Practical Faith

"For he crushes me with a tempest, and multiplies my wounds without cause" (Job 9:17).

A tempest-free navigation is only a utopia.

Trial are also part of the design.

Some of the noblest virtues - faith, courage, fineness, resourcefulness etc - emerge glittering in the ordeal of a crisis.

Man would without troubles forget God!

Tempests and storms condition our souls and mature our personality.

We can never reach ashore without struggle.

Yet, the effort of every Christian should be to lessen the severity of pain and the bitterness of tears in this world.

Appreciation

"Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" (Lk 1:42)

Elizebeth praised Mary.

Praise is the best psychological treatment when we handle persons.

Appreciation prompts fresh shoots.

The pills of praise are a better prescription than anti-depressants.

How many men and women, who would have bloomed under the tender radiance of an encouraging word, have withered prematurely in the deadly fire of caustic criticism!

Depreciation dulls the growth and saps the rose gradually.

The perils from praise are less common than the perils from curse.

A stiching needle is a lovelier tool than cutting scissors!

Power

"Pilate therefore said to him, "... Do you not know that I have power to release you and power to crucify you" (Jn.19:20).

Empower only the benevolent person, a person of integrity.

Power is a blessing only if its wielder is humane.

Otherwise it can lead to destruction, wreckage, darkness, chaos and suffering for others.

Power serving emotions is extremely dangerous.

Undisciplined power tears down far more than it builds up, enslaves far more than it liberates.

We need power and also liberation from the perils of power.

Power in the hands of person who places success before justice or mammon before God is a meance.

Power maintained as an end in itself can render a person maniac.

There is no acknowledged authority for the savage save her/his own irresponsible whim.

Power whether economic or ecclesiastical or military in the hands of an uncivsilized leader will be used

like Samson, to pull down the moral and spiritual pillars of civilization!

Power in the hands of a person like Pilate or Herod will be used only to crucify.

Power is granted so that we may fulfil God's purpose.

That power is beautiful which leads mankind to brotherhood, peace,joy and prosperity.