Don't Miss the Moment - Part 1

 This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on 1st February 2026, by Colin. For the audio , please click here.  For the worship, please click here. 

Don't Miss the Moment - Part 1

The Power of Timely Giving

Money is one of those topics many of us feel awkward talking about. We’ll happily ask someone where they’re from, but asking about their income? That feels intrusive. Even in churches, conversations around money and giving can feel uncomfortable or overly private.

Yet when we look at Scripture, we discover something surprising: Jesus spoke openly, intentionally, and frequently about money.

In fact, nearly 15% of Jesus’ recorded words deal with wealth, possessions, giving, and greed. Out of His 38 parables, 16 directly address money and stewardship. The Bible actually speaks more about possessions than it does about prayer, heaven, or discipleship. That alone tells us how significant this subject is to God.

Jesus made it clear: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Our giving reveals the true temperature of our hearts.

A Moment That Mattered

One of the most powerful stories Jesus used to teach about giving is found in Mark 14 and John 12—the story of the woman with the alabaster jar.

The setting is Bethany, a small village just a few kilometres from Jerusalem, during the Passover week. The city and surrounding villages were overflowing with people who had travelled to celebrate one of the most important Jewish festivals. Jesus was dining in the home of Simon the leper—likely a man who had been healed by Jesus—and, according to John’s account, Lazarus was also present, the man Jesus had raised from the dead.

Imagine the atmosphere: testimonies of healing, restoration, and resurrection filling the room.

Then, in the middle of this meal, a woman enters with an alabaster jar of pure nard—an extremely expensive perfume. Without hesitation, she breaks the jar and pours it all over Jesus.

This perfume was worth 300 denarii, roughly a year’s wages. By today’s standards, this was not a small or casual gift. It was extravagant. Lavish. Costly.

“Why This Waste?”

Not everyone was impressed.

Some of those present—led by Judas—reacted with indignation. “Why was this perfume wasted?” they asked. “It could have been sold and given to the poor.”

But Scripture tells us Judas wasn’t motivated by compassion—he was motivated by greed.

Jesus, however, immediately defended the woman.

“Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing for me.”

What others called waste, Jesus called beautiful.

He went on to say something extraordinary: “Wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

Two thousand years later, across cultures and continents, we are still talking about her act of worship—just as Jesus said we would.

More Than Giving—True Worship

This woman didn’t give out of obligation. She didn’t measure out a few drops. She broke the jar.

Her giving was worship—extravagant, sacrificial, and deeply personal.

She also did something prophetic. While the disciples struggled to understand Jesus’ coming death, she seemed to grasp that His time was short. Jesus said she had anointed Him in advance for His burial. She recognized the moment—and she didn’t miss it.

Later, other women would come to Jesus’ tomb with spices to anoint His body, but they arrived too late. The opportunity had passed. Jesus had risen.

Moments matter. Opportunities to give don’t always come again.

Our Alabaster Jar

Each of us has an alabaster jar. God has entrusted us with resources, time, and opportunities. The question is not whether we will give—but how.

Will we offer a token gesture?
Or will we respond with wholehearted worship?

Giving is not about impressing people. It’s about seeking the commendation of Jesus—the One who sees the heart behind the gift.

As a church, we are invited to reflect, pray, and ask:
“Lord, what would You have me give?”

This isn’t about pressure or comparison. It’s about obedience, faith, and worship. When we give generously, we participate in what God is doing—supporting His work, standing with those in need, and advancing His kingdom.

Don’t Miss the Moment

Life is uncertain. Opportunities are fleeting. But moments of worship—when seized in faith—echo into eternity.

May we be people who recognize the moment.
May we be people who break the jar.
And may Jesus look at our giving and say, “That is a beautiful thing.”

 Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org. 

Psalm 23 - Part 2

 

This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on 25th January 2026, by Andrew. For the audio , please click here.  For the worship, please click here. 

Walking Through the Valley: Hope, Victory, and Overflow in Psalm 23:4–6

Psalm 23 is one of the most loved passages in Scripture, often quoted in seasons of peace and comfort. But its power shines brightest when read through the lens of hardship. In the first three verses, David shows us the Lord as our Shepherd—the One who meets our needs, restores our soul, and leads us into divine alignment.

In verses 4–6, the tone deepens. Here, we see what happens when life takes us through trials, valleys, and opposition—and how restoration, victory, and overflow await those who persevere with God.

The Valley Is Not the Destination (Verse 4)

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

The verse begins with something uncomfortable: a valley. Valleys represent seasons of darkness, fear, uncertainty, and pressure—moments when life feels overwhelming and lonely. Yet David makes a powerful declaration: we walk through the valley.

The valley is not our destination; it is a pathway. And importantly, it is only a shadow. Shadows have no power, especially when the Light of the world walks beside us.

