The Greatness Of Gratitude

Luke 17:11-19

Ten Healed of Leprosy
11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"

14 When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed.

15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

17 Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19 Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."

Bee's Thoughts:

Gratitude or thankfulness is is not just a thought, it is an action. When one is thankful, one will do something to express that gratitude. In the case of the only leper who thanked Jesus for healing him, his action was an expression of his "faith" (v19) in Jesus' total healing of his sickness. Jesus said that his "faith" has healed him. I wonder what will happen to the other 9 lepers... perhaps their leprosy might come back to them again?

That's why the bible says "in everything give thanks".... not only in some of the things. As I pondered over what I might give thanks for, some thoughts came to mind...

1. Thank God for setting me free from my distress in 2005 and give me something more meaningful in 2006.

2. Thank God for giving me a new job and a changed attitude... the ability to work well with my new bosses, colleagues, children, parents, and the vendors.

3. Thank God for removing the pain from my tooth, a speedy recovery and an early appointment for the new tooth crown.

4. Thank God for helping me keep my daily devotion time.

5. Last but not least, I want to thank Tommy for being my devotion partner, who is running this spiritual race with me. I also want to thank him for asking me to stay on this blog when I wanted to blog alone elsewhere, for letting me know that I have made a difference in his life and that he has been encouraged. This knowledge has encouraged me too.

Tommy's Thoughts:



Sometime when we are in crisis, we'll cry out loud to God, promising Him in things if He would help us. Although there are nothing wrong with our desperation and natural responses; but often time we think only about our self and totally forget to thank Him when we were delivered from our trials.

We need to be like the Samaritan, how instant and quick his response was when he saw himself healed. Without any delay, he ran back to Jesus, threw himself at His feet and thanked Him. That's how we should show our appreciation, gratitude and thankfulness to God; with instant praises and thanks. The moment you know it's God, thank Him straightaway with a grateful heart.

Dear Lord, thank You again for blessing me with so many great things, with some I have not even asked for. Lord, help me to remember always that they are all from You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

.......the devotion of Bee & Tommy

Bee's 3rd Month of Devotion

Last week, a friend of mine, who is doing her coaching course, asked me a very thought-provoking question: "What is the difference that makes the difference?" (She was referring to the success in my change of attitude this year, that makes me feel peaceful and contented, that improves my career and financial health.)

I thought for a moment.... then I replied, "My 3-months of daily devotion time with God."

Yes, that's the difference that makes the difference to my life in 2006. Without spending time with God daily to let His words encourage me, and see what's more important in my life, I would have been as unmotivated and in distress as last year. My devotion time for the last 3 months is just like 'oxygen' to me now. It helps me 'breathe' properly in a spiritual sense, which also translates into my physical and emotional well being. It's so powerful... it transforms me for the better. :) Thank God!

Actually, I wanted to stop blogging my devotion at Tommy's blog and has started a new blog for myself, called "Time Alone", on 16 Jan 06. The reason was to remove some confusion/misconception about Tommy and me. However, Tommy has requested that I continue to do my devotion at his blog as an encouragement for him. I obliged... so now there is a duplication in a way. I told Tommy that my "Time Alone" blog would be my standby 'Resort', in case he tells me to 'get lost' from his blog one day... kiasu me. :P

For those who are still curious about Tommy and me, let me set the record straight once and for all... Tommy is not my bf. So if any of you gals are interested in Tommy, please feel free to approach him. (Tips: you must be a devoted Christian gal who loves God and is intelligent to interest him. =D )

All things said, blogging devotion with a fellow Christian can be quite fun as it helps us to encourage one another when the going gets tough.


So Tommy, when it's time for me to 'get lost' from your blog please let me know, ok? Thanks for running this spiritual 'race' with me. May the Lord bless you richly in all aspects of your life.

.......the thoughts of Bee

Tommy:
hey drama Bee, I'm not that bad la till ask you to get lost!
I appreciates you very much being here & encourages me yea...
btw, your tips there are not very accurate la...not sure about that "intelligent" part :P

Bee:
hard to say la... man changes very fast and can be very drastic at times... so better prepare for the worst. ;)
ok ok, correction.... 'stupid' also can apply... for more 'accurate conditions' please email Tommy directly. :P

The Choice Is Ours

Colossians 3:1-17

Rules for Holy Living
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Yesterday, I was reading something I wrote 5 years ago. They’re funny; it’s so different the ‘me’ now and then. In just few short years, my thoughts, perspectives and priorities has changed so much. I used to hear friends saying Christianity can brainwash us, turning us into weird religious fanatic and anti-socials. But, the truth is exactly the opposite. By letting Christ live within us, we’ll be able to find true freedom and our actual true self; who we suppose and should be.

It’s a continuing lifelong education program; our life will change positively day by day when Christ gives us the power and strength to live for Him; imitating His attitudes in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, thankfulness and patience; forgiving others; concentrating on things that lasts like relationships and character and letting love guide our life.

What makes a Christian fall back to sin and continually trapped in bondages is that they still try hard to put to death their helpless old self; using all kinds of techniques, diversions and efforts. We can’t put to death what it’s already dead! We need to realize and remember always that when we believe Christ has died for our sins, our old self already died together with Him. And when Christ rose from the grave, we too have been raised with Him with a new self and a new heart.

It's only when we come to this realization, we will start considering our self dead and unresponsive to all wrongful desires. Though temptations are still there, but we can make conscious, daily decision with the help of the Holy Spirit, to choose not to entertain or feed them.

Dear Lord, Thank You for drawing me near to You; teaching me to put on the new self. Remind me O Lord, to match my daily conduct with my faith in You, representing You at all times to the world. Lord, help me to be committed and remaining true to You always; taking the right actions in every situations and changing every areas of my life to bring glory and honor to Your name.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

I like the above hymn 'cos it reminds me to think of things above and not things on earth. Sometimes in the midst of my business I might forget that I am just a 'passerby' on earth and small problems look so big. But the moment I remember that my goal is heaven, everything seems trivial.

