Break Through The Roof

"And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay." — Mark 2:4

The story in Mark 2 is one of the most vivid demonstrations of what daring faith looks like. Four friends, carrying a paralyzed man, arrive at a house where Jesus is teaching—only to find the crowd so thick they can’t even get through the door. Most people would have turned back. But not these men.

They climbed the roof. They tore it open. They lowered their friend down into the very presence of Jesus.

This is what daring faith does—it finds a way when there seems to be no way.

1. Daring Faith Is Determined: Obstacles didn’t discourage these men. The crowd wasn’t a barrier—it was a challenge. Daring faith doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. It acts boldly, even when the path is unconventional.

2. Daring Faith Is Creative: They didn’t just push harder—they thought differently. Faith sometimes requires us to break through the ceiling of our comfort zones, traditions, or expectations to reach Jesus.

3. Daring Faith Is Compassionate: This wasn’t just about their belief—it was about love. They carried someone who couldn’t move on his own. Daring faith lifts others, intercedes for them, and brings them closer to healing.

4. Daring Faith Is Rewarded: Jesus didn’t just heal the man physically—He forgave his sins. The breakthrough wasn’t just in the body, but in the soul. Faith that dares to reach Jesus always receives more than expected.

A Prayer for Daring Faith

Lord, give me the kind of faith that climbs roofs and breaks barriers. Help me to see obstacles as opportunities, and to act with boldness, creativity, and compassion. May I never settle for standing outside when You are calling me to come closer. Amen.

So let this be the year you tear through the roof. What’s standing between you and Jesus today—and what bold step will you take to break through?

Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

 

Deep Diving into Psalm 19: Pastor Rajiv

 

When the Heavens Declare Gods Glory

The Judas Within

 

The two major villains of Christianity are Lucifer and Judas. We imagine their sin and shudder, never imagining we could act like them. 

But, within each of us, a complex and often contradictory landscape of loyalties and betrayals does exist. This internal conflict is what we might call "the Judas in you." This isn't about committing a grand, historical betrayal, but rather about the subtle, everyday moments where we turn against our own values, our truest selves, or those we claim to love. It's the part of us that whispers for the easy way out, even if it means compromising our integrity. A part that indulges in hate, criticism, gossip, slander, lies, compromising integrity at work or at home, backbiting, and the list goes on. The Judas in us manifests in various ways. It's the voice that convinces us to stay silent when we should speak up for what is right, prioritizing our comfort over justice. It's the impulse to gossip about a friend to feel more included, betraying their trust for a fleeting sense of belonging. It's the temptation to take credit for someone else's idea at work to get ahead, sacrificing honesty for ambition. Have you ever been happy when something bad happened to a person that you didn't like? "They got what they deserved. " This is not love. This is EVIL. This, is betrayal. 

These small betrayals, though they may seem insignificant, are the training ground for larger ones. They erode our self-respect and create a dissonance between who we are and who we pretend to be.

​Acknowledging the Judas within is not an act of self-condemnation but one of profound self-awareness. It requires us to look honestly at our motives and understand the fear, insecurity, or greed that drives us to act against our better judgment. It is only by recognizing this shadow side that we can begin to wrestle with it. We can choose to resist the temptation to betray ourselves and others, instead opting for the harder but more rewarding path of integrity. This internal struggle is a defining part of the human experience, and our ability to overcome the Judas in us is a measure of our true character.

 

Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

 

Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

 

The Legacy of Tabitha

A Life Woven with Love: The Story of Tabitha

Today let us turn our hearts and minds today to a remarkable woman found in the book of Acts, chapter 9 and take inspiration from her. Her name was Tabitha, or Dorcas as she was also known – a name that means "gazelle," suggesting grace and beauty. But Tabitha's beauty wasn't just outward; it shone from within, radiating through her actions, as it should for us as well. 

The scripture tells us in Acts 9:36, "In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas). She was always doing good and helping the poor." This simple verse paints a profound picture of a life truly lived for others. Tabitha wasn't just an acquaintance of good deeds; she was "always doing good and helping the poor." This was her essence, her consistent character.

