Unseen Battles

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

— Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

We often hear people wonder - why do good people suffer bad things? 

​We often view our struggles—the anxiety, the sharp temptation, the persistent doubt, the relational friction—as purely internal or interpersonal problems. We fight against a bad mood, a difficult colleague, or a personal failure. But the Apostle Paul pulls back the curtain on reality, revealing that these surface battles are often just symptoms of a deeper, unseen warfare.

​You are a soldier in a spiritual war, whether you feel like one or not. The true enemy is not the person who angered you, nor is it the circumstance that caused you distress. The real enemy is the spiritual forces that seek to distract you, discourage you, and ultimately dismantle your faith. The target is your faith and the way is through your fear and temptation. 

​This truth is both sobering and empowering. Why? 

• ​Sobering: It reminds us that there is a strategic, intelligent foe actively working against our peace and purpose.

• ​Empowering: It shifts our focus from fighting symptoms to fighting the source. When you realize the battle is spiritual, you stop using fleshly weapons (anger, gossip, self-pity) and start using the only effective tools: spiritual weapons.

​Three Strategies for Spiritual Victory

​1. Know Your Enemy’s Strategy (The Lie)

​The primary weapon of the enemy is deception. He tries to make you believe lies about God, lies about yourself, and lies about your situation.

• ​Lies about God: "God isn't good. He has forgotten you. Your sin is too great for His grace."

• ​Lies about you: "You are worthless. You will never change. You are too weak to fight."

​Your Defense: The Truth of God's Word. When you are tempted to believe a lie, speak a corresponding truth. If you feel forgotten, recall: "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:8).

​2. Put on the Full Armor (Ephesians 6:13-17)

​Paul is insistent: we must be fully equipped. The armor is not optional; it is the provision Christ has given you for protection.

3. Fight from a Position of Victory (Intercession)

​Crucially, you are not fighting for victory; you are fighting from the victory already secured by Jesus Christ on the cross. Your power does not come from your strength, but from His.

​Paul concludes the armor passage with a call to prayer for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18). Intercession is how we deploy the spiritual weapons. When you pray, you are inviting the power of God into the unseen battle, and no spiritual force can stand against Him.

​

Think about this: 

• ​What "flesh and blood" struggle in your life right now might actually be a symptom of a deeper spiritual battle?

• ​Which piece of the spiritual armor do you feel you need to intentionally "put on" today?

​Prayer

​Heavenly Father, thank You for opening my eyes to the reality of the spiritual war. Forgive me for trying to fight my battles in my own strength. I put on the full armor of God today. I take up the Shield of Faith to guard against the lies of the enemy, and I wield the Sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word. Strengthen me to stand firm in the victory Christ has already won, and help me to pray ceaselessly for others who are in the fight. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Standing on The Promises of God: Pastor Rajiv

 

Good Morning God!

Read Isiaah 44 6-8

I have a question today: if God was living with you or me, would we not say "Good morning" every day?

Francis Taylor points out certain truths viz our relationship with God. Commenting on the quoted passage she says -

"God is very definite in this passage from Isaiah. I am God and there is no other! I am the first and the last, the Alpha and the Omega, as is written in the book of Revelation. Since we declare that we believe this, why do we insist on having other gods? Anything or anyone we put before God, including ourselves, we are making gods. Putting God first, means giving up some of our control and obeying his rules, and living as God wants us to live. This isn't the first time this message has come before us this year, but it bears repeating and reflecting upon once again. Where do we place God on a scale of 1 – 10 in the course of our day? Is God in your thoughts when you wake up? How many times do you think about God during the day while driving, working, reading, watching television? What about at night? Is God the last thing you think about at night as you reflect upon your day? How many times during the day do you say "thank you" for getting those green lights, finding a parking place, having the meeting go well? Or maybe you need to thank God that the person running the red light didn't hit you? Tomorrow, try saying good morning to God and ask him to be with you during the day. Then, look for God in the people and events during the day. Tomorrow night, think about your day, recognize the places where God was present and then say "good night." Repeat."

Francis Taylor

What she is saying is that God should be integrated into all aspects of life, not relegated to a Sunday-only activity.

He thus becomes a lifestyle rather than an event. The encouragement to say "thank you" for daily mercies (green lights, parking spots, safety) is a call to practice mindfulness and gratitude, recognizing God's hand in both the mundane and the profound.

We need to move from theological statement to practical devotional exercise, which is its greatest strength.

Ms Taylor establishes a non-negotiable truth using direct biblical reference: "I am God and there is no other! I am the first and the last, the Alpha and the Omega." This declaration, pulling from both Isaiah and Revelation, emphasizes God's eternality and completeness. If this is true, it logically follows that nothing else can share that level of importance, not even ourselves, our jobs, our families or our possessions. Our pride lies in God, not in these things.

Making God and Jesus our lifestyle means transforming our faith from a belief system into a 24/7 reality. How can we do that?

• To start with, change morning routines. Before you check your phone or start your to-do list, offer a simple prayer: "Good morning, God. Be with me today and guide my steps."

• Focus on the Person of Jesus: The lifestyle isn't just about what you do; it's about becoming more like Christ. Study Jesus's life in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) and focus on His humility, compassion, and priorities.

Integrate God into Daily Rhythms

​This moves God from being a "Sunday event" to a continuous presence.

• ​Communion through Prayer (The Constant Conversation):

• ​Scheduled Time: Set aside dedicated, quiet time (even 5-10 minutes) each day for prayer and devotion. Be consistent.

