Wounded For Me

Isaiah 53

1 Who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

3 He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.

6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.

8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
And who can speak of his descendants?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
for the transgression of my people he was stricken.

9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
nor was any deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.

11 After the suffering of his soul,
he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities.

12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Today passages from the Old Testament revealed an astounding prophecy of the Messiah, Jesus Christ coming to save humanity by dying for our sin. He was despised and rejected by those around him at that time and still is by many today. Some reject Him by ridiculing and against everything about Him. Others hide their faces and feel ashamed to be associated with Him. There are also those who despise even His great gift of forgiveness and continue living a life of sins.

Why do we still reject Jesus and become a wandering sheep after knowing all that He has done for us? Isn’t our sin of rejecting Him will be much greater than the ancient Israelites who could not see what we have seen? Life is also futile if we were to reject the gift given freely to us by Jesus’ great work on the cross. We will never be justified and stripped away from all our past sins and iniquities by trying to be good on our own.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your great gift of forgiveness through Christ, delivering us from all our sins and clothing us with Your goodness; making us acceptable to You. Teach me not to forget or take for granted my salvation as it has cost Christ His life on the cross. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

Yesterday, a friend asked me how could God destroy the people in the old testament. He said that since God is so loving how could that even happened?

Many people, like my friend, could not understand the fact that my God is a loving, yet righteous and just God, Who cannot tolerate sins. It's because of this that He has to become a man to die on the cross on our behalf. Sins has to be punished, yet love takes over the punishment. Isn't that a fulfillment of His nature of both being loving and yet just?


Dear Lord,
Thank You for your great love, for dying on my behalf. Because of this I owe my life to You. Let me live a life that will honour Your name and bring glory to You. I love You Lord, let me not stray from this love.
In Your loving name I pray. Amen.



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

Always Awake

Psalm 121

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Tommy's Thoughts:

There are some who tend to get easily drowsy when driving in long distance. I had a friend who had a horrible accident because of this. He was driving alone. He should have stop and take some rest before continuing his journey. It does helps a lot also if we have someone sitting beside us to chat with, watching and keeping us awake.

God is like that person sitting next beside us, keeping us safe along the journey. Unlike human companion, that need rest and not always available, God watches over us every second of our lives without any stop or rest, keeping us away from unnecessary problems, conflicts, harms and dangers. His protection is ultimately for getting us safely to Heaven.

Dear Lord, thank You for your constant loving care and protection, keeping me safe in Your arms. I would like to pray for my friends’ safety while driving back to their hometown tonite. Safeguard them for the entire trip. Thank You Lord. I ask all these in Jesus’ name, Amen.



Bee's Thoughts:

I received an email from a friend today who wrote:

"I don't know if you have noticed, but you are a much different person from the one I encountered six months ago. Back then you were a sad, hurt and troubled person (maybe it was just a period in your life). Today, you seem much happier and at peace? it looks good on you!"

Yes, I was at my lowest point in life at that time, struggling to cope with my loss of people/things dear to me. My thoughts and experiences were summed up in my poem Goodbye 2005. But thank God for seeing me through as I did my daily devotion, and also sending me online friends to encourage me.

The above Psalms have said it all as to exactly how I coped during my down moments.... I "lift up my eyes to the hills" where my help comes from. Therefore, God did not let my foot slip, as He watches over me day and night, and nothing could harm me. Praise be to God!


Dear Lord,
Thank You for watching over me all these while. You are a God who does not sleep. You know my coming in and my going out, You know my heart and my thoughts. Thank You for giving me back my confidence in You. Your grace is truly sufficient for me in my weakness. Glory be to You for changing my life and keeping me.
Thank You for my online friends. May You bless them and keep them in You too.
In Your gracious name I pray. Amen.


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

Be alert!

Ephesians 6:10-18

The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Bee's Thoughts:

Again I am reminded of the spiritual warfare I am in daily. The devil will always cause me to sin subtlely.

I am still very human and is subjected to all kinds of temptations, mood swings, weariness, sensitivity, busyness, etc. All these things can easily be used by the devil to make me move away from God's will. When I am not alert, the devil strikes at me in my moment of weakness.

The only way to overcome the devil's darts is to pray constantly, not only for myself, but also for those close to me.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your reminder today that I need to stay alert and pray constantly. Forgive me of all my sins, for the times I gave in to the devil and do what's not right in Your sight. Cleanse me now and make me pure. May I live a life that is pleasing to You always.
I also want to pray for my close ones that you will help them be overcomers of sins and temptations too. Keep them in Your Spirit as they go about doing their works and activities.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Satan and his army of demons are powerful and real; not mere fantasies or things we watch in movies. Most of the times, they operate ‘quietly’ by seeping lies into our lives with ways we least expected. With his clever schemes and devices, Satan deceives and influences believers and unbelievers through our weaknesses, pride, selfishness, lust, greediness, fear.

Many continue to sin in their lives by believing in the lie that their actions is not anywhere as bad as those ‘big’ wrongs like murder or robbing the local bank. But, these ‘small’ sins can develop slowly to trap the person further to a point where things badly irreversible and irreparable. Like what Rick Warren said in his book “A little sin is like being a little pregnant. It will eventually show itself.”

Our battle with the forces of Satan becomes fiercest when we desire to be closer to God. It’s because he sees us as a real threat to him and his evil kingdom. It takes supernatural power to defeat Satan and his forces. Until Christ returns to end Satan’s reign, we need God’s strength and every piece of His armor to withstand his array of attacks. For every believer, God has also given us His Holy Spirit to dwell within us, helping and guiding us in this battle.

