Drawn By The Cross

John 12:23-36

23 Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

27 "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!"

Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again." 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.

30 Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.

34 The crowd spoke up, "We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever, so how can you say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this 'Son of Man'?"

35 Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. 36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.

Bee's Thoughts:

My recent experiences in working with young children in the preschool help me see again how easily children can be drawn to a caregiver who is loving and caring, yet firm with them. They will test their boundary to see how far they can go and look for their 'safety net'.

By being firm yet assuring the children helps make them feel secured. Love is not giving in to their immediate demands that might jeopardise what's best for them in a long run. So even new children to my preschool, who are suffering from separation anxiety when their parents leave the school, are drawn to me when I show them how much I care for them.

Yes, love is a drawing factor to most people, if not all. I, for one, am easily drawn by someone who truly loves me in ways I can see and feel, who keeps his promises, who cares for my soul and well being.

A question suddenly came to my mind: Who will love me enough to donate one of his kidneys or eyes to me for free if I need a transplant? Is there such a person amongst the people I know? I don't know...

The "cross" is where Jesus Christ laid down His life for me and all mankinds. The "cross" is a symbol of love. How could I not response to such love? I did. I was drawn by the cross of love and sacrifice. I love because He first loved me.


Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for dying on the cross for me. Thank You for loving me so much. I love You too.

Let me spread Your love around to those who needs Your love. Let Your love be seen in me and felt through me at my place I work and with the people that come across my path.

I ask all these in Your loving name. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

I do understand the meaning of the familiar verse 25 of today passage, but at times unknowingly some of my actions still show I haven’t really release full control of my life to Christ. There are things that I still strive on my own for advantage, happiness and security. There are also times; I’d even risk losing the life God wanted me to have by trying to save my physical life from the temporal pain, discomfort and uneasiness through ‘shortcuts’ and other ‘methods” created all by myself.

I used to think if I were to allow God to be involved in everything in my life, I’ll surely lose my personality and the real person I am. How wrong and self-centered I was! I realized later that the exact opposite will happen when I give my life to Christ, I will find my true self and the very purpose and meaning of living.

Like how Jesus responded in verse 27, we need to learn to say no to our wrongful human desires in order to obey our Heavenly Father and glorify Him. We are called to obedience and we should do His will and bring glory and honor to His name.

Thank You Lord for teaching me to be genuinely committed to You in everything; pledging my whole existence to Your service lovingly and freely; to be an obedient disciple of Christ; to trust You and to let go of my own ways. Only through this, I would become Your “son of lights”, revealing the truth and pointing people to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


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

Burying Our Heads

2 Samuel 12

Nathan Rebukes David
1 The LORD sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, "There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, 3 but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.

4 "Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him."

5 David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, "As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! 6 He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity."

7 Then Nathan said to David, "You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave your master's house to you, and your master's wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. 9 Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.'

11 "This is what the LORD says: 'Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. 12 You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.' "

13 Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD."
Nathan replied, "The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. 14 But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the LORD show utter contempt, the son born to you will die."


If a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.
—Galatians 6:1

Bee's Thoughts:

Someone said the reason God called king David "the man after God's own heart" (1 Sam 13:13-14) was David was always willing to repent immediately when he realized his sins. He has a repenting spirit that always seek to please God. That's why David prayed, "Search me, O God, and know my heart" (Psalm 139:23).

With repentance comes immediate forgiveness, yet punishment or the consequences of sins might be inevitable for certain types of sins, such as murder.

We are very vulnerable to sins, especially when we are not vigilant, even though we may have a heart for God. The important thing is to constantly ask God to search our heart to keep it pure.


Dear Lord, keep my heart pure Lord. Let me not just bury my head in the sand but to face and repent from any known sins. Let me have the spirit of king David to always want to please You.

I am very tired today after work. Help me to catch up with sleep tonight. Thank You that tomorrow is a Public Holiday. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

I had a chance to share with a non-believer friend today. I never thought God will arrange it so perfectly for me to do it at the right time and the right setting. I was prayerfully asking God to help me in words when I spoke because I know I can get really excited and worst being insensitive to how little they know about Christianity. Thank God it was ok.

It’s amazing so much we can learn from the Bible like in today’s devotion. Like what I explained to my friend; if we were to read it slowly even a short passage in the Bible, it can bring so much meaning and wisdom that we can apply into our daily life.

Some of the lesson I’ve learnt from today passages:

Do not rob from others
Like in the Nathan’s story to David, sometime we are too selfish and focus on our own gain and pleasure; we might directly or indirectly stole some thing or someone from others. Like the little ewe lamb in the story, it’s something the poor man hold dearly to and loves the most.

Think twice before criticizing others
There have been many incidences I observed personally that when a person criticizes or condemns another, they are often criticizing their own character flaws. It happened to my own self sometime, unconsciously. Sometime, we become so insensitive to our own flaws that we didn’t realize we are actually exposing them when we criticize others. Whenever we feel like criticizing or changing others because we find it hard to accept their qualities, ask God first to help us to understand their feelings and observe our own flaws more clearly instead.

The Irreversible
Today passage also touches on the consequences of sin. I’m always tempted to make it as an excuse to continue doing wrong knowing God will forgive and accept me back every time. But, like David who child would have to die because of the sin he’d committed; we can’t escape the consequences of our action. It is true God can forgive all our wrongs and restore our relationship with Him, but He doesn’t eliminate all the consequences of our wrongdoing. So we need to stop dabbling in sin because the consequences will not only affect us permanently but also to those close to us. They are irreversible.