This truth is echoed throughout Scripture. When Moses led the Israelites through the Red Sea, they weren’t celebrating—they were terrified. Enemies were behind them, danger surrounded them, and fear was very real. Yet God was fully in control, and the very path that looked like destruction became their deliverance.

Trials often intensify just before breakthrough. James reminds us that testing produces perseverance, and perseverance matures us, leaving us “not lacking anything” (James 1:2–4). God allows us into valleys not because He doubts us, but because He trusts the work He has already done in us.

Even Job’s suffering was not outside God’s authority. God set the limits, and in the end, Job’s faith was proven and his life restored beyond what he had lost. The quickest way through any trial is not avoidance—but walking through it under the Lordship of Jesus.

A Table in the Presence of Enemies (Verse 5)

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

A table represents nourishment, intimacy, fellowship, and belonging. It is a place of closeness and relationship. In Scripture, tables were where family gathered and covenant was reinforced.

David paints a striking picture: a banquet table set by God, surrounded by enemies. It’s awkward—unless you focus on the One sitting across from you.

Too often, believers define their circumstances by the enemies they see rather than the God who is present. But when our attention shifts to Him, the opposition loses its power. The enemies don’t always disappear—they simply stop mattering.

Consider Elijah on Mount Carmel, facing 450 prophets of Baal. The odds were impossible. Elijah rebuilt the altar, drenched it with water, and prayed a simple prayer. Fire fell from heaven and consumed everything. The outcome had already been decided by the Lord.

God prepares the table before the battle begins. Victory is established in fellowship with Him, not in striving on our own strength.

Anointed and Overflowing

The anointing of oil reminds David of the moment Samuel set him apart as king. Oil symbolizes being chosen, cherished, and empowered by God. When God anoints us, we are marked for His purposes.

Overflow is not poetic exaggeration—it’s a spiritual reality. God fills us beyond our own needs so that we can bless others. We are not blessed merely to be satisfied, but to become a blessing. Overflow changes environments and impacts lives.

Goodness That Follows You (Verse 6)

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

David ends with confidence, not uncertainty. He no longer chases blessing—blessing chases him. Goodness and mercy follow him wherever he goes.

But this promise is rooted in one condition: dwelling in the house of the Lord. Dwelling doesn’t mean visiting God occasionally; it means living daily in His presence. Where you dwell determines what follows you.

• Dwell in fear, and anxiety follows.
• Dwell in bitterness, and regret follows.
• Dwell in God’s presence, and goodness and mercy follow.

This verse doesn’t signal an ending—it marks the beginning of a new way of living. The supernatural becomes normal. Doors open without striving. Grace carries what effort never could.

Ultimately, David reminds us that no matter what we face on earth, eternity with our loving Savior awaits us—a promise secured by the Shepherd who never leaves us.

Final Thoughts

Psalm 23:4–6 reveals that trials are not punishments but pathways to maturity, restoration, and deeper intimacy with God. Valleys refine us. Tables remind us who is in control. Overflow equips us to bless others.

When we stop defining life by the enemies around us and start dwelling in the presence of our Shepherd, fear loses its grip, peace takes its place, and goodness begins to pursue us—all the days of our lives.

 Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org. 

Psalm 23 - Part 1

 

This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on 18th January 2026, by Andrew. For the audio , please click here.  For the worship, please click here. 

Psalm 23 Part 1 - Living Under the Shepherd’s Care

Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar passages in Scripture. Many of us memorized it as children. It is quoted at funerals, referenced in movies, and cherished across generations. Because of this familiarity, we sometimes miss its depth. What if we read it today as if for the very first time? What if we asked the Holy Spirit to reveal fresh truth through these timeless words?

David, the author of this psalm, understood both ends of life—he was a shepherd before becoming a king. From obscurity to abundance, his journey gives weight to every word he writes.

To gain a fuller picture, we read Psalm 23 from two translations: the ESV and The Passion Translation. Both emphasize the same powerful truth—God is not distant. He is close, personal, and actively leading us.

Verse 1: “The LORD is my shepherd; I lack nothing.”

This opening line sets the tone for our entire relationship with God. When David declares, “I shall not want,” he is not saying he will never face problems or decisions. He is describing the spiritual condition of someone who lives under God’s leadership.

Many of us believe we have circumstantial problems—financial stress, relationship issues, health struggles. But often, the deeper issue is lordship. When God is not truly leading us, fear and anxiety step in to take control.

Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Our problems may feel big, but none of them impress the One who defeated death itself.

“I shall not want” is not a suggestion—it is a spiritual reality. When the Lord truly becomes your shepherd, fear, lack, and insecurity must bow.

The question is: Who is shepherding my life?
Is it fear? Stress? My own understanding? Or God?

Psalm 23 only works when God has authority—not just in our words, but in our obedience. Breakthrough lives in surrender, especially when following Him doesn’t make sense.

