Hate what is evil

Pears @ Kodaikanal garden

16 March 2012   

Generally the personality traits are varied- as per the genetic material inherited and henceforth the human attribute can be either good or bad.

Hate is a very strong word, People who try to eliminate hate will make the world a much better place to live in.

The minute we begin to "understand" evil and its causes ,that is, the minute we are inclined to it. 

When hatred becomes all-consuming and very strong, then it crosses the boundaries and becomes evil. 

• “Hate what is evil; cling to what is good…Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. …Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

In general all evils such as: evil thoughts, evil words, evil actions, evil company, and evil doctrines etc corrupts the mind. It is impossible to hate evil without devoted to do good deeds.

“Fear of the Lord", will teach us to have extreme dislike towards evil, (because of the hateful nature ). It is being contrary to God and his will.

These verses are for a better understanding :

•  "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil." Proverbs 3:7

• “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth. PSALM 34:11-16

• “To fear the LORD is to hate evil;…”. Proverbs 8:13

• “…… God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."2 Timothy 2:19

• “Avoid every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:22

• “Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy ..... .Amos 5:15

• "Test everything. Hold on to the good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21

• “ Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Psalm 97:10

Evil is not to be sought after, but to be hated, especially the evil of sin, because of its evil nature, and destructive effects and consequences. 

since in the sight of God ,it is hateful and terrible, those who love him should hate evil automatically.

• "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9

• "Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it Psalm 34:14

• "The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him. Psalm 37:40

• "The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. Psalm 145:20

As a child of God, our duty towards one another is to show unconditional love. It should be unforced, unconstrained. with zeal for the gospel, will make the wise us diligent in all his wordly dealings.

"Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love. Psalm 33:18

 Worldly attraction will be a block to hate evil. 
As  a human it is not so possible to be totally away from the materialistic world. 

  BUT WHEN we are contented and having a peace (God given) in our mind and heart- with God's strength everything is possible.

Praise the Lord.

God Bless   

Peace

Valley view with homes @Kodaikanal

15 March 2012   

Human nature is always wavering and indecisive, which tends to develop hostility against God, and inclined to reject God's law.

“ The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:7. 

The consequence seems to be most terrible rather having a persistent conflict with God and in turn between men. No one who breaks God's law as a way of life can have peace (the kind of peace God gives.) 

Jesus said "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you." John 14:27

The world produces a level of tranquillity (serenity or peace) from time to time, but it is not the peace of God. When we commit a sin, there is a feeling (natural fear), surges up and fill our mind with guilt feeling. Before committing the sin invariably, we seek to make sure that no one else sees it (or being watched ) 

But the corrupt thoughts and mind are practically invisible- hence people plan and attempt many anti social activities.

 

For sure it will leave that person restless (mentally and visibly) Subsequently fear of exposure comes up in mind, we begin justifying ourselves or shifting the blame on to others.

 Self –justification may hide  ‘hidden evils’. Rather some time evils are reasoned -out, to be right( or valid). 

If we were at peace with God, with a clear conscience, we may not resort yo such things. Cling on to the word of God.

• "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. John 14:1

• "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

•  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

God give peace Not as the world gives:

•      Not as the purposes which we commonly follow - for pleasure, fame, wealth, status- Attached with care, anxiety, remorse feeling envy etc….. they are incapable of giving that peace which the soul needs.

•       Not as the men of the world give. – with mere praise, greeting (with empty and flattering words) noticeable friendship(official or professional) which has no sincerity. They are packed with covetousness.

•    Not as philosophical or ethical or false religion give-. They agree and tempt, as if they can give peace, but it is not real. It cannot satisfy the inner urge or stills the voice of our conscience. It cannot or does not take away sin.

Peace of God meets all the desires of the soul, silences the alarms of conscience, is fixed and sure amid all external changes.

• "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 

The world's approach to peace is prevention of trouble and unpleasant things. 

Jesus offers the peace which conquers our fears and anxieties. 

 Nothing can take us from the peace and joy of Jesus Christ. 

 No sorrow or grief, no danger, no suffering can make it fewer.

 Let your peace be always with me.  Under no circumstance, trouble, or displeasure deprive me of the peace which passes all understanding.  

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  Colossians 3:15

Let the peace of Jesus Christ rule your mind and heart.

God bless

Develop faith.

Hilly valley @ Kodaikanal

14 March 2012  

We speak rather advice others about faith in their life (during the time of crisis). If it comes to us (anything big or small ) the possibility of being  shattered has greater probability.

The flesh is weak and we may resort to other means than prayer and trust on the word of God. The initial shock will be there and it takes time to get it right.

 For a perplexed mind with weak faith , we need some support to lean on. I am sure it must be the word of God to rely upon or to seek clear direction to move ahead.

  Some tips to develop our  faith:

  Listen to the Word of God as much as possible.  

 "    Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" Romans 10:17. 

Regular and constant attention to the Word of God with an open heart and mind produces faith.
 

