Liberal Spirituality

The trade mark of the 21st century is its easy, instant and quick ways of attaining things. Speed to acquire, produce, perform different duties at all different levels have drastically improved or changed. The spiritual orientation of the multitude also changed according to the developing world. In the past, we read about many hundreds who went in to the desert so that they may get tortured in the name of the Christ. Persecution has stopped during those years and living a hard life by themselves in the desert and wilderness was the way to unify with the persecution Christ had to face. Therefore, we see many monks and nuns who lives in the wilderness praying to the Lord continually. The Church fathers provided every day with time zones to conduct different prayers and worship sessions.

Time has changed, and the old methods does not have much impact on the newer generation. Certain Churches held to their tradition, like the Orthodox Churches, and some developed new theories, initiated new methods etc to keep the membership along with claiming the tradition, and some went out developing their own theories and styles of worship. New 'organizations' formed in the name of Christ, with many many different ideas, and often, no base. Within all these different sectors of people claiming to be right, there are a group who are hanging to the mercy's hand of Christ too much, without even realizing, understanding or giving a second chance to think what should be done for the glory of God.

The majority nowadays has a very liberal view of Christianity, and each has their own particular definitions of it, as the way to salvation. Therefore, people follow different ways, some uphold the idea of staying and praying at home rather than going to Church(even though it is an excuse for laziness), some goes to fellowship meetings at the same time when their own Church is celebrating the Holy Eucharist, many forget to give importance to the tradition of practices provided from the spiritual fathers like lents, seven times of worship in a day, etc., and many more. All these different steps are done with a claim of attaining spiritual unity with Christ, but it is rather an option to satisfy their own emotional/intellectual needs/thoughts, and not spiritual needs. 'I' feel the need to go to a fellowship because 'I' think it is the right thing to do and therefore 'I' do it! 'I' think I get spiritual happiness through the fellowship meeting more than attending the Holy Eucharist on a Sunday. Spiritual happiness should not be compared to emotional overflows! It is basically satisfying what 'I' think is right, and not what is said in the Bible and the tradition as right! Focus should be given to what HE thinks is right and not what 'I' think is right. They claim that because Christ is the center of Christianity, it is OK to be wherever!

How good is it for a person to wander around different sections in search of spiritual fulfillment? How well can one assure and make sure that the new organization/group found is preaching the correct faith? How many of these organizations are able to understand the Bible in the true way, and how many are able to follow it? We know that Devils best tool to deceive is the Word of God itself. While tempting our Lord, he used the Word of God. How often will we get in to confusions lead by devil by misinterpreting the Word? Therefore, it is very required to understand the faith from a trustworthy source, and not to be liberal about spirituality. "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Heb 13: 7, 8). Our faith should be focused and well explained, and therefore, it is needed to stay and learn from one school rather than wandering around a 100. Spirituality needs to be sought and found. Do not make it clash with the emotional needs, not with 'your' own ideas. Rather trust the Word of God, and those teachers who were directed by the Holy Spirit for centuries. May our spirituality be stern. Praise be to Him.

Making a Difference in the World - Part 4

Making a Difference in the World - Part 3

Making a Difference in the World - Part 2

Making a Difference in the World - Part 1

Vision with Inner Eyes ... By Mr. John Kunnathu

With our outer eyes, we see the immediate world in front of us. But
with the inner eyes, we see a much larger world. The inner eyes see
things that are invisible to the outer eyes. Although they are real
to the inner eyes, they will be unreal to someone who can see only
with the outer eyes. The outer eyes can see people, animals, trees,
the sun, moon, stars, colors, and other visible things, but they
cannot see how they are all related to each other as parts of one
whole. God, heaven, angels, and spirit will be visible only to the
inner eyes.

Besides the inner eye, the mind also has an information-processing
part. This part of the mind processes information from both inner and
outer eyes to create an understanding of life.

We often equate the inner eyes with the mind because both the inner
eye and the information-processing part stay within us, and we don't
see either. But we know that they are different because they perform
different functions. The inner eyes just see a bigger world that the
outer eyes fail to see, but the other part processes information.

If we manage to keep our thoughts still for some time, we can suspend
the information processing for some time, and we slowly become aware
of our inner eye, and it gets more active. Keeping the thoughts still
is the primary function of meditation. Chanting, singing, and praying
also may be used to keep the thoughts still.

There are numerous references in the Bible about the inner eyes.

Genesis 3:5
"For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and
you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
Numbers 22:31
Then the LORD opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD
standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell
facedown.
2 Kings 6:17
And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the
LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full
of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Luke 24:31
Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he
disappeared from their sight.

In these contexts, the reference is not to the outer eyes, but to the
inner eyes.

