Job’s Birthday

Read Job 3

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me". - Mark 8:34

Reflection of Tommy:

Contrary to what many may believe, God does not remove all our trials, problems, and difficulties in life when we become Christian. In fact, it will be just the opposite! But, like Job in today's passage, God at times allows sufferings to come into our lives when He can brings greater good from them (Romans 8:28).

As we are willing to take up our cross and to go through them patiently, we will see how God can use our suffering to do amazing works for His kingdom and to those around us, and at the same time, changing and refining our character in the process.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me the greater significance of our sufferings. Thank You that You'll never allow us to be tested beyond what we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13 ). Thank You for changing me and refining me each day to be more like Christ. Lord, I pray that I will truly take up my cross and follow You. May everything I say and do bring all glory and honor to You. In Jesus' Name, I pray, Amen.

Getting Through

Read Psalm 46

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." - Psalm 46:1

Reflection of Tommy:

I was asking a friend about what’s the worst that can ever happen to her? I asked whether it is death. But, she answered death in fact is less dreadful than other problems in life. No wonder many take their own life as a way out when life is so hard to bear. Of course, taking our own life is a sin and as Christian we know there is a better way out.

While reading Psalm 46, the psalmist talked exactly the same fear and overwhelming anxiousness (v2-3) when facing the challenges in life. In here, we learned few great God’s promises for us when things go really awry and unbearable for us. God will always be there with us (v11), He will be our true refuge- providing us the strength to endure and persevere (v1).

Dear Father, thank You for Your presence, You strength, protection and help when the going get tough. Teach me to seek You each day in prayer, reading and meditating on Your Word and applying them in my life. 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.

An Age-Old Question

Job 2:1-10

Job's Second Test
1 On another day the angels [a] came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them to present himself before him. 2 And the LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?"
Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it."

3 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason."

4 "Skin for skin!" Satan replied. "A man will give all he has for his own life. 5 But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face."

6 The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life."

7 So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. 8 Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes.

9 His wife said to him, "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!"

10 He replied, "You are talking like a foolish [b] woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"
In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

Reflection of Bee:

Earlier on, I was watching a movie at home and a statement said by one of the characters made me ponder much....

"Your love for her is limited, for you love only if you can be with her. If you really love her, you will love even if you know you can't be with her."

Isn't it similar to what Job said to his wife, "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" (v10). If we really believe in God we will accept both good and trouble because we KNOW that He works all things (including the trouble) together for good to those who loved God.

So be it love or faith, they must be unconditional to be real.

My Lord,
Thank You for speaking to me tonight. Thank You for revealing to me what it means to be consistent in our love and faith and not let circumstances change them. Teach me to practice these truth in my life with You and people You have chosen for me. Let me be true and real.
In Your name I pray. Amen.


Reflection of Tommy:

Recently, a friend asked me why her 90 years old grandmother who is a very kind and generous person has to suffer at her old age now. Both her sons and daughters no longer care or concern for her well-being and never come to visit her. They even argued with one another over the very small amount of monthly payment for the nursing home. My friend’s family, who is the poorest among them all, was there all this while, taking care and support her and praying for her everyday.

So, why do good people suffers? Good Christian and everyone else in this fallen world are subject to suffering. Although God allow certain things to happen for reasons that we may not understand, we can still trust Him to do what is right and best. We can take comfort knowing that all our suffering will end when Jesus returns.

Dear Father, thank You for the assurance that all suffering and sorrow will end when Christ returns. Thank You that because of who You are, I can rely and trust You for things I do not understand. Thank You for Your constant guidance and protection, leading me to walk closer to Christ each day. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Fickle Followers

Matthew 27:15-23

15Now it was the governor's custom at the Feast to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. 16At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. 17So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" 18For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.

19While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him."

20But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.

21"Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor.
"Barabbas," they answered.

22"What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked.
They all answered, "Crucify him!"

23"Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate.
But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"

Reflection of Bee:

What did Jesus do wrong?

