Reflections

  The Ultimate Victory of God  Bible Reading: Revelation 21: 1-8 Key Verse “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4 DEVOTION In Revelation 21:1-8, we are given a vision of God’s ultimate victory and the fulfillment of His promise to make all things new. This passage reveals to us, the creation of a new heaven and a new earth, where the old order of brokenness and sin is replaced by eternal restoration and peace. The holy city, the New Jerusalem, descends from heaven as a bride beautifully adorned for her husband, signifying the union of God with His people. At the heart of this chapter is God’s desire to dwell among His people: “They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.” In this renewed creation, there will be no more death, grief, or pain. All sorrow will be replaced with joy, as God personally wipes away every tear. As...

  Pursuing Peace and Mutual Edification Bible Reading: Romans  14:17-23 Key Verse“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Romans 14:19  DEVOTION Grace and peace to you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As we dwell upon Romans 14, we can see how Paul stresses the need of ensuring that we lead ourselves to peace and building up each other in the love and grace of God. But Paul brings up a point in verse 17, where he mentions “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”. Paul is addressing a situation in the early church where some Christians had strong convictions about certain foods and practices while others did not, and he is pleading to the Christians in Rome to not judge each other, but prioritize unity and peace within the church over personal convictions. What this is essentially saying is that the kingdom of God is not about ...

  Celebrating God's faithfulness Bible Reading: Ezra  6:19-22 Key Verse : With joy they celebrated the festival of unleavened bread for seven days  for the Lord had made them joyful. Vs 22 DEVOTION  19 On the fourteenth day of the first month, the exiles celebrated the Passover. 20 The priests and Levites had purified themselves and were all ceremonially clean. The Levites slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for their relatives the priests and for themselves. 21 So the Israelites who had returned from the exile ate it, together with all who had separated themselves from the unclean practices of their Gentile neighbors in order to seek the LORD, the God of Israel. 22 For seven days they celebrated with joy the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because the LORD had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel. Celebrating for seven days continuously, in any sce...

  "Heart of Obedience and Love" Bible Reading: Deuteronomy  10: 12-20 Key Verse " To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. 15 Yet the Lord set his affection on your ancestors and loved them, and he chose you" (Duet  10:14-15 ) DEVOTION Let's take a moment to consider, what does God truly desire from you? Obedience? Reverence? Praise? No. The one thing he truly cares about is your love. God wants to build a relationship with you. Not the facade you show to your friends or family, but your true self. He doesn't want perfection, only surrender. Imagine, the creator of the universe, the one that made all things possible, wants to know you. He sees you for who you truly are. Despite your past mistakes, he still chooses you. God is waiting for us to open our hearts to him, but it's up to us to take that first step. He is a God of never-ending love that fights for the forgotten and he is calling you to d...

  “Putting off the old, putting on the new.” Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:17-24 Key Verse “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self…” Eph.4:22 DEVOTION  In Ephesians 4:17–24, Paul reminds us to leave behind our old habits and selfish ways, and to start living the new life Jesus offers us. Even though we grew up in Christian homes, we sometimes struggle with old mistakes and attitudes. Jesus continues to give us a fresh start, simply when we take the first step going towards him. He teaches us to live by His Word and fill our lives with intention. Kindness, patience, and humility are all a part of this. When we let go of our past and put on our new self, we show the love and grace that God has given us. Let’s encourage one another as we continue this journey of renewal. By choosing to live out our new life every day, we shine His light and love in our community.     PRAYER Heavenly Father, help us to leave behind our old way...

  Restructuring life for embracing kingdom of God Bible Reading:  1 Peter 2:1-10 Key Verse:   "As you come to Him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to Him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house..." (1 Peter 2:4-5, NIV)  DEVOTION Rejection is never easy. Whether it’s being left out, overlooked, or misunderstood, it can make you question your worth. But in this passage, Peter reminds us of a powerful truth—Jesus Himself was rejected. The world didn’t recognize His value, but God did. And in the same way, God sees your worth, no matter what others say. Peter describes believers as living stones, carefully placed by God to build something greater than ourselves. Our value isn’t based on status, popularity, or achievements, but on the fact that we are chosen by God. We belong. We are part of His plan. But being part of God’s house means change. Peter tells us to let go of things that weigh us down—bitt...

