THE FESTIVAL OF RAKHI: A REFLECTION

As I opened my eyes with the finishing of our morning family prayer today, I found a girl waiting for me from our vicinity with a plate holding rakhi and some sweets. 

Raksha Bandhan is a widespread Hindu festival which celebrates the bond of affection between brothers and sisters. This date on which Raksha Bandhan falls this year is 7th of August, which is today. Raksha Bandhan is the celebration where the sisters tie (raakhi) a special cord known around the wrist of Brothers. On this auspicious day brothers make a promise to their sisters to protect them from all harms and troubles. In Sanskrit language the meaning of Raksha Bandhan is a bond of protection. This festival falls on the full moon day. Raksha Bandhan is refered to as Vish Tarak, Punya Pradayak and Pap Nashak. Rakhis are ideally made of silk with gold and silver threads and decorated with sequins and studded with semi precious stones. On this day people make tasty dishes and sweets at home and exchange gifts.

Beside many other myths and legends the story from Bhavishya Purana is largely accepted as a basis for this festival. According to Bhavishya Purana, in the war between Gods and demons, Indra (the deity of sky, rains and thunderbolts) was humiliated by the dominant demon King Bali. Indra’s wife Sachi consulted Vishnu, who gave her a bracelet made of cotton thread, calling it holy. Sachi tied the holy thread around Indra wrist, blessed with her prayers for his wellbeing and triumph. Indra successfully overpowered the Bali and recovered Amaravati. This story stirred the protective power of holy thread. The story also suggests that the Raksha Bandhan thread in ancient India were amulets, used by women as prayers and to guard men going to war, and that these threads were not limited to sister-brother like relationships.

Indian history also have instances where some queens have sent rakhis to kings belonging to other kingdoms and the kings in turn offered their help and protection to their rakhi sisters. History has it that the Hindu King Porus refrained from striking Alexander the great because the Alexanders wife had tied a Rakhi on his hand and made him her Rakhi Brother. In great epic Mahabharata Krishna advises Yudhishtir to tie the Rakhi to guard himself against evil forces. In this epic Kunti ties rakhi to her grandson Abhimanyu and Draupadi ties to lord Krishna.

However, looking at all these said traditions, though this festival’s initial practice started with wives or mother tying the holy thread with time how the festival came to get limited between the bond of brother and sister is still a critical question left unanswered by followers. 

So the first reason for the obvious conclusion would be that the practice of rakhi (between brother and sister) has no religious significance.

And the second reason for such conclusion is that the rakhi bounded by Indra’s wife was not to protect the one who is binding it (Wife of Indra) but to protect the one is being bounded with (Indra). Whereas today the one who is being bound (brother) has to protect the one who binds it (sister). This is another paradox within Hindu mythology, again, left with no explanation, thus, another reason for aforementioned conclusion.

Thus, raakhi, more than a religious significance holds a cultural significance in itself. And of course conveys some good meanings and nurtures the bond of affection between brothers and sisters.

And media holds its own monetary reasons behind publicizing spirit of such festivals along side business community. They have nothing to do with the meaning of any festival but work only for their sells to increase.   

However, most importantly, its highly ironical in India to see it as a country where such festival are celebrated with much piety and joy in every rural and urban corners of its religions has ever increasing number of crimes and violence against women as compared to other countries that don’t have such charlatan festivals. Past years had made India in the hit list among rape countries and in future it can again find it’s place even higher. It simply means males honour own sisters and dishonours others’ simultaneously. This is plain portrayal of the extreme form of hypocrisy in the matrix of Indian chauvinistic patriarchal nexus towards women. On the one hand Indians are known for externally signifying every human relation with religious identity (myth) and divinizing womanhood in every possible design human mind can conceive and on the other hand perpetrating gravest crime towards the same with very little or no preventive measures by the state or society.  

Before it’s too late we better concentrate our mind, money and time more on some efficacious measures to guard womanhood as whole (not only immediate siblings) than money and time draining unproductive festivals born out of unproven irrational myths.

