God's Guidance

Exodus 13:17-22

Crossing the Sea
17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." 18 So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. [a] The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.

19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him because Joseph had made the sons of Israel swear an oath. He had said, "God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up with you from this place." [b]

20 After leaving Succoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. 21 By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

Bee's Thoughts:

God has always been watching over His children, you and I who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. By day and night, He is always there. Isn't that a great assurance?

In today's context, God's Holy Spirit is there to prompt us in our hearts to do what's right and pleasing to Him. He just need to obey His guidance.


Dear Lord,

Thank You for always being there for me, by day and by night. I pray that I will always follow Your leading and not do things my own way. I need You in my working place to make the right decision, that Your name may be honoured.

I pray for the meeting I am going to have with my colleagues tomorrow, that I will say things that will encourage them to work together as a team.

I pray for my best friend too as he travels tomorrow, that You will grant him a safe journey to and fro.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

As I think about the things I’ve learned and decision I’ve made over the years, I’m certain they were all helps and guidance from the Holy Spirit dwelling inside me. These were the things that I would have never imagined doing before I accepted Christ.

They were all based solidly on love, peace, humility, joy, self-control and other-centeredness. With each situation presented in front of me, the Holy Spirit never fails to clarify and move me to choose what is right.

Dear Lord, thank You so much for sending me the Holy Spirit to live within my heart, being my true guide everywhere I go and whatever I do daily. Teach me to be pure and holy, so that You can pour out Your grace, love and mercy through me. Guide me to always reflect Your glory to the world by being a holy temple for the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Taking God At His Word

1 John 5:1-13

Faith in the Son of God
1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

6 This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. 9 We accept man's testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. 10 Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. 11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Concluding Remarks
13I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

Bee's Thoughts:

When we truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God, our faith will grow and it will help us overcome the world and all its temptations (v4,5). Yes, that's what happened to me too.

Sadly, many have claimed to be Christians yet the world has overcome them instead. Today, I was taken aback when I came to know that certain of the committee members in a Christian organization are not Christians, or at least have 'backslided' from their faith. I saw one of them smoking away right after the committee meeting. I was shocked!

The above passage shows us that if we love God we will obey His command (v3). Then we can be sure that we have eternal life in Christ.


Dear Lord,
Now I want to pray for those who claimed to be Your children, yet have no power over the world. I pray that they will turn their hearts to You and have faith in You. I pray that they will seek You for strength to do Your command. Like wise I pray that I will not be overcome by the world but overcome it by faith in You.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

We may worry about whether we’ve been given eternal life by God when we find ourselves always fail to obey His commands. Our loads seem so unbearably heavy and we constantly feel stuck in our situation. We honestly believe in God and wanted to serve and obey Him but feel helpless and discouraged by our failing.

We should know that when we truthfully believe in Jesus, our eternal life begins and it will be guaranteed based on God’s promise for us. This is true even when we feel discouraged or far away from God, because salvation is not based on feelings but on facts. We should not allow our momentarily disappointment to give up seeking God and love Him by obeying His commands. Go to Him, Christ will help us bear our heavy burdens.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your gift of eternal life and strength for me to hold on during the storms of stress and uncertainties. Teach me to trust You and commit my life to Jesus as my Savior and Lord, to love You by obeying Your commands (v3). In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

The Test

Genesis 22

Abraham Tested
1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied.

2 Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."

3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you."

6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, 7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?"
"Yes, my son?" Abraham replied.
"The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"

8 Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together.

9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied.

12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."

Tommy's Thoughts:

Without trials in our lives, we’ll never have a chance to grow in our character and be tested in our commitment to God. God refines us through difficult circumstances. These circumstances are often similar to those of Abraham, a struggle to give up something we truly want, to let go what we deeply love or to sacrifice our times for God and to trust His ability to provide.

It’s when we are willing to give to God what He asks and entrust Him of everything, that we receive spiritual gain far more outweigh our sacrifices.

