The Restoration that Built the Church: Pastor Rajiv

                                           

John 21 verses 1-19

Biblical scholars feel that the most significant aspect of this account is not what happened on the sea but what happened on the shore.

Just picture this - Jesus and his disciples sitting around a fire eating breakfast.

The blessing here was not the massive catch of fish but spending time with Jesus.

Then comes the most significant part of this whole narrative  and  the crux of this message today - the restoration of Peter.

Today, in this message let us understand from Pastor Rajiv - Why it had to be done, how Jesus did it and why it matters to us today. 

Who is Perfect?

                                    
"Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God." — Revelation 3:2

Beginning of the week often comes with the pressure of a "fresh start." We look at the clean slate of a new week and feel the weight of expectation—the need to be the perfect employee, the perfect parent, or the perfect Christian.

But the message to the church in Sardis offers a startling perspective on perfection. It isn't about a flawless record; it’s about completion and spiritual alertness.

The church in Sardis had a great reputation. To an outsider, they looked like a thriving, "perfect" congregation. But Jesus looked past the brand and the busy schedules to see the heart. He found that while they had a name for being alive, they were actually dying.

Likewise, often, we strive for a "perfect" image while our inner life—our prayer, our integrity, our peace—is gasping for air. We are so busy maintaining the look of life that we forget to actually live in the Spirit.

In the original Greek, when Jesus says He found their deeds "unfinished" (or "not perfect"), the word used is "pepleromena". It refers to a vessel that hasn't been filled to the brim.

Who is perfect? In this context, perfection isn't the absence of mistakes; it is wholeness. It’s finishing what God started in you. It’s not abandoning the mission when it gets boring or difficult. It’s ensuring your private devotion matches your public profession.

The disciples went back to fishing because they thought the "project" of Jesus was finished at the cross. They were wrong. Jesus came to show them that the most important work—the spiritual harvest—was just beginning.

The beauty of Revelation 3:2 is that it is a message of hope. Jesus doesn't say, "It’s over, give up." He says, "Strengthen what remains."

Even if you feel like only 10% of your faith is still flickering, God can work with that 10%. He doesn't demand that you start from scratch with a perfect track record; He asks you to wake up and tend to the embers that are still glowing.

As you head into your week, stop asking, "How can I be flawless?" Instead, ask:

"What have I left unfinished?" Is there a conversation, a discipline, or a calling you’ve let slide into "survival mode"?

"Am I awake?" Are you moving through your tasks on autopilot, or are you alert to where God is moving in your workplace and home?

The Bottom Line: God isn't looking for people who never fail; He’s looking for people who refuse to stay asleep. Be "perfect" today by being fully present and fully His.

Monday Reset- Fishing on the Wrong Side by Pastor Rajiv

Happy Monday. It’s the start of a new week, and if we’re honest, many of us are showing up to our "boats" today out of habit, exhaustion, or perhaps a lingering sense of defeat from the week before.

There is a powerful lesson in the moments following the Resurrection that speaks directly to our Monday morning hustle. The Comfort of the "Normal"

After the trauma of the crucifixion, the disciples were adrift. The vision they had served for three years seemed to have died. In their grief and confusion, they did something deeply human: they went back to what they knew. When Peter said, "I’m going fishing" - The others followed.

They retreated to their old comfort zones—the familiar smell of the lake and the rhythm of the nets. But there was a problem. They fished all night and caught nothing.

When Jesus appeared on the shore, He didn't lead with a theological lecture. He asked a practical, almost stinging question: "Friends, haven't you any fish?" (John 21:5)

Jesus wasn't looking for a fishing report; He was highlighting their emptiness. He drew their attention to their failure not to shame them, but to show them that their self-directed efforts were yielding zero results.

Today lets understand ourselves -Why the Nets Stay Empty?

Like the disciples, we often fill our Mondays with "doing"—grinding away at tasks, projects, or habits that we think we should be doing, or things we've reverted to because we've lost sight of our higher purpose.

The emptiness of their nets was a mercy. It was a sign that they were working outside of their calling. They were trying to live their "old life" with "new hearts," and it simply didn't fit anymore.

As you look at your "to-do" list today, ask yourself:

Am I fishing on the wrong side? Am I putting all my energy into things I haven't been asked to do? Whose voice am I following? Am I working out of habit, or am I listening for the voice on the shore?

Let us remember: The breakthrough usually isn't about working harder; it’s about working in obedience.

Have a fruitful week—one filled with the kind of abundance that only comes when He directs the net.

