Lent2026: Kick Against the Pricks

"Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks."

Acts 26:14

The phrase "kick against the pricks" (used in the King James Version) comes from an ancient agricultural metaphor. To understand it, we have to look at how farming worked in the 1st century.

A "prick" (or goad) was a long wooden pole with a sharp metal point at one end. Farmers used it to "nudge" oxen while they were plowing a field.

If the ox became stubborn or tried to go in its own direction, the farmer would prick its hindquarters with the point.

If the ox reacted by kicking back against the goad, it would only drive the sharp metal deeper into its own flesh.

The Meaning in Acts 26:14

When Jesus speaks to Saul (who later became Paul) on the road to Damascus, He says:

"Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks."

In this context, the "pricks" represent Saul’s own conscience and the divine prompting of God. Saul was fighting against the message of Jesus, but his resistance was only causing him more internal pain and struggle.

The three main takeaways are:

A. Useless Resistance: Just as an ox cannot win a fight against a sharpened pole, a human cannot successfully fight against the will of God.

B. Self-Inflicted Pain: By "kicking back," Saul wasn't hurting God; he was only hurting himself. The more he resisted his calling, the more "pierced" his conscience became.

C. The Turning Point: This was Jesus essentially saying, "You are exhausted from fighting me. Why not just follow the path I've set?"

The metaphor suggests that God’s "prodding" isn't meant to be cruel, but to keep the "ox" (the person) on the right path so the work can be done. Resisting that direction is what leads to the most suffering.

It is fascinating to look at the immediate aftermath of Paul’s conversion because it wasn't just a change of mind—it was a total structural collapse and rebuild of his identity.

​The "hunter" became the "helpless."

​As we come to the close of Lent 2026, have we used the opportunity to "hear" Him and make the change? Or are we still "kicking against the Pricks"? 

Monday Reset: A friend in Need

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

Psalm 46:1 emphasizes that God provides protection, strength, and immediate assistance in times of difficulty (Bible Gateway, NIV). The verse portrays God as a refuge, a safe place where believers can find shelter from life's challenges, and as strength, offering the power and courage to endure trials (Bible Study Tools). The phrase "ever-present help" highlights that God is constantly available, not limited by time or circumstance, ready to support those in need (Connectus Fund).

Today, lets consider Psalm 46:1 and what it means for us. 

How do we look at this psalm? As just another poem? As something far off? As a promise we distantly believe in? All of the above?

Probably the last. The problem is God is a spirit and we humans, consciously or subconsciously, believe the physical.

How then do we see the reality of the promise in Psalm 46:1?

God works through people. Like you and me. He uses us as instruments of His purpose. He sends us to those in need to be his representative and sends people to us in our need. He uses us to comfort each other physically while the Holy Spirit comforts us and strengthens us in the spirit. These are opportunities for us to be instruments of His purpose.

Therefore we need to be aware and conscious of opportunities to be used and pray to Him when we have a need so that He assigns and directs people and situations.

For this reason, the manifestation of Psalm 46:1 is very real and clear for those who open their eyes to each other and hearts to the Holy Spirit of God.

This week, look for opportunities to be used for someone's need and also look for people who help in our need. Ask for comfort from the Holy Spirit and peace in all situations.

Aligning with God: Jen Tan

I was deeply touched while reading Chapter 8 of Romans, as it resonates so strongly with what I am going through right now. In the midst of the pain and challenges of cancer treatment and its side effects, I truly feel God’s love and presence with me.

He has given me so much strength, help, and peace along this journey. I honestly cannot imagine how I would cope without His guidance and intervention.

Application study bible - 8:26-27 - As a believer, you are not left to your own resources to cope with problems. Even when you don’t know the right words to pray, the Holy Spirit prays with and for you, and God answers. With God helping you pray, you don’t need to be afraid to come before him. Ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for you “in harmony with God’s own will.” Then, when you bring your requests to God, trust that he will always do what is best.

As it says in Romans 8:37, “Despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.”

Reading Romans 8 has reassured me to rely on the Holy Spirit given by God, rather than trying to cope with everything on my own. It reminds me to place my confidence in God’s promises—that He can bring good out of difficult situations, grant divine wisdom for daily living, and fill us with peace in both heart and mind.

Many times, in the Bible, God assures us of His great love, so that we can feel completely secure in Him. When we truly believe in these amazing assurances, we need not be afraid of whatever comes our way.

