Affirm Truth

AffirmTruth.org is a Christian, evangelical, theologically conservative, and non-denominational ministry, based out of Chennai, India.

Category: Blog Post

Navigating Family Challenges with Faith

Posted by on in Blog PostLeave a comment

Family life is a beautiful gift, but it’s not without its storms. Between juggling responsibilities, resolving conflicts, and facing unexpected hardships, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Sometimes, these challenges can subtly—or not so subtly—pull us away from our relationship with God. The demands of parenting, a strained marriage, or financial pressures can leave us distracted, exhausted, or even questioning our faith. But the Bible offers us hope, wisdom, and practical examples to stay rooted in God, no matter the season.

Here’s how we can navigate family challenges without letting them distance us from the Lord, with lessons drawn from Scripture.

1. Recognize the Pull and Refocus on God’s Presence

Life’s pressures can make us feel like God is distant, but often it’s our focus that shifts. Take the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42. Martha was busy serving, distracted by her many tasks, while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to Him. Martha’s frustration boiled over, and she even questioned Jesus: “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?” (v. 40, NIV). Jesus gently corrected her, saying, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (v. 41-42)


In family life, we can become like Martha—caught up in the chaos of schedules, bills, or sibling squabbles. It’s not that our duties don’t matter; it’s that they shouldn’t eclipse our time with God. When you feel the pull, pause. Refocus. Even a short prayer or a moment of gratitude can recenter you on His presence.

2. Lean on God’s Strength, Not Your Own

Family challenges can drain us emotionally and physically, tempting us to rely solely on our own grit. But Scripture reminds us that God’s strength is available when ours runs out. Look at the example of David in 1 Samuel 30:6. His family had been taken captive by the Amalekites, and his men were ready to turn against him. The Bible says, “David was greatly distressed… But David found strength in the Lord his God.” Instead of despairing, he sought God’s guidance and went on to recover everything that was lost.


When your family faces a crisis—whether it’s a health scare, a rebellious child, or a fractured relationship—turn to God first. Philippians 4:13 declares, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” You don’t have to carry it alone; God’s power is bigger than any challenge.

3. Guard Against Bitterness with Forgiveness

Family life can breed hurt—arguments with a spouse, disappointment in a child, or tension with in-laws. If unchecked, resentment can creep in and harden our hearts, pushing us away from God’s love. The story of Joseph in Genesis 37-50 is a powerful example. Sold into slavery by his brothers, he had every reason to grow bitter. Yet, years later, when he faced them again, he said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20).


Ephesians 4:31-32 urges us, “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.” When family strife tempts you to pull away from God, lean into forgiveness instead. It’s not easy, but it keeps your heart aligned with Him.

4. Prioritize Prayer as a Family Lifeline

When life gets hectic, prayer can feel like just another task to squeeze in. Yet, it’s our direct line to God, especially in tough times. In Acts 12, Peter was imprisoned, and his situation seemed hopeless. But the church—his spiritual family—“was earnestly praying to God for him” (Acts 12:5). God answered dramatically, sending an angel to free Peter from his chains.


In your family, make prayer a habit, not an afterthought. Whether it’s a quick prayer over breakfast or a deeper time of seeking God together during a crisis, it invites His peace and guidance. Philippians 4:6-7 promises, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

5. Trust God’s Timing and Purpose

Sometimes family challenges—like a wayward child or a prolonged struggle—make us doubt God’s goodness or timing. The story of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 15-21 shows us how to hold on. God promised them a son, but years passed with no answer. Sarah even laughed at the idea in her old age (Genesis 18:12). Yet God fulfilled His promise with Isaac, proving His faithfulness.


When your family feels stuck, cling to Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Trust that God is weaving even your hardships into something redemptive.

Staying Close to God Amid the Storm

Family life will always have its challenges—messy, beautiful, and everything in between. But those struggles don’t have to pull you away from God. Like a compass in a storm, Scripture and prayer can guide you back to Him. Psalm 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” When the waves hit, He’s not far off—He’s right there, ready to steady you.


So, take a deep breath. Look to these biblical examples. Lean into God’s Word and presence. Your family life, with all its chaos and joy, can be a place where your faith grows stronger, not weaker.

EXPECTATIONS – SKY HIGH!

Posted by on in Blog PostLeave a comment

Expectation is the driving force that motivates us to rise up each day and pursue our goals, providing the strength to persevere through challenges and strive for a better tomorrow. It is the reason for endurance and hope in our lives.

Life without expectations sounds like food without flavour. We expect returns on our investments, salary increments, parents to understand us, siblings to support us, friends to always be there for us, and this list can be as long as one wants.

All the above expectations have no backup. Even the best stocks and funds are subject to market risks. Jobs are at stake with little or no security. And the scripture says that all men are but a breath. Can we truly trust in things or people, knowing they can change or disappoint?

