Reflections

  Sharing God’s Gift with Joy Bible Reading: : Malachi 3:6–10 Key verse :   10 “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house… and see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.” — Malachi 3:10 (NRSV) DEVOTION Malachi reminds God’s people that faithful giving is an act of worship rooted in gratitude. The call to bring the tithe was not merely about supporting the temple; it was about recognizing that everything belongs to God. Through this passage, God invites His people to trust Him wholeheartedly and to participate in His mission by sharing His gifts with joy. In the Mar Thoma tradition, stewardship is understood as a faithful response to God’s grace. We do not give to earn God’s favor; rather, we give because we have already received His abundant love and mercy through Christ. As the Apostle Paul teaches, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Joyful giving reflects a...

  The Day of Apostles St. Peter & St. Paul Bible Reading: :Matthew 20:25–28 Key verse :   20 "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave." (vv. 26–27) DEVOTION When we look at Christ, we see a leader who is completely different from the leaders of this world. Though He was the Son of God, He chose to be born in a manger. He lived as the son of a carpenter and associated with those whom society often overlooked - the poor, fishermen, and even those considered sinners, such as tax collectors. At the age of thirty-three, He died the death of a criminal on a cross. When false accusations were brought against Him, He did not open His mouth in defense. He endured mocking, spitting, beating, and persecution at the hands of His own creation, even though all authority in heaven and on earth belonged to Him. Christ deliberately chose a path that was completely different from what the w...

  Break the Chain: Finding Freedom from Addictions Bible Reading: :1st Peter 1: 13-25 Key verse :   1st Peter  1: 15-16  “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” DEVOTION When we hear the word "addiction," our minds immediately think of drugs or alcohol. However, addiction can be anything that takes control of our lives and leads us down a path of emptiness,   brokenness and misery. In 1 Peter 1:13–14, we are instructed to be alert and self-controlled, resisting the sinful desires of our former way of life. Our hearts and minds are to be fixed on the Lord. We read in verse 16, “for it is written: “Be Holy, because I am holy.”; therefore, we are called to live holy lives. Breaking free from unhealthy habits or addictions is rarely easy. Many people want to change but become discouraged because they don't know where to begin. Peter, however, doesn't simply tell us to be holy, - he ...

  Break the Chain: Finding Freedom from Addictions Bible Reading: : St. Mark 5:1-20 Key verse :   20 And he went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him and everyone marveled. DEVOTION Imagine the scene. A howling man. Sharp rocks. Cold tombs. Iron chains snapped like twigs. He was the town’s nightmare, a soul utterly marooned in his own private hell. This isn’t just a first-century horror story; it is the raw anatomy of addiction. During a recent mission initiative to “The Upper Room,” a ministry serving our homeless friends in the Philadelphia region, we met many individuals from deeply disturbing backgrounds. They were bound, isolated, and chained by the harsh realities of life. Yet, in that space, they found a community that helped them break the shackles of their enslavement. This modern struggle mirrors the Gerasene demoniac. He lived in a state of fractured shalom (peace)—the tragic anatomy of addiction. However, the God of the ...

  Break the Chain: Finding Freedom from Addictions Bible Reading: :Colossians 3:1-11 Key verse :   2 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” — Colossians 3:2 DEVOTION Addiction is a powerful chain that binds people physically, emotionally, and spiritually. While many associate addiction with drugs or alcohol, other forms of bondage include social media dependence, gaming, unhealthy relationships, anger, gossip, materialism, and habits that gradually gain control over our lives. What often begins as a simple desire or pastime becomes a chain that weakens our relationship with God, hinders spiritual growth, and damages our relationships with others. Colossians 3:1–11 provides a clear roadmap to freedom. In Colossians 3:2, Paul urges believers, “Set your minds on things above.” True freedom begins with a change in focus. When our minds are consumed by worldly pleasures and unhealthy desires, destructive habits can take root. However, when we intentionally fi...

  “Break the Chain: Finding freedom from Addictions”. Bible Reading: : Daniel 1:8-21 Key verse :   6 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.  DEVOTION Addiction is a chronic medical disease characterized by a compulsive, uncontrollable need to engage in habit-forming behavior or consume a substance. But this is not the only addiction haunting individuals now. The chain of addiction is destroying individuals and families. Also, we should not forget that anything that puts us under chain and taking our focus away from God is addiction. In that sense, it could be addiction to money, sex, social media, food, pornography etc. How can a person break up with the addiction he is in and reclaim his life?  In Daniel 1, Daniel and his three friends resolved not to defile themselves with the king's rich food and wine to avoid violating their religious dietary ...

