Hidden Treasure and Pearl

First of all, thank You God for Your wonderful grace in revealing Your love for me through Your Son Jesus Christ. Thank You also for people like my 'Big Brother' Andrew, The 2 Noels, Beth, Ernest and the rest of the prayer group, Rick and the MYAFers and my lovely sweetheart May Lee, that have encouraged and helped me tremendously in my walk with God and in finding Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior.

I will start blogging in a new site soon at knowingjesuschrist.blogspot.com. Consider this as a new season in my walk with God and my renewed desire to really know Jesus personally. There are nothing more important to me than this at the moment. God has been reminding me a lot lately on Matthew 6:33 and today on The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl from Matthew 13:44-46 (Thanks Andrew!).

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." - Matthew 13:44-46

Dear Father, thank You for Your mercy to forgive me when I'm fallen short of Your glory and Your grace for giving me the faith to always hold on to You. Thank You for answering my prayer for strength to continue running this race and renewing my desire to follow Christ even more closely. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

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.

Living For God Today

Read James 4:13-17

Reflection of Tommy:

As I was sharing with some friends about how busy I was lately with plans and works, I realized, as what James said in today’s passage, I don’t even know what will happen tomorrow. I asked whether I am living each day for God or only for myself. Will I fulfill God’s plan for me if I were to leave this world tomorrow?

Life is short and fragile. Like a mist in the morning that appears for a little while and vanishes into the air (v14). Let not live our life thinking we have lots of remaining time to live for Christ, to enjoy our loved ones or to do what we know we should. Instead, live for God today; living and doing everything in His will, not ours (v15).

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me once more to seek You and Your righteousness first before everything else as the Day is approaching. Thank You for the guidance from the Spirit, leading me in fulfilling Your plan for me; doing everything for Your honor and glory. I pray that I will continue to hold unswervingly to the hope I profess, for You are faithful, and considering how I may spur my brothers on towards love and every good deeds.

The New Man

Read Ephesians 4:17-32

Reflection of Tommy:

How do we truly put off our old self (v22) and to have our minds renewed (v23), putting on a new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (v24)? In today's passage, we can learn some ways to live a changed life as a disciple of Christ.

1. Be truthful all the time (v25)
2. Control your anger (v26)
3. Be hardworking, not idling or dishonest (v28)
4. Serve those in need (v28)
5. Use words that build others up (v29)
6. Not grieving the Spirit with our disobedience (v30)
7. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander (v31)
8. Be compassionate to one another (v32)
9. Forgiving each other (v32)

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me again the difference between the nature of my old self and the powerful transformed life by the Spirit. Teach me to surrender and submit to You daily and diligently. Give me wisdom and discernment in all things that I may truly live for You, fulfilling the will You have for my life. In Jesus' precious Name I pray, Amen.

Sing!

Read 1 Chronicles 16:23-27

"Sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works!" —1 Chronicles 16:9

Reflection of Tommy:

At times, life's cruel and unforgiving circumstances rob us from the joy and peace we have in God. It's hard to sing praises and be thankful when everything around us doesn't seems to turn out the way we wanted them to be. We questioned why God allows these things to happen and not sparing us from the pain of going through them.

As we reflect on today's passage, we see how we can still give praise to our God during difficult times. Because of what He has done for us through His Son, we can always proclaim the good news and have the reason to be thankful and grateful for despite the circumstances in our lives.

Dear Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy that I can have a close personal relationship with You. Forgive me of my disobedience and slow in listening and learning Your ways. Forgive me also of not being sensitive in allowing the Holy Spirit to work in me, changing me to be more like Christ each day.

Father, I pray that You will change this heart of mine, make it truly repented of my old ways, and resubmit my all to You. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Don’t Row

Read Ephesians 3:14-21

"That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man." —Ephesians 3:16

Reflection of Tommy:

Very often we underestimate and doubt how God can helps us in our trials. Instead of seeking Him, we often rely on our own strength and ways to resolve issues in our lives.

