Sticky Burdens

Read Psalm 32:1-7

Reflection of Tommy:

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” - Psalm 32:7

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you.” —Psalm 55:22

Most Christians know very well that we need to somehow rest all our burdens and worries to God, but not many truly understand the meaning of doing that. I found a good illustration from a book I recently read. The author described most Christians are like a man who was toiling along the road, bending under a heavy burden. As a car overtook him, the driver kindly offered to help him on his journey. He joyfully accepted the offer, but when seated in the car, he continued to bend beneath his burden, which he still kept on his shoulders!

Like the man, we too often think that it is almost too much to ask God to ‘carry’ us, and could not think of letting Him further carry our burdens too. So we who have given ourselves into the care and keeping of Jesus, often continue bending beneath the weight of our burdens, and often go weary and heavy-laden throughout the whole length of our journey. There are also those who at first fully surrender their burden, only to take them back as soon as they finish praying.

As we read through His Word, we can see how many times God has promised to take care of us when we cast all our burdens to Him. There is no great crisis or 'sticky' burden that He can’t handle for us; thus, we can fully trust Him to sustain and see us through every situation. Instead of worrying and panicking, we should pray and submit all our concerns to Him, and His peace that transcends all human understanding will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

God knows our burdens and our crosses,
Those things that hurt, our trials and losses,
He cares for every soul that cries,
And wipes the tears from weeping eyes. —Brandt

Dear Father, thank You that I can present my anxious thoughts to You any time and You faithfully supply me with Your peace and strength in return. Teach me to trust You more in ALL things that through them I can emerge stronger and become a better witness for Christ. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Integrity 101

Read Psalm 101

Reflection of Tommy:

"I will behave wisely in a perfect way...I will walk within my house with a perfect heart." —Psalm 101:2

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines integrity as “incorruptible”. Like King David, we as Christian always seek out ways to live a life of integrity and staying away from all forms of ‘corruption’ as a response to God’s love for us (v1). We can begin leading such blameless lives, not by our own strength, but through empowering the Holy Spirit working in us each day.

The Spirit will shows us how to avoid looking at wickedness (v3), evil associates (‘men of perverse heart’ – v4), slander and pride (v5). He will keep our eyes on those (friends, associates) who are faithful to God and choose them to be our models. The Spirit will also illuminate our hearts with the standards by which to live from His Word.

Dear Father, I rejoice in Your Word and of who You are; my true, sovereign and only God. Guide me to live a blameless life free from any deceit or dishonesty, to always speak the truth and do all things pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

The Perfect Storm

Read Mark 4:35-41

Reflection of Tommy:

Like the disciples, we too become panic when facing the storms of life. Though we have said we will trust in God, but there are times we still feel God is not doing anything to help our situation (v38). We can easily be paralyzed by our fear when we underestimate God’s power and His total control over our situation.

Instead of panicking, we should resist fear and putting our total trust and care in God. We should confess our need for Him and submitting all our concerns to His control. God who is faithful and sovereign will give us the right perspective over our situations. He will also supply us with the peace and strength to endure through those struggles.

Dear Father, thank You again for reminding me that You are in total control of every situation; that You will care and protect me if I rest all my trust and care into Your hands. Guide my ways and thoughts that I will be a bolder and more obedient follower of Christ. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Reach For . . .

Read Psalm 55:1-7,22

Reflection of Tommy:

In times of stress, crisis or sorrow, many tend to seek out things that bring temporary relief and escape from their problem. It doesn’t take long for those problems to crop back and haunts them again and again; leading them to seek for other ways to comfort and calm their restless heart and mind. Very often, these ways are destructive and worsen their situation even more than before.

As Christian, we need not to seek for all these temporal and negative solutions but instead we should be like David, to cast all our cares to God (v22) in times of grief and sorrow. Our faithful and loving God not only listens, knows and understands our struggles; He has also promise to sustain us with the strength, peace and grace to endure (v22).

Dear Father, thank You that I can rest all my cares unto Your hand; that You will handle them for me. Teach me to trust You on that and not taking back my burdens every time I’ve submitted to You. Guide me to earnestly seek Your Word daily and allowing the Spirit to fully work in me; changing me into the person You wanted me to be. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

A Time to Remember

Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

"Do this in remembrance of Me." —1 Corinthians 11:24

The Holy Communion reminds us of Jesus' love for us and what He has done for us. Although we may be facing all kind of challenges and dissapointment at the moment, let us partake in this communion, that we'll be renewed, cleansed and strengthen with the courage and hope we have in Him.

