An Eternal Perspective

Colossians 3:1-7

Rules for Holy Living
1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.[b] 7You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.

Reflection of Bee:

What's the different between our hearts and our minds? Why do we need to set our hearts and minds "on the things above"?

Our hearts are our emotions, whereas, our minds are our thoughts. In another word, we are to put our emotions and thoughts on heavenly things. In order to do so we need to treasure heavenly things, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Luke 12:34).

What are heavenly things?

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Philippians 4:8)

Therefore, we are to treasure in our hearts and minds, things/people that/who are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and worthy of praise. These attributes can be found in the Christ and those who love Him.


Dear Lord,
I pray that I will treasure the right things/people that are approved by You in my heart and mind. Renew my mind daily and change my heart to one that is pure before You. May Your name be glorified through me.
I pray that when I am at work tomorrow, one life will be touched by You through me. Whoever that may be, I pray you will open his/her heart now.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



Reflection of Tommy:
"What we do in life echoes in eternity."

By looking at life from God’s perspective, we’ll be able to put the right priority and attitude on things in our daily lives. We’ll see many of our worldly desires no longer important or worth to be accumulated or possessed. We will learn to value more on the eternal instead of the temporal; like character and relationships. We will be more responsible with our words and action because we know what we do here will echoes in eternity.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me to concentrate on the eternal and to have a right and proper perspective on material goods. Lead me to regard the world around me in the way You do, that I may always live in harmony with You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

The Walking Christian

Mark 7:5-13

5So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, "Why don't your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with 'unclean' hands?"

6He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:
" 'These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
7They worship me in vain;
their teachings are but rules taught by men.'[a] 8You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men."

9And he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe[b] your own traditions! 10For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother,'[c] and, 'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.'[d] 11But you say that if a man says to his father or mother: 'Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is Corban' (that is, a gift devoted to God), 12then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother. 13Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that."

Reflection of Bee:

Reflection of Bee:

In the above passage it shows us what it means to be hypocrites: not sincere, the lips and hearts are not synchronised, following the traditions of men rather than the principles of God, not walking one's talks.

In James 1:27, we are told that, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." That means actions, not just words. We are to be walking Christians, not talking Christians.

Dear Lord,
I pray that 2007 would be a year where I can be your instrument for good works. "Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love".
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Reflection of Tommy:

Although we should give both our money and time to God, we must never use God as an excuse to avoid helping others in need like the Pharisees. Instead of neglecting our responsibilities, we should look around us for opportunities to sincerely serve His people. Helping those in need is one of the most important ways to honor God.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me to worship You and serve Your people out of love, and not because of selfish desires. Lord, lead me to seek ways and give time to help those around me who are in need. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Slow Down And Live

Psalm 1 (Amplified Bible)

1BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.

2But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.

3And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].

4Not so the wicked [those disobedient and living without God are not so]. But they are like the chaff [worthless, dead, without substance] which the wind drives away.

5Therefore the wicked [those disobedient and living without God] shall not stand [justified] in the judgment, nor [b]sinners in the congregation of the righteous [those who are upright and in right standing with God].

6For the Lord knows and is fully acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly [those living outside God's will] shall perish (end in ruin and come to nought).

Reflection of Bee:

We are living in such a rat race, so busy everyday, from the moment we open our eyes till the the wee hours of the night when we close our eyes, from sunrise till sunset. At the end of the day we may still find emptiness within. We may need to slow down and live, not just exist.

During the current long public holidays I have a chance to sit back and be away from my busy work schedules. I thought about the meaning of life, the purpose of my existence, the people who crossed my path, etc. I even thought about death just like what another blogger did. Why am I born? Who am I living for? What is my worth? Sometimes I feel I am just a nuisance, just occupying space, am good for nothing...

But despite my feelings I want to know what God has to say about me. God's words are always true while my thoughts and feelings may be the lies from the devil or due to my own low self esteem. The devil likes to sow doubts and create uncertainties. I need to fight the enemy by looking at what God has to say about me instead of what I or others say about me.

In tonight's devotion, God says that a man/woman is blessed when...
1. he/she does not get the counsel of the wicked/ungodly/non-believers (he/she will only seek godly advice);
2. he/she delights in God's words and meditates on them daily;
3. he/she has a firm spiritual foundation and will bear fruits for Christ;
4. God knows his/her ways very well.

Dear Lord,
As unworthy as I am, I want to come before You for Your words to purify my heart. Let my mind be filled with Your words and not the words of the enemy. I pray that I will bear forth fruits and that my fruits will remain because I want to abide in You, my vine. I pray You will encourage me through Your words and Your people whenever I feel down. I pray for love and unity, care and concern to be shown amongst Your children, that the world may know Your love.
In Jesus' name I pray.


