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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 keep 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.

Be not 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.

Alone With God

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:

Finally, I have left the blog of my 'best friend'. Whether he has removed me by mistake or Blogger has done that doesn't matter. The fact remains I am no longer able to post my devotional thoughts there anymore.

So here I am, spending time alone with God at my own blog... a quiet place... just me and God....

Whatever it is, I must thank my 'best friend' (now changed to just 'buddy', not 'hubby') 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 as we 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.

I also want to thank my 'buddy' 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.

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.

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.

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).

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 sorrowand 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.

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.

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.

A Child Is Born

Isaiah 9:1-7

6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, [b] Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Bee's Thoughts:

The birth of a child in a family always bring much joy to the family. The birth of Jesus bring forth salvation to mankind. He was born to be our:

Wonderful counselor - when we need wisdom and advice, Jesus is the best counselor and we need to seek Him for guidance

Almighty God - Jesus knows everything and can do miracles in our lives when we allow trust in Him

Everlasting Father - his love for us as a loving Father never end

Prince of Peace - peace is what we can receive if we allow Him to rule our heart and soul


Dear Jesus,
Thank You for being all in all to me. I need You to be my counsellor and be my peace in my life. As I lie down to sleep tonight I pray that your I shall have a peaceful rest and wake up in the morning to discover Your wonderful love for me.
Amen

Money Talks

Luke 12:13-21

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."

Bee's Thoughts:

As I search for the meaning on "greed" I came across the following Definition Of Greed
- Obsessed With Abundance Over God
- Never Satisfied
- Wants Everything For Free
- Greed Always Works Under False Pretenses

The above passage links "all kinds of greed" to "abundance... possessions" (v14). Greed causes us to want more than we need and causes us to have wrong priorities in life. We may work so hard for the extra money that we don't need and thereby give no time to God or to people who need our time.

Like what a speaker said yesterday, we need to learn to simplify things in our life. Some of the things to simplify are:
- our purpose
-our priority
When we can do this, greed will not be able to control our life.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me not to be greedy in any way but to show love for others. Help me do what's right in Your sight, Lord.
In Jesus' nameI pray. Amen.

One in Christ

Galatians 3:26-4:7

Sons of God
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 4

1What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. 4But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba,[a] Father." 7So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

Bee's Thoughts:

It's so sad that though Christians are suppose to be one in Christ, yet there are so many divisions amongst them. Christians can be against Christians or even hurt each other knowingly or unknowingly.

Christians are no different from non-Christians as long as they do not live according to the word of God which says,

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:30-31)


Dear Lord,
I know it pains Your heart to know that Your Children are not one as You and the Father is one. I pray that You will forgive us and help us to love You with all our heart, soul and strength and to love our neighbours as ourselves. Help us to be one in Christ, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Does God Forget?

Hebrews 8:6-13

6But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises.

7For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. 8But God found fault with the people and said[a]:
"The time is coming, declares the Lord,
when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah.
9It will not be like the covenant
I made with their forefathers
when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of Egypt,
because they did not remain faithful to my covenant,
and I turned away from them, declares the Lord.
10This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time, declares the Lord.
I will put my laws in their minds
and write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
11No longer will a man teach his neighbor,
or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,'
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest.
12For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more."[b]

13By calling this covenant "new," he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear.

Bee's Thoughts:

Very often I wish that I can have a magic eraser so that all my bad memories and past sins can be totally erased. At times the devil may condemn me or make me feel small and unworthy. But tonight God has just reminded me, "I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more" (v12).

"As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:12


Dear Lord,
I feel so small, stupid, and unworthy today. I did the most stupid things ever in my life to think I can find comfort and love in human. I am dead wrong and deserve to suffer for my foolishness and simplicity. Forgive me for being such a naive person. Forgive me for following my heart instead of learning to love You alone. Forgive me dear,Lord.
Thank You for Your promise to remove my transgressions and remember my sins no more. Let me start anew, let me be free from all such entanglements so I can love You, and You alone. Take my heart, Lord. Amen

Joy In Trials?

James 1:1-8

1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.

Trials and Temptations
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Bee's Thoughts:

I just came back from a 2-days mission trip today. We visited the poor villagers and also an orphanage to celebrate Christmas with them. Though the people there are poor, and the orphans have no parents, yet I could see the joy in them when we celebrated with them in songs, dance and giving them little gifts. It's very touching to see a number of them raise their hands to worship God and closed their eyes tight in prayers to God. Aren't they in worst condition than I am? Yet they can rejoice knowing that God cares for them through us.

Tonight's devotion reminds me that all the trials I am facing now is to teach me to be even more persevering than before. If God has kept me from falling in my past trials, surely He will continue to keep me in my current trials. All I need is to know that God is carving a beautiful being out of me through all that I am going through now. Therefore, I should rejoice that I have a God who cares for me and He knows how much I can take. All I need is to ASK from Him wisdom to handle these trials appropriately.


