IWD2026 Special: The Power of Ruth’s Choice

Resilience and Radical Loyalty: The Power of Ruth’s Choice

For International Women's Day (IWD) 2026, the global campaign theme is "Give To Gain," and the United Nations theme is "Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls." 

In both these themes, we can draw tremendous inspiration from Ruth. 

In the landscape of modern life, we often equate "power" with loud voices, high-ranking titles, or grand public gestures. Yet, as we celebrate the influence of women this month, the story of Ruth offers a different, more enduring definition of power: the quiet, steady strength of character and resilience.

Ruth’s journey begins not in a palace, but in a place of profound loss. Having lost her husband, her security, and her status, she stood at a crossroads that would define her legacy.

1. The Courage to Stay

When faced with the option to return to the comfort of her own culture, Ruth made a radical choice. Her declaration to Naomi—“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay”—wasn't just a sentimental promise. It was a courageous act of solidarity. Not only with Naomi - but to God Himself. She voluntarily chose God, in an uncertain, unknown future. 

In a world that often encourages us to look out for ourselves first, Ruth reminds us that there is immense power in loyalty. She chose to support another woman in her time of grief, proving that our greatest strength often emerges when we decide to walk alongside someone else.

2. The Dignity of Diligence

Ruth didn’t wait for a miracle to fall from the sky. She pivoted from her circumstances. As an immigrant and a widow, she took the initiative to go into the fields and glean. She possessed what we might call a "Day One" professional spirit—showing up early, working hard, and earning respect through her consistent effort.

"She has been on her feet from morning until now, except for a short rest in the shelter." — Ruth 2:7

Ruth teaches us that no task is beneath our dignity when it serves a greater purpose. Her integrity in the "small things" eventually opened doors to a destiny she could never have imagined.

3. A Legacy Beyond Borders

Ruth was an outsider—a Moabite in Israel. Yet, her character was so compelling that it dissolved the barriers of her background. She didn't just survive; she thrived and became a vital link in a royal lineage.

Her story is a testament that our current circumstances are not our final destination. Whether you are starting over, navigating a career change, or supporting a loved one through a trial, your resilience is building a legacy that will outlast the struggle.

As we honor the women in our lives, let’s reflect on the "Ruths" among us: 

* Who is the woman in your life who displays quiet resilience every day?

* How can you practice "radical loyalty" toward someone in your community this week?

Heavenly Father, give us the heart of Ruth—a heart that is loyal, a spirit that is resilient, and hands that are ready to work. May we find the courage to stay when things get difficult and the faith to trust that You are weaving our small acts of faithfulness into a much larger story. Amen.

Lent2026: Prayer for Resoration

                                            

"Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard."

A Sabbath Prayer of Restoration

Heavenly Father,
We enter this sacred rhythm of Sabbath, asking You to recalibrate our hearts. Strip away the impulse to hurry and the heavy armor of striving. We lay down the accumulated exhaustion of this week at Your feet, trading our burdens for the simple, profound joy of being found in Your presence. Remind us today that Your rest is not a luxury, but a form of worship—a holy restoration for all that life has depleted.
Lord, we lift up Jen to You. She is Your daughter, held securely in Your palm. You are intimately acquainted with every cell in her body and every quiet thought in her mind. Where pain is loud, let Your healing be louder. Where fear tries to take root, let Your peace overshadow it. Let Your love be the very air she breathes today, carrying her when her own strength feels thin.
We extend this mantle of prayer to all those navigating the valley of illness: We pray for Samira’s ongoing recovery. For her continued healing & strength. We also pray for the strength of Lindsey’s mother and Alison’s daughter, as well as Lisa's daughter. We also pray for their peace and their healing. We pray for Alison, Lisa, and Lindsey as well as they take care of their loved one. We lift up Laurik and Haleen, and every soul currently fighting the battle against cancer.
For those sitting in waiting rooms, those braced for results, and those worn smooth by treatment—be their Shepherd and their Sanctuary. In the midst of the battle, we pause to give You thanks.
Our hearts overflow with praise for Joan’s negative test results—thank You for the gift of clear news. We thank You for sustaining our seniors through a harsh, clouded winter; thank You for being their warmth and their breath.
We look toward India and lift up Your servants. Be with Pastor Ben and his family, covering them with Your protection. We especially cry out for the family facing a father’s serious illness. Guard his heart against despair; let him feel the tangible weight of Your grace. Empower his daughter as she cares for him—give her supernatural stamina and a peace that surpasses the gravity of the situation.
Lord, we very specially pray today for peace. The world is in the grip of hatred and war; killing of innocent people. we pray that you empower the leaders with sanity and the intelligence to carve our a peaceful solution as well as look to you for their guidance.
Jana prays - I am in a serious crisis of faith. I have lost hope of anything ever getting better and I just want everything to be over, but it's probably going to take many years and I am exhausted now. I have just been diagnosed with autism at 36. Let us support Jana in our prayers as well.
May this Sabbath be defined by: Rest that mends the weary.
Peace that silences the storm. Gratitude that births new joy.
Light that makes the next step clear.