I wonder why the bible says "over all these virtues put on love" (v14). Doesn't "love" covers all these "virtues"? Perhaps a person can have these virtues without loving... for agape love is unconditional.


Dear Lord,
May You constantly remind me of where I am heading for eternaity. Let me choose to focus on You rather than on things around me so that Your peace can rule in my heart always. Let me love with Your unconditional love too. Give me grace to do everything for Your name's sake.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



.......the devotion of Bee & Tommy

Fellow Workers

Exodus 17:1-6

Water From the Rock
1 The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 So they quarreled with Moses and said, "Give us water to drink."
Moses replied, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the LORD to the test?"

3 But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, "Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?"

4 Then Moses cried out to the LORD, "What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me."

5 The LORD answered Moses, "Walk on ahead of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink." So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.

Bee's Thoughts:

Complaints and murmuring seem to be the nature of mankind. In order to counter this nature, God wants Christians to give thanks in everything. They can't complain and give thanks at the same time, right? God also wants Christians to rejoice in Him always. When that happens, there won't be any complaints and murmuring. :)

I was wondering what Moses might be thinking when told to "strike the rock"... how can the rock produce water? Yet Moses just obeyed without questioning. I guess Moses' obedience produces the miracle of water coming from the rock for so many Israelites to drink.

God will be there at the rock... what a great assurance! When God calls us to do something, He will be there with us... we won't be alone.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for always being with us whenever You want us to do something. You never leave us alone as we obey You by faith. Thank You that we can rejoice in You always instead of grumbling.

Let me not complaint when things look bleak at times but to trust in Your faithfulness always.

In Jesus' name I pray.


Tommy's Thoughts:

It’s startling to know that the Israelites can complain and putting God to test just shortly after God miraculously divided the Red Sea in chapter 14. Like the Israelites, we too tend to complain first when things doesn’t go well the way we wanted them to be. Over the years, I’ve learnt that certain problems clearly can be solved through discussion, careful thought, planning and prioritizing. But, there are some we know can only be solved by God himself by praying to Him.

When we are stressed by problems, the first thing to do is pray, which we often overlook. It’s only through few incidences I realized how effective and powerful they are if our heart is true to God. Prayer quiets our noisy thoughts and emotions and prepares us to obey and listen to Him. Like Moses who prayed to God when He has difficulty to calm his people down, God answered Him and helped him to solve his problem. Moses obeyed and did exactly what God has told him to do. And, God made the water flow.

Dear Lord, I heard You everyday on the many ways to “strike the rock” after I’ve prayed to You; to obey and follow Your every commands; doing my part in the works You’ve given me. Help me, O Lord, never to doubt or forget what You can do; how You can solve problems I alone can’t.

Thank You Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

.......the devotion of Bee & Tommy

Magnifying Our Master

2 Corinthians 11:23-30

23 Are 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. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three 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, 26 I 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. 27 I 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. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?

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

Bee's Thoughts:

Apostle Paul's life seems to resemble that of moses, in that though he was a man of high regards and could boast of all his achievements, yet he distrgarded them and suffered for Christ.

"I will boast of the things that show my weakness." (v30)...

1. I find it hard to trust others -- but by trusting God I learnt to trust others as well.

2. I don't have faith in things/people I did not see, I need evidence -- yet I have simple faith in God, and I learnt to have faith in things/people even when I can't see them.

3. I can't forgive people who have hurt me deeply -- but with the power of the Holy Spirit I could forgive.

4. I don't believe in love, I see liars everywhere -- but by knowing God's love, I learnt to love with His agape love too.

5. I hated myself and wish I didn't born -- but God told me I am precious to Him, He bought me with His blood.


When I am weak, then the strength of God becomes more obvious to me and others. Then God will be magnified.


Dear Lord,
Let me magnify You in me. Let others see the changes in my life and glorify Your name.

I am very tired tonight... let me have a good peaceful sleep and wake up fresh in the morning.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's thoughts:

As we read about Paul’s sufferings and trials, we’ll see his amazing unfaltering commitment for the cause of Christ. He has no fear or second thought in sacrificing his own life for the gospel; magnifying God in the process.

Although we will not experience what Apostle Paul had, we can still treat every hardship or trials we faced for Christ’s sake as an opportunity to build our character, demonstrate our faith, prepare our self for further service to our Lord and to magnify and glorify our Lord.

Dear Lord, thank You again for teaching me to always look at the bright side of things; treating every situation as a opportunity for me to magnify Your name. The way I focus on the needs of others when all I want is selfishly care only for my comfort; being gentle in the way I speak when I don’t feel like talking; being calm and patient when I’m annoyed or troubled; being thoughtful of others when I have only myself to think about. I pray all this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

.......the devotion of Bee & Tommy

And It Was So

Genesis 1:1-13

The Beginning
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

2 Now the earth was [a] formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

3 And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

6 And God said, "Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water." 7 So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above it. And it was so. 8 God called the expanse "sky." And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.

9 And God said, "Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear." And it was so. 10 God called the dry ground "land," and the gathered waters he called "seas." And God saw that it was good.

11 Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so. 12 The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Sometime, we tend to forget or overlook the amazing list of God’s promises to us written in the Bible. Like the story of Creation, they all will be so as God has said them. So, let us take time to read the Bible and find out all the comforting promises God has made with us!

Here’re just a few:
Don’t worry, God knows and will provide all our needs. (Phillipians 4:19)

God has made provision for our salvation and eternal life by His grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:8)

God promised we won’t be overtaken by temptation and He will always provide us with an exit sign. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

God has promised us victory over death. (I Corinthians 15:57)

God has promised that all things work together for good to those who love and serve Him faithfully. (Romans 8:28)

Forgiveness of sins. (Mark 16:16)

To give us peace that transcends all human understanding. (Philippians 4:7)

Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me on something that I often forget: about how I can count on everything You have promised. Though it may be difficult at times for me to see or even understand how things are accomplished, but I will trust and believe in You Lord to make it so! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

God is a God of His word. Whatever He says, "it was so"... it comes to past. No wonder the bible tells us, "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one" (Matthew 5:37).

