Close Encounter with Jesus

Acts 9:1-9

Saul's Conversion
1Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

5"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked.

"I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. 6"Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."

7The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Though we may not encounter God as spectacular as Paul did, but we may still experience Him entering our life in a quiet way, if our commitment is true and genuine. Because He is never silent to His children and His voice is no less clear than it ever was. We may hear Him through the advice of a friend, a passage in the Bible, a song, an event, even the words of a child.

A difficult or seemingly unsolvable problem we’re facing today may be rooted in our relationship with Him. Have we had an encounter with Jesus? Have we truly open our heart and honestly submit ourselves to Him? Have we take time to listen and understand Him personally? Have we put Him first in our lives? Is following Jesus matters most to us? Have we acknowledged Him as the son of the living God and as our Saviour?

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for breaking into my life when I needed someone to lift me up from my fall and to heal me from my ‘sickness’, to redirect my path and to give me hope and strength to move on, to be renewed and transformed: to be born again. Teach me not to allow the surrounding daily noises to distract my attention and concentration to come to You; to listen and understand You better each day. Thank You, I pray all this in Jesus’ name, Amen.



Bee's Thoughts:

Many times when we try to see things with our human eyes and miss what's real in the spiritual realm. But when we stop using what is natural to us, God will give us spiritual vision to see things with our spiritual eyes.

Dear Lord,
When I cannot see,
that's the moment I really see.
When I cannot understand,
that's when I need to hold Your hand.
Grant me Your spiritual eyes
to see what You have for my life.
In Jesus name I pray always. Amen

The Bread of Life

John 6:25-35

Jesus the Bread of Life
25When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"

26 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval."

28 Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?"

29 Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."

30 So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"

32 Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."

34 "Sir," they said, "from now on give us this bread."

35 Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.

Tommy's Thoughts:

There is an in-built and wired desire in many sincere seekers to please an almighty God, to know His will and to do all the necessary works He requires (v28). The religions of the world are attempts by man to provide answer to exactly what these works really are to its followers.

It is a system that relies entirely on the belief that we can make ourselves holy, blameless and acceptable to God through doing kind, charitable things and following rules and rituals. We hope those works will somehow cleanse us from our sins and failings.

It was when I first get to know about Christianity, that I saw a stark difference in it with the religions of the world. I began to understand how vague, futile and uncertain my old belief system was. There is never any convincing assurance and peace that your so-called works will be good enough.

Jesus in one simple but important statement answered "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." (v29). It need us first to put aside our pride, ego and self-sufficient nature, to acknowledge and believe who Jesus is and how He can change us to be a better person from inside out, not by ourselves.

Our spiritual growth and development will only then be effectively “coached” and guided by God himself upon this affirmation. And, this is the life of belief that is truly satisfying to our Creator.

Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me that many times I hit a dead end when I went totally on my own. Thank You for teaching me to acknowledge who Jesus is: the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16) and also my bread of life (v35).

Lord Jesus, I invite You into my daily walk, help me to grow and sustain my spiritual life with You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.



Bee's Thoughts:

I have a high metabolism rate and need to eat a lot, yet people always commented that I need to eat more (too skinny). I wished I can don't feel hungry and don't have to eat anymore. Well, that's not possible in the physical sense.

In the spiritual sense, this is possible. For Jesus said, "He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." (v35). Yes, Jesus quenched my spiritual hunger and thirst which are normally in the guise of emotional emptiness. Whenever I am willing to go to Christ at my time of loneliness, He always fill my heart with love, joy and peace.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for filling my spirit and soul with Yourself. Truly You are my Bread of Life. Amen.

Are You A Complainer?

Numbers 11:1-10

Fire From the LORD
1 Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. 2 When the people cried out to Moses, he prayed to the LORD and the fire died down. 3 So that place was called Taberah, because fire from the LORD had burned among them.
Quail From the LORD

4 The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, "If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. 6 But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!"

7 The manna was like coriander seed and looked like resin. 8 The people went around gathering it, and then ground it in a handmill or crushed it in a mortar. They cooked it in a pot or made it into cakes. And it tasted like something made with olive oil. 9 When the dew settled on the camp at night, the manna also came down.

10 Moses heard the people of every family wailing, each at the entrance to his tent. The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled.

Tommy's Thoughts:

When we read today’s passage, we can clearly point out how wrong the Israelites were in complaining and being disgruntled; they should be grateful and contended for what God has done and was doing for them – given them freedom from slavery, making them a nation, given them a new land and providing their needs.

