Sabbath Vespers

                                             

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

Divine Architect of Rest, we pause today as the sun climbs high, acknowledging that the world continues to turn even when our hands are still. We thank You for the gift of the Sabbath—a sanctuary in time where we can lay down our tools and pick up our peace.
We ask for a refreshing of our minds. In a season where our days are often filled with the noise of productivity and the rush of innovation, let this day be a quiet room. We release the weight of "doing" and embrace the grace of "being." Restore the energy we have poured out into our work, our students, and our communities over this past week.
For Shared Purpose We lift up our global family. We pray that our shared purpose would be the thread that binds us together across every distance. May our collaboration be marked by empathy and our leadership by a servant’s heart. Let us remember that while we build for the future, we live in the present.
We lift Jen before You today again. Be with her, strengthen her as she goes to the hospital on Monday. We pray for Samira - grant her physical and mental resilience as she undergoes another round of Immunotherapy on Wednesday. For Lisa, as she has survived and overcome, let he daughter Arielle overcome as well. For strength to Lisa in reestablishing her life and her court case. We pray for Victoria and Alison, for Joan and Lindsey. And Lord, we widen this prayer to every person fighting cancer right now, including Swenson's husband. 
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.
Closing May the peace of this day linger in our hearts long after the sun sets, fueling our purpose for the week to come.
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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Why Believe in God? - Jen Tan

                 

Life can be tough and we often face difficulties and challenges that seem overwhelming. We feel helpless, alone and abandoned. But the good news is that God is always with us, no matter where we go or what we face. He is the same God who walked with Jacob and He promises to walk with us too. 

As Jen walks her walk of faith in her long treatment of cancer, she shares her own experience of the truth of God's word. 

Application study Bible : Romans 8:28 - God works in everything- not just isolated incidents - for our good. This does not mean that all that happens to us will be pleasant, and we do not have to call pain good. Even though evil pervades our fallen world, God is able to turn every circumstance around for our long-range benefit. Note that God does not work only to make us happy but to fulfill his purposes. Note also that this promise is not for everybody. It can be claimed only by those who love God and are called by him- that is, those the Holy Spirit convinces and enables to receive Christ. Such people have a new perspective, a new mind-set. They trust in God, not in life’s treasure; they find their security in heavenly priorities, not earthly ones. Their faith in God does not waver in pain and persecution because they know God is with them.

Jen says- 

"Reading Romans this morning reaffirmed God’s calling and purpose in our lives. I once asked a friend, “Why believe in God if He cannot guarantee us a good and pleasurable life throughout our journey?” The answer has always been the same: God does not promise a life full of roses, but He gives us the strength to pull through. Most importantly, He protects us from every trap we face.

My recent hospital admission during my cancer treatment brought a lot of pain and suffering. Did I ever think of giving up my hope in God because of it? No. I have chosen to walk bravely and fearlessly. As it says in Deuteronomy 31:6: “So be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Through this experience, I have grown stronger despite the pain and suffering. I have decided to fully place my trust in Him who has given me this life. I now have a greater desire to study the Bible—this book of instruction—continually, to meditate on it day and night so that I may obey everything written in it. Only then will I prosper and succeed in all that I do (Joshua 1:8–9).

I have also learned that if we want to successfully accomplish God’s mission for our lives, we should stop looking for a vision and start looking for a verse. God does not write our mission in the sky; He has already written it in His Word.

My goal in life is to read diligently, believe wholeheartedly, and act faithfully on His Word. Lord, bless me and send Your Holy Spirit to guide me—this is my humble prayer."

Note: We at "This Week with Jesus" blog humbly and sincerely request you to please include Jen, Lisa, Alison, Joan, Victoria, Samira and Arielle in your daily prayers. They are all going through a very challenging time yet stick to their faith in God. 

What Would You Have me do Today?

"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

Every sunrise is more than just the start of another day—it is a divine invitation. God gifts us a new promise, a new beginning, and another chance to walk in His will. For the brokenhearted, it is a day of hope. For the weary, it is a day of renewal. For all of us, it is a day to experience His unfailing love.

