The Outcome is Up to You

‘…Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould…’
Romans 12:2 PHPS

You determine the outcomes in your life, because God has given no one but you power over your options. When things aren’t working out for us, we often look elsewhere for the reason. Like Eve, we say, ‘The devil made me do it.’ No, Jesus said, ‘…I give unto you power…over all the power of the enemy…’ (Luke 10:19 KJV). Like Adam, we say, ‘Eve made me do it.’ But the Psalmist says, ‘…I trust God, so I am not afraid. What can human beings do to me?’ (Psalms 56:4 NCV). Sometimes we believe circumstances beyond our control are responsible, but with God ‘…all things [including people and circumstances] work together for [our] good…’ (Romans 8:28)—not for our defeat! Your misbeliefs victimise you and predispose you to a lifestyle of trying to change people and circumstances. That’s like attempting to unscramble an egg. You become a blame-fixer instead of a problem-solver. Accept the truth that no matter what satan, others or circumstances do, God gives you the right to the last word in your life. ‘…greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world’ (1 John 4:4 KJV). The outcome is not determined by what goes on around you, but by what goes on within you. ‘…as he thinks in his heart, so is he…’ (Proverbs 23:7 NKJV). The devil can only determine the outcome with your permission and co-operation—and you don’t have to give them! So believe in God’s ability to bring you triumphantly through this difficulty.

Source : The UCB word for Today

LIFE'S STRUGGLES CAN BE OUR STEPPING STONES

 

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.
He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.
As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!
MORAL :
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.
2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happens.
3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less from people but more from yourself.

Source : Story shared by Kerwin Rae

LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF PANDITA RAMABAI

“A life committed to Christ has

Nothing to Fear

Nothing to Loose

Nothing to regret” – Pandita Ramabai

Pandita Ramabai – Founder of Mukti Mission

(1858-1922)

Ramabai was born on April 23, 1858 in Canara district of British India (now in Karnataka). Her Family belongs to Mala Kattemane Dongare Family. Her father, Anant Shastri, was an intellectual Brahmin, who from his study of Hindu texts, believed that women should be educated. His second wife, Ramabai's mother, Lakshmibai, was a child bride nine years of age. Against the prevailing Hindu traditions, he decided to educate her. The village Brahmins responded by ostracizing him, so Shastri left the village to make a home in the forest. The family moved from place to place. Whenever he could her father would lecture on the need for female education. He taught Ramabai to read and write Sanskrit, as well as how to interpret vedic texts. By the age of twelve, Ramabai had memorized 18,000 verses from the Puranas. Besides Sanskrit, Ramabai learned the Marathi, Kanarese, Hindustani, and Bengali languages.[1]

When her parents died in the 1877 famine, Ramabai and her brother decided to continue their father's work. She and her brother traveled all over India. Ramabai's fame as a lecturer reached Calcutta, where the pandits invited her to speak.[2] In 1878, Calcutta University, conferred on her the title of Pandita, as well as the highest title of Saraswati in recognition of her interpretations of various Sanskrit works.[3] The theistic reformer Keshab Chandra Sen gave her a copy of the Vedas, the most sacred of all Hindu literature, and encouraged her to read them.

After the death of her brother in 1880, Ramabai married Bengali lawyer, Bipin Behari Medhvi and they had a daughter whom they named Mano. Medhvi was a Sudra, so her marriage was inter-caste, even though it was considered inappropriate for a Hindu to marry into a lower caste. They were married in a civil ceremony on 13 November 1880. Ramabai resolved to spend her life attempting to better the status of women in India. She studied and discussed issues which surround Indian women, especially Hindu traditions. She spoke against the practice of child marriage and the resulting constraints on the lives of child widows. Husband and wife had planned to start a school for child widows, when Medhvi died in 1882.[1]

