A Heart For The Homeless

James 2:14-20

Faith and Deeds
14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

18But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

20You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[a]?

Bee's Thoughts:

Because faith without work is dead, my Church has been going to the villagers of 'forgotten people' for the last 4 years every month, as part of my Church Mission Outreach. We have been giving them food and clothings plus whatever help needed.

I just came back from that mission trip this evening. What I discovered about the villagers today and them 4 years ago are quite different. Then they were really very poor, both materially and spiritually... I wondered what future could they have. But today, they seem better off materially and spiritually as well. They have seen our works and faith. Many have accepted Christ and attending some Christian follow up classes. Soon we will be conducting academic classes for them to educate them.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for putting Your love in our hearts to reach out to these group of villagers. Thank You for Your perseverance in us to not stop in showing our love for them. I pray that they will all come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. For those who have already accepted You, I pray they will grow in their faith. Keep them in You arms.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen


Tommy's Thoughts:

A member of our church yesterday shared proudly about how her children know everything about Christianity even though they didn’t attend church. She added they even know those tough theological questions and issues. But does knowing and agreeing on a set of Christian teachings equal to having true faith?

In today’s passage, James gave a clear difference between merely having head knowledge and intellectual assent in Christianity to having a true and complete faith. True faith is when from what we believe in resulted in changed life and good deeds. Our deeds of loving and caring service to our brothers and sisters in church verified our faith in Christ.

Dear Father, thank You for renewing my faith and commitment to You; to serve Your people more effectively. Thank You for constantly speaking to me, showing me the right path in my walk with You. I pray for Your grace and strength to help and guide me to serve Your people better. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Righteousness Through Faith

Romans 3:21-28

Righteousness Through Faith
21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement,[a] through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

27Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. 28For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.

Bee's Thoughts:

ALL HAVE SINNED. Yes, no exception. Thank God that though all, including me, have sinned He has paid the penalty of sin so that we may live when we accept Christ. We need the blood of Christ to cleanse us daily.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your cleansing blood that washes me white as snow. May I share this good news with people around me that they too can experience Your forgiveness too.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

We can easily jump into conclusion for things we yet to understand fully or even know at all. I heard from non-believers before that Christianity is complicated, convoluted, impractical and even restricting. Sometimes, I wonder do they really know what Christianity is really about and how amazingly simple it actually is?

Christianity can actually be understood for everyone in one simple paragraph:

“Everyone has sinned and fall short of God’s glory (v23) and will be eternally separated from God. But because of God’s love for us, all our sins can be forgiven forever and our relationship with Him can be restored through our faith in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.”

It is enough to begin our new life in Christ by believing in faith the above. And through His grace and the discernment given by the Holy Spirit, we will soon experience a transformation in our lives as we will begin to understand and know the other aspects of Christianity and applying them in both our thoughts and conducts.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for stirring up my faith in You again through this weekend prayer retreat. Thank You for teaching me the importance in prayer, to begin with prayer in everything do and pursue; that prayer is not a suffix or prefix to my work but the real work itself. Remind me of this always. I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Nothing I Desire

Psalm 73:25-28

25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

27 Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.

Bee's Thoughts:

To be able to conclude that "earth has nothing I desire besides you" (v25) takes lots of past trials in life. Only after finding that there's nothing that can fully satisfy a person can one declares that statement.

I used to think that working hard to earn more money, or paper chase, or finding someone to love me could satisfy me. To my disappointment these things couldn't last. The only one who could satisfy me is Jesus Christ, the One Who never leaves me nor forsake me in my darkess moments. Whom have I in heaven but Jesus? Only Him.


Dear Lord,
Once again I like to thank You for satisfying my needs. Thank You for all that You have given to me on earth and most of all Yourself. I pray that You will speak to me during tomorrow mission trip. Speak also to my "bf" during his prayer camp this weekend.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

Our daily busyness may blind us from grasping the truth and reality of how God has revealed Himself and His great promises for us. By refocusing our thoughts unto Him, resting all our anxiety, longing and desire in Him, we’ll find true peace within our hearts.

We’ll also see how our every suffering, disappointment and unhappiness draws us closer and closer to Him, changing us to trust His provision, plan and guidance in everything we do.

It’s no accident He came to you and me – from our birth to death God has all long wanted to bring us back to Him safely. Even though our courage and strength may fail, we know one day we will be raised to life to serve Him forever. How great it is to be secured in His arm!

Dear Lord, thank You for making things, difficult and trying things, around me to grow strangely dim when I turn unto You. Teach me to know that there is nothing I desire more besides You. Lord, give me Your peace, strength and courage to press on forward, firmly devoted to You, obeying Your Word and commands. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Whose Prisoner?

