Month: February 2021

Posted in Ages 11 & above, Life Skills

Handling Mess-ups

Posted on by christianliving4young

We have messed-up many things, many times over the years. We were lucky enough to get out of at least a few of them without being caught. However, many times we were caught red-handed. How did you face such situations? We were questioned left and right as to why we ended up making this mistake, how this happened and so on. When confronted, it is a normal tendency to answer with many excuses, like – it is not my fault, it is because of this/that, it is because of you/him/her/them and so on….. We usually try to blame others or the situations or even God for the mishaps. Is it okay to be handling mistakes this way?

Let us open the treasure book and find clues.

OPENING THE TREASURE BOOK undefined

Clue 1: Example of Adam & Eve

In Genesis chapter 2 we see that, God after creating Adam, took him and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend it and keep it. God commanded him that he could eat from every tree in the garden except from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Knowing it is not good that Adam is alone, God also made him a companion – a woman. In Genesis chapter 3, we see that the serpent lured the woman into eating the forbidden fruit. She also gave it to her husband Adam and he too ate it. Then their eyes were opened and they knew they messed up. When God came to meet them, they hid from Him as they were afraid to face Him. God asked Adam, “Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” He answered, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, gave me and I ate.” When God asked the woman she said, the serpent deceived me and I ate.

Here we see that, when Adam was questioned about the mistake, rather than taking the responsibility and giving a simple answer – “Yes, I did”, he replied “The woman whom YOU gave me, gave it and I ate.” Eating the forbidden fruit is the act of disobedience here. Although, eating the fruit was his own willful choice, Adam blamed the woman and God Himself. He in fact blamed God for providing him a companion and blamed his companion – the woman, for giving the fruit to him. The woman also behaved similarly when questioned. She too, rather than taking the responsibility and answering “I am sorry I ate it”, blamed the serpent.

The blaming did not help either of them. God is a righteous judge. Adam, Eve and the serpent were punished for their respective actions. Even though tempted by the serpent, it was their (Adam & Eve) willful choice to eat the fruit.

Blaming one another or God or the situation is not the right way to handle mess-ups or mistakes. We alone are responsible for our actions because our actions are an outcome of our own willful choice, even if influenced by others. So blaming others or God doesn’t help.

Clue 2: Take responsibility

Always make sure to speak the truth. If you made a mistake, take responsibility for your actions by first admitting it rather than blaming others or situations. As we saw, blaming doesn’t help. It only hurts and puts a strain on the relationships that are involved. If Adam & Eve handled the situation differently, things would have turned out much better for them, because God is gracious and merciful.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

Proverbs 28:13

The word of God also clearly states that covering up sins will not turn out to be good eventually, but confessing them will open doors to mercy. Covering up the mess or concealing it might save our face for a short period, however it will surface eventually and will get us into a deeper state of mess. Although, confessing mistakes is not an easy process, it will fetch us mercy and will bring us peace eventually.

So first, confess your mistakes and repent before God. Tell Him, “Father I messed up. Please forgive me. I am truly sorry for my actions”. He is just and faithful to forgive us. Then ask for His help and guidance to come out of it. He will cover us with His mercy and grace, and guide us out of the mess.

Treasures uncovered

Do not blame God, others or situations for our mess-ups because our actions are an outcome of our own willful choice.

Take responsibility for your actions by admitting your mistakes and not concealing them.

Repent and ask forgiveness, God is faithful and just to forgive.

Do not play the Blame Game like Adam & Eve. We alone are responsible for our actions and no-one else. So be bold to admit your mistakes and take responsibility. Do not conceal it, but repent and ask for forgiveness. God is faithful and just to forgive us.

Prayer:

Father, we thank you for teaching us on how to handle mess-ups. Please forgive us for concealing it and blaming it on others. Help us to realize our mistakes, take responsibility and confess it before you. Father, forgive us our trespasses. In Jesus name, Amen.

Posted in Ages 11 & above, Life Skills

Be Happy !!!

