When your present shapes your past...

Can your present truly change your past?

I can already hear resounding 'No'. Well, even I couldn't believe that till I came across this really really famous author (thanks to all his ghost-writers). Guess what it took him to be famous? A rich dad willing to let flow his booty, and lots of emotionally-intelligent fools who could be bought for 'less than' their moneys worth, and you know... the rest just adds up...

It is possible for everyone to change their past, provided there were enough time machines (ha ha). Unfortunately there are none. But this one has his way, cos he can write whatever **** he'd like to, and make believe the masses. Now, need we discuss the masses' intelligence? Let it be...

So, because you're now an influential person (or their son), you could present yourself as the then brightest kid in town, the revolutionary ideator, most evolved teenager (though a failure actually) thinking and analyzing strategies of country leaders, world economy... What more, people won't ask a thing, cos you're famous and influential... Guess what people see is just what they believe...

Here's what my friend Surabhi Agarwal, a young journo says: "It's never too late to start over again, if you screwed up your past, sex-up the present"

The bottomline... "There are better ways to sex-up things which you screwed up earlier..."

Ah! another one.. "If you try to change your past, which you can't, you might be screwing up things further!"

Missed Calls…

…there are many, but is there a log?

We all have missed calls sometime or the other… oh, yeah, that mobile phone keeps a log of those missed calls too… But what of those calls you miss, of subtle voices that reach out to you? Do you have a log of it?

It was raining almost every evening during the last two weeks in Delhi, and then it occurred to me, when I was driving home alone on NH-10, that I saw someone completely drenched asking for a lift… I just ignored, who wants to wet their car for a stranger? And that too taking in strangers on a highway, when you’re alone, is it safe? Huh, why bother so much! Just ignore. I thought I missed a call?!

I recall a year back, when I was driving from Faridabad with my friend to Delhi, that we saw a big stone blocking our way, the road was empty and we drove past; but, we stopped by agreeing that we should remove it, lest a mishap take place. Guess that call was an answered call!?!

Well, I believe each of us do receive such calls to answer everyday. Children, adults and crippled begging when you’re waiting for the traffic-light turn green or when you’re shopping at a market place, a friend asking ‘can you do me a favor?’, or sometimes our own family members are silently seeking attention…

Do we have a log of those missed calls? If we had, I’m sure it would count more than the days of our lives… Guess we should start working on reducing those hereafter?

I'd rather lose to his winning ways...

I’ve recently had a job shift. It wasn’t that easy a process, as it took me two months of careful consideration of that move; add to it another three months of the process of interviews, elusiveness, communication and exit from the previous job.

I had been praying throughout about this decision, but haven’t received the Lord’s direction explicitly. And then, I took a leap of faith, giving up my thoughts and my strategies about successful living as I started to attend interviews. I waited and watched as mystery unfolded into news of rejection once, and news of job offers twice, which added to further confusion. As I waited on the Lord, the circumstances had zeroed-in on one offer.

People who know me closely know what I had to endure during those times, but, here's what God reinforced as he took me through this experience— “To submit to His will, take a step in faith, and he’ll establish the way, according to His will.”

Here’s something I read in my daily reading… “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” And, that's exactly what I had experienced... Him, making the crooked paths straight

So, if you're at some crossroad at any point in life... Just give into his winning ways!

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"Making a Difference: Lessons from Daily Life"

Many a times, we're caught up introspecting and telling ourselves, that we want to make some difference, but we end up just thinking or just talking and then regretting!

Many, often fail because they look at their desired personality and struggle to be the same, but even then, they can't make it! Most probably, because, we tend to overlook the "process"! What happened to the fox which desired to eat the grapes that were too high for it to reach? It couldn't get it! So, it called them sour grapes and walked away...

The very same thing, invariably, without a change happens to most of us. The difference here, is that though we do not have the limitations of foxes, but are blessed with a mind that can comprehend issues and device ways to achieve our set targets.

One of my dearest friend was recently arguing about the matters (theories, concepts and practices) written in books (Guess he read something on Possibility Thinking). He felt that it all was "deception". He said it was all idealistic; nothing like that happens in the world, and whether the author followed it or not, no one knew! He further argues..."If it was only for someone to write, they can write much more, 'cos it's their mind at work, and they can say a lot many other things, but if it was to be enacted, it was next to impossible."

I think many of us, if not now, at some point of time must have thought: "This thing is too much!" "I can't do it!" "It takes too much to do it!" and many other reasons. Friends, we need to understand that if we want to make a difference that actually personifies the difference we want to bring about, there's much more to pay for! Or, we'll be just like that fox who would think that the grapes once he aspired for desperately are sour!

If you really want to make a difference, check out the next post...

"Lovest thou me?"

How many of us are genuinely interested in the people we relate with? Do we really care for our friends?