Life unfolds in phases:

Youth — when we read and believe His Word.

Middle age — when we live and experience His Word.

Later years — when we testify to His Word, becoming living evidence of His faithfulness.

No matter the season, each day is a choice: to live for ourselves alone or to include God and others in our journey. Creation itself teaches us that everything gives something to someone — Trees give shade, rivers give water, the sun gives light. So we must ask: What will we give today?

Because a life worth living is one that gives life to another.

Just as God gives us hope, we can become hope for someone else. Just as He provides, we can become provision for another. To love as Christ loves is to embody agape—selfless, sacrificial love—in our words, actions, and presence.

As we thank God for the gift of a new day, let us remember His mercies are fresh each morning, and His love sustains us. 

We are His extension into this world. For His great commission. Can we ask Him daily: “What would You have me do today? Who would You have me reach out to? What would You have me say?”

We can be hope for the hopeless, strength for the weary, and love for the lonely. May our lives reflect His compassion, and may we run eagerly toward His will with each sunrise.

Tomorrow, when the sun rises, pause and ask God:

Who can I encourage today?

How can I show love in action?

Where can I be His hands and feet?

Then step boldly into the day, running toward His instruction.

Surrender For Victory

1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
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."

Agatha Christie once remarked that the "saddest thing in life... is the knowledge that there is someone you love very much whom you cannot save from suffering."

There is a unique kind of grief that comes from watching a child, a spouse, or a friend walk through a "valley of the shadow" that you cannot pull them out of. Our instinct is to be the fixer, the shield, and the savior. Yet, we eventually hit the wall of our own humanity. We realize that while our love is vast, our power is finite.

But there is someone who does have that power, and the sooner we realize it the better for us. The Bible contains several verses that address the concept of human limitation and the fundamental need for divine support. These passages often emphasize that while human effort has its place, it is insufficient on its own. Surrender in this context is often described not as giving up, but as letting go of the need to control the outcome. It is the act of placing your physical or emotional pain into the hands of a power greater than yourself, trusting that you are supported regardless of the circumstances.

The overarching message in the quoted texts is not one of despair, but rather one of surrender. The Bible frequently posits that acknowledging one's own helplessness is the prerequisite for receiving "strength that is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

In the biblical tradition, this "helplessness" is often met with the idea of intercession—when you cannot act physically, you stand in the gap spiritually. When we reach the end of our ability to save someone, we must hand that responsibility over to a source of care that is greater than our own.

Think of Mary at the foot of the Cross. She could not stop the nails; she could not dampen the pain. But she was there. Sometimes, the greatest act of spiritual maturity is staying present in the suffering, in surrender, rather than trying to fix it.

Hebrews 6:1 encourages us to move toward maturity. Part of spiritual maturity is the "blessed surrender"—recognizing that the person you love is also loved by a Creator whose reach is longer than yours. When your hands are tied, it is an invitation to place that person into the hands of the Great Physician.

Trade helplessness for hope. Pray for the strength to stay present, the grace to be silent when needed, and the faith to believe that God is working in the places we cannot reach.

Practical Step for Today:

Identify one person whose suffering you have been trying to "solve." Take a moment to physically open your hands in front of you, naming them, and silently "handing" them over to God. Focus today not on being their solution, but on being a source of quiet, steady love.

Wisdom at the Cross

What does it take to be wise? 

In the biblical context, wisdom is rarely defined as a static concept or mere intellectual data. Instead, it is portrayed as a dynamic, practical, and ethical skill set. While the "fear of the Lord" is the starting point (Proverbs 1:7), wisdom itself is the application of that reverence to the complexities of life.

Here are the primary ways the Bible defines and characterizes wisdom:

1. Wisdom as Moral Discernment

In the Hebrew tradition, wisdom (chokmah) is often synonymous with righteousness. It is the ability to distinguish between good and evil, and the discipline to choose the former.