How to Make God Smile

 "The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people..." — 1 Samuel 13:14

There is something uniquely captivating about the life of David. Long before he wore a crown, he was a simple shepherd, yet God saw something in those lonely fields that the world overlooked. David was far from perfect—he carried the weight of human weakness and made mistakes that echoed through history—yet he remains the only person in Scripture described as "a man after God’s own heart."

He did something we often forget is possible: He put a smile on God’s face.

Think for a moment about the "deluge" of prayers that reach the throne of grace every day. God hears a constant stream of sorrow, requests, and thanksgiving. He is the Great Burden-Bearer, constantly working to sort out our lives and restore the joy to our faces. But have we ever stopped to ask: Do we return the favor? Are we living in a way that brings joy to our Creator?

The Anatomy of a Godly Life

What was it about David that moved the heart of God? Pastor Chuck Swindoll points to three defining markers: True spirituality. Genuine humility. Bone-deep integrity.

To live with these qualities is to live in harmony with the Father. It means making His priorities our own. It is the willingness to "roll up your sleeves and do grunt work in the shadows" without ever needing a mention of the glory.

Ultimately, it is the pursuit of being a "whole" person. It means the private-you and the public-you are one and the same. In the Kingdom of God, being good matters infinitely more than looking good.

We might look at David’s example and feel overwhelmed. How can we, in our own strength, achieve all this? The answer lies not in our willpower, but in our source.

As Pastor Swindoll reminds us, anyone empowered by Christ can live this way. Jesus Christ provides the supernatural strength required to live for an eternal purpose. We are not left to guess what God wants; He has made it plain in His Word and made it possible through His Spirit.

Today, let us look beyond our own needs and ask how we might delight the Father. Let us draw inspiration from a shepherd-king and strive to live a life that puts a smile on God’s face.

Lent2026: Your Juniper Tree Moment

Scripture Focus: 1 Kings 19:4-8

It’s easy to look at figures like Elijah and see a superhero of the faith, but the "Juniper Tree" moment is where he feels most human—and most like us. It’s the moment where the adrenaline of the mountain-top victory wears off and the weight of reality settles in.

1. The Reality of "Enough"

In 1 Kings 19, we find Elijah sitting under a broom (juniper) tree, praying that he might die. He says, "It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life." This wasn’t a lack of faith; it was a total depletion of resources. Elijah had just won a massive spiritual battle, but he was physically exhausted, emotionally isolated, and under threat.

God does not scold Elijah for being tired. He doesn’t demand a sermon or a miracle. He meets Elijah in his "enough" moment with quiet presence rather than a lecture.

2. A Nap and a Snack

Notice how God "fixes" Elijah’s despair. He doesn’t start with a spiritual revelation; He starts with a meal and a nap. An angel touches him and says, "Arise and eat."

Often, our "spiritual" crises are compounded by physical neglect. We try to pray our way out of problems that actually require us to sleep, hydrate, and nourish our bodies. God created us as integrated beings—soul and body.

3. When the Journey is Too Much for You

The angel returns a second time and says, "Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you." This is a beautiful admission from the Creator: The journey of life is, in fact, too much for us to handle on our own. We aren't failing because we find life hard; we are simply acknowledging the design. After God speaks to Elijah in the "still small voice," He gives him a very practical set of instructions, and the climax of those instructions is to go and anoint Elisha as his successor.

God rarely intends for us to carry a "mountain-top" calling or a "valley" burden by ourselves. Just as the angel provided physical bread, Elisha provided emotional and spiritual "bread" through companionship.

Today, are you sitting "under the juniper tree"? What specific area of your life feels like "it is enough"? Is there an Elisha in your life? 

Here are some life lessons we can learn from Elijah's story. 

1. High Victories Often Lead to Deep Valleys

Elijah had just experienced the greatest victory of his life on Mount Carmel, calling down fire from heaven.

The Lesson: Success is exhausting. We are often most vulnerable to despair right after a major achievement because our "spiritual adrenaline" has depleted, leaving us emotionally exposed. Expect the "crash" and prepare for it.

2. Physical Health is Spiritual Health

Elijah’s prayer was "Take my life," but God’s answer was "Eat and sleep." 

The Lesson: You cannot live a supernatural life if you neglect your natural needs. Many of our "dark nights of the soul" are actually just "tired nights of the body." Before you diagnose yourself with a spiritual crisis, check your sleep, your hydration, and your nutrition. God treats the body before He speaks to the soul.

3. Depression Distorts Reality

Elijah repeatedly claimed, "I, even I only, am left." He felt completely alone, but God revealed there were 7,000 others who remained faithful.

