Greater Grace

Romans 3:21-30

Righteousness Through Faith

22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement,[a] through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. 28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.

Bee's Thoughts:

This passage reminds me again that there's nothing I can boast about for what I am today. There are many people who have said nice things about me or thank me for the things I did for them, for making a difference in their life. But I know deep in my heart that these things wouldn't be said if not for the grace and mercy of God in my life.

Therefore, where is my boasting? NONE! Who am I to judge another? I am also a sinner, saved by grace through faith.

Very often, after God has delivered us from certain sins we become too eager to tell another person who has commited similar sins to repent. We forgot about the grace of God and we start to point our fingers at the other person. We forgot what Jesus said to the people trying to condemn the woman caught in adultery. He said, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Then he turned to the woman, "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." (John 8:1-11). This is the meaning of grace and forgivness.

I am guilty of such behaviour at times too. But I have learnt that I should be gracious, gentle and sensitive towards the person whom I like to help. I have learnt that cerain things are best left to be said by the Spirit of God rather than by me. I have learnt that I should pray more and talk less.


Thank You for these lessons, Lord.


.......the devotion of Bee

Agree to Disagree Agreeably

Matthew 10:13-14

13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.

Acts 15:36-41

36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Tommy's Thoughts:
Lately a close Christian friend of mine “came back“to God after being away from Him for some time. As I think back the time when my friend was giving up, I was there encouraging and explaining the promises, hopes and all the other good things about God, to convince her to stay. Sometime, I made the matters worst by heatedly defending God and ended up arguing with my friend. Sometime, the argument was so bad that both of us didn’t talk to each other for some time.

I have tried all kind of ways to talk, to explain, to persuade but nothing seems to work. I acted this way solely because I sincerely care and concern for my friend and I know being away from God too long is dangerous. Despite all the disagreements, we still remain as good friend and I did pray constantly for her to return to God. Then, a week ago, an incidence brought her back to God. She started to thank God and trust in Him again. Praise the Lord!

I admit that there were times I was tempted to feel really disappointed and depressed over my failures. But Jesus said “Shake the dust off your feet and move on.“ I realized now that sometime after we have tried our very best, God might ask us to move on by not being burdened. We need to agree to disagree agreeably with the other person without feeling depressed or letting it to bear us down. Our mightily creative God perhaps will send another person to reap where we've sown or like my friend, by allowing certain circumstances to bring His children back to his side.

.......the devotion of Tommy

Accident Or Design?

Romans 1:18-20

God's Wrath Against Mankind

18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Bee's Thoughts:

Sometimes I like to sit at the beach in the day,
Looking at the sky and wonder at its beauty.
Sometimes I like to look out of my window at night,
Looking at the stars and moon and sense their tranqulity.
Sometimes I like to travel to where mountains are,
And marvel at how they show God's glory.
- Bee

Like what Psalm 19:1 says, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." The sceneries of mountains and sky are just so beautiful and magnificent... who else can create them? When we look at the creation of the world, the universe, the solar system, the living things and us humans, we can't deny the existence of someone greater than all these. How can they be the result of an 'accident'?

"For I dipped into the Future, far as human eye could see; saw the vision of the world, and all the wonder that would be."
-Alfred Lord Tennyson, 1842

"My view of our planet was a glimpse of divinity."
-Edgar Mitchell, USA

I find it hard to understand why some people think that we all exist by 'accident' or by 'evolution' when they know that planning is important even for things not as great as the creation of the world. "Failing to plan is planning to fail", as the saying goes.



Dear Lord, You are such a great and mighty God. You are so majestic and divine. Yes, my eyes cannot see You, but I see You in Your creation, I can feel You in my spirit. I know You are with me everywhere I go. Thank You for this reminder again.


.......the devotion of Bee

A Refreshing Change

2 Corinthians 8:1-9

Generosity Encouraged
1 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.

3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.

6 So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

Tommy's Thoughts:
It’s the time of the year where I start shopping for Christmas gifts for friends and family. Every year was roughly the same kind of gifts: books, chocolates, candles, music CDs, shoes, etc. Sometime I felt really bored and tired about this whole gift exchange exercise. I have pile of candles and Christmas decorative in my storage box that I have never use before; worst still, there are some I haven’t even unwrap. I figured it is the same with my gifts at my friend’s place.

Sometimes, I wondered why we give something knowing others might not need them while withholding other things like time, attention and helps to those who really need them. There are times also, we give grudgingly or only when expecting something in return. When we look at Jesus, the ultimate Gift from God to us, we’ll see the Giving as a response of a genuine love God have for us.

We don’t have to look far, just take some time and look around us; they might be someone at our workplace, church or at home that need our attention and helps. Like the Macedonian churches, we need to give ourselves first to God. Then, through God’s grace and faith in His gifts to us; we give to those people with a sincere, generous, willing, eager and cheerful heart. And this giving provides us a way to thank God for His gift of salvation for all of us.


Bee's Thoughts:

As Christians, we are encouraged to give ourselves to God first, then to others generously acccording to God's will. We shouldn't be complacent just to know that we are already doing well in other areas of our life. Giving seems to be the best test of our faith, for "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." (James 2:17). Jesus is the best example of love and giving... though He was rich, he became poor because He loves us.

One of the song we are practising for the coming Christmas choir is "A Gift", in Mandarin. This is my old favorite because it talks about giving a gift to someone... very appropriate for the Christmas season. It says that you can't force a person to accept your gift, no matter how good your gift is, if that person doesn't want to accept it.

Therefore, even though we know how good Jesus is in our own life, we can't force anyone to accept Him... our only hope and prayer is others would "Taste and see that the LORD is good" (Psalm 34:8)



My English translation of the lyric (for the benefit of those who can't read Chinese):

A GIFT

Verse 1:
There is a gift... have you received it?
Your eyes can't see it but your heart feels it,
This gift is awaiting at your heart's door,
Specially addressed to you, and others can't take it.

