School Of Hard Knocks

Read Psalm 119:65-72

Reflection of Tommy:

Our lives in this fallen world are still subject to pain, hurt and suffering. Experiencing the abundant life God has promised for us does not mean our lives will be problem-free. In fact, life can be a series of problems that can break us apart if we were to live solely with our own strength. Many unsuspecting Christians are surprised, confused and discouraged by these difficulties when they do not allow themselves to be renewed constantly by God’s sustaining grace and strength.

Instead of feeling disillusioned and disheartened when we are assaulted by the storms in life, seek to learn from our mistake and God’s lesson for us (v71) and march forward with His strength to come out stronger than before. Let Him lead You through the Spirit, to be filled with His assuring love and peace, that we be a victor in all our battles.

Dear Father, thank You for the warning and also lesson You’ve shown to me; protecting me from all the unnecessary problem in this life. Teach me to trust You more and exchange all my doubts with a childlike faith and trust in You always. Guide me I pray, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Mistaken Confidence

Read Romans 4:4-8

Reflection of Tommy:

Recently, a church member shared about her grief over her unsaved brother who holds strongly to the wrong teachings of his religion. The teachings of Christ are distorted, and everything is focus on himself to produce goodness; exchanging outward sins for inward self-righteousness. I can see how pride and self-centeredness drive a person to seek this so-called personal enlightenment and fulfillments.

In stark contrast to the religions of the world, we know that our salvation comes not from our self-sufficient confidence or own good works but only through our faith in the One God has sent to save us. It is God’s love, mercy and grace that we receive this free gift of salvation.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” - Ephesians 2:8-9

Dear Father, thank You for what Christ has done for all of us. Forgive me at times of taking this gift for granted, not following Christ with sincere commitment and trust. Lead me Lord to fully appropriate this gift by making daily decision to obey You and sharing this Good News to others. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Arriving Late

Matthew 20:1-16

The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
1"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. 2He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.

3"About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4He told them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' 5So they went.

"He went out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour and did the same thing. 6About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, 'Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?'

7" 'Because no one has hired us,' they answered.
"He said to them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard.'

8"When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.'

9"The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius. 10So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12'These men who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said, 'and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.'

13"But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? 14Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?'

16"So the last will be first, and the first will be last."

Reflection of Tommy:

This parable reminds us not feel more superior or holier than those who has just accepted Christ, new to the faith or not living as devoted as we are. It speaks about our salvation is only through God’s grace and not through our works. So, instead of behaving in a prideful way, show the care and concern to build those who are new to the faith with gentleness and humility.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me to set aside any pride I may have when in fellowship with other believers. Remind me always to be humble and understanding towards those who are seeking You and the truth, with words of encouragement and support. In Jesus’ 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.

Religion Or Christ?

Ephesians 2:1-10 (Contemporary English Version)

From Death to Life
1In the past you were dead because you sinned and fought against God. 2You followed the ways of this world and obeyed the devil. He rules the world, and his spirit has power over everyone who doesn't obey God. 3Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else.

4-5But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much that he made us alive with Christ, and God's wonderful kindness is what saves you. 6God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and he has given us a place beside Christ in heaven. 7God did this so that in the future world he could show how truly good and kind he is to us because of what Christ Jesus has done. 8You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. [a] This is God's gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. 9It isn't something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about. 10God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That's why he sent Christ to make us what we are.

Reflection of Bee:

Before we accept Christ, we could not see how sinful we were. But after we have accepted the salvation of God through faith and read His words daily, we could see how sinful we once were. The things we once thought were harmless are actually things the devil used to control our thoughts and caused us to sin.

This salvation comes as the grace of God towards us and not because of our good works, and we have nothing to boast about. Someone has paid the price.... He is Jesus Christ... through His blood.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for giving me Your salvation freely. Let me also share it freely with others that they may also receive Your grace too. I pray that You will guide me in my dealing with people around me that I will use every opportunity to share Your love.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Reflection of Tommy:

From today’s passage, does it mean that as Christian, we have the option to do or not to do good works? Although no action or work can earn us our salvation, but when we accept Christ it will result in us wanting to do good as a respond of gratitude, praise and joy. And we will know then, revealed by the Holy Spirit, that we are saved not merely for our own benefit but to serve Him and others, building up the church.

Dear Father, thank You for revealing all these great truths to me. Thank You for Your unmerited grace that allow a sinner like me to be reconciled with You. Guide me to never stop learning and apply Your Word in my daily life, serving You and others with love for the extension of Your kingdom. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.