Reflections

  The humble King who brings deliverance. Bible Reading:  Zechariah 9: 1-12 Key Verse Vs 9 “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” ‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭9‬:‭9‬ ‭ DEVOTION  During prophet Zechariah’ time there were no kings in Jerusalem. Moreover, they were reigned by foreign powers. He was looking to a future event. Zechariah 9:9 is a Messianic prophecy calling for joy in Jerusalem for the triumphant entry of a victorious King and the Messiah with the intrinsic characteristics of humility and righteousness. He is the Good Shepherd. His riding on the donkey symbolizes lowliness, humility and peace. He is the source of salvation and the reason for the forgiveness of our sins. This verse foretells a peaceful Leader rather than a warmonger, signaling the coming of a King who brings salvation; fulfilled by Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem on a co...

  Grace That Triumphs Over Sin and Death Bible Reading:  Romans 5:8-21 Key Verse Vs 21 Romans 5:21: "So that as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." DEVOTION Contrasting Adam and Christ Paul presents a powerful contrast between Adam and Christ. Adam introduced sin and death into the world, while Christ brought righteousness and life. These two figures encapsulate the message of Romans: Adam represents humanity’s condemnation, whereas Christ stands for the justification of believers. Physical death is the penalty for sin and is also a symbol of spiritual death. Ultimately, sin separates us from God. However, through Christ, grace entered the world, bringing righteousness and life. Where sin increased, grace abounded even more. This grace is not fragile or fleeting—it is victorious and enduring. Lent: A Time of Reflection Lent reminds us of our fragility and weakness. It is a season when w...

  Cross: Manifestation of Grace Bible Reading:  St. Mark 10:46-52 Key Verse Vs 52 "And Jesus said to him, 'Go your way; your faith has made you well.' And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way." (St. Mark 10:52) DEVOTION Think of sitting on the dusty edge of a busy road, begging to the people for your survival. For Bartimaeus, his life was a cycle of shadows and the sound of footsteps passing him by. He was "the blind beggar"—a man reduced to a label. But grace has a way of disrupting the labels that the world pins on us. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was near, he didn't offer a polite request; he screamed at the top of his voice for mercy. The crowd tried to silence him, essentially telling him he wasn't important enough to interrupt the Master. How often do we silence our own hearts, thinking our "blindness" or our mess is too small for God's notice? The Manifestation of Grace is found in the moment, when J...

  Grace that overcomes history Bible Reading:   Micah  7:15-20 Key Verse Vs 18 There is no other god like you, O Lord; you forgive the sins of your people who have survived. You do not stay angry forever, but you take pleasure in showing us your constant love. DEVOTION Micah, a prophet from Moresheth and a contemporary of Isaiah, delivers a message that moves from judgment to hope. Micah Chapters 1–3 describe God’s coming judgment on Israel and Judah for their sin and injustice. Micah Chapters 4–5 shift toward restoration, promising future peace and God’s faithful intervention. Micah Chapters 6–7 blend warning with assurance, confronting the people’s unfaithfulness while extending mercy. Micah 7:15–20 concludes the book with a powerful vision of God’s compassion and forgiveness. These verses highlight God’s past faithfulness, His unmatched mercy, and His commitment to remove sin and restore His people, ending the book in worship and hope. Just as Micah highlight...

  Grace That Overcomes History Bible Reading:  Micah  7:15-20 Key Verse Vs 19 Vs 19. You will cast all our sins in to the depths of the sea. DEVOTION Micah 7:19 reminds us of God's enduring compassion and His power to forgive. The verse states, "He will again have compassion on us. He will tread our iniquities under foot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea." This passage emphasizes the overwhelming grace of God—a grace strong enough to overcome our past and erase our sins, offering us a fresh start. It reminds us that God's love and mercy are greater than our shortcomings, and He is always ready to forgive when we turn to Him. A Message of Comfort in Times of Loss Today, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to one of our CEF coordinators, Mr. Samji John, who was suddenly called to eternity. The news was shocking and deeply upsetting, and it serves as a reminder that life is not within our control. Our Lord, the Creator, holds all things in Hi...

  GRACE WRITTEN ON THE HEART Bible Reading: Jeremiah 31:31–34 Key Verse Vs 33 “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” – Jeremiah 31:33 DEVOTION   Picture standing at the edge of a chalk-dusted classroom, watching as the teacher writes an important rule on the board; a rule meant to guide you every day. Many people try to remember what is written like this.  But God wants something deeper. He wants hearts that truly know and love Him. Through Jeremiah, God promised a new covenant. His law would not just be on stone tablets; He would inscribe it on hearts. God's Word would become part of a person’s identity, guiding thoughts and actions every day. God's grace on our hearts changes how we obey. Obedience is no longer a burden but a joyful response to His love. The Holy Spirit helps us make choices that honor God. Children with God’s grace on their hearts love and obey God sincerely, not just out o...