Posted on by christianliving4young

Have you posed for a picture lately? Get a camera, get the lighting right, then pose and say “Cheese”…. CLICK!!! Why do we always smile for pictures? We all prefer to look good in pictures. Smiling make us look happy and cheerful so we try to give a decent smile rather than a sulking face for pictures. A person looking at a happy picture feels happy because happiness is contagious. Haven’t you seen people who are full of Joy and Happiness spreading it to the people around them? Who doesn’t like to be happy? Even though we prefer to be Happy, that is not the case always – days of gloominess and sadness are also a part of our lives. How can we stay happy even when our circumstances are not right?

Let us open the treasure book to find clues.

OPENING THE TREASURE BOOK undefined

Clue 1: The source of true happiness

for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Romans 14:17 NKJV

When we accept Jesus as our savior, we shift our citizenship from kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of God. And when we enter this kingdom – righteousness, peace and JOY in the Holy spirit are made available for us. The righteousness bought by the blood of Jesus, divine peace that transcends all understanding and everlasting JOY are all available for us. Like how certain passports provides certain privileges, JOY is a privilege we enjoy as a holder of the passport of the kingdom of God. It is up to us whether we use the privilege or not.

JOY in the Holy Spirit is a privilege we enjoy in the kingdom of God.

Different things brings happiness to different people. For some it is music, for some others eating good food lift up their spirits, there are others who cheer up after a nap, for some others it is watching funny videos and so on. However, if we depend on these momentary things for our happiness, it will soon die off when the moment passes by.

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalms 16:11

Honor and majesty are before Him; Strength and gladness are in His place.

I Chronicles 16:27

The fulIness of joy or the complete form of joy is only found in the presence of God. There is gladness in His place. So having a fellowship with God who is the complete form of Joy ensures that this joy is transferred to us. When we spend time with Him – talking to Him and walking with Him and living in Him, we also overflow with joy and gladness, spreading it everywhere we go. This is the kind of JOY that stays and do not die off. If we abound with this Joy, even when the circumstances looks grim, the gladness will not depart from us.

God is the source of ultimate JOY and being with Him makes our heart also abound with JOY regardless of our circumstances.

Clue 2: The effect of Happiness

A merry heart does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones.

Proverbs 17:22

A happy heart is like medicine, it does good to the physical and mental well- being of a person. However sadness is bad for the health. Scientific researches also has proven that happiness is good for health – it boosts our immune system.

So DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY ! ! !

Clue 3: God’s will for us

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I Thessalonians 5:16‭-‬18

We know that God is always Good. He always wants the best for us. His will for us is that we always rejoice, pray without stopping and give thanks in everything. When we pray, we are communicating with God and having a fellowship with Him. This will fill us with His JOY. God wants us to be always rejoicing. So rejoice in everything and make this your lifestyle. If things don’t work out the way it should be – do not worry, but rejoice because all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Rejoice always – this is the will of God for us in Christ Jesus.

Treasures uncovered

JOY in the Holy Spirit is a privilege we enjoy in the kingdom of God.

God is the source of ultimate JOY and being with Him makes our heart also abound with JOY regardless of our circumstances.

BE HAPPY, Happiness has medicinal effect on body and mind.

It is the will of God in Christ Jesus that we “Rejoice always”.

Prayer:

Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls—
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Habakkuk 3:17-18

Father, we thank you for making JOY available to us. Help us to rejoice always. In Jesus name, Amen.

Posted in Ages 11 & above, The Negatives

Quarrel

Posted on by christianliving4young

It is not a possibility that different individuals always agree on everything. Each one has a different individuality and hence different view points. So disagreements are unavoidable. Quarrel is a heated argument / disagreement between people. It usually involves yelling and screaming to a great extent. It is very common in a household with small children. Those who have siblings know very well what it means to quarrel. Most of us would have had numerous quarrels with our siblings while growing up and our parents would have had tough times handing it. We would also have quarreled with friends, cousins, spouses, colleagues and even parents when we do not agree with them on certain decisions or issues. Is quarrelling the right way of handling disagreements?

Let us see what the treasure book has to say about this.

OPENING THE TREASURE BOOK undefined

Clue 1: Is quarrelling alright?

A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.

Proverbs 18:19

During quarrels, people will be angry and they speak without thinking. This can hurt and offend others who are involved. A person who is offended is harder to win than a strong city. And for this person, these quarrels / conflicts becomes a stronghold like the bars of a castle. It is not right to hurt and offend others.

But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth.

