Withering Grass

Psalm 102:3-12

3 For my days vanish like smoke;
my bones burn like glowing embers.

4 My heart is blighted and withered like grass;
I forget to eat my food.

5 Because of my loud groaning
I am reduced to skin and bones.

6 I am like a desert owl,
like an owl among the ruins.

7 I lie awake; I have become
like a bird alone on a roof.

8 All day long my enemies taunt me;
those who rail against me use my name as a curse.

9 For I eat ashes as my food
and mingle my drink with tears

10 because of your great wrath,
for you have taken me up and thrown me aside.

11 My days are like the evening shadow;
I wither away like grass.

12 But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever;
your renown endures through all generations.

Bee's Thoughts:

The Psalmist has said what I couldn't express.... I felt exactly the way he wrote above. I felt my heart dying. I have to drown myself with work and busyness everyday. Yet I know God is still holding me up so that I will not do anything silly or irrational at the spur of the moment. He is keeping me sane even as I feel as if I might be going crazy with pains.

Dear Lord,
This burden is too heavy for me, please support me and let me not do anything I will regret for life. Hold me securely that I may not fall. Keep me strong in You and let me be immersed in Your love, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.




Tommy's Thoughts:
Sometimes, we do neglect our basic needs like food and rest when we are in despair. Like the psalmist in today’s passage, we can learn to lean on God for comfort and strength in these times. And when we recognize our weaknesses, we’ll see God’s greatest strength becomes available for us.

Being a Christian, we are called not to suffer silently but to share our struggles and accepting graciously the support and help from others.

Dear Father, thank You that despite everything has perished and failed, You are still there, endure forever (v12). Thank You for lifting me up and giving me hope again when things seem so bleak and uncertain. Lord, continue to provide me with Your strength and peace to guard my heart and mind to walk closer to You each day. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

A Gentle Teacher

2 Timothy 2:1-4

1You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer.

2 Timothy 2:24-25

24And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,

Bee's Thoughts:

Today had been another busy and tiring day for me in my office. I had to complete the year end appraisal interviews with all my immediate subordinates by today. It may be difficult to tell some of them about their weaknesses. I had to do it so that they will be able to accept without feeling offended or too disappointed. Thank God for His wisdom in helping me chose the right words to speak, especially for certain one who has failed. At least she felt good that she has learned something constructive from my feedback on her performance.

Dear Lord,
I am not good with words and tend to speak only when it's necessary. I may hurt others by being too direct and transparent with my thoughts. I pray that You will give me wisdom to speak words of comfort to others.
I also pray that tomorrow will be a fruitful day as I join my church members in reaching out to the less fortunates during our 2-days mission trip. Grant us good weather, journey mercy and a great harvest. Open the hearts of these people that they may know Christ and His cleansing power.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:
We may feel agitated or even annoyed by the wrong beliefs others hold, especially those who are close to us. We are troubled by the fact that their belief may affects negatively on them and also our selves. We become harsh and defensive; trying hard to win them to the truth through argument.

But from today’s passage, we learn that as Lord’s servant, we must not quarrel or being resentful when we disagree with others (v24), instead, we can choose to be kind, patience, tactful and gentle when we teach them the rights from wrongs. We should also know that it is not through our effort but God’s grace that grants them the repentance that leads them to His truth (v25).

Dear Father, thank You for showing to me how to be gentle and kind towards those who are yet to know You or willing to listen to Your truth. Lord, forgive me for being uncaring and impatience at times when I try to convince or win others to You. Instead, guide me to be more like Christ each day: being tender, kind, gentle in spirit and lowly in mind when showing others to You and Your way. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Heart Surgery

Luke 2:25-35

25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss[a] your servant in peace.
30For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
32a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."

33The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

Bee's Thoughts:

Search me, O God
And know my heart today
Try me O Saviour
Know my thoughts I pray

See if there be
Some wicked ways in me
Cleanse me from every sin
And set me free

Yes, Lord, You are the one who can reveal our inner thoughts and know our deceitful heart. Very often we don't even know our own heart and we don't know what we want or need. Only You can show us our heart's condition.
I can feel the pain and sorrow in my heart... I feel sick, and in need of a 'heart surgery' by You. As I lie down to sleep tonight, please do that 'operation' on my heart and give me a new heart that's pure. Change my heart, O, Lord.
In Jesus' name I plea. Amen



Tommy's Thoughts:
For those who are impatient, we may constantly run ahead of God's timing for our lives, and ended up with problems that would have been avoided. We may also be tempted to think that God doesn’t care much of what we are going through, that our wait is nothing but a waste of time.