Those with the inner eyes open are called wise in the Bible, and
those with the inner eyes closed are called fools. They are like the
foolish man who built a house on sand. Their life built on a
superficial view of life won't withstand powerful hurricanes in life.
The fools say there is no God. Ps. 53:1.

They say, "The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed."
Take heed, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will
you become wise? Does he who implanted the ear not hear? Does he who
formed the eye not see? Ps. 94: 7-9

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the
Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10

Jesus claimed that only the pure in heart will be able to see God.
Mat 5: 8. He also complained that a lot of people couldn't see even
if they had eyes, or couldn't hear even if they had ears to hear.
What Jesus meant was that although they had outer eyes, their inner
eyes were blind. He ended his parables with the affirmation: "He who
has ears, let him hear."! Mat 13: 9

In the parable of the sower, some seeds fell among the thorns. Jesus
explains it further as: The one who received the seed that fell among
the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this
life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.
Mt. 13:22.

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat
or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more
important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Mat 6:
25

In all these places, Jesus affirms that if worries and other such
negative feelings fill one's mind, he/she cannot hope to have the
inner eyes opened. This was the advice Jesus had to give to
Martha. "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and
upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has
chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke
10:41

"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. Mat 7: 3-5

"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole
body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body
will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness,
how great is that darkness! Mat 6:22-23

Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the
blind will see and those who see will become blind." Some Pharisees
who were with him heard him say this and asked, "What? Are we blind
too?" Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of
sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains. John 9:
39-41

In conclusion, it seems that the inner eye is the basis of
spirituality. The inner eye will remain blind unless we make a
conscious effort to clear the mind by removing anxieties, guilt-
feelings, fears and worries. As the mind gets clearer of all such
dark feelings and thoughts, the inner eye will begin to see.

Source: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GregorianStudyCircle/message/3699

Will we ever Change?

"Seek and you will find" said the Lord to the multitude. Faith is not an intellectual process which can be learned and acquired. It is the efficient use of the grace provided from God to the creation. A creation which understands the blessing of grace received will use it intelligently. Compare it to the 'Parable of talents' where the intelligent workers worked hard in multiplying it. Similar is the case with grace and blessings from the Lord also. The faithful will work hard to multiply the grace he has received, and God seeing the hard-work will reward with more.

Faith is nourished by hearing and listening to the Word of God. The testimonies, and explanations of the Gospel and the Bible are very important for a Christian, and for the same reason, the Early Church has the Sunday Sermon at the beginning of the service. Each day and each time of the day is scheduled with different gospel portions for the same reason. St. Paul said, "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." This basically means one should not allow to loose the chances and opportunities to listen to the Word of God, because those are times to nourish your faith in Christ.

Nowadays, it is a sad trend that many people are very reluctant in attending conventions and other gospel teaching classes. The situation is same for retreats and Bible classes. I have many experiences where I myself felt lazy going, and have seen many who are not willing to come due to many reasons. There could be a hundred reasons to put forward for not attending a convention or a retreat, but often we forget that many of the reasons are just excuses and they show the different ways in which the demon has attacked our minds. For Satan, it is easier to keep a regular Church going person from attending a gospel convention filling his mind with many different thoughts. Thus, it is a victory of Satan on us, as he succeeded in keeping us away from hearing the Word of God.

The sad truth is we often fall in to these kind of temptations. Why do we need to hear the Word of God? Because it will strengthen our faith. And only with strong faith, one can carry on fighting against the forces of evil that constantly attack us day and night. That is the reason Christ said, "Seek and you shall find". Those who are willing to seek the Word of God will find it. Those who are reluctant to listen to it will move away from the union with God. Listening to the Word of God should be a priority in our lives. The Truth that set you free is proclaimed by the messengers of God by the Holy Spirit.

Parable Of The Pencil

Parable Of The Pencil...................

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box.
"There
are 5 things you need to know," he told the pencil, "Before I send
you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will
become the best pencil you can be."

One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself
to be held in God's hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the
many gifts you possess.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going
through various problems in life, but you'll need it to become a stronger
person.

Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.

Four: The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside.

And Five: On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No
matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MalankaraOrthodoxSyrianChristian/message/6656

"Lord, Teach us to Pray"

Being spiritually alive is a constant process. A machine will work perfect while it is been used and maintained. If not, it will degrade and rust will form leading to its destruction. Finally, it will not be able to be used even after trying to maintain it. Spiritual life is similar to this. If the good will to follow God, one has in his or her mind is not replenished by the Word of God on a constant basis, the mind will start rusting, and finally will lead to death. Who can work with a partly working rusted machine? Is it better to choose one which is functioning correctly and efficiently?