Think about that for a moment. "Always doing good." In a world often preoccupied with self, with accumulation, with recognition, Tabitha stood out. She wasn't seeking applause or personal gain. Her focus was on those in need. She didn't just feel compassion; she acted on it. She didn't just wish things were better; she rolled up her sleeves and made them better.

We learn that her particular ministry was making clothing – tunics and other garments for the widows and the poor. Imagine the chill of a winter night, the shame of torn clothes, the despair of having nothing. And then, a warm garment, beautifully made, a tangible expression of love and care. Each stitch Tabitha sewed was a thread of compassion, each garment a blanket of dignity. These weren't just clothes; they were messages of hope.

Her impact was so profound that when she fell ill and died, the community was devastated. The widows, in particular, wept openly, showing Peter the very tunics and cloaks that Tabitha had made while she was with them. Their tears weren't just for a friend lost, but for a vital source of comfort and provision gone.

And then comes the miraculous intervention. Peter, called to Joppa, enters the room where Tabitha lies. He prays, and with a simple command, "Tabitha, get up!" she opens her eyes, takes his hand, and stands. A life woven with love, cut short by death, is miraculously restored.

But the story doesn't end there. Acts 9:42 tells us, "This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord." Tabitha's life, and her miraculous resurrection, served as a powerful testament to God's love and power.

What can we learn from Tabitha's story today?

Firstly, the power of practical love. Tabitha didn't preach long sermons or lead great crusades. Her ministry was simple, practical, and deeply impactful. Sometimes, the most profound acts of faith are found in the everyday, seemingly small gestures of kindness and service. What "garments" can we make for those around us? What practical needs can we meet?

Secondly, the lasting legacy of a life lived for others. Even in death, Tabitha's good works spoke for her. Her legacy wasn't wealth or fame, but the tangible difference she made in the lives of those less fortunate. When our time comes, what will be said of our lives? Will our "garments" of love and service be on display?

Finally, God notices and values our service. While Tabitha served without seeking recognition, God saw her heart and her hands. Her story is included in the inspired Word of God, a testament to the value He places on a life dedicated to "doing good and helping the poor."

Friends, let us be inspired by Tabitha, the disciple who was "always doing good and helping the poor." Let us not underestimate the power of a kind word, a helping hand, a selfless act. May our lives, like hers, be woven with threads of love, bringing comfort, dignity, and hope to a world so desperately in need. And may our good deeds point others to the loving God who enables us to do them.

Amen.

Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

Worry & Concern: Pastor Rajiv

Read: MATTHEW 6:25-34;1 PETER 5:5-11

While worry and anxiousness are somewhat negative emotions, concern is a legitimate one. Because if we did not have concerns, we would be apathetic individuals with no ability to focus on real problems.

While concern and worry are related, and worry uses concern to enter our lives, the truth of the matter is that concern provides spiritual energy to respond to problems with Godly solutions. No so worry. And that is why, today, we need to make that distinction.

Now without any exceptions all of us humans worry even those who say they do not worry about anything also worry about something or the other at some point in time. And the truth is that these days there is a lot to worry about.

We worry about the rising cost of living in this volatile economic environment we worry about our jobs. We worry about our kids irrespective of how grown up they may be we worry about their well-being. And the list goes on.

So, since worry is such an integral part of our lives the question is how do we deal with it?

First let's be clear that WORRY is a disabling faith. How? it makes the present poorer by borrowing from the future’s imagined troubles. (We talked about the meaning of FEAR in an earlier post – False Evidence Appearing Real). Then where is the question of trusting God? If we trust God implicitly, he will give us the grace and the means to face each day’s troubles as they come.

Our two bible passages today give us a very clear perspective on dealing with worry. Our first passage today is Jesus’ words on worry from his sermon on the mount. In these 10 verses Jesus is talking about true trust. Jesus is saying that if we trust God implicitly, we need not worry about necessary food, drink or clothing.

Worry and anxiousness have always been a perennial problem of humanity. And the root cause is – our arrogance and pride! We think we know all the answers and we are competent to provide all the solutions. Wrong. We know nothing. And that is why we sit and worry. 

Peter says – in VERSES 5 TO 7 - 5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for

“God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Humility, mutual submission and concern for the interest of others are the essence of Cristian love.

