Short message on Psalm 1

 Psalm 1 serves as an introduction to the entire book, laying out its central theme: the stark contrast between the righteous and the wicked. It is a wisdom psalm that presents two clear paths in life and their resulting outcomes.

• The Path of the Righteous (Verses 1–3): The psalm begins with "Blessed is the man..." This isn't just a statement of happiness, but of deep, lasting spiritual contentment. The righteous person is defined by what they avoid and what they embrace.

  • Avoiding the wicked: The righteous person doesn't walk in the counsel of the wicked, doesn't stand in the path of sinners, and doesn't sit in the seat of scoffers. This shows a progression from casual interaction to active participation and finally to a settled way of life that is defined by rebellion against God.

  • Embracing God's Law: Instead, the righteous person's delight is in the law of the LORD, and they meditate on it day and night. The Hebrew word for "meditate" (hagah) implies a deep, continuous reflection, a quiet "muttering" of God's word to oneself.

  • The Result: This person is likened to a tree planted by streams of water , which is stable, fruitful, and always nourished. Their life is prosperous and endures, not necessarily in a material sense, but in its ultimate purpose and security.

• The Path of the Wicked (Verses 4–6): The psalm then sharply contrasts this with the fate of the wicked.

  • The Nature of the Wicked: The wicked are described as chaff—the lightweight, useless husks of grain that are easily driven away by the wind during winnowing. This imagery conveys their lack of substance, stability, and ultimate value.

  • The Result: Because they have no foundation, the wicked will not stand in the judgment or in the assembly of the righteous. Their path is not merely different; it leads to perishing.

The psalm concludes by summarizing the two destinies: "For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." This final verse encapsulates the entire message, emphasizing that God actively oversees and preserves the righteous, while the path of the wicked leads to ruin.

Introduction to the Book of Psalms

 The Book of Psalms is divided into five main sections, often called "books." 

This five-part structure is thought to intentionally mirror the five books of the Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). 

Each of the first four books concludes with a doxology, a formal expression of praise to God, and the entire book ends with a final, extensive doxology in Psalm 150.

The Five Books of Psalms

• Book 1: Psalms 1–41. This section primarily contains psalms attributed to King David and often focuses on personal laments and prayers of distress, as well as expressions of confidence in God.

• Book 2: Psalms 42–72. It includes more psalms from David, but also introduces a collection of psalms by the Sons of Korah. The focus remains on themes of distress and trust in God, with a communal voice emerging in some prayers.

• Book 3: Psalms 73–89. This book includes most of the psalms by Asaph and a second collection from the Sons of Korah. The tone becomes darker, with psalms that question God's justice and express a sense of communal and national crisis.

• Book 4: Psalms 90–106. This section begins with a psalm by Moses and responds to the crisis of Book 3 by reaffirming God's kingship and faithfulness. It includes a group of "The LORD reigns" psalms (93-100) and reflects on Israel's history.

• Book 5: Psalms 107–150. The final book begins with thanksgiving and culminates in a crescendo of praise with the "Hallelujah Psalms" (146–150). It also contains the longest psalm (119) and the Songs of Ascent (120–134).

The Transformed Mind

Scripture Reading: Romans 12:2 (NIV)

"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."

Brothers and sisters, friends, and family,

We live in a world that is constantly trying to shape us. From the moment we wake up and check our phones, we are bombarded with messages that tell us who to be, what to value, and how to live. This "pattern of this world" is a constant, subtle force, pulling us to conform to its ways.

But today, we look at a profound verse from the Apostle Paul that offers a different path. It's not a path of conformity, but a journey of transformation. Paul gives us not only a command but also a clear and powerful method for change.

Let's break down this powerful statement.

1. The Call to Non-Conformity

Paul begins with a strong prohibition: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world.” The word “conform” here, in the original Greek, means to be molded or shaped by external influences. Think of a piece of clay being pressed into a mold. The world has its own mold—a set of values, priorities, and ways of thinking that are often at odds with God’s will.

This mold includes things like:

• The pursuit of endless consumption: “I will be happy when I have more things.”

• The idolization of self: “It’s all about me and what I want.”

