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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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I.
Foreword
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Foreword by Dr. Jacob Mathew
Family is our focus in Malankara World. In this issue, you will see several
scholarly articles by professionals on the issues faced by our families. We hope
that it will help you in your family life.
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II.
Our Walk With God - God Transforms Ordinary People
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Cultivate a Relationship with God by Charles R. Swindoll
Our knowledge of God as our sovereign Lord must be gained through personal
experience. That implies a personal relationship in which He leads and we
follow. And through that ongoing interchange, the decision to trust Him
becomes a settled, unshakable confidence. Confident people are joyful
people. ...
Have You Been With Jesus? by Dr. Ray Pritchard
Because the disciples had been "with" Jesus, that changed everything. Even their
enemies could see the difference Christ had made in their lives. We might call
this the doctrine of unconscious influence. We don't know what others know about
us. ...
Five Birthmarks of the Christian: How to be Certain of Your Salvation by Dr. David Jeremiah
While the entire Bible stresses certainty and assurance, there's one section of
Scripture that stakes out this theme as its central focus - the letter of 1 John.
As we carefully read through 1 John, we notice a five-fold argument for the
assurance of salvation - five of the birthmarks of the Christian. ...
Ten Big Things Jesus Said Which You and I Keep (conveniently) Forgetting by Dr. Joe McKeever
We do like our religion easy and palatable, comfortable and undemanding with
instant rewards and no room for outsiders unless they quickly become like us.
...
What Is God Calling You to Do? by Ron Edmondson
There is something about fear and faith working together that intrigues me.
It seems, at least in my life, that the times of greatest fear are the times
God is calling me to display the greatest faith. ...
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III.
Family: Parenting
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Our Youth: Desperate and Depressed By Rev. Fr. Jose Daniel Paitel
Our youth are facing an uncertain future. Very few of them are achieving
their academic goals. Very few get their dream job. Many find a big gap
between their goals, dreams (ambition), and achievements. They are losing
something valuable their journey between their adolescent lives to adult
career. I see a drain in the motivation levels of our future citizens. ...
Raising Our Future Generation – Narrowing the Gap Between Expectations and Outcomes by Drs Jacob and Shila Mathew
As parents we have to find a happy medium. We have to know and accept that this
is a different country and, as such, that this is a new culture. As long as we
are raising our children here, we will face some "risks" and we have to make
some adjustments. ...
Background Research on ' Raising Our Future Generation -
Narrowing the Gap Between Expectations and Outcomes' by Dr. Jacob Mathew
After analyzing all the data from interviews and biblical research, it was quite
clear that the best friend the parents have is Jesus and the best tool they have
is prayer. Parents should surrender to God, learn to love the children with unconditional love
like Jesus taught us and leave everything else to God.
This was not the answer we sought initially when we embarked on this project.
But after we came to this conclusion, we are convinced that this is the best
answer; something so simple that we overlooked it. ...
Mothers - Uniquely Qualified by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson
From the beginning of life, children need their mothers like they need no
one else. A baby in the womb depends on his mother for the nutrients that
help him develop. After birth, the quality of bonding between mother and
child can have lifelong implications. ...
Discipline and Love by Chriss and Michelle Groff
As hard as it is to deliver a consequence to a child for a bad choice, the
alternative can often be even worse. When I am tempted to forego discipline,
I have to ask myself, "What is the most loving thing I can do for my child?"
...
Building a Family Legacy - A Parent's Highest Priority by Dr. James Dobson, Family Talk
By far, the most valuable contribution we can provide for our children is an
unshakable relationship with Jesus Christ. Coming with it is a promise of
eternal life. ...
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IV.
Marriage and Family Life
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The Sacramental Nature of Marriage and Sexuality Within an Orthodox Perspective by Rev. Fr. Dr. Binoy Thattankunnel
This article mainly deals with the Orthodox Church's understanding of the
spirituality of marriage with an appraisal of Orthodox theology. In particular,
it aims at exploring the Orthodox view of the sacramental nature of sexuality
for an intimate and sanctified marital relationship, and how a sound theology of
marriage and sexuality can come to their assistance in this regard. This is,
moreover, an appraisal of the position of the Church in relation to sex and
sexuality within marriage. ...