So, summing up, if we don’t trust the very person who can address our needs and solve all problems, simply because we are too proud to admit weakness and failure, the only thing left to do is to sit in a comer and worry.

Silent Battles

"The LORD will fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace". Exodus 14:14 KJV

God Sees Your Silent Battles.

Not all of the time do we have the energy to speak up, push back, or defend ourselves, which is sometimes the right way to do it. We can be so overwhelmed in life, emotional or physical pain, that silence and shutting down are what the body craves, and that’s okay. After all, God sees the quiet battles no one else does—the ones in our hearts, behind closed doors, in the moments when silence feels safer than explaining.

But. 

Know that you are not alone in the fight of life. 

You are not overlooked. You are not ignored. The truth is that you are fiercely defended by a God Who fights for you even when you whisper prayers through your tears. Keep your peace. He’s already moving on your behalf.

Let us thank God for fighting for us even in ways we don’t perceive. Help us rest and be still in His presence when we are tempted to react. 

May His victory speak louder than our fear, in the name of Jesus.

The Touch

Read : Matthew 9:21

The faith of this woman, mentioned in the quoted verse really needs to be commended. She knew that a simple physical touch of His garment would heal her.

Today while Jesus does not walk this earth in His physical form, He did leave behind the Holy Spirit for us, to touch, to be filled and to help us understand His word and connect.

In Christianity, "touching" the Holy Spirit isn't a physical act in the way you might touch an object. Rather, it refers to experiencing the presence, guidance, and transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our life. This experience is often described through various spiritual and emotional sensations, as well as by observable changes in a person's character and actions and the various activities around us.

Here's how we can be "touching" the Holy Spirit:

1. Receiving the Holy Spirit:

Acceptance of Jesus Christ: The foundational step is often believed to be accepting Jesus Christ as your Saviour and asking for God's forgiveness. This is seen as the point where the Holy Spirit begins to indwell a believer. It need not manifest in speaking in “tongues” but in the exhibiting of the “fruits of the Spirit”. Persistent and sincere prayer is considered key.

2. Experiencing the Holy Spirit:

Inner Peace and Joy: A common experience is a deep sense of peace, comfort, and joy that transcends circumstances.

Conviction and Guidance: The Holy Spirit often brings conviction of sin, guiding individuals towards repentance and righteousness. He also provides discernment and direction in decision-making.

Spiritual Awakening: This can manifest as a heightened awareness of God, a deeper understanding of scripture, and a renewed desire for spiritual things.

Physical Sensations (for some): While not universal or the primary focus, some people report feeling sensations like warmth, tingling, or a sense of electricity in their bodies when they experience the Holy Spirit's presence.

3. Evidencing the "Touch": How do we know when we are touched? 

Obedience to God's Word & Will: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live in obedience to God's commands and to resist sin. We place Gods desire above our own. 

Bearing the Fruit of the Spirit: The Bible describes the "fruit of the Spirit" as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). As you "touch" the Holy Spirit more, these qualities are increasingly evident in your life.

Desire for Fellowship and Worship: A genuine desire to connect with other believers and to worship God is often a sign of the Spirit's work. Connecting with other Christians provides encouragement, accountability, and opportunities to grow together in the Spirit.

Living for Others: The Holy Spirit prompts believers to live selflessly and to have compassion for the lost and needy.

It's important to remember that experiencing the Holy Spirit is a journey, not a one-time event. It involves a continuous relationship of seeking, surrendering, and living in obedience to God. While feelings can be part of the experience, the true measure of "touching" the Holy Spirit is the transformation of our character and our increasing alignment with God's will.

Fear, Uncertainty & Doubt

Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt, popularly known as FUD, is a common sales strategy that really top sales professionals excel at.

It involves deliberately disseminating negative or alarming information about a situation, in order to make a someone feel uncomfortable or insecure about their current choices or future prospects. In order to counter or check FUDs, one has to look at the present and past evidence to be able to reach a rational decision.

FUD is also a strategy used by the Master of Deception, Mr. Satan. He excels at it - creating situations where people can start doubting themselves and even God. He uses the dangers and storms that come our way, to plant fears in our heads. We start thinking, will God bring me through this storm? Will I make it? Do I need to look for alternatives? And that is exactly what Satan wants. He wants us to look for alternatives. But God hates that. Our God is a jealous God. And thus shuts the gates of blessings till we come back to God.