Confront Sin with Wisdom, Tact and Gentleness
There were many times I failed miserably in this. My mistake was I didn’t pray for God’s leading in my words to others and ended up being frustrated and discouraged when I was misunderstood. Nevertheless, we need not to bury our heads and giving up doing anything; we need to ask for God’s guidance when we want to make our close one aware of their wrongs. We need to pray for courage, skill and tact; think through before we speak and present our message seasoned with wisdom and express with gentleness.

Dear Lord, thank You for all these lessons today. Help me Lord to always remember and apply them in my life whenever I’m dealing with others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


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

Our Eternal God

1 Timothy 6:13-16

13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time — God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

Bee's Thoughts:

I had been labelled as 'bad' and 'useless' when I was a child, and that labelling has caused me to grow up with very low self-esteem and high inferiority complex. As a result, even when others genuinely praised me for the good things I did or for my look, I would not dare to acknowledge them. I became very shy and felt uneasy with compliments. But, gradually I learnt to accept compliments (without feeling proud) when they are said genuinely. I try to accept myself as I am.

However, last night what my best friend said jokingly again triggered my old childhood wound. I felt being 'labelled' like before... worse still when it came from someone close. I don't know why I was feeling so sensitive about it... I felt so hurt again today with some of his remarks, though it was meant to be jokes. Could it be due to the tiredness I have been experiencing these 2 days?

Thank God for today's devotion. It helps me to see how insignificant I am compared to the God I worshipped. What is there for me to boast about myself? None. If there be any, it is because of my God "who gives life to everything". In Him shall I boast.


Dear Lord,
I am so unworthy of Your love. I am so insignificant before You. I am a nobody, but a sinner. Yet You have saved me from the 'dungeon' of my sins and gave me a new life. If I should gain any praise, I give them all back to You, Lord. To You be all glory.

So please help me not feel sensitive and hurt because of what others say about me... for I am Your child now, the princess of the "King of kings and Lord of lords". I find myself in You alone. All that I am and all that I have comes from You. Thank You so much, my Father!

Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Before I’m a Christian, I used to ponder about what will happened after death. I came to a conclusion that I will be fine if I end up dissolving into nothingness. Heaven to me was just an illusion and I thought if it ever existed, it’ll be impossible for me to be there knowing how lousy a person I was. I also thought those who believe in heaven use it as an excuse to treat their current world and people lousily.

I was not being honest. Deep down inside, there was a longing for a longer life, a life that can lasts and not deteriorate like everything else. I came to this realization four years ago when I was at my father’s death bed, seeing him breathed his last breath after struggling for half an hour after we pulled the plug. I saw a single tear fell down his face after that though he was in coma. I felt really helpless and begin to question the whole point and meaning of life, how fragile it is and is it really that’s it after death?

Sometime we are just too busy with busyness that we forget or never think of deep inside our soul there’s a burning question of whether there’s a probability we can live forever? King Solomon said, “God has planted eternity in the human heart.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Rick Warren in his famous book wrote “The reason we long for immortality and feel we should live forever, is that God has wired our heart with that desire.”

Through Jesus Christ, this becomes possible and certain when we believe in Him and accept the gift of an eternal life with our Heavenly Father. I can’t think of a better, more convincing and effective way to be affirmed than to accept Christ as our Savior and allow Him to change and work in us; instead of us trying hard to do things to win God’s approval and favor.

Thank You Lord for Your gift of salvation, a way that I can live with You forever by faith in Jesus Christ. Thank You Father for teaching me to give my life to Jesus, to trust Him in everything, to have a deep abiding faith; to stay with Him always; and to have the patient to persevere during difficult times while waiting for His return.

For all these I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

“The question is not whether we will have an eternal life, but where we will spend our eternity in; heaven or hell?”

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

Willing To Share

1 Timothy 6:6-10

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Bee's Thoughts:

When we are contented with what we have we will have less despairs. When we are thankful for what we have everyday we will have less complain.

I am beginning to experience the new meaning of contentment this year. With such an attitude, things look brighter to me and I have more joy. Things also automatically workout better, just like in my new job... I am happy that I have a chance to 'polish' my skills in handling children besides the administrative aspects of work, as mentioned in my JOE blog on Contentment At Work.

True, I feel very tired these 2 days after my work, but I am happy and contented though my boss didn't pay me my worth. It's ok, since money is not everything in life.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the lesson on godliness and contentment. For with that I could feel Your peace and joy within.

Thank You for sustaining Tommy and me in our devotion time with You too. Thank You that we can have like-minded comapanions to 'ran' this 'race' together, to share and to encourage each other. Thank You that You are our strength that carries us through when we are weak at times.

Praise You, Lord! Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

I used to be a very selfish person. I was always reluctant to lend a hand to help others. I normally will not get myself into hassle of making the effort to reach out to those in needs. At times, I was stingy by not sharing what I have with others; keeping all to myself.

As I submit myself to God; He showed to me my selfish attitude. Through His grace and mercy, I was able to change and begin to share and help others willingly and happily. The more I gave and share with others, the happier a person I became. All this is possible when I truly trust God to provide all my needs and knowing I can’t store up treasure for myself on earth.

Thank You Lord for teaching me to care and have true compassion for those in needs. Sometime, those might be difficult people in our life; those we have to listen to and understand their predicaments; those who are resentful because of hurt and those who are closest to us but yet the least we speak to.

