Desires

Psalm 145:14-21

14 The LORD upholds all those who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.

15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.

16 You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and loving toward all he has made.

18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.

19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.

20 The LORD watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.

21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and ever.

Bee's Thoughts:

A sudden sadness flooded my soul tonight... I felt emotionally trapped... I wanted to cry yet I refused to. But when I read the above Psalms, I just released my tears. It's like God telling me "My child, go ahead and cry, don't hold your emotion, let it go..." I could see v14 comes alive, seeing God's hand upholding me when I fell down.

Last Sunday, I made a prayer during the church service. I surrendered my desires to God, surrendered what I shouldn't have to Him and ask Him purify my heart. He heard my prayers and fulfilled my desires (v18, 19)... He really removed them. It's painful yet I felt relieved too, no more blockage between me and God.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for answering my prayers. Thank You for upholding me in time of heartaches, in time of making difficult decision, in time of having to give up what I desire that is not in Your will. Thank You for giving me my desires that conform to Your will. Thank You for wiping away my tears.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Everlasting Arms

Deuteronomy 33:26-29

27 The eternal God is your refuge,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
He will drive out your enemy before you,
saying, 'Destroy him!'

Bee's Thoughts:

Recently I was pondering on a BGR Question as a result of what somebody said. Doesn't what we experience physically now on earth has some signifcance on what is to come in the spirtiual realm as well?

Example, the church is a representation of the Bride of Christ; the love between a husband and wife is the representation of the love relationship between Christians and Christ too. Christians are constantly told to love God and others. If we can find fulfillment in the love on earth with our loved ones, how much more fulfilment we will have when we meet our beloved Jesus one day?

The speaker said yesterday, during our church service, that "the only thing we can bring with us when we die is relationship". How profound! I never thought of that before. That's the reason God created humans... to have a relationship. So God wants us to have proper and healthy relationship while we are on earth to have a foretaste of what is to come, that is far better.

Whenever I feel weak and in need of support I always hope I could have an arm to lean on, to hold me so I won't fall. Just like what I wrote in my poem "I Will Run With You", I see the arms of support when I needed it most. My ability to feel such support helps me understand and feel God's "everlasting arms" (v27) .


Dear Jesus,
I thank You for people whom You have brought to my life to support me when I am down. Though such earthly relationship may not last, it gives me a gleam of the everlasting relationship of love I can have with You. You are my constant and "everlasting arms". Let me extend my arms to those whom You have placed in my life too. Amen.

Bee's 4th Month of Devotion

Time flies, really flies...
Just like blinking of my eyes,
Four months have past without me realise.
This devotion time is like my exercise
To keep me healthy, to change my life.

Thank God for helping me keep my commitment to spend time with Him daily. :)


.......the thoughts of Bee

Shine On!

Daniel 1:1-20

Daniel's Training in Babylon

3 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring in some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility- 4 young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king's palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. 5 The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king's table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king's service.

6 Among these were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.

8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. 9 Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel,

15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. 16 So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.

17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.

20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.

Bee's Thoughts:

Hmmn... it looks like a Manhunt contest ya. :)

Daniel stood out as he stood up for what is right. He "resolved (determined) not to defile himself" like the rest of the people.

From the above passage we could learn some truth about Christians who choose to honour God (v8):
1. God can cause others to show more "favour and sympathy" for them (v9).
2. They are healthier as they eat sensibly instead of indulging themselves in unhealthy lifestyle of gluttony (v15, 16).
3. God is the one who grants them "knowledge and understanding" (v17, 20).
4. They perform better than their peers.

Yes, Christians are the salt and light of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16). They are in the world but not of the world. However, if they choose to compromise then they have lose their "flavour" and "brightness"... so no difference from non-Christians.

Do we dare to stand up for God and be different just like Daniel did?

