More Than We Imagine

Read 1 John 2:28–3:3

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" - 1 John 3:1

Reflection of Tommy:

Many today, including Christians, being deceived by Satan into believing that the basis of their worth is their performance and their ability to please others. We seek ways to be masters at “playing the game” to be successful, to win approval of others and to get what we want.

Failing to do so, we experience the pain of disapproval and withdraw into a shell of hurt, misery, numbness or depression. Nothing is clearer than the equation below that reflects Satan’s lie to many of us today:

Self-worth = Performance + Others’ Opinions

But, as we read in 1 John 3:1, we can trust God’s complete acceptance of us as His children (v1), allowing Him to truly free us from our dependency on success and the approval of others. We’ll realize that having a healthy sense of self-esteem and worth doesn’t rely being successful or good at pleasing others.

We know our self-worth has freely and conclusively given to us by God, not men. Therefore, we will have the attitude saying “It would be nice to be approved by so and so, but if they don’t, it’s alrite, I’m still loved and accepted by God!”

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me that the life of a follower of Christ is a process to be more and more like Him (Romans 8:29). Thank You for showing to me that true faith always result in good deeds – consistently do what is right (v28-29).

Father, remind me always that my ultimate destiny is to be like Christ completely when I see Him face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12); motivating me to purify myself to be free from the corruption of sin. Jesus, lead me to Your way, a way to a renewed hope, joy and purpose in my life. In Your Name I pray, Amen.

The Right Stuff

Read Galatians 1:6-12

Reflection of Tommy:

In today’s passage, Paul warned the Christians in Galatia of being in the wrong track; denying the sufficiency of Christ’s work on the cross. Similarly, how do we as Christian actually know when a teaching is perverted? How do we identify where the truth of God’s Word is twisted and distorted?

We need to be aware that they will always be people who pervert the Good News by introducing other “ways” for us to be saved. We need to constantly remind ourselves that our salvation is a gift from God and there will be absolutely nothing other than our faith in Christ alone.

Dear Father, thank You for what Christ has done for me on the cross. Teach me to always emphasize on what He has done when sharing the gospel with others. Guide my lip and all my ways that they may bring glory and honor to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Fullness of God

Ephesians 3:14-21

A Prayer for the Ephesians
14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Reflection of Tommy:
In verse 19 in today’s passage, we know that as Christian we have all the fullness of God available to us. We can be complete when we are in union with Christ and through His empowering Spirit. We will appropriate this fullness by daily living for Him through faith and prayer.

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me of Your immeasurable and inexhaustible love for me. Teach me to spend time each day listening and studying of Your Word and allowing the Spirit to guide my path and fill every aspect of my life to the fullest. In return, teach me to show similar love towards others as a response to Your amazing love. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Amazing Love!

John 3:13-18

13No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.[a] 14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.[b]

16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[c] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.[d]

Reflection of Bee:

"For God so loved the world
that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life."
- John 3:16

This is a very well known verse which precedes John 15:7-14 (devotion for 4 April 07, Joy of True Friendship and Love). Without the former there will be no latter. Because Jesus had demonstrated what true love is, He has the right to ask those who claimed to love Him and are His "friends" to do likewise, i.e. to love (and be willing to die for) those who also truly love Jesus (John 15:12-14).

"Blood is thicker than water", as the saying goes in our physical relationship with our siblings. Similarly, it is so (through the blood of Jesus) with our spiritual BORN-AGAIN 'siblings' in Christ, who also obey His command to love (John 15:12-14).

In the past, I always thought that John 15 was trying to tell us that we must be willing to lay down our lives for EVERYONE. Almost impossible, I feel, unless that person is extremely close to us. Now I understand that all these are possible ONLY IN CHRIST. That means it is only possible within the family of God (amongst those who not only accepted Christ's salvation but also obeyed Christ's command to love, thus become Christ's and ours friends) . This makes more sense, isn't it?

Jesus did not ask us to die for sinners, but rather to die for our friends (definition of friendship is in accordance with God's word in John 15, not by the world's definition).

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your revelation on what Your word says about love, friendship, and obedience. Now it seems not so difficult after all to love the way You do once we fulfill the criteria which will make Your way of love possible.
Now I pray for my special friend that You grant him peace in his heart and faith in Your providence for him. Let him understand why You allowed things to happen in his life, to make things for good, 'cos he loves You.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Reflection of Tommy:

Love is when God became man. And love is when God sacrificed His only Son for us. This is the model of love that should be the basis for all love relationships. When we say we truly love others, we should be like Jesus - willingly to give freely and sacrificially; that they may join us in receiving God’s love. Keep this passage close to my heart always:

“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. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends”. – John 15:9-13

Dear Father, thank You for Your amazing love for me. Thank You Jesus for taking all the punishments for my sins though You never deserve them. Thank You for offering me a new life in You; filling me each day with Your righteousness and Your Words. Thank You and I praise You, my risen Lord! All honor and glory to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Never Hunger

Psalm 23 (Amplified Bible)

A Psalm of David.

1THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.

2He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.(A)

3He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him--not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake.

4Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.

5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with [a]oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.

6Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.

Reflection of Bee:

I was so thrilled when I saw tonight's passage, as I had been pondering over v1 during my bath before my devotion. So it seems God is confirming with me that I shall not lack or need anything more than I have, regardless of my situation. In fact, when I reflect on the things that God allowed to happen in my life I see God's hands and blessings in disguise.

Yes, whenever I make Jesus "my shepherd" to guide me, I shall not lack. He constantly refreshes me and protects me from harms. Yes he prepares "a table before me in the presence of my enemies". This really takes place. Praise God!

Dear Lord,
I see Your goodness, mercy and love in my life all these years. Thank You very much. I pray again that the things I do, the decisions I make, the words I say will be to Your glory. Guide me, my Shepherd, lead me to Your green pasture.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



Reflection of Tommy:
One of the worst tragedies in life is not having what we want. Discontentment is the primary source of unhappiness, frustration and misery. For most people, the things that they want are not bad in themselves and some are actually very good (eg. a better relationship with children, parent, or spouse).

But God wants us to learn to be content now through our fellowship with Him in Christ. He wants us to experience the peace and joy of His presence now, resting in Him, regardless of our circumstances or unfulfilled earthly desires. We need to ask God to open our eyes to see ways we are exchanging His glory for things on earth, resulting in our discontentment.

As Jesus has said "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst" (John 6:35), God wants to fill the emptiness of our heart, all our want and discontentment, with the joy and love of Christ. Not only filling it, He wants to keep pouring until it even overflows to others.

Dear Father, thank You that Jesus has come to give me not only a new life, but to have it abundantly (John 10:10). Teach me to believe and be thankful that I can always have the fullness of joy in Your presence regardless of the circumstances. I choose to obey Jesus' command to abide in His love.

Lord Jesus, I trust You, through me, to keep Your commandments so that I will abide in Your love and have Your joy made full in me. I offer my mind and mouth for use by the Holy Spirit in giving continual thanks with praise, and sharing the love and joy of Christ with others. In Your mighty and precious Name I pray, Amen!

Morning

Lamentations 3:19-32

19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.

20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.

21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:

22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."

25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;

26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.

27 It is good for a man to bear the yoke
while he is young.

28 Let him sit alone in silence,
for the LORD has laid it on him.

29 Let him bury his face in the dust—
there may yet be hope.

30 Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him,
and let him be filled with disgrace.

31 For men are not cast off
by the Lord forever.

32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,
so great is his unfailing love.

Reflection of Bee:

Very often, my anger for someone never last. Before the morning comes, my anger would have been dissipated. For the Lord has taught me to forgive. Yes, though I may still wonder why that person hurt me, but I don't bear grudge against that person.

As follower of Christ we just reflect the image of God. It is God's work in our hearts, not our own doing. In the same way, God's anger upon us will not last forever. He is full of compassion and mercy towards His children. However, we should not take that for granted.

Dear Lord,
Thank Your for your Your compassion upon me all the days of my life. Thank You that You did not give up on me but continue to transform my life to be more like Yours. May I continue to show compassion and mercy to others as well.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Reflection of Tommy:

There are many sincere Christians out there who feel so disappointed with themselves for constantly falling into sin that they stop asking God for forgiveness altogether. They live with guilt and bitterness; thinking they are unworthy of anymore grace or mercy from God.

But from the Bible, we know that God’s great love and compassion for us never fail (v22). There are no sin he would not forgive if we are sincere, and no matter how many times we have fail Him, He still will offer us His forgiveness as they are new every morning (v23). So, before it’s too late, return to God for He is waiting to welcome us back into His loving arms.

Dear Father, thank You for Your love, grace and mercy to forgive an unworthy sinner like me. Thank You for what Christ has done that allow me to approach and reconcile with You again. Teach me with all Your loving lessons, always seeking You and Your kingdom first. Lord, guide me to reflect silently each day on what You wants and be patient to wait on You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Finding God In The Darkness

Acts 17:24-31

24"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. 25And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. 26From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'

29"Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man's design and skill. 30In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead."

Reflection of Bee:

There will be times in our Christian walk that God seems very far from us. We may wonder why we don't feel God's presence anymore. Did we sin that God is hiding from us or is God testing our faith?