Dear Lord, forgive me of not trusting You enough to submit all my wants to You, trusting You to provide what I need. Thank You for Your ‘tests’ that deepen my capacity to obey You more. Teach me to seek You first above all things, committing myself to You daily and be thankful of all the blessings You have brought into my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

Abraham's love, faith and obedience to God were tested. He was asked to scarifice someone very dear to him. He had to decide if he should obey and trust that God will provide a way out.

Abraham passed the test! He obeyed and was willing to give his only son whom he loved so much to God. His faith in God proved right... God provided at the last hour.

Yes, I have given whom I loved to God too. I trust that God knows best and will make all things beautiful in His time.

Dear Lord,
I have given You whom I loved. At times I may question why, but I know that obedience is better than sacrifice. Thank You that You will always provide the best, even at the last moment.
Praise You, Lord. Amen,

Warnings In The Word

Proverbs 13:1-14

1 A wise son heeds his father's instruction,
but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.

2 From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things,
but the unfaithful have a craving for violence.

3 He who guards his lips guards his life,
but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

4 The sluggard craves and gets nothing,
but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

5 The righteous hate what is false,
but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.

6 Righteousness guards the man of integrity,
but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

7 One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

8 A man's riches may ransom his life,
but a poor man hears no threat.

9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.

10 Pride only breeds quarrels,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

11 Dishonest money dwindles away,
but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

13 He who scorns instruction will pay for it,
but he who respects a command is rewarded.

14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
turning a man from the snares of death.

Tommy's Thoughts:

If not because of You,
I would have not known many great things,
About self-control,
About how words can cut, slice and destroy,
To stop and think before I speak and react.

If not because of You,
I would have not learn about humility,
How it heals and changes me,
Open to advice, admitting my wrongs,
Guard myself from pride and in peace with others.

If not because of You,
I would have never think about living right,
Knowing each choice of good leads to another,
And each bad one entails more to come,
Listening to You make me run my race right.


Dear Father, thank You for the many teachings found in Your Word that has truly changed me. Without them I would not have known how much I need Your molding. Thank You for Your grace, peace and love that gives me the power to live and obey You. Keep me close to You, guiding me to seek You and Your kingdom first before everything. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." (v12)



I wondered why the above verse is amongst the rest of the wisdom. What is God trying to say? Then I found the above image which explains the verse very well. Thank God for His inspiring the artist.

I also found "Studying Proverbs by Topic" a good topical study to understand God's wisdom for us.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for sharing Your wisdom with us. Let us not be like the fools who do not heed Your Words of wisdom. Let us be wise in You though at times we look fooolish to the world.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Rule of Peace

Colossians 3:12-17

12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Dilemma.

It begins in our hearts; the center of our conflicts. It is where all our desires and feelings constantly clash. At one hand, we sincerely want to live as God wants, but on the other we feel it’s hard to trust and obey Him. We are presented with uneasy and conflicting choices that need to be dealt with and to decide.

In verse 15 in today’s passage, Paul explains that there is a way to discern and guide us to make right choices in our lives. Whenever we must decide between conflicting elements, we should choose the one that promotes peace in our souls. When we allow the peace from Christ rule in our hearts and being thankful to God, we will gain a much clearer perspective to our situation and be able to make a better decision.

Dear Lord, forgive me that at times I do things despite knowing they promote no peace in my heart. Forgive me also for not trusting You to know better, going against Your plan for me, choosing shortcuts that lead to nowhere. But, thank You Lord for showing and leading me back to Your right way even when I stubbornly went my way.

Teach me Lord to focus on and being thankful for all the blessings You've brought into my life and learn letting Your peace rule in my heart and guide my every thought and action. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

Love binds all all virtues together in perfect unity (v14). Peace is the ruler of our heart (v15). So when we do what is right we will have the peace of God. When we do all things in deeds or words in the name of Jesus Christ, we will surely have to them right (v17).

Even Christians who work together also do have different opinions about the same thing. In such situation, the peace of God show be the guide in decision making rather personal feelings.

Dear Lord,
Thank You that in spite of our differences in opions and views at our work place or personal life, as Your children, we can seek Your peace and love to unite us. You will bind us together in the bond of love when we submit to You.
Amen.

