The Adonai's Crescent

Was and Now Ephesians 2:7–10 (MSG) Now God has us where HE wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower Grace and Kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all His idea, and all his work. All we do is trust HIM enough to let HIM do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join Him in the work He does, the good work He has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing!! Paul describes two themes from this chapter- 1) Death to Live 2) Division to Unity - It tells us who we were and who we now are — and the distance between those two is entirely the work of Grace. we were dead, Paul says, not struggling or striving, but dead — and yet "God, being rich in mercy," made you alive together with Christ. That word "together...

ASK: Asking, Seeking and Knocking Reference: Jn 16:24 John 1:16 declares a staggering truth: "Of His fullness we have all received, and Grace for Grace." This is not a promise for someday—it is a present-tense doctrine. Ephesians 3:19 speaks of being filled with all the fullness of God. Philippians 4:19 assures us that every need is met according to His riches in the Glory. Mark 11:24 tells us that whatever we ask in prayer, believing, we will receive. Theologically, there is no gap. The fullness is already ours in Christ. So why don't we experience it? The gap is not theological—it is practical and relational. It lives in unbelief, in unprocessed doubt we've never brought into the light, and in asking that stopped—or never started. Fullness has been provided, but access is activated through asking. That is the secret, and it can happen anytime we decide. Jesus makes this explicit in John 16:24: "Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will rece...

Living a life of Praise honours Yhwh and brings favour. Reference: Ps 100 Ever wonder how to handle life’s toughest challenges with grace? Psalm 100 offers a powerful answer, inviting us to “enter His gates with Thanksgiving and His courts with Praise .” It’s not just about singing in church—it’s about making gratitude and Praise a way of life. Amen. At its heart, Psalm 100 is a song of joyful surrender. It commands us to "serve the Lord with gladness" and to "know that the Lord, He is God" . But why should we be thankful? The psalm provides the rock-solid foundation for our Praise: He made us, we are His people, His steadfast love endures forever . This recognition of our dependence on Him is key. The Bible shows us that this posture of thanksgiving is the secret to receiving God's favour. Consider Abraham's servant, who when he saw God's provision for Isaac's wife, "bowed down his head and worshipped the Lord" . His immediate gratitude re...

From His fullness - Pleroma Reference: Jn 1:16 - "For from His fullness (plērōma) we have all received, Grace upon Grace. One of the great truths from the Bible is that Jesus has everything we need. Awareness, access, and alignment are the key elements to understanding this passage. If I’m not aware of who God is and what He does for all of us, and that Jesus holds it all, then I won’t bother asking the right things at the right time, in right ways; I’ll end up wandering into unknown territory and uncertain paths. If I’m not aligned with Him through obedience, operating on His wavelength through praise and worship, then awareness alone isn’t useful—it’s like knowing something but not applying it from the right perspective. But if we are both aware and aligned, then access is granted and opened; it seems we won’t need to struggle to gain entry into the fullness and completeness of God’s nature revealed through Jesus Christ. This isn’t transactional , like “do this and you’ll be pai...

τηρήσετε (tērēsete)- you will guard, keep watch over Reference: John 14:15 — "If you love me, keep my commandments" — sits at a hinge point in Jesus's Farewell discourse, right before HE promises the Holy Spirit (the "Advocate"/Paraclete). Root verb: τηρέω (tēreō) — not the more common Greek word for "obey" (peithomai/hypakouō, meaning to submit to authority), but a word that literally means "to guard," "to watch over," "to keep watch". It's the word used for a guard keeping watch at a post, or someone safeguarding a treasure. Love is defined by obedience, not sentiment. Jesus doesn't say "if you love me, feel devoted to me" — he ties love to concrete action. In John's Gospel, love is verifiable; it shows up in behaviour, not just emotion. The Greek verb for "keep" (tērēsete) is future tense and follows a conditional — love isn't presented as a prerequisite for a transaction ("obey...

