Bee's 6th Month of Devotion

Little did I realize that I have already done 6 months of devotion here with Tommy. It's interesting to note that though we both read the same passages, yet God speaks to us differently concerning our personal life many times. But there are times that we do hear the same message from God though. :)

Due to my busyness at work last week, I did my devotion very late at night, at a time when my brain almost shut off. Thank God that this devotional habit has been formed for some time, so even though I was tired, I could still spend some time to let God speak to me or at least pray.

The Apostle Paul said we need to do godly exercise (1 Timothy 4:7-8). Devotional time is one of them. Thank God for His enabling power to keep this time with Him.

Thanks, Tommy, for doing this spiritual exercise with me. Let's keep going. Cheers!



... the thoughts of Bee

Surrendered Crowns

Revelation 4:6-11

6 Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.

In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being."

Bee's Thoughts:

What is my earthly 'crown'?

As I ponder over this question, I realized I do have many 'crowns' which I treasured. They are my achievements in life that signify my worth.

Having grown up with very strong inferiority complex has caused me to search hard for my identity and my self-worth. So I worked very hard at work and also study very hard all my life. Yes I have made it... I have done well in my work, have got many promotions and obtained my Master degree about 3 years ago. They do raise my confidence level, my self-worth and self acceptance a little. Yet one thing I know for sure is that without God I am back to square one. I have them because of the grace of God.

There is nothing for me to boast about. Indeed, nothing. Take God away from my life, and I will still feel as worthless as ever. For there were times that I felt inferior again until I go to God in prayers. In Him I feel my worth as the child of the King who deserves the crown.

Dear Father in heaven,
I want to surrender my ‘crowns’ before You. They are worthless without You. Only in You can I really find my worth and confidence.
You are worthy to receive all glory. and honor and power. All that I have come from You. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

It was not an accident, God made me did a last minute change to the final hymn for the church service yesterday. Aside from matching to the sermon's message closely, it touched and drawn the congregation nearer to God, to worship, praise and glorify Him.

We should always acknowledge the sovereignty and power of God, the Creator of all things. No matter how precise, accurate and perfect our own plans, timings and 'formulas' may be, they will ultimately fail when we exclude God in the equation. No matter how capable or skillful we think we are, we will too fail in the end if we are unable to acknowledge all gifts came from God.

No matter what earthly achievements, accomplishments or recognitions we may receive or gain, they will be worthless, equal to nothing at the end if we have never surrender the rulership of our lives to our Sovereign God.

Dear Lord, thank You for teaching me to have the right perspective and motivation in everything I do, surrendering the rulership of my life to You and bringing all praise, glory and honor unto You, for You alone is worthy! In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Lifted From The Depths

Psalm 40:1-5

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.

2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.

4 Blessed is the man
who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.

5 Many, O LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us
no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
they would be too many to declare.

Bee's Thoughts:

This week is really a very tough week for me due to too many urgent assignments. As a result I slept very little and worked too hard. I had no time to think or feel too much, but just concentrate in my work. But tonight, what someone said made me feel sad again. It's good in a way, otherwise I would just feel like a robot or zombie the whole week.

I have worked very, very, hard in my work and done my best. Next, I have to trust God to see it through.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for seeing me through this week. Thank You that I can see some fruits in the assignments I am handling. I commit them into Your hands.
Thank You also for helping my best friend in his exam today too.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

The slimy pit here was a metaphor to express what it is like to be trapped and bogged down by our sin or worry. We may be feeling exhausted, overwhelmed and helpless because of our sins, knowing we'll never be able to set ourselves free no matter how hard we try. We see ourselves declining spiritually, staying further away from God, disconnected and feeling hopelessly condemned.

No matter what or how great our sin may be, God's forgiveness is enough to cleanse us from our guilt and set us free to begin anew. When we trust in God with our whole heart, humbly acknowledge how much we need Him to lift us up from our pit, we will receive His grace that transforms us from within and changes our desire to do His will. He will sets our feet on solid rock and gives us a firm place to stand when facing challenges in our lives (v2).

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for turning to me each time, hearing my cry to You (v1). Thank You for the things You have planned for me (v5) in the past, present and future. Teach me to obey Your every word and command that they will guard and protect me from all the 'dangers' that surround me. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.

Aliens and Strangers

Hebrews 11:13-16

13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Life in this world is imperfect, there are things we desperately long and hope for that never seem to come true and ever so far away. We thought God somehow will immediately grant what we want when we believe in Him. When things are not fulfilled, we easily turn frustrated and discouraged. Because of our impatience, we sometimes decided to quit.

But, we should take courage and learn from these heroes of faith in today’s passage who were still living by faith when they died, though did not receive the things promised. It’s because they saw their home is not here but at an eternal place. Yet, they lived responsibly, knowing their every action carries eternal significances.

Dear Lord, forgive me that at times I live everyday shortsightedly focusing and attached to this world’s desires and possessions that are not eternal. Teach me Lord to know that I’m a visitor here on a journey to the heavenly home You have prepared for us. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bee's Thoughts:

This world is not my home
I'm just a passing through.
My treasures are laid up
somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels backon me
from heaven's open door,
And I can't feel at home
in this world anymore.

The above is a very old song. It helps us, Christians, to remember where our real home is and what our eternal hope is. Many times, even Christians can forget that they have an eternal home when they become too stress. For me, when I remember that this world is not my home, my tolerance for stress go up 'cos my stress becomes temporal.... and I don't feel so stressful.

Dear Lord,
Thank You that our sufferings on earth is only temporal. A little while more, we shall be with You for eternity if we continue to have faith in You. Help us not lose heart.

Now I pray for my best friend, as he is taking his test tomorrow. Grant him a good and peaceful sleep, and rise up with a clear mind. Help him answer all the questions wisely. May Your Spirit grants him wisdom and understanding. Let him trust in You and not be anxious during his test.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Perpetual Prayer

Luke 11:1-13

Jesus' Teaching on Prayer

1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."

