Prayer & Revival: Pastor Rajiv

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land "

Have you seen empty Churches? Empty pews? Where are Gods people? Missing youngsters and children? 

with so much pain and heart break in the world, we definitely need a revival - a return to God, His churches and to Jesus. And God knows it too. 

God has designed revival to begin with his own people who are called by his name a people like you and me who have called on the name of Jesus.

What does God want? Here is where God lays down four demands.

His first call for his people is to humble ourselves. That's a much bandied word and few if any really know or do. So, how?

By recognizing and confessing our need to seek God in all things.

We need humility because we need to constantly guard against spiritual pride because spiritual pride results in self-centredness according to Hawkins.

In order to be truly humble à we need to bring a broken spirit before God. Secondly, we are to pray call out to God earnestly.

You know people prayer is warfare and that is why God is constantly looking for prayer warriors.

If we are to see true revival we need earnest and fervent prayer. Every true revival has been the result of fervent and  earnest prayer.

I remember a time in India, a new Church had been founded and there were but 10 people coming. Every Sunday morning, much before the worship service, the Pastor used to go to the church and pray over the empty seats - asking God to fill them. In a few months the membership grew to over a 100 and today is about 900!

In last Sunday’s message we saw what happened when the early church prayed  and when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the holy spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

For any revival to take place we must be filled with the Holy Spirit who will give us the courage to speak the word of God with boldness.

Thirdly God demands that we seek his face. 

Hawkins holds that if we spent as much time in our prayers seeking god’s face as we do his hand to help us we would be much nearer to our own personal revival.

And finally we must turn from our wicked ways. 

Unconfessed sin is unforgiven sin and this is the greatest obstacle to revival. Just confessing our sins and feeling sorry for them is not enough. We need to forsake them altogether because that is true repentance.

The final step in God’s recipe for revival is God’s delight.

God’s delight is forgiving the sins of his people if they are truly repentant and turn from their wicked ways.

His promise is he will hear from heaven and He will forgive our sin and He will heal our land.

God delights in healing our hearts and healing our homes and lives because it appropriates his sacrifice on the cross and does not render his death in vain.

He is willing He is waiting He is longing for us to call on his name in prayer and seek his face through his word and turn from our wicked ways so that he can fulfill his promise.

You know people prayer and revival go hand in hand.

There can be no revival without fervent and earnest prayer.

The Fingerprints of God

"Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still". Psalm 4:4 (KJV)

Evenings are a divine invitation to slow down and reflect. To look back not with regret, but with gratitude. Reflection lets you see the fingerprints of God in the ordinary moments of your day.

Friends, don’t rush to sleep without pausing in stillness. Commune with your heart. What did God teach you today? Where did He show up? Even in trials, His presence has been near. Stillness helps you hear the lessons, celebrate the grace, and surrender the weight. Tonight, reflect with thankfulness. Rest with purpose. And go to sleep knowing that the same God who carried you through today will carry you again tomorrow.

Prayer 

Lord, as I quiet my heart tonight, I thank You for every moment You walked with me. Help me learn from today and rest in Your love. May tomorrow begin from a place of peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Monday Morning Reset:

What does Monday Feel like? A deep breath at the start of the week? A moment to realign your heart before everything begins moving again?

Mondays can feel like a rush — a fresh start wrapped in pressure, expectations, and long to‑do lists. But before the week begins to pull you in every direction, God invites you to pause… to reset… to remember who goes before you.

“My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.”

— Exodus 33:14 (KJV)

A reset doesn’t mean starting over. It means starting with Him.

Lay down the weight you carried from last week.

Receive the strength God has already prepared for you.

Step into the week with peace instead of pressure.

Trust that nothing ahead of you is bigger than the God within you. 

You don’t need to have everything figured out today.

You just need to take the first step with Him.

Sabbath Prayers

                                        

Good and Gracious God. You gave the people of Jerusalem the privilege of knowing Jesus and hearing His message, but they did not listen. You have given us the Gospels, so that we too can hear His message. Please give us the ears to listen. 

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with reverence and trust, lifting up every person who is sick, weary, or broken in spirit. You are the God who heals, the God who restores, and the God who binds up the wounds of Your children. Under the shadow of Your wings, there is refuge, strength, and peace.
Lord, we intercede for those battling illness — especially cancer. Stretch out Your healing hand. Bring comfort where there is fear, strength where there is weakness, and hope where there is despair. Let Your presence fill hospital rooms, treatment centers, and quiet homes where Your children cry out to You. Please strengthen Jen who has decided to witness your love for her as she battles her sickness. We pray she start her specific treatment she is hoping for as early as you deem fit.  Also for Samira, and Joan, to strengthen them with your strength and  grace as they too undergo their treatment. 

