Reflections

  Renewed Strength Through Divine Exaltation Bible Reading: :: Isaiah 40:25-31 Key verse :    Bible Verse:V. 29-31: “He gives strength to the weary… Even young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength”. DEVOTION “He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only.” - C.S. Lewis. We are often misled into believing that education, financial success, connections, or ‘lots of family’ will equip us to handle every situation in life. While these are valuable, there are times when none of these can pull us out of hardship. Isaiah 40 reminds us that if we walk with God, we have all the hope and strength we need to be sustained during difficult seasons. In this chapter, Isaiah comforts the Israelites, who question the brokenness around them and wonder if God truly cares. We might fall victim to this very question ourselves, however, Isaiah responds with a reminder and promise: The Reminder: God’s character The Promise...

  Church: The Way of Christ (Sabha Dinam) Bible Reading: ::John 11: 5-16 Key verse :    Bible Verse::Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us go, that we may die with him.”  John 11: 16 DEVOTION The Mar Thoma Church celebrates December 21st as Sabha Dinam or Mar Thoma Church Day, every year.  The Church believes that St. Thomas, one of the disciples of Jesus Christ, is the founder of the Christian Churches in Kerala.  It is believed that St. Thomas reached Kerala in 52 A.D. We conduct special thanksgiving services on December 21st which is also our Sabha Dinam. In today’s Bible portion we see Jesus telling his disciples about revisiting Judea from where they had retreated owing to a threat from Jews.  The disciples reminded him of this fact.  But Jesus insisted because he loved the family of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Lazarus is dead.  Jesus said that his disciples would get a chance to believe in him when he rai...

  CELEBRATION OF LOVE:  THE LORD IS COMING Bible Reading: :: John 14: 1-7 Key verse :    Bible Verse:: 3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back  and take you to be with me that you  also may be where I am. DEVOTION   This passage beautifully intertwines the themes of love, hope and divine presence.  In John 14: 1-7  Jesus comforts His dsiciples, assuring them not to get their hearts troubled. He speaks of His Father's house, where there are many rooms, emphasizing the promise of eternal life, and a place for each believer. REFLECTION ON CELEBRATION OF LOVE AND ANTICIPATION OF THE LORD LOVE AS A FOUNDATION: Jesus begins with a call to peace and faith. His words reminds us that love is the foundation of our relationship with God. In our celebrations of love – whether in our families, friendships, or communities- we reflect the love, Christ has for us. 2.   THE PROMISE OF HOME   : The imager...

  REPENTANCE AND RESTORATION IN THE MESSIANIC PROMISE Bible Reading: ::Acts 3: 19-26 Key verse :    Bible Verse:: 25   Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, and in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. DEVOTION Acts 3:19-26 provides an emphatic message about repentance, restoration and the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ.  As we explore these verses in  details, following reflections are worth discussing. CALL TO REPENTANCE:   Apostle Peter urges people to repent and turn to God so that their sins may be wiped out. This emphasizes the importance of acknowledging wrong doing and seeking forgiveness.  What specific actions or attitudes do we need to turn away from, in order to draw closer to God? REFRESHING FROM THE LORD :  The promise of spiritual refreshment highlights the transformative power of repentnance. Turning to God...

  IMITATING FAITHFUL LEADERS AND SACRIFICIAL WORSHIP Bible Reading: : Hebrews 13: 7-16 Key verse :    Bible Verse::12  And so. Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through His own blood. DEVOTION  Hebrews 13:7-16 offers profound insights into Christian life, emphasizing the importance of spiritual leadership, serving the community, and the pursuit of holiness.         A deeper exploration of this  passage encourges believers to remember and honor their spiritual leaders who have taught them the word of God.  It is good to reflect on how the teachings and examples of leaders  in your life ,have shaped your faith.   2. It  calls for an examination of the lives of leaders, encouraging believers to look at the fruit of their faith. It is good to assess your own life in the light of faith you observed in your leaders.  3. Verse 8 affirms the unchanging nature of Christ amidst changing...

  Messianic Leadership and Peaceful Order Jesus Christ who Restores. Bible Reading: :: Isaiah 11:1-9 Key verse :    Bible Verse::“But with righteousness He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked.” -Isaiah 11:4 DEVOTION Isaiah 11:1–9 paints a radiant picture of Messianic leadership—the coming of a ruler from the “stump of Jesse,” upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rests in wisdom, understanding, counsel, and might. This is no ordinary leader. His reign brings righteousness for the poor, justice for the meek, and harmony throughout creation. In contrast to the prideful and oppressive rulers of the world, Christ leads with divine discernment and holy equity. His leadership flows from perfect communion with the Father, establishing a kingdom not built on coercion or fear, but on truth, mercy, and love. As Jesus declared, “My...