Sabbath Vespers

                                             

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

Divine Architect of Rest, we pause today as the sun climbs high, acknowledging that the world continues to turn even when our hands are still. We thank You for the gift of the Sabbath—a sanctuary in time where we can lay down our tools and pick up our peace.
We ask for a refreshing of our minds. In a season where our days are often filled with the noise of productivity and the rush of innovation, let this day be a quiet room. We release the weight of "doing" and embrace the grace of "being." Restore the energy we have poured out into our work, our students, and our communities over this past week.
For Shared Purpose We lift up our global family. We pray that our shared purpose would be the thread that binds us together across every distance. May our collaboration be marked by empathy and our leadership by a servant’s heart. Let us remember that while we build for the future, we live in the present.
We lift Jen before You today again. Be with her, strengthen her as she goes to the hospital on Monday. We pray for Samira - grant her physical and mental resilience as she undergoes another round of Immunotherapy on Wednesday. For Lisa, as she has survived and overcome, let he daughter Arielle overcome as well. For strength to Lisa in reestablishing her life and her court case. We pray for Victoria and Alison, for Joan and Lindsey. And Lord, we widen this prayer to every person fighting cancer right now, including Swenson's husband. 
We pray for the seniors, specially the senior gentleman in India who has been your humble servant. We pray for his healing and strength as he undergoes dialysis and for his daughter and caretaker.
We pray for Pastor Ben and his family in India.
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.
Closing May the peace of this day linger in our hearts long after the sun sets, fueling our purpose for the week to come.
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 Believe in God? - Jen Tan

                 

Life can be tough and we often face difficulties and challenges that seem overwhelming. We feel helpless, alone and abandoned. But the good news is that God is always with us, no matter where we go or what we face. He is the same God who walked with Jacob and He promises to walk with us too. 

As Jen walks her walk of faith in her long treatment of cancer, she shares her own experience of the truth of God's word. 

Application study Bible : Romans 8:28 - God works in everything- not just isolated incidents - for our good. This does not mean that all that happens to us will be pleasant, and we do not have to call pain good. Even though evil pervades our fallen world, God is able to turn every circumstance around for our long-range benefit. Note that God does not work only to make us happy but to fulfill his purposes. Note also that this promise is not for everybody. It can be claimed only by those who love God and are called by him- that is, those the Holy Spirit convinces and enables to receive Christ. Such people have a new perspective, a new mind-set. They trust in God, not in life’s treasure; they find their security in heavenly priorities, not earthly ones. Their faith in God does not waver in pain and persecution because they know God is with them.

Jen says- 

"Reading Romans this morning reaffirmed God’s calling and purpose in our lives. I once asked a friend, “Why believe in God if He cannot guarantee us a good and pleasurable life throughout our journey?” The answer has always been the same: God does not promise a life full of roses, but He gives us the strength to pull through. Most importantly, He protects us from every trap we face.

My recent hospital admission during my cancer treatment brought a lot of pain and suffering. Did I ever think of giving up my hope in God because of it? No. I have chosen to walk bravely and fearlessly. As it says in Deuteronomy 31:6: “So be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Through this experience, I have grown stronger despite the pain and suffering. I have decided to fully place my trust in Him who has given me this life. I now have a greater desire to study the Bible—this book of instruction—continually, to meditate on it day and night so that I may obey everything written in it. Only then will I prosper and succeed in all that I do (Joshua 1:8–9).

I have also learned that if we want to successfully accomplish God’s mission for our lives, we should stop looking for a vision and start looking for a verse. God does not write our mission in the sky; He has already written it in His Word.

My goal in life is to read diligently, believe wholeheartedly, and act faithfully on His Word. Lord, bless me and send Your Holy Spirit to guide me—this is my humble prayer."

Note: We at "This Week with Jesus" blog humbly and sincerely request you to please include Jen, Lisa, Alison, Joan, Victoria, Samira and Arielle in your daily prayers. They are all going through a very challenging time yet stick to their faith in God. 

What Would You Have me do Today?

"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." — Lamentations 3:22–23

Every sunrise is more than just the start of another day—it is a divine invitation. God gifts us a new promise, a new beginning, and another chance to walk in His will. For the brokenhearted, it is a day of hope. For the weary, it is a day of renewal. For all of us, it is a day to experience His unfailing love.

Life unfolds in phases:

Youth — when we read and believe His Word.

Middle age — when we live and experience His Word.

Later years — when we testify to His Word, becoming living evidence of His faithfulness.

No matter the season, each day is a choice: to live for ourselves alone or to include God and others in our journey. Creation itself teaches us that everything gives something to someone — Trees give shade, rivers give water, the sun gives light. So we must ask: What will we give today?

Because a life worth living is one that gives life to another.

