Avoid self-righteousness

red flowers@Kodaikanal

28 January 2012   

Generally human beings are prone to be self-righteous and proud about many things around them. Some time we like to tell other people how to behave and act, as if we never do anything wrong.
 

What is being self-righteous?

•             Exhibiting self-assurance: self-righteous remarks.

•          convinced of one's own righteousness especially in contrast with the actions and beliefs of others

So, a self-righteous person is one who acts as if he is morally superior to everyone. 

The Bible says that all people are sinners and we cannot meet God's standard for righteousness and righteousness comes from God alone. 

Righteousness is based on faith in God's promises. It is something that is assigned by God and one can never be "self-righteous."

Since righteousness is not that something connected to what we do, but the result of what God has done for us.

• "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 6:1

• “No one is perfect; we are all sinners in one way or another’ Romans 3:23.

When we  are Living a decent life means taking all the responsibility for controlling our own behavior. We are pinned down by moral and ethical values.

 If we say or even think or act, as if we are better than people, we consider to be "sinners," we are guilty and accountable for the sin of self-righteousness.

 It is not right to look down on, criticize, judge, condemn, or try to control other people. Judgment is to be left to God. 
Jesus said,

• “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye. Matthew 7:1-5

• ‘Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them. Proverbs 26:12,

• ‘Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. Isaiah 5:21,

So, have no excuse, do not  pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. BEWARE!  

Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.

• So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:1-4,

• ‘Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God. 1 Corinthians 4:5,

•  ‘If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:8

 better be alert and keep your mouth tied up and not passing resentment on others. YOU are accountable to what  you think, act and speak. Take care.

God bless

Discover the will of God

FOUR LANE TRACK TOWARDS MADURAI- TAMIL NADU

27 January 2012   

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
   I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8

World actually throws numerous ups and downs in life. We are tossed and troubled and try to seek a way out. Bring the matter, as such to the feet of God which is our routine procedure. When we pray, sometimes we are unable to know the will of God- besides we are confused and worried a lot, to find out the perfect will of God 

“I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
   who directs you in the way you should go.
 If only you had paid attention to my commands,
   your peace would have been like a river,
   your well-being like the waves of the sea.Isaiah48:17-18

 Almighty Father leads His children according to His will. But we have our own wishes and desires imprinted in mind (may be totally something different from the will of God. Our dreams and liking dominate and blocks us to know God’s will.) 

Knowing the will of God is an art for a child of God. Route may vary as per individual’s position and his relationship with God.

We must realize and understand two aspects of knowing God’s will.

•         The General will of God and

•          Specific will of God.

The General will of God is very basic in nature and applicable to all Christian who are accustomed with- Praises and worships, Sanctification and doing good things and involvement in church activities etc.

“…..It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: 1 Thessalonians 4:3

“…..give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians5:8

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 1 Peter 2:15

When we obey the commandments and faithful in our dealings, with a clean heart, then we can recognize the specific will of God .It is not that easy to locate or to indentify the will of God. You need a complete surrender to follow the way God shows you- in your life, in the family, for children’s life and anything.

 Four important guidelines are there to understand the specific will of God.

•         Trust the word of God- from the Holy Bible. –the promises God gives you and the teaching of His word. God‘s word is the final verdict and confirmation in our   life.

•          Listen to your mind and the intuition: (the inner voice) will tell you or rather lead you, with an impression in mind and heart. The inner voice is God’s voice speaking to you. Learn to listen to your inner voice, it will never fail you (when to listen to the word of God) Do not set aside the intuitive power in you.

• ·         Guidance from Godly people: (fellowship) and prophetic words may put us in the right track-  to identify God’s will. It will confirm the matters.

• ·         The circumstantial evidence: It matters a lot because God only prepares and orders the circumstances, which is made favorable to us. We won’t have any obstacle on the way to reach the goal. It is the most confirmatory matter.

If you find that all the four aspects are aligned in a line- we can be sure and can proceed with the matter. 

 One thing you must feel, when you confirm any matter that your heart must be filled with peace. 

Inner peace and contentment is the final result that God is working for you , in your matters. 

Praise the Lord.

Pray for the Nation

Pray for India

26 January 2012

Praying for our nation is a social obligation on each one in a  praying community. Prayer moves the arm that holds the whole world- Pray for peace , prosperity, tolerance, harmony and tranquility in and between countries.

“petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 1Timothy2:2-3

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1

If we lack security, and harmony in the country or state or in your place, we are also responsible because it is our duty to pray for the leaders of the Nation.

Pray for the country(INDIA): 

•    Pray that the leader of the Nation might lead a clean life- free from corruption and hypocrite behavior, and to serve with high ideals and dedication.

“Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings. …. it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. Proverbs 31 :3-5

We cannot pin point the unlawful activities, without raising our hands on prayers for all who has authority. 

•    Pray that the leaders should depend on God for guidance and to take right decisions ( God is the source of all authority).

“The king rejoices in your strength, LORD. How great is his joy in the victories you give!...............For the king trusts in the LORD;  through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken.Psalm21:1,7 

• Pray that they might have good persons as counselors and let them have a listening spirit (to listen,to think and to act.)

“Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning. The youth may have come from prison to the kingship, or he may have been born in poverty within his kingdom. Ecclesiastes 4:13

The nation or an organization will be damaged and divided, if they reject wise counsel of the experienced persons.

• Pray that they rule with uprightness and  honesty, in support of the poor and downtrodden and away from malpractices.

"If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established forever. Proverbs 29:14

In today’s scenario ‘might is right’ seems to be inappropriate, rather we need kind and bold leader(in real terms) to uphold the cause of the poor people.

• Pray for the protection for those who have authority. World at large, has been thrown open to terrorism. Society is flooded with murderous thoughts and actions. Blood –thirsty spirits are roaming around in the world. 

We need prayers to sustain through fire-wall protection. 

All hi-tech security system is a waste, unless God protects us.

"Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,the guards stand watch in vain. Psalm 127:1-2

 Pray for world peace and harmony-

Pray for protection from destruction from natural calamities-

Pray that leaders discharge their duty with a fear of God in their mind-

Pray that the people must have a heart to obey their authority-

PRAY FOR INDIA

“Do not be afraid, land of Judah; be glad and rejoice.Surely the LORD has done great things! Joel 2:21

God bless

Values and its necessity? -A Biblical thought.

Lemon tree with buds flowers and friuts@Kodaikanal -

25 January 2012 

The kingdom of God (also known as the kingdom of heaven) has not confined to any geographic area. It exists within and around the world among those people who put their faith, trust and loyalty in God.

“…….because the kingdom of God is in your minds. Luke 17:21

The kingdom of God is in you and me  and with all who have faith in the Lord.

 The values of the kingdom of God can be listed as:

•  Kindness and respect for all people- instead of power, authority,ego, pride and status.

•  Humility- instead of arrogance, fame and vanity,

•  Honesty and generosity- instead of wealth and riches.(illegal earnings)

• Self-control( strength of mind)- instead of pleasure and self indulgence

• Forgiveness -instead of revenge and payout policy,etc

 Christian values promote peace and good will among people in accordance with the purposes of God.

These are the things we strive for if we are sincere followers of Christ. 

We will never achieve perfection in this life, but people who strive to obey God  find a sense of joy and peace that no worldly rewards can match.

God bless

Values and its necessity? -A Biblical thought

24 January 2012  

Begonias @ kodaikanal home-Tamil nadu

Since the father of lies is at work,left to roam freely, we must set an alarm in the mind for 24 hrs , on vigil. he corrupts the mind slowly and turns us away from God. He lays hidden traps to catch people. The instantaneous communication with God can save us from such hardships.

Read the verses: 

“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor…

 “In your anger do not sin…. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. 

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

 

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other,  just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:25-32

“Flee the evil desires of youth …. 

 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments. …. they produce quarrels.
 

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. … and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:22-26

Be a practical follower of Christ.

 Set aside the hypocritical behavior.

Try to the maximum level, to enclose your mind with a clean thought and not to harm or hurt or plan anything which impairs the image of others.

 Remember--- Lord Almighty is watching your actions and reactions.

 You cannot escape the wrath of God.Take care

God bless

Values and its necessity? -A Biblical thought.

close-up view of a rose-@Kodaikanal-Tamil nadu

23 January 2012  

Values, of course is important to us but worldly values promote bitterness, jealousies, resentments and conflicts among people in accordance with the purposes of Satan. 

•        He is a liar and a murderer

“….. the devil, ….. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44

"Then Peter said, “Ananias. ….. Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Acts 5:3

•    He cause divisions and deceive the mind:

"I urge you, …. to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. 

