Reflections

  Sacred Labor and Social Justice  Bible Reading: Exodus 35: 1-13 Key Verse:  5 “From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering…” Exodus 35:5 DEVOTION There is more to life than what we see. The brokenness of this world; war, hunger, and poverty, can feel overwhelming. At times, it seems as though evil is prevailing and God is silent.  “Where are You God?” We may even ask, “God, do You really care?”  Yet God gently reminds us that He does.  Through Jesus Christ, He has revealed His heart to bring redemption, healing and hope.  The question is not whether God is at work, but whether we are willing to join Him. In Exodus 35, we see a powerful picture of partnership with God. As the Tabernacle was being built, one word stands out:  willing.  The Tabernacle stood as a testimony that when hearts are willing and hands are faithful, ordinary offerings become a dwelling place for th...

  Rooted and Grounded in Love Bible Reading:  Ephesians  3:14-19 Key Verse:  19 V 19 “The love of Christ that surpasses knowledge” DEVOTION Love is central to the Christian faith. In this passage, Paul is praying that we should be able to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.  Paul begins to pray that the Church will be “rooted and grounded in love”. Love is the foundation by which the Church stands. We should extend our love to Jews, Gentiles, men and women, young and old, black and white. The substance of what Paul prays falls into three requests: Paul’s first request is for strengthening with power. It begins with an affirmation of God’s ability to hear and answer our prayers. He prays for the power that will strengthen his faith, “so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith.” Such power comes from the Holy Spirit who dwells within our inner being.   Paul’s second prayer request is that we might somehow be able to grasp the exte...

  DRAWN WITH LOVING KINDNESS Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 31: 1-6 Key Verse:  2-3 “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you” (Jeremiah 31:2-3) DEVOTION From the very first page to the very last, the Bible reveals a single, persistent theme: the Father’s deep desire for those He created to walk in close relationship with Him. It has always been God’s intention for us to share in that kind of intimacy, to walk with Him, as Adam and Eve once did in the garden.  In today’s bible portion, Jeremiah’s message was a message of grace in the midst of judgement .Jeremiah 31:2-3 is so beautiful not only because it reveals the depth of the Father’s love toward us but also because it demonstrates God’s passion to draw us into His presence even as we suffer the consequences of our poor choices. When God...

  Everlasting love that restores the forsaken. Bible Reading:   Isaiah 54:1-10 Key Verse:   “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten” Joel 2:25  DEVOTION “Sing, O barren one.”  Sing?? Is God being serious? God wants me to sing in the face of loss, loneliness, and emptiness? When the years feel wasted away?  In this passage from Isaiah, the one who was forsaken is now called “beloved”. The one who was barren is commanded not to shrink back, but to open up and expand. Why? Because the future doesn’t have to be determined by the past, but by the promise of God!  “For a brief moment I forsook you… but with great compassion I will gather you.”  The contrast is wide…from a brief moment… to EVERLASTING love! What might’ve felt permanent was only momentary to God. What felt like abandonment was actually discipline within a covenant. God didn’t walk away. He was preparing a restoration that could not yet be seen.  ...

  Treasures in Jar of Clay Bible Reading:  2 Corinthians 4:7-15 Key Verse:  7 “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all- surpassing power is from God and not from us.” DEVOTION In the rich tapestry of Christian thought and life, few biblical verses resonate deeply as 1 Corinthians 4:7, where the apostle Paul poses profound questions:  “For who makes you different from anyone else?  What do you have that you did not receive?  And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”  Herein lies a challenge to our sense of self, our ego, our pride, and our perception of our spiritual accomplishments. In our Bible reading, Paul speaks of the trials and afflictions faced by believers in Christ.  He describes how, despite hardships, the message of Christ and the hope of the gospel shine brilliantly in the darkness of our struggles.  The key to understanding this intricate relationship between our fragile huma...

   Do not be afraid , I am with you  Bible Reading:  Acts 18:1-11 Key Verse:  9-10 " And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent,  for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” - Acts 18:9-10 DEVOTION In Acts 18:1–11, Paul arrives in Corinth and lives with Aquila and Priscilla, working as a tentmaker. Each Sabbath he reasons in the synagogue, but when opposition grows, he turns to the Gentiles. Many begin to believe, and in this moment—amid both resistance and new openness—the Lord speaks to Paul in a vision. In a vision at night, the Lord says, “Do not be afraid…for I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” These words are not just comfort; they are direction. God does not remove Paul from Corinth—He reassures him within it. The presence of God becomes Paul’s courage to...