Dear Lord, thank You for making me aware everyday how and where Satan’s lies can leak into my life. Help me to focus unto You, to be alert and prepare always by putting on and using every piece of Your armor. Teach me also to pray in the Spirit constantly and on all occasions, making prayer my life and my life a prayer. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.



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

Death Cannot Divide Us

John 11:14-27

14 So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."

16 Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."

Jesus Comforts the Sisters
17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

21 "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."

23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."

24 Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."

25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

27 "Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world."

Bee's Thoughts:

"whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (v26)

Yes, I believe. That means death can't seperate me from my loved ones who also believe in the Lord, Jesus Christ. Isn't that comforting? In today's daily bread, it says:

"Death does not sever our love for them, for love belongs to the spirit and not to the body. And when those we love go on a long journey, their thoughts can span the distance as though it were a step, and their love enfolds us as though they stood beside us. So it is today with our dear departed ones."

The opposite is also true, i.e. if our loved ones do not believe in the Lord, they will be separated from us forever. :( That means, we need to do something about it now.

I also see another lesson from the above passage: Sometimes I feel that my heart has become emotionally 'dead' because of hurts in my life. Yet when I come before the Lord to pray, to confess my sins and forgive, God 'resurrects' my heart to feel, to love and care again... it can't remain dead. Reading this passage has inspired me to compose my poem My Heart Will Go On.


Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You that You are the ressurection and the life (v25). Thank You for 'resurrecting' my heart that 'stops beating' every now and then. My heart will go on because of You... Thank You.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Being a Christian and a Chinese, I often ask myself which elements within my culture I can retain, which I should reject and which I should try to transform. Take for example the Ching Ming celebration this month. We must reject any elements that are demonic and evil that promotes, encourages and lock us in fear. But, there are others we can retain like the underlying philosophy behind Ching Ming of honouring our parents and ancestors. It’s something we also find in the Bible.

It’s also a great time for family gathering and to share the good deeds done by our ancestors, passing on the stories to the younger ones. Visiting the gravesites together with our non-Christian relatives and family members would show that we as Christians are also filial. We can also use the time to reflect, giving thanks to God for our ancestors and God goodness shown to our family.

It is also a good time for us to share about the resurrection and the Easter message of hope. We can share how through believing in Christ, who is the Creator of life (John 14:6), we’ll have the wonderful assurance and certainty to gain a spiritual life that death can’t conquer or diminish in any way: “Because I live, you also will live” (v14:19).

Dear Lord, thank You for the comforting and assuring promise of reuniting back with our believing loved ones who might leave us one day. What can be more joyful than being able to be with our loved ones forever! Thank You Father, for Jesus, who has made all this possible for us who believe in Him. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


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

A Loan To The Lord

Matthew 25:34-46

34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'

44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'

45 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'

46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

Tommy's Thoughts:

Our daily lives can make more sense, become more meaningful and exciting when we know God keeps track of every single thing we ever do or say, recording our every thoughts and actions, watches what we hold onto, how we give and serve others. With this in mind, our attitudes towards others will change dramatically; we begin to see the deep needs of those around us.

Today's parable describes acts of mercy and love we all can do and show to everyone daily. Most of these acts don’t require a lot from us, they can be simple acts we can give freely if we really concern and care for others. Our personal involvement and love in caring and serving for other’s needs glorify God, reflecting our love for Him.

Dear Lord, forgive me that at times I’m too busy working around my own needs and fulfillment that I forgot those around me that needs my help and care. Guide me to be aware of this always, that whatever I do for others, I’m in fact doing it for You. Thank You Lord, I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

The above passage comes in at the right time to remind me what life is all about.

Because of my busyness with work, I somehow feel very tired and don't want to interact much with people whom I used to interact often. I don't think so much, don't reflect often, and I simply engross myself with works day and night. I am my 'workaholic' self again. I know it's not good for me and the people I used to care in a long run.

Few days ago, I also felt that my care and concern for certain people seemed to be taken for granted. I just felt like not caring anymore... I felt like letting things be while I get on with my busyness, and mind my own business.

Yet today's devotion is a reminder that I shouldn't feel weary of doing good to people, whether they appreciate or not isn't important. For whatever I do for those who need my care and concern, I am actually doing it to the Lord. Therefore, I should not loose heart in doing good, to love and to care.


Dear Lord,
I need Your strength to continue to love and care. Even though at times I feel weary and discouraged, let me not give up but to continue to be a blessing to people around me. Let me be sensitive to the needs of others and continue to make a difference in their life. May my work brings glory to Your name.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.




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

Words of Life

Psalm 119:89-104

89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.

90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.

91 Your laws endure to this day,
for all things serve you.

92 If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.

93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have preserved my life.

94 Save me, for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts.

95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me,
but I will ponder your statutes.

96 To all perfection I see a limit;
but your commands are boundless.

97 Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long.

98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
for they are ever with me.

99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your statutes.

100 I have more understanding than the elders,
for I obey your precepts.

101 I have kept my feet from every evil path
so that I might obey your word.

102 I have not departed from your laws,
for you yourself have taught me.

103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.

Bee's Thoughts:

The Bible has so many examples of men/women of faith whom we could learn from; so many wisdom from the the Book of Proverbs; so many praises from the Book of Psalms; and so many teaching of Christ in the gospels.