• The need for approval from others: “My worth is based on what people think of me.”

• A culture of instant gratification: “I want it now, and I deserve it.”

To “not conform” means to actively resist these pressures. It requires a conscious decision to stand apart, not out of stubbornness, but out of a deep desire to follow God's way.

2. The Command to Transformation

But Paul doesn’t stop at telling us what not to do. He gives us the positive command: “but be transformed.” This word “transformed” is a beautiful and powerful term. It’s the same word used in the Gospels to describe the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain. It means a complete change from the inside out, a metamorphosis.

This isn’t about just changing our behavior on the outside. It’s not about putting on a new suit or acting a certain way on Sundays. Transformation is a deep, internal change of our very nature. It’s the change from a caterpillar to a butterfly—a change of essence, of being. It's a miracle only God can perform.

3. The Process: By the Renewing of Your Mind

So, how does this incredible transformation happen? Paul gives us the key: “by the renewing of your mind.”

The mind is the control center of our lives. Our thoughts shape our beliefs, our beliefs shape our attitudes, and our attitudes shape our actions. If we want to change our lives, we must start with our thoughts.

Renewing your mind is an ongoing process. It’s like weeding a garden. We must regularly pull out the negative, worldly thoughts and replace them with the truth of God’s Word. This renewal happens in practical ways:

• Daily time in Scripture: Immersing ourselves in God’s truth to reprogram our thinking.

• Prayer: Bringing our thoughts and worries before God, allowing His perspective to guide ours.

• Worship: Shifting our focus from ourselves and the world to God’s greatness and goodness.

• Christian fellowship: Surrounding ourselves with people who encourage us to think and live for Christ.

As we consistently engage in these practices, the Holy Spirit works within us, gradually changing our thought patterns. We begin to see the world not through the lens of worldly values, but through the lens of God's truth.

4. The Result: Knowing God's Will

Paul concludes with the amazing outcome of this process: “Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

When our minds are renewed, we gain spiritual discernment. We are no longer tossed and turned by every worldly idea. Instead, we can stand firm and confidently discern what is from God. His will, which once may have seemed distant or confusing, becomes clear. We understand that His will is not a burden, but is “good, pleasing and perfect.” It is the best possible life for us.

This transformation of the mind is not just for our own benefit; it is so that we may live a life that glorifies God and reflects His kingdom to a watching world.

So today, I encourage you to take this verse to heart. Let us reject the mold of this world, open our minds to the renewing power of God’s Word and His Spirit, and watch as He transforms us from the inside out.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your grace and for the power of your Word. We confess that we often conform to the patterns of this world. Please forgive us. We ask now, Lord, that you would transform us by the renewing of our minds. Help us to replace our worldly thoughts with your divine truth. May we grow in wisdom and discernment so that we may know and live out your good, pleasing, and perfect will. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

All about Times and Seasons - in God's hands

 Hi dear brothers and sisters, 

Today I would like to talk about the topic of Times and Seasons which are in God's hands. 

Many a times, we worry and lose our sleep over many things which we cannot control. We think too much and this causes us anxiety and we worry a lot. God is speaking to us today and is asking us to believe that the Times and Seasons are in His hands. 

This situation in Acts 1:7 tells about the time when the disciples of Jesus get panicky and ask Jesus about the time of his return. Then Jesus answers them and tells that the times and seasons are in the Father's hands and we need not worry. 

If we look in to the book of Daniel 2:21 - we read similar text: 'God changes the times and seasons'... How true it is, God has complete control and he has complete authority to change the times and seasons in our lives. We might wonder why things are not moving as we thought, but we need to understand that God is in complete control of our life and He is overseeing everything. 

In the book of Ecclesiastes 3:11, it states that He has made everything beautiful in its time... this is also a comforting word. God has made everything beautiful in its time and we need not worry a bit. 

So, today, be encouraged that Jesus Christ is in control and the Father has everything set to happen in its time. 

May God be with you. 