But, as true Christian we should trust God to know what best for us. Once we’ve figured that out, we’ll have no problem submitting and resting all our longing to God. Also, while waiting, we should pray that Christ will help us to order our life in the way that best enables us to realize our potential for Him.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me about waiting for You with patience and trust. Thank You for changing me to be more like Christ each day when I obey and submit to You. Lord, I continue to pray for wisdom, strength and patience while waiting for Your perfect timing for me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Love Unites

Colossians 3:8-17

8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

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

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

Bee's Thoughts:

I am extremely tired after I came back home late at night after my trip to JB. Yet I am eagerly doing my devotion so as to read what God wants to say to me tonight.

Is this love? Perhaps. When we love someone, we always want to know what he/she wants to tell us and we want to hear his/her voice.

Ah, tonight God is telling me about love again. Love binds "compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" together in perfect unity (v14).

Hmmn... what does that mean? You see, we can do all these things (v12 & 13) without truly love, but if we truly love we will do all these things. Does it make sense? Time is the test of whether what we do for someone is out of love or out of selfish gain or any hidden motive.

True love stays when all novelties pass away. True love unites, not divide. True love brings peace, not war.

Dear Lord,
Even though I am so tired, thank You for giving me the strength to read Your word. Thank You for reminding me to love truly and not do things for my personal gain.
I pray that I will love You more each day so that I can love others in the way You want me to. When confusion comes into my mind I pray that Your peace will rule my heart and mind. Let me do all as unto You, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:
Although it is easy to proclaim our faith as Christian, making all the right resolutions and having good intentions, but often our attitude and conduct doesn’t match our faith. As Christian, we are called to “do all in the name of Christ” – to bring honor to Him daily wherever we may be, both in the things we say and do.

If we have yet to really walk our talk, we need to make changes in our lives today to imitate and honor Christ at all times. We can begin by the simple strategy mentioned by Paul in today’s passage:

1. be kind, compassionate, humble, gentle and patience (v12)
2. be forgiving (v13)
3. be thankful always (v15)
4. keep God’s Word close to our heart (v16)
5. let love guide our lives (v14)
6. let peace of God rule in our heart (v15)
7. live as Christ’s representative to the world (v17)

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me again to ‘put on my new self’ (v10), to act like a true Christian always in every given situation. Lord, give me the peace and patience to trust and obey Your leading; knowing clearly You knows what’s best for me. I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

No Fear

Psalm 112:14-9

4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.

5 Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely,
who conducts his affairs with justice.

6 Surely he will never be shaken;
a righteous man will be remembered forever.

7 He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

8 His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.

9 He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor,
his righteousness endures forever;
his horn [b] will be lifted high in honor.

Bee's Thoughts:

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your promise that "Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man." (v4). Even when darkness tries to crowd You out of my life, Your light will shine.
I have been through the lowest valley in my life, yet You always bring me up to Your mountain top. Yes, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalms 23:4)
Thank You Lord, for Your faithfulness to me.
Encourage me, Lord, through Your word and through the people who love You, that I may do likewise.
In Jesus' name I give Your praise. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:
Psalm 112 gives us a good idea of the advantages in having faith in God. His channel of blessings will be opened to us when we fear Him, trusting Him and delight in obeying His commands. We will never be shaken by our circumstances (v6). No bad news will ever tear us apart because our heart is steadfast, trusting in God completely to take care of us (v7).

The fear of God lead to a fearless life.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me to fear You – to respect and revere You as the almighty and sovereign Lord. Thank You that by trusting and obeying You, I can live my life free from fear (v2-9). Lord, forgive me if I still put my trust on perishable things for security and happiness. Show me instead to rely on You and Your righteousness; delighting always in Your commands for eternal security and happiness. I pray this in Jesus’ mighty Name, Amen.

Mystery

1 Corinthians 15:51-58

51Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."[a]
55"Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?"[b] 56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Bee's Thoughts:

Once again I'll be going for the mission trip this coming weekend to celebrate Christmas with the less fortunates. It's so comforting to know that our "labor in the Lord is not in vain" as we "give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord" (v58).

Very often I wonder how we Christians will I be like when we go to heaven.
Will we still recognize the people we know on earth?
Will we still have the same feelings for the people we loved on earth before?
If I die as an old person, will I look aged or will I look like a young person?
If I do look like a young person, how will people recognize me if they only know me when I am old?

So many unanswered questions, so many mysteries to discover, so many surprises awaiting for me. It would be very exciting to know the answers I have been waiting for. Though I can't understand so many things now, but thank God that soon I shall understand why I went through those trials and sufferings. Soon I shall receive the crown of glory if I have been faithful to the Lord.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your comforting words tonight. I look forward very much to see You and to understand the mysteries You have bestowed for me and those who trust in You. Thank You that though I see You not now, but I can always feel You with me wherever I am. Thank You for this hope I can have in You. Praise You Lord!
In Your wonderful name I give You thanks. Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:
We may subject to all kinds of sufferings and weaknesses in our current physical, earthly bodies. Sometimes, we wish God will just take away this ‘cup’ of ours and free us from the pains we are facing now.

