Spiritual Understanding

Nehemiah 8:5-11

5 Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. 6 Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

7 The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. 8 They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear [a] and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.

Bee's Thoughts:

It seems like a"Praise & Worship" session in today's Church service above. Very similar isn't it? Ezra led the people to praise and worship God, followed by expounding the word of God.

It is important that Christians don't just read or hear the word of God but also to seek to understand what the Bible is trying to teach. Only in this way can they be strong and will not fall away or be misled by wrong doctrines.

Dear Lord,
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Whenever I feel lost I have to come to Your word to see Your light. Let my heart be a soft ground where Your word will bear fruits in my life. I commit myself to You tonight.
In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

Like the people in today’s passage, when we truly grasped the meaning of God’s Word, we may have a deep sense of sorrow for our sins and failures. But, as Ezra told the people not to continue dwell in their sorrow, we too should move on and respond joyfully to God's grace and mercy for us.

God brings His powerful Word to us not only to convict us of our sin, but to lead us into repentance and to proclaim to us the Good News of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Dear Father, thank You today for teaching me to understand Your Word deeper and with obedience. Lord, strengthen me spiritually and fill me with joy while I give and serve those in needs. May my every word and action bring glory and honor to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

When People Pray

Acts 4:23-31

The Believers' Prayer
23On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:
" 'Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
26The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather together
against the Lord
and against his Anointed One.[a]'[b] 27Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people[c] of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

31After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Bee's Thoughts:

The power of prayers can be seen today as much as in the time of the Apostles. When believers prayed fervently in faith, things happened. When believers are filled with the Holy Spirit they become bold to share the gospel.

There were many times I experienced God's answers to my prayers almost instantly when I prayed earnestly and in faith. But in most cases, God's answers may not come so fast. When the answers come, they may be "yes", "no" or "wait". In times of waiting, faith, hope, love and obedience are what I need to see me though these periods of silence.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 says we are to "pray without ceasing".


Dear Lord,
Thank You for always answering my prayers, be they come instantly or after a long wait, be they "yes", "no" or "wait". Thank You that I am serving a living God whom I can communicate with any moment of my life.
Teach me to continue to pray in every situation and not to lean on my own understandings.
I pray that You grant me wisdom at work, in church and in speaking to people close to me. May I always speak with grace.
In Jesus' anme I pray, Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

What should we do if we sincerely prayed to God to remove our problem but the problem is still there? Do we just give up asking Him to help us by thinking that He’s unable to solve our problems or that He has ‘miscalculated’ things and accident happened to us?

Sometimes God does remove our problem when we ask Him, but we should also know that often He choose to leave those problems in place. Instead, He will supply us the strength and courage to deal with them when we earnestly pray for His help and guidance. We should trust Him that He has very good reason for them.

Dear Father, I praise You for the way You works things out for us, although at times I’m unable to grasp them well or that I’m worrying too much. Lord, I can trust You for I know that all things work together for good to those who love You. I pray You’ll give me the strength and courage to deal with each problem I’ll face and also give me the wisdom to guide my words when I share this truth to others. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Our Sacrifices

Leviticus 23:37-43

37 (" 'These are the LORD's appointed feasts, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies for bringing offerings made to the LORD by fire—the burnt offerings and grain offerings, sacrifices and drink offerings required for each day. 38 These offerings are in addition to those for the LORD's Sabbaths and [a] in addition to your gifts and whatever you have vowed and all the freewill offerings you give to the LORD.)

39 " 'So beginning with the fifteenth day of the seventh month, after you have gathered the crops of the land, celebrate the festival to the LORD for seven days; the first day is a day of rest, and the eighth day also is a day of rest. 40 On the first day you are to take choice fruit from the trees, and palm fronds, leafy branches and poplars, and rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days. 41 Celebrate this as a festival to the LORD for seven days each year. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come; celebrate it in the seventh month. 42 Live in booths for seven days: All native-born Israelites are to live in booths 43 so your descendants will know that I had the Israelites live in booths when I brought them out of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.' "

Bee's Thoughts:

In the Old Testament, God required the Israelites to bring forth sacrifices of every sort. In the New Testament, God requires Christians to bring forth Living Sacrifices instead.

