PEEL THE LABELS
By Pastor Suresh Dass Joseph
[email protected]
Dear reader, it is with great joy that we bring you the word of God. I want to talk to you today about “Peeling off negative labels.” Throughout life, people constantly stick labels on us, telling us what we can and cannot become, and sometimes this is good. People speak faith into us; they encourage us. But then there are times when people stick negative labels on us. You cannot stop the negative comments, you can’t prevent the negative labels, but you can choose to peel them.
Wrong labels can limit how far you can go in life. Like a brake, it will keep you from rising higher. Labels like, “You are just average, you don’t measure up, you are a low achiever” can hold you back from your full potential.
Some people have the strength, energy, and education, but what is holding them back are the wrong labels they wear. The longer we wear them, the less they describe our past and the more they determine our future.
The good news is that we serve a supernatural God. He can do what medicine cannot do. He’s not limited by your education, your background, or the family you come from. He’s not moved by the things people have spoken over you. He’s not up in heaven all worried, trying to figure out how to get you to your destiny. He knows the end from the beginning. He is called the alpha and the omega. He already has solutions to problems you’ve not even had. He’s all-powerful and all-knowing. People may have tried to push you down, but if you peel off those labels and agree with God, he’ll push you up. He’ll take you where you could not go alone, and you don’t have to figure it all out.
In the Bible, we read about Saul, who was going about persecuting and threatening Christians. On his way to Damascus, he had an encounter with Jesus. His life changed, and he became a Christian himself. But the people around him labeled him a persecutor, a threat, and a violent man. Saul found his new Identity through Jesus and changed his name to Paul. People didn’t love him, yet he felt the love of the Heavenly Father. He made mistakes and failed in the past, but he can now succeed in the future. Though people rejected him, he was chosen by God.
Paul knew that all the wrong labels from people did not match his new Identity through Christ. Like Paul, we, too, are offered the wrong labels by people, but we can choose not to accept them. Labels are for bottles, boxes, and packets, but our true Identity is in Jesus.
In the scriptures, we read about Gideon (Judges 6 &7). The children of Israel were suffering greatly and coming under attack from the Midianites and Amalekites. Their produce from the earth, including their animals, was continually being taken from them. God came to Gideon and said, “The Lord is with you, mighty man of valor.” God said, He was going to use him to save Israel. Gideon was amazed to hear that. All these years, he was carrying the labels, “I am from the weakest tribe, I am the least in my father’s house, etc.”
Gideon was even more fearful when God said He would use Gideon and 300 men to defeat this vast enemy army of the Midianites and the Amalekites. He didn’t think he could do it. So God told him to go and listen to what the enemies were saying. Gideon went at night and heard two men talking. They talked about a dream they had, saying God had delivered them in the hands of Gideon.
Soon after, God caused the enemy army to be defeated, and Gideon won the victory.
Here are 3 things we can learn from Gideon.
1. God called Gideon a mighty man of strength, power, and bravery. Before God could use him, He wanted Gideon to know that he was not what people said he was but what God said about him. People put some labels on him, but God gave him his true Identity. He could only go so far with the labels, but now, with his Identity, he could accomplish his dreams. The scripture says, “I can do everything through Christ, who strengthens me.” Your labels speak of past performance. Your Identity shows your position in Christ.
2. God caused him to hear what two men were saying about him. Gideon’s fear turned into faith when he heard them talking. In the same way, you can feed your faith by listening to the words of encouragement and faith. The Bible is full of inspiration and faith-building words. It says, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God.”
3. With only 300 men, Gideon had to trust God to come through for him. God defeated the enemy army, and Gideon was victorious. In the same way, we are to remove those negative influences from our lives. Be careful in what we are watching or listening to. Stay away from people who try to label you. You can choose to stop them from putting the wrong labels on you. Listen to what God says about you. He says, “You are a new creation, deeply loved, masterpiece, chosen and redeemed, a child of God.”
I believe all this is possible through a relationship with Jesus.
God bless you.
Globally Acclaimed Kirtan Musician To Bring His Soul Stirring Concerts To Australia
Brisbane recently witnessed a mesmerizing evening of music and nostalgia with Zara Si Aahat – Bollywood in HER Voice, a heartfelt tribute to the timeless female voices of Bollywood. Celebrating the spirit, grace, and individuality of legendary female playback singers, this live concert brought to life the songs that have defined generations of Indian cinema.