I find it very difficult to accept uncertain answers from people too. When they are uncertain, I will rather treat their answer as 'No'. People who are vague in their answers seem to be thinking that they can have a 'back door' when they cannot fulfill their promise. What they don't know is that they are making the other person stressful. When they finally decide to say 'Yes', the other person might have already given up hope.


Dear Lord,
Thank You that You are always certain in Your answers and not vague. Let mine 'yes' be yes, and mine 'no' be no, just like Yours. Let me be known as someone who is reliable and keep her words, just like You do.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


.......the devotion of Bee & Tommy

A Bad Day?

Psalm 118:15-24

15 Shouts of joy and victory
resound in the tents of the righteous:
"The LORD's right hand has done mighty things!

16 The LORD's right hand is lifted high;
the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!"

17 I will not die but live,
and will proclaim what the LORD has done.

18 The LORD has chastened me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.

19 Open for me the gates of righteousness;
I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.

20 This is the gate of the LORD
through which the righteous may enter.

21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
you have become my salvation.

22 The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone;

23 the LORD has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.

24 This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.


Bee's Thoughts:

I tend to be able to identify myself with King David's Psalms most of the time. The above Psalm sounds like my life. It speaks of King David's near death, and how God delivered him from it (v17). It also speaks of God's dealing with his life (v18) to mould him to become a man after God's heart. In spite of the things he had gone through he said, "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (v24)

I have so much to learn from King David's life... his heart toward's God, attitude, repenting spirit, justice, thankfulness, faith, joy, loyalty, forgiveness, love and many more.

Yes, I should rejoice in the Lord always... yesterday, today, tomorrow, and the days to come. For God makes the days new for me.


Dear Lord,
Thank You that Your loving kindness never cease and Your compassion never fail, they are new every morning. Therefore, I can rejoice in You daily no matter what suituation I encounter. May Your joy in me be contagious to those around me, that they may experience Your joy too.

In Jesus' name I ask these. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Whenever bad things happen, situations gone out of hand or didn’t go the way I have planned, I’m quick to complain, feeling uneasy and restless. With my impatient attitude, I will either move ahead knowing God has asked me to wait or fell into self-pity and condemnation. I questioned God with “whys” on all my unanswered prayers. I wondered why I’m in such a situation while others are not. Why can’t my problems be solved now? Why I have to wait? Why I have to go through all these?

There’s nothing wrong voicing our thoughts and feelings to God. In fact, we have to be honest and tell Him everything our hearts truly feel. God knows us very well and He can take all our grumblings. But, instead of falling into self-pity or condemnation, we need to be like the psalmists, ending their prayers in praise to God.

Dear Lord, I know a lot of times You are working in the background; preparing something better for me in the future. I confess that too often I took them in the negative way, thinking you’re stopping me from getting what I want and deserve now. Forgive me also Lord for being so discontented at times, not being glad and thankful for what You have already given to me.

Lord, I trust You to know what’s best for me and I will follow Your timing in everything I do. I’ll obey You Lord each and everyday I live. Thank You for giving me a reason to rejoice everyday; to live and to serve You. AMEN!

.......the devotion of Bee & Tommy

Lead Them To Jesus

1 Corinthians 3:4-8

4 For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not mere men?

5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.

Bee's Thoughts:

Whatever we do will not be fruitful unless God causes it bear fruits. Time and again this message is repeated that without God being in it, whatever we strive to achieve (career, relationship, wealth, even spiritual works) will not prosper.

Dear Lord,
May Your name be exalted in whatever I do. I commit everything I do into Your hand... be it my work, relationship, service, etc. I know that unless You bless them, all these will go down the drain. Thank You for today's message, Lord.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

We are one body in Christ with Christ as our living Head. As a member of the body of Christ, each one of us has our own special gifts and abilities to perform specific roles, working hand in hand as a team member with other believers. We might be gifted with the ability to preach, to minister to others, to lead a congregation in worship, to work as missionary in other places, to run social concern initiatives etc. But in God’s eyes we are all equal; there is no one greater than the other; only God himself is greatest and all-powerful.

Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me about my gift in serving Your people and to focus only on Christ and not people. Lord, I will give You my best these coming months in all the tasks given to me in the schedule. But Lord at the same time, help me not to seek praise and approval from others; having any wrong or worthless desires to receive glory for what I will do. Instead, help me to focus into guiding Your people towards You; bringing glory and honor to Your name. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

.......the devotion of Bee & Tommy

In Defense Of Life

1 John 3:10-23

10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.

Love one another
11 This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 12 Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. 15 Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.

16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 19 This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence 20 whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.

21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. 23 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.

Bee's Thoughts:

"Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer" (v15). That's serious! What did John mean by that?

John gave the example on how Cain hated his brother, Abel, and then ended up murdering him. The seeds of hatred and unforgivingness in our hearts are tools used my the devil to cause strife and even murders amongst fellow humans.

As children of God not only we shouldn't hate our brothers, instead, we should love to the extent of willing to "lay down our lives for our brothers". This is true love "with actions and in truth". This is a self-sacrificing love.

Isn't that a tall order? I think so, since it refers to "our brothers (all born-again Christians, not just our loved ones). If we can't even love to that extend for those close to us, how can we talk about loving just another Christian whom we don't know? Yet, that's a command from God.

We know that God will never ask us to do something we can't do. Therefore, when He commands us to love in that way, I believe He will give us that kind of agape love to do it when the time comes. On our part, perhaps we need to practice agape love on the few who are close to us first, and extend the love to more and more Christians each day as we allow God's love to fill our heart.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your reminder today that agape love is what You require from me. You are love. By letting You live in me is by letting love dwells in me too. I have the power to love in the way You want me to because You lives in my heart.

