A New Song

Psalm 98

1 Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.

2 The LORD has made his salvation known
and revealed his righteousness to the nations.

3 He has remembered his love
and his faithfulness to the house of Israel;
all the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.

4 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,
burst into jubilant song with music;

5 make music to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of singing,

6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn—
shout for joy before the LORD, the King.

7 Let the sea resound, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it.

8 Let the rivers clap their hands,
Let the mountains sing together for joy; 9 let them sing before the LORD,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples with equity.

Bee's Thoughts:

Not sure if my 'bf' had removed me from this blog by mistake or that Blogger had done. All I could do is to post as new and no longer able to edit my old posts or add to his posts anymore. :( Perhaps God wants me to spend time alone with Him at my own blog... a quiet place... just me and God....

Though I was sad and disturbed, I must thank my 'bf' for allowing me to post my devotional thoughts at his blog for the last 15 months. That has disciplined me to do my devotions consistently without fail even when I am very tired. I want to thank him for the last one-and-half year of fellowship we had in this spiritual journey.

However, our last weekend meeting has changed everything. I pray that even if we have to go our own ways, we will be strong in Christ and never be shaken in our walk with God. Whether this is the devil's way to divide and conquer, or that God is telling us it's time we stand alone, I pray that we will keep our faith and continue to spend time with God nightly. (Erm... biblical principle is unity rather than division.. so how can it be from God?)

I also want to thank my him for the 'farewell gift' he did for me tonight shown above. Indeed he has spent much time doing it for me, I know.... and I really appreciate it very very much. However, the sorrow in me tonight has dwarf my joy of receiving this precious gift. I hope he will forgive me and understand I don't mean to be unappreciative.

Yes, I really am feeling very downcast tonight, yet I want to be strong and sing to the Lord a new song like the above Psalm says.



Dear Lord,
You know how I am feeling now.... only You understand and know. Keep me strong in You Lord. Help me to sing unto You a new song even in time like this... for Your faithfulness endures forever,
I pray that my 'buddy' will also sing unto You the song You will be placing in his heart. Grant him a good night rest tonight and that he will know Your will for him in his life. May You bring him a new devotional very partner soon. May Your love and grace always stay with him.
In Your name I pray. Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:

There are many unable to accept a God that judges His people. They reasoned that a loving God will never create hell to torture and punish His creation. Furthermore, they don’t understand why a powerful being like God unable to make everyone good and destroy all evil and suffering in this world.

But, the truth is God created us a freewill being, capable to make choices. Unlike robot, we are free to choose between good and evil. God sees this as a more meaningful way for His creation to respond freely to His love for them.

But men choose to rebel and disobey God. As a result, sin entered into the world. Mankind still continues to sin, living in rebellion against God. This is why the world is filled with suffering today. Like they said, God doesn't send anyone to Hell. We send our selves there.

But, God has provided us a way to reconcile back with Him. He sent His only Son to die for our sin. God forgives and saves us from the eternal separation from Him, or hell when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. We will also receive a new life in Him and share the glory of Christ return one day, where God will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity (v9).

Dear Father, thank You for the certainty and hope I have in You. Thank You and I praise You for all the marvelous and wonderful things You have done. Thank You for the victory I have with Jesus. Lord, guide me to follow You with a faithful and joyful heart. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Spiritual Eyes

2 Corinthians 4:3-6

3-4If our Message is obscure to anyone, it's not because we're holding back in any way. No, it's because these other people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention. All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness. They think he can give them what they want, and that they won't have to bother believing a Truth they can't see. They're stone-blind to the dayspring brightness of the Message that shines with Christ, who gives us the best picture of God we'll ever get.

5-6Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we're proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, "Light up the darkness!" and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.

Bee's Thoughts:

This Christmas season doesn't seem to be any different from other ordinary days. I couldn't feel much of its atmosphere. When I was in KL last weekend, though I saw Christmas trees displaying in shopping malls and hotels, yet I wondered if people know the true meaning of Christmas.

I was 'ambushed' by my 'bf' last Sunday while in KL and he 'hijacked' me from the rest of my church members. Gosh! I didn't know what to do or how to react but I could feel his persistency in wanting to be with me for that day. I finally relented. No Christmas present or any gift from him, but the gift of his time is more precious than any gift to me. Can people see this? Maybe not.

