Be Prepare for the Meal

1 Corinthians 11:17-34

The Lord's Supper

17 In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. 18 In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. 19 No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval. 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper you eat, 21 for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk. 22 Don't you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not!

23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

27 Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31 But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. 32 When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other. 34If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.And when I come I will give further directions.

Tommy's Thoughts:

It is easy for familiarity to blind us from something as profound and important as the meaning of the Lord’s Supper. We might have participated in it weeks after weeks without truly understand its purpose and significance. Like the Passover which celebrated the deliverance from slavery in Egypt, the Lord’s Supper celebrates our deliverance from sin by Christ’s death. It’s a visible representation of the Good News, strengthening our faith through fellowship with Christ and other believers.

In today’s passage, we learn that we should not take the sacrament lightly, making it a meaningless ritual or a pious habit. Instead, we should with due reverence and respect, to take it thoughtfully, worthily and orderly, as this new covenant cost Jesus His life. We are also called to be properly prepared for Communion through healthy introspection, examining ourselves for any unconfessed sin or resentful attitude (v11:28) and resolution of differences with other believers.

Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me to be thankful for what Christ has done for me on the Cross. Thank You for making me aware each time I have sinned, driving me to participate in the Communion, remembering His death and renewing my commitment to obey and serve Him again with love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

What is so different between our supper time and "The Lord's Supper"?

We take our supper either because we are hungry or we are greedy. ;) But when we take "The Lord's Supper" (Holy Communion) during the Church Service, we do it "in remembrance" of Jesus' death (v24-26). We need to do it in seriousness by examing/judging ourselves first (v28). We need to confess our sins to God and ask for His forgivness, at the same time we need to forgive those who have hurt us too. It's a time for us to get right with God and men.

In the past, I used to let the bread and cup passed me if I felt guilty of any unconfessed sin. But I have learnt that instead of doing that, I should immediately confess and get right with God. I always find Communion time a good time to search my heart. In such quietness, God would reveal certain things to me.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the previlege in partaking "The Lord's Supper" weekly. Thank You for Your body that is broken and Your blood that is shed for me. Thank You for Your forgiveness and love.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



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

Unity In The Faith

Ephesians 4:1-6

Unity in the Body of Christ
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Bee's Thoughts:

I was talking to someone few days ago about why the bible told Christians,

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?"
(2 Corinthians 6:14)

I also came across an interesting forum "Dating a non-Christian", where members share their thoughts and experiences on the topic.

Reading the above verses reinforces the reason why the "yoke" must be "equal". We are called "to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (v3). If we are "yoked" to another with different faith (non-Christians), how can there ever be "unity of the Spirit" or "bond of peace"? Oneness is so important in a life partnership...

• one body
• one Spirit
• one hope
• one Lord
• one faith
• one baptism
• one God and Father

I believe God wants to spare us the heartaches that unequally-yoked couples have when He instructed us in 2 Corinthians 6:14... He is not out to 'torture' us.


Dear God,
Thank You for the above passage today that shows the importance of unity and peace in You. I pray that You will help us understand Your heart when You give us an instruction through the bible. May we obey Your word, which is always in our interests.
Thank You in Jesus' name. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

As believer, we are called to represent Christ to the world; to be the light and salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16). Do our daily attitudes and behaviors reflect and worthy of this calling we received from God? Can others see Christ in us?

A life worthy of God’s calling can be seen in how we treat others in relationships. This include being humble, gentle, patient, understanding and peaceful. As God has accepted us though we are not perfect, we need to accept one another with love. To bear one another in love means to be patient, loving, gentle and accepting to other Christians in spite of their faults. Instead of dwelling on their weaknesses or pinpointing their faults, we need keep them in our prayer. To take a step further, we can spend time with them and see if we can learn to like them more.

Dear Lord, thank You for teaching me to learn and appreciate others who are different from me with love, patient and gentleness. Thank You for reminding me despite all the differences we may have as believers, we can still enjoy the complimentary nature as Christ’s members, united in one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


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

What Is Man

Psalm 8

A psalm of David.
1 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
above the heavens.

2 From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise
because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.

3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,

4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?

5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.

6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:

7 all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,

8 the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Bee's Thoughts:

Tired as I am now, just returning from my MY trip... yet I find reading the bible gives me strength. That's why the bible says "they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength" (Isaiah 40:30-31).