“pay attention to what I say;  turn your ear to my words.  Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them  and health to one’s whole body. Proverbs 4:20-22. 

       Each one has been given a measure of faith by God in accordance to our mental status.We are created in all splendour and variety as per God's choice.

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Romans 12:3. 

 Just learn to use and develop what God has given.
 We must put it into action.

·      Pray in full of the Spirit.

“by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, Jude 20. 

you should pray and praise – keep your mind focused and concentrated. 
Obey God. If  you walk with God- you gain strength. 

 God will not reveal greater things to you until you are faithful in the things He is showing you NOW. 

Therefore obedience to God’s word and what He is showing you through the Word or through your conscience is important in the development of your faith.

  Act on what God is saying.

·       Give thanks. Don't complain and murmur -it shows your doubt on God's love and God's answer to your situation. 
    "Give thanks in all situations .1 Thessalonians 5:18.

·     Develop a life of praise and worship. Praise drives the powers of darkness away and brings the throne of God into your circumstances and problems.
   Praising God is an act of faith and helps your faith to grow.Do that and see the difference.Praise the Lord.
  

      Speak the WORD with your mouth to exercise your faith, God's Word is anointed and has power when it is spoken to change the spiritual atmosphere.

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:10. 

 Seek holiness, purity of heart.

"Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14. 

It is with the heart that man believes. If the heart has uncleanness, unforgiveness and other bad conditions within, the man will lose the spiritual insight of the Lord which enables his heart to believe. 

Purity and faith nourishes each other.

God Bless

God Is All-Powerful

Plum tree without leaves @Kodaikanal

12 March 2012  

God Is All-Powerful -Subsequently He can help you with anything, at any time and any where.

God merely uttered a word to create the universe ( which contains more  than 100 billion galaxies.) The entire power of this universe is but a small representation of the unlimited power of God.

 In reality   the combined energy of all forces on earth (such as storms, winds, ocean waves, etc) cannot be equal to, even a fraction of God's almighty power.

"….. You have made the heavens and earth by Your great power. Nothing is too hard for You!" Jeremiah 32:17.

Our God is all powerful.       Praise the Lord.

God's power is inherent and will continue to be His own power for ever. God has  chosen you and  given power , henceforth no harm can touch you.

‘Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you '. Luke 10:19

Any power or authority we have been given (or allotted to us)  by God.

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” Romans 13:1-2

Since God is all-powerful, He has the ability and strength to accomplish His purpose. Nobody in this whole world can restrain or slow down (or even stand against) His power. People and nations are powerless when dealing with His power. God is in control.

Our amazing God is capable of doing anything for us (as long as we do not disobey or neglect  His word.) 

No task is too big for Him. He never fails.God is faithful.
 And He is never tired, frustrated, or discouraged. He is in constant vigil for 24x7- 365 days- watching over you.

   “…….. he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep'.Psalm 121:3-4

Our all-powerful Creator cares for us, and He wants to exhibit His power in our lives.- power to save, heal, protect ,provide, and (you can write as you think or want……….)

"When I look at the night sky and see the work of Your fingers-the moon and the stars , You have set in place-what are mortals that You should think of us, mere humans that You should care for us?" Psalm 8:3, 4

•  No matter what you are in, God can help you.

• Nothing is too hard for Him.

• No need is too great for Him to meet.

• No problem is too complicated for Him to solve.

• No foe is too strong for Him to conquer.

•  No prayer is too difficult for Him to answer.

• No matter is tough to be called impossible.

 "By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope" Ephesians 3:20.

If our hearts and motives are pure, clean and we truly seek to do God's will, then there is nothing too difficult for us when we depend on His strength.

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13.

“Is the LORD’ s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.”  Number 11:23

God Bless

Rules for blessed living

 beautiful rose on a tree @ Kodaikanal

11 March 2012 

  

‘Rules’- rule the universe. Everywhere it is being pushed on us. It is absolutely fine to follow some stringent rules. otherwise ‘unruliness’ will rule our mind and heart.

The consequence will be disastrous and terrible. The young and the old are already have lost their moral and ethical values of life.

I like to present the  Colossians  3:2-17 here as a general rules for a good Christian to follow. 

Since we have accepted Christ as our personal savior- The old is gone(sinful nature) and we are made a new person ( with good qualities)

Read the verses:  Colossians 3:2-17

"since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him(Christ) who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all

your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 

 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.

•   Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

•  now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.

•  Do not lie to one another,

• bearing with one another

• forgiving one another

• Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,

• put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

• But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

•  let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body;

•  be thankful.

• Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom,

•  teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,

• singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

•  And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

•  giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”  Colossians 3:2-17

Try to uphold these statutes in life.

 Improve your mentality.

 Shun evil and allied things.

 Spread smile-with joy and peace. 

Try to keep your inner self free of guilt. (that’s is more important)

BE cheerful .Make the people around you happy. 

God Bless