Matthew 5:47-4847 And if you love only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

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BLUE WHALE & SUICIDE

Suicide is a problem that contradicts the natural instinct of survival. The French philospher, Albert Camus, said that the greatest problem of philosophy is the question, “Why I don’t commit suicide?” It also, in a way, explains why people would commit suicide if they lack the reason for not doing that. Nikhil Raj Gupta investigates this issue in light of some recent events. Check out for more.                                                                                     Domenic Marbaniang 

Yesterday a Mumbai boy committing suicide brought huge online suicidal game scandal in the limelight. And now the man behind the game (blue whale), as they call it curator, from Russia is behind the bars only for three years term. The term "Blue Whale" comes from the phenomenon of beached whales, which is linked to suicide. Philipp Budeikin, a former psychology student who was expelled from his university, claimed that he designed the game. Budeikin stated that his purpose was to "clean" the society by pushing to suicide those he deemed as having no value (cleaning biological waste, as one article mentioned).

It is said that game is the cause for almost 130+ suicidal deaths across globe. Most of which are teenagers. Game is not available at App Store of any operating system but secretly distributed in links among the members of the suicidal groups. It begins with warning. One, if starts the game play can’t stop it at any cost as the operators have the details of the player. They threaten to follow them aftermath. They pose the series of challenges (50 to be precise) which has to be completed in 50 days, includes carving whales and other marks on their body with razer, sitting in the heighted building dangling their legs downwards, killing pets, watching gory clips (sent by curator), ending the game with final challenge that demands the player to kill themselves to be the winner.  

While it sounds quite adventurous to hard-core gamers like me, it holds potential to damage the lives permanently and only children or insane will move to play. Interestingly enough their preys are mostly teenagers who were registered in suicidal groups. They don’t respond to people searching them instead they choose the target and pose the challenge.

UNDERSTANDING SUICIDE 

Once I too went to take my life and thought it had a genuine cause behind. To some it may sound foolish and undesirable but ironically suicide attempts are apparently common these days and more importantly those who struggle with such moods are in real life problems. Before we laugh at them as onlookers we must understand such tendencies and its causes. It’s important to understand the concept and causes suicide.

In the month of June Hindustan Times reported that every hour, one student commits suicide in India. India has one of the world’s highest suicide rates for youth aged 15 to 29, according to a 2012 Lancet report, which illustrated the need for urgent interventions. About 800000 people commit suicide worldwide every year, of these 135,000 (17%) are residents of India, a nation with 17.5% of world population. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, taking the lives of approximately 43,000 Americans each year.

MAJOR CAUSES

Causes for increased suicide risk

Many elements contribute the risk for suicide. These factors are separated into three categories: biopsychosocial, environmental, and sociocultural.

Biopsychosocial

Biopsychosocial causes account for most suicides and attempted suicides. These causes include mental health disorders such as:

• depression

• bipolar disorder

• schizophrenia

• anxiety disorders

• personality disorders

• bodily abuse

• childhood abuse or trauma

• family history of suicide

• previous suicide attempts

• having a chronic disease

Environmental

Environmental elements that increase the risk for suicide often occur due to a stressful life event. 

• social loss, such as the loss of a significant relationship or job

• access to lethal means, including firearms and drugs

• being exposed to suicide

• being a victim of harassment, bullying, or physical abuse

Sociocultural

One of the main sociocultural causes of suicide is the feeling of being isolated or the feeling of being deserted by other. Feelings of isolation can be caused by sexual orientation, religious beliefs (guilt), and gender identity. 

• The Deep Feeling of hopelessness and meaninglessness.

 SYMPTOMS OF SUICIDE

Here is some information from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves

• Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun

• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly

• Sleeping too little or too much

• Withdrawing or isolating themselves

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

• Extreme mood swings

If you or someone you know exhibits any of these signs, seek help as soon as possible.

HELPING SUICIDAL 

• stay calm and speak in a reassuring tone

• acknowledge that their feelings are legitimate

• offer support and encouragement

• reassure them that suicidal feelings are temporary

• tell them that help is available and that they can feel better with treatment

While it’s not easy to diagnose or help someone suffering suicidal feelings its important to keep a sharp eye on people around you to help them when you notice any of these symptoms with proper approach.  

BIBLE AND SUICIDAL 

• Don’t be ruled by fear.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Is. 41:10)

• You are not alone. 

God gives hope and deliverance.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” (Ps. 34:18-19)

• God loves you and is with you forever. 

He will sustain us through our greatest burdens.

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” (Ps. 55:22)

• You are not condemned. 

God gives freedom and peace.

“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” (Rom. 8:1-2)

• There’s acceptance in Christ.

”Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” (Romans 15:7)

• There’s best identity in Christ.

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12)

• God is greater than any problem you are into.

God gives help and strength. He can solve any and every problem.

