Shining Your Light

In a world filled with darkness, the call to let our light shine is more important than ever. As believers, we are called to be a beacon of God's love and goodness in this world. Our actions should reflect His character and point others to Him. Let people witness the transformative power of God working through us. 

Think about a lantern on a dark night. It's light cuts through the darkness, illuminating the path for all to see. In the same way, when we allow God's light to shine through us, it has the power to dispel the darkness and guide others. Our acts of kindness, compassion and righteousness become testimony to the goodness of God. 

However, shining our light before others is not about seeking attention or applause for ourselves. It's about glorifying our Heavenly father. When our good works lead others to praise Him, it affirms His presence and power in our lives. It is a testament to the transformative work He is doing in us and through us. 

Salvation is not an Event

 

Salvation is not a singular event, so we shouldn't treat it as such. It is an ongoing process that began at the cross and continues throughout our earthly lives, involving faith, repentance, and transformation. Lent plays an important role along the way.

Phil Ashey, pastor of South Riding Church in Virginia, observed, "Our culture is so focused on an event rather than a process. Even as evangelicals, I think we've been trapped by the idea that salvation is a one-time event, like a sale that we've got to close. But often, it's a process in which people ask questions again and again and approach God repeatedly to consider faith. I see Lent as a door—an entryway—for people to connect or reconnect with Jesus."

Engaging in this process means approaching God, understanding His will and power, and reflecting on our faith in Him. Lent offers a unique opportunity to dedicate time toward this reflection. Over these 40 days, we examine our lives, confront our baggage and sinfulness, and commit to change. It is a time for corrective actions that lead to spiritual regeneration, for salvation itself hinges on being reborn or transformed. This journey doesn't happen in an instant or even in a single season—it unfolds in steps. Lent provides the space to take these steps, whether by shedding harmful habits or cultivating new ones, while spending meaningful time with God.

For some, Lent may extend beyond the traditional 40 days and span an entire year, as they continually evaluate and strive to deepen their spiritual lives. For others, the concentrated period of Lent is vital. Regardless of timing, the effort and outcome matter most.

Above all, we must remember that Jesus sacrificed Himself for the salvation we seek. This process calls for sincerity, earnestness, and a wholehearted commitment to change.

When Moses Spoke....

Moses' first speech in Deuteronomy is a profound historical review that serves to remind the Israelites and us, of their/our past, instruct them in the present, and prepare them for the future. The speech is found in Deuteronomy 1:1–4:43 and is a foundational text for understanding the covenant relationship between God and Israel and, today, between God and us.

Through this speech, Moses calls the Israelis to remember God's faithfulness, learn from their history, and commit to a life of obedience and trust in the Lord as they stand on the brink of the Promised Land.

This speech is as relevant today as it was then; we too have travelled the Christian's road and many of us stand ready to be prepared for the future. Our memories of "good" are short but we seldom forget the "bad" - and which necessitates a hard look at the past so that we do not forget God's infinite blessings and so that we can be strong and confident of the future.

"As Moses is giving the Israelites his final teaching and advice before they enter the Promised land he is reminding them of all the blessings the Lord has bestowed on them from the time he rescued them from Egypt". 

As we move forward in life, do we not need these reminders as well?

A central theme of the speech is the call to obedience and the reminder of God's laws. Moses underscores that adherence to God's commandments is crucial for the Israelites to thrive in the land they are about to inherit. He warns them against idolizing earthly things and urges them to remain faithful, emphasizing that their relationship with God is the foundation of their identity and success as a nation.

What of us today? Do we truly consider God as the foundation of our success? Do we consider Gods Word & commands as "Guidelines for suggested living" or really treat them as "commandments" which are sacrosanct?

Ms. Francis Taylor says - "I have mentioned before that many of us consider the commandments "suggestions" or commandments for only the time in which they were given. But think of the discord caused by dishonesty, greed and abuse of authority. Moses' advice to the Israelites is just as true today as it was millennia ago. Following God's law is just as important now as it was then".

As we proceed through Lent, let us read again Moses' address to the people in Deuteronomy and be reminded of who we are and whose we are!

A Life Turned Upside Down: Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

                                                                  

Since we are talking about Covid days this week, and you think Covid turned our lives upside down, well, think of this scenario:

A strange person appears before you, someone whom you have never seen before, stands before you in your room, and starts talking to you about your future - pretty freaky!! isn’t it?

Today I want us to wind back 2025 years and look at the life of a 16 year old Jewish teenager in Israel. This teenager had her life turned completely upside down by the visit of a stranger, in circumstances similar to what we mentioned.