There had been many times I wanted to run away from God when I was a young Christian, and also young in age. I questioned why God allowed me to go through so many trials. I felt wronged, misunderstood, accused, and condemned by certain people around me. Yet each time the word of God came to my mind to encourage me, upheld me and taught me what I should do. I struggled to obey, but each time I gave in to God and resurrendered myself to Him. God's words had literally rescued my life from destruction.


Dear Lord,
Thank You that I can have the freedom to read the bible in my country. Thank You that Your words have kept my life from destruction. Let Your word always stay in my heart that I may not sin against You. Teach me Your ways in my work and in my relationship with people, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

As Christian, sometimes we might be wrongly accused or labeled as being a fanatic or ‘crazy’ for what we believe in. It hurts a lot more if the remark is from someone close to us. Someone that might be our ‘teachers” (v99) or “elders” (v100) that think they know much more and better than us do because of their age and experiences.

But we shouldn’t be discouraged because deep inside we know His words are eternal, it stands firm in the heavens (v89) and have endure to this day (v91). We also know this by how His words have ‘saved’ us from so many ways (v93) and wrong ‘path’ (v101), making us wiser with more understanding than those who reject them (v98-100).

Dear Lord, thank You for Your words and teachings, I love and will never forget them, meditating on them, keeping me away from every ‘evil’ path. Thank You for teaching me not to feel victimized or angry by those who has ‘labeled’ me but to show love and compassion for them as they have yet to see Your glory and powers. Guide me to find opportunity to share Your message tactfully with them. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


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

Our Days Are Numbered

Psalm 39

Psalm 39
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
1 I said, "I will watch my ways
and keep my tongue from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth
as long as the wicked are in my presence."

2 But when I was silent and still,
not even saying anything good,
my anguish increased.

3 My heart grew hot within me,
and as I meditated, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:

4 "Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.

5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath.
Selah

6 Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
He bustles about, but only in vain;
he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.

7 "But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you.

8 Save me from all my transgressions;
do not make me the scorn of fools.

9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth,
for you are the one who has done this.

10 Remove your scourge from me;
I am overcome by the blow of your hand.

11 You rebuke and discipline men for their sin;
you consume their wealth like a moth—
each man is but a breath.
Selah

12 "Hear my prayer, O LORD,
listen to my cry for help;
be not deaf to my weeping.
For I dwell with you as an alien,
a stranger, as all my fathers were.

13 Look away from me, that I may rejoice again
before I depart and am no more."

Bee's Thoughts:

Recently, a very successful man was sharing about how much wealth he has accumulated over the years. He owned 7 properties and many busineses at the age of only 52. But one thing he shared was that he has no time for his wife and 4 children. He never get to see his children during the weekdays becuase he went home late when they were sleeping. By the time he woke up, his children would have left for schools. He said that was his choice in life. To him, wealth is peace. What about to his family? Has he ever considered their feelings? How much does he love them?

The above passage reminds us that our life is "fleeting" (v4) and "Each man's life is but a breath"(v5). God can easily take away the wealth of a man overnight (v11). So where is our boasting?

If life is so short, wouldn't every minute of our life counts? We need to number our days like what the Psalmist requested from God.

Dear Lord,
Teach me to number my days and know how short it is. Therefore I need to use my time properly for things that are meaningful, and for the people that I love, and that includes You.

Now I want to pray for my friend who is feeling troubled, that Your peace will be with him, that he will know that his time is in Your hand. Let him give his trouble to You.

I also want to pray for another friend who needs Your journey mercy as he makes his way home from his trip tomorrow. Give him good sleep so that he may be fresh as he drives back.

In Your loving name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Life is short and it goes by in a flash. It is also a test, a test to see how well and responsible we are in using the short and priceless time we have. Are we using them wisely or are we unknowingly wasting hours daily with unimportant, meaningless things or pursuits?

Some said we have to live everyday like it's our last; to begin with the end in mind. If we were to sit down and think with this frame of reference, we’ll see many important things we want and need to do: Changes we would like to make? Habits we need to end? Plans we need to make? Words we want to say? Things we need to let go? People we need to love? A God we need to tell others? Life is short; there is never a second to lose. We need to start right now—this very minute to do what truly important; what matters most.

Dear Lord, thank You for teaching how important to use my time wisely, to do what truly important and not wasting times irresponsibly. Lord, I pray for Your wisdom to be with me while I’m preparing for my test in the coming week. Guide me to have the discipline to use my time effectively between my study and projects. I pray all these in Jesus’ name, Amen.


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

Hope In the Spirit

Romans 8:16-30

16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Future Glory
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

More Than Conquerors
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Bee's Thoughts:

I am actually feeling very tired and I am having headache too tonight. My human tendency is to skip tonight's devotion and go to sleep. But thank God that He gave me the strength to persist in spending this time with Him to read His words.

There are a number of things I personally learnt from the above passage:

1. When we are born-again in the Spirit, we will have a strong conviction that we are children of God. This is something we are very sure of b'cos the Spirit of God bears witness in our spirit (v16).

2. As children of God, we have an unseen hope that our decaying human bodies will ultimately be redeemed for something that is unperishable and glorious (v23, 24).

3. As children of God, we can pray in the Spirit who will help us pray according to God's will (v26, 27). This can be felt when we pray in the Spirit through tongue when we are baptised by the Holy Spirit.

4. We can be sure that if we love God and want to do His will, then no matter what happen they are for our good (v28).


Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your strength tonight through You Spirit's enabling. Thank You for Your reminder of the hope and glory I shall receive when I see You. Thank You that all things work together for my good, for I love You love. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Things can get pretty tough and frustrating in life, things that sometimes happened not by our own choice or fault. We might also have to live and deal with difficult people, misunderstandings and conflicts with someone close, stressed by works and people, disappointments of others and ourselves. At times, we feel like giving up, thinking nothing matters anymore.