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

• God has a better plan for you 

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jer. 29:11). 

Remember, suicide was never a solution and will never be!!!

Find more about depression and suicide here: 

 http://nikhilrajgupta.blogspot.in/2017/07/depression-suicide.html

Image: https://avidosguy.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/46153-suicide.jpg

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BEREAVED AND YOU

Death of a Loved One

That grief is so specific that Meghan O’Rourke, in her book The Long Goodbye – written after her mother’s death,  quotes  Iris Murdoch:

“The bereaved cannot talk to the un-bereaved.”

Yesterday was the completion of 19 years in total since the demise of my dad. However, the immediate response to that tragic incident was quite obvious but over the time in many ways the Lord has taught us, as family,  to stay strong. Since the time I knew the Lord despite the temporary sadness of the absence of relational role of a father in my life I, personally, never felt abandoned. God is the master of turning good out of what seems worse to human eyes. 

Though it took me long time to get emotional stability but today I understand the ways in which God worked in my family and ever since I remained grateful to God not only for benefit but also for every loss.

Well that was my story but everyone sooner or later has to go through such situation in life. The death of a loved one is heartbreaking. And each bereavement has its special set of griefs and other resilient emotions. There is the sorrow that comes unexpectedly and startlingly with an unexpected death, and there is the long sorrow of gradually losing someone during a terminal illness.

In this lesson we'll study what the Bible reveals about death, about God's promise of life after death, how to comfort one another and how to obtain God's gift of comfort and peace.

Biblical Portrayal of Death

John 11:11He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up."John goes on to relate how Jesus raised Lazarus from death to life (John 11:12-45).
In the Bible, death is often referred to as sleep; a total lack of consciousness (Psalm 13:3; Ecclesiastes 9:5).

The striking allegory of sleep highlights the fact that the first death is momentary and that everyone who dies will be awakened. This understanding of death is much more soothing than all the unbiblical and flawed ideas about death.

When someone dies, family and friends often agonize with shames and feelings of guilt about things they had said or done, or things they neglected to say or do. But God doesn't want us to exhaust ourselves up about the past. He wants us to repent of our sins and look forward to our reunification in the next life, when we will have ample of occasions to talk to our loved ones.

Grieving Over Death

Matthew 5:4Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
1 Thessalonians 4:13But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.

It's common and healthy to mourn when we lose a loved one. Those who suppress grief rather than expressing it suffer rather intense psychological complications in the long run. But healthy grieving depends on confronting the reality of death.

Those who rightly understand the Bible feel and express grief, not fear and despair; their hope and faith give them great security. 

The apostle Paul, right after explaining about the promise of the resurrection, said, 

"Therefore comfort one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

Revelation 21:4"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Not only will families be reunited, but we'll all be in one big happy family—the family of God! And that family will live forever—with no more death, sorrow or crying!

Behaving With Bereaved

Here is the main challenge. Hope you noticed the first quote in the beginning of the article. It’s very difficult sometimes to face the bereaved. Not because we fear them but an inability to face them with their strong negative emotions of losing the one they loved. Just because of this reason, to be honest, I must say that I avoided couple of my friends who lost their dear ones.

“A very painful thing, when you’ve had a loss, is those around you never acknowledge it.”

1. Sit Close

In times, our words fail and philosophizing of the meaning of death and life becomes meaningless. One of the greatest expressions of empathy is the mere presence. Just sitting alongside the one who has lost his/her dear one would not only comfort the bereaved but strengthen your relation with that individual. It shows them that there is someone who is shouldering them this moment of pain.  

2. Stay Silent

One of the biggest errors we make is when we reach on the scene and begin talking. We do not have to storm in like we are to fix anything or dish out solutions. Our knowledge, sometimes, makes us abrupt in speech. One of the most significant things we can do is listen. Listen to their hurt, confusion, and questions. Sometimes those who are aching are still exasperating to process emotions and feelings. Often times they are without words to describe how they feel. One of the best things to say is, “I don’t know what to say.” In a way it displays respect for their hurt, as if I don’t presume to have an easy right answer, something to say that’s going to fix this.

3. Share Scripture

Share the word of wisdom, not any sort of pop psychology. The bereaved needs the promises of their Father to alleviate and ease them in their damages. One of the most practical ways for us to do is memorizing a few passages that may be used when we are in these types of situations. I have found three passages extremely useful: Psalm 46:1; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Isaiah 41:10. Each of these passages offers diverse expression of the central promise of Godʼs immediacy, faithfulness, and all-sufficient grace as we hurt. Remember passages like this so you may be equipped to offer life-giving, soul-feeding truths in times of an emergency.

