Reflections

  Prepare for Sanctification Bible Reading:    Luke 2:22-39 Key verse :   Vs 34  Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "Listen carefully: This child is destined to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be rejected. Luke 2:34   (New Living Translation)  DEVOTION Our Scripture Reading today is about very familiar passage in the Gospel of St. Luke , about the prophecy of Simeon. We begin by understanding the  Jewish custom prevalent among the community  whereby  the dedication of the first born,  as instructed by Moses to the children of Isreal. This purification ritual was applicable to Jesus as He was the first born of Joseph and Mary. As Jesus was in the temple, they  met Simeon who the Bible says ‘ was righteous, devout , and looking for the restoration of Israel and the Holy Spirt was upon him ‘ .  Additionally what is very important for us to understand is th...

  Sabbath: Covenant Sign of God’s Completed Work Bible Reading:      Exodus 31: 12-17 Key verse :   Vs 15 Six days  shall work be done but the seventh day is a sabbath of  solemn rest ,holy to the Lord. DEVOTION The above Bible portion refers to God’s covenant with the children of Israel. Sabbath was a sign given by God to Israelites to remind them that they belonged to God. They were sanctified by God, having been sanctified by the Lord, they were to sanctify a day of their week for Him. God reminds us that we are made holy, and we must set apart a day only for Him.  Covenant Sabbath reveals who God is and what sanctification is. This covenant is a sign of Israel’s identity which makes them distinct from other nations. Sabbath should be set apart for God to remember God is holy, we are His and he has sanctified us.  Holy Sabbath We are urged to celebrate Sabbath as holy. Sabbath is an intentional cessation of work to reserve time for God. Th...

  Bear One Another in Prayer and Healing Bible Reading: James 5:13–18 Key verse :   Vs 16 The prayer of a righteous person  has great power as it is working . DEVOTION In James 5 we are reminded that prayer is meant to be shared, not carried alone. James speaks honestly about the different seasons of life, times of suffering, joy, weakness, and sickness, and invites the community to respond to each situation with prayer. This passage shows us that faith is not only personal, but deeply communal. Bearing one another in prayer means being willing to listen, to stand with others in their struggles, and to lift them up before God. James encourages believers to pray for the sick, to confess to one another, and to seek healing together. Healing in this sense is not only physical, but also emotional and spiritual, growing out of trust, humility, and love within the community. As we move through life, we learn how heavy burdens can become when carried alone. God invites us to sha...

  Compassion Loving and Suffering Together Bible Reading:  Matthew 9:35 to 38 Key verse :   Vs 37 The harvest is plentiful  but the laborers are few therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest DEVOTION Jesus is moving through towns and villages, teaching, healing, and caring for the people He meets. In this passage when He looks at the crowds, He does not see numbers or problems to avoid, rather He sees tired, confused, and hurting people, described as sheep without a shepherd, and His heart is moved with deep compassion. This compassion is not shallow sympathy. It is the willingness to love and suffer together. Jesus enters into the struggles of others, offering presence, care, and hope. He responds not with judgment or distance, but with mercy and action, reminding us that true compassion always draws us closer to those who are hurting. Jesus then points out that the need is great and the workers are few. This is not on...

  Compassion That Lifts the Broken to New Life Scripture Bible Reading: Acts of the Apostles 3:1-16 Key verse :   Vs 6 But Peter said ,"I have no silver and gold but what I do have I give it to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. DEVOTION In Acts of the Apostles Chapter 3, we encounter a man who had been unable to walk since birth, living each day dependent on the kindness of others. As Peter and John approached the temple gate, they did not avert their eyes or rush past him. Instead, they truly see him and respond with compassion grounded in faith. Peter and John had no silver or gold to offer, yet they gave something far greater. In the name of Jesus Christ, the man was healed, lifted to his feet, and given new life. What began as a simple act of attention and obedience became a powerful testimony to God’s saving power. This passage reminds us that compassion is more than warm feelings. It calls for action and trust in God. When we offer what we ha...

  Lent Celebration of Redemption Bible Reading: Hebrews 8:7 to 13 Key verse :   Vs 12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities and I will remember their sin no more DEVOTION In this passage, we learn about God’s promise of a new covenant. This covenant is not written on stone, but written on our hearts. Lent is a time when we are reminded that God does not give up on us when we fail. Instead, He offers forgiveness and a fresh beginning. This passage reminds us that God chooses mercy and grace, and that He remembers our sins no more. Friends, mercy and grace are truly something to celebrate, especially during the Lenten season. As we journey through Lent, we are invited to open our hearts to God’s transforming love. When we trust in His promises, we begin to live differently. Lent becomes not just a season of sacrifice, but a celebration of the redemption God gives to all who turn to Him. PRAYER Lord, thank You for Your gift of redemption. During this Lenten season, help ...