Choose Your Alliances Carefully

2 Corinthians 6:14

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?"


2 Chronicles 18:28-19:3

Ahab Killed at Ramoth Gilead
2 Chronicles 19:
1 When Jehoshaphat king of Judah returned safely to his palace in Jerusalem, 2 Jehu the seer, the son of Hanani, went out to meet him and said to the king, "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD ? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you. 3 There is, however, some good in you, for you have rid the land of the Asherah poles and have set your heart on seeking God."

Bee's Thoughts:

Someone says, "If you want to know a person, know his/her friends." As the saying goes, "Birds of the feathers flock together". The Chinese idiom says, "It takes 3 years to learn something good but 3 days to learn something evil." The bible says, "Bad company corrupts good character." (1 Corinthians 15:33)

Yes, our innate evil plus the advocates of devil constantly try hard to make us do wrong. Therefore, choosing our friends, companions, associates, business partners, marriage partners, are very important decisions in life.

Today's devotion led me into searching the web to learn more about "friendship" since having the right friends is so important. I found the answers to "What is true friendship according to the Bible?" very wise as they are based on biblical principles...

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you..." (John 15:13-15)

"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17).

"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24).

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful" (Proverbs 27:6).

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:17).

"Can two walk together, except they be agreed" (Amos 3:3).

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).

Yes, I have many aquaintances (online and offline), work associates, course mates, church members, etc... but not many of them are my "friends". Some of them are my "friends" because they are like what the author says:
"A friend is one whom you can be yourself with and never fear that they will judge you. A friend is someone that you can confide in with complete trust. A friend is someone you respect and that respects you, not based upon worthiness but based upon a likeness of mind."


Dear Lord, thank You for the few "friends" I have in my life. They are the ones who really care and are concern for me, who encourage me when I am down, who help me when I need help, who share my joy and sadness, who can sense it when I am crying, who accepts me as I am, who also dare to bare their hearts to me.

Most of all thank You for being my greatest "friend". Without Your friendship, I would be dead long ago.

Let me be a "friend" to others, even though they might not be a "friend" to me. Amen.



.......the devotion of Bee

A Glimpse Of Glory

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Tommy's Thoughts:
It’s never easy to be a Christian. In fact, we are constantly fighting a battle with the enemy within us. But whenever I grew weary and was about to give up, I will look back to what God has promised and also the person I used to be, before accepting Christ. One word to describe that old self: reckless. This recklessness manifested itself in the way I make decisions; the way I act and think, the way I plan things and the way I relate to others.

Now, I can clearly understand the necessity, purpose and importance for all these “momentary troubles” that I’m going through ever since. Its God’s molding process to prepare me for His eternal glory. I’ve changed the way I handle relationships, tasks and situations. My values and priorities changed. I’ve stopped wasting time on many unnecessary things; and focusing on things that matters most like relationships with others.

Lord, I pray to You to keep me at peace, be bold and strong whenever I’m dealing with trials in my life. Lord, I will fix my eyes on You alone and living my life in light of eternity. Thank you Lord for renewing me everyday and to give me the strength and peace as I continue on my walk as a Christian with hope and joy. Amen.



Bee's Thoughts:
The passage for the devotion today is so short. Yet it seems God is telling me again and again to look to the future hope, future destiny, rather than my current condition. I need to have faith and hope though I can't see things clearly...

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
- Hebrews 11:1


Dear Lord, thank You that you know my thoughts and feelings very well... You know I need encouragement. And You are encouraging me again this morning to have faith and hope in You, to turn my eyes upon Jesus. Thank You.



.......the devotion of Bee and Tommy

Touched At Christmas

Matthew 18:1-7; Matthew 19:13-15

Matthew 18: The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven

1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"

2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

7 "Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!

Matthew 19: The Little Children and Jesus

13 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

Bee's Thoughts:

Looking at children playing at the beach always brings joy to my heart. Why? 'Cos I guess they portray their simplicity, innocence, carefree heart, no pretence, purity, sincerity, energy, enthusiasm, truthfulness, relaxation, and many, many more... I wish I don't have to grow up.

But as a grown-up now, God wants me to remain as a child in my heart when comes to evils, yet as a matured adult in my thinking when comes to doing good... that is love. So I am.