It is natural to worry and feel afraid. But when these doubts are sown and we allow them to grow deep, it is disastrous.

What can we do about it? Look at the past and present evidence. Right from your birth to the present. What has God done for you? Has He not protected you? Has He not healed you? Has He not provided for every need (don't count desires) ? Think of every situation where He has come through. And then simply think - if He had to desert you in your suffering, why would He have brought you thus far? Does it not defy logic? Does God change? If you think you are being punished then was Jesus death in vain?

Every help from God in the past and present point to the fact that He holds our future in His hands and does not wish us any harm. We don't have to go to an astrologer to know our future. We know from His past and present faithfulness of His future security and protection. But we do need to keep Him in the loop. Not to inform Him but ask for His help in the calm assurance that He will provide. He is Jehovah Rapha and Jehovah Jireh. As humans that is our confidence. If God be with us, who can be against us?

Stand Up For Jesus!

(References of sermons by Pastor Jolly Raj of Bethel Church Noida, India and Pastor Rajiv)

Christians all over the world are a mixed lot. Some are fiery, some lukewarm, some extremely committed and some very regular church goers. But we all love our Hymns for sure.

We all sing our Hymns and pray every Sunday and wonder and discuss what's it's like up there. Once such Hymn is "Stand Up for Jesus". How do you do that? How do you stand up for Jesus? Or are they just empty words?

To understand this question, we need to delve into what is "not standing up for Jesus."

Pastor Jolly Raj, in his sermon of the 22nd of June, 2025, talked about how the environment we live in, can slowly and innocuously creep into us and slide us into a situation where we compromise basic principles of Christianity. Such a compromise can end up even in us breaking core commandments and tenets of our faith and justifying it to ourselves in the name of humanity or integration or, as the modern folk call it, diversity. We can even justify it by the love commands Jesus gave. Such actions slowly help us to turn a blind eye to actions which corrode our faith and our loyalty. It could be the economic environment, cultural environment as well as the social environment we frequent. It could also be sheer desperation, when our individual faith is not strong enough.

To be sure, there is nothing wrong with diversity and respect for one another, but the danger is we could be integrating with alien customs and beliefs which actually contradict what God wants from us.

But we question: is God happy? Is that standing up for Jesus? No. Such actions shut the gate to God.

Pastor Rajiv in his sermons on the 7 Churches in Revelations pointed out Churches which had the same issues we face today as individuals.

Pergamum – This church was located in a city known for emperor worship and pagan practices and worship. Revelation accuses it of holding to the “teaching of Balaam,” References to Balaam's sins and malpractices can be found in 2 Peter 2:15, Revelation 2:14 and Jude 1:11 in the New Testament.

Thyatira – The church tolerated a figure called “Jezebel,” (maybe symbolic) who led believers into immoral practices and other pagan practices. This likely reflects the influence of trade and business in the Thytira, involving feasts and rituals dedicated to pagan deities (Sounds familiar isn't it?) For a detailed understanding of these seven churches please refer to posts by Pastor Rajiv on “The Church That Should Be” in this blog.

Coming back to the question – How can we stand up for Jesus:

Standing up for Jesus today means living boldly and authentically in a world that often pulls in all different directions. It’s not always about grand gestures, or sermons or bold statements—it’s about daily choices that reflect His love, truth, and grace and above all, obedience and following His commands, in the face of adversity, public opinion and public advice. Let us not be ashamed to be who we are but acknowledge our identity and our loyalty to Him, overtly as well as in practice. By bending over and compromising we are actually denying Him.

Remember….

Jesus said, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:32). "Acknowledges" means not denying and not compromising Him.

That’s not just a promise—it’s a call to action.

Finding God's Abundant Presence

Psalms 91:14 "Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name".

Psalms 3:5 "I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me".

Today Francis Taylor asks a question we should always by asking ourselves -

"Where and how has God made Himself abundantly present in your life?

