Is God on Your Side?

The pages of the Old Testament are filled with the dramatic prayers and actions of the people of Israel as they faced enemies, famine, and disaster. Their cry was often: "O God, be on our side!" They longed for the Divine Warrior to march with their armies, to deliver them from their foes, and to bless their land. Much like you and I today. 

And, when they walked in obedience, God was indeed their protector and deliverer. When they strayed, the prophets brought God's stern but loving verdict, reminding the people of God's perspective and calling them back to covenant faithfulness.

​One powerful example of this dynamic is seen when the Israelites were about to take Jericho:

​“When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, ‘Are you for us, or for our adversaries?’ And he said, ‘No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.’ And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, ‘What does my lord say to his servant?’ ”

​— Joshua 5:13–14 (ESV)

​The commander's answer, "No," is striking. He wasn't choosing sides; he was declaring that God's mission was the only side that mattered. Joshua's response was immediate humility and surrender. He stopped asking God to join his side and asked how he could join God’s.

​The New Covenant: The Question Is Settled

​With the coming of Jesus Christ, the question of whether God is "on our side" is definitively answered and fundamentally transformed.

​The Gospel reveals the ultimate, unwavering truth of God's heart toward humanity: He is absolutely, eternally, and completely on our side.

He did not wait for us to clean up our lives; He came while we were still lost. ​“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” ​— Romans 5:8 (ESV)

He did not send a general or a prophet; He sent His own Son. ​“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” ​— John 3:16 (ESV)

​The very act of the Incarnation, the Cross, and the Resurrection is God’s decisive declaration of love and commitment to redeem humanity.

​The Apostle Paul drives this point home with powerful rhetoric:

​“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”

​— Romans 8:31–32 (ESV)

​The New Challenge

​Because God has proven beyond all doubt that He is for us through Christ, the question shifts from a desperate plea to a deliberate choice. The ultimate battle is no longer for God's allegiance; it is for ours.

​The question is no longer: "Is God on our side?"

The question now is: "Are we on God's side?"

​This means:

Surrender: Are we willing to lay down our own plans and will, just as Joshua did, and ask, "What does my Lord say to his servant?"

Obedience: Are we actively seeking to live by Christ's teachings, aligning our values, actions, and priorities with His kingdom purposes? 

​“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” ​— Matthew 6:24 (ESV) (This principle applies to all areas of allegiance, not just wealth).

Faith: Are we trusting in His completed work on the cross, making His perfect righteousness our ground for peace and hope, rather than relying on our own strength or goodness?

​A Final Thought

​Let us move past the anxious plea for God to join our cause and embrace the reality of the New Covenant: God has already committed Himself to us. Our task is to enthusiastically and obediently commit ourselves to His cause.

Besting Jesus? The Faith That Crossed Boundaries

Mark 7:25–29: A Story of Faith That Crossed Boundaries

We often think of Jesus as the perfect teacher—wise, compassionate, and purposeful in every word and action. In Mark 7, we witness a remarkable moment where a Gentile mother, unnamed but unforgettable, approaches Him with a plea born of deep love and desperation.

Her daughter was suffering, and she believed that Jesus could help. Despite being an outsider—a Syrophoenician woman, not part of the Jewish community to whom Jesus’s ministry was first directed—she came and fell at His feet, asking for healing.

Jesus responded with a statement that reflected the cultural and theological boundaries of the time:

"Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs."

This phrase, though softened in its original language, would have been difficult to hear. Yet the woman did not retreat. With humility and insight, she replied:

"Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs."

Her response was not defiant—it was faithful. She acknowledged the order of things yet trusted that even the overflow of God’s grace was enough to meet her need. Jesus affirmed her faith immediately:

"For saying that, you may go; the demon has left your daughter."

The Power of Persistent Faith

This story is not about Jesus being bested in an argument. It’s about a moment where faith pierced through cultural boundaries. Jesus’s response shows us that sincere, humble belief is always welcomed—and that God’s mercy is not limited by status, background, or tradition.

The Syrophoenician woman didn’t demand a place at the table. She simply trusted that the crumbs of grace were enough. And in that trust, she received the fullness of healing.

