Reflections

  Edification of the Church Bible Reading:  Psalm 100 Key verse :   4 "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."  Psalm 100:4  DEVOTION Psalm 100 is a joyful call for God's people to worship Him with gladness, gratitude, and wholehearted devotion. It reminds us that the church is not merely a building but a community of believers who are united in worship and service to the Lord. A church is edified when every believer actively participates in glorifying God and encouraging one another in faith. The psalm begins with the invitation, "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth." Joyful worship is contagious. When believers gather with sincere hearts and joyful spirits, they strengthen one another and create an atmosphere where God's presence is experienced. Our worship should never become a routine obligation but a grateful response to God's goodness. Verse 3 reminds us, "Know that the Lord i...

  Edification of the Church: From Fear to Faith Bible Reading:   Judges 6:7–24. Key verse :   12 "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." — Judges 6:12 DEVOTION The story of Gideon begins during one of the darkest periods in Israel's history. Because of their disobedience, the Israelites were oppressed by the Midianites for seven years. Fear dominated their lives. Gideon himself was hiding in a winepress, threshing wheat in secret to protect it from the enemy. Yet it was in this moment of weakness that God appeared to Gideon and called him a "mighty warrior." God did not see Gideon merely as he was; He saw him as he could become through divine grace and empowerment. Gideon felt inadequate, insignificant, and unqualified. However, God's response was simple: "I will be with you" (v.16). The church today often faces challenges that can create fear, discouragement, and uncertainty. Like Gideon, believers may feel too weak to make a difference. But the e...

  Edification of the Church Bible Reading:  Psalm 1 Key verse :   1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, DEVOTION Psalm 1, presents a beautiful picture of a life that is rooted in God. The psalmist declares, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord” (Psalm 1:1–2). Such a person is compared to a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season and prospering in all that God intends. The edification of the Church begins with the spiritual growth of individual believers. A church is strengthened when its members delight in God’s Word, meditate on it daily, and allow it to shape their thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Just as a healthy tree draws nourishment from deep roots, a healthy congregation draws strength from a deep relation...

  Ordained Ministry: Call to be sacrifice Bible Reading:   1 Peter 5:1-4 Key verse :   2 “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be.” (1 Peter 5:2)  DEVOTION The second week of July is observed as Clergy Sunday, when we thank God for the faithful service of our clergy. It is also a season when many young people enter the ordained ministry through ordination during July and August. This offers us an opportunity to reflect on the sacred calling of ministry, pray for those who have answered God’s call, and commit ourselves to being examples of faithfulness and encouragement to the clergy who serve our church. Ordained ministry is a divine calling, not merely a profession. Peter exhorts church leaders that they are entrusted with Christ’s flock and are called to shepherd God’s people willingly, selflessly, and faithfully. Like Jesus, the Good Shepard, every m...

  Ordained Ministry: Call to be sacrifice Bible Reading:  St. Mathew 20:20-28 Key verse :   27=28 "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:27-28) DEVOTION The request of James and John’s mother reveals the human desire for honor and position. Jesus teaches that greatness in God’s kingdom is not measured by status but by humble service and sacrifice. Ordained ministry is not a privilege of power but a calling to reflect Christ’s servant heart. D. A. Carson explains that Jesus transforms leadership by redefining authority as responsibility for others. The minister is called to serve God’s people with humility and love. Jesus asks the disciples about drinking His cup. R. T. France highlights that this cup represents participation in Christ’s suffering and mission. Ministry requires ...

  Ordained Ministry: Call to be sacrifice Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:7–16 Key verse :   7 "But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it." - Ephesians 4:7 DEVOTION The grace that ordains a minister is not a promotion to comfort, but a call to the cross. In the world, advancement means climbing higher. In the Kingdom, ordination means bending lower. Christ grants this grace not as a crown of status, but as a commitment to serve, inviting leaders to become living sacrifices so the faith community can flourish. Carrying the Heavy Load of Peace To build a church "joined and held together," a leader must lay personal ambition on the altar of unity. "Bearing with one another" means actively showing patience, love and care to the community. Sacrificial leaders willingly absorb misunderstandings, critics, and growing pains to protect Christ’s peace. They choose the well-being of the believers over personal preference. Weeping in Secret for Hi...