Likewise, non-believers can't see the true meaning of Christmas no matter how hard we try to share with them. At times, even Christians may be blinded by the devil or our own selfish desires to view Christmas as a time of indulgence. We need to pray and ask God to open our spiritual eyes to see the truth. Only the truth can set us free.

Christmas is all about God's love for mankind.
Christmas is all about peace to those who sigh.
Christmas is all about how we may do things nice.
Christmas is all about how to give of our time.

- Bee

Dear Lord,
Search my heart tonight and cleanse me from my hidden sins and things that obscure my sight from seeing what You want me to see.
I pray also that this Christmas will bring forth Your glory, that sinners may be set free from the bondage of the devil. May peace dwell in people's hearts as they let Christ reign.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

When we share the Good News to others, are we bringing glory to God and what Christ has done or merely to make us appear godly or wise (v5)? Our pride to show off our abilities and accomplishments may not only hinder God’s true message to non-believers but also giving them a bad impression of Christian in general. We should focus on Jesus and what He has done on the Cross whenever we have the opportunity to witness for Christ.

Dear Father, forgive me of sometimes being a bad witness for Christ, focusing only on glorifying myself rather than on You in front of others. Teach me to change this attitude and to learn the right way to share to those who yet to know Christ, effectively.

Lord, thank You for Your forgiveness and the great hope and promises I have in You. Thank You that no matter what happens to me in this life, I have the clarity and assurance of an eternal destiny with You and my loved one, when all suffering will end and all sorrow will flee away (Isaiah 35:10). Lord, I continue to pray for strength, peace and patience to love, trust and obey.

I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Equip with His Word

2 Timothy 3:14-17

14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Bee's Thoughts:

Because the bible is the word of God,it contains many words of wisdom that can save our life if we follow its instructions. It managed to survived through many centuries though many people tried to destroy it. Well, that's proof even that the bible is special and is life.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for keeping me on the right track as I read Your word everyday. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Let me hide Your words in my heart that I may not sin against You.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:

Without a good foundation in our belief and the truths of God’s Word, it is easy to be led astray to abandon our faith when pressured or distracted by influences around us. Thus, we need to spend time daily to reflect on God’s eternal truths found in the Bible, using it to guide our every action and also equipping us with the wisdom to distinguish the various false teachings around us.

God’s Word helps to build up our lives, directing right paths for us and leading us to live for God and His purpose.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me the importance to regularly study, reflect and apply Your Word in my daily life. Lord, guide me to seek Your truths, using it to safeguard against all the wrong teachings around me, and to stand firm in my life and faith. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

The Right Attitude

Philippians 2:5-11

5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Bee's Thoughts:

We know that attitude is more important than aptitude. A person who is intelligent or talented but with a bad attitude will not go far as one who has got a good attitude to learn and share.

Here we are told to have the same attitude as Christ, which is servanthood and obedient. To be a leader we have to learn to serve others and be obedient to the one who is our leader (Jesus Christ).

Dear Lord,
Teach me humility and love that I may serve others and be obedient to You. I pray that I will learn to have the same attitude of Christ.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:
As Christian, how should we serve others? We can learn from Jesus’ attitude of true humility and servanthood. He serves others out of His love for others and obedience to the Father. By first choosing this attitude, we are then able to lay aside our rights in order to truly serve others effectively for God’s kingdom.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me to imitate Jesus’ love and attitude of humility and servanthood. Lord, guide me not to only focus on myself but to look for opportunities to serve others out of love and compassion. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Learning To Lament

Lamentations 3:19-27

19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.

20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.

21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:

22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."

25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;

26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.

27 It is good for a man to bear the yoke
while he is young.

Bee's Thoughts:

God's love and compassion are "new every morning"like the morning dew. That's why even though we who hope and trust in Him are downcast at times, yet we can be restored in our soul and spirit whenever we pour our sorrows unto God. God is faithful in seeing us through each life's trial.

Personally I have experienced how God delivered me from my broken-hearted spirit whenever I lament before Him. In my despondency and helplessness the Lord always remind me that:

"A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench"(Isaiah 42:3; Matthew 12:20)

Yes, God will not forsake me in my time of great sorrow and will not break me till I am beyond repair.


