Daily Inspiration

A Fresh Start: Five Steps to Renewal in the New Year Pastor. Ratan Daily Inspiration Pastor Ratan Babu Baipa December 31, 2024 As we stand on the threshold of a new year, we find ourselves at a crossroads of reflection and anticipation. The turning of the calendar offers us a unique opportunity to pause, evaluate, and set our course anew. Just as the Israelites paused at the Jordan River before entering the Promised Land, we too are called to pause and prepare our hearts for the journey ahead. In the words of C.S. Lewis, “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” With this spirit of hope and expectation, let us embark on a journey of spiritual renewal and growth. This sermon outlines five crucial steps to help us make a fresh start and align ourselves with God’s purpose for our lives. Recall In this first step, we take time to reflect on the past year, much like the Israelites were instructed to remember their journey through the wilderness. What were our triumphs and challenges? How did God move in our lives? The psalmist beautifully expresses this in Psalms 103:1-2: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” This verse reminds us to acknowledge and praise God for His blessings and benefits in our lives. Similarly, Deuteronomy 8:2 instructs us to “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.” Consider the story of Joseph in Genesis. At the end of his life, he could look back and see God’s hand in every circumstance, even in his years of slavery and imprisonment. He told his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Like Joseph, we too can look back and see God’s faithfulness in our trials and triumphs. As we recall the past year, let us take a moment to journal our experiences, identifying key lessons and blessings, and acknowledging God’s hand in our journey. Respond The second step involves responding to God’s call for repentance and renewal. Acts 3:19 tells us, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 outlines the steps of repentance: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Consider the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. The son, after squandering his inheritance, came to his senses and decided to return to his father. His response of humility and repentance led to restoration and celebration. Similarly, our response to God’s call can lead to renewal and joy. As Billy Graham said, “Repentance is not just feeling sorry for your sins: it is turning away from sin and turning to God.” As we respond to God, let us take time to confess our sins, asking for His forgiveness and strength to overcome in the coming year. Retreat Jesus recognizes the need for His disciples to retreat and rest, even amidst busy ministry work. In Mark 6:31, He says, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Psalm 23:2-3 beautifully illustrates how God provides rest and renewal: “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He refreshes my soul.” Consider Elijah’s retreat in 1 Kings 19. After his victory on Mount Carmel, Elijah fled from Jezebel’s threats and fell into despair. God met him in the wilderness, provided for his physical needs, and spoke to him in a gentle whisper. This retreat renewed Elijah’s strength and purpose. As Henri Nouwen said, “In solitude, we find the healing ointment for the wounds we have received in the world.” As we enter the new year, let us plan a personal retreat day or weekend to disconnect from distractions and focus on our relationship with God. Realign After retreating, we can realign our priorities and goals with God’s will. Proverbs 3:5-6 guides us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Romans 12:2 further emphasizes this realignment: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Consider the story of Nehemiah. When he heard about the state of Jerusalem, he aligned his life with God’s purpose, leaving his comfortable position in the Persian court to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. His realignment with God’s will led to the restoration of his people. As we realign, let us prayerfully consider our goals for the new year, asking God to reveal His plans and purposes for our lives. Reimagine With a renewed perspective, we can now reimagine what God might do in and through us in the coming year. Habakkuk 2:2-3 encourages us to clearly articulate and record God’s vision: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” Think of Abraham, who at 75 years old, was called by God to leave everything familiar and journey to an unknown land. God gave him a vision of becoming a great nation and blessing all peoples on earth. Abraham’s willingness to reimagine his

A Savior for All: Christ’s Mission to the Lost, the Least, and the Lowly Pastor. Ratan Daily Inspiration Pastor Ratan Babu Baipa December 25, 2024 As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we’re reminded that the Christmas story is far more than just a baby in a manger. It’s a profound testament to God’s radical love for humanity. Let’s explore how Jesus came specifically for the lost, the least, and the lowly – and how this mission continues to shape our faith and actions. The angel’s proclamation in Luke 2:10 encapsulates this beautifully: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” This message of joy wasn’t reserved for the elite or the righteous, but for all people. As Charles Wesley’s timeless hymn reminds us:   “Light and life to all He brings, Risen with healing in His wings, Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.” Let’s explore three aspects of Christ’s mission that demonstrate His love for all people. Jesus Came to Save the Lost Matthew 1:21 declares the very purpose of Jesus’ birth: “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” This mission is further emphasized in Luke 19:10, where Jesus states, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Jesus’ primary mission was to seek and save those who were spiritually lost. This includes:   Those far from God Those trapped in sin Those searching for meaning and purpose   Before Christ entered our lives, we were, as Paul describes in Ephesians 2:12, “strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” But Jesus changed everything! Jesus illustrated this mission through parables like the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7), the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10), and the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). Each of these stories emphasizes God’s relentless pursuit of the lost and His joy in their restoration.   