Where Was God?

Read Hebrews 13:5-8

Reflection of Tommy:

I read an interview of a famous writer awhile ago on why he's an atheist. He referred to the 9/11 incidence and the innocent lives that were lost in the tragedy, that he was convinced that day that God does not exists. But as we read Hebrews 13:5, God Himself has promised that He will never leave nor forsake us.

In times of tragedy, we can still experience God's invisible presence with the suffering and the dying in the compassionate individuals, volunteers, communities, hospital, churches and schools giving aids in the crisis. Despite all that may happen, we can know and trust that God is always near; working out all His plan and purposes.

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me of Your presence with me all the time. Thank You that even the very hairs of my hairs are all numbered by You (Luke 12:7); that I do not have to be afraid but to trust in Your providence and protection and to obey in Your commands.

Loving Father, I pray that I'll be a good witness for Christ to those around me. Keep my ways blameless and pleasing to You always. In Jesus' Mighty Name I pray, Amen.

No Record Of Our Sins

Read Psalm 130

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." - Romans 8:1

Reflection of Tommy:

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). So, are we forever trapped in endless and futile loops of earning God's approval and acceptance with our own strength? Are we hoping and wishing we'll be good enough to be able to eventually rest ourselves in a 'better' place when we die? There is neither certainty nor clarity. Neither hope nor assurance.

But, as Christian, we know that there will be no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Because God loves us so much, He offers us a way through our genuine faith in His Son, that we will be assured 100% to be redeemed from all our iniquities (Psalm 130:8) and to be reconciled with Him again even if we were to die tomorrow. No ambiguity. No uncertainty.

Dear loving Father, thank You for the certainty and confidence I have in You through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your love, grace and mercy- to forgive me of all my iniquities and justified freely through the redemption that came by Christ (Romans 3:24).

Father, teach me to be an obedient follower of Christ, having Him not only as my Savior but also as the Lord of everything in my life. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Visible Reminders

Read Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Reflection of Tommy:

There are few verses I memorized by hard in the Bible. There are not some magical mantra but they help me in remembering God's promises and His encouragement for my steps of obedience to Him.

Dear Father, thank You for Your Word that guide and lead my ways. Forgive me of not being diligent and obedient in seeking Your Word closely. Lord, lead me to take time each day to read, study and meditate on Your Word. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

The Lingo

Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

"I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." —1 Corinthians 9:22

Reflection of Tommy:

I was amazed by a friend’s enthusiasm to find various ways to show God’s love to her relatives and friends. She displays her selflessness and genuine compassion towards them by going the extra miles to serve and getting herself into their ‘worlds’ and speaking their ‘languages’. As I looked back at myself, I felt ashamed by my lack of eagerness and zeal to even look for opportunity to share the Good News with those around me.

Similarly, the apostle Paul in today’s passage was willing to be flexible in his ministry by adapting into the ‘languages’ of people he was reaching out to. With the use of simple and clear words, the Gospel was preached and many came to understand and transformed by Jesus’ love and forgiveness.

Dear Father, thank You for showing to me to be always ready and willing to be a good witness for Christ. Forgive me of my self-centeredness, not seeing the need in others to hear the love and gift of Christ. I pray You will make me more aware of opportunity for sharing and serving; reflecting the light of Christ to others in my words and action. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Spiritual Decompression

Read Mark 1:35-39

"Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." —1 Peter 5:7

Reflection of Tommy:

I heard many times from people that they are so busy that they have no time to pray or spend quiet time with God. But in today's passage, we see how even Jesus himself set aside time to pray to the Father, how much more we need to do the same?

The amazing thing is the more time we spend with Him, the more efficient and equipped we are in handling the stresses and pressures in our lives. He give us rest and peace from our burdens (Mark 1:35-39); strengthen and renew us (Isaiah 40:31) to be ready for the challenges ahead.

Dear Father, thank You that I can cast all my care upon You (1 Peter 5:7). Thank You for your strength to lift me up again when I'm weary and down with the pressures around me. Teach me to have more quality quiet time with You, listening to You and submitting to Your guidance and leading in all things. In Jesus' Name, I pray, Amen.

