The Bug Zoo

Read Acts 4:32-37

Reflection of Tommy:

At times we feel inadequate, insignificant or unimportant in God's works for His people. But as we read the Proverbs today, we know that God can display His marvelous wisdom and greatness in each of us if we were to humbly ask for them. And when we do, God can use our unique strength and gifts for the extension of His Kingdom.

In Galatians 6:9-10, the Apostle Paul tells us, "And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith."

Dear Father, thank You that I'm complete and whole in You. Thank You for your gift for me to serve and minister to Your people. Guard my heart and mind that I will not grow weary and lose heart in doing good, especially in serving and loving those You have brought into my life. May my every word and action bring all glory and honor to You. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Limited But Useful

Read Matthew 25:24-28

Reflection of Tommy:

Like the last servant, many of us tend to think and focus only of our own selves most of the time. And, we give very little of our time, talent, energy and money in service to others. We find excuses to avoid doing what God calls us to do and even if we do serve, we do it unwillingly.

The parable told by Jesus in today’s passage reminds us of obeying God willingly as we claim He is our Master. We are reminded also that all our time, abilities, and money belong to God; that we are caretakers, not owners. Thus, when we ignore, squander or abuse what God has given us, we are rebelling against God and deserve to be punished.

Dear Father, thank You for Your clear reminder that I should be a more faithful and grateful caretaker of all that You have given me. Teach me to be more other-centered in seeking ways to serve Your people. Help me not to be constantly preoccupied by my wants, worries and problems, but to allow the Holy Spirit to work in me to find effective ways to reach out to others in service and love. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Total Giving

Mark 12:41-44

The Widow's Offering
41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins,[a]worth only a fraction of a penny.[b]

43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."


Reflection of Bee:

What is "total giving"? It's giving of all that we have, no mater how little it may be, yet its significance is 100%.

The widow "put in everything—all she had to live on". That is, she would have nothing left for her living after that. Why did she do that? I guess that is an act of surrendering her life to God and dependency on God's providence, besides gratitude and worship.

The bible says that God loves a cheerful giver, that means we need to give willingly and happily. "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Dear Lord,
Teach me to give You more of my time than other things in my life. Teach me to give You my all just like the widow did.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Reflection of Tommy:

I used to get it wrong about this story about the widow’s offering. I thought the poor widow gave more than the others put together was because the amount she gave compare to what she owned greater than the rest. Although this is true but the real lesson is about the value of a gift is not determined by its amount, but by the spirit and attitude in which it is given.

Instead of giving grudgingly or under compulsion, we should give with a spirit of generosity and thankfulness to God (2 Corinthians 9:7). Gifts of any amount are pleasing to God if we give it with a cheerful and grateful heart.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me the right spirit in giving to others. May I make good use of all that You’ve given me to help and serve others in return. And most of all, teach me to give my all to You: my speech, my time, my choices. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.