2 He said to them, "When you pray, say:
" 'Father,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
3 Give us each day our daily bread.
4 Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.' "

5 Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6 because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'

7 "Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

9 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

11 "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Tommy's Thoughts:

We might have been disappointed with our past unanswered prayers, questioning whether if God does care or listen to our dire needs. We soon find ourselves staying away from anymore prayers fearing another let down.

The problem is probably not we are skeptical of God’s ability to answer us, but more about our attitude in prayer and how we view our relationship with God: Who is He to us? Do we see Him as a loving heavenly Father who wants the best for His children (v11-13)? Do we trust and believe in His faithfulness and goodness on us? Do we praise God like Jesus before our prayers? Are we persistence and perpetual in our prayers? Or, do we pray only when we are in troubles?

“Give us each day our daily bread” (v3)

God’s provision for us is daily. We can never store up everything at once and cut off communication from God. Our attitude should be to go to God daily with our prayers, keeping us closer and connected to Him, to grow our relationship with Him and ultimately to understand Him and His wills for us better.

Dear Lord, thank You for being the Source of my strength and peace. Guide me to listen to You daily: Your teachings,lessons,instructions with a humble heart and also to share with You all my needs and desire. Teach me also always to seek You and Your kingdom first before everything else. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bee's Prayers:

Dear Father,

Your name is worthy to be praised. Let my life shows forth Your glory.
May your will be done in my life, be it in my work, my study or my relationship with others.
Give me all that I need each day that I may have the strength to go on.
Forgive my sins. if I have disobeyed You or hurt anyone unknowingly.
I too forgive those who might have uttered wrong things against me or hurt me.
Let me not be tempted to sin against You.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Be True To Your Word

Matthew 5:33-37

Oaths

33"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' 34But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one

Tommy's Thoughts:

Today, we live in a society that full of lies and distrust. Truthfulness seems so rare that we often backed up the things we said with words like “I swear” and “I promise”. Many also break their promises casually and remedying them easily with a simple apology or “sorry”. But, no matter how earnest or sincere our apology may be, we will somehow lose the trust and confidence from others in the future.

In today’s passage, Jesus emphasized clearly the importance of telling the truth. Jesus told His followers not to use oath or vows and let their ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and ‘no’ be ‘no: the word alone is enough. When we tell the truth all the time, we will never need to back up our words with promises. And, promise requires our full commitment to keep them, so if we are unsure we can keep them, don’t make one at the first place.

Dear Lord, thank You for the lessons I’ve learnt in the past on keeping promises and also telling the truth. Thank You for making me aware how important they are in building trust and committed relationships with others.

Lord, I would like to pray for my best friend who has to rush her assignment these few days without break. May You help her to do her best and be able to get enough good rest. I would also like to pray for all my friends and myself too who will be sitting for the coming exam, that You will guide us in the study, managing our times and to do well in it. Thank You and I pray all these in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bee's Thoughts:

Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.
(James 5:12)

The world system teaches us that we should not be so truthful all the time. During a casual conversation with a colleague yesterday, I was shocked that she openly acknowldged that she lied most of the time in her job to get things done. In fact, she said that after doing that for a while she has no more quilty feeling when doing so.

The bible teaches us to be true to our words, i.e. to keep our words, and to say what we mean, and mean what we say. I feel quite frustrated whenever someone prefers to speak in 'riddles' to me or tend to say the opposite of what he/she really means. I am very poor in such guessing game, for I tend to say what I mean and mean what I say. I find it hard to beat around the bush.

Sometimes people tell me that I shouldn't be so honest, that telling white lies is ok. But the bible says that anything beyond the "yes" or "no" comes from the devil and we will be condemned for it.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your remminder that we are to be true to our words as Christians. Help me never to fall into the temptation of following the world system. Keep me true.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Don't Be Afraid

Psalm 56

1 Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me;
all day long they press their attack.

2 My slanderers pursue me all day long;
many are attacking me in their pride.

3 When I am afraid,
I will trust in you.

4 In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?

5 All day long they twist my words;
they are always plotting to harm me.

6 They conspire, they lurk,
they watch my steps,
eager to take my life.

7 On no account let them escape;
in your anger, O God, bring down the nations.

8 Record my lament;
list my tears on your scroll [b]—
are they not in your record?

9 Then my enemies will turn back
when I call for help.
By this I will know that God is for me.

10 In God, whose word I praise,
in the LORD, whose word I praise-

11 in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

12 I am under vows to you, O God;
I will present my thank offerings to you.

13 For you have delivered me [c] from death
and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life. [d]

Tommy's Thoughts:

Although we might not have someone plotting to take our lives, we do face intimidation, pressure, insult, bad-mouthing and hurt from others. They seem to watch our every step, waiting for every opportunity to put us down. We become anxious and guarded every time we are around them. We fear our carelessness or mistake will allow them to unfairly harm, hurt and affect us in ways. We feel helpless to stop them.

But we should not be afraid of men as God is always in control and He knows our every problem and ‘threat’. Despite the hurt and harm others can inflict on us; they will never be able to rob us of our souls and our promised future. Instead, we should fear God and trust Him to bring judgment to those who harm us.

Dear Lord, thank You for hearing my prayer, giving me the courage when I was in fear. Thank You for being there with me when I was discouraged and wronged. Lord, I will trust in You always and praise Your wonderful Name. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bee's Thoughts:


Dear Lord,
I have been extremely tired and stressed by work these 2 days, working almost non-stop. Thank You for Your comforting words.
Sometimes there are politics in the office, people might backbite or say anything untrue about another in order to excel themselves. Help me, Lord, to stay true and strong and do my best. I pray that Your name will be glorified in my work.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Timing is everything

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

A Time for Everything
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

9 What does the worker gain from his toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God

Tommy's Thoughts:

The uncertainties and harshness in life can sometimes drain and wear us down greatly when we don’t seem to find any lasting solutions to our problems. Habitually, to ease our struggles, we desperately went ahead with things, knowing consciously we are ignoring God’s advice, guidance and perfect timing for our lives. This often led to even more despair, complication and regret.