  Ordained Ministry: Call to be sacrifice Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 1:1–10 Key verse :   5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5 DEVOTION Jeremiah began his ministry during a difficult season in Judah's history. The nation was spiritually unfaithful, morally corrupt, and surrounded by powerful empires competing for dominance. In the midst of this uncertainty, God called Jeremiah and reminded him that His plan for Jeremiah's life had begun long before his birth. God had known him, set him apart, and prepared him for a specific purpose. Jeremiah's first response was not confidence but hesitation. He saw only his youth and lack of experience, believing he was unqualified for such an enormous responsibility. Yet God shifted Jeremiah's attention away from his limitations and toward His own sufficiency. The Lord promised to go with him wherever He sent him, to give...

  Ordained Ministry: Call to be sacrifice Bible Reading:  John 3:25-30 (KJV) Key verse :   30 “He must increase, but I must decrease” John 3:30 DEVOTION A priest’s life is marked by humility born out of a complete surrender to His will, following Jesus who “humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).   Just like John, all Christ’s ministers should acknowledge the pre-eminence and sovereignty of God. God prepared good works in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10), but none of us has any ability or gift to boast about because they are all given by God to equip us for His task (1 Corinthians 15: 10–11). Paul declared that he preached nothing but Christ, which is the fundamental duty of ordained ministry. By Jesus’ sacrifice we have entry into the royal priesthood of believers. We have become children of God, co-heirs with Christ. Irrespective of whether we consider ourselves a part of the priesthood of believers...

  Ordained Ministry: Call to be sacrifice Bible Reading:  Psalm 132 Key verse :   3-5 “I will not enter my house or go to my bed, I will allow no sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, till I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.” Pslam 132:3-5 1:5 DEVOTION The passage, Psalms 132, discusses David. David was the King of Israel. He lived in royal, vast, and beautiful palaces. We read in verses 3 and 4 that David declares he will neither enter his house nor sleep nor slumber. Why would David not want to enter, sleep, or slumber in his house? Because he longs for something more. In verse 5, we read, David will not rest till he “find[s] a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.” David wants a house for the Lord. In our homes, in the places we dwell, and in the places we visit frequently, is God present? Do we make space for God, welcome his presence, treat him as a royal guest? David brings up an important need for Chr...

  : Ordained Ministry : Call to be Sacrifice Bible Reading:  Exodus 29:1-9 Key verse :   9 And put headbands on them. Then tie sashes on Aaron and his sons. The priesthood is theirs by a lasting ordinance. In this way you shall ordain Aaron and his sons. ( Exodus 29.9, NLT) DEVOTION Our Scripture Reading today is important chapter in the Book of Exodus whereby we read the consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons as priests. This chapter not only provides the ritualistic instructions but also significance of priesthood and covenant relationship between God and Israelites.  I have selected Exodus 29.9  as the key scripture verse as these verses  focuses on the priesthood of Aaron and his sons. The priestly garments signifies the role  as mediators between God and the Israelites.  The garments also emphasize the holiness and dignity required for priesthood.  The anointing of oil sets apart Aaron and his sons to serve the sacred duty of ...

  Sharing God’s gift with glory Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 Key verse :   11  You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. ( 2 Cor  9:11  NLT) DEVOTION Our Scripture Reading today, is about how God  wants us to be cheerful givers and stewards of all the resources that God has placed at our disposal. The Scripture portion refers to agricultural metaphor of sowing seeds and reaping a rich harvest. God rewards generous givers and when we give as cheerful givers, we draw closer to understanding the selfless love and act of giving that Christ demonstrated at the cross on Calvary.  I have selected 2 Cor 9.11  as the key scripture verse , as these verses focuses on God’s economy of divine generosity. Our God who provides the seed to the Sower and bread for food will multiply and increase the fruits.   This short passage of scripture f...