Dear Lord,
Thank You that each time I lament about my sorrows to You,You always hear me. Thank You for Your great love, Your compassion and faithfulness to me. Even now, I pray that You'll look into my heart and and heal me completely from all wounds and let me rejoice in You always.
I pray likewise for my buddy in Your word that You too will do a complete restoration and healing job in his heart, mind and spirit, so he can serve You and be a blessing to others without any hindrance.
Thank You also for bringing my brothers and sisters in Christ together with me home safely, even though we were driving in the midst of darkness and the heavy pouring rain tonight.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:
How will our future turn out to be? Sometimes, the future unknowns and uncertainties can be quite overwhelming and daunting to us. We can see that there are many out there who live in fear, feeling lost and aimless; there are also those who feel trapped in an inescapable situation in life; and there’re many too who have doubt about their life will ever turn around and become better tomorrow.

As Christians, how should we respond when we face similar situation or feeling? Like Jeremiah in today’s passage, we can learn to pray to God, pouring out all our emotions and feelings of grief and bitterness to Him when we face difficult trials in life. Not only that, by knowing how faithful and good our God really is, we can have the peace, patience and hope to wait for Him to make things right and perfect for us one day.

Dear Father, although I do not know or understand about what tomorrow may holds, I’ll still trust and wait for Your timing and plans for me. Teach me Lord not to be short-sighted and impatient while waiting for You because You are always faithful and compassionate to those who follow and obey You. Thank You and I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Dirty Jobs

Matthew 8:1-4

The Man With Leprosy
1When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. 2A man with leprosy[a] came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."

3Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured[b] of his leprosy. 4Then Jesus said to him, "See that you don't tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."

Bee's Thoughts:

The leper in the above passage rightly identified that if God is willing all things all possible. Jesus is ever willing to heal us of our 'leprosy' (uncleanness). We need to learn to pray in God's will so that what we pray and hope for are in line with God's will. Only then can we see things happening.

Dear Lord,
Teach me to always remember to pray in accordance to Your will instead of mine. May Your will be done in my life so that Your glory will shine through me.
In Jesus' I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

Today, who are the lepers? If we really care enough to look around us, we’ll find many of these marginalized and destitute people in need of our love, care, support and guidance. A good example is drug dependents. The number of addicts is surging every year, but voluntary workers are few. There are various Christian initiated rehabilitation centers out there that need our help and contribution.

We can help out in so many ways like recommending and awarding these centers with work projects, sponsoring their residents, employing those graduated from these centers, providing skills and training, or just taking time by doing ministering and praying for them. As Jesus has said in Matthews 25:40: “...Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me to go out and serve Your people instead of always focusing only on myself. Lead me to show compassion and care for those who are less fortunate and follow Your leading to help and contribute them. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Overcoming Evil With Good

Luke 9:51-56

Samaritan Opposition
51As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them[a]?" 55But Jesus turned and rebuked them, 56and[b] they went to another village.

Bee's Thoughts:

Dear Lord,
You are so forgiving and we need follow Your example. Help me to forgive fully those who have hurt me do much. Set me free from my own prison cell of unforgiveness if any. Let me love my enemies and thereby fulfill Your law of love.
In Jesus' name I pray.

Tommy's Thoughts:
Like James and John, we sometimes do feel like retaliating when others reject or scorn us. Although we may not necessary be doing something clearly evil, but in a subtle way, we try bringing down that person whenever there’s an opportunities or treating them unfairly all the time.

Today passage shows how Jesus rebuked this attitude of retaliation because judgment belongs only to God. Instead of repaying evil with evil, we are called to overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:19-21) and leaving vengeance to God.