As Christian, we should see difficult times as opportunities to discover why we need God and His guidance and timing. To understand, accept, appreciate the dynamic and perfection of God’s timing is to find true peace and love in God. Instead of seeing them merely as disturbance or obstacle in our journey, roadblocks in life often help to equip and build us for greater and more meaningful things in the future.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me the sense of purpose and dedication in everything I do: in my work, relationships, responsibilities, duties and commitments; to see them as a way to serve and glorify You. Teach me to be happy, patient and enjoying whatever I have now as gifts from You. Lead me to always trust and depend on You while going through the seasons of my life, to seek and gain a proper view of Your plans and timings for my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

Yes, even God has His timing in all He does. He doesn't rush, yet He isn't late for anything. What seems bad to us may be a blessing in disguise before God reveals the truth to us in His time. Everything He made is beautiful and good.

We are to be happy, do good, and enjoy the fruits of our labour (v12-13). So we should question ourselves whether we are happy and satisfied. If not, we should do something about it instead of just complain.

Dear Lord,
Your timing is always perfect for me. Let me be obedient to Your plan for my life. I commit myself to You again. Amen.

Genuine Caring

Galatians 4:13-20

13 As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. 14 Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. 15 What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?

17 Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them. 18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you. 19 My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, 20 how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!

Tommy's Thoughts:

A friend was questioning what God has ever blessed her with over the years. She was very sad over a situation in her life that she doubted and even blamed God. She soon found herself having a hard time to be a ‘good’ Christian; she felt guilty rather than loved; she constantly keep in mind how far short she has fell that she didn’t care anymore.

I used to defend God by giving all kind of examples of blessings, care and protection she had received through the years. But, I’ve missed out to mention one of the greatest gift God has given her, the gift of salvation.

Like the Galatians who had lost their joy of salvation because of legalism, we need to continually remind ourselves to live by faith in Christ instead of trying to live up to the demands and expectations of others.

Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me to check my own focus when at times I feel guilty or inadequate despite knowing what Christ has done for me on the Cross. Teach me also to have the tact and gentleness of Christ when serving and caring for those who is in needs or facing difficulty. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

The way Paul prayed and laboured for the Christians he cared for was as if he was experiencing child-labour. His hope and joy was to see Christ forms in them (becoming Christ-like) (19). That is also the desire of God.

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
- 1 Peter 1:15-16

Dear Lord,

It's Your desire for all Christians to be Christ-like. Let me live a life that is pleasing to You. Help me to have the heart of Paul too, that constantly praying for my fellow Christians to be like You, encouraging them when they are weak.

For one particular brother-in-Christ, who is facing lots of stress and problems and is on the verge of a breakdown, I pray that You will have mercy on him. Let him know that Your grace is sufficient for him. Let him lift up his eyes to You instead of his problems. Keep him in Your arms, Lord. May your peace fills his heart.

For my best friend, who is feeling the stress of his coming important exam, I pray for peace and a clear mind. May You guide his eyes to the important areas he needs to know. Let him trust that You know what is best for him whatever the exam result is, as long as he has done his best.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Right Waiting

Psalm 40:1-8

1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.

2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.

4 Blessed is the man
who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.

5 Many, O LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us
no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
they would be too many to declare.

6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but my ears you have pierced,;
burnt offerings and sin offerings
you did not require.

7 Then I said, "Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll.

8 I desire to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart."

Tommy's Thoughts:

Waiting is never easy. Whenever we get ourselves into trouble or dilemma, we'll often try all kind of hasty ways on our own to get rid, get out or get away from them. Most of the times, this shortsightedness rob and delay us from experiencing the blessings from God. If we trust and obey God, to be patient and willing to persevere to go through the trial of waiting, we will understand the necessity and significance of the wait as we look back at the end of the day. We will agree with God that it was the best possible way!

In today’s Psalm, we see how David received 4 benefits for patiently waiting for God’s deliverance:
1. God lifted him out of his despair.
2. God set his feet on rock.
3. God gave him a firm place to stand.
4. God put a new song of praise in his mouth.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your good plans given to me everyday; plans that at times I was slow to see, realize or understand. But, I trust in You for everything I have or going to go through, knowing them all will work for good for those who loves You. Thank You for Your testing and molding to equipped me to be more like Christ each day.

Give me strength and wisdom to patiently wait in trying times and also learn to love You, serve others and tell others about You while waiting. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bee's Thoughts:

The prayer to the Lord by King David has become my prayer too.
It's a prayer of confidence in God:
in His compassion to listen to our cry;
in His power to lift us up when we are down;
in His plan for our life though at times it looks bleak;
in His desire for us to be His rather than our sacrifice.


Dear Lord,
Just like King David, I have experienced all Your goodness towards me in my life. At times I may forget about them, but this psalm again reminds me of who You are and what You want to do for me. I want to trust in You, Lord. You want my life rather than my offerings. Guide me as I walk in faith.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

A Meaningful Life

Ecclesiastes 2:1-16

Pleasures Are Meaningless
1 I thought in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good." But that also proved to be meaningless. 2 "Laughter," I said, "is foolish. And what does pleasure accomplish?" 3 I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.

4 I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. 5 I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. 6 I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees. 7 I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. 8 I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired men and women singers, and a harem [a] as well—the delights of the heart of man. 9 I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me.

10 I denied myself nothing my eyes desired;
I refused my heart no pleasure.
My heart took delight in all my work,
and this was the reward for all my labor.

11 Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done
and what I had toiled to achieve,
everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;
nothing was gained under the sun.

Wisdom and Folly Are Meaningless
12 Then I turned my thoughts to consider wisdom,
and also madness and folly.
What more can the king's successor do
than what has already been done?

13 I saw that wisdom is better than folly,
just as light is better than darkness.

14 The wise man has eyes in his head,
while the fool walks in the darkness;
but I came to realize
that the same fate overtakes them both.

15 Then I thought in my heart,
"The fate of the fool will overtake me also.
What then do I gain by being wise?"
I said in my heart,
"This too is meaningless."