Expectations should not solely rest on transient entities. As life teaches us, it becomes clear that both people and material things have their limits and are subject to change. This is not their fault but a reality of their created nature.

Joyce Meyer puts it like this, ” It is foolish to think that you can always continue to do what you do.” Life will change and so will you and the people around you.

‭1 Peter 1:24-25 For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.”

It thus seems wise, to place your hope on something above and beyond them, namely – God. The Bible teaches that Jesus remains constant-unchanging yesterday, today, and forever.

Psalms 62:5  My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him.

‭Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Additionally, it asserts that while heaven and earth may pass away, the word of God endures eternally. So have expectations, have them big, but with God. When you walk with God, He not only gives you the right desires but is also able to fulfill them.

‭Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

The Bible gives us the right understanding of what God has in store for us. It may sound impossible and almost overwhelming to know how much God can do for us when we walk with Him and have a genuine relationship with God.

Let’s look at some examples from the Bible about people who expected big things from God.

Abraham – He believed that God is able to give him a son during his old age just as God had promised. He also had faith that if he sacrificed his son, God can bring his son back to life even from the ashes. And surely enough, God was faithful to His promise and blessed Abraham with Isaac.

David – he believed that God will use him to defeat Goliath who was a giant warrior even though he himself was just a shepherd boy because God was on David’s side. David went on to defeat the giant and later became the King of Israel.

Daniel – He believed that God is able to deliver him from the den of lions untouched by harm. He honoured God and His word above the King. God closed the mouth of the lions and Daniel remained unharmed even in the lion’s den.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego – these young men did not bow down to the idol erected by the king and believed that God is able to deliver them from the fiery furnace. And God did deliver them and because of this incident, the king honoured them and praised God.

Hannah – Believed that God will bless her with a son even though she was barren for years and God blessed her with a son who later became a great prophet – Samuel.

All these show us that it  is only in God and His word that we can have complete reliance and be sure that our expectations will not come crumbling down. So, remind yourself today to place your expectations not in created things but in the Creator Himself! Let your expectations always fly sky high.

The right perspective

Posted by on in Blog PostLeave a comment


Sometimes in life, we look back at how silly we were in our thoughts or actions and wish we had been a little more sensible, patient and wiser.


As I was leaving a store with my mom and sister, I saw something disturbing that made me pause. It was a dog caught in between the railings of a window and I instantly felt sympathetic for the poor thing. It had no way out- or atleast that’s what I thought!

I’m sorry but I didn’t have the courage to go and help the dog out of his plight. However, I was too curious to simply walk off either. So, I mustered the courage and walked closer to have a clearer view. I stood there astonished and looked on at the dog and it’s surroundings. I was so wrong, so terribly wrong.



The dog was not in a bad place at all. He was in his master’s living room! He was playing around the railings and once he had a good look at the road outside and all the humans he went back to his own business. He was just getting some fresh air and enjoying his freedom.

I was instantly learning a lesson inside my head. Just a little bit of difference in my view changed the whole story from one of joy to that of despair.
If I hadn’t taken that little extra effort to come a bit closer and look at it, I would have gone home thinking that the dog was in a sad and miserable state. But things were rather going very well for him. He most probably had a loving master and all that he needed inside that house. He was loved and cared for. He was not even locked in a cage but had acces to the master’s house and space to run around and play.

Sometimes, even in life we just need to take a little more effort to look at things from the right perspective and we will be surprised at how silly we were or how wrong we were to rush to a conclusion and make a wrong judgment of the situation. We might feel like we have come close enough and we have seen it all, but just those few more steps and our view will completely change.

Many think alike about born again Christians too. That they are the most boring people on the planet. They have no fun and too many restrictions. But only if you would make an effort to come a little more closer to God and experience for yourself how blessed we are to have this great God by our side through all our highs and yes, most definitely through our lowest times too. There is no difference, everyone has problems, but there is a big difference in this – we have a loving Father by our side and He is Almighty! We have all we need in Him.

Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Romans 8:32 He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?

There is a parable that Jesus tells His disciples. It’s about a father and his two sons. ( Luke 15:11-32) The younger one demanded to have his share of the inheritance. So the father gave it to him and soon he left his home to squander all his wealth on “wild living”. He probably thought that it was the most amazing time of his life. But it did not take long for him to realise that money doesn’t stay forever nor does the pleasures of this world. They vanish away like vapour even before we know it. They are temporary. He soon found himself empty and broken. Finally he comes back to his father prepared to plead and ask him to take him back not even as a son but as a servant . But his father’s love for him loked beyond his mistakes and saw his broken and repentant heart and embraced him with arms wide open.

This Christmas, don’t just be satisfied with the sight of the tree and the lights. But come closer to that baby in the crib. He is more than just that helpless looking baby. He is the Saviour of the world, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He is God incarnate. And if you believe in Him today then you will be forgiven on account of His sacrifice. You will be saved from your sins and restored to a beautiful and eternal relationship with God. Let’s get a better view of Him this season. Let’s get the right perspective.