Thank You Lord again especially for today. Though I don’t consider it as a “good” day, but in a way, You have shown to me the great difference between my past and present; the false god I worshipped and wasted so much time on last time with You today in my life. Now, I understand clearly how meaningless, foolish and harmful those desires were. Dear Lord, thank You for saving me from plunging myself into ruin and destruction. Thank You also for Your forgiveness. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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

Mom's Translation

Ezra 9:5-15

5 Then, at the evening sacrifice, I rose from my self-abasement, with my tunic and cloak torn, and fell on my knees with my hands spread out to the LORD my God 6 and prayed:
"O my God, I am too ashamed and disgraced to lift up my face to you, my God, because our sins are higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens. 7 From the days of our forefathers until now, our guilt has been great. Because of our sins, we and our kings and our priests have been subjected to the sword and captivity, to pillage and humiliation at the hand of foreign kings, as it is today.

8 "But now, for a brief moment, the LORD our God has been gracious in leaving us a remnant and giving us a firm place in his sanctuary, and so our God gives light to our eyes and a little relief in our bondage. 9 Though we are slaves, our God has not deserted us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem.

10 "But now, O our God, what can we say after this? For we have disregarded the commands 11 you gave through your servants the prophets when you said: 'The land you are entering to possess is a land polluted by the corruption of its peoples. By their detestable practices they have filled it with their impurity from one end to the other. 12 Therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them at any time, that you may be strong and eat the good things of the land and leave it to your children as an everlasting inheritance.'

13 "What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins have deserved and have given us a remnant like this. 14 Shall we again break your commands and intermarry with the peoples who commit such detestable practices? Would you not be angry enough with us to destroy us, leaving us no remnant or survivor? 15 O LORD, God of Israel, you are righteous! We are left this day as a remnant. Here we are before you in our guilt, though because of it not one of us can stand in your presence."

Bee's Thoughts:

Thank God for the passage... a reminder of God's mercy and kindness to His children. Like what I wrote at JOE blog, "A Very Tring Day", God has shown His mercy on me. I am lost for words to thank Him as I am very tired now.

Dear Lord,
Though I am super tired now, but I still want to say "Thank You". Thank You for 2006, not only You have given me peaceful and contentment, You have also given me a new job so fast. Let me be faithful in all I do, so that Your glory may shine through. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

Ezra gave the best example of how to practice what we have learnt from God’s words into our life. As a sign of total submission and humility, Ezra knelt down for confession and asked God for forgiveness. Ezra also knows well about God through his study of the Law and his close relationship with Him in prayers. He knows God is gracious, loving and slow to anger. By putting into action to what he has learnt, Ezra corrected his people to turn away from living a sinful life.

Thank You Lord for teaching me the importance to take time to read Your words. Thank You also for Bee, my very good and encouraging team member in this daily devotion. Without her I think I would have skipped many, many days! Thank You Lord that through Your words, I’ll be able to strengthen and prepare myself for the coming ‘battles’. At the same time, I’ll be able to encourage, guide and help my brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus’ name I pay, Amen.


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

The Options

Luke 16:19-31

The Rich Man and Lazarus
19 "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

22 "The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.'

25 "But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.'

27 "He answered, 'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'

29 "Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.'

30 " 'No, father Abraham,' he said, 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'

31 "He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.' "

Bee's Thoughts:

Lives are full of options isn't it?. The choices we made will affect us not only for the present, but also for our future, and even for our next generation of children. Yet these options are only available as long as we are alive. We have to be wise in taking the right options. There is opportunity cost in each option.

Thank God that I came to know Christ when my brother brought me to the Sunday School at a young age. In the Sunday School I listened to the story of Moses and decided to take the God of Moses as my God. That choice I made so many years ago has a great impact on who and what I am today. If I didn't make that choice, I might not even be alive today, or I might live a life full of bitterness or even be insane.


Dear Lord,
By Your grace and mercy, You have saved me from my sins. Thank You for helping me to make that great and important choice of following You, which I have never regretted.

Now I pray that my friends will also make this important choice of following You while they have the chance. For we never know when is the last moment of our life where we can't make anymore choices, and will have to live with the consequences of our last choice. May You be merciful to them too.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

Tommy's Thoughts:

I used to think Jesus will not come back in my lifetime; and uses it as an everyday excuse to wait of committing myself to Him and to change my ways. But I made the mistake of forgetting the possibility of a day being my last day to live. As I read about this recent tragedy in my country, I can’t help but wonder how easy our lives can be taken away from us. When it really does happen to us, it’s all over. There will be no turning back or second chance if we have yet to do what God wanted us to do.


As I sat down and listen to God, I hear Him telling me to stop procrastinating and take up the Cross TODAY. To turn to Him and accept His offer of forgiveness. To repent and start anew with God leading the ways in everything I do. And He has great things prepared for me when I obey and follow Him all the days I live.

Thank You Lord for Your clear reminder of asking me to make the right option TODAY. Thank You Lord for your forgiveness and faithfulness to be with me always when I fall and picking me up again. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that I’m able to change my old ways and to start a new life with You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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

The Perfect Timing & Our Influence

James 1:2-8

Trials and Temptations

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

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But 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.

7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Tommy's Thoughts:

I’m an impatient person.

There’ve been an awful lot of times that even after I’ve prayed for God’s guidance and receiving it, I still rushed into actions that I regretted later. I’m in a way do not fully trust God to give me the best and skipping the essential season of my life to grow in faith and to know His Ways.

Verse 2 of today passage says “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds”. Through the years, whenever I’m facing trials, I can’t seem to find any reasons to be joyful about. What I did were complaining and later moving ahead with my own plans and actions. And every time I did that, I failed miserably and regretted of making those moves.