Dear Father, thank You for this tangible way in rememberance of Your great love for me. Search my heart and reveal to me any area of my life that are not pleasing to You, asking You for forgiveness and to repent from them.

Lord Jesus, lead and fill me with the Spirit, empowering Him to bring about a grateful and obedient heart in me. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Getting Free

Read Mark 10:17-27

Reflection of Tommy:

To be honest, many of us can associate ourselves to this young man. We believe in Christ and know well we wanted to follow Him but there are things we are unable to let go in our lives. Although the story is not about asking us to give away all our possessions but instead it shows to us that we must not allow anything we have or desire (people, money or things) keep us from following Jesus.

Another interesting thing about this story is how Jesus showed genuine love for this man despite knowing he might not follow Him (v21). His love for Him is not superficial; He lovingly but straightforwardly broke through the young man’s pride of accomplishment and self-effort through a life-changing challenge.

This question was important to this young man as it is to us today - Are we able to love God more than anything else (Exodus 20:3) in our lives and turning our lives entirely over to Christ?

Dear Father, teach and show to me what it means by giving my all to You. I will never know this truth and continue living in my wretched ways if not through the work of the Spirit in me. So Father, here I am, giving myself as an empty vessel to be filled with Your Spirit.

Lord, change my heart and open my eyes to see what a heavenly blessedness, riches and glory it is to be filled with the Spirit out of the heart of Jesus. I give myself up once for all and forever. Guide me and lead me from this day onwards. In Jesus’ mighty Name I pray, Amen!

Just Be Yourself

Read John 9:1-5

There were times I have problem figuring out the best way in sharing the Good News without sounding like a religious fanatic. I also fear saying the wrong things that not only fail to convey the message but pushing others away from it.

But in today's passage, we learn how the blind man who know very little about the Good News, boldly shared what has happened to Him. His confidence was based on being himself and giving simple testimony of what Jesus has done to him. Instead of memorizing the amazing stories you heard somewhere else, our real and personal testimony is often more effective in witnessing for Christ to the world.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me this just at the right time when I wanted to know a better way to share to others. Teach me to empty myself from all pride, self-suffiency and other wrong motives but allow the Holy Spirit to fully fill and guide me to be a good and effective witness for Christ. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Tree of Life

Read Proverbs 15:1-4

There are nothing more horrible than the feeling of regret for saying something wrong to someone. Verse 2 says that the mouth of the fool gushes folly. How true that often we speak before we think, and making a fool of ourselves later.

We need to examine our words before we burst them out to others. We need to ask whether they bring healing (v4) and build others up or crushing and tearing them apart. Are we expressing them with gentleness (v1) or heartless sarcasm and criticism that hurt and bring others down.

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me to watch my words in speech and also in writing. Guide me to think about how others may feel and respond to the things I say. May my tongue be a tree of life bringing healing and comfort to others. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

A Deep Dependence

Read 2 Corinthians 3:1-11

Reflection of Tommy:

Recently, I was surprised to learn about the ritualistic and legalistic side of a religion that to me give so much stress and burden to its believer. As mentioned in verse 6 in today’s passage – “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life”, we know that trying to be saved by keeping moral law will end in death.

It is only by believing in Jesus Christ that we receive eternal life through the Holy Spirit. The law makes us realize about our sins and showing us how to obey God, but our forgiveness comes only through the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ (Rom. 7:10-8:2)

Daer Father, thank You for implanting the Holy Spirit in my heart, giving me new power to live for You. Teach me to always humble myself before You; acknowledging that all my sufficiency and capability is only with Your help and enabling of the Spirit. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Not Boredom But Freedom

Read 2 John 1-6

Reflection of Tommy:

In 2 John, we are reminded to recommit ourselves to be a person of truth, of love and of obedience. We are asked to walk in love as Christian (v6), a real love that contrasts starkly to the distorted love in our world today. This real love is all about selfless giving, caring, sharing and even dying.

We can show this real love in many ways; by refusing to judge or looking down on others; by accepting people; by being a good and emphatic listener; by helping, giving and serving others without always expecting something in return. By doing this, we put what we have learned into practice; walking in obedience to God’s commands (v6).