16 For the wise man, like the fool, will not be long remembered;
in days to come both will be forgotten.
Like the fool, the wise man too must die!

Tommy's Thoughts:

Some consider Ecclesiastes the most controversial book of the Bible; too negative, too bleak, too pessimistic. But, if we follow to the end of the book, we will realize it is one of the books that answered clearly the deepest question in our hearts: the meaning of life.

There are many who constantly discontented, bitter, frustrated and unhappy over their life, frequently comparing themselves with others, blaming others and even God for their situation. There are others who said they will change or will not act the way they are now if they have or own something. Many also think their life will be fulfilled with earthly achievements, possessions, recognitions or wealth. And, there are also those who settled with their short life on earth just to have selfish fun, to be enjoyed irresponsibly and recklessly, thinking nothing matters or significant in life.

The writer of Ecclesiastes, probably Solomon, had tasted ‘them’ all, but found life under the sun (life minus God) as utterly meaningless, a chasing after the wind (v11). Without God, even the best lived life is utterly empty; it’s like a continuous pointless circle or loop. No matter whom you are or what you own: status, fame, wealth, all will come to an end and equal to nothing when we die. So, why work? Why help? Why change? Why bother? It’s all for nothing anyway!

But, a life with God is totally different and meaningful. It is filled with hope, purpose and assurance. As Christian, we have a clear finish line to spend our lives with God eternally, we have a clear purpose to glorify and honor Him with our talents, time, wisdom, love and obedience, and we are assured of our salvation when we believe in Christ.

Dear Lord, thank You for giving me a life filled with purpose and meaning; to seek, believe, glorify and honor You. Thank You for showing me the eternal value and significance in everything I do and of who I am as a person. Father, there are those close to me who still live a life under the sun even despite being a Christian, I pray that You will keep them in Your name, that they may one day seek and be one with You. Thank You and I ask all these in Jesus’ name, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

The pursuit of wealth and knowledge is nothing new to mankind... it's been there since the days of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:6). They sinned when they gave in to the temptation.

King Solomon found that all human's pursuits without God are just "vanity" or "meaningless... "everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind" (v11).

Tonight's devotion is a reminder to me that I should pursue what is of eternal value instead of things that are meaningless. Our wealth can get destroyed or stolen, our knowledge can be erazed when disease strikes our brain too.

"19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)

So what/who do we treasure in life? Can the things/people we treasure stay with us in eternity? Where is our heart?

Dear Lord,
Let me set my heart on You and focus on building things that are eternal -- my relationship with You and others. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Winds Of Love

1 John 4:1-8

Test the Spirits
1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

God's Love and Ours
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Tommy's Thoughts:

My friend’s brother is getting married in the coming month. They went to see a pastor to arrange their ceremony at the church and etc. They were shocked and puzzled over the request of the pastor to ask them live separately before the marriage. Their parents, who are Christians themselves, think the church is too strict and even worried their teaching is cultish!

There are ideas and values today that becoming more and more acceptable and popular in our society. They are normally things people like and want to hear, but are hidden with traps and many unseen consequences. Even some Christians were not aware of how much harm and damage these norms are to themselves and their close ones.

Fortunately, we have the Word of God to shed light and verify the many wrong teachings in the world today. We can find so much wisdom, head and heart knowledge in the Bible to guide our every action. If we come to God daily, humbly seeking His words, we will see with our eyes many things are wrong in the world today.

Dear Lord, thank You for teaching me not to conform with the wrongs in the world today. Guide me always to follow the examples of Jesus when dealing with issues in my life; revealing the love of God through my own actions wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Bee's Thoughts:

We are to love one another with the love that comes from God, not with the counterfeit of love which is frequently practiced in the world today. The amount of our love does determine how much we really know God (v8). So when we claim that we are "born of God" (i.e. Christians) and know God, then love should follows.

God's love is different from that of the world. God's love can wait, it doesn't rush; it grows slowly, not overnight; it grows stronger, not give up half way; it thinks of "you", not think of "I"; it never fails...

Dear Lord,
Thank You for tonight's devotion and the article I read. They explained and reinforced my concept of love. Yes, love is patient in waiting, not rushing. You have never rushed me into loving You. You drew me with Your unfailing love and I ran after You. Thank You for Your love. Let me love with Your love too.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

When Brokenhearted

Psalm 34:11-22

11 Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

12 Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,

13 keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking lies.

14 Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their cry;

16 the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.

18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

19 A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;

20 he protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken.

21 Evil will slay the wicked;
the foes of the righteous will be condemned.

22 The LORD redeems his servants;
no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.

Tommy's Thoughts:

It is easy to give up listening to God when troubles never stop coming our ways. We may be tempted to think that God is not there with us. We may even get frustrated thinking that He’s either doesn’t care about our dilemma or not powerful enough to solve our problems. We ended up making decision hastily, doing things on our own, to ease or escape from our problems. Often, this leads to even more disappointment and complication.

Whether we are Christian or not, life on earth will be filled with all kinds of uncertainties, pain, hardship, failure, grief and sorrow. It is why we need God’s strength, peace, hope, courage and wisdom to help us through all our problems. He has promised to be with us, standing beside us, protecting us all the time, gently holding our hands while we go through life’s rough journey.

Dear Lord, thank You for being there with me everyday; helping me through the many frustration and stress in my life. I can now lift up my head to go through life with Your strength and confidence without being constantly wear down by them. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

It's so comforting to know that God's eyes are always on those who seek to live Godly life and He will listen to their cry (v15).

Many have testified that God seems nearest to them when they are depressed or brokenhearted. That's exactly what God promised in the above psalm (v18). I have experienced that many times in my life too. Those were the times I really listened to what God had to say to me. As I opened myself to Him and He healed me.

Dear Lord,
Thank You that You always watch over me and hear my cry. Thank You for being so close to me whenever I need You most. Thank You for delivering me from all my toubles.
Praise You in Jesus' name. Amen.