• ​Spontaneous Prayer: This is key to lifestyle—talking to God while driving, cooking, waiting in line, or before a difficult meeting. The quote's reference to saying "thank you" for a parking spot is a perfect example.

• ​Meditation on Scripture (The Daily Bread):

• ​Read for Transformation, not just Information: Instead of speed-reading, take one verse or a short passage. Read it slowly, meditate on what it means, and ask, "How should this change how I live today?"

• ​Practical Tip: Use a Bible app to keep a verse or thought on your phone's home screen for a few hours.

Make Your Work and Activities Worship

​Your job, your hobbies, and your errands are all opportunities to express your faith.

• ​Excellence and Integrity: Do your work, chores, or studies with excellence, as if you are working directly for God, not just your boss or teacher (Colossians 3:23). This means being honest, diligent, and helpful.

• ​Attitude and Humility: In traffic, in frustrating situations, or during conflicts, actively try to display the Fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control - Galatians 5:22-23). This is where the rubber meets the road.

• ​The "Other Gods" Check: As the quote asks, constantly evaluate our priorities. If our pursuit of comfort, money, approval, or pleasure causes us to neglect our spiritual life or compromise our values, that's where we need to surrender control.

Making God and Jesus your lifestyle is about cultivating an active awareness of His presence and consciously choosing His way over your own, moment by moment. It's a journey of forming small, consistent habits that slowly shift your heart's greatest desire.

Is God on Your Side?

The pages of the Old Testament are filled with the dramatic prayers and actions of the people of Israel as they faced enemies, famine, and disaster. Their cry was often: "O God, be on our side!" They longed for the Divine Warrior to march with their armies, to deliver them from their foes, and to bless their land. Much like you and I today. 

And, when they walked in obedience, God was indeed their protector and deliverer. When they strayed, the prophets brought God's stern but loving verdict, reminding the people of God's perspective and calling them back to covenant faithfulness.

​One powerful example of this dynamic is seen when the Israelites were about to take Jericho:

​“When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, ‘Are you for us, or for our adversaries?’ And he said, ‘No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.’ And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, ‘What does my lord say to his servant?’ ”

​— Joshua 5:13–14 (ESV)

​The commander's answer, "No," is striking. He wasn't choosing sides; he was declaring that God's mission was the only side that mattered. Joshua's response was immediate humility and surrender. He stopped asking God to join his side and asked how he could join God’s.

​The New Covenant: The Question Is Settled

​With the coming of Jesus Christ, the question of whether God is "on our side" is definitively answered and fundamentally transformed.

​The Gospel reveals the ultimate, unwavering truth of God's heart toward humanity: He is absolutely, eternally, and completely on our side.

He did not wait for us to clean up our lives; He came while we were still lost. ​“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” ​— Romans 5:8 (ESV)

He did not send a general or a prophet; He sent His own Son. ​“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” ​— John 3:16 (ESV)

​The very act of the Incarnation, the Cross, and the Resurrection is God’s decisive declaration of love and commitment to redeem humanity.

​The Apostle Paul drives this point home with powerful rhetoric:

​“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”

​— Romans 8:31–32 (ESV)

​The New Challenge

​Because God has proven beyond all doubt that He is for us through Christ, the question shifts from a desperate plea to a deliberate choice. The ultimate battle is no longer for God's allegiance; it is for ours.

​The question is no longer: "Is God on our side?"

The question now is: "Are we on God's side?"

​This means:

Surrender: Are we willing to lay down our own plans and will, just as Joshua did, and ask, "What does my Lord say to his servant?"

Obedience: Are we actively seeking to live by Christ's teachings, aligning our values, actions, and priorities with His kingdom purposes? 

​“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” ​— Matthew 6:24 (ESV) (This principle applies to all areas of allegiance, not just wealth).

Faith: Are we trusting in His completed work on the cross, making His perfect righteousness our ground for peace and hope, rather than relying on our own strength or goodness?

​A Final Thought

​Let us move past the anxious plea for God to join our cause and embrace the reality of the New Covenant: God has already committed Himself to us. Our task is to enthusiastically and obediently commit ourselves to His cause.

Besting Jesus? The Faith That Crossed Boundaries

Mark 7:25–29: A Story of Faith That Crossed Boundaries

We often think of Jesus as the perfect teacher—wise, compassionate, and purposeful in every word and action. In Mark 7, we witness a remarkable moment where a Gentile mother, unnamed but unforgettable, approaches Him with a plea born of deep love and desperation.

Her daughter was suffering, and she believed that Jesus could help. Despite being an outsider—a Syrophoenician woman, not part of the Jewish community to whom Jesus’s ministry was first directed—she came and fell at His feet, asking for healing.

Jesus responded with a statement that reflected the cultural and theological boundaries of the time:

"Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs."

This phrase, though softened in its original language, would have been difficult to hear. Yet the woman did not retreat. With humility and insight, she replied:

"Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs."

Her response was not defiant—it was faithful. She acknowledged the order of things yet trusted that even the overflow of God’s grace was enough to meet her need. Jesus affirmed her faith immediately:

"For saying that, you may go; the demon has left your daughter."

The Power of Persistent Faith

This story is not about Jesus being bested in an argument. It’s about a moment where faith pierced through cultural boundaries. Jesus’s response shows us that sincere, humble belief is always welcomed—and that God’s mercy is not limited by status, background, or tradition.

The Syrophoenician woman didn’t demand a place at the table. She simply trusted that the crumbs of grace were enough. And in that trust, she received the fullness of healing.