Reflection of Tommy:

The verses in today’s Psalm clearly show the difference between a faithful and faithless person. A faithless life is meaningless; it is like dust or chaff that can be easily blown away by winds and storms in life. They drift along without direction and purpose, constantly seeking fulfillment from things that neither satisfies nor lasts, and all end with nothing but despair and regret when their time on earth is over.

But, for the faithful, life offers opportunities to achieve things that are worthwhile, significant and eternal. Instead of being blown away by circumstances, God will always watches over us, giving us strength and peace through difficult times. He nourishes and renews us each day so that we will bear good fruit that honor Him. He will guide and prepare us for eternity.

Dear Father, thank You for Your Word that teaches me each day to follow You more closely. Lord, lead me to meditate on them day and night, keeping them in my heart that I may be nourished to bear good fruit that are pleasing to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Bee's 14th Month of Devotion

It's 2007 now, and it marks my 14th month of running this spiritual race together with my Best Friend, Tommy.

There were a number of times I wanted to pull out from doing my devotion here, but each time I came back again. The reason is that Tommy had been patiently waited for me to post my thoughts here by saving his as "drafts" and not publishing them till I input mine.

A week ago, I almost stopped blogging here altogether as I couldn't access the blog admin anymore after this blog was switched to beta.blogger. It created some misunderstanding between us. Thank God that it's settled now. On hindsight, I realized there is a spiritual warfare out there whenever we wish to spend time with God or to have fellowship with believers. The devil will try to use the technique of "divide and conquer" to cause misunderstanding and create divisions. We should be very vigilant and not fall into the trap of the devil.


Dear Tommy,
In this new year, I wish to thank you for your patience and kindness towards me for the past 14 months. Thank you for all the things you have done for me.
Sorry for the times I have misunderstood you or may have said things that are hurtful to you. I ask for your forgiveness.

Dear Lord,
May 2007 bring about new understanding between Tommy and me, and new growth in our spiritual walk with You. May we become channels of blessings to those who come into contact with us. May we touch lives as we continue this devotional journey together. May Your love be felt through us.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


... the thoughts of Bee

Wisdom

Proverbs 1:1-7

Prologue: Purpose and Theme
1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

2 for attaining wisdom and discipline;
for understanding words of insight;

3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life,
doing what is right and just and fair;

4 for giving prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young-

5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance-

6 for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.

7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools [a] despise wisdom and discipline.

Bee's Thoughts:

The Book of Proverbs contains many wise sayings which can guide our lives. It helps the readers to be disciplined and prudent, and to understand the words of insight.

I, for one, need to read the Book of proverbs again so that my simple mind will become wise, and I will have more discretion in dealing with people. Most of all I need to fear God that I may do what is right, for He sees everything.

Dear Lord,
Your word is life. It can save me from destruction. It can help me be wise in doing what is good. Let me meditate upon Your word daily. Let me fear none but You alone, and do what is right in my workplace.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:
There are many good Christians out there who are constantly troubled by fear of doing something wrong, something displeasing to God. It can be stressful to try to be as good and wise as we can on our own.

Instead of trying hard to gain His acceptance and be burdened by our own expectation, we can fear the Lord in a way of honoring and respecting Him for who He is and by obeying His Word. When the controlling principle for our understanding of the world, our attitudes and actions is based on our faith and fear in God, we will find it so much easier and simpler to just trust and obey; His commands will be sweeter than honey to our mouth (Psalm 119:103)!

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me today of letting go of any unnecessary ‘cargos’ I have been carrying all these years. Thank You that I can give all these burdens to Jesus and leave them there for Him to manage for me. Teach me to trust Him to work things out perfectly according to Your will for me.

Lord, for this new year, I pray for a more discerning heart- to always do the things that are pleasing in his sight (1 John 3:22). In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Remembering

Psalm 103:1-5

1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-

3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,

5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Bee's Thoughts:

How can we remember if we don't take time to ponder on God's goodness and memorize the word of God?

Once a speaker asked us how we would react to adversity. I answered, "Thank God". Everyone laughed. They thought I was trying to be funny. But I was serious.

I always remember 1 Thessalonians 5:18 that says, "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I also remember Romans 8:28, "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."

Yes, when we remember God, He will satisfies our desires with good things so that our youth is renewed like the eagle's (v5).

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your Holy Spirit that always bring to my remembrance of Your words in times of need. Like what Kind David says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." (Psalms 119:11). Thank You for all You have done for me.
In Jesus most loving name pray. Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:

It is easy to get restless, discontented and complains about things in life; unfulfilled desires, sicknesses, unfairness, difficult people, etc. Often, we focus entirely on these and find it hard to count our blessings from God and feeling as though we have nothing to praise God about.