The Lesson: Exhaustion and depression act like a fog—they make you feel more isolated than you actually are. When you are under your "juniper tree," don't trust your feelings as facts. You are never as alone as your exhaustion tells you that you are.

4. God Speaks in the Stillness, Not Just the Storm

Elijah looked for God in the wind, the earthquake, and the fire (the spectacular), but God was in the "still small voice" (the whisper).

The Lesson: We often expect God to solve our problems with "fire"—big miracles or sudden changes. However, healing usually happens in the quiet, consistent whispers of daily prayer, reflection, and small, steady steps forward.

5. The Cure for Isolation is a Mission and a Partner

God didn't just tell Elijah to feel better; He gave him a new assignment and a successor (Elisha).

The Lesson: Purpose is a powerful antidote to despair. God redirected Elijah’s focus from his own pain to the needs of others. By sending him to anoint Elisha, God provided Elijah with a "burden-bearer"—someone to walk the road with him.

6. It’s Okay to say "It is Enough"

Elijah was honest with God. He didn't hide his desire to quit or his feelings of failure.

The Lesson: God can handle your honesty. He didn't fire Elijah or rebuke him for wanting to give up. He met him in his weakness. Acknowledging your limits is the first step toward receiving Divine strength.

7. The Journey is "Too Great" for You

The angel’s words, "The journey is too great for you," are an invitation to dependency.

The Lesson: We were never designed to be self-sufficient. Admitting that life is "too much" isn't a sign of failure; it’s an admission of our human design. It is the point where we stop trying to be the "source" and start becoming the "recipient" of God's grace.

Monday Reset: Expectation to Anticipation

"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."  — Lamentations 3:22-23

Time isn't just a repeating circle of chores, but a series of opportunities for renewal. Most of us start Monday with expectations. We expect the traffic to be heavy, the inbox to be full, and our energy to be low. We project a formula onto the day: Hard Work + Stress = Survival.

But the Theology of New Beginnings invites us into anticipation.

Anticipation is different. While expectation demands a specific outcome, anticipation looks forward with excitement, resting in the assurance that God’s grace will be present regardless of the circumstances. As we "reset" today, we aren't just clearing our desks; we are clearing our hearts of the "debts" of last week—the failures, the missed targets, and the fatigue.

Today, you woke up into a fresh batch of grace. God’s compassion didn't expire at midnight. It wasn't depleted by your struggles last week. It is a "First Fruits" gift waiting for you in that difficult 2:00 PM meeting, in the unexpected interruption, and even in the quiet moments of your commute.

Three Breaths of Grace

Take a moment right now, before the week fully pulls you in, to practice this physical and spiritual reset:

Inhale: I receive the New. (Acknowledge that today is a clean slate. Yesterday is gone; its mercies were for then, today's mercies are for now.

Exhale: I release the Weight. (Let go of the pressure to "crush the week" in your own strength. Hand over that one heavy task on your calendar.)

Inhale: I anticipate Grace. (Ask the Holy Spirit for "eyes to see" where God is already at work in your office, your home, or your community today.)

The gift of Monday is not a burden, but a beginning.

Sabbath Prayers

                                            

If you call the Sabbath a delight… then you will find your joy in the Lord."

Gracious Father, we pause in Your presence this Sabbath, grateful for the gift of rest and renewal. We lift up those among us who are weary, burdened, or facing illness — may Your healing hand bring comfort and strength. We intercede for families, communities, and nations, asking for Your peace to reign where there is conflict, and Your wisdom to guide leaders in truth and justice. Lord, renew our hearts with hope, deepen our faith, and let Your Spirit empower us to be light-bearers in a world that longs for Your love. 

We lift Jen before You today—Your daughter, Your beloved, the one You hold in the palm of Your hand. You see every cell in her body, every moment of pain, every quiet fear, every brave step she takes. Surround her with Your healing presence. Let Your strength rise where her strength feels small. Let Your peace settle where anxiety tries to speak. Let Your love be the atmosphere she breathes.

And Lord, we widen this prayer to every person fighting cancer right now. 

We pray for Samira for her continued healing. For Lisa's daughter, for Alison's daughter, Lindsey's mother, Laurik and Haleen. We thank you for the healing you have brought to Samira and Joan and the fantastic progress in Jen and Lisa's daughter. 

For those in various treatment, those awaiting results, those exhausted from the journey— be their refuge. Be their comfort. Be their healer.