The Message for Us Today

When we feel distant, unheard, or unworthy, this story reminds us:

1. Faith that is humble, persistent, and trusting can move the heart of God.

2. No one is too far. No prayer is too small. And no boundary is too strong for the compassion of Christ.

When Everything is Lost

Much of the Old Testament is an historical account but most of it has practical application as a Christian even today. When we meditate on these OT accounts, there is so much to be learned which enhances our own relationship with God.

One such account is in 1 Samuel 30 - to be read as a complete chapter. It is a powerful account of leadership, faith, and recovery in a moment of intense crisis. The story of David and his men returning to find their town, Ziklag, burned and their families captured by the Amalekites offers several profound learning opportunities.

​Here are the key lessons we can derive from 1 Samuel 30:

​"But David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God."

​Imagine the scene: David and his men return home after a long journey only to find their city, Ziklag, reduced to ashes. Their wives, children, and possessions—everything they owned—had been carried off by the raiding Amalekites. Their grief was so overwhelming they wept until they could weep no more. To make matters worse, David’s own companions turned on him, placing the blame squarely on his shoulders and speaking of stoning their leader.

​It was a moment of absolute loss: physical possessions gone, family missing, leadership authority questioned, and his own life threatened. David was at his lowest point. He had every right to despair, blame others, or crumble under the pressure.

​Yet, David made a choice that changed everything. He still chose to depend on God. 

​The path David took from devastation to deliverance offers us a powerful blueprint for navigating our own darkest days.

​1. Strengthen Yourself in the Lord (The Anchor)

​When the world around you is collapsing, you must actively secure your anchor. David didn't look to his men, his wisdom, or his reputation for strength; he looked up. The key phrase is: "But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God" (1 Samuel 30:6). This teaches us that inner resilience and the ability to lead others come from deliberately clinging to and finding strength in one's relationship with God, even when facing the consequences of past compromises.

​Action Point: When you feel overwhelmed, stop trying to fix the problem immediately. Instead, deliberately turn your focus to God. Remind yourself of His past faithfulness, His unwavering promises, and His deep love for you. That inner choice to anchor your spirit in Him is the beginning of your recovery.

​2. Inquire of the Lord (The Compass)

​After finding strength, David didn't just rush out to chase the enemy. He sought specific direction using the ephod, asking, "Shall I pursue? Will I overtake?" God’s answer was clear: "Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and shall surely rescue all."

​This highlights the importance of prayerful decision-making and obedience to the clear guidance received.

Action Point: Never let panic or emotion dictate your next move. When facing a major decision or a crisis, pause, pray, and seek God’s direction. Whether through Scripture, counsel, or prayer, wait for the clarity of His voice. Obedience to His plan, not yours, is the only guarantee of success.

​3. Extend Compassion (The Unexpected Blessing)

​Mid-pursuit, David’s men came upon an abandoned Egyptian slave. In the urgency of their mission, it would have been easy to leave him behind because he was an Egyptian (an enemy) and part of Amalekites. But they stopped and showed him kindness. That man, nourished and revived, became their essential informant, leading them straight to the sleeping enemy camp.

​Action Point: Even when you are deep in your own struggle, do not neglect opportunities for kindness. Compassion is never a distraction; it is often the very key God uses to open the door to your deliverance. When you serve others, God is working behind the scenes to serve your need.

4. Fair Distribution and Unity (Wise Leadership)

Good leadership involves both effective pursuit and wise, unifying distribution of success. No one should be left behind.

Two hundred of David's men were too exhausted to continue the pursuit and had to stay behind to guard the supplies at the Brook Besor. The men who fought argued that the 200 weary men deserved no share of the plunder.

The Action: David implemented a permanent law in Israel: "As is the share of him who goes down into the battle, so shall be the share of him who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike" (1 Samuel 30:24-25). This was an act of wise, compassionate leadership that prevented disunity and honored everyone's contribution to the effort.

​

Conclusion: David Recovered All

​Because David strengthened his heart, sought God’s will, and acted with compassion, the narrative ends with one of the most triumphant phrases in the Old Testament: "David recovered all, and nothing of theirs was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that they had taken for themselves" (1 Samuel 30:19).

​What has the enemy stolen from you? Is it your peace, your joy, your hope, or your sense of purpose? Take courage from David’s story. 

When you place your trust in God, He promises not just survival, but complete restoration. Strengthen yourself in Him today and watch Him lead you to recover all.

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