John 14:23 - The life long Calling

"Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." -- John 14:23

A Simple Command, A Lifelong Calling

From the beginning of creation, God has given us a single, clear command: Keep my word. This was the foundation of Adam and Eve’s relationship with Him in the Garden of Eden, the heart of Israel’s covenant, and the central message of Jesus’ teaching. Keeping God’s word is not just about obedience—it is about living in union with Him.

Yet, humanity has struggled with this simple command. Time and time again, we believe that we can take more than what God offers, thinking that we know better. We lean on our own understanding, chase after worldly desires, and justify our actions with temporary logic. But the result is always the same—we fall, and we fall hard.

The Deception of the Heart

"The heart is devious above all else; it is perverse—who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9)

One of the greatest challenges we face is the deception of our own hearts. When we step outside of God’s word, we convince ourselves that we can still find happiness and fulfillment on our own terms. We attempt to redefine success, love, and purpose according to the world’s standards, only to be left empty and broken.

Yet, even in our failures, God calls us back. Our hearts may deceive us, but His love remains steadfast. He does not abandon us in our foolishness; instead, He continually invites us to return, to trust Him, and to walk in His ways.

Walking With Christ Changes Everything

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

The moment we choose to surrender and follow Christ, everything shifts. Keeping His word is no longer about legalistic obedience—it becomes a response to His love. When we live according to His word, we are not promised that we will always receive exactly what we ask for. But we are assured that He will provide more than what we truly need.

God’s blessings are not measured by worldly standards but by eternal significance. He knows what is best for us, even when we do not understand. When we keep His word, we are not just following a set of rules—we are inviting His presence into our lives. And where God dwells, there is peace, joy, and abundance beyond measure.

A Prayer of Surrender and Guidance

Heavenly Father,

You have called us to walk in Your word, yet we often stray, thinking we know better. Forgive us for the times we have leaned on our own understanding and sought fulfillment outside of You.

Lord Jesus, teach us to love Your word, to cherish it, and to live by it. May our hearts not be deceived by the empty promises of this world, but be steadfast in trusting You. Give us the strength to surrender our will to Yours, knowing that You will provide all that we need in ways far greater than we can imagine.

Holy Spirit, guide us each day to keep God’s word not out of obligation, but out of love. May our lives reflect the truth of Your presence, and may we be faithful witnesses of Your grace.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Genesis 4:6-7 The Danger of Holding Back

"The Lord said to Cain, 'Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.'" -- Genesis 4:6-7

The story of Cain and Abel is not just about the first recorded murder; it is a lesson about the consequences of unchecked emotions and selfishness.

A Warning Ignored

Cain’s anger and jealousy festered within him, leading to a tragic outcome. When God saw his frustration, He did not condemn him but instead asked, “Why are you angry?” This question was an opportunity for Cain to reflect, to recognize the danger, and to choose a different path.

But Cain did not listen. Instead, he allowed his dissatisfaction to take root, and that bitterness bore the fruit of sin. This is a warning for all of us: what we hold onto in our hearts, whether good or bad, eventually manifests in our actions.

The Root of the Problem: Holding Back from God

Cain’s offering to God was lacking - not in quantity, but in spirit. Abel gave the best of his flock, while Cain kept the best for himself and offered something lesser. It was not the offering itself that displeased God, but the heart behind it. Abel gave with gratitude and trust, while Cain gave reluctantly. This reveals a fundamental truth: when we withhold from God, we disconnect ourselves from His grace.

Everything we selfishly cling to eventually stagnates. The blessings we refuse to share do not remain blessings; instead, they become burdens that lead to sin. 

Consecration Multiplies, Hoarding Destroys

The principle of offering our best to God is not about sacrifice alone—it is about trust.. The Scripture tells us:

"The generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water." --Proverbs 11:25

A seed that is stored away in fear does not grow - it rots. But a seed that is sown in faith multiplies. When we hold onto bitterness, it turns into resentment. When we hold onto money selfishly, it controls us. When we hold onto pride, it blinds us to truth. Whatever is not surrendered to God does not bear good fruit; instead, it decays and brings destruction.

