Training for Life

Read 1 Timothy 4:1-11

"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." - 1 Timothy 4:8

Reflection of Tommy:

There are many skills, like in sports, that need proper, rigorous and constant training. One will not excel unless they invest time, energy and full concentration in it. It requires also discipline and commitment from the person.

As physical training is important in helping us to be good in certain sports, our training in righteousness deserves our utmost attention and priority as it helps us in every aspects of our lives (v8).

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me to work out my salvation (Phil. 2:12-13) as the Day is approaching. Thank you for the freedom in all that I received from You with thanksgiving (v4). I pray that You will renew my faith and enable me through the Holy Spirit to diligently seek You and Your righteousness. In Jesus' Name, I pray, Amen.

The Sure Way!

Read John 14:1-6

Reflection of Tommy:

As our group was having a discussion the other day, a member raised the question of whether this well-known religious leader who is not a believer will enter heaven. But as we refer back to the Bible and particularly verse 6 in today’s passage, we know good work and being good on our own alone will never bring us to God the Father.

“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

This is why Christianity is different from all the religions of the world because we believe salvation is through faith and not through good works. And when we do good works, they are results of our faith in Jesus as we allow the Spirit to work in us.

Dear Father, thank You for providing me a sure and clear Way to get to You. Thank You for Your love and grace by offering this gift to me though I do not deserve it from You. Teach me to appropriate this gift by living my life serving You and others with true love like Christ. 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.

Listen, Know and Follow

John 10:14-30

14"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."

19At these words the Jews were again divided. 20Many of them said, "He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?"

21But others said, "These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?"

The Unbelief of the Jews
22Then came the Feast of Dedication[a] at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade. 24The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ,[b] tell us plainly."

25Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, 26but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all[c]; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30I and the Father are one."

Reflection of Bee:

As Christians, sometimes we get frustrated when we couldn't breakthrough to non-believers or even to some believers when we tried to witness or testify for Christ to them. We wonder why they just can't believe or understand what we are saying. Tonight's devotion reminds us that it's normal because they are not the "sheep" of Jesus, and therefore they can't hear His voice (v26,27).

Jesus did not say my lamb, but my SHEEP, hear my voice. That means, in order to hear God's voice we need to grow up spiritually instead of remaining as babes in spiritual things. To grow, we need to read the bible and pray daily just like new born babies need to drink milk and then progress to eating solid food in order to grow well.

The "sheep" of Jesus not only LISTEN to His voice, but also KNOW Him and FOLLOW Him (verse 27). For that no one can snatch the "sheep" from Jesus' hand.... the basis for eternal security (v28,29).


Dear Lord,
Thank You for revealing to me this truth again tonight that I can be secured in Your hands when I become Your sheep. Teach me to listen, know and follow You as I put my hands in Yours. I want to know Your will and follow Your leading. Give me grace to do be obedient.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Reflection of Tommy:

There are times we doubt whether we’ll be eternally secured in God’s hand. We are afraid of missing the mark and losing God’s gift of salvation due to our failure. We may be discouraged and quit growing in our walk with God. But from today’s passage, we learn that Jesus, like a shepherd that protects his sheep. We can be assured that He will give us firm, everlasting safety and protection from eternal harm when we sincerely choose to follow Him.

Dear Father, thank You for Your constant guidance and leading. Thank You for supplying me with both Your wisdom and peace to deal with all situation in my life. Lord, guard my heart and mind always from all forms of distraction and enticement that may lead me away from You. Teach me to follow my Shepherd wherever He led me to. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

What Comes After Death?

Hebrews 9:24-28

24For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. 25Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Reflection of Bee:

It was interesting reading the post of a friend and his readers' comments about organs donation when a person is certified "brain death". For me, I have the assurance of salvation and is not fearful of death. There is hope and glory awaiting for those who believe in Jesus Christ and accept His salvation (v28).

What comes after death is judgment (v27). Where we will be depends on what we choose now while we still have breath. We never know when would be our last breath... so we need to make the decision right now.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for the salvation You have given to me and that I can know where I am going. Thank You for the joy and hope in You. Let me not cling on to anything earthly. Let me be ever ready to depart from this world when You call me home. I give my all to You once again.
In Your most wonderful name I pray. Amen.



Reflection of Tommy:

Have we ever thought about our lives when it nearing its end, when the light around us fades away and things start turning dark? It’s scary to think about exhaling our final breath and in a blink of a second we are gone from existence!

But, because of Christ, who has died for our sin, we would not have to die spiritually. As we believe in Him as our Lord and Savior, we’ll have the assurance and confidence that Jesus will return again and to raise us for eternal life. God has prepared a home for all believers where sin, sicknesses, and sorrow will be banished.