The above Psalm is so comforting. It makes me just want to worship God in awe. It reminds me of the hymn (another of my favorite):

Oh Lord our Lord,
How excellent Your name is;
How excellent Your name in all the earth.
Your glory fills the heavens,
Beyond the farthest stars,
How excellent Your name in all the earth.
When I think about the heavens,
The moon and all the stars,
I wonder what You've ever saw in me...
But You took me and You loved me,
And You've given me a crown.
And now I praise Your name eternally.

The contrast between the almight God and me/you is so vast, yet God is "mindful" of us and "care" for us (v3, 4). How can I not love him and worship this God?

Dear almighty and loving Lord,
I want to worship You in awe.... for the greatness You are and the love You have for us. I am always amazed by why You loved us so much... it's beyond my comprehension, yet the fact remains. May all the earth also see and experience You too.

Now I want to pray for the few friends I have spoken to today. I pray You continue to work in their hearts and give them spiritual understanding of Your words and truth. Please keep them from the evil one. Let them seek Your face, read Your word, and know your ways. May Your name be glorified.

Thank You for hearing my prayers in Jesus' name. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

I’m always fascinated by how trusting, honest and expressive children are when we ask them to share something with us. They’ll start talking without any hesitations, reservations or fear what other might think of them. We need to be more like children, to have this childlike quality, to trust and praise God without doubts or reservations. We need to remove any barriers to develop a true and close relationship with God in our daily walk with Him.

Like a child, we will be fascinated by the greatness and wonder of God’s creations. Intuitively, once awhile something deep within us cries out, “There must be a God” when we look at the vast expanse of His creations. We realized how small we are by comparison and begin to respect God’s majesty with true humility.

Dear Lord, I trust and praise Your majesty and greatness in all the earth (v9). Thank You for teaching me that being humble is not about self-depreciation but as a way to show proper respect for You as my Creator. I know that although I am ‘small’ but I’m not worthless in Your eyes. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


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

There When You Need It

Hebrews 9:11-22

The Blood of Christ
11 When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

16 In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, 17 because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living. 18 This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood. 19When Moses had proclaimed every commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people. 20 He said, "This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep." 21 In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. 22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Bee's Thoughts:

It's your blood that cleanses me,
It's your blood that gives me life,
It's your blood that took my place
With redeeming sacrifice,
And washes me whiter that the snow... than the snow
My Jesus, my precious sacrifice.

I love the above song very much. Each time I sing it, it touches my heart so deeply that tears will flow. For "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (v20).

The blood of Christ always remind me of how sinful and hopeless I will be if not for Him who died in my place. How could I be so ungrateful towards One who gave me His life? How could I not love Him in return? "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." ( John 15:13). He is worthy of my love and worship.

I am just a simple gal, a normal human being, a normal Christian, where the law of of love operates in me. To the one who loves me much truly, I love truly... that's me... isn't that a normal response? Yet not many will respond in this way. *sigh* I guess the child in me is pretty strong... simple faith, simple love, simple trust, simple hope. Yet sometimes my experiences with people tend to rob me of all my simplicity. I need to relearn to be childlike again.

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your blood that is there for me anytime. I want to come to You for daily cleansing from my silly thoughts, words and actions. Keep me pure in my ways and cover me from sins. Thank You for loving me. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Next week I need to help out my family to do something I hope one day they know they don’t need to do them. Rules and rituals. They have been so ingrained in the mind of many that seldom one will ask or think how they’ll never cleanse or changed the heart. There’s no certainty or assurance for all the good works one try to do, is enough for God. It’s a frustration to guess the mind of an unseen God or trying to earn His favor.

But, if one believes in a personal, good, loving and all-powerful God, they will see life can be clearly simplified and assured. As believer, we will have a certainty that God will accept us just the way we are. By Jesus’ blood alone it is sufficient to cleanse our consciences and free us from the power of sin; giving us a way to reconcile back with God.

“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

So, instead of us first trying to be good all by ourselves, our faith in Christ will effectively transform our lives and hearts and make us clean on the inside, giving us the opportunity to join God in His good work with joy and zeal.

Dear Lord, thank You for what Christ has done for me on the Cross. I know I do not deserve Your amazing grace and can do nothing to ever deserve it. But because You are loving and good, You’ve forgive and given me true freedom and an eternal salvation. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


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

True Sacrifice

Philippians 2:17-30

Timothy and Epaphroditus
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.

Bee's Thoughts:

I was just talking to a friend today and ended up talking about people who joined the militay force. This friend jokingly (I hope) said that those people who joined the military force are "insane". Hmmn... I am not sure about other countries, but as for SG I am proud of those who are serving in the military. For without them SG wouldn't be as safe as it has been.