I’m in that situation again now. As I listened to a sermon this evening about “Making the Change NOW” and also today devotion’s passage, I realized God are telling me to let go of my worries and uncertainties; to fully trust Him; to know that He is not a sadist but a loving father who what the best for His children. Since I have prayed, I must believe and not doubt. God might be asking me to wait now or He has something even better than what I can think of. I know God is using this time now to test, mold and shape me into what He would have me be.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your mercy and grace that enable me to persevere during this time. I pray to You for wisdom in discernment whenever my mind is clouded by unworthy and meaningless influences. Lord, help me to be happy and joyful right where You have me. Help me to walk in Your ways and be willing to wait for Your timing in everything I do. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.



Bee's Thoughts:

Indeed, how we live our life and what we say can influence people around us unknowingly. I was surprised when one of my e-friend of 2 years commented at my JOE blog:

"I'll never forget the role you've played in my life to help me being where I am today. I was a person who didn't believe in "e-friend" and this friendship with you just proved myself wrong. So, in the presence of all witnesses here, and to mark the start of this new year, I'd take this opportunity to award you the title of being my longest-ever one and only "THE E-friend Award"! Hope you'll fulfill every of the resolution you have for the new year and hope our friendship gets stronger over the years!"

Ah... I have made a difference in people's life by sharing my own trials in life at my blog? How I handle these heartaches with God's help has indirectly and quietly encouraged others to experience God too. For this reason I "consider it pure joy" whenever I face trials... for not only I can be moulded in the process, but people who knows me can also be touched by the Lord.


Dear Lord,
Let me not murmur when trials come my way.
Let me consider it pure joy and persevere always.
Let me not be double-minded and never ever sway.
Let me ask You in faith each time I pray.
Let me be a good influence in what I say.
Let me be a blessing to others everyday.
Amen



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

A Three-Step Conversion

Acts 2:38-47

38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

The Fellowship of the Believers
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Bee's Thoughts:

I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour when I was about 12 years old in the Sunday School. I got baptized in water 3 years later, and was baptized in the Holy Spirit a year later that. But it wasn't an easy road for me...

To my parents, water baptism means I am serious about my Christian faith. So I faced parental objection and persecution when I wanted to be baptized in water. But by faith I went though the baptism. My mum was furious... but gradually my parents accepted the fact that I am serious about my belief. They have seen the change in my life too. Persecution has actually made my faith so much stronger.

I always enjoyed bible study time as it helps me understand the bible better and to have practical Christian living. So going to church and attending home/cell fellowship is always a joy to me. Even when I feel tired or lazy to attend, the Holy Sprit will always prompt me to go.... and I always feel good and strenghtened each time I obeyed.


Dear Lord,
I can't stop thanking You as I looked back on how You have guided my life all these years. I have gone through many trials in my life, yet You have never failed to lift me up again and again.

Thank You for the strength to follow You. Thank You for the teaching of Your words, the fellowship of believers and Your constant Holy Spirit promptings. I pray that You will continue to lead my life and make me a channel of blessings to others, and to encourage them to grow in You too.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


.......the devotion of Bee

Dark Light

2 Corinthians 3:5-18

5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

The Glory of the New Covenant
7 Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? 9 If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! 10 For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. 11 And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!

Bee's Thoughts:

Last night, my best friend sms me with the message, "wish u able2 fulfill whatever unfulfill stuff from last year resolution..." But my reply was, "Hmmn... what i want last yr is not what i want this yr..." Why?

Because I have given all my last year's hopes and dreams to God and I want them no more. I just want to be in the will of God. I trust that if God finds it good for me to have those 'stuff', He will give them to me this year. If not, I am happy without them. So I believe I have made the right 2006 resolution.

Today is the 2nd day of 2006 and I have been feeling rather peaceful, contented, and worry-free again like before the year 2005. Did my situation change? No, but my mindset has.

Today's devotion is another good reminder that...

All that I gained
come from God's grace,
there's no credit for me.
All that I am
I surrender to God,
and I shall not complain.
- Bee

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your reminder again that I am what I am because of You. I shall be what I shall be in 2006 by Your mercy. I shall look at my future hope and glory instead of the present misery. Thank You for being my all in all. Praise You!


Tommy's Thoughts:

I used to believe in lies that filled my days with fear, self-condemnation, doubts and uncertainties. I wallowed in self-pity and negativities.

As the Lord came to open my eyes, I saw that as a Christian, we are called to be bold; to stand tall and straight with confidence in everything we do and to think and speak with authority, conviction and passion. This is possible because the Lord dwells in us. And we can live boldly when we know we are child of God and understand how the Lord wants to use us.

Thank You Lord first of all for being with me; protecting and safeguarding me during my travel trip. Thank You also for using situations to clarify my motives. Thank You for giving me a way to reaffirm my total submission, commitment and obedience to You despite my situation.

Dear Lord, I will continue to put You first in my life and letting You to mold and move me in the right direction. I will trust You to know what’s best for me and believing You are in control. I will remember that You live in me; giving me the strength and freedom to live my live boldly with true confidence. Lord, I pray that You will guide me to live the rest of my life as a reflection of You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.
For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.

Habakkuk 3:17-19

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

Into The Unknown

Hebrews 11:8-16

8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

11 By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12 And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.

13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Bee's Thoughts:

Today's devotion is again a confirmation from God that I need to step into 2006 BY FAITH, just like Abraham did, for I heard the same message about Abraham during this morning sermon in Church.

What shows Abraham's faith?