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the example of Daniel, who stood up for You, who determined in his heart not to sin against You. Thank You that You will bless those who honour You. Let me shine on too, that people may see my good deeds and praise Your name.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Do Not Harden Your Hearts

Hebrews 3

Jesus Greater Than Moses
1 Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.

4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.

6 But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.

Warning Against Unbelief
7 So, as the Holy Spirit says:
"Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts
as you did in the rebellion,
during the time of testing in the desert,

15 As has just been said:
"Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts
as you did in the rebellion."

Bee's Thoughts:

During the revival meeting tonight at my church, the speaker said that if after we have read or listened to God's word but did not mix it with faith, then it would not have effect on us... we won't mature spiritually. It is just like the seed that falls onto the hard ground that will not grow. Therefore, if we harden our hearts towards God's word, we "would never enter his rest".

The speaker futher challenged us to open our hearts to Jesus, surrendering our thoughts, desires, anxieties, and idols to Him. Yes, we need to fix our thoughts on Jesus (v1).

It's comforting to know that "God is the builder of everything" (v4) and I should let Him do the building instead of trying to build anything by myself. He is the builder of my career, my relationship, my ministry and my life.... "we are His house" (v6).

Dear Lord,
Tonight I want to surrender my career, my relationship, my ministry and my life to You. You are the best Architect and will build me into a beautiful "house" to show Your glory. I will put my trust in You and believe that Your timing is perfect. Tonight I want to fix my eyes on Jesus again and not be distracted by anything else. Thank You for the above passage and for what the speaker said tonight.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

When To Judge

Matthew 7:1-12

Judging Others
1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Ask, Seek, Knock
7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Bee's Thoughts:

"Ask, seek, knock" - that was what I wrote at my blog 2 days ago. Now I am reading it again... a reinforcement? The principle behind them is asking wisely for things that are good for us (not in our viewpoint, but in the Father's viewpoint). Perhaps God wants us to ask wisdom from God in the matter of judgement?

I encountered a mysteriously 'big' problem today and I prayed that God would help me find the 'culprits' of that problem. He did just that! When I got home at night after church, the mystery was solved... I knew who the culprits are -- the bank and me. :( I still feel a little sore about the whole incidence but I have to acknowledge my part of the mistake too.

The moral of the story: judge not others till I judge myself first. I did that by checking at my end to see if I have made any mistake too. I found my mistake, though not entirely mine. Yes, we all make mistakes, so we need to be gracious towards others' shortcomings and be more forgiving.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for helping me solve the mystery so fast. Thank You for answering my prayer. I pray that when I go to the bank tomorrow things will be settled smoothly. Let me always judge myself first before I judge others. Let me be gracious just like You.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Building

Ephesians 4:7-16

11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.

Bee's Thoughts:

In the church, God gives different gifts so that she will be built up and become matured, members living in unity together in the bond of love.

What is my gift then? I guess "teaching" is what God has given to me and I seem to have the ability to patiently and clearly explain concepts to others, both young and old. But have I fully used my gift? Not yet, I think...

When I went for the charity mission trips, I felt so helpless though I would like very much to help teach those children. I can't because I don't know how to speak their language. All I could do was to provide assistance here or there.

Dear Lord,
Sometimes I feel I am so useless... I have not fully utilised my gift for You. Please show me how I may fully use it to serve You better in the church or places You place me.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

No Snatching

John 10:25-39

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

Bee's Thoughts:

Jesus is likened to the 'shepherd' and Christians are likened to 'sheep'. He said very clearly that those who are his 'sheep' will hear His voice and follow Him, whereas, those who don't are not His sheep. It's just that simple.

Are you a Christian? Do you listen to Jesus? Do you follow Jesus?

Jesus promised eternal life to His 'sheep' and assured that "no one can snatch them" from His hand... i.e. even Satan can't do that unless they willingly want to follow Satan. That's a comforting promise.


Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for being the good Shepherd. Thank You for your salvation and protection. Let me hear Your voice always. Speak to my heart everyday and let me obey You. Amen.

