Reflections

  Education That Leads to Divine Truths Bible portion:  St. John 14:5-14 Key Verse:   Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (St. John 14:6)    Devotion In this passage, Jesus proclaims, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." This statement stresses that Jesus is not simply coaching us on the right path; rather, He is the path in our life. When Jesus uses the term "Truth," He is referring to the ultimate, unchanging reality that can only be found in Him. The word "Life" tells us about an eternal and abundant life bestowed through Christ, offering us hope and fulfillment. Friends, this passage teaches us that when we learn it is not just about cultivating knowledge but about aligning our learning with Jesus, the unwavering source of hope, strength and eternal life. All we learn is in and through Christ and should guide us along the path that leads to the ultimate reality ...

  Education That Leads to Divine Truths Bible portion:  Romans 11:33-36 Key Verse:  “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” (Romans 11:34)    Devotion Our world and our community place a significant emphasis on secular education. We are driven to learn, to gain knowledge, and to understand the world. But have we ever paused to ponder the underlying reason for our passionate pursuit of worldly education? Is it solely for employment, financial gain, or success? Or is it to bring God glory?   St. Paul presented an effective difference in our pursuit of education to the Roman church; he talks about the  profound depth  of God's wisdom and knowledge. At its core, it reminds us that no matter how much we learn or how many degrees we accumulate, our positions hold, there exists a higher truth that surpasses all human knowledge.    St. Paul's question, 'Who has known the mind of the Lord?' is a humbling reminder that...

  EDUCATION THAT LEADS TO DIVINE TRUTHS Bible portion:   Proverbs 4: 1-11 Key Verse; Vs 7     Wisdom is supreme: therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have get  understanding. Devotion The proverbial  portion has three lessons – the duty, content and the confidence of good parenting. King Solomon in all his wisdom wish to apply all these three lessons through this  passage.  As parents we must be able to teach, we must teach right things, we must  do it confidently.  Can we  speak as boldly and virtously as Solomon about all the instructions, we  have for our children. As mothers and fathers  we are not exempted from this privilege and duty           Graduating from high school or getting a   college degree are important for the contemporary world, but does not impress God, nor does it help children in their relationship with the wisdom  - which is the fear of the Lo...

  EDUCATION THAT LEADS TO DIVINE TRUTH Bible portion:  1 Corinthians 1:18-25 Key Verse : V 19  For it is written, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.’ Devotion Education is a very important tool that helps to shape us. We try to gather information and use it to help us formulate opinions and make decisions. This passage contrasts wisdom as the world sees it and wisdom  that  comes from above .Paul talks about two groups of people, one seeking signs, and the other wisdom. However the wisdom  that they seek appears to be the wisdom of the world. The divine wisdom of the proclamation of a crucified Christ is "foolishness to the Gentiles" .  Who could really blame them? At first glance, why would the followers of any belief system, walk around proclaiming the death of the leader? Yet it is through the foolishness of this very proclamation, that God decided to “save those who believe”. This concept ru...

  Education that leads to Divine truth Bible portion:  Provers 1 :1-10 Key Verse; Vs 7  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom  but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Devotion King Solomon renowned for his wisdom wrote the book of Proverbs and all throughout this book he gives lots of insights and sayings to provide wisdom, understanding, fear of God, Divine truths and instructions for a Godly living and how-to acquire real knowledge. The knowledge of this world we acquire must align with God’s righteousness, justice and fairness. Without fear of God our education can lead to pride, selfishness and a wrong sense of self sufficiency. Education is the key to successful life career. Through this great book of proverbs King Solomon says that true wisdom and education go beyond intellectual growth and a worldly career advancement. A proper education that leads divine truth is rooted in the fear of the Lord. But we live In a world that often denies Godly wisdom...

  Theological Education for Faith Nourishment Bible portion:  1st. Corinthians  4:14-16 Key Verse:  Therefore I urge you to imitate me. 1st Corinthians 4:16 Devotion In his first letter to the Corinthian church, the Apostle Paul addresses divisions, moral issues, and erroneous teachings. The purpose of his exhortation, which aims to correct these issues, is clearly articulated in his concluding words. This passage offers several insights into the mode of theological education: Relationship as the Foundation of Teaching : Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church is not one of a teacher-student dynamic but rather that of a parent-child relationship. As their spiritual father, Paul’s exhortations stem from the deep bond he shares with them, having brought them the gospel and guided them to faith. His corrections are given in a loving yet firm manner, not to shame or blame the Corinthians, but to realign them with their faith. Teaching from a place of love inherent...