And of course never leave a family simply with a promise to pray for them, pray there with them. Ask God to comfort them; plead His mercy over them. Thank God for His goodness, even in trials.

When you love someone, you become susceptible to the sorrow that comes from losing that individual. But love is all-important, and God doesn't want us to hold back on loving people to dodge future sorrow. The Bible also makes it clear that our sorrow will be impermanent, while our joy will be forever. The Bible gives us the hope of a wonderful future when we will be reunified with our loved ones!

Image: http://img.aws.ehowcdn.com/intl-620/ds-photo/getty/article/142/86/86509726.jpg

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DEPRESSION & SUICIDE

Depression is real, and if you are struggling with it you are not alone. Depression seems to have been the bane of many of life’s great leaders. One of the leading reasons of disability today, according to the World Health Organization, is depression. Which, when increased, leads to suicidal attempts.

Writing of this article arose from the heart saddening recent news of the Linkin Park Band member’s suicide (hung himself) demise, of whose, until I got saved as teenager, was a fan. Other members of the group confessed that he was suffering with depression. However, such stories of greatly successful celebrities committing suicide are now a new phenomenon both in Bollywood and Hollywood combined. Their money, prominence and power could not help them fight depression they severely suffered.

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and severe medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Depression causes feelings of grief and/or a loss of curiosity in doings once relished. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical complications and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home.

Depression symptoms:

• Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Loss of energy or increased fatigue
• Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., hand-wringing or pacing) or slowed movements and speech (actions observable by others)
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

A whopping 300 million people suffer from depression, while 50 million people in India face the same problem. According to TOI Not only do 56 million Indians -- or 4.5% of India's population -- suffer from depression at this moment, another 38 million Indians suffer from anxiety disorders. Thus, according to the latest World Health Organisation report on depression released on Thursday, almost 7.5% of Indians suffer from major or minor mental disorders that require expert intervention.

In India, according to an analysis of the 1,15,220 callers that sought counselling through the helpline from April 2013 to March 2017, 63.17% calls in the age group of 15 and below are linked to memory problems, exam fear and exam failure. These issues are the highest in this age group apart from others such as family problems and death in family. Talking about depression surely helps as the State-run 104 Arogyavani has stopped 531 callers from attempting suicide in the last four years. According to an analysis of 531 calls, more than half were aged between 16 and 24. Of the 291 calls from youth, 284 were students. Among the reasons for attempting suicides, relationship issues topped the list followed by family problems beside carrier issue, debts, failure in business etc. The analysis showed that “love failure” was the reason for over 50% calls from youth. 

DEPRESSION & GRIEF

However, its important to note that depression Is Different From Sadness or Grief/Bereavement. The death of a loved one, loss of a job or the ending of a relationship is problematic experiences for a person to undergo. It is usual for feelings of sadness or grief to develop in response to such circumstances. Those experiencing loss often might define themselves as being “depressed.” But being sad is not the same as having depression. The grieving course is natural and distinctive to each individual and shares some of the same features of depression.

Opposing to popular belief, there are a wide range of drugs, and psychological and social interventions which have been shown to be operative and they can renovate the lives of people with depression. Professionals such as psychiatrists have an array of anti-depressants (as well as other psychotropic medications) which can effectively treat moderate to severe depression, while trained psychologists can deliver psycho-social interventions such as cognitive behaviour therapy which also have similar effects. Activities such as regular exercise, meditation/relaxation techniques, practising sleep hygiene, maintaining healthy dietary habits and proactively engaging oneself in the existing social network of family members, neighbours, relatives and friends are of great help.

BIBLE AND DEPRESSION

A  Few Examples of people in the Bible who suffered depression

• Abraham (Genesis 15)
• Moses was grieved over the sin of his people. Ex. 32:32
• Jonah was angry and wanted to run away. Jonah (Jonah 4)
• Job suffered through great loss, devastation, and physical illness. Job (Book of Job)
• Elijah was discouraged, weary, and afraid. Elijah (1 Kings 19)
• King Saul (I Samuel 16:14-23, etc.)
• Jeremiah wrestled with great loneliness, feelings of defeat, and insecurity. Jeremiah (Book of Jeremiah)
• David was troubled and battled deep despair. David (Psalms 6, 13, 18, 23, 25, 27, 31, 32, 34, 37-40, 42-43, 46, 51, 55, 62-63, 69, 71, 73, 77, 84, 86, 90-91, 94-95, 103-104, 107, 110, 116, 118, 121, 123-124, 130, 138, 139, 141-143, 146-147)

  

We must fight anxiety with prayer, thanksgiving, and worship. 