Moving Mountains: Why Prayer Transforms Everything “Have faith in God,” Jesus said (Mark 11:22). Simple words, yet they hold the key to a transformed life. In this single passage, Jesus gives us the ultimate spiritual equation:  Prayer + Faith + Forgiveness = Transformation.  But why is prayer so essential? Because it forces us to stop looking at our problems and start looking at our Provider. Without prayer, we rely on our own limited strength. With prayer, we tap into omnipotence itself. Jesus makes a staggering promise: “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (v. 24). This isn’t positive thinking; it’s supernatural authority. Prayer is effective because God backs His Word. When we speak to your “mountain” (our debts, illness, broken relationship) in faith, God moves on our behalf. But here is the transformative twist: prayer changes us before it changes our circumstances. Notice how Jesus ties prayer directly to forgiveness:...

God's Spirit is right alongside! Reference: Rom 8:26 MSG - Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. Have we ever been so overwhelmed that words simply escape us? In those moments of deep pain or confusion, Romans 8:26-28 offers profound comfort: the Spirit of God stands right beside us. We are never left to face this life on our own. This passage reveals that when our prayers seem to go unanswered and our understanding falters, the Holy Spirit steps in. He does not remain a distant observer in heaven; He intercedes on our behalf with groans too deep for words, conveying the cries of our hearts in a language the Father fully understands. Hallelujah!!! The beauty of our partnership with the Triune God—Father, Son, and Spirit—lies in His divine perspective and purpose. God sees the greater picture that remains hidden from our limited view. While we often focus on immediate results, He is orchestrating events with an eternal v...

The God Who Stoops to See Reference Ps 113:1-3 (AMP)- Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) Praise, O servants of the Lord, Praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord. From this time forth and forever. From the rising of the sun to its setting The name of the Lord is to be praised [with awe-inspired reverence]. The ancient Psalmist gives us that perspective in Psalm 113. It is a short chapter, but it packs a punch that can completely recalibrate our view of God and, consequently, our view of ourselves. There are days when life feels incredibly small. We get lost in the minutiae of our to-do lists, the weight of our worries, and the echo of our own inadequacies. We look at the mountains we need to climb—the career goals, the relationship hurdles, the personal healing—and we feel like specks of dust at the base of a giant. It’s in these moments of feeling insignificant that we desperately need a new perspective. This isn't a quiet, polite suggestion. It is a declaration of...

The Open Ear of Heaven Reference:: "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry." — Ps 34:15 In a world that so often feels cold and indifferent, this single verse from David’s psalm rings out like a clear, unwavering bell. It offers no illusion of a trouble-free life—David wrote these words after narrowly escaping the wrath of King Abimelech by feigning madness, a desperate act born of sheer survival. Yet, in that dark cave of fear, he grasped a radiant truth: God is no distant watchmaker who sets the universe in motion and departs. He is a living, loving Father whose eyes are ever upon His children and whose ear is always tuned to their cry. The first part of the verse talks about God’s eyes, which speak of knowing, caring, and approving. When the psalmist says the Lord’s eyes are “on the righteous,” it’s not about distant watching but gentle protection. It’s the same kind of gaze described in 2 Chronicles 16:9—“the eyes of the Lord run to ...

 Negotiating!! Reference 1 Sam 1 One thing leads to another—I have heard this phrase many times. When I reflect on it, I am reminded of Hannah in the Bible, who poured out her heart to God with deep sincerity. She embraced God’s Word, hearing it during her family’s annual visit to the Temple, and she cherished those moments in His presence. In her devotion, she spent time with God, laying her desires before Him and making a heartfelt vow to seal her deal with commitment, trusting fully in His promises. As prayer warriors, we need to gather ourselves often with willingness, quietly step away from distractions (a big skill), and enter His sanctuary, where God’s presence dwells. These three things—willingness, quietness, and sanctuary dwelling—are essential for positioning ourselves to commune with the Lord. When we look at Hannah in 1 Samuel 1, we can see all these elements at work, leading to God’s promises, actions, and outcomes. Prayer is a form of negotiation we practice solely i...

