Jealousy and envy

Pinkish Tubular Flower @ Kodaikanal Garden

5 March 2012

‘A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones’. Proverbs 14:30

In the modern era, enticed by the commercial world and hi-tech  materialism- we are over loaded with materialistic prosperity, seems to be the more common thread, which runs in our ‘nerves’ nurturing   jealousy (resentment).

Jealousy is the world's oldest emotions of mankind. If you are jealous, you feel like you have a competitor. You have a strong dislike for the person (or anything your eye sets on…) who has something (which you do not have ).

Biblically it is been found in the very beginning of time-Look at Cain and Abel- how this feeling gave way for murder.

• “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. Yet we are humans , inclined to all kind of temptations. James 3:16

•  “Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? Proverbs 27:4

Jealousy is a strong feeling which creeps (rather lives silently) inside us ,even in our childhood days. It can be conquered with self control, self discipline and with wisdom through the power of the word of God.

• “For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?” 1 Corinthians 3:3

• “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

 Such a emotional feel can grow without your knowledge (dwell  within  you) then it forms as a sin. All subsequent activities that follows, will be a mar on your personality. 

This kind of jealousy is a sin and not an attribute of a Christian; rather, it shows that we are still being controlled by our own desires.

• “You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 1 Corinthians 3:3.

• “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other”. Galatians 5:26

• "But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. James 3:14-15

 The feeling of jealous tendency may starts its roots from( rule the person)  from  anything such as - wealth, job, authority, power, leadership, recognition, talents, skills, achievements, success, intelligence, personality, youthful appearance, beauty, health, clothes, style, ......---- 

the list is never ending one……

they actually starts from nowhere and ends nowhere.

The evil power has let lose to devour the souls, Be alert, lest we may be trapped in any feelings that give way for jealousy.

The Bible enlightens us that we are to have the perfect kind of love that God has for us.

• “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  1 Corinthians 13:4-5.

 The more we are self-centered and self –seeking, we are liable to focus less on God.

 It hardens our heart to know the truth, we are simply blind-folded -we cannot turn to Jesus.

• “For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears,and they have closed their eyes .Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them. Matthew 13:15

•  Allow the God to take control of you. Remember god is in control. Surely God  will enable you  to  bring forth the fruit of our salvation- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control “Galatians 5:22-23

• “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

 Let  the peace of God over powers our heart and soul.

Let us be contented with  the blessings what we have.

Do not  focus your mind on others.

Try to be self controlled in all your dealings.

 Do not compare you with anyone.

God bless

How To Develop Good Attitudes

Vegetable craving @ Tirunelveli

3 March 2012 

In this world, "attitude" is a buzzword linking it to anything connected with a person. 

One's mental attitude (whether positive or negative, healthy or unhealthy) is said to be a prime factor for success in any area. (any kind of work  or in relationships.) 

You've seen the motivational posters with the following jargans:

• A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes.

• A positive attitude is a powerful force.

• Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.

In fact, the emphasis on an internal positive attitude can devolve into mere egotistical, since it doesn't require dependence on God or others.

But Bible has many posters to motivate and instrumental for our daily life’s activities.

• “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:4-5

•  "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off the old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds." Ephesians 4:22

Let us see some of the tips to develop or tune your attitude.

A proper Christian attitude is always being happy or joyful in the Lord—(sometimes in outward denial of challenging realities). 

Attitude has to be more than just happy feelings. 
Develop it (It is very easy to write but a tough job to master). 

               1.Identify and be regretful for Bad Attitudes

Attitude is an issue of one's temperament, personality, emotion, or out look- the forth coming thoughts,words and action are the reflextions of that attitude( good or bad)

• "Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you." Acts 8:22

Our negative thoughts are to be dealt with by an strong will power. stop negative thought pattern.

Replace our thoughts with corresponding, constructive, action, thoughts, create a positive thought.
             2.Submit Your Attitudes to God

Take God's power within your lives. God will give us the spiritual power and ability, but we must choose to do His will.

• "Set our minds on things above." Colossians 3:2

 God commands us to do it! 
He will give us all the ability and help we need, but we must do it.

Bring your attitudes into obedience to God’s Word. 
Apply discipline to your thought life — submit your thoughts to Jesus  Christ.  
A good attitude is a matter of faith, disregarding your feelings, with a determination to embrace God’s outlook and disposition.

• "casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ..." 2 Corinthians 10:5

             3.Equip And Feed Your Attitudes

Dwell on the things that God’s word tells us to (good and virtuous things). If you dwell on the negative, your attitude will reflect the same.

• "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy; meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8

Good attitude (Christ-centered) is  more precious than gold and rubies

God bless

Hope

Wax Begonias @ Tirunelveli

2 March 2012 

Hope is the vital thing a person must have 'inside' as a source of energy (from which we can draw power).That is the only plus -point for us( hope in God). 

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. Lamentations 3:25

What is hope? 

The modern idea of hope is:

•   to wish for, to expect, (without certainty of the fulfillment)

•   to desire very much, (with no real assurance of getting your desire)

“Hope” in Scripture means different:

•   It is a strong and ‘confident expectation’.

God is called “the God of Hope.” This means He is the source of all our hope. If we have hope (confident expectation), it must come from God (He alone has the power to offer it to us).

 In the Bible, hope is never a static or passive thing. 

It is dynamic, vibrant, active, directive and life sustaining. This is not what the Bible means by hope.

 The biblical definition of hope is "confident expectation." Hope is a firm assurance regarding matters that are unclear and unknown and mysterious in life.

  'For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:24-25

‘Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see..Hebrews 11:1

 Hope is a fundamental component of the life of the righteous

  'There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18

Without hope, life loses its real meaning. 