Chrous:
There's a limit to life,
Time will also pass away,
If you don't treasure them,
Opportunity will slip by.
Though the gift is good,
But if you don't want it,
How could you ever receive? (2x)

Verse 2:
My dear friend, have you ever thought that
The child in the manger came because of you?
My dear firend, will you ever understand that
The best gift is Jesus Christ, the Lord?



Thank You, Lord, for Your 'Gift'. It's so beautiful and I treasure it. I pray that others will also come to recieve this special Gift this Christmas season. Let me learn to give generously just like You have given Yourself to me. Amen.


.......the devotion of Bee and Tommy

Lose the Love that Fades (Part 2 of 2)

Romans 12:9

9 Be sincere in your love for others. Hate everything that is evil and hold tight to everything that is good.

Tommy's Thoughts:
God’s version of love is totally the opposite of the world’s self-centered and feelings-governed love. Nothing describes God’s Love better than the death of His Son, Jesus Christ on the Cross. God’s selfless and perfect love to save the fallen world is the kind of love He wants us to have in our relationship.

Characteristics of God’s version of Love:

1. It is other-centered. It is never about self-fulfillment but about giving and to serve and bless others.
   
   
2. It is not governed by feelings. If it is, Jesus would have not died on the Cross as He didn’t feel to die when He was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane.
   
   
3. It is under our control. We don’t “fall in love” and use it as an excuse to act recklessly and irresponsibly. Instead, it is a choice we make like how Jesus chose to love us.
   
   
4. It is patient. It is not about immediate gratification. It waits on Gods assigned seasons of our lives. God has many wonderful experiences planned for us and we need to be patient and pursue them at His time. Examples are like developing true, meaningful friendship and wait on emotional intimacy; and reserving sex for marriage.
   
   
5. It is truthful. God’s love is sincere, genuine and earnest; there is no room for any lies, deceit, hypocrisy, hidden agendas or manipulation.
   
   
6. It is responsible. It is commitment-based. It is not about just to have some short-term fun or feeling good. It’s about totally committed to build each others, to make things work and to trust one another. It also embraces the responsibility to be representative of Christ's love to the world.
   

Whenever we forget about how to love others God’s way, just think of Jesus on the Cross. That is the true Love! Let us lose the love that fades and take on a new paradigm of what God defined as true Love and begin practicing this love in our lives today. Amen!

Amazing Grace

Ephesians 2:1-10

Made Alive in Christ

1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Bee's Thoughts:

Amazing grace—how sweet the sound—
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see.
—Newton


Dear Lord, Jesus, I can never thank You enough for Your grace to me. Without You, I would be lost and blind just like what the song says. Your grace is always sufficient for me in all my trials and temptations. Not only that, by Your grace, I have been raised to be seated in the heavenly realms with You... the devil shall have no power over me. Praise You!

Let my life be a channel of blessing to others, that they too might be touched by Your grace and mercy. Thank You, Lord!


.......the devotion of Bee

Where Will Death Lead?

1 Corinthians 15:12-26

The Resurrection of the Dead

12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

Bee's Thoughts:

"The last enemy to be destroyed is death." (v 25). This verse suddenly jumped at me when I read the passage. Death is our enemy! We die because this enemy is still alive. But it shall be destroyed when Jesus Christ comes again for those who trusted in Him. What a blessed assurance!


Thank You, Lord, for this assurance that we who trust in You only die once and live twice... one on earth and one in heaven with You. There won't be a second death for us because of Christ. Thank You!



.......the devotion of Bee

Lose The Love that Fades (Part 1 of 2)

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Tommy's Thoughts:
There are only 2 definition of love; one from God’s and the other from the world. The problems in any relationship today are due to the adoption of the more enticing world’s attitude and pattern of love. I’m grateful to God for showing me again and again his true definition of love; to save me from unnecessary problems, pain, guilt and failure.

I have to admit I’m a hopeless romantic. I can easily throw myself into romance with all the warmth, fuzziness, passion, wonders, mystery, thrill and happiness. It’s like a mental disorder; an out-of-control experience when I “fall” or “madly” in love. All I can think of is that love is solely consists of all these feelings. Little do I know believing that I “fall in love” also mean I can “fall out of love” just as unexpectedly when the warm, fuzzy feeling is gone. I realized now my definition of love was from the world. This distorted and flawed version of love; or to be more accurate “passionate lust” (1 Thessalonians 4:5) will eventually lead to disaster and hurts. Through God’s grace, I am able to learn and practice His version of Love that will withstand all odds and ultimately lasts.

Before I dwell into God’s perspective of Love, let me explain the fallen world’s version of love. Its main ingredients are Selfishness and Irresponsibility. Below are some characteristics and nature of them in a relationship:

Selfishness

1. Its all about fulfillment and comfort of self.


2. Motivation is self-centered and solely to satisfy own desires and ego; to boast and make one proud in front of others.


3. Based entire relationship on feeling by evaluating the quality of love only on own emotional fulfillment.


4. Possessiveness, envy, holds grudges, mistrust and does not care about how other feels.


5. Filled with hidden agendas. Questions like: "What can you do for me?", "What can I get from you?", "What is it in for me?"
   

Irresponsibility

1. Without putting feeling of love into action.


2. Thinking love as something beyond our control and use it as an excuse to behave irresponsibly.


3. Manipulative, dishonest and heavy into techniques to push emotional buttons to get something for themselves.


4. Pursue romance solely for its own sake. Ditch a relationship when romantic feelings are gone or the going get tough.


5. Initiate a romantic relationship prematurely without first knowing the other person well enough in term of background, differences, compatibilities, common interests, preferences, values, goals, dreams, etc.


6. Broken promises. Lots of it!

If your relationship exhibits any of the above, you need to get back to God’s original version of Love before it’s too late. In my next post, I will explain God’s definition of Love with practical changes to be applied into your relationship.

Part 2

Bee's 1st Month of Devotion

Today marks the 1st month of my devotion time with God since I started it on 26 October 2005.