But, it’s easy to judge when we too ourselves exhibit similar attitude when our attention shifted from what we already have to what we don’t have. We constantly think of what we would like to have or own, what will make us happy, contended and begin living responsibly. These unfulfilled desires cause us to forget and eventually neglect the gifts given to us from God - life, food, health, career, friends and family.

Dear Lord, thank You for the gifts and blessings You’ve given to me over the years; important and valuable gifts that I don’t clearly see sometimes when other desires clouded my mind. Forgive me of failing to understand this and being impatient to trust Your providence and timing. Guide me to walk closely to You each day and not lead astray by focusing on selfish fulfillments rather than seeking You first. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

Are we happy? What is true happiness?

The article in "True Happiness" gives a good answer to this question:

Psychologists say that people need three things to make them happy. First of all they need something to do. Secondly they need something to love. Finally they need something to look forward to. I think Scripture agrees with this. However, to be truly happy and satisfied we must make sure that we are doing the right thing, loving the right thing, and looking forward to the right thing. This passage (John 14:1-21) before us, as well as many others in Scripture that show us what to do, what to love and what to look forward to.

The Israelites were never happy or satisfied with what God had done for them. They kept complaining and murmuring. That angered God. We need to beware of the disatisfaction the devil might tried to put in our hearts.


Dear Lord,
Thank You that Your joy is my strength and I can be happy in You even when at times I feel down.
I pray for my best friend tonight, that You will bless his heart and grant him peace and contentment. Let his heart not be troubled, and grant him Your assurance of love. Let him know that he is never alone... he has You and fellow Christians who love him. Grant him deep sleep tonight, waking up fresh in the morning, feeling Your joy and happiness again. Also guide him in his decision on taking up more project. May Your peace be his guide.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Baby Christians?

Hebrews 5:12-14

12In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Bee's Thoughts:

The above passage sounds harsh, yet that's a sad fact that many Christians remain as 'infant' spiritually even though they have known Christ for many years. They remain so because they do not study the word of God and get swayed easily by all kinds of doctrines, not knowing the truth themselves. Some have put their faith in men instead of God. So when they see a 'spiritual leader' fall they also fall away.

Over the years, I realise that reading God's word is so important if I want to stay strong in my faith, despite of people and circumstances around me. As human as I am, when I am in doubts God's word always come in to reasure me.

Dear Lord,
Let me continue to grow in my faith in You. Let me be vigilant of false doctrines and not fall prey in any way. I am getting busier with my work now and it can be tempting to skip reading Your word at times. Give me strength to keep my time with You Lord. I ask for Your wisdom, guidiance and blessing in the things I do at work. May I shine as light in whatever do.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

Lately, I can see how the Da Vinci Code craze brought about some positive initiatives by churches to educate the people in separating the truth from fiction. It’s like a wake-up call and opportunity for the ministry and all believers to equip themselves with God’s truth to spread the Good News to those who are new, uncertain or curious about the Christian’s faith.

Commitment to Christ does require us to move out of our comfort zones, to be a life changing individual by practicing and teaching others what we have learned. Instead of trying to blend in and compromise with popular cultures or being merely a lukewarm believer, it involves a radical paradigm shift in all aspects of our life. It moves us to grow spiritually, to be a mature Christian and be ready to go out to proclaim God’s truth and touches the lives of others.

But in order to grow, we first need to learn discernment, with the help of the Holy Spirit living within us. We should train our consciences, senses, minds and bodies to distinguish right from wrong, and good from evil. Our capacity to understand and absorb the deeper knowledge of God (solid food) depends on our spiritual growth. By constantly seeking to learn and understand His words and practicing them, we will find our capacity to understand also increases, thus, helping us to avoid pitfalls and prepare us for spreading the Good News to others.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your constant guidance in my life’s journey; helping me to learn, understand, grow and be renewed through Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Misplaced Guilt

Leviticus 26:3,12-16

3 " 'If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands.

12 I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people. 13 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high.

Punishment for Disobedience
14 " 'But if you will not listen to me and carry out all these commands, 15 and if you reject my decrees and abhor my laws and fail to carry out all my commands and so violate my covenant, 16 then I will do this to you: I will bring upon you sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever that will destroy your sight and drain away your life. You will plant seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it.

Tommy's Thoughts:

There are times we know for certain our wrongdoing has led to problems and difficult consequences. We are willing to admit and accept the responsibility for what has happened. But there are times, things are not so apparent and clear, where we may be mistakenly accepting and assigning ourselves with every blames in a situation. We might also unconsciously took over the role of God, to be responsible for everything and to fix everyone’s problems.

