Reflections

  Breaking The Chain – Finding Freedom From Addiction  Bible Reading: :  1 Thess  5 :1-11 Key verse :   11   "Therefore Encourage One Another And Build Up One Another" 1 Thessalonians 5:11  DEVOTION In scriptures we have seen how Idol worship affected Jews in their relationship with God. Relying on manmade images of God versus remaining loyal to the true and living God provided wellness in prosperity or even during periods of hardship or afflictions. Addiction in the Bible documents gluttony and intoxication from excessive consumption. Paul teaches us that our bodies are part of the body of Christ.  ● Today, addiction can be from several other ways such as digital, chemical etc., We fall into a sin of addiction by being lured into certain sinful practices of the world and peer influence. How do we cure ourselves from this situation? Addiction implies that we have deviated from the light. Our body which is the temple of God has been defil...

  Finding Freedom from Addiction  Bible Reading: : Proverbs 23:19–35 Key verse :   26 "My son, give me your heart  And let your eyes delight in my ways." DEVOTION What is the meaning of addiction? Addiction can be defined as a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance or behavior. In today's world, addictions are many — substance abuse, excessive phone use, alcohol, pornography, and more. This Bible passage talks about the seductions of life, alcohol abuse, and the perils of it. Addictions can set themselves up as idols in our lives. Many family lives have been shattered by addictions, and families struggle when loved ones are caught up in them. One of the many reasons for homelessness in America is substance abuse. Verse 35 says, "...When will I wake up so I can find another drink?" Here, the author is warning that once started on this path, all thoughts will be consumed by the next drink. Every addiction first ...

  Break the Chain: Finding Freedom from Addictions  Bible Reading: : : Matthew 4: 1-11  Key verse :   10 Worship the  Lord your God and serve him only . DEVOTION Addiction is defined as repetitive behaviors, that with time, become mindless habits and reoccurring actions. When we think of the word addiction, we may think of alcohol or drugs but there are more addictions than that. There are worldly or social addictions, generational addictions, personal addictions, just to name a few, that can affect the well being of a person. The Bible says, “I can do all things through Jesus Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 Are we children of the world or children of God? First, honestly answer that. God will hold you accountable and remind you that you belong to Him and that He loves you tremendously! The Bible mentions miracles of chains breaking, believers in God receiving freedom, healing, restoration, forgiveness and God’s unfailing love. We break...

  Worship: In God’s presence, For God’s Purpose Bible Reading: : Philippians  2: 12-18 Key verse :: Phil.  2: 14-15 Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and deprived generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe… DEVOTION What is true worship?  It should be an honest and touching response to acknowledge the might and supremacy of God.  St. Paul, in his letter to Philippians, wants them to properly understand the living Christ.  He urges the believers to have a comprehensive knowledge of Jesus Christ as their savior.  Worship will enhance their faith in God through Jesus Christ.  It will definitely make them better persons.  True worship will help the worshiping community in fulfilling God’s wishes and intentions.  Implicit obedience is necessary on the part of the believers.  They should not complain or argue.  As a re...

    WORSHIP: IN GOD'S PRESENCE, FOR GOD'S PURPOSE Bible Reading: :    MARK: 12:28-34 Key verse :   34 And Jesus, seeing that he answered intelligently, said to him, You are not far from the “Kingdom of God”.  And no one  dared to question Him anymore. DEVOTION    In this passage, Jesus engages in  a profound  conversation about the greatest commandments, emphasizing love of   God and  the neighbor.  It also provides rich insights into worship, God's purpose, and devotion.  Here's a deeper exploration of how these elements – for God's purpose,  and God's presence  - interact in this passage.       IN GOD'S PRESENCE:   a)  Love the Lord: Jesus emphasizes the command to love the God with all heart, soul, mind and strength. This call to total devotion reflects an awareness of God's presence, encouraging believers to engage fully in their relationship with Him. b)...

  Worship: In God's Presence, For God's Purpose  Bible Reading: Acts 2:42-47  Key verse :   42 
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. DEVOTION Luke is unique among scripture writers as the only gentile contributor. Luke is also distinct in writing a two-volume sweeping history of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ (Gospel of Luke) and the Early Church (Book of Acts). Acts 2 is a pivotal chapter that records the birth of the Church—Jesus’s ekklesia—with the following sections: (i) The Coming of the Holy Spirit (v.1-13); (ii) Peter's Sermon at Pentecost (v.14-41); (iii) The Fellowship of the Believers (v.42-47). The devotional passage (Acts 2:42-47) is drawn from section (iii), depicting a special time in the life of the Early Church, on The Fellowship of Believers. The Church was born on the he Day of Pentecost, 50 days after Jesus’s resurrection, marked by a sudden sound like a "...