We pray very specially for Lisa, a cancer survivor herself, and whose daughter now has been detected with Cancer at a young age. We pray for her strength and healing. 

We pray for the people in India. specially Senior citizens suffering in the extreme cold and air pollution. 

We pray for the brokenhearted — those carrying grief, loss, or exhaustion. Wrap them in Your unfailing love. Whisper Your promises into their spirits. 
And Father, we lift up the nations of the world that are hurting today.
We pray for countries facing war, disaster, hunger, or deep uncertainty.
We pray for Regions affected by conflict, where families long for safety and peace
Nations struck by natural disasters, rebuilding homes and hope. Countries facing economic hardship, where daily life is a struggle. Places where sickness and lack of healthcare bring suffering. Communities torn by division, fear, or instability
We also pray for caregivers, families, and friends who stand beside the suffering. Give them endurance, compassion, and rest. Let them feel Your nearness as they pour out their strength for others.
Father, we trust in Your Word. You are the One who said, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee.” Uphold Your children — in every nation, in every hospital, in every home — with Your righteous right hand.
We believe You are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think. So we place every life, every need, and every nation into Your hands.

In Jesus’ mighty name, 

Amen.

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

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Under The Shadow

In Matthew 9:8, the crowds watched in awe as Jesus healed the paralyzed man. They “marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.” Their wonder was not just at the miracle, but at the God who moves with compassion, authority, and limitless power.
That same God is present with every person who faces sickness today. His power has not diminished. His heart has not changed. He is still the One who heals the sick, comforts the brokenhearted, and carries His children when their strength fails.
When illness enters our lives, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by our human limits. Treatments are hard. Waiting is long. Fear whispers loudly. But Scripture reminds us again and again that our limitations are not God’s limitations. With God all things are possible. His power reaches beyond what we can see, imagine, or understand.

🌸 A Testimony of His Faithfulness (By a reader)

I have witnessed this truth in my own life. When my daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, our hearts broke. The road ahead felt impossible. Yet we prayed — and not just us, but friends, well‑wishers, and churches who stood with us in faith. Our simple prayer was this: “Lord, heal our child, and let the side effects be minimal so she can endure the treatment.”
God heard.
God sustained.
God carried.
By His grace, the waiting periods disappeared, doctors became available and finally she entered remission within six months of treatment. She continues her follow‑up therapy, and through it all, His strength has helped her bear the side effects. Truly, His grace was sufficient. Those six months deepened our faith and reminded us that God is still a God of wonders.''
''Every morning and night, our family returns to the shelter of Psalm 91, finding peace under the shadow of the Almighty''.
We should never underestimate the power of God, nor take His presence for granted. In every season — fear, uncertainty, pain, or waiting — we can call upon His name. He invites us to lean on Him, to trust Him, and to believe that He is working for our good even when the path is hard.
He is a God of miracles.
He is near to the brokenhearted.
He holds every tear, every fear, every moment.
And to every patient, caregiver, and loved one, He speaks this promise:
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” — Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
May this truth settle deeply into your heart today.
You are not alone.
You are not forgotten.
You are held by the One who still works wonders.
We can choose to live under the shadow of fear, doubt and hopelessness or under the shadow of the Almighty one who will protect us and heal us. Now and forever. 

Our Worst Enemy

Today, Let's us start with a question: It’s a question most of us try to avoid because it feels "unspiritual" to say yes: The question is - Do you have enemies?

There is a profound truth we often overlook. Even if we lived in a world of perfect external peace, we would still face a formidable foe. The fact is, we are often our own worst enemy.

We are the ones who whisper "you aren't good enough" when a door of opportunity opens. We are the ones who succumb to the same habits and sins we promised to break. We are the ones who allow pride to keep us from apologizing, or fear to keep us from growing. And when we do get it under control, along comes a new temptation or a new situation to light that fire once again.

The Apostle Paul captured this internal civil war perfectly in Romans 7:15: "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."

Let us Reflect: What is one way you have been your own enemy this week? How can we overcome it?