Verse 2: “He makes me lie down in green pastures.”

This verse is not just about physical rest. It is about divine alignment. Peace positions us to receive from God. Anxiety blocks provision, but rest opens the door for God to speak.

Have you noticed how attacks often come when you’re tired? That’s not random—it’s spiritual. When we allow the Shepherd to lead us into rest, we hear His voice more clearly. And His voice destroys curses, confusion, and fear.

We don’t accidentally stumble into green pastures. They are a destination we reach by following Him. Trying to find peace on our own will always fall short.

Sheep cannot drink from fast-flowing water. They are afraid and can even drown if their wool becomes waterlogged. So the shepherd leads them to still waters—safe places to be refreshed. In the same way, God leads us to places where we can truly receive from Him.

When we slow down, silence the noise, and rest in His presence, He speaks. And in that rest, answers come.

Verse 3: “He restores my soul.”

Restoration is not only emotional. It is financial, relational, and even generational. When Scripture speaks of the “soul,” it refers to our whole being—spirit, mind, body, and life systems.

So when God restores our soul, He restores everything.
He restores what fear delayed.
He restores what the enemy tried to bury.

But restoration has a pathway—righteousness.
Integrity.
Generosity.
Obedience.

Sometimes righteousness costs us. It may cost us money, favor, or opportunities. But we cannot ask God to break a curse while still agreeing with the lie that created it.

Conclusion

Psalm 23 begins with one foundational truth:
Everything in our lives flows from who is shepherding us.

When the Lord is truly our shepherd:

• Lack loses its voice
• Rest becomes possible
• Restoration begins

David teaches us that peace is not the absence of problems—it is the result of proper alignment. Being led instead of striving. Trusting instead of assuming.

Before we walk into the valley and the victory that follows, we must pause and examine:
Are we truly living under His leadership—or just using His name?

 Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org. 

The God of Increase - Part 2

 

This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on 11th January 2026, by Colin. For the audio , please click here.  For the worship, please click here. 

The God of Increase – Part 2

As we step into a new year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on God’s purposes and promises for our lives. One powerful truth we often overlook is that God is a God of increase—He delights in blessing His people, both spiritually and practically.

But what does it really mean to be blessed?

The Power of Names in the Bible

In everyday life, names may feel random or chosen simply because they sound nice. But in the Bible, names carry deep meaning. They often reflect a person’s destiny, character, or divine calling.

• Abraham was renamed from Abram, meaning exalted father, to Abraham, meaning father of many nations—even before he had a child.
• Barnabas meant son of encouragement, and he truly lived up to his name by uplifting others.
• Jacob, meaning deceiver, was later renamed Israel after encountering God, marking a complete transformation.

Names in Scripture show us that God has the power to redefine our identity and future.

Jabez: Rising Above His Name

Hidden among hundreds of names in 1 Chronicles is a man called Jabez. His name literally meant pain or sorrow. Perhaps his mother experienced hardship during his birth, but Jabez refused to let his name define his destiny.

Instead, he prayed:

“Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory!
Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm…”
(1 Chronicles 4:10)

And the Bible tells us—God granted his request.

Jabez teaches us that our past, circumstances, or labels do not limit God’s plans for our future.

We Are Spiritually Blessed

If you are a follower of Christ, you are already richly blessed. The Bible says:

“He has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”
(Ephesians 1:3)

Some of these spiritual blessings include:

• Salvation – Eternal life through Jesus
• Forgiveness – Our sins wiped clean
• Justification – Declared righteous before God
• Adoption – We become children of God
• The Holy Spirit – God dwelling within us
• Access to God – Boldly approaching His throne
• Peace with God
• Authority in Christ
• Spiritual gifts
• Eternal inheritance
• Guidance and transformation

Many believers live in spiritual poverty—not because they lack blessings, but because they are unaware of what they already possess.

God Also Blesses Materially

Some hesitate to talk about material blessings, but Scripture is clear:

“Every good and perfect gift is from above.”
(James 1:17)

God provided Abraham with wealth, livestock, and resources—and He was blessed in everything. These blessings are not meant to replace God in our hearts but to help us serve others.

God blesses us so we can be a blessing.

When blessings flow through us—like water through a clear pipe—they increase. But when we hoard them, the flow stops.

The Paradox: Grace and Obedience

Blessing involves both God’s grace and our obedience.

We cannot earn blessings by keeping the law perfectly—Jesus fulfilled that for us. He became a curse on the cross so we could receive the blessing of Abraham.

At the same time, Scripture teaches that obedience invites God’s favor:

• “Blessed is the one who delights in the law of the Lord…” (Psalm 1)
• “Meditate on God’s Word… and you will prosper.” (Joshua 1:8)

God tests us with blessings. How we manage what we already have determines what He entrusts to us next.

Why Do the Wicked Prosper?

