Sycamore

You can find me in Israel, Egypt, Lebanon,
I’m really tall and am someone quite well known.

My ethereal leaves are heart shaped,
My figs that I yield are commonly craved.

I was well looked after at King David’s orders at western foothill,
Cedar and I were the celebrities according to King Solomon’s will.

I was also well cared for and tended by prophet Amos,
Prophet Isaiah chose me in showing Israel’s rebellious heart and chaos.

In Jesus’ time a Zaccheus was at a loss,
For around Jesus, crowds heavily buzzed on their toes.

For Zaccheus was really a man of short stature,
I thanked god for my height of twenty meter.

At the peak of my vainful glory,
It should have been the end of my story.

For as swift as the winds of east,
My branches wilted, and I shrunk and creased.

“Behold this is my begotten Son,” a Voice cried,
“Will you not repent? To my children will you be stumbling block so defiant?”

The voice shook my leaves with a tingling,
I let myself be held by Zaccheus, preventing him from falling.

I thought I’d be dead the moment Lord cast his eyes here,
When He said, ‘Zaccheus come down,’ I trembled in fear.

But soon the fear was replaced with peace
“So it shall be to anyone whose feet shorn with good news’ piece,”
Said the Voice to me pleased.

Brother Has Come

Today is the day Z, my younger brother is going to visit my house.

It has been almost a decade since we last met. We had a big row on a tiny doctrine rightness of Christian belief. My brother, Z, a newly born again soul, was ever zealous about his own vision of the importance of the action of water baptism. However I had other thoughts. Z wouldn’t say it was his own perception, rather he would insist his belief was thoroughly based on the Bible. Back then I didn’t take water baptism and after hearing how presented the importance of it in a superior- my-way-of-belief-is-superior-than-yours, I lost any interest in it. My belief back then was to give more importance to bible study.

Fast forward ten years.

Needless to say lots of changes had happened to me and I had this new found curiosity to hear from my younger brother, Z , hence this visit. We were five years apart in age, between Z and I.

Ding Dong

Ah he is here!

With round squared spectacles, coifed hair, my younger brother, Z sat on the verandah. The dusk has set and the skies smiled like the bills of toucan.
We hugged. A reunion of chetan and anian.

“You’re taller than me as always aye!” I chuckled, patting his back.

“You’re taller than me in life experiences though, chettan”

After having exchanged our signature hellos to each other and other niceties, we had crackers with iced lemon tea.

A couple of great hornbills cooed.

“Really overjoys my heart that you accepted my invitation” I smiled in Z’s direction.

“Thank you too chetan for having me here. I did want to call and come over but somehow I feared if I would cause more hurt” Z’s shoulders seemed to have shrunk a bit.

“Take it easy aniya, bygones be bygones aye.” I nodded.

Z smiled.

I continued, “I am curious about your response to my one question though.”

“I’m all ears”

“Is the action of sinking in the water physically more important or being born again so we perceive the world in Jesus’ way of perception more important when we think of water baptism?” I asked.

Z got bit of creases on his forehead. “Perceive the world in Jesus’ way of perception…how?”

I further clarified, “You know how money is to be seen as a tool and not a master and other things like that.”

A moment passed. I heard Z’s laughter echoed in my hall. “Oh chetan what a tricky question is this?”

“Don’t worry Z, chetan did take water baptism few years back, believing in all that’s said about it in bible, just as you said a decade back” I reassured him with a twinkling smile which evoked a gasp in aniyan.

“Chetan thanks really for this question and I’m glad to see how chetan changed…I got to ponder over this question because I have a feeling I have erred somewhere…”

“No problem aniyan, maybe we can meet over next weekend, whenever you’re free and we can explore Bible together?”

Z agreed and we parted after a short prayer.

THE CAR’S DRIVER AND ITS FUEL

A car requires a driver and  fuel for its proper functioning. Without these two main important aspects, the car may not work proper. A driver is required to control the car to go on a straight path and he decides whether to turn right or left without getting hit on obstacles and its fuel to keep it going without getting tired for a long time. Thus, a car needs both of these for reaching its goal/ destination.

Our Christian life is similar like this car. We need a fuel to keep us running daily without stopping. You know what? the fuel for every Christian is the Holy Spirit, meditation of the Word of God and a daily prayer are the right fuel for our spiritual journey on the path of salvation. Our one and only driver is Jesus Christ, who controls our path, and He is the one who decides in what way we should go. That is why we should give our life to the hands of the driver to safely reach our destination, with a rightful mind and soul satisfying the needs of our daily life.

