The Great Pandemic

Read Numbers 21:1-9

"Even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." — John 3:14-15

Reflection of Tommy:
Few years ago, a pastor from another church came to my church for a healing session. It was a packed room with so many who came hoping to be healed. Most heard about how gifted and powerful this pastor is in healing. But later, before he begin his sermon, he reminded those who came that any healing that will takes place comes not from him but from God alone. The power of healing comes when we believe in Jesus and what He has done for us on the Cross.

Jesus brought the complete and fuller meaning to the story of Moses’ bronze snake in today’s passage centuries later in John 3:14-15. It was not the bronze snake that healed the Israelites, but their belief that God could heal them when they obey God’s instructions. In the same way, all of us can be saved from the sickness of sin by looking to Jesus’ death on the Cross.

Dear Father, thank You for sending Your only Son to die for us on the Cross that whoever believe in Him will have eternal life (John 3:16). Teach me to be faithful to You always, obeying Your commands and always be thankful for everything You’ve done for me. Lord, keep my eyes focus unto Jesus as I walk closer to know Him and Your will for my life. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Better Yet!

Read Philippians 1:19-26

"Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." - Philippians 1:19-21

Reflection of Tommy:

Recently, I posted a question online asking friends what they would do if they know they'll be dead in 2 hours. It was interesting to see how each person responded differently to that question.

There are many of us going through our lives daily with plans and pursuits that we never really think or ponder over question like this. We may either believe it will never happen to us (or not that soon), or we dread thinking of the finality that death has over us.

But as we read today's passage, we see how Apostle Paul has a very different perspective on death. He said that to live is Christ and to die is gain (v21). He sees dying as something that is even better than living because he can finally see Jesus face to face, be truly free from pain and suffering and have the ultimate fellowship with God and be united with other believers for eternity.

But this does not means that we should concentrate solely on leaving this world and neglect all the things God has entrusted us to do here. Paul said to live is Christ, meaning we should fulfill God's will for our lives here by making good of every opportunities we have to serve Jesus- sharing the Good News, serving and reaching out to others with love; be a good steward to everything God has blessed us with and be the salt of the earth and light of the world.

Dear Father, thank You because of Christ, I will have no fear of death but the hope of something better when I leave this world. Let me hold unswervingly to this hope I profess, as You are faithful (Hebrews 10:23).

Father, guide me while I am still here through the Holy Spirit to never cease seeking You and Your righteousness. Teach me how I can serve Jesus better and asking Him to be true Lord of everything in my life.

Lord, remind me always my duty and responsibilities to be a good steward for all the things You have entrusted me with in this world. Teach me also to have a genuine servanthood heart to reach out and serve those in needs, reflecting Christlike love and compassion. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Distressed Travelers

Read Matthew 11:20-30

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." —Matthew 11:28

Reflection of Tommy:

Things in life can at times rob us from the joy and hope God has given us. We become weary and distressed by the uncertainties, anguish, and hurt; that no one seem to ever understand. We question when and what has went wrong. We may even settle to numb and suppress all our feelings to lessen the pain in our heart.

As we read the encouraging promise in today's passage, we know that God understands the things we are going through in our lives. No matter how big or small, how difficult or painful the situation may be, He is there beside us supplying us with strength and grace to sustain through them.

God invites us to come to Him and He will give us true rest (v28). In exchange of our burdens, Jesus offers us His yoke that is easy and light (v30) when we submit and surrender all our care to Him.

Dear Father, thank You for Your gentleness (v29), Your amazing love and grace for me. Forgive me of often forget about the peace and confidence You are offering to me when I truly accept Jesus as the "Lord" of all things in my life. So Lord, I commit and surrender them all to You once again: my work, my relationships and my future.

Lord Jesus, may I walk ever closer and more obediently with You each day; be ready and willing always in empowering the Holy Spirit to work mightily in my life. I thank You and pray in Your Name, Amen.
us' Name, Amen.

Thanksgiving All Year

Read 1 Chronicles 16:8-12, 23-34

Reflection of Tommy:

As I read today’s passage of thanksgiving to God, my eyes flowed with tears of joy knowing He knows and understands clearly the things I’m going through. Despite being hard-pressed on every side, I’m not crushed; although I’m perplexed, but not in total despair (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) because of His love that sustains me and the hope I have in Him that strengthen me.

He hears my every cry and makes me bold each time with strength in my soul (Psalm 138:3). My soul waits silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him (Psalm 62.5).

Dear Father, thank You for coming into my life and gave me the greatest Gift of all. Thank You so much for Your amazing love for a sinner like me, thank You for the hope and promises I have in You. I give You all praise and thanks! Although I do not know why certain things is so painful to me, but I trust You will reveal and heal me in Your time.