Like Timothy and Epaphroditus, such people have sacrifice their lives to do the works that others don't want to do in order that many can have something better. The bible teaches us to "honor" such men (v29). In fact, we should pray for them that they would persevere in what they are doing. I thank God for these people.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for people who are willing to do the 'dirty works' and to sacrifice their life in order to make life better for others. Thank You for the missionaries who have risked their lives in order that others can hear the gospel and be saved. May You continue to strengthen them and give them grace each day. Let me be willing when you call me to do likewise one day.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

Sometimes we think that it’s a tall order for us as mere human to be selfless and sacrificial for others. We regard our own lives so important and precious that risking it for others is insane and unthinkable. We believe only God is able to do that, not us. But as we look at today’s passage, Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus are three good human examples of godly selfless men, who sacrificed their lives to meet the needs of others. As Thomas Brooks once said “example is the most powerful rhetoric”. These men are good examples for us to learn from and follow in how to give our lives in service to Christ.

We don’t need to have an impressive credentials or accomplishments or talents to shine as lights in the world. God always uses regular people like us to accomplish His goal to touch lives and meeting those in needs. If we have trusted Jesus as our Savior and surrendered our lives to Him, He will guide and provide us with strength and resources to reach out to others. Like Timothy, his zeal for Christ has equipped him to minister to the Philippians. He was a living example of the commandments found in Matthew 22:37-39.

'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself”.

Dear Lord, Thank You for teaching me to quit selfishly guarding my life all the times without going beyond that and use what I have and can to serve others and in service to Christ. Help me not just to tell what I’ve learnt from You but to practice and show it in my life; to be a true and faithful servants of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In His name I pray, Amen.


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

A Transformed Mind

Romans 12:1-8

Living Sacrifices
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Bee's Thoughts:

God has slowly transformed my mind over the years. Each time I come to Him in prayer and reading His words, He will gradually renew my mind that has been tainted by any worldly thinking. In this way I would know what is the will of God for me and how He wants me to serve Him.

I was listening to a friend's work problem today, and tried to offer the little help I could think off. I was very glad to see my friend lightened up from his initial sad countenance. As I was reading the above passage, I suddenly realised that God has given me the gift of "encouraging" (v8). So there's nothing for me to be proud off ... otherwise I wouldn't have so much patience to listen and to encourage others that effectively. Thank God.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for renewing my mind daily. Thank You for Your gift of "encouraging" too. Let me use it to encourage those who need encouragment. May I always make a difference to those that come my way.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

We live in a world today where we like to take more than we give; complain more than we thank; envious and unsatisfied than being grateful for what we have; being selfish and self-absorbed than other and God-centered; manipulative than being honest and truthful; putting others down to build ourselves up rather than being fair and respecting others; quick to judge and criticize than first looking at ourselves; talk more than we listen; indulge in what we know is wrong than doing what is right; impatient and restless than being calm and trusting in God; repay evil with evil than living at peace with others; agitated and annoyed when others seek our kindness, time and help than being compassionate to those in needs; proud and conceited than willing to associate with people of ‘low’ position; emphasis solely on things that will not lasts than those that are eternal; pretense and deceit than being genuine and sincere in our words and actions; trying to be good ourselves than submitting to God seeking Him to change us from the inside out;

Dear lord, I acknowledge that I myself exhibit many of those traits listed above. Help me to be aware of this, open my heart to You, allowing You to change me from within. Thank You and I ask all these in Jesus’ name, Amen.


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

The Promise Of Peace

Luke 2:8-15

The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Bee's Thoughts:

Peace is something that eludes most people more and more these days.... be they kids, teens, youths, adults, elderly, etc..

Yet peace is something God wants to give to mankind (v14). Jesus also said:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)

This peace is different from the peace the world has, which can only happen when things look good and in times of trouble the peace disappears. The peace Jesus is talking about is "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding" (Philippians 4:7)... peace in the midst of storm.

The way to receive such amazing peace is found in Philippians 4:6:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

It's really amazing how I could have peace in my heart even when I have troubles in my life, whenever I sought God. What He promised in these verses came true for me many times over.

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You very much for the peace You put into my heart even in times of chaos. Thank You that You are the God who calms the 'stormy sea' of my life all these while.
Now I want to pray for my friends who may be experiencing 'storms' in their life too. I pray that they too will turn to You for Your peace that surpasses all understanding. May Your peace resides in their hearts today.
In Your most wonderful name I pray. Amen

Tommy's Thoughts:

Tension and stress. Most of us experience and sigh over them at some time or other. It might come from the current events in our lives, responsibilities we may have, decisions we want or need to make, expectations we sense others have of us or deadlines and time crunches we so often felt. All these stress wrap around us tightly, forces tremendous pressure inside us. We feel trapped, troubled, perplexed, exhausted and drained physically and emotionally. There is no peace in our heart.