We should instead follow how David responded during difficult times- praising God by focusing on His glorious deeds even though we do not deserve any of them. David’s list gives us plenty to praise God about:

1. He forgives our sins (v3)
2. He heals our diseases (v3)
3. He redeems us from death (v4)
4. He crowns us with love and compassion (v4)
5. He satisfies our desires (v5)
6. He renews your strength and vigor (v5)
7. He gives righteousness and justice (v6)

Dear Father, thank You and I praise You for all Your glorious deeds. I thank You for forgiving me, cleansing me and renew me each day. Lord, teach me to be glad and grateful always for all these blessings – past, present and future. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Impaired Vision

1 Corinthians 13:8-13

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.

Bee's Thoughts:

When we have impaired vision, we can't see things clearly. Similarly, when we have impaired emotion, we can't feel or give love properly.

What does it mean by "love never fails"? I always wondered.

Tonight, in comparing with the next three sentences in the above passage, I begin to understand better:

"prophecies... will cease" - love never cease, it will continue
"tongues... will be stilled" - love will not be stilled, it will keep expressing itself
"knowledge... will pass away" - love will always be here to stay, be present, not becoming history

Why is it so? Because "God is love" and God is always present.

As I sought to understand more I came across a very good article "For women in ministry: Love requires sacrifice". Below are some excerpts from it:

True love is strong, unconditional – God's love – a love that we cannot understand or explain in human terms. The life of the Old Testament prophet, Hosea, powerfully illustrates this kind of love. Hosea was married to Gomer and had three children. Gomer was unfaithful to Hosea, betraying the covenant of marriage. Hosea had every right to walk away, but love that never fails calls us up to higher choices that are beyond human reasoning. Supernatural choices demand supernatural action.

First choice: Love that never fails chooses commitment. *
Second choice: Love that never fails chooses to forgive. **
Third choice: Love that never fails chooses to sacrifice ***

Mother Teresa said, "Love, to be real must cost! It must hurt! It must empty us of self!" The words of King David reveal the essence of love and forgiveness. "No, I must pay the full price. I won't give an offering that costs me nothing." (1 Chronicles 21:24 ICB)

Love that never fails goes beyond reason and refuses to settle for justice alone but insists on granting mercy.

Love that never fails is yours to receive and yours to give.

Notes:
* "true love does not collapse under the weight of testing. It will not disintegrate when the pressure is on nor will it fall apart in the hard times. True love is strong, unconditional – God's love – a love that we cannot understand or explain in human terms. The life of the Old Testament prophet, Hosea, powerfully illustrates this kind of love.
....Commitment never stops trying and never tries stopping. It is a pledge and bond, a covenant and contract. Commitment is a promise."

** "Love that chooses forgiveness is really the only choice that delivers us from the chains of anger, resentment, revenge, and bitterness. Right now, choose forgiveness and set yourself free."

*** 1. Hosea had to sacrifice his pride.
2. Hosea had to sacrifice his rights.
3. Hosea had to sacrifice materially.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for helping me see what it means to truly love. Let me love with Your Agape love that never fails.
Amen, Jesus.

Tommy's Thoughts:

Sometimes, we find it hard to understand or accept certain situation in our lives. We felt confused and lost over problems and unanswered questions. Paul in today’s passage gives us the hope that one day we’ll be able to see and know the whole big picture with God’s perspective. We will meet Jesus face to face and all things will be made clear to us. Until then, we need to trust and humbly allow God to work in our lives, so that He can lead us closer and closer to His truth and changes us in the process.

Dear Father, thank You for the hope and promise for me to be made complete one day. Thank You that through these Word of Yours, my faith is strengthened each day. Lord, lead me to follow You wholeheartedly, giving You my all in true and joyful obedience. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

The Last Sins To Go

1 Chronicles 21:1-13

David Numbers the Fighting Men
1 Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. 2 So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, "Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan. Then report back to me so that I may know how many there are."

3 But Joab replied, "May the LORD multiply his troops a hundred times over. My lord the king, are they not all my lord's subjects? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?"

4 The king's word, however, overruled Joab; so Joab left and went throughout Israel and then came back to Jerusalem. 5 Joab reported the number of the fighting men to David: In all Israel there were one million one hundred thousand men who could handle a sword, including four hundred and seventy thousand in Judah.

6 But Joab did not include Levi and Benjamin in the numbering, because the king's command was repulsive to him. 7 This command was also evil in the sight of God; so he punished Israel.

8 Then David said to God, "I have sinned greatly by doing this. Now, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing."

9 The LORD said to Gad, David's seer, 10 "Go and tell David, 'This is what the LORD says: I am giving you three options. Choose one of them for me to carry out against you.' "

11 So Gad went to David and said to him, "This is what the LORD says: 'Take your choice: 12 three years of famine, three months of being swept away [a] before your enemies, with their swords overtaking you, or three days of the sword of the LORD -days of plague in the land, with the angel of the LORD ravaging every part of Israel.' Now then, decide how I should answer the one who sent me."

