Who Rules our Kingdon?

The other day I saw a homeless man in the corner of a building. He had opened an umbrella in one corner behind which he kept his belongings and lived. He had built a kingdom of sorts for himself, a private corner. 

Human beings have always believed in building kingdoms for themselves. It could be a micro kingdom (like the homeless persons) or a small, medium or large kingdom. A place where we build ourselves and rule.

The question is who rules our kingdom? Does pride, selfishness and rebellion rule or does God rule.

"And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth. [9] He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD." - Genesis 10:8-9 KJV

One of the most fascinating figures in ancient biblical history, is Nimrod, the mighty hunter. Referred to in this passage as "a mighty hunter before the LORD," it seemed to look like a positive description. But upon closer study of his character, we can find that Nimrod used his strength not to honor God, but rather defy Him. In fact, his name means "to rebel" in Hebrew and many evidences even point to Nimrod as the one leading the building of the Tower of Babel. 

He was not just an exceptional hunter of animals but a tyrant king who sought to make a name for himself, build his own kingdom, and establish wicked cities like Babel. In his pride and arrogance, he led people to rebel against God, instead of leading them to worship and submit to God. 

Like Nimrod, often, we let our pride and ambition rule over our hearts, and we try to elevate ourselves above God, unconciously maybe, whether we are aware of it or not. Greatness apart from God leads only to destruction.

We may build our private little kingdoms; there is nothing wrong with that. It could be businesses, organizations or simply our homes. We may build wealth; nothing wrong with that either - but: as long as God is the ruler and we are the stewards, because He created it. 

We call ourselves Christians, after the name of Christ, so we should imitate the character of Christ; He humbled Himself and taught others humility and submission to God. 

Arrow Prayer

Lord Jesus, teach us your way and let us not seek to build our own private kingdom for ourselves, but let God lead it and be a part of God's kingdom and His righteousness. We need your Holy Spirit to help us. 

The Elephant in the Room

You have surely heard or used the idiom- "the elephant in the room". The surprising thing is that it actually applies to each one of us as well. Let us see how. 

Let us go beyond the idiom and talk about a real elephant. The kind that you see in a circus or a zoo. Have you ever wondered, with its size and strength, why does the elephant not rebel? Do you think that the chain on its foot can really stop it? And when there is actually no chain it still does not run away? No way. That elephant, weighing 6000 pounds, which can uproot massive trees, is much too strong for a mere chain.

The reason it does not break the chain is habit.

When the elephant is born or is very young, the trainer of handler puts a chain around its foot, tight enough to feel but not hurt. The chain is attached to a deep stake so the little elephant cannot break free since it's not strong enough. Yet. It does try, every which way and direction but the chain holds firm. Over time, the chain becomes its habit, and the calf is convinced it cannot break free. That habit continues even when the elephant is fully grown and can actually break free. Yet, now, it does not try.

We are like that. We have been chained by sinful habits for so long that we have quit trying to break free. The habits are the chains Satan has provided us to keep us bound to him. So how do we break free?

Hebrews 12 provides us the way and the source of the strength we need to break free, when our own strength and resolve fail.

2 verses clearly show us the way - 

John 8:36:"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

Psalm 107:14:"He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains."

Believers are therefore called to walk in the freedom that Christ purchased and resist sliding back into old habits because He is the way.

How do we do it? First identify what needs to change. There is a guidebook called the Bible which can help us do that. Or simply ask yourself, does my habit please God?

Second, ask for His help. He will send the Holy Spirit to be our helper. So, invite the holy spirit into your life.

Third - don't try to churn the ocean. Break one link of the chain at a time. Progress maybe slow, may even take years but start today.

Along with this identify one positive action from the Bible every day and do it. Do not leave your empty spaces to be refilled by Satan, but fill them with what pleases God.

Did I please God Today?

Do we ever think about what God wants from us instead of what we want from God? 

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (KJV)

Philippians 2:5

Any working professional, teacher, government servant, businessman or woman, etc will be familiar with the concept of a review. You have a task, you perform it and then a review happens to see how you progressed. Then there are organizations which do not manage through checking progress but simply by objectives being met or not.