"1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
(Romans 12:1)

Someone wrote that to be a "Living Sacrifice" is "Dying to Self". The sacrifices that God wants from us are....

"The sacrifices of God are [a] a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
(Psalm 51:17)


Dear Lord,
Let my heart not be hardened to Your words but let it be soft and opened to You. Let my heart be willing to do what You want me to do. Let my body be a living sacrifice for You that is holy and acceptable. Let me be like a young child that is pure and innocent in the things that are not right in Your sight.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

As Christian, we often see worship focus only on confession, meditation and introspection. Although our immediate confession of sin and serious reflection of our selves is essential, God also want us to take time to celebrate with joy for who He is and the good things He has brought into our lives. Celebration often bring along to us a renewed commitment to God.

Dear Father, thank You for all the goodness You’ve brought into my life. Teach me to have a balanced spiritual life, taking time for both deep reflection and also simple and joyful celebration anytime with other followers of Christ. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

My True and Only Security

Deuteronomy 33:26-29

26 "There is no one like the God of Jeshurun,
who rides on the heavens to help you
and on the clouds in his majesty.

27 The eternal God is your refuge,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
He will drive out your enemy before you,
saying, 'Destroy him!'

28 So Israel will live in safety alone;
Jacob's spring is secure
in a land of grain and new wine,
where the heavens drop dew.

29 Blessed are you, O Israel!
Who is like you,
a people saved by the LORD ?
He is your shield and helper
and your glorious sword.
Your enemies will cower before you,
and you will trample down their high places.

Bee's Thoughts:

In our cell group tonight we learnt about renewing our mind by putting on the mind of Christ. What does the mind of Christ look like? A mind of humility, sacrifice, purity, love, faith, obedience, and so on.

When we have the mind of Christ we can have faith like what the Psalmist said that God is our "refuge". When in any trouble or emrgency, we can have the assurance that God will rescue us. He is our true security or 'insurance'.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me tonight to have the mind of Christ and to trust You to be my refuge in times of trouble. Let me be more and more like You each day.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

While we are so busy with our daily works and schedules, we often unknowingly entrust our lives on things like money, career, fame or even a lifelong dream. But we should remember these things can be easily taken away from us any day. In fact, we can lose everything we’ve gain and ‘stored’ in this world in less than a day.

For those without God and entrusted their lives on earthly things, there is a very good reason to be constantly worry and cautious over all the uncertainties in life. With merely one mistake or failure, they may be wiped out totally.

Like Moses and those who declare that God is their only refuge and true security, no storm in life can separate us away from His saving arms. God has promised to catch us when the shaky supports that we trust collapse and we fall.

Dear Father, forgive me that at times I trusted solely on my own abilities to secure my life and future. And I know that’s why I fell badly when bad things happen to me. Lord, teach me to remember this always and to live for You in this world. May my every works and dreams be about trusting You and to bring glory and honor to Your Name.

My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholy lean on Jesus name

On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord Jesus, my Rock and Redeemer. Amen.

Doing What We Can

1 Corinthians 3:5-15

5What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. 9For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.

10By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 14If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

Bee's Thoughts:

For those who are architects, just like my 'bf' is, they will know how important the foundation is to a building. Without a good foundation,all building will topple no matter how good it may look.

For Christians, Christ should be their foundation in all the things they do. Otherwise, there will be no difference between a Christian and a non-Christian. Therefore, be it building a career for ourselves or a relationship with others, we need to be sure Jesus Christ is our foundation and basis. We are to do our part in sharing the good news or words of encouragement wherever God places us -- work or friendship.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for being my foundation in the things I build... my career and relationship. I pray that in all I do and with whome I commune with Your name will be glorified. May You grant growth to whatever I do, with the might You have given me.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:

We can get so busy with our lives that we lost track of what matters most to us and our future. In today’s passage, Paul gave us a simple and clear way to know and evaluate whether the things we are so preoccupied are based on the right foundation. Are the things we do fit into the pattern provided by Jesus? Is He the foundation in our lives and the reason for being?