  Sharing God’s Gift with Joy Bible Reading: St. Luke 16:19-31 Key verse :   31 He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead. ( St Luke 16:31, NLT) DEVOTION Our Scripture Reading today is from  familiar passage in the Gospel of St. Luke of the parable of Rich Man and Lazarus. As we read the passage we observe  two contrasting lifestyles of the wealthy man and the abject poverty of Lazarus. The wealthy man lives in the lap of luxury and pomp while poor Lazarus lives on the crumps of food that fall from the table of the wealthy man and having stray dogs lick his wounds. Now both men die and that is when we read about complete reversal in the situation of both men. We are offered a glimpse in what is in store for whom justice has been denied in this earthly life and the hope that awaits those who have been leading life of oppression and misery.  I have selected St. Luke 16.31 a...

  Sharing God’s Gift with Joy Bible Reading: St. Luke 16:19-31 Key verse :   31 He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead. ( St Luke 16:31, NLT) DEVOTION Our Scripture Reading today is from  familiar passage in the Gospel of St. Luke of the parable of Rich Man and Lazarus. As we read the passage we observe  two contrasting lifestyles of the wealthy man and the abject poverty of Lazarus. The wealthy man lives in the lap of luxury and pomp while poor Lazarus lives on the crumps of food that fall from the table of the wealthy man and having stray dogs lick his wounds. Now both men die and that is when we read about complete reversal in the situation of both men. We are offered a glimpse in what is in store for whom justice has been denied in this earthly life and the hope that awaits those who have been leading life of oppression and misery.  I have selected St. Luke 16.31 a...

  Lordship of Jesus Christ - St Thomas Day Bible Reading: John 20: 24 - 29 Key verse :   28 John 20:28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” DEVOTION Apostle Thomas helps us believe in Christ by giving us the most exalted personal testimony of Jesus’s deity: “My Lord and my God!” . In verse 27, after saying to the eleven, including Thomas, “Peace be with you,” Jesus says to Thomas directly, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Besides the grace of Jesus in giving Thomas more evidence than he deserved, two things are striking. The first and most obvious is the height to which Thomas soared in his believing. Nobody else in this Gospel said, “Jesus, you are my Lord and my God.” The greatest personal testimony spoken in this Gospel belongs to Thomas. Surely “my Lord” paired with “my God” does not mean a polite “sir” or a mere earthly “master.” Th...

  Sharing God’s gift with glory Bible Reading:  1 Timothy 6: 17 - 21 Key verse :   17 “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” 1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭17‬ ‭ DEVOTION In Paul’s letter to Timothy, instructions were given to guide rich believers in the early church to be good stewards of the wealth entrusted to them. There is a responsibility attached to the gift God gives us, to share with the needy. We will be held accountable for our stewardship. This passage handles the spiritual dangers of hoarding wealth; arrogance, reliance on wealth than God, hope in the temporal, condescending attitude towards the poor, our love for money becomes our idol etc…The Lord is not against acquiring wealth but our attitude towards it matters, we must not make it our idol, giving it priority more than the Giver. All the wea...

  Sharing God’s gift with Joy Bible Reading: :1 Chronicles 29:10-18 Key verse :  14 “Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” DEVOTION The historical context of this passage is Israel’s preparation for the construction of the Temple under Solomon, during the final days of David’s reign. It records David’s acknowledgement that God’s people can only give back what God has first given them, making it one of the Bible’s clearest expressions of stewardship, gratitude and worship. David gathered the leaders of Israel and encouraged them to contribute resources like gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and precious stones for the future temple. People responded to David’s request generously. Generosity begins with the leader as David did not just ask the people for donations, he gave sacrificially from his own personal wealth first. These demonstrate that true leaders inspire others by setting a proactive model. Giving should be joyful and willing...