A new commandment I give unto you "Love one another, as I have loved you..." To love someone therefore, is not a request, or a choice, but a command to be obeyed. "Do you love me?" a question asked by Jesus who gave that commandment, was a thought on my mind for quite some time.

For a Christian, Love ought to be a top priority in life. A great responsibility rests on a Christian. Every born-again, and a believer knows that he ought to love all, as commanded. Yet how many of us, truly love our friends, and people we relate to, in the sanctity of the word? Refer to I Corinthians 13, if you want to know what love actually is.

It is surprising sometimes, how you do somethings (e.g., loving) over a period of time, and they become a routine than being meaningful and stop having that initial charismatic effect on you... Nevertheless, today, I woke up to an sms, that gave me news of one of my school friend's father's death. As much dismay that death causes, it always puts me in a pensive mood. It was then, that the Spirit spoke to me and inspired to share this small message.

I was reminded of Simon Peter, St. Peter, whom Jesus questioned: "Do you love me?", and not once, He did that thrice!!! And, naturally, Peter was grieved at that. Because he walked so close with Jesus, he was led by the Spirit, acknowledged Jesus as Son of God, and he belonged to Jesus' very close group "Peter, James and John." Yet, Jesus chose to ask him, Simon Peter. Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?"

To that, Peter answered: "Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee."
And Jesus replied: "Feed my sheep."

All three times, Jesus replied "Feed my sheep..." eventually said "Follow me!"

I have made many good friends and I profess to love them. I also guess you must have too. But what is the limit of our love? Till we're together? Till we help and are of some use to each other? Jesus said "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lays down his life for his friends." And he demonstrated his love for us all, and they that believe in Him." Perhaps that's the limit we ought to have: To the end of the world, Till death parts you.

"Love" has lost its sanctity. The culture is such now, that deeper words are used to express lighter and fleeting feelings and emotions. How much do we mean "I love you" expressed so often with friends or near ones when it costs us dear? There was never a situation perhaps. But Jesus wants us to focus on our friends' spiritual needs. He instructed "fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

How many of us are genuinely interested in the people we relate with? Do we really care for our friends? Do we love? Isn't there more to friendship and loving a person beyond talking, playing, partying and making them other source of entertainment? Do you only care for the person's physical needs? Would you not care for the soul?


What would you tell Jesus if He asked you "Lovest thou me (with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion, as one loves the Father) more than (anything material or spiritual) these? If you love Jesus, are you feeding His sheep? Do you really love Him? Are you following Him? Do you really love Him? Are you spending time with him? Are you spending any little time on the Father's business? Do you know what the Father's business is? Remember what Jesus said? "I have come to seek and save that is lost."

Everyday, you are spending so much time with His lost sheep. Many of your friends are, isn't it? Do you have any intention, how much Jesus is missing them? Are you spending any time in getting back His lost sheep to Him? Have you ever shared Jesus with them? Or, are you afraid that you'll be caught converting someone? What we should be knowing is that we can never be successful in conversion, simply because we cannot. We can just share Christ, it is Spirit who will inspire or convict the person, who will then choose to transform or reject the message.

Are you doing your job? Are you actually loving your friends? Something I read yesterday: The Church of England criticised Madonna for using a crucifix in her promotional tour and stated: "Is Madonna prepared to take on everything else that goes with wearing a crown of thorns?" Jesus is not asking you to put a crown of thorns and get crucified on the cross. He just wants you to share the love that you've experienced with others. Is that too much for you?

Jesus is asking you: "Lovest thou me above all these?" If your answer is yes, he says, "Feed my sheep."

As always I just hope this message would mean any good to atleast one. I pray that the Lord bless us with a renewed mind and spirit, and that we grow unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Keep doing the Father's business!

For my Sweetheart!

Hi...

Happy Valentine's.

You know, perhaps just three words won't suffice to express what I want to all the time, but they are the best ones... I love you!

A jewel has a brilliant fire, but gives no warmth,
My hands might not be soft, but they can serve,
My body is not so fair, but it is strong,
My lips are not perfumed, but they can speak the truth,
Love is not an art to me, but it is life...
I can give you a little, but I offer all I can...
(Sourced from The Ten Commandments)

Be Mine, Be My Love...

"One of the sweetest things in all my life, is loving you."

Love...

Can prayers be InValid?

October 5, 2006: It's about 8 am, and while I was getting ready to leave for office, my Mom's hooked on to the telly, 'cos God TV is showing a miracle crusade and the pastor started praying for the viewers and the audience present for the show. As he prayed, he moved people emotionally, spiritually (depends), took a few names saying they're being healed... and he closed the prayer with words of affirmation.

While just walking around my home looking for my shoes, tie, etc., I saw an announcement at end of the show. "Sep 29 is a special day of prayer, and I urge you to send in your prayer requests." Bingo! Did that strike you? Broadcasted on the 5th of October, recorded - I don't know when, but a day before Sep 29 for sure...