Ephesians 3:1-9

Paul the Preacher to the Gentiles
1For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

2Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. 8Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

Bee's Thoughts:

Last night, my 'bf' said I shouldn't think of myself as being so unworthy or small in my "devotion". However, I really feel that way and always thanking God for saving me and making me His precious child.

At times, we have become the 'prisoner' of the people we can't forgive, or the past we can't forget, or the future we are fearful about.

Was I the 'prisoner' of my bad childhood experiences too? Perhaps I was last time when I allowed them to make me feel sad. I don't feel much about it these days after my mum's demise. I hope I can become the 'prisoner' of Christ instead.


Dear Lord,
Guard my heart, thoughts, feelings and wants.
Let me be your 'prisoner' instead of mine own.
All that I have and want I place in Your hand.
Show me Your ways and Your plans.
Help me see and understand them.
Keep me strong and not look back at what I cannot change or the things that can't turn back.
My prayer to You in Jesus' name. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Most of us tend to avoid any situation that may leads to unnecessary misunderstanding, conflict or confrontation to others. Because of this, we can easily brush-off any opportunities to tell others about Christ. We try to conform and compromise, fearing others will reject, ridicule, confront and challenge our belief system.

In verse 7, Paul mentioned that when he became a servant of the gospel, God gave him the ability to boldly and effectively share the gospel of Christ. Although we may not be an apostle or even an evangelist, God will give us opportunities to tell others about Christ.

Whenever an opportunity comes, we should make ourselves available to God as His servant, and He will provide us with the ability, courage and power to communicate effectively for Him. As we focus on the other person and his/her needs, God will enable us to do it in a caring and loving attitude. Instead of being confrontational and judgmental, our words and action will be genuinely natural, loving and compelling.

Dear Father, I acknowledge that I am “less than the least of all Your people”(v8), that is, without You and Your help, I will never be able to do any of Your work. But because You choose me to share the gospel and supply me with the power, I am now able to do my part and faithfully perform the special role You has called me to play in Your plan. I pray that You will keep me aware always of any opportunities to share the gospel of Christ to others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Longing

Romans 1:8-16

Paul's Longing to Visit Rome
8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you.

11I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. 13I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.

14I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.

16I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Bee's Thoughts:

How does it feel like to be "longing" for something or someone?

I have forgotten how it feels like. I have stopped "longing" for anything or anyone. I have been 'conditioned' over time and pehaps I have become 'demented' emotionally?

Perhaps one "longing" I still may have is to be departed from this earth and be with the Lord. Yet am I ready for Him? I may not be, and that's why I am still 'hanging' around this earth. There are things I still have not accomplished I guess. I still need to share the gospel with others or help fellow believers grow in the Lord, like Paul did.


Dear Lord,
Though I long to be with You now, yet I still have work to do for You here. Help me be that 'vessel' to fulfill Your purpose. I may not be the best, but I want to be willing and available. Put the right longing in my heart tonight.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:

We may be tempted to feel ashamed of the Gospel while living in a non-believing environment. It can be at work or home; where non-believers and skeptics around us constantly ridicule and quick to criticize on Christianity. To avoid others thinking we’re weird, narrow-minded religious fanatics; we feel embarrassed and easily shy away from sharing or stand up for our faith.

In today’s passage, we see how bold, confident and committed Paul in proclaiming and spreading the Good News to others. He was not ashamed because he knows exactly the meaning and purpose of God’s gift of salvation, a message filled with life-changing power for everyone.

Dear Father, thank You for Your grace that has made me know and understand the Good News of salvation. Like Paul, teach me to teach and share the Good News to others by first showing true, genuine love for them. Help me to do this through gratitude and prayers, letting them know how deeply I appreciate and care for them. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Behind The Scenes

John 3:22-36

John the Baptist's Testimony About Jesus
22After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. 23Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptized. 24(This was before John was put in prison.) 25An argument developed between some of John's disciples and a certain Jew[a] over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26They came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him."

27To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. 28You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ[b] but am sent ahead of him.' 29The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30He must become greater; I must become less.

Bee's Thoughts:

Do people see me or Christ?

Today I had the opportunity to briefly share Christ with a job applicant in the course of interviewing. The applicant seemed receptive but I wasn't sure if that's because she wanted the job. :) Whatever it is, the gospel has been shared and I pray that she will accept Christ one day.

Yes, we need to always point others towards Christ and not ourselves, knowing that whatever talents and gifts we have come from above.

Dear Lord,
Thank You again for the opportunity to share about You with others. I know that Your word will not return to You void. May You increase and I decrease wherever I am. Let me be a witness for You always.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Like John, we need to show similar humility when serving others in the name of Christ. It is always tempting to emphasize more on our achievements; concern over what others may think about us when ministering to others. Instead of showing others to Christ, we might be hindering others to see Christ clearly in the process.

