Reflections

  Fulfill Your Ministry with Patience  Bible Reading:    2 Timothy 4: 1 - 5 Key verse:  But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.    2 Timothy 4: 5 DEVOTION Though chain-bound and imprisoned, the unfettered mind of the ever -zealous Paul, firmly instructs Timothy on the pressing need to preach the Gospel at all times, even amidst oppressive and changing social and world scenarios. He forewarns Timothy, emphasising the necessity and gravity of the ministry, for which we will be held accountable to God, and can face dire consequences if not fulfilled, on Judgement Day. Truth, packed with empathy, must be sounded out aloud, amidst the deafening silence of rampant lies and falsehood. Every opportunity to share the Word and build up the church must be seized, across the fabric of existence, highlighting the timelessness of the God of the Gospel, who stands tall a...

  True Faith Shown by Justice” Bible Reading:   Jeremiah 7:1-7 Key verse: v5b "...deal with each other justly," DEVOTION 1.  Are Faith and Justice Intertwined? Yes, we are taught in the Bible that faith and justice are intertwined, and justice is fundamental in the sight of God. The Psalmist in Psalm 89:14 tells us, "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne." If justice is among the foundations of our God's throne, then God expects His children to be just in their ways—both toward Him and among themselves. Here, God is not referring to the legal justice of the world that humans created, but rather to divine traits of fairness in dealing with one another: compassion, righteousness (especially towards the foreign, weak, and oppressed), and protecting the innocent. Faith in God leads to an earnest desire for practicing justice. When our conscience— enabled by the Holy Spirit— tells us we were not just, that means we have lost harmony with God the...

  Live as God’s Children in Love Bible Reading:   1 John 3:1-12 Key verse: V3:1"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" DEVOTION As Marthomites, every Sunday we begin worship by calling God “Our Father in Heaven.” That’s not just a prayer—it’s our identity. John reminds us that being God’s children is the greatest privilege we can have. But this identity comes with a responsibility. John says those who live in sin do not truly know God (v.6). In the Mar Thoma liturgy, we confess, “We have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed.” Why do we confess every week? Because God’s children don’t stay comfortable in sin. We are called to repent, be renewed, and live differently from the world. John also warns us not to be like Cain, who was filled with jealousy and hatred (v.12). During our Holy Qurbana, before receiving Communion, we exchange the kiss of peace as a reminder to forgive and love on...

  Overcome Evil with Christ-Like Good Bible Reading:  Romans  12:19-21 Key verse:  “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 DEVOTION When we've been wronged, our natural inclination is often to seek revenge, defend our honor, or pursue our own form of justice. As Christians, how do we reconcile these very human desires with the biblical call to overcome evil with good? How do we genuinely embody Christ-like responses without denying or suppressing the fact of being wronged? The Bible provides powerful guidance and encouragement for navigating these challenging situations and standing firm in our faith: Letting go of the desire for revenge: Romans 12:19 says, "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." This verse is a profound reminder that when we entrust our situation to the One who sees and knows all, we release the heavy burden ...

  Endure  Hardship as  Christ’s  servant  Bible Reading:    2 Timothy 2:1-13    Key verse:     Vs 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they may too obtain salvation that is in Christ Jesus  DEVOTION Today’s devotion comes as Paul’s final letter to Timothy his son in faith where he summarizes the es depend on how one can entail elements for a faithful Christian ministry based on the good news of Jesus. First and foremost, Paul tells Timothy to find his strength in the grace of God. Christian relationship with God begins with grace and not with any sort of works. God freely gives salvation, forgiveness and indwelling of the holy spirit to everyone who believes in God. Paul is encouraging Timothy to find strength to weather the life’s storms by clinging to faith.  Secondly  a faithful ministry is built upon the inspired word of God, Timothy needs to hold fast the essential truths revealed...