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me about not taking things into my own hands; but instead trusting You to be the Judge for all injustice. Teach me to have the patience and wisdom to know when to speak and when to be silent, and always act in peace and with gentleness. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Certainty in You

Isaiah 9:1-7

6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, [b] Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Bee's Thoughts:

The birth of a child in a family always bring much joy to the family. The birth of Jesus bring forth salvation to mankind. He was born to be our:

Wonderful counselor - when we need wisdom and advice, Jesus is the best counselor and we need to seek Him for guidance

Almighty God - Jesus knows everything and can do miracles in our lives when we allow trust in Him

Everlasting Father - his love for us as a loving Father never end

Prince of Peace - peace is what we can receive if we allow Him to rule our heart and soul


Dear Jesus,
Thank You for being all in all to me. I need You to be my counsellor and be my peace in my life. As I lie down to sleep tonight I pray that your I shall have a peaceful rest and wake up in the morning to discover Your wonderful love for me.
Amen




Tommy's Thoughts:

At times, we may feel all alone to deal with our problems, and that God has abandoned us. In our gloom and distress, we fear our sorrows and problems will never end; that there’s no light at the end of the tunnel.

Although sometimes God does seem far away and not taking us around our problems, but we need not to be disheartened and stay in despair. Despite how difficult it may be, God has promised to lead us safely through them when we stand firm and follow Him wholeheartedly.

Dear Father, thank You for the peace and comfort from the certainty I have in You. Lord, make me strong when I am weak, keep me awake when I’m asleep, change my heart when I’m wavering and let me see Your light when I’m lost in the dark. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Money Talks

Luke 12:13-21

The Parable of the Rich Fool
13Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."

14Jesus replied, "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?" 15Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

16And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. 17He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.'

18"Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." '

20"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'

21"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."

Bee's Thoughts:

As I search for the meaning on "greed" I came across the following Definition Of Greed
- Obsessed With Abundance Over God
- Never Satisfied
- Wants Everything For Free
- Greed Always Works Under False Pretenses

The above passage links "all kinds of greed" to "abundance... possessions" (v14). Greed causes us to want more than we need and causes us to have wrong priorities in life. We may work so hard for the extra money that we don't need and thereby give no time to God or to people who need our time.

Like what a speaker said yesterday, we need to learn to simplify things in our life. Some of the things to simplify are:
- our purpose
- our priority
When we can do this, greed will not be able to control our life.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me not to be greedy in any way but to show love for others. Help me do what's right in Your sight, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.




Tommy's Thoughts:

Today, we face constant pressure to buy and own the best and the latest products in the market. Most of the times, these expensive enticements are neither important nor something we truly need. We fool our selves by thinking they will make us happier, more fulfilled, and more comfortable? It doesn’t takes long before we get tired and bored with these ‘toys’, dumping them and seek out new replacement to fill our emptiness.

Jesus in today passage says a truly good life has nothing to do with worldly possessions and wealth. He also warns us to be on guard against greed because of our desire for what we don’t have. Although, there is nothing wrong to have money or to work hard for it, but we need to be aware of not focusing solely in accumulating earthly, perishable wealth and disastrously neglecting things with eternal value.

We need to start tuning out unnecessary spending or short-sighted planning. Instead, we should make good use of what God has given us for His kingdom. Our mind and heart should always concentrate on living in a close relationship with God, doing His work and to have goals beyond our short life here on earth.

Dear Father, thank You for Your clear and precise lesson today. Thank You for showing to me about having true values and priorities and that faith, service and obedience are the way to become rich toward You. Lord, I pray that You will continue to guide and strengthen me to wisely use what I have been given to promote Your glory and aid in the extension of your kingdom here on earth. In Jesus’ mighty Name I pray, Amen.

One in Christ

Galatians 3:26-4:7

Sons of God
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 4

1What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. 4But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba,[a] Father." 7So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

Bee's Thoughts:

It's so sad that though Christians are suppose to be one in Christ, yet there are so many divisions amongst them. Christians can be against Christians or even hurt each other knowingly or unknowingly.

Christians are no different from non-Christians as long as they do not live according to the word of God which says,

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:30-31)


Dear Lord,
I know it pains Your heart to know that Your Children are not one as You and the Father is one. I pray that You will forgive us and help us to love You with all our heart, soul and strength and to love our neighbours as ourselves. Help us to be one in Christ, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.




Tommy's Thoughts:
We tend to gravitate towards people who are similar to us and feel uncomfortable when around those who are different from us. But, we learn from the Bible that faith in Christ makes every believer equal and one (v28) in Christ; no one is higher, more privileged or superior than others. Instead of making distinctions and separating our selves, we need to seek out and appreciate our fellow believers who are different from us.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching and guiding me to do what is right yesterday. It is You who has moved me to show warmth, care and concern for Your people. And thank You for showing me how faithful and obedient these brothers of mine. Their faith, gratefulness and love for You has greatly encouraged me to be a better follower of Christ. Lord, I pray that You will continue to guide me in everything I say or do. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen

Does God Forget?

