Reflections

  Education: Grow in the Grace of God and Humans Bible Reading:   Luke 2:40–52 Key verse:vs 52 :And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man   DEVOTION His only begotten Son came down to this humble earth for our salvation. In the Gospel of Luke, we read that the Son grew in wisdom and faith. The mystery here is profound: the Son was with the Father from the very beginning—He is the Word, and through Him, all things were created. Despite His divine nature and infinite wisdom, the Son humbled Himself to learn and grow on this earth. Filled with His Father’s grace, He prepared Himself for the ultimate sacrifice that was destined for Him. Like Jesus, we too must walk in humility and grace, regardless of our level of education or worldly success. We must always return to our roots as Christians, which is the Word of God, and continually humble ourselves before Jesus Christ. Christ provides us with the perfect example of what it means to purs...

  Grace for growth in the body of Christ Bible Reading:   Ephesians 4: 1-16 Key verse:    Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)   DEVOTION In Ephesians chapter 4, Paul talks about unity and maturity in Christ. Paul reminds us that we have been called forth by Christ Himself and by virtue of that calling, we are different from others. Our thoughts, words and actions must reflect the change that has come to be because we are followers of Christ. We must be patient, humble and gentle in our dealings and love must reign supreme in all our actions. When we look at the ministry of Jesus, we see that He usually sought those who were neglected and who were living on the outer fringes of society. Christ cared with compassion, understanding and a gentleness that showcased His love for man. In Psalm chapter 8, David asks, “what are human beings, that you think of them; mere mortals, that you care for them?”. Yet it is ...

  CHRIST'S ASCENSION  AND OUR COMMISSION Bible Reading:    Luke 24:36-53 Key verse:   Verse: 49  And Behold, I send forth the promise of my Father upon you; but as for you, stay in the city until you put on the power from on high.   DEVOTION    This passage  seizes our attention towards the post resurrection  narrative of Jesus.  It is also packed with  themes  of reassurance, peace, mission, fulfillment of scripture, and empowerment of believers.   Jesus  appeared to His disciples as they are discussing the events surrounding His resurrection.  Disciples were grappling with doubt and fear, emotions that many of us can relate to in our spiritual journeys.  Some of the key facts which  can be pondered upon are:  1  .PEACE IN FEAR  . Jesus  reassured the distressed and frightened disciples with the greetings of “Peace”. In  moments of our fear and anxiety,  we too c...

  Ascension: The promise of Christ's return Bible Reading:    Acts 1:1-11 Key verse:  “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” — Acts  1:11 DEVOTION The Ascension of Jesus marks a powerful transition—not an end, but it is the beginning of our mission and the foundation of our hope. In Acts 1:1–11, the resurrected Christ gathers His disciples one final time before ascending into heaven. He gives them a mission—to be His witnesses—and the promise that the Holy Spirit will empower them. As He rises into the sky, the disciples are left staring upward in awe. Then two angels appear with a powerful reminder: “This same Jesus... will come back.” Jesus’ departure wasn’t abandonment—it was a promise. The presence of the Holy Spirit would fill His physical absence, and His return would be just as real and visible as His departure. This gives us future hope and a present mission.   In ...

  Remembering with Thanksgiving and Purpose Bible Reading:   Colossians 1:1-14  Key verse: 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[f] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins   DEVOTION Paul begins his letter to the Colossians  by expressing consistent gratitude for the Colossian believers. His prayers are not mere formalities but are characterized by a mindful recollection of their faith in Christ Jesus and their demonstrable love for God’s people.. The foundation of this thanksgiving lies in the assured hope reserved for them in the heavenly realm, a hope that serves as a wellspring of enduring encouragement. This act of remembering with thanksgiving serves as a catalyst for understanding and embracing divine purpose. Paul recognizes that t...

  Stones of Remembrance- Honoring What God Has Done Bible Reading  Joshua 4: 1-9 Key Verses:  “And these stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel for ever” (Joshua 4: 7b) DEVOTION The story of the Stones of Remembrance is a spectacular one.  The 12 stones of Remembrance were significant for Israel.  These stones acted as a memorial and reminder of how God brought His children across the Jordan River into the Promised Land.   God had done a miracle when Israelites had to cross River Jordan.  He asked Joshua to command the priests who carried the ark of the covenant to stand firm in the River where they touched the water.  As soon as they stood there, the River moved to both sides and the Israelites walked to the other end of the River through dry land.  Now, according to the instruction given by God to Joshua, 12 men representing 12 tribes, took stones from the place where the priests had stood.   These stones remain till ...

  Singing from the Heart – A Lifestyle of Worship   Bible Reading:  Ephesians 5:9-20   Key Verse:   "speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ". (Eph.  5:19-20 )   DEVOTION   Today, Worship immediately presents an image of songs, stage, worship team and instruments. Another view is the worship service we have in church. Though worship can be expressed in different forms, worship in its purest meaning is Worth-ship i.e. proclaiming His Worth to you. An essential question in this meaning of worship is: Who is HE to us? Do we truly KNOW Jesus? Does our daily life reflect the price that Christ paid for us through His death on cross or is it merely an emotional high, coldly mouthing words and a momentary nod to the goodness of GOD. Am I offering my life everyday as a worship to GOD (Ro...