Dear Lord,
You have asked me to ASK You for wisdom when I face trials. Therefore, I am asking You now to grant me the the wisdom to know the difference between what I can change and what I can't. Give me the Your peace and serenity to accept what I can't change.Give me Your grace and courage to change what I can. May my life be what You want me to be.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Withering Grass

Psalm 102:3-12

3 For my days vanish like smoke;
my bones burn like glowing embers.

4 My heart is blighted and withered like grass;
I forget to eat my food.

5 Because of my loud groaning
I am reduced to skin and bones.

6 I am like a desert owl,
like an owl among the ruins.

7 I lie awake; I have become
like a bird alone on a roof.

8 All day long my enemies taunt me;
those who rail against me use my name as a curse.

9 For I eat ashes as my food
and mingle my drink with tears

10 because of your great wrath,
for you have taken me up and thrown me aside.

11 My days are like the evening shadow;
I wither away like grass.

12 But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever;
your renown endures through all generations.

Bee's Thoughts:

The Psalmist has said what I couldn't express.... I felt exactly the way he wrote above. I felt my heart dying. I have to drown myself with work and busyness everyday. Yet I know God is still holding me up so that I will not do anything silly or irrational at the spur of the moment. He is keeping me sane even as I feel as if I might be going crazy with pains.

Dear Lord,
This burden is too heavy for me, please support me and let me not do anything I will regret for life. Hold me securely that I may not fall. Keep me strong in You and let me be immersed in Your love, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

A Gentle Teacher

2 Timothy 2:1-4

1You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer.

2 Timothy 2:24-25

24And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,

Bee's Thoughts:

Today had been another busy and tiring day for me in my office. I had to complete the year end appraisal interviews with all my immediate subordinates by today. It may be difficult to tell some of them about their weaknesses. I had to do it so that they will be able to accept without feeling offended or too disappointed. Thank God for His wisdom in helping me chose the right words to speak, especially for certain one who has failed. At least she felt good that she has learned something constructive from my feedback on her performance.

Dear Lord,
I am not good with words and tend to speak only when it's necessary. I may hurt others by being too direct and transparent with my thoughts. I pray that You will give me wisdom to speak words of comfort to others.
I also pray that tomorrow will be a fruitful day as I join my church members in reaching out to the less fortunates during our 2-days mission trip. Grant us good weather, journey mercy and a great harvest. Open the hearts of these people that they may know Christ and His cleansing power.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Heart Surgery

Luke 2:25-35

25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss[a] your servant in peace.
30For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
32a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."

33The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

Bee's Thoughts:

Search me, O God
And know my heart today
Try me O Saviour
Know my thoughts I pray

See if there be
Some wicked ways in me
Cleanse me from every sin
And set me free

Yes, Lord, You are the one who can reveal our inner thoughts and know our deceitful heart. Very often we don't even know our own heart and we don't know what we want or need. Only You can show us our heart's condition.
I can feel the pain and sorrow in my heart... I feel sick, and in need of a 'heart surgery' by You. As I lie down to sleep tonight, please do that 'operation' on my heart and give me a new heart that's pure. Change my heart, O, Lord.
In Jesus' name I plea. Amen

No Fear

Psalm 112:14-9

4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.

5 Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely,
who conducts his affairs with justice.

6 Surely he will never be shaken;
a righteous man will be remembered forever.

7 He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

8 His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.

9 He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor,
his righteousness endures forever;
his horn [b] will be lifted high in honor.

Bee's Thoughts:

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your promise that "Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man." (v4). Even when darkness tries to crowd You out of my life, Your light will shine.
I have been through the lowest valley in my life, yet You always bring me up to Your mountain top. Yes, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalms 23:4)
Thank You Lord, for Your faithfulness to me.
Encourage me, Lord, through Your word and through the people who love You, that I may do likewise.
In Jesus' name I give Your praise. Amen.

.

No Fear

Psalm 112:14-9

4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.

5 Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely,
who conducts his affairs with justice.

6 Surely he will never be shaken;
a righteous man will be remembered forever.

7 He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

8 His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.

9 He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor,
his righteousness endures forever;
his horn [b] will be lifted high in honor.

Bee's Thoughts:

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your promise that "Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man." (v4). Even when darkness tries to crowd You out of my life, Your light will shine.
I have been through the lowest valley in my life, yet You always bring me up to Your mountain top. Yes, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalms 23:4)
Thank You Lord, for Your faithfulness to me.
Encourage me, Lord, through Your word and through the people who love You, that I may do likewise.
In Jesus' name I give Your praise. Amen.

Mystery

1 Corinthians 15:51-58

51Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."[a]
55"Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?"[b] 56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Bee's Thoughts:

Once again I'll be going for the mission trip this coming weekend to celebrate Christmas with the less fortunates. It's so comforting to know that our "labor in the Lord is not in vain" as we "give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord" (v58).

Very often I wonder how we Christians will I be like when we go to heaven.
Will we still recognize the people we know on earth?
Will we still have the same feelings for the people we loved on earth before?
If I die as an old person, will I look aged or will I look like a young person?
If I do look like a young person, how will people recognize me if they only know me when I am old?

