The Hedge Of Protection

Expanding further on the concept of a trouble filled world and Gods hedge of protection,

A core tension in Christian faith is acknowledging a fallen, broken world while still believing in a God who is both powerful and loving. That is quite a dichotomy.

​The answer lies in understanding the difference between God guaranteeing a trouble-free life and Him providing a hedge of protection within a troubled world.

​Praying for a "hedge of protection" is a powerful act of faith that is rooted in several key theological concepts:

​1. Acknowledging God's Sovereignty and Power

​The phrase "hedge of protection" comes directly from the book of Job. In Job 1:10, Satan complains to God about Job, saying, "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has?"

​This passage teaches us that God's protection is not a passive force; it is an active, deliberate, and sovereign act. When we pray for a hedge of protection, we are not demanding that God act on our behalf. Instead, we are acknowledging that He alone has the power to place a barrier between us and the forces of evil and harm. It is an act of submission and dependence, a recognition that our safety ultimately rests in His hands.

​2. Acknowledging the Reality of Spiritual Warfare

​The Bible teaches that there is a real, unseen spiritual battle taking place. The "disaster and death" that came into the world through Adam's sin are not just random events; they are often the result of spiritual forces of evil seeking to harm humanity and thwart God's purposes.

​Praying for a hedge of protection is a recognition of this reality. It is a specific prayer for divine intervention against spiritual attacks, temptations, and the schemes of the enemy. It's an appeal for God to restrain the influence of evil in our lives, our families, and our communities.

​3. God's Promise to Intervene and Provide in the Midst of Trouble

​While God does not promise to remove all suffering from our lives, He does promise to be with us, strengthen us, and often intervene on our behalf. The prayer for a hedge of protection is a way of appealing to this aspect of God's character. It is a prayer for:

• ​Physical Safety: Averting accidents, protecting us from violence, and providing healing.

• ​Emotional and Mental Health: Guarding our minds and hearts from despair, anxiety, and fear.

• ​Spiritual Protection: Shielding us from temptations and attacks on our faith.

​In this way, the prayer is not an escape from reality, but an act of hope within it. It's a statement that while the world is broken, God is still a loving Father who actively cares for His children and is willing to intervene in their lives.

​Summary:

​The prayer for a "hedge of protection" is not a contradiction of the reality of a fallen world. Rather, it is an essential part of living in it. It acknowledges that the world is dangerous due to sin but affirms that God is greater than the danger. It is a prayer that seeks God's active intervention and provision in a world where trouble is inevitable, trusting that His presence and power can and will shield us from harm according to His sovereign will.

A Broken Life

                                          

Many people, including Christians, often ask - "when God loves us why does He allow bad things to happen to us? Why is there so much suffering, death and disaster in the world, affecting mostly everyone?"

The answer lies in the fall of Adam and Eve, a fact we gloss over as a story in Sunday school but is in fact the very foundation of our lives today. It highlights the seriousness of thier act of disobedience and rebellion. It all comes down to choices - what we choose to do as opposed to what God would like us to do.

Christianity teaches that God created humanity with free will—the genuine ability to choose between good and evil. This freedom is considered a necessary component for true love and a meaningful relationship with God. However, with the gift of free will comes the possibility of choosing sin, which introduced evil, pain, and suffering into the world. How?

Human Choice: Many theologians argue that a significant portion of the suffering in the world is a direct result of human choices, both on an individual and a collective level. God could intervene to prevent every instance of harm, but doing so would essentially negate free will and turn humanity into robots, incapable of genuine love, morality, or relationship with Him.

The biblical story of the Fall in Genesis describes how humanity's first choice to disobey God brought about a brokenness that affects all of creation. This is the origin of a world we made - where natural disasters, disease, and other forms of suffering are present, not because God wills them, but because of the consequences of that one act of rebellion.

God did not remove His hedge of perfect protection: we chose to walk out of it. Reason: curiosity, ambition, selfishness, greed,

So now we have to prove ourselves

As a consequence of Adam's disobedience, God "cursed" the ground (Genesis 3:17). This is a metaphorical way of saying that the world was no longer in its pristine, perfect state. It became subject to futility, decay, and disorder.

​Think of Adam as the CEO of a company. When he makes a disastrous decision (his act of disobedience), the entire company (the human race) suffers the consequences. The company's future is ruined, and the effects of that decision (like bankruptcy) affect every employee, even if they had no say in the choice. In this analogy, the "bankruptcy" is the reality of spiritual death, physical decay, and suffering that now defines the human experience.