We pray for Grace, for blessings in her endeavors. For Mistress to get her medical treatment. For Jason for healing, for Bryan's sister in ICU. We pray for Tiffany to be led to you and for Leslie for healing. 

We pray for the seniors, specially the senior gentleman in India who has been your humble servant. We pray for his healing and strength as he undergoes dialysis and for his daughter and caretaker. 

We pray for Pastor Ben and his family in India. 

May this Sabbath bring:

Rest that restores. Peace that settles the soul. Joy that rises from gratitude. Faith that grows deeper. Light that guides every step.

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. 

To download our mobile app Click here 

Sabbath Prayer: The Glory of God

(Dear Readers, we bring our Sabbath prayers and requests to you for inclusion of people who need you to pray for them. We have seen the power of prayer working in the lives of a number of these people for whom you have prayed in the past and we earnestly request you all to continue). 

As we go about our daily lives, let us keep our eyes open for moments when the Glory of the Lord shines around us. It may be in a sunset, a kind word from a friend, a healing we may have experienced, fears calmed, or a sudden unexpected sense of peace. And when we feel that radiance, let us remember the good news that the shepherds heard. That God's love and grace are for all people, and through Jesus we can experience the fullness of God's glory.

In Psalm 19:1 (KJV) we read - "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." How much so should we. 

This Psalm reminds us that we can experience God's glory every day simply by looking at the world around us, and consciously experiencing His hand in our lives everyday.

Today, because of His glory in our lives we can confidently pray thus: 

Dear Lord, thank you for mending my broken places and broken body and healing, with your grace. Now help me to be an instrument of your healing by sharing the good news of what you have done, and, are doing, in my life. Help me to never waste my sorrows but invest the riches of my story with those in need.

We thank you for the healing you have provided Samira, Joan and Lisa's daughter who is stable. We thank you for the healing of mind you have provided Jen and we pray for her clinical trials. We also pray for Alison's daughter, for relief from her disease and peace for Lisa and Alison.

We pray for Wendy's job, for Paladin who is struggling to keep up financially and dependent on others. We join Montana as she prays for the souls of the 100-plus Iranian elementary school children who were bombed.

We pray for Randy to be freed from his affliction. for peace for Trishey, for people all over the world suffering the outcome of war.

We look toward India and lift up Your servants. Be with Pastor Ben and his family, covering them with Your protection. We especially pray for the family facing a father’s serious illness. Guard his heart against despair; let him feel the tangible weight of Your grace. Empower his daughter as she cares for him—give her supernatural stamina and a peace that surpasses the gravity of the situation.

Lord, we very specially pray today for peace. The world is in the grip of hatred and war; killing of innocent people. we pray that you empower the leaders with sanity and the intelligence to carve our a peaceful solution as well as look to you for their guidance.

We shoin Jana who is in a serious crisis of faith and  lost hope of anything ever getting better exhausted now. Let us support Jana in our prayers as well.

As we go through this day, may this Sabbath be defined by: Rest that mends the weary.

Peace that silences the storm. Gratitude that births new joy.

Light that makes the next step clear.

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. 

To download our mobile app Click here 

Lent2026: Prayer for Resoration

                                            

"Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard."

A Sabbath Prayer of Restoration

Heavenly Father,
We enter this sacred rhythm of Sabbath, asking You to recalibrate our hearts. Strip away the impulse to hurry and the heavy armor of striving. We lay down the accumulated exhaustion of this week at Your feet, trading our burdens for the simple, profound joy of being found in Your presence. Remind us today that Your rest is not a luxury, but a form of worship—a holy restoration for all that life has depleted.
Lord, we lift up Jen to You. She is Your daughter, held securely in Your palm. You are intimately acquainted with every cell in her body and every quiet thought in her mind. Where pain is loud, let Your healing be louder. Where fear tries to take root, let Your peace overshadow it. Let Your love be the very air she breathes today, carrying her when her own strength feels thin.
We extend this mantle of prayer to all those navigating the valley of illness: We pray for Samira’s ongoing recovery. For her continued healing & strength. We also pray for the strength of Lindsey’s mother and Alison’s daughter, as well as Lisa's daughter. We also pray for their peace and their healing. We pray for Alison, Lisa, and Lindsey as well as they take care of their loved one. We lift up Laurik and Haleen, and every soul currently fighting the battle against cancer.
For those sitting in waiting rooms, those braced for results, and those worn smooth by treatment—be their Shepherd and their Sanctuary. In the midst of the battle, we pause to give You thanks.
Our hearts overflow with praise for Joan’s negative test results—thank You for the gift of clear news. We thank You for sustaining our seniors through a harsh, clouded winter; thank You for being their warmth and their breath.
We look toward India and lift up Your servants. Be with Pastor Ben and his family, covering them with Your protection. We especially cry out for the family facing a father’s serious illness. Guard his heart against despair; let him feel the tangible weight of Your grace. Empower his daughter as she cares for him—give her supernatural stamina and a peace that surpasses the gravity of the situation.
Lord, we very specially pray today for peace. The world is in the grip of hatred and war; killing of innocent people. we pray that you empower the leaders with sanity and the intelligence to carve our a peaceful solution as well as look to you for their guidance.
Jana prays - I am in a serious crisis of faith. I have lost hope of anything ever getting better and I just want everything to be over, but it's probably going to take many years and I am exhausted now. I have just been diagnosed with autism at 36. Let us support Jana in our prayers as well.
May this Sabbath be defined by: Rest that mends the weary.
Peace that silences the storm. Gratitude that births new joy.
Light that makes the next step clear.