Elisha Passed the Test Ref 2 Kg 2:1-14 This scripture tells of the transitional journey Elijah and Elisha shared—walking and talking together. There was a push and pull, but in the end, determination prevailed. What are we willing to cross over for? If you asked Elisha, he would say everything, with all his might. He had watched Elijah closely over the years, never panicking but following with God’s peace alongside his master. Even when Elijah asked him to stay behind while he ran an errand as instructed by God, he refused to leave his side. He remained determined, persistent, loyal, collaborative, and eagerly anticipating this moment. In various significant places, such as the pushback, Gilgal (rolling away our shame), Bethel (where God is revealed), Jericho (walls falling), and the Jordan (crossing over), each holds its own unique meaning. We can relate these moments to our lives and give thanks to God for guiding us through overcoming Gilgal, experiencing Bethel, witnessing the fall...

God has us where He wants us - Breaking Saul, Becoming Paul Reference: Acts 9 Saul, once a fervent religious extremist, was transformed when God chose to claim him and place him precisely where He intended. The journey from Jerusalem to Damascus holds every detail of this profound transformation. It was an intense, 140-mile mission driven by fury to eradicate the followers of Christ—a mission sanctioned by the chief priest and spiritual leader but not approved by the Lord. God will halt what He does not permit , and so Saul was abruptly stopped, stunned by a blinding flash of light. In that moment, Jesus commanded him to go into the city, where he would be told what to do next. God has us where He wants us.... Saul had order, but in a split second, the very people he was leading ended up guiding him after a heavenly encounter caused him to lose his sight. Realizing he had been doing the exact opposite of what was right in the name of religion, he experienced a relationship with God for...

Our God is the Lord who has everything planned out in advance. Reference: Lk 22:1-14 Two contrasting reflections emerge from this scripture: three were trained by Jesus, yet one ultimately betrayed Him, while the other two obeyed and fulfilled His instructions. Our Lord knows and plans everything in advance, including His own death, its method, and its purpose. Passover week was bustling with drama. In Luke 22, the religious leaders and chief priests were practically steaming over Jesus, plotting to oust Him at the first whiff of a chance. Then came Judas, who, thanks to his wandering attention span and a nose for personal gain, left the door wide open for trouble. Instead of keeping his eyes on Jesus and the big plan unfolding before him, he practically waved at the religious crowd with a sign saying, “Use me!” And so, they did—turning him into the perfect bait to reel in Jesus for the crucifixion. On the contrary, Peter and John were receiving every signal, bit by bit, to align with ...

Two expressions of surrender. Reference  Esther 4:16 - if I perish, I perish. Esther 8:17 - because the fear of Jews seized the people  Ruth 1: 16-17 - ...your God my God.... Ruth 4:17 - A Son born to Naomi (through Boaz & Ruth) they named him Obed, the father of Jesse and David ( genealogy of Jesus) The challenges we face shouldn’t keep us from trusting Him, because God never stops working in those moments. His promises, purpose, and presence are always there for us to hold onto if we’re willing to open our hearts to Him. Esther’s life was far from easy or comfortable; she lost her parents and was cared for by her uncle Mordecai. By God’s favour, she was brought into the palace at Susa. Responding to a timely call, she joined her uncle through three days of prayer and fasting before carefully presenting her case to the king to seek his intervention. Her plea was heartfelt: “We’ve been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed—sold to be massacred, eliminated. If we had merel...

The fragrance of the Ointment filled the room Reference Jn 12:1-6 & Mt 26:6-7 & Mk 14:3-9 John, Mark, and Matthew all documented this moment. The last time these four gathered at their home, Mary received great personal recognition and had a memorable experience. This time, she aimed to surpass her previous best in honouring Jesus. Perhaps through small spiritual habits, the loss of her brother, and moments of wondering why God seemed silent, she learned unique lessons and witnessed Lazarus being raised from the dead. Wanting to give her very best—perhaps her savings or even her dowry—Mary chose an expensive, aromatic oil: 12 ounces, 340 grams, about a pint, three-quarters of a pound, made of pure nard, worth a year’s wages. Without hesitation, she poured it on Jesus’ feet, anointing them, massaging them, and wiping them dry with her hair. She broke cultural, status, and protocol barriers, which is exactly what God expects of us She threw open her doors in an act and expression...

