Doing What’s Right

Read Psalm 15

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." - James 1:5

Reflection of Tommy:

Very often, the decisions and choices that we need to make are not as clear as black and white. We face difficulty to truly discern and know the right thing to do in a situation. To make matter worst, we receive all kinds of contradicting opinions and thoughts from others.

But, as we look up to God's Word in James 1:5, God has promised to help us in this aspect of life. Books like Proverbs, for example, are packed with wisdom from God to guide and lead us to make wiser decisions in life. It was written in such a simple but powerful way that anyone who truly seeks the counsel from God will understand it.

So, whenever we are troubled by not knowing what to do, spend time reading His Word slowly and prayerfully, He will generously show you the way.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me that knowledge without wisdom is folly. Thank You that Your Word is the lamp to my feet and the light for my path. Thank You for the guidance it gives when decisions have to be made and also the strength and encouragement when times are hard.

Lord, I pray that I will continue to be diligent in seeking Your Word, applying them to my life and sharing them to those around me. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Integrity 101

Read Psalm 101

Reflection of Tommy:

"I will behave wisely in a perfect way...I will walk within my house with a perfect heart." —Psalm 101:2

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines integrity as “incorruptible”. Like King David, we as Christian always seek out ways to live a life of integrity and staying away from all forms of ‘corruption’ as a response to God’s love for us (v1). We can begin leading such blameless lives, not by our own strength, but through empowering the Holy Spirit working in us each day.

The Spirit will shows us how to avoid looking at wickedness (v3), evil associates (‘men of perverse heart’ – v4), slander and pride (v5). He will keep our eyes on those (friends, associates) who are faithful to God and choose them to be our models. The Spirit will also illuminate our hearts with the standards by which to live from His Word.

Dear Father, I rejoice in Your Word and of who You are; my true, sovereign and only God. Guide me to live a blameless life free from any deceit or dishonesty, to always speak the truth and do all things pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Integrity

Genesis 39:1-12

Joseph and Potiphar's Wife
Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, 7 and after a while his master's wife took notice of Joseph and said, "Come to bed with me!"

8 But he refused. "With me in charge," he told her, "my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. 9 No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" 10 And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.

11 One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. 12 She caught him by his cloak and said, "Come to bed with me!" But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.

Reflection of Bee:

Having personal integrity in the eyes of God is important. When temptations come our way, our integrity or fear of God will keep us from falling. Though others may not know what we do but God knows. That's why Proverb 9:10 says, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom". Our fear of sinning against God will help us to be wise.

Dear Lord,
Cleanse me from all my sins tonight. Teach me to fear and honour You that I may not sin against You in any way.
In Jesus' name I ask. Amen.




Reflection of Tommy:

If we were to put weak excuses like “not to hurt/harm others” or “not to bring trouble or sin against our selves”, it’s easy to give in to temptation under pressure. But, we can learn from how Joseph responded when tempted. Instead of relying on all kind of excuses, we should view our act as sinning against God; an act of disobedience against God. This brings us into the right perspective when dealing with temptation.

Dear Father, thank You for showing to me how giving in to any kind of temptation is an act of disobedience against You- sinning against You. Thank You for teaching me that at times, merely trying to avoid temptation is not enough, I must ‘turn’ and ‘run’ from all things that may lead me to sin and stop making weak excuses that can be easily rationalized under pressure. Lord, I continue to pray for wisdom and strength to guide my every way each day. I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.