Firstly, I want to thank God for giving me the perseverance to do my devotion daily without fail. These devotions really keep me 'sane' in times of my discouragement and heartaches the last one month. The word of God (bible) lifted me up each time I felt down and lonely... marked by crying 'spell'.

The word of God is so comforting and powerful. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12). No wonder the Psalmist said, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (Psalms 119:105).

Secondly, I want to thank Tommy for letting me use his blog for my devotion. Perhaps his blog design and soothing music play a part in providing the environment and mood to let God speak to me. Thank you very much, Tommy! I hope you have also enjoyed your time with God here. :)

Thirdly, I know there are many international visitors to this blog every day. I hope this devotion blog has been an encouragement to you too. You are welcome to leave comments if the messages have blessed your heart. Thank you for visiting and reading. :)

Finally, I pray that God will continue to help me persevere in my devotion with Him for the next month to come.


.......the thoughts of Bee

Love Goes Beyond Liking

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

Bee's Thoughts:

These verses are so familiar to me that I can almost quote them anytime, for LOVE is what keeps me alive today... without love, life is meaningless for me.

When I was a 5-year-old child I thought of running away from home or even suicide when my grandma passed away. For she was the only one I could feel loving me, no one else did. The world was a cruel world without her around to shower me with love.

Then I lived my life without much purpose until I believed in Jesus Christ at the age of 12. I began to feel love again... from God and from a few Christians around me.

What is love? Who should we love? How do we love?

We think of love as an emotion, a tender feeling, a positive reaction. So when Scripture commands us to love God and our neighbor, we may be confused about the meaning of love (Matthew 22:37-40)

So love must be more than an emotion. An old translation of our Lord's command may help us to understand love as an action that we choose: "Thou shalt love . . . ." It's choosing to be patient, kind, selfless, and humble (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). We can love others even though we may not like them, because it's a matter of making a choice.

Yes, we can respond obediently to what our Savior directs us to do. He knows, though, that we are not capable of doing this on our own. That's why He's given us the Holy Spirit to empower us to a life of loving obedience. With His help, we can learn to love those we don't like. Who knows? We may even begin to like them.
—Vernon Grounds, Daily Bread

What is love?
We know whether we love someone, or if someone loves us by using the description of love in the above verses... patient, kind, etc.

Who should we love?
We are to firstly love God, then love our "neighbours"... people around us, i.e. strangers, 'enemies', friends, gf/bf, spouses, siblings, etc. Yes, including 'enemies'... if we can love our 'enemies' whom we dislike we would already have learnt the meaning of love and can love someone whom we like in a wholesome way.

How do we love?
Firstly, we love BY CHOICE.. i.e. we WILL to love rather than depend on our feelings or emotions. Our feelings will never want to love strangers or our 'enemies', or people whom we don't like. Secondly, we ask the Spirit of God to help us love despite of our feelings... for LOVE is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is the characteristic of a Spirit-filled Christian.



Dear Lord, thank you for reminding me of love and the fruit of the Spirit. Fill me Lord with your Spirit that I may love in a wholesome way. Grant me your joy and peace again today because He (You) that is in me is greater than he that is in the world. Amen.



.......the devotion of Bee

Thankfulness

Colossians 1:9-14

9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[a] to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption,[b] the forgiveness of sins.

Tommy's Thoughts:
Lord, thank you for your continuous teaching, guidance and protection. Without them, I would have brought in so many unnecessary headaches and problems into my life. Though at times, I do not understand why certain things happened the way they were; but I do know You are in control and You know what best for me.

One day, I know I’ll understand them better and know You have chosen the best for me. Because of You, I have learnt to view situations and incidences as also tests to build my character and to show the flaws in my ways and methods. All I need to do is to have a complete trust in Your providence and to do my best in every areas of my life; bringing glory and honor to Your name. Thank you Lord!

.......the devotion of Tommy

A Lost Art

Colossians 1:9-14

9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Bee's Thoughts:

What did Paul pray for the Colossian Christians?

1. knowledge of his will - through all spiritual wisdom and understanding
2. live a life worthy of the Lord - and may please him in every way
3. bearing fruit - in every good work
4. growing in the knowledge of God
5. strengthened with all power
6. have great endurance and patience
7. joyfully giving thanks to the Father

This is a good way to pray for a person, for we all need to cultivate the above attributes.

"give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

To be able to give thanks to God in all situations requires absolute trust in God... to thank God in spite of heartaches and sorrows, in spite of wanting to crying, in spite of being left alone...

So what can I thank God for? I like the poem below:

It's that time of year, God,
when even the secular world says,
"Stop! Take time to say 'Thanks'."

For what? For whom?
The list is endless.

First of all - there's us.
Alive, energetic, enthusiastic -
both within and without,
bursting with health and movement
in spite of the periodic slowdowns,
joyous that you thought enough of us
to give us the experience of life.
Our lives are vibrant
with the flow of Your energy,
touched, seared
by the Love that is You,
yearning to be to others
what You have been to us.

For us, dear God, we thank You!

Then there are the others,
utilizing their creative powers
to enrich our lives
through fields that feed
and rivers that quench,
through fabrics that clothe
and forests that house,
through presence and absence
through the rhythm of then and now.
Without them we would be isolated,
crouching in our corners of self-sufficiency.
But with them we are invited,
called forth to contribute
of our plentiful harvest
to the sum total of humanity.

For all of them, we thank You!

But, most of all, dear God, there is YOU -
gracious, considerate, understanding,
cleansing, challenging, demanding,
drawing us to Your embrace,
clearing, pruning, breaking,
touching, lifting, healing.
Our destinies lie with You,
for we are the branches
grafted with Your Spirit
onto the vine that zaps its sap
into our beings.

