Hidden Treasure and Pearl

First of all, thank You God for Your wonderful grace in revealing Your love for me through Your Son Jesus Christ. Thank You also for people like my 'Big Brother' Andrew, The 2 Noels, Beth, Ernest and the rest of the prayer group, Rick and the MYAFers and my lovely sweetheart May Lee, that have encouraged and helped me tremendously in my walk with God and in finding Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior.

I will start blogging in a new site soon at knowingjesuschrist.blogspot.com. Consider this as a new season in my walk with God and my renewed desire to really know Jesus personally. There are nothing more important to me than this at the moment. God has been reminding me a lot lately on Matthew 6:33 and today on The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl from Matthew 13:44-46 (Thanks Andrew!).

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." - Matthew 13:44-46

Dear Father, thank You for Your mercy to forgive me when I'm fallen short of Your glory and Your grace for giving me the faith to always hold on to You. Thank You for answering my prayer for strength to continue running this race and renewing my desire to follow Christ even more closely. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Sing!

Read 1 Chronicles 16:23-27

"Sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works!" —1 Chronicles 16:9

Reflection of Tommy:

At times, life's cruel and unforgiving circumstances rob us from the joy and peace we have in God. It's hard to sing praises and be thankful when everything around us doesn't seems to turn out the way we wanted them to be. We questioned why God allows these things to happen and not sparing us from the pain of going through them.

As we reflect on today's passage, we see how we can still give praise to our God during difficult times. Because of what He has done for us through His Son, we can always proclaim the good news and have the reason to be thankful and grateful for despite the circumstances in our lives.

Dear Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy that I can have a close personal relationship with You. Forgive me of my disobedience and slow in listening and learning Your ways. Forgive me also of not being sensitive in allowing the Holy Spirit to work in me, changing me to be more like Christ each day.

Father, I pray that You will change this heart of mine, make it truly repented of my old ways, and resubmit my all to You. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

With All My Art

Read Exodus 35:30-35

Reflection of Tommy:

We tend to separate our spiritual life with our work life. But, in today’s passage we see how our work and talent-whatever it may be- can becomes an act of worship when they are enlivened by the Spirit of God. As we make good use of our God-given talent, our works display the glory of God and become a good witness for Christ.

Dear Father, thank You for all Your gift of talent and skill for me. Thank You for reminding me to make good use of them and to treat all my works as an act of worship to You. Lord, teach me to be always diligent, attentive and responsible at work. May all the glory and praise be Yours. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Matters of the Heart

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24

Reflection of Tommy:

There are so many gems found in today’s passage! In verse 12 and 13, Paul was talking about giving the respect to those leading our church: pastors and leaders. So very often we criticize them for not preaching what we would like to hear or even ridicule them for their idiosyncrasy. Here, Paul urges us instead to express our appreciation and hold them in the ‘highest regard’ for their effort to help us in our journey. We need to remember they need and deserve our support, cooperation and love.

In verse 14, Paul talked about having the sensitivity to know the condition of our brothers and sisters and finding effective ways to help the situation. We are to know the difference between those who are idling from those who are timid and use a unique approach (warn those idling; encourage those timid, help those weak) in each case.

Verse 16 to 18 give us 3 clear commands to obey always and in all circumstances – be joyful, pray continually and give thanks to God. This requires our conscious decision to do what God says and acknowledging our dependence on Him. This allows Him to change us to naturally want to obey Him and doing His will. And when we do His will, we will find it easier to be joyful and thankful to God in everything. Even when evil strikes, we can still be thankful for God’s presence and His sustaining grace for us, and for the good that He will accomplish through the situation.

Dear Father, thank You for Your Word today. Thank You for reminding me how to obey You and how to live in peace with one another. Forgive me Lord of sometimes being so critical over those who work hard to lead the church. Teach me to be more respectful for what they have done and doing for your church and Your people.

Lord, give me the wisdom and the sensitivity to effectively help in the ministry when I am reaching out to them. I pray more of them may come and fully devote their lives to honor and glorify You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, 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.

Give Thanks!

Read Psalm 92

Reflection of Tommy:

While we were given turn to choose our favorite hymn to be sang yesterday, I can see most those selected are about our supplication for strength, protection and peace. It shows how most of the times, we are focus on our selves, of what we can gain and ask from God. Not to say that asking God for our needs is wrong, but we must balance it with praise and thanksgiving to God for who He is and what He has done for us.

This brings us to Psalm 92, a beautiful psalm on giving praise and thanks to God, expressing our genuine gratitude to Him. Make songs and music to His Name, for the great and good things He has done; proclaiming His love on our lips everyday (v1-2). Having a thankful heart also changes us to be a more positive, gracious, loving, contended and humble person.