In times of tension, we need to remind ourselves of the story of Jesus’ birth, the Prince of Peace. He came and opened the way for us to peace with God. He also offers us, His followers, a lasting peace that transcends all human understanding; guarding our hearts and minds in times of pain and distress. (Philip. 4:7)

Dear Lord, thank You again for the good news of Jesus’ birth; He who came to all, giving us relieve and true, everlasting peace. Thank You for accepting me as I am, having You in my life. Teach me to set aside time daily to pray and converse with You honestly, sharing all my thoughts, feelings, and emotions. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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

Stay In The Sunshine

John 15:5-17

5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Even Jesus Himself often took time to withdraw to lonely places, mountain and wilderness to pray and stay connected with the Father. Through this communion, Jesus’ soul reservoirs were continuously filled from the fountains that were on high. More so for us, like branches to the Vine, we need continually connected with Him, to be nourished, refreshed and fortified; to be fruitful. Staying close with Him give us the way to live a truly good life than we can on our own.

True and complete joy comes when we stay close and consistently with God, remaining in Christ and obeying His commands. A joy that transcends no matter how high or low our circumstances might be, keeping us level-headed. God’s command for us is to love others as He has loved us. There’re many ways we can express sacrificial love to others without expecting anything in return: like listening, caring, helping, comforting, encouraging, giving.

Lord Jesus, thank You for being my friend; I owe You my unqualified obedience. Lord, to obey and remain in You is to love You; apart from You I can do nothing. Make me be aware of the constant distractions and noises that might separate me from You. Teach me to know, do and practice everything that I’ve learnt from You; to bear fruit—fruit that will last. In Your mighty name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

The promise: "ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you" (v7).
The condition: obey Jesus to "love each other" (v10, 12, 17)
The way: willness to "lay down his life for his friends" (v13)
The reason: apart from Jesus we can do nothing (v5)

Sometimes we think we love others, yet when the real test comes for us to lay down our life or to sacrifice for our friends, we might not be able to do it. We can't, if we try to do it by our own strength. We need to remain in Jesus in order to let His love flows through us to love another (even for people very close to our heart).

Loving someone is suppose to be a joyful thing, yet very often loving is something very painful. I guess the reason is we tend to expect reciprocality in love, and when we don't get it we feel hurt. Thank God for His promise that when we remain in Jesus, He will give us whatever we ask or pray... for we will pray for things from a heart of love and not for selfish gain.

Dear Lord Jesus,
Let me draw strength from You as my "vine". Let me not be torn apart from You that I may love others the way You do. Amen.



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

God's Great Harvest of Joy

Psalm 126

1 When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion,
we were like men who dreamed.

2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."

3 The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negev.

5 Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.

6 He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him.

Tommy's Thoughts:

The series of sermon in my church the last few weeks has taught me to be patient, rejoice (1 Peter 4:13) and committed to follow God and His commands when burdened by stress, sorrow and grief. God being the ultimate restorer can bring good out of whatever hardship and tragedy. He will ensure those who loves Him to find and reap true joy and happiness at the end (Romans 8:28).

I can rejoice in suffering, because I know He is dealing with areas of my life that needs to be thoroughly and radically corrected and changed. It is only through this, my faith and obedience to Christ can be tested to be true and genuine.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. - 1 Peter 1:6-7

Dear Lord, thank You for molding me, ensuring nothing left untested; like the fire that refines gold from all its impurities. Thank you for redeeming me, cleansing me, justifying me and sanctifying me in Your blood. Lord, help me to be willing to submit to You fully, drawing Your strength to persevere and rejoice in every situations. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

Serving my God is meaningful and can be fun too. Yes, "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." (v5, 6)

I have experienced the joy of serving the Lord, e.g. all the Charity Mission Trips I went to had been filled with lots of fun even though tiring. Each time after we had completed our missions, we would do some light shopping and go for some massaging for our aching bodies on our way home. Another example is the fun we had during our choir practices for the "Celebrate Christmas in Singapore" event last year. Not only did we feel happy during our services to God as we labour together, when we saw the "harvest" we had reaped, we rejoice in the Lord even more.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the privilege of servicing You. Thank You that serving You can be fun too as I focus on doing Your will rather than on the work itself. I pray that I will continue to have the energy to serve You all my life. Renew my spirit when I feel weary in serving You at times. Let me serve You my fellow Christians in unity of heart and spirit always.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



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

How To Face Another Day

James 4:13-17

Boasting About Tomorrow
13 Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." 16 As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. 17 Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

Bee's Thoughts:

Sometimes we pride ourselves for all our work accomplishments, all the plans we have for our career and future. Then we give many excuses for not doing what is of eternal value and instead concentrate our energy in doing things that will fade away. But the above passage clearly shows us that our life is like a mist... so what we planned to have might be gone when we are gone too.