Bee's 8th Month of Devotion

Thank You Lord,
for those time spent here
for Your words so dear
for Your presence so near

Thank You Lord,
for Tommy my best friend
for being heaven-sent
for lending me his hands

Thank You Lord,
for making things beautiful
for making life wonderful
for making us grateful

Amen



... the thoughts of Bee

Take Captive!

2 Corinthians 10:3-6

3For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.

Tommy's Thoughts:

I was watching a program that day about a drug addict in prison who confessed how much he wanted to quit drug. He knows, understands and listed clearly all the disastrous effects of taking drug. He has tried hundreds of time and with all kinds of method to force himself to stop but still failed. Despite all his knowledge, plans and strong desire to quit, he still lost and defeated each time in his battle. He felt total hopelessness and powerless against a force beyond his control.

The fiercest battle takes place in our mind. It’s warfare against sin and the forces of Satan. When we are not prepared and equipped by God’s mighty weapon, we will lose the battle even before we begin the fight. It’s futile to fight against Satan strongholds using our world’s methods and techniques.

As Christian, we have God’s powerful and effective weapons (prayer, faith, hope, love, His Word, Holy Spirit) ready and available for us to fight these battles. They help and keep us from being constantly stumbled and defeated, making us a victor in Christ.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching me to be constantly on guard and aware of the wrong influences and distractions affecting my thoughts and action. Guide me to always choose Your weapons, obeying Your words and take captive of my every thoughts and make them obedient to Christ. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

It's a spiritual warfare, so we need to fight it with the Holy Spirt, who will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Since God is love, our minds and hearts will be filled with love when we allow God to fill us.

Dear Lord,
May my heart and mind be filled with Your love and compassion always, that it will not become the devil's 'workshop'. Thank You that I could share Christ with a few people yesterday and today. I pray that You will continue to work in their hearts so that they may give themselves to You one day.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

Trust in His Guidance

Psalm 107:23-32

23 Others went out on the sea in ships;
they were merchants on the mighty waters.

24 They saw the works of the LORD,
his wonderful deeds in the deep.

25 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest
that lifted high the waves.

26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;
in their peril their courage melted away.

27 They reeled and staggered like drunken men;
they were at their wits' end.

28 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.

29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea were hushed.

30 They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.

31 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men.

32 Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people
and praise him in the council of the elders.

Tommy's Thoughts:

As I was reading a book the other day, I saw this though-provoking question in it– Can you list 3 to 5 things you would love to see happen in your life in the next 10 years?

Sometimes, our present circumstances may cast a thick cloud of uncertainty and bleakness to our future. We questioned how long we need to bear and endure our current situation. We may even doubt God, thinking He doesn’t care and aware of our plight, that He is not doing anything to lift us out from the pit.

Whenever we are discouraged and tempted to think that way, we need to remember that our loving God has seen our future (Revelation 22:13), and He knows everything it holds for us. Nothing we could face that He hasn’t already anticipated. All we have to do is to trust Him and spend each day asking for His guidance and leading.

Most of all, we need to always choose faith over worry (Matthew 6:27).

Dear Lord, thank You for teaching me that You are always in control, both my present and future. Guide me always to know and follow your direction through reading of Your Word, prayers and devotion. Teach me also to learn live in the present, one day at a time and looking forward to all the things You has in store for my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

“Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” – Proverbs 4:25-27


Bee's Thoughts:

The above passage is so visual and dramatic...
I could 'see' the waves rising high then splashes down from above.
I could 'hear' people screaming out of fear.
I could "feel' the calmness that came as God lays His hand on the waves.

Sometimes our lives go through the fierce 'storm' and 'waves' too. In those moments, the only one who could still our heart is God. I thank God that He has done that in my life a number of times. Without Him, I would have been 'drowned' by those 'storms' of life.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your unfailing love for me.
Thank You for always calming my troubled heart and bringing peace into my life.
Thank You that my trust in You is not in vain.
Thank You in Your lovely name. Amen.