Dear Father, thank You for Your free gift of salvation and the promise of an eternal life with You. But, although my home is not here, guide me still to be a good, faithful and responsible servant to all Your creation, seeing my short stay here as a test for eternity. Thank You Lord, I pray this in Your Name, Amen.

Amazing Love!

John 3:13-18

13No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.[a] 14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.[b]

16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[c] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.[d]

Reflection of Bee:

"For God so loved the world
that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life."
- John 3:16

This is a very well known verse which precedes John 15:7-14 (devotion for 4 April 07, Joy of True Friendship and Love). Without the former there will be no latter. Because Jesus had demonstrated what true love is, He has the right to ask those who claimed to love Him and are His "friends" to do likewise, i.e. to love (and be willing to die for) those who also truly love Jesus (John 15:12-14).

"Blood is thicker than water", as the saying goes in our physical relationship with our siblings. Similarly, it is so (through the blood of Jesus) with our spiritual BORN-AGAIN 'siblings' in Christ, who also obey His command to love (John 15:12-14).

In the past, I always thought that John 15 was trying to tell us that we must be willing to lay down our lives for EVERYONE. Almost impossible, I feel, unless that person is extremely close to us. Now I understand that all these are possible ONLY IN CHRIST. That means it is only possible within the family of God (amongst those who not only accepted Christ's salvation but also obeyed Christ's command to love, thus become Christ's and ours friends) . This makes more sense, isn't it?

Jesus did not ask us to die for sinners, but rather to die for our friends (definition of friendship is in accordance with God's word in John 15, not by the world's definition).

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your revelation on what Your word says about love, friendship, and obedience. Now it seems not so difficult after all to love the way You do once we fulfill the criteria which will make Your way of love possible.
Now I pray for my special friend that You grant him peace in his heart and faith in Your providence for him. Let him understand why You allowed things to happen in his life, to make things for good, 'cos he loves You.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Reflection of Tommy:

Love is when God became man. And love is when God sacrificed His only Son for us. This is the model of love that should be the basis for all love relationships. When we say we truly love others, we should be like Jesus - willingly to give freely and sacrificially; that they may join us in receiving God’s love. Keep this passage close to my heart always:

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends”. – John 15:9-13

Dear Father, thank You for Your amazing love for me. Thank You Jesus for taking all the punishments for my sins though You never deserve them. Thank You for offering me a new life in You; filling me each day with Your righteousness and Your Words. Thank You and I praise You, my risen Lord! All honor and glory to You. 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.

Raised In Glory

1 Corinthians 15:42-49

42So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.
If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45So it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being"[a]; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. 46The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. 47The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven. 48As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we[b] bear the likeness of the man from heaven.

Reflection of Bee:

I saw an advertisement on a lamp post last month, where it showed picture of a teenage girl which said: "Do you know that 1 in 5 girls your age has gone through plastic surgery?"
Yesterday I heard a radio commercial when I was in the taxi: A lady asked her friend, "Why is it called plastic surgery? Is it because after surgery your face will become plastic or because the surgery uses plastic?"

Hehehe... sounded comical isn't it? But the truth is many people, young and old, male and female are seeking for ways and means to stay good looking. Our again process is something most find it hard to accept. However, for Christians, we have the assurance that our old aging bodies will be transformed into new bodies that are "imperishable" (v42). Isn't that wonderful to know?


Dear Lord,

Thank You that I shall have that perfect body one day. May this hope of glory spurs me on remember that I should lay my treasures in heaven and not on earth. For all the things on earth will pass away and decay one day.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



Reflection of Tommy:

All of us face limitations. We may have been coping with some form of sickness or weakness- physically or emotionally, in our present earthly bodies. But as Christian, we have the assurance and hope to be given a new imperishable spiritual body when Christ returns. This body will be without any kind of disabilities, weaknesses or imperfection; it will never die or become sick. God will give us this transformed, eternal body suited to our new eternal life.

Dear Father, thank You for the hope and the gift of this spiritual body when Christ returns. For now, teach me to continue walking in Your love and to use all that You’ve given me to good use; bringing glory and honor to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Knock, Knock

2 Timothy 1:8-12

8So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

Reflection of Bee:

Have you ever heard the conversation between mothers or fathers? You are quite likely to hear them talking about their children. When one loves someone, one will love to speak about that someone as much as there's opportunity.

It it the same if we love the Lord Jesus Christ... we will have the tendency to talk about Him in our conversation with others. It can't be help if we have fallen in love with our Saviour, we will never be ashamed to talk about Him.