  Divine Music that Rejuvenates Life Bible Reading:   Luke 1: 46 – 56 Key verse:   My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirt rejoices in God my Saviour…  (vs. 47).   DEVOTION Mary, the young virgin now carrying a child conceived by the power of the Most High, embarks on a journey of more than a hundred miles to support her older relative, Elizabeth, who is herself preparing for childbirth. These two first-time mothers, each confronted with an unanticipated yet divinely ordained conception, respond in a burst of praise, their vibrant faith echoing through the hills. This moment sets the stage for Mary’s song of praise – often called the Magnificat, after its first word in Latin. Mary’s song stands as a bold declaration and celebration of divine presence and intervention in human history. Mary’s song of praise offers profound insights for our faith and witness as we mark Sacred Music Sunday. It reminds us that enduring music – the kind that transforms generations, ...

  Music that Glorifies the Righteousness of God Bible Reading:  Revelation 15 Key Verses:   “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.” (Rev. 15:3-4) DEVOTION We like beautiful songs that praises our God. Throughout the Bible music and singing plays a vital role, often following great victories in battles. When we imagine a scene from the heaven, the first thing we may see is a host of Angels singing praises like the song of the Lamb mentioned in Rev. 15. It describes those who have triumphed over the beast sing praises to our righteous God. Here, we are given a glimpse into the heavenly realm, where victorious believers sing a song of praise to God. This is the song of Moses and the Lamb that glorifies the righteousness, justice, and holiness of the...

  The Song of Victory: Music that Awakens Courage   Bible Reading:  Judges 5: 1-12   Key Verse:  "Awake, awake, Deborah! Awake, awake, break out in song!". (Judges 5:12)   DEVOTION  There have been many moments in our lives when God has granted us victory, yet we have failed to give Him the praise He rightfully deserves. Judges 5:1–12 is a hymn of thanksgiving that follows a great triumph. Although it reads like a battle report, it is a worshipful reflection on what God can accomplish when His people obey Him and step into their calling with faith. Verse 2 reveals a profound truth: when the people “offered themselves willingly,” God responded with power. He caused the earth to tremble, the heavens to shake, and led His people into freedom. This victory song, sung by Deborah, the God-appointed prophetess, and Barak, acknowledges that their triumph over the Canaanites was not the result of human effort alone, but divine intervention. Here, Deborah, a wom...

  Singing with Spirit and Understanding Bible Reading:  I Corinthians  14:15-19 Key Verse:   “I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.” – 1 Cor.  14:15 DEVOTION   The church in Corinth was a diverse body of believers planted in a city known for widespread immorality and sinful practices. Within the church, internal struggles with sin and division were prevalent. Yet despite its shortcomings and even as some struggled with sin, many members of the Corinthian church actively exercised the spiritual gifts with which they had been richly endowed. Recognizing both the blessings and the potential for misuse, Paul offers clear guidance on the proper use of spiritual gifts, especially in chapters 12 through 14 of this Epistle. He compares the church to a body with many parts, each fulfilling a unique role, working together in unity to grow and build up one ano...

  A New Song of Deliverance and Testimony Bible Reading:   Psalms 40:1-10 DEVOTION Key verse:  Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. (Ps. 40:4)   In a world of same-day Amazon deliveries, rapid innovation, and high-speed processors, the Bible reminds us of the power of patient trust in the LORD. In psalms 40 we read the testimony of David. He declares that deliverance from trouble doesn’t come through haste, but through patiently waiting on God. In verse 2, David describes being brought out of a horrible pit and miry clay. He wasn’t just stuck in the pit, but he is drenched in the mess of his circumstances. It’s also a description of those instances in our lives, when we’re not only failing inwardly, but our scars and struggles are visible to others. Friends, colleagues, roommates mock us for our scars and pain. But that is not the end of the story. The passage continues to say, “ He set...

  “Worship that invites the glory of God” Bible Reading:  2 Chronicles 5:11–14 Key Verse: V13-14  “The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” (2 Chr.  5:13-14 ) DEVOTION In 2 Chronicles 5:11–14, we see a stunning moment in Israel’s history. As they worship, the temple fills with a cloud; the very glory of God. So overwhelming is His presence that the priests cannot continue their duties. This text leads to meditate about worship that invites God’s glory 1. Worship in Spirit Jesus tells the Samaritan woman in John 4:23–24 that “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.” Worship in spirit is about the heart, awakened and led by the Holy Spirit. It’s worship that flows from a life surrendered to God. Paul echoes this in Romans 12:1, urging believers to ...