The Battle Within

Read Galatians 5:16-23

Reflection of Tommy:

Some fight the desire to do wrong and sin (v19-21) by refraining from thinking about them or actively telling themselves not to do them. If we were to study the human mind, we know that the more we try to control or stop ourselves from doing certain things, the more likely we will end up doing them!

Paul in today's passage showed to us how to combat these sinful thoughts and desires of the flesh by walking in the Spirit, empowering Him to work in us, bearing the good fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me not to just talk but to always willingly and obediently walk in the Spirit. Forgive me at times of my lack of understanding and willingness to follow Christ faithfully, rejecting commands He has taught me and not having a genuine attitude towards repentance. Father, give me a teachable heart and be a true and obedient disciple of Christ, bringing glory and honor to You in everything I do. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

God Weeps With Us

Read Psalm 116

Reflection of Tommy:

Many are unable to accept that there is a heaven and a hell and that God judges and punishes men for sinning against Him. But as I look at the evils in the world, how severely they have hurt and affected those close to me, I know it's unthinkable to have a God who is just but closes one eye and do nothing about them.

God knows and hears all our cries (v1-2), He knows everything we've went through, He will protects and saves us (v6), He will gives us true rest and peace when we call on Him (v4), and ultimately He'll bring justice for all in the end. Instead of allowing ourselves to be trapped with fear, anger, pain and hopelessness towards injustice; we can reach out to our loving Father with a thankful heart for peace, healing and deliverance; trusting in His timing in making things right again. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

Dear Father, thank You and I praise You for Your steadfast love, compassion and faithfulness. Thank You that we can always take refuge under Your wings and Your faithfulness will be our shield and rampart (Psalm 91:4). Lord, I pray for Your healing power to be upon those who was hurt, wronged and disheartened by men; that they will recover fully, to be renewed once again in body, mind and spirit.

Lord, I pray also that they will forgive their "enemies", to rest all their pain and anger into Your mighty hand. I pray that they will seek and build a closer personal relationship with You, to trust You more each day. Through their experience, I pray that You'll show them how and where that they can minister and reaching out to others. Thank You and I ask all these in Jesus' Name, Amen.

The Tipping Point

Read Romans 12:1-8

“He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.” - Matthew 10:39

Reflection of Tommy:

The idea and thought of surrendering or submitting to someone is scary and daunting when it means we lose control of things we hold and depend on to for security. But as a Christian, we are called to surrender our will and heart to God, submitting to Him (James 4:7), and presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Him (Romans 12:1). The verse that best describes this complete surrendering can be found in the beautiful paradox of Matthew 10:39.

The Barclay Commentary wrote:
“The Christian may have to sacrifice his personal ambitions, the ease and the comfort that he might have enjoyed, the career that he might have achieved; he may have to lay aside his dreams, to realize that shining things of which he has caught a glimpse are not for him. He will certainly have to sacrifice his will, for no Christian can ever again do what he likes; he must do what Christ likes. In Christianity there is always some cross, for it is the religion of the Cross.

The man who seeks first ease and comfort and security and the fulfillment of personal ambition may well get all these things--but he will not be a happy man; for he was sent into this world to serve God and his fellow-men.The way to serve others, the way to fulfill God's purpose for us, the way to true happiness is to spend life selflessly, for only thus will we find life, here and hereafter.”

Dear Father, thank You for reminding this truth once again; to have Christ sitting on the throne of my life. Search my heart and reveal to me anything that may have taken His place and lead me to surrender it to You and trust You to know what best for me. Guide me through the Spirit as I come to serve Your people with love and selflessness. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Inner Peace

Read Isaiah 53:7-9

"Be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing." —1 Peter 3:8-9

Reflection of Tommy:

I used to be a very reactive and bad-tempered person. Small annoyance and irritation from people can drive me insane! But as I walk closer to God, the Spirit changes me from within to be more Christ-like, helping me to grow and bear more the good fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control - Galatians 5:22-23).

