Being Natural

Read Psalm 54

Reflection of Tommy:

If we read today’s Psalm by David, we’ll see how we should approach God more naturally and spontaneously instead of following through an almost forced and ‘scripted’ way and sequence in our prayers. With honesty and true humility, we should come to God without fear to express our true feelings and needs; transitioning them towards praise and thanksgiving.

Dear Father, thank You for being my true and faithful Help, Sustainer (v4) and Deliverer (v7) in all that I have to go through in my life (sorrow; ruthless men –v3; slanderer –v5). I give You praise and all glory and honor to Your Name, O Lord, all the days of my life. Teach me to trust Your power and hold on as You will give me the strength to keep from falling (Isa. 40:31). In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Unchanging Love

Read James 1:12-20

Reflection of Tommy:

Today passage has many good reminders for us; things we often forget as we are too busy with our works and other commitments in life. Firstly, the crown of life in verse 12 is our reward of an eternal life living with God forever. God is reminding us to get ourselves ready, persevere, and staying faithful to Him for all the trial, temptations and hardship lying ahead of us.

Secondly, the reason God allow Satan to tempt us is to refine our faith and to help us grow in dependence on Christ. And, God has promised not to allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). He is teaching us to resist by turning to Him for strength and make the choice to obey His Word.

We are also reminded not to blame others for the wrong decisions we’ve made instead to accept responsible and ask for God forgiveness.

Finally, QUICK TO LISTEN, SLOW TO SPEAK AND SLOW TO BECOME ANGRY (v19).

Dear Father, thank You for leading me in a better path to seek You. Teach me to spend more time reading Your Word, remembering them well and applying them in every aspect of my life. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Putting it into Action

Read James 1:19-27

Reflection of Tommy:

Although reading, studying and listening to God’s Word is important, but it is far more important to really obey it and to do what it says. We put into action what we have learned from God by displaying them in our behavior and attitudes. James also said that when we truly obey and continues to do what God has taught us in His Word, we will be blessed in all that we do (v25).

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me to put into action all that I’ve learned from Your Word. Guide me also to be always in control of my speech (v26), slow to speak but quick to listen (v19). Keep me away from being polluted by the world’s corrupted values but instead to commit myself fully to Christ’s ethical and moral system. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Faithful Till the End

Read Daniel 3:8-20

Reflection of Tommy:

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were threatened to deny God, but they remain faithful to Him despite the terrible consequences they will face. Although they trusted God can deliver them, but they were determined to be faithful whether He intervenes or not.

We would not need faith if God always intervenes and rescued those who true to Him. Thus, we should be faithful to serve God no matters what’s the outcome of our situations. God will supply us with His sustaining grace and strength to persevere and to go through our trials. We’ll realize that our eternal reward is worth any suffering we may endure now.

Dear Father, guard my heart and mind to focus on being obedient and faithful to You till the end. Guide my every action and thoughts; lead me to Your way everlasting. May I seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, and trusting all these things shall be added unto me (Matthew 6:33). In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

My Heart Condemns Me

Read 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Reflection of Tommy:

There are many who feel so guilt-ridden by what they did in their past, that they find it so hard to fully accept God’s forgiveness, even after they have confessed them. Because of this, their memory continues to haunt and overwhelm them; bringing great pain, grief and regret into their lives.

In today’s passage, we see how Paul, who considered himself “the worst” of sinners, who has hunted down and murdered God’s people, know and understood fully God’s grace and mercy for him. Instead of feeling trapped and condemned by his past, Paul in true humility and gratitude, believe God has truly forgive him and allow himself to be used mightily for God’s works.

Dear Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy, to forgive a sinner like me. I humbly submit and offer my life as a living sacrifice to You. Mold and change me to be of better use for the extension of Your kingdom. I praise You O Lord, my only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. In the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

His Comforting Presence

Read Psalm 139:1-12

Reflection of Tommy:

We sometimes try to ‘hide’ from people; avoiding them from knowing us completely. We fear they may not like about certain things they discover about us. But with our loving God, who knows everything about us, we need not to be afraid because He will still accept and love us completely and faithfully. Not only that, God will be with us always – protecting, loving, guiding, comforting.

And as God’s lovingly and wonderfully made each one of us (v14), we should have as much respect for ourselves as He has for us. Instead of feeling worthless and hating ourselves, we should remember that His Spirit is ready and willing to work within us.

Dear Father, thank You for Your constant and comforting presence with me wherever I am or whatever I do (v7), that I can never be far from You or lost to Your Spirit. Guide me to walk ever closely to You, following all Your precepts and shining brightly the Light of Christ to the world around me. May my words and action bring all glory and honor unto You always. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

More Than We Imagine

Read 1 John 2:28–3:3

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" - 1 John 3:1

Reflection of Tommy:

Many today, including Christians, being deceived by Satan into believing that the basis of their worth is their performance and their ability to please others. We seek ways to be masters at “playing the game” to be successful, to win approval of others and to get what we want.