We need to willingly decrease our own importance when showing people to Christ by emphasizing on God’s Kingdom, not ourselves. No matter what area of our ministries, always aware to ensure others see Christ on centre stage and not getting in the way with our so-called ‘flair’ or talents.

Dear Father, thank You for giving me ways and opportunities to serve Your people. Guide me always to praise and glorify Your Name when sharing Christ with others. I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Rosebud Potential

Mark 3:13-19

The Appointing of the Twelve Apostles
13Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14He appointed twelve—designating them apostles[a]—that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15and to have authority to drive out demons. 16These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder); 18Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Bee's Thoughts:

I am such an imperfect being, even after so many years of moulding by the Lord. Because I am living, not dead, I may resist the Potter's moulding process. I crumbled down many times and the Potter has to remould me over and over again, just like tonight. *sigh*

To me, I am such a wretched soul indeed... nothing good in me... nothing, absolutely nothing. Yet Jesus sees something I or others couldn't see. He sees the "rosebud potential" in me.

So what did Jesus sees in me?
Perhaps my persistency?
I may be down, but not out.
I may not see, but I believe.
I may lose hope, but I never give up.
I may feel hurt, but I never revenge.
I may be fragile, but I can be strong.
I may be naive, but I can be wise in God.

Dear Lord, Jesus,
Thank You for choosing me to be your disciple though I am so weak many times. I pray that this 'rosebud' in me will blossom into a beautiful rose soon. Hold my hands when I am down, like now. Let me not be drowned by sorrows and forget my crown. Lead me moment by moment and day by day.
In Your blessed name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

I have been offered a position in my church committees for the coming year. I was wondering whether I’m capable to accept this offer as I felt I’m not very good in that area of ministry. Furthermore, I think with the current tiring and hectic schedule I have everyday, I may not have enough time for the responsibilities in the committee.

Jesus selected imperfect men (Mark 3:13-19) to be His apostles. He has chosen them not because of their faith, as their faith often faltered. It is also not because of their talent, ability or leadership.

The only similarity between the 12 apostles is their willingness to obey Christ. And Jesus looked not at their imperfections but at their potential for extension of God’s kingdom.

As I read today’s passage, I realized that we shouldn’t disqualify ourselves from service to Christ because we think we don’t have the expected credentials. Instead, we should know being a good disciple of Christ simply a matter of following Jesus with a willing heart.

Dear Father, thank you for using me to further your kingdom work. Thank you for using me even though I often fail you. Help me to be a beacon of light in this world clothed with your power from on high.

Lord, lead me to seek you first and obey your every command. I pray for Your guidance in every decision I’m going to make, that they may glorify Your Name. Thank you for your love and mercy. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Be Glad!

Psalm 69:29-36

29 I am in pain and distress;
may your salvation, O God, protect me.

30 I will praise God's name in song
and glorify him with thanksgiving.

31 This will please the LORD more than an ox,
more than a bull with its horns and hoofs.

32 The poor will see and be glad—
you who seek God, may your hearts live!

33 The LORD hears the needy
and does not despise his captive people.

34 Let heaven and earth praise him,
the seas and all that move in them,

35 for God will save Zion
and rebuild the cities of Judah.
Then people will settle there and possess it;

36 the children of his servants will inherit it,
and those who love his name will dwell there.

Bee's Thoughts:

Even in his pain and sorrow, the writer had learnt to praise God. He knew God personally and had great faith in Him.

How much do I know my God? Can I still praise Him in my sorrow? Do I know what pleases Him?

I have been reading John 15 lately as part of my church's study on the Masterlife's series. It has helped me to understand the meaning of discipleship and friendship.

Dear Lord,
Let me remain in You and in Your love. Let me be Your friend just like You have been my friend. A friend who knows what's in Your heart, a friend who is willing to lay down my life for You.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

It’s hard-wired in every human to seek joy and lasting happiness. There are those who spend a lot of time and money to fill their lives with things and activities; thinking they will provide them lasting joy and fulfillment.

But, it doesn’t take long before they grow tired and bored, scrambling to look for another more exciting ‘replacement’. It is a futile and never-ending search that left us not only more frustrated with life but even emptier inside our heart.

The only true source of happiness and fulfillment in our lives is God. We receive lasting joy only through seeking Him. If we seek Him first and allow Him to direct our ways, true lasting joy will follow soon.

Dear Father, I thank You and praise You for Your works in me, changing me to be more like Christ each day. I am glad that when everything else fails and disappoints, You never once fails; faithfully there providing me with Your strength and assurance to go on. Indeed, in You alone, I find my true joy and happiness.