It's an interesting question! First, you need to realize that God IS present in your life. Then you need to look for him. As I was thinking about this, I remembered the movie White Christmas and the wonderful song "Count Your Blessings." What were your blessings today? Do you have your health? Did you have a nice meal? Did you find that perfect gift, or make all the lights? Do you have people in your life who love you? What are your blessings? I count my friends, my family, my home, my job. I could go on, but you get the idea. There are also significant moments – the birth of a child, recovery from an illness or injury. The ability to deal with grief and moments of intense joy are signs of God's presence. And don't forget the gift of faith, the people that God puts in your way that say just the right thing at the right time, the song you hear or something you read that guides you when you need it. So many opportunities to feel God's presence, if you look! Tonight, before you go to bed, take the advice of Bing Crosby in the movie and "count your blessings instead of sheep" and you'll fall asleep wrapped in the arms of a loving and ever-present God.

The biggest blessing for anyone is to have God in their life and know He is there".

The Hall of Faith

Read Hebrews 11

Faith is as important to a Christian as is water to a fish. In times like these, when world events challenge our faith every day, we need to draw inspiration from Biblical heroes and heroines, including Noah.

While it is good to read about Noah's faith, it is important to understand the role of faith in our walk with God, because faith is not just intellectual assent but a confident trust that leads to action and obedience.

We tend to look at faith from afar, but up close it may have very different connotations.

Hebrews chapter 11 is often called the "Hall of Faith" because it beautifully recounts the stories of numerous individuals throughout the Old Testament who demonstrated remarkable faith in God. Their stories teach us what faith is all about. Think of it as a powerful testament to what it means to live by belief rather than by sight.

Why is faith so important to us that a whole chapter was devoted to it by Apostle Paul?

The role of faith is absolutely central to the Bible, permeating both the Old and New Testaments. It's not just a passive belief, but an active trust and reliance on God, His promises and His word. It is :

1. The Foundation of our personal Relationship with God because it is the fundamental way humans connect with God. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Therefore, it is through faith that we acknowledge God's existence, His character, and His power.

2. Faith is the Means of Salvation:

The New Testament clearly teaches that salvation is a gift received through grace by faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). It's not earned by works but freely given to those who believe in Jesus' atoning sacrifice and resurrection.

3. Faith is the Key to Righteousness:

In the Old Testament, Abraham was declared righteous because of his faith (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3). This sets a precedent that righteousness before God comes through believing His promises.

Faith is not just about believing that God is, but also believing in what He says and acting on it. Noah did it, Abraham did and so many more, as called out in the Hall of Faith.

4. Source of Power and Miracles:

Throughout the Bible, faith is linked to God's miraculous works. Jesus often told those He healed, "Your faith has made you well" (Mark 5:34).

How does all this concern us as Christians? Because we are called on to live by faith and not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7). This means trusting God even when circumstances are unclear or challenging. It involves making decisions and living life based on God's Word and promises, even when they seem contrary to human reasoning.

As we said in the last post, our own intelligence and reasoning is our worst enemy as it tends to dilute what God has asked of us. We "rationalize" situations, as we do His word. We interpret according to our convenience and logic. In effect we question God and maybe put words in His mouth. In the last post of the Rudderless Boat, I am sure many many of us would have advised God that He forgot the rudder and the sail.

Finally, faith is evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." It's the conviction that what God has said and or promised is real and will come to pass, even if it's not yet visible.

The Hall of Faith is about all those people who actually lived by faith in what God wanted them to do.

Faith, in the Bible, is not a blind leap into the unknown but a confident trust in God who we know.

It's a dynamic and active reliance on the unseen God and His unfailing Word.

The Rudderless Boat

Genesis 6 

Would you ride in a car that had no engine, no steering wheel and no brake? 

When we read about the great flood and Noah and his ark, we mostly read Genesis 6 without much thought. Yes, he built a boat and saved countless animals etc. etc.

But verses 15 onwards tell us that it was no ordinary boat. It was made according to God's specifications. That was one special boat.

Why did God give the exact measurements?

There may have been multiple reasons but before that remember the objective this boat had to fulfil.

1. It had to accommodate a huge number of passengers

2. It had to float. Unlike the Titanic It was not mean to travel or go from point A to point B. It had to be built for the successor world to not drown but float and survive.