13 David said to Gad, "I am in deep distress. Let me fall into the hands of the LORD, for his mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men."

Bee's Thoughts:

Out of 3 choices in how David should be punished for his sin, he chose to "fall into the hands of the LORD, for his mercy is very great" (v13). No wonder David was called the man after God's heart... David knew his God very well. He knew and trusted that God is very merciful and in His anger He has mercy and compassion.

There were many times God answered my simple prayers to Him, e.g. to stop the rain in the morning so I could get to work dry, or that the traffic light would stop immediately so will not miss the bus that is approaching. Each time my prayers were answered (almost immediately) I just marveled at why God answered my prayers when I am so unworthy. Then I was reminded that God is always merciful to those genuinely want to follow Him but lack strength to overcome certain sins. Thank God that that His compassion never fail.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for your love, compassion and mercy towards me. Thank You that despite of my unworthiness, You still take me as I am and gave me Your love. Praise You! Let me love You more each day.
In Your precious name I give You praise and thanks. Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:
Today’s passage give us a good example of how sometimes our action may not be wrong in itself but can be sinful if it is motivated by greed, arrogance, lust and selfishness. It is true often not the action but our motives contain the sin. We need to always evaluate our motives before we act.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me on how easy for us to act on the temptation from the evil one if we forget to rely on You for protection and discernment on wrong motives. Lord, guide me to always weigh my motives before I act. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Extra Ordinary

Matthew 1:18-25

The Birth of Jesus Christ
18This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[a] because he will save his people from their sins."

22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"[b]—which means, "God with us."

24When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Bee's Thoughts:

Most people, including me, would have zoomed into the conception of Christ when they read the above passage. However, tonight I feel that God wants me to look at the character of Joseph and learn something from him. The IV. Expositions of Matthew’s Gospel has the following to say:

Up to a certain point, Mary and Joseph were an ordinary couple, betrothed and soon to be married, experiencing the usual hopes and fears, anxieties and aspirations. Then Joseph found out that his betrothed was expecting, and (worse yet) he was not the father. His initial response was a godly and exemplary one. He wished to divorce her privately rather than to publicly humiliate her. He carefully "considered" his response. And God rewarded his patience, humility, and reserve. God gave to him more light. He was granted a divine revelation concerning the Child.

I see in Joseph a man who loves deeply in actions. Like what 1 Peter 4:8 says, "love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." Only with true love can one fully forgive.

Before the angel's revelation to Joseph about the conception of Jesus, Joseph would have thought that Mary had betrayed him and resulted in the 'illegitimate' pregnancy. Though hurt, yet he didn't want to shame Mary publicly like how the people during his time would do. Instead, he wanted to privately divorce her. Joseph's action is shown in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8:

Love is patient, love is kind... it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs... It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

What about the rest of the men? I wonder how many of them will do the same thing if they found that their gf or fiancee is pregnant with someone else's child. They probably would take revenge, or confront their partners angrily. Not so for Joseph... I see his love in action for Mary instead. Joseph is that extra ordinary, just like the extra ordinary conception of Christ. I guess God has carefully chosen Joseph to be the earthly 'father' of Jesus because of his virtue of love.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for showing me the virtue of Joseph. I pray that You will also help me love in actions and not just in words. Even at times I am hurt by people I trust and love, help me to react appropriately in Your definition.
As I rest tonight, please help me recover from my sickness that I may continue to do my work well tomorrow.
I pray for Tommy too, that you will help him have a peaceful sleep tonight so his headache will be gone when he wakes up tomorrow morning.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.




Tommy's Thoughts:

How will we respond to Mary if we are Joseph? He has chosen to act with justice, respect and love when confronted with such a ‘scandal’. Although Joseph decided to break the engagement, he was determined to do it without causing public shame to Mary. At this point, God sent a messenger to confirm Mary’s story to Joseph. And Joseph’s strong belief, willingness and obedience to God, thrust Him further to follow God’s leading.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me to act in love and respect towards others. Lord, give me a willing heart like Joseph to follow and obey Your every command. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.

Eternal Protection

John 10:22-30

The Unbelief of the Jews
22Then came the Feast of Dedication[a] at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade. 24The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ,[b] tell us plainly."

25Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, 26but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all[c]; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30I and the Father are one."

Bee's Thoughts:

When I was a young Christian, the above passage was one which my bible study leaders and also the pastors kept mentioning. The emphasis was on being the "sheep" that "listen" and "follow" Jesus Christ. That is, when we listen and obey Christ, we can have the assurance that "no one" (including Satan), except ourselves, can snatch us from Him.