Just as God gives us hope, we can become hope for someone else. Just as He provides, we can become provision for another. To love as Christ loves is to embody agape—selfless, sacrificial love—in our words, actions, and presence.

As we thank God for the gift of a new day, let us remember His mercies are fresh each morning, and His love sustains us. 

We are His extension into this world. For His great commission. Can we ask Him daily: “What would You have me do today? Who would You have me reach out to? What would You have me say?”

We can be hope for the hopeless, strength for the weary, and love for the lonely. May our lives reflect His compassion, and may we run eagerly toward His will with each sunrise.

Tomorrow, when the sun rises, pause and ask God:

Who can I encourage today?

How can I show love in action?

Where can I be His hands and feet?

Then step boldly into the day, running toward His instruction.

Surrender For Victory

1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
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."

Agatha Christie once remarked that the "saddest thing in life... is the knowledge that there is someone you love very much whom you cannot save from suffering."

There is a unique kind of grief that comes from watching a child, a spouse, or a friend walk through a "valley of the shadow" that you cannot pull them out of. Our instinct is to be the fixer, the shield, and the savior. Yet, we eventually hit the wall of our own humanity. We realize that while our love is vast, our power is finite.

But there is someone who does have that power, and the sooner we realize it the better for us. The Bible contains several verses that address the concept of human limitation and the fundamental need for divine support. These passages often emphasize that while human effort has its place, it is insufficient on its own. Surrender in this context is often described not as giving up, but as letting go of the need to control the outcome. It is the act of placing your physical or emotional pain into the hands of a power greater than yourself, trusting that you are supported regardless of the circumstances.

The overarching message in the quoted texts is not one of despair, but rather one of surrender. The Bible frequently posits that acknowledging one's own helplessness is the prerequisite for receiving "strength that is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

In the biblical tradition, this "helplessness" is often met with the idea of intercession—when you cannot act physically, you stand in the gap spiritually. When we reach the end of our ability to save someone, we must hand that responsibility over to a source of care that is greater than our own.

Think of Mary at the foot of the Cross. She could not stop the nails; she could not dampen the pain. But she was there. Sometimes, the greatest act of spiritual maturity is staying present in the suffering, in surrender, rather than trying to fix it.

Hebrews 6:1 encourages us to move toward maturity. Part of spiritual maturity is the "blessed surrender"—recognizing that the person you love is also loved by a Creator whose reach is longer than yours. When your hands are tied, it is an invitation to place that person into the hands of the Great Physician.

Trade helplessness for hope. Pray for the strength to stay present, the grace to be silent when needed, and the faith to believe that God is working in the places we cannot reach.

Practical Step for Today:

Identify one person whose suffering you have been trying to "solve." Take a moment to physically open your hands in front of you, naming them, and silently "handing" them over to God. Focus today not on being their solution, but on being a source of quiet, steady love.

Wisdom at the Cross

What does it take to be wise? 

In the biblical context, wisdom is rarely defined as a static concept or mere intellectual data. Instead, it is portrayed as a dynamic, practical, and ethical skill set. While the "fear of the Lord" is the starting point (Proverbs 1:7), wisdom itself is the application of that reverence to the complexities of life.

Here are the primary ways the Bible defines and characterizes wisdom:

1. Wisdom as Moral Discernment

In the Hebrew tradition, wisdom (chokmah) is often synonymous with righteousness. It is the ability to distinguish between good and evil, and the discipline to choose the former.

In Practical Life, it is described as "skill in living." Much like a craftsman has skill in a trade, a wise person has the skill to navigate relationships, finances, and speech in a way that honors God.

It is frequently set against "folly." Wisdom is not just being smart; it is being "spiritually sensible."

2. Wisdom as "The Mind of Christ"

In the New Testament, the concept of wisdom undergoes a shift, becoming more closely tied to the person of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit.

a. Christ as Wisdom: Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:30 that Christ "has become for us wisdom from God." In this sense, wisdom is not just a set of rules, but a person to be followed.

b. Counter-Cultural: The Bible often distinguishes "godly wisdom" from "worldly wisdom." What the world considers powerful or smart, God often identifies as foolish (and vice versa).

3. The "Tests" of Wisdom

The Book of James provides perhaps the most concise "checklist" for what wisdom actually looks like in practice. According to James 3:17, wisdom from above is:

* Pure: It starts with integrity.

* Peace-loving: It seeks reconciliation rather than conflict.

* Considerate: It is mindful of others.

* Submissive: It is willing to yield and listen.

* Full of mercy and good fruit: It results in tangible, positive actions.

* Impartial and sincere: It is without hypocrisy.