As a Christian also, our job description is set: love our God, respect and honour him, tend to the world He created for us and tend to the people around us. While the old Testament gives us transactional duties, Jesus has given us the objectives of our life.

But no one reviews us! It is left to us to check our own progress in our Christian life. But do we? How can we progress if we don't measure it?

It would be a good idea to ask ourself every morning - did I do anything to please God yesterday? And What did I do to please myself? The answers to these two questions may shock you!

It is not enough to have faith alone. Faith manifests in action. And faith in action not only pleases God but also brings a sense of peace in our own lives. Faith in action helps us to believe in God's provision - like Abraham. Or do we constantly worry about the future and try to control every aspect of our lives?

So let's ask ourselves did I practise my faith? - did I thank God for His mercies on me today / yesterday? Did I pray for someone who is having a hard time? Did I visit some who is sick? Did I feed a hungry person? Did I create peace and love or did I destroy? Did I forgive a perceived wrong or did I revel in its gloom? Did I create something in God's world or did I destroy? Did I hear His voice, or did I hear the noise around me? Did I judge someone to feel good? That's an ocean of thoughts.

Two simple questions to ourselves will churn that ocean: What did I do to please God today? And what did I do to please myself?

Arrow Prayer

Lord, I pray that the mind that was in Christ Jesus may dwell in me richly so that I may act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before You, all the days of my life. This I ask in Jesus' name.

Amen 

Monday Reset: Bloom Where You are Planted

Stop waiting for your next season—or a "perfect" opportunity—to start living and serving. God calls you to put down deep roots, step into His work right where you are, and bring His peace to the people around you today.

"Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce... Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."

— Jeremiah 29:5, 7

We live in a culture consumed by the next horizon. We constantly look forward to:

o The next promotion or career milestone

o The next season of life or ideal neighborhood

o A future moment when circumstances finally feel comfortable and predictable

It is easy to put spiritual growth, deep relationships, or meaningful service on hold while waiting for "real life" to begin. Too often, we make excuses when called upon for God’s work, convincing ourselves that we will serve Him more faithfully when our schedule clears, our finances stabilize, or our environment improves.

When the Jewish people were exiled to Babylon, they found themselves in a location they did not choose, under conditions they did not want. Many expected a fast return to Jerusalem and paused their lives, waiting for things to get back on track before engaging in spiritual or community life.

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God sent unexpected instructions: Stop waiting for the season to change before you do God's work. He called them to build, plant, settle down, and actively contribute to the flourishing of their temporary home.

This directive is as valid today as it was then. 

To bloom where you are planted does not mean ignoring difficulty. It means recognizing that God has a mission for you in your present circumstances. Your current assignment—whether a busy office, a quiet home, or an uncertain transition—is the primary ground where God wants to work through you.

Today, identify one area where you have been holding back from serving or stepping up because you were waiting for "better timing." What is one small step of obedience you can take today? 

Arrow Prayer

Lord God, thank You for holding my seasons in Your hands. Forgive me for the times I have wished away today while longing for tomorrow or made excuses instead of doing Your work right where You have placed me. Grant me the grace to be fully present today. 

Amen.

Sabbath Prayers: The God who Heals

                                         

You are the God who heals, and we rest in Your promise: “For I am the Lord who heals you.”
— Exodus 15:26

Heavenly Father,

As we enter this Sabbath, we come to You seeking Your healing touch. For every person carrying pain in body, mind, or spirit, let Your restoring presence draw near. Speak peace where there is fear, strength where there is weakness, and comfort where there is sorrow. we pray today very specially for Haleen, Laurika and Lisa for you to grant them grace and strength to see you near them and experience your comfort. . we pray for Jen for her continued improvement and we thank you for the mercy of healing you have provided Samira and Nina and Joan. We ask for your continuous protection and strength and complete healing beyond the cure. You are the God who heals, and we rest in Your promise: “For I am the Lord who heals you.” — Exodus 15:26

On this Sabbath, we lift our world before You.

Where there is conflict, bring peace.

Where there is sickness, bring healing.

Where there is hunger, bring provision.

Where there is fear, bring Your calming presence.

We bring seniors who battle the cold and the heat.