Serve with Gladness

Ephesians 6:5-9

Slaves and Masters
5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

Tommy's Thoughts:

We spend big portion of our time at work. So, it’s a great blessing from God when our boss trusted in us to do our best, having confidence in the things we do and decision we make. As Christian, we should repay this trust by working hard and with enthusiasm in our works even when the boss is not around. We should see Jesus as our supervisor and do our work with diligence, responsibility and integrity.

Dear Lord, thank You for the blessings You have shown to me. Thank You for answering my prayers when I needed Your wisdom, strength and peace. Teach me to know Who I ultimately should want to please in everything I do. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

Christians are supposed to be the best workers, if they follow the teaching of the Bible to serve their earthly masters/employers like they serve the Lord. Likewise, Christians bosses are supposed to be the best bosses if they follow biblical teaching. However, if they are unwilling to serve the Lord, then it doesn't make sense for them to serve their employers well or treat their employees well too. So it begins with their relationship with the Lord and how they serve Him in the first place.

Dear Lord,
Let me serve You with gladness that I may always serve my earthly employers with gladness too. When there are issues at my workplace, let me always get Your wisdom to resolve them. I commit my work to You, Lord. Let me find favor in the eyes of people I work with, for I work hard as unto You.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Divine Strength

John 18:1-11

Jesus Arrested
1 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.

2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"

5 "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied.

"I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.

7 Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?"
And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."

8 "I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me."

10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)

11 Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"

Tommy's Thoughts:

In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was greatly troubled and deeply distressed over not only the physical pain He will endure, but also the burden of sins and separation from the Father. But, after a fervent and persistent prayer, Jesus left the garden strengthened in His resolve. Boldly He said “I am He” to the soldiers and officials from the chief priests and Pharisees that came looking for Him.

There are times we feel unable to obey or follow what we know is right. We face difficult situations and trying circumstances that move us to choose the easy way out, the shortcuts. These are the times where we need to pray fervently to God to give us the strength to go where He wanted us to go, doing what He knows is best for us. We need to pray by submitting to the will of God; enabling us to face the cup of life given to us.

Dear Lord, thank You for giving me the resolve in keeping and applying Your teachings to all those hard situations I have to face in my life. Thank You also for Your strength and peace that keep me going, holding firmly to the glorious hope in You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

There's no coincidence that I have just watched the documentary show, the "Gospel of Judas", screened over the Discovery Channel on the TV tonight. In this 'gospel' Judas was portrayed as the one helping Jesus to fulfill His mission, instead of being a betrayer. What a world of difference from the four gospels, Matthew, Mark Luke John. This is also available at the National Geographic site.

What touches me is not so much the difference in the accounts in this 'gospel', as I don't think it can hold any 'water', but rather the scenes on Jesus dying on the cross and the Christians who were tortured for their faith in Christ. Undoubtingly it shows God's divine power in them. Likewise, we Christians today are able to receive strength from God if we have to suffer for His name's sake.

Interestingly, I have just read a 15-year-old student's blog, asking the following questions:

1. If a gun was pointed at you and you were asked if you were a Christian and if you said yes you will be shot, what would you say?

2. If a gun was pointed at your mother, a non believer, and if you said you were a christian, she would be shot, what would you say?

Hmmn... food for thoughts... what will be your answers?


Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me today that I can receive strength from You if I have to suffer. Thank You that You are the true and living God. I pray that I will hold fast my faith when testing comes upon me. I pray that I will not deny Your name.
In Jesus' name I ask. Amen.

The Great Overcomer

Hebrews 12:1-16

God Disciplines His Sons
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."

7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

Tommy's Thoughts:

I was startled by an illustration of Christ’s Crucifixion when I was young. During that time, I was yet to know the meaning and of Christ’s divinity. The only thing I saw and felt was the excruciating pain this person must has gone through on the cross. But, what puzzled me most and what I don’t see in other religions was the image of how a ‘holy person’ was shown sacrificed and tortured, instead of being a mighty and all-powerful.

Little did I know, this seemingly ‘defeat’ was in fact the greatest victory and act of genuine love in history of mankind! Without this key event, everything in life will be futile, impossible and hopeless because of our sins. And we will never know how much God really loves each one of us that He laid down His own precious Son to give us salvation.

Nothing is more perfect or wonderful than God’s plan and love for us.

Dear Lord, how great, wonderful and amazing Your love! Forgive me that at times I’m slow to see and obey Your ways and teachings, focusing only on feeling and selfish gain. Forgive me also for not shining brightly as Your children of light to those around me by being self-centered, not seeing the needs of others.

Thank You Jesus for making the impossible possible through what You have done for me on the Cross. Thank You also for being there with me all the time, in good and trying times, and never leave or forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:5, Hebrews 13:5).

Lord, I pray that You’ll help me to remember not to take for granted the love and salvation I have received freely from You and teach me to be obedient, continue growing each day to be more like Christ in every aspects of my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

Very often, we are distracted by many things during our walk with God. Things such as our career, our relationships, our studies, our ambitions, our envious or inferior-complex self can make us lose focus on what is eternal.

Here Paul asked us, Christians, to "throw off everything that hinder" us and the "sins that entangle" (v1), and to fix our eyes on Jesus (v2). Whenever we feel weary in doing what is right, we are to turn to Jesus as our role model for our perseverence.

Dear Lord,
Search my heart and show me tonight the things that hinder me in running this spirtual race with You. I want to remove them as You commanded. Give me strength to do so. For things that help and encourage me to walk with You more, let me not be tired in doing them.

I pray that You will protect my best friend as he travels for his working trip tomorrow. May You grant him journey mercy and give him a fruitful trip. Let Your wisdom be in his mouth as he deals with people at work. Let him find peace and rest in You. May You bring him home safely again.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Christian Walk

2 Timothy 2:1-13

1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

11 Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
12 if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
13 if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.