Poem: He Gave
His love so great, He showed us how
To love our mate, fulfill our vow
Such love above; what could we do?
We learned to love each other, too ...
When Two Become One: A Pastoral Teaching on the Definition, Purpose and Sanctity of Marriage by Archbishop John Joseph Myers
This pastoral reflection is offered to the faithful to help them form their
consciences, discern their vocations and, for the married, fulfill their
vows. It is also offered to other men and women of good will - of every
faith - who join us in the sincere hope of seeing family life flourish....
Recovering God's Plan for Marriage and Family by Msgr. Charles Pope
Biblically, the structure of the family, take its basic form in terms of its
essential fruit: the procreation and rearing of children. Why should marriage be
a stable and lasting union? Why is Adam told to cling to his wife, to form a
stable and lasting union with her? Why?
Because, this is what is best for, and just for children! Children both need and
deserve a stable and lasting union, of a father and a mother, of a complementary
influence of the different sexes. ...
I Promise To Love You by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson
Love can be defined in myriad ways, but in marriage "I love you" really
means "I promise to be there for you all of my days." It is a promise that
says, "I'll be there when you lose your job, your health, your parents, your
looks, your confidence, your friends...."
Loving Beyond Limits by Lee Eclov
First Corinthians 13 is great counsel on how to love well in marriage.
Loving well is the most essential ingredient for even the most spiritual
people. For one thing, loving well brings music to our words (see verse 1).
In times of trouble, we can be suspicious of the things our spouse says to
us. If our actions don't show love, words of love will only clang in our
hearts. ...
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V.
Christian Life
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Christian Life: View of an Ordinary Christian by Philip Scaria
I believe a Christian life is not something definable; instead, it is something
to be experienced by living through it. Jesus didn't have to suffer and die on
the cross. He could command and anything could have happened. But He lived a
life here on the earth. ...
Dr. Stanley's 30 Life Principles
Our intimacy with God - His highest priority for our lives - determines the
impact of our lives.
Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.
God's Word is an immovable anchor in times of storm. ...
Being a Perfect Christian by Kelly Balarie
I am more a Pharisee than a needy sinner, and it feels good to see. Christ does
not condemn me. He loves me. This realization returns my heart to Jesus like the
slumped man needing a fresh touch. It returns me to the place of need, where I,
like all my fellow man, sit. ...
Nine Ways to Choose Contentment by Sarah Coleman
Why am I not content?
We blame media, commercialism, and consumerism, but there is a deeper problem.
Sin. Covetousness. The tenth commandment. The deception of Eve. Fooled to think
God is holding something back. When the opposite is truth. God has more. I
receive it through contentment. ...
The Four Pillars of the Christian Life by Msgr. Charles Pope
Here are four basic pillars of preparation for the day of Judgment. It is a
kind of back to basics plan for the Christian and for the Church. This
serves as a basic vision for our parishes that can benefit from getting
focused and learning to share a common vision so as to work together
regionally and better serve our area. ...
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VI.
Power of Words and Silence
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Value of Silence in Christian Life by Rev. Dn. Reeves Manikat
How can man attain inner silence when his outer world is so noisy? Inner
silence requires reflection, self control, and respect. Silence is attained
through perseverance and humility. The constant barrage of information from
unknown and unconfirmed sources misleads the common man. ...
The Power of Words by Anna Kuta
The Bible speaks extensively about the power of words - especially positive
ones - and warns about the dangers of careless ones. "A soft answer turns
away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger," says Proverbs 15:1. ...
Why Did I Just Say That? by Greg Laurie
I can think of so many times when I should have kept silent, but I just had to
speak. On more than one occasion I have said something, and the moment it left
my lips, I thought, "Why did I just say that?" And I have found myself instantly
wishing I could have those words back. ...
Quiet My Soul by Wendy Pope
As we fill the reservoirs of our souls with true refreshment from God, we learn
to relax as we experience real peace and rest that only comes from the silence
and stillness of being with Him. We carry this refreshment with us as we face
the challenges of our day. ...
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VII.
Prayer in Christian Life
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Prayer: Yearning for God by Dr. George Aramath
Christ, who was constantly busy, still made it a point to constantly pray.