For You, our God, we thank You!
.....Loretta Girzaitis




Yes, God, no matter how sad and painful I feel, no matter how lonely I am, I want to give you thanks. For I know I am "in this transient world of impermanence" and my life is just a "mist"... my suffering is just temporal. I want to thank you for all you have done for me... for hearing my prayers always, for the friends you sent me, for the love I experienced... for you are good. Amen


.......the devotion of Bee

Bolder

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

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

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

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Tommy's Thoughts:
Sometime, we tends to overlook the importance of God’s hope and promises in the Bible by being too familiar with them, especially Psalm 23. As I read through this Psalm prayerfully yesterday, I knew God was speaking to me when I’ve prayed for His guidance and wisdom. Specifically, I prayed to Him to let me see the things I’m going through at a new light. Now, I realized how profound and powerful this Psalm is. I can say it encapsulates the entire outlook of life a Christian should have. It assures us that God will always be at our side through everything in life.

He will continue to teach and protect us like a shepherd and he will provide everything we need. Whenever I’m filled with fear, He’s there with me to comfort me and keep me bold. And the last verse has totally changed me 360 degree as a Christian; believe me! It has removed all the uncertainties and doubts I had in my life. God promised to fill every single days of my life with goodness and love if I would truly obey and follow Him. Lord, thank you so much so much, I just want to praise and lift Your name up high!

"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day" - Psalm 91:4-5

.......the devotion of Tommy

Good Workers

Exodus 35:30-36:1

Bezalel and Oholiab

30 Then Moses said to the Israelites, "See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 31 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- 32 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 33 to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship. 34 And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. 35 He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them master craftsmen and designers.

Exodus 36
1 So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the LORD has commanded."

Bee's Thoughts:

Wow! So many skills and talents - craftsmen, designers, embroiderers—"all of them master craftsmen and designers".

All these skills come from God who "has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge":
- "in all kinds of crafts to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship"
- "the ability to teach others."
- "to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary"

God is the Chief Craftman, Designer and Teacher. If we consider His construction of the universe, His design of man and woman, and His lessons on how to have beautiful relationship, we would marvel at how great is our God. He made all things beautiful in His time. :)

I can't help but to stand in awe of this revelation about God and that all our skills and talents come from Him. Woah!

So what are my skills and talents? Teaching is one of them... perhaps also writing, doing DIY work, or an 'all purpose' helper (just like when I helped at the Charity Mission Trip).


Thank you, Lord, for the skills and talents you have given me. Please show me how you may want me to use them for your glory. Let me be faithful in doing the work you want me to do with the gifts you have given to me. Amen



.......the devotion of Bee

Stop Procrastinating!

Hebrews 3:7-19

Warning Against Unbelief
12 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first. 15 As has just been said:
"Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts
as you did in the rebellion."

Tommy's Thoughts:
I used to think that I have plenty of time before really committing myself to God; to take the next step in my spiritual life. I always said in my mind things like “God, I’ll get back to you right after I finish this works I have now” or “Lord, I think you’re a very understanding and loving God, let me secure this thing first, then I give You all my time”. Soon, I saw myself drifting away further and further from God. The dust on my Bible was about an inch thick and I skipped church every time I’m busy with my works or even for leisure! Later, I realized I didn’t even think of Him anymore at all.

Little did I know time is never on my side; like a thief in the night, Jesus will return anytime. Fortunately, all my actions and bad decisions I’ve made, slowly led me to all kinds of problems. Later, I walked back to God for forgiveness and soon realized the urgency of continuing on in the Christian life. I've learnt the danger of hardening in our hearing and responsiveness that leads to unbelief and disobedience, and finally to God’s judgment.

"...work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure" - Philippians 2:12b-13

.......the devotion of Tommy

Difficult Days

Psalm 23:1-6

A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

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

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

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Bee's Thoughts:


"The sweetest experience of God's love can be found in times of sorrow." - Daily Bread

So true... in times of despondency we suddenly feel God so near us. Many people give their life to God only when they give up trying on their own... there's nothing to lose.

However, why should we wait till then to realize that the Lord can be our "Shepherd" of life?

We can actually enjoy these benefits right now. When we allow Him to be our "Shepherd" we practically have all that we "want", for He loves us so much to the point of laying down His life for us. He will supply all our needs for HIs glory... for He is the great God.


Thank you, Lord, for this Psalm.
Thank you for restoring my soul in times of despondency.
Thank you for being with me even in the "valley of the shadow of death".
Thank you for the assurance that "Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life".
Thank you!


.......the devotion of Bee

Let Go!

Hebrews 3:7-19

Warning Against Unbelief

12 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first. 15 As has just been said:
"Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts
as you did in the rebellion."

Bee's Thoughts:

Thank you, Lord, for this morning. You have put a song in my heart reminding me that:

The loving kindness of the Lord indeed never cease,
His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning.
Great is Thy faithfulness.
"The Lord is my portion", says my soul.
Therefore, I will hope in Him.
(Lamentations 3:22-27)

Now you are reminding me not to harden my heart when I hear your voice... but to have a believing heart myself and to encourage others to obey you too. Help me to be obedient to you, Lord. Amen.


.......the devotion of Bee

The Deep Peace

Matthew 11:28

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.(KJV)

Tommy's Thoughts:
I can’t stop thanking God these last few days. He showed to me several things that I have never realized all these while. I am very tired lately both physically and emotionally. My heart and mind was weary of all the coping, wrestling, trying, and worrying. The only thing in my mind was the promise of God to give me peace if I would just come to Him. I cried out to Him and He did answer me. Now, I somehow know God had used those circumstances to clarify and reaffirm my total commitment to Him.

Though I know the importance of submitting all our worries and fear to God, but somehow I haven’t surrendered my life to Him unreservedly. There are things I still hold on tightly by myself; thinking I’m capable to manage it without God’s help and guidance. This is mainly caused by the lack of trust I have for God. But after reading His words, I understand now how things work its way according to His will. I’ve learnt to yield to Him every burden or problem I’m facing to receive a deep and assuring peace in my heart.