Bee's Thoughts:

Paul asked us to reflect on the following people to learn from them:

"reliable men" - only then are they qualified to teach others
"soldier" - stay focus and not get distracted by the cares of this life, so he can please the one he serves
"athlete" - follow the rules and stay disciplined, so he can receive the crown
"farmer" - be hardworking, so he can reap the harvest

One thing that touches me is "if we are faithless, he will remain faithful" (v13). God has shown Himself faithful to me over and over again despite my faithlessness. Thank God for that.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the reminder tonight that I should have the characteristics of a reliable person, a soldier, an athlete, and a hardworking farmer. Help me in my spiritual walk with You. Give me strength to go on no matter what.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Healing of Conscience

Hebrews 9:11-28

The Blood of Christ
11 When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

16 In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, 17 because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living. 18 This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood. 19 When Moses had proclaimed every commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people. 20 He said, "This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep." 21 In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. 22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

23 It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. 25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26 Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Jesus has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself (v26). Christ’s death once and for all effectively frees us from dying spiritually, eternally separated from God because of our sin. When we have accepted Christ as our Savior, we no longer need to worry or frustrated about our old self or past sins, feeling not being good enough for God or trying hard to earn His favor.

Dear Lord, thank You for Christ who has shed His blood for me, cleansed my consciences and freed me from the power of sin and death. Teach me to remember not to continue carrying the load of guilt on my shoulder but to be renewed in Christ, presenting my needs and service to You as an offering. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

Conscience is a God-given beacon to guide us in how we should live, with or without the law of the land. Our conscience will prick us when we try to do something that is morally not right. However, if we keep rejecting the pricking of our conscience it will become hardened, and then darkened or dead... we will lose the ability to distinguish right and wrong.

It's sad that sin has caused our conscience to go to 'sleep'. It can only be awakened when we allow the blood of Christ to cleanse it (v14). That's why when a person become a born-again Christian, he will suddenly become very sensitive to what is right and wrong. His life will begin to change as the Spirit of God works in him.

"Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned." (1 Timothy 1:5).

"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:22).

Often, the devil will accuse us when our conscience is not clear. We then dare not go to God in prayer. We forget that we can come before God through the blood of Christ, that cleanses us from our evil conscience.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for that the blood of Christ that has cleansed my heart and my conscience. I need Your daily cleansing that I may come to You in full assurance of faith. Help me to have a pure heart and a good conscience that I may please You.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

When The Pressure Is On

Romans 5:1-5

Peace and Joy
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Rejoicing in our sufferings? How can we feel joy when we are in pain and distress? Not only it seems impossible to feel joy, it’s even hard to feel anything when we are deeply hurt, discouraged or disappointed. We find ways and outlets to release the pressure or lessen the pain, but only for awhile and things might even turn worst like developing all kinds of addictions.

As Christian, we can rejoice despite our sufferings not because we like pain or ignoring its significance, but because we know we are complete in Christ, having the peace from being made right with God. Rejoice because we know God is using our lives’ difficulties and Satan’s attacks to help us grow and build our character. Through sufferings, we can identify ourselves with Christ, not being discouraged with problems but learning to depend on the power from Christ, who lives in us by the Holy Spirit.

Dear Lord, these few weeks have been especially tough for me. The stress and problems don’t seem to go away or end anytime soon. But, I know and can see for the first time, thanks to the Holy Spirit, what You are trying to equip me with through all these ‘obstacles’. And, I’m happy that I can still give You thanks and praise everyday knowing that You have poured out Your love into my hearts (v5), changing and renewing me to be more like Christ each day. Thank You Lord! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

Since childhood days, there were times I hoped I could just disappear from this earth when my sufferings became too unbearable. During those times I wished I had never been born, just like what I wrote in my poem. I envied those who come from good homes.

This passage has always been one that kept me persevering on in spite of the sufferings I'd gone through in life. I knew that God wanted to mould my character through them. Yes, I have become someone who has more persevering power, more patient, more empathy, never give up easily on things or people. And yes, my faith in Christ grew stronger too.

I know there are more things for me to learn. I need to learn not only to accept sufferings but to "rejoice" in them too.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for moulding my character through those sufferings. Let me learn to rejoice and give thanks to You each time sufferings come along instead of passively accepting it or complaining about it. It's not an easy lesson but Your Spirit will help me learn it.
I also want to pray for my friends who are having some struggles in life that You will be their strength at this moment. May You teach them Your ways and their paths. I pray that Your peace be with them right now.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Pride goes before Destruction

2 Kings 20:12-21

Envoys From Babylon
12 At that time Merodach-Baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent Hezekiah letters and a gift, because he had heard of Hezekiah's illness. 13 Hezekiah received the messengers and showed them all that was in his storehouses—the silver, the gold, the spices and the fine oil—his armory and everything found among his treasures. There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them.

14 Then Isaiah the prophet went to King Hezekiah and asked, "What did those men say, and where did they come from?"
"From a distant land," Hezekiah replied. "They came from Babylon."

15 The prophet asked, "What did they see in your palace?"
"They saw everything in my palace," Hezekiah said. "There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them."

16 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, "Hear the word of the LORD : 17 The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your fathers have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the LORD. 18 And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood, that will be born to you, will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon."

19 "The word of the LORD you have spoken is good," Hezekiah replied. For he thought, "Will there not be peace and security in my lifetime?"

20 As for the other events of Hezekiah's reign, all his achievements and how he made the pool and the tunnel by which he brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah? 21 Hezekiah rested with his fathers. And Manasseh his son succeeded him as king.

Bee's Thoughts:

King Hezekiah's showing off of his wealth in his pride had brought about his downfall. In fact, he didn't believe when Isaiah prophesied about his wealth being taken away (v19).

There is a human tendency to show off one's achievements, especially if they were obtained through much hardship. I remember my ex-boss (unbelievably also a 'pastor') kept bragging about his wealth, his son's and wife's intelligence, etc, to me and other staff. He would repeat the same thing each time he had a chance. He even went to the extend of buying a 'PhD' cert for his wife finally when she couldn't even produce a basic degree cert. All these came about because he went though much pains and difficulties in his youth. I just feel sorry for him. He would haev been a very good and successful man if not for his pride.