​In summary, Adam's act of disobedience brought disaster and death into the world not as a simple, individual punishment, but as a fundamental, corporate change in the state of humanity and the world itself. His one choice corrupted the nature of all people and the world they inhabit, making all of us vulnerable to sin, suffering, and death

Then why do we pray for His hedge of protection?

The answer lies in understanding the difference between God guaranteeing a trouble-free life and Him providing a hedge of protection within a troubled world.

Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

 

Word Power

Words hold immense power. They can build up or tear down, comfort or hurt, heal or harm. In Mark 11:21, we see the power of Jesus's words when He cursed the fig tree and it withered away.

Similarly in our daily lives, the words we speak to ourselves and others hold the power to shape our reality. We must be mindful of the words we use and the impact they have on others.

Its easy to cover our "rude" words by terms like, "I call a spade a spade" or "I say it like it is"; by all means speak the truth but the truth can also be spoken gently, mindfully, empathetically. Its also easy to get caught up in negative self talk or gossip about others, but this brings only negativity into our lives. Instead, let us choose to speak words of encouragement, love and positivity. For example, instead of saying - "Don't lie" to someone, we can say - "it may be better to tell the truth". Small change, same meaning but positive words. Let us lift others up and bring encouragement into their lives.

We must also be mindful of the words we speak to ourselves as well. we often hold ourselves back with negative self talk, or be overly critical of ourselves. But we must remember we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Let us speak words of affirmation and believe in our ability to overcome and accomplish great things through Him who gives us strength. Try and see us and others as God sees us and speak words of affirmation over our lives.

(Based on a KJV Devotional)

Changing Reality: Power Prayers

Prayer is more than just words—it’s a spiritual invitation for heaven to intervene in earthly circumstances. Here's a deeper look at what it means:

✨ What Is Power Prayer?

• Divine Intervention: It’s when you call on God’s unlimited resources to act in your situation—whether for healing, guidance, protection, or transformation.
• Spiritual Authority: You’re not just asking; you’re declaring, binding, and loosing as Jesus taught in Matthew 18:18–20. It’s prayer with conviction and alignment to God’s will.
• Faith-Fueled Action: Power prayer is rooted in faith, not self-reliance. It acknowledges that only God can truly change hearts, circumstances, and outcomes2.

🔥 Why Is It So Powerful?

• It Connects You to God’s Power: The power isn’t in the prayer itself—it’s in the God who hears and responds.
• It Transforms the Pray-er: Who you become is shaped by how you pray. It’s a refining process that aligns your heart with God’s.
• It Impacts the World: From calming storms (Psalm 107) to healing the sick and raising the dead (Acts 4), Scripture is full of examples where prayer changed reality.

Priscilla Shirer calls prayer “kryptonite to the enemy,” and Mark Batterson says, “Prayers are prophecies.” That’s the kind of bold, expectant posture power prayer invites.

Here is an example of a Power Prayer for healing- 

Almighty God, Jehovah Rapha—my Healer and Restorer—

I come before You not in weakness, but in the authority of Christ, who bore my sickness and carried my pain. By His stripes, I declare healing over every cell, every organ, every thought, and every emotion. Let Your resurrection power flow through me now.

I renounce every lie of the enemy that says I must remain broken. I reject fear, anxiety, and infirmity. I declare that my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and it shall function in divine order.

Let healing rise like the sun—swift, complete, and undeniable. Restore what was lost. Renew what was worn. Revive what was dormant. I speak life to dry bones, strength to weary limbs, and peace to troubled thoughts.

I thank You, Lord, that healing is not just possible—it is promised. I receive it by faith, and I walk in it by grace. Let this testimony bring glory to Your name and hope to others.

In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray—Amen.

🙏 Verses on Power Prayer

• Matthew 21:22 “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” → Faith is the fuel of power prayer.

• John 14:13 “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” → Prayer glorifies God when aligned with Christ.

• Luke 18:1 “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” → Persistence in prayer is a mark of spiritual strength.

• Psalm 145:18 “The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” → God draws near to sincere hearts in prayer.

• John 15:7 “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” → Abiding in God empowers our prayers.

• James 5:15 “And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up…” → Prayer can bring healing and restoration.

• Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” → Prayer sustains us through every season.

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.

Angels of the Morning

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;

    in the morning I lay my requests before you

    and wait expectantly.