Unity & Humility

Philippians 2:1-4

Imitating Christ's Humility
1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Bee's Thoughts:

In this world where power is what most people want, Christians have to stand out and be different. Yet sadly, some Christians are also being sucked into the world system of wanting power and control in what they call 'service to God'. We shall know them by their fruits as we check against God's word.

Unity is strength. Again we are reminded to be "like-minded", have the "same love", and "one in spirit and purpose". To do this we have to be humble and not thinking highly of ourselves. We have to consider others and not be self-centered.


Dear Lord,
I pray now for all Christian leaders that they may serve You and others in humility. I pray that all Christians will have the same mind, same love, same spirit and purpose of serving You in unity. I pray that the devil will not be able to divide Christians, that You will bind them together in the bond of love.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Selfish ambition and vain conceit. There are those who live only to serve and please their own selves. They are very concern with how others may see or think about them. Making a good impression on others and fulfilling their own desire are always more important than caring and treating others with respect, humility and common courtesy. This attitude seriously ruin and strain the unity and relationships of God’s family.

Dear Lord, teach me to show genuine love, interest and concern of others. Guide me always to be humble, sensitive and aware of the needs of those around me. Teach me also on spiritual unity with other believers, loving one another and be one in spirit and purpose. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Affecting Lives

Colossians 1:24-29

Paul's Labor for the Church
24Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

28We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

Bee's Thoughts:

Love conquers all isn't it? Paul had persevered and worked hard (v29) to help the Colossae Christians grow spiritually because he loved them and hope to present them "perfect in Christ" (v27). That's Paul's calling.

I have been pondering about my calling too yesterday. I asked God why He allowed me to be in ceratin people's life even if it is not going to be forever. I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 3:

1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Yes, God has put me there for a purpose... to touch someone's life and mine too. I used to feel sad whenever I felt that my relationship with someone close won't last. But with this new understanding that certain people are in my life for a "season" to serve God's purpose for me and them, I begin to accept the fact that someone close to me may have to leave me one day when the "season" ends.


Dear Lord,

You have created seasons, not only in our environment but also in our life on earth. Thank You that seasons make life less boring and they help us adapt to changes. Thank You for helping me understand my "season" in work and in relationship. Thank You that You have put certain people in my life for a reason and for a "season".

Most importantly I know that even when the "season" ends here on earth, I will still see these loved ones when we go and be with You in heaven one day. There shall be no more season, no more parting, no more tear, no more pain.

Let me treasure what I have and who I have while I am in the "season" of Your plan. And when the "season" ends, I will have no regret that I have fully enjoy that season of life with people close to me.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Joy and happiness, though we may think they are the same but they are not. Joy relates more closely with spirit and soul than with our mind and body. We may be happy today and unhappy tomorrow, but our sense of joy remains constant throughout. This is because happiness fluctuates and depends on outward circumstances while joy is never affected or subject to them.

When we realize or sense that joy no longer flow freely within us, it is most probably we have turn our eyes away from God and to things that are temporarily and fleeting. It may also be we have forgotten about being eternally secure in the arms of our heavenly Father as a Christian.

So, we need to open our heart to God, allowing Him to stay inside us always through thick and thin, good and bad, asking Him to show us how to experience the joy of our salvation once again.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the joy that comforts me all the time in the midst of every difficult and trying circumstances. Guide me to always focus on those things that are permanent and lasting. Teach me to allow Your joy to give me strength and flow through me to others too. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Right Starting Point

Job 41:1-11

1 "Can you pull in the leviathan [a] with a fishhook
or tie down his tongue with a rope?

2 Can you put a cord through his nose
or pierce his jaw with a hook?

3 Will he keep begging you for mercy?
Will he speak to you with gentle words?

4 Will he make an agreement with you
for you to take him as your slave for life?

5 Can you make a pet of him like a bird
or put him on a leash for your girls?

6 Will traders barter for him?
Will they divide him up among the merchants?

7 Can you fill his hide with harpoons
or his head with fishing spears?

8 If you lay a hand on him,
you will remember the struggle and never do it again!

9 Any hope of subduing him is false;
the mere sight of him is overpowering.

10 No one is fierce enough to rouse him.
Who then is able to stand against me?

11 Who has a claim against me that I must pay?
Everything under heaven belongs to me.

Tommy's Thoughts:

It’s not about you.