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. 

To download our mobile app Click here 

Lent2026: Do You Want to Get Well? By Jen Tan

Today we are back with Jen Tans message - on her cancer journey and its challenges. It is easy to read through the Gospels and see the miracles as quick "flicks of a wrist," but referring to John 5:5–6, Jen slows the camera down to show us something much more personal.

Firstly that number of 38 years is staggering. That is not just a duration; it’s a lifetime of disappointment.

When we carry a burden for a long time—be it a physical ailment, a broken relationship, or a secret struggle—we often stop expecting anything good. Yet, Jen sees through the haze. When Jesus asked the man if he wants to get well He wasn't stating the obvious. He was also pointing to the fact if he was "ready" to get well - meaning was he ready for a whole life after 38 years and what he would do with that new life.

Here is Jens reflection on this question -

"I have reflected that if God were to perform an instant physical miracle of healing, I might simply return to my old self—enjoying life on earth, living comfortably, ignoring God once again, and seeing death as nothing more than a final rest. But my journey of healing now involves something much deeper: sharing my testimony and living out my faith. Most importantly, it is about seeking God".

"Reading the book of John has revealed my purpose in life and shown me how I can use my own journey to encourage others. It has truly been eye-opening. I now see that God has had a plan for me since the day I was born. His faithfulness is something I feel unworthy of, yet I receive it with a grateful and open heart. His grace is sufficient in my life".

Today, Jesus asks us that question for our various infirmities and weaknesses: Do you want to get well? Do you want to change? What will you do after that? This Lent, think about what you want healing from and what will you do thereafter. Go back to your previous life or live a whole new life with Jesus. 

Lent2026: Wiser than God

The Story of Jonah or Our Story?

Wiser than God? It’s a bold claim, isn’t it? To think we could actually be wiser than the Creator. Most of us would never say those words out loud, yet our actions—much like Jonah’s—often say it loud and clear. 

The story of Jonah is frequently relegated to a "whale tale" for children, but it’s actually a sophisticated, slightly biting satire about a man who thought his moral compass was more accurate than God’s.

In Jonah 1, God gives a clear command: "Go to Nineveh." Jonah’s response isn't a lack of understanding; it's a disagreement.

Jonah knew Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian Empire—a nation known for its staggering cruelty. To Jonah, God was being "too nice." He wasn't running because he was scared; he was running because he was offended by God’s mercy.

The Logic of Our Own "Better" Plans

We often play the "Wiser than God" game when:

- We withhold forgiveness: We decide someone is beyond grace, effectively telling God His "mercy for all" policy is flawed.

- We ignore promptings: We tell ourselves that certain steps (like giving, serving, or apologizing) aren't "practical" right now.

- We prioritize our comfort: Jonah chose a ship to Tarshish because it was easier than facing his enemies.

The irony of Jonah is that while he was busy being "wise" and "principled" in his hatred, the pagan sailors on the boat and the "wicked" people of Nineveh showed more spiritual sensitivity than he did.

"But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. He prayed to the Lord and said, 'O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? ... for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love...'" — Jonah 4:1-2

Imagine that: Jonah uses God’s own beautiful attributes as an accusation. He is essentially saying, "I knew You’d be too kind, and I don't approve."