Sometimes it seems like those who don’t follow God prosper more than believers. Psalm 73 addresses this struggle. The psalmist admits he envied the wicked—until he entered God’s presence and realized their eternal destiny.

Earthly wealth is temporary. True riches are found in Christ.

Living as Channels of Blessing

Prosperity isn’t about luxury—it’s simply having more than you need, so you can help others.

God calls us to:

• Be generous
• Support His work
• Serve others
• Store up heavenly treasure

Even the poor can bless the destitute. Everyone has something to give.

Final Thoughts

We are:

• Spiritually blessed
• Materially blessed
• Deeply loved by God

But there is no formula. Blessing ultimately rests in God’s hands. Our role is to walk in faith, obedience, and generosity.

Let us pray boldly like Jabez:

“Lord, bless me—so I can be a blessing.”

 Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org. 

The God of Increase

  This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on 4th January 2026, by Colin. For the audio , please click here.  For the worship, please click here. 

The God of Increase

When you open the Bible, most of us instinctively gravitate toward familiar and comforting portions—Psalms, the Gospels, Paul’s letters, or books like Isaiah and John. Very few of us would admit that genealogies are our favorite reading. Long lists of names can feel dry, repetitive, and easy to skip.

Yet, hidden within one such genealogy in 1 Chronicles 4, we discover a powerful and life-changing story—the story of Jabez.

A Name That Spoke Pain, A Life That Spoke Faith

The genealogy flows uninterrupted until verses 9 and 10, where everything pauses for one man:

“Jabez was more honourable than his brothers…”

His name, Jabez, literally means “pain.” His mother named him this because his birth was marked by suffering. Imagine carrying that label for your entire life—being constantly reminded of pain, limitation, and difficulty.

But Jabez refused to let his name define his destiny.

Instead of accepting the narrative handed to him, he cried out to the God of Israel.

The Bold Prayer That Changed Everything

Jabez prayed five simple but courageous requests:

1. “Oh, that You would bless me”
2. “Enlarge my territory”
3. “Let Your hand be with me”
4. “Keep me from harm”
5. “So that I may not experience pain”

And then comes one of the most powerful statements in Scripture:

“And God granted his request.”

In the middle of an otherwise unremarkable list of names, Jabez stands out—not because of his background, but because of his bold faith.

So significant was his life that a city was later named after him (1 Chronicles 2:55). From pain to purpose—what a transformation.

Is It Wrong to Ask God for Blessing?

Many Christians hesitate when it comes to asking God for big things. Some fear being labeled “materialistic,” while others swing away from blessing altogether because of excesses seen in prosperity teaching.

But Scripture paints a clear picture: God is not stingy. He is generous.

Blessing itself is not the problem. The problem arises when we seek blessings instead of God, or when blessings are hoarded rather than used to advance His kingdom.

God delights in blessing His children—so that they, in turn, can be a blessing to others.

Why We Struggle to Ask Boldly

Here are four common reasons we hold back:

1. “My problems are too small to bother God”

The truth is, God cares about every detail of your life. Scripture tells us He even knows the number of hairs on our heads.

We are invited to approach His throne with boldness and confidence, not fear and hesitation.

2. “I haven’t been good enough”

God’s favor is not earned—it is given by grace. We don’t come to Him in our own righteousness, but clothed in the righteousness of Jesus.

Just as Jacob received the blessing while wearing Esau’s garments, we receive God’s blessing because we are “in Christ.”

3. “If God wants it to happen, He’ll do it anyway”

While God is sovereign, Scripture clearly says:

“You do not have because you do not ask.” (James 4:2)

There are things God chooses to release in partnership with our prayers.

4. “Material things are unspiritual”

Jesus Himself taught us to pray for daily bread. Every good and perfect gift—spiritual or material—comes from God.

Four Ways God Blesses Us

Scripture shows that God blesses in multiple ways:

1. Through the hand of people

Joseph’s rise—from slave to second-in-command—came through God working in and through others. People can be instruments of God’s favor in our lives.

2. Through supernatural provision

From manna in the wilderness to water from a rock, God can intervene in ways no human effort can explain.

3. Through the work of our own hands

In the Promised Land, manna stopped—but God blessed the Israelites’ labor. Faith does not replace effort; God blesses diligence and obedience.

4. Even through the hands of enemies

Amazingly, God can cause opposition to become provision. Israel left Egypt with gold and silver from the very people who oppressed them.

Living Like Jabez Today

Jabez teaches us that our past, our name, or our limitations do not determine our future. Faith does.

God is inviting us to:

• Ask boldly
• Trust deeply
• Live generously
• Expect abundantly

As we begin each new season, the challenge is simple yet profound:

What is one big thing you are believing God for?

Write it down. Pray for it consistently. Trust God boldly.

Because the same God who answered Jabez still delights in answering His children today.

 Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.