The Message for Us Today

When we feel distant, unheard, or unworthy, this story reminds us:

1. Faith that is humble, persistent, and trusting can move the heart of God.

2. No one is too far. No prayer is too small. And no boundary is too strong for the compassion of Christ.

When Everything is Lost

Much of the Old Testament is an historical account but most of it has practical application as a Christian even today. When we meditate on these OT accounts, there is so much to be learned which enhances our own relationship with God.

One such account is in 1 Samuel 30 - to be read as a complete chapter. It is a powerful account of leadership, faith, and recovery in a moment of intense crisis. The story of David and his men returning to find their town, Ziklag, burned and their families captured by the Amalekites offers several profound learning opportunities.

​Here are the key lessons we can derive from 1 Samuel 30:

​"But David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God."

​Imagine the scene: David and his men return home after a long journey only to find their city, Ziklag, reduced to ashes. Their wives, children, and possessions—everything they owned—had been carried off by the raiding Amalekites. Their grief was so overwhelming they wept until they could weep no more. To make matters worse, David’s own companions turned on him, placing the blame squarely on his shoulders and speaking of stoning their leader.

​It was a moment of absolute loss: physical possessions gone, family missing, leadership authority questioned, and his own life threatened. David was at his lowest point. He had every right to despair, blame others, or crumble under the pressure.

​Yet, David made a choice that changed everything. He still chose to depend on God. 

​The path David took from devastation to deliverance offers us a powerful blueprint for navigating our own darkest days.

​1. Strengthen Yourself in the Lord (The Anchor)

​When the world around you is collapsing, you must actively secure your anchor. David didn't look to his men, his wisdom, or his reputation for strength; he looked up. The key phrase is: "But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God" (1 Samuel 30:6). This teaches us that inner resilience and the ability to lead others come from deliberately clinging to and finding strength in one's relationship with God, even when facing the consequences of past compromises.

​Action Point: When you feel overwhelmed, stop trying to fix the problem immediately. Instead, deliberately turn your focus to God. Remind yourself of His past faithfulness, His unwavering promises, and His deep love for you. That inner choice to anchor your spirit in Him is the beginning of your recovery.

​2. Inquire of the Lord (The Compass)

​After finding strength, David didn't just rush out to chase the enemy. He sought specific direction using the ephod, asking, "Shall I pursue? Will I overtake?" God’s answer was clear: "Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and shall surely rescue all."

​This highlights the importance of prayerful decision-making and obedience to the clear guidance received.

Action Point: Never let panic or emotion dictate your next move. When facing a major decision or a crisis, pause, pray, and seek God’s direction. Whether through Scripture, counsel, or prayer, wait for the clarity of His voice. Obedience to His plan, not yours, is the only guarantee of success.

​3. Extend Compassion (The Unexpected Blessing)

​Mid-pursuit, David’s men came upon an abandoned Egyptian slave. In the urgency of their mission, it would have been easy to leave him behind because he was an Egyptian (an enemy) and part of Amalekites. But they stopped and showed him kindness. That man, nourished and revived, became their essential informant, leading them straight to the sleeping enemy camp.

​Action Point: Even when you are deep in your own struggle, do not neglect opportunities for kindness. Compassion is never a distraction; it is often the very key God uses to open the door to your deliverance. When you serve others, God is working behind the scenes to serve your need.

4. Fair Distribution and Unity (Wise Leadership)

Good leadership involves both effective pursuit and wise, unifying distribution of success. No one should be left behind.

Two hundred of David's men were too exhausted to continue the pursuit and had to stay behind to guard the supplies at the Brook Besor. The men who fought argued that the 200 weary men deserved no share of the plunder.

The Action: David implemented a permanent law in Israel: "As is the share of him who goes down into the battle, so shall be the share of him who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike" (1 Samuel 30:24-25). This was an act of wise, compassionate leadership that prevented disunity and honored everyone's contribution to the effort.

​

Conclusion: David Recovered All

​Because David strengthened his heart, sought God’s will, and acted with compassion, the narrative ends with one of the most triumphant phrases in the Old Testament: "David recovered all, and nothing of theirs was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that they had taken for themselves" (1 Samuel 30:19).

​What has the enemy stolen from you? Is it your peace, your joy, your hope, or your sense of purpose? Take courage from David’s story. 

When you place your trust in God, He promises not just survival, but complete restoration. Strengthen yourself in Him today and watch Him lead you to recover all.

The Devil Reads the Bible!

​The idea that the devil reads the Bible might sound provocative, but the Scriptures themselves confirm this chilling truth. The adversary is not merely aware of God’s Word; he is an expert manipulator of it. 

It is said that a good lie (that is a believable one) is always based on an aspect of the truth. And the devil does exactly that !

His knowledge of the Bible is not for worship or obedience, but for warfare and deceit.

​The most profound example of this is found in the wilderness temptation of Jesus Christ.

​The Master of Misquotation

​After forty days of fasting, Jesus was famished. The devil saw his opportunity and launched his attack, moving from tempting Jesus to doubt His identity to tempting Him to misuse His authority. The third temptation is a stunning display of the devil's biblical knowledge:

​"Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ”— Matthew 4:5-6 (ESV), quoting Psalm 91:11-12

​The devil did not quote random poetry or philosophy; he quoted Scripture! He took the promise of divine protection, found in Psalm 91, and twisted it, urging Jesus to test God's faithfulness by placing Himself in needless danger.

​The devil’s knowledge of the Bible is:

• ​Selective: He extracts promises and phrases out of context to support his hypothesis and theory. Do we do that too?