I remember as a young Christian, I often struggled with my faith. Whenever I didn't feel God near, I doubted and wondered if I believed in the right God. As I grew in my Christian life through studying the bible and fellowshipping with fervent Christians, I realized that God wanted me to live by faith, not by sight. That means, even though I don't feel God I KNOW that He is with me; though I don't feel His love I KNOW that He loves me very much. Perhaps, such faith in God makes me trust others easily even if I don't see that person face to face. I always trust first till proven otherwise.

Tonight's devotion reminds us that God is "not far from each one of us" (v28). He is always there waiting for us to seek Him out.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your word of assurance that You are always there for me. Even if I don't feel You at times, even though I can't see You now, I know You. Keep me from the snares of the evil one and help me be strong no matter how I feel. I pray You will touch my heart now.... heal it completely and make it strong.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



Reflection of Tommy:

When God created us, He desires to make Himself known to us. He placed us at a particular place and time, where we would seek Him and make the choice to reach out to Him and find Him (v27). And for those who diligently seek Him, He will make Himself known and rewards them with all the blessings of a life hid with Christ in God (Heb. 11:6, Col.3:3-4).

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me to entirely surrender to You and trusting in You perfectly. Forgive me for my un-Christlike attitudes and behaviors towards others, hindering Christ to live and work in me effectively. Teach me to repent from this and deny self continually; putting on the life of Christ, in a true divine union with You (John 17:21,23). In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

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

Running From God

Jonah 1:1-10

Jonah Flees From the LORD
1 The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me."

3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.

4 Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. 5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship.
But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. 6 The captain went to him and said, "How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us, and we will not perish."

7 Then the sailors said to each other, "Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity." They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah.

8 So they asked him, "Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?"

9 He answered, "I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land."

10 This terrified them and they asked, "What have you done?" (They knew he was running away from the LORD, because he had already told them so.)

Reflection of Bee:

A question I asked God frequently is, "Why did God allowed me to be born?" I wished I were never never born, like what I wrote in my poem in 2005. When I am in great distress I asked God:

How I wish I were never born
or my first cry were soon gone
or I were given to a good family
then I don't have to suffer this misery

I want to run away from this harsh and loveless world. People only want to receive but not give. People just want to make use of others and discard them when they are no longer useful to them. Even close ones can betray us and drain us totally. I feel so tired. *sigh*

Perhaps I can run away from people but I can't run away from God. Just like what Psalms 139: 7-12 says:

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

Dear Lord,
I know I can't run away from You. Please help me to find meaning of my existence in this sinful world.
Amen.




Reflection of Tommy:

Like Jonah, sometimes we clearly know what God wanted us to do but we didn’t do them. Instead, we run away because of stubbornness or ignorance, claiming that God is asking too much from us or thinking we are in control and knows what best for us. But often running from Him brings us worse trouble.

Not only that, Jonah’s disobedience also endangered the lives of the ship’s crew. Our deliberate act of disobedience can hurt others around us. So, we need to always obey and do what God asks in the first place instead of paying the unnecessary and costly price of running away in the end.

Dear father, thank You for making known to me everyday the things You wanted me to do. Teach me to have a receptive heart to follow them obediently; trusting You knows what best for me. Help me not to be distracted by the ‘noises’ around me but to seriously take time each day to listen and understand Your plan for me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Wonder

Luke 2:15-20

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Bee's Thoughts:

While all the shepherds were "amazed" by what the angels said, Mary "treasured" and "pondered" those words in her heart instead. She knew that miracle would be taking place in her life. Yes, we need to take time to ponder over the word of God so we may know what He wants to tell us.

During our church service this morning, we were entertained by a group of singers from Indonesia who sang beautifully for us. I like the hymns especially. The Lord touched my soul with those beautiful voices again, just like last night. I closed my eyes and allowed God to minister to me through those songs as they were singing... it was so wonderful!

Subsequently, we had our communion. It was different this time as we were encouraged to kneel down before God when taking our communion (we have never done this before). The moment I knelt down, tear just flowed down my cheeks. I felt I was in the presence of my Lord and King... I felt Him so near to me. I knew He was with me and saw all my struggles, my heartaches, my dilemma, my tears, and all my unspoken words. I need not speak a word, and He already knew all. Thank God for today!


Dear Lord,
Thank You for always coming to my rescue whenever I am overwhelmed by sadness. You have always kept your promise that there is no temptation that is too great for me to bear and that You will always make a way of escape for me. Praise You for lifting up my soul again today.
I pray that You will help me do a good job as I join the many brothers and sisters in Christ to help out at the Christmas events at Orchard Road tomorrow. I pray for good weather and that we will have good health to do our parts. May those who do not know You come to experience who You are this Christmas through the events.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.




Tommy's Thoughts:

Have we ever imagined if there was no Christmas; that God didn’t send His Son to save us? Where we have to carry alone all the burdens in our lives; where we’ll never receive true freedom and victory from all our struggles and we will never have the One that provide us true peace, strength, wisdom and salvation to reconcile again with God.