God does not ask us to give because He needs our offering! He asks us to give because we need to be free from attachment. Everything we have is a gift from Him, and when we offer it back in thanksgiving, He blesses and multiplies it.

Jesus Himself showed us this principle in the miracle of the loaves and fishes. A small offering, given in faith, fed thousands (Matthew 14:13-21). The boy who offered his food did not walk away with less—he walked away witnessing a miracle.

A Call to Self-Examination

What are you holding onto today? Is there anger, jealousy, or bitterness lurking in your heart? Are you withholding your best from God—whether in time, talent, or trust? Remember, what we refuse to surrender does not remain neutral—it either bless

The Burden of Shared Responsibility

I recently came across an article that left me deeply unsettled. An 80-year-old mother had been abandoned at the Kumbh Mela, a massive religious gathering in India. The initial headline suggested that her four sons were helpless. Naturally, I assumed they were struggling daily wage earners who found it difficult to feed another mouth.

But as I read further, I was shocked to learn that all four were well-settled professionals in private-sector. 

So this definitely wasn’t a case of severe financial hardship. Instead, I believe it was a question of who should take responsibility.

Sadly, this is not an isolated case. I have seen similar stories in seemingly stable families. When responsibility is shared, the burden often turns into a debate: Who will pay? Who will take care? And they will give many reasons why they cannot take the responsibility.

Yet, often, when there is only one child, they usually embrace the responsibility without question. 

Why? Because there is no one else to pass it to. They know it’s theirs alone.

This got me thinking. Sometimes, the real challenge in serving others isn't the task itself but the perception of fairness. 

When we feel that someone else should be helping, but they aren't, the work becomes heavier. Resentment creeps in. We start comparing efforts, and before we know it, service turns into suffering. The very people we are meant to care for become burdens instead of blessings. And in the worst cases, this mindset leads to neglect, grief, and even abandonment.

If you are struggling with this today I urge you to bring it to Christ.

God does not operate on calculations of fairness; He operates on grace. Where you see lack, He sees abundance. Where you feel overwhelmed, He provides strength. Where you fear financial strain, He blesses beyond measure.

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

If you have been given a responsibility, trust that He will provide what is needed. Not just for this burden, but for much more. Serve with love, not resentment. Because when we surrender our struggles to Christ, He turns burdens into blessings.

Genesis 2:16-17 Why was tree of knowledge forbidden? - My take

"And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.’”

I saw a video where a student posed a qestion to a Christian scholar: "Why would you worship a God who forbade humanity from eating from the tree of knowledge—especially when you yourself are clearly knowledgeable? Wouldn’t that mean God wanted people to remain ignorant?"

Here’s my take, without knowing how the scholar responded.

Was Adam Created Dumb?

Absolutely not! Adam was created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). That alone tells us that he was given intelligence, reasoning, and creativity. Here’s why we know he wasn’t lacking in knowledge:

1. Adam Named All the Animals – In Genesis 2:19-20, Adam was given the task of naming every living creature. This was not a mindless act but one that required observation, understanding, and creativity.

2. Adam Had Dominion Over Creation – God gave Adam authority over all creatures (Genesis 1:28). Ruling over creation requires wisdom, decision-making, and leadership, none of which are traits of an ignorant being.

3. Adam Worked in the Garden – Genesis 2:15 says Adam was placed in Eden “to till it and keep it.” This implies knowledge of cultivation, stewardship, and care for the earth.

So, the idea that knowledge came from only eating from the forbidden tree does not align with the biblical narrative.

Why Was Eating from the Tree Forbidden?

The answer lies in the nature of free will.

God did not create humanity as mindless beings but as persons capable of love and choice.

True obedience can only exist where disobedience is possible. If Adam had no opportunity to choose, he wouldn’t have had free will at all. 