• ​Destructive: He uses the Word of God to undermine the will of God. If we act as in point 1, we too, automatically undermine God's will.

• ​Intellectual, not Spiritual: He knows the letter of the law but rejects its life-giving Spirit and Author.

We need to think, meditate and make sure that our belief in the Word of God is not intellectual alone, but it's a belief that stems from the spirit so that we may partake of the life it offers.

​Our Defense: Knowing the Whole Truth

​Jesus’ response to the devil’s manipulation is our blueprint for spiritual defense. He didn't argue the accuracy of the quote; He countered the context and the intent by quoting other Scripture:

​Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”— Matthew 4:7 (ESV), quoting Deuteronomy 6:16

​Jesus revealed the full counsel of God by bringing together a passage on God’s protection (Psalm 91) with a passage on reverent obedience (Deuteronomy 6). He showed that genuine faith does not manipulate God's promises; it walks in humble obedience within God’s will.

​This truth provides us with a critical warning and a powerful encouragement:

​The Warning:

​The devil won't only attack you with tempting thoughts; he will try to defeat you by twisting God's promises, creating doubt, or leading you into presumption. If we only have a surface-level, intellectual familiarity with the Bible, we are vulnerable to his lies.

​“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

​— 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)

​The Encouragement:

​The Bible is called the Sword of the Spirit for a reason. When wielded correctly, it is the only weapon that can expose the lies of the enemy and drive him away. The devil flees not when he hears a verse, but when he is confronted by the authoritative, rightly applied Word of God.

​“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”— Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

​Reflection

​The devil knows enough of the Bible to use it against you. Do you know enough of the Bible to use it against him? Our protection lies not just in reading the Bible, but in studying it deeply, meditating on it faithfully, and living it out obediently, allowing the Holy Spirit to connect the wisdom of every passage.

Response Ability: Pastor Rajiv's Message

Response Ability

The central theme of today's message, is the crucial concept that human free will, or the "ability to respond," is synonymous with responsibility and the power to avoid sin by choosing the right course of action.

What is our response to sin? And what is our response to God? And finally, what is our Response Ability or responsibility as Christians? Today Pastor Rajiv answers these fundamental questions and more, drawing heavily from the Bible passage 1 Corinthians 10:1-13.

Prophet for Hire

Numbers 22:7, 12, and 2 Peter 2:15

​"So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the diviner’s fee in their hand, and they came to Balaam and spoke to him the words of Balak. (Numbers 22:7, NKJV)

​And God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” (Numbers 22:12, NKJV)

​"They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness..." (2 Peter 2:15, NKJV)

​The story of Balaam, found primarily in Numbers chapters 22-24, is a striking caution against spiritual compromise. Balaam was a genuine prophet who could hear the voice of God, yet he earned the infamous title of "prophet for hire."

​King Balak of Moab, terrified of the powerful Israelites, hired Balaam to curse them. The elders arrived with a "diviner’s fee" in hand—a temptation Balaam could not easily dismiss (Numbers 22:7). God's command to Balaam was crystal clear: "You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed" (Numbers 22:12).

​Here is the crux of the story: Balaam obeyed God's words, but not His heart.

• ​The Allure of the Price Tag: Though Balaam initially refused Balak's bribe, he couldn't completely shut the door on the possibility of a reward. When Balak sent richer and more prominent messengers, Balaam went back to God, essentially saying, "Is there any way I can still go?" His heart was set on the "wages of unrighteousness," as later scripture puts it (2 Peter 2:15). He wanted the profit more than he feared God's displeasure.

• ​The Peril of Half-Obedience: Balaam only spoke the words God put in his mouth, delivering blessings instead of curses. Outwardly, he was obedient. However, his divided loyalty led to an ultimate, tragic betrayal. When he couldn't curse Israel directly, he counseled Balak on how to tempt the Israelites into sin through immorality and idolatry, thereby bringing God’s judgment upon themselves (Numbers 31:16, Revelation 2:14). His greed corrupted his genuine gift.

​Reflection: Christians for Convenience 

​Balaam’s story forces us to look inward. We may not be prophets for hire, but are we Christians for convenience? Do we have a divided heart?

• ​Do we seek God's will only when it aligns with our own desires for comfort, prestige, or wealth?

• ​Do we want the blessings of God while still entertaining the temptations of the world?

• ​When we pray, are we truly seeking to hear God's clear command, or are we hoping He will change His mind and validate our greedy ambition?

​Our gifts and calling are sacred, entrusted to us by God for His purposes, not for our financial or personal gain. The error of Balaam is the danger of a heart compromised by love for the world, leading to a spiritual life of half-obedience that ultimately falls into the path of destruction.

​Prayer:

​Heavenly Father, thank You for the warning in the story of Balaam. Forgive us for the times our hearts have been divided, seeking Your blessing while coveting the rewards of this world. Help us to be fully obedient, not just with our words, but with our deepest desires. Set our hearts firmly on You, that we may love Your truth more than any earthly wage. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

ashishjsm@gmail.com

When Fear Replaces Faith

 

When Fear Replaces Faith

"And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand." — 2 Chronicles 16:7 (KJV)

King Asa had a history with God. He had seen divine intervention, tasted victory through obedience, and witnessed the power of trusting in the Lord. But years later, when faced with a new threat, Asa chose a different path. He leaned on human alliances instead of divine strength. Fear whispered louder than faith, and the result was loss—not just of military advantage, but of spiritual peace.

Fear often disguises itself as wisdom. It tells us to take control, to secure outcomes, to rely on what we can see. But faith calls us to surrender—to trust the unseen hand of God even when the odds seem stacked against us.