Dear Father, thank You and I praise You for all the wonderful things You have done for me and for the work You are doing in my life now. Teach me not to be like the other 9 lepers in Luke 17:12-19, but to be the Samaritan who returned to give You all the praise and thanks You deserve.

Lord Jesus, change me also to be more receptive and sensitive to the Spirit that I may walk along Your path to Your way everlasting. Guide me and give me the strength to show this love towards others too by leading them to You. In Your Name I pray, Amen.

Celebrating Disappointment

Psalm 30

A psalm. A song. For the dedication of the temple. Of David. ^[a]

1 I will exalt you, O LORD,
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.

2 O LORD my God, I called to you for help
and you healed me.

3 O LORD, you brought me up from the grave ^[b] ;
you spared me from going down into the pit.

4 Sing to the LORD, you saints of his;
praise his holy name.

5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.

6 When I felt secure, I said,
"I will never be shaken."

7 O LORD, when you favored me,
you made my mountain ^[c] stand firm;
but when you hid your face,
I was dismayed.

8 To you, O LORD, I called;
to the Lord I cried for mercy:

9 "What gain is there in my destruction, ^[d]
in my going down into the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it proclaim your faithfulness?

10 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me;
O LORD, be my help."

11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

Reflection of Bee:


Dear Lord,
Thank You for turning my wailing into dancing too.
Thank You for removing my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.
Thank You for opening so many doors for me when one is closed.
Thank You for leading my life and guiding my career path.
Thank You for preparing me for greater works ahead.
All the thanks I give to You will never be enough to thank You.
May all glory and praise be to You through the works You have done in me.
In Your wonderful name I give You thanks. Amen.




Reflection of Tommy:

Sometimes God has to ‘punish’ us because of our stubbornness to change or deliberately ignoring His commands. He may use difficult, painful or uneasy situation to discipline or wake us up from our wrong ways. God also uses it to help us grow to be a more mature Christian. He does that because He loves us and wants to help us from getting into bigger trouble later.

As we read in verse 5, the discomfort of God’s anger towards us will lasts only a moment but the good effects will go on for a long time. Be thankful to our merciful God that at times His teaching maybe like a sharp painful shot given by a doctor, but it is always for our own good. It warns us to turn away from sin and helping us to grow to be a more obedient disciple of Christ.

Dear Father, thank You for Your lesson to change me when I’m disobedient. Forgive me of my ignorance to Your commands sometimes, doing the very thing You asked me not to. Forgive me and help me to always keep my ways right with You, to be a true follower of Christ. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

The Great Divider

Luke 23:33-43

33When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."[a] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."

36The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."

38There was a written notice above him, which read:|sc THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"

40But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."

42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[b]"

43Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

Reflection of Bee:

Tonight's devotion is a continuation from that of last night where the fickle followers who had a change of heart wished to crucify Jesus though they could not pin Him down on any crime.

However, one of the two criminals was able to see that Jesus had done nothing wrong (v41). In his faith and humility he asked Jesus to remember him when He comes back again (v42). Jesus confirmed that he would be in paradise with Him (v43).

In the modern day, it is still the same that the number of faithful believers are few. Though many may claimed to be Christians, yet their walk may prove otherwise. But these are the few that will enjoy everlasting life with Christ one day.

Dear Lord,
I pray for more to come to know your love as I share it with those I know. I pray that Your Holy Spirit will work in the hearts of the 3 unbelieving friends I invited for the Good Friday drama tonight. May they come to believe in You soon and enjoy Your love in their life.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Reflection of Tommy:
When Jesus asked God to forgive those putting Him to death (v34), it was not merely a normal response coming from a forgiving and humble person. But it was because Jesus truly loves them. He knew God will answer His prayer by opening up the way for salvation even for those who wanted to crucify Him.

Like the Jewish leaders, the soldiers and the crowds, we too are responsible to put Jesus on the Cross as we all have sinned. But because of God’s love and grace for us, He forgives us and gives us a new life through His Son. Be thankful and grateful for what Christ has done for us on Calvary’s Tree.

Dear Father, thank You for Your amazing love to save a sinner like me, for making me whole by exchanging my ruined self for Christ's righteousness. Guide me and use me that others may come to know Christ and accept Your gift of salvation. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Never Hunger

Psalm 23 (Amplified Bible)

A Psalm of David.

1THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.

2He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.(A)

3He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him--not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake.

4Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.

5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with [a]oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.

6Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.