While the Bible doesn't explicitly state why those exact measurements were chosen, the most likely reasons relate to the Ark's functional requirements for stability, capacity, and survival, all that was necessary to keep a three-story building afloat. 

But The level of detail in the instructions emphasizes that the Ark wasn't meant to be a haphazard construction. God provided specific guidance, highlighting his intentionality and control over the process. Just as God meticulously designed creation, the design of the Ark was also a deliberate act.

But for this deliberate act to happen, someone had to follow instructions without any deviation. Noah had unwavering faith and a spirit of obedience - which meant he never even thought about questioning God or His instructions.

Now comes the shocker: The boat had no sail and no rudder. Strange!

Noah would have realized that fact when building the boat, yet he did not question. He did not add, nor did he subtract from God's direction. He would have realized this that he and his family would have had no control over the Ark's direction; they were entirely reliant on God's provision and the movement of the floodwaters. That's faith and trust. Hence our question of today: Would you get into a car which had no steering wheel, no engine and no brakes?

How many times, when we follow God's given directions, do we add to it or subtract from it based on our own so called wisdom - not remembering -

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are My ways higher than your ways,

And My thoughts than your thoughts".

If we were in Noah's place, would we have not said - "Hey Lord you forgot the sail and the rudder"?

Yet, we are alive today because of that rudderless boat that God designed.

Ocean Ministries relates what happened then to what we need to do now.

"doesn’t the Ark preach the very foundation of the Gospel? We are called to a childlike faith, a faith that hands our lives over completely to the will of a Good Father. He sent His only Son to be the Ark of salvation for His children"

When you follow Jesus into the spiritual Ark you are giving up your rudder & sail and saying I trust you to sail my life to the places you so desire. I give up control.

Adam's Legacy

Read Genesis chapter 5 & 6

What Adam and Eve started, God ended with the great flood. A complete destruction of the World.

The state of the world before and during Noah's time, according to the Biblical account in Genesis, was one of extreme wickedness and violence. Several key aspects characterized this period:

* Widespread Corruption: The text states, "The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5). This suggests a pervasive moral decay affecting all aspects of human life.

* Prevalence of Violence: The earth is described as being "filled with violence" (Genesis 6:11). This indicates a breakdown of social order and rampant aggression among people.

* Ungodliness: People lived their lives with no regard for God or his ways. They were consumed by their own desires and pleasures, seemingly oblivious to any impending judgment.

* Normalcy on the Surface: Interestingly, Jesus compared the days before the flood to the time preceding his own return, noting that people were "eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage" right up until the day Noah entered the ark (Luke 17:26-27). This suggests that outwardly, life appeared normal, even as deep moral corruption festered.

Some interpretations of the Genesis account also mention the intermingling of the "sons of God" (maybe fallen angels) and the "daughters of men" (Genesis 6:1-4), leading to the birth of the Nephilim, which is sometimes associated with increased wickedness and the corruption of the gene pool.

While the Bible doesn't give a precise population count, some estimations based on lifespans suggest a potentially large population. Despite this, the narrative emphasizes that only Noah and his family found favor in God's eyes due to the overwhelming depravity of the rest of humanity.

In essence, the world in Noah's time was characterized by a profound moral and social breakdown, marked by pervasive wickedness, violence, and a general disregard for God, even as daily life continued in its usual patterns for most.

These are not just Bible stories. Evidence of some of what is mentioned has been found.

The Book of Enoch, the one who walked with God and did not die, though not considered scripture (that is, writing not inspired by God) is very informative as a historical document, describing the nature and deeds of the fallen angels, among other things.

Enoch was so close to God that He took Enoch into confidence and shared the judgements of the future- of things to come.

Such was Adams legacy that depravity, crime, and sin became everyday life - grieving the creator to the extent that He regretted having made man.

The union between the spirits and women caused such a huge disruption in a world which was supposed to be based on order - that God took the final decision. Nothing less than full scale destruction to stop this depravity.

In the event of such a destruction Noah was the succession plan.

Today, when we try and fully understand what happened, we can well imagine it because we see some of it happening even now. Adultery, polygamy, murder, violence, sexual depravity, war, terrorism, corruption and injustice - you name it and its there.