 Think about it. how many times have we done the same? We’ve seen God move. We’ve felt His presence in our darkest valleys. Yet when the pressure mounts, we reach for the nearest solution instead of the eternal one. We forget that the God who delivered us before is still on the throne today.

🛐 Faith is not a one-time decision—it’s a daily posture. It’s choosing to rely on God when fear tempts us to rely on ourselves. It’s remembering that our strength is not in strategy, but in surrender.

Let this be your reminder:

• God didn’t help  once—He is our helper still.

• He doesn’t abandon us in the storm—He anchors us through it.

• He doesn’t just rescue—He refines, restores, and redeems.

So if fear is creeping in, pause. Reflect. Remember. Run to the One who never fails. Let faith rise again.

Two Decades of Dread

 

​But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. (Genesis 33:4, NKJV)

​Then Jacob said, “No, please, if I have found favor in your sight, then receive my present from my hand, for I have seen your face as though I had seen the face of God, and you were pleased with me.” (Genesis 33:10, NKJV)

The Scene: Fear of Revenge 

​For twenty long years, Jacob, whose name means "supplanter" or "deceiver," lived with the knowledge that he had cheated his brother Esau out of his birthright and his father’s blessing. He fled in fear of his life, and now, returning to the promised land, he faces the moment of reckoning. Jacob is terrified, dividing his family and flocks, hoping to appease his brother with massive gifts. He expects to meet a furious warrior; he prepares for battle.

​The Climax: The Surprise of Grace

​What happens next defies human expectation. Esau approaches, but not as a vengeful enemy. He runs to Jacob. He doesn't strike a blow; he embraces him. He doesn't demand payment; he kisses him. Instead of a clash of swords, there is a flood of tears. Esau’s heart, which Jacob had every right to assume was a fortress of bitterness, had been miraculously softened and purified.

​The Lesson: Seeing God in the Face of the Forgiver

​Jacob’s reaction to this unexpected grace is the key lesson for us. He is so utterly overwhelmed by Esau’s forgiveness that he declares, "I have seen your face as though I had seen the face of God, and you were pleased with me" (Genesis 33:10).

​Why would Jacob compare Esau’s face to the face of God?

A. ​It Revealed Divine Mercy: Jacob knew he deserved justice, which would have meant judgment and death. Instead, he received mercy, which is exactly what we receive from God through Christ. Esau’s forgiveness—unmerited, costly, and overflowing—shone with the light of God's own grace.

B. It Brought Peace: When we finally receive forgiveness, the anxiety and guilt of the past lift. Jacob was set free, not by his expensive gifts, but by Esau's willing heart. This is the profound peace that only God's forgiveness provides, removing the curse and restoring relationship.

C. It Overcame the Impossible: The reconciliation of Jacob and Esau seemed impossible given the depth of their betrayal. But God was at work in the separation, transforming Jacob's character and softening Esau's heart. Their reunion is a testament to God's power to heal the deepest relational wounds.

​Application: Who's Face Do You Need to See Today?

​The question for us today is two-fold:

1. As the Esau: Is there someone in your life who has deeply wronged you? You have every right to hold onto the bitterness, but the story of Esau challenges you to surrender that right. Choose the path of strength—the strength to run toward, embrace, and forgive. When you do, you become an imperfect, yet vivid, reflection of the forgiving heart of God.

2. As the Jacob: Is there a relationship you dread because of the harm you caused? Trust that God has been preparing the way for you. Your job is to humbly approach, seek forgiveness, and, regardless of the outcome, know that your reconciliation with God is already complete because of Christ's cross. When you see genuine human forgiveness, be moved to worship the God who forgives perfectly.

​Prayer:

​Heavenly Father, we confess that it is easier for us to harbor old hurts than to release them. Thank You for the witness of Esau, who chose grace over vengeance. Soften our hearts today where they are hard and full of bitterness. And when we are the ones seeking forgiveness, help us to humbly approach, remembering that every act of mercy we receive is a reflection of Your glorious and forgiving face. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Open Hands, Open Heavens

 

Making Room for Miracles

​The need for control is deeply ingrained in the human spirit. We meticulously plan, manage, and often, try to script the outcomes of our lives, believing that our effort and foresight are the only things standing between us and chaos. We hold the reins tightly, living by the unspoken mantra, "If it is to be, it's up to me."

​But what if our tightly clenched grip leaves no space for the unexpected, the improbable, the truly miraculous? What if our control becomes an obstacle to God's greater plan?

​The Ceiling of Human Control

​When we try to manage every variable—our careers, our relationships, our finances, and even the pace of our spiritual growth—we essentially confine the possible to the limits of our own intelligence and resources. Our need for control becomes the invisible ceiling on God’s power in our lives.

​The Prophet Isaiah speaks directly to the limitations of our human perspective versus God's vast reality:

​"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."  (Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV)

​If God’s ways and thoughts are infinitely higher than ours, then trying to manage everything with our limited vision is an exercise in futility. It is when we acknowledge the limitations of our "ways" that we truly make room for His "higher ways" to manifest.

​The Surrender that Starts the Miracle

​The biblical narrative is replete with examples of God stepping in when human control was intentionally surrendered.

​Consider the overwhelming situation that led to the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. The disciples looked at the logistical nightmare and immediately defaulted to their human limits: scarcity and inability.