But as Christian, we can find hope and comfort despite our helplessness living in this fallen world. Hope for a glorious freedom through redemption of our bodies. Until that day comes, we can live our lives differently, not conforming to the ways of the world (Romans 12:2) but making positive changes and attitude in every situation we might be facing. We need to see every situation as a test of our love, humility, and trust; to advance toward the virtues of Jesus.

The good news is our loving God didn't leave us alone to deal with this. He has given us the Holy Spirit to be with us, to guide us, giving us strength, patience and endurance along the way; to learn to genuinely love and serve others, to see every moment, good or bad, as an opportunity to glorify God, shining brightly as His children of light (John 12:36) in a world that filled with darkness today.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your comforting words that my sufferings today are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to me. Thank You also for assuring me that in all things You works for the good of those who love You, who have been called according to Your purpose. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.


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

A Bold Entrance

Hebrews 4:14-16

Jesus the Great High Priest
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Bee's Thoughts:

Sometimes we might feel guilty to come to God when we know we have sinned against God over and over again. The devil may accuse us and tell us that we are unworthy to ask God for forgiveness. This is a devil's lie.

Jesus has been "tempted in every way" just like us, therefore, He can "sympathize with our weaknesses" (v15). Jesus will never despise us when we go to Him to tell Him what we'd been through and seek His help. Isn't that comforting to be able to talk to Someone who has gone through smiliar temptations like ours and yet is an overcomer? With this in mind, we can boldly and confidently approach Him "in our time of need" (v15).


Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your comforting words today that we can come before You in time of need. You promised us that Your grace and mercy will be with us.
Now I want to pray for my friend, who is having a special problem, and is in need of Your grace and mercy to see him through. I pray that he will have the courage to apprach Your throne of grace instead of feeling condemned by the devil. Grant him wisdom to handle his situation as he learns to commit himself and his problem to You.
Thank You for hearing my prayers. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

God truly understands and sympathizes with us when we have to face with all kinds of temptations in life. It’s because Jesus Himself had experienced a full range of temptations throughout His life as human. We can be comforted and encouraged knowing as children of God we do not have to sin when we face with temptation.

Through Christ also, we are assured of God’s forgiveness for all our sins. He provided a way for us to reconcile with God; giving us the assurance that God will always available to hear our prayers. With reverence, we approach God as our King but at the same time we can come with confidence and bold assurance as He is also our Friend and Counselor.

Dear Lord, thank You for giving me a way to come to You; not with my head hung low or a heart filled with fear and condemnation, but, with true confidence and assurance. Thank You Jesus that through You, I received and found God’s mercy and grace to help me in time of need and struggles. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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

Close friend of Faith

Psalm 92

A psalm. A song. For the Sabbath day.
1 It is good to praise the LORD
and make music to your name, O Most High,

2 to proclaim your love in the morning
and your faithfulness at night,

3 to the music of the ten-stringed lyre
and the melody of the harp.

4 For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD;
I sing for joy at the works of your hands.

5 How great are your works, O LORD,
how profound your thoughts!

6 The senseless man does not know,
fools do not understand,

7 that though the wicked spring up like grass
and all evildoers flourish,
they will be forever destroyed.

8 But you, O LORD, are exalted forever.

9 For surely your enemies, O LORD,
surely your enemies will perish;
all evildoers will be scattered.

10 You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox;
fine oils have been poured upon me.

11 My eyes have seen the defeat of my adversaries;
my ears have heard the rout of my wicked foes.

12 >The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;

13 planted in the house of the LORD,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.

14 They will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green,

15 proclaiming, "The LORD is upright;
he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."

Bee's Thoughts:

All I want to do tonight is to praise the Lord, for it is good to praise Him (v1).

Dear Lord,

thank you for your love in the morning
for your faithfulness in the evening
for the songs you put in my heart
for the joy that never depart

praise you for the works of your hands
for your plans that're higher than my plans
for your thoughts that're higher than my thoughts
for your ways that're better than what i sought

thank you that those who trust in you
will have their strength renewed
will bear fruits even when they're old
will stay fresh and green even though

amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Sometimes, it’s really beyond me how certain people can ridicules and laughs at how Christians give thanks, honor and praise to God; saying how silly it is to acknowledge that God owns everything we have. Sadly, this seems to be a common thing we hear today. It's true what the Psalmist said about how silly man and fools would not see, know or understand what God has done (v6).

As believer, we know that the earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it (Psalm 24:1). How can we not thanks and praise a God who has given us "exceeding great and precious promises" (2 Peter 1:4) that are "more to be desired than gold."(Psalm 19:10). Faith and thanksgiving are close friends. If we have faith in God, we will be thankful to all that He has done for us. Our attitude toward life will change as a result; we’ll become a more helpful, gracious, loving and humble person.

Dear Lord, thank You for providing all my needs with Your hands always upon me. Teach me to always place my faith firmly in You despite whatever the circumstances might be. I ask all these in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Bee's 5th Month of Devotion

I have been at this blog for the last 5 months. Doing my devotion here has helped me cultivate a consistent habit of spending time to reflect on God's word, and at the same time to apply them in my daily situations. Each time I read the bible passages for the day in Our Daily Bread I could feel God speaking to me about my daily experiences.