.......the devotion of Tommy

Authentic Christian Living

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Living to Please God
1 Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

3 It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.

9 Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more.

11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Tommy's Thoughts:
The apostle Paul reminds us to change our attitude; a right and authentic attitude that please God. Paul pleas to the believer to continuously do what they already know to be the right thing to do. To be more like Christ everyday until we become complete when He returns.

Thank you Lord for giving me the strength to abstain and cut away anything that leads to sexual immorality. Thank you for providing me the spiritual emergency exit signs whenever I wanted so much to take control of my body and mind; to keep it pure and to bring honor and glory to You. Thank you Lord also for reminding me to show genuine “brotherly love” to other believers. I will also not to be an idler, but to do my work diligently with integrity; as a witness of Christ in homes, workplace and wherever I go.

.......the devotion of Tommy

Don't Make News!

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Living to Please God

1 Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

3 It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.

9 Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more.

11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

(read commentary here)

Bee's Thoughts:

How may I please God?

1. "avoid sexual immorality" -- a serious reminder to be "pure" in our life, respecting our own bodies and that of others

2. "love each other" -- to love more and more, we can never love too much

3. "lead a quiet life" -- be restful and peaceful with God and others

4. "mind your own business" -- do what we have to do, to make sure we are right with God first so we can help others later

5. "work with your hands" -- don't be lazy, work for our living


Thank you, Lord, for showing me how I may please you in my life. I know I am not perfect, but I am willing to learn to be more like Jesus day by day. Help me to be holy as you are holy. Amen.


.......the devotion of Bee

A Childlike Heart

Mark 10:13-16

The Little Children and Jesus
13 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." 16 And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

Tommy's Thoughts:
Children never fail to fascinate me and seriously make me laugh whenever I’m with them. They are so funny with their honesty and forthrightness. They are simple in everyway; words and actions. Their mind is always curious and filled with wonders and imagination. They will ask many, many funny questions about all kind of things they come across; and they will always remember your answers!

Children also tend to believe that anything just might be possible. They’ll also frankly say out how they feel or what they want without manipulation or beating around the bush. They can be incredibly easy to forgive and forget; never hold grudges. They will never forget or feel ashamed to show their love and affection for others, like this kid I know who always run up to me and give me a hug every time he sees me.

As I looked back at myself, I realized how cluttered my life has become over the years; how I have forget to share my needs and feelings with others; how I become less and less receptive and no longer teachable with the pride I have; how my heart grown cold to show genuine affection and love to others; how my life has been filled with disbelieve and mistrust; how I have lost all those uncomplicated, childlike simplicity in everything.

Jesus said “anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it”. Lord, help me to know this well and to always come to You with a simple, childlike and teachable heart, be able to forgive and also show genuine affection and love for others; trusting You in everything and responding to Your invitation. Amen.


.......the devotion of Tommy

Reach Out To The Young

Mark 10:13-16

The Little Children and Jesus
13 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." 16 And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

Bee's Thoughts:

These verses have influenced me somewhat in taking up early childhood education as my profession... for children are precious to Jesus.

Thank God that I came to know Jesus and His love when I was 12 year-old, still a child. He welcomed me into His arms, giving me the love and strength which I missed so much from home. He gave me meaning in life, made me know that He will never leave me nor forsake me, and will be with me till the end of the world. I accepted Him in child-like faith.

As I grew older, I experienced God in my ups and downs of life. Sometimes I forgot that I need to "receive the kingdom of God like a little child", trusting Him always to know what is best for me. Though things look impossible or bleak, but to my BIG God nothing is impossible.



Dear Lord, thank you for your reminder this morning that I need to trust you again just like a child... that "all things work together for good to those who love God"... that you allow everything to happen to us for a purpose and for our good. Amen



.......the devotion of Bee

Patience, the fruit of Hope

Romans 8:18-25

Future Glory
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Tommy's Thoughts:
In these paragraphs, Paul assured us that all our current suffering will seem as nothing when compared with the glory we will experience in the age to come. All these hardship we are going through are temporarily. We need to wait patiently like a bare, leafless and gnarled tree waiting for the warmth and brightness of spring. The full redemption of our bodies, like an eternal spring, will come one day.

Patience is the fruit of the Spirit and also the fruit of hope. Despite all my current frustration, disappointment, pain and struggle, I would like to thank you Lord for continuously inspiring me through the Spirit with hope. Thank you too for giving me the strength and patience to endure them everyday.

.......the devotion of Tommy

A World In Labor

Romans 8:18-25

Future Glory
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Bee's Thoughts:

Dear Father, thank you for reminding me to be patient while waiting for the hope of glory you have promised us. Sometimes I do wonder when you will be coming back, and don't you see the sufferings we have now.... yet I know, you will never break your promise of coming back for us... a promise is a promise to you. What a blessed assurance and hope. Amen



.......the devotion of Bee

Seven "Ones"

Ephesians 4:1-7

Unity in the Body of Christ
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.

Bee's Thoughts:

One body—we are a single family unified for one purpose
One Spirit—we all have the Spirit as our power source
One hope—we all look forward to the same future
One Lord—we all trust the same Person in charge
One faith—we all trust Jesus' sacrifice for our salvation
One baptism—we all have a single identity
One God and Father—we all share the same source of our existence

"Followers of Christ should focus on what unites them, not on what divides them."

Thank you, my Father, for reminding us that we are ONE in Christ Jesus. We should emphasize on the oneness that unites us instead of the differences that divide us. Help us be "completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love", that the world may know that Jesus Christ is Lord. Amen

.......the devotion of Bee

The 7 Habits for Highly Effective Relationships

James 3:13-18

Two Kinds of Wisdom

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Tommy's Thoughts:
Every action and decision we made everyday has eternal consequences. When we are faced with decisions, we need to first check our source of wisdom. Is it the wisdom from below (devil/world) or the wisdom from above (God)?