There is nothing more dangerous than Satan’s weapon of misplacing guilt in our mind as believer. Despite acknowledging what Christ has done to redeem us from sin’s slavery, we may still make ourselves feel trapped and bogged down by our past sins. Feeling helpless, hopeless and condemned, we eventually return back to our former sinful pattern of life.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the true freedom and victory I received from Christ’s redeeming grace. Thank You also for the Spirit that continually revealing those areas I need to deal with in my life. Teach me to search my heart, to be at peace with You at all time. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

" If you follow... I will...; if you will not listen.... I will..."

There is always a cause and effect or consequences to our actions. God had warned the Israelites and the principle still applies today. But one difference today is that Christ has died for our sins. Our part is to confess and repent from our sins.


Dear Lord,
Thank You that I can come before You to confess my sins and having the assurance that You are fathful and just to forgive my sins. When I do that I can stand before You without condemnation. Thank You for Your mercy and grace all the time.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Remembering the Passover

Exodus 12:21-30

21 Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, "Go at once and select the animals for your families and slaughter the Passover lamb. 22 Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. Not one of you shall go out the door of his house until morning. 23 When the LORD goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.

24 "Obey these instructions as a lasting ordinance for you and your descendants. 25 When you enter the land that the LORD will give you as he promised, observe this ceremony. 26 And when your children ask you, 'What does this ceremony mean to you?' 27 then tell them, 'It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.' " Then the people bowed down and worshiped. 28 The Israelites did just what the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron.

Bee's Thoughts:

The pass over ceremony has great significance not only for the Israelites of old but also for us, the modern time Christians. Even today, we need the blood of Christ to cover us so that the evil one will not be able to harm us. When we ask Jesus Christ to cover us with His blood it is a sign of obedience and submission. It is only then that He can protect us as we give Him lordship over our life.

Yes, there is power in the blood of Christ. Without it there is no salvation.


Dear Lord,
Thank for Your blood that covers my sins. Thank You that Your blood has made me cleaned in the sight of God. May my life be worthy of Your blood.
In Your precious name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

In the same way that God delivered the Israelites from death and out of the land of slavery and sin in Old Testament times, we as believers today also have experienced a day of deliverance from spiritual death and slavery to sin. Our Passover is The Lord’s Supper that reminds us of our new life with Him and our true freedom from sin.

We need to always remind ourselves through daily Bible reading, devotion and prayers that God has delivered us, redeemed us from the power of sin, bought and restored us back to Him. Jesus’ death paid in full all our sins, spared us from eternal condemnation and clearing way for us to begin a new life and relationship with God.

All we need to do is to put aside our pride and start believing, trusting and accepting His gift of eternal life.

Dear Lord, thank You for the blood of Christ that cleansed me from all my sins. Thank You for the redemption and promise of a new life with You. Guide my heart Lord that I will not be easily distracted or dragged down by struggles and trials, blinding me to see the glorious path and destination You have laid in front of me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

A Mother's Love

Proverbs 31:26-31

26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Tommy's Thoughts:

It’s fascinating what a mother can do for her children. As I listened to them and of my own, I’ve found one similar trait among them; they posses an incredible and relentless force that drive them to give the best to their children. They will go in length to ensure that their children are secured in all areas of their lives, presently and also in the future.

The love of a mother to her children is the best example of the kind of love revealed by Christ. The agape love: a love that is unconditional, selfless and spiritual: an ultimate model for all humanity. Through her undying dedication and self-sacrificing nature, we received from mother the love, warmth and care that mean more than the world to us.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing me with a wonderful and incredible mother. Despite the responsibility of playing a dual role, she never stops, complains or even tired in ensuring everything is well for us, giving us a warm and loving home.

Lord, in Your great mercy looking down from above, grant this dear mother of mine the gift of Your love and also Your salvation one day. Teach and show me also Lord the way to lighten her daily tasks, brighten her day and gladden her heart with words and kindness. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

Tonight's devotion brings me much sorrow again... I felt choked as I wrote Mama Hao.

No, a mother's love has never been compared to God's love in the bible. In fact, the bible says in Isaiah 49:15-16:

"Can a woman forget her nursing child
And have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget, but I will not forget you.
"Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;
Your walls are continually before Me.

Yes, in God's plan and design, a mother is supposed to be full of love and compassion for her child like what Tommy described above. Yet with the fall of men, a mother may forget her child, curse her child or even kill her child (physically or emotionally). It's very sad. No one will ever understand the long term harm such actions have on a child, even when he/she turns into an adult, unless one has been in it before.

The above passage in Proverbs 31 can only happen when a woman is fully submitted to God. Then she will be a good wife and a good mother. She will bring honour to her husband and children, and everyone is proud of her.


