Break Through The Roof

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Prayer for Daring Faith

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

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

Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

 

Deep Diving into Psalm 19: Pastor Rajiv

 

When the Heavens Declare Gods Glory

The Judas Within

 

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

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

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

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

 

Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

 

Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

 

The Legacy of Tabitha

A Life Woven with Love: The Story of Tabitha

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What can we learn from Tabitha's story today?

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

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

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

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

Amen.

Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

Silent Battles

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

God Sees Your Silent Battles.

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

But. 

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

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

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

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

The Touch

Read : Matthew 9:21

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

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

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

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

1. Receiving the Holy Spirit:

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

2. Experiencing the Holy Spirit:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fear, Uncertainty & Doubt

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stand Up For Jesus!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Remember….

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

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

Once Upon a time in Heaven...

Once upon a time, in a place called Heaven, a curious scene unfolded.

The old king sat at the head of the round table, with His head bowed and deep in thought. Around Him sat His closest advisers, Sir Michael, Sir Gabriel and others and His Son stood next to Him.

“You know why we are here,” said the king. The earth is in shambles, people are rebellious, and no one wants to live in peace with each other, let alone listen to me. In fact, some of them openly hate me “

“I made the earth and created humans to have a relationship with me. This relationship characterized by love, worship, and communion. I wanted Humans to live in harmony with me and each other.”

“I wanted them to take care of the planet and all its inhabitants, love me and love each other.

But most of all I wanted them to do all of this of their own accord – so I gave them free will. And what did they do with that great power of free will and choice?? They rebelled against me!

I gave them laws but they broke them. I gave them a way to atone for their wrong doings – they did that and kept on sinning and kept on atoning. That became a vicious circle- A catch 22. Where was the time for me? Where was our communion?

I told some of them, you are my people. I made agreements with them. But alas, nothing changed. They sinned – sacrificed for forgiveness and then sinned again. They marvel at my creation, yet they treat their own lives, with disdain.  And on top of all of this, that fellow Lucifer – he keeps reigniting their wickedness by either scaring the life out of them or simply enticing them".

"I tried to destroy them but felt pity. How can I completely destroy what I have created? I regretted my creation, but I did save a handful to start over again. They did and started over on their wickedness as well".

So, I see no way out. I cannot have such dreadful creatures be a part of this place and expect them to glorify me or even praise me and worship me. I find it distasteful and dreadful. If any of you have any ideas, please let me know”.

The Kings speech was followed by pin drop silence. Everyone there knew the problem. No one had the solution.

Archangel Sir Michael spoke up after deep thought – “My Lord, with Lucifer playing such an active role, we need a more permanent solution. The people are weak; its not that they don’t want to follow the law but they are not able to for various reasons of greed and temptation by Lucifer. They love their life on earth too much to bother about any plans for heaven.”

“I know,” said the king. So, what is to be done? Should we release all the fury of Heaven on them? They would deserve it! But here is the problem: I created them. I love them. How can I annihilate them?”

Then Sir Michael spoke again – “Lord, why not just finish the source? Let us wage war on Lucifer and his cohort. You know we can finish them and once and for all solve this mess.”

“Well Sir Michael, we can do that, but I gave Humans a very potent power: THE Power of Free choice. If we finish Lucifer, Humans will follow me by default – whereas I want them to want to follow me and love me by choice. The problem is Lucifers war is with me, but he uses the humans as a tool to fight me.”

“Father”, said the Son, “maybe I have a solution.”

“Speak my son: show me how we can save these creatures from Lucifers hand? And if I give them a blanket forgiveness every time, Lucifer will accuse me of not following my own rules for a sacrifice, even though that sacrifice has become more of a convenience for them”.

“Well Father, you remember how you asked Abraham to sacrifice his son? He proved His allegiance to you and of course you didn’t make him do it, but think about it. Why not make a one-time sacrifice for all times? Why not give them love commandments instead of law commandments?

“Explain this to me my Son. What you say is interesting”.

“Well, we know for sure that humans have a rebellious and sinful nature. And that is the chasm between you and them, because you cannot bear to see sin. While a blanket forgiveness can be given, Lucifer will mock you for ignoring your own rules and in any case they sin again. So why don't we make a one-time sacrifice?”

“I have two questions my son. First who or what is so Holy that it’s sacrifice will cover the entire humanity – current and future? Second, you said yourself they will sin again, so how will such a sacrifice help? It will never be one time.”

“Well, I will leave that to you. I do not know”.