But as Christian, we can have the encouragement that all these ‘disabilities’ in our physical bodies are temporal and will cease when Christ return. We all will be given new, resurrected bodies that will never die or become sick. This gives us the hope, strength, and peace today to walk firmly in God’s love.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me to look at those faithful servants of yours who are far more unfortunate but still able to praise and worship You in joy and true submission. Lord, guide me to do likewise; focusing on serving You and others and to stand firm in the hope and joy I’ve found in Christ. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen..

The Moment I Knew

Acts 26:8-18

8Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?

9"I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them.

12"On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. 14We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic,[a] 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'

15"Then I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?'

" 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied. 16'Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

Bee's Thoughts:

I have been feeling quite lost lately. The things that troubled me caused me to I wonder what I am existing for. It seems I have lost the purpose and meaning for my life. I always think of death, of going 'home'. So I have been trying to find distractions so I won't think too much.

During our Sunday Service this morning, the speaker shared a message on "Living a Life of Purpose and Meaning". It's like God was speaking to me through the speaker. The speaker asked a question, "What drives your life?" He said for some it could be guilt, resentment or anger, fear, or need for approval, etc. These are unhealthy driving forces. However, if we know the purpose God has for us in our life then it will:
- give meaning to our life
- simplifies our life,
- focus our life,
- prepare us for eternity


Of course I fully agree with the speaker. But then I still need to know that purpose to be able to do those things the speaker said.

The Apostle Paul in the above passage lived his life to the full with clear purpose. Before he met Jesus Christ, he persecuted the Christians with all his might. But when he encountered Christ, he whole heartedly served Him with full purpose too. He is such a passionate person. I am too, if I know what I should do.

I will be going for a mission trip this weekend. I pray that God will once again give me the compassion and love for the people there and find His purpose for me in my life.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for the message this morning and the example of Paul in today's devotion. You know my confusion, my pains and my struggles. I pray that once again I may fully know Christ and and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings. Teach me to do Your will, Lord.
I pray for my brother too that he may know Your purpose for him in his life. I pray You may grant him strength to carry on this journey and complete his race. May Your peace and grace always be with him.
In Jesus' name I pray.Amen.




Tommy's Thoughts:

There are many who believe in the existence of God but do not know who He really is to them. Some see God as a judgmental being that cares only to punish those who sins; thus they stay away from Him because of the ‘hassle’ of gaining His acceptance.

They are also those who find God unapproachable because of His holiness as compares to their sins, flaws and imperfection. And, they are even those who see God as a mystical, incomprehensible and impersonal nebula clouds that assimilate all beings into one big void of nothingness.

One of the easiest ways to know who God really is, is by knowing what Jesus Christ has done for us on the Cross. Through Jesus, we have the hope and assurance for forgiveness and salvation despite what we’ve done in the past.

Through Jesus also, we can approach and reconcile with our loving and personal God again as we all have sinned and fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23).Like Paul, our encounter with God will open our eyes to the extent of His amazing love for us.

Dear Father, thank You for opening my eyes and turning me from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to You, that I receive Your forgiveness and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in You. Lord, continue to guide me to the right path and restore me to joyful obedience if I have not done so. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Forgive Me

Psalm 19:7-14 (Contemporary English Version)

12None of us know our faults.
Forgive me when I sin
without knowing it.

13Don't let me do wrong
on purpose, Lord,
or let sin have control
over my life.
Then I will be innocent,
and not guilty
of some terrible fault.

14Let my words and my thoughts
be pleasing to you, LORD,
because you are my mighty rock [a] and my protector.

Bee's Thoughts:

The above has become my prayer and I am reminded of 1 John 3:7-10:

7Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. 8He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. 9No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.

and also: 1 John 5:18:

18We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.

When we are born of God by the Holy Spirit, our conscience becomes alive and we tend to feel guilty whenever we sin or do anything that is wrong. This is a god-given conscience so that we will repent and set things right. Therefore as Christians, we will not continuously sin on purpose. We will want to do what is right and one of the right thing to do is to love.

Dear Lord,
Forgive me if I have sinned against You, knowingly or unknowingly. Forgive me if I have sinned against my brother in any way. Forgive me if I did not show enough love for my brother. I pray that my words and thoughts will be pleasing to You.
You know me and I can't hide anything from You. You know how I feel now, though no one knows. Guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Let me love You more each day that I may love others more too.
In Your precious name I pray these. Amen.




Tommy's Thoughts:

There are some who find it hard to follow God as they have the perception that God’s law restricts them from having fun, doing what they want with their lives. Today’s passage shows the opposite is true about God’s law- it revives our soul and makes us wise (v7), gives joy to our hearts and light to our eyes (v8), warns us, and rewards us (v11).