As we read today's passage, we see and learn how Jesus responded to all the insult, accusations and mockery. Instead of retaliate and repaying evil with evil, our Lord display true inner peace by showing mercy and love for His enemies. Through our forgiving attitude, other may see the power and love of Christ in us. Like what the author in the Daily Bread said - "The worst criticism of you can bring out the best of you".

Dear Father, thank You for molding me to be more like Your Son each day. Help me to see Your plan for my life and how I can be used by You in the extension of Your kingdom. Teach me also always remember not to repay evil with evil (Isaiah 53:7-9), insult with insult but to display Jesus' kind, gentle and forgiving attitude to those who are unfair or unkind to me; that they may see Your love and grace in me. In Jesus' Name, I pray, Amen.

Distressed Travelers

Read Matthew 11:20-30

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." —Matthew 11:28

Reflection of Tommy:

Things in life can at times rob us from the joy and hope God has given us. We become weary and distressed by the uncertainties, anguish, and hurt; that no one seem to ever understand. We question when and what has went wrong. We may even settle to numb and suppress all our feelings to lessen the pain in our heart.

As we read the encouraging promise in today's passage, we know that God understands the things we are going through in our lives. No matter how big or small, how difficult or painful the situation may be, He is there beside us supplying us with strength and grace to sustain through them.

God invites us to come to Him and He will give us true rest (v28). In exchange of our burdens, Jesus offers us His yoke that is easy and light (v30) when we submit and surrender all our care to Him.

Dear Father, thank You for Your gentleness (v29), Your amazing love and grace for me. Forgive me of often forget about the peace and confidence You are offering to me when I truly accept Jesus as the "Lord" of all things in my life. So Lord, I commit and surrender them all to You once again: my work, my relationships and my future.

Lord Jesus, may I walk ever closer and more obediently with You each day; be ready and willing always in empowering the Holy Spirit to work mightily in my life. I thank You and pray in Your Name, Amen.
us' Name, Amen.

Fellow Workers

Read 1 Corinthians 3:5-15

Reflection of Tommy:

As friends shared with me how church attendance was droping drastically each year in developed countries, I came to realize that more and more souls are lost and drifting away from God. More and more people are influenced to pursue fulfillment and significance in life through perishable things in the world. During Jesus' earthly ministry, He manifested concern for these lost souls by showing true compassion for them (Matthew 9:35-36). He called on His disciples to pray for laborers (Matthew 9:37-38) and send them to seek out all those who are lost throughout Israel and all over the world.

What of us who are His disciples today? Do we have compassion for the lost? Do we pray for the Lord of harvest to sent out laborers into His harvest? The Lord is still working to save those who are lost and He will provide us the opportunity, the increase, and the reward for His harvest. So, are we ready and willing to share God's Word and be a useful "Fellow Workers" to our Master today?

Dear father, thank You for teaching me that the more I patiently and humbly sow for Your kingdom, the more I will reap (Gal 6:7). Thank You for reminding me that the key to all that I'll build is to be based on the right and only rock-solid foundation: Jesus Christ! Show to me my role Lord in your mighty plan that I may glorify Your Name with all that I do. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

The Heart of the Church

Read 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13

"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones." - 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

Reflection of Tommy:

Paul in today's passage tell us clearly that for any ministry to be successful, two characteristics need to be cultivated - love for one another (v12) and holiness (v13). A body of believers can have hundreds of members but yet can be stiffled from being fruitful and with no true changes in the life of its members.

The same is true for those who serve or participate in the works of God. Our works will be futile and doomed for failure if we ourselves does not live a commited, faithful and holy life. If we still couldn't love or forgive those around us, it's impossible for us to be used by God in any areas of His minitry.