Is this about "eternal security"? In a sense yes, but with conditions (i.e. to listen and follow). For those who professed to be Christians but not listening or following Christ, then this promise may not apply. As in Philippians 2:12-18, we are to "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" where our lives reflect Christ likeness.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your secured arms that hold me tight each time the evil one tries to snatch me away from You through all means. Sometimes the devil uses people to hurt me, sometimes he sows discord between friends, sometimes he makes me feel discouraged, etc. But thank You that his mission always fail, 'cos You are always there to bring me back to where I should be and not fall into his tricks.
Tonight, I want to pray that You will continue to keep me from falling. Help me to listen to Your small still voice and follow Your word.
I pray that we, Your children, may be one as You and the Father are one. I pray for unity amongst us and that Your love will flow in our hearts and in our actions.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:

Whenever I think of how God came into my life, no words can explain the joy, gratitude and sense of wonder of His great Gift for me. As believers, we are not only given a new life but an everlasting safety and protection from eternal harm when we choose to follow Jesus. Nothing can ever separate us from the hand of God (v29).

Dear Father, thank You again for coming into my life, saving me from ‘blindness’ and ‘recklessness’. Nothing can describe how amazing Your love and grace for me, though I do not deserve this Gift of yours. Lord, keep me standing firm in my faith and humbly submit to You in total obedience. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

A Fitting Present

Matthew 2:11-15

11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. 12And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Bee's Thoughts

When I told a friend that I was supposed to volunteer for the Church Christmas events at Orchard Road today as "Road Blocker" he jokingly remarked, "That's cheap labour". I replied, "No, that's expensive labour, 'cos my time is expensive. I will not give to God what is cheap la." Unfortunately, I am sick with very bad cough today and is not able to help out.

Tonight we learned that the wise men gave to Jesus their "treasures" which are gold, incense and myrrh. Yes, we should not give to God only what we do not want, but give Him our best, which is our "body" that is "holy and acceptable" to God (Romans 12:1).

Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me to give You what I treasured most and even myself, and not things that I don't want. Tonight, my hands are open to You and I want to give You the thing/person that I treasured most and surrender myself to You. Take me, cleanse me and use me for Your glory Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:

Like the Magi who brought valuable gifts to Jesus, we too should be willing to give Him what is most valuable to us when we are worshipping Him. He is worthy of the best we have to give and we should honor Him for who He is – perfect, just and almighty Creator of the universe.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me the essence of true worship. Lord, teach me also to be like Joseph, to always have a ready heart and be receptive to Your every guidance. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Wonder

Luke 2:15-20

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Bee's Thoughts:

While all the shepherds were "amazed" by what the angels said, Mary "treasured" and "pondered" those words in her heart instead. She knew that miracle would be taking place in her life. Yes, we need to take time to ponder over the word of God so we may know what He wants to tell us.

During our church service this morning, we were entertained by a group of singers from Indonesia who sang beautifully for us. I like the hymns especially. The Lord touched my soul with those beautiful voices again, just like last night. I closed my eyes and allowed God to minister to me through those songs as they were singing... it was so wonderful!

Subsequently, we had our communion. It was different this time as we were encouraged to kneel down before God when taking our communion (we have never done this before). The moment I knelt down, tear just flowed down my cheeks. I felt I was in the presence of my Lord and King... I felt Him so near to me. I knew He was with me and saw all my struggles, my heartaches, my dilemma, my tears, and all my unspoken words. I need not speak a word, and He already knew all. Thank God for today!


Dear Lord,
Thank You for always coming to my rescue whenever I am overwhelmed by sadness. You have always kept your promise that there is no temptation that is too great for me to bear and that You will always make a way of escape for me. Praise You for lifting up my soul again today.
I pray that You will help me do a good job as I join the many brothers and sisters in Christ to help out at the Christmas events at Orchard Road tomorrow. I pray for good weather and that we will have good health to do our parts. May those who do not know You come to experience who You are this Christmas through the events.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.




Tommy's Thoughts:

Have we ever imagined if there was no Christmas; that God didn’t send His Son to save us? Where we have to carry alone all the burdens in our lives; where we’ll never receive true freedom and victory from all our struggles and we will never have the One that provide us true peace, strength, wisdom and salvation to reconcile again with God.

Sometimes, we do take things for granted and never give a single thought to how precious the Gift we have received freely from our Father. Instead of pondering over this only during Christmas or Easter, we should remember this amazing truth and be grateful and thankful to God everyday of our lives.

Dear Father, thank You for the wonderful Gift of salvation through my faith in Christ.. Thank you also because of Christ, I no longer need to bear my pain and struggles alone, but to hand them and myself over to His care. Lord, I pray You will lead me to know Your truths even deeper, to apply them in my life and making me more like Christ, as I continue to trust and follow You daily. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Do Not Be Afraid

Luke 2:8-14

The Shepherds and the Angels
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Bee's Thoughts:

I still feel down and sick today. So I simply used work and doing things to distract myself from thinking too much.