Lord, keep me always align to Your ways and teach me to seek You first above everything else. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Known Facts vs All The Facts

Jeremiah 32:6-27

6 Jeremiah said, "The word of the LORD came to me: 7 Hanamel son of Shallum your uncle is going to come to you and say, 'Buy my field at Anathoth, because as nearest relative it is your right and duty to buy it.'

8 "Then, just as the LORD had said, my cousin Hanamel came to me in the courtyard of the guard and said, 'Buy my field at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. Since it is your right to redeem it and possess it, buy it for yourself.'
"I knew that this was the word of the LORD; 9 so I bought the field at Anathoth from my cousin Hanamel and weighed out for him seventeen shekels [a] of silver. 10 I signed and sealed the deed, had it witnessed, and weighed out the silver on the scales. 11 I took the deed of purchase—the sealed copy containing the terms and conditions, as well as the unsealed copy- 12 and I gave this deed to Baruch son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, in the presence of my cousin Hanamel and of the witnesses who had signed the deed and of all the Jews sitting in the courtyard of the guard.

26 Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: 27 "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?

Tommy's Thoughts:

If we read about the history of all the Biblical heroes, we’ll see how God fulfilled all His seemingly ‘impossible’ promises to them. We’ll also see trusting in God doesn’t come easy. Like Jeremiah in today’s passage, he had to publicly buy the land that was already captured by his enemy. But he trusted God and bought the land (v9), knowing and believing in His promises (v15).

It is not easy sometimes to trust that God can fulfill his promises for us when situation in front of us seems so hopeless and impossible. But we can learn from the many examples of God’s people in the Bible, to know that God will work similarly in our lives too, if we allow Him to.

Dear Father, thank You for all that You’ve provided to me that in the past I felt they are so impossible and unattainable. Teach me to trust You more for things You’ve promised that are yet to be seen now. Guide me to walk ever closer to You each day, giving me grace to accept joyfully the sufferings of the present time, to be confident of the glory that shall be revealed through Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour. Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

The known facts are not all the facts. —Herbert Vander Lugt

I like the above statement. It is common for us to use "known facts" to make a conclusion without having "all the facts". In a practical sense only God has ALL the facts and therefore He knows best.

Is there anything too hard for God? (v27)

Of course NO! Yet in our finite mind we tend to look at the "known facts" and forget that God is the God of the impossible. Sometimes we might be asked to do something that sounds silly yet it is in God's plan to fulfill His purpose in our life.

Dear Lord,
Thank You that You have all the facts and nothing is too hard for You. Teach me to always trust You to guide my path. Show me what You want me to do and give me strength to obey.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Sustained In The Silence

Psalm 94:16-23

16 Who will rise up for me against the wicked?
Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?

17 Unless the LORD had given me help,
I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.

18 When I said, "My foot is slipping,"
your love, O LORD, supported me.

19 When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought joy to my soul.

20 Can a corrupt throne be allied with you—
one that brings on misery by its decrees?

21 They band together against the righteous
and condemn the innocent to death.

22 But the LORD has become my fortress,
and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.

23 He will repay them for their sins
and destroy them for their wickedness;
the LORD our God will destroy them.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Life at times can be really overwhelming and difficult when unforeseen things happen in our lives. It can also be a wait or longing for something to happen. We wonder when God will help and make things right or better for us, or to end the pain in our hearts. We may feel as though God has suddenly abandoned us, or that our prayer lives has collapsed.

This time of testing was termed as the dark night of the soul. A phase in our spiritual lives where God uses it to test our faith and trust in Him; training us to grow to be a more mature Christian. As we’re ‘slipping’ and ‘falling’ (v19), we should turn to those wonders of His creations around us (Matthew 6:25-34) and know how much more He care and concern about us, how valuable we are to Him.

With this assurance and all the promises in His Word, we’ll realize how His amazing love will take hold of us, calm us down and cheer us up (v19) when the going get tough.

Dear Father, thank You for Your assurance and what You’ve planned for me Teach me to remain firm to You, obeying all Your commands and trusting Your provision and perfect plan for me in the future. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.




Bee's Thoughts:

"When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought joy to my soul." (v19)

The above verse reminds me of a short period recently where I felt so anxious when fund ran out. At that time fear tried to creep into my heart. For the first time in my life I felt very helpless and lonely. I had no one to turn to except God. God saw my fear and anxiety and He did something... He opened the door for me which I didn't expect and brought me out of my poverty. God's love sustained me.

Dear Lord,
You will never let Your children beg and shame Your name. You have been faithful and came in to rescue me when I cried to You in desperation.
Thank You in Jesus' name. Amen.

A Fragile Stone

Matthew 16:13-20

Peter's Confession of Christ
13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"

14They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."

15"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"

16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ,[a] the Son of the living God."

17Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you that you are Peter,[b] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[c] will not overcome it.[d] 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be[e] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[f] loosed in heaven." 20Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

Tommy's Thoughts:

We may think all opportunities coming our ways are God’s blessings for us. But, if they take away our time with God - making it shorter and less committed, they are usually opportunity best not to be pursued.

We may think we can handle them with our own strength and wisdom, but normally we’ll end up, not only spending less time with God, but totally burn-out in exhaustion and discouragements. Our endeavors, even good and kind deeds to others, if not supported by our faith and dependence in Christ, they will always fail.

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me through Peter, that no amount of my own strength or talent can make me adequate for this life and its challenges. Teach me to trust and rely on Your strength and wisdom in making every decision or pursuing any endeavor. Guide me not to neglect my time with You and always keep me focus to You and Your leading. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.



Bee's Thoughts:

Our confession of Christ makes a great deal of difference. It shows our knowledge and confidence in Him. Upon this confession God is going to build His church, to bring people to His kingdom. So we need to proclaim the gospel wherever we are, and even Satan can't stop us from doing so. God promised that when we confess Christ what we bind on earthe will be bound in heaven, and what we loose will be loosen in heaven too. God will hear our prayers in faith.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your promise again. May I truly know Christ and the power of His suffering, and share Christ with others. Let me not take Your blessings for granted. Thank You for my work, for the people I know, for the peace in my heart, and for all the good things that come from You.
Thank You in Christ's name. Amen.

Forgiveness Before Calmness

Matthew 6:9-15

9"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us today our daily bread.
12Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.[a]' 14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Tommy's Thoughts:

A friend shared with me today about how her boss always treats her badly in front of others. Her boss shows favoritism in her workplace, where she was always the scapegoat, being blame for almost everything.

It is true throughout life people will make us mad, disrespect and treat us bad. It’s wiser to forgive them and let God deal with the things they do than repaying their evil with evil or being consumed with hate, bitterness and resentment. Remember that if we forgive those who sin against us, our heavenly Father will also forgive us. (v14)

Dear Father, thank You for the forgiveness I received from You. There is nothing I can do to earn this, but because of Your love and graciousness, I am forgiven. In return, teach me not to hold back any forgiveness towards those who has wronged me. Make me also a more patient person when dealing with difficult and disrespectful person.

I pray for my friend that she’ll not be so distressed, discouraged and sad over her situation, but to go to You for strength and wisdom to deal with her boss; trusting You to make all things right for her one day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.



Bee's Thoughts:

When we forgive someone we are in effect healing our own soul. Unforgiveness makes us bitter with hatred, and it in turn robs us of peace and calmness in our heart.

I have learnt to let go and let God take control. Only then can I feel free to be what God wants me to be. Last night, a thought came to me and I felt as if I Am A Plant or like The Lilies of the Field. Plants are so carefree while they are still alive... they don't worry or feel sad or happy. They just be the plants God wants them to be.


Dear Lord,
While I live, let me be what You want me to be and fulfill Your purpose in my life. If at times I feel weak and tempted to go back to my past, may You grant me strength to move on with courage, facing the cross of Jesus. Let me know Your will for me at my work place, Lord. Hold my hands as I do my best for You.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wake Up And Live

Revelation 3:1-6

To the Church in Sardis
1"To the angel[a] of the church in Sardis write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[b]of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. 3Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. 4Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. 5He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. 6He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Like the church of Sardis, we too can experience spiritual death when we drift away from our Source. This can happen slowly when we spend less and less time with God daily, paying no attention to His teachings and Word. We may also be dabbling with sin, thinking that we're enjoying true freedom and satisfaction.

All these eventually may bring severe consequences to both ourselves and others. Though we may be walking alive, but inside we are spiritually dead (v1). If we have careened off from our walk with God, whether for days or years, God is calling us now to repent, going back to Him, and be alive again in Him.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me back when I’ve drifted far away from You in the past. Thank You for letting me know without You, Your strength and wisdom for me, I can do nothing. Teach me to put my whole trust in You alone for everything I plan for the future. Guide me to seek Your Word, to be rejuvenated and renewed each day. In Jesus’ precious Name I pray, Amen.



Bee's Thoughts:

"He who overcomes" will receive heavenly reward from Christ. These are eternal reward where one's name is in God's book of life and will be commended by God.

This morning I watched a Christian documentary show about three founders of Christianity in China. One of them was "Watchman Nee". These heros were very firm in their believe in God regardless how they were persecuted and tortured because they refused to deny their faith or to worship Mao in China. Truly their rewards are in heaven. These are true "overcomers".

Dear Lord,
May I be as strong as these great men of God in times of testing. May I have faith and perseverence to stand firm for You.
Thank You for teaching me what to say when dealing with a difficult parent today. May You continue to grant me wisdom as Your 'ambassador' each day.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

Hope For The Blues

Psalm 62

1 My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.

2 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

3 How long will you assault a man?
Would all of you throw him down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?

4 They fully intend to topple him
from his lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.
Selah

5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.