In short, if the fear of God is the foundation, wisdom is the house built upon it—the practical realization of a life aligned with divine truth.

Easter Monday Reset: New Beginnings

 

(Based on Galatians 5 Ver 22-23)

Resurrection requires a complete "reset" or a "new beginning"—one that is both an outward departure from the past (water) and an inward transformation by the Divine (spirit). We have to move forward - move from "believing" to "becoming.

Having gone through lent, the passion week, Holy Saturday and the Resurrection, today let's think: what difference did all this make in my life?

To help us think this through, let's look at what will look like. PAUL has been quite clear in this matter when he talks about how our relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, effects a change in our spiritual and physical life. He called it the "fruits of the Spirit".  Let's see how we can progress: 

1. The Inward Fruit (our Relationship with God)

These qualities anchor our internal world and provide the "roots" for everything else.

Love (Agapé): Map this to your motivations.

Ask: "Am I doing this (my job, my service, my posts) to be seen, or out of a genuine desire for the well-being of others?"

Action: Practice "anonymous" kindness.

Joy: Map this to your perspective, regardless of circumstances.

Ask: "Can I find God’s goodness even in a 'disaster"?

Action: Keep a gratitude journal (like your "name three things" exercise) to anchor your joy in God's character rather than your comfort.

Peace: Map this to your anxiety levels.

Ask: "Am I resting in God’s sovereignty, or am I trying to control every outcome?"

Action: When a problem arises, use the "Quiet Blessing" approach—pray before you plan.

_______________________________________________________

2. The Outward Fruit (our Relationship with Others)

These qualities are the "branches" that others interact with daily.

Patience (Longsuffering): Map this to your reactions.

Ask: "How do I respond when things move slowly (in recovery, in business, or in traffic)?"

Action: Intentionally wait. Let someone go ahead of you in line; breathe before responding to a difficult email.

Kindness: Map this to your tone.

Ask: "Is my 'output'—my words and social media presence—useful and healing, or sharp and critical?"

Action: Send one encouraging text or prayer to someone every day.

Goodness: Map this to integrity.

Ask: "Do I do the right thing when no one is watching? (e.g., being honest about a flaw in a vintage item I'm selling?)"

Action: Choose the path of honesty even when it costs you a "sale" or an advantage.

___________________________________________________________

3. The Upward Fruit (our Character & Discipline)

These qualities are the "ripeness" of the fruit, showing maturity and strength.

Faithfulness: Map this to your commitments.

Ask: "Am I reliable? Do I follow through on my prayers and my promises?"

Action: Be consistent in the "small things"—daily prayer, finishing a task, or showing up for a friend.

Gentleness (Meekness): Map this to your power.

(Note: Gentleness isn't weakness; it is "power under control.")

Ask: "Do I use my influence to lift others up or to push my own agenda?"

Action: Listen twice as much as you speak today.

Self-Control (Temperance): Map this to your appetites and impulses.

Ask: "What is 'driving the bus' of my life? My emotions, or the Holy Spirit?"

Action: Practice a small fast (from social media, sugar, or complaining) to remind your body that the Spirit is in charge.

Weekly Practise Schedule

Silent Saturday Prayer

"The book of Ruth is filled with sweeping drama. It begins with a famine, and we meet a widow, Naomi, who has lost everyone she holds dear. But Naomi is not left alone, and we witness selfless acts of love that restore her spirit. Through the entire book, we see God’s lovingkindness toward His people. And the end points forward to our Savior who will introduce the greatest love story of all.

No matter what you are facing today, let Ruth’s story draw you in, assuring you that God sees you and your situation. He cares for you. And we know that He can do the impossible, bringing good things out of difficult circumstances" - Jamie Janosz. 

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the Cross. We thank You that we do not have to wonder if we are Yours, for Your Spirit bears witness with our spirit. Produce in us a harvest of righteousness. Let our lives be so full of love, joy, and peace that the world knows we have been with Jesus. May our gratitude today transform our worship and steady our spirits.

We lift up our dear Jen, Lindsey, Alison, Lisa, Halleen, Joan and Laurik in our prayers to you today and everyday. You know their need for strength and your peace. We pray that Cindy receives peace and stays hopeful during her upcoming battle with cancer. Give her courage, hope and your peace. But above all they need to know you are with them. Let them feel your presence today.

We pray for Williams SIL who is in the late stages of Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease. Pray that God will heal her and give her a normal lifespan. We pray for baby Barrett. He is in the hospital with Covid. We pray for the mammograms of Beth and Diane and that they are normal.

May this Easter bring:

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

In the name of the One who gave it all.

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.

To download our mobile app Click here