1. "he did not know where he was going" (v.8)... yet he stepped into the unknown

2. "he lived in tents... whose architect and builder is God" (v10)... for

Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.
- Psalm 127:1

3. "he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren" (v11)... he believed in the impossible

4. "longing for a better country—a heavenly one" (v16)... he knew what is permanent and what's not.


Just like Abraham, I am not sure of what 2006 holds for me... I am not sure what I should do, or where I should go, and when these should happen. Just like what I wrote regarding "My 2006 Resolution", all I know is "I want to laugh more, be contented with simple things in life, be innocent again, sleep early and wake up early, don't expect too much from others, to be child-like, be less complicated about life and relationship." I have let go of those things I wanted so much in 2005 but didn't get.

I used to do lots of planning and I charted my own career path, I knew where and when I was going, and I felt proud of my achievements. But now I am learning to walk by faith and not by sight, for God said in Isaiah 55:8-9:

8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.

9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Dear Lord,
Thank You again for reminding me to trust in You as I stepped into 2006 by faith like Abraham. Let me not try to be smart to think of my own ways to do things, but to wait upon You for direction in my life and to use Your ways.

I place all my years of education, my years of working experiences and achievements, my skills and knowledge into Your hands. I surrender them all to You today, Lord. I am now just a simple gal who wants to be contented and happy with whatever You give me or withhold. For I know You love me and want the best for me.

Thank You for the courage to step into 2006 by faith. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen



.......the devotion of Bee

You Can Do It!

Romans 7:15-25

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

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

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
—Philippians 4:13

Bee's Thoughts:

Looking at what I plan to do from scratch in 2006, listed in my post "Goodbye 2005", can be a darning task... I wonder if I can do it. Thank God for the title of today's devotion... it's very encouraging to me.... "You Can Do It!"

Yes, I can do it bit by bit, a little change a day, a week, a month... I may walk 3 steps forward and 1 step backward... but surely I can do it. Just like I managed to stay alive and sane today even though I had so many struggles months before now. With God's help I can do it!


Dear Lord,
Thank You that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". You are my strength when I am weak, You are the treasure that I seek, You are my all in all. Let me do the things that will please You starting from tomorrow, 1st Jan 2006. In Jesus' name I ask. Amen.

.......the devotion of Bee

Getting In Shape

2 Corinthians 3:7-18

The Glory of the New Covenant
7 Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? 9 If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! 10 For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. 11 And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!

12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. 14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Bee's Thoughts:

Last night I reflected on what I have lost this year at my JOE blog in "My 2005". I felt that God has allowed me to be stripped of my natural abilities so that I will not trust in what's natural but to fully rely on Him, just like Moses.

Whenever I read about Moses' encounter with God, I feel very emotional, 'cos I see a resemblem between him and me in some ways.

Mosses was only a Hebrew servant's baby, yet by God's will, he was raised in the palace and "was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action" (Acts 7: 22) as the Prince of Egypt. Yet before God could use him for a great task of delivering the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt, Moses was stripped of his credentials and natural abilities, to the extend he said to God, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." (Exodus 4:10). What happened to Moses?

Moses not only lost his position (career) as the Prince or even next Pharaoh of Egypt, he lost his wife-to-be, and even his self-confidence, after he fled from Egypt and wondered in the wilderness. Only then did God use Moses to do miracles.

In today's devotion, God again encouraged me that in the process of transformation "into his likeness with ever-increasing glory", suffering and pains are inevitable to shape me into His likeness...

God often works through suffering to bring this about (James 1:2-4). Sometimes He uses the painful results of our sins. At other times, our difficulties may not be caused by a specific sin, yet we undergo the painful process of learning to obey our Father's will.

Are you hurting? Perhaps a shaping-up process is in progress. Jesus was perfect, yet He had to learn obedience through the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8).

If you keep on trusting Jesus, you'll increasingly take on the image of His loveliness. —Dennis De Haan

Dear Lord,
You are so wonderful! You know exactly how I feel and has already written Your 'love letter' to me in today's devotion. Everyday there is a fresh word from You that would meet my needs. Thank You for Your unfailing love. Let me fully rely on You, Lord, I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.


.......the devotion of Bee

Perfect Love

1 John 4:7-21

God's Love and Ours
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

13 We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 17 In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Bee's Thoughts:

Today's devotion seems to be a tough one for me since I have already known and written so much about love before. So what else does God want to tell me today? Hmmn..... then my eyes were drawn to the sentence, "perfect love drives out fear" (v18).

Admit it or not, love is something everyone (young and old) needs in life, other than food and shelter. However, very often we have problems with love. Why? I guess it's because we often don't love with "perfect love", even for Christians.

The article, "What Is Love?", explains the three types of love in Greek in an interesting and clear manner:

EROS – it is not used in the new testament but its meaning is. Eros means physical love, sexual love, sex... at its heart selfish. It’s about satisfying my desires. That’s why it often involves jealousy – which is another selfish feeling.

PHILEO - It’s a brotherly love, more of a friendship. It’s how I love my best friend. It’s not so physical, but it may be temporary... it’s certainly about give and take. I benefit from this brotherly love, most of the time emotionally, this is why I stay in this relationship. My friend makes me feel worthy, important, in the right, beautiful, glamorous. He or she strengthens my self-esteem – we build each other up and together form a protective shield against this big bad world... But if I no longer get anything out of this relationship, if I feel I only give, give, give but don’t receive, if I no longer get the support I need or – worse – my friend belittles me behind my back or switches allegiance – it’s over. It’s bye-bye. It may hurt for a while but I can move on and heal and find a new best friend.