God’s laws are the complete guidelines and lights to our journey in this fallen world. They constantly point us the dangers in front of us and direct us to the right path, leading us to true success.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me to spend time reading and to understand Your laws. Forgive me Lord for at times I’m slow to follow and obey; going on my own way. I pray also You will lead me back to You if I have run off track I pray You will show to me how to be a joyful an obedient follower of Christ. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Others More Important

Philippians 2:1-11(Contemporary English Version)

True Humility
1Christ encourages you, and his love comforts you. God's Spirit unites you, and you are concerned for others. 2Now make me completely happy! Live in harmony by showing love for each other. Be united in what you think, as if you were only one person. 3Don't be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves. 4Care about them as much as you care about yourselves 5and think the same way that Christ Jesus thought: [a] 6Christ was truly God.

But he did not try to remain [b] equal with God.

Bee's Thoughts:

Sometimes when we look into our heart we may find a hole there. That hole needs to be patched up by something or someone. If someone can't meet that need, we have a tendency to drown ourselves with works or keep ourselves very busy and tired so we won't have time or energy to feel lonely or sad. Perhaps we feel this way because we are too inward looking... we want others to make us happy rather than to make others happy.

I remember those days when I only care for others by the love of God and don't bother too much about my own feelings, I was a very happy person. The moment I wanted someone to love and care for me, I became very disappointed and sad. For it's very difficult to find someone who can do that for me for long. People tend to be selfish after the fall of man. That's the reason why since young I have always been rejecting male friends who may be interested in me. I built a wall around my heart. However, when someone manages to break that wall, I will be in trouble... I will have my expectation of being loved and cared for. I became inward looking.

Tonight's devotion reminds me to be like before, to "consider others more important than yourselves. Care about them as much as you care about yourselves"(v3 & 4). To do this I need to have the mind of Christ, and fill my heart with God's love.


Dear Lord,
I once again surrender myself to You tonight. Take my heart and change it to be like Yours. Let me put others before self, put You above all. Only then will I have peace and joy.
Tonight, I open my hands and let go of the things and people I held so dear. Take them all. I return them to You as they are only lent to me for a season. May You use them for Your glory.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.




Tommy's Thoughts:

If we were to take time to look around us, we will find many opportunities to serve others. It may be a family member who needs our support and care; a troubled friend who need our words of comfort and encouragement; or a colleague who are seeking for our help and guidance.

We are given with choice to choose our attitude. Either we choose to close our eyes to the needs of others and expecting always to be served, or to look for ways to help and serve like Christ. By imitating Christ’s attitude everyday, we’ll learn true humility and servanthood. We will serve not out of fear or guilt but out of true love for God and others.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me to always put others first rather than to only pleases myself and satisfies my own selfish ambition. Lord, guide me to humbly treat others with respect and common courtesy; being sensitive to their problems and needs; and serving them out of love like Christ. Thank You and I pray this in Christ’s precious Name, Amen.

Seasons of Life

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

A Time for Everything

1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Bee's Thoughts:

What is the season of my life now?
a time to uproot?
a time to tear down?
a time to weep?
a time to mourn?
a time to give up?
a time to throw away?
a time to tear?
a time to be silent?
a time to hate?

It seems to be 'autumn'... or even 'winter'... I am very tired.... I want to go home.

Take me home, Lord.




Tommy's Thoughts:
They said timing is everything. But, how do we know when to do what is right? How do we know when is the right time to embrace or when it is to refrain? When we should give up and throw away or when to keep and mend?

As Christian, we have God’s guidance to choose what is right at the right time. By having a close relationship with Him, praying to Him daily and reading His Word, we will receive the peace and be able to discover and discern His plan for us. Instead of doubting His timing, moving ahead on our own, we’ll learn to accept and appreciate His perfect timing for our lives.

Dear Father, thank You for the plan You have for my life. Teach me Lord to obey and follow Your leading, be patient and willing to accept all Your timing. Teach me also to pray and to always concentrate my thoughts on You. May my every deeds bring glory and honor to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bee's 13th Month of Devotion

After having done my devotion together with my buddy for the last 13 months, I feel it's time for me to leave.

Perhaps God really wants to teach me to trust Him despite of my pains. He led me to read an article "Getting to Trust God" when I was searching for a verse. The following excerpt from the article helped me understand the difference between "faith" and "trust":

But trust, which must go hand in hand with faith, says, "Lord, I commit myself to Your care and keeping." That's trust. Faith is believing what God can do and what He is willing to do. But trust says, "I commit myself to Your care and keeping. Do with me, Lord, whatsoever You will." Faith is believing God can push a wheelbarrow on a tightrope across the Niagara Falls. Trust is getting on board that wheelbarrow. Faith is believing that William Tell is so skilled with a bow and arrow that he can shoot straight through an apple that's sitting on someone else's head. Trust is being that person with the apple on your head.

"Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" (Job 13:15).

"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, because God is with me" (Ps. 23:4, paraphrase).

I was going through very difficult time and just want to be alone. However, my buddy's waiting for me to post here for the past few nights makes me do an U-turn... So here I am again.


Thanks for waiting, Tommy.



