Bee's 18th Month of Devotion

So quickly, exactly one and a half year has gone by in blogging my Daily Bread devotion.

It started off with me just wanting to make use of Tommy's 'deserted' blog so that it wouldn't look so lonely and also to encourage him to do his devotion daily just like me. Blogging our devotion together has paid off as it helped us persevered through when at times we were too tired to do it.

I am glad that Tommy has gotten use to doing his devotion regularly now and is growing spiritually. As he mentioned that he is learning not to rely on me anymore and to be more dependent on God, I guess it's time I leave his blog. I hope he will continue to persevere through even though I am gone. Though not blogging in his blog, I will still pray for him regularly like before.

Finally, I want to thank Tommy for 'housing' me at his blog for the past one and a half year. I guess it has benefited me more than him.

Till then, Tommy,
May God be with you
Until we meet again
May God protect you
And keep you safe today
May all His blessings
Be in your heart
May God be with you
With you always

- Bee

Bee's 15th Month of Devotion

There were many occasions whereby the thoughts of stop blogging my devotions here came across my mind. I felt lonely and wished that someone could understand my struggles and stay by my side to give me the support I needed. All I want is for this person to cry with me and say nothing. Yet there is none like this. Today I remember the songs we sang in Church...

You are so Faithful
Like the sun that rises everyday
You are so faithful, Dear Lord, You are faithful
Like the rain that You bring and every breath that I breathe
You are so faithful, oh Lord

Like a rose that comes alive every spring
You are so faithful, Dear Lord, You are faithful
Like the life that You give to every beat of my heart
You are so faithful Lord

I see a cross and the price You had to pay
I see the blood that washed my sins away

And in the midst of the storm through the wind and the waves
You're still be faithful, You're still be faithful
And when the stars refuse to shine and time is no more
You're still be faithful, You're still be faithful Lord

As I pondered on the above lyric my heart cried and said "Amen, Lord, You are so faithful". I want to thank God for seeing me through "in the midst of the storm through the wind and the waves". He is faithful even when I am faithless. Without Him I wouldn't be here anymore. Yes, it's been 15 months since I started blogging my devotional thoughts.

Praise the Lord!


... the thoughts of Bee

Bee's 14th Month of Devotion

It's 2007 now, and it marks my 14th month of running this spiritual race together with my Best Friend, Tommy.

There were a number of times I wanted to pull out from doing my devotion here, but each time I came back again. The reason is that Tommy had been patiently waited for me to post my thoughts here by saving his as "drafts" and not publishing them till I input mine.

A week ago, I almost stopped blogging here altogether as I couldn't access the blog admin anymore after this blog was switched to beta.blogger. It created some misunderstanding between us. Thank God that it's settled now. On hindsight, I realized there is a spiritual warfare out there whenever we wish to spend time with God or to have fellowship with believers. The devil will try to use the technique of "divide and conquer" to cause misunderstanding and create divisions. We should be very vigilant and not fall into the trap of the devil.


Dear Tommy,
In this new year, I wish to thank you for your patience and kindness towards me for the past 14 months. Thank you for all the things you have done for me.
Sorry for the times I have misunderstood you or may have said things that are hurtful to you. I ask for your forgiveness.

Dear Lord,
May 2007 bring about new understanding between Tommy and me, and new growth in our spiritual walk with You. May we become channels of blessings to those who come into contact with us. May we touch lives as we continue this devotional journey together. May Your love be felt through us.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


... the thoughts of Bee

Bee's 13th Month of Devotion

After having done my devotion together with my buddy for the last 13 months, I feel it's time for me to leave.

Perhaps God really wants to teach me to trust Him despite of my pains. He led me to read an article "Getting to Trust God" when I was searching for a verse. The following excerpt from the article helped me understand the difference between "faith" and "trust":

But trust, which must go hand in hand with faith, says, "Lord, I commit myself to Your care and keeping." That's trust. Faith is believing what God can do and what He is willing to do. But trust says, "I commit myself to Your care and keeping. Do with me, Lord, whatsoever You will." Faith is believing God can push a wheelbarrow on a tightrope across the Niagara Falls. Trust is getting on board that wheelbarrow. Faith is believing that William Tell is so skilled with a bow and arrow that he can shoot straight through an apple that's sitting on someone else's head. Trust is being that person with the apple on your head.

"Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" (Job 13:15).

"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, because God is with me" (Ps. 23:4, paraphrase).

I was going through very difficult time and just want to be alone. However, my buddy's waiting for me to post here for the past few nights makes me do an U-turn... So here I am again.


Thanks for waiting, Tommy.