Dear Lord,
You know how I am feeling now... I want to cry.
Thank You that even though a mother can forsake me, yet You never will.
Thank You that You have found me and given me the love I so desperately needed.
Thank You that You are my Abba Father.
Thank You that each time I cried silently You heard me and embraced me in Your arms.
Words cannot express my gratitude to You. I owe my life to You Lord.
May You transform me into the woman You want me to be.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

"Follow Me."

Luke 5:27-32

The Calling of Levi

27 After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him, 28 and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.

29 Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. 30 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"

31 Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Tommy's Thoughts:

It is when we finally found helpless to help ourselves that we found Jesus...

It is when we surrendered ourselves to Him, admitting our insufficiency and failings that we begin to be transformed by His strength, peace and power...

It is when we see how much He loves and cares for us that we see how close we are in His arm...

And, it is when we trust and see the hope in Him that we can let go the aching yearnings in our heart and follow His leading to bring us true fulfillment and eternal glory as His children...

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to follow You when I’m lost and ‘sick’. Thank You for showing me how close You actually are besides me when I felt defeated and abandoned in my battle. Thank You for lifting me up and purging all lies and distortions of the evil one, letting me know how victorious I should be for what Christ has done on the Cross. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.



Bee's Thoughts:

Yes, Jesus found me when I was 'sick' in my soul and spirit when I was a child. He became my 'doctor' who healed my 'sickness'. Bit by bit He restored my soul. Day by day He strengthened my spirit. It's been a very long process. Along the way He taught me compassion and love, forgiveness and giving, just as He had done so. Yes, I need to follow Him.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for being my 'doctor' whenever I am 'sick'. Thank You for 'nursing' me to health each time. Help me to follow Your foot steps and do the things that are pleasing to You. May Your name be glorified in my life.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Loving an Unseen God

Psalm 34:11-22

11 Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

12 Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,

13 keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking lies.

14 Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their cry;

16 the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.

18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

19 A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;

20 he protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken.

21 Evil will slay the wicked;
the foes of the righteous will be condemned.

22 The LORD redeems his servants;
no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.

Bee's Thoughts:

We have heard many times that people are closest to God when they are broken hearted. Verse 15 and 18 confirm it and tell us that when we are broken hearted and feeling crushed, God will be there for us. Yes, "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out." (Isaiah 42:3). We have a very compassionate and faithful God. How wonderful God is!

Being Christians who walk faithfully with God doesn't mean we have no trouble. In fact we have more troubles than non-believers as Satan will be out to get us. But God promised that He will deliver us from them. Yes, I have experienced that many times.

Dear Lord,
Thank You that whenever I am broken and crushed in spirit, You are always there to lift me up. You never leave me alone.
Thank You also for friends who have comforted me during my low periods in life. Thank You for their friendship. I pray that You they will also know that You will be there for them when they are feeling low, me too.
I pray these in Jesus' name. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

In The Greatest Commandment, we were told to love our God with all our heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22:34-40). I’ve been struggling with how to love an unseen God, as I even have problem in loving those who I can see around me.

As I read the Bible more, I’ve learnt that the first step to take is to obey His teaching, fear Him and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). In John 14:23, Jesus said "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching”. The fear here is to show love and reverence for God through our obedience and knowing His amazing love for us.

From the Scriptures like in today passage, we can learn how to fear the Lord by always speaking the truth, turning away from all forms of evil in our heart (greed, deceit, lust, pride), doing good through the prompting of the Spirit and working hard by proactively seeking peace with one another.

Together with a clear goal in loving and serving the Lord, we will view being obedient and discipline not as some wearisome self-punishment or chore, but as a meaningful and purposeful preparation towards our eternal glory. And, with this in mind, we can begin truly loving our God wholeheartedly.

Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for not obeying Your teachings and getting frustrated when troubles and problems loomed around my head. Teach me to admit that only You alone can supply all the help and guidance I need. Thank You Father for being by my side always, to be my source of power, courage and wisdom, helping me through my problems. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Spiritual Training

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Tommy's Thoughts:

It took me few years before decided to take my professional practice examination. Partly because I didn’t see any need or good reason to take it and I don’t have the spare time for preparation. It requires a lot of my time, energy, concentration and hard work in order to do well in it. After persuaded by few of my friends I finally decided to take it with the reason that I maybe needing it in the future.

With a clear goal to avoid resitting the exam, wasting more money and time, I disciplined myself to focus on it seriously, diligently making good use of every seconds left to grasp and equip myself.