Yes, "love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8). Thank You for helping me to forgive those who have hurt me and still love them with Your love, if they allow me to... I can't force anyone to accept such love. I pray that they too will let Your love flows thorugh.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Love One Another


Tommy's Thoughts:

Christianity is a religion of the heart; it deals deep into the core and crust of a person. We can comply perfectly to set of rules of good, upright outward appearance and conducts; but inside we might be rotten to the core with hate, anger and bitterness against others. Those who hate his brothers are called the children of the devil, a ‘murderer’ at heart. It’s impossible to say we love God, claiming to be the children of God but yet hating others.

When we are born again, we receive a new minds and hearts. Our mind will also be renewed by the Holy Spirit when we submit our self to God everyday (Romans 12:2).
We can then love others not only through words or feeling, but in action. We can also change our attitude towards those we dislike by treating them with respect, sincerely concern of their well-being; whether or not we feel affection toward them.

I used to feel guilty of not doing enough to show proper love to God and not loving others as I should. My conscience constantly accuses and condemns me on things I might be doing wrongly or selfishly. Do I love Christ enough in the right way? Now, I know by obeying His commands, setting my heart on His love and loving others with actions and in truth, I will hear His voice of assurance whispering into my heart.

Dear Lord, thank You for teaching me again today on other-centeredness; loving and putting other first instead of myself. I confess that at time I forget to think of the needs and desires of others, like a brother in church today. Forgive me, Father that I didn’t think of their needs, which sometime I can easily give. Help me Lord in future to be aware of this and of Your words today. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

.......the devotion of Bee & Tommy

The World Without

Matthew 23:13-23

13 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.

15 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.

16 "Woe to you, blind guides! You say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' 17 You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? 18 You also say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.' 19 You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20 Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21 And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. 22 And he who swears by heaven swears by God's throne and by the one who sits on it.

23 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former

Bee's Thoughts:

I have heard that Christianity is not a religion. Why isn't it so? A religion is men looking for God to find their way to heaven by doing good works. Whereas, in Christianity, it is God looking for men to bring them to heaven because no good work can save them; it's God becoming a man to die on behalf of men for their sins.

I won't debate on that term, but it's also true that some Christians do unconsciously treat their faith as a religion, thinking that all their services to God can bring about salvation. I guess the difference is whether in what we do brings life and growth to ourselves and others. Even reading the bible or doing devotion can become a routine with no life if one isn't careful.

My friend's question to me this afternoon made me pondered hard. She asked me, "What is the difference that makes the difference?" - referring to my change of attitude that leads to a more contented and happy me, and therefore enables me to make some progress in my career and financial health compared to how I felt last year.

My reply was, "My 3 months of devotion time with God, letting His words encourage and transform me."

Yes, when my inner world is transformed it will lead to the transformation of my outer world. I see that change in me very clearly... which can also be seen and felt in how I relate with my colleagues at my new work place... "justice, mercy and faithfulness". I surprised myself at my own change actually. I hope I can be a good change agent and manager at my place of work; I hope to see good progress in the change I intend to make for my school by end of next month.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for the change You have made in my inner world. Thank You that this change has resulted in the change in my outer world in how I relate with my colleagues and people I know. I pray that my devotion time with You will continue so You can transform me daily. Let it never ever become just a mere religious practice or routine.

I pray that I will be a shinning light at my work place, so that my colleagues will see the difference between me and my predecessors. May your justice, mercy and faithfulness be seen through me.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

The Purpose Driven Life, wrote: “The Bible knows nothing of solitary saints or spiritual hermits isolated from other believers and deprived of fellowship”.

Christianity is never about a self-centered goal to achieve personal enlightenment or perfection but about living with, ministering to and touching the lives of others; sometime even difficult peoples. Too often we look at the elements of the Christian life, like discipleship, as a journey primarily being concerned only with us, what we are “becoming".

Although it’s necessary for us to cultivate that inner life, our “becoming”, but it should never be the only important or significant part of our journey. We shouldn’t forget about those around us who needs our attention. We must also not lose sight of God and His true commands and teachings because of our overemphasis and focus on improving our own self and solving our personal problems. When we look at the Great Commission, we’ll understand clearly what our obligations are to others:

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

Dear Lord, I confess that at times I have turned deaf and blind to those around me who needs my help and encouragement. My mind was so focused on solving my personal problems that I have neglected others. Help me O Lord to be always aware of this; to be other-centered like Christ. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

.......the devotion of Bee & Tommy

The Difference Faith Makes

Psalm 14

1 The fool says in his heart,
"There is no God."
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile;
there is no one who does good.

2 The LORD looks down from heaven
on the sons of men
to see if there are any who understand,
any who seek God.

3 All have turned aside,
they have together become corrupt;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.

4 Will evildoers never learn—
those who devour my people as men eat bread
and who do not call on the LORD ?

5 There they are, overwhelmed with dread,
for God is present in the company of the righteous.

6 You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor,
but the LORD is their refuge.

7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people,
let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

Bee's Thoughts:

Faith really makes a difference. Without faith, no relationship can last. I have faith in some of my online friends even though I have not seen them in person. With a few of them, I have full confidence that they will keep their promises, I know they are reliable. That's faith!

I find it hard to understand why many people do not believe in Christ/God just because they can't see Him. When I recall the time I accepted Christ, I always marvel at how I could have that simple faith. I guess at that time, accepting a God whom I have not seen is better than accepting nothingness which is a sure way to my destruction. If I never try I will never know, right?