... the thoughts of Bee

Our First Anniversary

I can't believe it! We have crossed our First Anniversary at this devotional blog together! :)

Looking back, I must thank God for helping us to stay consistent in reading the Bible nightly, no matter how busy or tired we have been. It's by God's grace that we could have done that. Praise God!

For me, these devotional times are life to my spirit and water to soul, always bringing me back to sanity whenever my mind is crowded with stressful events or thoughts.

Sometimes I felt like taking a certain course of actions, but God would use His words to tell me not to do them.

Sometimes, I felt down or discouraged, God's words would encourage me again and helped me moved on. As Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says:

9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:

10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!

Thanks, Tommy, for keeping me company here. Two are better than one. ;)



... the thoughts of Bee

Bee's 11th Month of Devotion

Time flies... it's like blinking of my eyes. Eleven months have passed so quickly since I blog my devotion here.

The benefit of blogging my devotional thoughts is I could keep myself consistent in keeping my quiet time.

In the past, I tend to miss my time in reading God's words on and off. However, by blogging and especially doing it with fellow Christian, somehow I will never forget to do it. We are able to encourage each other to go on when at times our spirit is willing but our flesh is weak.

I would like to encourage those who have problem doing regular Quiet Time to do likewise. Find a buddy or partner to do it together, helping each other to keep this time with the Lord constant.


... the thoughts of Bee

Bee's 10th Month of Devotion

This is a very special month. It seems our nightly devotions together help brings forth fruit. The fruit of commitment to run the race together, to love and to hold. I wish it will last...


.......the thoughts of Bee

Bee's 9th Month of Devotion

Wow! 9 months! That's about the time for a child to be born. :)

Well, 9 months blogging my devotion here with the permission of Tommy has bore fruits. Galatians 5:22-23 says:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

Yes, through these devotions, I have learned to have "patience, faithfulness and self-control", i.e. disciplining myself to devote this time to God no matter how tired I may be.

Yes, I also learned about the meaning of pure love in a friendship. Thank God for these lessons.



... the thoughts of Bee

Bee's 8th Month of Devotion

Thank You Lord,
for those time spent here
for Your words so dear
for Your presence so near

Thank You Lord,
for Tommy my best friend
for being heaven-sent
for lending me his hands

Thank You Lord,
for making things beautiful
for making life wonderful
for making us grateful

Amen



... the thoughts of Bee

Bee's 7th Month of Devotion

Seven months have passed and I am still doing my devotion here. It's amazing!

I guess blogging my time with God is a great help. Blogging it with another Christian brother-in-Christ is another added advantage too, though we might have different thoughts from the same passage. It's like a gathering in God's name.

"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20)

The following song just came to my mind...

As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after you
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship you

Chorus :
You alone are my strength, my shield
To you alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship you

You're my friend, and you are my brother
Even though you are a king
I love you more than any other
So much more than anything

(by Martin J. Nystrom)

... the thoughts of Bee

Bee's 6th Month of Devotion

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

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

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

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



... the thoughts of Bee

Bee's 5th Month of Devotion

I have been at this blog for the last 5 months. Doing my devotion here has helped me cultivate a consistent habit of spending time to reflect on God's word, and at the same time to apply them in my daily situations. Each time I read the bible passages for the day in Our Daily Bread I could feel God speaking to me about my daily experiences.

God's words are full of life when I read it prayerfully. They are very comforting, giving me new strength and courage to go on for another day, just like what food does for my physical body. However, if I were to read the bible just as head knowledge, it will be very dry and I will not benefit much from it. Thank God for His amazing words of life!

Sometimes, Tommy and I do have some slight disagreement on the titles of certain passages or on the presentation of a certain posts. Sometimes, these trivial matters may cause us to loose focus on what is important in the eyes of God -- His truths. These are subtle things the devil try to use to divide and conquer. But thank God that each time we could come to an agreement as we let God speaks to our hearts.

I am very thankful to Tommy, not only for letting me use his blog to do my online devotion, but also for his graciousness, care and concern for me. It's very encouraging to see that he has also been doing it regularly, despite his busy work schedule.

So, keep it up Tommy! Let's cheer each other on, ok? May our Lord bless you richly as you give Him your time. :)


.......the thoughts of Bee

Bee's 4th Month of Devotion

Time flies, really flies...
Just like blinking of my eyes,
Four months have past without me realize.
This devotion time is like my exercise
To keep me healthy, to change my life.

Thank God for helping me keep my commitment to spend time with Him daily. :)


.......the thoughts of Bee

Bee's 3rd Month of Devotion

Last week, a friend of mine, who is doing her coaching course, asked me a very thought-provoking question: "What is the difference that makes the difference?" (She was referring to the success in my change of attitude this year, that makes me feel peaceful and contented, that improves my career and financial health.)