The tree was there to provide a single test of trust and obedience. It was an invitation to trust God rather than looking for something beside Him for wisdom.

The name “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” does not mean the fruit itself granted wisdom. Rather, true knowledge of good was found in God alone, while knowledge of consequences of evil came through the experience of disobedience. 

By eating from the tree, Adam and Eve did not gain more wisdom; instead, they were introduced to shame, fear, and separation from God (Genesis 3:7-10). Their choice was an act of rebellion; a rejection of God's wisdom in favor of self-reliance.

This is similar to a toddler who is warned not to touch a hot pot. If the child obeys, they remain safe. However, if they disobey, they come to know what a burn feels like; not through wisdom, but through painful consequences.

God’s command was never about withholding knowledge but about preserving humanity’s relationship with Him who is the true source of all wisdom. As it says in Proverbs 9:10“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

May we hold on to this truth in our daily lives, especially when we are tempted to seek answers apart from God.

Genesis 3:9-12 Confrontation and Confession

But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?”
And he said, “I heard the sound of thee in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.”
He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?”
The man said, “The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” -- Genesis 3:9-12 

God Calls Adam First

When Adam and Eve sinned, it was Adam whom God called first. Not because Eve was less responsible, but because Adam, as the head of his household, had a duty to protect and lead.

From the beginning, God had entrusted him with the command not to eat from the tree (Genesis 2:16–17). Eve was later deceived, but Adam was present and failed to intervene (Genesis 3:6). He did not protect, he did not correct, and now, instead of standing in accountability, he hid.

God’s question, “Where are you?” was not for His own knowledge but it was an invitation for Adam to step forward, to confess, and to begin reconciliation.

How often does God call us in moments of failure? Instead of facing Him, do we, like Adam, hide in fear?

The Blame Shift

When confronted, Adam did not own his mistake. He first pointed to Eve:

“The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” – Genesis 3:12

But notice something deeper!

Adam was not just blaming Eve. He was subtly blaming God: “The woman whom thou gavest to be with me.”

What a contrast! 

In Genesis 2:23, Adam had rejoiced at Eve’s creation, calling her “bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.” She was a gift, a blessing. But now, in his failure, that same gift became an excuse.

How often do we do the same? 

The very blessings God gives us - our family, work, relationships - can become our excuses when things go wrong. Instead of seeing them as gifts, we treat them as burdens, shifting responsibility away from ourselves.

The Consequence of Excuses

Adam had an opportunity for humility, but he chose self-preservation instead. Yet Scripture warns:

“He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13

God does not seek our condemnation; He seeks our conversion. But growth only happens when we stop making excuses.

When we fail at work, do we blame our coworkers? When relationships struggle, do we blame the other person? When we neglect our spiritual life, do we blame busyness?

True Growth Begins with Ownership

Jesus calls us to a life of responsibility, not excuses. He tells us:

“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” – Matthew 7:3

Rather than blaming others, we are called to examine our own hearts first.

When we take responsibility, we open ourselves to God’s grace. Confession is not about shame; it is about healing. Just as Adam was invited to answer truthfully, so too are we called to approach Christ in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, laying our failures before Him and receiving His mercy.

Living in Grace, Not Excuses

Instead of hiding, instead of shifting blame, let us seek the Lord with honest hearts. Christ offers transformation, not condemnation. He says:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

May we respond to His call - not with fear, not with excuses, but with trust. Owning our actions is the first step toward grace, healing, and true transformation in Christ.

Lord, give us the humility to own our failures, the courage to confess, and the grace to grow in You. Amen.

Genesis 2:18-23 Making of Woman

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.”  So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air and brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle and to the birds of the air and to every animal of the field, but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner.  So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.  And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. --Genesis 2:18-23

I used to wonder did God really need to check compatibility between Adam and the other creatures before creating woman? 

But then I realized how wrong that thought was!