  Nourishing Theological Reflections from Experiences          Bible Portion :St. Mathew  13:18-23 “But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (St. Matthew 13:23) Devotion This parable known as the Parable of the Sower could be more accurately described as the Parable of the Soils. The farmer scattered his seed, which fell on four types of soil. Interestingly enough, the seeds that fell on different soils produced various results determined by the nature of the soil on which the seeds fell. We see that the parable is a true representation of the varied ways in which people respond to the message of the gospel.  The seed symbolizes the Word of God, Jesus Christ is the Sower, and the field is the heart of the people. The Sower sowed the same quality and variety of seeds; however, the fruitfulness of the seeds...

  Nourishing Theological Reflections from Experiences Bible portion:  2 Timothy  3:10-17 "...continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it" 2nd Timothy 3:14 Devotion This passage underscores the value of fostering our theological reflections based on our experiences in the journey of faith.  Paul writes to Timothy, encouraging him to remain steadfast in his faith and continue in the teachings he has received. Paul begins by reminding Timothy of his own life—his teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, and the persecutions he has faced. Paul’s life serves as a living testimony of faith in action. He invites Timothy to reflect on these experiences as a source of his personal theological insight. Our experiences, especially those involving trials, can deepen our understanding of God’s character and His ways in our lives. Paul warns that anyone who desires to live a godly life will fac...

  Nourishing Theological Reflections from Experiences             Bible Portion :Hebrews 12:6-13 Key Verse  “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” — Hebrews 12:6 (ESV) Devotion In our Christian journey, we face trials that can leave us questioning God's love and presence, wondering, “Does God even care?” I remember the first time I left home. Raised in Bahrain, a tiny island in the Middle East, I was sheltered by my parents and never lacked anything. After high school, I ventured into a new country, facing mosquito bites, no air-conditioning, and constant rain due to cyclones. Two months in, I called my mom and told her I was done and wanted to come home. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that the Lord's discipline is a sign of His love and acceptance. Just as a loving parent corrects their child, our Heavenly Father disciplines us for our ultimate good, aiming to cultivate righteousness and peace in ...

  Nourishing Theological Reflections from Experiences Bible portion:  Deuteronomy 6:3-12 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. -Deuteronomy 6:7 Devotion According to John Macquarie the renowned theologian “Experience is one of the formative factors of any theological exploration”. Deuteronomy is Moses’s lengthy sermon before they enter the promised land. It reaffirms the need to adhere to the law, the commandment. To protect the integrity of moral and spiritual life certain life principles are essential when we move forward, progressing as a community.  Passing Of Faith To The Next Generation The cultivation of faith is obviously primarily God's work but it is also our duty as well.  If we fail in it, faith fades away. This is what we see in many countries like Egypt and Turkey where faith was once very vibrant.The individualism of our culture sometimes prevent us f...

  Nourishing Theological Reflections from Experiences                 Bible Portion :Acts 28:23-28 Key Verse  “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” -Acts 28:28 Devotion After Paul’s conversion, he was all set to spread the gospel everywhere he went. In the beginning of Acts 28, we see Paul arriving miraculously on the island of Malta after being in a shipwreck. Though the ship was wrecked, he was able to save the people on the ship. Later, he also became a source of healing and salvation for many on that island. His strong faith in Jesus helped the land to believe in Jesus. After Malta, he set sail to Rome where he was received with a lot of love. There were many who wanted to know about Jesus. Nevertheless, there were some Jews in the city who would not accept what Paul said. They disagreed among themselves and with Paul and left from where Paul was speaking. T...

  Nourishing Theological Reflections from Experiences Bible portion: Judges 6:12-24 “The Lord turned to Him and said, Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” Judges 6:14 Devotion The angel of the Lord appears to Gideon, while he was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites. Angel even calls him a "mighty warrior" despite his fears and doubts. God’s presence in our fears  The appearance of angel shows that God meets us in our fears and doubts, and His presence can transform our perspectives. God's presence is not limited by our emotions or circumstances. He can appear in our lives when we least expect it, to strengthen and encourage us. Sometimes the same God appears when we want it most, in an unexpected manner. 2.     God’s willingness to strengthen our faith  Gideon like many of us, wrestles with God's call, expressed his doubts and uncertainties. He asked, if God is really with the...