I thought for a moment.... then I replied, "My 3-months of daily devotion time with God."

Yes, that's the difference that makes the difference to my life in 2006. Without spending time with God daily to let His words encourage me, and see what's more important in my life, I would have been as unmotivated and in distress as last year. My devotion time for the last 3 months is just like 'oxygen' to me now. It helps me 'breathe' properly in a spiritual sense, which also translates into my physical and emotional well being. It's so powerful... it transforms me for the better. :) Thank God!

Actually, I wanted to stop blogging my devotion at Tommy's blog and has started a new blog for myself, called "Time Alone", on 16 Jan 06. The reason was to remove some confusion/misconception about Tommy and me. However, Tommy has requested that I continue to do my devotion at his blog as an encouragement for him. I obliged... so now there is a duplication in a way. I told Tommy that my "Time Alone" blog would be my standby 'Resort', in case he tells me to 'get lost' from his blog one day... kiasu me. :P

For those who are still curious about Tommy and me, let me set the record straight once and for all... Tommy is not my bf. So if any of you gals are interested in Tommy, please feel free to approach him. (Tips: you must be a devoted Christian gal who loves God and is intelligent to interest him. =D )

All things said, blogging devotion with a fellow Christian can be quite fun as it helps us to encourage one another when the going gets tough.


So Tommy, when it's time for me to 'get lost' from your blog please let me know, ok? Thanks for running this spiritual 'race' with me. May the Lord bless you richly in all aspects of your life.

.......the thoughts of Bee

Tommy:
hey drama Bee, I'm not that bad la till ask you to get lost!
I appreciates you very much being here & encourages me yea...
btw, your tips there are not very accurate la...not sure about that "intelligent" part :P

Bee:
hard to say la... man changes very fast and can be very drastic at times... so better prepare for the worst. ;)
ok ok, correction.... 'stupid' also can apply... for more 'accurate conditions' please email Tommy directly. :P

Bee's 2nd Month of Devotion

Thank God for helping me spend quality time with Him by pondering on His Words and let Him speak to my heart daily. If not for His grace, I would have been inconsistent with my Devotions.

Though it's only 2 months, yet it seems like 2 years already. :) I guess when one spends quality time with a person daily, one will know that person much faster than if one were to spend time infrequently, say, maybe only once or twice a week or even less.

There were times I felt discouraged that I have to do the Devotions alone, which is different from my original intention for doing it here. There were times I felt there's no purpose for me to post my Devotions here too and I should post them elsewhere... yet I stayed on. I don't know why...

Yet I am glad that I can be an encouragement to those who have read my Devotions and are encouraged by them. Praise God!

I pray that I will have the perseverence to go on for the next one month. I also pray that Tommy, my co-devotional partner, will continue to devote this special time to God and not miss a single day with Him. May we grow to know Christ more and be transformed by His word as we seek Him daily.


Haze, if you are reading this, thanks for your encouraing comment at my blog:
"enjoyed reading your blog. most especially whileamist. Merry Christmas!"


.......the thoughts of Bee

Bee's 1st Month of Devotion

Today marks the 1st month of my devotion time with God since I started it on 26 October 2005.

Firstly, I want to thank God for giving me the perseverance to do my devotion daily without fail. These devotions really keep me 'sane' in times of my discouragement and heartaches the last one month. The word of God (bible) lifted me up each time I felt down and lonely... marked by crying 'spell'.

The word of God is so comforting and powerful. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12). No wonder the Psalmist said, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (Psalms 119:105).

Secondly, I want to thank Tommy for letting me use his blog for my devotion. Perhaps his blog design and soothing music play a part in providing the environment and mood to let God speak to me. Thank you very much, Tommy! I hope you have also enjoyed your time with God here. :)

Thirdly, I know there are many international visitors to this blog every day. I hope this devotion blog has been an encouragement to you too. You are welcome to leave comments if the messages have blessed your heart. Thank you for visiting and reading. :)

Finally, I pray that God will continue to help me persevere in my devotion with Him for the next month to come.


.......the thoughts of Bee

Bee's Morning Devotion

Hello Tommy, here I am at your blog. :)

Since you have ‘abandoned’ your blog for awhile, I thought I could use it for my "Morning Devotion" to jot down my thoughts of the day and at the same time 'save’ this blog from being so ‘cold’... hehe. Thanks for letting me use it.

Yes, I have decided to reorder my life and set my priority right (starting today) so I could start to dream new dreams. So for that, I know I have to spend my time with God, reading His word first, before I spend time with anybody or anything else. In this way I will be able to focus in what’s important in life and to know the way I should go.

How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! — Psalm 119:103

....the thoughts of Bee