Overcoming the enemy within is rarely a one-time event; it is a daily rhythm of realignment. When we realize that our own "flesh"—our habits, pride, and fears—can be our greatest obstacle, we can stop fighting ourselves and start partnering with the Spirit. The fact is we don't have to "defeat" ourself; we have to surrender ourself. The more we hand the reins over to God, the less power the "inner enemy" has to steer the car.

The Bible gives us a very clear "biological" map of how the enemy within moves from a thought to a tragedy. It isn’t usually a sudden leap; it’s a birth process.

1. The Lure (Temptation)

James 1:14 says, "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire." Notice the source: the lure isn't always thrown by the devil. Often, the "bait" is our own internal desire. Temptation itself is not sin—even Jesus was tempted—but it is the "hook" that the enemy within tries to grab.

2. The Conception (The "Yes")

The battle is won or lost in the moment of conception. James 1:15 continues: "Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin." Sin happens when our will shakes hands with the temptation. The "enemy within" is the part of us that wants to say "yes" to the shortcut, the lie, or the selfish impulse because it promises immediate relief or pleasure.

3. The Result - death

When we allow that inner enemy to win, the result is sin, and the end-stage of sin is always some form of "death"—the death of a relationship, the death of peace, or the death of a reputation.

How can we Short-Circuit the Cycle?

If the enemy within uses temptation as a trap, we need a "disruption" strategy:

* Starve the Desire: We often "feed" our inner enemy by what we look at, listen to, or dwell on. If you know a certain environment makes your "inner enemy" stronger, you have the power to walk away before the lure is even dropped. Avoid the triggers. 

* The "Exit" Sign: 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises that God always provides a "way of escape." The problem is that when we are in the heat of temptation, we often stop looking for the exit. Overcoming means training your eyes to look for the "Way Out" the moment you feel the "Lure."

* Confession / Acceptance as Surgery: Sin grows in the dark. The "enemy within" loves secrets. When we succumb to sin, the best way to defeat the inner enemy is to bring it into the light immediately through confession. This "kills" the infection before it can grow into something larger.

A Hard Truth: We often blame the "Devil" for things that are actually just our own un-surrendered desires. 

Realizing this is painful, but it is also liberating—because while we cannot control the Devil, we can, through the Spirit, learn to discipline our own hearts.

The Peace of Christ: Pastor Rajiv

Over the years what do you think has been the one thing that humanity has craved the most? 

It is "Peace". Right from the various movements till date. It is Peace. 

Peace remains humanity’s deepest need but the peace that humanity pursues is not the peace that is everlasting. As far as peace is concerned what each of us needs is Christ’s peace.

Today, Pastor Rajiv talks about Christ's Peace, what it means and what it looks like for each of us. 

So what exactly is Christ’s peace? how is it different to the peace that our world is pursuing?

The Other Side of the Door

"Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Isiaah 41:10

A sick man turned to his doctor as he was leaving the examination room and said ," Doctor I am afraid of my sickness. Suppose I die? Tell me, what lies on the other side of the door? Very quietly the doctor said, " I don't know". "You don't know? You're a Christian man, and you don't know what's on the other side?

The doctor was holding the handle of his door; on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and, as he opened the door a dog sprang into the room and leapt on him in an eager show of gladness. Turning to the patient, the doctor said, " Did you notice my dog? He has never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and , when the door opened he sprang in without fear. I don't know what's on the other side my friend. All I know is my Master is there".

We all face mountains and dark shadows, some more than others. Like the patient in the story, it maybe some sickness. Or it maybe a financial mountain, or a child in danger or the prospect of a job loss. In every case we face a door - opening into the unknown. And it is scary. 

Whatever you’re facing — decisions, responsibilities, transitions, or the quiet weight of the unknown — this quoted verse invites you to breathe again. God’s presence is not a concept; it’s a steadying reality. His strength is not symbolic; it’s available. His help is not occasional; it’s committed. In fact, many, including the writer and other folks, stand guarantee of this promise. 

It doesn’t pretend life is easy. It doesn’t deny that fear is real. Instead, it speaks directly into the places where fear tries to take root.

This verse is God’s gentle interruption.

It reminds you that fear loses its power when you remember who stands beside you. God doesn’t offer distant encouragement; He offers presence. He doesn’t say, “Be strong on your own.” He says, “I will strengthen you.” He doesn’t say, “Figure it out.” He says, “I will help you.”

Every phrase is a promise: You are not alone.

You are not unsupported.

You are not expected to carry everything by yourself.

Today, let this verse become your anchor.

When fear whispers, answer with truth:

God is with me. God strengthens me. God helps me.