I still have not seen Christ and still have not heard His audible voice... isn't this worst than my relationship with my online friends? At least with some of my online friends I have chatted with them frequently and have heard their voices before, some even have seen me on videos... there are interactions between us in one way or another. Yet, after accepting Christ by faith I slowly experience His reality in my life. This faith grows stronger as days go by though I still don't get to see Christ or hear His voice. But I can feel Him in my heart and read what He wants to tell me in the Bible. This is enough for me... I don't need to see Him physically to believe.

Yes, sometimes I wish I can touch and feel Christ; I wish He can hug and embrace me... but I know it isn't possible now, but it will take place one day when I see Him face to face. I will wait for that day to come... that's faith.


Dear Jesus,
I miss You a lot. I long to see You and touch You. But You asked me to wait. You promised You will come back for me and take me to where You are. I believe in You. I know You won't break Your promise. You won't tell me that it was a mistake after making that promise. I place my hope in You. Come quickly.

I pray for my friends who do not know You that they too will come and accept You by faith. I pray that they can join me in heaven one day when we leave this earth. I don't want them to be left behind. May they experience Your love just as I did.

In Your precious name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

It’s really sad that almost all my friends do not believe in a personal God or have the same faith as I am. I used to voice out my belief whenever they have the wrong views about God during conversation. But, most of the time, they responded negatively to them.

It’s very true what Psalm 14 said about the whole human race is straying away from God. Mostly due to the self-sufficient nature of today society; the many distractions and busyness in life; the ever increasing evils and suffering in the world. All these lead to the disbelief of atheists on the existence of an all-powerful, personal and loving God. But, to say there is no God is like saying there is absolutely no meaning or significance to our existence.

Without looking so far towards non-believers, we Christian our self are atheist sometime in practice when we rely more on our self than God; underestimating God’s sovereignty, forgetting His promises for us and not loving Him with all our heart and all our soul. Unconsciously, we might also obey Him solely out of fear that we will be punished later.

Dear Lord, search my heart and convict me if I have come to You for the wrong reasons; for my own selfish gain or comfort. Teach me to be honest to You like the psalmists, to tell You what I’m really thinking and feeling during the good and the bad times. I also wanted to pray for all my friends who are yet to know You, to open their heart one day to the truth and come to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Change my heart O, Lord
Make it ever true
Change my heart O, Lord
May I be like you.

You are the potter Lord
I am the clay
Make me and mold me
This is what I pray.


.......the devotion of Bee & Tommy

Learn To Teach

Job 2:1-10

Job's Second Test
1 On another day the angels 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 woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"
In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

Bee's Thoughts:

Hmmn... after going through my recent toothache and the resultant painful swelling of my cheek and neck, the above passage has become more realistic to me. There are some lessons for me in my experience which I could relate to Job's.

1. Satan is always "roaming through the earth" (v2) to look for his victims, especially those who wants to seek God...

So I need to be careful of his tricks on me.

2. "Ruin" or losses may still happen to a godly Christians "without any reasons" (v3). They come from Satan, but with God's permission...

Though I have lost many things in my life, God knows how much losses I can take, and He will not let the temptations be too much for me to bear. Yes, I may not have fully got over my hurt of loss, nevertheless, I am still trusting God and staying close to Him to receive His grace daily.

3. God does not allow Satan to take a Christian's life even though He may allow Satan to inflict suffering on him/her (v6, 7)...

Perhaps that's why I was at the brim of death 2 days ago and yet not dead? It's not time for me to die yet I guess.

4. Suffering is a way to test my faith in God (v10)...

Though feeling drowsy day and night because of the pain killers, I resisted the temptation to take a break from my daily devotion... it's a test of perseverence. Thank God for His strength!


Dear Lord,
Thank You for the lessons I can learn from the life of Job. Thank You that my life is in Your hand and all things happened in my life not without Your purpose and permission. Keep me strong regardless of what happened to me, even when I have to suffer pain and loss. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

God is completely and eternally just and good but He does allow bad things to happen. But, He is in control of all things, both good and bad. Because He is the Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 8:1), He knows the eventual outcomes of everything. He often use bad events for a greater good for those who love him (Romans 8:28). Thus, everything happened are ultimately in accordance with His divine plan for His glory and purpose.

God does not promise an easier life when we become a Christian. Sometime through hardship, we will know how genuine and true our love and commitment is for God. If there are no seasons of difficulties, our faith would have no room to grow. Trials also draw us closer to God and give opportunity to build our character.

Dear Lord, You are all-powerful, sovereign and always in control. I know You will never allow me to be tested beyond what I can endure (1 Corinthians 10:13) but teach me to cling tightly to my faith through those I can. Lord, help me to humbly see every trial as opportunities to turn and submit myself to You for strength, trusting You to work Your purpose through me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

.......the devotion of Bee & Tommy

Get The Point!

Galatians 2:11-21

Paul Opposes Peter
11 When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong. 12 Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. 13 The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.

14 When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, "You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?

15 "We who are Jews by birth and not 'Gentile sinners' 16 know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.

17 "If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! 18 If I rebuild what I destroyed, I prove that I am a lawbreaker. 19 For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"

Bee's Thoughts:

Often we hear complains that some Christians behave just like non-Christians or even worse. Just like my previous boss, who claimed to be a Pastor, was more unscrupulous in his business dealings and with his employees than any non-Christians bosses I had before. It brought shame to Christ because of such people. I heard that recently he had to close some of his businesses because of debts. People who do such things will never escape the consequences of their wrong doings.

Yes, Christians are to live by faith; they are judged by faith in Christ, not by the law (do this or do that). Yet Jesus said "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them." (Matthew 7:15.16) A good tree will bear good fruits; a rotten tree will bear rotten fruits. Therefore, a person who behaves like the devil, we will know who his 'father' is. So when a person claims to be a Christian, we shouldn't just believe but to look for his 'fruits' of Christ-likeness.

