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.

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.

What Would Jesus Do?

In our last post we talked about Jesus being the way and why we need to follow Him, if we want salvation. Following Jesus means commitment to living a life that mirrors his teachings, values, and example, prioritizing his will above all else, and striving for spiritual growth through faith, love, and service. In short it means "living Jesus" every day. Addressing challenges He faced - His way. Relating to people - His way.

How we can do that is to ask ourselves in every situation - what would Jesus do? And then do what He would do. If we don't know- go to the Word. Ask.

Rev Francis Taylor says this -

"Everyone faces temptation every day. It may be something as unimportant as having an extra piece of candy, or skipping exercise, but it could be as serious as giving in to road rage, drinking too much, cheating, gambling, taking drugs, or – (insert your favorite vice here)! Jesus was tempted to let us know that this is something we all must overcome. When you face a temptation, how do you respond? Jesus looked to scripture for the answer."

So, there you have it. Jesus lived by the "Book." Time we did do and do what He did.

Saturday Vespers

As in the past, we would like to humbly request all our readers to pray, not only for their own needs but also for some people whom we know to need your prayers. Your prayers can make a powerful difference in the lives of those who are struggling, seeking strength, and hoping for a better tomorrow.

Let us come together in faith and compassion, offering our heartfelt prayers for healing, comfort, and guidance for those in need. Your continued support and prayers are deeply appreciated.
Prayer Needs
Grazia requests prayer saying:
Thank you God for blessings favor victorious wins protecting my children family home and I. God I pray for an amazing job where everyone prospers I am earning twice what I'm earning now. Send unexpected income from unexpected positive resources so I can provide for my family. Thank you God for family healing health prosperity and financial abundance .
allanrking requests prayer over his Finances, Permanent Housing, Wisdom, Discretion & for a Hedge of Protection.
Tanu requests prayer for a financial break through
For a pastor in India who is going through medical concerns and needs your prayer for his healing so that he can get back to serving God as usual
For a Pastors wife who is going through Chemo for a stage 4 cancer. She needs strength to be able to take her treatment. For finances for this treatment to be completed successfully and for a miracle for her life.
Brij prays for relief for himself and a family in India saying - Psalms 90:13 Relent, Lord! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants. Psalms 90:12, 14-17 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands. In the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ I pray this prayer for my loved ones, me, those that have hurt me and for everyone one else. AMEN!
Carol wants prayer support for her sons and their families to become strong and active Christians and that she and her husband be good ministers to them and disciples of God. 
For a senior lady in India who has not yet got over her back pain. Though better, it still troubles her often. We thank God for His strength that she can bear it and live with it.

Thank You all for your continued support. 

Saturday Vespers

                                         

Lord, teach me to offer you a heart of thanksgiving and praise in all my daily experiences of life. Teach me to be joyful always, to pray continually, and to give thanks in all my circumstances. Where I face challenges, fill me with your strength to face them. Where I face heartbreak and sorrow, let me feel your comfort.
We pray for all those facing health issues, or any other challenges. For those who need jobs, or who face financial insecurity. Let me feel your presence.
We pray for a young man in Delhi National Capital Region who is fearful for his father who suffered a brain stroke. He was getting better but has deteriorated today. Let us hold him up.
We pray for the people of Ukraine and for peace worldwide and an end to aggression by countries bent on increasing their power by whatever means, especially, through war and destruction and killing innocent people.
We pray for Emily for her healing. 
We continue to prayer for the Pastor in Australia who needs sustenance and strength to recoup from his illness to be able to continue God's work.
We pray for a lady in India who is undergoing medical tests and needs prayers for all to be fine.
We continue to prayer for a senior in India who is a patient of Parkinsons for her peace and strength and patience for her caregiver.
We pray for a senior in India who is undergoing back pain, in spite of surgery. May God grant her relief from this long time pain, which she has borne in great patience.
We pray for a gentleman in India undergoing chemo for strength and well being.
We commit Timothy Mwangi onto you I pray for healing for him and deliverance I pray for forgiveness and mercy remember him and his family in a special and mighty way
For Tanu who is grateful for her new job. We pray God leads her as she takes on new responsibilities.

Saturday Vespers

 

Comforting God, you promise to be with all who suffer in mind, body, and spirit. We pray for those whose bodies and minds are captive to disease or injury and for those whose minds and spirits are captive to grief or fear
We pray today especially for those affected by the school shooting in Sanski Most, Bosnia, for those harmed by the spread of mpox in the Congo, and for all the people of Israel, Palestine, the Ukraine and elsewhere whose souls and bodies are captive to war and injustice. Give us your compassion, so that we might proclaim with our words and our actions the hope that comes from your loving presence.

We Pray for a revival among Christian families across the world. 
We prayer for the Pastor in Australia who needs sustenance and strength to recoup from his illness to be able to continue God's work.
We pray for a lady in India who is undergoing medical tests and needs prayers for all to be fine.
We continue to prayer for a senior in India who is a patient of Parkinsons for her peace and strength and patience for her caregiver.
We pray for all those who needs jobs and going through financial difficulties.
We pray for a gentleman in India undergoing chemo for strength and well being.
"Please cover Julian, Thomas, Olivia, Esther and her mom, Abe, Phoebe, Andrew, Paul, Rachel, Michael, Susan with the blood of Jesus and lift them up to the throne of grace for mercy and timely help. Please ask Abba Father to put his hedge of protection around us. Thank you. May Abba Father bless you richly. amen amen"
"May God cover our family with safety, strength & healing. Tonya & Mallory need to lean on Him for blessings, miracles & hope with every breath in trust & faith".

Shattered Dreams : Looking Beyond Failure

The Book of Ruth is one of only two books of the Bible to be named after women (the other is Esther). It's a short book and often easily overlooked. Yet it has always inspired us to look beyond failure and loss.
The short Book of Ruth in the Hebrew scripture has three main characters, Ruth, Naomi and Boaz, from whom you can learn many lessons. The story of Ruth covers a period of loss and despair for Naomi, persistence and devotion of Ruth, a time of bestowing grace and favor for Boaz and an ending of joy and blessing for all three.
As a woman in ancient Israel, Ruth's loss of a husband and her sons was equivalent to losing her security and future. All of her dreams were shattered. It is a study on how to respond to shattered dreams as we follow Naomi's development from a bitter, depressed woman returning home with nothing but a foreign daughter-in-law, into a joyful woman with an adopted son at the end of the story, and with the all important mission of establishing the lineage of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ruth was the great grandmother of Jesus).
We all have faced situations of extreme disappointment, and the story of Ruth shows us how to respond to them. Failure isn't about failing it is about learning. It is about transformations.
In essence, when we face our shattered dreams, we need to show resilience and courage like Ruth, not run away from the situation. Ask God for His vision for us, change our focus or profession or outlook, and be willing to work hard (like Ruth) even if it means we go out of our comfort zone to survive.
With a change in focus, we get new opportunities and a new horizon. It's not easy. it's not quick.
Looking beyond our failures also means we don't look back. Though we may see many possibilities - we choose one in consultation with God - in line with His will. We pray for wisdom, for patience for trust and for faith. And we pray for protection.
We all fail at one time or another, whether we admit it or not. But beyond failure there is God.