The Pretender

Read Genesis 27:19-33

Reflection of Tommy:

Like Jacob, we too sometimes pretend who we are not in order to gain approval from others. On the surface, we seem to be 'holy' and right- having it all together, but in the inside we are a broken soul with fear, insecurity, doubt and persistently falling into sin.

We should stop lying to others and also ourselves by pretending, but to confess honestly to God and be truly repented from them. We need to take a first and firm step to seek God and His righteousness.

Through the work of the Spirit in us, God can change us from within to be a genuine person who He intends us to be.

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me to take a firm stand in being a faithful follower of Christ; not just through words but also in action. Help me to see things in Your way and give me a willing and humble heart to change and be more like Christ each day. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

The Good Life

Read Luke 12:13-21

"Beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." — Luke 12:15

Reflection of Tommy:

Today's passage reminded us of the danger to rely and trust solely on worldly possessions for security and happiness. It is shortsighted for us to concentrate only in seeking to be rich and fulfilled by more and more of these perishable things, while neglecting our focus in finding the richness of God that lasts forever.

Dear Father, thank You that I can trust in You to provide for all that I need. Teach me to be content with what I have and be grateful for all that You’ve blessed me with. I pray that I’ll be generous and compassionate in giving back to others who are in needs in return. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

The Great Pandemic

Read Numbers 21:1-9

"Even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." — John 3:14-15

Reflection of Tommy:
Few years ago, a pastor from another church came to my church for a healing session. It was a packed room with so many who came hoping to be healed. Most heard about how gifted and powerful this pastor is in healing. But later, before he begin his sermon, he reminded those who came that any healing that will takes place comes not from him but from God alone. The power of healing comes when we believe in Jesus and what He has done for us on the Cross.

Jesus brought the complete and fuller meaning to the story of Moses’ bronze snake in today’s passage centuries later in John 3:14-15. It was not the bronze snake that healed the Israelites, but their belief that God could heal them when they obey God’s instructions. In the same way, all of us can be saved from the sickness of sin by looking to Jesus’ death on the Cross.

Dear Father, thank You for sending Your only Son to die for us on the Cross that whoever believe in Him will have eternal life (John 3:16). Teach me to be faithful to You always, obeying Your commands and always be thankful for everything You’ve done for me. Lord, keep my eyes focus unto Jesus as I walk closer to know Him and Your will for my life. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Minister for God

Read 2 Corinthians 6:1-13

"We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited." - 2 Corinthians 6:3

Reflection of Tommy:

When I was young, I was against everything Christianity and in fact disgusted by Christians. This has a lot to do with a Christian neighbor of mine, whose behavior and actions painted a very negative picture of what Christianity and Christians are all about to me.

In today’s passage Paul talks about each one of us is a minister for God to the world. In verse 3, he said that we should be careful not to put any stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Each day in every situation, we need to be aware that non-Christians around us do observe us. From the way we talk to the words we use to the things we do, let them not be another person’s excuse for rejecting Christ.

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me my role as a minister for You to the world. Thank You for showing me that in everything I do, to consider what my actions communicate about Jesus Christ to others. I pray You will lead me to be a better witness for Christ in everything I do. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Freedom from Idols

Read Isaiah 31

"Return to him you have so greatly revolted against, O Israelites. For in that day every one of you will reject the idols of silver and gold your sinful hands have made." - Isaiah 31:6-7

Reflection of Tommy:
If we were to examine our lives closely, chances are we will find ourselves ‘enslaved’ in one way or another to some form of idols, that seem exciting and can fulfill us much. Idols like money, fame and success often rob us of our time, energy and devotion that ought to be directed to God and our freedom to be who God wanted us to be.

We should ask God to help us reexamine our lives, identifying areas and things that consume a lot of our time and energy, not contributing to our spiritual development and constantly hindering our closer walk with God. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we’ll be able to break free from the grip of these worthless idols and begin realigning our lives to where God wanted us to be.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me the worthlessness of those idols in my life. Teach me to use my time and energy wisely for things that matters most. Teach me also not to repeat the same mistake of bypassing You or Your previous directions to me when searching for help to problems in my life (v1).

Lord, in all things, lead me not to serve only my own interest but Yours. Make me genuine in devoting my all to You and to grow each day to be more like Christ. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Better Yet!

Read Philippians 1:19-26

"Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." - Philippians 1:19-21

Reflection of Tommy:

Recently, I posted a question online asking friends what they would do if they know they'll be dead in 2 hours. It was interesting to see how each person responded differently to that question.

There are many of us going through our lives daily with plans and pursuits that we never really think or ponder over question like this. We may either believe it will never happen to us (or not that soon), or we dread thinking of the finality that death has over us.

But as we read today's passage, we see how Apostle Paul has a very different perspective on death. He said that to live is Christ and to die is gain (v21). He sees dying as something that is even better than living because he can finally see Jesus face to face, be truly free from pain and suffering and have the ultimate fellowship with God and be united with other believers for eternity.

But this does not means that we should concentrate solely on leaving this world and neglect all the things God has entrusted us to do here. Paul said to live is Christ, meaning we should fulfill God's will for our lives here by making good of every opportunities we have to serve Jesus- sharing the Good News, serving and reaching out to others with love; be a good steward to everything God has blessed us with and be the salt of the earth and light of the world.

Dear Father, thank You because of Christ, I will have no fear of death but the hope of something better when I leave this world. Let me hold unswervingly to this hope I profess, as You are faithful (Hebrews 10:23).

Father, guide me while I am still here through the Holy Spirit to never cease seeking You and Your righteousness. Teach me how I can serve Jesus better and asking Him to be true Lord of everything in my life.