  Breaking The Chain – Finding Freedom From Addiction  Bible Reading: :  1 Thess  5 :1-11 Key verse :   11   "Therefore Encourage One Another And Build Up One Another" 1 Thessalonians 5:11  DEVOTION In scriptures we have seen how Idol worship affected Jews in their relationship with God. Relying on manmade images of God versus remaining loyal to the true and living God provided wellness in prosperity or even during periods of hardship or afflictions. Addiction in the Bible documents gluttony and intoxication from excessive consumption. Paul teaches us that our bodies are part of the body of Christ.  ● Today, addiction can be from several other ways such as digital, chemical etc., We fall into a sin of addiction by being lured into certain sinful practices of the world and peer influence. How do we cure ourselves from this situation? Addiction implies that we have deviated from the light. Our body which is the temple of God has been defil...

  Finding Freedom from Addiction  Bible Reading: : Proverbs 23:19–35 Key verse :   26 "My son, give me your heart  And let your eyes delight in my ways." DEVOTION What is the meaning of addiction? Addiction can be defined as a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance or behavior. In today's world, addictions are many — substance abuse, excessive phone use, alcohol, pornography, and more. This Bible passage talks about the seductions of life, alcohol abuse, and the perils of it. Addictions can set themselves up as idols in our lives. Many family lives have been shattered by addictions, and families struggle when loved ones are caught up in them. One of the many reasons for homelessness in America is substance abuse. Verse 35 says, "...When will I wake up so I can find another drink?" Here, the author is warning that once started on this path, all thoughts will be consumed by the next drink. Every addiction first ...

  Break the Chain: Finding Freedom from Addictions  Bible Reading: : : Matthew 4: 1-11  Key verse :   10 Worship the  Lord your God and serve him only . DEVOTION Addiction is defined as repetitive behaviors, that with time, become mindless habits and reoccurring actions. When we think of the word addiction, we may think of alcohol or drugs but there are more addictions than that. There are worldly or social addictions, generational addictions, personal addictions, just to name a few, that can affect the well being of a person. The Bible says, “I can do all things through Jesus Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 Are we children of the world or children of God? First, honestly answer that. God will hold you accountable and remind you that you belong to Him and that He loves you tremendously! The Bible mentions miracles of chains breaking, believers in God receiving freedom, healing, restoration, forgiveness and God’s unfailing love. We break...

  Worship: In God’s presence, For God’s Purpose Bible Reading: : Philippians  2: 12-18 Key verse :: Phil.  2: 14-15 Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and deprived generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe… DEVOTION What is true worship?  It should be an honest and touching response to acknowledge the might and supremacy of God.  St. Paul, in his letter to Philippians, wants them to properly understand the living Christ.  He urges the believers to have a comprehensive knowledge of Jesus Christ as their savior.  Worship will enhance their faith in God through Jesus Christ.  It will definitely make them better persons.  True worship will help the worshiping community in fulfilling God’s wishes and intentions.  Implicit obedience is necessary on the part of the believers.  They should not complain or argue.  As a re...

    WORSHIP: IN GOD'S PRESENCE, FOR GOD'S PURPOSE Bible Reading: :    MARK: 12:28-34 Key verse :   34 And Jesus, seeing that he answered intelligently, said to him, You are not far from the “Kingdom of God”.  And no one  dared to question Him anymore. DEVOTION    In this passage, Jesus engages in  a profound  conversation about the greatest commandments, emphasizing love of   God and  the neighbor.  It also provides rich insights into worship, God's purpose, and devotion.  Here's a deeper exploration of how these elements – for God's purpose,  and God's presence  - interact in this passage.       IN GOD'S PRESENCE:   a)  Love the Lord: Jesus emphasizes the command to love the God with all heart, soul, mind and strength. This call to total devotion reflects an awareness of God's presence, encouraging believers to engage fully in their relationship with Him. b)...

  Worship: In God's Presence, For God's Purpose  Bible Reading: Acts 2:42-47  Key verse :   42 
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. DEVOTION Luke is unique among scripture writers as the only gentile contributor. Luke is also distinct in writing a two-volume sweeping history of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ (Gospel of Luke) and the Early Church (Book of Acts). Acts 2 is a pivotal chapter that records the birth of the Church—Jesus’s ekklesia—with the following sections: (i) The Coming of the Holy Spirit (v.1-13); (ii) Peter's Sermon at Pentecost (v.14-41); (iii) The Fellowship of the Believers (v.42-47). The devotional passage (Acts 2:42-47) is drawn from section (iii), depicting a special time in the life of the Early Church, on The Fellowship of Believers. The Church was born on the he Day of Pentecost, 50 days after Jesus’s resurrection, marked by a sudden sound like a "...