To the crowd, there is no need to give a reason for crucifying Jesus (v23). To them, the right things that Jesus did were deemed 'wrong'. That means He had been crucified as an innocent man.

"What crime" have I committed?

That's the same question I asked myself when my once upon 'best friend' became so cold towards me and treated me as if I am in non-existence. I became 'just friend' or 'just acquaintance' suddenly. It's very hurting to be suddenly treated that way without a reason. What did I do wrong to deserve such treatment? I don't know. Self-doubts, self-condemnation, self-anger set in.... and I felt 'crucified'.... :(

The same fickle followers of Christ then, were no different from the fickle minded ones today. They choose to believe what they want to believe in their own fancies and benefits. However, in yesterday's devotion Joy of True Friendship and Love we learned what it meant to be true followers of Christ, to be true friends, to love and to experience Christ's joy.

Tonight's devotion reminded me that if Christ was treated that way (crucified) by the people who claimed to be His follower earlier, it shouldn't be a surprise to me when I am treated similarly by people whom I trusted and thought close to me. I can only pray that God will show them what it means to be true disciples of Christ.


Dear Lord,
Your servant (me) will never be greater than the Master(You). Let me take heart that whatever I had been through You had already gone through them. You understand how I feel. Thank You that all those bad experiences help me understand the betrayal You had experienced and how hurtful You must had been.
Let me not be another fickle follower myself but be steadfast in loving, in befriending, in experiencing Your joy no matter come what may. Teach me to die to self and live to Christ.
I pray that You will bless those who have hurt me. I pray that Your love in me will help them repent and follow Your command.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Reflection of Tommy:

Like the crowds, we too at times like a fickle follower of Christ. Our commitment and obedience to Him easily waver and inconsistent with what we proclaimed. We can be shouting praise to Him on Sunday and reject His teachings and leading the rest of the week; ignoring His presence and His Word in our lives.

To be a true follower of Christ, we need to keep a close relationship with Him each day; obeying all His commands and giving Him all our thanks, praise, worship. Like what summarized in today’s Daily Bread – “Worshiping God should be a full-time experience for us”.

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me to walk my talk each day, consistently. Forgive me for the times I wandered and doubted. Teach me that I may learn to truly live out my faith as a follower of Christ and to walk closely with Him by the power of Your Holy Spirit.
In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Heart For Others

2 Corinthians 11:22-30

What anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about. 22Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham's descendants? So am I. 23Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?

30If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

Reflection of Bee:

Sometimes the greatest enemy can be those closest to us... from within. Paul was in danger from his "own countrymen" and those who pretended to be "brothers", besides the dangers from without (v27). In spite of those dangers, he was concerned for the churches. He recognized his own weaknesses (v29). Yet he knew that his strength came from God despite of them. Therefore he recognized that his victory came from God.

As I reflect on my life, I too had gone through much sufferings, persecution, enemies within, betrayal, 'desertion', 'abandonment', lost of self-esteem, self-doubt, self-hate, even suicidal thoughts. I have had fair share of weaknesses and sins, just like Paul. But I am what I am today because of the grace and mercies of God in my life. Without God, I may not be here today.

Yes, I may still be human and still need to feel human touch, warm and love. Yet I know that humans will be humans and they can be very unreliable, unless God has transformed their lives. Therefore, the only one I can rely on has to be God.... any one that comes along would be a gift from God.


Dear Lord,
As I read the above passage, it reminds me of how You had saved me and saw me through all my life's trials and temptations. I am weak but You are strong. You have kept me from all wrongs. Let me continue to walk with You, Lord. I pray that You will transform my life even more. That I may be someone who can reach out to another who needs to feel human warm and love, instead of hoping to be loved. May Your love rules my life that I may forgive and bless those who have hurt me.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Reflection of Tommy:

From verse 28-29, we see how Paul not only faced physical threats and dangers; he was also under pressure in worrying about the health of the churches. He was deeply concerned for the members of the churches in their growth and the threats from false teachings that were so prevalent during that time.

If God has bring opportunities for us to lead or guide His people, we should not do it to make us looks better than others, instead do it out of love for them like Paul.