 “My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the LORD.”Lamentations 3:18

The righteous, who have hope in God, have a general confidence in God's protection and help - and they are free from fear and anxiety.

 where then is my hope—who can see any hope for me? Jeremiah 29:11

 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging Psalm 46:2-3

If you are without Christ, you are without God and without hope.

God Bless

Tips for a good behavior

Orange in my Home Garden @Tirunelveli

1 March 2012 

Be dependable. 

Be a trust worthy person to people, whom trust you. Take the burden (if shared) and do not unload to others, where it will spread like a  news. 
Try to be  a confident person by not revealing the matters of others, to be leaked out.  
Learn to respect the secrets of people.

Don't keep enemies.

 Paul  said in the, Bible:"Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry."Getting angry and emotional disturbed state is common state for a human being.
 If you gone 'far –off'  or in the wrong side, apologize sincerely. 
Don't hold grudges. Forgive.
 Let the sun shine without guilt.

 

Constantly learn.

Learning follows wherever we go- starting from home to any hi-tech matters. The aptitude to learn is a good . The more you learn, the more you can learn. We have a large world before us. Pick out high-quality matters to be taught .Beware of filthy aspects.

Give grace to others.

Let your words be soft and filled with grace. When your mind is overflowing with excellent  thoughts, there is no way to spill  hurting on others.   
Don’t get mad at every small thing. 

Choose your arguments wisely. 
Exercise compassion and mercy.

Finally…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Philippians 4:8.

Various personality traits are there for reading but adopt the one which suits you.

Be a sincere person in all your endeavours.

God Bless

Tips for a good behavior

Beautiful flower with its fruit @ Kodaikanal garden

28 February 2012  

I came across these, while browsing on line and found it useful. 
With some modifications done , I like to post it here (ie my own thoughts also were incorporated) 
Hope it is useful.

 Tell the truth.

Do not be scapegoat hiding all the facts and truths. 
Honesty always wins.Actually there is no bigger trick in relationship  (inter-personal or intra- personal) than dishonesty. 
If you're afraid that being honest ,it will backfire , sometimes, honesty could be painful too. If you make it a point of having no reason to lie, honesty comes naturally ( it is a mind-set- very precious one to acquire).

Be on time.

Punctuality should be in your nerves. –Being ‘behind schedule’ ( in all aspects) can make the situation very uncomfortable. It's always good to write down appointments, meetings, and get-together on a calendar or planner. 

Work on self-discipline.

Self discipline is an important for acquiring a good personality. Be on your guard to accomplish the task in time. Don't postpone. Do it and do a good job(without a back drop). When you have self-discipline and know you can get things done, it becomes natural.

 

List your values. 

Evaluating your life is a good way to see who you are. What are your strong points? What are your weakness? How can you do better? Asking good questions of yourself can search out for a good thinking and plan to work on.

 

Live for a greater purpose. 

God has a purpose for you. Find something you really believe in. Read your Bible. 'Take in' the word of God.  Pray to God daily. Serve the society. Do something for environment. Adapt to good habits and try to ‘Go- Green’ with an 'Eco –friendly' policy. 

 

Challenge yourself.

 Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "We are always getting ready to live but never living."Set aside the things that troubles you or put you on nerves. Remove stress and learn to be cool. Have a clear mind and definite principles to adapt in life.  You aren't really living ( if you don't try new things).
 

Take challenges yourself.

Keep going in life.
 Life is full of extremities.

 Take it in a right spirit .Enjoy

'Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2. 

God bless 
(....cond)

I Am That I Am

Mist on mountain top @ Kodaikanal

26 February 2012

"And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: ……Exodus 3:14

This unique name of God was given to stress the truth that He is eternal and everlasting .The name "LORD" conveys the truth that He is the eternal,  the existing One.

 Read out a collection of great "I am's" in the gospel of John- they are rich with spiritual meaning and can be listed as follows:

 “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35.

‘I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. John 6:51

 “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”John 8:12

"I am the door of the sheep" John 10:7

“I am the good shepherd. …… lays down his life for the sheep." John 10:11

 “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;" John 11:25

 “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

" I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener" John 15:1

These verses help us to pray more enthusiastically "that God may be all in all" 1 Corinthians 15:28.

 

'I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelation 22:13

Praise God

Precious shelter.

Pink Anthurium in my home garden @ Tirunelveli

26 February 2012  

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings...Psalm 17:8

It is really a deep cry from the heart of a person, for protection (divine protection). World actually toss us invariably with multitude of uncertainties and insecurities.The natural attitude is to resort for solutions in a direct way or in a indirect route.

Some time all doors are seemingly closed for further proceedings. we are really helpless.

 

Ask Jesus to help you out and see the difference. Read some of the verses:

• "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10

• ’For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:5

•  ‘Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 63:7

• ‘The LORD bless you and keep you. Numbers 6:24

• 'He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1  

• 'In a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye,   Deuteronomy 32:10

• Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Proverbs 7:2

When we started to face the challenges (life's trials and tribulations) and begins by presenting our Savior as "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" none in this worldly things can surpass you. 

• 'God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1. 

'We may be vulnerable and helpless on our own,(unable to trust anybody) but God with His unfailing love and grace beckons us to 

• "the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" Hebrews 4:16.
  

• "God hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee . . . we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man may do unto me" Hebrews 13:5-6.

• 'We can pray with David, "Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings" (Psalm 17:8).

The one to whom we pray will answer, for He is Jesus, the lover of the soul.'

God our Father will, Keep you as the apple of His eye - Preserve you and guard you  from the perils of life.

Hold on  and be protected in the Shadow of His Wings

God bless