Dear Lord,
You are so worthy of my praise and boasting about You. For You have done great things in my life and in those who loved You. I pray for more opportunities to share Your love with those around me that they may love You too.
In Your most wonderful name I pray. Amen.



Reflection of Tommy:

We can sometimes be so overwhelmed by our problems that we think it is too complicated or difficult even for God to help us. We feel totally lost and confused as to how we can solve our problems.

In today’s passage, we see how Timothy was greatly discouraged by the problems in Ephesus and fearful of persecution. But, Paul advised him to trust fully in God when facing setbacks, problems or difficult transitions in life because God is always in control. He will provide everything we ever needed to face the future, if we would hold on tightly to His resources.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me not to be ashamed to share the Good News to others. Teach me to share it with boldness, gentleness, tact and most importantly out of love for Your people. Guide me to spend more time reading and meditating on Your Word and listening to what and where You want to lead me to as a true disciple of Christ. In Christ’s Name I pray, Amen.

The Price Of A Soul

Matthew 16:24-28

24Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever wants to save his life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 27For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. 28I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."

Reflection of Bee:

Each of us has a "cross" of our own. This "cross" is the price we have to pay for following Jesus Christ. It may be the bad habits or thoughts we have to give up, or our possessions, or time, or personal ambitions, or people we loved, etc, that God wants us to surrender to Him.

It's not an easy cross to carry yet Jesus promised that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. He wants us to go to Him so He can give us rest. If we try to avoid carrying this cross, we may ended up losing our life instead.

Dear Lord,
I have a very heavy cross to carry since the day I accepted You as my Saviour. Yet You have always help me to carry it whenever it is too hard for me to bear. You have never leave me nor forsake me. Even now I want to come to You and surrender myself and my all to You. I want to find rest and peace in You.
I pray the same for my 'bf' who is struggling too. May Your peace and rest be with Him as he surrender his life to You. Keep him from the snare of the evil one and grant him victory over him.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



Reflection of Tommy:
Some Christians think that only unbelievers’ life will be reviewed and evaluated when Christ returns. But the truth is we will still face judgment by God even though our salvation is secure. Jesus will look at how we have handled our gifts, opportunities and responsibilities in order to determine our heavenly rewards (v27).

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me not to merely claim to be a Christian but does not live a life as a true disciple of Christ. Teach me how to truly devote my life in service for your kingdom. Guide me in all my words and actions, that I may always bring glory and honor to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Change Of Address

2 Corinthians 5:1-10

Our Heavenly Dwelling
1Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, 3because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

6Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7We live by faith, not by sight. 8We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

Bee's Thoughts:

"What kind of relationships will we have in heaven with the people we knew and loved on earth?" That's the title of an interesting article. It goes on to say...

What about our marriage relationships? While the Bible teaches that the marriage relationship will change after the resurrection ( Matthew 22:23-33 ), it is safe to assume that because of the very nature of heaven, the quality of the relationship between a man and a woman will be better in heaven than it was on earth -- even if they are no longer husband and wife. Certainly the joys of heaven will far exceed the pleasures of marital intimacy.

Scripture leads us to believe that we will enjoy such a state of wonderful intimacy with our glorified brothers and sisters that there will no longer be a need for the exclusive relationships that protect us from loneliness and despair in a fallen world.

My "bf" (Tommy) suddenly told me that he think I don't like to get married... wondering why he said so.

Hmmn... maybe because I always look forward to heaven, where everything perfect. That's going to be my eternal address...the thought of it always made me wish I go to heaven faster. But I know that I can't go there yet till God calls me. But God may not call me if my job on earth is not fully done.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your assurance of salvation and for the wonderful place You have prepared for those who love and trust in You. I do not know what else You want me to do on earth. But I pray that when I see You one day, I will hear You say, "You good and faithful servant". May I do all that You want me to do here on earth.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:

Many of us think that when we die, our spirit and soul will be released and separated from our bodies; evaporating into thin air and entering a heavenly eternal state. But in today’s passage, Paul wrote that we will be resurrected to have new and perfect bodies for our everlasting life.

Our body and soul will never be separated when we die. Not only that, we will still have our unique personalities and recognizable characteristics in our resurrected bodies. They will even be much better and perfect by Christ’s work in us.

Dear Father, thank You for Your promises to make us perfect one day, when Christ’s return and give us a new soul and body. Teach me to remember this always, giving me the hope, confidence, courage and patience to endure anything I might experience and be inspired to faithful service to You and Your people. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.