All things said, there are Christians who are weak because they are new, or because they don't read the bible and remain as babes in Christ for many years. Yet even if they do read the bible and are growing spiritually, it's still a process of growth, and there might be many truths they have not learnt yet, like in the above case of Peter (v14 & 15). The difference for a growing Christian is the attitude of willingness to learn and change.

It took so many trials in life for Paul to come to a stage of full surrender to Christ where he proclaimed, ” I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (v20). I understand the meaning of this verse better now after my brush with death... "I no longer live, but Christ lives in me". I am ready to go anytime I feel... perhaps what holds me back is the salvation of people I know?

Dear Lord,
Why didn't I go and meet You yesterday? I always long to see Your face... to see the only One who loves me so much. What is it that You want me to do before I can meet You? To share Your gospel to those who do not know You? Let me live for You then. Let me share Your love around. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

It took me quite sometime to understand the meaning of Christianity’s “salvation by faith” and not through “work or effort” to be good like in all the other religions. I used to criticize and joke about how weak, lazy and absurd Christianity is to base everything solely on faith alone. I thought it was the reason for some bad Christians I met before, to act in improper ways. I was proud of the so-called far superior, strict rules and laws in my old religion. My self-sufficiency blinded me from seeing how helpless and broken a person I was.

It’s only through all the bad experiences I went through, I realized the truth that without faith in Christ, it’s impossible for us to be good; to break free from the chain of sins, wrongful desires and attitudes in our lives. No matter how smart or knowledgeable we are about the laws, it will never keep us from continue to do wrongs. No matter how hard we try to stay or making our self good, we will still fall back to sin. On the surface, we might appear to be good, nice, helpful and charitable, but internally we are filled with flaws and hypocrisy.

But, our loving God provided a way, a perfect way to set us free and make us whole. He sends His Only Son to die for us. When we believe in Him, our sins and old self died together with Christ, we are no longer condemned. We were given a new life with Christ living in us when He rose from the dead. It’s only through this, we’ll gain His power, strength, freedom and hope to change and be transformed, inside out.

Dear Lord, thank You for Christ’s resurrection power that fuels me everyday to fight sin. Help me Lord to regularly and continually crucify any sinful desires I might have that keep me from following Christ. Lord, thank You also for living in me, being my power of living and hope for my future. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

.......the devotion of Bee and Tommy

Loving The Unlovable

Luke 19:1-10

Zacchaeus the Tax Collector

1 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.' "

8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount."

9 Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."

Tommy's Thoughts:

There are a lot of people like Zacchaeus in our lives. We try our best to stay away from them; we wish they are never around us; never existed in our lives; they annoy and disturb us immensely; the way they behave and the things they say irritate us so much; talking to them is so hard and forceful; we criticize and laugh about them in front of others; we only see the negative sides, faults and weaknesses of these people; we treat others so much better than them; they are just so unlovable to us. But, somehow we are stuck with them around in our lives.

After I’ve accepted Christ; He showed to me how wrong my attitude and thinking were towards these people. Christ as an example himself, teaches me to love and show kindness even to those who are so unlovable to us. Later, I began to ask myself how Jesus would respond when interacting with these people. Through this, I was able to see through their faults, and accept and respond to them with kindness and fairness.

Dear Lord, I know it’s so easy to forget what I have just written above. Help me to remember them always. Lord, teach me to treat these people fairly with no favoritism. Teach me also the love and compassion Jesus has for these people. Thank You Lord for changing my heart, to love even those who are lost and seems unlovable to us. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

It's easy to love the lovable isn't it? But to love the unlovable is difficult, if not impossible. Many good relationship turns sour when at least one party becomes unlovable.

I was at my brim of death today at the dental clinic due to vasoconstrictor effect from the anesthesia. At that moment my mind went blank and I couldn't breathe. I thought I was going to die without any close one beside me. Tears just automatically flowed uncontrollably. Not that I fear death, but I thought I have no chance to say "goodbye" to those close to me before I go.

Yes, I did feel angry with the incompetency of the dental officer who did the injection for me. But I do not wish to lodge a complaint against the hospital for not having a specialist to guide her during the process. I don't wish to ruin her career. Thank God that I am still alive to blog here.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for loving me, the unlovable. Thank You for helping me to love the unlovable too. Should I die, let me die without regret. Amen.


.......the devotion of Bee and Tommy

Doing Justice

Exodus 23:1-9

Laws of Justice and Mercy
1 "Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness.

2 "Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, 3 and do not show favoritism to a poor man in his lawsuit.

4 "If you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to take it back to him. 5 If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help him with it.

6 "Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits. 7 Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty.

8 "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.

9 "Do not oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, because you were aliens in Egypt.

Bee's Thoughts:

It's easy to be tempted by bribery at work, especially when we are holding a certain position of power. But here God told us not to accept bribe and be fair at work. Many companies these days do hire foreign workers. We are not to oppress them but to treat them just like anyone of us.

Dear Lord,
Let me always remember Your principles when working with people... to be fair and just. Help me to recover from my sickness quickly so I can go back to work again.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Rumor and gossip causes all kind of harm and problems. Gossip tends to spread easily when we are chatting with our friends. Sometime, unknowingly, we circulated rumors about others even though we didn’t initiate them. Worst, we even criticize and judge others based solely on what our friends have said about them. We slander them unfairly because they are also someone we don’t like; our ‘enemy’.

We need to watch out for our words because we might be passing along something that is false, unfair or inaccurate; doing injustice and hurting others. We have to remember that God strictly forbid spreading rumors and gossips; no matter how big or small they are.

Dear Lord, thank You for today’s reminder. Lord, let Your fairness and kindness guide my every judgments and words; to be impartial towards others as well as to stand up for those being treated wrongfully. Teach me O Lord to reach out to those in need with kindness and compassion, even if they are my enemies. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.


.......the devotion of Bee & Tommy

No Grudges After Sunset

Psalm 4:1-5

1 Answer me when I call to you,
O my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

2 How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
Selah

3 Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;
the LORD will hear when I call to him.