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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Lent2026: Do You Want to Get Well? By Jen Tan

Today we are back with Jen Tans message - on her cancer journey and its challenges. It is easy to read through the Gospels and see the miracles as quick "flicks of a wrist," but referring to John 5:5–6, Jen slows the camera down to show us something much more personal.

Firstly that number of 38 years is staggering. That is not just a duration; it’s a lifetime of disappointment.

When we carry a burden for a long time—be it a physical ailment, a broken relationship, or a secret struggle—we often stop expecting anything good. Yet, Jen sees through the haze. When Jesus asked the man if he wants to get well He wasn't stating the obvious. He was also pointing to the fact if he was "ready" to get well - meaning was he ready for a whole life after 38 years and what he would do with that new life.

Here is Jens reflection on this question -

"I have reflected that if God were to perform an instant physical miracle of healing, I might simply return to my old self—enjoying life on earth, living comfortably, ignoring God once again, and seeing death as nothing more than a final rest. But my journey of healing now involves something much deeper: sharing my testimony and living out my faith. Most importantly, it is about seeking God".

"Reading the book of John has revealed my purpose in life and shown me how I can use my own journey to encourage others. It has truly been eye-opening. I now see that God has had a plan for me since the day I was born. His faithfulness is something I feel unworthy of, yet I receive it with a grateful and open heart. His grace is sufficient in my life".

Today, Jesus asks us that question for our various infirmities and weaknesses: Do you want to get well? Do you want to change? What will you do after that? This Lent, think about what you want healing from and what will you do thereafter. Go back to your previous life or live a whole new life with Jesus. 

Lent2026: Wiser than God

The Story of Jonah or Our Story?

Wiser than God? It’s a bold claim, isn’t it? To think we could actually be wiser than the Creator. Most of us would never say those words out loud, yet our actions—much like Jonah’s—often say it loud and clear. 

The story of Jonah is frequently relegated to a "whale tale" for children, but it’s actually a sophisticated, slightly biting satire about a man who thought his moral compass was more accurate than God’s.

In Jonah 1, God gives a clear command: "Go to Nineveh." Jonah’s response isn't a lack of understanding; it's a disagreement.

Jonah knew Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian Empire—a nation known for its staggering cruelty. To Jonah, God was being "too nice." He wasn't running because he was scared; he was running because he was offended by God’s mercy.

The Logic of Our Own "Better" Plans

We often play the "Wiser than God" game when:

- We withhold forgiveness: We decide someone is beyond grace, effectively telling God His "mercy for all" policy is flawed.

- We ignore promptings: We tell ourselves that certain steps (like giving, serving, or apologizing) aren't "practical" right now.

- We prioritize our comfort: Jonah chose a ship to Tarshish because it was easier than facing his enemies.

The irony of Jonah is that while he was busy being "wise" and "principled" in his hatred, the pagan sailors on the boat and the "wicked" people of Nineveh showed more spiritual sensitivity than he did.

"But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. He prayed to the Lord and said, 'O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? ... for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love...'" — Jonah 4:1-2

Imagine that: Jonah uses God’s own beautiful attributes as an accusation. He is essentially saying, "I knew You’d be too kind, and I don't approve."

Reflection: The "Gourd" in Our Lives in this Lent

At the end of the story, Jonah sits under a plant (a gourd) for shade. When it dies, he’s furious. God gently points out that Jonah cared more about a plant that provided him temporary comfort than he did about 120,000 human souls.

Think about this: 

• Is there a "Nineveh" in your life—a person or group you've decided doesn't deserve God’s kindness?
• Where are you currently "sailing for Tarshish" because you think your plan for your life is more logical than the one God suggested?
• Are you more upset about your personal "gourds" (comforts/conveniences) being taken away than you are about the spiritual state of those around you?

Lent2026: Open Hands - Pastor Rajiv

 

Our prayer today should be that god will show us ways to look beyond ourselves and look to each other within the church, look to others in our communities,  so that we can be ‘living sacrifices’ for whomever we can reach out to - Pastor Rajiv

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".