A Guide Through The Darkest Midst!!

Jesus, a friend at the deepest of realms
His love and compassion overwhelm.
In times of darkness, when hope seems to fade,
With open arms, He comes to our aid.

Bound by faith, an eternal bond!
His words of wisdom a treasure untold.
With every step, by our side
Guiding us through, the thunderous ride.

When storms rage and troubles abound,
Jesus a friend is constantly found.
Calming the seas with a touch of his hand,
Whispering peace as he demands.

A friend who listens with a compassionate ear,
He soothes our worries, erasing every tear.
In his reign we find our rest,
Knowing a friend who knows us the best.

Jesus a friend beyond earthly measure,
His divine love an incomparable treasure.
No other companion can fill this deep void,
His presence, a joy that cannot be destroyed.

Akeldama

Akeldama

In the shadows of despair, Akeldama’s domain,
A place where darkness thrives and sorrows remain…
A haunting realm where secrets lie entwined,
Beneath a moonless sky, lost souls unwind…

Within its depths, the whispers echo deep,
Of broken dreams and promises weep…
The soil tainted by blood, a crimson stain,
A testament to the pain that still remains…

Akeldama, the field of remorse and regret,
Where choices are made that we can’t forget…
The price of betrayal, a heavy toll,
Condemned to wander, burdened souls…

Yet in this desolate land, there lies a tale,
Of redemption sought amidst the gale…
For even in Akeldama’s somber embrace,
Hope flickers, seeking solace and grace…

In the darkest hour, a glimmer of light,
Guiding lost souls through the eternal night…
For in Akeldama, there’s a chance to find,
Forgiveness and redemption, intertwined…

So let us not fear the depths of this place,
For Akeldama’s sorrow can be embraced…
In the journey to heal, to mend what’s been torn,
We find strength to rise, reborn…

Akeldama, a canvas of anguish and pain,
A reminder that hope can still remain…
In the tapestry of shadows, a story unfolds,
Of redemption’s power, forever untold…

Amazing Grace — the story behind the lyrics

In the year 1725 was John Newton born
Nurtured in the Word by his devout Mom
But she left for her eternal Home one new morn
Ere the young Newton was all but seven

His father was a mariner at sea
And found no time to stop and see
The growing need of the young Newton
Who by eleven was broken, wild and full of sin

To keep the growing teen from the snares
His father coaxed him to join him at sea
But young Newton was more reckless than when onshore
And tried in vain to break loose and free

Enslaved body and soul, Newton found no reprieve
When left to toil on West African soil
And grew more depraved, ruthless and in despair
Till he set sail again homeward bound

A raging storm at sea cast fear all around
And Newton called out to his once dear Lord
Who calmed the sea and saved the bound
And steered them safe to solid ground

God then set to restore and heal
And helped young Newton grow in zeal
To break the chains of those in need
And calm the soul with the Word to feed

And one night as Newton mused on the love of Jesus
His spirit swelled and birthed the lines of Amazing Grace
Echoing Newton’s testimony that he was a great sinner
Saved, restored,healed, and forgiven by God’s Amazing Grace.

Facing toward Christ’s eternity

When I tried to open a box file
It was like moving a mountain by a mile
I dived into frustration, a foolish distraction
When I tried to steer steering wheel of car
I couldn’t see what lay on the road ahead
With much dread I was, snow blanketing overhead.

It is a walking journey
If I keep my eyes way too close near me
I don’t see people , I’d be too self absorbed
If I keep my eyes way above me
I don’t see here I walk, I stumble and be floored

I have to keep moving on
For if blood doesn’t flow through its vessels
Nice and steady
An abrasion awaits , an attack of coronary

Lot’s wife looked back
Stuck in the past, a future vision she lacked
So was Balaam and Achan
Whose greed got them stuck like the waters, not like that of sea of Galilee—
But the waters which are of the Dead sea
Too much salinity and toxicity and inflammation and stagnancy
Not fit for life in such continuing impurity

This is why Paul looks forward
To Christ and eternity
Our vision set fixed on someone so trustworthy
This is why seven maidens waited with oil
Looking forward to the arrival of bridegroom

Now I try to open a box file
I don’t get too paranoid, I hear His voice
Follow Christ’s lead
Now I try to steer he driving wheel
Snow steadily removed with windshield
My eyes don’t leave my road to
The ultimate kingdom of heaven and eternity.

  • Angel Anto

Spiritual Poverty

Once upon a time there were 2 friends, Simon and Jabez . Both of them were best of friends and helped each other out in assignments tests etc.