God's words are full of life when I read it prayerfully. They are very comforting, giving me new strength and courage to go on for another day, just like what food does for my physical body. However, if I were to read the bible just as head knowledge, it will be very dry and I will not benefit much from it. Thank God for His amazing words of life!

Sometimes, Tommy and I do have some slight disagreement on the titles of certain passages or on the presentation of a certain posts. Sometimes, these trivial matters may cause us to loose focus on what is important in the eyes of God -- His truths. These are subtle things the devil try to use to divide and conquer. But thank God that each time we could come to an agreement as we let God speaks to our hearts.

I am very thankful to Tommy, not only for letting me use his blog to do my online devotion, but also for his graciousness, care and concern for me. It's very encouraging to see that he has also been doing it regularly, despite his busy work schedule.

So, keep it up Tommy! Let's cheer each other on, ok? May our Lord bless you richly as you give Him your time. :)


.......the thoughts of Bee

Wrong Assumptions

Job 4:1-11

1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied:

2 "If someone ventures a word with you, will you be impatient?
But who can keep from speaking?

3 Think how you have instructed many,
how you have strengthened feeble hands.

4 Your words have supported those who stumbled;
you have strengthened faltering knees.

5 But now trouble comes to you, and you are discouraged;
it strikes you, and you are dismayed.

6 Should not your piety be your confidence
and your blameless ways your hope?

7 "Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished?
Where were the upright ever destroyed?

8 As I have observed, those who plow evil
and those who sow trouble reap it.

9 At the breath of God they are destroyed;
at the blast of his anger they perish.

10 The lions may roar and growl,
yet the teeth of the great lions are broken.

11 The lion perishes for lack of prey,
and the cubs of the lioness are scattered.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Once, there was a pastor from a neighbor church came to give a healing service at my church. There were people with all kinds of problem and illness attended the service after hearing how gifted he is in healing. I was there with my friend who is suffering from OCD. Everything went well with the message on Jesus and the healing powers from God until we heard the advice from him to ask my friend to stop taking her medication, have faith and believe in God that he will heal her from her disorder. She took his advice and stops the medication. Things turned badly later as her condition deteriorated tremendously. She then felt so distanced from God, thinking He must be punishing her by not healing her for whatever wrongs she might have committed in the past.

But thanks to God, He came to help and lift her up in her depression through other Christians and our church’s pastors, who understand the teachings of God. They brought her back to know that God is the same faithful and loving God ever since she’s small. Her illness is not because of any punishment but a biological and medical condition that needs proper treatment. Medications and doctors are also God’s ways to help to cure and heal people.

There are times when a good and well-being people can give us wrong advices. Like Job’s friend, Eliphaz who based his advice on his confident, firsthand knowledge and experience; claiming he has figured out God and how He works (4:12-16) has made 3 critically wrong assumptions in today’s passage:

1. Good, innocent people never suffers.


2. We suffer because we’re being punished by our past sins. Suffering is a direct result of sin.


3. Job suffers because he did something wrong in God’s eyes.

Dear Lord, thank You for giving me the wisdom, teachings and examples to know what I should do and what I shouldn’t. Help me also not to be like Eliphaz who limit You to his own perspective and finite understanding. Instead, guide me to allow Your truths flow into my heart through daily reading of Your words and prayers. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.



Bee's Thoughts:

Many people seem to think that 'heroes' or leaders will not, or should not, have any down moment. They are being lookup to by others for comforts, advices, encouragements, guidances, etc. But when they are down and need these things themselves, they seem to be left alone. They are not allowed to feel weak. Any sign of weakness would be frowned upon as in the case of Job above, where his friends weren't sympathetic toward's his distress. As such, heroes tend to feel lonely. *sigh*

Very often I felt the same way too.Sometimes I wonder if I am born to bear other's burdens and mine by myself. Once an offline friend told me after I shared about my discouragement: "You always look cheerful and confident, always providing solutions for others who need help, and I really respect you. I never expect you to feel discouraged." Yes, it's hard for people to know my actual feelings... I have to be strong all the time, I have to hold back my tears from others. What Job's friend, Eliphaz, said to him in verses 3 to 5 sounded familiar:

"Think how you have instructed many,
how you have strengthened feeble hands.

Your words have supported those who stumbled;
you have strengthened faltering knees.

But now trouble comes to you, and you are discouraged;
it strikes you, and you are dismayed."

Many people, like Job's friend, wrongly assumed that an usually strong person who helps others should neither feel weak nor be in need of a helping hand. They become very critical when it happens and start assuming wrongly.

The story of Job has been a great couragement for me whenever I feel wronged, especially by people close to me. For I know that God sees the true condition in my heart. Just like in the case of Job, despite being accused wrongly by his 3 close friends, Job didn't curse God. His response to God was highly commended by God, whereas God was angry with his friends' wrong assumption of his suffering:

"After the LORD had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has." (Job 42:1-7)

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the lessons I can learn from the story of Job. Teach me not to be too quick to wrongly assume things when my leaders are in distress. Instead, let me be understanding, be encouraging, and be a support to them. Thank You for being my support and strength whenever I feel discouraged. Praise You, Lord! Amen.



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

A Personal Letter

Psalm 119:97-104

97 Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long.

98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
for they are ever with me.

99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your statutes.

100 I have more understanding than the elders,
for I obey your precepts.

101 I have kept my feet from every evil path
so that I might obey your word.

102 I have not departed from your laws,
for you yourself have taught me.

103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Today, where everyone corresponds through email everyday, receiving a snail mail from a friend or a loved one is so much more personal and romantic. Simple hand-written letters can be so meaningful and touch our hearts that we'll keep them like treasures. The Bible is like those letters and more. It’s a personal love letter from God to us His loving children.