We had a Christmas Service this evening at my church and I invited one of my non-Christian colleague to join me. She agreed and said she knew how to get to my church. However, she lost her way and only managed to reach my church about one hour after the service had started. Thank God that she persisted in finding her way there. During the service the famous harpist & guitarist, Alvaro Sanchez, played a number of beautiful songs for us. I felt so peaceful as if I was in heaven when I listened to them. At that moment, all my burdens seemed rolled away and all my fear gone.

Yes, in heaven there will be no more tear or sorrow. Jesus was born that we may have peace and abundant life. I need not be afraid of anything or anyone when Jesus rules my heart.


Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for being born that we may have peace and abundant life. Thank You for the songs I heard tonight that brought me peace in my heart in spite of my troubled body and soul. I pray for my colleague that she may join me in church again tomorrow. I pray that You will touch her heart with Your love.
In Your name I pray. Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:

We often see how wonderful and beautiful the nativity scene was depicted in our greeting cards; where all the animals stand quietly and attentively looking at Jesus birth in the manger. In reality, the surrounding and atmosphere in the stable were noisy, dark and dirty. It was the worst place to give birth to a child, and definitely not a place where most has expected the Son of God will be born.

A preacher once asked why our God chose such a place for Jesus, He could have easily picked royal and grand surroundings. But, instead of limiting God by our own expectation, we should see how Jesus humbly subjected himself to such a condition since His birth to associate and identify with those who are lowly, oppressed and deserted by the society. And it shows how He is at work wherever He is needed regardless of how dark and dirty these places may be.

Dear Father, thank You for Your great love for us by sending Your only Son to restore our relationship with You. Teach me Lord not to underestimate what Christ has accomplished and how He can works great things in my life if I humbly allow Him to. Teach me to trust You for all things and submit to Your leading and teaching. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

A New Song

Psalm 98

1 Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.

2 The LORD has made his salvation known
and revealed his righteousness to the nations.

3 He has remembered his love
and his faithfulness to the house of Israel;
all the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.

4 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,
burst into jubilant song with music;

5 make music to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of singing,

6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn—
shout for joy before the LORD, the King.

7 Let the sea resound, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it.

8 Let the rivers clap their hands,
Let the mountains sing together for joy; 9 let them sing before the LORD,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples with equity.

Bee's Thoughts:

Not sure if my 'bf' had removed me from this blog by mistake or that Blogger had done. All I could do is to post as new and no longer able to edit my old posts or add to his posts anymore. :( Perhaps God wants me to spend time alone with Him at my own blog... a quiet place... just me and God....

Though I was sad and disturbed, I must thank my 'bf' for allowing me to post my devotional thoughts at his blog for the last 15 months. That has disciplined me to do my devotions consistently without fail even when I am very tired. I want to thank him for the last one-and-half year of fellowship we had in this spiritual journey.

However, our last weekend meeting has changed everything. I pray that even if we have to go our own ways, we will be strong in Christ and never be shaken in our walk with God. Whether this is the devil's way to divide and conquer, or that God is telling us it's time we stand alone, I pray that we will keep our faith and continue to spend time with God nightly. (Erm... biblical principle is unity rather than division.. so how can it be from God?)

I also want to thank my him for the 'farewell gift' he did for me tonight shown above. Indeed he has spent much time doing it for me, I know.... and I really appreciate it very very much. However, the sorrow in me tonight has dwarf my joy of receiving this precious gift. I hope he will forgive me and understand I don't mean to be unappreciative.

Yes, I really am feeling very downcast tonight, yet I want to be strong and sing to the Lord a new song like the above Psalm says.



Dear Lord,
You know how I am feeling now.... only You understand and know. Keep me strong in You Lord. Help me to sing unto You a new song even in time like this... for Your faithfulness endures forever,
I pray that my 'buddy' will also sing unto You the song You will be placing in his heart. Grant him a good night rest tonight and that he will know Your will for him in his life. May You bring him a new devotional very partner soon. May Your love and grace always stay with him.
In Your name I pray. Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:

There are many unable to accept a God that judges His people. They reasoned that a loving God will never create hell to torture and punish His creation. Furthermore, they don’t understand why a powerful being like God unable to make everyone good and destroy all evil and suffering in this world.

But, the truth is God created us a freewill being, capable to make choices. Unlike robot, we are free to choose between good and evil. God sees this as a more meaningful way for His creation to respond freely to His love for them.

But men choose to rebel and disobey God. As a result, sin entered into the world. Mankind still continues to sin, living in rebellion against God. This is why the world is filled with suffering today. Like they said, God doesn't send anyone to Hell. We send our selves there.