6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

7 My salvation and my honor depend on God [a] ;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Selah

9 Lowborn men are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie;
if weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath.

10 Do not trust in extortion
or take pride in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
do not set your heart on them.

11 One thing God has spoken,
two things have I heard:
that you, O God, are strong,

12 and that you, O Lord, are loving.
Surely you will reward each person
according to what he has done.

Tommy's Thoughts:

There are some who prefer not to detail out their problem to God in prayer. They either think God can’t do much about their problem, or they’re afraid to be let down by unanswered prayer. A friend told me before that it’s better not to expect something if we don’t want to be disappointed!

But, most of the times, we’ll hear God the clearest when we honestly pour out everything to Him (v8). Go through in details all your pain, feelings and longing in prayers. We will know God is presence with us, and how much He understands what we are going through. He will provide us the rest, peace and strength when our burdens seem too much to bear. It is also an opportunity for us to reaffirm our trust and faith in God.

Dear Father, I’ll continue to praise You through good and difficult times. Teach me to always keep my eyes focus unto Jesus, my only light Source that guides my path and lift me out from all darkness. Lord, continue to lead me to obey You, worship and serve You and others. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

God is my "rest", "salvation" and "hope" (v1,5).

When I am too tired physically, emotionally or mentally, God is my rest.
When I am in distress and need to be pulled out of my miseries, God is my salvation.
When I feel like giving up my life journey, God is my hope.


Dear Lord,
I am weak but You are strong. I am lost but You showed me the way. I have no future but You gave me hope. I pray that I will be a blessing to those around me that they too may find rest, salvation and hope in You.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

The Hope of Glory

Colossians 1:24-29

Paul's Labor for the Church
24Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

28We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Christ’s message of salvation is for everyone, not only for a special ‘privileged’ group of people as what the false teachers in the Colossian church believed. Through Christ, the Good News was made open to all who would listen and believe in Him. By accepting Christ, we as sinners are saved once and for all from being doomed to eternal separation from God.

It’s no accident that we were made known about the message of God’s gift of salvation for us. Are we willing to accept His wonderful gift of salvation and follow Him today?

Christ in Me (Written by Marie Armenia)

Christ in me, the hope of glory.
Christ in me, my shelter from the storm.
Should me of evil have their day,
Or should the earth's foundation sway;
None of these can take away the living Christ in me.
The Desire of all nations is the Rock of my salvation.
Jesus Christ, the King of heaven stands with me.

Christ in me, the hope of glory.
Christ in me, my shelter from the storm.
Should me of evil have their day,
Or should the earth's foundation sway;
None of these can take away the living Christ in me,
The hope of glory.

Christ in me, my shelter from the storm.
Should evil have their day,
Or should the earth's foundation sway;
None of these can take away the living Christ in me.

On Christ, the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
None of these can take away the living Christ in me.
The living Christ in me.

Dear Father, thank You for revealing to me Your amazing plan that “Christ in me, the hope of glory” –that nothing can take away the living Christ in me. Keep me strong to endure joyfully whatsoever coming my way. Remind me always that obeying You gives true purpose to my life.

Continue to guide me to Your way- to grow and mature spiritually; and as Christ works in me, teach me to tell others too about Him, not in fear or pride, but in love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.



Bee's Thoughts:

Our hope of Glory is Christ in us (v27). Having received this hope we are to spread the good news around so that others may also receive this glory.

During this morning service, a group of Gospel Singers/Dancers from Taiwan performed at my Church. They shared about the power of Jesus in healing its leader's leg after the wall in one of the China province fell on her whole body, sparing her head. Her miraculous complete healing came after a year as a result of her prayers in faith and her passion to continue serving God in the singing/dancing ministry. Many have come to know Christ through them as they travelled round the world to perform.

As I was watching and listening to their sharing and performance I felt that I have to relook at my work. Is my work taking away all my time that I have no more time left to share my testimonies with others?


Dear Lord,
Let me have the same passion as what the Gospel group has in sharing Your love with others. Help me not to be so engrossed with work that I have no more time and energy left to be a channel of blessing to others. Help me have a meaningful week, starting tomorrow. I pray that I will touch someone's life this coming week and may Your hope of glory be passed around.
In Jesus' name I ask. Amen.

Compassion

Jeremiah 12

Jeremiah's Complaint

2 You have planted them, and they have taken root;
they grow and bear fruit.
You are always on their lips
but far from their hearts.

3 Yet you know me, O LORD;
you see me and test my thoughts about you.
Drag them off like sheep to be butchered!
Set them apart for the day of slaughter!

