Reflections

  Creation Groans: Awaiting Redemption Bible Reading: Romans 8:18–22 Key Verse: Romans 8:22: “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.   DEVOTION There’s a deep groaning beneath the surface of life—a sound we don’t always have words for. It’s in the tears that fall behind closed doors, the weight in the chest that won’t lift, the silent scream of a body or mind pushed beyond its limits. Paul captures this ache in Romans 8:22: “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” But this groaning isn’t just in the earthquakes and storms—it’s in us. We are part of that groaning creation. Every physical ailment, every psychological burden, every financial hardship, every sleepless night spent wrestling with fear—all of it points to the truth that something in us is still longing, still waiting. Some among us are hurting deeply. Some are on the edge ...

  Holy Spirit, Renew Us" Bible Reading: John 16:7-13 Key verse: “I will send the Advocate to you… He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:7,13)   DEVOTION Today, we celebrate Pentecost—the fiery fulfillment of God’s ancient promise. Long ago, Joel prophesied that God’s Spirit would be poured out on all people (Joel 2:28), and Jesus assured us the Holy Spirit would dwell within us as our Helper and Guide. This same Spirit, who empowered the disciples to preach boldly (Acts 2:1-21), is alive in us today. Pentecost was first a harvest festival, thanking God for Earth’s bounty and also the remembrance of getting the Laws through Moses.  For us Christians, it marks the Holy Spirit’s arrival or inauguration of the Church, renewing hearts and empowering us to live as Christ’s witnesses. As we also observe Environment Sunday, we remember the Spirit’s call to steward God’s creation. Just as the first Pentecost brought unity and purpose, the Holy Spirit today invites us to...

  Bearing the fruit of Pentecost Bible Reading:   Galatians 5:16-26 Key verse: Galatians 5:25 - “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”   DEVOTION The book of Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul to a group of churches in the region of Galatia who were struggling with legalism and the temptation to return to the Old Covenant law as a means of righteousness. Paul passionately defends the gospel of grace, reminding the believers that salvation and spiritual growth come not through works of the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. His letter is a call to freedom—freedom from sin, from legalism, and from the flesh. Galatians 5:16–26 contrasts two opposing forces at work in every believer: the flesh and the Spirit. Paul reminds us that though we have been set free in Christ, there remains a daily battle within us. Our old nature—the flesh—still tries to exert control. But through the Holy Spirit, given to...

  The Outpouring of the Spirit: Birth of the Church Bible Reading: Acts 2:1-21  Key Verse: "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people." (Acts  2:17 )   DEVOTION The day of Pentecost marked the birth of the Church. Acts 2:1-21 reveals the Holy Spirit's powerful outpouring and the diverse human responses to God's power. Understanding this narrative deepens our appreciation for our spiritual heritage. Today’s reading offers us the opportunity to learn the attitudes of different characters involved. The Disciples: They showed sincere obedience and unity, waiting eagerly as Jesus commanded. When a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came and tongues of fire appeared, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Their surrender teaches us that spiritual breakthrough often follows faithful obedience. The God-fearing Jews: Attracted by the sound, these Jews who were visiting Jerusale...

  The promise of the Holy Spirit: Empowering all people Bible Reading:   Joel 2: 28-32 Key Verse:  And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the Lord has said, even among the survivors whom the Lord calls. (Joel 2: 32)   DEVOTION Most of us have verses from the Bible that are associated with something in our childhood. Verses that just remain with us because we either learnt in Sunday School or heard a good sermon around it that resonated with us. Growing up, I often heard the verse 28 here and 1st Timothy 4: 12 (Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity) commonly used as the theme for Youth Sunday. For some reason this verse always remained associated with young people. Though it is correct about how the Holy Spirit would enable young men to see visions, when we read from ...

  “The heavens declare the glory of God" Bible Reading:   Psalm 19:1–6 Key verse:    “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.” — Psalm 19:1–2   DEVOTION Psalm 19:1–6 is a powerful testimony to the way creation reflects the majesty of its Creator. Through vivid poetic language, David invites us to consider that the heavens are not mute—they are proclaiming the glory of God with every sunrise, every star, every cloud. This “speech” is not heard with human ears, yet its message is unmistakable. It transcends language and culture, reaching “to the ends of the world” (v. 4). The sun is pictured as a bridegroom filled with joy and a champion running a race. Its journey across the sky is steady and strong, warming the earth and reminding us of God’s faithful, life-sustaining presence in our lives. Though this is not a saving revelation, it is a divine ...

  The garden of creation: God’s care for the earth Bible Reading: Genesis 2: 4 - 9 Genesis 2: 5 – 6 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. But the   DEVOTION When I was moving to a new rental place, I called my friends to help me with the move. One of my friends volunteered to bring his brand-new white pickup truck to help transport my belongings. When we were offloading one of the items, I lost my balance, and it left a very small, albeit noticeable scratch on his truck. While I apologized profusely, I could see that my friend’s heart sank as this was a deeply valued possession.  If only we could see this earth and everything in it the same way? The scripture portion today reminds us that God created the world. Even when there were no rains, He has made every plant and herb grow by providing mist from th...

  THE DEPTH OF GRACE: HUMBLING OURSELVES IN WORSHIP Bible Reading:   Romans 11:33-36 Key verse:   Verse: 33., Oh, depths of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How un searchable are His judgements and untraceable His ways!   DEVOTION   Theologians share the belief that this passage is the best doxology in scripture.  It has to be understood in the context that Paul is praising God after expounding the wondrous truths from much of this letter.  Apostle Paul spoke about the justification through faith, God's mercy and grace on the Jews as well as Gentiles,  and about the depth of His riches. Riches of God refers to Grace and mercy, His wonderful kindness to give eternal life to all who will call on his name.   Key truths to reflect upon are: THE DEPTH OF GOD'S WISDOM :    Paul gives us a reminder that God's understanding surpasses human comprehension.  In our lives,  We often encounter situations that are beyond our ...