We are first introduced to her by name in Matthew’s gospel but we are told of her by Isaiah in his prophecy ‘Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel’ - Isaiah 7:14

So here we have Mary a 16 year old teenager living the normal life of a 16 year old. The Bible does not specify anything about her life prior to Gabriel’s visit but I am sure we can picture the life of a 16 year old village girl living in those times.

She would be helping her mother in the kitchen, maybe taking care of younger siblings, if she had any, helping with the household chores and of course playing with other village girls her own age.

And, to complicate matters, she was pledged in marriage to Joseph the village carpenter, which seemed to be a normal practice in Jewish families. And now, into this ‘normal’ scenario enters the angel Gabriel, and turns Mary’s world upside down completely.

Not only that, the message that was given her must completely baffled her: “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Imagine the enormity of that message and it’s effect on her: (And you thought Covid had turned you upside down?)

In her confused and fearful state of mind she was only able to manage the one question which was at the top of her mind. The passage says “how will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

Mary’s question would have arisen from the social and legal norms of that time. If she was found to be with child out of wedlock she would be branded an adulteress she could be stoned to death as per Jewish law

And what would Joseph her fiancée think?

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God - Vs 35

Mary’s question was not a question of doubt but a question of faith. Because asking in faith is very different to asking in doubt. Gabriel’s message puzzled her but she did not dismiss it in unbelief.

Mary’s response at the end of the passage is a demonstration of her faith, her obedience and her complete submission to God’s will.

Mary’s response is what should be the response of every believer to God’s calling even though His calling will usually turn your world upside down, making life inconvenient and maybe even dangerous, as it did hers and as it did the apostles.

Mary’s calling was not an easy task that she had been called for as we read along the gospels and even beyond when we see Mary’s suffering and hardship which finally culminated in seeing her son dying a gruesome death on a Roman cross.

Mary demonstrated to us how we should respond when God calls us to do His work, in any circumstance. Think of all the health workers during Covid – who bravely took up their calling to help people. Like Mary they did not shirk or make excuses out of fear - But through it all, put aside all doubts and all questions and all insecurities and responded to the calling with faith.

Today it will be well for each of us to think: how will I respond to God’s calling? How will I react to my world being turned upside down? I may lose friends and family, or wealth or time etc. But what will my response be? Will we, like Mary, look on it in faith? Or look at it in doubt?

The Reality of Psalm 91: A Covid Story

The COVID times were extraordinary. Today it is five years, or half a decade, that it was declared a Pandemic. As of April 2024, the virus had infected over 704 million people worldwide, and the number of deaths had reached almost 7.5 million. During the peak, one saw relatives, friends & neighbors drop like flies. Tragedy was all around us. 

My family and I had been stuck in two different countries, 6000 miles apart, away from our home and each other. Yet were brought together, under His shadow against mighty odds and impossibilities. While thousands, nay millions, fell at the sides, we were kept safe in a safe country, in the safe home of a Pastor and his family. COVID was all around us, yet did not come near us. Our daughter in India too remained safe as we tried to come back and she tried to get back to us. 

Over those three years, as our savings disappeared, business dwindled and stopped, we never went hungry or in want. Everything was provided for by our God. The destruction of those days could not destroy us.

That is when we realized the reality of God as He spoke to us through Psalm 91 - we practically lived it! 

“Psalm 91:10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling”.

We lived the complete Psalm 91 day by day.

One particular incident cannot be forgotten. Due to a sudden and definitive requirement of 1 million in cash, in a foreign land, with no access to our funds (the particular account did not have internet access), we panic. As we lay in agony and fear, the bell chimed in my phone indicating a mail had come. With great dread I opened it and lo- there was a mail from a strange id known as the Messianic Bible group. The subject was - Fear not for the Lord is always with you. Addressed to me by name. I do not know how it came for I was not part of any Messianic group, nor registered for any mails. Never before had I even received a mail from these people. As I read that mail, a great sense of calm and peace came over me. It started with a quote

“Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

My heart stopped pounding. I have never forgotten that because I believe it was God reassuring me. 

Later that night a thought came into my mind - talk to the bank manager (he too was a Christian). I did talk to him the next day and without the necessary documents he transferred the money. Problem solved.

Then came the third wave - as our business collapsed, customers threatened us, friends became foes, legal notices were sent, business destroyed, Covid raged on and on and we continued to overcome. For us Psalms 91:13 came alive – “Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet”.

Though we had some ground support, that too finally faded away. How long can anyone support you without finance? Nights were spent in worry about the future: would we see our home again? would ever again be reunited as a family? But through it all, we learned to trust Him. Again Psalm 91 gave us the assurance of protection and deliverance. As Covid struck the world again and again, Psalm 91 assured us

"You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you".