Monday Morning Reset: New Mercies for a New Week

​“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22-23

​

The Weekly Word is: "Steadfast"

​

Mondays often feel like a mountain we have to climb. We look at the week ahead—the meetings, the chores, the "to-do" lists—and we feel like we have to provide all the energy ourselves.

​But look at the verse above. The word isn't "Your energy is new every morning" or "Your productivity is great." It says His mercies are new.

​You don't have to carry the weight of last week’s mistakes into this week. You don't even have to carry the weight of this week's expectations yet. Today is a fresh slate provided by a God who isn't tired, even if you are.

​Take a deep breath. Read this slowly:

​"Father, thank You for a new Monday. I surrender my 'to-do' list to You. Before I try to be productive, help me to simply be present with You. When the week gets loud, remind me of Your steadfast love. Give me the strength for just today, and the grace to handle whatever comes my way. Amen."

​This week, whenever you feel overwhelmed stop and whisper the word: "Steadfast." Remind yourself that while your circumstances change, His presence remains the same.

​

Sabbath Prayers

 

Please join us in our Sunday 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 your healing. 

For Sabbath Prayers 

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Pastor Rajiv's Mid Week Message

 

Your "Aha" Moment

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” — Isaiah 60:1

Have you ever had an aha moment in life?

Of course you have. We all have.

Archimedes had it in a bathtub.

Newton had it under an apple tree.

And Christians—believe it or not—have it again and again.

Today, the 6th of January, marks one of the greatest aha moments in human history.

Twelve days after Christmas, the world outside the Jewish community met Jesus for the very first time. The wise men arrived, knelt, and worshipped. And in that moment, the light of Christ stepped beyond Bethlehem and into the nations.

This is why we call today "Epiphany"—the day the world said, “Oh! This is who He is.”

It was the divine "aha" moment that changed everything.

🌿 Why does Epiphany matter to us today?

Because the story of Epiphany is not just historical.

It is deeply personal.

There are moments in our walk with God when something suddenly clicks.

A truth we’ve heard a hundred times becomes alive.

A Scripture we’ve skimmed for years suddenly breathes.

A burden we’ve carried for too long suddenly lifts.

These are the Aha moments of epiphany—

holy interruptions where God turns on the light inside us.

Epiphany is not merely about understanding; it is about recognition.

It is the moment when the heart catches up to what the mind already knows.

It is when Jesus—who has been walking beside us all along—becomes unmistakably visible.

Your Personal Epiphany

Ms. Francis Taylor describes it beautifully:

“Think back to the moment when you accepted your faith in Christ as your Savior. Perhaps it was a gradual realization that what you have been taught over the years was true. Perhaps it was a particular event of joy or sadness that caused you to welcome Jesus into your heart. This was your epiphany.”

Your epiphany may not have involved a star in the sky or gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

But it involved something far greater—

the King of Kings revealing Himself to you.

And the truth is, God doesn’t stop at one epiphany.

He keeps giving them.

He keeps opening our eyes.

He keeps surprising us with light.

Your history is Not Your Destiny.

Today is the first day of the rest of your life!

Think about that.

There is something incredibly powerful about the clean slate of January 1st. It’s a natural moment to exhale the weight of the past year and inhale the possibility of the new one.

But what does ​Scripture say about this?  

​"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." — Isaiah 43:18-19

​​We often treat the phrase "the first day of the rest of your life" as a motivational cliché, but spiritually, it is a profound truth. In God’s economy, His mercies are new every morning. This means that your history—whether it was defined by mountain-top successes or valley-low mistakes—does not have to be your destiny.

When I look at my history, I shudder with fear for the future. But the fact is - that is not my destiny. My destiny is to serve the Lord.

​The "rest of your life" doesn't start when you reach a certain goal, lose the weight, or fix the relationship. It starts the moment you decide that today is the pivot point.

​so, 

Break that Rearview Mirror!

​It is impossible to run forward effectively if you are constantly looking over your shoulder. Dwelling on "what could have been" or "what went wrong" acts like an anchor, keeping you tethered to a version of yourself that no longer exists.

​To embrace this first day, you must give yourself permission to:

• ​Release the Guilt: Forgive yourself for the habits you didn't break last year.

• ​Release the Glory: Don't let yesterday’s trophies make you complacent today.

• ​Accept the Unknown: You don't need to see the whole map to take the first step. There are some who also take a leap of faith - a step into the unknown.

