In May and June, we reflect on the book of Daniel. We learn a lot about the main characters: Daniel, who is steadfast and faithful in dire circumstances, and who was blessed by God with great wisdom and insight; his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, whose faithfulness to God does not waver either, even as they were thrown into the furnace. Then there’s the cruel, insecure and utterly self-centred king, Nebuchadnezzar. We need to ask ourselves: would we dare “to be a Daniel” in our lives, and stand up bravely for the things we believe in?

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In April, we reflect on the meaning of Easter.

On Palm Sunday, during a family service, we study the crowds’ actions during Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The crowds welcome a Messiah king, many awaiting a political liberator. Surprises await in the week ahead, but not for Christ. His death had been prophesied. His Messianic leadership is about forgiveness and liberty of a different, everlasting kind.

On Easter Day, we come to Christ in gratitude for His salvation, which He offers us freely. He offers us hope of resurrection life. When the disciples got to the tomb, they saw the tombstone rolled away and an angel nearby. The angel had a simple message: Jesus had risen. He then invited them to see for themselves. This is a mirror of what each individual believer has to do: to look for themselves, and decide on their own reaction to Jesus.

On Low Sunday, we reflect on Thomas’s doubts about Christ. Thomas was able to get the proof he wanted when he encountered Jesus himself. What happens today when sceptics demand proof before they believe? We and our fellow Christians are the body of Christ in the modern world. The proof or hallmark of Christ’s blessings lie in the way we live our lives and how we show our love for one another.

In March, we take a closer look at some of the Psalms, culminating in the Messianic Psalms during Holy Week.

Psalm 112 is about someone who is living a life of service. It’s like a short manual of the life of a servant of God. It tells us of the disposition of the Believer, his or her attitude.

Psalm 113 is the first of the ”hallel” Psalms – Psalms that the Jews used on special occasions to worship God. We examine the answers to the key questions, “what are we being told to do?”,  “who are we to worship?”,  “why does God want our praise?”.

Psalm 115 focuses on learning to trust in God, as the starting point for our relationship with Him.