​"But He said, 'Bring them here to Me.' Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes." (Matthew 14:18-19 NKJV)

​Jesus didn't ask them to find a better solution; He asked them to simply surrender what they had—to release control over the meager offering and the overwhelming problem. When they let go of their calculations and their fear of insufficiency, they made room for a miracle that defied their earthly understanding.

​Releasing control isn't a passive act of giving up; it is an active act of placing our faith in a God who specializes in the impossible. It's a declaration that we trust His power, which is infinite, more than we trust our own, which is finite.

​Trading Anxiety for Trust

​The desire for control is often just another name for anxiety. We attempt to control things because we fear the unknown and the painful. But Jesus offers us a radical alternative: trust.

​"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34 NIV)

​When we release control, we are essentially obeying this command. We are saying, "I will not bear the burden of tomorrow's planning and problem-solving. I surrender this day and my future to You, Lord." This surrender is the birthplace of peace and the fertile ground where God’s miracles—both large and small—can take root.

​The Apostle Paul reminds us of the power that takes over when we finally admit we are out of control:

​"My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV)

​Your weakness—your admission that you cannot handle this problem, fix this person, or control this outcome—is the exact location where God's perfect power is revealed.

​Let go of the need to control the outcome. Focus on trusting the One who already controls all things. Release the reins, and watch the space you create become the perfect stage for God's incredible, miraculous work.

​Reflection & Prayer

​Identify the Grip: What area of your life right now are you most stubbornly trying to control (e.g., a loved one's decision, a financial timeline, a personal failing)?

​Practice Surrender: Meditate on the promise that God's thoughts are higher than yours (Isaiah 55:8-9). Take a moment to mentally or physically loosen your hands, and pray, "Lord, I give you this [problem/situation]. My control is not enough. I make room for Your miracle."

​Rest in Trust: Claim the peace of Jesus by releasing tomorrow's worries to Him (Matthew 6:34).

 

The King is My Shepherd: Pastor Rajiv's Message

 

I have Had Enough! Hope Beneath the Broom Tree

 

Read 1 Kings 19:3–9

"And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, ‘Arise and eat.’” — 1 Kings 19:5

There are moments when life feels too heavy to carry. Like Elijah under the broom tree, we may find ourselves saying, “I’ve had enough, Lord.” Exhausted, discouraged, and alone, we wonder if we can go any further.

Things could not have been worse for Elijah. All his colleague prophets had been killed and he was the last one - with a promise that he too would be killed that day. He ran away - into the hot wilderness till he could run no more. He could not go back and had no strength left to go further - so he lay down to die. He gave up trying to fight against all the odds against him. 

But even in the wilderness God met him and cared for him, even though Elijah was unaware - in sleep.  This is His story of hope as it is ours- when God meets us in our "wilderness", or our deepest trouble, even when we are unaware that He is at work. 

Elijah didn’t receive a rebuke. He received rest. He didn’t hear a sermon. He felt a touch. God sent an angel—not with grand solutions, but with bread and water. Simple provisions. Quiet care. A reminder that even in despair, we are not forgotten.

This passage reminds us that hope doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, God whispers hope through rest, nourishment, and His gentle presence. 

When we feel like giving up, God invites us to rise—not in our own strength, but in His. He knows our limits. He honors our humanity. And He provides exactly what we need for the journey ahead.

So today, if we are in the "wilderness" ready to give up, lets think and reflect - 

• Where is your wilderness? Name the place where you feel weary, overwhelmed, or alone.

• What provision has God placed before you? It may be rest, a friend’s encouragement, a verse, family, or quiet time. Receive it.

• Pray with honesty and hope: “Lord, I feel tired. I feel stretched. But I thank You that You meet me here. Help me to rest in Your presence and rise in Your strength. Thank You for Your gentle care and faithful provision.”

God doesn’t just call us to mountaintops—He walks with us through valleys. And in the wilderness, He whispers hope. You are not alone. You are not forgotten. You are being restored, one step at a time.

Elijah’s story reminds us that even the strongest among us can feel weary, overwhelmed, and ready to give up. But God does not abandon us in those moments. He comes close. He provides rest. He nourishes us. And He gently calls us to rise again—not in our own strength, but in His.

If you are in a wilderness season, know this: God sees you. He understands your exhaustion. And He is already preparing what you need for the journey ahead. His provision may come quietly—a word of encouragement, a moment of peace, a simple act of kindness—but it is always enough.

So, arise. Eat. Rest. Trust. You are not alone, and this is not the end. The same God who met Elijah under the broom tree is meeting you now—with grace, with strength, and with hope.

This Too Shall Pass

 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” — Hebrews 13:8

There are moments when the weight of life feels unbearable—when grief, uncertainty, or exhaustion cloud our vision. In those moments, let this truth anchor your soul: this too shall pass.

This heartache, this struggle, this darkness—it is not eternal. But your God is. His love is not seasonal. His presence is not conditional. His promises are not fragile. You are not forgotten in the storm; you are being held.

Hope is not passive. It is active trust in the sovereignty of God. It is choosing to believe that He is working in you and through you, even when the outcome is unclear. It is lifting your eyes from the shifting sands of circumstance to the eternal rock of Christ.

Let the promise of an ending to your trials, combined with the assurance of God’s unchanging love, fill you with courage and peace. Jesus—the Alpha and the Omega—is with you now. He will be with you until this season becomes a testimony, and your pain becomes a platform for His glory.

Reflection and Action

• Name Your Season: What “passing season” are you currently enduring? Speak it aloud. Write it down. Acknowledge the pain, but do not let it define you.

• Anchor in Truth: Meditate on Hebrews 13:8. How does the unchanging nature of Jesus offer comfort in your current situation?