There are many times that I have acted selfishly in things without even knowing it until it’s too late. Little did I know I was basing my motive and wisdom from below; resulting in foolishness, pride, envy, self-seeking and evil. As I come before God, the Spirit nudges me to realize how ‘fatal’ this attitude is in affecting my life and to those who are close to me.

But, thank you Lord for answering my prayer when I needed Your wisdoms so badly. Few ‘wisdoms’ I have learnt from You so far:

1. I know now without a trust-love relationship with You, I will never be successful in any relationship with others. It is only through this right relationship and the complete trust in You, that I can relate to others in a healthy way.


2. The importance to acknowledge the truth about my earthly attitude and motivation and to turn away from them with Your help.


3. To focus on how to love others rather than on how they should love me.


4. To know that I’m responsible for my own happiness and not to blame others for my life or use their treatment on me as an excuse.


5. To practice the 7 qualities in James 3:17 in all my relationships.

The 7 Habits for Highly Effective Relationships (James 3:17)

1. Pure – no selfish, wrongful desires or hidden agendas in our every words and actions.


2. Peace-loving – seek peace above everything whenever conflict arise with others; learn to listen; avoid argument.


3. Considerate – gentle; showing true patient and unruffled self-control and restraint; slow to express resentment.


4. Submissive – sensible, reasonable and able to defer; avoid stubbornly insisting on our own way.


5. Full of mercy and good fruit – kindness, compassion for those who are suffering through comforting words and actions.


6. Impartial – treating everyone equal without showing favor to some while ignoring others or mistreating them.


7. Sincere – straightforward, act openly and honestly; not double-minded or full of pretense and hidden agendas.

.......the devotion of Tommy

Speak And Do

James 3:13-18 (Contemporary English Version)

Two Kinds of Wisdom

13 Are any of you wise or sensible? Then show it by living right and by being humble and wise in everything you do. 14 But if your heart is full of bitter jealousy and selfishness, don't brag or lie to cover up the truth. 15 That kind of wisdom doesn't come from above. It is earthly and selfish and comes from the devil himself. 16 Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things. 17 But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. 18When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice.

Bee's Thoughts:
This morning Daily Bread again speaks to me as a confirmation of certain things that has troubled me lately. I know something is very wrong when a close friend of mine has changed overnight... from a very confident, positive and loving person to one that is so insecure, negative, self condemned, and has a total change of heart. It just doesn't seem right or normal to me. Then it dawned upon me last night that he has been attacked by the devil and is engaged in a spiritual warfare as he wishes to seek God more lately.

The above verses show that there are two kinds of "wisdom"; one from God and one from the devil.

The devil is able to put thoughts into our mind to cause us to do and say things that are harmful to ourselves and to others if we are not careful. He will attack us most when we are tired or stressed out and therefore have no defense against him.

How can we recognize which "wisdom" we are using then? Thank God that the Bible clearly shows us how to test that "wisdom" or actions.

Wisdom that is “earthly and selfish and comes from the devil himself” will show up in…
bitter jealousy
selfishness
brag or lie to cover up the truth
cause trouble
do all sorts of cruel things

Wisdom that comes from above (God) leads us to be…
pure
friendly
gentle
sensible
kind
helpful
genuine
sincere

Dear Lord, thank you for your word today. Please help me and also my close friend to be vigilant against the devil’s attack, especially when we are tired and stressed out. Help us to discern rightly the thoughts that come into our minds and to test them against your words, so that we can reject those thoughts coming from the devil and allow pure thoughts from you that lead to life.

.......the devotion of Bee

The Right Focus

Psalm 90

3 You turn men back to dust,
saying, "Return to dust, O sons of men."

4 For a thousand years in your sight
are like a day that has just gone by,
or like a watch in the night.

5 You sweep men away in the sleep of death;
they are like the new grass of the morning-

6 though in the morning it springs up new,
by evening it is dry and withered.

10 The length of our days is seventy years—
or eighty, if we have the strength;
yet their span is but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

12 Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.

Bee's Thoughts:

Yes, life is like a vapour... or just like wind. I may be here today, but you might not hear from me again the next day.

Many times I wished God will take me away from this earth. I wished I am just like the grass that will wither in the morning. For I see too much evil on earth since my childhood days. I grew up not trusting any man. Some men in my life did help me rebuild that trust, yet they were the same ones that put back the phobia in me.

Now all I ask from God is to teach me to number my days aright, that I may gain a heart of wisdom, to discern right and wrong, to distinguish truth and lies.

I need God to satisfy my heart with His unfailing love, so I may be glad and sing a new song to Him again. This I humbly pray.

.......the devotion of Bee

God Will Take Care of You

Hebrews 13:5

He Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support.

May your troubled heart
find peace and comfort in the knowledge
that you are never alone.
May God's presence ease
your trembling spirit and give you rest.
He knows how you feel.
He is ever aware of your circumstances
and ready to be your strength,
your grace, and your peace.
He is there to cast sunlight
into all of your darkened shadows,
to send encouragement through the love
of friends and family, and
to replace your weariness with new hope.

God is your stronghold,
and with Him as your guide,
you need never be afraid.
No circumstances can block His love.
No grief is too hard for Him to bear.
No task is too difficult
for Him to complete.
When what you are feeling
is simply too deep for words
and nothing anyone does or says
can provide you with the relief you need,
God understands.
He is your provider -
today, tomorrow, and always.
And He loves you.
Cast all of your cares on Him...
and believe.

- Linda E. Knight

A Past Long Gone

Acts 13:36-41

38 "Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses..."

Romans 8:1-4

1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

Bee's Thoughts:

"The law condemned us (Romans 7:10-11), but Jesus offers deliverance and new life (8:1).

Are you worried about what you've done in the past? Rejoice! God has "cast all our sins into the depths of the sea" (Micah 7:19). Are you still concerned about your sins? Rejoice! "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more" (Hebrews 10:17). And "I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions" (Isaiah 44:22).