  Zacchaeus: A Life Transformed by Jesus Bible Reading:  Luke 19:1-10 Key Verse ”Jesus said to him, Salvation has come to this house because this man too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:9-10 DEVOTION At this time, Zacchaeus was a man whom many people looked down upon and shunned, especially by the Jews. However, on this particular day, Zacchaeus felt a strong curiosity about Jesus and climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Him. He cared not for the judgment of others but did whatever it took to see Jesus. Despite Zacchaeus' past, Jesus knew who he was and everything he had done, yet He welcomed him with open arms. When Jesus visited Zacchaeus’s house, a transformation occurred within him. Money was no longer his top priority. He proved this shift in perspective by giving half of his possessions to the poor, demonstrating his genuine repentance and desire to live righteously. As the passage concludes, Je...

  A New Heart: God’s Promise of Restoration Bible Reading:  Ezekiel 36:24-31 Key Verse“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezek. 36:26) DEVOTION Although we are more than a month into the New Year, it is never too late to talk about New Beginnings. Most of us are working on our resolutions. But they are only as strong as our willpower to fulfill them. This is when we turn to the promise of a new beginning, one which starts with a new heart and a renewed spirit; a powerful promise given to us from God to the people of Israel through the prophet Ezekiel, during their Babylonian exile. Ezekiel’s prophecy and God’s promise of restoration wasn’t given to strangers, rather, it was given to those who knew Him and had experienced His divine mercy countless times. Not only did God promise physical restoration but He also promised an internal transformation where He would change their h...

  Living in Hope of Christ’s Return  Bible Reading:  Titus  2:11-14   Key Verse: For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.  DEVOTION The grace of God is not just a gift of salvation; it is also a guide for holy living. As believers, we are called to turn away from sin and embrace righteousness, reflecting Christ’s love in our daily lives and rejecting worldly notions. Paul reminds us that we are to live self controlled and godly lives now on earth, and not just in eternity.  We live with not only the anticipation of Christ’s return, but a...

  Resurrection and Transformation Bible Reading:   1 Cor. 15:35-41 Key Verse:  "But someone will ask, ‘How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?’... The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor." 1 Corinthians 15:35, 41 (NIV) DEVOTION In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul addresses concerns about the resurrection, explaining that just as a seed transforms into something far greater, so will our bodies be changed when we are raised to eternal life. He uses nature to illustrate God’s creative power, showing how the sun, moon, and stars each have their own glory. In the same way, our earthly bodies are temporary, but our resurrected bodies will be glorious and eternal. This passage reminds us that just as God gives unique splendor to the celestial bodies, He has prepared something far greater for us beyond this life. Our struggles, weaknesses, and imperfections in our earthly bodies are n...

   From Slavery to Freedom in Christ Bible Reading:  Romans  6:19-23 Key Verse“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 6:23  DEVOTION In Romans  6:19-23  Paul uses the analogy of slavery to help us readers understand the main point in this passage. He tells us that we have a choice of two different masters to follow throughout our lives, one is sin and the other is righteousness. Paul also provides us with the consequences that come with following each master. When we are slaves of sin, we don’t gain anything but actions that we regret and lead to eternal death. This causes us to be in eternal sadness and not be able to reside with God in his holy kingdom. However, Paul reminds us that Jesus has a way out of that punishment. Jesus, our Lord and Savior died on the cross for our sins and brought us salvation. He freed us from our former master and desires that we become slaves of God so ...