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me to always serve Your people out of love and gratitude for the love You have shown to me. Guide my every words and actions that they are not to glorify myself but You alone; helping and building others up and leading them to Jesus and centering their lives on Him. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

A New Song

Psalm 98

1 Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.

2 The LORD has made his salvation known
and revealed his righteousness to the nations.

3 He has remembered his love
and his faithfulness to the house of Israel;
all the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.

4 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,
burst into jubilant song with music;

5 make music to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of singing,

6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn—
shout for joy before the LORD, the King.

7 Let the sea resound, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it.

8 Let the rivers clap their hands,
Let the mountains sing together for joy; 9 let them sing before the LORD,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples with equity.

Bee's Thoughts:

Not sure if my 'bf' had removed me from this blog by mistake or that Blogger had done. All I could do is to post as new and no longer able to edit my old posts or add to his posts anymore. :( Perhaps God wants me to spend time alone with Him at my own blog... a quiet place... just me and God....

Though I was sad and disturbed, I must thank my 'bf' for allowing me to post my devotional thoughts at his blog for the last 15 months. That has disciplined me to do my devotions consistently without fail even when I am very tired. I want to thank him for the last one-and-half year of fellowship we had in this spiritual journey.

However, our last weekend meeting has changed everything. I pray that even if we have to go our own ways, we will be strong in Christ and never be shaken in our walk with God. Whether this is the devil's way to divide and conquer, or that God is telling us it's time we stand alone, I pray that we will keep our faith and continue to spend time with God nightly. (Erm... biblical principle is unity rather than division.. so how can it be from God?)

I also want to thank my him for the 'farewell gift' he did for me tonight shown above. Indeed he has spent much time doing it for me, I know.... and I really appreciate it very very much. However, the sorrow in me tonight has dwarf my joy of receiving this precious gift. I hope he will forgive me and understand I don't mean to be unappreciative.

Yes, I really am feeling very downcast tonight, yet I want to be strong and sing to the Lord a new song like the above Psalm says.



Dear Lord,
You know how I am feeling now.... only You understand and know. Keep me strong in You Lord. Help me to sing unto You a new song even in time like this... for Your faithfulness endures forever,
I pray that my 'buddy' will also sing unto You the song You will be placing in his heart. Grant him a good night rest tonight and that he will know Your will for him in his life. May You bring him a new devotional very partner soon. May Your love and grace always stay with him.
In Your name I pray. Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:

There are many unable to accept a God that judges His people. They reasoned that a loving God will never create hell to torture and punish His creation. Furthermore, they don’t understand why a powerful being like God unable to make everyone good and destroy all evil and suffering in this world.

But, the truth is God created us a freewill being, capable to make choices. Unlike robot, we are free to choose between good and evil. God sees this as a more meaningful way for His creation to respond freely to His love for them.

But men choose to rebel and disobey God. As a result, sin entered into the world. Mankind still continues to sin, living in rebellion against God. This is why the world is filled with suffering today. Like they said, God doesn't send anyone to Hell. We send our selves there.

But, God has provided us a way to reconcile back with Him. He sent His only Son to die for our sin. God forgives and saves us from the eternal separation from Him, or hell when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. We will also receive a new life in Him and share the glory of Christ return one day, where God will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity (v9).

Dear Father, thank You for the certainty and hope I have in You. Thank You and I praise You for all the marvelous and wonderful things You have done. Thank You for the victory I have with Jesus. Lord, guide me to follow You with a faithful and joyful heart. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Withering Grass

Psalm 102:3-12

3 For my days vanish like smoke;
my bones burn like glowing embers.

4 My heart is blighted and withered like grass;
I forget to eat my food.

5 Because of my loud groaning
I am reduced to skin and bones.

6 I am like a desert owl,
like an owl among the ruins.

7 I lie awake; I have become
like a bird alone on a roof.

8 All day long my enemies taunt me;
those who rail against me use my name as a curse.

9 For I eat ashes as my food
and mingle my drink with tears

10 because of your great wrath,
for you have taken me up and thrown me aside.

