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.

Handle With Care

Read Acts 20:27-32

"I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up." — Acts 20:32

Reflection of Tommy:

Paul cared so much for these believers that he cried over their needs (v31). He called them to be shepherds of the church of God (v28) to be always on guard, protecting themselves and other believers from bad influences around them (v30).

Similarly, we too can build strong relationships with other believers through genuine love, care, concern, sharing and praying with one another. In times of trial and difficulties, we can encourage, comfort and build one another up by giving ourselves away to others in joyful service.

Dear Father, thank You for bringing me in contact with many believers in fellowship; to grow together and responding in love and care with one another. Guard my heart and mind always, seeking Your Word daily and be guided by the Holy Spirit to be a shepherd in leading more people to know You. I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A Fire To Be Kindled

Psalm 23

On the Road to Emmaus
13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him.

17He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"

They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"

19"What things?" he asked.

"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."

25He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christ[b] have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.

30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"

Reflection of Tommy:

Like the two disciples in today’s passage, we tend to miss our real Help and the strength from other believers when we are preoccupied with our problems and frustration. Our disappointment with our situations blinds us from seeing how close God really is to us, to experience the power and help He can bring.

Dear Father, thank You for being near with me always, even when I have withdrawn from You and others. Forgive me of constantly being troubled by worries instead of opening my eyes to see You there in my midst. Lord, lead me always to look for Jesus and be in fellowship with other believers, trusting in His power and the help of others to overcome all obstacles. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.