Lent2026: A Reasonable Service - Pastor Rajiv

A devotional on Romans 12:1

Paul’s call to the believers in Rome is one of the most beautiful invitations in the New Testament—not to die for God, but to live for Him in a way that reflects His mercy. When he writes, “present your bodies a living sacrifice… which is your reasonable service,” he is not asking for martyrdom. He is asking for daily surrender.

What Paul Really Meant?

Paul anchors his appeal in one phrase: “by the mercies of God.”

He is saying: Because God has been so merciful to you, the only response that makes sense—the only reasonable service—is a life offered back to Him.

This is not about dramatic acts of heroism. It is about the quiet, consistent offering of:

A. Time — choosing God’s priorities over our convenience

B. Resources — using what we have to bless others

C. Possessions — holding everything with an open hand

A living sacrifice is not consumed in a moment. It is offered again and again, day after day.

What Makes It “Reasonable”?

The word reasonable (Greek: logikos) means logical, thoughtful, spiritual.

Paul is saying:

“In light of all God has done for you, this kind of sacrificial living is the only response that truly fits.”

It is not forced.

It is not extreme.

It is not beyond reach.

It is simply the natural overflow of a heart touched by mercy.

Barnabas embodies this truth beautifully. When he sold his land and laid the proceeds at the apostles’ feet, he wasn’t performing a grand gesture for applause. He was practicing reasonable service.

He saw a need.

He had the ability to meet it.

He responded with generosity.

Barnabas didn’t give his life—he gave what his life produced. And God used it to strengthen the church in Jerusalem.

What This Means for Us Today

Reasonable service is not measured by the size of the sacrifice but by the sincerity of the surrender. God is not asking you to lay down your life in death—He is asking you to lay it down in devotion.

A living sacrifice looks like:

- Serving when it’s inconvenient

- Giving when it stretches you

- Encouraging when others are discouraged

- Sharing what God has placed in your hands

- Choosing holiness in a world that normalizes compromise

This is worship—not just in song, but in lifestyle.

Monday Reset: Light Does Not Fight

                                               

"The Light Does Not Fight the darkness. It simply shines" - Pastor Vikram

The light never argues with the darkness. It never strains, never panics, never fights. It simply shines — and the darkness has no choice but to move.

When God speaks of light in Scripture, He isn’t describing something fragile. Light is decisive. The moment it appears, darkness loses its power. Darkness is not an equal opponent — it is only the absence of what God has already given you.

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” That means your role is not to wrestle with every shadow around you. Your calling is to shine with what He has placed within you:

His peace in the middle of pressure

His clarity when things feel confusing

His hope when circumstances look heavy

His character when others choose chaos

Light doesn’t fight. Light reveals. Light transforms. Light leads.

As you step into this Monday, you don’t need to match the noise, the stress, or the darkness around you. You carry something stronger. Let your presence be light. Let your words be light. Let your decisions be light.

Just shine — and watch what God does.

Sabbath Prayer: Lent Renewal

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” — Isaiah 40:31

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the promise that strength is not something we must manufacture on our own. You remind us that renewal comes when we place our hope, trust, and confidence in You. As we step into this new week, lift our eyes above the noise, the pressure, and the weight we often carry.

We lift Jen before You today—and thank you for her life and testimony; for her wisdom to understand your word. Surround her with Your healing presence. We pray for Samira for her continued healing. For Alison's daughter, Lindsey's mother, Laurik and Haleen.

Teach us all to wait on You—not with frustration, but with expectation; for all that we need, healing, finances, jobs, etc.

Help us to remember: Lent is not just about giving up—it’s about returning to what gives life.
It’s a season of quiet courage, where we lay down distractions and pick up devotion.
A time to let go of what drains us and receive what restores us.

Renew our strength where we feel tired. Renew our courage where we feel uncertain. Renew our joy where we feel stretched. Renew our faith where we feel tested.

Help us rise above discouragement like eagles rising above the storm. Help us run with endurance in the assignments You’ve given us. Help us walk faithfully in the everyday moments where no one sees but You.