By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. 

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:17-20

"The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4

"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived …… the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. Ephesians 2:1-3

Beware of the circumstances which drags us in to the trap(knowingly or unknowingly)

Let the spirit of God be with you to guide you.

 God bless

Values and its necessity? -A Biblical thought

A red rose@Kodaikanal Home-Tamil nadu

21 January 2012  

 The kingdom of this world is under the influence of Satan- father of lies, waiting to devour us with his cunning way and alter the mind to pull us down, striking at our weakness. We have a warfare that involves the trickery(fraud) and power of the devil.   

“For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Eph 6:12

Let us see who he is and what he aims at?

•  HE is a cheat and tricky:

 “The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.” Luke 4:5-6

If you give him a place he will shower you with the wealth of the world.  And you are the richest person in the world. (beware pain and discontentment will follow you, with such blessings.) 

 “We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 5:18-20

•  He blocks and blind-fold our thinking skill:

"And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4.

The principal values of the world include wealth, power, pleasure , pride, arrogance, egotism, revenge, fame, vanity and status. 

These things are most important to people who identify themselves with power or pride or authority, over God’s grace.     (Cond)

God Bless

Values and its necessity? -A Biblical thought.

Red roses @ Kodaikanal -Tirunelveli

20 January 2012  

A value is a belief (faith), a duty, or a philosophy (thinking) -whether we are aware of them or not, we have a set of core personal values. Values can range from the everyday activities to psychological or emotional in nature.

Values are those principles that really matter to us ... the ideas and beliefs- rules and regulations, certain things which we cannot forgo for any reason, or certain ethical or moral matters which cannot be compromised. 

   The main point is that when we stick on to the values, it will energize everything in and around our lives. We are always on the run in specific direction, motivated by the values and its ideals. Generally without values we are supposed to be a  mechanized human beings, driven here and there by the currents of life.

Values has a special power (our minds should grab the virtues to enrich our life.

In fact Values are embedded in the spiritual skills of a person too -- a divine gift that comes to us from heaven. 

The highest of principles -- such as Oneness, Love, Beauty, patience  etc-- descend from the heavens, and called as values by our minds.

  The principle of Oneness in our minds gives out many values  such as cooperation, integration ,peace and tranquility etc

.

What does the Bible Say about Christian Values and Christian Living? 

Bible notifies two kingdoms exit - the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of God.

The kingdom of this world is under the influence of Satan

“The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.” Luke 4:5-6,

“I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me. John 14:30-31,

“We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. …. Son of God has come and has given us understanding, … may know him who is true. And we are ... being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 5:18-20.

 

The principal values of the world include- wealth, power, pleasure, pride, arrogance, egotism, revenge, fame, vanity and status. Worldly values promote   bitterness, jealousies, resentments and conflicts among people in accordance with the purposes of Satan.

Beware of such things.

 (cond)….

 God Bless

Who are you?- In and out-2

Orchid @Tirunelveli home-TamilNnadu

19 January 2012     

“First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean” Mathew 23:26.

•  Due to covetousness or greed. 

Their heart may be overflowing with greediness and filthy thoughts but they speak (sweetly with pleasing a  smile) as if they are like angels. But within  there is a evil plan runs to turn the person down.

"My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Ezekiel 33:31

•    To stress minor things and do more harm in reality

 They do not give importance to the small details to be noted in any area- everything done as if what they do is right and no one can surpass them.  

"You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel." Mathew23:24

•          deliberately blind and a Vile personality.

    "For the vile person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, to practise hypocrisy, and to utter error against the LORD, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail". Isaiah 32:6

 Keep your ‘inner self’ clean and without any bitter and remorse feeling stocked up. Do not pose as if you are pious – perfect in all your dealings- knows everything (in and out of the world) – intelligent and efficient etc

 Do not think that others are folly and you can take (rather twist) matter as you like.God knows  our thoughts, actions and whereabouts.

Read the entire chapter Psalm 139 ---

now we can be sure that an eye is watching us. Have fear that you have to stand before the God on judgment day.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.2. Corinthians 5:10-12

Do not be a white washed tomb- Be a child of God. Have a pure (unpolluted) heart.

 Let both in and out of your heart (personality trait) be clean.

Let God help you to maintain it.

Donot step into the other person's shoe.

Be yourself. 

 

God bless