Discipline

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Bee's Thoughts:

Hmmn... the verses above are talking about discipline... both physical and spiritual.

They come in just on time as I have tendered my resignation today. I will be having some free time again before I embark into any new job soon. I probably will laze around for a few days to recuperate my lost energy and catch up with my hobbies a little. In so doing I need to be careful not to become 'lazy'. I still need to discipline myself in sleeping early and waking early, and preparing myself for future tasks.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for helping me to move on smoothly without much difficulty. I know You have a plan for me even in my work. I trust that You will open the right door for me to enter as I give my time to You. Lead me on to the next task, Lord. Help me continue to discipline myself both physically and spiritually to achieve Your plan for me.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

My Strength

Psalm 73:23-28

25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

Bee's Thoughts:

I am very tired tonight as I have to work till very late without dinner because of the endless paper works which I really dislike/hate. I feel like resigning from my job regardless of whether I have another job standby. I think I am at the point of burnt-out perhaps.

This Psalm has been refreshing to my spirit somehow. It's a Psalm I like very much all the time. Sometimes I may feel like the Psalmist, getting discouraged by the unfairness in life (Psalm 73: 12-16). Sometimes I don't understand why these things happen "till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny." (Psalm 17-20).

My favorite verses are:

25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

Whenever I feel disappointed and in despair I would remember that I must desire God rather than anything on earth. For no matter how weak my flesh is God will strengthen me in His grace.


Dear Lord,
Whom have I in heaven but You?
May I desire nothing else but You.
Let my strength be renewed.
Amen

He Never Changes

Psalm 103:11-22

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass,
he flourishes like a flower of the field;

16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.

Bee's Thoughts:

When I read the above Psalms my emotion overwhelmed me... I feel like crying...

God's love is compared to the height between the heavens and earth, which is topless;
God's forgiveness is compared to the breadth between east and west, which is beyond measure;
God's compassion is compared to a father's love, which is undying.

Yes, I am in need of God's love, God's forgiveness, God's compassion... and here He reminds me that I have them all. Praise the Lord!

God knows I am just like "dust"or "grass". I am weak, I can be short-lived, I can fail and sin. Yet He does not allow the devil to condemn me. He wants me to know that His love remains, He never changes.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your assurance tonight.
Thank You that You are the same, yesterday, today, and forever.
Thank You for Your forgiveness and love,
Thank You that You are my Abba Father.
Thank You very much.

Amen.

Inside Out

Ephesians 4:25-32

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

My Thoughts:

Sometimes I wonder if blogging what's in my heart is "unwholesome talk". I have been pretty candid about how I feel and blog about my feelings without pretence. To me, my blog is my personal diary to express and release my trapped thoughts and feelings. I don't share those things with my offline friends at all. So to know me well, my blog is the best place to begin with.

So do what I write at my blog help build others up?

I have learnt that certain people who read my blog do get encouraged most times because they know that they are not alone in their situations. For not only do I blog about my joy and sorrows, I blog about my solutions too. I hope that by sharing what I have gone through would help my readers who are in similar situations.

Dear Lord,
I pray that whatever I say will be edifying to my listeners. In my transparency let me be a beacan of light to those who need some enlightenment. Let me not be a stumbling block to anyone as I share my thoughts.

In Jesus'name I pray. Amen.

One Word

John 20:11-18

11 but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

13 They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"

"They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

15 "Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."

16 Jesus said to her, "Mary."
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).

Bee's Thoughts:

I used to wonder why when Jesus addressed Mary as "Woman" she could not recognise Jesus. Perhaps addressing Mary as "Woman" is unfamiliar to her, and it made her thought Jesus was a 'stranger'. But when Jesus addressed her as "Mary", she instantly recognised the voice of Jesus.

I could understand Mary's feeling better now as I too have experienced how when a person I loved could be like a stranger to me by changing the way he addressed me. I could not recognise the one I loved anymore... he's like a stranger to me though we do communicate, just like in Mary's case.