  Sin and Bondage Bible Reading: St. John. 8:31-36 Key verse: Vs 36  So if the son sets you free you will be free indeed. DEVOTION Discipleship is a contested term of our time. It is a relationship which includes a leader and his/ her followers who share common ethics of life and teachings. One who follows Jesus’ life and teachings is his disciples. The ‘community of faith’ is called to abide in Jesus’ love and words. The followers are commanded by the master to love one another as Jesus has loved them. The read passage ( Joh. 8:31-36) elaborates the mission of Christian disciples to follow Jesus’ words. Jesus said that a true disciple abides in his word and comes to know the truth about Jesus, His Father and the world's bondage to sin.  Following the Word reveals the truth For John, sin is a form of power that can hold people in its grasp. It does not express human freedom but takes away human freedom. In the text Jesus tells a group of people in the temple ‘truth will m...

  Boldly preach despite opposition  Bible Reading:   Acts 28:17-30 Key verse: V31 "He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!" — Acts 28:31 DEVOTION The final chapter of Acts ends with almost an unresolved end to a story. There isn't a picture of a victorious Paul overcoming those opposing him. However we are presented with a faithful and persistent Paul, who though under house arrest in Rome, continues to preach the Gospel boldly. We are reminded that despite the circumstances being completely unfavorable, Paul remains faithful. By the time Paul arrived in Rome, he had every reason to be discouraged. He had gone through a lot including shipwrecks, beatings, false accusations, and imprisonment. Now arrested and awaiting trial, he could have easily chosen silence and surrender. Instead, Paul called the local Jewish leaders and reasoned with them from the Scriptures, pointing them to Jesus as the Mes...

  Discipline for Divine Purpose Bible Reading:  Daniel 1 :1-15 Key verse:  Daniel 1:8a "But Daniel resolved not to defile himself.. " DEVOTION Daniel 1 opens with a crisis: King Nebuchadnezzar besieges Jerusalem, and young Israelites including Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were taken into Babylonian captivity. These were promising young men, chosen for their intellect and appearance to be trained in the king’s service.  These men are taught Babylonian language and culture, even given new names. Despite pressure to conform to the Babylonian standards, Daniel resolves not to defile himself with the king’s rich food and wine. The king’s provisions were likely offered to idols and in conflict with Jewish dietary laws, and so presented a test. Instead of rebellion, Daniel chose respectful resistance, requesting permission to eat only vegetables and drink water. This was a bold step of discipline. The official feared the king’s wrath, but God granted Daniel favor....

  Greatness Through Serving Others Bible Reading: St. Mark 10: 35-45 Key verse: “…...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant. Whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all” DEVOTION In a world that often celebrates self-promotion, power, and individual achievement, Jesus' words in Mark 10 stand in stark contrast. His disciples had just been squabbling about who would sit at His right and left hand in glory—a clear indication of their desire for prominence. With profound wisdom, Jesus turns their worldly understanding of greatness on its head. He doesn't forbid the desire for greatness but reveals its true path: "if you want to become great, here's how." His answer is simple yet revolutionary: servanthood. To be great, according to Jesus, is not about being served, but about serving. It's not about being at the top of a hierarchy, but about being willing to humble yourself and meet the needs of others. The "first" ...

  Stand Firm On Gods Calling  Bible Reading:   Jeremiah 26:10-15  Key verse: Then Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people: “The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the things you have hear  Jeremiah 26: 12  DEVOTION In Jeremiah 26:10-15, we see Jeremiah boldly delivering God's message, even when it put his life at risk. He stood firm, committed to God's calling despite the pressure to stay silent. God’s call often requires obedience, not comfort, and may lead us into uncomfortable or difficult situations. Jeremiah’s faithfulness cost him dearly—he was labeled a traitor and faced death—but he did not shrink back. Standing firm on God’s calling may require standing against the culture and popular opinion. Yet, like Jeremiah, we must trust in God's protection. Jeremiah’s confidence was in God's sovereignty, surrendering to His plan, knowing that God would prevail. His message of repentance and obedience was clear: t...