  An Invitation to the Lord's Hospitality Bible Reading:   Luke 24:13-35 Key Verse:  30 When he was at table with them  he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. DEVOTION *Luke 24: 13-35* An Invitation to the Lord’s Hospitality Today’s gospel is about changing the path of two disciples going to Emmaus. It is an event of brokenness and restoration. The journey of Cleopas and companion from Jerusalem to Emmaus and back to Jerusalem is a journey that we often makes or repeats. We have a Jerusalem and an Emmaus within us. Both are the reality of our lives. Have we ever felt the need to escape from Jerusalem, which is our real life? Or do we feel that life is too complicated for us to handle? Have you ever felt like the world was turned upside down? Have expectations been dashed and disappointed? It is Easter morning, and the two disciples are leaving Jerusalem. Who can blame them? Jerusalem is a place of pain, sorrow, and loss. It is a place of...

  Do not be afraid , I am with you  Bible Reading:  Acts 18:1-11 Key Verse:  9-10 " And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent,  for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” - Acts 18:9-10 DEVOTION In Acts 18:1–11, Paul arrives in Corinth and lives with Aquila and Priscilla, working as a tentmaker. Each Sabbath he reasons in the synagogue, but when opposition grows, he turns to the Gentiles. Many begin to believe, and in this moment—amid both resistance and new openness—the Lord speaks to Paul in a vision. In a vision at night, the Lord says, “Do not be afraid…for I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” These words are not just comfort; they are direction. God does not remove Paul from Corinth—He reassures him within it. The presence of God becomes Paul’s courage to stay....

  The Devine Presence that Moves with Us  Bible Reading:  (Exodus 33: 12 -16) Key Verse:  14-16 “And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”  And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” Exodus 33:14-16. DEVOTION Moses knew the value of God’s presence.  Moses is pleading with God to go with them. God said that I will not go with you because you are stiff necked people, you will sin, and I will destroy you.  Moses is saying, Lord, we don’t want your blessings, what we want is your presence.  This is the prayer that unlocks heaven. When we value his presence more than his presents, it will transform everything. When we desire his face more than his favor, we will tap...

  EVERLASTING PRESENCE  Bible Reading:  Psalms 121 Key Verse:  4  “Behold He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” DEVOTION God called Abraham from the land or Ur and promised to bless him and his descendants. Thus God designed His plan of salvation for humankind at the right time through Jesus Christ in the earthly line of Abraham. Israel’s journey through the centuries was not a pleasing tale to God. However, because of His abounding love and His promise to Abraham, He did not allow Israel to be consumed. A remnant always survived the catastrophes of war, famine, pestilences and slavery. King David marks a pivotal point in Israel’s history. In addition to being the most successful King of Israel, he is also known as the “Sweet Psalmist of Israel.” He was able to bring Israel closer to God through his psalms. The history of Israel also presents psalms written by other musicians at various times. Psalm 121 is one such song written by an unknown...

  Presence on the Unfamiliar Road Bible Reading:  Exodus Chapter  13:17-22 Key Verse:  21 “By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and b y night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. (vs.21) DEVOTION Life often takes us down roads we did not plan or think of. The people of Israel had just been delivered from 430 years of slavery in Egypt under the leadership of Moses. Instead of leading them by the shortest route, God led them on an unfamiliar path. God’s path is not always the shortest. In verse 17 we read when Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might return to Egypt”. In our life too, the shortest is not the easiest path, but the path where God’s presence is felt and experienced, God shows His love in ways we may overlook or be unaware. As children of God...

  Fear Fades When Faith Fills. Bible Reading:  Isaiah 43 :1-7 Key Verse:  5 Fear not for  I am with you. DEVOTION In Book of Isaiah 43:1–7, God speaks tenderly yet powerfully to a people surrounded by fear, exile, and uncertainty. He does not promise a life without danger. Instead, He promises something far greater—His abiding presence. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned.” Notice the words when, not if. The Christian life is not free from rivers or fires. Faith does not remove trials; it redefines them. We do not walk alone. The Holy One of Israel walks with us. God reminds His people of their identity: “You are mine… you are precious in my sight.” In the midst of trouble, our worth is not diminished. Circumstances may shake us, but God’s covenant love remains unshaken. His promise is not escape from suffering, but deliverance through it. This passage assures us that no trouble—whether from the e...