I have heard that the only thing we can bring along with us when we go to heaven (for born-again Christians) is "relationship". For our God is a God of relationship too... the Trinity is the first relationship God has, then His relationship with us, and our relationship with each other. Therefore, we should not neglect the building of good relationship in the midst of our busyness.

A poem I like very much is If Tomorrow Never Come...

And if tomorrow never come,
You'll have no regrets about today.
These thoughts went through my mind,
We'll never know what will happen the next day.
- Bee

Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me that life is more than food and drink, and more than my career too. Let me build a close relationship with You and with those whom You brought into my life. May Your love be felt among us and may I live in Your will. May You be the Lord of my work and my relationship with others.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

There is nothing wrong with planning ahead for things; in fact, it’s good to have a clear goal for our lives. But often, we tend to forget and exclude God entirely in our planning. We are so ingrained with our self-sufficiency that we confidently think we can determine and shape our future without the need of God. We put ourselves at the center of our plans.

The truth is, no matter how intelligent we may be, we’ll never be able to know what our tomorrow will bring. How things and situations might easily change everything we thought we have total control of. It is foolish to not turn to our God who holds the future securely in His hands. We need to put His desire at the center of whatever we plan for and decisions that we’ll make.

Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me of how much I need You. There are no other people or things can give me the assurance and hope like Yours. With You I have the certainty for tomorrow, the certainty of never to be disappointed. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.



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

A Great Coach

Philippians 2:12-24

Timothy and Epaphroditus
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.

Bee's Thoughts:

That's a good testimonial for Timothy, one who genuinely cared for others and for the interests of Jesus Christ. He has been proven as he served together with Paul, his great coach.

This reminds me of my 'personal coach' (a friend who is trying out her coaching skill on me). My last few sessions with her did give me a kind of 'booster shot' to my at times unfocused goals.

Well, it's good to have a coach to guide us in life. But the best coach is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

Dear Lord,
Let me be like Timothy and care for Your interests and to love others as You have taught me. In whatever I do, in work or play, let me a good model and make a difference in the life of those around me.

Thank You for being my coach in how I should live my life and how I should handle life's trials. Thank You for my devotion partner who is running this spiritual journey with me.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Daily, I spend most of my time with non-believers. It’s so important to remind ourselves daily about what we believe and how we live, when we are on our ‘own’ out there. Without a close and growing relationship with Christ, we might easily sidetrack, give up and lost the desire to do His will.

The good news is our loving God has not left us alone in this type of struggle in our lives. As Christian, with the power of the indwelling Spirit in us, God helps us ‘want’ to do His will and obey His words. Our lives and desires are changed in the process. Instead of arguing and complaining about people, situations and conditions, our transformed lives with its true moral purity, patience and peacefulness became an effective witness to the world around us. We will “shine like stars” in a dark world we live in today for God.

Dear Lord, thank You for training me to be more like Christ each day. Help me Lord not to be too preoccupied with my own needs, schedules and concerns. But to take time daily to focus my attention and devotion to You and also for others; serving, encouraging and comforting those in needs with genuine love, care and concern. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


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

The Good That Pain Can Do

1 Peter 4:1-3

Living for God
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.

It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes. —Psalm 119:71

Bee's Thoughts:

My reflection on the simplicity of life for those I helped in my recent One-Day Charity Trip has helped me relate to the above passage better. If not for the experiences of pains in my life before, I might not be able to empathize with the pains others have. Even Jesus himself suffered much pain in order that we can be saved. This is something the Psalmist acknowledged too (Psalm 119:71).

So what good does pain bring? The answer is found in one of my favorite songs, especially during my times of suffering:

I thank You Lord, for the trials that come my way;
In the way I can grow each day, as I let You lead.
And I thank You Lord, for the patience that trials bring,
In surrender of everything, I can learn to give.
But it goes against the way I am,
To put my human nature down,
And let God's Spirit take control of all I am...
(can't remember the rest of the lyric)

Dear Lord,
Once again, thank You for the pain You suffered to save me.
Thank You for the pains I experienced to help me care and give.
Thank You for Your moulding process to make me what You want me to be.
In everything I want to give thanks to You, for You know what's best for me.
Amen.