One word could make a difference.
One word could bring back familarity.
One word could make one recognises the speaker.

Dear Lord,
You gave and You took away... I don't undertand why, yet I know You have Your purpose. Just like Mary, I will not find what I have lost till You choose to reveal it to me. Let me hear You speaking. Amen.

Be Still And Know

Psalm 46:1-11

10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."

Bee's Thoughts:

The title of tonight's devotion jumped at me, causing my heart to skip a beat. I know God wants me to "be still and know".

Actually, I just got home from a 2.5 hour long job interview wth a panel of preschool committee. It was my 2nd round with them. I wasn't very sure if I wish to take up the offer since what they could afford to pay me would be about the same as what I am already getting now. Why should I change preschool then? I could see the potential of growth in this preschool I am contemplating to join and the services I could render. The committee would contact me next week as to whether they could accede to my request.

Pay aside, I felt bad to leave my present preschool since this is the time it needs me the most. There is already a shortage of staff due to 2 staff resignations and one going on long medical leave. The worse thing is the preschool is about to have a licensing inspection soon. I am in a dilemma...

It's so comforting to hear God says:

"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth." (v10)

I need to quieten my heart and listen to God, to allow Him to speak to my heart regarding what I should do. The decision I choose should glorify God.


Dear Lord,
Speak to my heart and let me know Your will for me. May I choose the path that You want me to take that Your name might be glorified. Speak to the committee too if You want me to be working with them. Let Your peace be in my heart if that's Your will.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Perfect In Christ

Colossians 1:24-29

Paul's Labor for the Church

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

Bee's Thoughts:

It's a "mystery" that Christ can be in us, Christians. That's where our hope is. If Christ is in me, wouldn't I behave and think like Him? Perhaps that's why in Christ we can be "perfect".

Jesus says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5) We need to remain and be joined to Christ in order to have that special life to bear fruits.

Dear Lord,
I am very tired and weary from my work. Let me abide in You to draw strength. Even then, I pray that You will help me be compassionate towards those that need encouragement and help. Let be "perfect" in You and bear fruits... that's others may see Your glory.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Greatest Thing In The World

1 Corinthians 13

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

8 Love 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. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

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

Bee's Thoughts:

Sometimes I think I know what love is;
Sometimes I think I know nothing about it.
Sometimes I feel the warm that love could give;
Sometimes I feel I don't understand all about this.

Yet the bible says the greatest is love;
To experience it is the best thing on earth.
Yet I only found this love in Christ;
Human love seems to be a bunch of lies.

How I long that someone could love me as I am;
But I guess that could only happen in dreamland.
Once again I have to turn to the Author of love
To help me love others through Him as I serve.

- Bee


Dear Lord,
Teach me to love in the way You do. Amen.

Life by the Spirit

Galatians 5:16-26

Life by the Spirit

16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Bee's Thoughts:

Our "sinful nature" is constantly battling with the "fruit of the Spirit". instead of trying to remove the "sinful nature" we should focus on the "fruit of the Spirit"... constantly allowing this fruit to be seen in our life.

"Self-control" may be the most difficult characteristics to achieve. We are to control our own thoughts, actions and desires. We are not to indulge ourselves on anything contrary to biblical teaching. So "self-control" is the mark of spiritual maturity I guess.

Dear Lord,
Help me to allow Your Spirit to work in me so that I may bear the fruit of the Spirit. Let me set my mind on things that are pure and do what's right in Your sight. In Jesus name I ask. Amen

One More Miracle

Exodus 15:1-21

The Song of Moses and Miriam

11 "Who among the gods is like you, O LORD ?
Who is like you—
majestic in holiness,
awesome in glory,
working wonders?

12 You stretched out your right hand
and the earth swallowed them.

13 "In your unfailing love you will lead
the people you have redeemed.
In your strength you will guide them
to your holy dwelling.