We need to reassess everything we pursue today and also the person we think we are to ensure they are based and modeled not on wealth, security, fame or success but on Jesus, the only real and lasting foundation in our lives.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to be here with me in guiding my every way. Forgive me that at times for being a slow and disobedient learner. But despite my flaws and failure, thank You that You never give up on me and continue to change and mold me to be more like Christ each day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

The Heart Of Christ

Luke 19:37-44

37When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
38"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!"[a]
"Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

39Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"

40"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

41As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you."

Bee's Thoughts:

Having gone through a rough childhood and many trials in life makes me very sensitive towards children or anyone who have been though similar experiences as I did.

Recently, someone shared with me her story on why she became so withdrawn and quiet. As she shared, I could understand every experience of hers very well. I had compassion on her.

When God allowed us to go through certain difficult experiences, they could be used to encourage someone else later on.

Dear Lord,
Though I am feeling very tired and sometimes wish I could disappeare from this earth quickly, I know my life is in Your hand. Your thoughts are always higher than my thoughts, and Your ways higher than my ways.
I pray that while I am still around on this earth, I will be able to lend good listening ears to those who are in needs. Help me not to be tired of helping others... though I may feel exhausted when this help seems one-way. May Your love abounds.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen,


Tommy's Thoughts:

Do we wept or feel deep sadness likes Jesus when we see those who living in sin, lost and helpless with life’s struggles and sufferings? Do we have true compassion towards these people when we say we want to reach out to them and to help them? Are we sincerely wanted to share the “Solution” with them, motivated by love and kindness?

Dear Father, forgive me that at times I selfishly cares and focus only about my own walk with Christ that I neglect opportunities to share the Good News with those around me. Forgive me also that even as I share, they were not motivated with love or led by You.

Lord, I pray that You’ll teach me the true meaning of love and compassion and how to be truly concern about others; being ready to share Your love and truth through caring words and action.

Humility

Ephesians 4:1-3

Unity in the Body of Christ
1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace

Bee's Thoughts:

Paul is able to be humble, gentle, patient, love and stay in peace with others because he had considered himself the "prisoner for the Lord".

We need to learn from Paul to firstly commit ourselves to Christ and be submissive to Him, so that we could reflect Christ's attributes. The way we live shows what we believe.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your reminder that I should stay humble and gentle despite of the situations. I pray that Your love will be shown when I deal with difficult people. May Your peace reigns.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

Sometimes, we can get easily troubled and annoyed by certain people in our lives. Despite trying hard to control our emotion, we tend to become very reactive towards everything the person says or does. It is hard to accept their shortcomings when we really dislike their attitude and behaviors. But, we know that our lives often involve dealing and even living with those difficult people.

As Christian, we should know that no one is ever going to be perfect on earth. We need to accept and love others in spite of their faults and failures just like God has loved us in the first place. Instead of constantly dwelling on the negative aspects of the person, we should pray for them. We also need God to teach us to be more patient, humble and gentle with them. They may even change their way when they see God’s glory reflecting from us through our words and action.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me once again to bear with one another in love. Instead of always looking for faults in others, teach me to be more patient and gentle in words and action. Lord, I also pray that You’ll give me the wisdom and peace when dealing with others that I may glorify Your name. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Our Guide

John 16:1-14

1"All this I have told you so that you will not go astray. 2They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. 3They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. 4I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you. I did not tell you this at first because I was with you.

The Work of the Holy Spirit
5"Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' 6Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. 7But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt[a] in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

12"I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.

Bee's Thoughts:

When our loved ones go away we naturally feel sad, like the discipless felt when when Jesus told them He was going to His Father (v6). In our finite mind, we feel we the loss of someone. Yet in Jesus' perfect plan His departure means a blessing in disguise, for He will send the Comforter to be with us and guide us in our life (v7-11). We need to always trust that all things work together for good to those who love God,even if we can't understand.