A very merry Christmas and a happy new year to you all!

Rainbow – the promise of God vs the pride of man

Posted by on in Blog PostLeave a comment

                                  

That spread of color in the sky which leaves a smile on the face of all, small and big alike – the Rainbow. What does it stand for and how did it come to be?


Rainbows are formed when light from the sun is scattered by water droplets (e.g. raindrops or fog) through a process called refraction. Refraction occurs when the light from the sun changes direction when passing through a medium denser than air, such as a raindrop. This is the scientific definition of a rainbow. However, we are going to look at the bigger picture. We are going to take a look at who created all this and caused it to come together and for what specific purpose. Science did not come before man and man did not come before the one who created him, God. So, it is necessary to go to the root of the output and not just explain the output itself. Finally, we will try to analyze if at all there is any scope for mankind to take pride in this.

As humans started to multiply on earth so did sin. This kept increasing till God could no longer stand the sinful ways of man. And so, God decided to sweep out the whole race of mankind from the face of the earth. But one man found favor before God – Noah. Noah and his family were saved, and the rest of mankind and every living being wiped out.

Genesis 6:6-8 The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. 6 The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. 7 So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.

God saw that every inclination of the heart of man was evil. So then why did God finally change His mind? Did the human heart change from its evil ways and finally turn to God in repentance?

No! We see that God did not make His covenant after the heart of man was changed, we see that the human heart remained the same. It was not a change in man that caused God to step into a covenant with them, rather the unchanging character of God’s compassion that made Him step into a covenant by which He said that never again will He destroy the whole earth and all living creatures even though the heart of man is evil. God in His faithfulness promised not to destroy but provide all that earth required for life.

Genesis 8:21 The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.
 “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.”

And so, the rainbow is a sign of God’s promise with us and every other living creature on earth. (Genesis 9:13-16) Do you see anything in this story in which we can take credit or pride of? By no means, in fact it shows us the deceitfulness of our hearts and how God still chose to forgive us knowing the condition of our hearts. Next time you see a rainbow, take minute to thank God for His love and compassion. That was the sole purpose of the rainbow – to remind us of God’s faithfulness over all of mankind and every living creature who deserved to be destroyed because of their pride, sin and rebellion. But did God just leave us in this state of hopelessness? No. Here is the hope of all the world – Jesus!

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Thanks be to God who sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, who cleanses us of our sins by His sinless blood that was shed for all. Today, if we believe in Him and His finished work on the cross, we will be made righteous by grace through faith in Jesus. Don’t let your mind paint pictures by what the world has taught over what God’s intended truth is which is found in the scriptures. Let the rainbow make your heart turn to God in gratitude and have nothing that man can take pride in. Take pride in the goodness and faithfulness of this great God. There is nothing in mortal man to take pride.

Jeremiah 9:24 But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth— for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.

Health and Healing

Posted by on in Blog PostLeave a comment

I was encouraged by my friend to write about health and healing, especially during these times of the pandemic. We have been seeing our dear and near ones falling sick and going through seasons of despair and discouragement. It’s time we remind ourselves that there is hope amidst any chaos if we trust in God. No matter how hopeless the situation might be, there is always enough hope to be saved for those who trust in the Almighty God (El-Shaddai).

Romans 10:11  As Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.”

Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

There can be many questions that may have build up in your mind over this season. Maybe you were a victim of the pandemic and overcame it. Maybe you’ve seen others go through it or lost someone to it. It has affected all of us in someway, whether big or small. Being a responsible citizen and adhering to the present protocols is our duty, but being a panic-stricken citizen and giving up on all hope is not for a believer. There is always more to the story than what we see with our eyes if we believe in a God who works in ways beyond what we can see.

Let’s start with the most obvious question of all—can God heal? And the answer is YES! We can get scriptures to prove that God has and does heal people who put their faith in Him or for the sake of the faith of the one who prays over the sick (Matthew 8:1, Matthew 12:13, Matthew 14:14, Matthew 14:36, Luke 5:25).

Today, we too can pray in the name of Jesus and receive this healing over our lives if we pray in faith that God is able to heal us. Jesus died for the salvation of all mankind. For the one who believes in Jesus as his Lord and Savior, His blood cleanses him of all sins and through His stripes we receive healing. For me it is easier to believe this since I am a beneficiary of His healing in my life. Not once but many times including a recent episode of the pandemic, I have seen how God miraculously healed me in my body. Christian life is not just studying about God but experiencing the reality of God in our lives. Just like theory without practical knowledge is incompetent, so is studying about God, without experiencing God’s truth and reality in life.