In Practical Life, it is described as "skill in living." Much like a craftsman has skill in a trade, a wise person has the skill to navigate relationships, finances, and speech in a way that honors God.

It is frequently set against "folly." Wisdom is not just being smart; it is being "spiritually sensible."

2. Wisdom as "The Mind of Christ"

In the New Testament, the concept of wisdom undergoes a shift, becoming more closely tied to the person of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit.

a. Christ as Wisdom: Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:30 that Christ "has become for us wisdom from God." In this sense, wisdom is not just a set of rules, but a person to be followed.

b. Counter-Cultural: The Bible often distinguishes "godly wisdom" from "worldly wisdom." What the world considers powerful or smart, God often identifies as foolish (and vice versa).

3. The "Tests" of Wisdom

The Book of James provides perhaps the most concise "checklist" for what wisdom actually looks like in practice. According to James 3:17, wisdom from above is:

* Pure: It starts with integrity.

* Peace-loving: It seeks reconciliation rather than conflict.

* Considerate: It is mindful of others.

* Submissive: It is willing to yield and listen.

* Full of mercy and good fruit: It results in tangible, positive actions.

* Impartial and sincere: It is without hypocrisy.

In short, if the fear of God is the foundation, wisdom is the house built upon it—the practical realization of a life aligned with divine truth.

Easter Monday Reset: New Beginnings

 

(Based on Galatians 5 Ver 22-23)

Resurrection requires a complete "reset" or a "new beginning"—one that is both an outward departure from the past (water) and an inward transformation by the Divine (spirit). We have to move forward - move from "believing" to "becoming.

Having gone through lent, the passion week, Holy Saturday and the Resurrection, today let's think: what difference did all this make in my life?

To help us think this through, let's look at what will look like. PAUL has been quite clear in this matter when he talks about how our relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, effects a change in our spiritual and physical life. He called it the "fruits of the Spirit".  Let's see how we can progress: 

1. The Inward Fruit (our Relationship with God)

These qualities anchor our internal world and provide the "roots" for everything else.

Love (Agapé): Map this to your motivations.

Ask: "Am I doing this (my job, my service, my posts) to be seen, or out of a genuine desire for the well-being of others?"

Action: Practice "anonymous" kindness.

Joy: Map this to your perspective, regardless of circumstances.

Ask: "Can I find God’s goodness even in a 'disaster"?

Action: Keep a gratitude journal (like your "name three things" exercise) to anchor your joy in God's character rather than your comfort.

Peace: Map this to your anxiety levels.

Ask: "Am I resting in God’s sovereignty, or am I trying to control every outcome?"

Action: When a problem arises, use the "Quiet Blessing" approach—pray before you plan.

_______________________________________________________

2. The Outward Fruit (our Relationship with Others)

These qualities are the "branches" that others interact with daily.

Patience (Longsuffering): Map this to your reactions.

Ask: "How do I respond when things move slowly (in recovery, in business, or in traffic)?"

Action: Intentionally wait. Let someone go ahead of you in line; breathe before responding to a difficult email.

Kindness: Map this to your tone.

Ask: "Is my 'output'—my words and social media presence—useful and healing, or sharp and critical?"

Action: Send one encouraging text or prayer to someone every day.

Goodness: Map this to integrity.

Ask: "Do I do the right thing when no one is watching? (e.g., being honest about a flaw in a vintage item I'm selling?)"

Action: Choose the path of honesty even when it costs you a "sale" or an advantage.

___________________________________________________________

3. The Upward Fruit (our Character & Discipline)

These qualities are the "ripeness" of the fruit, showing maturity and strength.

Faithfulness: Map this to your commitments.

Ask: "Am I reliable? Do I follow through on my prayers and my promises?"

Action: Be consistent in the "small things"—daily prayer, finishing a task, or showing up for a friend.

Gentleness (Meekness): Map this to your power.

(Note: Gentleness isn't weakness; it is "power under control.")

Ask: "Do I use my influence to lift others up or to push my own agenda?"

Action: Listen twice as much as you speak today.