Pride not only comes through bragging, but many times it's in our attitude too. When we try to do things by our own strength instead of relying on God, that's pride. The bible warns that pride comes before a fall, so we have to be very careful not to fall into it. Jesus shows the way of true humility by becoming a man and die on the cross for us.

Dear Lord,
Please forgive me for my own pride too when at times I tend to rely on my own natural talents and abilities instead of on You. Forgive me too for saying things that appeared as pride to others unknowingly. I want to humble myself before You now and ask that You will guide and lead me in my speech and my walk. I want to commit my work and my relationship with people to You now. May You get the glory in all I do and say.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Pride.

C. S. Lewis in his book explains: "Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man. It is the comparison that makes you proud: the pleasure of being above the rest. Once the element of competition has gone, pride has gone."

It’s said in the Bible, the proud love "the praise of men more than the praise of God." (John 12:42-43). They compete in all kind of ways solely to win men's praise and approval, to be a cut above the rest. Instead of being thankful by giving credits to God, they try to impress others with the blessings they received. But, pride often goes before destruction (Prov. 16:18).

Dear Lord, thank You for the many gifts and blessings I received from You. Teach me Lord not to be proud with the sense of self-congratulations or aggrandizement, striving only in earning the favor and admiration of others. Rather, guide me to always humbly acknowledge all I’ve received came from You, and to give You praise and thanksgiving for everything. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

He'll Never Forsake Us

Psalm 71:9-18

9 Do not cast me away when I am old;
do not forsake me when my strength is gone.

10 For my enemies speak against me;
those who wait to kill me conspire together.

11 They say, "God has forsaken him;
pursue him and seize him,
for no one will rescue him."

12 Be not far from me, O God;
come quickly, O my God, to help me.

13 May my accusers perish in shame;
may those who want to harm me
be covered with scorn and disgrace.

14 But as for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.

15 My mouth will tell of your righteousness,
of your salvation all day long,
though I know not its measure.

16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD;
I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.

17 Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, O God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your might to all who are to come.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Last week, I heard a testimony from a church speaker who had been disappointed, frustrated and discouraged for over 7 years because the action and decision of others. Although he was tempted to be dishonest and take the easy way out from his dilemma, he decided to listen to God’s voices and follow His leading.

He held on to his integrity with hope in God through all those years. Despite the situation, He still saw God faithfully standing beside him, helping and blessing him in other meaningful ways.

At times, things do turn out not the way we wanted or expected. It’s easy to wrongly think God has abandoned us or worst working against us. We need to be like the psalmists, who have resolute confidence and hope in God’s constant help and refuge in all circumstances. With a grateful heart, they praise and thank God, proclaiming His righteousness and declaring His sovereignty.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your constant help and guidance to me. Forgive me that sometimes I overlook or is unaware of Your good works in my life, blinded by situations in front of me. I will sing praises to You all the days of my life, making it a testimony of what You has done for me. In the wonderful name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9

Bee's Thoughts:

The above psalm shows King David as human as we are. In his old age, frail and weak, he wondered if God would forsake him. Therefore his plea, "Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone." (v9) and "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God" (v18). This seems like a reverse-phsychological statement, 'cos I believe he knew very well that God will never forsake him. When we read all the pslams written by King David, we could see his full confidence in God, and his desire to do God's will. He is known as "a man after God's own heart".

Sometimes I also felt the way King David did. When I was a young Christian, I like to use the prayers of David as mine to God. Each time I prayed like David did, I felt the assurance from God.

Recently, I miss some of my close friends a lot as they are all so busy with works these days, so am I. Yes, friends may forsake us no matter how close we are to each other before, or how good we have been towards them, but not the almighty God. It's time like this that we have to always come back to God's word to be reassured of His faithfulness and love towards us.

Dear Lord,
Thank You that You will never leave me nor forsake me, even when I am old. My close ones may leave me, but You won't, Your presence is ever before me. Help me not to feel sad or hurt when loved ones do not love me as before anymore. Help me to stay strong in Your love and continue to care for them with Your unfailing love. Help me in my weakness and my weariness.
I pray all these in Jesus' name. Amen.

Love and Obedience

Mark 2:1-12

Jesus Heals a Paralytic
1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."

6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 "Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . . ." He said to the paralytic, 11 "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"

Bee's Thoughts:

The 4 men who carried the paralytic to Jesus were undeterred by the crowd and the hassle of digging through the roof in order to lower him down to Jesus. I see persistency in action... and that also translates into love for someone and also faith in Jesus' healing power.

Love perseveres and never give up easily. Faith in Jesus brings forgiveness and healing too. Our constant prayers for someone also translate into love for that person. Sometimes, earnest and constant prayers can be even more valuable than what we can do for someone we love.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for those who care enough to pray for me everyday. I pray the same for them that you will keep and guide them daily too. May our prayers be a pleasing offering to You. Praise You Lord. Amen

Tommy's Thoughts:

Jesus as Son of Man was fully human. Being a man, Jesus has faced the same kind of temptations, sufferings and longings like every human being. He understands and can easily relates with everything we have to go through in life; our needs, our pains, our struggles.

Jesus is also the Son of God, having the power and authorities of God. He has the authority over temptation, authority over the lives of men, authority over nature, authority to establish truth, authority over demons, authority over sickness and ultimately the authority to forgive our sin.

So, we have a God that truly understand our every predicament and also has the power and authority to help us overcome them, setting us free and healing us. In order for this to happen, all we need is to have the total faith and obedience in Christ. But often, the problem is not we do not want to obey, it’s because we think we are unable to obey or to see how we can do it.

In today’s passage, Jesus asked the paralytic to do exactly what he could not do in himself, to rise up and walk. But he obeyed because Jesus asked him to. And He was healed the very moment he obeyed the command. So, even when we cannot see how we can do what He says, we must respond to Him in obedience in order to receive that power. And it will be there when we do respond!

God’s grace comes in at the point of our obedience.