  Experience the Fullness of God Bible Reading:  Ephesians  3:16-21 Key Verse “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” - Ephesians  3: 17-19 DEVOTION Ephesians 3 is all about the amazing plan God has for those who are not his kingdom, the Gentiles. While most of the Bible is centered on God’s teachings to the nation of Israel, this passage shows a glimpse into what he commands for those who are not, and those who are just beginning to learn about His almighty ways.  This excerpt is titled, “A Prayer for the Ephesians”. Paul writes this as a testament to God’s undying love for mankind. The New Testament widely shows the apostles bringing Jesus’ - God’s - teachings to those outside of the nation that has ...

  Abundant Life Through Kingdom of God Experience Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:4-15 Key Verse : For in him you have been enriched in every way with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge.” 1 Corinthians 1:5 DEVOTION Have we ever considered the abundance God has already poured into our lives? When we look at the blessings we have received from the Lord it is always provided in abundance because there is so much he has given us. As Paul starts his letter to the Corinthians, he greatly illustrates God’s grace and gifts, which forces us to recognize that abundant life starts with our experience with God now.  Paul highlights three major points when writing his letter… 1.  The Foundation of Abundant Life: Grace     Paul reveals that our foundation in Christ is created through the grace he has provided to us. This grace transforms us, and allows us to experience the richness of life in His kingdom. As seen through verse 5 it says “For in him you have b...

  The Living Water – Jesus' Invitation to Fulfillment Bible Reading:  John 4:4-15. Key Verse:  "But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." — John 4:14 (NIV) DEVOTION Introduction In John 4, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at the well and offers her "living water" that satisfies her eternally. This passage highlights His invitation to spiritual fulfillment and eternal life. 1. A Divine Encounter (John 4:7-9) Jesus intentionally meets the woman, breaking cultural and social barriers. God's grace meets us wherever we are, offering hope and transformation. 2. A Deeper Need (John  4:10-12 ) Jesus reveals the thirst of the soul that earthly things cannot quench. Only Christ, the source of living water, satisfies our spiritual hunger. 3. An Eternal Gift (John  4:13-15 ) The living water Jesus offers leads to eternal life and spiritual renewal. Accepting ...

  “The Peaceful Reign of the Messiah” Bible Reading:  Isaiah 11:1-9: Key Verse:  Isaiah vs7  The cow and the bear shall  graze; Their young ones shall lie down together. DEVOTION In Isaiah 11:1-9, the prophet Isaiah talks about a future leader who will come from the family of Jesse (the father of King David). This leader is the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Isaiah describes how Jesus will be filled with the Spirit of the Lord, giving Him wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge, and a deep respect for God. Unlike earthly kings who sometimes make unfair decisions, Jesus will judge fairly and with righteousness. He will not be influenced by what He sees or hears but will always do what is just and right. Isaiah also describes the kind of peace that Jesus will bring to the world. In His kingdom, there will be no violence or harm. Animals that are usually enemies will live together peacefully. Wolves and lambs, leopards and goats, lions and calves, a...

  Celebration of restoration  Bible Reading: Jonah Chapter 4  Key Verse:   10,11 But the LORD said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?  DEVOTION The Book of Jonah is God's sovereign plan to restore a city, which was destined to be destroyed, through the prophet Jonah. As we look around ,we feel that the world is on the brink of total destruction with all kinds of calamities . Are we able to see any sort of restoration in this situation? we often forget that our God is a God of restoration.   The people of Nineveh headed to the voice of Jonah and repented and God relented from destroying Nineveh. Today if we are alive, if the world is still existing, i...

  Redemption of all Bible Reading:  Jonah 3 Key Verse “When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.” Jonah‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬ DEVOTION  God sent prophet Jonah to the wicked and pagan city of Nineveh with a death threat. They were told by Jonah that if they did not repent, they would perish in forty days. From the king to the beggars in Nineveh, all sat in sackcloth, fasted and repented from their sins. They believed in God. The greatest revival of all times took place. Even in Israel there was never a national repentance, even when Jesus preached. When God saw the repentance of the people of Nineveh, he relented from bringing the disaster he had threatened. God is compassionate and long suffering. He does not want anyone to perish, but for all to repent and be saved. Father God wanted to redeem the whole world, that is why he sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. He l...