Tommy'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 hymn Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus very much. It’s a simple, easy to remember hymn that bring so much meaning and comfort to me when the going gets tough and things become unbearably overwhelming in my life. It reminds me to focus on Jesus, His suffering and His future glory for us as believer. Through this, I began to understand sometimes as Christian, we need to be willing and prepared to do God’s will and to suffer for it if necessary, like Jesus Himself.

A person real value will be revealed clearly during suffering. As followers of Christ, when we hold on and faithfully obey God despite our suffering, we’ll grow much stronger, building and repairing our character and changing our perception radically (James 1:2-8); wrongful pleasures, ambition and desires soon become less important and we’ll be able to truly break free from them.

Dear Lord, thank You for teaching me to turn to Jesus everytime I’m feeling down and out, when things doesn’t go the way I hope for. Help me Lord, not to be tempted to take the shortcuts but to diligently seek Your words to understand Your will for my life; doing what You wants me to do. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


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

A Living Hope

1 Peter 1:3-9

Praise to God for a Living Hope
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Bee's Thoughts:

I like all the above verses very much as they are very comforting and they have been proven true in my life...

1. I have a "living hope" after my "new birth" as a Christian (v3)... not a dead hope, 'cos Jesus is ressurected", unlike all other prophets.

2. I have an "inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade" (v4)... unlike the earthly wealth which will fade away.

3. I suffered "grief in all kinds of trials" (v6) so that my faith may "be proved genuine" (v7).

4. Though I have not seen Jesus, I love him; and even though I do not see him now, I believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy (v9)... that's incredible!!


I have heard many, especially guys, said they can't love a gal if they have not seen her in person. How is it possible to love someone without seeing? Is a person crazy or weird if he/she can love another without meeting in person?

Yes, in the natural sense perhaps it's difficult to love without seeing a person physically 'cos most people can't believe in what is unseen. To most, seeing is believing. So to most, it's hard to believe in Jesus Christ 'cos they have not seen him too. Yet to those who believe and love Him by faith, not only they can have the hope of glory but also experience His love right now.

Call me crazy or weird, I am one such person. :) I have expressed my thoughts in my poem 2 years ago, Love Someone Whom We Seen Not.


Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your gift of faith to believe and love You even though I have not seen You before.
Thank You that with this gift I can also love people whom I have not met in person too.
Thank You that through my sufferings, my faith in You can be tested and be strengthened.
Thank You for the hope I can have in You. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

I used to wallow up in self-pity and condemnation when things gone wrong or when I lost hope and giving up my struggles. I spend times thinking bleakly and negatively about my future; focusing entirely on things that are impermanent and will not lasts. Depression sunk in and I lost interest in whatever things I do. My attitudes seriously affected those people around me.

Today, thanks to God’s grace, mercy and peace, that I’ve found a clear finish line; a goal and purpose; keeping me renewed in this life journey now. A life that sometimes filled with all kinds of trial and grief that I have no answer and solution to; things I long for so much but not within reach, things I hope can turn out better but doesn’t seems to change any soon, things that I have to plan for but uncertain where to start; and things that I hope will soon ends but still looming at large…

As I read today comforting passage, God is telling me that these trials are temporary and have come so that my faith will be tested and refined by His fire; to prepare for a future He has planned for me. This hope fires me up to live my life now to the fullest with true joy and gratefulness to God, praising Him everyday for things He has given me.

Dear Lord, thank You for keeping me on track every time I was about to careen away with my unhappiness and uncertainties. Thank You for being with me always comforting me with Your care, love, peace and hope. Lord, I would like to pray for my sister who is feeling really stressful now over a problem that might affects her work and health; give her Your peace and comfort her heart Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


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

Not Just A Listener

Romans 2:12-16

12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, 15 since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) 16 This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.

Bee's Thoughts:

Have you ever encountered people who promised you that they'll do something for you yet never execute it, or procrastinate about it for a very long time? And when you remind them of their promise, they would think you are a nag? I have. Sometimes I feel very frustrated with such people and have to give 'discount' for what they promise. :(

The above passage reminds us that it is not what we hear but what we do that's important. That means knowledge is nothing till we apply it.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me not only I should listen to what You say but to obey and do according to Your words. I pray that I will apply the knowledge I have and not procrastinate to do what I should.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

When I was on my trip, I met with so many friendly and beautiful Cambodians, especially the children. I just love their smiles; it’s warm and full of life. It saddened me when I get to know more about the gruesome history of their country; where about 2 million Cambodians, have been brutally tortured and killed during the Khmer Rouge "revolution" in the 70s.