When Christ choose us, he needed us to be efficient and awake in the Word of God. To be awake doesn't mean one should not sleep, but it means even if your body is sleeping because of tiredness, the heart and spirit should be still in the presence of God. The monks who have dedicated their lives to God testifies that continuous prayer while awake will teach the spirit to continually rely on to the shoulders of Christ even when the intellect and body is sleeping. For the same reason, St. Paul says, "Pray continually". But is it possible? How can a common man who has a lot of other responsibilities pray continually?

The answer for this also comes from the experienced monks who are spiritual teachers for the common people. In Eastern tradition, we read about the Jesus Prayer, "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy of me the sinner", which is recited continuously by the monks and the faithful to have a constant relationship with God. Some consider this as meaningless repetition, but is it so, if one prays from the heart? Any prayer can be babbling if one is not praying from the heart. Prayers from the heart shows ones honesty towards the creator, and He will judge according to each persons righteousness. 'Kurielayison', a term which is constantly repeated during the Indian Orthodox Church worship means 'have mercy on me'.

The monks say to continuously repeat the prayer as we do breathing. Breathing sustains ones life. Inability to breath is terrifying for those who have experienced it. Similar is the situation when prayer which is the oxygen for the spirit is blocked, or not given enough. It will lead to the destruction of the person gradually, as the light from God which is transmitted to Him through the link of prayer is not there anymore. Only through prayer, one will be able to be connected to God. Prayers are of various kinds, personal, family, group etc. One should converse with God as Christ did in loneliness, and people should get together to Praise and Worship Him, as two or more people in His name gives the assurance that He is in the midst.

Whatever options are available, the effort of the person is very necessary to keep the link of prayer alive. It is through constant effort only that one can be with God, conversing with Him on every minute and second he lives, and on every heartbeat. In the modern world, there are many distractions. The mid is directed in to a hundred different areas which will lead to loosing focus from one particular point of work. Thus many often forget to pray, knowingly or unknowingly. Running around in many directions also lead to loosing focus from prayer. Thus many, including me, forgets to pray even before sleep, or while waking up. This continues, and becomes a habit, and one disregards the need of prayer, as everything else is going in the correct direction(in his eyes). Unfortunately, the person is unaware of the spiritual damage received due to the lack of prayer. Therefore, what options does one have to continue in prayer? What should one do to have a strong relationship with God? How can one remember to pray continually, and to praise the creator often?

Understanding their helplessness, the Apostles in humility, prayed to Christ, "Lord teach us to pray". Only if we ask our Lord to help us pray, we will be able to pray continually. Because prayer is not an intellectual exercise, but spiritual exercise. We should pray so that the adversary cannot tempt us in to 100 different directions leading to a life without prayer. It is human nature to get used to the situations surrounding us, and a day without prayer will lead to another day without prayer, gradually taking prayer away from our lives. That is why the Psalmist prayed, "grant me a willing spirit". Because only with His help, we will be able to wrestle with the thoughts that prevent us from having the relationship with God, no matter what kind it is, ranging from a simple email to a terrible sin. With His help, we can have the connection link between God and us, replenished and reestablished, so that we will not be rusted and damaged. Be ready to receive Christ in His Second Coming. "Lord, teach us to pray".

Mr. J

What should happen if Christ has really entered my life?

Once you have sincerely asked Christ into your life, several areas will begin to change or develop. The rate of change will vary for each individual, but after some days/weeks/months if there is no change in heart attitude and behavior, a person should re-assess if they have actually become a Christian. True repentance is not just an attitude, but rather a transformational process.

If a person demonstrates no clear change in their lifestyle, habits, thoughts and words over a period of time, then little assurance can be given to them regarding their salvation. The Apostle Paul exhorted people to "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you – unless indeed you fail the test." (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Some areas that you might expect to see change are the following:

*

A growing desire to read the Bible (Psalms 119:10), understanding of what you are reading, and a desire to apply what you are learning to your life.
*

A growing sense of God’s presence (Romans 5: 1-5), and gentle voice whispering to you to obey the Scriptures as they should apply to your life
*

A greater awareness of God’s holiness, one’s sin + motivation for doing things, plus a growing sorrow over anything which displeases God, leading to a quiet humility. (Psalms 51:1-17)
*

A growing sense that you are forgiven as you confess and repent (stop doing it!) from specific sins. (Psalms 32:1,2) Increasing manifestation of the ‘fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, goodness and self-control, as you rely on God’s Spirit to fill you more each day, moment-by-moment. (Galatians 5:22,23)
*

A growing desire to pray and talk with your Father in heaven about everything, all the time. (I Thessalonians 5:17,18)
*