But, God has provided us a way to reconcile back with Him. He sent His only Son to die for our sin. God forgives and saves us from the eternal separation from Him, or hell when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. We will also receive a new life in Him and share the glory of Christ return one day, where God will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity (v9).

Dear Father, thank You for the certainty and hope I have in You. Thank You and I praise You for all the marvelous and wonderful things You have done. Thank You for the victory I have with Jesus. Lord, guide me to follow You with a faithful and joyful heart. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Spiritual Eyes

2 Corinthians 4:3-6

3-4If our Message is obscure to anyone, it's not because we're holding back in any way. No, it's because these other people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention. All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness. They think he can give them what they want, and that they won't have to bother believing a Truth they can't see. They're stone-blind to the dayspring brightness of the Message that shines with Christ, who gives us the best picture of God we'll ever get.

5-6Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we're proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, "Light up the darkness!" and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.

Bee's Thoughts:

This Christmas season doesn't seem to be any different from other ordinary days. I couldn't feel much of its atmosphere. When I was in KL last weekend, though I saw Christmas trees displaying in shopping malls and hotels, yet I wondered if people know the true meaning of Christmas.

I was 'ambushed' by my 'bf' last Sunday while in KL and he 'hijacked' me from the rest of my church members. Gosh! I didn't know what to do or how to react but I could feel his persistency in wanting to be with me for that day. I finally relented. No Christmas present or any gift from him, but the gift of his time is more precious than any gift to me. Can people see this? Maybe not.

Likewise, non-believers can't see the true meaning of Christmas no matter how hard we try to share with them. At times, even Christians may be blinded by the devil or our own selfish desires to view Christmas as a time of indulgence. We need to pray and ask God to open our spiritual eyes to see the truth. Only the truth can set us free.

Christmas is all about God's love for mankind.
Christmas is all about peace to those who sigh.
Christmas is all about how we may do things nice.
Christmas is all about how to give of our time.

- Bee

Dear Lord,
Search my heart tonight and cleanse me from my hidden sins and things that obscure my sight from seeing what You want me to see.
I pray also that this Christmas will bring forth Your glory, that sinners may be set free from the bondage of the devil. May peace dwell in people's hearts as they let Christ reign.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

When we share the Good News to others, are we bringing glory to God and what Christ has done or merely to make us appear godly or wise (v5)? Our pride to show off our abilities and accomplishments may not only hinder God’s true message to non-believers but also giving them a bad impression of Christian in general. We should focus on Jesus and what He has done on the Cross whenever we have the opportunity to witness for Christ.

Dear Father, forgive me of sometimes being a bad witness for Christ, focusing only on glorifying myself rather than on You in front of others. Teach me to change this attitude and to learn the right way to share to those who yet to know Christ, effectively.

Lord, thank You for Your forgiveness and the great hope and promises I have in You. Thank You that no matter what happens to me in this life, I have the clarity and assurance of an eternal destiny with You and my loved one, when all suffering will end and all sorrow will flee away (Isaiah 35:10). Lord, I continue to pray for strength, peace and patience to love, trust and obey.

I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Equip with His Word

2 Timothy 3:14-17

14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Bee's Thoughts:

Because the bible is the word of God,it contains many words of wisdom that can save our life if we follow its instructions. It managed to survived through many centuries though many people tried to destroy it. Well, that's proof even that the bible is special and is life.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for keeping me on the right track as I read Your word everyday. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Let me hide Your words in my heart that I may not sin against You.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



Tommy's Thoughts:

Without a good foundation in our belief and the truths of God’s Word, it is easy to be led astray to abandon our faith when pressured or distracted by influences around us. Thus, we need to spend time daily to reflect on God’s eternal truths found in the Bible, using it to guide our every action and also equipping us with the wisdom to distinguish the various false teachings around us.

God’s Word helps to build up our lives, directing right paths for us and leading us to live for God and His purpose.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me the importance to regularly study, reflect and apply Your Word in my daily life. Lord, guide me to seek Your truths, using it to safeguard against all the wrong teachings around me, and to stand firm in my life and faith. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

The Right Attitude

Philippians 2:5-11

5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Bee's Thoughts:

We know that attitude is more important than aptitude. A person who is intelligent or talented but with a bad attitude will not go far as one who has got a good attitude to learn and share.

Here we are told to have the same attitude as Christ, which is servanthood and obedient. To be a leader we have to learn to serve others and be obedient to the one who is our leader (Jesus Christ).

Dear Lord,
Teach me humility and love that I may serve others and be obedient to You. I pray that I will learn to have the same attitude of Christ.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:
As Christian, how should we serve others? We can learn from Jesus’ attitude of true humility and servanthood. He serves others out of His love for others and obedience to the Father. By first choosing this attitude, we are then able to lay aside our rights in order to truly serve others effectively for God’s kingdom.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me to imitate Jesus’ love and attitude of humility and servanthood. Lord, guide me not to only focus on myself but to look for opportunities to serve others out of love and compassion. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Learning To Lament

Lamentations 3:19-27

19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.