Failing to do so, we experience the pain of disapproval and withdraw into a shell of hurt, misery, numbness or depression. Nothing is clearer than the equation below that reflects Satan’s lie to many of us today:

Self-worth = Performance + Others’ Opinions

But, as we read in 1 John 3:1, we can trust God’s complete acceptance of us as His children (v1), allowing Him to truly free us from our dependency on success and the approval of others. We’ll realize that having a healthy sense of self-esteem and worth doesn’t rely being successful or good at pleasing others.

We know our self-worth has freely and conclusively given to us by God, not men. Therefore, we will have the attitude saying “It would be nice to be approved by so and so, but if they don’t, it’s alrite, I’m still loved and accepted by God!”

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me that the life of a follower of Christ is a process to be more and more like Him (Romans 8:29). Thank You for showing to me that true faith always result in good deeds – consistently do what is right (v28-29).

Father, remind me always that my ultimate destiny is to be like Christ completely when I see Him face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12); motivating me to purify myself to be free from the corruption of sin. Jesus, lead me to Your way, a way to a renewed hope, joy and purpose in my life. In Your Name I pray, Amen.

“That Ain’t It!”

Read Isaiah 55:6-9

"Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near." - Isaiah 55:6

Reflection of Tommy:

Isaiah tells us in today’s passage to seek God when He is near (v6). But often, daily distractions and noises from the world cause us to lose sight of God’s direction and purpose for our lives here.

We allow ourselves to easily drift away and to settle for things that are inferior, perishable and unreliable to what God is offering us. We foolishly think our ways are better and trying hard to fit God into our mold- making His plans and purposes conform to ours.

We should not repeat what the people of Israel did but to strive each God-given day to fit into His plans and purposes for us. Seek God and His truths today; acknowledge that His ways and thoughts are far higher (v9) than ours and begin trusting Him to be in control of all our situations.

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me that Your ways are far greater than anything I can see with my dim eyesight. Teach me to trust You more and to leave all things into Your hands through my prayers. Guide my ways through the Holy Spirit that I will do what You’ve planned for me in this life. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Handle With Care

Read Acts 20:27-32

"I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up." — Acts 20:32

Reflection of Tommy:

Paul cared so much for these believers that he cried over their needs (v31). He called them to be shepherds of the church of God (v28) to be always on guard, protecting themselves and other believers from bad influences around them (v30).

Similarly, we too can build strong relationships with other believers through genuine love, care, concern, sharing and praying with one another. In times of trial and difficulties, we can encourage, comfort and build one another up by giving ourselves away to others in joyful service.

Dear Father, thank You for bringing me in contact with many believers in fellowship; to grow together and responding in love and care with one another. Guard my heart and mind always, seeking Your Word daily and be guided by the Holy Spirit to be a shepherd in leading more people to know You. I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Limited But Useful

Read Matthew 25:24-28

Reflection of Tommy:

Like the last servant, many of us tend to think and focus only of our own selves most of the time. And, we give very little of our time, talent, energy and money in service to others. We find excuses to avoid doing what God calls us to do and even if we do serve, we do it unwillingly.

The parable told by Jesus in today’s passage reminds us of obeying God willingly as we claim He is our Master. We are reminded also that all our time, abilities, and money belong to God; that we are caretakers, not owners. Thus, when we ignore, squander or abuse what God has given us, we are rebelling against God and deserve to be punished.

Dear Father, thank You for Your clear reminder that I should be a more faithful and grateful caretaker of all that You have given me. Teach me to be more other-centered in seeking ways to serve Your people. Help me not to be constantly preoccupied by my wants, worries and problems, but to allow the Holy Spirit to work in me to find effective ways to reach out to others in service and love. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Miracle Or Magic?

Read John 10:24-42

"Though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him." —John 10:38

Reflection of Tommy:

There are those who ask for Christ’s proof of divinity, do so for the wrong reasons. We often hear common question like “Why was God and miracles so evident in the Bible, and seems so hidden today?". Like what the Pharisees did in 8:13, many doubters hope to prove Jesus of telling lies or did so for their selfish and perverted gain; instead of trying to search for the truth that Jesus is truly the Son of God.

But, if we look at how God’s words have been miraculously kept for us down through the ages, we know there’s no further need for extra-biblical revelations or miracles to “validate” the Bible. Everything we ever needed “for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16) are found in the Bible.