• Pray with Purpose: “Lord, thank You that You are constant. Thank You that this trial is not eternal. Help me fix my eyes on You, the One who never changes. Fill me with peace, even as I wait for this season to pass. Let my life reflect Your glory, even in the waiting.”

Closing Thought

You are not alone. You are not abandoned. You are not stuck. You are being shaped, strengthened, and sustained. And one day soon, this chapter will close—not in despair, but in divine purpose.

Hold on. Hope on. Heaven is writing your story. Always remember the last verses of Psalm 91 - memorize them and recite them silently when you are in doubt. 

“Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”

Footnotes

Going Beyond Discussion

Knowing God is More Than Just Information

​There is a fundamental question in the Christian Faith: "Do we know God or know about God?" 

This strikes right at the heart of our faith. It's a challenging distinction, yet one that's vital for a deep and meaningful spiritual life. Many of us, with the best intentions, find ourselves caught in the trap of accumulating information about God without ever truly knowing Him personally.

​The Trap of "Knowing About"

​We are diligent students of the faith. We are present in church, our Bibles are open, and our notes are filled with insights from sermons and Bible studies. We can discuss theology, debate doctrine, and confidently share the historical context of scripture. We may even stand up and sing and talk about God and what it's like to be up there with Him. 

​This is all good—even necessary—but it can become a subtle barrier. We can become so focused and involved in knowing about God—His attributes, His plan, His word—that we miss out on knowing God Himself.

​Think of it this way: You can read a biography of a famous historical figure, memorize their achievements, and analyze their letters. You would know a lot about them. But you would never have shared a meal with them, laughed with them, or offered them comfort. You wouldn't know them.

​The problem, is that God wants to be known, not just discussed. He is not an abstract concept to be mastered; He is a living Person who desires a relationship.

​The Call to "Know God"

​God’s call to humanity has always been a call to intimacy. The entirety of scripture points to this:

• ​In the Old Testament, God walked with Adam and Eve in the garden. He spoke face-to-face with Moses, who treasured that personal communion more than all the riches of Egypt. The prophet Jeremiah speaks of a day when people will no longer need to teach their neighbor about the Lord, “for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest” (Jeremiah 31:34).

• ​In the New Testament, Jesus invites us not merely to follow His teachings, but to follow Him, saying, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me” (John 10:14). His very mission was to reveal the Father so that we could have eternal life, which He defined as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent (John 17:3).

​Knowing God is experiential. It's the difference between reading a travel guide to a city and actually walking its streets, breathing its air, and meeting its people.

​How Do We Move from "About" to "Knowing"?

​The shift is often more about intention and posture than adding new activities to our schedule.

• ​Transform Study into Encounter: When you open your Bible, ask God to reveal Himself, not just a fact. See Bible study less as a research project and more as a divine appointment. The words on the page are the foundation, but the Holy Spirit is the connection.

• ​Move from Discussion to Dialogue (Prayer): Our prayer life should be more than a monologue of requests. True knowing requires listening. Dedicate time in prayer to simply be silent, allowing space for the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart. It’s in that two-way, vulnerable communication that relationship deepens.

• ​Apply Truth, Don't Just Acquire It: The Apostle John wrote, "Whoever claims to know God yet does not keep his commands is a liar" (1 John 2:4). Knowing God is demonstrated by obedience and a life transformed by His character. When you put what you know about Him (His love, His patience, His justice) into practice, you experience and deepen your knowledge of Him.

​Knowing God is the profound journey of faith—a life spent drawing closer to the One who already knows us completely and loves us unconditionally.

​Reflection and Action

• ​When you spend time in Bible reading or prayer, are you primarily seeking information about God or an intimate encounter with Him?

• ​What is one concrete way you can create more space for listening and true dialogue in your prayer time this week?

Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message 

The Waiting Room

“But now thus saith the Lord that created thee… Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” — Isaiah 43:1 (KJV)

💬 Reflection

When problems persist, or maybe sickness healing feels slow or life is uncertain, it’s easy to wonder if we’ve missed something—if our prayers weren’t strong enough, our faith not deep enough. But even Paul, the great apostle who witnessed miracles, once left his friend Trophimus behind, still sick. There was no dramatic healing. Just quiet trust.

This isn’t a sign of failure. It’s a reminder that God’s love is not measured by outcomes, but by presence. He doesn’t withdraw when things are hard. He draws closer. His peace doesn’t wait for perfect circumstances—it meets us in the middle of the storm.

And here’s the most beautiful truth: God knows you by name. Not just your diagnosis. Not just your pain. He knows your heart, your hopes, your quiet courage. You are not a statistic or a shadow—you are His beloved child, fully seen and deeply cherished.

You may feel tired. You may feel overlooked. But heaven has not forgotten you. You are held, redeemed, and named by the Most High. His love surrounds you, even now. His grace is enough for today.

🙏 Prayer: You are Held in His Palm

Heavenly Father, In this moment of uncertainty, I rest in the certainty of Your love. You know me by name. You see every cell, every tear, every hope. Even when healing feels delayed, Your presence is never absent. You are my refuge, my strength, and my peace.

I thank You for walking with me through this valley—not as a distant God, but as a close and caring Father. Let Your comfort surround me. Let Your joy rise within me. Renew my spirit, restore my strength, and remind me that I am never alone. I trust You—not just for the outcome, but for every step along the way. Help me to wait on you.

Amen.

🌟 Affirmation: I Am Known, I Am Loved, I Am His

• I am not defined by my problem—I am defined by God’s love.