We ask for continued healing for Esther—for healthy acceleration of growth, strength, and complete protection as she continues her journey out of the NICU.

Strengthen leaders with wisdom, protect the vulnerable, and comfort those who are grieving. Let Your mercy flow across every land and Your light break through every darkness.

Unite us in compassion, teach us to love one another, and let Your peace rest upon every home, every nation, and every heart.

Let this Sabbath be a shelter of hope, a breath of renewal, and a reminder that Your compassion never fails. Surround the sick with Your love, guide those who care for them, and let Your light break through every shadow.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Please join us every week in our Sabbath Prayer for the week. We request your support in adopting prayer points for people mentioned, in your own prayers this week and become vessels of His healing.

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The Chalk Circle: Pastor Rajiv

There is a Question on Every Mind today. 

When we turn on the news or look at the world around us—strife, conflict, injustice, and corruption seem to dominate the headlines. Experiencing these realities leads to a universal question: What in the world is going on?

"When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; and my prayer went up to You, into Your holy temple... Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them."

— Jonah 2:7, 3:10

Churches across the globe continuously pray for widespread revival and societal transformation. Yet, we often wonder why these prayers seem unanswered.

The story of Jonah offers a profound truth: There can be no corporate revival without personal revival first.

The Chalk Circle

The 19th-century evangelist Gipsy Smith proposed a simple formula for revival:

"Go home, lock yourself in your room, kneel down in the middle of the floor, and with a piece of chalk draw a circle around yourself. There on your knees, pray fervently and brokenly that God would start a revival within that chalk circle."

Before Nineveh experienced an awakening, Jonah had to go through his own journey of repentance. Jonah attempted to run to Tarshish, embarking on a continuous downward path: down to Joppa, down into the ship, and down into the depths of the sea inside the belly of a fish.

It was only from the depths—when Jonah acknowledged his rebellion and surrendered to God—that God restored him. Nineveh’s transformation occurred only after God worked in the heart of His messenger.

Understanding God’s Heart for Change

Jonah 3:10 states that when Nineveh repented, God relented from bringing judgment. This raises a key theological insight regarding God's character:

God’s Nature is Changeless: His holiness, justice, and love remain steadfast (Psalm 102:26–27). Then why the change?

God Responds to Our Moral Position: Because God’s holy standard never changes, His response to us naturally shifts when we move from rebellion to repentance to mercy. 

When people turn away from wrong, God’s mercy is fully extended. God adapts His dealings with us based on our willingness to turn toward Him.

Inside the Circle: Instead of focusing primarily on the moral state of the world, ask God to search your heart today. Are there areas of disobedience or hesitation you need to surrender?

Real repentance means adopting God's perspective on sin and making an intentional pivot toward His direction. Transformation in our families, workplaces, and communities begins with our individual submission to God’s guidance.

Prayer

Lord God, as we pray for peace, righteousness, and revival in our world, help us to start within our own hearts. Forgive us for the times we have run in the opposite direction of Your call. Draw us back to You, renew our spirits, and let Your revival begin inside us today. Amen.

Redeeming Good in Evil

There are moments in life when the harm done to us feels too deep to heal, and the brokenness of our world feels far too overwhelming to overcome. But when God is with us, He turns that evil into good, redeeming it for a greater purpose. 

"Now don’t be grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life." Genesis 45:5, Jewish Bible

There are moments in life when the harm done to us feels too deep to heal, and the brokenness of our world feels far too overwhelming to overcome. It may be a sickness or a loss or, as in Joseph's case, a betrayal. Joseph knew this pain intimately. Betrayed by his own brothers, stripped of his robe, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and forgotten in a dark Egyptian dungeon, his life was marked by years of unjust cruelty, family and people around him. 

Yet, in Genesis 45, when Joseph finally reveals his identity to the very brothers who ruined his youth, we do not hear bitterness, vengeance, or resentment. Instead, we hear the quiet confidence of a heart anchored in God’s supreme sovereignty.

Joseph looked beyond the human hands that harmed him and saw the divine hand that was guiding him: "It was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you."