Lord, remind me always my duty and responsibilities to be a good steward for all the things You have entrusted me with in this world. Teach me also to have a genuine servanthood heart to reach out and serve those in needs, reflecting Christlike love and compassion. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Boundaries

Read Jeremiah 5:20-29

"Your wrongdoings have kept these away; your sins have deprived you of good." - Jeremiah 5:25

Reflection of Tommy:

There are many time that I've seen people ridicule, criticize and even scorn certain teachings in Christianity. 'Boundaries' revealed by God in issues like idol worship, profanity, homosexuality, extramarital affair, premarital sex and abortion are often wrongly seen as unnecessary man-made rules that block, hinder and restrict the human freedom to enjoy what they want and when they want them.

But in Jeremiah 5:25, we see how God warns that when we ignore and violate these boundaries by sinning, we will withhold good from ourselves. As we are free-will beings, God allows us the freedom to choose between right and wrong. Because He loves us so much, He shows those boundaries to guide and lead us away from things that may bring harm and negative consequences into our lives. It is our responsibility to make the right choice based on these boundaries that God has lovingly and kindly set before us.

Dear Father, thank You for Your grace, mercy and love to reveal all the wonderful truths in Your Word to me - truths that protects and saves me from unnecessary headache, trouble and given me true freedom to be who You intended me to be.

Lord, thank You for constantly reminding me of my wrong ways and leading me back to You and Your righteousness. Forgive me for being a slow learner of Your Word, my lack of faith in what You and the power of the Spirit can do in changing me to be more like Christ each day.

Abba Father, I pray that You will draw me nearer and closer to You daily with reading and meditating of Your Word, listening to Your soft voices through my quiet time and praying to You in all things, presenting all my requests to You with thanksgiving. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Bearing in Love

Read Ephesians 3:14-4:3

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." - Ephesians 4:2-3

Reflection of Tommy:

As Christians we are not entirely free from disagreement and even argument with other believers. We may be trying our best to be loving, sincere and caring to others, but we do at times struggle to keep our temper and be patient and gentle to those who irritate and annoy us. Sometimes we are also saddened by the things others do and words they have said about us. People, even our own brother and sister in Christ, may hurt and bring us down.

But we need not to burn in anger and harbor resentment towards them. Instead, we should first know how deeply God loves us (v18-19). We need to allow our minds to be transformed and renewed by His love. We need to see how Jesus himself demonstrated this love for His enemies, with true grace and mercy. This enables us to truly look pass what others have done to us, not repaying evil with evil or insult with insult (1 Peter 3:9) but with good, patience and gentleness reflecting God's love in us (Matthew 5:16).

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me about patience and gentleness today. Thank You for revealing to me how amazing and great Your love is for me. Forgive me of doubting Your love and care for me when I can't truly see how You works all things for good for those who love You.

Father, I pray that You'll lead and guide me to forgive, be patient and gentle always towards others. I pray that You'll continue to change me to be who You wanted me to be, pleasing in Your sight and to shine for You in the world around me. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Training for Life

Read 1 Timothy 4:1-11

"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." - 1 Timothy 4:8

Reflection of Tommy:

There are many skills, like in sports, that need proper, rigorous and constant training. One will not excel unless they invest time, energy and full concentration in it. It requires also discipline and commitment from the person.

As physical training is important in helping us to be good in certain sports, our training in righteousness deserves our utmost attention and priority as it helps us in every aspects of our lives (v8).

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me to work out my salvation (Phil. 2:12-13) as the Day is approaching. Thank you for the freedom in all that I received from You with thanksgiving (v4). I pray that You will renew my faith and enable me through the Holy Spirit to diligently seek You and Your righteousness. In Jesus' Name, I pray, Amen.

He Answers

Read Psalm 86:1-7

"In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me." - Psalm 86:7

Reflection of Tommy:

Sometimes, we wonder whether God will answers us when we do earnestly pray to Him. I've seen Him answering my prayers in simple things like fixing the audiovisual glitches for my church presentation today or getting help from a stranger when my car broke down at nowhere yesterday to other things like providing me wisdom and discernment in decision making or protection from physical or spiritual harm daily.

Like our earthly father, God always wants to give the best in everything, and at times we do need to ask Him to give us the patience for unanswered prayers or strength when He allows us to go through seemingly unfair or difficult situation in our lives.

If we truly and closely abide in Him, obeying His commands, we need not to worry for any storm that may hits our lives. God who is loving, faithful, good and merciful will always forgive, guard and brings true joy into our lives when we sincerely devoted to Him (v2).

Father, thank You for teaching me to draw close to You daily, to be renewed by Your life-changing Word. Help me to learn how to focus and surrender my life to Jesus.

Lord, give me strength and good rest everyday that I may not grow weary or distracted by the things of the world. Instead, give me a willing and joyful heart to seek You first and Your righteousness, knowing clearly You will provides all that I need. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Two Kingdoms

Read Matt 22:15-22

Reflection of Tommy:

They say there are two things that are certain we can't run from in this life - death and taxes. We often have various reasons or excuses for not paying the amount of taxes we should be paying. Some even justified their action by thinking that they shouldn't cooperate with human authority but only to God.

But Jesus in today's passage clearly explained that each of us should fulfill both our duty as citizen of this world and at the same time giving God our full commitment and obedience. But among the two kingdoms, our greater responsibility was to God and His kingdom (Acts 5:28-29).

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that I should render to authority all that are theirs and to You what is yours. While I am still a citizen to this world, teach me to carry out all duty and responsibility honestly to those You have allowed to govern the country.

Dear Father, but above all, made my heart knows that You have the ultimate authority and that I should devote my life honoring You and doing Your will. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.