Anand B Krishnan

BIBLE PORTION: 1 Samuel 25:14-28 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 Luke 10:25-37 Psalm 23 BIBLICAL FOUNDATION: Luke 10:37 INTRODUCTION: God has assigned each person a unique role in this world. When we carry out the task given to us by God with excellence, we are able to receive promotions and blessings. Whatever position we are placed in, by performing that duty with honesty and integrity, we can glorify the holy name of God. We should never underestimate anyone based on the work they do. This is because the reality is that the task done by one person cannot always be performed efficiently by another. Likewise, we should never consider any work we do as insignificant, because it has been bestowed upon us by God. Whatever the task may be, we must perform it with excellence. Our ancestors, too, gave special respect to work. That is why they coined the proverb, “ The work we do is divine.” It is because people perform their assigned duties well that the world continues to function with ...

BIBLE PORTION: 1 Kings 3:16-28;  James 1:1-8;  Luke 10:21-24 BIBLICAL FOUNDATION: 1 Kings 3:9 INTRODUCTION Education is a powerful tool that can transform a person's life. Through education, the world—which once seemed narrow—broadens in perspective. Today, because of the advancements brought about by education, we are able to understand what is happening in every corner of the globe. Education allows knowledge to grow within us. We can acquire knowledge in many ways: by learning, by listening, and by experiencing. But how do we attain wisdom? Knowledge is important, but wisdom is something even greater. Throughout our lives, we learn many things and gain knowledge through study. Yet, knowing where and how to apply that knowledge—that is wisdom. Many people gain educational knowledge, but those who use their knowledge with wisdom are the ones who reach greater heights in life. Consider the Jewish people, who are renowned for their contributions to knowledge and inn...

BIBLE PORTION Philippians 4:10-30 Matthew 28:16-20 1 Samuel 17:41-54 BIBLICAL FOUNDATION Philippians 4:13 INTRODUCTION Vibia Perpetua was born around AD 182 into a wealthy and influential family in Cartage. Well-educated and recently married, she became a Christian in her early twenties. In 203 AD, during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Septimius Severus, Perpetua and several companions were arrested for refusing to sacrifice to the Roman gods. Despite harsh imprisonment and emotional pleas from her father to renounce her faith, she remained steadfast. Perpetua’s courage was evident as she faced death in the arena at the age of 22, steadfast in her convictions and caring for her infant son. Her unwavering faith and bravery continue to inspire Christians today. A woman, often seen as belonging to a weaker section of society, was strengthened by Christ . Today, she stands as a powerful testimony for us all. The meditation verse, “I can do all things through Christ...

BIBLE PORTION Matthew 2:1-12 Genesis 12:1-9 Psalm 68:27-35 BIBLICAL FOUNDATION Matthew 2:11 INTRODUCTION Christmas is the most widely celebrated festival in the world, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ . Many characters are associated with the nativity story, such as Mary, Joseph, the angel, the innkeeper, the shepherds, and the wise men-also known as the Magi or scholars. Of these, only the wise men are described as coming from a foreign land. There is debate about the origins of the wise men. Some scholars suggest they may have come from Africa, since frankincense-one of the gifts they brought-mainly comes from the Horn of Africa and southern Arabia. Others propose India as a possible origin, given its ancient reputation for scholarship and culture, as seen in the Indus Valley Civilization and sites like Keezhadi. Regardless of their exact homeland, the wise men were clearly people of significant status and authority. In those times, gaining an audience with a king ...

BIBLE PORTION: Luke 19:1-10 BIBLICAL FOUNDATION: Luke 19:10 INTRODUCTION: Today's meditation passage is taken from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 19, verses 1-10 . The Gospel of Luke, written by Saint Luke, focuses on Jesus Christ 's life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Luke aims to show Jesus as a savior for everyone, emphasizing compassion, forgiveness, and social justice. He especially highlights Jesus ' concern for the marginalized, like the poor, sinners, women, and non-Jews. The theme for today's meditation is God in Christ providing inclusive salvation for a transformed life. The story of Zacchaeus, found only in Luke's Gospel, is a powerful example of Jesus reaching out to sinners and the marginalized. By including this story, Luke reinforces the themes of breaking social barriers and bringing about profound personal and societal change. Luke 19:1-10 takes place in Jericho, a major city on the trade route before Jesus entered Jerusalem. Jer...