... the thoughts of Bee

Hopes of Tomorrow

Psalm 30:4-12

4 Sing to the LORD, you saints of his;
praise his holy name.

5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.

6 When I felt secure, I said,
"I will never be shaken."

7 O LORD, when you favored me,
you made my mountain [a] stand firm;
but when you hid your face,
I was dismayed.

8 To you, O LORD, I called;
to the Lord I cried for mercy:

9 "What gain is there in my destruction, [b]
in my going down into the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it proclaim your faithfulness?

10 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me;
O LORD, be my help."

11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

Bee's Thoughts:

"Life is bleak when you have nothing to look forward to." - Daily Bread

When I read the above statement, I asked myself: What or who is it that I am looking forward or hope to see?

I paused and think for a moment.... Of course, to see Christ is my main hope.
But one more person I like to see is the one who loves Jesus and me very much, the one whom I like to be with forever.

As 1 Corinthians 13:7 says, love "always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres". When we love someone, we will always protect the person from harm, will always trust him/her, will always hope, and will always persevere to the end. So hope is the result of love.

Yes, love brings hope... something we can look forward to. It's like in verse 5, "weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning". When our hope comes through it's like the morning joy.

Sometimes I felt as if God has hidden His face from me and I was really miserable (v7). Yet when I cried to Him for mercy, He "turned my wailing into dancing and "removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy" (v11). My recent experience testifies of this. To God be the glory!


Dear Lord,
Thank You again for removing my tears and give me peace and joy that surpasses all understanding. Thank You for the hope I can have in You. You know my longings and my hopes. I pray that soon my hopes will become a reality. Keep me faithful as I wait patiently.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:

Like the Psalmist, we need to approach God with an honest, humble and grateful heart. Though the current pain and ‘mourning’ are real and hard for us, we can still trust God and have the confidence that we are in His good hand.

When we stay close to God, we are also assured of Him knowing what’s best for us; freeing us from unnecessary worries and uncertainties. Instead of being silent with bitterness and self-pity, we need to cry out to God for mercy and grace (v8) to endure and to submit to His will for us. God, who is always faithful, will delivers and gives us true, everlasting joy.

Dear Father, thank You for the hope and certainty I found in You. Thank You for Your promises that provide the peace and strength for me to keep going despite the ‘hurdles’ and setbacks. Lord, I pray that You’ll continue to have mercy on me, guiding me to the right path in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Angry Floods

Psalm 93

1 The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed in majesty
and is armed with strength.
The world is firmly established;
it cannot be moved.

2 Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.

3 The seas have lifted up, O LORD,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.

4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the LORD on high is mighty.

5 Your statutes stand firm;
holiness adorns your house
for endless days, O LORD.

Bee's Thoughts:

Dear Lord,

You knew the struggle I've gone through to honor Your name.
You saw the "sea" that came upon me so fiercely.
You heard the "wave" that lifted its voice so loudly.
I felt like a living dead that walked without a soul.
I felt like a robot that acted just on command.

Thank You for lifting me up again through Your word tonight.
You are "mightier than thunder of the great waters".
You are "mightier than the breaker of the sea".
You can cause the dead to resurrect again.
You can cause the dry bones to be alive once more.

Give me strength to live day by day.
Give me the faith to believe You will never fail.
Give me the trust to follow Your ways always.
Give me the hope to never give up.
Give me the courage to rise and walk again.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Waves of trouble and grief in our lives can easily sweep us away if we do not have something firm and strong to hold and cling on to. As Christian, we not only have a strong and mighty God to hold and rely on, but a God that is morally perfect in character.

This reassures us that we can trust Him all the time, even though at times we do not quite understand things that have happened. As described in this great article on trusting God that “any testimony of a faithful Christian that does not have a happy ending has not yet ended.”

Dear Father, thank You for the hope and assurance I have in You. That I can trust You to know what’s best for me. Thank You also for Your peace and strength that keep me going despite the circumstances. Lord, I pray that You will teach me more about trusting You and submitting my all to You. May Your will be done. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Come Quickly!

Revelation 22:7-17 (click to read more)

Jesus Is Coming

7"Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book."

12"Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. 13I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

14"Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 15Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

Bee's Thoughts:

I can't held back my tears anymore when I read the title of the above devotion, "Come Quickly!"


Dear Lord,
Yes, please come quickly. I am suffering a lot! I pine after You. I have waited for a long time for You. Please come quickly, Lord. Do You hear my cry? Do You feel my pain? Hold me tight so I won't fall. :'(

I want to trust in You. I want to believe that You will come. I want to run the race with fellow believers. I want to deny myself and take up my cross to follow You. Please give me strength now and let me not be shaken. Let me be what You want me to be. Hear my plea, Lord.

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

- Charlotte Elliott

Tommy's Thoughts:

God alone is worthy of our worship and adoration. We need to examine our lives whether there are other things that we worship, trust and rely on more than God. It may be people, ideas, goals or possessions that become the central place in our heart and mind; crowding God out from our lives.

