Reflections

  Faith that heals, Trusting Jesus in our weakness Bible Reading: Isaiah 58: 6-7 Key Verse:    Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen ? to loose the chains of injustice.. DEVOTION From a very young age we are taught the importance of prayer. We are taught to often pray on matters that we feel unable to tackle. But in Isaiah 58 verses 6-7, God calls for not only prayers and fasting but actions that supplement our prayers and fasting. The passage talks about how we need to complement our religious activities with charitable acts that are caring and compassionate. Mostly, we tend to think that our prayers are more than enough but God is saying we need to follow up with action as well.  While prayers help, it is our acts of compassion that completes our faith in Jesus. This concept truly stands out in the story of the friends who brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus. While these friends upheld their paralyzed friend in their prayers, they also broke t...

  Holding fast to the promise of Christ’s return Bible Reading:Revelation 3: 8-11   Key Verse: “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” Revelation 3:11    DEVOTION In this passage, Jesus speaks to the church in Philadelphia, one of the seven churches addressed in Revelation. This church in Philadelphia is unique among the seven churches because it is the only second church that is not rebuked. It is a message of encouragement and hope for a faithful group of believers who, though small and weary, have steadfastly remained loyal to His name. In a situation where it was tough to stand as Christians, they were standing firm. They were faithful to God’s Word and faithful to Christ’s name. Christ begins by acknowledging their deeds and faithfulness despite their limited strength. He assures them that He has opened a door for them—an opportunity for ministry or a blessing—that no one can shut. This door represents access to God’...

  Do good and keep the faith Bible Reading:   Galatians 6: 6 -10   Vs 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ DEVOTION The above scripture is a powerful passage that delves into the profound connection between faith and action. It emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects our Christian beliefs through consistent acts of kindness and service and teaches us to love God our neighbors as ourselves. It challenges us to live out our faith not just in words, but in the everyday choices and actions that shape our lives. It highlights the principle of sowing and reaping, emphasizing that our choices have consequences. If we indulge in worldly desires, we will reap corruption. However, if we align our lives with God's will through love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, we will reap eternal life. Furthermore, Paul’s letter to Galatians encourages perseverance in doing go...

  SERVING AND LOVING ONE ANOTHER WITH DEVOTION Bible Reading: Romans 12: 6-13   Key Verse:    V11. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord. DEVOTION  Paul's exhortation to people in Rome, to the use gifts,  God has  granted to individual  members of the church, to serve the community  and glorifying God. The idea is related in the ancient Greek  for spiritual gifts  which means a gift of grace. Spiritual gifts are given at the discretion of the holy spirit.  It is not given according to the merit, but God chooses to give them as needed.  Having given the gifts of grace, let us use them among brethren.  Those who get gift of prophecy, keep prophesying  in proportion to the faith, gift of ministry - let them use them in ministering, he who teaches in teaching, he who exhorts in exhortation, he who gives can give with liberality,  he who leads may do it with diligence, and...

   THE HOPE OF CHRIST IN OUR HEARTS Bible Reading:   1Peter:3 14-18 Key Verse:    V15  But in your hearts set apart Christ as lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who ask you to give the reason for the hope that you  have. DEVOTION      Here we see Apostle Peter's exhortation to the believers to make an inner commitment to Christ.  Then they will not be confused when called to defend their faith, but will be ready to answer  the defenders  your faith. Peter stated that Christians are sometimes called to suffer for doing good, but it is God's will. It is good to remember that this is exactly what our Lord did for us. This is a concise summary of what happened when Jesus died on the cross.  So the apostle continues to encourage believers to be zealous in obeying the Lord even if it looks weird to others who are non believers.  Even if  you suffer for doing what is right, remember ...

  The Life of a Christian in Public Place. (Christian Witness in the Public Sphere)   Key Verse:     “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ… Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:2-6 DEVOTION  Paul briefly explained the life of a Christian in the world.  As Christians, we are called to be light and salt in the world, reflecting the love and truth of Christ in every space we occupy—workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, and even in casual interactions. Colossians 4:2-6 reminds us of the importance of prayer, wisdom, and grace in our public witness.     ‘Mission in Market plac’ is the title of a book written by our Late Chrysostom Valiya Metropolo...