Joseph did not pretend that his brothers’ betrayal was harmless. Evil is real, and suffering hurts. But Joseph recognized a profound truth that changes how we view our darkest trials: 

Human evil may plan our destruction, but God’s providence can weave even that evil into a story of ultimate redemption. God does not cause evil, but He is never defeated by it. 

We see the ultimate fulfillment of this truth at the Cross. The ultimate act of human injustice and wickedness—the betrayal and crucifixion of the sinless Son of God—became the supreme act of divine love and salvation. 

What evil intended as a final defeat, God turned into the victory that saved the world. And He is there to do it for us today. 

Whatever pain, betrayal, or hardship you are facing today, know that your story is not finished. In His boundless mercy and wisdom, He can take the broken pieces of our life and craft them into something that brings life, hope, and healing to others. He redeems us for a greater purpose, so  it is time to reframe our story. 

Arrow Prayer

Father God,

Thank You that You are always in control, even when my world feels chaotic and painful. Forgive me for the times I allow bitterness or despair to take root when others wrong me. Help me to trust Your sovereign heart, believing that You can take even the worst circumstances and turn them for good.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Monday Reset: Gratitude

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 thessalonians 5:18.

Mondays often bring a fresh wave of expectations, unpredictable schedules, and unexpected challenges. Life rarely moves in a straight line; one moment brings cause for celebration, and the next brings quiet pain or deep disappointment.

Life can be unpredictable: sometimes giving us joy and other times causing us pain. But as Christians it is important to remember it is Gods will for us to give thanks in everything. When the Apostle Paul instructs us to "in every thing give thanks," it can sound downright illogical at first glance. How can we possibly be thankful when facing trial, trouble, or grief?

The secret lies in understanding what Paul is—and isn't—saying:

1. Giving thanks IN everything is not giving thanks FOR everything. God does not expect you to call pain good, nor does He ask you to be thankful for evil or suffering. Instead, He calls us to maintain a thankful posture while He is walking with us through those situations

2. Gratitude shifts our vision from the storm to the Sovereign. When life feels chaotic, thanksgiving anchors our mind to what remains unchanging: God’s character, His faithfulness, His presence, and His promise that He can work all things together for good.

3. Gratitude is a weapon of faith. Giving thanks when it makes no logical sense is a profound declaration that God is bigger than the trouble in front of you. It shifts your perspective from what you have lost to the God who holds your future.

4. Gratitude is not just about saying thank you for the good things in our lives. It is also about finding blessings in the challenges we face. When we look for the good in every situation, we begin to see things differently. Our perspective shifts from one of fear to one of hope and trust in God's plan for our lives.

As we step into this new week, let us remember that thankfulness is not an emotion we have to manufacture; it is a choice of trust. It is the spiritual logic that unlocks peace when the world around you feels uncertain.

This week: Acknowledge the Pain, Reframe the Focus: Be honest with God about what is hard today. Then, intentionally name 2 or 3 things that are still good and true (e.g., God's presence, breath in your lungs, His mercy).

Arrow Prayer

Heavenly Father,

As I begin this new week, I recognize that I cannot control what lies ahead. Yet, I thank You that my peace is anchored in You, not in my circumstances.

Sabbath Prayers: Prayers which Produce Results

The Sabbath is a gift—a sacred sanctuary in time designed for us to step away from the noise of the world, align our hearts with God, and recharge our spirits and heal ourselves in our silence with God. As we enter into His holy rest today, James 5:16 reminds us of one of the most potent privileges we possess as believers: effectual, fervent prayer.

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

James 5:16 (KJV)

The word effectual speaks to prayer that produces results—prayer that is active, powerful, and rooted in faith. To be fervent means to pray with passion, earnestness, and heart felt sincerity rather than cold, empty routine. Combined with righteousness—which comes not from our own works, but through our standing in Christ—our prayers possess incredible power ("availeth much"). Let us take time in quiet reflection. healing—spiritually, emotionally, and physically—often begins with this "still" time with God.

Heavenly Father, 

On this holy Sabbath day, I enter into Your presence with a grateful and humble heart. Thank You for the gift of rest, for Your everlasting grace, and for opening the door of prayer through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

We bring before You our family, our community, and those who are hurting or in need of Your healing touch. Strengthen those who are weary, comfort those who mourn, and bring deliverance to those bound by trial and sorrow.