     Reformation Based on the Values of the Kingdom of God.  Bible portion:  Romans 4: 1-8 Verse 5: “But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness”. Devotion Throughout this passage, Paul is using the example of Abraham to illustrate the foundations behind the Christian faith. God’s goodness does not merely come from our works or achievements but rather through a relationship built upon well-fortified faith. Abraham trusted God’s promise in the midst of what seemed impossible or in the most difficult circumstances. In verse 3, it states, “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3). This verse explores Abraham’s righteousness, which was due to his faith in God, not his own deeds and obedience to the law. This sets a precedent for believers that God’s righteousness is a gift, received through faith. As Paul describes in verses 4 and 5, if we were justified by only our...

      Reformation based on the values of the kingdom of God                     Bible Portion :Matthew 23:23-28 (N K J V) Key Verse  Vs 23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.   Devotion In this passage, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and teachers of the law for their hypocrisy. They were meticulous in following religious rituals, like tithing even the smallest spices, but neglected the deeper, more significant aspects of God’s law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Jesus’ words serve as a powerful reminder that true reformation is not just about external observance but about an inner transformation that aligns with the values of God’s kingdom.  Reformation and Kingdom Values 1.  Justice:  The...

  Reformation based on the values of the kingdom of God  Bible portion:1 John  2: 13-17 Vs 17: The world and its desires pass away ,but whoever does the will of God lives forever Devotion The heart of the Christian faith is the Kingdom of God, a realm not of this world but within us.  Luke  17: 20-21  Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” some other versions say in the midst of you.  Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of God in different contexts and described using metaphors. The  important elements of a kingdom are the King and subjects.  Everyone who accepted the invitation of Jesus or whoever accepted Jesus as their King belongs to this kingdom, the Kingdom of God. God has sent Jesus for this purpose Luke 4:43  but He said to the...

     Reformation based on the values of the kingdom of God Bible portion:  Ezra 3 : 8-13 Key Verse : Ezra 3:8 “In the second month of the second year after their arrival at the house of God in Jerusalem, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Joshua son of Jozadak and the rest of the people (the priests and the Levites and all who had returned from the captivity to Jerusalem) began the work. They appointed Levites twenty years old and older to supervise the building of the house of the Lord.” Ezra‬ ‭3‬:‭8 Devotion Judah disobeyed God, worshipped other gods and displeased Him. God disciplined them by allowing the Babylonians to capture them and carry them to Babylon as captives. The Babylonians crushed the pride of Judah, by destroying the temple of Jerusalem and the walls of the city. The exiled Jews in Babylon built synagogues to worship God but did not have animal sacrifices as they had in Jerusalem. After seventy years of exile, when the Medio-Persians captured Babylon, Cyr...

  Reformation based on the values of the kingdom of GOD Path to Humility  Bible portion: Micah 6: 6-8  ” What does the Lord require of you ? “Micah 6:8  Devotion   Many times we comment on others for their humility . This reminds of a joke about a leader who was given an award for humility ,because he accepted the award ,it was taken back the following week.  Micah 6:6-8 describes a full description of three main attributes of God - Love, Mercy and Humility . This is a three fold standard mandate God expects from every human being. All three are inter bonded, and can not be expressed separately . Justice without mercy and humility turns us to self righteousness. Mercy without justice and humility turns us selfish . Humility without justice and mercy turns us to in effective .”With what shall I come before the Lord “ (V:6) This is a question for all people of every age . The conventional Lord is also the transsendent God. Micah is exposing an attitude t...

  Freedom: Gift from God   Bible portion: James  2:10-13 “...because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been  merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." (James 2:13)   Devotion "Ever felt the pressure of keeping up with life's rules? It's like juggling countless balls, hoping  none drop. James reminds us: missing one ball means dropping them all. Whether it's a  forgotten assignment or a lapse in kindness, every slip matters. Just as God's law demands  wholeness, our actions shape our integrity. Consider this: skipping one school assignment  impacts your grade, just as ignoring a friend's call affects a relationship. Similarly, the law of  God is holistic and is a unified whole--not for us to cherry-pick or de-prioritize. Keeping one part  of it while ignoring another is not true obedience. Yet James offers hope beyond perfectionism.  He calls us to a law of freedom, a gift from God. He also stresses the i...

