#AnishaRajan

[thekingspress]

Intentional Living

Wake-up at 5am; work from 8-5pm; lunch with friend; dinner with family; sleep. This is the only pattern that some of us have in life.  

When was the last time you took the time to intentionally talk to someone outside your network? To listen to their stories? To stop and pick-up litter? To help a helpless elderly person? To demonstrate a random act of kindness?

 Our lives have become like a clockwork. Most of our goals include: get a college degree, get a job, marry, have kids, pay off loans, retire, and die pain free in your sleep. Pepper in church, family-time, entertainment, and that summarizes our lives.

 21st century successfully brought mankind to one step closer to narcissism – selfish and self-centered. Thanks to the #selfiegeneration.

Remember that we are designed for a purpose. Built to love God and love people. Live intentionally and selflessly. Think positively. Make a difference. Today.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

[thekingspress]

When God Came Near

“God had come near.

He came, not as a flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror, but as one whose first cries were heard by a peasant girl and a sleepy carpenter. The hands that first held him were unmanicured, calloused, and dirty.

No silk. No ivory. No hype. No party. No hoopla.

Were it not for the shepherds, there would have been no reception. And were it not for a group of star-gazers, there would have been no gifts.

The universe watched with wonder as The Almighty learned to walk..."

— 

This is an extract from one of my favorite books that I have read and re-read over and over again. It brings me to tears as Pastor Lucado simply, yet so descriptively, writes how God took flesh and became man because he loved mankind, therefore lived and died to redeem it.

Regardless of your past or your present, Jesus loves you and promises you a future of love, peace, hope, and eternal life.

- Rev. Anisha J. Sabu

Book: God Came Near - Max Lucado

[thekingspress]

The Power of Negative Thinking

The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale was the first non-fictional book I read as a child. Thanks to my mother who took extra measures to ensure her daughter grows knowing that she can conquer the world with will-power, determination, and above all, Jesus. Learning to trust in God’s invisible hand of care, a smile on your face, a spring in your step, and music to your thoughts is a stepping stone to success in life.

  Yet, many a times you and I can find ourselves soaring to great heights when, suddenly, a small pebble envious brings you falling to the ground. Hurt. Handicapped.  It is amazing how the impact of one negative comment conceived in envy and malice drowns out hundreds of encouraging voices. I call it, The Power of Negative Thinking.

  So is there an escape to this prison of pessimism that someone else cast on you? Of course, the answer is Jesus!

  We have an active enemy whose ultimate motive is to kill, steal, and destroy. Satan wants us to believe that we are incapable, a failure, a disappointment, and worthless. The truth is, without the grace of God, we all are pitiful creatures trying to build castles in the air.

  But God created you and me with a great purpose and with a high calling. He does not want you to merely survive, but he wants you to thrive. Do not deprive yourself of what God has in store for you!

  When Satan tries to ruthlessly overcome you and flood you with negative thoughts, stand up and fight. You have the steering wheel to your life. You have to make the choice to live to what God has created you for. Believe that if God is for you, no one can be against you. Believe that He has the best in store for you. Believe that he will not leave you or abandon you. Know that he wants you to succeed.

  Do not let negative thoughts or words overcome you. When you feel the weight of them pulling you down because of the people around you, or the situations you face, look to Jesus because he is full of grace, love, and mercy. He will clothe you with strength and go before you to fight. He will fill you with the Holy Spirit who will guide you and counsel you. May you shine for Jesus and live to glorify His Name!

- Rev. Anisha J. Sabu