  Breaking Bread in the midst of the Storm Bible Reading:  Acts 27:27-36 Key Verse:  35 :Acts 27:35 After he said this, Paul took bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all, broke it, and began to eat. (New Living Translation) DEVOTION Our Scripture Reading today is about very familiar passage in the Acts of the Apostles Chapter 27. Paul as Roman Citizen appeals to Ceaser for justice, and Apostle Paul is being transferred to Rome. During the journey , Apostle Paul and those accompanying him in the ship, gets caught in a storm in the sea. As we read the passage , we see that there is fear and pandemonium that has filled the ship. The ship crew was planning to escape leaving Paul and rest of the passengers in the ship  crash into the rocky coast.  Paul sensing the fear stood up and addressed those in the ship and told them all very boldly, that  none of them would lose their lives. Additionally Paul urged them to consume food as it has been severa...

  Come and Dine – The Invitation of the Risen Lord Bible Reading:  John 21:1–14 Key Verse:  17 Simon son of John ,"Do you love me " DEVOTION The passage in John 21:1–14 presents the account of the risen Jesus appearing to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee and guiding them to a miraculous catch of fish. While this is a literal miracle, it also serves as a deeper spiritual parable about how Christ continues to reveal Himself and guide His followers. The disciples had labored all night without success. In their weariness and discouragement, Jesus appeared—though they did not immediately recognize Him—and instructed them to cast their nets on the other side. Their obedience resulted in an abundant catch. This moment reflects a recurring truth in the Christian life: often, in seasons of darkness, confusion, or failure, Christ comes near and directs us toward fruitfulness. His voice may not always be immediately recognized, but His guidance is always purposeful. The pass...

  Bread for the Weary Journey Bible Reading: 1st King 19:1-8 Key Verse:  8  19:8 So, he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. DEVOTION 1st Kings chapter 19, we find the prophet Elijah fleeing for his life after an encounter with Queen Jezebel. Wearied and frightened, Elijah finds himself desolation, feeling completely isolated and abandoned. As he journeys through the barren landscape, his strength decline, and he collapses under a broom tree, desperate for rest and sustenance. In this desolate setting, with the boiling sun beating down on him, Elijah is at his lowest point. He was weary of his travels and discouraged by the threats to his life. It is in this moment of defenselessness that, Elijah experiences an insightful encounter with God’s provision and care. God sends an angel to minister to him, providing him with food and water, giving him the strength he needs ...

  The Shepherd who prepares the table Bible Reading: Psalm: 23 Key Verse:  5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (Psalm 23:5) DEVOTION Psalm 23rd is a well-known passage written by David, and it illustrates God as a caring Shepherd host, providing protection, provisions and comfort to his people. It emphasizes a personal relationship. In the beginning of Psalm 23:  we the representation of God as our Shepherd, and now in Psalm 23: 5 we see the representation of God as an attentive, and cordial host. Here in this portion, David is an honored guest and is his magnanimous, caring host and we too are the guest at God’s table. Here in the context of a table being prepared, it represents a banquet, showing God’s bountiful supply for His people, it is just like a host carefully sets a table with a feast, God assures that His children have all they need. It represents His faithfulness to meet our emotion...

  From Scarcity to Sufficiency Bible Reading: 2 Kings 4: 38-44 Key Verse:  41  Elisha said, “Get some flour.” He put it into the pot and said, “Serve it to the people to eat.” And there was nothing harmful in the pot. (2 Kings 4: 41). DEVOTION This scripture passage for today (2 Kings 4: 38-44 ) talks about two miracles during the time of Elisha – one where Elisha miraculous cleanses a poisoned stew with flour and the other where Elisha feeds a hundred men with just twenty loaves of barley bread. Elisha’s actions showcase the incredible ways in which God can work through individuals to meet the needs of many. God can take what is hurtful and make it something useful and he can also multiply what little we have and make it a blessing to many.  God expects us to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with him (Micah 6:8). We are called to be the flour that changes lives by our love, perseverance and using our god given abilities to make a difference in the ...