Dear Father, thank You for Your grace that I can devote my life to You, praising and worshiping You all the time. Remind me O Lord of any distraction that pull me down and stop me from going to You daily. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

The Finish Line

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

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

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

Bee's Thoughts:

This morning service message was very appropriate for me. It seemed God knew I need that message and spoke to me through the speaker.

The speaker shared on how we should react when God closes the doors we wish will be opened to us. He said we should not react negatively as God has a purpose when doors are closed to us, or when He delays the opening of certain doors. He is almighty and could see our future. So He may close some doors or delay opening them to protect us, or to wait till we are ready. When God closes a door, He will open another for us if we just come to Him in prayer and wait on Him.

On the one hand, I do believe God has a purpose for me when things don't go my way. But on the other hand I feel so much pain in having to accept what has happened recently. I cried to the Lord and told Him I feel painful for my recent loss. "Painful, Lord, painful, very painful...", I cried during my bath. God has closed the door!

In today's devotion is another encouragement for me to run the race without distraction. I must run and reach the finishing line even if people around me don't.


Dear Lord,
Surely You know the pain I have and You have heard my heart's cries.
You know what I am going through and the many tears I've shed.
I'm in agony one more time just like the last time.
It's my fault that I allowed my heart to be soft and landed myself in such stage.
Help me be strong once again, Lord, and bravely move on.
Help me finish this race and let me bring honor to Your name.

I prayer for my ex-buddy that You will keep him strong.
Protect him from all harms and keep him from falling into temptations.
Help him run the race and finish his course even if he has to run alone.
May Your mercy and grace be with him all the days of his life.
Let him know Your bigger plan for his life and help him comply.
May the people he loved be blessed because he honor Your name.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen



Tommy's Thoughts:

What is our finish line as Christian? Until we know and understand the great goal we will attain in the end, our lives in this side of eternity can be futile and meaningless. Discipline in following Christ can also be nothing but chores and self-punishment if we do not see our true finish line.

But, when we know our goal is to please God; the discipline, sacrifices and denial we must accept now seems like nothing compared to the eternal and imperishable reward we’ll gain in the end.

Dear Father, thank You for giving me a clear finish line to win the reward of being with You eternally. Guide me to train diligently, running towards my heavenly goal by continually studying Your Word, prayer, worship, praise and thanksgiving. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Emptiness Without God

Haggai 1:1-11

A Call to Build the House of the LORD

7 This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. 8 Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored," says the LORD. 9 "You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the LORD Almighty. "Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house. 10 Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. 11 I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the oil and whatever the ground produces, on men and cattle, and on the labor of your hands."

Bee's Thoughts:

Have we ever pause and think why sometimes the plans or things we wish to do fail? The above passage gives us the answer. We plan and we all the things to please ourselves rather than God. We keep all our money or time for ourselves and give little or none to God.

When we honor God, He will honor us. When we dishonor Him, He will dishonor us too. Therefore, we need to learn to give to Good what is due His.

Dear Lord,
Tonight I want to surrender the things and people I love to You. Take them all and make them Yours. I humbly bow myself before You and ask that You take my being with You too. May my life be a blessing to many when You have dealt thoroughly with me.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

Many of us today are living a life filled with pressures, demands, and expectations that push in from all sides and assault our schedules. We feel as though everyone wants a piece from us – family, friends, employer, church. Not long until we find our selves totally drained, exhausted and left little to give, we burn and run out of energy and time. And, though we can say God is number one, yet we often relegate Him to a lesser number in our long to-do list.

The book of Haggai is small and short, but it can be considered as the most relevant book for busy people like us today. It gives the solution for the madness in rushing through life, attending to so many tasks and demands daily. It also shows to us that our problem is not caused by the volume of demands or us not being good at managing our time, but it is our values – what is truly important to us (v5-6).

The book of Haggai teaches us to have the “right value and priorities” by first seeking God and His kingdom in order to have true joy in our lives. It is because God has promised to provide for our deepest needs if we were to put Him first in our lives.

Dear Father, thank You for speaking to me through the book of Haggai, reminding me of Your claim on my life and my priorities. Teach me not to put any wrong and selfish pleasures above You but instead obeying and seeking first Your kingdom and Your righteousness (Matt. 6:33). Thank You Almighty Jesus, In Your precious Name I pray, Amen.

Not “Why?” But “Who?”