Thank You, Father, that I am your previous child whom You will accept all the time. Thank You for consoling me when I cry, for picking me up when I fall, for carrying me when I am too tired to walk, for letting me sleep in Your arms... Thank You very much.



.......the devotion of Bee

Coming Full Circle

Luke 15:11-32

The Parable of the Lost Son

11 Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them...

16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything...

20 So he got up and went to his father.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'

22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate...

28 "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'

31 " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "

Tommy's Thoughts:

There are many times I have run away from God in pursuit of worldly fulfillment that not only never satisfied but has pulled me down to the lowest point in my life. I would have stay there in the pit with continued remorse and regret. But, I went back to God every time.

There are two things that led me to do this:

1. When I hit rock bottom, I came to accept my spiritual poverty and understand that without God everything will eventually fail and disappoint. I realized He is the only Way, the Truth and the Life.


2. My knowledge of God’s love and forgiveness for me. Knowing God is like the father in the parable, I made the decision to respond to His love by going back to Him.

Thank you Lord for your forgiveness as I’ve rebelled against You so many times with my attitude and actions towards others. But Lord, guard my heart so that I will not use this as an excuse to stray away from You. I will continue to work out my salvation (Philippians 2:12-18) as You’ve never condone sins or ignore their seriousness in permanently affecting our future if we were to ‘toy around’ them. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bee's Thoughts:

Sometimes I am like the younger son...
wondering away from God when He blessed me so much;
then I would return to Him all brokened,
needing His forgiveness and restoration.

Sometimes I am like the older son...
wondering why God is so gracious to receive one who's left;
why is attention given to one who isn't faithful,
why is my faithfulness taken for granted?

Do I really know the heart of my Father?
Do I realize how deep is His love for the lost?
Do I share His purpose and desires?
Do I really know Him?

To know one well is to know one's heart and intentions,
even when one's actions seem to puzzle.
To love one truly is to share one's dreams and longings,
as if they are my very own.

- Bee

Let me know Your heart and share your desires, Father.

.......the devotion of Bee & Tommy

Just Imagine!

Ezekiel 1:1-5

The Living Creatures and the Glory of the Lord

1 In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.

2 On the fifth of the month—it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin- 3 the word of the LORD came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the Kebar River in the land of the Babylonians. There the hand of the LORD was upon him.

4 I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north—an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal, 5 and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In appearance their form was that of a man,


Ezekiel 1:22-28

22 Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was what looked like an expanse, sparkling like ice, and awesome. 23 Under the expanse their wings were stretched out one toward the other, and each had two wings covering its body. 24 When the creatures moved, I heard the sound of their wings, like the roar of rushing waters, like the voice of the Almighty, like the tumult of an army. When they stood still, they lowered their wings.

25 Then there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads as they stood with lowered wings. 26 Above the expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. 27 I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. 28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.
This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.

Bee's Thoughts:

"Why do you show me this passage today, Lord?", I asked within my soul as I see no teaching on practical life in the verses above.

But as I waited for the Lord to speak to me, I felt in my heart that God is trying to tell me to imagine the glory I would behold when I see him face to face one day. I guess I would be speechless, bowing low in worship of Him in His majesty and glory, like in the vision of Ezekieh and John.

Then I felt within my spirit that God wants to encourage me again by reminding me that the pains and sufferings I have now cannot be compared to the glory I shall see and receive in the future when Christ comes again.



Thank You, Lord, for this revelation. You know how I am feeling today.... You know I need encouragement. I am waiting to see You for the first time, Lord, though I already know You and have fellowship with You for many years. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen



.......the devotion of Bee

When I'm Afraid

Psalm 56

3 When I am afraid,
I will trust in you.

4 In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?

5 All day long they twist my words;
they are always plotting to harm me.

8 Record my lament;
list my tears on your scroll —
are they not in your record?

9 Then my enemies will turn back
when I call for help.
By this I will know that God is for me.

10 In God, whose word I praise,
in the LORD, whose word I praise-

11 in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

12 I am under vows to you, O God;
I will present my thank offerings to you.

13 For you have delivered me from death
and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life.

Tommy's Thoughts:
Doubt is not the opposite of faith. But, fear is. When we do not trust or forget about God’s care and promises for us, fear tends to fill up our heart. We will forget things like what God has said about how all things will work together for good. We become easily troubled, upset, discouraged and continually dwell on our problems with all kind of worries and fears.