The King slowly lifted His head, “I know”. “It has to be me or a part of me.”

“What???” The entire gathering stood up in shock and dismay.

“My Lord and my King,” said Sir Michael, “if you are sacrificed the entire heavens will be destroyed by Lucifer. You cannot vacate your power!”

“Sir Michael, the issue is not one of power but of a moral right to govern. Lucifer knows that. But you are right. Lucifer can misrepresent that. After all, he is a master story teller and deceiver. He can see it as a sign of weakness and fear.”

“There is a solution though: we are a Trinity. As the trinity I exist in three persons: As God the father, God the Son and the Holy Spirit. So, a sacrifice of any of these will be good enough. But humans have to see it, which means that the sacrifice has to be in human form, so that all can see the suffering and torture that the sacrifice will go through, for them. Therefore, it has to be someone who can take on a human form – which can only be my Son”.

“He is my Kings only son” said Sir Michael “our entire army will protect Him. How can you or He be sacrificed? My Lord, how can we accept that? Or even think about it?”

“The King looked crestfallen, “Sir Michael, it pains me no end. Which father can send His only child to a death of horror and torture of Sin? Yet, it needs to be done. My Son, will you do it?”

“Yes Father, but what will happen in the long term? Humans will sin again and again. Will my sacrifice be worth it?”

“You are right. Yet we can address that issue through the Holy Spirit – my Spirit. The Holy Spirit's primary role is to indwell, guide, and empower believers. The Holy Spirit can work within individuals to transform and sanctify them, helping them grow in their faith and live according to my will, as long people choose to believe in your sacrifice and in you. And that will happen only if they see that sacrifice happening right in front of them.”

“It will be the ultimate demonstration of my love for humanity. It will show that I was willing to give my only Son to save people from their sins, which will otherwise convict them forever to Lucifers cohort”.

“This sacrifice also satisfies the demands of my divine justice, addressing the consequences of sin while offering forgiveness and redemption to humanity.”

“The trinity is key to all of this: The Holy Spirit's role is different but equally vital, focusing on guiding, empowering, and transforming believers. They have been given a conscience, but it is for the Holy Spirit to reside in them and guide that conscience. Together, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will work in harmony to accomplish my plan for salvation.”

“My Son, are you ready for such a sacrifice?”

“My Father, you tested Abraham with willingness for the ultimate sacrifice. He passed. Today you ask me for the same. Of course, I am willing and ready. The point is, are you?”

“I don’t know my son”. “I know I will suffer the worst kind of heart break anyone could feel. But I will have to suffer that for these people. Of course, the Holy Spirit will need to bring you back to me and I will wait in heartbreak for that. Yes, my Son, I will have to do it.”

A sober mood fell upon the entire gathering. Contemplating the future they asked – “And how is this to be accomplished?”

“Send out prophecies of this plan through our prophets. Prepare the people. Prepare the ecosystem. This means a lot of work and time and effort, but it needs to be done. Choose people whom we can work through, good and evil. Identify the times when all of this will happen. Get it documented for future generations.”

And that is how we, the people in the story, in a land called Earth, were given hope and redemption. Our power of free choice created the problem in the first place, so today it is to be used wisely, based on wisdom given by our God in the Bible, because God paid a very heavy price indeed for our freedom.

The Bard of Bengal

"But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today". - Deuteronomy 8:18

The Bard of Bengal, Rabindranath Tagore, once said that we can attain anything if we create the capacity to receive it. 

This profound thought challenges us to reflect on our own readiness to receive blessings from our God. Are we really ready? Our God has promised us endless blessings, but do we truly have the capacity to receive them? What does this entail?

Pastor and Bible commentator David Guzik writes, "Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us why God has blessed us. His plan is that it would ultimately further His eternal purpose. Therefore, we have no right to use our material blessings for selfish purposes; instead, we should use our resources to advance His kingdom."

Our process of preparation begins with God Himself readying us. Our trials make space for His consolation. When God enters our hearts and finds them full, He begins to break our comforts and make room for grace.

Step 1: Emptying Material Baggage Firstly, we need to be emptied of our material burdens.

Step 2: Embracing Humility 1 Peter 5:6 highlights God as the source of all provision. This verse emphasizes that God is the ultimate source of all good things, including wealth and prosperity. Realizing and acknowledging that our achievements are actually God's blessings prepares us to receive more.

Step 3: Avoiding Pride and Self-Sufficiency By reminding us to remember God, this verse warns against attributing success solely to personal abilities and becoming prideful.