We thank you for your mercy on Samira and Nina and pray very specially for Samira as she goes through her Immunotherapy this week. Grant her strength to go through with this in complete faith in your healing and your love for her. We thank you for the strength and healing you have provided Nina and ask for your continued healing and strength for her. 

We pray for Mr. Roy who is in need of your presence and touch. Be with him and his family in this trying time. We pray for Rev Vijayesh - for his blood count to go up and for his complete healing. 

We pray for healing for Brandon, for Timothy and for Amy. We also pray for the safe travels for Nadya. We also pray very specially for the healing, medical assistance and financial needs for Caj's daughter. 

At this time we pray very specially for our seniors in church and in communities. We pray for their health and healing. For the backpain of a senior lady in Delhi; for Coral's husband as he goes to hospital for treatment of an infections after surgery. 

We pray very specially for Lisa as she tries to rehabilitate after surviving cancer and for the healing for her daughter also being treated for cancer. We pray that Jen will find the right clinical trial for her treatment and that her markers will be in control till then. Hear our prayers father. 

As we rest today, we surrender all our anxieties and striving into Your capable hands. Help us to trust in Your perfect timing and Your mighty power. May this Sabbath renew our spirit, deepen our prayer life, and fill our homes with Your peace.

In Jesus' holy and powerful name,

Amen.

Sabbath Affirmation: "My prayers are heard. God is moving in power on my behalf, and I can truly rest in His care."

Wishing you a peaceful and blessed Sabbath! 

The Snake on the Pole

In todays' devotional we explore Numbers 21:4–9, exploring a key question: why God provided a bronze serpent on a pole as a way to heal the snake bites, rather than simply removing the serpents or speak healing over the people? This question is very relevant even today as millions of people suffering from various illnesses and pestilences go through a healing process in hospitals, with doctors and medicines even as God has provided Jesus for us to look up to in faith. 

"The Lord said to Moses, 'Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.' So Moses made a bronze serpent and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze serpent, they lived."

Numbers 21:8–9 (NIV)

Lessons from the Bronze Serpent

Why did God provide a bronze serpent on a pole rather than simply removing the serpents?

Firstly, if the snakes had simply vanished, deliverance would have required no conscious participation from the Israelites. By keeping the threat present and offering a visible remedy, God required the people to exercise trust. Healing was tied to an intentional, physical action—looking up at the bronze serpent—which demonstrated faith and obedience following their repentance.

Second, it created a  "Persistent Memory of Consequences" - 

removing the snakes instantly would have erased the immediate physical reality of their sin. Leaving the snakes in the camp served as an ongoing visual reminder of the severity of their rebellion and the consequences of turning away, reinforcing accountability.

Lastly, the bronze serpent was not an idol or a magic charm; it possessed no inherent healing power. The arrangement forced the Israelites to realize that salvation came strictly from God's word and command, not from the object itself or the automatic removal of a trial. (Later in 2 Kings 18:4, when the Israelites began worshiping the bronze serpent as an idol named Nehushtan, King Hezekiah destroyed it.)

In John 3:14–15, Jesus references this exact account: "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him." In this framework: The snake on the pole represented the emblem of the judgment itself, transformed into the vehicle for healing. 

Practical Application Framework

Life Situation	Practical Spiritual Action	Resulting Transformation
Facing Persistent Trials	Look up to God's word rather than demanding the immediate disappearance of hardship.	Exercises active faith and reliance on God's provision.
Remembering Past Mistakes	Let consequences keep us humble and accountable without drowning in despair.	Reinforces obedience and guards against repeated rebellion.
Fixating on Earthly Solutions	Direct ultimate trust to the Creator, recognizing that physical things carry no inherent saving power.	Keeps worship pure, avoiding idols and anchoring hope in Christ.

Primary Takeaway

God's deliverance often requires active faith in the middle of our trials. When trials surround us and the "snakes" of life remain in our camp, we are called not to look inward in panic, but to look upward in faith. Just as the Israelites looked to the bronze serpent and lived, we look to Christ lifted up on the cross—our ultimate source of healing, redemption, and eternal life.