Lord Jesus, I thank You also that these trials are opportunities for You to demonstrate Your power and presence in and through me. Strengthen me to persevere and wisdom to discern. Lord, teach me to direct my thoughts and energy to serve and help others who are in needs. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Safe Forever

Read Psalm 34:8-22

We know as Christian we still have to undergo all kinds of pain and suffering in this fallen world, but God has promised that He will look after us and hear all our cries (v15). He has also said to save, protect and deliver us from all our troubles (v17-20) if we were to take refuge in Him (v22).

But, how do we exactly do that? We take refuge in God when we seek Him (v10) and be willing to learn the fear of the Lord (v11) and keeping His commands (v13-14).

Dear Father, thank You for Your comforting promises for me when I take refuge in You. As I submit humbly to Your care, teach me to fear You and to obey Your commands. Show and reveal to me any of my ways that are wrong and against Your will for me and lead me back to Your way everlasting. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Great hope and comfort

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Reflection of Tommy:

I was chatting with some friends that day on what will happen to believer who has passed away. We came out with all kinds of theories on how things will be for the dead after they die and exactly when they will be raised. Although we predicted many things but one thing is sure is that all of us will be reunited again in meeting the Lord in the air and will be with the Him forever (v17-18).

Paul’s message in today’s passage is not so much of how or when exactly we’ll be raised but instead it is to challenge us as believer to comfort and encourage one another when our loved ones die. Not only that, God will turn all our tragedies to triumphs, our poverty to riches, our suffering to glory and our defeat to victory!

Dear Father, thank You for such a comforting promise and hope I have in You. Teach me to make use of every opportunity to tell others about Your great gift of love for them. Guide me to comfort and reassure each other with this great hope we have in Christ. In His mighty Name I pray, Amen.

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.

Seeking Immortality

2 Corinthians 5:1-8

Our Heavenly Dwelling

1Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, 3because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

6Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7We live by faith, not by sight. 8We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

Reflection of Bee:

Verse 2 speaks of something I have been looking forward to for many years. I don't feel at home in this world somehow... for it brings me much sorrows most times. The only thing that kept me going is my hope in Christ, knowing that I still have a mission to perform while on earth. I need to exercise daily faith to complete this journey here.

This world is not my home I'm just a passing through.
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels beckon me from heaven's opened door.
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

Yes my Lord,
I want to be with You immediately if possible. I can't wait to see You face to face. Let me be patient a little while more and complete the mission You want me to do here. Guide my life and path, that I may be in Your will and lead others to You.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Reflection of Tommy:

It is true living in this fallen world, we are subject to be burdened and overwhelmed by the things and circumstances around us, result from sin (v4). We long in our heart for an escape from this ‘tent’ and to find rest in our true home. As Christian, we have the assurance of an eternal home with God when we leave this place. But as what Paul mentioned in verse 5, with the Holy Spirit resides within us, we’re in fact already have eternity in us now!

Dear Father, thank You for Your promise of my place for me in heaven with You. Thank You for teaching me Your patience and perseverance when facing the challenges in this life. Keep my feet on the right track, running towards the victory Jesus has won for me on Calvary. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Jesus Cried

John 11:21-35

21"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."

23Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."

24Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."

25Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

27"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ,[a] the Son of God, who was to come into the world."

28And after she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. "The Teacher is here," she said, "and is asking for you." 29When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.

32When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."

33When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34"Where have you laid him?" he asked.
"Come and see, Lord," they replied.

35Jesus wept.

Reflection of Bee:

Jesus wept because of the living (v34), not because of the dead. For He knew that Lazarus will resurrect again if he is a believer of Christ (v25, 26).

I also have the tendency to weep when I see others weep. To Christians death is considered "asleep" (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). When Jesus comes back again, "the dead in Christ will rise first" (1 Thessalonians 4:16). This is comforting for those whose loved ones are dead, if they have believed in Christ before they die.

Dear Lord,
Thank You that You can feel our sorrows. When I was weeping, You wept too. Thank You for the hope that we will be with You when we die. I don't know exactly how heaven will be like, but I know that I will be with You and that's enough for me.
Come quickly, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Reflection of Tommy:
Someone I know recently lost his girlfriend through a car accident. As I went to her memorial service, I found out how wonderful and nice this person was through the eulogy from her friends. Many shed tears when recalling the times they have spend with this always warm and cheerful person that has touched their lives in many ways.

In today passage, we see how even Jesus wept, thus, it's ok for us to cry and grief while remembering those who has left us. But as Christian, we know that there shall be an end to death, sorrow, crying and pain when Christ returns (Rev. 21:4). We can look forward to that hope; to be reunited once again with our loved ones in heaven.

