural immune system. Likewise, our lives must have challenges otherwise we lose our ability to progress. Paul speaks of his tribulations, and encourages the Ephesians to look beyond them. Ephesians 3:13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. When we are doing right we can expect opposition triggered in the heavenlies. There is no point in getting angry at the human elements around us. They are not the source of the problem.  Look at the dark spiritual forces that are influencing the oppression and opposition. When you face nothing then you have you to ask yourself whether you are doing the right thing for the Lord. There is no fear when you face challenges. God is right beside us ...

We have many rags to riches stories over the course of human history. Of course, these are few and far between. Many of these stories are used to demonstrate what hard work and great character can do. However, they do not share how many others, despite their hard work and great character, never get ahead. There are many reasons for this. But there is one kind of rags to riches process that never fails. Paul talks about it here. Ephesians 2:19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Wow, you are part of the royal household of God? That's right. This is the promise given to Abraham that he will be the channel of blessing for ALL nations. There is neither Jew or Gentile. Ephesians 2:11-13 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens ...

My favorite cheesecake by far is blueberry cheesecake. If you enjoy this, please like this post. It is solidly rich. As a student in Toronto in my early teens I used to make my own tray. A friend from church, Janice McCready, was kind enough to share her recipe. This is what I think of when I read the first chapter of Ephesians. Paul really loads it. If you are not familiar with who Jesus Christ is, and want to know His standing and outlook, read this chapter and perhaps the whole letter to the Ephesians. Ephesians 1:22-23 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. We have God as our head. He is very clearly living and NOT dead. There are so many unique things about Him that He easily surpasses any known leader in the history of mankind. This is not surprising since He is God. Would you not want God to lead you and your organization? I certainly would. He is so rich in more...

You must have heard the phrase "You can't have your cake and eat it". It took me awhile to understand this figure of speech that some call an old English proverb. Yes, I am a little slow sometimes. [smile] Many people like to have it both ways and therefore not have to choose. In fact they feel it will make them look good to all people. In the end you gain nothing. Paul was addressing the Galatians on this very issue. The followers of Jesus wanted to be at peace with the Jewish leadership of their day and in the process made circumcision a requirement to follow Jesus. Galatians 6:12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. This is going to ruffle some feathers out there, but where does the compromise stop and the persecution for your faith begin? I have no answer. Paul says he suffered much for the gospel as a follower and proclaimer of the gospel....

Are you having tendencies to do wrong? Let's cut to the chase. You may consider many things right or okay, but you know deep inside that they are wrong because you have some guilty twitch inside. This is called your God given conscience. It could be simple things like getting angry, all the way to wanting to kill someone. Paul continues his discourse about some who want to follow some edicts of the law of Moses. Galatians 5:4-6 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. Paul says if you are trying to fulfill the law, starting with circumcision, then you will fail badly and not be reconciled to God as Jesus intended. We would be operating in the flesh and not Faith! Our hope is based on the salvation that we receive through the death...