Few months back, when MiracleNet was available on our cable network, I saw another pastor (no names), based out of Mumbai, who believed in pronouncing the name of Jesus as many times (like a mantra), he went to extent of even creating a gadget (something like a calling bell), so that you switch it on, and the name of Jesus is heard on and on and on... (in the pastor's voice)... And many as the people in the program said, they bought it... because they believe it. Is that prayer??? Is that permissible at all???

The issue that bothers me is: Can Prayers be Invalid???

We see a lot of miracle crusades that happen, and if not such crusades, revival meetings etc., that are broadcasted even after years and decades (e.g., Rev. Billy Graham's crusades). While I do understand and agree to unite with someone in prayer, for salvation, for revival, for personal growth, for any good cause... I don't understand how uniting in a recorded prayer that named somone (to have been healed then) days ago or months ago, who knows, even years... helps me, or the other ones spiritually.

I would also want to demarcate here the purposes of prayer:
-- A prayer for salvation, probably, that perhaps can be repeated as a new person unites in the prayer.
-- Special prayers - can't be repeated, 'cos they're for a specific purpose...
-- Healing prayers - All doubts, but when names are mentioned for that moment... how can they be repeated???

Given that these prayers create an inclination to positivity, they also give an emotional high (whether or not spiritual is personal), do they serve the right purpose?

There might be (not sure) a doctinal issue in this too. 'Repeated Words,' cannot be what we desire that should be, but then, is it only applicable to miracle & healing prayers or even daily sermons and other preachings?

Towards the end of it, I do understand that, everything boils down a personal level, my motives and what I believe(My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart), and if I have the faith nothing is impossible (with God all things are possible)... but through such prayers and practices, are we deceiving ourselves? What do we do?

Lover of love, is it?

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love... but the greatest of these is love"

"I want to have all the experiences in the world," proudly I used to tell myself. But, I found that it's a truly humbling experience when life takes us through well-chosen situations shaping us up. It makes us utterly naked to our very eyes so that we realize how lacking we are. In that knowledge we can see that it's our hallucination that we see ourselves complete in parts within the infinite incompleteness of the whole person of ours.

So it is with me, that I always wanted to be the greatest lover of love, but, I always fall short of it. The more I want it, the more do I realize my lack of it. While it is purely a mattter of one's will, guess I'm not evolved enough to be a lover of love fully!

I lost my (paternal) grandmother few days ago, and as I stood beside her burial place, I couldn't stop myself from verbalizing my reflections about her...
"If I had to count the number of hours I spent with my grandmother, it would not even be a complete day. But I remember how she used to hold my face with both her hands and kiss me. She loved me very much. We did know of her suffering (loneliness), but didn't do much to help her. I thought I'd give both my grannies a ride in my car, but couldn't. Our hearts couldn't show so much love for her. We're happy she passed away. Praise God."

What I didn't say was "Many people disliked her, because of which she was neglected. I do not know what she's done to hurt them. But, if God was in their place, He would have easily forgiven her. Hm, but we are humans."

Now that she's no more, regret is what's left.

Yet, this realization is a temporal thing.
This too shall pass away... To naught.
(I hope not)

"We must look deeply enough into one another's souls not only to know what makes us happy, but also to understand what causes us pain." - A Rabbi parable

Is that what a lover of love does?

If you want to know the end, look at the beginning

A year of failure, a year of success; A year of losses and profits... a year of new-found love, friendships, a year of heart-aches... uh!

As another year goes by... perhaps it's the opportune moment to make a new beginning, for, hope springs anew!

I am reminded of Mark Sanborn's, 'The marks we leave', that in the sands of time, every thought and act of ours, the things we've said, the people we've met; the love we shared, the hearts we've bruised... we've left impressions all the way. The world keeps spinning and life goes on. The many demands of people around us, our untold plans to achieve greater heights, the never ending to-do lists... and for many a soul, the ghosts of their past still haunt them, and keep them fast forwarded in life. Whoa! 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week seem too short a time to live life fully at our own pace. Isn't it?

Can you help it? Guess not! Nevertheless, to live life to the fullest in the given time, I believe, we need to stand still for once and take time to reflect on the time that has passed by, and just look at how we've lived it. Perhaps, that'll help us know if we've been walking straight to where we need to be heading towards or not. Accordingly, we can correct our ways, and chart our way ahead.

And, when you plan ahead, do it wisely. Take help if required... remember that quote: 'Smart people ask for help'. One of my favorite speaker Bishop Jakes opines that we are not self-sufficient, and in our ignorance, we might even destroy ourselves. The wise king Solomon said, 'In all your ways acknowledge Him (Lord God), and He will direct your paths'.

So, kick-start the new year by kicking away the ghosts of the past and make a new beginning, in a new partnership with Him for a great ending... can't believe, look at the (new) beginning!