AGAPE - this is what we’re looking for. This is the love that John means when he says ‘God is Love’. Why? Because Agape is totally different from the other kinds of love I mentioned. The big difference is: Agape is totally unselfish... It only cares about you. Not about me. It is willing to sacrifice, to make any sacrifice necessary to make you feel loved. This is the love God has for us. He only cares about us, not himself.

Had he (God) loved us in the EROS or PHILEO way, he’d long left us – we rejected him so many times. But he even sent his son Jesus to show his love for us. That’s how much he cares about us.

This AGAPE love is a pretty amazing thing. It loves unconditionally, or – as we like to say in our circles – NO STRINGS ATTACHED. For this love, it does not matter if it’s loved back in return, it does not matter if it’s accepted or rejected.

And: It’s a very personal love.

Frequently the love we have for others, including our loved ones, are merely Eros and Phileo love. That's why we have so much heartaches with love. But God wants Christians to love with Agape love (the "perfect love") towards their fellow Christian brothers and sisters (v7,11,12,20). This kind of love is only possible when we are in God's love.

But like what Robinson mentioned in "Love Needs Expression", we can't overnight love the whole world with Agape love. We need to "Start with caring about one person and build from there."

So who is this one person I should start with? How will this person know that my love is the Agape love? I guess the answer is found in "perfect love drives out fear" (v18), i.e. when the love I have for this person is "perfect" this person will not fear.

How does that works then? Alan Fadling was able to practically apply 1 Corinthian 13 in his life to show what it means by "perfect love drives out fear".

Dear Lord,
There is so much I need to learn about "perfect love". The reason why I withdraw my love when it isn't recipocated or is taken for granted is because my love isn't "perfect" yet. Now when I think of love, I think of You... of how You demonstrated "perfect love", how even when I didn't recipocate Your love You still showered me with love and care. Yes, You feel hurt by my coldness towards You, yet You patiently waited for me to come back to You... You never give up on me.

Perfect my love, Lord, as I stay in Your love. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

At one time, I remember being afraid of not doing or interfering the will of God. I’m also struggling with fear of incapable to show love for others. Fortunately, with the grace from God I decided to seek God and to learn to love Him. Later, I realized I got the sequence all wrong. It’s so much easier to love others if we would start by seeking to love God first.

Through Him, I’ve seen the meaning of perfect love when Jesus came to sacrifice for our sin. It’s also because He first loves me that I’m able to love. It’s a process; the more I seek God, the more I learn to love other perfectly and the more I’m not afraid of not doing His will or being unprepared for His coming.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your love for me. Thank You also for bringing me out from the dark and into Your light. Thank You for constantly teaching me through the Spirit in this season of growing. Thank You for opening my eyes when I’m so blind and self-centered; unable to see the need to love others. Thank You for giving me an understanding on love and compassion for those who are facing hardship and struggling with difficulties in their life.

Lord, I pray that You will continue to change my heart; to love You more and to love others too; making Love a commandment to obey, a concern to have, a choice to be made and a commitment to be kept. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


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

Digging For Treasure

Proverbs 2:1-9

Moral Benefits of Wisdom
1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,

2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,

3 and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,

4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,

5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.

6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

7 He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.

9 Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.

Bee's Thoughts:

"If you"... "then you will". "For the Lord".... "then you will". These are principle of cause and effect. If you want the hidden treasure, you have to dig deep... no pain, no gain.

As a young Christian, I was taught that the Bible is God's 'love letters' to me and my prayers to Him are my responses to His words. As a more matured Christian now, I am able to discern if certain things said or done are scriptural as I could read or see them in context.

Thank God for that kind of teaching from young as it builds a solid foundation for me in my faith. I deligently read the Bible, memorized the scripture verses, and when the 'storms' and trials of life come my way, I stood firm in the solid 'rock' of God's words.

Yes, I still have times of discouragement, stress, heartaches, doubts, fears, etc... because I am still human. Yet I will never regret for being a Christian, and I will never give up my faith. God's words have been engraved onto my heart.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your 'love letters' to me to encourage me and to tell me that You love me so much. Though I can't see You, but I can feel Your love for me as I read them. I am very eager to open each one of them everyday to know what You want to say to me.

Thank You for reminding me today that if I do my part, You will do Yours. You will give me "victory" and be my "shield", "gaurd" and "protect" me. May I continue to have sweet fellowship with You in this way till I see You face to face. I miss You, Lord... very much! Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

I have to admit I haven’t really read through all the books in the Bible. There are not many verses I can remember or recall. I remember starting to read the Bible before I’m a believer out of curiosity. I can’t even finish Exodus back then. Now, I know my method of reading the words of God was wrong. I was reading it like a book that I need to finish. Through that, I failed to understand or find the great treasures that lie within it.

It’s only later I realized the right way to read the Bible. An incidence changed my perception of the value of the Bible; it became alive to me. I started reading it slowly and prayerfully with a heart of excitement and gratefulness for what God wanted to reveal to me at the end of each passage. And it does happened everytime! It’s really amazing how many nuggets of wisdom we can find in the Bible. It’s way more comprehensive and thorough than all the self-help books we can ever find. It covers everything we can ever imagine and more. The words are alive and they can totally change a person. It’s true that reading the Bible is like God speaking to us.

Dear Lord, thank you for Your words. Thank you also for reminding me to store up Your commands within me; to deeply understand and memorize them in my heart. Lord, I will continue to seek Your words like hidden treasures and to apply them in my life when I found them. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12”

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

Do Not Worry

Matthew 6:25-34

Do Not Worry
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Bee's Thoughts:

When I was younger I had to worry over many things, big and small. Life was very stressful for me as I had to help shoulder the responsibility of my family at a young age. Over the years I learnt to multi-task to ensure I could do double what others could to save time and money. I constantly look for shortcuts and efficient ways in doing things.