Self-Control (Temperance): Map this to your appetites and impulses.

Ask: "What is 'driving the bus' of my life? My emotions, or the Holy Spirit?"

Action: Practice a small fast (from social media, sugar, or complaining) to remind your body that the Spirit is in charge.

Weekly Practise Schedule

Silent Saturday Prayer

"The book of Ruth is filled with sweeping drama. It begins with a famine, and we meet a widow, Naomi, who has lost everyone she holds dear. But Naomi is not left alone, and we witness selfless acts of love that restore her spirit. Through the entire book, we see God’s lovingkindness toward His people. And the end points forward to our Savior who will introduce the greatest love story of all.

No matter what you are facing today, let Ruth’s story draw you in, assuring you that God sees you and your situation. He cares for you. And we know that He can do the impossible, bringing good things out of difficult circumstances" - Jamie Janosz. 

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the Cross. We thank You that we do not have to wonder if we are Yours, for Your Spirit bears witness with our spirit. Produce in us a harvest of righteousness. Let our lives be so full of love, joy, and peace that the world knows we have been with Jesus. May our gratitude today transform our worship and steady our spirits.

We lift up our dear Jen, Lindsey, Alison, Lisa, Halleen, Joan and Laurik in our prayers to you today and everyday. You know their need for strength and your peace. We pray that Cindy receives peace and stays hopeful during her upcoming battle with cancer. Give her courage, hope and your peace. But above all they need to know you are with them. Let them feel your presence today.

We pray for Williams SIL who is in the late stages of Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease. Pray that God will heal her and give her a normal lifespan. We pray for baby Barrett. He is in the hospital with Covid. We pray for the mammograms of Beth and Diane and that they are normal.

May this Easter bring:

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

In the name of the One who gave it all.

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

The Evidence of the Tree: A Good Friday Devotional

Let us start with a question: How do you know you are a Christian?

Galatians 5:22-25 & Matthew 7:20
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance... And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." (Galatians 5:22-24, KJV)

"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." (Matthew 7:20, KJV)

On this Good Friday, our eyes are fixed on a rugged wooden cross—a tree of death that became a tree of life. It is here that we find the answer to the deepest question of the soul: How do I know I truly belong to Him?

Being a Christian is not merely a label we wear or a set of rules we follow. It is a fundamental change in our "spiritual DNA." Just as a literal tree is identified by the fruit hanging from its branches, a follower of Christ is identified by the "output" of their life.

The Evidence of the Spirit

The world looks for credentials, but God looks for character. When the Holy Spirit dwells within you because of what Jesus did on the Cross, He begins to produce a specific kind of harvest. You know you are a Christian not because you are perfect, but because these "fruits" are growing where there used to be thorns. Take a look how - 

Love and Gentleness: Do you find yourself loving the "unlovable" or responding with kindness when you are provoked? This isn't human effort; it is the overflow of Christ’s love from the Cross working through you.

Peace and Longsuffering: In the midst of the "Good Friday" seasons of your life—seasons of suffering, waiting, or injustice—do you have a peace that passes understanding? A Christian is marked by a supernatural ability to endure with hope.

Faith and Temperance: Is there a new desire to be faithful to God and to exercise self-control over old habits? This "crucifying of the flesh" is the signature of the Spirit's work.

How do you know you are His? You know it when you see your focus shifting away from what is missing and redirecting toward what God is doing. You know it when bitterness is replaced by a soft heart. You know it when your primary reaction to difficulty is no longer a complaint, but a prayer.

The Fruit of the Spirit is the "evidence of His sustaining grace." It is the proof that the sacrifice of Jesus was not just a historical event, but a living reality in your heart today. Every moment of patience you show, every lesson of goodness you learn, and every battle where peace carries you through is a testimony that you belong to the King.

Looking at the Cross today, can you see how His "gentleness" and "meekness" provided the template for your own walk?