Reflection of Bee:

I was so thrilled when I saw tonight's passage, as I had been pondering over v1 during my bath before my devotion. So it seems God is confirming with me that I shall not lack or need anything more than I have, regardless of my situation. In fact, when I reflect on the things that God allowed to happen in my life I see God's hands and blessings in disguise.

Yes, whenever I make Jesus "my shepherd" to guide me, I shall not lack. He constantly refreshes me and protects me from harms. Yes he prepares "a table before me in the presence of my enemies". This really takes place. Praise God!

Dear Lord,
I see Your goodness, mercy and love in my life all these years. Thank You very much. I pray again that the things I do, the decisions I make, the words I say will be to Your glory. Guide me, my Shepherd, lead me to Your green pasture.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



Reflection of Tommy:
One of the worst tragedies in life is not having what we want. Discontentment is the primary source of unhappiness, frustration and misery. For most people, the things that they want are not bad in themselves and some are actually very good (eg. a better relationship with children, parent, or spouse).

But God wants us to learn to be content now through our fellowship with Him in Christ. He wants us to experience the peace and joy of His presence now, resting in Him, regardless of our circumstances or unfulfilled earthly desires. We need to ask God to open our eyes to see ways we are exchanging His glory for things on earth, resulting in our discontentment.

As Jesus has said "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst" (John 6:35), God wants to fill the emptiness of our heart, all our want and discontentment, with the joy and love of Christ. Not only filling it, He wants to keep pouring until it even overflows to others.

Dear Father, thank You that Jesus has come to give me not only a new life, but to have it abundantly (John 10:10). Teach me to believe and be thankful that I can always have the fullness of joy in Your presence regardless of the circumstances. I choose to obey Jesus' command to abide in His love.

Lord Jesus, I trust You, through me, to keep Your commandments so that I will abide in Your love and have Your joy made full in me. I offer my mind and mouth for use by the Holy Spirit in giving continual thanks with praise, and sharing the love and joy of Christ with others. In Your mighty and precious Name I pray, Amen!

Rescue And Response

Psalms 107-150

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say this—
those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,

3 those he gathered from the lands,
from east and west, from north and south. [a]

4 Some wandered in desert wastelands,
finding no way to a city where they could settle.

5 They were hungry and thirsty,
and their lives ebbed away.

6 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.

7 He led them by a straight way
to a city where they could settle.

8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men,

9 for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.

Reflection of Bee:

Dear Lord,
Thank You that Your love for me never fail and Your kindness never cease. As I look back my life as a little child and now as an adult, I see Your faithfulness in my life. I commit my life to You again tonight... whether I live or die, may my life shows Your love story to others.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Reflection of Tommy:
Some accepted Christ through dramatic and unexpected experiences while others through moments of quiet illumination revealed by God. But, either way, we should be thankful for God has come to us and deliver us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love (Col. 1:13). In return, we should, with a grateful heart, use every opportunity coming our ways to tell others about God’s Good News of salvation and redemption.

Dear Father, thank You for what Christ has done on the Cross for me. Thank You for blessing me with all the richness of a life hid with Christ in You. Lord, guide and remind me of every opportunity to encourage others to know You and Your wonderful gift for everyone. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

A Worthy Life

Colossians 1:9-14

9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[a] to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Reflection of Bee:


Some may feel that God owes them many things, such as good health, wealth, a partner, etc. They blame God for what they don't have instead of be thankful for what they have.

The above passage tells us that we, as Christians, already have the "inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light". Therefore, we are to live our lives "worthy of the Lord", "please him in every way", "bearing fruit in every good work" and "growing in the knowledge of God".


Dear Lord,
Thank You for such a great inheritance. I pray that my life would be pleasing to You. Though at times I may murmur for what I think I lack, yet I know that You will provide me with all I need.
Though I still mourn for my loss, I pray that You will turn my mourning into praise soon. I pray that he will grow in You after all these happenings.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.




Reflection of Tommy:

There are times we are greatly troubled and disheartened by things and situations around us. Everything seems so bleak and hopeless. It can be hard to find anything to rejoice or be thankful about. But, we can learn from Paul today that despite all the hardship we are going through at the moment; we can always find reasons to be thankful for God.

God has made us qualified to share His inheritance (v12)
We are rescued from Satan’s dominion of darkness and made us His children (v13)
He brought us into His eternal kingdom (v12)
He redeemed us – free us from sin and judgment (v14)
He forgive all our sins (v14)

We should be grateful to God as each day, whether good or bad, is one more gift from our God.