We need to know that we have a Comforter who will comfort us in times of sorrow. He will show us the way when we feel lost. He will give us peace when we are troubled. He will set us free when we feel imprisoned by ourselves or others. All we need to do is let Him take control of our lives.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for sending the Comforter to be with me. When I was down, He was there to lift me up. Thank You for leading my life thus far.
I pray for my "bf" that the Comforter will lead and guide him into the truth about Your healing power, Your cleansing blood, and Your restoration power. May Your peace reigns in his heart and joy floods his soul.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:

We make so many decisions in a day and there are those that are not so easy and clear cut. We might have the difficulty to discern the right from wrong. There are also times when our minds so clouded by distractions, wandering thoughts, anxieties and confusion, that we are unable to see the clear solution in front of us.

But, as believers, God never leave us alone to deal with all these complications in our lives. He has given the Holy Spirit to indwell within us: to comfort, teach, guide, reveal and help us in the truth about Christ and discernment in all areas of our lives.

Dear Father, thank You for always being there, never leave or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5-6). Lord, I pray You’ll guide me to always be sensitive to the Holy Spirit promptings and leadings. Teach me to pray seeking His guidance in everything I do. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

''Measure Me''

Ephesians 4:11-16

11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Bee's Thoughts:

When a couple has a child, the sadest thing to know is that their child can't grow. God will be sad too if His spiritual children< Christians, can't grow spiritually.

Growth can't be hidden. It is obvious and measureable. Some of the measurements shown in the above passage are:
1. "works of service" (v12) -- to serve God in ministries in the church or elsewhere
2. "unity in the faith" (v13) -- not fighting with each other
3. "knowledge of the Son of God" (v13) -- through reading the bible and spending time with God
4. "mature" spiritually (v13) -- no longer like "infants" (v14)
5. "speaking the truth in love" (v15) -- truth must be said "in love" and not to hurt

Through such spiritual growth in the body of Christ, the end result is that the church will gow and be built in love (v16).

Dear Lord,
You desire that we grow spiritually.
Help us not to remain as spiritual babe.
Teach us how to be Your disciples.
You have commanded us to take up our crosses and follow You.
Grant us strength to do things Your ways.
In Jesus' name we pray.


Tommy's Thoughts:

The evening service in my church lacks people to lead the congregation. Every week same members take on the same duty during the service. Although most didn’t complain but I can see how tired they are and how they might burn out one day even for doing God’s works. Where and what are the rest of the 2000 church members doing?

In today’s passage, Paul talks about how God calls us to grow from being just infants in the church into serving and working together with other members in the church as the Body of Christ.

By working as members of Christ, we can obey God more fully and accomplish more and greater things for the church and ultimately express the fullness of Christ. And when one member stumbles, the rest of the group is there to pick him/her up and help him/her walk with God again.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me that I can do little if I were to do things all by myself. I pray for my church that more members will come forward to serve for the church, to grow as members of Christ and not to underestimate what we can do as a group.

Lord, I pray for those brothers and sisters in the church to receive help and also rest while they continue in serving Your people and glorifying Your name. In Jesus’ mighty Name I pray, Amen.

From Here To Eternity

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

The Coming of the Lord
13Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18Therefore encourage each other with these words.

Bee's Thoughts:

The above passage is so comforting. Reading them makes life's trials bearable. For we, who are in Christ, have a hope for our future. Our lives go on after this earth (v16, 17).

Therefore, even when we or our loved ones who are Christians passed away, we need not grieve (v13) though we may missed them. For we know that we shall see them again in heaven one day. How wonderful!

Dear Lord,
Thank You for preparing a place for us, your children. Thank You for the hope we are sure of. For Your promise will come to pass.... You fail us not when we trust in You.
I pray now for all my friends, online and offline, that they will come to know and accept Your salvation one day, wherever they are. May You be merciful to them.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

There are those who give up any opportunity to change for the better when they think how short their lives really are. Everything seems meaningless and days are wasted with meaningless and even unhealthy activities. There are nothing worthy to hope for or care about when life can be so unpredictable and unfair at times.