As Christian, the same can be said about our race toward our heavenly reward. Winning the race requires a clear purpose in our heart (in pleasing God and receive the imperishable heavenly reward), discipline (daily prayers, Bible study, devotion, worship), hard work, self-denial, and preparation.

Dear Lord, thank You for giving me a clear finish line to run to. There is nothing matters more than Your promises and hope given to us. Teach me to train diligently as my spiritual progress depends upon it. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

During my school days, I joined many kinds of CCA (Co-Curricular Activities) such as: basketball, netball, volleyball, table-tenis, band, athletic, and clubs. I had to attend lots of trainings. All those I did them with one aim in mind - to win the "prize".

At work, I intiated changes and improvement strategies. I was very focused, self-motivated, and worked very hard. I like challenges and get bored when I could do my work too well. I never stop learning new things.

In my spiritual life, I tried not to miss any church service unless I am very sick. I tried hard to do what the bible teaches but failed, as I tried to do them by my own strength, like how I did at school and work. Then I learnt that I need to let the Holy Spirit work in my life instead of me doing it.

Doing devotion and praying, and attending church services is part of spiritual training. At times, our body may be too tired and wants to skip the devotion, prayer time or church services. This where what Paul said comes into effect, "I beat my body and make it my slave" (v27)... mind and spirit over body.


Dear Lord,
Let me not be tired in my spiritual training. Let me continue running the race for a little while more till I reach my destination. I pray for my fellow Christians that they will run with me and will not get tired too. Let us not forget the "prize" that is awaiting for us.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Joseph-like Attitude

Genesis 47:7-12

7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed Pharaoh, 8 Pharaoh asked him, "How old are you?"

9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, "The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers." 10 Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from his presence.

11 So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed. 12 Joseph also provided his father and his brothers and all his father's household with food, according to the number of their children.

Tommy's Thoughts:

People do aware and remember how we respond or react to situations and circumstances. Do others see us as a person that is confident, reliable, calm and positive or simply reactive, pessimistic and intolerant?

Like Joseph, despite all the hardships he has experienced and endured, even betrayed and deserted by his own family, he still positively responded to each situation with wisdom and unwavering trust in God, which won the hearts of everyone he met.

Instead of dwelling in self-pity, sorrow and asking “Why?”, Joseph made positive effort to remedy a problem by relying on God’s help and guidance. With his spiritual sensitivity, confidence and godliness, those who met him were aware and acknowledged that God was indeed with him, by how he tackled and handled every situation.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for redirecting my focus not solely on events or circumstances in my life, but on how I should response to them with Joseph-like attitude. Thank You for teaching me that in every hardship or setback, there is an opportunity for me to grow and show to others that You are working in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bee's Thoughts:

Joseph was gracious towards his siblings even though they sold him away in Egypt. He forgave them of their wrong doing and took it positively as God's way of providing for his family and the nation. He even provided them the "best" (v11,12) when he was in power subsequently.

Thank God for His teaching that helped me do likewise.

Dear Lord,
Thank You that it's by Your grace that I can learn to forgive and also give to those who might have hurt me before. Thank You for forgiving my sins that I can also learn to forgive others too.
I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Be Ready!

2 Peter 3:3-15

3 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15 Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.

Tommy's Thoughts:

The most common question an atheist may ask is why God who claimed to be all powerful and good will not destroy all evils in the world today? The truth is God is neither slow nor powerless, but if God were to destroy all evil in the world today, He would do a complete job; most of us will no longer be here at the end of the day!

God’s timing is perfect and Christ has not returned because He is waiting for more sinners to repent and turn to Him. But, we shouldn’t be complacent and lazy as Jesus will return anytime, like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2). We should live each day with readiness and eager expectation of His coming. While we are looking forward to meet Him any day, we need to make every effort to be spotless, blameless and at peace with Him. (v14).

Dear Lord, thank You for teaching me to be ready and to eagerly wait for Christ’s return, expecting Him not as a thief but as the Lord of glory. Guide me continue to grow to be a faithful obedient believer by following all Your commands and to love You with all my heart. Thank You also for teaching me to wait patiently and joyfully for Your deliverance and restoration of Your good world. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

God and us human have very different term of reference in time. We are finite beings and our time is finite too. But God is infinite, His time can be extented or shorten at will, so a thousand years are like one day and one day is like a thousand year to Him. It's hard to comprehend this as our mind is so limited. Peter asked us not to forget this (v8).

It is comforting to know that God is omniscient and omnipresent. He is never too slow in acting. At times I also questioned why God didn't intervene in certain situations. But in tonight's devotion, I am reminded that God has His own timing in everything. He makes all things beautiful in His time. Yes, He took my mom away at the right time too. He took her away after my prayer for her the night before.