The Bible tells us to be filled with joy and praise (Philippians 4:4; Romans 15:11), so God apparently intends for us all to live joyful lives. This is not easy for someone suffering from situational depression, but it can be relieved through God's gifts of prayer, Bible study and application, support groups, fellowship among believers, confession, forgiveness, and counseling. We must make the cognizant effort to not be immersed in ourselves, but to turn our efforts outward. Feelings of depression can often be resolved when those suffering with depression move the focus from themselves to Christ and others.

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This is the first verse that I always remember when the depression knocks at the door of my mind.

It’s impossible to be thankful and negative at the same time. All those negative, self-defeating thoughts will fall to the wayside the more we begin to understand just how blessed we really are.

I recognize that mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, have a chemical factor to them, but I also know that our God is creator of all––creator of our bodies, minds, and spirits. He is the One who fashioned our chemical configuration and is fully able to bring it back into right equilibrium.

Further Readings:

http://www.ibelieve.com/health-beauty/9-steps-to-overcome-anxiety-and-depression.html 

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/depression-among-students-a-major-mental-health-issue/article17834389.ece

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/depression-a-major-issue-among-youth/article17876959.ece

http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/depression-bible.html

http://www.dailyo.in/lifestyle/world-mental-health-day-psychology-psychiatry-depression-yoga-mental-illness/story/1/6705.html

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/7-5-indians-suffer-from-mental-disorders-who-report/articleshow/57344807.cms

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Can The Joy Be Your Strength?

Nehemiah 8:10 ...the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

How does that be a possibility. Because the concept of strength is understood to be something that holds power or capacity to withstand some amount of force or pressure. 

When life encounters us with its tempestuous storms of temptations and human suffering everything that holds one's faith in God up seems shattering. In a situation like that if something that can continue to fuel believer's faith and trust in God is nothing but the Joy. Because happiness depends on happenings but joy comes from the Lord. For instance, gaining good marks will give you happiness for sometime. Such happiness are not only temporary but dependent on happenings around us; basically material in nature. It comes and goes.

That's why if one owns the whole world and has not owned faith in God it renders him/her nothing but sadness and loneliness. Similarity if one owns nothing that is worldly in nature but knows God possess joy that is unmatched. 

And this joy doesn't leave a believer at any given moment of his/her life on this earth. Which is, in fact, works as a fuel to ignite the engine of faith in God to carry on amidst adversity. 

Psalmist prays "restore unto me the joy of salvation" 51:12
In John 15:11, Jesus says: “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” The joy you are to have as a Christian is the joy of Jesus.

This verse tells us three things about the JOY;

1. Cause of Joy- Jesus Christ, the source of all good

2. Consistency of Joy- Remain in You, everlasting 

3. Capacity of Joy- Full, you need nothing 

The joy of Jesus is not a joy that comes and goes; it is constant. Jesus says, “that this joy will remain in you.” We will all have sorrow at times, but the Bible says in Isaiah 61:3 that God gives us the oil of joy for mourning. That means in the time of mourning, in the time of brokenheartedness, God pours in the oil of His joy.

Unless you have joy in Jesus, your joy is not full. What is the secret to finding this joy? Jesus said He spoke “these things that your joy may be full."

This joy is of twofold understanding;

First, the joy of knowing God as someone who not only loves you supremely but wants to keep unending relationship. Second, understanding of death as something which is not an end but the beginning of real fun. So human suffering not only becomes temporary but begins to fad away in the light of eternity. That's why even the most cruel form of persecution doesn't stop or even terrorise believers. 

John 16:20-22"Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy...therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you."

So despite the heavy storms of life the relationship with God and the knowledge of salvation combined unleashes the joy that helps us continue our journey of faith on this ever fading painful world. 

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Act of Worship Vs. Life of Worship

S

Psalms 50:23, 1 Samuel 15:22

He who worship me honors Me (ACT OF WORSHIP); 

            And to him who orders his way aright (LIFE OF WORSHIP)

       I shall show the salvation of God.

