Reflections

  Grafted into the peaceful kingdom Bible Reading:   Romans 11 : 16 - 24 Key Verse Vs 21 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root.  DEVOTION   In Romans 11:16–24, Paul the Apostle explains God’s plan using the picture of an olive tree. The root represents God’s promises, and the branches represent His people. Some branches were removed because of unbelief, and others were grafted in. This shows that being part of God’s kingdom is not about who we are, but about faith. This teaches us an important lesson—there is no place for pride. We are part of God’s family not because we earned it, but because of His grace. Just as a branch depends on the tree for life, we depend on God for everything. Paul also gives a warning. If God removed some branches because they did not believe, we too must stay strong in faith and not become care...

   Annunciation to Virgin Mary Bible Reading:   Luke 1:26-38 Key Verse Vs 37 “For nothing will be impossible with God” DEVOTION Luke describes the ordinary days when ordinary Jewish men and women were selected  by God to receive His messages  before the incarnation event. Mary was one among the selected group . Others  listed are Zacharias who was serving as a priest , ordinary  shepherds living out in the fields keeping watch over their flock by night.  What an unbelievable news delivered to Mary by angel Gabriel ,Mary would become the mother of a king who would be called “Son of the Most  High “(V32) Mary could not comprehend the news at the outset and she asked as any lay virgin might question. Perhaps Gabriel smiled as he began to explain . He knew that when God makes a promise he brings it to fruition ,He provides Mary with even more confirmation ,her cousin Elizabeth ,who had been barren for all her life ,had also conceived a child...

  When the Peace of Christ Rules Your Heart Bible Reading:  Colossians  3:12-17 Key Verse Vs 15  “Let the Peace of Christ rule in your hearts” Colossians 3:15  DEVOTION  Many people search for peace in different ways-through success, comfort, or avoiding problems. Yet the Bible teaches that true peace does not come from our circumstances but from allowing Jesus Christ to rule our hearts. Imagine our heart-our inner world of emotions, thoughts and motives-as an arena . It is often filled with competing voices: fear and hope, jealousy and trust, anger and patience. Paul in his letter to Colossians provides a revolutionary strategy for this inner conflict. ”Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart ( 3:15 ) what does it mean to let Peace Rule? When the Peace of Christ rules, it means Jesus is the final authority in our life. It is not a passive, quiet feeling but an active, alert force that decides which thoughts to keep and which to discard. It rules ov...

  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...