Looking Ahead

Read Proverbs 24:13-20

A righteous man may fall seven times and rise again. —Proverbs 24:16

Reflection of Tommy:

One of the greatest tragedy of man is to be trapped in their past. Over the years I get to know from my own experience and others, that past plays a major part in shaping the person and how they handle their current life. And a lot of the times, they are things that are not so good like guilt, hatred, unforgiveness and regret. Worst, these negative feelings not only immobilize their current life but also determine their future.

So, let us not live in the past in despair but to look ahead for the hope we have in God.

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me again of the danger of allowing my thoughts of the past to negatively affecting my life now. Teach me to accept what has happened in the past as a good lesson to be learned instead of being stumbled by the fear, guilt and regret it creates.

Lord, lead me to live my life now fully according to Your will with the calm assurance of the hope I have in You. Guide me to also use my life fully to serve You and others, bringing glory and honor to You always. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Empty-Handed

Read Leviticus 23:16-22

Reflection of Tommy:
A friend recently shared with me of how guilty she felt of not doing enough for God in church and of quitting the ministry post in the church office. She thinks she can do so much more but at the same times she felt much burdened by all the things she have to handle in the church.

It’s easy to be troubled when we think we can do much more for God than what we are doing now. This guilt greatly burdens those who sincerely wanted to do the works of God and pleasing God. God has never intended His children to serve Him in such a weary and drained condition.

If we were to first seek Him to lead us and providing us the strength, zeal and joy to serve, we will WANT to serve Him and His people naturally. Through the empowering of the Spirit, we’ll be guided to serve in the ministry He has planned for us and we’ll do it effectively as God’s faithful servant.

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me that I received my salvation not through my own work, but Your amazing love and grace for me. Teach me to always have the right perspective when serving You and Your people, be sensitive of the Spirit’s leading. Thank You and I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.