They both like to spend their break time hearing people’s talks , sometimes it would be people’s opinions on teachers or subjects or school rules and other things like it.

On one fine day, they heard a bespectacled classmate talk about Christianity which they usually make jokes about. But today, they heard things really different and that caught their interest. They heard about the beatitudes.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are those who mourn , blessed are the peacemakers, blessed are the pure in their hearts…’’

“Hey u there, glassy, what does poor in spirit mean?”,  asked Simon.

The boy whose nickname was glassy, otherwise known as Emil, was surprised that they asked a serious question and weren’t making jokes of it.

“It’s like beggars begging for alms,”

“Begging for alms? What? Do you expect us to become lazy and beg for readymade answers for home work from you? “ Jabez asked, causing both Simon and him to chortle.

“No –“ the boy’s nose reddened in embarrassment. They never changed after all, Emil thought to himself. “I mean just like beggars aren’t feeling enough with their alms and keep begging, Jesus tells us to have this wanting to grow more in him and not be satisfied”

‘Isn’t that same as being greedy? “ Simon asked Jabez.

“Yeah I thought gluttony was one of the seven deadly sins!” Jabez asserted.

“Look I might not be able to explain well but I’m sure if you repent your sins and accept Jesus as lord and savior you’ll get to know bit by bit on this journey with Jesus’’ Emil said, giving them a brochure including of repentance, salvation and baptism.

“We already know this stuff don’t we?” Jabez asked Simon, reading through the brochure.

Simon nodded and said, “Yeah!  We were baptized when we were kids!’’

“But do y’all know what is the purpose of baptism?” Emil asked.

Blank faces greeted Emil.

“If y’all are free this weekend, I would like to invite you to this youth meeting I’m going to. The address is in the brochure.  Y’all could clarify more with pastor”

Simon and Jabez looked at each other and shrugged. “Sounds really boring though, we’ll see’’, Jabez said.

Emil’s shoulder deflated and shrunk back into his seat. He thought to himself, ‘it was at least worth a try’

On the day of the youth meeting, Emil thought he was hallucinating when he saw two familiar heads in the group.  “Simon? Jabez? Is that you?” Emil faintly called out.

“Nope we are the Xerox clones, we come from another universe.” Simon quipped making a namaste greeting.

“Soo glad that both of you could come. Means so much to me!” Emil couldn’t resist his elated grin.

“Who said we still don’t think this is dumb?” Simon snickered.

“We thought it would be impolite to refuse an invitation, is all” Jabez uttered with a stiff lip.

Emil grin slightly turned to a frown , paused for a while before saying, ‘’Still glad y’all could come’’

The meeting started and Emil was excited to hear the thought as usual. He wondered if his classmates fell asleep but to his surprise they heard with rapt attention more than they listened in a classroom!

Soon enough the meeting ended and Emil went with his class mates who peppered the youth pastor with questions.

Emil didn’t expect them to continue coming the next week and the week after next and it soon grew into months.

At the start, during their discussions they were saying this like, “this sounds way impossible! Who could even do all this?” “It’s easier to turn into hypocrites and follow this stuff”

Emil slightly chuckled to himself, thinking of how he did things that Christ wanted even when he didn’t exactly like it. Oh the number of times he was ignored in class or was the butt of jokes, it all sounded possible rather than impossible. They’re really beginners aren’t they, he thought to himself.

Soon as the time passed, during their discussions they were saying things like, “what does overflow in Holy Spirit do? “ Why do we got to pray?” “Why is there a need to be prepared any time when Jesus comes?”
They also asked really adult deep questions even Emil didn’t bother to think of! Eh they might be asking extra questions to show off or something. Emil consoled himself with such words.

Months passed into years and now it was time for board exams. Emil thought he would skip a few youth meetings, his parents were ok with it and so was his pastor when he told them the reason. He was sure Jabez and Simon would follow his suit and he thought to himself with an inner smugness, ‘I bet I would be taking the least number of skips of meetings compared to them’

Later during the class time, he asked them how their study sessions were going. Both of them gave their signature shrug. “Oh yeah that reminds me, we don’t see you anymore in meetings!’’ , Jabez said with eyebrow raised.

“Wait—y’all go to meetings and also find time to study?!?!?” Emil was flabbergasted.

Simon and Jabez shared a knowing look.

Jabez said, “Do you remember what you said on that day. Something about being poor in spirit?”

“Yeah, so?” Emil couldn’t get what they were trying to imply for some minutes.

Suddenly like a huge load of bricks Emil came to understand… That his thirst for Christ was nowhere to be seen but theirs is clear as daylight.