11 My days are like the evening shadow;
I wither away like grass.

12 But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever;
your renown endures through all generations.

Bee's Thoughts:

The Psalmist has said what I couldn't express.... I felt exactly the way he wrote above. I felt my heart dying. I have to drown myself with work and busyness everyday. Yet I know God is still holding me up so that I will not do anything silly or irrational at the spur of the moment. He is keeping me sane even as I feel as if I might be going crazy with pains.

Dear Lord,
This burden is too heavy for me, please support me and let me not do anything I will regret for life. Hold me securely that I may not fall. Keep me strong in You and let me be immersed in Your love, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.




Tommy's Thoughts:
Sometimes, we do neglect our basic needs like food and rest when we are in despair. Like the psalmist in today’s passage, we can learn to lean on God for comfort and strength in these times. And when we recognize our weaknesses, we’ll see God’s greatest strength becomes available for us.

Being a Christian, we are called not to suffer silently but to share our struggles and accepting graciously the support and help from others.

Dear Father, thank You that despite everything has perished and failed, You are still there, endure forever (v12). Thank You for lifting me up and giving me hope again when things seem so bleak and uncertain. Lord, continue to provide me with Your strength and peace to guard my heart and mind to walk closer to You each day. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Persecution

Acts 8:1-8

1And Saul was there, giving approval to his death.

The Church Persecuted and Scattered
On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.

Philip in Samaria
4Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ[a]there. 6When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7With shrieks, evil[b] spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. 8So there was great joy in that city.

Bee's Thoughts:

In every circumstances, God will make a way for Christians even when there seems no way. Even in adversity, God can use us to share the good news.

Yes, God makes all things work out together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. So even if we lose a loved one, God has a plan for us to fulfill His purpose. We need to trust Him.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the reminder that You will always be with us and use us in all circumstances when we let You lead. Thank You that we can share about You and Your deliverance even when we face hardship and hurts.
Thank You in Your precious name. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

Nobody likes to take those bitter medicines when sick, but in order to be cured we take them. Likewise, God sometimes allows certain uncomfortable experiences or circumstances in our lives to mold and prepare us for a special task. Those discomforts may be the best thing for us because God may be working through our hurts.

Like the persecution of the Christians in Jerusalem that moved them to Judea and Samaria, spreading the gospel in the process; God can bring great results both to us and others when we trust in Him and endure our current suffering and hardship.

Dear Father, thank You for Your message today at the church about not to worry (Matthew 6:25-34). Thank You for teaching me instead to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness.

I pray for Your strength and grace to keep me going in joyful obedience and may Your light shine ever more brightly through me. Lord, use me that others might know Your truth and that the Gospel might be brought to them. In Jesus’ wonderful and mighty name I pray, Amen.

Tensile Strength

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

7To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Bee's Thoughts:

Each one of us have our own "thorn in the flesh", something that is there to keep us humble and relying on God.

I used to prayed a number of times for God to remove the "thorns in my flesh" like Paul did. However, each time I heard God speaking to my heart, "My grace is sufficient for you". That was very reassuring and comforting. Each time I thought I would give way, but each time God sustained me. His word is always true.

Dear Lord,
Thank You that Your grace is always sufficient for me. Thank You that at times I thought I couldn't bear anymore, yet You came to support me and see me through. Praise You for Your strength. In times of testing I pray that You will help me not to fall. Keep me pure in You, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen


Tommy's Thoughts:

While at the prayer retreat, I saw many of my church’s members in tears during a prayer session. I can see there’re all kinds of hurt and pain beneath those friendly and cheerful faces I saw every Sunday. It’s humility to admit their weaknesses that made them to turn, submit and rely on God, affirming His strength, acknowledging only God can heals and comforts their pain and to provide all the deepest needs in their heart.

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me of the need to be in constant contact with You, to seek and rely on You instead on my own energy and effort alone. I pray that You’ll fill me with Your strength and power when I’m weak, making me stronger than I could ever be on my own. I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.