BIBLE PORTION: Isaiah 45:1-8 Acts of Apostle 10:24-33 Matthew 15:21-28 BIBLICAL FOUNDATION: Isaiah 45:2 INTRODUCTION: Among the wars that took place in India after its independence, the Kargil War, which occurred between May 3, 1999, and July 26, 1999, against Pakistan, was one of the most intense. Thousands of soldiers lost their lives. Trade relations and transportation between the two countries were halted. There was widespread fear that nuclear weapons would be used to attack major cities, leading to massive casualties and property damage. Those who had been considered brothers until then were accused of treachery. In this dire situation, a little girl from Pakistan was fighting for her life due to a lack of adequate medical facilities. Braving numerous obstacles, the girl's parents brought her to a hospital in Mumbai, India, for treatment. The girl, who suffered from a heart defect, received a heart transplant from a brain-dead Indian donor. The hearts of people fr...

BIBLE PORTION: Numbers 27:1-11 Acts 21:7-14 Mark 5:21-34 BIBLICAL FOUNDATION: Proverbs 31:30 INTRODUCTION: Women are worthy of being honored in this world. However, even today, women are considered to be of the second sex. Their rights are also secondary. No matter how many laws are enacted to restore women's rights, women's rights remain like a slave yearning for freedom. Mahatma Gandhi once said that "The day when women can safely go out alone at night and return home is the day we will truly be Independent" . This clearly shows that women's rights and their safety are not valued as much as they should be. The situation remains the same even today. Although practices like sati (widow immolation) have changed, similar incidents continue to occur. Even today, a woman is forced into marriage and subjected to acid attacks. Female subjugation has taken on a different form but continues to exist. A small example of this is cricket. When men achieve, they a...

BIBLE PORTION: Zechariah 9:1-12 I Timothy 4:6-16 Luke 19:29-40 BIBLICAL FOUNDATION: Luke 19:38 INTRODUCTION: The Hebrew term Osanna translates to "Save now" and signifies a desire for self-redemption. In the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles, Jewish individuals would wave branches while shouting "Hosanna". The last day of the festival was referred to as "Hosanna Day" due to the widespread chanting of the phrase. A peaceful demonstration is a powerful way to express our opinions. Even now, countless individuals can be observed participating in marches. These events can help introduce unknown or overlooked concepts to the public. For instance, Gandhiji’s Dandi march and salt satyagraha were utilized to highlight the call for independence. Similarly, in present times, college students participate in rallies during the election season, advocating for 100% voter registration. The same instance the gathering in support of Jesus Christ became th...

BIBLICAL PORTION: Exodus 34:1-9 Ephesians 4:7-16 John 17:6-19 BIBLICAL FOUNDATION: John 17:8 INTRODUCTION: Faith is a significant pillar of human existence. The proverb, "An elephant’s strength lies in its trunk; a human’s strength lies in their faith," is profound. Faith is the conviction that what we hope for will come to pass. It forms the bedrock of a person’s spiritual life. The word 'faith' is intrinsically linked to religion and God. Faith in Christ is the foundation of Christianity. The entire Christian faith is built upon the belief that Jesus Christ is the son of God and the savior of the world. In John chapter 17 , we find Jesus Christ praying to His Heavenly Father for those who believe in Him. This prayer is known as the "High Priestly Prayer." Here, Christ outlines the stages of faith in Him. 1.FIRST STEP: LEARNING, THE FOUNDATION OF FAITH: Learning can be defined as acquiring knowledge by inquiring and understanding from other...

BIBLE PORTION: Genesis 1: 24-31; Ephesians 1:3-14; Matthew 6:9-13; Psalms 104:1-13 INTRODUCTION: Creation is an art form that not everyone can master. In this universe, God stands alone as the supreme creator. Genesis 1:29 states, 'The earth was without form, void and darkness was over the face of the deep' . As the Creator, God desired to transform this chaotic and empty world into something beautiful. With this determination, He meticulously crafted everything, bringing order and harmony to the universe. He surveyed His work and declared it 'very good'. Indeed, all of God's creations are exquisite and perfect. We have heard people in politics blaming others during elections and saying that if we come to power, we will have an orderly and good governance. Will they do it or not? God made this chaotic world beautiful and better through His creation. God’s sole desire was for a world of goodness, excellence, and order. This desire led Him to incarnate in...