Reflection: The "Gourd" in Our Lives in this Lent

At the end of the story, Jonah sits under a plant (a gourd) for shade. When it dies, he’s furious. God gently points out that Jonah cared more about a plant that provided him temporary comfort than he did about 120,000 human souls.

Think about this: 

• Is there a "Nineveh" in your life—a person or group you've decided doesn't deserve God’s kindness?
• Where are you currently "sailing for Tarshish" because you think your plan for your life is more logical than the one God suggested?
• Are you more upset about your personal "gourds" (comforts/conveniences) being taken away than you are about the spiritual state of those around you?

Lent2026: Open Hands - Pastor Rajiv

 

Our prayer today should be that god will show us ways to look beyond ourselves and look to each other within the church, look to others in our communities,  so that we can be ‘living sacrifices’ for whomever we can reach out to - Pastor Rajiv

Lent2026: A Reasonable Service - Pastor Rajiv

A devotional on Romans 12:1

Paul’s call to the believers in Rome is one of the most beautiful invitations in the New Testament—not to die for God, but to live for Him in a way that reflects His mercy. When he writes, “present your bodies a living sacrifice… which is your reasonable service,” he is not asking for martyrdom. He is asking for daily surrender.

What Paul Really Meant?

Paul anchors his appeal in one phrase: “by the mercies of God.”

He is saying: Because God has been so merciful to you, the only response that makes sense—the only reasonable service—is a life offered back to Him.

This is not about dramatic acts of heroism. It is about the quiet, consistent offering of:

A. Time — choosing God’s priorities over our convenience

B. Resources — using what we have to bless others

C. Possessions — holding everything with an open hand

A living sacrifice is not consumed in a moment. It is offered again and again, day after day.

What Makes It “Reasonable”?

The word reasonable (Greek: logikos) means logical, thoughtful, spiritual.

Paul is saying:

“In light of all God has done for you, this kind of sacrificial living is the only response that truly fits.”

It is not forced.

It is not extreme.

It is not beyond reach.

It is simply the natural overflow of a heart touched by mercy.

Barnabas embodies this truth beautifully. When he sold his land and laid the proceeds at the apostles’ feet, he wasn’t performing a grand gesture for applause. He was practicing reasonable service.

He saw a need.

He had the ability to meet it.

He responded with generosity.

Barnabas didn’t give his life—he gave what his life produced. And God used it to strengthen the church in Jerusalem.

What This Means for Us Today

Reasonable service is not measured by the size of the sacrifice but by the sincerity of the surrender. God is not asking you to lay down your life in death—He is asking you to lay it down in devotion.

A living sacrifice looks like:

- Serving when it’s inconvenient

- Giving when it stretches you

- Encouraging when others are discouraged

- Sharing what God has placed in your hands

- Choosing holiness in a world that normalizes compromise

This is worship—not just in song, but in lifestyle.

Monday Reset: Light Does Not Fight

                                               

"The Light Does Not Fight the darkness. It simply shines" - Pastor Vikram

The light never argues with the darkness. It never strains, never panics, never fights. It simply shines — and the darkness has no choice but to move.

When God speaks of light in Scripture, He isn’t describing something fragile. Light is decisive. The moment it appears, darkness loses its power. Darkness is not an equal opponent — it is only the absence of what God has already given you.

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” That means your role is not to wrestle with every shadow around you. Your calling is to shine with what He has placed within you:

His peace in the middle of pressure

His clarity when things feel confusing

His hope when circumstances look heavy

His character when others choose chaos

Light doesn’t fight. Light reveals. Light transforms. Light leads.

As you step into this Monday, you don’t need to match the noise, the stress, or the darkness around you. You carry something stronger. Let your presence be light. Let your words be light. Let your decisions be light.

Just shine — and watch what God does.

Sabbath Prayer: Lent Renewal

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” — Isaiah 40:31

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the promise that strength is not something we must manufacture on our own. You remind us that renewal comes when we place our hope, trust, and confidence in You. As we step into this new week, lift our eyes above the noise, the pressure, and the weight we often carry.

We lift Jen before You today—and thank you for her life and testimony; for her wisdom to understand your word. Surround her with Your healing presence. We pray for Samira for her continued healing. For Alison's daughter, Lindsey's mother, Laurik and Haleen.

Teach us all to wait on You—not with frustration, but with expectation; for all that we need, healing, finances, jobs, etc.

Help us to remember: Lent is not just about giving up—it’s about returning to what gives life.
It’s a season of quiet courage, where we lay down distractions and pick up devotion.
A time to let go of what drains us and receive what restores us.

