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Epiphany Devotion — “Led by the Light”

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Scripture: Matthew 2:1–12 Devotion: Epiphany invites us to linger with the Magi —those mysterious travelers who saw a light in the sky and recognized it as the beginning of something God was doing in the world. They didn’t know all the details. They didn’t have a map. But they had enough light to take the next step, and they followed it. Their journey reminds us that God often leads us the same way, not with a floodlight that reveals every turn, but with a star—just enough guidance to move forward in faith. Epiphany is the celebration of God making Himself known, not all at once, but in ways that draw us closer, step by step. The Magi also show us what it means to seek Christ with intention. They traveled far, endured uncertainty, and asked hard questions. Their search was active, not passive. And when they finally found the Child, they didn’t simply observe Him—they worshiped Him. Their gifts were expressions of devotion, humility, and trust. Epiphany invites us to bring...
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Summary of the Book of Malachi

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  An Overview of the Last Book of the Old Testament Introduction The Book of Malachi is the final book of the Old Testament in the Christian Bible and is also part of the Hebrew Bible. Written by the prophet Malachi , whose name means "my messenger," this brief book addresses the spiritual and social challenges facing the Jewish community after their return from Babylonian exile , likely in the 5th century BCE. Structure and Main Themes ·          God’s Love for Israel: Malachi opens with a reminder of God’s enduring love for Israel, contrasting it with His rejection of Esau 's descendants ( Edom ). This sets the stage for the people's accountability to God. ·          Corruption of the Priesthood: The prophet rebukes the priests for their neglect and dishonor of God through improper sacrifices and failure to teach the law faithfully. Malachi calls for a return to sincere worship and rever...
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The Rich Young Ruler: The Cost of Following Christ

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  Here is a longer piece. Is there any need for this? Please read and comment. Introduction We live in an age that reduces Christianity to a transaction—a spiritual contract where we meet specific terms, and God delivers eternal life . We want to know the minimum requirements, the essential bullet points, and the checklist we can complete to secure our eternal destiny. This transactional mindset pervades our churches, our evangelism, and tragically, our own hearts. The passage before us this morning shatters that illusion. Here we encounter a man who appears to be the ideal inquirer—earnest, respectful, morally upright, and desperately seeking eternal life. He comes to Jesus with what seems like the right question. Yet he leaves sorrowful, unable to meet Christ's demand. This account, recorded in all three Synoptic Gospels , stands as one of the most sobering encounters in Scripture, forcing us to confront the radical nature of discipleship and the subtle idolatries that can...
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Christ’s Prayer

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Scripture : John 17:15-17 (NIV) My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one . They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth . Devotion: In John 17:15-17, we find Jesus praying not only for His disciples but also for all who would follow Him. These words are spoken during a deeply intimate moment, as Christ prepares to face the cross. The heart of His prayer is not for escape from the world’s trials, but rather for protection and sanctification amid them: "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." Jesus knows the world is fraught with temptation, opposition, and spiritual dangers. Yet, He does not pray for His followers to be removed from these challenges. Instead, He asks the Father to guard them from the e...
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Do Not Be Anxious

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Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God , which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus . Devotion: Life is full of moments that tug at our hearts and minds, tempting us to fall into the trap of worry. Whether it’s uncertainty about our future, concerns for our loved ones, or the daily pressures we face, anxiety often tries to take center stage. Yet, in Philippians 4:6-7, Paul gently reminds us that anxiety does not have to have the final word. We are invited to bring every situation to God—not just the big crises, but all the small moments of unrest as well. Prayer becomes our bridge from anxiety to peace. When we talk to God about our struggles, and do so with a heart full of gratitude, something incredible happens. The act of giving thanks shifts our perspective from what troubles us ...
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The Grace of God has Appeared

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  Scripture: Titus 2:11-12 ( NIV ) For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions , and to live self-controlled , upright , and godly lives in this present age, Devotion: The message found in Titus 2:11-12 offers us a profound glimpse into the heart of the gospel. “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” These words remind us that God’s grace is not merely a passive gift, but an active presence in our lives. It is both the gateway to salvation and the ongoing teacher that shapes our daily lives. Grace is often described as unmerited favor, but Paul reveals that grace is also transformative. The appearance of grace through Jesus Christ is not just a historical event, but a present reality. God’s grace reaches out to ...
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Before I die

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Scripture: Proverbs 30:7-9 (NIV) “Two things I ask of you, LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread . Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. Devotion: Proverbs 30:7-9 offers a rare glimpse into the heart of someone earnestly seeking God’s wisdom and guidance. The writer, Agur , brings a humble request before the Lord—one that reveals both self-awareness and spiritual maturity . Rather than asking for wealth, power, or comfort, Agur seeks honesty and sufficiency: “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches but give me only my daily bread.” This prayer stands in contrast to the desires we often find ourselves chasing in our modern world . Agur recognizes that the extremes of life—having too much or too little—can easily lead us away from God. A...
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