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.”

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.

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

 

The Wrong "IF"

Jesus said unto him, "If thou canst believe". — Mark 9:23

A certain man had a demoniac son, who was afflicted with a dumb spirit. The father, having seen the futility of the endeavours of the disciples to heal his child, had little or no faith in Christ, and therefore, when he was bidden to bring his son to him, he said to Jesus, “If thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.” 

Now there was an “if” in the question, but the poor trembling father had put the “if” in the wrong place: Jesus Christ, therefore, without commanding him to retract the “if,” kindly puts it in its legitimate position. “Nay, verily,” he seemed to say, “there should be no ‘if’ about my power, nor concerning my willingness, the ‘if’ lies somewhere else.” “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” The man’s trust was strengthened, he offered a humble prayer for an increase of faith, and instantly Jesus spoke the word, and the devil was cast out, with an injunction never to return. There is a lesson here which we need to learn. 

We, like this man, often see that there is an “if” somewhere, but we are perpetually blundering by putting it in the wrong place. “If” Jesus can heal me—“if” he can give me grace to overcome temptation—“if” he can give me pardon—“if” he can make me successful? No. “If” you can believe, he both can and will. You have misplaced your “if.” 

If you can confidently trust, even as all things are possible to Christ, so shall all things be possible to you. 

All things, without limit, are possible to him that believes.

(Based on a KJV devotional)

What is Your Vision

A vision statement is a concise, inspirational declaration that outlines what an organization ultimately aspires to become or achieve in the long term. Think of it as your North Star—it guides strategic decisions, energizes teams, and communicates your future impact to stakeholders.

But what is the "vision statement" for our (Christian Lives)?

As a Christian, our vision statement can serve as a powerful guide for our life, aligning our actions with our faith. 

Our personal Christian vision statement can take many forms., depending on our focus.  A few examples are given here  

​Service-Oriented

​To humbly reflect Christ's love by serving others and working for justice, so that all may experience God's grace and goodness.

This statement emphasizes living out our faith through action, focusing on both personal service and broader social issues like justice.

​Relationship-Focused

​Another one is relationship focused. 

To grow in my relationship with God and to build authentic, loving relationships with others, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in every interaction.

This vision statement centers on the importance of our personal spiritual journey and how that relationship overflows into our interactions with others. It highlights the relational aspect of faith.

​Faith-Sharing

​To be a faithful witness to the Gospel, sharing God’s hope and truth with kindness and courage, and inviting others into a deeper relationship with Him.

This statement is for someone who feels called to actively share their faith. It highlights the importance of both the message you share and the manner in which you share it—with kindness and courage.

​Personal Growth

​To continually seek a deeper understanding of God’s word and will, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform me into a person who reflects Christ's character in thought, word, and deed.

This vision is more focused on our own spiritual formation and sanctification. It's about a commitment to lifelong learning and personal transformation.

​You can also use these as a starting point and combine elements that resonate most with you. For example, you could blend the service-oriented and relationship-focused ideas to create something that feels more personal.

But having a Vision Statement is not enough: You need to have an action plan as well. And that is a "Mission Statement". 

For example- for a relationship-focused vision statement, a mission statement should be an actionable plan that outlines how you will achieve that vision. Your mission is what you do daily to live out your vision.

​Here's an example of how a mission statement can pair with a relationship-focused vision:

​Vision

​To grow in my relationship with God and to build authentic, loving relationships with others, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in every interaction.

​Mission

​To seek God daily through prayer and scripture, and to intentionally listen, serve, and encourage others with empathy, so that every relationship reflects His grace.

​This mission statement breaks down the vision into clear, actionable steps:

• ​"To seek God daily through prayer and scripture" addresses the personal relationship with God mentioned in the vision.

• ​"To intentionally listen, serve, and encourage others with empathy" outlines specific actions for building authentic relationships.

• ​"so that every relationship reflects His grace" ties these actions back to the ultimate goal of demonstrating the Gospel's transformative power.

​By combining these two, you have a powerful guide: the vision is your ultimate destination, and the mission is the path you take to get there.