Well, I became too efficient which wasn't good for me as a worker... I was the odd one out, and some colleagues tend to think I wanted to 'sabotage' them by working so hard and so fast, making them look 'bad'. *sigh* I suffered in silence and frequently cried over the misconception.

It's not easy for me to stay relaxed... I tend to think and plan too much, especially for people I care. I envy those who could be carefree about life, who could sleep even when the 'building collapse'.... but I just can't. However, my experiences taught me that even though I care so much, my effort would never be appreciated. Yet I wonder why I could be so 'stupid' to continue caring.

I guess I have to learn from the above passage, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (v34).

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for assuring me that You know my needs. I am more precious than the birds and the lilies, and You will surely take care of me and my unknown future. I know You hold tomorrow and You also hold my hands. All I have to do is to seek first Your kingdom and righteousness by spending time with You daily to know Your will for me and do it. I trust in You, Father. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Was thinking about these verses few days ago. O loving God, again You are reminding me to trust You for all my needs and not to worry. Sometime, I do worry about things; things that I do not understand and beyond my control or effort to plan and prepare for them; the unseen. This is no good as when I do that; I’m basically forget or not trusting in You. Furthermore, I’m wasting my energy that should be focus on other things.

God, You are calling me to seek You first above everything else and to trust in You to give the best and what I need most. I need to let go of all those things I hold on to so tightly. Things that I know I can’t do anything about other than to pray for them. Help me to do O Lord; to come to You everyday in prayers and devotion.

Thank You Lord for being there and care for me all these while and also the days ahead. Thank You for teaching me to submit myself to You and to trust You to work out the best for me in everything. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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

Bee's 2nd Month of Devotion

Thank God for helping me spend quality time with Him by pondering on His Words and let Him speak to my heart daily. If not for His grace, I would have been inconsistent with my Devotions.

Though it's only 2 months, yet it seems like 2 years already. :) I guess when one spends quality time with a person daily, one will know that person much faster than if one were to spend time infrequently, say, maybe only once or twice a week or even less.

There were times I felt discouraged that I have to do the Devotions alone, which is different from my original intention for doing it here. There were times I felt there's no purpose for me to post my Devotions here too and I should post them elsewhere... yet I stayed on. I don't know why...

Yet I am glad that I can be an encouragement to those who have read my Devotions and are encouraged by them. Praise God!

I pray that I will have the perseverence to go on for the next one month. I also pray that Tommy, my co-devotional partner, will continue to devote this special time to God and not miss a single day with Him. May we grow to know Christ more and be transformed by His word as we seek Him daily.


Haze, if you are reading this, thanks for your encouraing comment at my blog:
"enjoyed reading your blog. most especially whileamist. Merry Christmas!"


.......the thoughts of Bee

Love Needs Expression

Matthew 22:34-40

The Greatest Commandment
34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:

36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37 Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Bee's Thoughts:

Christmas is just over yesterday. So much celebration and gifts-giving might have mired the fact that love is not just a once-a-year affair. True love is practical, and is to be expressed thoughout the year round.

"we know that genuine caring reaches beyond feelings to action. Caring, like steam or electricity, isn't worth much unless something happens as a result of it. Love without deeds is useless, just as talent not demonstrated in creative ways is wasted. Both must be expressed or they are no better than a myth.

Because we can't do everything, we often don't do anything. If you want to be a loving person, don't start by taking on the needs of the whole world. Start with caring about one person and build from there." —Haddon Robinson (Daily Bread)

What Robinson said above has put in words what I think in my mind, "Start with caring about one person and build from there." No wonder Jesus said, "Love your neighbor" instead of "love the whole world". Neighbour can be the one just next to us, or the one we contact frequently.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the reminder to love in pratical ways. Yes I know I can't express my love to the whole world in pratical ways. Please help me continue to express practical love to the few You have placed in my heart, though sometimes I do get very discouraged and tired when my efforts to express love don't seem to be appreciated. Let me be wise as to in whom I should devote my limited time and resouces to love and care, so I won't waste away what You have given me. In Jesus' precious Name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:
I really have put this down in writing, because the thought been in my head for quite some time now.

Lately, the Holy Spirit, circumstances and people I encountered have shown me in ways how I can love an invisible God. I’ve also been given tests and opportunities to practice this with all my heart, soul and mind. I know God is telling me that right now, this moment of my life, this very season, is a chance for me to learn and practice how to truly submit and devote my life to Him and to love others genuinely and with respect. There has been never a better time than it is now.

What else is more important to know, follow and practice the first and greatest commandment of all? It’s no longer a matter of “How can I love Him?”, it’s about “When am I showing my love for Him?”. As listed in my previous devotion, they are the first few things I can do to show my love for Him. I don’t need to wait for a feeling of warm and fuzziness to come in order to start doing them.

The second, to love others as myself. To be aware of those close to me that are in needs and to show genuine care and love for them. Always offers sincere helps and ways to build them up with words and actions. To encourage and pray for them.

Lord, help me to do all these and more as I submit my life to You. Thank You Lord for teaching me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.


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

First Breath

Colossians 1:15-20

The Supremacy of Christ
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Tommy's Thoughts:
Almighty Jesus, I acknowledge You as Creator, Sustainer and the end of all there is. Only You are sufficient for my every needs. You are the only one that can transform my heart and life. You are the only one that can provides true peace, freedom, guidance, strength and happiness along my walk.