Like a parent who care and wanted to give true wisdom to their children, God’s words make us wise- wiser than our enemies and any teachers who ignore it (v98-99). Intelligent or experienced people are not necessary wise. True wisdom comes not from amassing knowledge but through our willingness to allow His words to guide us and applying them in a life-changing way.

Dear Lord, thank You and I praise You for Your Word. Thank You for giving me the wisdom that I can’t find anywhere else. Wisdom that changes me to be a right person; to be more like Christ each day. Guide me to read prayerfully Your words and listening to what You wanted to say to me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

I was very touched when I read the article, Penning a Marriage: the power of interactive journaling, by Becky Zerbe. She said:

"Several years ago, my husband was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. Our journals are now a cherished record of thoughts and fears during the progress of a life consuming illness.

Now Roger's letters are filled with misspellings, grammatical mistakes, and lapses of meaning, but each one is an irreplaceable jewel. At this point, every precious word he puts on paper is a blessing. As physicians marvel at how well he's doing, I give credit to God for the gift of journaling. We believe Roger's dedication to writing a daily letter is an important contribution to slowing the progress of his disease."

"God in his wisdom knew we need the written word—after all, he wrote the Ten Commandments in stone. The Scriptures are filled with epistles that were so needed by the early Christians. They were precious letters that still guide us today. How blessed we are to be able to look at our Father and learn the importance of words written to each other."

Yes, certain special letters, cards, emails and ecards are very valuable to me. I kept them for a long, long time. Once in awhile I may retrieve them to read whenever I feel like it. They always warm my heart when I read them for they bring back many fond memories. They also make me feel close to the writers who unreservedly shared their thoughts.

If such written texts can give me so much pleasure in reading them over and over again, how much more will the texts written by my God who loves me so much. Like what the above Psalm says in v103, "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"


Dear God,
Thank You for the special letters, cards, emails and ecards that people who care for me wrote... they mean a lot to me. Thank You even more for Your written words that can guide my whole life. May I never get sick of reading the bible, but to read them over and over again like treasure. Open my spiritual eyes to behold the wonders You want to reveal to me each time.
In Jesus' name I ask. Amen.


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

Snub it Out!

Proverbs 26:17-28

17 Like one who seizes a dog by the ears
is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own.

18 Like a madman shooting
firebrands or deadly arrows

19 is a man who deceives his neighbor
and says, "I was only joking!"

20 Without wood a fire goes out;
without gossip a quarrel dies down.

21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man's inmost parts.

23 Like a coating of glaze over earthenware
are fervent lips with an evil heart.

24 A malicious man disguises himself with his lips,
but in his heart he harbors deceit.

25 Though his speech is charming, do not believe him,
for seven abominations fill his heart.

26 His malice may be concealed by deception,
but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

27 If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it;
if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him.

28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts,
and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Tommy's Thoughts:

The old saying is very true, if we can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all! Gossip is one of the most unkind and damaging thing a person can silently do behind another. It’s a cruel weapon that serves no other purpose than a selfish way for one to look good by putting others down.

The real problem is not because we do not know gossip is bad, but because we are not aware how easy we ourselves can ‘transmit’ it along sometimes. We need to train our tongue and be careful with our words so that it won’t be used to spread the gossip. When we stop ‘contributing’, the gossip will be able to be snub-out.

Dear Lord, forgive me that at times I also involved in criticizing and ridiculing the flaws and habits of others behind their back. Help me Lord to never do them again knowing how damaging they are to others, doing injustice to a person. As You have said:

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless - James. 1:26

Thank You Lord. I pray all these in Jesus’ name, Amen.



Bee's Thoughts:

Yes, our tongues are the most difficult organ to be tamed.

I guess most people use gossip as a way of connecting with others, a common interest in a way. They may or not intentionally try to harm the one whom they gossiped about. Nevertheless, harms can be done, be it to that person's reputation or leaking out secrets.

Another way we might harm others with our tongues is "joking" insensitively. Certain jokes can actually be "Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows" (v18) and hurt someone deeply. It might be too late to say, "I was only joking!" (v19).


Dear Lord,
Thank You for the reminder that I should learn to control my tongue that I will use it to edify and encourage someone, and to praise Your name, instead gossipping or say any insensitive words. Forgive me if I have offended anyone with what I said. Cleanse my lips Lord, right now.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



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

The Right Way to Share

Acts 17:22-31

22 Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.

24 "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27 God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'

29 "Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man's design and skill. 30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead."

Bee's Thoughts:

Paul had modelled how we may share the gospel without offending others.

1. Firstly, he acknowledged the people for being very "religious" (v22).
2. Secondly, he pointed out his observation that the people worshipped the "UNKNOWN GOD", one which they have no personal relationship with (v23).
3. Thirdly, he shared with them who God is (v24-27):

• God made heaven and earth, so He doesn't need to live in man-made temples.
• God made men, so He doesn't need to be served by human hands.
• God multiplied men, He determined when and where they live.
• God desires that men should seek Him, He is near to men

Dear Lord,
Thank You for today's passage that I can learn from Paul how I may share the gospel to others without offending. May You open the eyes of those who do not know You to see Your greatness. That they may know that You are the Lord of the universe, yet You want to have a special relationship with them, Your creation.
Thank You for opening my eyes to see You. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

I’ve met many people, some who are very close to me, that admitted that they did believe in an unknown god but do not trust him entirely. They feel that at the end all depend on themselves as there’s no assurance or clarity in what they believe in. Nevertheless, they still do and follow all kind of rituals and rules with the fear of missing any blessings or receiving punishments from god.