Isaiah 53:5 “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”

The point I want to emphasize here is that God’s healing is not just limited to the physical body. God heals both the body of sickness and the soul of sin. God’s healing is wholesome and complete. He is Jehovah Rapha—The Lord who heals.

How can one be well, when he suffers morally? —Leo Tolstoy

So, our next question might be, then why is not everyone who believes in God healed? I know that it is true and there are no two ways about it that God can heal. This is not a question up for debate. He heals the sick who have faith in Him or because of the faith of the one who prays over the sick. But why is it that some were healed one way and another person had to go through something and then be healed or why one who seems to have faith in God is not yet healed is not for us to break our heads over. What I can do is affirm that God is in control. Hold on to God and He will change trials into testimonies for His glory. Even if we go through a sickness God will give us the strength to overcome it and become stronger not only in our body but also in our faith in Him.

Mark 8:36-37 “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”

However, God is not just interested in healing the body but even more in healing our inner man—our heart, mind and soul. If it takes a bodily sickness to heal the heart of the deadly disease of pride, boastfulness, jealousy, hatred, stubbornness, well then that is God’s way of healing that person from the inside. Or maybe God wanted to show them that they can’t control their lives which is just a matter of a breath. I can never list down the reasons why someone went through something, but I can always assure that God is in control of the one who trusts in Him, even during the sickness God is still in control and He is not blind to your circumstances.

Psalm 119:67 “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.”

Psalm 119:71 “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.”

“I seek a not a long life, but a full one, like You Lord Jesus.” Like Jim Elliot who said these words, may we also desire a full life that fulfills God’s plans and purposes for us rather than a long but empty one.

God is almighty and He does all things for His own purposes which will not make sense to us simply because we don’t and can’t think like God who knows the end before the beginning. But the scriptures say that the Holy Spirit helps us to understand the plans of God (1 Corinthians 2:12-16). Nobody can limit God’s ways but we know that a father disciplines the son he loves. If a father doesn’t give a second look at what his son does with his life, that’s not called love.

Hebrews 12:5-7 “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as His son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as His children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?

I am not healthy and well because I am by any means better off than a person who is down with the flu. All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s standards. But I am well because of my faith in God and His forgiveness that is mine now because I believe that Jesus died for all my sins and weaknesses. So in Him and through Him alone, I am saved.

Romans 3:23-24 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

Don’t lose heart if you are going through a season of sickness in your body or mind. Don’t let your mind tell you that God has forsaken you. We see many examples of people in the Bible and in today’s world, who trusted God sincerely and yet did not receive a bodily healing.

The existence of illness or suffering in a believer’s life does not necessarily constitute a sinful life or a life that lacks faith. Apostle Paul pleaded with the Lord on three separate occasions for the Lord to remove the “thorn in his flesh,” yet God’s grace was enough for the apostle and His power was made perfect in Paul’s weaknesses. Elisha the prophet raised the son of the Shunamite women yet he died of a sickness (2 Kings 4:18-37, 2 Kings 13:14, 2 Corinthians 12:7-9) and so on.

We cannot ever answer why and what God has in mind for each person. But the truth remains the same, that if we surrender our lives to Jesus, then even if our bodies go through sickness, we still have a future hope that is eternal. With God on our side, we can only get stronger with everything that comes our way. But without God, anything has the potential to break you down. If we trust in Him, even in our weakness His strength is displayed in us for His own glory.

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

When God helps us to understand that the greatest blessing we can have is God Himself, then the joy of God becomes our strength (Nehemiah 8:10 “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength”). We rejoice because He has already given us everything we need in Jesus. Christian life is joyful because we have Jesus. We are not self-dependent people but God-dependent. And that is our never ending source of strength. He will not leave us nor forsake us. If your body is healed you might live up to 70-80 years, given all goes well. But when you receive Jesus in your life, you live with Him eternally beyond this life. (John 11:25-26)

That’s why we can also say, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

ONE is enough for me

Posted by on in Blog Post5 Comments

As consumers we all expect variety. We don’t completely depend on a single store for all commodities because it may not have the best of all categories. For example, we have a favorite store for clothes, shoes, another for groceries and so on.

But is it really wise to find different sources for our spiritual needs as well? Today we have a variety of choices there too. Some are attractive at least from the outset and some are unfortunately bizarre. Some sources stand on the foundation of certain principles, cultures, locations or heritages while others on public figures of so called spiritual gurus.

But fortunately for me, there is this ONE person I can turn to – the One true God! There is no need for a second option because there is no better choice. He is The best I could and will sought after. And we will try to find out just why.

God by definition is The Supreme being, Creator and Ruler of the Universe.

Genesis 1:1 – In the beginning God (Elohim – the Triune God) created the heavens and the earth.

So, if our needs are within the heavens and the Earth (emotional, physical, material, spiritual) then we can know for sure who to go to – its Creator – God!