God is all-knowing; He didn’t need to test anything. The entire exercise was for Adam.

During the task of naming every living creature, Adam got to see God's creative powers in their uniqueness, and their nature. 

Yet, despite the variety of creatures, each with their own distinct qualities, he found none that could truly be his companion.

Not an Afterthought but a Divine Plan

And in that moment of realization, God acted! Not as an afterthought, but with divine intention. 

Woman was not made simply to fill a void but to reveal a truth: that man was never meant to walk alone. True companionship was always part of God’s perfect design.

When Adam saw her, his response was immediate and profound:

“This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.” (Genesis 2:23)

This was more than recognition—it was joy, gratitude, and deep appreciation. She was not just another creation. She was a part of him, equal in dignity and purpose. 

Unlike the animals, formed from the dust, woman was created from Adam’s very being, showing her essential role in God’s design.

A Role of Strength, Not Inferiority

The Bible refers to woman as a "helper", but in Hebrew, the word used is עֵזֶר (ezer) - the same word used for God Himself as a helper to Israel and for the Holy Spirit in Scripture (John 14:16). 

This is no small role! It does not imply subordination but strength. Just as the Holy Spirit is a guide, a support, and a source of power, so too was woman created to be a strong and necessary companion for man.

Woman’s Unshakable Value in God’s Plan

This passage speaks powerfully to the dignity, purpose, and irreplaceable value of women. From the very beginning, woman was set apart and not as secondary but as an essential part of God’s perfect plan. She was made with honor, with purpose, and with divine significance.

In a world that often tries to redefine her worth, Scripture has already declared it: woman was created with meaning, with strength, and with an unshakable place in God’s design. 

Let us recognize and honor this truth, not only in words but in how we value and uplift the women in our lives.

Genesis 1:1 God Created Everything

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." -- Genesis 1:1

The Three Elements of Creation

• "In the beginning" signifies the start of time. 
• "The earth" represents matter, and 
• "the heavens" indicate space. 

This verse reveals that God, who exists eternally, brought time, matter, and space into existence in a single moment. It also shows that God is beyond the restrictions of these three. He is not bound by time, physical form, or spatial limits.

The Foundation of Faith

This single verse is the foundation of our faith. It establishes God as the Supreme Creator, existing before time and bringing everything into existence. 

But in a world that promotes scientific theories like evolution, some struggle to believe this truth because of the explanations they have learned.

Faith and Science: A Misunderstood Relationship

The problem is not science itself but how we approach it. If we dedicate all our time to studies and only an hour on Sundays to knowing God, it's easy to become swayed by alternative explanations of the world. 

However, the deeper one studies science, the more one sees evidence of intelligent design.

Many scientists, even those who started as skeptics, have acknowledged that the intricate details of life point toward a Creator rather than mere random chance. 

Consider:

• The complexity of DNA
• The fine-tuning of the universe
• The precise laws of physics

Each of these reflects a divine order, pointing to an intentional and intelligent Designer.

Why This Truth Matters

For a time, I neither believed nor disbelieved that God created the universe—it just didn’t seem to matter. But this is a grave mistake.

If we fail to acknowledge God as the Creator, we risk missing out on a deeper relationship with Him. Recognizing Him as the One who formed the universe is essential to believing that He also knows how to restore what is broken. 

Our journey of healing and renewal begins with accepting this truth.

Seeking Answers in Faith

If you are struggling with this truth, I encourage you to take your doubts to God in prayer. Ask Him for wisdom and clarity. He is not afraid of your questions and will lead you to an undeniable encounter with His presence.

God created everything (including you) with a purpose. Trust in Him, and let this foundational truth shape your faith and your life.

Hebrews 13:21 - We are empowered through Christ

"May He equip you with all you need for doing His will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him. All glory to Him forever and ever! Amen." – Hebrews 13:21

God never calls us without also equipping us. When we surrender to His will, He provides everything we need—wisdom, strength, perseverance, and grace. Often, we hesitate to act because we feel unprepared. But Hebrews 13:21 reminds us that our preparation is not our own; it is God’s work within us.