Paul’s address in today passage is a good example and approach of how we should communicate the gospel to these people. Instead of shooting down people with our knowledge, Paul began by using examples they understood (v22-23) as entry point for his witness. Then, he established a common ground by emphasizing what they agreed about God (v24-29). Finally, he moved people toward a decision about Jesus Christ (v30-31).

Dear Lord, thank You for teaching me to be like Paul, always want to seek and know more about Your teachings; to be prepared to present the gospel whenever we can, not only when we feel adequately equipped but working with what we already know. Thank You also for teaching me not to hold back the truth or changing my basic message because of what other might think of them.

Ya Lord, one more thing, I pray that You will heal the excruciating pain of my tooth now so that I’ll have a goodnight sleep tonight…and do give my dentist the wisdom to treat it properly and effectively tomorrow. And thanks Bee for your forever caring prayers. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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

No Need Is Too Trivial

Isaiah 49:13-18

13 Shout for joy, O heavens;
rejoice, O earth;
burst into song, O mountains!
For the LORD comforts his people
and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

14 But Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me,
the Lord has forgotten me."

15 "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!

16 See (Bee), I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are ever before me.

17 Your sons hasten back,
and those who laid you waste depart from you.

18 Lift up your eyes and look around;
all your sons gather and come to you.
As surely as I live," declares the LORD,
"you will wear them all as ornaments;
you will put them on, like a bride.

Tommy's Thoughts:

It’s hard sometimes when God seems so distant and not answering our prayer during our time of distress. We pray so hard and earnest, hoping He will just somewhat answer and deliver us instantly from our unbearable pain and struggle. We become frustrated when we are still stuck in our situation despite all our honest effort. Like the people in Israel from today’s passage, they felt God had denied and forsaken them in Babylon. But, Isaiah reminded them that God, like a loving parent, would never leave or forget them.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you - Deuteronomy 31:6

When we feel discouraged and think that God is too busy or doesn’t seems to care much about our 'small' and 'trivial' needs and problems, we need to ask ourselves if we have forsaken and forgotten Him in the first place. Is it only when we are facing a problem that we seek Him? God sometimes might also use and allow certain situation to happen in our lives, in order to teach, build, and bring us to a greater truth and understanding of our problem.

Dear Lord, thank You for being there with me through thick and thin. Lord, only You know what is best and good for me. In this season of Lent, teach me especially to be patient and tolerant when at times You might answer my prayer by asking me to wait. There are also times You’ll use situations to show and teach me something important from them. Lord, I’ll trust and obey You in every situation as I know all things will work together for good to those who love and obey You (Romans 8:28). In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.



Bee's Thoughts:

Reading the above passage brings back some unpleasant memories. Each time I thought of it I still feel teary. It's sad that some mothers can really "forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne" (v15). I can't understand why they can do that. Perhaps because they themselves have been abandoned before? Perhaps they have never experienced a mother's love? Even then, why didnt they have their own 'mother's instinct'?

Thank God that even though some mothers will have "no compassion" for their child, He always has. If not, I won't be here today.

When I was reading v16, momentarily I read it as..

"Bee, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me."

I was so comforted and excited to read that. It's like God telling me, "Bee, though your mother can forget and have no compassion for you, I have; I will not forget you!; I have engraved you on my palms, and my presence will go with you wherever you go."


Thank You Lord! Praise You for this assurance! Yes, You have never left me nor forsaken me. You have always been with me even when I was in my mother's womb. You saw me through my life. You loved me even before I knew You. Thank You so much. Amen.


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

Pride

Isaiah 14:12-15

12 How you have fallen from heaven,
O morning star, son of the dawn!
You have been cast down to the earth,
you who once laid low the nations!

13 You said in your heart,
"I will ascend to heaven;
I will raise my throne
above the stars of God;
I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly,
on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain.

14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High."

15 But you are brought down to the grave,
to the depths of the pit.

Bee's Thoughts:


The above passage shows how satan fell from grace. He was too proud, thinking he could be like God (v14). The bible says, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18). Pride will eventually destroy us if we let it take root in our hearts.

That's why we are constantly reminded to be humble like Christ. He is the best model of humility for us to follow... a mighty God came down to earth to become a man, and to die for sinners on the cross. He went through so much humiliation just because of us. We owe our life and devotion to Him.

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for humbling Yourself for our sake. Thank You for the reminder that pride can cause us to fall. May we be humble just like You, to serve others because of love too. In Your holy name I ask. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Pride springs from an exaggerated self-centeredness; making oneself absolute and central, isolating from God and others. Pride can be considered the greatest sin of all and the root of all sins. It strongly influences, leads and propels a person to sin in pursuit of his own good and selfish achievements.

As Christian, though we may not consider ourselves equal to God, but often time we may think we’re better or holier than other Christians or non-believers. We can even make our Christianity into a prideful thing like what Matthew said in Matthew 6:5-6.

Humility is what cures us from the cancer of pride. It’s about seeing ourselves as who we really are and not comparing ourselves to others. Among the ways to put on humility in our daily lives are:

1. Humble and submit ourselves to God by worshipping Him and obeying His word.


2. Never look down but consider others better than ourselves (Philippians 2:2-4).


3. Turn our eyes to Jesus and follow in His steps to true humility, understanding how He humbled himself carrying the cross for our sins.