After Medhvi's death, Ramabai moved to Pune where she founded Arya Mahila Samaj, which is Sanskrit for "Noble Women's Society". The purpose of the society was to promote the cause of women's education and deliverance from the oppression of child marriage. When in 1882 a commission was appointed by Government of India to look into education, Ramabai gave evidence before it. In an address to Lord Ripon's Education Commission, she declared with fervor, "In ninety-nine cases out of a hundred the educated men of this country are opposed to female education and the proper position of women. If they observe the slightest fault, they magnify the grain of mustard-seed into a mountain, and try to ruin the character of a woman.” She suggested that teachers be trained and women school inspectors be appointed. Further, she said that as the situation in India was that women's conditions were such that women could only medically treat them, Indian women should be admitted to medical colleges. Ramabai's evidence created a great sensation and reached Queen Victoria. It bore fruit later in starting of the Women's Medical Movement by Lady Dufferin.

In 1883 Ramabai received a scholarship to train as a teacher in England. During her time there she converted to Christianity and joined the Anglican Church. She developed a more clear vision at this time for what would become her future ministry in India. She dreamed of founding schools in India that combined education and industry. She also realized the need for Kindergarten school in India. In 1886 she was invited to America so she intently studied the kindergarten systems in America. When she returned to India, she started homes for the destitute and Christian churches. Ramabai combined her Christian ideals with her Indian culture to promote change in India. She also lectured across America for three years on the plight of women and child widows in India; and when the Ramabai Foundation was formed in America to collect funds for her projects in India, more than $30,000 was collected. More than 10,000 copies of her book, High Caste Hindu Women were sold in America, the profits from which were used give shelter to destitute women in India.

It was there that an association was formed to fund her school for child widows. By April 1889 she had started a home-cum-school in Bombay, which she named as Sharda Sadan. This was the first home for widows in Maharashtra- the only other home was in Bengal, started by a Mr. Sen, As Ramabai was a Christian and the school was funded by missionaries, local citizens viewed it with extreme caution and wariness. She brought in Sharada, a young Indian lady, after whom the Sadan was named while she was pregnant. But as Sharada refused Pandita's urge to take up Christianity, Ramabai drove her out 11 days after her delivery which was strongly criticised. Sharada fell ill and eventually died. Ramabai moved to Poona, name changed to Mukti Sadan. When they were hit by the 1900 famine, Ramabai and her helpers were able to rescue several hundred women. According to ManMohan Kaur there were as many as 1900 people in the Sadan. A school was organized. 400 children were accommodated in the Kindergarten, A training school for teachers wad also opened and an Industrial School with gardens, fields, oil press, dairy, laundry, ovens, etc. It also taught sewing, weaving, and embroidery.

Later on, she traveled extensively to see for herself the plight of many young women and widows condemned to life as temple prostitutes in Northern India. In a lecture given in June 1882, she pronounced, "Men look on us women as chattels: we make every effort to deliver ourselves from this situation. But some will say that this is a rebellion against man, and that to do this is sin. To leave men's evil acts unrebuked and remain unmoved before them is a great sin.”

She wrote a book about her travels to the United States "Status of Society of United States and a travelogue" and it has been published in English translation as Pandita Ramabai's American Encounter. The book is a traveler's account of the people and culture of the United States. It contains a pointed comparison of the status of women in the U.S.A. and India, and suggests that India should follow the path of reform, but is not without criticisms of American society, particularly its race problem. The work was almost immediately acclaimed as one of the greatest books of the time and was soon used as a textbook at the University of Bombay.

In 1889, Ramabai established the Mukti Mission in Pune, as a refuge and a Gospel witness for young widows deserted and abused by their families; she also established Krupa Sadan, a home for "fallen” women, who had been cast out of society. Ramabai also started 'Sharda Sadan', which also provided housing, education, vocational training and medical services for many needy groups including widows, orphans and the blind. In Sanskrit and most Indian languages MUKTI means liberation. In her spotless widow's white, Ramabai most often arose before 4:00 A.M. and worked until half past eight at night.