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the Cross. We thank You that we do not have to wonder if we are Yours, for Your Spirit bears witness with our spirit. Produce in us a harvest of righteousness. Let our lives be so full of love, joy, and peace that the world knows we have been with Jesus. May our gratitude today transform our worship and steady our spirits. In the name of the One who gave it all, Amen.

Before you rest this Good Friday, name three specific moments today where you felt the Spirit leading you to respond with "fruit" (patience, love, or peace) instead of your natural reaction. Speak them out as a sacrifice of praise.

Lent2026: Gratitude in the Shadows

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV)

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34)

The Mandate of Gratitude

On this Maundy Thursday, we enter the Upper Room—a place of intimacy, but also of impending shadow. We often associate "Maundy" with the mandatum, the new commandment to love. Yet, as we look at the table set before the disciples, we see that this love is anchored in a profound, intentional posture: gratitude.

Paul tells us to give thanks "in everything." He wrote this to encourage believers to remain thankful not just in moments of ease, but in every circumstance. As Jesus sat at the table, knowing the cross was hours away, He took the bread, and He gave thanks.

Gratitude in the Shadows

Gratitude is not a reaction to perfect conditions; it is an intentional act of faith. On this holy night, we see Jesus demonstrating that thanksgiving shifts our focus away from what is missing—safety, comfort, or worldly recognition—and redirects our hearts toward the sovereignty of the Father.

Gratitude in the Struggle 

Jesus gave thanks for the bread that represented His broken body. This reminds us that God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our comfort. Even when life feels uncertain or unfinished, thankfulness anchors us to the truth that God remains loving.

The Gift Disguised

Not every gift arrives wrapped in celebration. Some of the greatest graces of the Passion were disguised as the strength to endure, the patience to wait in Gethsemane, and the peace that carried Christ through unseen spiritual battles.

A Daily Posture

When gratitude becomes our daily posture, it guards us from the bitterness that could have easily overtaken the disciples in their confusion. It keeps our hearts soft toward God even when we are standing at the threshold of a "Good Friday" season.

Thanksgiving has the power to transform our worry into worship and our restlessness into peace. It lifts the weight of our burdens off our hearts and places them back into God’s capable hands. Every breath we take and every moment of provision is evidence of His sustaining grace—the same grace that sustained our Lord as He moved from the table to the garden.

Before you rest tonight, intentionally name at least three things you are thankful for. Speak them out loud if you can. Let this act of gratitude calm your thoughts and prepare your heart to receive God’s mercies again tomorrow, even in the shadow of the Cross.

As we move through the solemnity of Good Friday and the silence of Saturday, we are called to slow down. We must reflect on the quiet blessings woven through the sacrifice. The Cross is the ultimate gift, and our response is the "will of God in Christ Jesus": to be a people of thanks.

(Adapted from a KJV Devotional)

Seismic Sunday: Pastor Rajiv

 

The English language translations do not come anywhere near in describing the effect on Jerusalem as the original Greek.

The Greek word Matthew uses to capture the effect of Palm Sunday, is ‘seio’.

This is the word from which we get our English word - ‘seismic’, meaning geological vibrations of the earth like an earthquake.

But while Matthew paints an account of a joyous and happy occasion a time of triumph, there is a very sad part to this episode in the Bible.

Learn About the Seismic Sunday, its importance and what it means for us today in Pastor Rajiv's Message. 

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. 

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Jen Tan: What Defines You?

                  

Read Scripture: Romans 6:1–4

"We can consciously choose to treat the desires and temptations of the old nature as if they are dead. Then we can continue to enjoy our wonderful new life with Jesus." - Jen Tan

Have you ever faced a problem that left you feeling hopeless and helpless? Illness, loss, or overwhelming challenges can make faith feel distant. Yet it is precisely in these moments that God calls us to trust His love. The question before us is: What defines us? Is it our old nature, our illness, or our circumstances—or is it faith in God’s power to bring change?

Jen’s testimony reminds us of this truth. She says - 

"As my trip to Japan with my sister came to an end and I returned to Singapore with a reluctant heart, I found myself having to face reality again. Being in a foreign place, away from my normal daily life, allowed me to forget for a while that I am still a cancer patient undergoing treatment.