​Living as if today is the first day of your life brings a sense of holy curiosity. When everything is new, you notice the details. You listen more closely. You treat people with more kindness because you aren't carrying the baggage of old grudges. You approach your work with "beginner’s eyes," looking for ways to grow rather than just ways to finish.

​Let's think about this: 

• ​If I truly believed today was a completely fresh start, what is one "weight" I would choose to stop carrying right now?

• ​What is one "new thing" (a habit, a mindset, or a goal) I feel a nudge to begin today?

​At the end, remember - Today comes every day. Not just on the 1st of Jan.

The Week After Christmas

​The Power of Small

Sometimes the biggest miracles begin in the smallest moments.

📝 Reflection:

The week after Christmas can feel strangely quiet. The lights dim, the celebrations fade, and life returns to its ordinary rhythm. But God often does His greatest work in the ordinary.
Jesus came to us as a baby — small, unnoticed, wrapped in simplicity. Yet through that small beginning, heaven touched earth.
Maybe your life feels small right now. Maybe your prayers feel small. Maybe your strength feels small. But God delights in using the small to reveal the extraordinary.

❓ Think about this: What “small thing” is God asking you to trust Him with this week?

🙏 Prayer: Jesus, thank You for meeting us in the small places. Open our eyes to see Your presence in the ordinary moments of our week. Give us faith to trust that nothing is too small for You to use. Amen

The Star of the Show: Pastor Rajiv's Xmas Message

 

Have a Blessed Christmas

 

The Great Rescue Mission

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given..." — Isaiah 9:6

​In the middle-class of the "Christmas rush"—the tangled lights, the final grocery runs, and the mountain of wrapping paper—it is so easy to treat Jesus like a guest we forgot to invite to His own party. We deck the halls and set the table, but sometimes the "Birthday Boy" gets pushed into the corner of our hearts while the festivities take center stage.

​But think about that first Christmas. There was no tinsel, no matching sweaters, and no perfect lighting. There was just a cold stable, a humble manger, and a King who chose to become small so that we could know how big God’s love truly is.

Christmas isn't just a holiday; it’s a rescue mission. God didn't send a program, a policy, or a philosophy to save us—He sent a Person. When we focus on the "Birthday Boy," the pressure of the season starts to melt away. We realize that:

- Peace isn't the absence of a busy schedule; it’s the presence of Christ.

- Joy isn't found in what’s under the tree, but in who hung on the tree for us.

​- Love is a God who stepped out of heaven to be "Immanuel"—God with us.

Today, as you look at the lights and hear the music, take a second to pause. Imagine the manger sitting right in the middle of your living room. Before the food is served and the gifts are opened, give Him the gift He wants most: your attention, your gratitude, and your heart.

Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Son. In all the noise of the season, help me to hear the quiet cry of the Baby in the manger. Help me to remember that You are the reason we celebrate, the hope we cling to, and the light that never goes out. May my life be a " Birthday" message to You today. Amen.

The Paradox of Power

Small is Big and Big is small? Sounds strange in this world of the GOATs and BOATs !

Humility often feels soft or passive in our modern world, but its origins tell a different story. It is derived from the Latin word humus, meaning earth or soil. In fact, the word human is etymologically linked to humus, meaning earth or soil! To be humble is to be "grounded"—to have your feet planted firmly on the truth of who you are and who God is.

​In the Kingdom of God, humility isn't just a personality trait; it is the very foundation of faith. Without it, the structure of Christianity collapses.

​Throughout scripture, God bypasses the palaces of power to write His story in the dust of the earth. He chooses the "grounded" to shake the world. Think about it: 

1. The Prince of Peace in a Feeding Trough: Jesus Christ, the Creator of the universe, did not enter through a marble archway. He was born into a carpenter’s family and laid in a manger—a stone or wooden box for animal fodder. The King of Kings chose the scent of hay over the scent of incense.

2. The Prophet in the Wilderness: Moses was raised in the pinnacle of Egyptian royalty. Yet, to become the deliverer of Israel, he had to leave the golden halls of Pharaoh to become a penniless wanderer. It was in the dirt of the desert, tending sheep, that he finally became "the humblest man on earth" and was ready to hear God’s voice.

3. The Shepherd on the Throne: David was the youngest son, the one left in the fields while his brothers were considered for kingship. God did not look at his stature or his status; He looked at a heart that was grounded in worship.