But, we learned from Paul in today’s passage, all believers will have the hope to be reunited in God’s presence, safe and secure one day. Even as at this moment, our lives may seems out of our control and filled with constant struggle, suffering, pain and defeat; God remains faithful to us and He will work all things for good for those who love Him. He has promised us for a glorious resurrection with Christ in the future; living eternally in His reign.

Dear Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy that allow me to come to You even as I’ve sinned against You. Forgive me Father and teach me to truly repent of all my wrongs. Lord, restore me again into joyful obedience and to ever walk closer with You each day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Unity Through Christ

Ephesians 2:11-18

One in Christ
11Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men)— 12remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

14For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Bee's Thoughts:

Christ came to bring unity and peace, but sadly, we see lots of disunity because of politics, even in churches and amongst Christians. The cause of it is usually the pride of life which is also the cause of the fall of man in the garden of Eden.

To overcome this we have to do like what Philippians 2: 3-5 says:

3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.

Dear Lord,
It's sad to know that politics exist even amongst the Christians. Forgive us for fallen prey of the devil's scheme of causing disunity. I pray that You will speak to us in Your own way that we will be united in Christ and not live in strives with each other. May Your glory shines through us.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

As my church members shared their testimony in today’s prayer meeting, I realized as believers, we in some way has experienced similar encounter with God. I saw how God intervened and touch our lives even before we’re yet to know Him. And, He has planned all things for us even before we were born. God will also never forsake or alienating His love from us if we truly commit our lives to Him.

Dear Father, thank You today for teaching to glorify You in everything I do. Thank You for teaching me not to be boastful of my salvation but to humbly thank You for what You’ve done in my life. Lord, guide me through the Holy Spirit to encourage others who might yet to know You or are struggling in their faith. I commit all these to You Lord Jesus, Amen.

Sinful Nature

Romans 7:14-25

14We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[a] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

21So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

Bee's Thoughts:

All of us have experienced what Paul experienced, including children.

The sinful nature in us since the fall of man never give up in causing us to sin. However, the law of God in us, after we have become Christians, causes us to rebel against the law of our sinful nature. For non-Christians, they don't feel this battle, though at times their conscience does prick them.

There are still struggle within me between good and evil. I need God's strength to overcome my sinful nature.

Dear Lord,
I pray that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that He will overflow in my life and squelch the sinful nature that is waiting to make me sin. Let me love with purity and please You.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

There are many Christian out there who are struggling the way Paul described in today’s passage. At one hand, we are trying hard to obey God’s commands and on the other we felt helpless in overcoming sin. We may feel lost or trying to find excuses to our actions.

We learned from Paul that becoming a Christian does not stamp out all sin and temptation in our lives, in fact, our fight become even harder. But, we shouldn’t give up or discouraged when we fall but to know God will lovingly reaches out to lift us up again.

Instead of overcoming sin with our own strength, Paul teaches us to fight them together with Christ by our side. He will help us not to give in to sin when we seek Him with a humble heart. We also need to know that thank God for giving us freedom and power over sin through Christ.

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me that Satan and the power of sin are defeated enemies because of what Christ has done for us. Teach me not to fight any sin by my own strength but to take hold of the power of Christ, who has conquered sin once and for all. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bear One Another's Burden

Galatians 6:2-10

2Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5for each one should carry his own load.

6Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.

7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature[a]will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Bee's Thoughts:

I have the tendency to "fearing the worst". It is a psychological mechanism that helps me cope with disappointments. To most, this is being negative but to me I am being realistic. Nevertheless, I appreciate do those who could help bear my burdens or turn me around to be more positive.

Sowing and reaping is the principle of God... what we sow is what we get. Lately, I am feeling very tired and sleepy at about 11 p.m. , unless previously. I guess my leaving office late and sleeping late is what I sowed and the result of it is sleepiness.