God cannot be specific only to a particular area or domain. If we believe that there is a God then He is an infinite being who created all other finite beings that are under His sovereign control. He is not a part of this creation but beyond it. If I say god is everything around me and everything in the universe is god then isn’t that contradicting the very meaning of God? How can there be more than one infinite being? So, if God is this one Supreme being then:

Why would I turn to many gods? When I can have a relationship with the One true God Himself, I don’t need to go to one god for provision, another for protection, yet another for healing and so on. God should be able to suffice all my needs.

Why would I turn to saints to intercede for me?

To start with who is a saint? According to the Bible every believer is a saint or in other words every person who is sanctified by Jesus’ finished work on the cross and set apart for God is a saint.(Romans 1:7,1Corinthains 1:2) In some denominations we see particular disciples and others given undue attention and they become objects of prayer and devotion. This is not biblical since giving a person such attention that he/she be made a mediator between the Father and us is an act of idolatry because Jesus is our only mediator as clearly given in the scriptures. In fact, the reason Jesus died was so  that we may have direct access to the throne of God the Father. When I turn to any other human being, I disregard the sacrifice that Christ took on for me. There is only One mediator between God the Father and all of mankind – Jesus Christ. When I bow down to any other I am consciously or subconsciously an idolater because prayer is directed only to God.

Or is my Father in heaven like a strict earthly father beyond approach that someone should recommend for me?

We also find this kind of intercessory prayers made through Mary, the mother of Jesus. They say it is just like how we would ask our mother for something instead of asking the father directly. This is yet another heresy that is prevalent. Our God is perfect and cannot be compared to the flawed characteristics of an earthly father. I need no introduction or recommendation to the One who created me and knew me even before I was born(Psalm 139:15-16). His love for me exceeds any other. Mary was blessed to have been able to give birth to Jesus but she is by no means a deity. She had other sons and daughters after Jesus was born just like a normal woman. ( Mathew 13:55-56) She calls God her savior just like He is our savior.(Luke 1:47)

When we have Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father and interceding for each one of us, we don’t need anyone else to do this task. (Romans 8:34)

We should respect people who have lived out a life of faith and learn good lessons from their lives (both failures and successes). But none is perfect that we may pray to them or worship them. Christ alone can save us and not any human being. Our example to follow is and will always remain Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 1:5 – 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people.

Acts 4:12 – Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Right! So, I just pray to this God and I get everything I want?

No, it’s not like God keeps giving you everything you want. But rather when you have a true relationship with this Almighty God, you lack nothing. You find your purpose in life and everything you need is taken care of within this wholesome relationship. 

In the old testament we see many names given to God in worship and adoration by different people at different instances. These names, unlike today, had great significance and described a particular attribute of God as revealed to these people.

We too can pray claiming these attributes of God over our life situations.

Although God is more than any name could ever contain, these names help us understand and experience certain aspects of God’s character in our lives.

Below are few of the names of God and instances where it has been used in the Bible:

  1. El Shaddai – Lord God Almighty

God specializes in impossibilities. When He says “Yes” there is nothing that can change it. Faith in God’s faithfulness is what you need to see the fulfilment of God’s promises.

Genesis 17:1 – When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.

  1. El Roi– The God who sees me

Ever felt like you were invisible to the world around you? He is the God who sees you no matter where you try to hide yourself. Call on Him because His eyes are watching over you and

Genesis 16:16 – She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen[a] the One who sees me.”

  1. Jehovah Raah  – The Lord My Shepherd

When you follow the good shepherd, you will lack nothing. Even if you wander away, He will come in search of you. The good shepherd lays His life down for the sheep. Jesus is our good shepherd and in Him we have everything we need – protection, provision and guidance.

Psalm 23:1 -The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

  1. Jehovah Rapha – The Lord That Heals

God who can heal both our body from sickness and our soul from sin. I have experienced His healing in my body in a second. The same God who healed me can heal you too if you have faith in Him.

Exodus 15:26 – 26 He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”

  1. Jehovah Tsidkenu – The Lord Our Righteousness

Our righteousness comes from God and not by any of our own deeds. The blood of Jesus cleanses us of all our sins and makes us righteous before the Father. So, don’t condemn yourself but repent before God and exchange your shame for His righteousness.

Jeremiah 23:6 – In His days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which He will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.
 

  1. Qanna – jealous, zealous, or envy

The fundamental meaning relates to a marriage relationship. God is depicted as Israel’s husband. He is a jealous God, wanting all our praise for Himself and no one else. When we distribute the worship that only God deserves among other man-made gods and saints we are committing idolatry.

Exodus 20:5 – 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,

  1. Jehovah Jireh – The Lord Will Provide

When we have exhausted our resources and strength, He provides for those who call on Him. He makes sure they have enough in times of need. In His perfect time, He will provide beautifully. We need to trust and wait on Him to see the miracle.