What I’ve learnt from this Psalm is that we first need to determine in our heart how we should respond to a situation when we say we trust God. In verse 11, David determines in his heart boldly that he will not be afraid. When we truly trust God, we will realize that nothing can happen to us that God does not allow. When we learn to practice this trust, we will stop feeling stressful, afraid or uncertain on things. We will have the confidence and peace in knowing that God will get us through all the storms in life.

Thank you Lord, for You are always with me. I will trust in you Lord in everything. Thank you for giving me the peace, courage and strength when facing with challenges along life’s journey. Amen.

Bee's Thoughts:

Perhaps you're "in a cave" today. You too can say,
"In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid" (v.11).
—David Roper


Be it in the olden days or the morden days, a person's close encounter with God seems to happen whenever he/she is afraid or fearful, and is alone. King David wrote beautiful Psalms and trusted in God most in such situations.

Likewise I wrote poem best during my despair and time left alone. It's there I find peace with God. When I'm afarid, I always call on the name of Jesus... for

"at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father."
- Philippians 2:10-11



Thank You, Father, that I can call on Your name when I am afraid and You will remove all my fears.... for I trust in You. Amen


.......the devotion of Bee and Tommy

Greater Grace

Romans 3:21-30

Righteousness Through Faith

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

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

Bee's Thoughts:

This passage reminds me again that there's nothing I can boast about for what I am today. There are many people who have said nice things about me or thank me for the things I did for them, for making a difference in their life. But I know deep in my heart that these things wouldn't be said if not for the grace and mercy of God in my life.

Therefore, where is my boasting? NONE! Who am I to judge another? I am also a sinner, saved by grace through faith.

Very often, after God has delivered us from certain sins we become too eager to tell another person who has commited similar sins to repent. We forgot about the grace of God and we start to point our fingers at the other person. We forgot what Jesus said to the people trying to condemn the woman caught in adultery. He said, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Then he turned to the woman, "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." (John 8:1-11). This is the meaning of grace and forgivness.

I am guilty of such behaviour at times too. But I have learnt that I should be gracious, gentle and sensitive towards the person whom I like to help. I have learnt that cerain things are best left to be said by the Spirit of God rather than by me. I have learnt that I should pray more and talk less.


Thank You for these lessons, Lord.


.......the devotion of Bee

Agree to Disagree Agreeably

Matthew 10:13-14

13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.

Acts 15:36-41

36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Tommy's Thoughts:
Lately a close Christian friend of mine “came back“to God after being away from Him for some time. As I think back the time when my friend was giving up, I was there encouraging and explaining the promises, hopes and all the other good things about God, to convince her to stay. Sometime, I made the matters worst by heatedly defending God and ended up arguing with my friend. Sometime, the argument was so bad that both of us didn’t talk to each other for some time.

I have tried all kind of ways to talk, to explain, to persuade but nothing seems to work. I acted this way solely because I sincerely care and concern for my friend and I know being away from God too long is dangerous. Despite all the disagreements, we still remain as good friend and I did pray constantly for her to return to God. Then, a week ago, an incidence brought her back to God. She started to thank God and trust in Him again. Praise the Lord!

I admit that there were times I was tempted to feel really disappointed and depressed over my failures. But Jesus said “Shake the dust off your feet and move on.“ I realized now that sometime after we have tried our very best, God might ask us to move on by not being burdened. We need to agree to disagree agreeably with the other person without feeling depressed or letting it to bear us down. Our mightily creative God perhaps will send another person to reap where we've sown or like my friend, by allowing certain circumstances to bring His children back to his side.

.......the devotion of Tommy

Accident Or Design?

Romans 1:18-20

God's Wrath Against Mankind

18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Bee's Thoughts:

Sometimes I like to sit at the beach in the day,
Looking at the sky and wonder at its beauty.
Sometimes I like to look out of my window at night,
Looking at the stars and moon and sense their tranqulity.
Sometimes I like to travel to where mountains are,
And marvel at how they show God's glory.
- Bee

Like what Psalm 19:1 says, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." The sceneries of mountains and sky are just so beautiful and magnificent... who else can create them? When we look at the creation of the world, the universe, the solar system, the living things and us humans, we can't deny the existence of someone greater than all these. How can they be the result of an 'accident'?