Renew our strength where we feel tired. Renew our courage where we feel uncertain. Renew our joy where we feel stretched. Renew our faith where we feel tested.

Help us rise above discouragement like eagles rising above the storm. Help us run with endurance in the assignments You’ve given us. Help us walk faithfully in the everyday moments where no one sees but You.

Let this be a week marked by Your presence, Your peace, and Your power at work within us.

May we not rely on our own strength, but on the strength that never runs dry.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Not "why" but "who": Jen Tan

Act: 23:23-24 Application study bible

Life rarely unfolds according to our neatly written plans. Situations arise that defy logic, outcomes occur we never predicted, and doors close we thought were surely meant for us. In such moments, the temptation is strong to demand explanations or to rely on our limited reasoning. Yet God calls us into a deeper, fuller trust—one that does not depend on understanding the “why” but rests in knowing the “Who.”

Jen Tan learns that through her Bible reading, when God reassured her to be patient and to trust in God’s timing and His ways. She says -

"In the quoted chapter, the Roman commander ordered that Paul be sent to Caesarea. Jerusalem was the seat of Jewish government, but Caesarea was the Roman headquarters for the area.

God works in amazing and sometimes amusing ways. He wanted Paul to go to Caesaria and He could use any number of ways to get Paul to there, but he chose to use the Roman army to deliver Paul from his enemies. God’s ways are not our ways! Ours are limited; his is not. Don’t limit God by asking him to respond your way. When God intervenes, anything can happen - even more and even better than you could ever anticipate.

This message comes at just the right time. Although I trust in God’s provision, as a human being, there are times I feel disappointed and wonder why, despite my doctor repeatedly arranging for me to join clinical trials, all doors seem to close one by one. Yet, in my heart, I tell God that I will put my faith in Him and be patient.

As it says in Proverbs 3:5–6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Ephesians 3:20, “I will give you more than you asked for, be patient and trust me”.

Even when the path seems blocked, I am reminded to trust His timing and His plan, believing that He is working behind the scenes for my good.

God is good. Just after all the CNY celebrations came to an end, I started feeling unsettled about what’s next in my cancer treatment. But today, reading this has reminded me to put my trust back in Him".

Lent2026: Becoming What We Believe

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling… for it is God who works in you.” — Philippians 2:12–13

“Salvation is of the Lord.” — Jonah 2:9

Most Christians today live with a quiet contradiction:

We say Jesus saved us, but our daily lives don’t look much different from the world around us.

Paul’s words cut through that fog. He isn’t telling us to earn salvation — Jonah already settled that: “Salvation is of the Lord.”

But Paul is telling us to take our spiritual growth seriously.

Dead seriously.

Not casually. Not “when I have time.” Not “when life slows down.” Not “when I feel spiritual again.”

Right now. Today. In the middle of your real life.

What comes in the way is our struggle with so many issues because we live in a world of: constant distraction., emotional exhaustion, spiritual autopilot, endless noise, shallow faith

quick opinions but slow obedience, And into that world, Paul says:

“Work out your salvation.”

Meaning: Let what God did inside you show up outside you.

Not in theory. Not in church only. Not in your Instagram bio.

But in your reactions, your habits, your choices, your relationships.

A Real‑Life Example is "The Scroll vs. The Spirit"

You’re lying in bed at night. You know you should pray.

You know you should open Scripture. But your thumb automatically goes to Instagram or YouTube.

Twenty minutes later, you’re drained, not refreshed. You didn’t sin — but you didn’t grow either.

That moment is where salvation is either “worked out”… or ignored.

Verse 12: You choose discipline over distraction.

Verse 13: God gives you the desire and strength to choose Him.

You’re not fighting alone. But you are fighting. 

Fear and Trembling is the Part we avoid. But Paul isn’t talking about being scared of God. He’s talking about being awake. “Fear and trembling” means taking our spiritual life as seriously as God does.

We must remember that holiness doesn’t happen accidentally

God shapes us for eternity, not convenience.

How to Actually “Work It Out” in Today’s World

1. Choose Scripture over scrolling (even for 5 minutes).

This is where most modern Christians lose the battle. Our phone is discipling us more than our Bible is.

2. Obey the nudge immediately.

When the Spirit prompts you to apologize, forgive, give, or shut your mouth — do it now, not later. Delayed obedience is disobedience dressed politely.

3. Kill the small sins before they become big ones.

The enemy rarely starts with adultery or addiction. He starts with compromise, excuses, and “it’s not a big deal.”