Each voice from Bollywood’s golden and modern eras – be it the ethereal tones of Lata Mangeshkar, the silken magic of Asha Bhosale, or the dynamic energy of Shreya Ghoshal – carries with it a unique identity and story. Zara Si Aahat honored these voices not just by revisiting their songs, but by embodying the emotional depth and musical excellence they brought to the silver screen.
The concert featured a lineup of immensely talented and well-known local musicians including Hari, Paramjeet, Sharad, Eswar, Pranav, Vatsal, Anvi, Nimar, and Binny, each of whom brought their own flair to the stage. Their live performances captured the essence of the original songs while adding a refreshing, local flavor.
One of the standout aspects of the evening was the inclusion of rare and previously unperformed Bollywood tracks – a true treat for connoisseurs and fans alike. For many, it was the first time hearing these hidden gems performed live in Brisbane, making the experience all the more memorable.
HIV remains a significant health issue in Australia, particularly among men. According to the 2024 Annual Surveillance Report on HIV, viral hepatitis, and STIs in Australia, 619 males and 96 females were newly diagnosed with HIV in 2023. Among people previously diagnosed overseas, 466 were males and 110 were females. Males also had a higher rate of undiagnosed HIV (8%) than females (6%), and people born overseas experienced higher rates of late HIV diagnosis compared to those born in Australia.
The cold weather has certainly set in, but I hope you’ve been staying warm and finding time to enjoy everything our vibrant and diverse community has to offer. As many of you requested in our community surveys, I’ve included a little bit of everything this month. And yes — I’m aiming to relaunch the surveys later this year so I can keep hearing about what matters most to you.
One of the recent highlights for me was attending the Brisbane City Council’s Youth Entrepreneurship Expo, held at Indooroopilly Golf Club on May 29. It was such an inspiring event, where local high school students and their parents had the chance to hear directly from some of Brisbane’s emerging young business leaders. Speakers like Mitch Robinson from iDuu Identification, Sam Ward from Vlor Esports, Yarra Kiseleva from Seatfinder, and Kit Keulemans from Tomorrow Hope shared valuable insights on building a business, seizing opportunities, and overcoming challenges. It was a great reminder of the incredible talent and drive we have right here in our community — and how important it is to support the next generation of changemakers.
The timing couldn’t have been better, with World Environment Day falling just a few days later on June 1. I’ve personally found joy in starting a small beekeeping hobby at home. It’s a simple way for me to support the environment, promote healthy living, and encourage others to do the same. Every small effort counts, and it’s often those little actions that create a ripple effect. A heartfelt thank you to the Deo family — especially Salam, who runs African Grocery and Injera Bakery in Oxley, and Ethiopian Village in Moorooka — as well as to Hosanna Church Brisbane and the many residents and friends who continue to support me and uplift the next generation.
On May 17, I had the honour of volunteering at the annual Girmit Remembrance Day, hosted by the Deo Family Charitable Foundation. I can’t thank them enough for the guidance and encouragement they provide to me and so many others. That’s why I was so pleased to volunteer once again. It was a moving event that continues to grow each year, as we come together to recognise the legacy of the Girmitiyas — Indian indentured labourers who migrated to British colonies under contract in the 19th century. The term “Girmit” itself is derived from a mispronunciation of “Agreement,” and their stories are a powerful reminder of resilience, sacrifice, and strength. The heartfelt speeches touched many, especially those still healing from this shared history. Thanks to the tireless work of the Deo family and dedicated volunteers, their memories will never be forgotten — especially throughout our local community.
It was also a pleasure to join the Deo family, community leaders, and many friends again at the GOPIO India Day Fair Fundraising Dinner on June 13. These gatherings always remind me of how powerful community can be when people come together with purpose. I especially love volunteering alongside my mum — something we’ve always shared with pride. I cant wait to see everyone at India Day Fair at Roma Street Parklands. Where President Usha Chandra and her team will welcome everyone with open arms and be sure to say hi to JD and the team, including me.
On a more pressing note, particularly with the cold weather upon us, many are concerned about the rising cost of electricity. It has been reported that households are now facing price increases of nearly 10%, with South-East Queenslanders expected to see rises between 0.5% and 3.7%. Small businesses may be hit even harder, depending on their location. The impact is real, especially as so many continue to struggle with the cost of living.
There are steps you can take that might help, such as using a smart meter to track your energy use, checking whether you’re on the best tariff, setting budget alerts, or applying for government rebates. If you’re considering solar energy, JD is always happy to offer guidance to families exploring that path. Feel free to contact them — or me — as I know many local charities that may be able to help.