Dear Father, thank You for Your love and all the gifts and blessings You have given to me. Teach me to trust You for all my needs and be willing to submit my all to You. Guide me to love and serve Your people likewise, in return. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Bee's 14th Month of Devotion

It's 2007 now, and it marks my 14th month of running this spiritual race together with my Best Friend, Tommy.

There were a number of times I wanted to pull out from doing my devotion here, but each time I came back again. The reason is that Tommy had been patiently waited for me to post my thoughts here by saving his as "drafts" and not publishing them till I input mine.

A week ago, I almost stopped blogging here altogether as I couldn't access the blog admin anymore after this blog was switched to beta.blogger. It created some misunderstanding between us. Thank God that it's settled now. On hindsight, I realized there is a spiritual warfare out there whenever we wish to spend time with God or to have fellowship with believers. The devil will try to use the technique of "divide and conquer" to cause misunderstanding and create divisions. We should be very vigilant and not fall into the trap of the devil.


Dear Tommy,
In this new year, I wish to thank you for your patience and kindness towards me for the past 14 months. Thank you for all the things you have done for me.
Sorry for the times I have misunderstood you or may have said things that are hurtful to you. I ask for your forgiveness.

Dear Lord,
May 2007 bring about new understanding between Tommy and me, and new growth in our spiritual walk with You. May we become channels of blessings to those who come into contact with us. May we touch lives as we continue this devotional journey together. May Your love be felt through us.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


... the thoughts of Bee

Remembering

Psalm 103:1-5

1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-

3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,

5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Bee's Thoughts:

How can we remember if we don't take time to ponder on God's goodness and memorize the word of God?

Once a speaker asked us how we would react to adversity. I answered, "Thank God". Everyone laughed. They thought I was trying to be funny. But I was serious.

I always remember 1 Thessalonians 5:18 that says, "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I also remember Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Yes, when we remember God, He will satisfies our desires with good things so that our youth is renewed like the eagle's (v5).

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your Holy Spirit that always bring to my remembrance of Your words in times of need. Like what Kind David says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." (Psalms 119:11). Thank You for all You have done for me.
In Jesus most loving name pray. Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:

It is easy to get restless, discontented and complains about things in life; unfulfilled desires, sicknesses, unfairness, difficult people, etc. Often, we focus entirely on these and find it hard to count our blessings from God and feeling as though we have nothing to praise God about.

We should instead follow how David responded during difficult times- praising God by focusing on His glorious deeds even though we do not deserve any of them. David’s list gives us plenty to praise God about:

1. He forgives our sins (v3)
2. He heals our diseases (v3)
3. He redeems us from death (v4)
4. He crowns us with love and compassion (v4)
5. He satisfies our desires (v5)
6. He renews your strength and vigor (v5)
7. He gives righteousness and justice (v6)

Dear Father, thank You and I praise You for all Your glorious deeds. I thank You for forgiving me, cleansing me and renew me each day. Lord, teach me to be glad and grateful always for all these blessings – past, present and future. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Our First Anniversary

I can't believe it! We have crossed our First Anniversary at this devotional blog together! :)

Looking back, I must thank God for helping us to stay consistent in reading the Bible nightly, no matter how busy or tired we have been. It's by God's grace that we could have done that. Praise God!

For me, these devotional times are life to my spirit and water to soul, always bringing me back to sanity whenever my mind is crowded with stressful events or thoughts.

Sometimes I felt like taking a certain course of actions, but God would use His words to tell me not to do them.

Sometimes, I felt down or discouraged, God's words would encourage me again and helped me moved on. As Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says:

9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:

10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!

Thanks, Tommy, for keeping me company here. Two are better than one. ;)



... the thoughts of Bee

Bee's 8th Month of Devotion

Thank You Lord,
for those time spent here
for Your words so dear
for Your presence so near

Thank You Lord,
for Tommy my best friend
for being heaven-sent
for lending me his hands

Thank You Lord,
for making things beautiful
for making life wonderful
for making us grateful

Amen



... the thoughts of Bee

Bee's 6th Month of Devotion

Little did I realize that I have already done 6 months of devotion here with Tommy. It's interesting to note that though we both read the same passages, yet God speaks to us differently concerning our personal life many times. But there are times that we do hear the same message from God though. :)

Due to my busyness at work last week, I did my devotion very late at night, at a time when my brain almost shut off. Thank God that this devotional habit has been formed for some time, so even though I was tired, I could still spend some time to let God speak to me or at least pray.

The Apostle Paul said we need to do godly exercise (1 Timothy 4:7-8). Devotional time is one of them. Thank God for His enabling power to keep this time with Him.

Thanks, Tommy, for doing this spiritual exercise with me. Let's keep going. Cheers!



