Refusing Help

Read 2 Kings 5:9-14

Reflection of Tommy:

Many dislike the idea that they need help or that to humbly seek the advice of others. Like Naaman in today's passage, our ignorance and self-sufficiency often shut the door on a much-needed help for us. We tend to be quick in brushing off any advices that call us to change or improve the way we do things.

We must avoid this by first having a humble heart - willing and open to listen; to think of others more highly than you think of yourself. By taking this first step, we give ourselves the opportunity to be truly helped by those God has sent to us.

Dear Father, thank You for your reminder on being open to listen and accept advice from those You have sent to me. Teach me to pray for Your Word to be always in my heart and mind- teaching me, rebuking me, correcting me and training me in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

“That Ain’t It!”

Read Isaiah 55:6-9

"Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near." - Isaiah 55:6

Reflection of Tommy:

Isaiah tells us in today’s passage to seek God when He is near (v6). But often, daily distractions and noises from the world cause us to lose sight of God’s direction and purpose for our lives here.

We allow ourselves to easily drift away and to settle for things that are inferior, perishable and unreliable to what God is offering us. We foolishly think our ways are better and trying hard to fit God into our mold- making His plans and purposes conform to ours.

We should not repeat what the people of Israel did but to strive each God-given day to fit into His plans and purposes for us. Seek God and His truths today; acknowledge that His ways and thoughts are far higher (v9) than ours and begin trusting Him to be in control of all our situations.

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me that Your ways are far greater than anything I can see with my dim eyesight. Teach me to trust You more and to leave all things into Your hands through my prayers. Guide my ways through the Holy Spirit that I will do what You’ve planned for me in this life. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Mistaken Confidence

Read Romans 4:4-8

Reflection of Tommy:

Recently, a church member shared about her grief over her unsaved brother who holds strongly to the wrong teachings of his religion. The teachings of Christ are distorted, and everything is focus on himself to produce goodness; exchanging outward sins for inward self-righteousness. I can see how pride and self-centeredness drive a person to seek this so-called personal enlightenment and fulfillments.

In stark contrast to the religions of the world, we know that our salvation comes not from our self-sufficient confidence or own good works but only through our faith in the One God has sent to save us. It is God’s love, mercy and grace that we receive this free gift of salvation.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” - Ephesians 2:8-9

Dear Father, thank You for what Christ has done for all of us. Forgive me at times of taking this gift for granted, not following Christ with sincere commitment and trust. Lead me Lord to fully appropriate this gift by making daily decision to obey You and sharing this Good News to others. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.