In 1896, during a severe famine Ramabai toured the villages of Maharashtra with a caravan of bullock carts and rescued thousands of outcast children, child widows, orphans, and other destitute women and brought them to the shelter of Mukti and Sharada Sadan. A learned woman knowing seven languages, she also translated the Bible into her mother tongue - Marathi - from the original Hebrew and Greek.[3]

By 1900 there were 1,500 residents and over a hundred cattle in the Mukti mission and she was also involved in establishing a Church at Mukti. The Pandita Ramabai Mukti Mission is still active today, providing housing, education, vocational training, and medical services, for many needy groups including widows, orphans, and the blind.[4]

Ramabai was also a poet and scholar. In order to learn more about the education of women and receive training for her lifelong battle to help unshackle the women in India, she visited most parts of India, and even went to Britain (1883) and the United States of America (1886–88). During this time she also translated textbooks and gave lectures throughout the United States and Canada. Somehow she also found time to write and get published one of her most important books, The High-Caste Hindu Woman. This was also the first book that she wrote in English. Ramabai dedicated this book to Dr. Anandibai Joshi, the first Indian woman to earn a medical degree through training in Western medicine, who died in February 1887, less than six months after returning to India from America. The High Caste Hindu Woman, which, according to her beliefs, "showed" the darkest aspects of the life of Hindu women, including child brides and child widows, sought to expose the oppression of women in Hindu-dominated British India.
Family life

As Pandita Ramabai involved herself in social service, there was little family life for her. Her childhood was full of hardships, she lost her parents early and her husband expired within two years of marriage. She had also to educate her only daughter, Manorama Bai. She did this well: Manorama completed her BA at Bombay University; went to the USA for higher studies; returned to India, and worked as Principal of Sharada Sadan, Mumbai. With her help, Pandita Ramabai established Christian High school at Gulbarga (now in Karnataka), a backward district of south India, during 1912, and her daughter was Principal of the school. In spite of the relentless criticism, Ramabai remained focused on her goal of helping widows. In 1920 Ramabai’s body began to flag and she designated her daughter as the one who would take over the ministry of Mukti Mission. But Manorama's untimely death was a shock to Ramabai. Nine months later, Ramabai, who had been suffering from septic bronchitis, went to be with her Lord and her daughter. She died on April 5, 1922, a few weeks before her 64th birthday. Her contribution to social reforms, community service and Christianity in India is much appreciated.[5]
Awards and honors

"Pandit" and "Saraswati" at Bengal (before going to Britain), recognizing her skills in Sanskrit. Kaisar-i-Hind medal for community service in 1919, awarded by the British Government. She is honored with a feast day on the liturgical calendar of the Episcopal Church (USA) on April 5.

On 26 October 1989, in recognition of her contribution to the advancement of Indian women, the Government of India issued a commemorative stamp.

Sources.

Helen S. Dyer, Pandita Ramabai: the story of her life (1900) online

Pandita Ramabai, Pandita Ramabai's American Encounter: The Peoples of the United States (1889), still in print.

Clementina Butler (1922). Pandita Ramabai Sarasvati: Pioneer in the movement for the education of the child-widow of India. Fleming H. Revell Company, New York.

Jay Riley Case, "An Unpredictable Gospel" (New York: Oxford University Press, 2012)

Website :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandita_Ramabai

 

FOLLOWING JESUS IN EVERYDAY LIFE

Following Jesus in our everyday life is so important as Christians. Our idea of just putting a tag on our door post or on our regular interaction with others that we are Christian is not good enough. As followers of Christ we must be self-motivated to follow the footsteps of Christ. We must strive to follow the guidelines Christ gave us, and surely exemplify His true characters in our life. The lesson study for this week ( Lesson 10, 2015) was awesome. I pray that each of us would be inspired to be like Jesus each day and follow Him in our daily life.. To God be the Glory, Amen.

ARE YOU JESUS?

By Richard Burnett
 

Photo: Richard Burnett

In 2005, I retired from a nice long career as a teacher and school principal in both public and private schools. As with most teachers, I had many good, wonderful moments, and a few not so good. That’s normal and to be expected in a human world of sin — a world filled with both good and bad. In an educational environment with children and young people of various ages from young elementary to high school age, I met and worked with great students and wonderful teachers, most of whom I will never forget.