  Living A Life of Transformation Bible Reading:   St.Luke.3:7-14 DEVOTION Today’s reading is a call for transformation. The context is that John the Baptist came to prepare the way for the Lord. He exhorted the people who came to be baptized by him as a sign of repentance. The lifestyle of the Kingdom of God is that of repentance and transformation. So he demands to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. Otherwise they have to face the wrath of God. Then the people asked what should we do then. This question is very important to a faithful believer. In our text for meditation, three types of people came to John the Baptist and asked him what we have to do to lead a  life of Transformation .  He challenged them what to do. Let us focus our attention to the advice of John. A sharing life is necessary: The first group who came to John were the crowd. They represent the ordinary people of the society. He said to them, the man  with two tunics should share w...

Justice and Righteousness Over Ritual  Bible Reading:  (Amos 5:18-27)    Key Verse:    Vs 24 . But let justice run down like water. And righteousness like a mighty stream DEVOTION In Amos 5:18-27, God addresses the people of Israel who long for the "Day of the Lord," mistakenly  believing it will bring them blessing and vindication. Instead, God rebukes their superficial worship and  ritualistic sacrifices, declaring that He despises their offerings because their hearts are far from Him. The  Israelites were observing religious practices while neglecting justice and righteousness, which are the  true expressions of God's will.  This passage reminds us that God values the condition of our hearts and the way we live over mere  outward displays of religion. Worship becomes meaningless when it is disconnected from a life that  reflects God's character. Justice—treating others fairly and standing against oppression—and ...

  Living with a heart of gratitude Bible Reading:   1 Timothy 6: 3 – 8   Key Verse:    “Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.  But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content (1 Timothy 6 : 6 – 8).” DEVOTION Paul’s first letter to Timothy is a warning against false teachings in the church.  It contains instructions about church administration and worship.  It also advises how one can be a good servant of Jesus Christ.  Today we are meditating on the subject “Living with a heart of gratitude” based on 1 Timothy 6: 3-8.  These six verses can be broadly categorized into two groups of people witnessing opposite views in life as follows:- Contentment in life not found: Verses 6: 3 -5 speaks about those people who do not find  contentment in life.  St. Paul   describes people here as false teachers, who...

  NEED FOR HUMILITY IN LEADERSHIP Bible Reading:  1 Kings 12:1-7   Key Verse:    V 7  They answered him, “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants for ever.” DEVOTION Quite often, we favor leaders who display confidence bordering on arrogance as effective leaders. We ascribe this to toughness and effectiveness. However, this seems very contradictory to the type of leadership we see promoted in scripture as exemplary. We are all most familiar with the teaching of Jesus Christ regarding leadership. “It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26). We also see the example Jesus sets for his disciples as he washes their feet (John 13:1-16). ...

  Faith in Action: Living out our beliefs.  Bible Reading:   James  2: 14-16     Key Verse:    James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? DEVOTION The book of James is written by Jesus's brother and a leader of the Jerusalem church to the First century Jewish Christians residing in Gentile communities outside Palestine. The entire book shows concern for this persecuted community, which was once a part of the Jerusalem church. James tries to challenge the hypocritical practices and teach the right Christian attitude while living life here on earth.   When we read only the key verse for today, we might stop and wonder, “Is James saying that we need to have deeds to be saved?”. Well, definitely not ... Salvation is received by believing in the finished work of our Christ on the Cross. We have been redeemed from our sins by believing that Jesus died on...

    STANDING FIRM IN THE SAME MIND AND JUDGEMENT Bible Reading:  1 CORINTHIANS  1 :10-13 Key Verse:     Vs 10: Now I plead with you, brethren by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you will speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement. DEVOTION Paul appropriately advises the church in Corinth to be united. Vs 10 is the key verse of his first letter to Corinthians. if Corinthians can pay heed to Paul's call for unity, his mission will  be a success. Paul says Christ is not divided as the Corinthian community is and hence choosing sides is totally inappropriate and not in tune with Christ’s teaching. Unity in Christ is only possible of we make Christ as our central theme of our life. When we give importance to human leaders, Church traditions, or church constitutions that are made for the smooth operation and administration of the church, d...

Ecumenical Sunday  Unity: GOD’S Wholesome Design for True Restoration of HIS Image: The Highest Order of Creation  Bible Reading:   Col. 3:9-17 (NIRV)    Key Verse:    Verse 14: And above all these things put on love which is the bond of perfectness. DEVOTION You have gotten rid of your old way of life and its habits. You have started living a new life. Your knowledge of how that life should have the Creator’s likeness is being made new.   Let the message about Christ live among you like a rich treasure. Teach one another by singing psalms and hymns and songs from the Spirit. Do everything you say or do in the name of the Lord Jesus.  Over all these good things put on love. Love holds them all together perfectly.  Colossians 3 NIRV - Teachings About Holy Living - You have - Bible Gateway Paul beautifully encapsulates the tug-of-war between our human nature--the sinful flesh, and the Unification that a HOLY SPIRIT-filled life br...