4. Repent of our sin (2 Chronicles 34:27).

Dear Lord, forgive me for any pride that I have harbored in my life. Guide me to live everyday with humility and compassion, to be real with people in my life by laying down my pride. Thank you, Lord. I ask all these in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Divine Interruptions

Luke 10:29-37

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

30 In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

36 "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

37 The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

Bee's Thoughts:

Just when I was thinking that life is quite smooth-sailing (or plain) for me lately and glad to receive a surprised poem yesterday, an incidence caused me to be affected today... an injustice done to me, I felt bullied. I was very emotional when I tried to argue for my right over the phone. I ended up crying.... I badly wished I could talk about it to somebody right there and then. Yes, I did... after some time.

Not only that, I received a forwarded video from an ex-colleague today that made me laughed again... it was so funny! Then when I visited another friend's blog, what he wrote today also made my day. Aren't God wonderful? He used friends to cheer me up when I am down (without them even knowing sometimes).

Why did the incidence happen? A divine interruption? Perhaps God allowed it to take place to remind me not to be complacent when life is ok for me. Or perhaps God was reminding me the joy others will have when I am like the Good Samaritan to them, offering help to those who cross my path. Just like what Jean-Pierre de Caussade, said, "Love is the duty of the present moment." Can we drop what we have to do in order to help someone in need, or offer a listening ear when someone is in pain?

Dear Lord,
I thank You for your divine interruption today to teach me these lessons. Thank You for friends who could be used by You to cheer me up today too. Help me to be like the good Samaritan to help those that need me too. May Your love be felt always.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.




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

Be Prepare for the Meal

1 Corinthians 11:17-34

The Lord's Supper

17 In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. 18 In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. 19 No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval. 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper you eat, 21 for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk. 22 Don't you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not!

23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

27 Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31 But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. 32 When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other. 34If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.And when I come I will give further directions.

Tommy's Thoughts:

It is easy for familiarity to blind us from something as profound and important as the meaning of the Lord’s Supper. We might have participated in it weeks after weeks without truly understand its purpose and significance. Like the Passover which celebrated the deliverance from slavery in Egypt, the Lord’s Supper celebrates our deliverance from sin by Christ’s death. It’s a visible representation of the Good News, strengthening our faith through fellowship with Christ and other believers.

In today’s passage, we learn that we should not take the sacrament lightly, making it a meaningless ritual or a pious habit. Instead, we should with due reverence and respect, to take it thoughtfully, worthily and orderly, as this new covenant cost Jesus His life. We are also called to be properly prepared for Communion through healthy introspection, examining ourselves for any unconfessed sin or resentful attitude (v11:28) and resolution of differences with other believers.

Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me to be thankful for what Christ has done for me on the Cross. Thank You for making me aware each time I have sinned, driving me to participate in the Communion, remembering His death and renewing my commitment to obey and serve Him again with love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

What is so different between our supper time and "The Lord's Supper"?

We take our supper either because we are hungry or we are greedy. ;) But when we take "The Lord's Supper" (Holy Communion) during the Church Service, we do it "in remembrance" of Jesus' death (v24-26). We need to do it in seriousness by examing/judging ourselves first (v28). We need to confess our sins to God and ask for His forgivness, at the same time we need to forgive those who have hurt us too. It's a time for us to get right with God and men.

In the past, I used to let the bread and cup passed me if I felt guilty of any unconfessed sin. But I have learnt that instead of doing that, I should immediately confess and get right with God. I always find Communion time a good time to search my heart. In such quietness, God would reveal certain things to me.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the previlege in partaking "The Lord's Supper" weekly. Thank You for Your body that is broken and Your blood that is shed for me. Thank You for Your forgiveness and love.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



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

Unity In The Faith

Ephesians 4:1-6

Unity in the Body of Christ
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Bee's Thoughts:

I was talking to someone few days ago about why the bible told Christians,

"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 Corinthians 6:14)

I also came across an interesting forum "Dating a non-Christian", where members share their thoughts and experiences on the topic.

Reading the above verses reinforces the reason why the "yoke" must be "equal". We are called "to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (v3). If we are "yoked" to another with different faith (non-Christians), how can there ever be "unity of the Spirit" or "bond of peace"? Oneness is so important in a life partnership...

• one body
• one Spirit
• one hope
• one Lord
• one faith
• one baptism
• one God and Father

I believe God wants to spare us the heartaches that unequally-yoked couples have when He instructed us in 2 Corinthians 6:14... He is not out to 'torture' us.


Dear God,
Thank You for the above passage today that shows the importance of unity and peace in You. I pray that You will help us understand Your heart when You give us an instruction through the bible. May we obey Your word, which is always in our interests.
Thank You in Jesus' name. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

As believer, we are called to represent Christ to the world; to be the light and salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16). Do our daily attitudes and behaviors reflect and worthy of this calling we received from God? Can others see Christ in us?

A life worthy of God’s calling can be seen in how we treat others in relationships. This include being humble, gentle, patient, understanding and peaceful. As God has accepted us though we are not perfect, we need to accept one another with love. To bear one another in love means to be patient, loving, gentle and accepting to other Christians in spite of their faults. Instead of dwelling on their weaknesses or pinpointing their faults, we need keep them in our prayer. To take a step further, we can spend time with them and see if we can learn to like them more.

Dear Lord, thank You for teaching me to learn and appreciate others who are different from me with love, patient and gentleness. Thank You for reminding me despite all the differences we may have as believers, we can still enjoy the complimentary nature as Christ’s members, united in one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


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