Dear Father, thank You for Your promise to end all pain and suffering when you create new heavens and a new earth (2 Peter 3:13). Meanwhile, teach me to appreciate and love those around me more. May my every words and action be guided by the love of Christ, bringing glory and honor to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Raised In Glory

1 Corinthians 15:42-49

42So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.
If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45So it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being"[a]; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. 46The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. 47The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven. 48As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we[b] bear the likeness of the man from heaven.

Reflection of Bee:

I saw an advertisement on a lamp post last month, where it showed picture of a teenage girl which said: "Do you know that 1 in 5 girls your age has gone through plastic surgery?"
Yesterday I heard a radio commercial when I was in the taxi: A lady asked her friend, "Why is it called plastic surgery? Is it because after surgery your face will become plastic or because the surgery uses plastic?"

Hehehe... sounded comical isn't it? But the truth is many people, young and old, male and female are seeking for ways and means to stay good looking. Our again process is something most find it hard to accept. However, for Christians, we have the assurance that our old aging bodies will be transformed into new bodies that are "imperishable" (v42). Isn't that wonderful to know?


Dear Lord,

Thank You that I shall have that perfect body one day. May this hope of glory spurs me on remember that I should lay my treasures in heaven and not on earth. For all the things on earth will pass away and decay one day.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



Reflection of Tommy:

All of us face limitations. We may have been coping with some form of sickness or weakness- physically or emotionally, in our present earthly bodies. But as Christian, we have the assurance and hope to be given a new imperishable spiritual body when Christ returns. This body will be without any kind of disabilities, weaknesses or imperfection; it will never die or become sick. God will give us this transformed, eternal body suited to our new eternal life.

Dear Father, thank You for the hope and the gift of this spiritual body when Christ returns. For now, teach me to continue walking in Your love and to use all that You’ve given me to good use; bringing glory and honor to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Die With Christ

1 Corinthians 15:12-20

The Resurrection of the Dead
12But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Reflection of Bee:

God knows that I have been praying to be taken 'home' ASAP, for I know there is resurrection after death for the dead in Christ. It reminds me of the old hymn:

This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through.
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.
The angel's backing me from heaven's open door
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

Oh Lord, You know I have no friend like You.
If heaven is not my home then Lord, what will I do.
I know You'll take me through though I am weak and poor.
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

Dear Lord,
You know my desire is to be gone from this world and be with You immediately. For there's nothing that hold me here anymore. Take me home quickly, Lord. Otherwise show me how You may want to use me on this earth.
I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.




Reflection of Tommy:

We know that all of us have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). There will be no way we can be forgiven if Christ had not been resurrected. Because He rose, He lives and represents us to God, this ensures us that all our sins are forgiven and both our body and soul will be united after resurrection. Because He rose and defeated death, we will be raised and be given an eternal life with Him.

Dear Father, thank You for the hope and certainty I have in You. Thank You for giving me the strength, peace and patience to endure and keeping to Your commands while in this world. Lord, I pray for Your continuous guidance to lead me to do what is pleasing to You; bringing all the glory and honor to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Patience, the fruit of Hope

Romans 8:18-25

Future Glory
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Tommy's Thoughts:
In these paragraphs, Paul assured us that all our current suffering will seem as nothing when compared with the glory we will experience in the age to come. All these hardship we are going through are temporarily. We need to wait patiently like a bare, leafless and gnarled tree waiting for the warmth and brightness of spring. The full redemption of our bodies, like an eternal spring, will come one day.

Patience is the fruit of the Spirit and also the fruit of hope. Despite all my current frustration, disappointment, pain and struggle, I would like to thank you Lord for continuously inspiring me through the Spirit with hope. Thank you too for giving me the strength and patience to endure them everyday.

.......the devotion of Tommy

I Will Come Back For You

John 14:1-6

Jesus Comforts His Disciples
1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.4 You know the way to the place where I am going."

Jesus the Way to the Father
5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" 6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me".

Bee's Thoughts:
The title of Today's Daily Bread, "I Will Come Back For You", 'jumped' at me when I first opened its page. This statement has never mean so much to me as much as it is now. The reason is that someone dear has said that to me last week. I felt very troubled when he suddenly said he needed to be away for an indefinite time. The only assurance given to me was "I will be back for you".

Jesus knew very well how His disciples would feel when He leaves this world (John 13:1). They would feel very sad and troubled. So He comforted them in the following ways:
1. gave hopes for the future... many rooms in His Father's house
2. showed where He was going... prepare a place for them
3. showed the way to reach Him... Jesus is the away
4. promised to come back for them... will be permanent

Dear Lord, thank You for taking care of how we feel when You have to leave us on earth. You are so comforting, assuring, and You showed us how we still may reach You now while You are preparing the best for us. Thank You that You will be back for us soon.

In You is the Way, the Truth and Life. I know You are near me in my spirit. I love You, Lord. Amen

.......the devotion of Bee