  PRESSING FORWARD WITH CHRIST BESIDE US  Bible Reading:    Philippines 3 :4-14  Key Verse:Philippines 3:8  I consider everything loss compared to the surpassing greatness of Christ Jesus my Lord. DEVOTION Apostle Paul’s definition of a Christian is one who is in Christ. All the salvation one can  attain takes place in Christ and Christ alone. Through our absolute faith in Jesus, we are  justified and sealed in him and further during our continued life in him we get sanctified by  the shed blood on the Calvary. Here in today’s devotion from Philippines chapter 3 we see  Paul’s great desire to be found in Christ is highlighted.  What does it mean to be in Christ? What are the obstacles that stand in the way of knowing  Christ and be in Christ? To be in Christ involves obedience,surrender,faith and hope.  Unless we have an earnest desire to know Christ and grow in him daily, we cannot press  forward to reach o...

  Jesus Christ, the Co-Traveler Bible Reading:  Acts 8:26-40 Key Verse:  “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.”   (Luke 24:30) DEVOTION   After His resurrection, Jesus didn’t appear only to those who followed Him and not to everyone. One such appearance was to two disciples walking to Emmaus. Though they were troubled and disheartened, the risen Lord chose to walk with them. At first, they didn’t recognize Him. It was only later, at the dinner table, when He broke the bread, that their eyes were opened. This passage reveals two profound truths about Christ and our walk with Him: 1. Jesus Walks With Us in Every Circumstance Luke 24:16 says,  “but they were kept from recognizing him.”  These two disciples were talking about Jesus, their hearts heavy with grief. Although they knew much about Him and were even discussing His crucifixion and resurrection, they did not realize that it was Jesu...

  Divine Opportunities on the Road Bible Reading:  Acts 8:26-40 Key Verse:  Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (Acts  8:26 ) DEVOTION The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch offers a powerful reminder of how God leads, equips, and uses His people to accomplish His purposes. This Philip is not the Apostle, but one of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6:3; described as “a man full of the Spirit and wisdom.” Though his name first appears during a time of crisis, we soon see him become a vital instrument in God’s hands. After the martyrdom of Stephen, intense persecution broke out in Jerusalem. As a result, many believers, including Philip, were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. While this might have looked like a setback, it was actually the unfolding of Jesus’ words in Acts 1:8, that the gospel would be preached in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Sometimes, what seems...

  God Goes with His People Bible Reading:  Exodus 40:34-38 Key Verse:  "Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." (Exodus 40:34) DEVOTION Exodus 40:34–38, describes a breathtaking display of God's presence. The cloud of the Lord covered the tabernacle, and His glory filled it so completely that even Moses could not enter. This was the fulfillment of God’s promise to dwell among His people. After the long journey from slavery in Egypt, through the wilderness, and into covenant relationship with God, Israel now had visible, daily confirmation that God was with them. The cloud by day and fire by night served as both protection and direction. When the cloud lifted, the Israelites would set out. When it settled, they remained where they were. Their lives were completely centered around the presence and movement of God. This passage teaches us to live lives of spiritual attentiveness. While we may not see clouds or fire, we ha...

  God is our Companion in Trials Bible Reading:  Daniel 3: 7-28 Key Verse:  “He [King Nebuchadnezzar] said, Look! I see four men walking around the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods”(Daniel 3:25). DEVOTION Today’s devotion is an answer to the question: Does God care when we are faced with trials and tribulations of life? The answer to this question is yes, God cares, and that He is our companion in our trials as demonstrated in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They were thrown to the blazing fire for not obeying Nebuchadnezzar’s decree to worship an image of gold.  They were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. As human beings, we are subject to temptations, as well as to the trials  and sorrows of this life. Another moving story in the  Old testament is that of Job  and he observed, “Man who is born of woman, short-lived and full of turmoil” (J...

God’s Design for Love & Guidance in the Home Bible Reading:  Ephesians 6:1-4 Key Verse: “   Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.: -(Ephesians 6:4) DEVOTION Paul’s letter to Ephesians speaks to the maturity and unity in Jesus that comes when people believe and follow Him. When that is followed, we find our purpose and do the work God calls us to. We are reconciled to the Lord and then can live in the will and holiness God calls us to. Paul’s instructions to the family are a charge that can be abused but needs to be understood in context. In verses 1-2 he challenges children to obey their parents for there was promise referenced in Deuteronomy 5 to live long if obedient to our parents as well. This was an exhortation to honor our mothers and fathers as we do it in the same light as the God who designed the home. This is also not disregarding the fact that our parents are sinful and broken people to...

  The Hospitality and Faith of a Godly Mother Bible Reading:  2 Kings 4:8-19 Key Verse:    .. “Say now to her, ‘See, you have taken all this trouble for us; what is to be done for you?... (2 Kings  4:13a ) DEVOTION During the transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36), Elijah appeared with Moses, underscoring his significance as the zealous prophet for the only true God, YHWEH, the God of Israel. God chose Prophet Elisha as his successor, granting him a double portion of Elijah’s spirit (2 Kings 2:9-14), manifested in 16 miracles, compared to Elijah’s eight miracles. The devotional passage (1 Kings 4:8-17) describes Elisha’s sixth miracle, the birth of a son to a wealthy, barren woman and her old husband. It also introduces Gehazi as the servant of Elisha—similar to Elisha serving Elijah—who played a key role in the miracle and Elisha’s ministry. The woman lived in Shunem—in the territory of Issachar, in the Northern Kingdom of Israel—an...