Secondly, as Christian we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who is certainly not hidden from us but continuously speaks to us daily, teaching us (1 Corinthians 2:3), reminding us of all things that Jesus taught (John 14:26), guiding, correcting, and convicting us of sin (John 16:8).

Finally, God does not give His people a continual chain of miraculous signs (Habakkuk 2:4); He expects us to trust what He has already done, to search the Scriptures daily; respond to the Holy Spirit within, and live by faith, not by sight (Matthew 16:4; John 20:29). One of the best examples of God’s “hidden” working is the book of Esther, in which God is never mentioned, but which plainly shows His sovereign hand at work from beginning to end.

Dear Father, thank You for revealing Your truth, love and grace in my heart. Thank You for the miraculous works and resurrection of Christ that has saved my soul, cleansed and made me whole again; giving me hope of an everlasting life with You. Continue to guide and lead me through the Holy Spirit in Your way everlasting. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Flawed Impressions

Read Joshua 22:10-34

Reflection of Tommy:

Very often we are quick to judge a person by mere first impression they gave to us. By assuming the worst about the intentions of others only brings trouble, misunderstandings and unnecessary conflict.

Like Phinehas in today’s passage who led a delegation to learn the truth, we too need to always seek ways to learn and hear more of the whole story before jumping into conclusions and reacting in the wrong way.

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me not to be quick in judging others but to seek open communication when interacting with others. Forgive me I pray that very often I failed to do that with my intolerant and unloving attitude; being a bad witness for Christ. Teach me to change that and to be more open to listen, learning more about a person or situation in resolving any conflicts that I may have. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

The Right Stuff

Read Galatians 1:6-12

Reflection of Tommy:

In today’s passage, Paul warned the Christians in Galatia of being in the wrong track; denying the sufficiency of Christ’s work on the cross. Similarly, how do we as Christian actually know when a teaching is perverted? How do we identify where the truth of God’s Word is twisted and distorted?

We need to be aware that they will always be people who pervert the Good News by introducing other “ways” for us to be saved. We need to constantly remind ourselves that our salvation is a gift from God and there will be absolutely nothing other than our faith in Christ alone.

Dear Father, thank You for what Christ has done for me on the cross. Teach me to always emphasize on what He has done when sharing the gospel with others. Guide my lip and all my ways that they may bring glory and honor to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Whitewater Experiences

Read 1 Chronicles 28:9-20

Reflection of Tommy:

"Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." —1 Chronicles 28:20

I was with some friends this weekend thrashing through forest and crossing streams with ridiculously strong rapid and experience the amazing sight of a huge waterfall. As we were settling down for a swim, I climbed up to this big log that fell across the stream and planning to do a plunge from there into the sandy riverbed below.

It took me awhile before making the jump. A nearby guide advised me to just close my eyes and make the jump. I did and it was so easy, I did another jump instantly after that.

Similarly in today’s passage, David advised Solomon not to be frightened about the size of his task as both king and builder of the temple. Our fear of our tasks at hand, its risks or pressure can easily immobilize us and causing us to do nothing. The remedy to this fear is not to focus on the fear but to fully trust in God and to get to work! Our loving God has promised to always be with us (v20); never fail or forsake us (v21).

Dear Father, thank You that I can be honest and direct with You at all times for You know and understand everything in my heart. Search me, try me and reveal to me any part of my heart that are not right with You, that I may ask for Your forgiveness and to be changed and refined by the power of the Holy Spirit. May my heart be always open to Your molding that I will become a better witness and more obedient follower of Christ. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Sticky Burdens

Read Psalm 32:1-7

Reflection of Tommy:

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” - Psalm 32:7

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you.” —Psalm 55:22

Most Christians know very well that we need to somehow rest all our burdens and worries to God, but not many truly understand the meaning of doing that. I found a good illustration from a book I recently read. The author described most Christians are like a man who was toiling along the road, bending under a heavy burden. As a car overtook him, the driver kindly offered to help him on his journey. He joyfully accepted the offer, but when seated in the car, he continued to bend beneath his burden, which he still kept on his shoulders!

Like the man, we too often think that it is almost too much to ask God to ‘carry’ us, and could not think of letting Him further carry our burdens too. So we who have given ourselves into the care and keeping of Jesus, often continue bending beneath the weight of our burdens, and often go weary and heavy-laden throughout the whole length of our journey. There are also those who at first fully surrender their burden, only to take them back as soon as they finish praying.