4 In your anger do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
Selah

5 Offer right sacrifices
and trust in the LORD.

Do not let the sun go down on your wrath.
—Ephesians 4:26

Bee's Thoughts:

The swell on my cheek, caused by my toothache, is getting bigger when I woke up this morning. I won't be attending church today as I looked horrible. The pain killers could only ease some pain, not all, and make me feel drowsy the whole day.

I was somewhat disturbed yesterday when my best friend joked about the swell on my cheek. I was thinking, "Here I am already suffering with pain and looking horrible yet he can joke about it, instead of offering some consolation... and he didn't even bother to ask how I was getting on after taking those pain killers given by the hospital." I won't say I was burning with anger, but definitely it's a grudge that I really didn't feel good about. I even told myself that I don't want to talk to him anymore since he doesn't care when I am suffering, much less to believe he would ever donate an organ if I really need it one day.

Thank God that even if my best friend really don't care, my other good friends do. They care enough to ask about my condition daily and offer some suggestions which could be useful for my pain management.

However, today's devotion is a reminder to me that I shouldn't keep any anger or grudge beyond sunset. I should forgive what others say or do to me that might hurt me, be it intentional or unintentional. That's the best anger management tool -- forgiveness.


Dear Lord,
In my anger let me not sin, and not to think or do things that are not in accordance with your teaching. Search my heart and keep it pure. Let me forgive others just as You have forgiven me of all my sins.

Answer me when I call to you, and give me relief from my distress and pain.. be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

My anger brought out the worst side of me. My life was filled with hatred; holding grudges to all those who has wronged and offended me before. I think this has to do with my early childhood, where I was often being accused for things I didn’t commit. Even at a young age, I was feeling depressed all the time; the wound was so deep and I was constantly dwelt in anger, hatred and bitterness. I grew up becoming a very reactive person and always felt being victimized by others; small things can easily infuriate me.

God has changed my old self ever since I accepted Christ into my life. Through His grace and forgiveness, I’ve learnt to forgive and stop hating or holding grudges on others. Whenever I have the urge to feel angry and being reactive, I look upon Jesus; how He has responded to those who tortured Him on the Cross: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34)."

Dear Lord, thank You for Your gift and teaching of forgiveness which allows me to give up condemnation of myself and condemnation of those who have hurt me. Thank You for setting me free from the bondage of victimization through forgiveness of others. Thank You for teaching me to love my enemies and to pray for them. I pray Lord You will continue to mold me to be a person You want me to be, In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

.......the devotion of Bee & Tommy

What Makes God Laugh?

Psalm 2

1 Why do the nations conspire
and the peoples plot in vain?

2 The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather together
against the LORD
and against his Anointed One.

3 "Let us break their chains," they say,
"and throw off their fetters."

4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.

5 Then he rebukes them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,

6 "I have installed my King
on Zion, my holy hill."

7 I will proclaim the decree of the LORD :
He said to me, "You are my Son;
today I have become your Father.

8 Ask of me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession.

9 You will rule them with an iron scepter;
you will dash them to pieces like pottery."

10 Therefore, you kings, be wise;
be warned, you rulers of the earth.

11 Serve the LORD with fear
and rejoice with trembling.

12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry
and you be destroyed in your way,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Bee's Thoughts:

God laughs? About what?

As I read the above passage again, it shows me that there are many today who try to prove there is no God. However, these are just foolishness to God... if God can be proven, He is no longer God, isn't it? God laughs at their foolishness.

I was talking to someone the other day and I have come to the conclusion that things or people I can see don't require faith for me to believe. It's when I can't see and yet believe, then that's faith. So I have faith in God though I can't see him. That's why I can have faith in some of my online friends, though I have never seen them before in person. The degree of faith I have on these friends grows through our long periods of interaction with each other online... by msn chat, by phone, by email, etc.

Those who do not first put their faith in God will never be able to experience God... so it's a kind of self-fulfilled prophecy. They don't even dare to challenge God to prove Himself real to them. God says that those to seek Him will find Him.... that's His rule of thumb, His promise to the true seekers.

.

Dear Lord,
Thank You that when I seek You, You have shown Yourself real to me.... You kept Your promise. I pray for those who are not sure if You are God. I pray that they will take the challenge to seek You so that You can reveal Yourself real to them too. Open their spiritual eyes to see Your wonderous work.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.





.......the devotion of Bee

The Greatest Honor

Esther 4:10-17

10 Then she instructed him to say to Mordecai, 11 "All the king's officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that he be put to death. The only exception to this is for the king to extend the gold scepter to him and spare his life. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king."

12 When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."

17 So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther's instructions.

Bee's Thoughts:

God often put us at a place or situation for a purpose, be it to train us, mould our characters, or to prepare us for work He wants us to do in future. Therefore we need to ask God what is His purpose for us at our place of work, or why we go through certain situations/experiences.

I like Esther's attitude, "if I perish, I perish". She is willing to risk her life for something honourable. Will I die for Christ's sake if called upon?

I am experiencing extreme toothache right now. The pain which started yesterday morning is really unbearable even after I have taken the Panadol. My mouth is swollen now with pain. It makes me wonder if I have to be tortured for Christ, can I bear with it? Maybe this is a training for me? It should be the greatest honour to suffer for Christ, yet it takes lots of strength and courage from God to go through it.


Dear Lord Jesus,
The pain I am suffering now gives me a glimpse of what You have gone through when You were nailed on the cross. It must have been many times more painful than what I am experiencing now. Thank You for willing to suffer on my behalf. Now I commit my life to You. If it is possible please remove the pain from me soon. I pray for Your healing hand to touch me.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Yesterday, I met up with some friends whom I haven’t been in touch for more than 10 years. We had a great time sharing interesting each other’s stories. Most felt really glad that they have survived through the “dark ages” of their lives. We shared about all the good and bad decisions we’d made; the dreadful years of examinations and studies; the loneliness of studying and working abroad; the hardship of making sure every ends meets; the realization that money is not everything in life and the sacrifices for the loved ones. Despite all these, we agreed we did made some right but difficult decision at the right time that gave us the lives we have today.

