Lighthouse for Jocelyn
September 2025
Vicar's Message
Dearly beloved in Christ ,
Seems like months are going too fast.
Only few months are left to get in to new year. We Children of God always remember the mighty hand of God who led us in the past. Let’s thank and praise God . More over be great full to God.
Every single privileges we receive carries responsibility
So also This God is calling us to be
Models of His righteousness.
That’s why we are placed on different parts of Earth, but one thing is sure, it’s not accidental but with a definite purpose. God our Creator is the ultimate model of righteousness He
Is inviting us to come and fill the gap in human level and do our part,
Gradually this will lead us to be proclaimers and practitioners of Change. As part of our mission, proclaimed gospel have to find some sort of result in our deeds of proclamation for the sake of mission to restore the creation particularly humanity. Bringing some kind of change ,base on God’s righteousness is the major factor and ultimate goal of every human effort in this sort.
Those changed values eventually must lead to Kingdom values for eternal life. Stewardship is in the culmination of our responsibility in this spiritual life. That should be conveyed through faithfulness and transparency which is the real quality of a child of God who is aiming the eternal life, Which is the proper reward of our spiritual life . The ultimate goal of our spiritual life is the Eternal life
So as being ambassadors of Christ models and His righteousness we have much to do to reach the desirable point, the spirit of the Lord is the inevitable factor for that, so let's ask and be eligible for the same
in our daily life. Let’s try our level best to be Models of God’s righteousness, May Our Great God be with all of us and Our Horeb to provide help and guidance.
God bless us.
Let it be our constant prayers
Your’s Kochummen Achen
With much love and prayers.
Wish you all a Great September month filled with joy, love, peace and laughter.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FORUM
Word for the Day
(published by the Diocese on July 28, 2025)
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path".
Psalm 119:105
Julie Mathew
Horeb Mar Thoma Church of Los Angeles, California
Living in the Fear of God
Bible Reading: Romans 12:19-21
Key verse: “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
DEVOTION
When I was asked to write an article for our monthly newsletter, I planned to focus on our women's ministry. However, as I prayed for guidance, the Lord gently nudged me to share a topic that I once misunderstood but that has now transformed my understanding of God: the fear of God.
Throughout my childhood, I thought fearing God meant being afraid of Him and His wrath. Growing up around friends and neighbors who worshipped idols, I had witnessed how their "fear of gods" was rooted in superstition and the threat of punishment. This made me wonder if my
own “fear of God” was supposed to look the same. Having been taught that God is love (1 John 4:16) and inherently good and merciful, I often questioned why I should fear such a loving God. How can fear and love for God coexist? Wrestling with these questions over time has reshaped my understanding of fearing God and deepened my love and reverence for Him.
This personal struggle helped me to understand that learning to fear God is an important part of our spiritual growth. For believers, fearing God does not mean being afraid of Him or His power to bring eternal judgment. When the Bible refers to the "fear of the Lord" it means having a deep respect and awe for who God is and recognizing His holiness, His sovereignty, and His love. This kind of reverence draws us closer to Him. Unlike the fear of punishment which produces anxiety, this holy fear produces peace and a desire to obey and honor Him. Proverbs 9:10 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” This verse emphasizes that wisdom starts when we respect and honor God through our thoughts and actions.
Over time, as I continued to study the scriptures, my perspective shifted. I came to realize that the fear of God is not optional but foundational to growing our relationship with Him. Without this reverence, we may have intellectual knowledge about God, but such knowledge cannot
transform us into Christ-like people. Isaiah 29:13 reminds us, “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me,” illustrating that mere outward knowledge without genuine reverence does not please God. James 2:19b states,
“Even the demons believe and shudder!” This verse highlights that while demons acknowledge and fear God, their fear lacks love and trust. Therefore, true fear of God is a reverent respect that grows out of our love and desire to know Him better.
The Bible offers many examples that illustrate what it means to have a healthy fear of God. Job, for instance, endured immense suffering yet refused to accuse God, recognizing His sovereignty. This illustrates that fearing God means trusting Him even when His ways are beyond our understanding. Similarly, Joseph, when tempted in Egypt, said in Genesis 39:9 “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” His fear of God gave him the strength to resist sin because he valued God’s honor and his relationship with Him above temporary pleasure.
Finally, with these examples as our guide, let us always remember that our God is a good and gracious God, not wanting anyone to be eternally separated from Him. It is my prayer that, as you read this article, we as the Horeb family would cultivate this holy fear of God, allowing it to
guide our choices, lead us to repentance, and enable us to live a God-fearing and God-honoring life.
PRAYER
Lord, it's hard to overcome feelings of anger, hurt, or resentment when we have been wronged. In those challenging moments, help us to lean onto you completely so that our words may be filled with grace and our actions rooted in kindness. In Jesus' name. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"Overcoming evil with Christ-like good is a choice”
Christian Education Forum
Diocese of North America of the Mar Thoma Church
MYSTERY MEMBERS
Can you guess who is in the photo based on the clues below?
( Check back next month for the reveal. )
What are your favorite hobbies?
We love traveling, trying new foods, and spending beach days with our sweet dog Ford.
One also enjoys: golf.
The other also enjoys: working out.
What did you major in during college?
One is an electrical engineering major.
The other is a psychology major and completed a doctorate in occupational therapy.
What is your favorite Bible Story?
Luke 13:6–9
Jesus told this parable: “A man had a fig tree... but found no fruit. He said, ‘Cut it down!’ But the caretaker replied, ‘Leave it alone for one more year... If it bears fruit next year, fine. If not, then cut it down.’”
This parable reminds us that Jesus doesn’t always say no, sometimes He says “not yet.” Though the fig tree was fruitless, it was given more time and care to grow. Waiting seasons aren’t rejection; they’re opportunities for renewal. Even when we can’t see the fruit, God is always working on our growth.
Have you ever taught Sunday School?
Neither of us has taught yet, though one of us plans to in the future.
Have you ever had a position at church?
One was very active at Chicago Mar Thoma Church during high school and the early years of college as volunteer with VBS, church conferences, and regional youth group conferences.
What do you do for work?
One of us: Electrical Engineer in aerospace/defense industry
The other: Occupational Therapist working with children with disabilities in schools and outpatient settings
What's your favorite dish, both Indian and Non-Indian?
Indian: favorite Indian food for both is kerala beef fry with parotta.
Non‑Indian:
- One of us: Ribeye Steak
- The other: Japanese Chicken Katsu Udon
What is your favorite tv show or movie?
Both love: The Chosen on Amazon, it portrays the Bible beautifully and is a great supplement to our daily Bible reading and prayer.
One's favorite movie: The Matrix Trilogy
The other's favorite movie: V for Vendetta
How many state have you lived in?
We have lived in Illinois and California.
What is your favorite book?
One of us: Profession by Isaac Asimov
The other: The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz.
Describe one experience you had that was a testimony to God working in your life?
At our wedding at Chicago Mar Thoma Church, during the crowning ceremony, we felt the Holy Spirit so powerfully. Ever since, we look back on that special day with gratitude for the experienced blessings and support beyond what we could ask for in our lives.
CLICK HERE TO SEE LAST MONTH'S MYSTERY MEMBER REVEAL
Shawn and Olivia Zachariah
Make Your Guess
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This Month's Photo Gallery
July 2025 Western Region Youth Conference hosted by Horeb YF at Azusa Pacific University
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