"For I dipped into the Future, far as human eye could see; saw the vision of the world, and all the wonder that would be."
-Alfred Lord Tennyson, 1842

"My view of our planet was a glimpse of divinity."
-Edgar Mitchell, USA

I find it hard to understand why some people think that we all exist by 'accident' or by 'evolution' when they know that planning is important even for things not as great as the creation of the world. "Failing to plan is planning to fail", as the saying goes.



Dear Lord, You are such a great and mighty God. You are so majestic and divine. Yes, my eyes cannot see You, but I see You in Your creation, I can feel You in my spirit. I know You are with me everywhere I go. Thank You for this reminder again.


.......the devotion of Bee

A Refreshing Change

2 Corinthians 8:1-9

Generosity Encouraged
1 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.

3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.

6 So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

Tommy's Thoughts:
It’s the time of the year where I start shopping for Christmas gifts for friends and family. Every year was roughly the same kind of gifts: books, chocolates, candles, music CDs, shoes, etc. Sometime I felt really bored and tired about this whole gift exchange exercise. I have pile of candles and Christmas decorative in my storage box that I have never use before; worst still, there are some I haven’t even unwrap. I figured it is the same with my gifts at my friend’s place.

Sometimes, I wondered why we give something knowing others might not need them while withholding other things like time, attention and helps to those who really need them. There are times also, we give grudgingly or only when expecting something in return. When we look at Jesus, the ultimate Gift from God to us, we’ll see the Giving as a response of a genuine love God have for us.

We don’t have to look far, just take some time and look around us; they might be someone at our workplace, church or at home that need our attention and helps. Like the Macedonian churches, we need to give ourselves first to God. Then, through God’s grace and faith in His gifts to us; we give to those people with a sincere, generous, willing, eager and cheerful heart. And this giving provides us a way to thank God for His gift of salvation for all of us.


Bee's Thoughts:

As Christians, we are encouraged to give ourselves to God first, then to others generously acccording to God's will. We shouldn't be complacent just to know that we are already doing well in other areas of our life. Giving seems to be the best test of our faith, for "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." (James 2:17). Jesus is the best example of love and giving... though He was rich, he became poor because He loves us.

One of the song we are practising for the coming Christmas choir is "A Gift", in Mandarin. This is my old favorite because it talks about giving a gift to someone... very appropriate for the Christmas season. It says that you can't force a person to accept your gift, no matter how good your gift is, if that person doesn't want to accept it.

Therefore, even though we know how good Jesus is in our own life, we can't force anyone to accept Him... our only hope and prayer is others would "Taste and see that the LORD is good" (Psalm 34:8)



My English translation of the lyric (for the benefit of those who can't read Chinese):

A GIFT

Verse 1:
There is a gift... have you received it?
Your eyes can't see it but your heart feels it,
This gift is awaiting at your heart's door,
Specially addressed to you, and others can't take it.

Chrous:
There's a limit to life,
Time will also pass away,
If you don't treasure them,
Opportunity will slip by.
Though the gift is good,
But if you don't want it,
How could you ever receive? (2x)

Verse 2:
My dear friend, have you ever thought that
The child in the manger came because of you?
My dear firend, will you ever understand that
The best gift is Jesus Christ, the Lord?



Thank You, Lord, for Your 'Gift'. It's so beautiful and I treasure it. I pray that others will also come to recieve this special Gift this Christmas season. Let me learn to give generously just like You have given Yourself to me. Amen.


.......the devotion of Bee and Tommy

Lose the Love that Fades (Part 2 of 2)

Romans 12:9

9 Be sincere in your love for others. Hate everything that is evil and hold tight to everything that is good.

Tommy's Thoughts:
God’s version of love is totally the opposite of the world’s self-centered and feelings-governed love. Nothing describes God’s Love better than the death of His Son, Jesus Christ on the Cross. God’s selfless and perfect love to save the fallen world is the kind of love He wants us to have in our relationship.

Characteristics of God’s version of Love:

1. It is other-centered. It is never about self-fulfillment but about giving and to serve and bless others.
   
   
2. It is not governed by feelings. If it is, Jesus would have not died on the Cross as He didn’t feel to die when He was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane.
   
   
3. It is under our control. We don’t “fall in love” and use it as an excuse to act recklessly and irresponsibly. Instead, it is a choice we make like how Jesus chose to love us.
   