A growing desire to fellowship with like-minded believers in Bible study and churches (Hebrews 10:25), as well as to help those in need, especially other believers, but also non-believers.
*

A growing desire to share your faith in Christ with others as you depend moment by moment on the empowering of God’s Spirit. (1 John 4:2,3, Acts 1:8)
*

A growing strengthening of your faith; perseverance in the midst of suffering or persecution for your faith, and a desire to honor Him in all areas. (Acts 4:1-35)
*

A growing desire to give of your time, talents and resources to promote the kingdom of God. (Acts 2:44-47)
*

A growing desire to integrate one’s faith with all elements of one’s life, seeking to please God in all areas (2 Corinthians 5:9). For example, if the Bible clearly speaks about on issue, how will it affect your personal life and ethics? Your family life? Your business? The way and people you vote for? Think about it.

Again, a person who claims to be a Christian, but who does not demonstrate a deepening love for God manifested by allowing Christ to increasingly be Lord of their life may not be a true believer. For example, there are many terrible, hateful things done by religious people, including so-called Christians.

The Apostle John stated that a person who is not growing in love, but remains hateful, is not a believer. (1 John 3:15) The Apostle Paul stated in 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10, "… after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed -- for our testimony to you was believed. (NASU)

In that case, if those people were to die this moment, they would go to hell rather than heaven, having chosen to live a false life, pretending to be a Christian. They gave themselves the ‘label’ Christian, but it was not true of their actual relationship with Christ Himself. God is love, and true Christians demonstrate more of this over time.

In pain?

In Pain...

It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of the deer;
he enables me to stand on the heights.
--Psalm 18:32-33

When you're in pain,
and it seems like
no one understands;
when it has gotten exhausting
to even talk about the way
you're suffering,
remember God.
Others may turn their
back on you,
but He never will.
You need explain
nothing to Him.
He knows how you suffer,
and He can see what's
in your heart.
Lean on Him.
Put your faith in Him.
He promised that He would
never forsake you,
and you can depend on Him.

luv n prayrs
minu

Desperate for God

How can we experience miracles in today's fast-paced self-sufficient world? We can't unless we become desperate for God. Unless we become poor in spirit. Unless we empty ourselves of everything that says "I can do it" and replace it with "God can do it". Miracles are still possible. When you have some time and a good internet connection, check out this interview with Heidi Baker, a missionary to Mozambique -- you will be blown away, and hopefully you will have a bit of your faith rekindled.

http://cbn.com/media/index.aspx?s=/vod/SUB55_HeidiBaker_081208&title=The%20700%20Club&prgm=700club

God still loves us today as much as He loved us back then...we just don't seem to need Him as much today.

--
Minu

Ladder to the Roof

A few weeks before, I was at our church and we were doing some work on the roof. Everyone was on the roof except me. I was like and ‘outstanding’ person staying on the land, just incase to get anything they need up there. The real reason was that I was too scared to get on to the ladder and climb all the way up to the roof. It was like 15 feet high, and I didn’t wanted to climb that, and of course the ladder seemed like too weak for me even when I am the thinnest guy in the crew.

On the above incident, three factors were present - earth, the ladder, and the roof. Climbing the roof is always hard and horrible till you know the happiness we get from being up in the top, and you feel like you will never want to go down. A life of a Christian is also like this. It has three factors, namely, the worldly life which can be considered as earth on the context of the story, the Bible which is similar to the ladder, and the Spiritual Life, which is like the roof; Bible serves as a ladder to our spiritual life.

Jesus has given us all the steps to reach the Life, and He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us and lead us through the life. He said not to be afraid as He is with you. While climbing the steps to God, we may often feel scared and frightened because the forces of evil are always surrounding us showing its powers. But Jesus has gives us a promise, He will never leave you in struggle; you don’t have to be afraid of the deadly powers of Satan because your God has won over his powers. Again, the world of evil will attract you with all the amazing things which will make us climb down, but never forget that all these worldly pleasures will not last for ever.

If you are struggling, just remember that we have a wonderful world and a loving God waiting for us up there. If you feel that the world is more comfortable, you guessed wrong, you are only in a mist, and you are walking to death without even knowing that it’s right there to catch you. Its time to be courageous, its time to think, we are created to fulfill the word of god and we are given all sources for that, all He needs from us is our effort. Let us start climbing the ladder folks, the ladder to Life.

Theme

Life is a pilgrimage through time... The daily events, good, bad, terrific, lovely, all are shrines with presence of the Almighty God. Each is a newer step towards God. Man should be able to identify it and accept it with faith. The journey continues...


This blog is a simple attempt to publish some thoughts of mine from the Bible and the Holy Church.
May God guide us all...