Without any doubt, my very favorite and memorable moment occurred one day when I was walking the playground as principal of a 10-grade junior academy.  It was a beautiful sunny day, and as I was strolling along I noticed there were a couple of the lower grade classes were out for recess.

Out of nowhere, I felt a small hand grab mine and I saw this sweet little child look up at this big man, her principal, and ask, “Are you Jesus?” Wow! Now that is some question, a real one that I was not quite expecting, and she seemed so serious.

With a little tear in my eye, I assured her that I was not Jesus. I assured her I was nothing like Jesus, but I sure wanted to be like Him. She said, “You seem so nice and kind.” I told this dear child that that’s the way I always want to be, not only to my kids at school, but everyone.

I took her back to her teacher and then went inside to my office, sat down and wept a moment, offered up a prayer for this little angel, and reflected on the influence that teachers and school principals have on children — those precious little ones who may not hear often enough at home or anywhere that they are loved and someone cares about them.

That encounter that day changed my life. I renewed my covenant that special day with my Lord to always be a positive influence and example for those I work with and for my family at home. Friend, my question for you is: Do the people who are a part of your life know that you love and care about them and that Jesus loves and cares about them, too? I pray the answer is, yes.

 

Source : http://www.storyharvest.org/article/350/stories/are-you-jesus

WHAT KEEPS US FROM SERVING OTHERS?

'To answer before listening - that is folly...' Proverbs 18:13

To serve others effectively, you must be attuned to what they need. What keeps us from doing that? Assumption.  A lady in an airport lounge bought a packet of biscuits and sat down to read the newspaper. She heard a rustling noise and looked up to see the man beside her helping himself to the biscuits. Not wanting to make a scene, she leaned over and took one herself, hoping he'd get the message. Then she heard more rustling. She couldn't believe it. The man was helping himself to another biscuit! There was only one left! She watched in disbelief as he broke the remaining biscuit in two, pushed half across to her, popped the other half in his mouth, and left. She was still furious when her flight was announced. Imagine how she felt when she opened her handbag to get her ticket out?and found her unopened packet of biscuits! Now be honest, didn't you assume the stranger was helping himself to her biscuits? Of course you did, and that tells you a lot about yourself! Too often we're guilty of making assumptions about people and once you put someone in a box, it's hard to think of them any other way. Do you agree?? Every time a good tailor sees a client, he takes new measurements. He never assumes they're the same size as they were the last time. That's a good policy. Never make assumptions about someone's background, profession, race, gender, age, nationality, politics, faith, or other factors. Once you do, you stop paying attention and miss clues that can help you to know what they really need. SOURCE : UCB Word for Today

THE BENEFITS OF SELF-DISCIPLINE

'God's Spirit makes us...self-controlled...' Galatians 5:22-23

Is self-discipline difficult and demanding? Yes. However, instead of focusing on its demands, think about its benefits. When you begin to understand the power, liberty, joy and victory that self-discipline brings, you'll want to have it. 1. A disciplined mind makes the difference between a happy life and a miserable one; between a life of self-defeating habits and a life of freedom in God. 2. Discipline is your friend, something to be embraced daily. It's a tool given by God to help you reach your goals. 3. One reason why disciplining your mind is so important is that the condition of your mind can change so quickly. One day you can be calm, peaceful, sure of yourself and confident in God. Yet the next day you can hardly recognize yourself; you're anxious, angry, negative, and full of doubt. Why? Because your thinking affects your emotions. Here's something else you need to know: just as the airwaves around you are filled with signals that can be picked up by any radio or TV, there are spiritual forces around you that seek to mould your mind and influence your thinking. So ask God to help you, and refuse to allow your mind to think about whatever it pleases.  Begin to control your thoughts and keep your mind on the right things. Breaking old habits and forming new ones takes time, so keep practicing.  Developing self-discipline isn't easy, but it's worth it in the end. When you win the battle for your mind you'll be much more decisive, confident and focused. You'll also be a more effective and successful person. Source : UCB Word For Today