This first sentence in Rick Warren’s best-selling Purpose Driven Life book slap right at the face to most of us who constantly ask self-centered questions like what do I want to be? What should I do with my life? What are my goals, my ambitions, my dreams for my future? Not to say these thoughts are wrong, but to begin everything by focusing on ourselves will never reveal the true purpose of our lives.

Whenever we are puzzled, dishearten and troubled by any situation in our lives, we must begin and start with God. As we humbly submit to His loving authority and care, we will begin to understand we were born by his purpose and for his purpose. Our perspective and priorities in things will change and we will discover our true origin, identity, meaning, purpose, significance, and destiny. Then life will start to make sense.

Dear Lord, thank You for showing me the right starting point (again!) when I was so focus on things to have and achieve. Teach me always to begin everything by seeking Your kingdom and obeying Your words and not worry and wasting time or energy about things beyond my control.

Ya, thanks also for the wonderful day today, met up and chatted with few very interesting friends. Teach me how to be a better and sincere friend; more loyal and giving. I pray that You will guide me never to let my works, deadlines and schedules keep me from being a true friend. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

In my current job I see a growing ministry for me to the people around me. Yesterday, one of my colleague said God has sent me there to help the schools. Today, a new staff who joined one day after me, from another department, came to share with me about some of his personal issues. I was surprised that he could confide in me though I don't really know him that well. I had the opportunity to encourage him to seek God. As I spoke to him I also reminded myself that this world is not my home... I'm just passing through.

Yes, everything we see, touch, hear or love belong to God. If that is the case there is no point worrying as God knows what's best. All we need to do is do what we can and leave the rest to God's plan. It's all about God.

Dear Lord,
If it's all about You, life's disappointments and trials become nothing anymore. When You all happy, I will be happy too. Teach me to do things that will please You. May my life brings glory and honor to Your name.
In Jesus' name. Amen.

Seek His Kingdom First

Luke 12:13-34

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do Not Worry
22Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[a]? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

27"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Tommy's Thoughts:

I didn’t really think much about those unanswered prayers I uttered to God over the years. The worst I felt was disappointment, not of God, but myself. I always thought it’s me, there must be something I did wrong or that I do not deserve things I prayed for.

As soon as I live my life seeking His kingdom first; making Jesus the center of my life and surrendering control of every areas- my work, play, plans, relationships to Him; that I began to see all along God has been planning and providing the best for me, what I need most and teaching me to use them in a responsible and accountable manner.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for knowing, planning and providing all my needs. Guide me to continue to seek You first above all things, becoming rich toward You (v21) through faith, service and obedience. Teach me also to learn to give more generously, serve and love others faithfully. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

I have been working very hard at work since last week, leaving my office at about 8 or 9 p.m. at night without dinner. I am feeling very tired but I still find my work challenging, for I know I am dealing with lives, hopefully touching and changing lives too.

Yes, as I consider the birds and the lilies, I feel so fresh again in my spirit. I should learn not to worry too much about my tasks but to trust in God to do His work. All I need is to seek His kingdom first and His righteousness.


Dear Lord,
Though I am physically tired, but I know that You will sustain me to do Your work. I pray for a good night rest and a fresh morning and Your wisdom in dealing with the my colleagues and to make the right decisions at work. Help me be able to encourage my colleagues to go on to do their best. I commit everyone in my office into Your mighty hand, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Love Never Fails

1 Corinthians 13

Love
1If I speak in the tongues[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,[b] but have not love, I gain nothing.

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

8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Tommy's Thoughts:

As we grow in our faith and closer to God, we realized there are things we are yet to see clearly or completely; like squinting in a fog or peering through a mist (v12). But, we were given a hope for completeness one day when we face God face to face. While our faith is the foundation and content of God’s message, the hope we have gives us the strength, focus and reason to trust steadily in God. So, when both of these are in line, we’re free to love completely because we understand how God loves.