For Obedience is Better than Sacrifice.

Not only worship but character. 

These days worship concerts are in trend. Too many Christian youths are caught up in the mood of praise and worship in its musical manifestation. Music is very important, in fact, historically it's a vital component in the various patterns of Christian praise and worship. Even Bible suggests many instances where musical instruments are used to worship God. However, there is a flip side to all of these components. 

For clarification, the word Worship used in the above verse is thoroughly connected to the act of signing and playing of musical instrument not related to the act of worship through life as many would say these days. It means there's a difference between an act of worship, which requires skills and a life of worship, which requires commitment for maintaining one's character and life. For now let's understand this difference between the two. Even a non-Christina can sing and play much better than a born again Christian. But it will only be a performance not true worship. And many Christian musicians and vocalists have exposed to such patterns with some expertise and have dominated stages. 

So many Christian youths are quite fascinated and seems inclined towards singing and playing instruments. And there's nothing wrong in that but flip side of the verse tells us the vitals element attached to act of worship, which is the life of worship; maintaining one's character. Sadly, not to mention so many exceptionally talented gospel singers and musicians are seen falling into many defaming stories in the news lately. 

It's quite important for us to understand that why the word character is closely attached to the word worship in the aforementioned verse. 

Because once a person gets into the field of music, though through signing or playing, Satan also gets heavily involved to influence such man/woman to entice them to divert the glory from God to himself. Needless to mention, once, he himself was chief of all worshippers. And he wants that every form of music that supposed to glorify God should be used for his vile purposes. Thus, most of the youths or adults in the field of gospel music seems either arrogant or fallen in gravely sinful activities or addictions. 

Their lives have become stumbling blocks to many. So character is all that God demands from a worshipper. Differently put, character is a basic qualification for a worshipper not skills of singing or instrumentalizing. 

Romans says offer your body as a living sacrifice which is your reasonable service unto God. 

Character is prerequisite to worship. Don't let your worship grow at the expanse of your character, it will only cause you loss. If we look around yourself such examples are huge in number where worshippers are seen with no worship off stage whatsoever. And by such behaviour they not only defame their own character but de-glorify God as well. This is also true with the believers. So let's maintain our character by life of worship and then move towards an act of worship only then we shall see the SALVATION OF GOD and our worship will have meaning. For obedience is better than sacrifice. 

God bless !!!

Image Source: https://answeringchristian.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/worship2.jpg

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Ten Commandments of blogging

On the mountain long ago Moses received God's law. I haven't been up to a mountain or anything, but I thought I'd use this pattern to make some points about blogging (and micro-blogging, too, if you're in to social media like Twitter).

So here you go with the Ten Commandments of blogging...

1. Thou shalt offer fresh and personal content and perspective with thy blog that you and only you can produce.

2. Thou shalt carve with lexis that common folk can twig (translation: You will write using words that real people can understand).

3. Thou shalt not tear someone else down with thy blog. If you have an issue with that person, go to them to work it out.

4. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor with thy blog.

5. Thou shalt not pluck quotes from thy neighbor's blog without giving him credit.

6. Thou shalt not steal content from thy neighbor's blog and portray it as thine own.

7. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's blog, but will be happy with thine own.

8. Thou shalt not spend more time blogging, reading blogs and/or commenting on blogs (let alone with any other type of social media) than with thy wife, kids and pet.

9. Thou shalt take time for rest and relaxation from blogging at consistent intervals. Go outside and smell the roses.

10. Thou shalt not make an idol out of blogging. Thy life consists of much more than that.

CREDIT: http://sugarpinerealty.blogspot.in/2008/11/ten-commandments-of-blogging_19.html

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GOD OF BROKENNESS: A POEM

Text: Psalms 34:18, Isaiah 57:15


Broken soil ready for grain, 
Broken clouds showers rain, 
Broken seed ready for breed, 
Creation proves this indeed, 

With agony, 
Broken Father agreed 

To Slay His son, 
For your saving need

Broken Christ walked the way,
Giving us His first lead 

Praying always while alive, 
At Gethsemane He did bleed 

Broken Spirit He gave, 
To help us when we plead 

God's simple creed, 
A broken heart can only heed
It will deliver you from all greed  

God says, Brokenness is what,
You only NEED...!!!





Image Source:  https://billmuehlenberg.com/res/uploads/2016/06/Brokenness-3.jpg

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