As we read through His Word, we can see how many times God has promised to take care of us when we cast all our burdens to Him. There is no great crisis or 'sticky' burden that He can’t handle for us; thus, we can fully trust Him to sustain and see us through every situation. Instead of worrying and panicking, we should pray and submit all our concerns to Him, and His peace that transcends all human understanding will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

God knows our burdens and our crosses,
Those things that hurt, our trials and losses,
He cares for every soul that cries,
And wipes the tears from weeping eyes. —Brandt

Dear Father, thank You that I can present my anxious thoughts to You any time and You faithfully supply me with Your peace and strength in return. Teach me to trust You more in ALL things that through them I can emerge stronger and become a better witness for Christ. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Integrity 101

Read Psalm 101

Reflection of Tommy:

"I will behave wisely in a perfect way...I will walk within my house with a perfect heart." —Psalm 101:2

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines integrity as “incorruptible”. Like King David, we as Christian always seek out ways to live a life of integrity and staying away from all forms of ‘corruption’ as a response to God’s love for us (v1). We can begin leading such blameless lives, not by our own strength, but through empowering the Holy Spirit working in us each day.

The Spirit will shows us how to avoid looking at wickedness (v3), evil associates (‘men of perverse heart’ – v4), slander and pride (v5). He will keep our eyes on those (friends, associates) who are faithful to God and choose them to be our models. The Spirit will also illuminate our hearts with the standards by which to live from His Word.

Dear Father, I rejoice in Your Word and of who You are; my true, sovereign and only God. Guide me to live a blameless life free from any deceit or dishonesty, to always speak the truth and do all things pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

The Perfect Storm

Read Mark 4:35-41

Reflection of Tommy:

Like the disciples, we too become panic when facing the storms of life. Though we have said we will trust in God, but there are times we still feel God is not doing anything to help our situation (v38). We can easily be paralyzed by our fear when we underestimate God’s power and His total control over our situation.

Instead of panicking, we should resist fear and putting our total trust and care in God. We should confess our need for Him and submitting all our concerns to His control. God who is faithful and sovereign will give us the right perspective over our situations. He will also supply us with the peace and strength to endure through those struggles.

Dear Father, thank You again for reminding me that You are in total control of every situation; that You will care and protect me if I rest all my trust and care into Your hands. Guide my ways and thoughts that I will be a bolder and more obedient follower of Christ. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Reach For . . .

Read Psalm 55:1-7,22

Reflection of Tommy:

In times of stress, crisis or sorrow, many tend to seek out things that bring temporary relief and escape from their problem. It doesn’t take long for those problems to crop back and haunts them again and again; leading them to seek for other ways to comfort and calm their restless heart and mind. Very often, these ways are destructive and worsen their situation even more than before.

As Christian, we need not to seek for all these temporal and negative solutions but instead we should be like David, to cast all our cares to God (v22) in times of grief and sorrow. Our faithful and loving God not only listens, knows and understands our struggles; He has also promise to sustain us with the strength, peace and grace to endure (v22).

Dear Father, thank You that I can rest all my cares unto Your hand; that You will handle them for me. Teach me to trust You on that and not taking back my burdens every time I’ve submitted to You. Guide me to earnestly seek Your Word daily and allowing the Spirit to fully work in me; changing me into the person You wanted me to be. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

A Time to Remember

Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

"Do this in remembrance of Me." —1 Corinthians 11:24

The Holy Communion reminds us of Jesus' love for us and what He has done for us. Although we may be facing all kind of challenges and dissapointment at the moment, let us partake in this communion, that we'll be renewed, cleansed and strengthen with the courage and hope we have in Him.

Dear Father, thank You for this tangible way in rememberance of Your great love for me. Search my heart and reveal to me any area of my life that are not pleasing to You, asking You for forgiveness and to repent from them.

Lord Jesus, lead and fill me with the Spirit, empowering Him to bring about a grateful and obedient heart in me. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Getting Free

Read Mark 10:17-27

Reflection of Tommy:

To be honest, many of us can associate ourselves to this young man. We believe in Christ and know well we wanted to follow Him but there are things we are unable to let go in our lives. Although the story is not about asking us to give away all our possessions but instead it shows to us that we must not allow anything we have or desire (people, money or things) keep us from following Jesus.

Another interesting thing about this story is how Jesus showed genuine love for this man despite knowing he might not follow Him (v21). His love for Him is not superficial; He lovingly but straightforwardly broke through the young man’s pride of accomplishment and self-effort through a life-changing challenge.

This question was important to this young man as it is to us today - Are we able to love God more than anything else (Exodus 20:3) in our lives and turning our lives entirely over to Christ?

Dear Father, teach and show to me what it means by giving my all to You. I will never know this truth and continue living in my wretched ways if not through the work of the Spirit in me. So Father, here I am, giving myself as an empty vessel to be filled with Your Spirit.

Lord, change my heart and open my eyes to see what a heavenly blessedness, riches and glory it is to be filled with the Spirit out of the heart of Jesus. I give myself up once for all and forever. Guide me and lead me from this day onwards. In Jesus’ mighty Name I pray, Amen!