2 Timothy 2:23-25

So, the word of God asks us to avoid silly disagreements / arguments or disputes as they can lead into conflicts. Being children of God serving the kingdom, we are asked to abstain from quarrelling. It is not alright for a child of God to quarrel. However, if unavoidable disagreements arise, we should deal with it being gentle and patient. We should always try to correct others in humility.

Clue 2: Behavioral traits leading to quarrel

By pride comes nothing but strife,
But with the well-advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10

A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention.

Proverbs 15:18

Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; Yes, strife and reproach will cease.

Proverbs 22:10

As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.

Proverbs 26:21

Pride, anger and scoffing kindles quarrels and strife. The same way how wood brings up fire, one who is argumentative and who speaks controversial statements will arouse quarrels. A person who mocks should be put away as quarrel / strife is his kin. Similarly a person who is quick to anger also stirs up quarrel, but the one who is slow to anger will put out / diminish quarrels. Keep yourselves from these traits to abstain from quarrelling.

Clue 3: Handling disagreements

But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. 

Titus 3:9-11

The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.

Proverbs 17:14

A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 

Philippians 2:14-15

First of all, we need to avoid silly disputes that are useless and unprofitable. However, if unavoidable disagreements arise, make sure not to elevate it to quarreling. Once quarrel starts, it is similar to water released from a dam – there is no way of stopping it. Therefore, stop it before it reaches the state of quarrelling. Put your points across with humility, using non-provocative words in a soft tone without yelling, screaming or being angry. This way we can arrive at possible and agreeable, wise solutions.

Let us now see examples from the word of God on how disputes were dealt with.

Example 1: Genesis 13:5-9

Abraham and Lot lived in tents. They were rich and had great and numerous possessions. But the land they lived in was not able to support them together. There began strife between Abraham’s servants and Lot’s servants. So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen. Please separate from me and choose an area to live. I will take the opposite direction.

Here Abraham acted very wise. As soon as he knew about the strife, he addressed it and tried to find a solution. He was gentle and humble giving the other person the right to choose thereby avoiding any kinds of strife or quarreling between them.

Example 2: Genesis 26:20-22

In the olden days, people had to dig wells for water to sustain their families and livestock. Isaac moved from place to place like his father, living in tents. So each place they choose to stay, they dug wells. One such time when Isaac’s herdsmen dug well and found water, the herdsmen of the area quarreled with them, saying, “The water is ours.” So they left its custody and dug another well. The herdsmen quarreled over that one also. Isaac moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it.

Isaac and his servants did not quarrel with the men of the place even though the well was rightfully theirs but left it two times in a row. Issac and his men were very patient and gentle to let go of the custody of the wells they dug. This act of theirs made the people not to quarrel with them a third time avoiding strife and quarrels.

Both Abraham and Isaac avoided disputes and quarrels identifying them as unprofitable.

Treasures uncovered

Quarrelling isn’t the right way of handling disagreements.

Pride, anger and scoffing kindles quarrels and strife.

Avoid silly disputes that are useless and unprofitable.

Be gentle and patient. Put across possible solution in humility and in a soft tone.

Prayer:

Father, we thank you for teaching us how to handle disagreements. Thank you for shining your light on this. Help us to handle disagreements in a proper and productive way. Help us to be gentle, patient and be humble in all out ways. In Jesus name, Amen.

Posted in Ages 11 & above, Life Skills

Handling Ridicule

Posted on by christianliving4young

In the world that we live today, it is a very common practice to ridicule or mock people who are differently abled or who think differently than what is considered normal. This is instilled by the society from a very young age. At school, mostly we see differently abled children or differently looking children being bullied / ridiculed by others who consider themselves normal. It is done just because of the fact that they are different from the rest. Young to old, rich to poor, influential to non-influential – this practice is seen everywhere irrespective of cultures or language or religion. Have you ever been ridiculed / mocked for thinking differently from the crowd or behaving differently from the crowd or looking differently from the crowd? Or have you bullied others because they were different?

When ridiculed, different people react it in different ways. Some get offended and hurt, some cry, some shout back, some others get angry, some others build hatred and bitterness towards those who ridiculed them and so on. How do you handle ridicule? Do you show your anger at them or mock them back or hate them?

Let us see what the treasure book says about handling ridicule.