Without God's guiding hands and wisdom, very likely we'll fail in finding the best solution for our problem and things can get worst due to our hastiness and self-centeredness. Paul in today's passage urged believers to seek God's strength in dealing with every obstacles we may face in life. Also, by knowing God personally, trusting His unchanging love and faithfulness for us, we can be strengthen in times of difficulties and hardship.

Dear Father, thank You for reassuring me that You will always be there beside me when I remain in You and Your words. Teach me to be more sensitive to Your calling for me, that I may always bring all the glory and honor to You. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

The Gravity of Sin

Read 2 Chronicles 34:14-21

Reflection of Tommy:

Nowadays, no one is safe or protected from the influence of immoral worldview ideas that bombard us constantly from television, film, music, newspapers, magazines, books, etc. Sadly, as they are so appealing to the desires of the flesh, many unknowingly incorporate them into their own personal worldview. Very often we see how people making excuses for sinning, blaming others, and treating it lightly.

We know God does not and never take sin lightly; He even sacrificed His one and only Son to redeem us from the penalty of sin! Instead of pretending that our sin is nothing or not such a "big deal", we should start taking it and God's commands seriously; knowing how severely it can affect us and others. Seek God's Word daily and diligently, asking the guidance and help of the Holy Spirit for wisdom and discernment.

Dear Father, thank You for constantly revealing to me my ways that are wrong and against Your will and plan for me. Teach me to be sensitive to Your voices through reading of Your Word, faithful friends You brought into my life and the works of the Holy Spirit in me. I pray I will have a willing heart to obey and be firm in my commitment to follow Christ wholeheartedly. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

The Preciousness of Friends

Read Mark 2:1-12

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. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." - Mark 2:4-5

Reflection of Tommy:

The story of how Jesus heals a paralyzed man in Mark often points us to the power of Christ to forgive sin. But, there is another great lesson we can learn from it. We see how the paralytic was blessed with compassionate friends of faith. Without their great effort to assist a friend, the paralytic would never be able to come to Jesus for healing.

As God has brought many friends to us in His church, are we ready to assist and serve them in time of need. Can they rely on our faith? And, if we have been blessed with kind and compassionate friends with faith, do we respect and appreciate their guidance and help for us.

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me to hold unswervingly to the hope I profess and consider how I may spur one another toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:23-24). I pray that I will continue to allow myself to be guided by the Holy Spirit, to live my life as Your children of light; that my brothers who are in need can trust and rely on my faith. I pray also that I will truly appreciate those friends with faith You have brought into my life. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Abide in Him

Read John 15:9-17

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." - John 15:9-11

Reflection of Tommy:

The Holy Spirit often convicts us when we ignore God’s commands. We will feel as if God has hid His face and block us from receiving joy and peace from the relationship we used to have with Him.

To have lasting and complete joy in our lives, both in good and bad times, we need to have a consistent, personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ. As the today’s passage says, we can be filled and remain in the love and joy of Jesus when we genuinely seek and obey the Father’s commands (v10).

Dear Father, thank You for filling me with the Spirit; guiding me and leading me to Your truth, wisdom and righteousness. Lord, I pray that whatever I do, I do it for Your glory and honor, and not my own. Teach me to truly abide in You and Your Words remain in me always. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Ambassadors for Christ

Read 2 Corinthians 5:12-21

Reflection of Tommy:

We are the ambassadors for Christ, to be a good witness, testifying and reconciling people to God. We are responsible to reflect the amazing love of God for everyone through His one and only Son, Jesus Christ.

How can we be an effective ambassador for Christ? As we acknowledge that we are in Christ, we need to know that we are a new creation (v17). By taking the first step humbly submitting to God, we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, changing us to be a better witness for Christ.

Dear Father, thank You for Your amazing love for me that You sacrificed Your one and only Son to save and reconcile with a sinner like me. Father, I confess that I have not love You and my neighbors as You have commanded me. Forgive me I pray, lead me to true repentance and commit my life fully into Your mighty hands. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.