Let this be a week marked by Your presence, Your peace, and Your power at work within us.

May we not rely on our own strength, but on the strength that never runs dry.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Not "why" but "who": Jen Tan

Act: 23:23-24 Application study bible

Life rarely unfolds according to our neatly written plans. Situations arise that defy logic, outcomes occur we never predicted, and doors close we thought were surely meant for us. In such moments, the temptation is strong to demand explanations or to rely on our limited reasoning. Yet God calls us into a deeper, fuller trust—one that does not depend on understanding the “why” but rests in knowing the “Who.”

Jen Tan learns that through her Bible reading, when God reassured her to be patient and to trust in God’s timing and His ways. She says -

"In the quoted chapter, the Roman commander ordered that Paul be sent to Caesarea. Jerusalem was the seat of Jewish government, but Caesarea was the Roman headquarters for the area.

God works in amazing and sometimes amusing ways. He wanted Paul to go to Caesaria and He could use any number of ways to get Paul to there, but he chose to use the Roman army to deliver Paul from his enemies. God’s ways are not our ways! Ours are limited; his is not. Don’t limit God by asking him to respond your way. When God intervenes, anything can happen - even more and even better than you could ever anticipate.

This message comes at just the right time. Although I trust in God’s provision, as a human being, there are times I feel disappointed and wonder why, despite my doctor repeatedly arranging for me to join clinical trials, all doors seem to close one by one. Yet, in my heart, I tell God that I will put my faith in Him and be patient.

As it says in Proverbs 3:5–6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Ephesians 3:20, “I will give you more than you asked for, be patient and trust me”.

Even when the path seems blocked, I am reminded to trust His timing and His plan, believing that He is working behind the scenes for my good.

God is good. Just after all the CNY celebrations came to an end, I started feeling unsettled about what’s next in my cancer treatment. But today, reading this has reminded me to put my trust back in Him".

Lent2026: Becoming What We Believe

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling… for it is God who works in you.” — Philippians 2:12–13

“Salvation is of the Lord.” — Jonah 2:9

Most Christians today live with a quiet contradiction:

We say Jesus saved us, but our daily lives don’t look much different from the world around us.

Paul’s words cut through that fog. He isn’t telling us to earn salvation — Jonah already settled that: “Salvation is of the Lord.”

But Paul is telling us to take our spiritual growth seriously.

Dead seriously.

Not casually. Not “when I have time.” Not “when life slows down.” Not “when I feel spiritual again.”

Right now. Today. In the middle of your real life.

What comes in the way is our struggle with so many issues because we live in a world of: constant distraction., emotional exhaustion, spiritual autopilot, endless noise, shallow faith

quick opinions but slow obedience, And into that world, Paul says:

“Work out your salvation.”

Meaning: Let what God did inside you show up outside you.

Not in theory. Not in church only. Not in your Instagram bio.

But in your reactions, your habits, your choices, your relationships.

A Real‑Life Example is "The Scroll vs. The Spirit"

You’re lying in bed at night. You know you should pray.

You know you should open Scripture. But your thumb automatically goes to Instagram or YouTube.

Twenty minutes later, you’re drained, not refreshed. You didn’t sin — but you didn’t grow either.

That moment is where salvation is either “worked out”… or ignored.

Verse 12: You choose discipline over distraction.

Verse 13: God gives you the desire and strength to choose Him.

You’re not fighting alone. But you are fighting. 

Fear and Trembling is the Part we avoid. But Paul isn’t talking about being scared of God. He’s talking about being awake. “Fear and trembling” means taking our spiritual life as seriously as God does.

We must remember that holiness doesn’t happen accidentally

God shapes us for eternity, not convenience.

How to Actually “Work It Out” in Today’s World

1. Choose Scripture over scrolling (even for 5 minutes).

This is where most modern Christians lose the battle. Our phone is discipling us more than our Bible is.

2. Obey the nudge immediately.

When the Spirit prompts you to apologize, forgive, give, or shut your mouth — do it now, not later. Delayed obedience is disobedience dressed politely.