Dear Lord,
Help me to becareful with what I sow or what I build. Help me to do the right thing that I may reap good harvest. Help me to trust in You fully and give me strength to bear my fellow Christian's burden.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

Our lives here in this world can be filled with all kinds of distress and burdens. It is foolish to think we are able to live independently without needing or giving helps to others. As God made us for relationship, we should always be ready to bear one another’s burdens and helping each other out.

How do we carry each other’s burdens? As believers, the Holy Spirit often nudges us to stop and think of others when we are unaware or too busy with our own selves. We need to humbly and gently reaching out to others with caring and loving words and action; helping and easing their “burdens”.

Dear Father, thank You for bringing true caring people into my life; people that have show genuine love, care, encouragement and support to me over the years. Teach and guide me to do the same and more to them and others in a caring and loving way like Christ. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bee's 11th Month of Devotion

Time flies... it's like blinking of my eyes. Eleven months have passed so quickly since I blog my devotion here.

The benefit of blogging my devotional thoughts is I could keep myself consistent in keeping my quiet time.

In the past, I tend to miss my time in reading God's words on and off. However, by blogging and especially doing it with fellow Christian, somehow I will never forget to do it. We are able to encourage each other to go on when at times our spirit is willing but our flesh is weak.

I would like to encourage those who have problem doing regular Quiet Time to do likewise. Find a buddy or partner to do it together, helping each other to keep this time with the Lord constant.


... the thoughts of Bee

No Terror

Psalm 31:9-24

9 Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress;
my eyes grow weak with sorrow,
my soul and my body with grief.

10 My life is consumed by anguish
and my years by groaning;
my strength fails because of my affliction, [a]
and my bones grow weak.

11 Because of all my enemies,
I am the utter contempt of my neighbors;
I am a dread to my friends—
those who see me on the street flee from me.

12 I am forgotten by them as though I were dead;
I have become like broken pottery.

13 For I hear the slander of many;
there is terror on every side;
they conspire against me
and plot to take my life.

14 But I trust in you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my God."

15 My times are in your hands;
deliver me from my enemies
and from those who pursue me.

16 Let your face shine on your servant;
save me in your unfailing love.

17 Let me not be put to shame, O LORD,
for I have cried out to you;
but let the wicked be put to shame
and lie silent in the grave. [b]

18 Let their lying lips be silenced,
for with pride and contempt
they speak arrogantly against the righteous.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bee's Thoughts:

Although I may not experienced the same situation as the above writer (King David) but I did experienced similar anguish in the emotional sense. Those prayers and cry became mine. At that point I wished I were never born. I wrote the most poem in my distress.

Just like King David, my sorrows turned to praise when I thought of God's love and greatness. I was reminded that my time is in His hands (v15). I have learnt to trust in God. These days I hardly compose any poem, a sign of less 'heart troubles' and less distress.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your unfailing love, for seeing me through all my distress and sorrows. Help me not to get myself into another situation where I invite heartaches for myself. Keep me pure in loving You, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

There are those who contemplate in taking their own lives when situation in life seems unbearable, uncontrollable or too big for them to handle. Suicide seems to be the best way out from their hopelessness and helplessness.

But, if we recognize our true relationship with our sovereign God and His love for us, we will instead gain the confidence and courage to trust in God to preserve us and give us rest from all our problems (Matthew 11:28). We will also know in the end we will be victorious and things will be restored when we remain faithful in God.

Dear Father, thank You for supplying me with Your peace and strength when the goings get tough along this life’s journey. Lead and guide me to remain faithful to You, obeying Your commands even when things seems out of control or turning from bad to worst. Teach me to have the complete commitment to depend and trust in You at all times.

Lord, give me the strength and courage to endure. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

For The Poor

Deuteronomy 15:7-11

7 If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. 8 Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. 9 Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: "The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near," so that you do not show ill will toward your needy brother and give him nothing. He may then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. 10 Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. 11 There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.

Bee's Thoughts:

Tonight's devotion has the same theme as the earlier one, "Consider The Poor".

Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. —Psalm 41:1

The Hebrew word translated "considers" means "to take thought for others." The word translated "poor" means "those in need."

We know we should help the poor, but the challenge is in knowing who are the genuinely poor and who are those who have poor money/material management. In my line of work we do encountered a number who claimed to be poor and are unable to pay school fees. However, on further checks we learnt that these are those who mis-manage their money in things less important (luxury goods).

Therefore, we need discernment to know the difference and act accordingly. One way my church does to help the poor is to give ration to the 3rd world country folks through our mission trips. In this way we help to provide for the villagers' basic needs.

Dear Lord,
Teach me to know who are the true poor and who are those who need to learn how to manage their funds. Help me to be wise in my dealings with those who pretense.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

As I was flying back to KL today, I saw from the plane rural houses scattered within the oil palm plantation areas. Those timber houses with zinc roofs were linked between each others with laterite roads. I was pondering on the lives of those plantation workers living at those houses daily.

It’s true many of us live our comfortable lives each day without ever giving a single thought to those poor and needy people around us. We need to learn from God, who has a heart for the poor and never closes His eyes to their plight. Seek opportunities to be like Jesus who showed His compassion for the poor both by words and actions.

Dear Father, thank You for reminding to be aware and to seek ways to help those in need. Lead me to join and help out in church program to assist the poor in fulfilling their needs and to share Your love and care for them. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Principle of Leadership

Matthew 20:20-28

A Mother's Request
20Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.

21"What is it you want?" he asked.
She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom."

22"You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said to them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?"
"We can," they answered.

23Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father."

24When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Bee's Thoughts:

I remember once a speaker shared about God's principle of leadership. He said that to be a leader is to serve others and not to be served. Jesus is the best model of a great leader, who served others like a servant. He washed His disciples' feet and finally died on the cross for us.

Similarly in the secular world, to be a good leader requires one to start from the bottom as a 'servant' to learn the 'rope' and then learn to sacrifice time to help others succeed.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your reminder again that I need to have a servant heart, just like You, as I lead others at my workplace. I pray that I will be a good model and in so doing lead others to Christ. Guide for the week ahead.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

Jesus teaches us that real leadership is about serving people rather than using them to achieve our own personal goal. Jesus came not only to serve (Matt. 20:28) but also to give His own life to others.

A leader with a servant’s heart doesn’t seek power, fame or self-aggrandizement, but always ready to serve others quietly and faithfully, bringing all the glory to God alone, not to them selves.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me on the right attitude when serving Your people. Guide me not to look for recognition from my work, but to do things that bring others’ attention towards You and Your glory and power. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Living Water

John 7:33-43

33Jesus said, "I am with you for only a short time, and then I go to the one who sent me. 34You will look for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come."

35The Jews said to one another, "Where does this man intend to go that we cannot find him? Will he go where our people live scattered among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks? 36What did he mean when he said, 'You will look for me, but you will not Christians are just like any non believers in have a conscience of the mind. They do struggle with issues and matter of the conscience.find me,' and 'Where I am, you cannot come'?"

37On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38Whoever believes in me, as[a] the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." 39By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

40On hearing his words, some of the people said, "Surely this man is the Prophet."

41Others said, "He is the Christ."

Still others asked, "How can the Christ come from Galilee? 42Does not the Scripture say that the Christ will come from David's family[b] and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?" 43Thus the people were divided because of Jesus.

Bee's Thoughts:

Christians are just like any non believers in having a God-given conscience. They do struggle with issues and matters of the conscience like anybody else. However, because their conscience is cleansed by the blood of Christ, they are more sensitive to the right and wrong of things. But this can only be maintained if they allow the Holy Spirit to constantly fill their hearts. Otherwise, their conscience can also be darkened.

Dear Lord,
I pray that You will constantly cleanse me so that I will have a clean conscience before You. I pray and ask that the Holy Spirit will indwell me always, that I may do what is right in Your sight.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

In today’s passage, we see how some of the crowd wrongly disqualified Jesus as the Messiah by arguing that He was from Nazareth, and not Bethlehem. But, Jesus was in fact born in Bethlehem, but grew up in Nazareth.