So many unanswered questions, so many mysteries to discover, so many surprises awaiting for me. It would be very exciting to know the answers I have been waiting for. Though I can't understand so many things now, but thank God that soon I shall understand why I went through those trials and sufferings. Soon I shall receive the crown of glory if I have been faithful to the Lord.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your comforting words tonight. I look forward very much to see You and to understand the mysteries You have bestowed for me and those who trust in You. Thank You that though I see You not now, but I can always feel You with me wherever I am. Thank You for this hope I can have in You. Praise You Lord!
In Your wonderful name I give You thanks. Amen.

The Moment I Knew

Acts 26:8-18

8Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?

9"I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them.

12"On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. 14We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic,[a] 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'

15"Then I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?'

" 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied. 16'Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

Bee's Thoughts:

I have been feeling quite lost lately. The things that troubled me caused me to I wonder what I am existing for. It seems I have lost the purpose and meaning for my life. I always think of death, of going 'home'. So I have been trying to find distractions so I won't think too much.

During our Sunday Service this morning, the speaker shared a message on "Living a Life of Purpose and Meaning". It's like God was speaking to me through the speaker. The speaker asked a question, "What drives your life?" He said for some it could be guilt, resentment or anger, fear, or need for approval, etc. These are unhealthy driving forces. However, if we know the purpose God has for us in our life then it will:
- give meaning to our life
- simplifies our life,
- focus our life,
- prepare us for eternity


Of course I fully agree with the speaker. But then I still need to know that purpose to be able to do those things the speaker said.

The Apostle Paul in the above passage lived his life to the full with clear purpose. Before he met Jesus Christ, he persecuted the Christians with all his might. But when he encountered Christ, he whole heartedly served Him with full purpose too. He is such a passionate person. I am too, if I know what I should do.

I will be going for a mission trip this weekend. I pray that God will once again give me the compassion and love for the people there and find His purpose for me in my life.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for the message this morning and the example of Paul in today's devotion. You know my confusion, my pains and my struggles. I pray that once again I may fully know Christ and and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings. Teach me to do Your will, Lord.
I pray for my brother too that he may know Your purpose for him in his life. I pray You may grant him strength to carry on this journal and complete his race. May Your peace and grace always be with him.
In Jesus' name I pray.Amen.

Forgive Me

Psalm 19:7-14 (Contemporary English Version)

12None of us know our faults.
Forgive me when I sin
without knowing it.

13Don't let me do wrong
on purpose, Lord,
or let sin have control
over my life.
Then I will be innocent,
and not guilty
of some terrible fault.

14Let my words and my thoughts
be pleasing to you, LORD,
because you are my mighty rock [a] and my protector.

Bee's Thoughts:

The above has become my prayer and I am reminded of 1 John 3:7-10:

7Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. 8He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. 9No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.

and also: 1 John 5:18:

18We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.

When we are born of God by the Holy Spirit, our conscience becomes alive and we tend to feel guilty whenever we sin or do anything that is wrong. This is a god-given conscience so that we will repent and set things right. Therefore as Christians, we will not continuously sin on purpose. We will want to do what is right and one of the right thing to do is to love.


Dear Lord,
Forgive me if I have sinned against You, knowingly or unknowingly. Forgive me if I have sinned against my brother in any way. Forgive me if I did not show enough love for my brother. I pray that my words and thoughts will be pleasing to You.
You know me and I can't hide anything from You. You know how I feel now, though no one knows. Guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Let me love You more each day that I may love others more too.
In Your precious name I pray these. Amen.

Consider Others More Important

Philippians 2:1-11(Contemporary English Version)

True Humility
1Christ encourages you, and his love comforts you. God's Spirit unites you, and you are concerned for others. 2Now make me completely happy! Live in harmony by showing love for each other. Be united in what you think, as if you were only one person. 3Don't be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves. 4Care about them as much as you care about yourselves 5and think the same way that Christ Jesus thought: [a] 6Christ was truly God.

But he did not try to remain [b] equal with God.

Bee's Thoughts:

Sometimes when we look into our heart we may find a hole there. That hole needs to be patched up by something or someone. If someone can't meet that need, we have a tendency to drown ourselves with works or keep ourselves very busy and tired so we won't have time or energy to feel lonely or sad. Perhaps we feel this way because we are too inward looking... we want others to make us happy rather than to make others happy.

I remember those days when I only care for others by the love of God and don't bother too much about my own feelings, I was a very happy person. The moment I wanted someone to love and care for me, I became very disappointed and sad. For it's very difficult to find someone who can do that for me for long. People tend to be selfish after the fall of man. That's the reason why since young I have always been rejecting male friends who may be interested in me. I built a wall around my heart. However, when someone manages to break that wall, I will be in trouble... I will have my expectation of being loved and cared for. I became inward looking.

Tonight's devotion reminds me to be like before, to "consider others more important than yourselves. Care about them as much as you care about yourselves"(v3 & 4). To do this I need to have the mind of Christ, and fill my heart with God's love.


Dear Lord,
I once again surrender myself to You tonight. Take my heart and change it to be like Yours. Let me put others before self, put You above all. Only then will I have peace and joy.
Tonight, I open my hands and let go of the things and people I held so dear. Take them all. I return them to You as they are only lent to me for a season. May You use them for Your glory.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.