Today passage also talks about how Esther was confronted by difficult decision to save her people. Esther might have continuously remained in silence with selfish excuses like to keep herself safe or that the killing won’t affect her and her family. As Mordecai confronted her with the possibility that it’s not mere accident she became the queen, Esther sensed there was a purpose for things that has led her to her royal position and to make a timely decision. With courage, faith and knowing that there is a fate worse than death, she made the right choice.

Our lives are filled with difficult but significant choices and decisions. A lot of time, like Esther, we tend to have a long list of excuses not to do the right choice at the right time due to selfishness for our own comfort. As Christian, we must trust God’s provision after we have made a decision. When we have God with us, we have the courage to make difficult decisions in our lives at the right time. Whenever we faced with difficult decision, we need to remind our self with what Mordecai said to Esther: “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

Dear Lord, as I looked back into my past, I saw You working in my life, leading me on a path towards You. Thank You Lord for being with me, safeguarding my life from careening away into the unknown. Lord, though I do not know what the future will bring, teach me, ever to trust in Your Divine Providence and making the right decision at the right time to bring glory and honor to Your name. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


.......the devotion of Bee & Tommy

Your Name Is Safe

Revelation 2:12-17

To the Church in Pergamum
12 "To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13 I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. 14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. 15 Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.

Bee's Thoughts:

I have been having throbbing headache and toothache since this morning. I am not sure my headache causes the toothache or the other way round, or is it due to my new work stress. But I still I want to hear what God has to tell me in today's devotion.

Ah, the Christian life is a constant fighting with Satan. The Bible says, we are to "work out our salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12-13). This is because Satan is constantly trying to cause us to sin. But "To him who overcomes" God "will give some of the hidden manna" and "also give him a white stone with a new name written on it" (v17). We need to be overcomers if we are to receive the heavenly rewards.

What these rewards are I don't know, but I am sure they are something priceless, honourable and eternal. I guess the "hidden manna" might depict something that sustains me, giving me eternal life.

I like to hear my name being called... my name is my identity. When someone remembers my name and calls me by my given name, it means that person knows me. A "new name"... hmmn, maybe depicts something nice and loving to my ear?


Dear Lord,
Thank You for the "manna" and "new name" You promised to those who overcome. Let me be an overcomer till You come to take me home. Grant me strength and perseverence, Lord. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Was talking to a friend recently about cohabitation. I realized living together before marriage has become the normative experience today. In fact, they consider it as beneficial for the both parties. They reasoned that everyone is doing it; there’s no harm to it and it’s only a close-minded person will against it nowadays.

It doesn’t take much effort to learn that cohabitation is the training for divorce.But yet, many are still doing it. Like the City of Pergamun, many today tolerate sin by bowing to pressure of being open-minded and also being influenced from people around them.
Despite all these strong negative influences surrounding us today, we need to remain true to God. Do not compromise or conform to the world when we know things are morally wrong. Be faithful by obeying God’s teaching and refrain from unhealthy practices that will leads to hurts, pains and all the other problems we see today.

Know that God is always faithful. He will provide believers who overcome by standing firm to God’s teachings with spiritual nourishment. God has also promised them greater things; a new name, a new heart and an eternal life with Him.

Thank You Lord for keeping me faithful to You by standing firm. Thank you for giving me the strength and wisdom to overcomes the strong pressures and temptations of society; the wrongful desires and influences in the world. Thank You for Your promise of a new name and new heart. I will trust You Lord as the only Truth in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

.......the devotion of Bee & Tommy

Don't Bother Me

Revelation 3:14-22

To the Church in Laodicea

14"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

Tommy's Thoughts:

I have to admit if it’s not because of trials and problem I would have not drawn close to God. After a year I accepted Christ, the feeling of awe and zeal for God died out slowly. It’s a quiet, slow process how I turned into a lukewarm Christian. It started out by little things like skipping daily bible reading and devotion; then forgetting about prayer and quiet time with God; absent from Sunday services because of tiredness, works and other so-called more critical activities.

And the next thing I know, I didn’t even give a single thought of God in everything I do! Then all those negligence piled up and hardened my heart to a point where Christianity became totally irrelevant to my life. I started becoming more self-satisfied and sufficient. It doesn’t take long before I started dabbling with wrongful things and worst, taunting God with prideful words like “I’m still fine and ok without You!” God would have easily ‘destroyed’ me if He is not patient, loving and slow to anger.

Later, things started to fall apart and turn bad at every corner one by one; and yet I’m clueless and puzzled to what have gone wrong! All those complacency I’ve built up so far evaporated in seconds when all these problems started to surface. Only then, I started to hear the ‘knockings’. But the truth is, Jesus has been knocking ever since day one.

Dear Lord, thank You again for Your forgiveness and the loving discipline You have shown to me in the past, helping me out of my uncaring attitude. Without them, I would have jeopardized everything in my life. Lord, work in my heart and help me to draw near to You again and again through daily devotion, confession, service, worship and studying of Your Word. Father, keep me also aware of the difference between temporarily satisfactions of the world and the everlasting future in Christ’s Kingdom. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:




Dear Lord,
I am very tired today from my work. I am having headache now. Yet I still want to open my heart door to You and not give excuse for my tiredness. Please come into my heart and be my strength and my guide. I commit my life, my work, my relationship to You. Renew my strength when I wake up in the morning so that I may have good fellowship with You again.

Please also grant Tommy wisdom in his work tomorrow. Grant him strength too as he rise in the morning. Let him devote his time for You even inspite of his business and tiredness. The same goes for me.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


.......the devotion of Tommy & Bee