3. Kill the small sins before they become big ones.

The enemy rarely starts with adultery or addiction. He starts with compromise, excuses, and “it’s not a big deal.”

4. Review your day honestly.

Where did you follow God?

Where did you ignore Him?

Growth begins with honesty.

A Prayer for the Modern Christian is to shake us out of our "spiritual autopilot". 

Preparing the Heart: A Lenten Reflection by Pastor Rajiv

                                     

Based on reflections from Leviticus

“Be holy, because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” 

Leviticus 19:2

The book of Leviticus is often dismissed as a collection of ancient rituals, sacrifices, and ceremonial instructions. But none of these practices were meaningless. God designed every ritual to teach His people something essential — about His holiness, their identity, and the seriousness of walking with Him.

The rituals were meant to shape the heart, not just the hands.

But over time, Israel became indifferent. What was once sacred became routine. What was meant to draw them close to God became something they performed without thought or reverence. And when the rituals lost meaning, their connection with God weakened. Just as it is today. We may have lost the connection - getting carried away by the ritualism. 

Today, Lent invites us to examine our own hearts in the same way.

We may not offer sacrifices or burn incense, but we do have rhythms of worship — prayer, communion, Scripture reading, gathering with the church. These are not empty motions. They are gifts meant to form us, awaken us, and draw us deeper into the presence of God.

Yet if we are honest, there are moments when worship feels dry. Familiar. Mechanical. We stand, sit, sing, and pray — but our hearts are somewhere else.

When that happens, Scripture calls us not to abandon the rituals, but to rediscover their meaning.

During this season, God invites us to slow down and ask:

Why do I worship?

What is the meaning behind the practices I’ve grown accustomed to?

How can I prepare my heart before I step into God’s presence?

Because the true experience of worship is not accidental.

It is the fruit of preparation — a heart that pauses, reflects, repents, and remembers.

When we rediscover the purpose behind our worship, our rituals come alive again. And when our rituals come alive, our relationship with God is revitalized.

During this Lenten season, we need to ask God to awaken our hearts again. We need to ask Him- 

Where worship has become routine, breathe new life.

Where rituals have become empty, restore their meaning.

Teach us to prepare our heart before we come before Him,

so that our worship may be sincere, joyful, and holy.

Here is a suggested Lenten Practice for the Week:

Before each act of worship — whether prayer, Scripture reading, or attending church — pause for one minute and pray:

“Lord, prepare my heart to meet You.”

You’ll be surprised how this simple preparation transforms the entire experience.

Monday Reset: God's Mercies

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV)

Every sunrise is a reminder that yesterday’s failures don’t define today’s possibilities. God’s mercies are not leftovers—they are new, fresh, and tailored for the challenges ahead.

Friends, you don’t have to drag the weight of last week into this week. His mercy is a divine reset, giving you strength to face what comes and grace to begin again. Take time to breathe in this truth: 

if God’s mercy brought you to this day, His faithfulness will carry you through it.

(Based on a KJV devotional)

Sabbath Prayer

                                           

If you call the Sabbath a delight… then you will find your joy in the Lord."

Heavenly Father,

As we step into this sacred Sabbath, teach us again what it means to delight in You. 

Not rushing.

Not striving.

Not carrying the weight of the week on our shoulders—

but choosing joy, choosing rest, choosing Your presence.

Lord, make this day a reminder that Your commands are not burdens but blessings. That rest is not weakness but worship.

That delighting in You restores what life has drained.

We lift Jen before You today—Your daughter, Your beloved, the one You hold in the palm of Your hand. You see every cell in her body, every moment of pain, every quiet fear, every brave step she takes. Surround her with Your healing presence. Let Your strength rise where her strength feels small. Let Your peace settle where anxiety tries to speak. Let Your love be the atmosphere she breathes.

And Lord, we widen this prayer to every person fighting cancer right now. 

We pray for Samira for her continued healing. For Alison's daughter, Lindsey's mother, Laurik and Haleen.