Sometimes, we do take things for granted and never give a single thought to how precious the Gift we have received freely from our Father. Instead of pondering over this only during Christmas or Easter, we should remember this amazing truth and be grateful and thankful to God everyday of our lives.

Dear Father, thank You for the wonderful Gift of salvation through my faith in Christ.. Thank you also because of Christ, I no longer need to bear my pain and struggles alone, but to hand them and myself over to His care. Lord, I pray You will lead me to know Your truths even deeper, to apply them in my life and making me more like Christ, as I continue to trust and follow You daily. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Can I Run Away?

Psalm 139:7-16

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Bee's Thoughts:

When I was a young Christian (also young in age), there were a few times I tried to 'run away' from God when I felt depressed by things in my life. I thought I could and I didn't want to talk to God. But when I read the above passage one day, tears just rolled over my cheek. I knew that I couldn't run away from God...wherever I go God will be there (v7-12).

Yes, He never let me go even though I tried to run away from Him many times... His love always drew me back to Him.

Yes, He knows me through and through... He knows me even before I was formed, He knows how I feel, what I need, what I will be. He knows me better than I know myself (v13-16).


Dear Lord,
Thank You for not letting me go.
Thank You for drawing me back to You each time.
Thank You for loving me.
Thank You for knowing and supplying all my needs.
Thank You that I can't run away from Your presence.
Praise be Your name. Amen!



Tommy's Thoughts:

As I was talking to my brother and his friend on self-condemnation, I realized there are many whose life were shaped by what other said about them; often bad and negative things that influences the person’s every thoughts and actions for the rest of their lives. They easily feel inferior or worthless due to the harmful experiences they had in the past.

There are also those who hate and sick of their own self because of their failures and flaws. They feel greatly ashamed of them selves and think they are beyond help. They stop seeking help from others and even God, going spirally downward to further self-degradation.

In today’s Psalm, David tells us that God’s character goes into every details of the creation of a person; never an accident but created meticulously with love and care; each stands unique from another.

Whenever we feel to degrade and condemn ourselves because of our failures or our pasts, we should remember that our Maker has so much respect for us that we should respect our selves similarly. We should also remember that His Spirit is ready and willing to work within us whenever we feel disappointed with our selves.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me not to give up when I fell or disappointed You. Lead me to allow the Spirit to work within me when I failed, changing me from within. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Right Focus

Psalm 90

3 You turn men back to dust,
saying, "Return to dust, O sons of men."

4 For a thousand years in your sight
are like a day that has just gone by,
or like a watch in the night.

5 You sweep men away in the sleep of death;
they are like the new grass of the morning-

6 though in the morning it springs up new,
by evening it is dry and withered.

10 The length of our days is seventy years—
or eighty, if we have the strength;
yet their span is but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

12 Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.

Bee's Thoughts:

Yes, life is like a vapour... or just like wind. I may be here today, but you might not hear from me again the next day.

Many times I wished God will take me away from this earth. I wished I am just like the grass that will wither in the morning. For I see too much evil on earth since my childhood days. I grew up not trusting any man. Some men in my life did help me rebuild that trust, yet they were the same ones that put back the phobia in me.

Now all I ask from God is to teach me to number my days aright, that I may gain a heart of wisdom, to discern right and wrong, to distinguish truth and lies.

I need God to satisfy my heart with His unfailing love, so I may be glad and sing a new song to Him again. This I humbly pray.

.......the devotion of Bee

Our Father's Love

Hosea 11

God's Love for Israel
1 "When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son.

2 But the more I called Israel,
the further they went from me. [b]
They sacrificed to the Baals
and they burned incense to images.

3 It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
taking them by the arms;
but they did not realize
it was I who healed them.

4 I led them with cords of human kindness,
with ties of love;
I lifted the yoke from their neck
and bent down to feed them.

5 "Will they not return to Egypt
and will not Assyria rule over them
because they refuse to repent?

6 Swords will flash in their cities,
will destroy the bars of their gates
and put an end to their plans.

7 My people are determined to turn from me.
Even if they call to the Most High,
he will by no means exalt them.

8 "How can I give you up, Ephraim?
How can I hand you over, Israel?
How can I treat you like Admah?
How can I make you like Zeboiim?
My heart is changed within me;
all my compassion is aroused.

9 I will not carry out my fierce anger,
nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim.
For I am God, and not man—
the Holy One among you.
I will not come in wrath.

Bee's Thoughts:
Why do You love me so much, dear Lord?

I really don't deserve Your love.

How can I say "Thanks" for the things You've done for me;
Things so undeserved, yet You gave to prove Your love for me.
The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude,
All that I am, and all I hope to be, I give them all to You.

Amen

.......the devotion of Bee