Dear Lord,
All my years of sufferings and joy in my life are but like a day or less to You. I cannot understand many things that I experienced in life, but I know that You know best. Take me away when my days are done here. Amen.

Greed vs Contentment

2 Kings 5:15-27

16 The prophet answered, "As surely as the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing." And even though Naaman urged him, he refused.

19 "Go in peace," Elisha said.
After Naaman had traveled some distance, 20 Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, "My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him."

26 But Elisha said to him (Gehazi), "Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money, or to accept clothes, olive groves, vineyards, flocks, herds, or menservants and maidservants? 27 Naaman's leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever." Then Gehazi went from Elisha's presence and he was leprous, as white as snow.

Bee's Thoughts:

"A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live." (Proverbs 15:27)

Greed often brings about the downfall of a person and even those in his/her family. A person who wants to earn lots of money would spend all his time/life working very hard for money and is willing to forgo his time with his loved ones. The sad truth is that by time he has earned all the money he wants, he or his loved ones might not be around anymore. That's a common scene.

The bible teaches us that, "But godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6). When we are contented with what we have, we will eacape many snares of getting rich and their resultant troubles. In fact, it's "great gain" to be godly and contented.

I have never come across a rich happy person. My ex-boss and current boss are rich; they boast of their wealth, yet they aren't happy, neither are their loved ones. But I known of a number of people who are just earning average income, trusting in the Lord, and are happy with what they have together with their loved ones.

Dear Lord,
Thank you that You will always supply my need even when at times situations look bleak. You are "Jehovah Jireh", the Lord that provides (Genesis 22:14). You'll never let me go hungry, never let me beg for food. You have answered my prayers that are prayed in Your will. Thank You.
In Jesus' name I pray again. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

We heard before the poor cliché saying money is the root of all evil. Actually, it's incorrect as money in itself is not evil, it’s the “love for money” that drive people to all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10).

Like in today’s passage, because of selfishness and greed, Gehazi lied and covered up his motives for accepting the money from Naaman. Worst, he wrongly implied money could be exchanged for God’s free gift of healing and mercy. In the end, Gehazi suffered greatly because of his greed and deceit.

Asides from money, we might also wrongly seek other personal gain like praises or acknowledgement from others for serving God. True service is motivated by love and devotion to God without seeking any personal gains. We need to check our motives whenever we say we wanted to serve Him. Because we can’t serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24).

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for guiding me to check my motive in everything I do, especially in serving You. Teach me not to seek selfish personal gain but to praise and glorify Your Name. Teach me also to serve You with a grateful and joyful heart. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Amazing Friend

John 15:9-17

9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I 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. 16 You 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. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

Tommy's Thoughts:

We long for a friend that understands us deeply in everything; a friend that will never get tired of us or leaves us alone on our own; a friend that faithfully stands beside us all the time, gives us undying attention and company when we need someone to listen to or a shoulder for us to cry on; a friend that can accept all our shortcomings, failings and weaknesses; a friend that we can rely on whenever we need someone to lift us out of our troubles; a friend that are willing to share all our pain, sorrow and sadness; a friend who is able to give us all the care, comfort, strength, peace and protection when we needed them most; a friend that forgives all our wrongs; a friend that never fails us; and a friend that willing to sacrifice everything and even his own life for us.

As believer, we have that friend with us, Jesus himself.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee;
thou wilt find a solace there.

Text: Joseph M. Scriven, 1820-1886
Music: Charles C. Converse, 1832-1918
Tune: CONVERSE, Meter: 87.87 D

Dear Lord, thank You for being the most amazing and wonderful friend I ever had, there’s none like You. Lord, teach me too to be Your friend by following all Your commands: to love You with all my heart and to love others as myself (Mark 12:30-31). In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

I looked for love,
in the one who gave me birth;
yet I find it not at all.

I looked for love,
in the one who cared for me,
yet she left without a word.

I looked for love,
in the one who worked so hard;
yet I have never got a hug.

I looked for love,
in the one who taught me to read;
yet I couldn't find what I sought.

I looked for love,
in no one anymore;
yet He looked for me paitently.

I looked for love.
in the One I couldn't see;
and He loved me tenderly.

- Bee

Be Truthful Always

Acts 5:1-11

Ananias and Sapphira

1Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet.

3Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God."

5When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.

7About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8Peter asked her, "Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?"
"Yes," she said, "that is the price."

9Peter said to her, "How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also."

10At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

Tommy's Thoughts:

There are people who lie to get themselves out of blame, by pushing things to others. There are those who lie for greedy gain or to seek approval from others. There are even those who lie for the smallest and simplest things, the chronic habitual liar. And, there are also those who lie to avoid hurting or disappointing others.