With limited knowledge man tries to play the role of God in this world and the universe. We defied gravity, defied space, and defied Gods laws of creation to replicate His work. Our works have not glorified God - they have competed. Our works have not pleased God - they have grieved His spirit. Every newspaper account, every page, paints a picture of a world similar to the one before the great flood.

Genesis chapter 6 verse 3 is a chilling verse, no matter how you interpret it. We have, once again, vexed Gods spirit. Pray that we turn from our ways so that His Spirit does not give up on us.

Adams legacy was death. Praise God for Jesus because of who we have the promise of Life.

Feasting During Adversity

Psalm 23 is quite strange. After all, after having walked through the "valley of the shadow of death" God prepares a feast for David in the presence of his enemies! Can we/ you ever feast or banquet during adverse times?

The KJV devotional has this to say -

"David faced so many challenges but remained confident in the power and provision of God. He knew how God could prepare a feast; not just in a secure place but even in the presence of enemies. This illustration shows us the richness of God’s care for His people and the confidence we can have in Him. We see here that God prepares the table and does not bother to remove the presence of enemies (or adversity). This means that there are times when God allows hardships to linger, but He still provides care, sustenance, provision, and strength while we are going through these adversities.

We cannot always expect God to get rid of all of our obstacles for us, but we can be confident that even when surrounded by threats or hardships, God invites us to sit and dine at His table, enjoy His blessings, and trust that He can protect us (and help us to overcome). As our provider, He ensures that we are nourished and well cared for even when we face opposition or threats."

David leaves his story for us as a proof that God provides for our needs, even in extremely challenging circumstances. He blesses us with abundance and joy as well as protection for the adversity that may surround us, at all times. 

Rise and Shine by Janice Riley is available here. 

Sunday Quotes

How many observe Christ's birthday! How few, His precepts! - Benjamin Franklin
This year, or this month, or, more likely, this very day, we have failed to practise ourselves the kind of behaviour we expect from other people. - C.S. Lewis
I believe there are too many practitioners in the church who are not believers.- C.S. Lewis
Every man should keep a fair-sized cemetery in which to bury the faults of his friends.- Henry Ward Beecher
Beware of no man more than of yourself; we carry our worst enemies within us.- Charles Spurgeon
Sincerity makes the very least person to be of more value than the most talented hypocrite.- Charles Spurgeon
Experience tells us that each man most keenly and unerringly detects in others the vice with which he is most familiar himself.- Frederick W. Robertson
Steal the hog, and give the feet for alms.- George Herbert
The Pharisees broke Moses' tables into pieces, and, gathering up the fragments, took to themselves what part of duty they pleased, and left the rest alone.- Jeremy Taylor
More than once Jesus deliberately addressed certain issues that quickly diminished the number of onlookers. It was commitment that thinned the ranks. - Chuck Swindoll
Those who please all men at all times ought deservedly to look on themselves with suspicion. - Johann Albrecht Bengel

No devil is so dangerous as the religious devil.- Joseph Hall
Next to hypocrisy in religion, there is nothing worse than hypocrisy in friendship.- Joseph Hall
Testimonies are wonderful. But, so often our lives don’t fit our testimonies.- Leonard Ravenhill

Quotable Quotes

We have often said a single quote can teach us more than a sermon. Today's quotes are on the theme of faith -

"It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters." - Mother Teresa

"Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light." - Helen Keller

"It is this belief in a power larger than myself and other than myself which allows me to venture into the unknown and even the unknowable." - Maya Angelou

"What is to give light must endure the burning."

- Eleanor Roosevelt

"In God's eyes our words have only the value of our actions." - St. Ignatius Loyola

"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." - Martin Luther King Jr.

"What does the Lord require?

Only to act justly

and to love mercy,

and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8

"Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark." - Rabindranath Tagore

"Each activity of daily life in which we stretch ourselves on behalf of others is a prayer in action." - Richard J. Foster

God has not called me to be successful; God has called me to be faithful." - Mother Teresa

"Prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God." - St. Teresa of Avila

Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe." - Voltaire

Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation." - D. Elton Trueblood

As you practice counting your blessings, you will find that your faith is being suddenly revitalized." - Robert Schuller

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” - Corrie ten Boom

"Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right." - Max Lucado