4 How long will the land lie parched [a]
and the grass in every field be withered?
Because those who live in it are wicked,
the animals and birds have perished.
Moreover, the people are saying,
"He will not see what happens to us."

God's Answer

14 This is what the LORD says: "As for all my wicked neighbors who seize the inheritance I gave my people Israel, I will uproot them from their lands and I will uproot the house of Judah from among them. 15 But after I uproot them, I will again have compassion and will bring each of them back to his own inheritance and his own country. 16 And if they learn well the ways of my people and swear by my name, saying, 'As surely as the LORD lives'-even as they once taught my people to swear by Baal—then they will be established among my people. 17 But if any nation does not listen, I will completely uproot and destroy it," declares the LORD.

Bee's Thoughts:

What I get tonight is that God's compassion never fail. He always give us chances after chances. But there will come a time when there is no more chance but to face the consequences. We should not take God's graciousness for granted.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your compassion upon me. Let me not take Your love and grace for granted.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

Tommy's Thoughts:

It is so much more meaningful to life to stand firm and committed to God even when we are tested with trials and difficulties, than having a life absolutely free from any trouble or hardship. Each test God allowed to come into our lives has its own purpose to refine and make us a better person. Without these tests, we will never grow spiritually in our obedience, trust and faithfulness towards God.

There are even times that our prayers to God for relief left unanswered. It is not that He doesn’t care or concern about our situation, but He knows there are greater things can be achieved in us through the situation that He allowed them to happen. Or, it maybe our timing or desire not aligned to His that He uses situations as opportunities to mold us and changes our heart.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being there with me everyday, teaching and guiding me to Your truth. I pray that You will continue to give me the strength, confidence and patient in You; to follow and obey all Your commands. Thank You and I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Mercy

Matthew 18:23-33

23"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents[a] was brought to him. 25Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

26"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' 27The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

28"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii.[b] He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.

29"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'

30"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.

32"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?'

Bee's Thoughts:

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." (Matthew 5:7)

God seems to be reminding me about showing mercy to some of my colleagues in tonight's devotion. Tomorrow, I am suppose to talk to them about 'paying back' the working hours they owed our company. I guess I have to be very sensitive and handle them with care.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your word tonight, reminding me of Your mercy to me. I pray that You will teach me to be merciful like You are. Grant me wisdom when I talk to my colleagues tomorrow. Give me the right words to speak and let their heart be prepared to reason, May Your name be glorified in the whole episode tomorrow.
In Jesus' name I humbly pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

It is hard to forgive those who have hurt us badly. The scar remains inside our hearts for a very long time. But as we look at how God has forgiven all our sins, we should learn not to withhold forgiveness from others; especially those you know has regretted and truly repentant of their action.

By forgiving others we begin the process of alleviating the pain that we have kept hold of, due to the hurt that the other person has caused us. Our true healing begins once we are willing to forgive them.

Jesus answered Peter “seventy-seven times” we should forgive those who offend us (v22) – meaning that we should always forgive no matter how many times they ask. When we don’t forgive others, we are in fact setting ourselves outside and above Christ’s law of love.

Dear Father, thank You for Your forgiveness that provides me with a free and generous attitude of forgiveness towards others. Guide me to also show mercy to others as You has shown mercy to me. Teach and remind me this always. I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Whom shall we go?

John 6:60-69

Many Disciples Desert Jesus
60On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?"

61Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, "Does this offend you? 62What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit[a] and they are life. 64Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him."

66From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

67"You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve.

68Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."

Tommy's Thoughts:

I’ve come across many non-believers who viewed Christianity as convoluted and unnecessarily complicated. They prefer religion that is ‘easy’, ‘feels good’, and ‘accommodating’; things they like to hear or comfortable with; no difficult commands that restrict what they wanted to do. To them, Christian’s teachings are constraining and impossible for anyone to follow. While thinking about their statements, I realized I myself had the same perception before I’m a Christian.

I remembered it was God himself who came into my life and changes my heart. As I submit and humble myself to Him, He made all those teachings, which I used to think as ridiculous, became so simple and made so much more sense than anything I’ve learned. I began wanting to live a new life, devoted to Him and honestly wanted to understand more of all His teachings.

In verse 65, Jesus said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him." We see that it is the Holy Spirit who gives us spiritual lives; without His work we will never see the need for a new life (John 14:17). It is God who reveals truth to us, lives within us, and enables us to respond to that truth.

By following and obeying God’s teachings, we’ll find things in life are clearer and simpler; giving us strength, courage, peace and hope in every circumstances. I can’t think of a better way to live our lives than to follow Him, like what Peter said in verse 68-69: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."

Dear Father, thank You for enabling me to submit myself to Christ. Thank You for bringing me to know and understand Your truth. Teach me to understand more of Your teachings and to apply them in my life. I would like to pray for all those who yet to know Christ, that You’ll extend Your grace and mercy to them, bringing them to You and Your truth. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.