  Freedom - A Gift from God   Bible portion: St. John 8:31-36 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)   Devotion In our world today, the desire for freedom is universal. Yet, true freedom comes with responsibility. It's not  merely about living life according to our own desires; rather, it involves being released from all the  entanglements and bondages that the world can impose. Bondage, in a spiritual or moral sense, often  refers to being trapped or controlled by negative forces or behaviors that limit one's freedom. This can  include addictions, fear, bitterness, greed, toxic relationships, or sinful behavior. These are the chains that  can bind us, keeping us from experiencing the fullness of life that God intends.   Consider the illustration of a beautiful bird that has been kept in a cage for years. The cage symbolizes  the constraints and limitations placed on the bird, much like how sin can bind ...

  Freedom: Gift from God   Bible portion:2 Corinthians 3:1-6  2 Corinthians 3: 4-5 Such confidence we have through Christ before God.  Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God Devotion In this context, Apostle Paul is referring to professional ministry. He talks about recommendations through this passage. How does recommendations play a pivotal role on professional ministry? Let’s see some recommendations from the Bible. Acts  18: 27 says When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. Romans 16:1 says “With this letter I’m introducing Phoebe to you. She is our sister in the Christian faith and a deacon of the church in the city of Cenchrea.  Through the theme passage, Paul gives a direct recommendation from Christ for the people of Corinthians....

  Freedom: Gift from God Bible portion :Isaiah 61:1-3 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor – Isaiah 61: 1-2a Devotion Isaiah 61 describes the compassionate ministry of the Messiah. He will bring Good News to the poor. The anointed Messiah will lift up the lowly through God’s Word. He will set the captives free, restore sight to the blind, and liberate the oppressed and downtrodden. "The year of the Lord’s favor" refers to the year of Jubilee as outlined in the law of Moses. This special year occurred every 50th year. At this time slaves were freed, debts were forgiven, and ancestral lands were restored to their original owners. Everything that was wrong would be set right.  At the start of Jesus’s ministry, he read the same passage at a s...

  Freedom: Gift from God Bible portion: Romans 6:17-29 Romans 6: 23  – For the Wages of sin is death, but the Gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord Devotion As we read the Letter of Paul to the Romans, we see Paul is addressing the Roman church by introducing himself as an apostle called by God to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul has not visited Rome yet and is eager to visit Rome and share his message. In his letter Paul talks about the issue of human sinfulness and ensuing the wrath of God upon all who are ungodly and unrighteous. In this chapter, Paul uses the example of death and resurrection to explain the believer’s relationship with sin. Though all are born in sin, Paul explains that Christians through baptism, we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. And as Christ died for sin and was raised to new life, Christian believers are by his Grace given the freedom to not continue to sin. This is because baptism means death of the old lif...

  Freedom : Gift from God Bible portion: Galatians 5 :1-6 Galatians 5: 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Devotion “Ryan, help me with loading the dish washer and you can go out to play”, “Samantha, finish your studies for the day and I can take you to a movie” These and similar words are what many of us grew up hearing and possibly continue to use to negotiate with our kids. All through our lives in this world our rewards and remunerations are tied to our actions, and we are constantly reminded that unless we do the “works”, we can’t expect the “reward” and  unless we behave in a  certain way, there will be consequences.  While rules and regulations in this world are important for safe and healthy living while we are in this world, let us look at what the Bible teaches us about rules in our relationship with Christ. Our focus for today is the Book of Galatia...

   Freedom: God's Precious Gift Bible portion:   Exod. 3:7-12 Devotion The scorching Egyptian sun beat down mercilessly on the backs of the Israelites. The crack of whips, the clinking of chains, and the groans of the oppressed filled the air. Can you feel the weight of their bondage? Can you hear their cries? In the scorching heat of Egypt, the Israelites' cries echoed under oppression. God, seeing their suffering, chose an unlikely hero - Moses, a shepherd with a troubled past. At the burning bush, God declared, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering" (Exodus 3:7). This moment reveals God's heart for freedom. He doesn't just observe our struggles; He intimately knows our pain and acts. God's call to Moses demonstrates that our past doesn't disqualify us from His purpose. When Moses doubted, asking, "Who am I that I should go to Ph...