Our Almighty God has planted inside the heart of every person, even those who have never seen a Bible or heard about the Good News, his moral law; the conscience to know what is right and wrong. And, people are condemned not for what they didn’t know but for what they do with what they know. So, it’s shocking to know how these people (under the rule of Pol Pot) can violate even the most basic moral law of not to murder; even their very own people. They know what is right but insist on doing what’s wrong because of pride, selfish and evil ambition.

Dear Lord, thank You for your gift in understanding Your laws and the abundant knowledge of Your words. Lord, forgive me of sometimes doing the very opposite to what I know is right. Forgive me of frequently fail to live up to even my own standards (much more to Yours!). Guide me Lord to not just know what is right but to do them, to live it. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


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

Comforting

2 Corinthians 1:3-11

The God of All Comfort
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

Bee's Thoughts:

The above passage brings back memories of the distress I'd been through in my life since childhood days. I grew up with much tears and sadness, which explains the big eye bags I have since young. :( As I grew older, I experienced different types of sorrows, especially when people I loved and cherished departed from my life. But with much tears and sorrows also gave me more chances to experience God's comfort for me.

I also felt the "sentence of death" (v9) at times and wondered if I could pull through. During my low periods in life, the only answer to my question on "Why me?" was, "God will use my experiences to help others in similar situations." (v4). True enough, God has used some of my experiences to help and encourage people who crossed my path.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your comfort during my times of tears and sorrows. Thank You for those who have comforted me too when I need a 'shoulder' to cry. Thank You that through my experiences I could also empathize with and comfort others in distress. Thank You for seeing me through in my darkest moment in life. Let me be a comforter to those in distress too.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

I was sad when my close friend cried today. Her colleagues gave some really harsh remarks that hurt her so much. I’m angry over how these so-called friends can judge others easily without ever looking at how bad they themselves fares. It’s shocking how insensitive they were, disguising their harsh words as advices. Words can really break a person.

I tried my best to listen and comfort her; telling her about how untrue those things they said. I told her about how narrow and closed their thoughts are. I taught her to always turn to Jesus whenever we are treated badly by others, tempted to wallow in self-pity and starting to doubt God’s providence. I can see she was greatly comforted by God’s words.

Dear Lord, thank You for being with me during my trip, protecting and guarding me from all kinds of harm and danger. Thank You also for giving me a memorable, amazing, fun and exciting trip. Lord, as I have been constantly comforted by Your words and presence, teach me to be aware of those who desperately need a listening ears and encouraging, comforting words. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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

On Eagles' Wings

Isaiah 40:27-31

27 Why do you say, O Jacob,
and complain, O Israel,
"My way is hidden from the LORD;
my cause is disregarded by my God"?

28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Bee's Thoughts:

Eagle always remind me of my friend, whom I nicknamed "Eagle", and asked him not to be like the "chicken", which sounds very much like his real name. ;) I wrote the poem, Your're An Eagle to encourage him. Indeed he has finally 'spreaded' his 'wings' like the eagle, and I wish him all the best in his future endevours, as in my poem Eagle, Goodbye.

Eagle also depicts strength, perseverence, vision, and courage. I did some studies about the Eagle previously. I learnt some interesting facts about American Bald Eagle:

Fidelity - Once paired, bald eagles remain together until one dies, the survivor will not hesitate to accept a new mate. (sounds biblical... hehe)

Voice - Shrill, high pitched, and twittering are common descriptions used for bald eagle vocalizations. Eagles do not have vocal cords. Sound is produced in the syrinx, a bony chamber located where the trachea divides to go to the lungs. Bald eagle calls may be a way of reinforcing the bond between the male and female, and to warn other eagles and predators that an area is defended. (so loving, :D)

I also learnt 6 LESSONS FROM EAGLES:

Lesson 1: All Baby Eagles Must Learn To Fly
Lesson 2: Eagles Are Made For The High Places
Lesson 3: Eagles Do Not Fly, They Soar
Lesson 4: Eagles Go Through Specific Periods Of Renewal
Lesson 5: Eagles Get Sick, Just Like Humans
Lesson 6: Every Eagle Has To Die

With all these facts and lessons about the eagle, it becomes clear why the bible uses it to compare to Christians who seek and wait upon Him. He promises them strength, perseverence, vision, and courage. He also wants them to stay faithful and loving, just like the eagle.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for the lessons I can learn from the eagle. Thank You that whenever I felt weary You had renewed my strength as I waited upon You. Teach me to soar like the eagle and to see the big plan You have for me. Let me rest in You Lord.