Everyone wanted Christ's attention but He, nonetheless, understood the human
hunger for prayer. It is within our own making to fulfill this desire. We
may try to fulfill it by other means, but they are all false substitutes
that cannot be compared to the satisfaction that prayer brings. ...
When Weakness Becomes True Prayer: The Prayer of Saint Paul by Pope Benedict XVI
In prayer we experience - more than in other aspects of life - our weakness,
our poverty, our being creatures, for we are placed before the omnipotence
and transcendence of God. And the more we advance in listening and in
dialogue with God, so that prayer becomes the daily breath of our souls, the
more we also perceive the measure of our limitations, not only in the face
of the concrete situations of everyday life, but also in our relationship
with the Lord...
Prayer: Something Very Simple from In Sinu Iesu (The Journal of a Priest)
Bread for the hungry. Water for the thirsty. To be
posted in a place and read as the beginning of prayer. ...
Exploring a Life of Prayer by Jane E. Vennard
My hope is that this reflection will lead all of us more deeply into the
center of our lives where we find God. When we truly know God to be at the
center of our lives we are living a life of prayer. ...
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VIII.
Ministry and Service
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Ministry - The Flock Is In Need
by Rev. Fr. Dr. Zach Varghese, MD
It goes without saying that most clergy love to serve. The busy demands of
running a parish, preparing teaching materials, offering sacramental services,
and caring for administration all seek to crowd away time. ...
Help Wanted: Several Entry Level Positions Are Available by Rev. Fr. Jose Daniel Paitel
This is a call of our Lord Jesus Christ that He made on His first visit. Lot of
our forefathers accepted His call. Their sacrifice ended up in martyrdom. After
twenty centuries, the call of evangelization is still ringing in our ears. Those
who accepted this call in this century are working for the glory and
prosperity of their church. ...
Ministry by Daily Disciples
What defines a ministry? Is it a job in a church, a job outside of a church,
or is everything in the Christian life somehow a form of "ministry"?
Regardless of where or how ministry is conducted, one thing is true - it is
a tough job. If we are not careful, we can become very weary and discouraged
in doing the work of the ministry. ...
Catholic Missionary's Acts of Service Inspires Others by Eric Metaxas
It's a privilege to be in a position where I can offer [my] services to
people. I don't see it as a hardship. I've been given a lot in this life.
Let me go and try to do something with it. ...
Serving Jesus - In the Midst of Dirty Dishes by Sharon Glasgow
God cares more about what's happening in our kitchen, than the state of it. My
friend taught me that God's love can be shared, His character can be shown and
hospitality can be offered, even in the midst of dirty dishes. ...
God Still Uses Ordinary Means and Ordinary Men by Erik Raymond
We shrink-wrap our world and vision to the size of our lives. God used the
prophets to increase their kingdom view - from the small kingdom of self to
the big kingdom of God in Christ. This gave them reason to live and to die.
...
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IX.
Bible Study of John 4:1-42, The Samaritan Woman
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Bible Reading - John 4:1-42
Bible Reading in NKJV
Reflections on John 4:5-26(27-38)39-42 by Sarah Dylan Breuer
What transformed this woman could transform our world. The woman at the well
was despised by her village, which was despised by Judeans, whose ancestors
had been humiliated by Babylonians. From generation to generation,
humiliation, resentment, and violence were passed down by people keeping the
score so that they could seek to even it. ...
He Gets Me! by Dr. David Sapp
When God looks into our souls, sees our dark side, divines our secrets, knows
our guilt, discerns our motivations, and loves us anyway, is this not the living
water that renews us and remakes us? When God sees how we are dying inside and
gives us water that flows from a Source eternal in the heavens, when he tells us
everything we have ever done, is this not living water to our dried out souls?
...
The Woman at the Well by Daniel B. Clendenin
The story of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4)
reminds us that the kingdom He inaugurated is a realm of inclusion not
exclusion, dignity not denigration, empowerment rather than exploitation,
and affirmation rather than marginalization.
Jesus Christ Breaks Down Three Barriers: Racial, Social and Religious by Sunitha Jijo Flowerhill
After meeting Jesus, the Samaritan woman left her desert past and, partaking of
his Living Water, became a missionary to others, and bore much fruit. Like her,
we are called upon to drink of the Living Water, and to live a fruitful life in
the present. ...