For those in various treatment, those awaiting results, those exhausted from the journey— be their refuge. Be their comfort. Be their healer.

Touch every body with Your restoring power.

Touch every mind with Your calming peace.

Touch every family with Your sustaining grace.

We also want to give you thanks and praise for the continued healing of Joan as she has tested negative. 

We thank you for the seniors with us who have got through a harsh winter and polluted conditions. We pray for Pastor Ben and his family in India. We pray for the family in India who's father is in a serious way. Let his heart not be broken. Let him feel your grace and your peace. Strengthen the family and the caretaker daughter. Be with them. Strengthen them. 

May this Sabbath bring:

Rest that restores. Peace that settles the soul. Joy that rises from gratitude. Faith that grows deeper. Light that guides every step.

Amen

Please join us every week in our Sabbath Prayer for the week. We request your support in adopting prayer points for people mentioned, in your own prayers this week and become vessels of His healing. 

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Why Do You Love God?

                      

Here is a question we would do well to answer for ourselves: Why do we love God? 

The reasons could be numerous and personal, but today it maybe a good idea to dwell on the answer and remind ourselves for the reasons or reason. But there will always be that one, driving reason why we love God.

“I’ve Seen Too Many Miracles to Doubt God’s Existence” said one reader. 

"Miracles happen around us everyday, we only need to open our eyes to them. In our own family, we realized our blessings in a hospital.

Standing there at the foot of her bed in the emergency room, all one could was pray as the Doctors and nurses tried to find the cause of her illness. And then you see the miracle happen as your prayer gets answered.

(If you have a healthy family, you are blessed; count the blessings you usually take for granted).

Since some time now I have noticed prayers being answered and realized they always had been. We were too busy in the business of life to notice. Covid also brought a realisation that He was looking out for us, everyday, in every way. We never felt a days want for food or any necessity. It was always provided in some way. And then came a calamity we never expected, as our elder child fell seriously sick. Never have I prayed as I did - not knowing if there was someone on the other side. But sure enough, six months later our prayers were answered. 

Each day we lived, and live, is a miracle. Whether it was health, sickness, finances, jobs, business, relationships - you name it. We are grateful and thankful for each one because in retrospect, when we look back we realize what a blessing it has been".

In truth, we should not be celebrating thanksgiving once a year but everyday, because each day He blesses us with Miracles. Small or big does not matter.

So to answer the question: We love God because HE Lives! And because He lives, we too can live". 

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

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Bearing Fruit for Jesus: Jen Tan

Lent invites us into a quieter place — a season where Jesus gently calls us to examine the soil of our hearts. It’s a time of pruning, surrender, and returning. And in that sacred process, He reminds us of His words:

John 15:4-5 - "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself: it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing".

It begins with abiding.

During Lent, Jesus often puts His finger on the places in us that have grown wild, distracted, or overgrown. Not to condemn us — but to prune us. And pruning is always a sign of love. A gardener only prunes what he intends to see flourish.

Jen Tan relates her own experience in this when she says -  

"Abide first, fruit will be the result. Fruit can’t grow out of our own willpower and human efforts. Its from the union with God. We need to stay connected to Jesus and the only way is to remain in God as we are the branches and we need to be connected to the vine.

No wonder I have tried so many times to love difficult people and still failed. In Matthew 22:39, we are told to ‘love your neighbour as yourself.’ This is a character trait I deeply long to grow in—to love those I naturally find hard to love. Now I understand why I struggled for so long, I was relying on my own strength and willpower. That kind of effort cannot sustain itself. Even when I seem to succeed for a while, the moment something they do triggers my anger, I find myself right back where I started.

Through these verses, I learnt to actively remain in God, to spend time to be in relationship with God. Being still, being quiet, and let his presence fill me. Because it is in his presence that His life flows in you. And it is his life that produces the fruit. To prioritise time with God, to spend time with God in daily basis. Not rushing through prayer, or reading a verse or go to church once a week".

Lent whispers this truth: You are meant to bear fruit — real, lasting, Christ-shaped fruit.