Psalm 42

詩 篇 42 (Chinese Union Version (Simplified))

1 （ 可 拉 後 裔 的 训 诲 诗 ， 交 与 伶 长 。 ）

神 啊 ， 我 的 心 切 慕 你 ， 如 鹿 切 慕 溪 水 。

2 我 的 心 渴 想 　 神 ， 就 是 永 生 神 ； 我 几 时 得 朝 见 　 神 呢 ？

3 我 昼 夜 以 眼 泪 当 饮 食 ； 人 不 住 地 对 我 说 ： 你 的 　 神 在 哪 里 呢 ？

4 我 从 前 与 众 人 同 往 ， 用 欢 呼 称 赞 的 声 音 领 他 们 到 　 神 的 殿 里 ， 大 家 守 节 。 我 追 想 这 些 事 ， 我 的 心 极 其 悲 伤 。

5 我 的 心 哪 ， 你 为 何 忧 闷 ？ 为 何 在 我 里 面 烦 躁 ？ 应 当 仰 望 　 神 ， 因 他 笑 脸 帮 助 我 ； 我 还 要 称 赞 他 。

6 我 的 　 神 啊 ， 我 的 心 在 我 里 面 忧 闷 ， 所 以 我 从 约 但 地 ， 从 黑 门 岭 ， 从 米 萨 山 记 念 你 。

7 你 的 瀑 布 发 声 ， 深 渊 就 与 深 渊 响 应 ； 你 的 波 浪 洪 涛 漫 过 我 身 。

8 白 昼 ， 耶 和 华 必 向 我 施 慈 爱 ； 黑 夜 ， 我 要 歌 颂 祷 告 赐 我 生 命 的 神 。

9 我 要 对 神 ─ 我 的 磐 石 说 ： 你 为 何 忘 记 我 呢 ？ 我 为 何 因 仇 敌 的 欺 压 时 常 哀 痛 呢 ？

10 我 的 敌 人 辱 骂 我 ， 好 像 打 碎 我 的 骨 头 ， 不 住 地 对 我 说 ： 你 的 　 神 在 哪 里 呢 ？

11 我 的 心 哪 ， 你 为 何 忧 闷 ？ 为 何 在 我 里 面 烦 躁 ？ 应 当 仰 望 　 神 ， 因 我 还 要 称 赞 他 。 他 是 我 脸 上 的 光 荣 （ 原 文 是 帮 助 ） ， 是 我 的 　 神 。

Bee's Thoughts:

As I read the above passage and made them mine, I just felt so close to God. It seems that every word in the Psalm rings a bell in my experiences. I really love the Book of Psalms as it always help me express my deep seated feelings. They help me know my state of mind, to feel my inner self, and to pray to God in the right way. It helps me have the right attitude like King David in times of discouragement and stress.

I like the Chinese version for verse 1: "神 啊 ， 我 的 心 切 慕 你 ， 如 鹿 切 慕 溪 水 。" It's uses an exclamation mark when calling out to God (神 啊), which shows a deeper emotion. That's how I am feeling and I want to cry unto God.

Despite his deep emotional distress, the psalmist declared, "应 当 仰 望 　 神 ， 因 他 笑 脸 帮 助 我 ； 我 还 要 称 赞 他" (v5). Yes, despite my feelings I still want to look to God and praise Him, for He is my help.


Dear Lord,
I long and thirst for You too like the psalmist. I wish I am with You physically now. But You say I must be patient and wait for that day to come. Meanwhile You are with me in Spirit and I can feel You whenever I be still before You.
I pray that You will give me strength to stay true in obedience to You. Let me rest well tonight as I need to work tomorrow and need Your wisdom to speak rightly.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:

Often we feel defeated and lost by our inability to help our selves in a situation. We became depressed when things don’t seem to improve or change to the better. But as Christian, we should instead meditate and focus our mind unto God and His goodness to His people.

Reading Psalm 42, is like taking antidepressant when we are feeling down and overwhelmed by our situation. We’ll learn that God will supply us with the strength, peace, and hope to endure and persevere. No matter how bleak the current situation may be, we’ll have the assurance that He will take good care of us and will works things out for good eventually if we were to obey and follow Him.

Dear Father, thank You for Your love and peace that guards my heart when I felt helpless and lost. Thank You for Your grace and forgiveness that allows me to start anew, lifting me up when I fall. Lord, I pray You’ll continue to guide my path, giving me the wisdom and patience to follow and obey You in love. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

All About Gratitude

Colossians 2:6-7

Freedom From Human Regulations Through Life With Christ
6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 3:12-17

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

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

Bee's Thoughts:

Hmmn... is "love" different from all those "virtues"? Otherwise, it shouldn't say "put on Love" after listing those "virtues".

As I searched the web for the answer, I came across the explanation for this passage. What I gathered is you can have these virtues without love, but you can't have love if you don't possess these virtues. Get it? I like it's explanation on "love", it helps me know why very often we have difficulty loving someone completely....

Secondly, in the love described, there was a desire to give to the object of one’s love rather than to possess the object of one’s desire. Therefore, when Jesus dies on the cross, it’s more the point that the Father was giving men and women the fulness of His resources (that is, giving them Himself) rather than He was bringing about the possibility that He might possess a people for His own purpose.

This latter concept is true, of course, but when it comes to the outworking of God’s love, we need to see God’s work as being performed to give Himself away.