Meditation Questions on The Woman at the Well
The grace will come when I see that I have been at the well a long time and
have long been thirsty. When I can name the new thirst, the Water that now
satisfies that thirst, I can overcome my remaining resistance to trust. ...
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X.
Featured
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Elsie Beats Nancy by Roy Chacko
It was in 1947 or may be in ’48, at the Travancore University Annual Sports meet
at the University Stadium in Trivandrum, a small built, bare footed unknown girl
in skirt and blouse totally out ran the well-known popular glamour girl and
record holder for 100 yards sprint, to create a new university record. ...
Do We Need A Dress Code In Church? by Andrew Anil George, 12 years old from Kuwait
The wearing of clothing is exclusively a human characteristic. There is a moral
and even spiritual dimension to human clothing. So do we need a dress code in
church? ...
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XI.
Self Improvement
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Organize Your Mind to Organize Your Life! by by Saju Skaria
Together, these "rules of order" will help you change not only your habits
of attention, but the way you look at your life. Instead of being stressed,
you'll be calmly in control. You'll be more productive and therefore have
more time to do things that are healthy for your body and mind. You'll feel
good about yourself, and positive emotions are health promoting. ...
Self-Discipline is the Key to Unlocking God's Will by Cortni Marrazzo
A self-disciplined life brings us closer to God and puts us in a better
position to hear from him. It causes us to make better choices and walk in
the path God has for us because we take time to listen to his voice. We
experience his peace when we walk through hard times because we are
disciplined to study his word and we remember his promises about carrying us
through.
...
How to Develop Character Traits of an Effective Leader by Whitney Hopler
It's your personal character that will either inspire people to respond to
your leadership or undermine your efforts to lead them. Jesus Christ modeled
the type of character that people need to lead successfully – and you can
rely on him to help you develop those same character traits. Here's how. ...
Finding Your Goal And Purpose In Life by James Altucher
I've stumbled and fallen and got up and survived enough that I'm sick of goals
and purposes and journeys. I want to cut out the middleman. The journey. The
desperation and despair that thinking of a "purpose" entails. It's ok to not
have a purpose. ...
Be a Bridge Builder by Napoleon Hill
This spirit of unselfish team work will provide greater benefits for this
generation, as well as help those yet to come. Thus, in serving as
bridge-builders for future generations we shall be preparing ourselves for the
better things of life which can come only through friendly cooperation. ...
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XII.
Food - Recipes
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Shila's Perfect Muffin Recipe by Dr. Shila Mathew
Taste tested at St. Basil's Syriac Orthodox Church,
Ohio
Aunt Maree's Banana Muffins by SS
This is a recipe from Canada, taken to Singapore.
My mum made this very often......until she could no
longer do so...
Geoff's Quick & Easy Orange Chicken
For variety, try this mouth watering, simple recipe.
Stuffed French Toast with Berry Compote Recipe by bistroMD
Make everyone's morning with bistroMD's simple recipe of Stuffed French Toast
with Berry Compote and Turkey Sausage. This tasty recipe will keep your health
on track without you feeling deprived of delicious food! ...
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XIII.
Health and Living
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Essentials of Living a Balanced Life
Finding balance in life isn't just a feel-good concept. As people
achieve balance, they realize they have the potential to rise above their
circumstances. They can become more productive in their communities and that is
good for everyone. ...
Learning disability or vision problem? Why your child may
be misdiagnosed and what you can do about it By Dr Jared Cooper OD
If your child has been diagnosed for a learning disability, ADD/ADHD, or
dyslexia, you might be surprised to learn that perhaps it's none of the above.
It's entirely possible that your child has been misdiagnosed and actually has a
vision problem. ...
Understanding the Glycemic Index--How This Can Help You Make the Best Food Choices
With a plethora of complicated, confusing, and often-contradictory diets out
there, it can be difficult to know which foods to eat and which to avoid.
Here, fitness, nutrition, and weight loss expert Warren Honeycutt explains how
the glycemic index can help you consistently make healthy food choices. ..
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XIV.
About Malankara World
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