Dear Lord, thank You for forgiving my sins and making me the kind of person you want me to be. Take control of my life and teach me to always listen to Your voice, knowing what You’re saying to me everyday. May my faith and obedience in You produces fruits, fruits that changes myself and touches the lives of others. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Amazing Love

Genesis 45:1-13

Joseph Makes Himself Known
1 Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, "Have everyone leave my presence!" So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh's household heard about it.

3 Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still living?" But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.

4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

8 "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. 9 Now hurry back to my father and say to him, 'This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don't delay. 10 You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me—you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have. 11 I will provide for you there, because five years of famine are still to come. Otherwise you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute.'

12 "You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that it is really I who am speaking to you. 13 Tell my father about all the honor accorded me in Egypt and about everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly."

Bee's Thoughts:

I like the attitude of Joseph. He did not resent the fact that his brothers had sold him into slavary. He saw it as God's doing, that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28). He knew that God had a purpose for allowing the seemingly bad thing to happen in his life. He loved his brothers still, he forgave them and consoled them, asking them not to feel bad about the wrong they did to him.

God was teaching me something through today's Sunday Service sermon, "Finding the Strength to Go On". Today's devotion has reinforced that message that when things happen to me it may be a blessing in disguise, like in Joseph's case. Therefore, during my time of crisis I should find strength to go on in God.

Yes, when I looked back at my past, from childhood till now, I could see God's hands in my life. He allowed things to happen to me in order to mould my life to what I am today... my life transformation, my education, my career, my relationship, etc. For all these, I give God the glory.

Dear Lord,
Thank You that You have never left me alone in my despair or crisis. You have been there with me all the time and see me through every trials. Praise You, Lord. Amen.

Tommy's Thought:

“Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." - Luke 5:31-32

We have a wonderful God that knows, seeks and helps out those in the greatest need, those who feel helpless and condemned. By His amazing love and grace, God redeem us from being doomed to sin and eternal punishment. God makes this possible through the death of His own Son, Jesus Christ on the cross; wiping away our sins and making us renewed and whole again.

But, we often forget this, of what Christ has done for us, by continually hating, blaming and condemning our self for the wrongs we have committed. Satan commonly uses our doubt on the sufficiency of the Cross, to pull us off track, trapping us indefinitely from drawing close to God and others.

So, when we say we believe and trusted in what Christ has done for us:

1. We should know all of our sins have been forgiven: past, present and future (Col. 2:13-14)


2. We have been delivered from Satan's power and domain (Col. 1:13)


3. We have been declared righteous by God (2 Cor. 5:21)


4. We have been accepted by God (Col. 1:19-22)


5. We have now Christ dwelling within us (Col. 1:27)


6. We have become new creations of God (2 Cor. 5:17)


7. We have received eternal life (John 5:24)

Do always remember and meditate upon, especially this coming Good Friday and Easter, the fact that the forgiveness of our sins, the new life within us and our entry into God's presence is based completely and solely on the work of Christ at Calvary.

Dear Lord, how great and amazing Your love! I’ll praise and glorify Your name forever. Thank You for Your faithfulness and all that You have done for me, yesterday, today and tomorrow. In the wonderful name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

.......the devotion of Bee & Tommy

Priorities

Philippians 3:1-11

No Confidence in the Flesh

1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.

2 Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.

7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Our relationship with Christ is more important than everything in life. To know Him and His resurrection power, we may have to give up certain things or make sacrifices. It might be our time, comfort, plans, pleasures, or fulfillments. When we trust in Him, we are united with Him, exchanging our shortcomings for His complete righteousness. His resurrection power will help us to live morally renewed and regenerated lives.

Like His resurrection that gives us a new life, His crucifixion brings death to our old sinful nature. To know His resurrection and to have our lives transformed, we must also apply Christ’s crucifixion on all our sins. We must make the conscious effort to know Christ has already put to death all our sin, giving us a new and victorious start as sin no longer have control over us.

Dear Lord, forgive me that at times I place other things above seeking a relationship with You, to know You personally and to make sacrifices. Help me to realize and know to die to sin and be renewed through the victory of Christ’s resurrection. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

Paul has given up all his learning and status to become a follower of Christ. His goal in life was "to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death" (v10). Shouldn't that be my goal too?

Dear Lord,
May I truly know Christ... not just on the surface.
May I truly experience the power of His ressurection... raising me from my dying spirit.
May I truly share in His sufferings... knowing His pains.
May I become like Him... a shinning light.
In Jesus' name I humbly pray. Amen.




.......the devotion of Bee & Tommy

The Rest

Matthew 11:20-30

Woe on Unrepentant Cities
20Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21"Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths.[a] If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you."

Rest for the Weary
25At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

27"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Tommy's Thoughts:

Heavy burdens.

They come in many forms. We may be carrying a burden of a sin from our past, a bondage that seems unbreakable, an unhealed hurt deep inside our heart, excessive demands by others at work and home, oppressions, unfulfilled longings this side of heaven or weariness in searching for God. We may go through life carrying these extra loads with despair and hopelessness.

But, Jesus has promised to give us rest if we were to come to Him when we are weary and burdened. This rest is love, healing and peace with God when we share His yoke. When we work right beside Him, we will see our attitude and perception over things changes: meaningless, stressful, tiring chores turn into spiritual productivity, opportunity and purpose.

Dear Lord, thank You for your forgiveness and gift of salvation. Thank You for being there with me when I was worn down from carrying my burdens. Thank You for giving me a purpose in life, to honor and glorify You in everything I do (Isaiah 43:7, 1 Corinthians 6:20). Lord, teach me to seek your truth in childlike faith, knowing only You holds all the answers. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

I always like verse 28,"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Very often I refuse to rest even though I am weary and worn. I struggled to keep going till I drop literally. It can become very unproductive to just push myself further instead of taking a break and rest to recharge my engery.

Spiritually is the same, Jesus invited us to go to Him to find rest. Sometimes I like to run away to a quiet place to just spend time with God. That is a spiritual and emotional rest in Him. Only by doing so can I find the recharged energy to go on to love and to care for others.

Dear Lord,
Thank You that You are my rest. I need You even now. I am very tired. Amen.

.......the devotion of Bee & Tommy