Hebrews 8:6-13

6But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises.

7For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. 8But God found fault with the people and said[a]:
"The time is coming, declares the Lord,
when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah.
9It will not be like the covenant
I made with their forefathers
when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of Egypt,
because they did not remain faithful to my covenant,
and I turned away from them, declares the Lord.
10This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time, declares the Lord.
I will put my laws in their minds
and write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
11No longer will a man teach his neighbor,
or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,'
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest.
12For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more."[b]

13By calling this covenant "new," he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear.

Bee's Thoughts:

Very often I wish that I can have a magic eraser so that all my bad memories and past sins can be totally erased. At times the devil may condemn me or make me feel small and unworthy. But tonight God has just reminded me, "I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more" (v12).

"As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:12


Dear Lord,
I feel so small, stupid, and unworthy today. I did the most stupid things ever in my life to think I can find comfort and love in human. I am dead wrong and deserve to suffer for my foolishness and simplicity. Forgive me for being such a naive person. Forgive me for following my heart instead of learning to love You alone. Forgive me dear,Lord.
Thank You for Your promise to remove my transgressions and remember my sins no more. Let me start anew, let me be free from all such entanglements so I can love You, and You alone. Take my heart, Lord. Amen




Tommy's Thoughts:
It is amazing how God changes a person and gives them a new start in life when they had took a wrong path in life. He has also promised to remember no more all their past sins. Even after families and society long abandon and gave up on them, God is still faithfully there to build them up and give them hope of a brighter future tomorrow.

Through God’s new covenant, His laws will lives and works inside us, guiding and helping us to change each day. The Holy Spirit reminds us of God’s Word, activates our consciences, influences our motives and desires, and making us want to obey and serve God joyfully.

Dear Father, thank You for opening my eyes and changing my perception. Thank You for showing me how to serve and care for Your people in need. Lead me to trust You more and to follow as You’ve called me to. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Joy In Trials?

James 1:1-8

1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.

Trials and Temptations
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. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Bee's Thoughts:

I just came back from a 2-days mission trip today. We visited the poor villagers and also an orphanage to celebrate Christmas with them. Though the people there are poor, and the orphans have no parents, yet I could see the joy in them when we celebrated with them in songs, dance and giving them little gifts. It's very touching to see a number of them raise their hands to worship God and closed their eyes tight in prayers to God. Aren't they in worst condition than I am? Yet they can rejoice knowing that God cares for them through us.

Tonight's devotion reminds me that all the trials I am facing now is to teach me to be even more persevering than before. If God has kept me from falling in my past trials, surely He will continue to keep me in my current trials. All I need is to know that God is carving a beautiful being out of me through all that I am going through now. Therefore, I should rejoice that I have a God who cares for me and He knows how much I can take. All I need is to ASK from Him wisdom to handle these trials appropriately.


Dear Lord,
You have asked me to ASK You for wisdom when I face trials. Therefore, I am asking You now to grant me the the wisdom to know the difference between what I can change and what I can't. Give me the Your peace and serenity to accept what I can't change.Give me Your grace and courage to change what I can. May my life be what You want me to be.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.




Tommy's Thoughts:

It may be easy to be good, kind and generous when we’re fine and everything is going well. But, will we be the same when others treating us badly or we are under stress or feeling distressed?

To consider it pure joy (v2) doesn’t means to pretend to be happy when we are in pain, but rather to have a positive outlook that our trials produce perseverance in us, building our character- making us mature and complete and helping us to grow in our faith. God has promised to be close with us through these rough times, helping us to solve our problems or giving us the strength to endure.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me to be patience and to trust You at all times. Lord, teach me also not to complain or be shortsighted when things don’t go the way I wanted them to be, but instead to pray to You for wisdom and the grace to trust and obey. Lead me to commit wholeheartedly to Your loving care and seeing all trials as opportunities to grow to be more like Christ. I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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.