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me to not just love in word or in tongue but in deed and in truth (1 John 3:18). Open my eyes to see any opportunities to display the same genuine love Christ has shown to me. Guide all my ways that they will be always pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Use It Wisely

Read Genesis 2:7-15

Reflection of Tommy:

Although we are living in this temporal world, it doesn’t mean we can neglect or abuse the resources God has given to us here. We should cultivate the right and grateful attitude in protecting our environment and preserving its resources for our future generations; to be a good and responsible steward for everything God has blessed us with.

Dear Father, thank You for all that You have created for us; all that You saw them as good. Guide me to use and manage them wisely and responsibly. May I be a good and effective steward, working together with others, in keeping this world a better and sustainable place for the future generations. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Fan into Flame our Gifts

Read 2 Timothy 1:1-10

Reflection of Tommy:

This second letter to Timothy is probably the last words we have from Paul. In it, Paul who considers Timothy as his own ‘son’ was encouraging him to preserve and be bold in proclaiming the gospel despite the great opposition and persecution at that time. In telling Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God”, Paul was guiding him to fully use the gifts God has given him with the help and power of the Holy Spirit.

As Christian, we too need to fan into flame the gifts God has given to us. We should not hide our light because of timidity or fear of rejection from others, but to be bold guided by the Holy Spirit to plant gospel seeds wherever God has placed us at.

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me not to shy away or easily give up in my sharing with others. Teach me not to do it alone but to be guided by the Spirit and the help of others. Guide me to follow the Spirit’s leading each day, to be more fully displays the power, love and self-discipline as a good witness and true disciple for Christ. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

No Bragging Rights

Read Ephesians 1:3-12

Reflection of Tommy:

Many Christians today still struggle to understand the meaning of being blessed in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ (v3). Why do we still have to undergo so much fear, pain and suffering; what exactly are those spiritual blessings Paul was talking about?

When we believe and trust in Christ, we’ll have an intimate relationship with Him and receive all the benefits from knowing Him. We will be assured of being chosen for salvation (John 5:24) and adopted as His children (John 1:12; Rom.8:15)

Also, all our sins are forgiven: past, present and future (Col. 2:13-14), we’ll be delivered from Satan’s domain and transferred into the kingdom of Christ (Col. 1:13), Christ comes and dwell within us (Col. 1:27; Rev.3:20); we’ll become a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), we’ll be declared righteous (2 Cor. 5:21) and being accepted by God (Col. 1:19-22). All these spiritual blessings are eternal and this gives us the confidence, hope, strength and peace to go through all the difficult challenges in this life.

Dear Father, thank You for all these wonderful truths, Your grace and love in sustaining me. Lord, whenever I’m lost and in fear and worry, remind me of these blessings I have in Christ. Guide me and supply me the wisdom and discernment to do what is right in Your sight. Give me strength for follow when I’m weary, burdened and in doubt. Build my faith stronger and trusting in You more as I journey with You. Lead me I pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

School Of Hard Knocks

Read Psalm 119:65-72

Reflection of Tommy:

Our lives in this fallen world are still subject to pain, hurt and suffering. Experiencing the abundant life God has promised for us does not mean our lives will be problem-free. In fact, life can be a series of problems that can break us apart if we were to live solely with our own strength. Many unsuspecting Christians are surprised, confused and discouraged by these difficulties when they do not allow themselves to be renewed constantly by God’s sustaining grace and strength.

Instead of feeling disillusioned and disheartened when we are assaulted by the storms in life, seek to learn from our mistake and God’s lesson for us (v71) and march forward with His strength to come out stronger than before. Let Him lead You through the Spirit, to be filled with His assuring love and peace, that we be a victor in all our battles.

Dear Father, thank You for the warning and also lesson You’ve shown to me; protecting me from all the unnecessary problem in this life. Teach me to trust You more and exchange all my doubts with a childlike faith and trust in You always. Guide me I pray, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Bread For The Coming Day

Read Matthew 6:9-13

Reflection of Tommy:

Many today are still being deceived by Satan’s lie that we can find greater significance and fulfillment apart from God. As we continually trapped in this meaningless search, we rob ourselves from what we truly need and what God intended us to be.

Only God can supply and fulfill these needs of ours. Only Him can fill the void in our heart. Seek Him and his kingdom today, and He will show to us the fruitful and abundant life He has promised for each one of us.

Dear Father, thank You for Your providence and blessings, that I have no need to worry about my needs if I were to follow You obediently. Guide me to seek the truth in Your Word and apply them in my daily life. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

With All My Art

Read Exodus 35:30-35

Reflection of Tommy:

We tend to separate our spiritual life with our work life. But, in today’s passage we see how our work and talent-whatever it may be- can becomes an act of worship when they are enlivened by the Spirit of God. As we make good use of our God-given talent, our works display the glory of God and become a good witness for Christ.