After three years we finally made it back home. Broken in all respects but happy. Happy that we had found the God in all His glory. He delivered us - literally.

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name".

We survived.

This does not mean life was or is trouble free. It means we survive and live on His grace. On His protection. We called upon Him and He answered. 

"For He gave His angels charge over us, who kept us in all our ways and did not let us dash our foot against any stone".

We leave this testimony not just as a personal account of survival and deliverance but as an invitation to discover the immense power and grace available through Jesus Christ. In the face of life's uncertainties and trials, His love remains steadfast, and His promises offer unshakable assurance.

This journey has taught us that while life may never be free from hardships, His grace sustains us, His protection surrounds us, and His presence uplifts us. Through the storms, through the losses, and through the fear, His word remained true: “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.”

May this story inspire you to trust in His providence and find refuge in His shadow. In Him, you can tread through adversity, rise above despair, and walk with unwavering faith, knowing that His angels watch over you. Our experience is not just a tale of survival, but a celebration of a victorious life—a life anchored in the power and love of Jesus Christ. 

We have made Psalm 91 our go to prayer because we have seen and experienced the reality of those verses. My family & I will never forget that we have passed through the valley of the shadow of death & who's staff guided us through. 

(In the picture is Psalm 91 and is downloadable as a prayer, should you need it). 

 

 

Sunday Quotes

The chief purpose of prayer is that God may be glorified in the answer. 

 R. A. Torrey

Too many Christians live their Christian lives inside their heads; it never gets out through hands and feet and lips. - Vance Havner

God gives us people to love and things to use, not things to love and people to use. - Max Lucado

There is no sweeter manner of living in the world than continuous communion with God - Brother Lawrence

Real true faith is man's weakness leaning on God's strength. - Dwight L. Moody

The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, 'O God, forgive me,' or 'Help me.' - Billy Graham

Creative words generate energy; negative words drain out energy. - Robert H. Schuller

It is not the bee's touching of the flower that gathers honey, but her abiding for a time upon the flower that draws out the sweet. It is not he that reads most, but he that meditates most, that will prove the choicest, sweetest, wisest and strongest Christian. - Thomas Brooks

We shall not grow weary of waiting upon God if we remember how long and how graciously He once waited for us. - Charles Spurgeon

Every day we live is a priceless gift of God, loaded with possibilities to learn something new, to gain fresh insights. - Dale Evans

If we want to be known in heaven and feared in hell we must be willing to lose our reputation here on earth. - Loren Cunningham

The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation. - Dwight L. Moody

People who walk by faith don't see obstacles, they see opportunities. - Warren W. Wiersbe

Kids today learn a lot about getting to the moon, but very little about getting to heaven. - David Jeremiah

Moses spent forty years thinking he was somebody; forty years learning he was nobody; and forty years discovering what God can do with a nobody. - Dwight L. Moody

Peace doesn't come from finding a lake with no storms. It comes from having Jesus in the boat. - John Ortberg

Accept the risen Jesus into your life. Even if you have been far away, take a small step towards Him. He awaits you with open arms. - Pope Francis

All places are places of worship to a Christian. Wherever he is, he ought to be in a worshiping frame of mind. - Charles Spurgeon

To know the will of God is the greatest knowledge! To do the will of God is the greatest achievement. - George W Truett

God not only orders our steps, He orders our stops. - George Muller

How you live your life is a testimony of what you believe about God. - Henry Blackaby

When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer. - Corrie Ten Boom

If you want to give the devil a nervous breakdown, just get up every day and see how much good you can do. - Joyce Meyer

Knowing that we are fulfilling God's purpose is the only thing that gives rest to the restless human heart. - Charles Colson

If we do not fill our mind with prayer, it will fill itself with anxieties, worries, temptations, resentments, and unwelcome memories. - Scott Hahn

God doesn't bless us just to make us happy; He blesses us to make us a blessing. - Warren W. Wiersbe

Strive to make every person feel special. After all, every person you meet is made in the image of God.- Joel Osteen

Don't worry about having the right words; worry more about having the right heart. It's not eloquence he seeks, just honesty. - Max Lucado

Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire? - Corrie Ten Boom

Becoming a Christian is the work of a moment; being a Christian is the work of a lifetime. - Billy Graham

Finding God

Matthew 17: Verses 1-9

About eight days after Jesus had made certain statements (likely referring to his impending suffering and death), he took Peter, John, and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 

As Jesus was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.

The three of them were looking at God!