  PROCLAIM CHRIST AMIDST PERSECUTION Bible Reading:  Acts of the Apostles chapter 8: 1 – 11 Key verse:   Those who had been scattered, preached the Word wherever they went (v.4). DEVOTION The chief purpose of Acts of the Apostles is to tell how the disciples of Jesus Christ, led by the Holy Spirit, proclaimed the Good News in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth in spite of the persecution of the Jerusalem church. Today we are meditating on the subject “Proclaim Christ amidst persecution”, based on Acts Chapter 8: 1-11. This passage highlights the following points: 1.  Believers Scattered but Not Silenced:  The Gospel Spreads Through Persecution (v 1 -4) Acts of the Apostles chapter 7 ends with the martyrdom of Stephen, who was stoned to death by the persecutors of Christian faith, with the approval of Saul (later St. Paul), who spearheaded the persecution of the faithful Christians (v. 3).  Following the martyrdom of Steph...

  Dying with Christ, Rising to Life  Bible Reading:  Romans 6:1-8     Key verse:    For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin  might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin. (Romans 6:6)    DEVOTION This passage from Romans 6 conveys a central theme in Christianity: grace and sanctification.  In the verses just before this, Paul teaches that grace is a gift, freely offered to all who believe in  Jesus Christ for salvation. But then he anticipates a question many, including us, might ask:  “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?” (Romans 6:1)   This moment confronts us with a deeper truth, salvation isn’t just about being forgiven, it’s about  being transformed. If we have truly placed our faith in Jesus, then our old, sinful self has been  crucified and buried with Him. Our pride, addictions, idolatry, and shame; everything that o...

  Ignition or Conclusion?  Bible Reading:   John 3:1-8     Key verse:   John 3:6 “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” DEVOTION Nicodemus, a teacher of Israel, came to Jesus by night, seeking deeper truth. Jesus  answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again”  (John 3:3). This rebirth, He explained, must be “of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5).   Baptism is often misunderstood as the final step in salvation. In some traditions, it is seen  as a ritual transaction. But Scripture teaches otherwise. Jesus Himself, though sinless, was  baptized in the Jordan not to repent, but to inaugurate His public ministry. As Matthew records,  “The heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove”  (Matthew 3:16). The Father’s voice affirmed, “This is my beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17), a  trinitarian manifestation. ...

  Baptized into a Life of Mission Bible Reading:  Acts 18:1–11 Key verse:  "Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you, for there are many in this city who are my people.” (Acts 18:9–10, NRSV)  DEVOTION Mission often begins in weakness — as it did for Paul in Corinth. Alone and likely discouraged, Paul arrived to face a city filled with idolatry and resistance. Yet in this unlikely place, God began to work through him. Paul found encouragement through fellow believers in Aquila and Priscilla, a couple who had also been displaced yet remained faithful. Together, they labored with their hands and hearts, weaving tents by day and planting the seeds of the gospel by night. This is the power of our baptism — it unites us to Christ and to one another in a shared mission. Like Paul, we are called to embody the good news in every corner of our lives. Our homes, workplaces, and relationships become spaces...

  Stepping into the Waters of Promise Bible Reading:  : Joshua 3:9-17 Key verse:  “When the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, come to rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan flowing from above shall be cut off; they shall stand in a single heap.” [Joshua 3:13 NRSV] DEVOTION In the book of Joshua, we witness the Israelites after journeying in the wilderness, the Lord placed Joshua in charge of taking His people to the promised land. Joshua reminds us to be set apart for God, to trust Him at His Word, and to know that He goes before us in the battle.  As believers, we are called to listen to the Word of the Lord and keep it in our hearts. In a world that is constantly changing, it can be challenging to find peace and stillness. However, God's Word has the power to transform us and make us peacemakers, as the Beatitudes call out. When we rest in the peace and presence of God's Word, we become a l...

  Cleansed by Mercy, Renewed by Spirit  Bible Reading:   Titus 3:3-8  Key verse:   "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:4-5, NIV). DEVOTION As I reflect on Paul's words to Titus, it strikes me how truly transformative our journey is—from spiritual darkness into God's glorious light. Paul doesn't mince words about our former selves, does he? He describes us as once "foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures" (v.3). It’s an honest, even stark, assessment of humanity's fallen condition, and it deeply resonates with the Mar Thoma Church's understanding of original sin and our profound need for God's intervention. We simply can't pull ourselves up by our bootstraps.  The incredible turning point isn't about our efforts; it’s entirely about God's generous initiative. That beautiful Greek wor...