  Transformation:  Bible Reading:  Jonah: Chapter 2 Key Verse:  Jonah 2: 2  “In my distress I called to the Lord, and He answered me. From the depths of the grove I  called for help and you listened to my cry”.  DEVOTION The three day lent is also known as the lent to Ninevites. Because when Jonah went and  preached the word of God to the Ninevites, they repented and transformed their lives. Also Prophet Jonah while in the belly of the fish three days and three nights repented. The message of this lent  is God saves anybody who turns to Him in true repentance. This year the three day lent is from   February 9 – 12.  There is a theme for devotion in each day and the second day is about  transformation which I am focusing on. What is transformation? According to Cambridge English  dictionary it is a complete change in the appearance or character of something or someone, so that  thing or person is improves.   ...

  Running from God’s Call  Repentance Bible Reading: Jonah 1 Key Verse: "But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord." — Jonah 1:3   DEVOTION My parents always told me I was a rebellious child when I was younger. But in some ways, it reminds me of Jonah. His story begins with an act of rebellion against his father. God calls him to preach in Nineveh, but instead, Jonah runs in the opposite direction. He boards a ship to Tarshish, trying to escape God’s presence. But little does Jonah know, God pursues him—not to punish, but to restore. A great storm arises, and Jonah realizes that his disobedience has placed everyone on the ship in danger. In an act of reluctant surrender, he tells the sailors to throw him into the sea.   This chapter reminds us that running from God always leads to trouble, but His mercy calls us back. Jonah being thrown into the raging sea shows us the depths of repentance—acknowledging sin, turning away from it, and surrenderi...

  God's sublime creation Bible Reading:: St. Matthew: 6:26-40 Key Verse:  "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these."                                                                    Matt: 6:26-29 DEVOTION One of the most profound statements in the Bible appears in its very first verse, where God declares that He alone is the Creator of both "the heavens and the earth." Through His creative power, God brought forth life in countless varietie...

  Hope in the Midst of Suffering Bible Reading: Romans 8:19-25   Key Verse   “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." Romans 8:25 (NIV)   DEVOTION Suffering is an undeniable reality in our world. We experience pain, loss, and trials that test our faith. Yet, Paul reminds us in Romans 8:19-25 that creation itself groans under the weight of brokenness, eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Our suffering is not meaningless, rather it points to the hope of restoration in Christ.   Paul describes our hope as eagerness, comparing our struggles to the pains of childbirth. Just as a mother endures pain with the assurance of new life, we endure suffering with the hope of God’s ultimate renewal. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident trust in God's promises.   Christian hope is rooted in the resurrection of Christ. Because Jesus conquered sin and death, we are assured that suffering will not hav...

  HEALING IN FAITH Bible Reading: : John 9:1-7 Key Verse: ‘ John 9: 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.  DEVOTION Why do bad things happen? Pretty loaded question, don’t you say? Our natural deduction is so that we may learn to depend on Him. We live in a broken world, and people get broken because of the brokenness of sin. But God is not the one breaking, He is the one healing. Jesus plainly rejects the notion that if you are sick or disabled, then it’s because you have some sin in your life or you don’t have enough faith. You are disabled because God purposes to show the power of His works in you. What an honorable privilege that now becomes for you. Believe you are chosen to be afflicted so God could display His works in you. When the Lord decided for that something to happen, he is already planned a purpose for that something. All of us, in essence, have some form of disab...

  Christ’s Blood that Cleanses and Redeems  Bible Reading: Hebrews  9:11-14 Key Verse:    Hebrews 9:14 - “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! DEVOTION Hebrews 9 begins with a description of worship in the Old Testament, where the high priest enters the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement, bringing the blood of sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people. This sacrificial system, while significant, was temporary and could only cleanse the outward actions of the people. The sacrifices of goats and bulls were never meant to fully purify the heart. They were a shadow pointing to a greater reality—Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest, who entered not an earthly tabernacle but the heavenly one, offering His own blood as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is...