Genesis 22:14 – 4 So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”

  1. Jehovah Shalom – Prince of Peace

He is the God who calms the storm with a word. He can give you peace amidst the chaos. In His presence we find peace that is beyond our understanding. Our peace rests on the fact that God is in control.

Judges 6:24 – 24 So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

  1. Jehovah Sabaoth – The Lord of Hosts

The Lord of angel armies who goes before and behind us is our Protector from the evil one. Even when we are alone, He is with us. Where no man can reach out to us, God is still with us. No wall is too thick for God to come through if you call on Him earnestly.

Isaiah 47:4 – 4 As for our redeemer, the Lord of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel.

And so, One God is enough for me. I don’t have to run between different gods for my different needs. And this privilege is freely available to you if you believe in Jesus and accept Him as your personal Lord and savior. He is enough!

Tattoo taboo

Posted by on in Blog Post2 Comments

Always a topic that make heads turn in the Christian circle. So, what is all the talk about Christians not being allowed to get a tattoo? And what does the Bible say about it?


Leviticus 19:28 – “‘Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.

This was one among the many rules that God gave the Israelites so that they would be set apart for God from among other pagan religions and cultures of that time.

Though all of these are not applicable to us today, there are some outright Nos that we need to follow as children of God. We should not get a tattoo of any kind of pagan gods/symbols, anything related to sorcery, witchcraft, Black Magic and so on because that would be an idol. These are clearly against what God wants His children to do. 

Also, in Revelation we see something called the mark or number of the beast(666). This is said to differentiate the followers of Christ and the followers of antichrist in the days to come. If you do not believe in Jesus and follow the antichrist then you will have this mark on you(which is not an impossible idea anymore with the development of technology in our times) and only if you have this mark will you be allowed to buy or sell anything.

So it looks like the mark of the antichrist is outwardly and visible whereas, the mark of God is the Holy Spirit inside of us and is invisible.

Revelation 13:16‭-‬18 – It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.  This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is 666.


So, what about Christian tattoos? 


What about a “John 3:16”, a cross, “Jesus loves you” or something along the same lines which is purely giving out a gospel message?

  • The Bible says that your body is the temple of the living God. Inflicting pain on it should be a serious thought.
  • Always better to get Him tattooed on your heart than on your skin. Internal transformation over external expressions.
  • What is tattooed on your heart will speak louder than what is on your skin. God can use your life as a bigger testimony than a tattoo.


1 Corinthians 6:19-20 –  19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Am I obeying the golden rule that Jesus told me? 

Golden rule:

Mathew 22:36-39
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ 

You can get a tattoo and exercise the freedom you have in Christ but is it beneficial?

1 Corinthians 10:23 – “I have the right to do anything,” you say–but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”–but not everything is constructive.

If I know I can get a tattoo that spreads the gospel message and can be a window for starting a conversation with others about what God did in my life but still my culture is not open towards the idea, I should still rethink about exercising my freedom by getting a tattoo done.

Why?

  • Because God died not only for me but for each of them and they are all valued before His eyes.
  • So, to be able to share the gospel to them I need to be approachable first.

Does this mean that culture is greater than God’s commandments? Never. But, when it is not against God’s commandments I should, for the sake of others try to keep up with it. This shows my love for them just the way God wants me to win them.

What about those who already have a tattoo?
There is absolutely no problem if you already have a tattoo, and it is not a sin that will keep you away from God. You can always run to your Father. A tattoo dosent make you any less or any more of a child of God. May God help you to glorify Him with everything that you have.

I encourage you to know that our identity comes from God alone. We don’t need a tattoo to remind us who we were, who we are or who we want to be. We will always be a daughter/son of the Most High God. Nothing, nothing at all can take that away if we believe in what Jesus did for us on the cross. He died for the forgiveness of all our sins and reconciled us back to the Father.


Romans 8:15 – “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'”


Live by the explicitly clear commands that Jesus has laid down for us in the Bible. Once that is taken care of all these fringe issues (like tattooing, drinking, partying, movies) will also fall in place when we are guided by the wisdom and discernment of the Holy Spirit. Don’t try to fix the fringe issues first and forget all about the core!

What is the core?

Jesus died for me and by His death He took away all my sins and I am forgiven. I have been made a child of God who is loved and cared for and I will live for His glory by reflecting His love to others around me. So, tattoo or no tattoo on my skin does not matter but I need to tattoo God in my heart because God sees my heart.

1Samuel 16:7 – The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

I hope this topic doesn’t excite us anymore and that we will be mature in Christ to look at things that really matter beyond ink and skin.

Love – so common yet so rare!

Posted by on in Blog Post1 Comment

“I love you” – we often hear this from friends and family. But what does it really mean to love someone? Do we have a standard we can look up to? We need to get our definition of love right.