Dear Father, thank You for all Your gift of talent and skill for me. Thank You for reminding me to make good use of them and to treat all my works as an act of worship to You. Lord, teach me to be always diligent, attentive and responsible at work. May all the glory and praise be Yours. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Imitate Me

Read 1 Corinthians 4:9-17

Reflection of Tommy:

In today’s passage, Paul reminded the Corinthians that no preacher of God has higher status or greater than another. This is because they focused entirely onto individual leaders (Paul, Apolloes, Peter, etc.) instead of emulating their Christlike qualities. Thus, they created division and became spiritually proud; feeling themselves more superior to others.

Similarly, we can learn to imitate the Christlike qualities from our leaders or mentors. It will help us tremendously if we are willing to learn those aspects of their beliefs and conduct that were modeling Christ’s way of living. But, we should be aware of not in any way ‘glorifying’ these leaders and boast about being tied to them because they are simply a humble servant of God.

Dear Father, thank You for all those faithful servant of Yours that have provided so much guidance and example of what and how to be a true disciple of Christ. Teach me to be open to advice and leading of these ‘mentors’ and be in check always to focus on imitating their Christlike qualities. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

A Little Concern

Read Psalm 91:9-16

Reflection of Tommy:

Many of us worry about others more than ourselves- our loved ones, family members, our children. That’s why in our prayers we often pour out to God to protect and bless them. Each time we hear any bad news about them, we are struck down with fear and worry. We think of the worst and panic fully occupied our mind.

In today’s comforting passage, we find the ‘cure’ to all our fear and worry in this life. No matter how intense our fears may be, we can trade them for faith in God, trusting Him as our shelter and refuge. We do this when we “dwell” and “rest” with Him (v9), entrusting ourselves and our loved ones to His protection and pledging our daily devotion to Him.

Dear Father, thank You for Your protection and Your love for me and my loved ones. Thank You that I can always trust in You and Your faithfulness; and that You are in control of all things. Thank You for being with me, hearing my prayers and deliver me from all my worry and fear. Teach me to fully rest and dwell with You, my Refuge and my Fortress (v2). In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Matters of the Heart

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24

Reflection of Tommy:

There are so many gems found in today’s passage! In verse 12 and 13, Paul was talking about giving the respect to those leading our church: pastors and leaders. So very often we criticize them for not preaching what we would like to hear or even ridicule them for their idiosyncrasy. Here, Paul urges us instead to express our appreciation and hold them in the ‘highest regard’ for their effort to help us in our journey. We need to remember they need and deserve our support, cooperation and love.

In verse 14, Paul talked about having the sensitivity to know the condition of our brothers and sisters and finding effective ways to help the situation. We are to know the difference between those who are idling from those who are timid and use a unique approach (warn those idling; encourage those timid, help those weak) in each case.

Verse 16 to 18 give us 3 clear commands to obey always and in all circumstances – be joyful, pray continually and give thanks to God. This requires our conscious decision to do what God says and acknowledging our dependence on Him. This allows Him to change us to naturally want to obey Him and doing His will. And when we do His will, we will find it easier to be joyful and thankful to God in everything. Even when evil strikes, we can still be thankful for God’s presence and His sustaining grace for us, and for the good that He will accomplish through the situation.

Dear Father, thank You for Your Word today. Thank You for reminding me how to obey You and how to live in peace with one another. Forgive me Lord of sometimes being so critical over those who work hard to lead the church. Teach me to be more respectful for what they have done and doing for your church and Your people.

Lord, give me the wisdom and the sensitivity to effectively help in the ministry when I am reaching out to them. I pray more of them may come and fully devote their lives to honor and glorify You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Thanksgiving All Year

Read 1 Chronicles 16:8-12, 23-34

Reflection of Tommy:

As I read today’s passage of thanksgiving to God, my eyes flowed with tears of joy knowing He knows and understands clearly the things I’m going through. Despite being hard-pressed on every side, I’m not crushed; although I’m perplexed, but not in total despair (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) because of His love that sustains me and the hope I have in Him that strengthen me.

He hears my every cry and makes me bold each time with strength in my soul (Psalm 138:3). My soul waits silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him (Psalm 62.5).

Dear Father, thank You for coming into my life and gave me the greatest Gift of all. Thank You so much for Your amazing love for a sinner like me, thank You for the hope and promises I have in You. I give You all praise and thanks! Although I do not know why certain things is so painful to me, but I trust You will reveal and heal me in Your time.