Faith, Hope and Love - there are nothing more important than to remember and practice these three things often; to be ready when the Complete arrives.

Dear Lord, thank You for teaching me the importance of Your kind of love above everything. Thank you for reminding me again that true love never gives up, cares more for others than for myself, doesn't want what it doesn't have, doesn't strut, doesn't have a swelled head, doesn't force itself on others, isn't always "me first," doesn't fly off the handle, doesn't keep score of the sins of others, doesn't revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts You always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. Help me to love in this way. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bee's Thoughts:

When all else fails, "love never fails" (v8). Sometimes we feel tired of doing certain things we used to enjoy before. But when there is love it will not fail. Love will sustains and drives us to continue doing the same thing.

When all things passed away, love will not pass away. When we go to heaven one day, love will still be there. Isn't it wonderful?

Dear Lord,
Love is the reason for Your creating us. That's why You want us to love You with all our heart and love our neighbours as ourselves. Thank You for Your love for us. May Your love continue to be seen in our life.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Courage and Confidence

Acts 5:17-29

The Apostles Persecuted
17Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. 18They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. 20"Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life."

21At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.

When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. 22But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, 23"We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside." 24On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were puzzled, wondering what would come of this.

25Then someone came and said, "Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people." 26At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.

27Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28"We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood."

29Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!

Tommy's Thoughts:

Being a Christian and having faith in God doesn’t guarantee us a life free from problems and hardship. Instead, it makes our troubles seem less intimidating by putting them into the right perspective. The hope we have in God gives us the courage and confidence to continue serving and obeying Him despite the obstacles and uncertainties we are facing.

Dear Heavenly Father, You are my hope and strength, a very present help in trouble. Thank You for Jesus who willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross, giving me hope and redemption. Give me courage to take up my cross and follow Him; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. In His name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

What is the difference between doing what is "legal" and doing what is "right"?

Being "legal" is doing what is accepted by men, while doing what is "right" is doing what is accepted by God. Peter and the other apostles chose to do what is right to what is legal (v29).

We are constantly faced with choices in life especially in our working world. Many practices many be legal yet not right in the eyes of God. As Christians we have to be careful not to be conformed to the world's practices but to be bold to do what is right.


Dear Lord,

I pray that You will give me strength to obey You rather than men, especially in my work places. In all my decisions making and handling of situations may I do what is right in Your sight and not just what is permissible by the world.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Fixed Heart

Matthew 21:1-11

The Triumphal Entry
1As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away."

4This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
5"Say to the Daughter of Zion,
'See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' "[a]

6The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. 8A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
"Hosanna[b] to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"[c]
"Hosanna[d] in the highest!"

10When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?"

11The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

Tommy's Thoughts:

The crowd who welcomed Jesus’ triumphant entry in Jerusalem, are the same people who deserted Him in just few more days. It’s easy sometimes for us to joyfully and publicly proclaim our faith and belief in Christ as our Lord of lords and King of kings when things are fine and smooth-going. Like the crowd, our joyful hope and anticipation may abruptly come to an end when we are pressured by people and situation.

We need to guard ourselves from shallow and superficial acclaim for Christ. To abide in Christ means to persistently choose to trust Him and live by Him despite our circumstances. It’s a definite act of will, and of real, fixed, steadfast trust in Christ. David says, "My heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord" (Psalm 112:7). We begin by determining, choosing and fixing our hearts to obey Him no matter what it costs.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace that eternally secure me in Your loving arms. From You alone, I receive true joy, flowing up from deep within, nourishing and sustaining me through thick and thin, good and bad. Turn my eyes back to You whenever I am being distracted by those things that are temporary and fleeting. As I open my heart to You Lord, come in and stay forever with me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bee's Thoughts:

To me, a donkey signifies stubbornness. So Jesus was sitting on a 'stubborn' animal. It also means that even though a donkey may be stubborn it still can be used by Jesus.