If you have put your faith in Jesus and asked Him to forgive you, the past is truly forgotten. "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:12). Trust and rejoice! —Vernon Grounds"

—Vernon Grounds

Thank God for Today's Daily Bread... it seems to be a direct speaking from God about the problem of someone close to me which also affects me. I pray that God will reveal to him this spiritual truth; that he need not carry the burden and guilt of his past anymore because of Jesus Christ. In Jesus, he is a new creature who can love purely and not selfishly as in the past.

Dear Lord, thank you for your assurance and reassurance that in you, there is no more condemnation.

.......the devotion of Bee

Making the Choice

Romans 13:12

12The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Tommy's Thoughts:
Jesus who died on the cross has already paid the penalty of all our sins. We can be forgiven and cleansed if we were to believe in Him. We may have things in the past that needed to be laid aside – memories, guilt, pains and regrets; but they shouldn’t and never determine our future.

Oh Lord, as I come before you now, help to me to see the reality - a reality that I have a choice now about how I’ll live. Guide me Lord to set my heart on You and to walk the right path. Let me know that Christ has put to death all my wrongful desire and self-centeredness. Lead me Lord to work with You in everything and to clothe myself with Christ’s righteousness. Teach me to turn away and stop replaying my past and to move on with a life in truth, purity and sincerity.

.......the devotion of Tommy

Try A Little Kindness

Acts 10:1-8

4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked.

The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.

Bee's Thoughts:
What is love? We can do something or give to someone without loving, but we can't love without giving. So is kindness alone love? May not be. Kindness is only one of the components of love, just like patience.

In true love we not only give in material things but also in the intangible things, such as those mentioned in 1 Corinthains 13. When we say we love someone, the test will always come to see if we really love. Once the romantic feeling for someone is gone, can we still say that we love someone?

I have lost faith in the human love and found it back, and lost it again. :(

I have learnt that I should love someone in God's way, but never expect to be loved in return.

I believe in the sun
even when it isn't shining.
I believe in love
even when I am alone.
I believe in God
even when he is silent.

- author unknown

Dear God, I may not have found true love for myself but I still want to believe that there is true love for others. For when two people are loving each other in Christ, true love abounds.

.......the devotion of Bee

Our Father's Love

Hosea 11

God's Love for Israel
1 "When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son.

2 But the more I called Israel,
the further they went from me. [b]
They sacrificed to the Baals
and they burned incense to images.

3 It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
taking them by the arms;
but they did not realize
it was I who healed them.

4 I led them with cords of human kindness,
with ties of love;
I lifted the yoke from their neck
and bent down to feed them.

5 "Will they not return to Egypt
and will not Assyria rule over them
because they refuse to repent?

6 Swords will flash in their cities,
will destroy the bars of their gates
and put an end to their plans.

7 My people are determined to turn from me.
Even if they call to the Most High,
he will by no means exalt them.

8 "How can I give you up, Ephraim?
How can I hand you over, Israel?
How can I treat you like Admah?
How can I make you like Zeboiim?
My heart is changed within me;
all my compassion is aroused.

9 I will not carry out my fierce anger,
nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim.
For I am God, and not man—
the Holy One among you.
I will not come in wrath.

Bee's Thoughts:
Why do You love me so much, dear Lord?

I really don't deserve Your love.

How can I say "Thanks" for the things You've done for me;
Things so undeserved, yet You gave to prove Your love for me.
The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude,
All that I am, and all I hope to be, I give them all to You.

Amen

.......the devotion of Bee

Ordinary People

Acts 4:1-21

13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 "What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name."

18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."

Bee's Thoughts:

Being "with Jesus" can make so much difference to a person's life... something undeniable, just like in the case of Peter and John. They were "unschooled" and "ordinary men", yet they could speak with so much confidence, boldness, and eloquence when it comes to talking about Jesus and performing miracles.

Some people did asked me, "Why must you always talk about Jesus or quote from the Bible in your replies?"

Hmmn... good question. I didn't even realize that tendency in me. But I guess it has become part of me after I have been "with Jesus" since age 12... read through the whole Bible many times, memorizing verses. questioning and searching for answers, experiencing Jesus in my ups and downs of life. So just like what Peter and John said, "we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard" (v 19). I speak from my heart, my conviction, not merely 'throwing scriptures' at others to show how knowledgeable I am, or how 'holy' I am. In fact, I am just as "ordinary" as Peter and John.

So friends, if I have offended you with my bible quotations, please pardon me. I quote what I believe. :)

Just what do Christians look like?
What sets their lives apart?
They're ordinary people
Who love God from the heart.
—D. De Haan

.......the devotion of Bee

Golden Gods

"You shall have no other gods before me."

- Exodus 20:3






Bee's Thoughts:
God delivered the Israelites from the tyranny of the Egyptians (Exodus 12:29-42) and gave them the "Ten Commandments". Yet soon they forgot about God and started to make golden gods for themselves (Exodus 32:1-4).

Aren't we also like the Israelites many times? When we were down and out, we cried before God and He delivered us. But after a while we forgot Him and made other things our 'gods'. *sigh*

Dear Lord, please help me to always put you first before anybody or anything... for you love me more than anyone else can. Thank you.

.......the devotion of Bee

Who Then Is Beautiful?

Genesis 24:12-21

12 Then he prayed, "O LORD, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. 13 See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. 14 May it be that when I say to a girl, 'Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, 'Drink, and I'll water your camels too'-let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master."...

..... 21 Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the LORD had made his journey successful.

Bee's Thoughts:
Whenever I read the above story, it reminds me of Proverbs 31:30 (Contemporary English Version):

Charm can be deceiving,
and beauty fades away,
but a woman
who honors the LORD
deserves to be praised.

Being beautiful in look is not enough to be choosen as the wife of Isaac. She has to have a heart of love and care... not only for the people around her, but also for strangers and life stocks.

Isn't such a woman too hard to find these days, though not impossible? Yes! People are getting more self-centered and selfish, and too busy to even care for the person close to them, much less a stranger. Yet the biblical principle of finding a wife with such virtues stays. Anything less means more heartaches down the road. We have already seen too many to need more evidence.