The Glorious Second Coming of Jesus Christ: Hope for the World

 In a world filled with uncertainties, turmoil, and despair, the promise of the second coming of Jesus Christ shines as a beacon of hope. For believers, this event holds immeasurable significance, offering solace, encouragement, and a reminder of God's ultimate plan of redemption. As we explore the profound truths surrounding Christ's return, let us discover the hope it brings and how it should shape our lives.

1. The Certainty of Christ's Return:

Throughout the pages of Scripture, the promise of Christ's second coming resonates. Prophets of old foretold it, and Jesus Himself affirmed it during His earthly ministry. We find assurance in the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:30: "Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

2. The Significance of Christ's Return:

a. The Completion of God's Plan:

Christ's return marks the culmination of God's redemptive plan. It symbolizes the fulfillment of His promises and the ultimate defeat of sin, evil, and death. Revelation 21:4 assures us, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

b. Final Judgment and Justice:

With His return, Jesus will establish righteous judgment over all creation. Acts 17:31 declares, "He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom He has appointed." The assurance of divine justice offers hope to the oppressed and reminds us that God will make all things right.

3. Living with Expectation and Purpose:

a. Watchfulness and Readiness:

As believers, we are called to live in constant anticipation of Christ's return. Jesus urged His disciples to be watchful, for they did not know the exact hour. Likewise, we are called to live with a sense of readiness, faithfully serving and proclaiming the Gospel to all nations.

b. Living Holy and Purposeful Lives:

The anticipation of Christ's return challenges us to live lives characterized by holiness and godliness. Knowing that we will one day stand before our Savior, we strive to align our lives with His teachings and pursue righteousness, reflecting His love and grace to the world.

The second coming of Jesus Christ is not a distant theological concept, but a glorious reality that fills our hearts with hope and purpose. It assures us that God's promises are true, justice will prevail, and our ultimate home is in His eternal presence. As we eagerly await His return, let us hold fast to our faith, sharing the hope of the Gospel and living lives that honor Him. May the imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ inspire us to be beacons of light and agents of transformation in a world longing for redemption. Let us embrace the hope and let our lives shine with the anticipation of His glorious return.

Integrity - What everyone should possess!

 What is the definition of the word 'integrity'? 

Many people give many answers to the word, but let us read this definition which explains it better. 

Integrity is "what you know on the inside matches what do you on the outside."

Let me illustrate this point with a short story:

There was an old make-believe country where only ducks lived. On Sunday morning, all the ducks came into the church, waddled down the aisle, waddled into their pews, and squatted. 

Then the duck minister came in, took his place behind the pulpit, opened the Duck Book, and read. "Ducks, you have wings, and with wings you can fly like eagles. You can soar into the skies! Ducks! You have wings!!!" Then all the ducks yelled, Amen Amen. and then they all all waddled home.

Many people are actually like those ducks. They know the truth, but they don't act upon the truth. In other words, they don't have integrity. 

A person with integrity has the three basic qualities:

1. Faithfulness

2. An uncompromising lifestyle

3. Purity

In today's fast changing world, it is extremely difficult to live a life of integrity, but that is what God is called each one of us to do.

Let us live our lives with INTEGRITY. 

Importance of Holiness in Christian life

 There is a question which many people ask me: 

Can holiness save us? 

Can holiness put away sin and cover iniquities? 

The answer is a big NO. The answer is that ONLY JESUS can redeem you and only HE can save us from all sin. In the book of Ephesians it is written that we are saved by grace alone and not by our works. 

Holiness is very essential once we accept Christ and start living a Christian life. We become the children of God and then we need to portray his image in this world. We cannot live an unworthy life and ask God to be with us. He is a Holy God and he cannot tolerate filth. 

Let me answer a few points as to why one should be Holy:

1. We must be holy because the voice of God in the scripture commands us to be holy. In I Peter 1:15, 16 is says 'Be ye Holy as I am Holy'. It is a direct command from God to be holy. 

2. We need to be holy because this is one grand end and purpose for which Christ came into the world. Jesus died for all so that they may all live a holy life which is acceptable and pleasing to the father. 

3. We should be holy because this the only proof that we love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. 

4. We need to be holy because this the only sound evidence that we are true children of God. 

5. We need to be holy because without holiness on earth, we shall never be prepared to enjoy heaven.