“Thank you both of you so much for making me realize that!” Emil said with eyes slightly watered and rushed to find the next class.

“Nah we ought to thank you glassy’’ Simon grinned, catching up with Emil.

“Simon! You better call him Emil, now that he’s our friend!” Jabez playfully slapped on Simon’s shoulders. Looking at Emil, Jabez shook his hand to thank. “We decided to take baptism, we’d be looking forward to meet you”

Emil’s happiness knew no bounds as he accepted their invitation.

Angel Antony

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and let Him act

As I begin to pen this down, I thank God for his grace and providence he has showered on me in all things specially to have the chance to learn His word.

What I have received from the Lord, I would like to share with you my dear ones.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reads;

“5Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths.”

Solomon was the wisest man that ever lived! Solomon with the wisdom and understanding that is many folds above ordinary men, here in verse 5, asks two questions;

1.“Why do we lean on our understanding during important situations in our life?”

2.“Why is it, that we don’t turn to God in those moments?”

Is it our pride? our self-confidence? or more specifically our overconfidence with our knowledge, or as Solomon says, “Our Understanding”?

The Lord’s council will lead you to a greater and permanent victory and this is a fact, as His ways are always and surely better than our ways and His understanding, infinitely better than our human comprehension.

The other day when at church, I thought to myself; ‘one way or another, I have always found a way to keep in touch or talk with my friends.
Why is it that I hardly ever find a way to equally keep in touch with God?’

Remember this if not anything else;

“God is only as far as you keep Him”.

It says Adam and Eve closely interacted with God and even physically felt his presence while in the garden of Eden. However, when Adam did that which was not pleasing to the Lord, he hid from the Lord.
….. He wished to be far from the Lord!!…

Proverbs 5:6 says ‘in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths

It says ‘in ALL your ways’!!
Let go to the basic of your ways…. when you’re eating, when you’re drinking, when you’re walking, when you’re talking… Basically wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, do it with the firm belief that the Lord is the only reason for your being and the only reason you are able to do anything you do.

This firm dependence in the Lord is what He expects from us and what it truly means to acknowledge HIM.

Let me conclude with

Psalms 37:5
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

Thank you.

May the Lord bless you all.

  • CHRISTOPHER PRINCE

Fragrance of Christ

Once upon a time in Nolan house, the two sisters were giddy with excitement since the school just got over!

“Time to say goodbye to books!” , the younger one, Beth cried out.

“And to exam pressures!”, the elder one, Grace sighed out .

Both of them started making chits on what they could do together. This was what they used to do every vacation and they would get their parents to vote as well.

As they were deep in cutting pieces of papers, they heard their mother.

“Girls! here, take these empty boxes and throw them out!” Their mother was spring cleaning and decluttering the boxes.

“Yes, mama!”, they replied in unison. Both of them took a look at the rather large gift box. A sudden scent hit them.

Beth took a long whiff contently as Grace figured out its name. “Frankincense.”

“What if we keep our clothes in this box? So they could smell the same?” Beth asked but didn’t wait for her big sister’s reply; rather she ran with the box to their room. Grace went along with her sister’s musings.

And so both of them took some clothes and packed it into the box. The box stayed on their bed and they soon went to continue making chits.

Soon their mother saw the box and grew surprised. “Girls, why is this still here? Wasn’t this also included in the other boxes I gave you to throw?’’

“Mama, the box had this awesome smell so I thought sister and I could put our clothes in so they also will have this amazing scent!” Beth couldn’t contain her glee as she almost rapped.

Beth really love the frankincense mama, “ Grace tried to explain, to their mother didn’t seem to understand what Beth was trying to say.

Their mother couldn’t help but chuckle. “Alright then girls, we shall see what happens in a few days”

A week passed by all too fast.

The clothes which were in the box were put on, and washed and dried and put back into the box more then once.
And all of a sudden there was a wailing sob.
“What has happened? What’s wrong?” their mother came into their room hearing the call of distress.

“Mama! The frankincense is no more on the clothes! Its all gone!” , Beth, the eight year old girl, didn’t expect this to happen. She wished it could stay much longer.

“My dear child, even you too spend you Sunday school classes and church meetings… does the fragrance of Jesus stay with you after you leave the church? Obeying His commandments and abiding in Jesus even in the smallest things you do?”
Beth’s mother asked.

“But- mama”, Beth tried to make a sentence but she faltered. She realized how true what mother said.

So that’s what our memory verse was, oh! , exclaimed Grace

2 Corinth 2 :15
For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.