   
4. It is patient. It is not about immediate gratification. It waits on Gods assigned seasons of our lives. God has many wonderful experiences planned for us and we need to be patient and pursue them at His time. Examples are like developing true, meaningful friendship and wait on emotional intimacy; and reserving sex for marriage.
   
   
5. It is truthful. God’s love is sincere, genuine and earnest; there is no room for any lies, deceit, hypocrisy, hidden agendas or manipulation.
   
   
6. It is responsible. It is commitment-based. It is not about just to have some short-term fun or feeling good. It’s about totally committed to build each others, to make things work and to trust one another. It also embraces the responsibility to be representative of Christ's love to the world.
   

Whenever we forget about how to love others God’s way, just think of Jesus on the Cross. That is the true Love! Let us lose the love that fades and take on a new paradigm of what God defined as true Love and begin practicing this love in our lives today. Amen!

Amazing Grace

Ephesians 2:1-10

Made Alive in Christ

1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Bee's Thoughts:

Amazing grace—how sweet the sound—
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see.
—Newton


Dear Lord, Jesus, I can never thank You enough for Your grace to me. Without You, I would be lost and blind just like what the song says. Your grace is always sufficient for me in all my trials and temptations. Not only that, by Your grace, I have been raised to be seated in the heavenly realms with You... the devil shall have no power over me. Praise You!

Let my life be a channel of blessing to others, that they too might be touched by Your grace and mercy. Thank You, Lord!


.......the devotion of Bee

Where Will Death Lead?

1 Corinthians 15:12-26

The Resurrection of the Dead

12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

Bee's Thoughts:

"The last enemy to be destroyed is death." (v 25). This verse suddenly jumped at me when I read the passage. Death is our enemy! We die because this enemy is still alive. But it shall be destroyed when Jesus Christ comes again for those who trusted in Him. What a blessed assurance!


Thank You, Lord, for this assurance that we who trust in You only die once and live twice... one on earth and one in heaven with You. There won't be a second death for us because of Christ. Thank You!



.......the devotion of Bee

Lose The Love that Fades (Part 1 of 2)

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Tommy's Thoughts:
There are only 2 definition of love; one from God’s and the other from the world. The problems in any relationship today are due to the adoption of the more enticing world’s attitude and pattern of love. I’m grateful to God for showing me again and again his true definition of love; to save me from unnecessary problems, pain, guilt and failure.

I have to admit I’m a hopeless romantic. I can easily throw myself into romance with all the warmth, fuzziness, passion, wonders, mystery, thrill and happiness. It’s like a mental disorder; an out-of-control experience when I “fall” or “madly” in love. All I can think of is that love is solely consists of all these feelings. Little do I know believing that I “fall in love” also mean I can “fall out of love” just as unexpectedly when the warm, fuzzy feeling is gone. I realized now my definition of love was from the world. This distorted and flawed version of love; or to be more accurate “passionate lust” (1 Thessalonians 4:5) will eventually lead to disaster and hurts. Through God’s grace, I am able to learn and practice His version of Love that will withstand all odds and ultimately lasts.

Before I dwell into God’s perspective of Love, let me explain the fallen world’s version of love. Its main ingredients are Selfishness and Irresponsibility. Below are some characteristics and nature of them in a relationship:

Selfishness

1. Its all about fulfillment and comfort of self.


2. Motivation is self-centered and solely to satisfy own desires and ego; to boast and make one proud in front of others.


3. Based entire relationship on feeling by evaluating the quality of love only on own emotional fulfillment.


4. Possessiveness, envy, holds grudges, mistrust and does not care about how other feels.


5. Filled with hidden agendas. Questions like: "What can you do for me?", "What can I get from you?", "What is it in for me?"
   

Irresponsibility

1. Without putting feeling of love into action.


2. Thinking love as something beyond our control and use it as an excuse to behave irresponsibly.


3. Manipulative, dishonest and heavy into techniques to push emotional buttons to get something for themselves.


4. Pursue romance solely for its own sake. Ditch a relationship when romantic feelings are gone or the going get tough.


5. Initiate a romantic relationship prematurely without first knowing the other person well enough in term of background, differences, compatibilities, common interests, preferences, values, goals, dreams, etc.


