Reflections

  God's Sustaining Presence Bible Reading:   Acts 18:1-4 Key Verse:   “Because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked” (Acts 18:3) DEVOTION Paul’s arrival in Corinth marked a critical turning point in his missionary journey. Corinth was a busy, and morally complex city. It was a hub of commerce, religions, and philosophies. It was a city known for its wealth and vice. After leaving Athens Paul could have easily become discouraged. Yet Acts 18:1–4 shows us God's sustaining presence working through the ordinary rhythms of life through friendships, work, and worship. Luke, the author of Acts, carefully points out Paul’s connection with Aquila and Priscilla. Certain historians present Aquila and Priscilla as refugees. Acts18:1-4 shows the bond between Paul and this couple and their shared hardships of displacement, isolation, and labor. They became co-laborers not only in tentmaking but also in the spreading of Gospel. Paul’s work as a tentmaker wa...

  Set your mind on things above Bible Reading:   Colossians 3:1-8 Key Verse:  "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." - Colossians 3:1 DEVOTION We live in a world that constantly pulls our attention toward status, possessions, appearances, and temporary satisfaction. The loudest voices tell us to look out for ourselves, to chase what is immediate, and to define our worth by what we can achieve or own. But the apostle Paul invites us to live differently. He calls us to lift our gaze and to set our hearts and minds on the things above. This is not escapism. It is a reorientation. It is a reminder that if we have been raised with Christ, our lives no longer revolve around the old patterns of anger, selfishness and impurity. Those things once defined us, yet these no longer have the final say in defining us. When we set our hearts on Christ, we begin to live out of a new iden...

  Assurance of Faith Beyond Sight Bible Reading:   John 20:19-29 Key Verse: Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:28-29) DEVOTION How often do we doubt God? Many times, when things go differently than the way we expect it to, we become disappointed and begin to doubt if God is really there. However, each trial we face is evidence of God’s presence. Throughout each step of our lives, God ensures that he is there for us, assuring us faith beyond sight. Even though we may fail to see God’s unwavering love for us, he is always with us and will continue to bless us each step of the way.  Faith is a central pillar in a Christian’s life. Although we claim to fully place our trust in the Lord, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect – do we truly mean it? When life is going as expected, we praise God for his greatness, but the mi...

  Waiting Patiently, Lifted by Grace Bible Reading:   Psalms 40 Key Verse: “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” Psalm 40:1-2 DEVOTION Psalm 40 is a song of deep spiritual realism. It acknowledges the pain of waiting, the joy of grace, and the ongoing need for God’s mercy. Waiting isn’t easy. Especially when we’re stuck in a tough situation and feel like nothing’s changing. Psalm 40 reminds us that God hears us when we call, and He doesn’t leave us there forever. David waited patiently, and in time, God pulled him out and gave him a steady place to stand. In the life of faith, to wait patiently is not to be forgotten; it is to be positioned for grace. And when grace lifts us, our feet find ground, and our mouths find a new song. It’s easy to think nothing is happening while we wait, but God’s always working. He’s build...

  Wrestle with God, Walking in Grace Bible Reading:   Genesis 32:22-32 Key Verse:  Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” (Genesis 32:28) DEVOTION   In our daily lives, we face challenges across various levels. Every challenge that we experience serves the purpose of helping us grow stronger in our relationship with Christ. In the passage, Jacob was all alone and vulnerable when he was encountered for the wrestle. Yet despite this, he persevered. In our daily lives, when we are faced with struggles, the easy and more convenient option is to give up. We are afraid of taking that extra challenge in the fear of what will happen next. However, at the end of our pain and struggles, a bigger gift is waiting for us: God’s Blessing. God protected and provided for Jacob in the midst of his struggle, and by taking that extra step of faith, Jacob was able to receive God’s guidance and stren...

         From Darkness to Light in Christ Bible Reading:   Acts 26:8–18 Key Verse: "I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light.”   Acts 26:18 DEVOTION Acts  26 records St.  Paul’s defense before King Agrippa and Governor Festus. This speech is a testimony of his transformation. Paul recounts his own encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, his apostolic legitimacy, commission to the Gentiles, and the resurrection hope. The rhetorical presentation of Paul, a former persecutor, standing trial as a witness to the very faith he once tried to destroy illustrates the theme of moving from darkness to light. Paul mentions why belief in resurrection is considered incredible. For him, the resurrection of Christ is a historical reality that demands personal response. It is a decisive act of God breaking into history, defeating death, and beginning new creation. In verses 9–11...