Lord Jesus, I pray to You to remind me always on why You were sent to us. Why You died on the Cross for us. Help me to understand that everything was created for You; to bring praise and honor to You. Help me to understand Your amazing love for us and that nothing is possible without You. Help me also to be grateful knowing every day as a gift from You.

Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that You are Supreme; there is no other above You in my life. I will put You first in my thinking, work, families, activities, relationships, goals and dreams. I will trust in You to make things right for me. Thank you Lord Jesus, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

Just got back from volunteering at the "Celebrate Christmas in Singapore event". I am dead tired since I have to rush to church in the morning, then rush to report for volunteers duty after lunch and stay at the event till about 10.30 p.m.

It was a good experience. The side benefits of being a volunteer were firstly, I got to shake the hands with the VVIPs, including the Guest of Honour, BG George Yeo (Minister for Foreign Affairs). :) Secondly, I got to watch the whole performance with unblocked view. :P

Thank God for the perfect weather, though December is a raining month in Singapore. It has been raining the last few days but not today. The performances by Christians from different countries were fantastic! Somehow, the gospel of Christ was preached in a very clear way tonight. The glory of Christ was shown through the dances, singings and testimonies right in the heart of Singapore's Orchard Road. It was like having a Mega Church where more than 20,000 people congregate. Wow!!

Oh, why am I sharing the above in this devotion?

Well, I see the relationship between sharing the true meaning of Christmas in such a grand way (never happen before) and "the Supremacy of Christ"... "all things were created by him and for him". So the whole Christmas events at Orchard Road, even all the effort the volunteers have put into them, are for Him alone. For Christmas is Jesus. Through Christ all things are 'reconciled'. People from all over the world can come together in harmony to celebrate Christ. It's so marvelous!

Dear Lord Jesus,
Today is Your Day. Today, the reason of Your birth was clearly told to so many people in Singapore and also in many countries. Because Christmas is all about You, so You have stopped the rain today that the events can be carried out smoothly. Thank You for the huge crowd who turned up. May You speak to their hearts and let them know that they too can be part of this universal Family in Christ. I pray that what they have seen and heard will remain in their hearts and bear fruits.

Thank You for answering my prayers for tonight's event, Lord Jesus, because I pray for Your glory to shine. Amen.


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

The Call Of The Present

Luke 1:26-38

The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God."

38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

Bee's Thoughts:

What is impossible with men is possible with God. Otherwise, He is not God. With that assurance, Mary obeyed the call of God to be the choosen woman to bear the child Jesus, though it seemed impossible and embarassing for her to do it. With that obedience she made history... her story continues year after year...

Dear Lord, thank You that with You nothing is impossible. Help me to have faith in You fully and to be willing to do Your will. May this Christmas be very special for me... let me see Your glory, Jesus. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

God, You are calling me to really trust in You with hope for something greater and better. You are calling me to be strong; not to give in to meaningless, selfish things that will hinder my walk with You. You are calling me to be patient and to wait. You are calling me to be joyful and happy for where You have me now and for what Christ has done for me. You are calling me to really understand what Christ has done for me. You are calling me to always keep myself pure as a living sacrifice to You. You are calling me to spend my time and money wisely. You are calling me to be always aware of the needs of others. You are calling me to plan things. You are calling me to take good care of my health and have enough rest everyday. You are calling me to be careful with words; to use words that build others up and not tear them down. You are calling me to constantly seek to understand Your words. You are calling me to remember why You’d send Your Son to us.

Lord, these are what You are calling me to do. Thank you for reminding them to me. Thank you for Your care and love in planning the best for me. Guide me Lord to submit and surrender myself to Your will with trust and obedience. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.


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

Knowing God Personally

Exodus 33:7-17

The Tent of Meeting
7 Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the "tent of meeting." Anyone inquiring of the LORD would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp. 8 And whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent. 9 As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the LORD spoke with Moses. 10 Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to his tent. 11 The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.

Moses and the Glory of the LORD
12 Moses said to the LORD, "You have been telling me, 'Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, 'I know you by name and you have found favor with me.' 13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people."

14 The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

15 Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?"

17 And the LORD said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name."

Bee's Thoughts:

As I read the above passage, I felt like crying... it's so beautiful a picture! Moses has a very intimate relationship with God... I wish to have that too.

1. God spoke to Moses "face to face, as a man speaks with his friend." (v11) -- Wow! How does it feel like to have the Prime Minister or the King speaking to me like a friend? Now, this is an almighty God!

2. God would "do the very thing" Moses asked and prayed for. (v17) -- If I know God will answer all my prayers, I better be careful of what I ask... I become accountable to them.

3. God was "pleased with" Moses (v17) -- How do I please God? Yesterday's devotion says "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Roman 12:2) then we will know what is pleasing to God.

4. God knew Moses "by name." (v17) -- Not a stranger but a personal friend. I believe God also know me by name... He knows me even before I was born. Thanks, God!

How can Christians be different from the rest of the world? By having God's "presence" and "rest" with them (v14). If we know God is just next to us, wouldn't we be more careful with our behaviour and wouldn't we feel safe and restful? Yes, we will. But when we sin, God's presence leaves us and we feel restless.

Dear Lord, Thank You for showing me how I can have an intimate relationship with You too, just like Moses. I know You have been speaking to me daily as I devote my time to read Your Word, and I have been conversing with You in my daily prayers too. But I want more, Lord... I want You to speak to me "like a friend", to "teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you". Thank You for always hearing my prayers. Amen.

.......the devotion of Bee