We also saw on the web page that a man cannot react properly either in obeying what God wants him to do, in loving God or loving the brethren unless he is first transformed by the love of God in Christ. The work of the cross and its application to the believer is an important cornerstone in the believer’s life from which true love comes.

In Col 3:12,14, we see the source of love coming from the new nature - but it’s equally correct to see and maintain that, unless a man receives God’s love, he won’t be in a position to reflect that love towards his fellow man or woman.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your revelation tonight about love. I pray that I will grow to love You more each day, so that I can reflect Your love that gives, rather than receive. May You do a deeper work in my life.
Tonight, I also like to pray for my buddy that you will heal his headache and help him learn to balance his work life so that he can have time left for what is more meaningful and important in life. Give him a peaceful sleep and rise up feeling fresh in the morning.
I pray that I shall do likewise and refrain from staying in my office till so late. In all I do let me glorify Your name.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:

As Christian, we represent Christ to the world. We give the impression to others about Christ by the things we say and do. Are we bringing glory and honor to Him in every aspect and activity of our daily living? What changes we should make today in our lives in order to honor Christ?

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me to do all things in the name of Jesus (v17), that they will bring true glory and honor to You. Teach me to live in peace and love with others despite the differences we may have. Lord, guide me to live and practice a life of kindness, forgiveness, thankfulness, peace and compassion that bounded together with love. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Heartprints

Acts 9:36-43

36In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas[a]), who was always doing good and helping the poor. 37About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!"

39Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

40Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. 42This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.

Bee's Thoughts:

Prayers can change things, yet we often forget to pray, instead try to solve issues with our own strength.

Yesterday, my colleagues told me he discovered that he lost his wallet when he reached home from work. It contents all his ID, driving license, his money, bank car, visa, and also the school fees he had collected from his students (more than $600). He was quite worried. I told him to pray and I assured him God would help him find it back, as I personally had such experience before. Indeed, he found his wallet in his office with all his things intact. Praise God!

Tonight, I feel very tired tonight and stressed by workload. On my way home I felt so sad as I recalled the things that happened to me lately... I felt very lonely and wish I can disappear immediately.

Tonight's devotion reminds me again that I should kneel down and pray and then wait to see miracles happen, just like in Paul's case.


Lord,
I am weak but You are strong.
Jesus, keep me from all wrongs.
I'll be satisfied as long,
as I walk, let me walk close to You.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.




Tommy's Thoughts:

We often admired people like Paul and Peter for their great gifts and faith in preaching God’s Word. We might be thinking God’s works are not for us and only for these truly gifted people of God.

From today’s passage, we learned that God also uses people like Dorcas who has the gifts of kindness to do His work. Instead of wishing we had other gifts, we should make good use of the gifts God has given us and allow God to use us in great ways.

Dear Father, thank You for the message today that reminds me to make good use of the gifts You has given to me. Teach me to be sensitive of the needs of others and always be ready to reach out and serve when You call me to. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Hearing Aid

1 Samuel 3:1-10

The LORD Calls Samuel
1 The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.

2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple [a] of the LORD, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the LORD called Samuel.
Samuel answered, "Here I am." 5 And he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me."
But Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down." So he went and lay down.

6 Again the LORD called, "Samuel!" And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me."
"My son," Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down."

7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD : The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.

8 The LORD called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me."
Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.' " So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!"
Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."

Bee's Thoughts:

It takes sensitivity to God to know the implications of situations when they happened. In the case of Eli, he only knew that God had called Samuel after the third time God called him.

Many times, we too do not know why certain things happened to us till when we quieten our hearts to listen. We tend to react very quickly when unpleasant things happened to us. But when we learn to listen, we will begin to see God's purpose unfold in our lives. We need to learn to answer like Samuel by telling God, "Speak, for your servant is listening. Let me know your plan for me in all these situations."

Today, my morning devotion message was "Adversity and Perseverance". It was taken from the book of James 1: 1-12.

2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

It's so appropriate for me. It's like God is telling to persevere despite of all happenings.

Dear Lord,
I know I am so weak and at times feel like giving up on people I trusted, respected and loved. Yet Your words have reminded me to persevere on. I ask that You may grant me wisdom to handle situations and people in the way You want me to. Let me listen to Your small still voice in all situations. May I honour You in all I do and say.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

There are those who feel troubled and puzzled with what God wanted them to do. They questioned why God didn’t speak and show His way to them clearly. This problem happened not because God does not speak to us but because of all the non-stop “noises” and distraction from our daily activities.

We hardly take the time to stop and listen to His calling. He can speak to us through His Word, people, and circumstances. When we truly prepare our heart and humbly readied ourselves to listen, we’ll know God does speak to us in great clarity every time.

Dear Father, thank You for reminding to pause from my daily busyness and spend time listening to You. Like Samuel, teach me to be always ready to say “Here I am” when You call me to action. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.