Trust the Divine Preparation

We may not always see the full picture, but God is already laying the foundation. Whether in our careers, relationships, or spiritual journey, He is shaping us for the good works He has planned. Our role is to trust and take faithful steps forward.

Strength Through Christ

The verse highlights that it is through Jesus Christ that we are empowered. Left to our own abilities, we may falter. But with Christ, we can overcome challenges and accomplish what is pleasing to Him. Are we leaning on His strength daily?

Living Out This Promise

This scripture is an invitation to action. If God is equipping us, then what are we hesitating on? Is it a ministry, a difficult conversation, a step toward forgiveness, or a new calling? Let’s embrace the confidence that He is working within us.

Let today be the day we say "yes" to His plans, knowing He has already provided everything we need to fulfill them.

Hebrews 12:4 Striving Against Sin

"In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood."

This verse reminds us that the Christian journey requires perseverance, discipline, and unwavering faith. It challenges us to examine our resistance to sin and to grow in spiritual strength through Christ.

As followers of Christ, we are called to resist sin and strive for holiness. The journey isn’t easy—temptations abound, and the world often pulls us away from God. But we are not alone. Jesus Himself faced trials, temptations, and suffering, yet He remained faithful.

Jesus endured the ultimate struggle, shedding His blood for our salvation. He bore the weight of our sins so that we might walk in righteousness. His example teaches us that true discipleship requires sacrifice, self-discipline, and courage.

We are not meant to fight sin by our own strength. God's grace sustains us. Through prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments, we receive the strength to resist temptation and grow in holiness.

Let's Examine and Strengthen Your Faith

1️⃣ Identify areas of weakness where sin creeps in.

2️⃣ Pray for strength and seek the sacraments regularly.

3️⃣ Surround yourself with a faith-filled community to support and guide you.

Remember that every struggle is an opportunity to grow closer to Christ.

As we journey in faith, let us be mindful of the spiritual battle and strive to live in the light of Christ. Do not grow weary—persevere, resist sin, and embrace the love and mercy of God!

"Lord, strengthen my heart to resist sin and walk in Your ways."

The Concept of Holy Trinity

Holy Trinity is one Being with three Persons 

But wait, how does that work?

The Holy Trinity is one of the biggest mysteries of our faith. Let's break it down in a way that makes sense.

Being vs. Person

Think about yourself for a moment. What are you? You are a human being. That’s your "Being."

Now, who are you? That’s your "Person." You have a name, a personality, and a unique identity. 

For example, I am a human being, and my name is Beena Emerson.

Each one of us one being and one person. That’s how humans work.

But God is not human—He is God. And God is different from us! He is one Being (God) but exists as three distinct Persons:

• God the Father
• God the Son (Jesus Christ)
• God the Holy Spirit

This is where things get tricky for our human minds to understand. We try to find examples of the Trinity in nature, like water (which can be ice, liquid, or steam) or a three-leaf clover. 

But none of these examples fully explain God. Why?

Because 

God is beyond anything in this world!

The Bible even tells us that we can’t handle seeing God’s full glory:

“But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” -- Exodus 33:20

Imagine picking up a seashell at the beach. Can that tiny shell hold the entire ocean inside it? No way! The ocean is too big and powerful.

In the same way, our human brains cannot fully contain the greatness of God. He is too vast, too holy, and too amazing for us to completely understand right now.

So, if you ever feel confused about the Trinity, don’t worry! It’s okay not to fully understand God—He is bigger than our understanding. Instead of trying to fit Him into a box, we should:

• Praise Him for being so awesome
• Trust Him even when we don’t fully understand
• Ask Him to reveal Himself to us little by little

And one day, when we meet Him in Heaven, we will see Him fully and understand everything!

Until then, keep seeking God, and He will guide you. The more you know Him, the more you will love Him!