To have such virtue, the woman has to be "a woman who honors the LORD". For only the Lord can teach one to truly love.

Another biblical principle I see is to be specific in our prayer when seeking a partner. The chief servant of Abraham prayed to God specifically and God showed him Rebekah. He is very sure that she is THE ONE.

Dear Lord, thank you for reminding me that you look at my heart rather than my outward appearance. Thank you for reminding me to be specific in my prayers so I may know your will and to do it.

Tommy's Thoughts:
From Rebekah’s attitude and actions, we can learn a lot about how to redeem the time by faithfully fulfilling our current obligations. Our daily life is filled with mundane and repetitive tasks like Rebekah’s trip to the well and watering the camels. Yet, she performed her tasks diligently and willingly. Her qualities put her in the right place, at the right time with the right attitude when God matches her with Isaac.

As I reflect on this, I know I have various tasks and responsibilities at hand. Though I may not know God’s plan for my future, but I do know things I need to act upon today. Things like focusing my energy toward maturity and Christlikeness. Making most of each moment I have now and preparing myself for the next season in my life. Thank you Lord again for this wonderful lesson I received from Your Word. Amen.

.......the devotion of Bee and Tommy

The Only Way

John 14:6

Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Tommy's Thoughts:

The world today is filled with spiritual hungers. People always long for something more in their life; the truth, the meaning and the purpose for life. Deep down inside there are things that never seem to be satisfied. People at times hope and hunger for things they don’t even know or understand.

Some dream of an ideal world where people will never disappoint them, never let them down. While others, indulge themselves to materials things for satisfaction. There are also others who tried their best effort to attain and accomplish all kinds of achievements, successes and fulfillments. There are also those who don’t see a need for God. Their life solely depends and revolves around themselves, people and things. After each round of unsuccessful attempt and disappointment, the cycle repeats again and again in a never-ending loop. In the end, the hunger and emptiness remains.

Although temporal possessions and achievements are not wrong in themselves, temporal life goals are contrary to God’s plan for all Christians. We need to have an eternal perspective in our life with a single-minded commitment to God’s purpose.
Following Christ may involve some changes in our present plans. But no matter how much we “give up” for Christ, He will fill all our spiritual hungers and lift us out from the darkness. Jesus is the gate to a satisfying life. Jesus is the way and the truth and the life!



.......the devotion of Tommy

I Will Come Back For You

John 14:1-6

Jesus Comforts His Disciples
1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.4 You know the way to the place where I am going."

Jesus the Way to the Father
5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" 6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me".

Bee's Thoughts:
The title of Today's Daily Bread, "I Will Come Back For You", 'jumped' at me when I first opened its page. This statement has never mean so much to me as much as it is now. The reason is that someone dear has said that to me last week. I felt very troubled when he suddenly said he needed to be away for an indefinite time. The only assurance given to me was "I will be back for you".

Jesus knew very well how His disciples would feel when He leaves this world (John 13:1). They would feel very sad and troubled. So He comforted them in the following ways:
1. gave hopes for the future... many rooms in His Father's house
2. showed where He was going... prepare a place for them
3. showed the way to reach Him... Jesus is the away
4. promised to come back for them... will be permanent

Dear Lord, thank You for taking care of how we feel when You have to leave us on earth. You are so comforting, assuring, and You showed us how we still may reach You now while You are preparing the best for us. Thank You that You will be back for us soon.

In You is the Way, the Truth and Life. I know You are near me in my spirit. I love You, Lord. Amen

.......the devotion of Bee

The Lord Is My Rock

Psalm 18:1-3
For the director of music. Of David the servant of the LORD. He sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said:

1 I love you, O LORD, my strength.

2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn [a] of my salvation, my stronghold.

3 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.

Footnotes: Psalm 18:2 Horn here symbolizes strength.

Bee's Thoughts:

"The heart has reasons that reason does not know."
- Blaise Pascal, French mathematician and theologian

"A picture is worth a thousand words." Images remain in our minds when all else is forgotten - Today's Daily Bread

I always love to read Psalms. They could describe my feelings very well... feelings of joy or sadness, victory or defeat, gladness or distress, comfort or loneliness, and more.

I could identify myself with the feeling of David in the above Psalms. Every word speaks of what I want to tell God.

Why do I love the Lord?

For He is my...
strength - when I am weak,
rock - when I have sinking feeling,
fortress - when I need a place to hide,
deliverer - when I am down and out,
shield - when I need protection.

Yes, when "I call to the LORD... I am saved from my enemies".

.......the devotion of Bee

New Neighbors

Luke 10:29-37

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

30 In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

36 "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

37 The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

Bee's Thoughts:

Going fort the Charity Mission trip to help the needy, with the love and compassion of God, is a real eye opener for me to see what it really means by loving my "neighbours". It's only by the grace of God that I could do such a thing. God let me see that without Him, I might be just like these little children and adults whom I was helping. My love went out to them and I decided to go as often as my time permit.

Another "neighbour" we often forget is our loved ones. Many times we take them for granted, and forget that they are our immediate "neighbours" and we are to love them as ourselves too.

Dear Lord, please give me more love and grace to love my "neighbours" just as you have commnaded, to firstly love you, followed by our neighbours as ourselves.

Tommy's Thoughts:

It's very true at times, we are like the priest, ignoring and ‘blind’ to the needs of others around us. We are so preoccupied with our own concerns, problems, fears, hurts and happiness that we overlooked those ‘neighbors’ we came across everyday. Our self-pitying nature hinders us from showing genuine sympathy for others.

If we were to take time and be constantly reminded of the teaching by Jesus; we will start to see there’re many who need our help, attention and care. Jesus wanted us, like the Samaritan, to go all the way in length when helping others. Not half-hearted or just fake, superficial politeness as a show in front of others.

.......the devotion of Bee and Tommy