Why?
Because everything revolves around love.
Why?
Because God is love. – 1 John 4:7


How do we possibly share about God to others when we do not even know the actual essence of His love?


1 Corinthians -13 gives us an amazing definition of love.


4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.8 Love never fails.

Keeping this as our checklist we need to find what’s lacking in the way we love. No one else has/can/will ever love you this way but God. We however need to keep trying and get better and better with this standard in mind.

God did not tap on your shoulders and tell you that He loves you, but He screamed it out to each one of us from the top of a hill called Calvary. Not with words, but with His life.
The kind of love that tells He loves you even without using words.


So, when God has shown us such an extent of His unconditional love, can we thank Him with words alone?
It is not enough to only wake up in the morning and say, “I love you Lord” and then go ahead with daily chores completely forgetting Him.


Romans 12 says that worship is not just words of praise but also shown in deeds.
So, if you love God what should you do? Jesus said in John 14:15 that –
“If you love me, keep my commands.”


When Jesus ascended to heaven, He left us with a great commission to carry out.
Mathew 28:19-20
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

So, love is much more than just words. It doesn’t mean that we stop using words but it means that it goes beyond. It goes on into actions. If you love, it needs to overflow into actions.


Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.


God did not love us at our best but at our worst, and still does. May we not be so blinded as to not see His love towards us. We need to love people knowing that they are God’s creation and are valued in His sight. When we look down on someone, we are looking down on the creation of God! We love because He loved us despite our shortcomings.


So the next time when you say an “I love you”, remember that it means a lot. May we not say it less, but may we live it more. Love is about giving, not getting. The more you give, the more you will be filled with God’s love and will never run dry.

“You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.”
― Amy Carmichael


Anyone can give when he has enough, but may we love enough to always give. Love the right way! – let’s keep the standards sky high – Love the way God loves. 




	






		
	
	

		
Grace over karma – what’s the deal?
		

			Posted by on in Blog Post1 Comment		

		
			

				
			


				


	

		

                                                





Karma sounds like a fair deal every time we hear about it.It is easy for our minds to comprehend and agree with the law of karma. If a person does bad, he is held responsible for what he did and reaps bad in the next birth out of the bad he sowed in the previous birth. This cycle of rebirths continue until one has come out clean – moksha.





But we see that the Bible clearly states that we will all die once and after that stand in front of God’s throne for judgment. This shows that the law of karma where by people take rebirth into something based on their previous life is not true. We all have one life to live and we will be judged on that – whether we lived wisely or foolishly.





Hebrews 9:27





27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.





2Corinthians 5:10





10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us(K) for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.





Does the above verse mean that we will be saved by doing good? – by no means.





But the judgment mentioned in the above verse is for already saved believers to give an account of what he did with his life here on Earth. Whether he used this life to do good works or spent it foolishly and he will be rewarded accordingly but this does not decide his eternal destiny.





If we were to be saved based on all our thoughts and deeds then, I would say – God save us!





And most fortunately, that is what He does – God saves us from all our sins!





Matthew 1:21





She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”





 The Bible puts forward a truth that is contradictory to the law of karma. Here, we see Jesus paying the price for the sins of all mankind with His own life once and for all. Love so great seems incomprehensible to our minds and rightly so.





Because why would God care to take away the sins of wretched men?





Moreover, why would God pay it with Heaven’s best, His only Son – Jesus?





The answer is found in John 3:16





John 3:16





For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.





God                                                          





 – The Almighty Authority





So loved the world                                





– the mightiest motive





That He gave His only begotten Son       





 – the Greatest gift





That whoever                                           





– the widest welcome





Believes in Him                                        





– the easiest escape





Should not perish                                 





 – the divine deliverance





But have everlasting life                     





 – the priceless possession





This is the unmerited grace of God.





Ephesians 2:8-9





 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.





We have been saved by the incomparable riches of His grace.  All we must do is humbly accept this gift of God that was offered to each one of us at the cross of Calvary.





There Jesus bled and died to make atonement for the sins of all mankind. He was stripped, spat on, flogged, whipped,  mocked,  struck, a crown of thorns was set on His head and when He could hardly stand, they placed a heavy cross on His back to be carried from Jerusalem to Golgotha, where He was to be crucified. 





Finally, they nailed Him to that cross and crucified Him. The all-powerful God took upon Himself the most pitiful death for you and me.  But with this sacrifice He nailed to the cross the power of sin and death. He knew it was impossible for us to save ourselves, so He took our place on the cross. Forgiveness from sins and adoption as God’s children is offered to us for free because of the price Jesus already paid.





To ignore this greatest gift of grace – salvation, would be to ignore the real essence of life.





Accept His grace over your life and live life knowing that you are forgiven and accepted by God. There is no sin He has not paid for. Repent of your sins and humbly accept the forgiveness that Jesus offers for those who believe in His finished work on the cross.