Step 4: Stewardship of Blessings When we receive blessings from God, we should use them wisely and responsibly, aligning our actions with His will.

Living The Word

 

Recently we have seen a spate in discussions around the subject of Christians actively trying to convince others to follow Christ. This is said to be as per His command in Matthew 16:15.

Francis Taylor has a very relevant view on this and has this to say -

"If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord."

"I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of Christ and yet be involved in gossip and slander at work and in the neighborhood, loudly protest any law that promotes justice, and actively discriminates against others. Are these the acts of one who follows Christ?"

What is very clear is this: if you want to spread the Word, first live the Word. 

Let others want to follow your Christ rather than we telling them to. Let our actions convince them rather than our tongue.

Worthy of Christ

First let's be clear that humans cannot earn worthiness of Christ on our own. essentially, our worthiness comes from Jesus' sacrifice, not our own merit.

However, once we have accepted Him, we then need to try and live a life according to Him and worthy to Him.

It begins with making Jesus first in our life. It is seen in our love for God and our love for others. Ask the Holy Spirit for spiritual wisdom and spiritual understanding. Choose to live according to God's word every day.

Most of all practice the presence of Jesus in our life. How can we do that?

To practice the presence of Jesus in our life, we can: start our day with intentional prayer and reflection on scripture, incorporate short moments of prayer throughout our day, actively seek to see Jesus in everyday situations, express gratitude for His presence, and live according to His teachings by showing love and compassion to others; essentially, consciously acknowledge Jesus in all aspects of our life and actively engage with Him through prayer and reflection.

So in a nutshell -

1. Start the day with Jesus - morning devotion

2. Throughout the day use arrow prayers

3. Mindful awareness:

Pay attention to the world around you, looking for ways Jesus might be present in our daily experiences, like nature, interactions with others, or challenges we face.

4. Gratitude practice.

5. Admit mistakes & backsliding - ask His help to overcome

6. Seek to serve others without judging.

7. Be intentional and authentic.

The Game Changer

Have you ever pondered who you would be or what your life would be like if Jesus had not come into the world? For starters, we would still be under the law, not under grace and forgiveness. God would be perceived as an entity to be feared and respected out of that fear. We would be terrified of the Almighty.

But the game changed with the advent of Jesus. He did not abolish the law; rather, He simplified it and inscribed it on our hearts. The sacrifice needed for our forgiveness every time we sinned was made permanently by Himself. This changed everything. It transformed our relationship with God from one of fear to one of love. Respect and reverence became part of our love for God, and grace and forgiveness became part of His love for us.

Jesus' message of hope, redemption, and transformation continues to change lives today. Countless individuals have experienced personal transformation and found purpose, meaning, and hope through faith in Jesus.

His profound influence on humanity has been a true game changer. Today, His teachings and actions continue to resonate and inspire people around the world and continue to offer His peace and salvation to each one. 

Monday Quotes : Integrity is keeping a commitment even after circumstances have changed

 

“How strange this fear of death is! We are never frightened at a sunset.” (George MacDonald)

“When all is said and done, the life of faith is nothing if not an unending struggle of the spirit with every available weapon against the flesh.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

“Since God knows our future, our personalities, and our capacity to listen, He isn't ever going to say more to us than we can deal with at the moment.” (Charles Stanley)

“If your friend is sick and dying, the most important thing he wants is not an explanation; he wants you to sit with him. He's terrified of being alone more than anything else. So, God has not left us alone.” (Lee Strobel)

“There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful, than that of a continual conversation with God; those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it.” (Brother Lawrence)

“A little lifting up of the heart suffices; a little remembrance of God, an interior act of adoration, even though made on the march and with sword in hand, are prayers which, short though they may be, are nevertheless very pleasing to God, and far from making a soldier lose his courage on the most dangerous occasions, bolster it. Let him then think of God as much as possible so that he will gradually become accustomed to this little but holy exercise; no one will notice it and nothing is easier than to repeat often during the day these little acts of interior adoration.” (Brother Lawrence)

“King David, after all the things he done wrong, is still mentioned in Acts 13:22 as a man after God’s own heart. That stands, it wasn’t left out in the New Testament because David had failed to live up to God’s standards; God saw the man who, in spite of all his weakness, That stands, it wasn’t left out in the New Testament because David had failed to live up to God’s standards; God saw the man who, in spite of all his weakness, , kept seeking him and longed to become what God already saw in him: a man of God!” (Eleonore van Haaften)

“No matter how just your words may be you ruin everything when you speak with anger.” (John Chrysostom)