I think sometimes I am as stubborn as a donkey. But somehow when it comes to Jesus, all my stubborness seems melting away.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You that love melts away my stubborness. Help me to always obey Your will and do the things that will bring glory to You just like when You were riding on the donkey.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Bee's Favourite Posts

2006 JAN

• The Greatness Of Gratitude


• The Difference Faith Makes


• Drawn By The Cross


• Our Eternal God


• The Perfect Timing & Our Influence


• A Three-Step Conversion

2006 FEB

• A Servant's Heart


• Love Enough To Confront


• What Is The Bible For?


• The Greatest Thing In The World


• Be Still And Know


• God the Seeker


• Desires

2006 MAR

• On Eagles' Wings


• No Need Is Too Trivial


• Divine Interruptions


• A Personal Letter

2006 APR

• Death Cannot Divide Us


• Always Awake


• Amazing Love


• He'll Never Forsake Us


• When The Pressure Is On


• Winds Of Love


• Genuine Caring


• Be True To Your Word


• Aliens and Strangers


• Surrendered Crowns

2006 MAY

• Amazing Friend


• Spiritual Training


• "Follow Me."


• A Mother's Love


• Close Encounter with Jesus


• Unchained By The Cross


• Can We Rejoice?


• Words That Defile

About Bee's Devotion

• Bee's Morning Devotion


• 1st Month


• 2nd Month


• 3rd Month


• 4th Month


• 5th Month


• 6th Month


• 7th Month


• 8th Month


• 9th Month


• 11th Month


• Our First Anniversary

Give Voice To Your Love

1 John 4:12-19

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.

Tommy's Thoughts:

"There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear" – 1 John 4:17 (The Message)

The pain and heartache we undergone in our past may sometimes make us afraid and difficult to love and be loved by others. It may be the fear that we will be rejected or that we will hurt others again. We may also fear to commit ourselves to others, fearing we might not live up to our promises. Or, we may be trying hard to safeguard our heart from being hurt again and finding ourselves hard to trust again in others.

From today passage, God shows to us that we don’t need to be afraid of the love commandment by holding tightly to our own self-made security and control over our situation. Instead, He wanted us to trust in Him to provide us with the strength and courage to do what He asks; to love faithfully the people He has given us to love. When He knows we are ready to love others without fear, He will bring them to us at His time.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your answering my prayers so instantly! Things unfolded in front of me as what I’ve prayed for. Thank You for teaching me to trust You more in all areas of my life. Help me always to focus unto You, to free myself from the distractions and fear that has kept me from truly experiencing Your love and peace for my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

In part he said, “If I do not return, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I loved you, nor that when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.”

Reading those words in tonight's "Daily Bread" touched me so much... I felt like crying. It makes me ponder...
"Who will say this to me?"
"Who will I say this to?"
"Who will appreciate it?"

I like the title of tonight's devotion, "Give Voice To Your Love". Yes, when I breathe my last breath someone's name will be my last whisper too.

God's love is complete when we love one another (v12). That means God's intention in creating us is not just for love to exist only between Him and us. He desires that we also "love one another".

"One another" is a "reciprocal pronoun", meaning between two persons or two-way. Therefore the love that John mentioned above is a mutual love, not a one-way love. When mutual love exists between two belivers in Christ, God's love is made "complete" and it's a testimony to others who can't see God (v12).

John emphasized that such love has no fear (v18). This confirms that the love he talked about is a mutual love between two believers in Christ that completes God's love.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your love. Not only You have loved us, but You desire that we also love one another so that others may know You through such love. I pray that all born-again Christians will experience loving one another. Teach us to give voice to our love.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

A Little Perspective

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

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

Tommy's Thoughts:

A disappointed friend recently questioned me why God didn’t interfere and help her in her problem. She felt angry and troubled by why her sincere prayers were not answered. She said God doesn’t really care and that He hasn’t bring any good before in her life. She asked what good is a God when He can’t do anything for me? She doubts that this whole God-thing is merely an illusion.