4. Review your day honestly.

Where did you follow God?

Where did you ignore Him?

Growth begins with honesty.

A Prayer for the Modern Christian is to shake us out of our "spiritual autopilot". 

Preparing the Heart: A Lenten Reflection by Pastor Rajiv

                                     

Based on reflections from Leviticus

“Be holy, because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” 

Leviticus 19:2

The book of Leviticus is often dismissed as a collection of ancient rituals, sacrifices, and ceremonial instructions. But none of these practices were meaningless. God designed every ritual to teach His people something essential — about His holiness, their identity, and the seriousness of walking with Him.

The rituals were meant to shape the heart, not just the hands.

But over time, Israel became indifferent. What was once sacred became routine. What was meant to draw them close to God became something they performed without thought or reverence. And when the rituals lost meaning, their connection with God weakened. Just as it is today. We may have lost the connection - getting carried away by the ritualism. 

Today, Lent invites us to examine our own hearts in the same way.

We may not offer sacrifices or burn incense, but we do have rhythms of worship — prayer, communion, Scripture reading, gathering with the church. These are not empty motions. They are gifts meant to form us, awaken us, and draw us deeper into the presence of God.

Yet if we are honest, there are moments when worship feels dry. Familiar. Mechanical. We stand, sit, sing, and pray — but our hearts are somewhere else.

When that happens, Scripture calls us not to abandon the rituals, but to rediscover their meaning.

During this season, God invites us to slow down and ask:

Why do I worship?

What is the meaning behind the practices I’ve grown accustomed to?

How can I prepare my heart before I step into God’s presence?

Because the true experience of worship is not accidental.

It is the fruit of preparation — a heart that pauses, reflects, repents, and remembers.

When we rediscover the purpose behind our worship, our rituals come alive again. And when our rituals come alive, our relationship with God is revitalized.

During this Lenten season, we need to ask God to awaken our hearts again. We need to ask Him- 

Where worship has become routine, breathe new life.

Where rituals have become empty, restore their meaning.

Teach us to prepare our heart before we come before Him,

so that our worship may be sincere, joyful, and holy.

Here is a suggested Lenten Practice for the Week:

Before each act of worship — whether prayer, Scripture reading, or attending church — pause for one minute and pray:

“Lord, prepare my heart to meet You.”

You’ll be surprised how this simple preparation transforms the entire experience.

Monday Reset: God's Mercies

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV)

Every sunrise is a reminder that yesterday’s failures don’t define today’s possibilities. God’s mercies are not leftovers—they are new, fresh, and tailored for the challenges ahead.

Friends, you don’t have to drag the weight of last week into this week. His mercy is a divine reset, giving you strength to face what comes and grace to begin again. Take time to breathe in this truth: 

if God’s mercy brought you to this day, His faithfulness will carry you through it.

(Based on a KJV devotional)

Bearing Fruit for Jesus: Jen Tan

Lent invites us into a quieter place — a season where Jesus gently calls us to examine the soil of our hearts. It’s a time of pruning, surrender, and returning. And in that sacred process, He reminds us of His words:

John 15:4-5 - "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself: it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing".

It begins with abiding.

During Lent, Jesus often puts His finger on the places in us that have grown wild, distracted, or overgrown. Not to condemn us — but to prune us. And pruning is always a sign of love. A gardener only prunes what he intends to see flourish.

Jen Tan relates her own experience in this when she says -  

"Abide first, fruit will be the result. Fruit can’t grow out of our own willpower and human efforts. Its from the union with God. We need to stay connected to Jesus and the only way is to remain in God as we are the branches and we need to be connected to the vine.

No wonder I have tried so many times to love difficult people and still failed. In Matthew 22:39, we are told to ‘love your neighbour as yourself.’ This is a character trait I deeply long to grow in—to love those I naturally find hard to love. Now I understand why I struggled for so long, I was relying on my own strength and willpower. That kind of effort cannot sustain itself. Even when I seem to succeed for a while, the moment something they do triggers my anger, I find myself right back where I started.

Through these verses, I learnt to actively remain in God, to spend time to be in relationship with God. Being still, being quiet, and let his presence fill me. Because it is in his presence that His life flows in you. And it is his life that produces the fruit. To prioritise time with God, to spend time with God in daily basis. Not rushing through prayer, or reading a verse or go to church once a week".

Lent whispers this truth: You are meant to bear fruit — real, lasting, Christ-shaped fruit.