Psalm 5:3 

There is something magical about early mornings. The sun is still deciding whether it really wants to come out and we have a soft awakening to a new day., no matter how hard we expect it to be. However the previous day went, we will have a lot to look forward to in the new day. 

In these early, dawn hours, it's a blessing to be able to connect with the one who created the morning and the day, the evening and the nights. created us and all that surrounds us. Our worries can be laid on Him and our joys can be shared with thanksgiving. No matter how hopeless we think a situation maybe, a new day will always bring hope - because the one above all, still rules. We only have to be silent, in mind and body. 

As the sun slowly peeps over the horizon, a sense of unworthiness overtakes. How can we ever live up to the one who created all this? His perfection, His love and His power? 

And the biggest wonder of it all? In a world of 8 billion people, 200 million square miles of land, 3 trillion trees, 7.7 million animal species and much much more, He still has the time and the inclination to listen to me in these still hours. To care for me. To protect me. To provide for me. And for each one of His creations! 

Of course, In such a vast world, things can and will go wrong - sometimes engineered by us and sometimes by spiritual forces working against creation. Like they did Job, they can attack us and try to destroy our lives through hardship and heartbreak - but we have one who reigns above all and He listens. He saves. He does not want us to suffer but live a beautiful life, so He is our last resort. 

As the darkness lightens, we talk to Him, share everything thank Him for another day, for the past day, put our problems at His feet and ask Him to be with us through the day, ask His spirit for discernment, for wisdom for guidance, for we are foolish people, led astray by the world and its ways of thinking and acting. Ask Him for help to solve our problems, for healing, for help, for means to help others who need. We ask Him to make us instruments of His purpose, of His work and of His will. Each of us have a role to play in His world. 

Thoughts then roll over to people who brought us to Him. Parents, Pastors, friends, situations; and we thank Him for sending them into our lives. 

We mess up. That is a given. But we also know that every sunrise is God's way of saying, 'I haven't given up on you yet". This simple fact of a new day breaking is a profound testament to God's persistent hope and unwavering belief in our potential. It's His daily promise that He's still with us.

And so, begins a new day.

 

Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

Daily Bread & Eternal Trust

We are so like the Israelites. Just when we get what we want, we decide that we want more. The Israelites have been saved from slavery and then God brought them through the sea, and now they're complaining again. God again provided what they need, but they do have to follow some rules. They were only to gather what they needed for the day and on the sixth day they collected enough for the Sabbath. What they gathered was measured so that each had what they needed and no one had more. They were instructed not to save some for the next day and, of course, there were those who didn't follow instructions and what they saved became foul. On the sixth day, they could prepare enough for the next day so that the Sabbath could be a holy day dedicated to Yahweh.

Let's think deeply about this: can we call it greed? Some may call it wisdom, saving up for a rainy day. What we call it, it reflects doubt on Gods ability to provide. It also reflects more trust in ourselves over God and in fact the continuous tension between human self-sufficiency and divine dependence.

In Psalm 91 ver 4 we read about God's truth. Those words have become jargon now - we recite them without understanding what they mean and therefore not practising them

Psalm 91:4 states: "He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler."

The phrase "His truth" in this verse refers to God's faithfulness and reliability. It's not just about propositional truths or facts, but about the consistent and unwavering nature of God's character and His promises.

Here's a breakdown of what "God's truth" signifies in this context:

- God's Faithfulness (Ammittô): Many translations, like the NIV, NLT, and ESV, render "truth" as "faithfulness" or "faithful promises." The Hebrew word for "truth" here, 'ămittô, can indeed encompass the idea of dependability and constancy. It means that God is true to His word, true to His nature, and true to His covenant with His people. He can be trusted completely.

- God's Word and Promises: His truth is embodied in His declarations, His commands, and the promises He has made to those who trust in Him. These promises are not empty words but are firm and reliable.

- A Protective Force: The verse uses the imagery of a "shield and buckler." A shield (a large defensive weapon) and a buckler (a smaller, round shield) were used for protection in battle. In this metaphor, God's faithfulness acts as a strong, impenetrable defense against all dangers, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. It's His consistent character that provides security.

In essence, "God's truth" in Psalm 91:4 means that because God is utterly faithful and true to His promises, He will consistently provide protection and refuge for those who trust in Him. Just as a bird shelters its young under its wings, God's unwavering faithfulness is our ultimate defense and source of security.

In God's equation, greed and total dependence on our own abilities, riches or provisions, does not fit, and our life choices and actions need to bear out that truth.