The Paradox of Power

​We often spend our lives trying to "rise above" others, seeking higher status and greater recognition. Yet, the Gospel teaches us that the way up is down. When we remain close to the "humus"—when we stay grounded in the realization that we are made of dust and sustained by grace—we become the most fertile soil for God’s miracles. Pride makes us hard and impenetrable like rock; humility makes us soft and ready for the Sower’s seed.

​"God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." — James 4:6

​A Daily Mantra for Humility

​Consider carrying this short thought with you throughout the day:

“For dust you are, and to dust you will return.”

This is the line God speaks to Adam after the fall, and it’s the foundation for the connection between humus (earth), humility, and human. Humility isn’t just a virtue — it’s embedded in our identity.

Kofi & The Baboon

While the story of Kofi and the Baboon is a popular West African folktale used to teach children about honesty, greed, and cleverness, it carries a profound spiritual lesson about the "traps" we encounter in life.

In the story, Kofi sets a trap for a baboon by placing a treat inside a narrow-necked jar. The baboon reaches in and grabs the prize, but because his fist is now clenched and full, he cannot pull his hand out. He is caught—not because the jar is holding him, but because he doesn't want to let go. 

Scripture Reflection: The Power of Letting Go

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." — 1 Corinthians 10:13

Like the baboon in the story, we often find ourselves stuck in "tight spots." We might feel trapped by a habit, a grudge, a material desire, or a toxic situation. When we pray for God to deliver us, we sometimes wonder why the "jar" won't break or why the situation won't change.

However, the story of Kofi teaches us a difficult truth: Sometimes the only thing keeping us trapped is our own grip.

The baboon had the "way out" the entire time—all he had to do was open his hand and let go of the bait. In our lives, the "bait" might be the need to be right, the pursuit of money at the cost of our integrity or holding onto past hurts. We want the freedom, but we also want the "treat."

God promises to provide a way out, but that exit often requires us to surrender what we are "white-knuckling". True freedom is found when we realize that what God has for us in the future is far greater than the small "prize" we are currently clinging to. Because if we want to hold onto Jesus, we must let go of the other "desires". 

Today let us reflect: 

* Is there something I am holding onto so tightly that it is actually keeping me stuck?

* Am I asking God to change my circumstances, or am I willing to change what I am prioritizing?

* What would happen if I "opened my hand" in surrender today?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for being a God of freedom. Help me to recognize the traps in my life that are fueled by my own desires or fears. Give me the courage to let go of the things that keep me bound, even if they seem valuable in the moment. I trust that Your hands are full of better things for me. Amen.

The Christmas We Wouldn’t Believe

                                          

How would we respond if the Christmas story unfolded in our world—not in ancient Bethlehem, but in our neighbourhood, on our news feeds, in the noise of our modern skepticism?

Imagine a young woman today saying she is pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Would we believe her, or would we whisper, judge, and scroll past?

Imagine a carpenter choosing to stay with her—would we call him faithful or foolish?

Imagine a 33‑year‑old man claiming to be the Son of God—would we listen, or would we label him delusional?

Imagine a headline announcing that someone who died on Friday walked out of the grave on Sunday—would we worship, or would we mock the algorithm?

If we wouldn’t believe it now, how do we believe it then?

The first Christmas wasn’t wrapped in tinsel or sentiment. It was wrapped in scandal, confusion, and impossibility. It was built on one small but world‑shaking word: Yes.

Mary said yes to the impossible.

Joseph said yes to the unexplainable.

The shepherds said yes to the terrifying.

None of them had clarity. None had a plan. None had certainty.

They only had a promise.

Real faith doesn’t wait for life to make sense before it trusts.

Real faith steps into mystery because God is already there.

If the Christmas story happened today, many would dismiss it. But Christmas invites us to believe that God still breaks into our world in ways that defy logic, comfort, and predictability.

To believe Christmas is to embrace a holy paradox:

• The Infinite became finite.
• The King became a servant.
• The Holy Spirit moved beyond human explanation.
• The God who once felt distant stepped into our present moment—into our mess, our questions, our humanity.

Christmas is not just a story to remember; it is a reality to recognize.

So here is the question for our hearts today:

If a “Mary” or a “Jesus” walked into your life in a way you didn’t expect, would you have the eyes to see God at work?

May this Christmas awaken in us the courage to say “yes” again—

yes to wonder,

yes to mystery,

yes to God moving in ways we cannot predict or control.

Because the miracle of Christmas is not that God once came near.

The miracle is that He still does.

The miracle of Christmas begins the moment we stop asking, ‘Is this possible?’ and start whispering, ‘Lord, I trust You.