However, in the days after returning home, as I continued reading the Bible, a thought kept echoing in my mind: why should I let cancer control my life? Instead, I should take ownership of the body that God has given me and learn to manage this illness. Most importantly, I must have faith in God and walk in partnership with Him.

The Bible emphasizes God’s love in giving us the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, so that we have a reservoir of power and love to draw on each day—helping us face every challenge and trial. His promises are real, and I am reminded to remain joyful—because faith brings joy".

She says, as she continued reading Romans, she realized: God has given her a body to steward, a Spirit to empower, and a Savior to walk alongside. Faith means choosing to live in partnership with Him, not under the shadow of illness.

What can we learn from this? Here are some active thoughts - 

Choose faith over fear: Treat the old nature and despair as dead, and embrace the new life in Christ.

Steward your body and mind: Illness or hardship does not define you; God’s Spirit empowers you to manage and overcome.

Walk in partnership with God: Invite Him daily into your challenges, knowing He is faithful.

Remain joyful: Joy is not the absence of struggle but the presence of faith.

Please do pray for Jen as she walks with Jesus on this path. 

Lent2026: Metanoia

The Lenten season is a time traditionally set aside for "Metanoia,"  a transformative change of heart. While we often focus on what we lack, Lent calls us to account for what we have been given and how we have handled it.

The writer of one of the KJV Devotionals wrote a prayer which had a unique line - " I have been guilty of squandering and wasting your blessings...".

This is something we don't hear or pray about: we are normally asking for His blessings, for various things, or thanking Him for deliverance and so on.

But this aspect really makes one think: how many blessings, asked and unasked have we wasted or squandered? For example - each day is a blessing. How much of that day do we really use productively for His work or for our employer or our family? How many hours do we waste on gossip, small talk, trivial arguments etc?

Are we truly worthy of receiving His blessings, asked or unasked?

Most of our prayers are petitions ("Give us this day") or gratitude ("Thank you for this day"). Rarely do we offer a prayer of Stewardship Accountability. We treat blessings like wages we have earned or gifts to be consumed, rather than seed to be sown.

If we reflect on the wasted or squandered blessings the answers will indeed be heartbreaking for God. Let us see how:

1. The Squandered Moment

The Scripture says: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” — Ephesians 5:15-16

Each sunrise is a miraculous deposit into our spiritual account. Yet, we often "bankrupt" our days through the friction of triviality. We spend the currency of God’s time on the "small talk" of gossip or the "trivial arguments" of the ego.

Reflect: If your day was a talent (Matthew 25), would the Master find it buried in the dirt of distraction, or multiplied in the service of others?

2. The Wasted Grace

The Scripture says: “Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.” — 2 Corinthians 6:1

We often pray for deliverance from a trial, but once delivered, do we squander our newfound peace? We ask for health, then use our energy for selfish ambition. We ask for provision, then withhold it from the needy. To receive grace "in vain" is to accept the blessing but refuse the transformation that should follow it.

Reflect: What "answered prayer" in your life is currently sitting idle or being misused?

3. The Question of Worthiness

The Scripture says: “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’” — Luke 15:21

The KJV writer’s prayer brings us to the feet of the Prodigal Son. The tragedy of the Prodigal wasn’t just that he left home; it was that he "squandered his property in reckless living." He wasted the Father's substance.

In that sense, we are all "the prodigal son", are we not? Have we not wasted His  blessings? 

Lent reminds us that we are not worthy of the blessings we receive—that is the very definition of Grace. But our unworthiness should lead to deeper reverence, not reckless waste.

Clean Hands and a Pure Heart: Pastor Rajiv

 

In His message today, Pastor Rajiv talks about our own vision of God. Seeing God clearly is to be able to understand Him correctly, and therefore live and practise our life appropriately. How can see God? What are the impurities which block our vision or distort our vision? While we have been "called", will we be "chosen"? what is the difference? Hear about this important aspect and more about the core of the Christian Faith in this message.