In Jesus' name I ask these. Amen.


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

Tranquility

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Bee's Thoughts:

Recently, I have just experienced the lying on God's "green pastures" and walking beside "quiet water" (v2). God gave me his peace and tranquility though I went through some seemingly 'stormy' experiences the last 2 weeks. His presence just calmed my 'stormy' spirit so quickly. Yes, He restored my soul (v3).

Not only that, God guided me to behave/respond to the situations rightly so that His name will be glorified (v3). He also guided me today to share a very smiple message to touch lives during my Charity Mission Trip. I could see the joy of those people as they listened to the message. God was the one who touched their hearts... even the pastor's wife was moved with tears by God's words.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for being my Shepherd. Thank You for giving me peace in times of storm; giving me direction when I feel lost; giving me courage when I fear to speak. Thank You that Your "goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life" (v6).

Thank You for Your work at the villages today. I pray for those villagers that You will continue to help them experience Your love as we go there to offer our help and share Your blessings with them regularly.

I also pray that You will let my best friend fly back home safely tomorrow too.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



.......the devotion of Bee

What Matters Most

John 9:24-34

The Pharisees Investigate the Healing

24 A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. "Give glory to God," they said. "We know this man is a sinner."

25 He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!"

26 Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"

27 He answered, "I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?"

28 Then they hurled insults at him and said, "You are this fellow's disciple! We are disciples of Moses! 29 We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he comes from."

30 The man answered, "Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. 32 Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."

34 To this they replied, "You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!" And they threw him out.

Bee's Thoughts:

What good does it do if you know the background of a person but do not see any good deed coming from this person? However, If you can see all the good deeds and the love of this person but not know his/her background much, does it therefore negate his/her good deeds? Not to the man who was born blind from birth. What matters most is the deed, not the background or words. He didn't know Jesus at all, yet he could feel His love and compassion, His healing power... that is more important.

Sadly, very often most people care more for legality, the external issues, rather than the real expression of love and deeds. By the time they settle all the legality, know the backgound, etc, they would have lost the chance of experiencing what love is. Time waits for no man. Why can't people be as simple as the blind man?

Jesus said, "by their fruits we shall know them". The blind man said, "If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." (v33). This is a truth that a simple blind man knew, yet not the highly educated Pharisees.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for giving me simple faith in You even though I am such a complicated person with complicated thinking, very skeptical, very analytical, very meticulous. That surely must be a gift from You so I can experience all Your love and blessings which I couldn't get where else.

Thank You for my few good friends who always stand by me to cheer me on when I am down. What matters more to me is their deeds of love, not their looks, status, or backgrounds. I pray for them that You will bring them joy and peace, and bless them with people who care for them too.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


.... the dvotion of Bee

Teach These Things

1 Timothy 4:6-16

6 If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 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.

9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance 10 (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Bee's Thoughts:

Dear Lord,
I pray that I can "set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." There are so many things I need You to teach me...

Teach me to speak words that heal, not kill.
Teach me to live a life that makes a difference.
Teach me to love the way You love in truth, without hypocrisy.
Teach me to have faith in the right person.
Teach me to be pure in my thoughts and ways.

In Jesus' name I humbly pray. Amen.




.......the devotion of Bee

Security

Psalm 31:19-24

19 How great is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you,
which you bestow in the sight of men
on those who take refuge in you.

20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them
from the intrigues of men;
in your dwelling you keep them safe
from accusing tongues.

21 Praise be to the LORD,
for he showed his wonderful love to me
when I was in a besieged city.

22 In my alarm I said,
"I am cut off from your sight!"
Yet you heard my cry for mercy
when I called to you for help.

23 Love the LORD, all his saints!
The LORD preserves the faithful,
but the proud he pays back in full.

24 Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the LORD.

Bee's Thoughts:

We lived in a very unsecured world indeed. Even when we feel safe with someone whom we thought loves us, many times we are not actually. From past experiences, I realise how deceitful some men can be... "the intrigues of men" is always there (v20) to make us feel good with their empty words and clandestine agenda. But sooner or later we will know how untruthful these men are and wake up from our empty dreams.

Dear Lord,
Thank You that with You I am always safe... for You will deliver me from "the intrigues of men" whenever I come into Your "presence". Whenever I pray to You, You will show me the right from wrong and what I should do. Thank You for Your protection always. Amen.




.......the devotion of Bee