20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.

21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:

22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."

25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;

26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.

27 It is good for a man to bear the yoke
while he is young.

Bee's Thoughts:

God's love and compassion are "new every morning"like the morning dew. That's why even though we who hope and trust in Him are downcast at times, yet we can be restored in our soul and spirit whenever we pour our sorrows unto God. God is faithful in seeing us through each life's trial.

Personally I have experienced how God delivered me from my broken-hearted spirit whenever I lament before Him. In my despondency and helplessness the Lord always remind me that:

"A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench"(Isaiah 42:3; Matthew 12:20)

Yes, God will not forsake me in my time of great sorrow and will not break me till I am beyond repair.


Dear Lord,
Thank You that each time I lament about my sorrows to You,You always hear me. Thank You for Your great love, Your compassion and faithfulness to me. Even now, I pray that You'll look into my heart and and heal me completely from all wounds and let me rejoice in You always.
I pray likewise for my buddy in Your word that You too will do a complete restoration and healing job in his heart, mind and spirit, so he can serve You and be a blessing to others without any hindrance.
Thank You also for bringing my brothers and sisters in Christ together with me home safely, even though we were driving in the midst of darkness and the heavy pouring rain tonight.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:
How will our future turn out to be? Sometimes, the future unknowns and uncertainties can be quite overwhelming and daunting to us. We can see that there are many out there who live in fear, feeling lost and aimless; there are also those who feel trapped in an inescapable situation in life; and there’re many too who have doubt about their life will ever turn around and become better tomorrow.

As Christians, how should we respond when we face similar situation or feeling? Like Jeremiah in today’s passage, we can learn to pray to God, pouring out all our emotions and feelings of grief and bitterness to Him when we face difficult trials in life. Not only that, by knowing how faithful and good our God really is, we can have the peace, patience and hope to wait for Him to make things right and perfect for us one day.

Dear Father, although I do not know or understand about what tomorrow may holds, I’ll still trust and wait for Your timing and plans for me. Teach me Lord not to be short-sighted and impatient while waiting for You because You are always faithful and compassionate to those who follow and obey You. Thank You and I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Dirty Jobs

Matthew 8:1-4

The Man With Leprosy
1When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. 2A man with leprosy[a] came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."

3Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured[b] of his leprosy. 4Then Jesus said to him, "See that you don't tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."

Bee's Thoughts:

The leper in the above passage rightly identified that if God is willing all things all possible. Jesus is ever willing to heal us of our 'leprosy' (uncleanness). We need to learn to pray in God's will so that what we pray and hope for are in line with God's will. Only then can we see things happening.

Dear Lord,
Teach me to always remember to pray in accordance to Your will instead of mine. May Your will be done in my life so that Your glory will shine through me.
In Jesus' I pray. Amen.


Tommy's Thoughts:

Today, who are the lepers? If we really care enough to look around us, we’ll find many of these marginalized and destitute people in need of our love, care, support and guidance. A good example is drug dependents. The number of addicts is surging every year, but voluntary workers are few. There are various Christian initiated rehabilitation centers out there that need our help and contribution.

We can help out in so many ways like recommending and awarding these centers with work projects, sponsoring their residents, employing those graduated from these centers, providing skills and training, or just taking time by doing ministering and praying for them. As Jesus has said in Matthews 25:40: “...Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me to go out and serve Your people instead of always focusing only on myself. Lead me to show compassion and care for those who are less fortunate and follow Your leading to help and contribute them. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Overcoming Evil With Good

Luke 9:51-56

Samaritan Opposition
51As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them[a]?" 55But Jesus turned and rebuked them, 56and[b] they went to another village.

Bee's Thoughts:

Dear Lord,
You are so forgiving and we need follow Your example. Help me to forgive fully those who have hurt me do much. Set me free from my own prison cell of unforgiveness if any. Let me love my enemies and thereby fulfill Your law of love.
In Jesus' name I pray.

Tommy's Thoughts:
Like James and John, we sometimes do feel like retaliating when others reject or scorn us. Although we may not necessary be doing something clearly evil, but in a subtle way, we try bringing down that person whenever there’s an opportunities or treating them unfairly all the time.

Today passage shows how Jesus rebuked this attitude of retaliation because judgment belongs only to God. Instead of repaying evil with evil, we are called to overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:19-21) and leaving vengeance to God.

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me about not taking things into my own hands; but instead trusting You to be the Judge for all injustice. Teach me to have the patience and wisdom to know when to speak and when to be silent, and always act in peace and with gentleness. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.