  True Conversion begins in the Heart.   Bible Reading:  Acts 8:9-24 Key verse:  " You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God.”. (Acts  8:21 ) DEVOTION In this passage, we meet Simon, a man from Samaria who astonished the people with his sorcery, causing them to believe he possessed divine power. The Samaritans referred to him as “the Great Power of God” and followed him. When Philip arrived and preached the gospel of Jesus Christ, many including Simon, believed the message and were baptized. This shows that God's salvation is offered to non-Jewish community. Later, the apostles came to Samaria to pray for the new believers, so that they might receive the Holy Spirit. As Simon continued to follow Philip, he witnessed genuine miracles and observed the apostles imparting the Holy Spirit by laying on hands. Holy spirit was given to new believers because of God's grace. The Samarians opened their heart to receive God's gra...

  Christ, the model of ordained ministry"   Bible Reading:   1 Timothy  6:11-16    Key verse:   “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have  confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses”. (1 Timothy 6:12) DEVOTION Apostle Paul, while preparing his young protégé Timothy to be a new minister in the Church,  gave him a detailed set of instructions. Paul taught Timothy to be a public testimony of faith and  godliness and to flee from erroneous teaching and greed that can weaken his testimony and  ministry. More significantly, Paul commands Timothy to follow an exemplary testimony in his  ministry. One that is to be modeled after Jesus Christ himself, as He witnessed the “Good  Confession” in front of Pontius Pilate (v13).   In John 18:37 we read about that “Good confession” that Jesus testified to. Jesus states explicitly  to Pilat...

  Equipping the Saints: Building Up the Body of Christ Bible Reading:   Ephesians 4:7–16 Key Verse:  "From Christ the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."  — Ephesians 4:16  DEVOTION In Ephesians 4, the Apostle Paul presents a powerful vision of unity and maturity within the Body of Christ. His message to the early Church in Ephesus continues to be profoundly relevant for us today. Paul reminds us that building up the Church is not an individual task, but a collective responsibility. It is not about  him ,  her , or  me ; but  us , together, being equipped and formed as the Body of Christ to fulfill His commission in our present age. Verse 16 captures the heart of this mission: we grow and are built up in love  as each part does its work , supported and joined together through Christ. This growth is not dependent on our personal strengths or ab...

  Equipping the Saints: Building Up the Body of Christ Bible Reading:   Ephesians 4:7–16 Key Verse:  "From Christ the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."  — Ephesians 4:16  DEVOTION In Ephesians 4, the Apostle Paul presents a powerful vision of unity and maturity within the Body of Christ. His message to the early Church in Ephesus continues to be profoundly relevant for us today. Paul reminds us that building up the Church is not an individual task, but a collective responsibility. It is not about  him ,  her , or  me ; but  us , together, being equipped and formed as the Body of Christ to fulfill His commission in our present age. Verse 16 captures the heart of this mission: we grow and are built up in love  as each part does its work , supported and joined together through Christ. This growth is not dependent on our personal strengths or ab...

  Jesus Christ – Icon of Ordained Ministry  Bible Reading:   St. Matthew 9:35-37 Key verse:    The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few    ( St. Matt 9.37) DEVOTION We focus on today’s devotional from the Gospel of St. Matthew 9:35-37. We see Jesus at the  pinnacle of His Ministry on earth. Jesus is passing through all the towns and villages , teaching in the respective synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom and healing every diseases and sickness.  Jesus certainly  knows that His time on earth is limited and Jesus is drawing towards the end of the ministry. Jesus has commissioned the twelve disciples and empowered them to assist in the task of bringing more and more people to experience the joy of salvation. Jesus is, however  moved with compassion and perhaps hurt,  when Jesus saw a crowd of people still desperately seeking God but there was no one to reach out to them and bring them to God. The peo...