“Correct him, but not as a foe, nor as an adversary exacting a penalty, but as a physician providing medicines.” (Martin Luther King)

“Faith makes all things possible…love makes all things easy.” (Dwight L. Moody)

“Integrity is keeping a commitment even after circumstances have changed.” (David Jeremiah)

“You were made by God and for God and until you understand that, life will never make sense.” (Rick Warren)

“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.” (Mother Teresa)

“Afflictions are but the shadows of God's wings.” (George MacDonald)

“Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary, use words.” (St. Francis of Assisi)

“The holier a man becomes, the more he mourns over the unholiness which remains in him.” (Charles Haddon Spurgeon)

Saturday Vespers: Care for Each Other

                                           

Just as Adam was made responsible for the care of the garden, God commits some special responsibilities to us as well. It could be the care of our children and bringing them to God, it could be caring for the sick, or caring for some elderly people, or maybe helping someone financially broken, or the elders in our circle and our parents. How we deal with what has been committed to us as responsibility is what will determine our success in Gods world. That will determine whether, at the end of it all, Christ will say - "well done my good and faithful servant..." . Let us therefore pray for discernment to see our responsibilities and strength and mind to fulfill them.

This week we pray once again for the Pastor in India and his wife who is suffering from Stage 4 cancer. We pray for a miracle of Jesus to heal her.

we pray for a senior lady in India for relief from back pain which she is suffering from.

For a senior gentleman in India who is suffering form cancer and in great pain, undergoing start of dementia. We pray for your peace and relief

MJ Gates requests - Dear family in Christ; please pray with me for my friends May and Vincent. They're marriage is suffering from many choices that have caused them to separate

Anon requests praying saying - My husband is generally unhappy & has been since I met him over 30 years ago. He needs Jesus. He's been coming to church with me, but it's hard for him to open his heart. Please pray for him

Emily praises God for giving her direction

Tanu says - I continue committing my mum, sons Michael & Shawn, daughters Emmy & Tiffany, my wife Joyce in prayer, protect my father remember the rest of my family I also pray for complete healing of my children keep us safe forgive us of our sins for it’s in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ

Prayer is Where the Action is : Saturday Vespers

                                                    

Prayer is Where the Action is - John Wesley

Does God see? Does God care? Scripture calls us to believe that God really does see, know, and hear. The question is do we call? 

Today, we thank God for the recovery of your servant in Australia, in India and those who were sick and needed your intervention. 

Today we request you, our readers, for prayers for all these people. We do not know them nor they us. Yet we believe, your prayers will help them and give them hope: 

Brandi says -

Can you please pray for God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, Mother Mary, The Angelic Hierarchy, The Saints, all those that help us, me (Brandi), my family and my friends. WE are going through a very challenging time right now and could really use your prayers. Thank you!

Tanu Prays - 

Heavenly Father I come before you praying for resources and money to build our family home, I pray for your blessings and favor, remember me and my family in a special and mighty way, for it’s in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ that I do pray believing and trusting Amen.

We pray for the wellness of the senior citizens in India -One with a severe back problem to give her strength and patience as well as relief from the pain; we also pray for a lady suffering from Parkinsons for relief as well as strength and patience to her caregiver daughter,

We pray for retired Pastor Benjamin in India for support as he and his daughter go through a very challenging time with his home breaking down and no finance to repair. We pray that efforts to organize financial support for them bears fruit.

We Pray for a Pastor's wife - diagnosed with stage IV cancer, she is in great pain and the family is heartbroken. We pray for relief from her pain, strength for the family and the greatest healer to visit her. 

Anna Prays - 

Divine peace for Renzo and Robin. The attack is from the pits of hell and I bind it in the Name of Jesus. Divine intervention and peace and love . Amen and Amen

Dr. Moreland requests prayer for Mike who is facing cancer surgery. 

We pray for Aaliyah who says- 

I just started university three weeks ago. I've been struggling mentally being away from home and feeling overwhelmed with the people I'm around. I've been disconnected from god for a while now and want to change that. I've had depression before, and I feel it coming back. I just want my semester to be filled with happy moments and not let my depression win.

Jason asks "Please pray for my Daughter who either has the Stomach virus or food poisoning".

Someone asks - Please storm heaven's gates for complete healing for my husband, father, and mother! Please pray for protection and Godly friends for my children. I pray all petitions on this board are heard and answered by God. I also pray especially for those struggling with mental illness and their families. May they have peace.

Please pray for all these and other needs you may know of.