• I am deeply known and fully seen by the One who formed me.

• I am not forgotten. I am not forsaken. I am held.

• Each day, I receive new strength, new grace, and new peace.

• I walk through this with courage, because I do not walk alone.

How Not to Be Stupid!

Today's interesting post is taken from the Blog Life, Hope and Truth by Tom Clark. It addresses a very common problem we have - taking correction, accepting it and implementing it. Problem is - most of us are averse to it , which is stupid. My thoughts are simple: If we don't know how to stand corrected and do a course correction in our life, how can we claim to learn from Jesus? And therefore, how can we even claim to be Christians? 

Tom Clarks words ring true for every one of us so here it is: How do we course correct the Christian way: 

"We can all think back to when we were children and were corrected by our parents—and it was never enjoyable! No matter how gentle, loving and even merciful they may have been, it still stung to be corrected.

Does it get any easier to accept correction as an adult? If you can honestly answer “yes” to that question, then you are a rare individual!

Most people still find it quite distasteful to be corrected, and yet virtually everyone is corrected in one way or another throughout life. Perhaps correction comes through the words or example of a spouse, a neighbor, a boss or supervisor, a coworker, or a brother or sister in the faith. Not all of these times are deliberate, and sometimes the person giving the correction doesn’t even know he or she is doing so. But when it hits us, it stings.

At that point, we have a decision to make.

Hebrews 12:11 tells us, “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

It stings to be corrected, but if we respond well, it will lead to good and positive results.

So, how do we respond to correction? William Barclay in his Daily Study Bible commentary brings out several possible reactions to correction, and I believe his thoughts bear consideration. I want to share his categories along with my own thoughts too.

When corrected we may . . .

Resignedly accept it. This is the stoic “stiff upper lip” type of response. No rebellious action is taken, but neither is it accepted with an open heart. The correction is seen as coming from a person in a position of power, and there is no choice but to assume a kind of defeated acceptance. Very little can be truly learned this way, and there is little if any growth.

Accept it with a grim sense of just getting it over as quickly as possible. I can’t tell you how many times I saw this reaction in my children as they were growing up. They weren’t interested in learning so much as just being done with the punishment. With this approach, there is never any gratitude for pointing out something wrong or potentially harmful, only some resentment combined perhaps with embarrassment. The result is a conspicuous lack of learning anything from the correction!

Accept it with an attitude of self-pity. I would refer to this as the Eeyore approach to life. You may remember that ever-discouraged donkey in the Winnie the Pooh stories. No matter what happened to him, it was always tragic. When another character greeted him with a cheerful “Good morning!” he would respond, “If it is a good morning, which I doubt.”

With this kind of approach to correction, all we can see is ourselves, our hurt and how we are just being beaten on again. As with the first two reactions, there is no positive growth, or even a mindset that allows for seeing the positive or the potential for learning and growth.

View correction as a punishment that is greatly resented. The basic question seems to be, “What did I ever do to deserve this?” Often this approach generates open anger and opposition to the correction. It views the correction as unjust or over-the-top or even just plain mean and vengeful. It is very difficult for a mind with this attitude to ever ask, “What does God want me to learn from this?”

Each of these four responses easily comes from a carnal and selfish mind. And none of them will bring about the results that are intended by the correction, nor will they bring peace of mind and happiness to us.

But there is another and much better option available:

To accept the correction as ultimately coming from a loving Father who only wants the best for us. To do this will require seeing God’s detailed involvement in our lives and having a living faith that He always has our best interests in mind. Even if someone spews angry emotional vomit all over us—95 percent of which isn’t even true—chances are there is a point or a lesson we can learn from the whole thing. This approach gives us the ability to see that everything can be used to make us a better and wiser son or daughter of God.

So, how do we respond to correction? It’s something to think about".

For a short study on this from the book of Proverbs, see “Taking Correction, or How Not to Be Stupid.”

The Better Conversation

"Worry is a conversation with self about things we cannot change. Prayer is a conversation with God about things He can change."

​Have you ever found yourself replaying a difficult conversation in your mind, agonizing over a decision you can't undo, or losing sleep over a future event that's completely out of your control? That's worry. It's a relentless loop of mental chatter, a conversation we have with ourselves about all the things we can't fix, control, or change. And it's exhausting.

​Worry drains our energy, steals our peace, and can even take a toll on our physical health. It's the enemy of rest, the opposite of trust. When we worry, we're essentially telling God, "I've got this. I'll handle it myself." We're trying to carry a weight that we were never meant to carry. We become so focused on the "what ifs" that we forget the "what is" and, more importantly, the "Who is."

​Now, consider the alternative: Prayer.

​Prayer is an invitation to cease the weary conversation with ourself and begin a new one with the One who holds all things in His hands. It’s a shift in focus from our limited perspective to His unlimited power. When we pray, we are handing over our burdens to a God who can, and will, work all things for our good (Romans 8:28).

​Worry and prayer are two sides of the same coin, but with vastly different outcomes. Worry leaves us feeling helpless; prayer empowers us with hope. Worry keeps our eyes fixed on the problem; prayer lifts our eyes to the Problem-Solver.

​So the next time you feel that familiar knot of worry tightening in your stomach, remember this truth: you don't have to carry that burden alone. Stop the self-talk and start a conversation with God. Pour out your heart to Him. Lay your concerns at His feet. He can change what you cannot. He can calm the storms in your life, guide your steps, and provide a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).

​Don't let worry be the final word. Let it be the prompt for a prayer.