Don’t worry if people condemn your life and actions as beyond forgivable, because there is a God who paid it all just for you. He can transform every broken relationship that is beyond cure. He can change situations for you because God sees what man cannot see – He sees your heart.





1Samuel 16:7





The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”





This new year accept Jesus as your personal savior and Lord.





Romans10:9





9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.





“Grace” is only another word and can never be explained completely in words unless experienced in life.





Live this life knowing that you are forgiven, accepted and dearly loved by God – this is the real deal!

	






		
	
	

		
Heresy or Hypocrisy – which is better?
		

			Posted by on in Blog PostLeave a comment		

		
			

				
			


				


	

		

Heresy and Hypocrisy are plagues that rock the foundation of Christian living and morals if not addressed properly. Both of these moral failures have brought down some of the finest men and women in Christianity today. However , if we are asked to choose between them- which one would you choose? Or would you even want to choose? 





What is it meant to be heretic and hypocrite? 





A hypocrite is a person who knows the truth and believes the truth, but doesn’t live by it.





 A heretic changes the truth according to how he lives. 





Let us look at some examples of hypocrisy and heresy in churches or Christendom today to understand it better.





  • Hypocrites may fornicate, murder and steal, but they would never teach that fornication, murder and stealing are good. That’s what a heretic would do.
  • A hypocrite may have sexual misconduct with someone else’s spouse, but he/she knows it is wrong. A heretic has sexual misconduct and says, “It is necessary for the church to be welcoming and ignorant to those who have experienced difficulties and pain in keeping their marriage bond.”
  •  A hypocrite may experience same sex attraction and have sexual relations with another man/woman, but he/she then goes to confession and realizes that what he/she has done is wrong. A heretic says, “The church needs to be more up to date in understanding of human sexuality.” 
  • A hypocrite never gives money to the poor, hoards all his wealth, and plots to get as rich as he/she can, but when he/she looks in the mirror and in the bank account he/she has a twinge of guilt and knows he/she is a greedy and a hypocrite. The heretic says, “God has blessed me! I can enjoy as much I want with what God has blessed me with , there is nothing wrong in it.”
  • The hypocrite has a chance of repentance for he/she still knows that what he/she has done is wrong. The heretic condones his sin, calls evil good and good evil and prides himself on his brave and daring decision.
  • The heretic challenges biblical teachings. The hypocrite is challenged by the teachings. 
  • The hypocrite follows biblical teachings even when he fails to follow the teachings whereas the heretic never follows the biblical teaching while pretending that he does follow the teachings.





Note that we all are vulnerable and the above mentioned scenarios of heresy and hypocrisy can be committed by anyone at all levels whether its a ministry , church , a believer or individual minister in any position or authority.





“The interesting fact to note is that hypocrites are some how seen more lovable than the heretics because, if they have any self awareness at all,  they know themself as a hypocrite and know that they have failed to observe the teachings in which they believe. And since,  its a question of self evaluation and awareness there sins are sometimes hidden from the eyes of the public, christian community or society. But, the heretic on the other hand is an odious, rebellious and proud character–full of his own ideas and ready to re-write the faith for his own benefit. Which makes them easily noticeable. That’s why its harder to notice a hypocrite than a heretic.“





Now with all this said, whom would you support to be better? Or is it even right to make this judgement?

I believe it is not right for any of us to give a judgement. We all sometimes fight hypocrisy in our own life and it’s something we have to overcome by the Grace of God. And we have to be really grounded and humble ourselves in scriptures to make sure we are not a  heretic. In my opinion both heresy and hypocrisy are severe moral failures that we all have to be aware as Christians and be on guard all our life.





So, may i conclude this article by writing that as a believer(including me) who so ever we might be or no matter how big or small position we hold in the Christian ministry, we are accountable completely and fully to the teachings of the Holy Bible. We have no other truth to teach but the truth of the Christian Faith as presented in the Bible. We must not be biased or have opinions.But our discernment must be based only on the teachings of the Bible. However, in honesty – living in this fallen world is not easy and we might fail to live up to those teachings sometimes hence, in the process become a hypocrite. But there is a hope and chance for repentance through Gods grace and the blood of the Savior Lord Jesus Christ. And everyone of us should confess, repent and pray with this hope for the hypocrisy in our own lives and hypocrisy in others.





As far as for heresy there might not be hope if its not identified as a sin and evaluated for repentance.Heretics in that case are only pushing themselves towards judgement from the Lord and God himself when he comes back and he is coming soon. A role of a non-heretic believer should be to guard themselves from heresy and point out sin with respect and gentleness whenever possible and pray for Gods salvation to come through.





But in any circumstance, we should be very careful to not become judgemental. It is not for us to pass on judgement on others. But instead love and compassionately care with support and prayer for those who are gripped by these moral issues.





In the words of Jesus,





“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?How can you say to your brother, `Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Matthew 7:1-4