Likewise, we sometimes may easily jump to conclusion about a person by the little we know about them or what they’ve said. Without looking more carefully and thoughtfully, we hastily made wrong assumption and even unfair accusation over the other person. We need to be aware always of not jumping into wrong conclusion before knowing more about a situation or what the other person really meant.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me to be a good listener to others. Guide me not to easily assume or conclude about other’s intention without looking more carefully and thoughtfully. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Possible With God

Luke 18:18-27

The Rich Ruler
18A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

19"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. 20You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'[a]"

21"All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said.

22When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

23When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. 24Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

26Those who heard this asked, "Who then can be saved?"

27Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

Bee's Thoughts:

To follow Christ needs committment to the extend of willing to let go of all we have. There are things that hold our lives... may be material things or people whom we love so much. Yet few are wiling to make that committment, especially the rich.

Even though Jesus said that it's hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God (v24, 25), yet He also said that with God it is possible (v27). God is able to touch the life of someone even though it might seems imppossible with men.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me that I need to give my all to follow Christ. If there's anythng that I am holding on and hindering me in following You, please help me let go. I know that often whenI am willing to let go, You may give me back what I treasure or give me something better than what I have let go.
Give me Your grace to fulfill Your will.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen


Tommy's Thoughts:

The man in today’s passage, although had followed all God’s command since young, failed to see the greater security he can attain by giving up material possession and follow Christ. Similarly, we should ask ourselves what is the basis of our security and identity?

Does what we own and have provide us with true and eternal security? Although God may not ask us to give up everything we have, but He does ask us to get rid of anything that has become more important than Him in our lives.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me to know that You are my only source of security and identity. Teach me to forgo anything that I may have put above You in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

The Good And The Bad

Nahum 1:1-8

1 An oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.

The Lord 's Anger Against Nineveh
2 The LORD is a jealous and avenging God;
the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath.
The LORD takes vengeance on his foes
and maintains his wrath against his enemies.
3 The LORD is slow to anger and great in power;
the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished.
His way is in the whirlwind and the storm,
and clouds are the dust of his feet.

4 He rebukes the sea and dries it up;
he makes all the rivers run dry.
Bashan and Carmel wither
and the blossoms of Lebanon fade.

5 The mountains quake before him
and the hills melt away.
The earth trembles at his presence,
the world and all who live in it.

6 Who can withstand his indignation?
Who can endure his fierce anger?
His wrath is poured out like fire;
the rocks are shattered before him.

7 The LORD is good,
a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him,

8 but with an overwhelming flood
he will make an end of Nineveh ;
he will pursue his foes into darkness.

Bee's Thoughts:

The Lord is good all the time to those who trust in Him. To those the Lord loves, even if things happened to us may seem bad God will see us through. All I need to know is He cares for me.

On the other hand, when we sin and don't want to repent, God will know how to deal with us. Like a loving father who will chastise his wayward child, so will God do it to us for our sake.

Dear Lord,
Search me and know my heart.
Try me and know my thoughts.
If there be any wicked ways in me,
Cleanse me from all my sins.
Teach me to love the way You love,
And care the way You care.
In Jesus' name, hear my prayer. Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:

There are many who do not believe in God because of the injustice and evils they saw in this world. They questioned if God is good and powerful, He should punish all evildoers right now.

But, one should know that God will not allow sin to go unchecked forever as He is a just and fair God, He will bring judgment one day. From today’s passage, we also know that God is slow to anger and He wanted to give time for people to turn to Him and repent from their sin.

Dear Father, thank You that You are a just and fair God, but also a kind and loving God. Because of Your amazing grace, I am forgiven and allow to be with You again. Teach me also not to be disheartened when things seem to be unfair and people who do bad things are able to escape from responsibility and punishment.

Lord, guide me never to take things with my own hand, but to trust in You to bring true justice and judgment to all one day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.