OPENING THE TREASURE BOOK undefined

Is ridiculing an acceptable behavior?

The dictionary meaning of ridicule is “the act of making fun of someone or something in a cruel or harsh way with mean / unkind comments or behavior”.

… And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.”

Matthew 5:22

The word of God clearly states that ridiculing or mocking is not an acceptable behavior. Those who ridicule are in the danger of going to hell. But, everyone is not aware of this truth and in life we are sure to come across at least a few people who ridicule us. If we do not learn to handle it, then definitely it will hurt us. It will weigh down our self-confidence, brings in bitterness / hatred and might slow down or even stop us from carrying out the mission / purpose for which God sent us.

How did Jesus handle ridicule ?

In the Bible we see a lot of people, but Jesus is the only one who lived a perfect life without sin. Hence, learning from His life is the bestest option we have.

RIDICULE BY STRANGERS (Mark 5:21‭-‬23‭, ‬35‭-‬42)

One day, one of the rulers of the synagogue named Jairus came to see Jesus. He fell at Jesus’s feet and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is dying, please come and heal her.” While he was still speaking, someone from his house came and said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” When Jesus heard this, He said to Jairus, “Do not be afraid, only believe.” He took three of His disciples and went to Jairus’s house. There He saw a large crowd weeping and wailing loudly. When He came in, He told them, “Why make this commotion? The child is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him. But He put them all outside, took the father and the mother of the child along with those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And those present in the room were overcome with great amazement.

Jesus, the Son of God Himself was ridiculed. So do you think we have a chance out of it? Never!!! In this story, we see that Jairus’s daughter was dead when Jesus arrived at his house. When Jesus told the crowd that the little girl was sleeping, they ridiculed Him. He acted differently from everyone else and so they ridiculed Him. Jesus ignored the ridiculing. Neither did He bother about the people who ridiculed Him. He moved ahead with His mission as though nothing was spoken. And because of that the little girl came back to life. What if Jesus stopped because of other’s mockery?

RIDICULE BY NEAR & DEAR ONES (John 7: 3-5)

Again in John 7, we see Jesus being ridiculed by His brothers. They did not believe in Him or the miracles He performed. It really hurts when people whom we consider “our own” ridicules us. In such cases, we tend to react based on our emotions – screaming, shouting, crying or saying nonsense out of anger. But Jesus remained calm and answered them politely. He showed us the best and perfect way to react when ridiculed by our loved ones. It is not easy to behave this way, but with God’s help it is possible.

RIDICULE BY AUTHORITIES (Luke 23:6-12)

Jesus was also mocked and ridiculed by Herod, a ruling authority while He was under trial. We see that He remained silent there. Jesus is the Son of God and has greater authority than Herod. He could have behaved differently. The contempt and mockery by Herod did not get to Him. He chose to remain silent as His focus was on the greater plan of God – the salvation of mankind.

Ridiculing did not get to Jesus because He was focused and mindful of the mission He came for. Nothing else affected Him. Doing the will of His father was His priority. His ear was deaf to the mockery and ridiculing that people did to Him. Wherever He had to keep silence, He remained silent. Wherever He had to speak, He spoke. Even at the point of death He prayed for those who mocked and ridiculed Him saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” This shows He did not hate those who ridiculed Him but had compassion on them and interceded for them.

He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.”

Proverbs 9:7

The word of God in Proverbs 9:7 confirms that you cannot correct a scoffer or a mocker. This is probably the reason why Jesus kept silent and did not bother to correct any of the mockery statements, but rather prayed for them.

Treasures uncovered

Ridiculing is not an acceptable behavior, but we will have to handle it right.

Be deaf to ridiculing and mockery.

Doing God’s will should be your priority and not what people think about you or talk about you.

Rather than trying to correct a mocker / scoffer, pray for them.

Shut your ears and heart to ridicules. If not it will weigh down your self confidence and can even stop you from carrying out your purpose in life. Focus on God’s will and the purpose for which He sent you, not on how people think about you or talk about you.

Prayer:

Father, we thank you for teaching us on how to handle ridiculing. Help us to shut our ears and heart to mockery and focus on doing your will. Father, help us not be concerned about what people think about us but be focused on what you think about us. In Jesus name, Amen.