  Worship in God’s Presence for God’s Purpose Bible Reading: : Isaiah 6:  1-8 Key verse :   8 8. “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” (Isaiah 6:8) DEVOTION The vision of Isaiah in chapter 6 teaches us that true worship is not merely singing songs or attending religious gatherings. Genuine worship begins when we enter the presence of God and behold His holiness. Isaiah saw the Lord seated on His throne, high and exalted. The seraphim cried, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty." In the light of God's holiness, Isaiah became aware of his own sinfulness and cried out, "Woe to me! I am ruined!" Worship always leads us to humility and repentance. When we truly encounter God, we see ourselves as we really are. But God's presence is not meant to condemn us; it is meant to transform us. One of the seraphim touched Isaiah's lips with a burning coal and declared that his guilt...

  Worship in God’s Presence Bible Reading: :  Psalm 100 Key verse :   4  4. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name”. DEVOTION Psalm 100 is a joyful invitation to worship God with our whole hearts. The psalmist calls all people to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord,” reminding us that worship is not merely a religious duty but a celebration of who God is. When we come into God’s presence, we come before our Creator, Shepherd, and Savior. True worship begins with gratitude. The psalm encourages us to enter God’s gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Gratitude shifts our focus from our problems to God’s faithfulness. No matter what challenges we face, we can worship because God remains good, His love never fails, and His faithfulness continues through all generations. Worship also requires humility. Verse 3 reminds us, “Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His.”...

  Call and Commission to be Christ’s disciples Bible Reading:  Matthew 4:17–22 Key verse :   19 
 19. “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  DEVOTION When Jesus began His public ministry, His first message was simple yet powerful: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Verse 17). Immediately after proclaiming this message, He called ordinary fishermen, Peter, Andrew, James, and John to become His disciples. These men were not religious leaders or scholars. They were hardworking fishermen engaged in their daily routines. Yet Jesus saw in them the potentials to become instruments for God’s kingdom. His call was not merely an invitation to learn but a summons to a transformed life and a new purpose. In scripture, it says that they “immediately left their nets” and followed Him. Their obedience was prompt and wholehearted. They left behind security, familiar routines, and personal ambitions because they recognized the authority and worthine...

  Worship in God’s Presence for God’s Purpose Bible Reading: :  1st Chronicles 16:23-36 Key verse :   34   " Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His steadfast love endures forever"(1st Chronicles,  16:34 ) DEVOTION This verse is a universal call for all nations on earth to acknowledge His mighty presence. Everyday gives us a chance to reflect on God's grace. It is an expression of gratitude and a sharing of hope with fellow Christians. On a personal note, every single day begins with the words: " Thank you Lord Jesus for giving me one more day to live". This one-line prayer takes different turns and twists as the day progresses but the core theme remains the same: acknowledge, celebrate and adore the presence of the Almighty in one's life. It is a daily lifestyle of gratitude and a powerful catalyst for leading a Christian life in consonance with Christian ethics and values. A personal testimony here would not be out of place. An ailment t...

  Creation Speaks of God Bible Reading: :  Acts  14:11-18 Key verse :   15 “We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them." — Acts  14:15 DEVOTION When Paul and Barnabas healed the crippled man in Lystra, the people of Lystra were amazed.  They believed Paul and Barnabas were gods and prepared to offer sacrifices to them. Instead of accepting the praise, Paul and Barnabas were deeply distressed. They immediately pointed the crowd away from themselves and toward the living God, the Creator of heaven and earth. This moment exposes a truth about the human heart: We often seek visible heroes and celebrates people for remarkable achievements and are often slow to recognize the invisible hand of God. The Lystrans weren’t evil; they were simply spiritually misdirected. They saw power and assumed divini...

  Creation Speaks of God Bible Reading: : Luke 12:24-27 Key verse :   24   “…yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are…. “(Luke 12:24) DEVOTION Every day at a self-set time, four baby ducklings along with their mother Duck visits us in our back yard. All of them stand in a row, lifting their neck, quacks to let us know that they have come and they need something to eat. They wait patiently, persistently quacking till they get something. Once while looking at our ducklings, a question sparked inside me. “How do they get their food when I am not there?  Bible gives the absolute answer, “…yet God feeds them…”.  God added another answer to my same question, which I often take it for granted in my busy daily schedules, “it is not just the provisions that I have for you, but the value that I hold for you”.  Let us ask God persistently, wait patiently and thank Him unceasingly for the provisions of time, talents, money, strength and above al...

  Creation Speaks of God Bible Reading: :  Revelation 22:1-6 Key verse :   1 “And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God.” Revelation 22:1 DEVOTION The vision in Revelation 22 reveals the fullness of God’s restored creation. The river of life flowing from God’s throne symbolizes purity, life, and eternal hope. In this beautiful image, creation itself speaks of God’s sustaining presence and unending grace. God created the world with harmony and beauty, inviting humanity to live in fellowship with Him and care for His creation. However, sin has brought destruction and selfishness into the world. Even today, creation suffers because of human neglect. Yet God’s promise remains certain, He will renew all things. As followers of Christ, we are called to be caretakers of God’s creation. By living responsibly, protecting nature, and showing compassion toward others, we participate in God’s work of restoration. Eve...