In our increasingly secular society, many are spiritually lost and searching. As Christ’s followers, we’re called to actively seek out and welcome those who don’t know Him, sharing the gospel with compassion and urgency. Remember John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus Came to Embrace the Least In Matthew 25:40, Jesus makes a startling statement: “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” Jesus showed particular concern for those society considered insignificant:   The poor and marginalized The sick and disabled Children and the elderly James 2:5 reminds us, “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” Jesus consistently elevated those whom society overlooked. In our world of persistent economic inequality and social injustice, the church should be at the forefront of caring for the vulnerable. Our treatment of “the least” directly reflects our love for Christ Himself. III. Jesus Came to Uplift the Lowly   1 Corinthians 1:28 tells us, “God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are.” Jesus consistently elevated those of humble status: The socially outcast (e.g., tax collectors, sinners) Those of low social standing The humble in spirit Luke 6:20 captures this beautifully: “Looking at his disciples, he said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.’” In a culture that often values status, power, and wealth, the church should be a place where all are equal before God. Conclusion   As we celebrate Christ’s birth, let’s remember that He came for everyone – especially the lost, the least, and the lowly. This Christmas, may we reflect His love by: 1. Actively seeking those who don’t know Him2. Caring for the vulnerable and marginalized in our communities3. Cultivating humility and valuing all people equally Let us embody the words of Isaiah 57:15: “For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.’” This Christmas, may we not only celebrate the birth of our Savior but also recommit ourselves to His mission of bringing hope, love, and salvation to all people – especially the lost, the least, and the lowly. Amen. 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How Do You Handle Your Valley? DELINE TAN Daily Inspiration Pastor Ratan Babu Baipa October 1, 2024 Life is short. How you live now will determine your future. The decisions you make every day affect your life. Whatever happens, are you living your life to the fullest? When we face challenges, it helps us brace our lives with strength. When troubles and problems loom at us, know that we have the capacity to rise up and handle the situations. We are not dead when others attack us.   We have the capacity to fight back when our lives are in danger. We need to tackle our lives with a smile on our faces even though the circumstances may not look good. We must face life as it comes but we must not allow situations to put us down no matter how bad the storm may be. We must rise up and fight.   Is your problem too big today? Don’t clinch at your tomorrows, but pluck up enough courage to face the facts of life. We are made strong when we cross the terrains of conflicts and trials, as these will make us an overcomer. It is those who overcome that will taste the sweet pleasures of life. We must not allow problems to put us down and we mustn’t stay in the valley of depression when life seems overwhelming.   Take up the courage and fight in life’s struggle. As you continue to do that, you will be made strong and able to face any trauma without bowing down to the pressures of life. In order to grow muscles, you must exercise and exert to your limit; likewise, when you face your problems or giants in your life, it will only develop you and make you strong and able.   The next time when you encounter any difficulties, look at it squarely and face it. Do not deny your problems but seek to strive to overcome at all odds. The decision you make will determine your outcome. Stay strong and conquer, you will never lose. Only remain calm and steady, and you will be able to overcome your mountains.  No Comments Found. // Recent Post edit post The Lord is my Rock and Fortress and Deliverer September 21, 2024 edit post How Do You Handle Your Valley? October 1, 2024 edit post A Wee Little Man Finds Big Salvation June 5, 2024 edit post How To De-Stress September 23, 2024 edit post Make God The Center Of Life October 18, 2022 edit post Christmas Gifts for Orphan Children January 16, 2023 // Categories Snack for the Soul Mission Blogs Daily Inspiration // Gallery Explore Our Ministries Come and Join Ministries Daily Inspiration 10 Daily Scriptures 0 Mission Blogs 9 Snack for the Soul 15

Are You Bearing Much Fruits? DELINE TAN Daily Inspiration Pastor Ratan Babu Baipa October 1, 2024 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruits; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5 Yes, the scripture says that we must bear much fruits in order to abide in the vine. Jesus is the vine, and the Father is the vinedresser (John 15:1). Bearing much fruits for Jesus is to abide in Him (John 15:5). Knowing Jesus is one thing, and bearing fruits for Him is another. They are not the same. We can know Jesus and yet disobey Him. It is only through loving and knowing Him, by being yielded to Him, that we can bear much fruits. John 15:5 says that without Jesus we can do nothing.   Matthew 3:8 says that we are to bear fruits worthy of repentance. Bearing fruits for Jesus meant having the right relationship with Him. Are you bearing much fruits for Him and what are you doing to prove it? For in Matthew 3:10 it says that every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and throw into the fire. Having a relationship with Jesus and living holy life causes us to bear much fruits. By it all men will know that we are Jesus’ disciples.   