6. Broken promises. Lots of it!

If your relationship exhibits any of the above, you need to get back to God’s original version of Love before it’s too late. In my next post, I will explain God’s definition of Love with practical changes to be applied into your relationship.

Part 2

Bee's 1st Month of Devotion

Today marks the 1st month of my devotion time with God since I started it on 26 October 2005.

Firstly, I want to thank God for giving me the perseverance to do my devotion daily without fail. These devotions really keep me 'sane' in times of my discouragement and heartaches the last one month. The word of God (bible) lifted me up each time I felt down and lonely... marked by crying 'spell'.

The word of God is so comforting and powerful. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12). No wonder the Psalmist said, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (Psalms 119:105).

Secondly, I want to thank Tommy for letting me use his blog for my devotion. Perhaps his blog design and soothing music play a part in providing the environment and mood to let God speak to me. Thank you very much, Tommy! I hope you have also enjoyed your time with God here. :)

Thirdly, I know there are many international visitors to this blog every day. I hope this devotion blog has been an encouragement to you too. You are welcome to leave comments if the messages have blessed your heart. Thank you for visiting and reading. :)

Finally, I pray that God will continue to help me persevere in my devotion with Him for the next month to come.


.......the thoughts of Bee

Love Goes Beyond Liking

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

Bee's Thoughts:

These verses are so familiar to me that I can almost quote them anytime, for LOVE is what keeps me alive today... without love, life is meaningless for me.

When I was a 5-year-old child I thought of running away from home or even suicide when my grandma passed away. For she was the only one I could feel loving me, no one else did. The world was a cruel world without her around to shower me with love.

Then I lived my life without much purpose until I believed in Jesus Christ at the age of 12. I began to feel love again... from God and from a few Christians around me.

What is love? Who should we love? How do we love?

We think of love as an emotion, a tender feeling, a positive reaction. So when Scripture commands us to love God and our neighbor, we may be confused about the meaning of love (Matthew 22:37-40)

So love must be more than an emotion. An old translation of our Lord's command may help us to understand love as an action that we choose: "Thou shalt love . . . ." It's choosing to be patient, kind, selfless, and humble (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). We can love others even though we may not like them, because it's a matter of making a choice.

Yes, we can respond obediently to what our Savior directs us to do. He knows, though, that we are not capable of doing this on our own. That's why He's given us the Holy Spirit to empower us to a life of loving obedience. With His help, we can learn to love those we don't like. Who knows? We may even begin to like them.
—Vernon Grounds, Daily Bread

What is love?
We know whether we love someone, or if someone loves us by using the description of love in the above verses... patient, kind, etc.

Who should we love?
We are to firstly love God, then love our "neighbours"... people around us, i.e. strangers, 'enemies', friends, gf/bf, spouses, siblings, etc. Yes, including 'enemies'... if we can love our 'enemies' whom we dislike we would already have learnt the meaning of love and can love someone whom we like in a wholesome way.

How do we love?
Firstly, we love BY CHOICE.. i.e. we WILL to love rather than depend on our feelings or emotions. Our feelings will never want to love strangers or our 'enemies', or people whom we don't like. Secondly, we ask the Spirit of God to help us love despite of our feelings... for LOVE is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is the characteristic of a Spirit-filled Christian.



Dear Lord, thank you for reminding me of love and the fruit of the Spirit. Fill me Lord with your Spirit that I may love in a wholesome way. Grant me your joy and peace again today because He (You) that is in me is greater than he that is in the world. Amen.



.......the devotion of Bee

Thankfulness

Colossians 1:9-14

9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[a] to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption,[b] the forgiveness of sins.

Tommy's Thoughts:
Lord, thank you for your continuous teaching, guidance and protection. Without them, I would have brought in so many unnecessary headaches and problems into my life. Though at times, I do not understand why certain things happened the way they were; but I do know You are in control and You know what best for me.

One day, I know I’ll understand them better and know You have chosen the best for me. Because of You, I have learnt to view situations and incidences as also tests to build my character and to show the flaws in my ways and methods. All I need to do is to have a complete trust in Your providence and to do my best in every areas of my life; bringing glory and honor to Your name. Thank you Lord!

.......the devotion of Tommy

A Lost Art

Colossians 1:9-14

9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Bee's Thoughts:

What did Paul pray for the Colossian Christians?