But, a lie is a lie.

Whether it is for a selfish gain or as a ‘noble’ act, lying is bad, damaging and destroys our testimony about Christ as a Christian. Since it is never an attribute of God (Titus 1:2), it’s wrong to lie, period.

Dear Heavenly Father, You are the absolute definition of Truth and when You speaks, it is the truth. Lord, thank You for the great lesson I’ve learnt on being truthful and clear to others all the time.

Lord, I would like to pray for my best friend who is going through a rough time at the moment with the loss of a close one. May Your loving peace and comfort be with her during this trying and stressful time. Thank You Lord, I pray all these in Jesus’ name, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

Sometimes people may speak the truth without love, or love without speaking the truth. But the bible says otherwise.

"speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ." (Ephesians 4:15)

An article based on the above verse, explained why and how we should speak the truth in love. Truth and love have to go hand in hand.

Dear Lord,
Teach me how to speak the truth in love. Grant me wisdom in my speech and in my actions, that whatever I do is out of love for another instead of for my own gain.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Fellowship

1 John 1:1-4

The Word of Life
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete.

Bee's Thoughts:

Fellowship with God and fellow Christians are important aspects of a Christian life. Fellowship is the sharing of that "which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched"... it's a sharing of experiences, the testimonies of our faith in Christ. It's in such fellowship that our joy may be complete.

Dear Lord,
Let me have fellowship with You first of all, and help me to have fellowship with fellow believers. May our joy be complete in such fellowship.
In Jesus' name I pray.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Whenever I met with another Christian, there’s this certain kind of joy and happiness in my heart. It’s not the way I view them as a person, but more of a sense of connection, closeness, unity and hope we both share. I tend to feel more comfortable and open myself up more easily.

But, a true Christian fellowship is more than just a good and warm feeling. It has to be grounded in the testimony of God’s Word. It is also mutual, depending on the unity of believers. And, it is continually renewed daily through the Holy Spirit. True fellowship is both a social and spiritual interaction, made possible only through our living relationship with Christ.

Dear Lord, thank You for teaching me the importance of having fellowship with other believers. Guide me also to grow in my relationship with Christ and other believers through understanding the underlying principles behind true Christian fellowship. I pray all these in Jesus’ name, Amen.

What there's to learn?

Job 2:7-10

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 [a] woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

Tommy's Thoughts:

How long will we hold on to God when tragedy strikes? How much will we endure before throwing in the towel? Many think believing in God guarantees a life without trouble and hardship. When calamity comes, they question God’s goodness and fairness. They feel betrayed and let down by God, thinking they do not deserve any suffering because of all the good they have done.

But, our faith is tested through suffering. Without any test, there would be no room for our faith to grow. We need to change our perspective when dealing with suffering, from feeling victimized and doubting God, to trusting His faithfulness for not letting us to be tempted beyond what we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13) and willing to seek any lesson we might be able to learn from the situation.

Dear Lord, it’s hard sometimes when problems and frustrations never seem to go away or turn any better. But Lord, I trust and know there are good reasons You allow them to persistently hang about in my life, despite all the effort I’ve done to resolve them. It might be something important that I’ve yet to understand or something vital to change my attitude and to build my character.

Guide me Lord to seek and listen to You everyday, asking the Holy Spirit to give me a deeper understanding on my problems. For all these, I thank You and praise Your Name O Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

I always remember this sentence, "In all this, Job did not sin in what he said." (v10). Another verse is, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him" (Job 13: 15). These verses keep me from complaining or murmuring against God even when I feel very depressed and disappointed.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the example of Job, who trusted in You in all circumstances. Let me never lose faith in You in anyway too. Amen.

Heed The Warning

1 Cor. 10:1,5-11

1 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert.

6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry." 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test the Lord, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.

11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Nothing is more frustrating about ourselves than making the same mistake we vowed not to repeat again. It might be pressure or stress that causes us to forget or ignore the lessons we’ve learnt in the past.

We might also be ‘gambling’ our way out of a problem by thinking we are capable of handling the situation or assuming things will be different this time round. This is often not the case. We will probably complicate matters further and get ourselves deeper into our problem or crisis.