The fruits that we bear must encompass souls coming into the Kingdom of God. As we build God’s Kingdom, we want to bear lasting fruits for Him. Soul winning is certainly one of the ways that will bear its heavenly significance because God loves people and souls are important to Him. If you want to bear fruits, look unto Jesus and He will show you the way to serve and love Him and causes you to be abundantly fruitful for Him.   Examine yourself and see what you have done for Jesus. Are the things you do measuring up to His kingdom and worth counting for eternity?   “Jesus, we want to honor and please you in everything that we do. We want to bear much fruits for you and serve you wholeheartedly. Teach us to obey you so that we can be yielded to you and do all that you want us to do. Show us your Kingdom so that we may build it accordingly to your will. Give us peace that we know your purpose is fulfilled in us. Let the things that we do be done in your name. In your glorious name we pray, Amen.” No Comments Found. // Recent Post edit post How Do You Handle Your Valley? October 1, 2024 edit post An Year in Singapore March 2, 2023 edit post The Lord is my Rock and Fortress and Deliverer September 21, 2024 edit post O Be Careful of Your Words October 16, 2022 edit post Sewing Kits for Women December 1, 2022 edit post Strength from the Lord November 24, 2022 // Categories Snack for the Soul Mission Blogs Daily Inspiration // Gallery Explore Our Ministries Come and Join Ministries Daily Inspiration 10 Daily Scriptures 0 Mission Blogs 9 Snack for the Soul 15

How To De-Stress DELINE TAN Daily Inspiration Pastor Ratan Babu Baipa September 23, 2024 What causes stress and how do we cope with it?  Every day we are bombarded with the stresses of life because of the demands of the day. Stress can be good and bad for the health, as too much stress causes health hazards with sicknesses like schizophrenia, high blood pressure, and heart attack. A little stress causes us to be more alert and vigilant when the demands are there. It is known that before the trigger of mental illness in a patient, she/he could not cope with the amount of stress. With the nature of schizophrenia, which is often triggered by excessive stress, a person is subjected to risk if care is not taken to eliminate the stress. Stress also causes bad relationships with family members, as a little annoyance is enough to create a big mountain out of a molehill. We have often heard that a little stress is good for our well-being and we perform better under pressure. Capitalise on the strength of making use of stress to improve your work, but do not allow it to overtake you that soon it becomes a very stressful moment. Pace out your work with wisdom and understanding as to how much stress you can take and how much you can’t. It is good to work in what you can and try to seek help in areas you are unable to cope. When is the most stressful moment for mothers? Can it be during the children’s examination period? Most parents get more anxious than their children when it comes to academic pursuits because the parents want their children to score high marks and do well. What then should be the attitude of the mother when her children’s exam draws near? Well, if the children have been consistent in studying throughout the school term, then there could be no anxiety. As such, the anxiousness that these children face will cause them from doing well. The point is, relax and allow your children to excel in the way they are able to. For working people, stress normally comes in the form of being overworked and under-rest. When can you balance between work and rest? Do not carry the office work back home, as that would even create a more stressful time at home, which is meant to be rest time. Most people carry their workload back home hoping to work on it, only to find that they are building up tremendous stress for themselves. The answer is, leave what you can’t do today for tomorrow and at least your boss will understand that you have tried hard for the day. The most stressful moment for couples is when they have a baby. The baby wakes up in the middle of the night and demands milk and attention. What do the parents do? They have no choice but to wake up and feed the child. This carries on until the child is at least two years old, and it certainly is a toil for the parents if both are working. Looking after children can be the most stressful thing for a mother because it takes up her strength and energy. The demands are great. I always hear mothers complain that it is not easy to devote time to their children with the high demands of housework and other responsibilities. How then can we cope with stress? Well, the best way is to relax and not be too worked up by the demands of the day. Have a lovely evening with your spouse, chatting, if that takes away the stress, or go out with friends for a cup of coffee if you need to de-stress yourself. Find something to do other than the daily chores. Read a magazine or go shopping, that might break the routine, and always remember to try and do something different. The answer is, be different and you will find yourself able to cope better. The best answer is to go for a beautiful holiday far away in the Caribbean or go to Europe or other locations. Such a holiday can do you a lot of good as it takes away the chores of the day and the toil of years accumulated throughout your working years. Learn to relax and have fun and you will find that you will be refreshed and have more energy to build up your career or look after your children. Manage your stress well and you’ll be able to manage yourself better. Relax and please yourself with whatever that you intend to do. At the end of the day, stay calm and tackle your problems if you need to, yet in the most unhurried way, with lots of time to do the rest. Learn to rest well and you will be able to cope better the next day. Draw strength for each day and you will find that you are stronger and able to cope with the stress of life. // Recent Post edit post Pray Like Jesus September 22, 2024 edit post Christmas Gifts for Orphan Children January 16, 2023 edit post God at Work in 2022 December 9, 2022 edit post Abounding in Hope May 26, 2024 edit post Widows Support @ Kerala January 14, 2023 edit post Changing Times- Unchanging God January 4, 2023 // Categories Snack for the Soul Daily Inspiration // Gallery Explore Our Ministries Come and Join Ministries