I’ve tried my best to tactfully explain but I don’t think she is accepting it right now. I know I’ve no right to invalidate the sufferings she’s going through. It is real and painful. I understand well that it’s easy to lose heart and quit when things just go wrong all the time.

But, we shouldn’t let troubles fill us with bitterness and resentment until it diminishes our faith and disillusions us entirely. Although it’s hard sometimes to think that there is a divine purpose, it’s when we need to humbly seek God daily for His grace to help us gain a proper perspective to our sufferings. That this sufferings will reminds us of Christ’s own suffering for us, keeping us from pride, refocuses our thoughts on great things beyond this life and gives God opportunity to mold and build our character.

Dear Lord, I would like to pray for my dear friend to be able to see and know Your love and care for her one day. That You will teach her to concentrate on experiencing the inner strength from the Holy Spirit when the going get tough. Teach her to be ready and willing to renew her commitment to serve Christ daily, allowing the resurrection power of Christ to strengthen her moment by moment. Thank You and I pray all these in Jesus’ name, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

Tonight's devotion is a good reminder on thinking long term instead of short term gain. Even people in the business world also know that "no pain, no gain" and they have long term plans.

As Christians, sometimes we too may get discouraged when things happen in ways that are unfair to us. Yet Paul is encouraging us that we should be steadfast in our Christian values and attitude, knowing that our rewards are in heaven. The "unseen" has far greater value and with "eternal glory" than what can be seen (v18). This is also true for things with commercial values.


Dear Lord,

Help me to always have the right perspective in life. Though sometimes things look discouraging to my naked eyes, help me not to lose hope in Your eternal glory. Teach me to value what is "unseen" in life too, such as, a person's character and virtues and not the external look.

Yes, I like to join in prayer for Tommy's dear friend that she will experience and understand Your interventions in her life. That at times things happen to her to show that she can't do anything without Christ. And perhaps things happened so that she can get to know another wonderful person in her life who can be her best friend. May she experience Your peace as she cry to You.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

God Reigns

Psalm 93

1 The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed in majesty
and is armed with strength.
The world is firmly established;
it cannot be moved.

2 Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.

3 The seas have lifted up, O LORD,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.

4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the LORD on high is mighty.

5 Your statutes stand firm;
holiness adorns your house
for endless days, O LORD.

Tommy's Thoughts:

At times, we may find ourselves so perplexed and troubled with a situation or problem. We may be angered or annoyed by how others have taken advantage or treated us unfairly. Uncertainties and frustration loomed in our mind all day until we can’t concentrate on the things in front of us. We may ask ourselves will God ever going to do anything about our problems. We may even question where’s God when we needed Him to bring an end to our predicament.

I often found myself struggling with this when problems seemed so big and overwhelming. It was hard to honestly put everything in God's hands, trusting Him to know what’s best for me and that He will achieves all His good purposes despite my situation. But, I’ve learned that the more we can see and know how He is in control of everything and in every situation, His sovereignty, the less troubled and perplexed we are by our calamities. I begin to trust Him more and understand how He will always love and care for me regardless of the outcome from a situation.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching me to give words of Your assurance to a friend in need today. Thank You that my friend received Your peace; giving rest to all the worries and frustration. Teach me also Lord to always keep calm and confidence in You during difficult and trying situations; turning my eyes to You and trusting Your sovereignty over all things. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.


Bee's Thoughts:

Tonight's passage is exactly what I needed. It is a confirmation to what has happened to me and my friend when we felt taken advantage off and unfairly treated.

We ended up encouraging one another that "the Lord reigns" and that "all things work together for good to those who love God". Also God says, "vengence is mine, I will repay." If the non-believers try to bully God's children, our Heavenly Father will know what to do.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your comforting words that You reigned. We will reign with You too one day when You come back for us, Your children. Thank You that inspite of what has happened to me and my friend, we have Your peace that surpasses all understanding. I pray for my friend that she too will receive your peace as she sleeps tonight. I pray that You will show her a better way for her soon. May she trust in You for her future.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.