Loving Father, thank You for giving me the oppurtunities to serve Your people, not that You need me but because the Spirit working in me to be Your worker in your mighty plan. As I serve, search my heart and reveal to me anything that still sin against You and dishonoring Your holy Name. Lead me to repentance and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Teach me to genuinely love one another and surrender my all to You, living a changed life that is pleasing to You. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Special Delivery

Read Romans 16:1-16

Reflection of Tommy:

As I read and hear about stories of people who came to know Christ, I can see the gravity of sin in causing so much hurt and brokenness in this world. But, I can also see the amazing love and redeeming grace of God that make it possible for us all to once again have a new start in Christ; being inwardly transformed and renewed each day while experiencing the hope and healing from our broken past.

As we read in today’s passage how Phoebe had assisted others in delivering God’s Word, we know that as followers of Christ, we are also God’s “spiritual mail carriers”; Christ’s feet and hands. Look around us, and ask the Spirit to show us how and where we too can assist in delivering the Good News by word and deed to those who need its life-giving and changing message.

Dear Father, thank you for making me Your child and for giving me Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for changing me each day to be more like Christ and to surrender my all to Him. Guide me not to keep anything from Him and not to make an idol out of anything or anyone. Lead me to be filled by the Spirit in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Lord Jesus, make me Your feet and hands, Your spiritual mail carrier, that others may know You and come to accept You as their Lord and Savior. In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.

A Good Stretch

Read Romans 8:26-28

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:26

Reflection of Tommy:

In Romans 8:28, Paul clearly stated that God works for our good not only in certain circumstances or incidents in our lives but in “all things”. This means both good and bad things that happened to us.

To fulfill His purpose, God can turn something seemingly bad at the moment to good eventually. This gives us the courage, hope and encouragement to persevere in times of hardship; trusting and relying on God more.

Note also that this eventual good is only for those who truly love and faithful to God; called according to His purpose. These people trust fully in God, knowing their security is in heaven and God is always present with them.

Dear Father, thank You for showing to me how the Spirit can pray with and for me even when I do not know the right words and things to pray. Guide me Lord, never to be anxious of anything, but in everything, by prayers with thanksgiving, presenting my request to You. And Your peace that transcends all understandings will continue guarding my heart and mind in Christ Jesus, Amen.

Heart Knowledge

Read Colossians 1:3-12

Reflection of Tommy:

There is nothing inherently wrong with equipping our selves with biblical knowledge to answer any tough questions from non-believers, but we should be aware of not focusing entirely on accumulating knowledge without developing a close relationship with God and bearing fruit for Him.

We can be busy attending every Bible study classes in church and reading all books on Christianity, but yet never lead to a changed life and right living with God.

God’s Word is never just for our information but it is for our transformation! It should give us direction for living and to put what we have learned into practice by helping and serving others.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching and leading me to build a close relationship with You, to truly live a new and changed life in Christ. May You fill me with the knowledge of Your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding (v9) and that I would bear fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of You (v10). I thank You and pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Prayer for Strangers

Read Colossians 1:9-14

Reflection of Tommy:

Sometimes, it’s hard to pray for those we do not know or not that well or that we have never met; people like missionaries, leaders, strangers and even enemies. But, as we look at how Paul prayed for the Colossians, who he had never met, in today’s passage, we can learn how to pray for these people:

We can pray that they will..
1. Understand God’s will
2. Gain spiritual wisdom
3. Please and honor God
4. Bear good fruit
5. Grow in the knowledge of God
6. Be strengthen by God
7. Have great endurance and patience
8. Stay full of Christ’s joy
9. Give thanks and praise to God always

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me how to emulate the prayer pattern of Paul to the Colossians today. Lead me to be more Christ-like each day, more other-centered, praying for those in needs and be ready to serve with joy and humility. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

The Good Steward

Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Reflection of Tommy:

Dear Father, thank You for making me realized today how much blessings I've received from You and how grateful and thankful I should be compares to many of my friends who are still struggling hard with their work and life. Not only that, You showed to me I should be more hardworking and making good use of the time and other resources You have given to me. Help me to use them well and wisely, always ready to give and willing to share (v18) with those in needs.

Lord, I pray also for Your wisdom to be with me to discern how I can really help, how far I should help and care for others. Lead me not to have selfish or wrong motives when reaching out to others. Guide my mind and heart to trust in You more in all that I do. Thank You and I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.