Bee's Thoughts:

When Jesus spoke the truth many could not accept it and they left Him.

It is no different today. People prefer the easy way out and things that are to their advantage, even if it means being unfair to the others. I encountered such group of people at my working place recently. When fairness is being sought, which means changes for this group of people, they are unhappy and even threatened to leave. *sigh*

When I was younger, there were times satan put thoughts in my heart to leave Jesus too. But the same question came to my mind each time,

"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." (v68,69)

Dear Lord,
Thank You that I can come to You always and that You are here for me. I pray that You will remind me to always pray before I make a decision. May I receive Your peace before I act. Guide and direct my path as I acknowledge Your soveregnity.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

Three Friends

Daniel 1:11-21

11 Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, 12 "Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see." 14 So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.

15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. 16 So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.

17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.

18 At the end of the time set by the king to bring them in, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king's service. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.

21 And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.

Tommy's Thoughts:

As I was studying Paul’s list of 20 spiritual gifts, I realized that our gifts to serve others will only be genuine and be effectively exercised when we are rightly related to God.

Like Daniel and his friends in today’s passage, we see how when they maintained steadfast allegiance to God, they received true wisdom and understanding from God that outshined all those magicians and enchanters who claimed and pretended to be authoritative and possesses great wisdom.

Dear Father, thank You for all Your gifts and blessings for me. Teach me to use them wisely and effectively to glorify Your Name, ministering to all those in needs. Lord, I pray that You will use me to serve others with a loving and caring heart like Christ; touching their lives and bringing them to know You and Your amazing love. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

I like the title of tonight's devotion, "Three Friends". Friends have many kinds. The worst of all is:

Fair-weather friend

When it’s rainy and wet you’re nowhere to be seen
When it dries out again you bet you’re right back on the scene
And when the clouds begin to form you’re always hiding from the rain
And when the sun begins to shine you’re always first in line again

It would be nice if you could just make up your mind
It would be nice if you could stop wasting my time
My fair-weather friend back here again
Until the end my fair-weather friend back here again

Never do it yourself when someone else can do it for you
Never put yourself out when something less will do
So when the benefits out weigh the work stay right put
And when the going gets a little rough do the only thing you know you should


That's the lyric of a song I don't know its tune. It conveys the meaning of fair-weather friend quite well. I have had a couple of such friends before. Now they are gone... by natural attrition. Time tells who are the real friends from the fair-weather friends. True friends stay when the rest go away.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for giving me friends although some don't stay. I thank You for the one (s) that stay and be a pillar of strength and encouragement in times of discouragement. Most of all, thank You for being my Friend who is always there for me.
Help me to be a true friend and be wise in choosing my friends, so I can utilize my time wisely.
I ask these in Jesus' name. Amen

Much Received

Luke 12:41-48

41Peter asked, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?"

42The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 43It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. 44I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 45But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

47"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

Tommy's Thoughts:

We must live our lives always watchful for Christ’s return, working diligently for the extension of His kingdom and obey His commands to us. By following Him closely, we’ll be given greater opportunities and responsibilities to use the gifts He has given us to carry out our duties in the world.

“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (v48)

The verse shows that God will not hold us responsible for gifts He has not given us, but for those He has given us: resources, talents and understanding, we are responsible to use them well and effectively. If we have yet to know or think about this, we need to seek and pray to Him today, asking Him to show and reveal it to us.

Dear Father, thank You for Your gift of grace- my salvation and forgiveness, though I do not deserve them from You. Thank you for loving me unconditionally, though I disappointed You so very often with my lack of trust and disobedience. I pray that You’ll guide me to trust You more in everything and obey Your teachings everyday.

Lord Jesus, teach me to use all the gifts You has given me effectively: always try and help others in their time of need and pray for them in Your name. In Your precious name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

Yes, God's given talents are for His purpose. Example, some people have great talent in designing website or houses (like Tommy). So one question they may ask is "How may I use this talent for God's purpose?" Maybe to help a Christian organization design its website, or maybe help the third world nation build houses as outreach?

Whatever it is the more talents God gives us the more He expects from us. We have to live in such a way knowing that one day we have to give an account of what have been given to us.

Dear Lord,
Sometimes I feel so tired by work and just want to drop everything and go to sleep. Yet I thank You for Your gift of perseverence, that I can go on to do my devotion with You.

I have no talent, except the ability to persevere in the things I am entrusted to do, be it at work or personal.
I have no talent, except the ability to be patient and listen to others who share with me their problems.
I have no talent, except a childlike faith in You and my friends whom I have not met.

I pray that I will continue to exercise these gifts for Your glory sake. Amen.