One wonders how and when and if we too will see God or encounter God in our earthly life. Ms. Francis Taylor answers this question in a simple and beautiful way, and we reproduce it here:

"When I asked myself that question (if I will see God), I came up with so many answers they were too long to list! However, I will name a few: looking into the faces of my newborn children and grandchildren, watching the waves break on a stormy day, standing in Denali, looking up at Mt. McKinley, a crocus peeking out of the snow, seeing the sunrise and/or sunset over the ocean, seeing the look of love in the eyes of a spouse or a child. I could go on but it's time for you to think about it. One thing I have learned is that you won't see the hand of God unless you look for it. I feel very gifted that I had a grandmother who taught me to look for God when I was very young – three years old! Needless to say, my world was not exactly filled with exciting visions at that point – nor has it been since then, but I learned that God was in the very ordinariness of our days. You are running late and find that you just missed the accident on the highway. You didn't hit the car that came out from behind the snow bank without stopping. God is always there in both the good and the sad times. 

We cannot stand with Peter, James and John at the top of the mountain but as we continue through Lent, let us challenge ourselves to take a few moments at the end of each day and thank God for God's presence in the ordinariness of our own days".

Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

 

The Loving Lizard

                          

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." - John 15:13

In a small village in Japan, there was an old house that had been abandoned for many years. One day, a man decided to renovate the house. As he started to remove the wooden wall panels, he noticed something unusual. A small lizard was nailed to the wall by one of its feet.

The man felt sad for the lizard, which must have been trapped there for a long time. However, as he examined the lizard more closely, he noticed something even more surprising. Another lizard was bringing food to the trapped lizard, ensuring that it didn't starve.

Despite the hardship of being nailed to the wall, the trapped lizard had been sustained by the unwavering care of its companion. The free lizard had dedicated itself to feeding the trapped one, showing an incredible level of devotion and compassion.

This story serves as a beautiful reminder of the power of love and the lengths to which creatures, great and small, will go to support and care for one another. It illustrates the deep bonds that can exist between animals and the remarkable ways they can demonstrate kindness and loyalty.

The question is this: That story was about lizards. Would we as human beings do the same or be lesser than a humble house lizard? 

When called upon, would we care for another even when it is not convenient or maybe needs a sacrifice? Would we, like Jesus, give up our lives for someone? 

Of course we would not. Or would we? Only we can answer that question for ourselves. 

Sunday Quotes

Inspiring Christian quotes serve as beacons of hope, faith, and encouragement in our daily lives. They remind us of God's unwavering love, the strength found in Christ, and the beauty of living with purpose and compassion. These quotes, often drawn from Scripture or the wisdom of Christian thinkers, provide guidance during challenges and celebrate the joy of faith. Whether uplifting the spirit or deepening one's connection with God, they resonate with timeless truths that inspire believers to walk in love, grace, and perseverance.

“Satan is so much more in earnest than we are—he buys up the opportunity while we are wondering how much it will cost.” (Amy Carmichael)

“Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” (John Wesley)

“If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction.”

“Every temptation, directly or indirectly, is the temptation to doubt and distrust God.” John Macarthur 

 “The issue of faith is not so much whether we believe in God, but whether we believe the God we believe in.” RC Sproul 

 “The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.” - C S Lewis 

 “Today Jesus Christ is being dispatched as the Figurehead of a Religion, a mere example. He is that, but he is infinitely more; He is salvation itself, He is the Gospel of God.” - Oswald Chambers 

“I will not glory, even in my orthodoxy, for even that can be a snare if I make a god of it... Let us rejoice in Him in all His fullness and in Him alone.”- Martin Lloyd-Jones

“Here lies the tremendous mystery: that God should be all-powerful, yet refuse to coerce. He summons us to cooperation. We are honored in being given the opportunity to participate in his good deeds. Remember how He asked for help in performing his miracles: Fill the water pots, stretch out your hand, distribute the loaves.” - Elisabeth Elliot

“The terrible, tragic fallacy of the last hundred years has been to think that all man's troubles are due to his environment, and that to change the man you have nothing to do but change his environment. That is a tragic fallacy. It overlooks the fact that it was in Paradise that man fell.”

“Be still, and know that I am God. We must not interpret that ‘Be still’ in a sentimental manner. Some regard it as a kind of exhortation to us to be silent; but it is nothing of the sort. It means, ‘Give up (or ‘Give in’ and admit I am God’. God is addressing people who are opposed to Him.”

Martyn Lloyd -Jones 

“We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.”

Oswald Chambers 

“I have heard of some good old woman in a cottage, who had nothing but a piece of bread and a little water, and lifting up her hands, she said, as a blessing, “What! all this, and Christ too?” - Charles Spurgeon

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows; it empties today of its strength.” - Corrie Ten-Boom

“Tears shed for self are tears of weakness, but tears shed for others are a sign of strength.” - Billy Graham

“Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe.”

St. Augustine