Lord Jesus, I thank You also that these trials are opportunities for You to demonstrate Your power and presence in and through me. Strengthen me to persevere and wisdom to discern. Lord, teach me to direct my thoughts and energy to serve and help others who are in needs. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Warning and Teaching

Read Colossians 1:24-29

Reflection of Tommy:

Christianity is not a private and exclusive club for those few privileged people that has reached spiritual perfection. God doesn’t play favoritism and His love and the Good News of salvation is available and open to all. Thus, we should never limit our sharing to only those few we like and of our ‘kind’.

In verse 28 to 29, Paul showed to us an effective way to present the gospel to others. Our sharing should include “admonishing” (warning) and “teaching”. The “warning” is that without Christ, people are doomed to eternal separation from God. While the “teaching” part is about there is still hope and that salvation is available through faith in Christ.

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me that Your ‘secret plan’ was not hidden and is made open to all, that Jesus Christ is to live in the hearts of all those who believe in Him. Guide me through the Holy Spirit to tell others about Christ, warning and teaching them with tact and in love. Thank You and I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Actions Speak Louder

"My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." - 1 John 3:18

It's easy to agree praying for a friend who requested our prayer for them. We should not stop there after a prayer, we can do more like following up with them and offering our help to them. Like what mentioned in 1 John 3:18 and today's passage, we should not merely love in word but in actions.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me this important lesson today. Guide me to be aware always of any oppurtunities to show love to others in action and sincere concern. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Safe Forever

Read Psalm 34:8-22

We know as Christian we still have to undergo all kinds of pain and suffering in this fallen world, but God has promised that He will look after us and hear all our cries (v15). He has also said to save, protect and deliver us from all our troubles (v17-20) if we were to take refuge in Him (v22).

But, how do we exactly do that? We take refuge in God when we seek Him (v10) and be willing to learn the fear of the Lord (v11) and keeping His commands (v13-14).

Dear Father, thank You for Your comforting promises for me when I take refuge in You. As I submit humbly to Your care, teach me to fear You and to obey Your commands. Show and reveal to me any of my ways that are wrong and against Your will for me and lead me back to Your way everlasting. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Something For The Soul

Read Psalm 119:9-16

Reflection of Tommy:
Today, we are constantly bombarded by impure influences and Medias around us. How do we as Christian be able to remain pure and true to God’s teachings in this environment? We will never be able to do it on our own without God’s strength and wisdom.

The psalmist in today’s passage gave a clear way to keep us from falling into sin and keeping our heart pure and blameless. It is through reading and memorizing God’s Word in our heart and putting them to work in our lives and making it the most important guide for everything we do.

Dear Father, thank You for giving me the right perspective that all Your commands are to free me to be all that You want me to be instead of restricting or burden my life. Thank You for teaching me to learn Your Word and apply them in my life, helping me to truly follow Your path and avoiding those that lead to destruction. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

The Sure Way!

Read John 14:1-6

Reflection of Tommy:

As our group was having a discussion the other day, a member raised the question of whether this well-known religious leader who is not a believer will enter heaven. But as we refer back to the Bible and particularly verse 6 in today’s passage, we know good work and being good on our own alone will never bring us to God the Father.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” - Ephesians 2:8-9

This is why Christianity is different from all the religions of the world because we believe salvation is through faith and not through good works. And when we do good works, they are results of our faith in Jesus as we allow the Spirit to work in us.

Dear Father, thank You for providing me a sure and clear Way to get to You. Thank You for Your love and grace by offering this gift to me though I do not deserve it from You. Teach me to appropriate this gift by living my life serving You and others with true love like Christ. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

He Would Not Go In

Read Luke 15:25-32

Reflection of Tommy:

If we happened to find ourselves easily burst out in anger towards minor mistake others has made and regretting it later, we may have allowed jealousy, discontentment and resentment to grow and thrive deep in our heart. If they are left unchecked, they can ruin our relationship with others and also our own self

So, we must guard our hearts against such destructive attitudes. Whenever they arise, we need to confess them, letting them go, and experience God’s forgiveness. We will experience true contentment and a sense of great gratitude and reverence for who and what He has done for us.

Dear Father in heaven, thank You for Your forgiveness for a sinner like me who doesn’t deserve any of Your love or grace. Lead me always to seek You and Your righteousness first before everything, that I may always walk blameless and pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.