  Church: To be United in Christ Bible Reading:  St. John  17:13-23   Key Verse:   “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me, and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (St. John  17:20-21  NRSV) DEVOTION In John  17:13-23 , Jesus offers a prayer that reveals His heart for His disciples and the future church. His prayer emphasizes the importance of unity—not as a superficial bond, but as a reflection of God’s character and mission. This unity is essential for the church to thrive and to fulfill its calling as a witness to the world. Jesus prays for His disciples to have His joy “made full” in them, despite the hostility they will face in the world (v. 13). This joy is rooted in their identity as those set apart by the truth of God’s Word. In verse 17, Jesus prays, “Sanctif...

  Unified people: The promise of God's kingdom Bible Reading:   Zechariah  8:18-23   Key Verse:    This is what the Lord Almighty says: “The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore, love truth and peace.” (Zechariah 8:18) DEVOTION The nation of Judah rebelled against God and were attacked, looted, destroyed and taken captives by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.  The four fasts commemorate the four disasters that fell on Jerusalem during the siege which is recorded in Jeremiah 52. Zechariah chapter 8 depicts the willingness of our Lord God to dwell in Jerusalem thus making it the Faithful City where once again the elderly men and women will sit together in the streets with young boys and girls playing there.  God in His mercy, on a condition, declares to save His people, bring them back from captivity to Jerusalem and remain faithful and a righteous...

  Embracing Our Diversity in Unity Bible Reading: 1 Corinthian  12:12-21   Key Verse:     “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.”  – 1 Corinthians 12:12 DEVOTION Imagine your body trying to function without your eyes, ears, hands or feet. It wouldn’t work very well, would it? Each part of your body has a special purpose, and together, they make your body whole. Paul, the Apostle, reminds us that the church which is Christ’s body works the same way. We are all different, and that’s something to celebrate! Some of us are like hands, doing work to help others. Some are like feet, carrying God’s love wherever we go. Others might be like eyes, seeing the needs that others might miss. No matter what our role is, each of us is important, and we need one another to function as God intended. Sometimes, we might feel like what we do isn’t as important as what others do. But Paul teaches us that ev...

  The Beauty of Unity: Living in Harmony Bible Reading: : Psalms 133  Key Verse:     How good and pleasant it is when Gods people live together in unity! Psalms 133:1  DEVOTION Knowing Jesus Christ as our Savior and to live as a God’s child is the most prestigious virtue we have achieved in our lives. As a Christian, you don’t get to choose whether you are going to be part of the family of God. You already are. So, the only question remaining is how will you live as part of the family of God? Will you live in unity? Or in division? In this Psalms, David emphasizes brethren's dwelling together in unity, not only not quarreling, and devouring one another, but delighting in each other with mutual endearments, and promoting each other's welfare with mutual services.  David had in mind the relationship that God’s people have with one another, not with the world around them. First, living together in unity is both good and pleasant.  The next part ...

  House of prayer for all: Embracing God's invitation Bible Reading:  Isaiah 56:5-8   Key Verse:    Verse 5 – ‘Even to them I will give in My house and within My walls a place and a name better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off.’ DEVOTION  When we look at the passage above it whole heartily agrees with the theme for today’s devotion which is ‘House of prayer for all: Embracing God’s Invitation’. We see from this passage that God never forces anyone to join Him or be part of His Kingdom, but instead sends us an open invitation. This shows how much God loves us and gives us free will to choose God’s way or our way. We know if we choose our way it is destined to hell and being cut off from God eternally, while on the other hand if we choose God then we have a place in His home (Heaven) and given the right to be called His sons and daughters. This is not just a regular invitation to a few people...

  Rejoicing in Peace: Finding strength through prayer Bible Reading: Philippians 4:4-7   Key Verse:   “Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. DEVOTION Only a few final exams stood between me and summer break, and with it the opportunity to see my grandparents in Kerala. But suddenly, a call dashed all those hopes. My grandmother had unexpectedly passed away, just a few days before we were to be reunited after 2 years. Finals were more challenging to get through, and a reunion was replaced by a funeral.  Whether it be a personal life-changing cancer diagnosis, losing a dear loved one, loss of a job, broken family relationships, coming to a realizati...