... the thoughts of Bee

Bee's 5th Month of Devotion

I have been at this blog for the last 5 months. Doing my devotion here has helped me cultivate a consistent habit of spending time to reflect on God's word, and at the same time to apply them in my daily situations. Each time I read the bible passages for the day in Our Daily Bread I could feel God speaking to me about my daily experiences.

God's words are full of life when I read it prayerfully. They are very comforting, giving me new strength and courage to go on for another day, just like what food does for my physical body. However, if I were to read the bible just as head knowledge, it will be very dry and I will not benefit much from it. Thank God for His amazing words of life!

Sometimes, Tommy and I do have some slight disagreement on the titles of certain passages or on the presentation of a certain posts. Sometimes, these trivial matters may cause us to loose focus on what is important in the eyes of God -- His truths. These are subtle things the devil try to use to divide and conquer. But thank God that each time we could come to an agreement as we let God speaks to our hearts.

I am very thankful to Tommy, not only for letting me use his blog to do my online devotion, but also for his graciousness, care and concern for me. It's very encouraging to see that he has also been doing it regularly, despite his busy work schedule.

So, keep it up Tommy! Let's cheer each other on, ok? May our Lord bless you richly as you give Him your time. :)


.......the thoughts of Bee

Bee's 1st Month of Devotion

Today marks the 1st month of my devotion time with God since I started it on 26 October 2005.

Firstly, I want to thank God for giving me the perseverance to do my devotion daily without fail. These devotions really keep me 'sane' in times of my discouragement and heartaches the last one month. The word of God (bible) lifted me up each time I felt down and lonely... marked by crying 'spell'.

The word of God is so comforting and powerful. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12). No wonder the Psalmist said, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (Psalms 119:105).

Secondly, I want to thank Tommy for letting me use his blog for my devotion. Perhaps his blog design and soothing music play a part in providing the environment and mood to let God speak to me. Thank you very much, Tommy! I hope you have also enjoyed your time with God here. :)

Thirdly, I know there are many international visitors to this blog every day. I hope this devotion blog has been an encouragement to you too. You are welcome to leave comments if the messages have blessed your heart. Thank you for visiting and reading. :)

Finally, I pray that God will continue to help me persevere in my devotion with Him for the next month to come.


.......the thoughts of Bee

A Lost Art

Colossians 1:9-14

9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Bee's Thoughts:

What did Paul pray for the Colossian Christians?

1. knowledge of his will - through all spiritual wisdom and understanding
2. live a life worthy of the Lord - and may please him in every way
3. bearing fruit - in every good work
4. growing in the knowledge of God
5. strengthened with all power
6. have great endurance and patience
7. joyfully giving thanks to the Father

This is a good way to pray for a person, for we all need to cultivate the above attributes.

"give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

To be able to give thanks to God in all situations requires absolute trust in God... to thank God in spite of heartaches and sorrows, in spite of wanting to crying, in spite of being left alone...

So what can I thank God for? I like the poem below:

It's that time of year, God,
when even the secular world says,
"Stop! Take time to say 'Thanks'."

For what? For whom?
The list is endless.

First of all - there's us.
Alive, energetic, enthusiastic -
both within and without,
bursting with health and movement
in spite of the periodic slowdowns,
joyous that you thought enough of us
to give us the experience of life.
Our lives are vibrant
with the flow of Your energy,
touched, seared
by the Love that is You,
yearning to be to others
what You have been to us.

For us, dear God, we thank You!

Then there are the others,
utilizing their creative powers
to enrich our lives
through fields that feed
and rivers that quench,
through fabrics that clothe
and forests that house,
through presence and absence
through the rhythm of then and now.
Without them we would be isolated,
crouching in our corners of self-sufficiency.
But with them we are invited,
called forth to contribute
of our plentiful harvest
to the sum total of humanity.

For all of them, we thank You!

But, most of all, dear God, there is YOU -
gracious, considerate, understanding,
cleansing, challenging, demanding,
drawing us to Your embrace,
clearing, pruning, breaking,
touching, lifting, healing.
Our destinies lie with You,
for we are the branches
grafted with Your Spirit
onto the vine that zaps its sap
into our beings.

For You, our God, we thank You!
.....Loretta Girzaitis




Yes, God, no matter how sad and painful I feel, no matter how lonely I am, I want to give you thanks. For I know I am "in this transient world of impermanence" and my life is just a "mist"... my suffering is just temporal. I want to thank you for all you have done for me... for hearing my prayers always, for the friends you sent me, for the love I experienced... for you are good. Amen


.......the devotion of Bee