What Happens When You Throw Open Your Doors? Reference: Romans 5:1-2 (MSG):  “By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that He has already thrown open His door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s Grace and Glory, standing tall and shouting our Praise.” In everyday English, to “throw open” something means to open it wide, suddenly, and without hesitation—not just a crack or a cautious peek, but a full swing, unlatched and unbolted. It suggests dropping all defences—no ID checks at the door, no chain left fastened. It mixes vulnerability with welcome, like pulling back curtains to let morning light pour into a dark room, or swinging open your front door to greet a long-missed friend. By contrast, a ...

Be Thou Exalted, O LORD Psalm 21:13, a verse from the Royal Psalms, is David’s song of thanksgiving for the victory granted by the Lord. In Psalm 20, he prayed for God to answer him in distress, send help from the sanctuary, grant aid from Zion, remember their sacrifices, fulfil the desires of the heart, make plans succeed, and grant all his requests. God responded in Psalm 21; Two key components of this verse are: a) Exalting YHWH for His unmatched strength, mighty power, and miraculous deliverance. b) Through His strength, lifting our voices in song and offering praises to His glorious power, celebrating the wondrous miracles He has displayed for all to witness. Noticing David’s declaration in the simple summary below, it is clear why his heart was filled with gratitude and worship. David did not have a stress-free life; he waited 12 years after the promise was spoken and was anointed by Samuel according to God’s instructions. His attitude and responsiveness in both good and difficul...

Boldness Reference: Heb 4:12-16 We do not have to tiptoe toward God. We can always enter His presence—not only when in need, full, or facing challenges. His Word pierces soul and spirit, joints and marrow. He knows our thoughts and intentions before we ask or think. So the author of Hebrews urges us: boldly approach the throne of Grace. Receive daily bread, seasonal help, mercies, and Grace He has already arranged. In time of need, at the right time, He will help us. As Peter assured, submit obediently in His hand. Confidence: Not because the week went well. Not because your prayers feel mature. Because the curtain tore. Confidence isn't arrogance. It's knowing God left the door open.  The barrier didn't get thin—it split wide open. The King on the throne is also our High Priest. He knows our weakness from the inside. We are not interrupting Him. We have been invited. Gentle invitation. Urgent invitation. If Grace finds us and fills the room, what happens to the pressure to...

The Lifestyle of David - Faith, Trust and Prayer Reference - 1 Sam 17, Ps 59 and 2 Sam 15 David was known as a man after God’s own heart, as witnessed by God Himself. The Bible reveals many reasons for this, but one of the most notable is his unwavering faith—trusting God completely and placing all his hope in the One who is more than able to guide him. I would like to discuss three scenarios and observe his responses to inspire our faith and draw us closer to Him. 1) When the Israelite army fled from Goliath, David stood his ground, boldly declaring the giant’s defeat before the fight even began, trusting entirely in the Name of the Lord rather than physical weapons. With a single stone, David struck Goliath down, vindicated God’s Name, routed the Philistine army, and proved to all that the battle belongs to the Lord. He proclaimed victory before the clash, relying not on spear, sword, or javelin, but on the Lord’s power. David said, in 1 Sam 17:45-47, “You come against me with sword,...

Bless the Lord, O my Soul. Reference- Ps 103:1-2 One of the greatest expressions of gratitude David shared is found in Psalm 103. Despite the long list of blessings from God, it became a benchmark and milestone for him and for us. In every occasion and opportunity, we must bless Him for restoration, healing, answered prayers, renewed strength, forgiveness of sins, and more. The list is endless because He is a marvellous God.  The confidence confession from David, recorded in Acts 2, says, “Because He goes before me and is at my right hand, I will not fear anymore.” Living a life of blessing Him draws us closer to Him, allowing us to recognize and feel His presence all around us. This is something that can only be experienced, not explained. That’s why believers around the world use this scripture in their fellowship, either at the beginning or end of their gatherings, to bless Him. Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, blessed Him for helping to find Rebecca for Isaac. Jethro blessed Him for...