1. knowledge of his will - through all spiritual wisdom and understanding
2. live a life worthy of the Lord - and may please him in every way
3. bearing fruit - in every good work
4. growing in the knowledge of God
5. strengthened with all power
6. have great endurance and patience
7. joyfully giving thanks to the Father

This is a good way to pray for a person, for we all need to cultivate the above attributes.

"give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

To be able to give thanks to God in all situations requires absolute trust in God... to thank God in spite of heartaches and sorrows, in spite of wanting to crying, in spite of being left alone...

So what can I thank God for? I like the poem below:

It's that time of year, God,
when even the secular world says,
"Stop! Take time to say 'Thanks'."

For what? For whom?
The list is endless.

First of all - there's us.
Alive, energetic, enthusiastic -
both within and without,
bursting with health and movement
in spite of the periodic slowdowns,
joyous that you thought enough of us
to give us the experience of life.
Our lives are vibrant
with the flow of Your energy,
touched, seared
by the Love that is You,
yearning to be to others
what You have been to us.

For us, dear God, we thank You!

Then there are the others,
utilizing their creative powers
to enrich our lives
through fields that feed
and rivers that quench,
through fabrics that clothe
and forests that house,
through presence and absence
through the rhythm of then and now.
Without them we would be isolated,
crouching in our corners of self-sufficiency.
But with them we are invited,
called forth to contribute
of our plentiful harvest
to the sum total of humanity.

For all of them, we thank You!

But, most of all, dear God, there is YOU -
gracious, considerate, understanding,
cleansing, challenging, demanding,
drawing us to Your embrace,
clearing, pruning, breaking,
touching, lifting, healing.
Our destinies lie with You,
for we are the branches
grafted with Your Spirit
onto the vine that zaps its sap
into our beings.

For You, our God, we thank You!
.....Loretta Girzaitis




Yes, God, no matter how sad and painful I feel, no matter how lonely I am, I want to give you thanks. For I know I am "in this transient world of impermanence" and my life is just a "mist"... my suffering is just temporal. I want to thank you for all you have done for me... for hearing my prayers always, for the friends you sent me, for the love I experienced... for you are good. Amen


.......the devotion of Bee

Bolder

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Tommy's Thoughts:
Sometime, we tends to overlook the importance of God’s hope and promises in the Bible by being too familiar with them, especially Psalm 23. As I read through this Psalm prayerfully yesterday, I knew God was speaking to me when I’ve prayed for His guidance and wisdom. Specifically, I prayed to Him to let me see the things I’m going through at a new light. Now, I realized how profound and powerful this Psalm is. I can say it encapsulates the entire outlook of life a Christian should have. It assures us that God will always be at our side through everything in life.

He will continue to teach and protect us like a shepherd and he will provide everything we need. Whenever I’m filled with fear, He’s there with me to comfort me and keep me bold. And the last verse has totally changed me 360 degree as a Christian; believe me! It has removed all the uncertainties and doubts I had in my life. God promised to fill every single days of my life with goodness and love if I would truly obey and follow Him. Lord, thank you so much so much, I just want to praise and lift Your name up high!

"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day" - Psalm 91:4-5

.......the devotion of Tommy

Good Workers

Exodus 35:30-36:1

Bezalel and Oholiab

30 Then Moses said to the Israelites, "See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 31 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- 32 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 33 to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship. 34 And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. 35 He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them master craftsmen and designers.

Exodus 36
1 So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the LORD has commanded."

Bee's Thoughts:

Wow! So many skills and talents - craftsmen, designers, embroiderers—"all of them master craftsmen and designers".

All these skills come from God who "has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge":
- "in all kinds of crafts to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship"
- "the ability to teach others."
- "to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary"

God is the Chief Craftman, Designer and Teacher. If we consider His construction of the universe, His design of man and woman, and His lessons on how to have beautiful relationship, we would marvel at how great is our God. He made all things beautiful in His time. :)

I can't help but to stand in awe of this revelation about God and that all our skills and talents come from Him. Woah!

So what are my skills and talents? Teaching is one of them... perhaps also writing, doing DIY work, or an 'all purpose' helper (just like when I helped at the Charity Mission Trip).


Thank you, Lord, for the skills and talents you have given me. Please show me how you may want me to use them for your glory. Let me be faithful in doing the work you want me to do with the gifts you have given to me. Amen



.......the devotion of Bee