As Christian, we have a great Reference to equip and prepare us for difficult situations ahead. Studying the Bible regularly reminds us of the many important and invaluable lessons from God. By going to His Word daily, our hearts and minds will be renewed. By heeding warnings revealed in the Bible, we can securely keep our feet on solid ground and flee away from temptations and dangers before they gain any foothold in our heart and mind.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for guiding me to dedicated my time daily to study the Bible. Thank You for the Holy Spirit for continually helping me to understand the meaning and importance of Your Word revealed in the Bible. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

Children like to test their boundaries and limits with adults. In so doing, many times they would hurt themselves. Sometimes we too behave like spiritual babes, testing our boundaries and limits with God even though we already have warning not to do certain things.

Yet God is gracious and full of compassion, and though we are such He still has mercy on us. But we cannot stretch our limit too much or we will be like the Israelites who died in the wilderness (v 5, 9, 10).

Dear Lord,
Help me to be obedient to Your word, help me not to complain or grumble. Help me trust that You work all things together for my good. Help me do things that will please You too.

The Larger Purpose

Ruth 4:13-22

The Genealogy of David

13 So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. Then he went to her, and the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. 14 The women said to Naomi: "Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! 15 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth."

16 Then Naomi took the child, laid him in her lap and cared for him. 17 The women living there said, "Naomi has a son." And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

18 This, then, is the family line of Perez:
Perez was the father of Hezron,

19 Hezron the father of Ram,
Ram the father of Amminadab,

20 Amminadab the father of Nahshon,
Nahshon the father of Salmon, [a]

21 Salmon the father of Boaz,
Boaz the father of Obed,

22 Obed the father of Jesse,
and Jesse the father of David.

Tommy's Thoughts:

When things were fine and smooth, we might easily give out our warm thanks and praises to God, but when tragedy strikes, we often turn our back on Him, feeling bitter or betrayed and stop trusting in His faithfulness and providence.

We tend to question God with all the ‘whys’ when bad things happened in our lives. It was either we felt God is against us, thwarting our every step and plan to punish our wrongs, or we thought He’s not that all-powerful after all in solving our problems.

We should know sometimes God does allow certain pains, struggles and hardships in our lives for His purposes and greater good, which we might not be able to grasp or understand at that very moment. Just like Ruth, who was unaware of the larger purpose in her life, where God was preparing for the birth of David and of Jesus, the promised Messiah through her.

Though, we might at times do not know the full picture or the importance for our plight, we can still live our lives with God’s eternal values in mind; trusting and obeying Him in all circumstances. As He has promised faithfully to be with us all the time, good or bad, we can have the assurance that He’ll bring great blessings even in our sorrow and trial.

Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me that sometimes I didn’t live my life in light of eternity; taking moral shortcuts and pursuing short-range pleasures and fulfillments. Teach me to be like Ruth, to have faithful obedience and trust in You, knowing the significance of my life may extend beyond my lifetime, and the rewards will outweigh all the sacrifice I may have made. Thank You Lord. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

When Naomi asked Ruth, her daughter-in-law, to leave her when her son (Ruth's husband) passed away, Ruth refused (Ruth 1 :16-18). Ruth rather die with Naomi, if need be. She didn't leave her mother-in-law alone, though she could according to the custom. Her faithfulness towards Naomi paid off. She finally became the mother of the royal blood.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me tonight to stay faithful and steadfast even when difficulty strikes. I should not look at my circumstances but to have faith that You have a purpose for all things that happened to me. Keep me strong and help me persevere through, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

What's at stake?

Romans 6:15-23

Slaves to Righteousness
15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. 18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

19 I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. 20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. 21 What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Bee's Thoughts:

Everything has a price tag. Sin too has a price tag... and the price of sin is death. That's serious, and it's at a very high price. We all have sinned and are suppose to die. Yet Jesus has paid the price for us. It's a "gift" that set us free from our debt. Therefore, we are now free to live a life that is pleasing to God.

Thank You Lord, for setting me free from sins and for paying my debt. Thank You for Your gift of life. Let me make my life worthy of You. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

The last few weeks have been rather taxing in preparation for my exam. Because of the time I had to cover all my papers, I’ve used every minute left to grasp as much as I can. It’s all because I seriously wanted to pass this exam as it’s important for my profession, and also to save me both in time and money from sitting in it again. It was knowing what at stake that motivated me to be this determined and consistent.

We will all live forever; the only difference is whether it’s with God or being separated from Him eternally. We may sometimes forget that this is what most at stake in our lives. We are too busy focusing on worldly pursues, we lost track of the thing that matters most, important choice we need to make and commitment we need to have.

Dear Lord, thank You for teaching me to work out my own salvation (Phil 2:12), not through work to earn Your favor but going into Your Word daily to renew my hearts and minds, to come into Your presence with reverence, trusting and depend on You always. Thank You again for guiding and helping me through my preparation and also during my exam to do my best. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.