19 When Pharaoh's horses, chariots and horsemen went into the sea, the LORD brought the waters of the sea back over them, but the Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground. 20 Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing. 21 Miriam sang to them:
"Sing to the LORD,
for he is highly exalted.
The horse and its rider
he has hurled into the sea."

Bee's Thoughts:

Songs of Worship always touch my heart whenever I sing them. Even when I feel down, the songs will somehow miraculously lifts up my spirit as I sing them. I could feel God's presence as I meditates on the lyrics of the songs and hymns.

The above songs of praise talks about how God led the Israelites out of danger in His "unfailing love" and guided them in His "strength". (v13). God is always compassionate towards His children. How can we not praise Him?

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your unfailing love and strength toward us. May we always sing praises to You all the time. Amen.

Inner Beauty

John 1:9-14

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Bee's Thoughts:

What is heaven like?
"It is better than anything any human being could ever imagine when he tries to picture the best thing that could ever happen to him. Beyond that, there is not much else we could say!" (Judgment Day)

How is God like? We will never know unless God reveals the mystery to us. God has choosen to reveal Himself to us through Jesus Christ... showing His character, nature, love, righteousness, holiness, justice, compassion, power, etc.

Inner beauty takes time to discover... the more we spend time with a person, the more we see the inner beauty of that person. The same goes to spending time with the Lord Jesus Christ... we get to see His beauty more and more each day.


Dear Lord,
Let me see Your beauty as I spend time with You. Let Your beauty be seen in me too. This is my simple prayer. Amen.

Live A Life of Love

Ephesians 5:1-13

1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

Bee's Thoughts:

To "live a life of love" (v1) is what God wants Christians to do. I thought I have already known the meaning of love... but now I feel I still don't really know it's deep meaning yet.

Must the "love" God wants us to have for others be unromantic? Then isn't the word "compassion" a more appropriate term to use instead? I have gradually lost that romantic feeling I once have... I have suppressed it for good so that I won't get hurt again. Is this what God wants of me? I am not sure now. Yes, I still care for others, provide assistance and a listening ear when needed. Is that love or compassion? I don't know which term to use now... I just know I do care. Is that healthy?

If love means laying down my life for someone like Jesus did, then I have not loved yet... maybe one day I will... till then, I have not truly loved I suppose.

"Let no one deceive you with empty words" (v6)... words are cheap, actions are precious. If we say we care for someone, what actions have we done to show that care? When we promise something to someone, do we carry it out or KIV it 'till thy kingdom come'? Words by themselves are "empty" till actions follow.

Dear Lord,
I felt weary today... I heard many words... many many words, with no action. I got confused by "empty words"... I have lost faith in what certain people say. Help me lift up my eyes upon You again... for Your words are always true, Your words are never empty.

I confess I don't fully understand the meaning of love... perhaps I have never loved, but only have compassion... perhaps I have not experienced love too, other than the love You gave. I lift up my hands to You in surrender now... take my life and let me be what You will.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Unexpected Help

Joshua 2:1-14

Rahab and the Spies

4 But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. She said, "Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they had come from. 5 At dusk, when it was time to close the city gate, the men left. I don't know which way they went. Go after them quickly. You may catch up with them." 6 (But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them under the stalks of flax she had laid out on the roof.) 7 So the men set out in pursuit of the spies on the road that leads to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as the pursuers had gone out, the gate was shut.

Bee's Thoughts:

This passage reminds me of a joke I heard some time ago. It's true that many times God let satan foot the bill for us. :) Help can just come our way at the right time... God is always on time. He can use non-believers to help believers to accomplish His purpose, just like in the case of Joshua above, and also in the story of Joseph (Old Testatment). In return, God also blesses the non-believers who have unknowingly provided helps to the believers. Isn't that good?

Dear Lord,
Thank You for always providing unexpected helps for us when we need them most. Thank You that You will take care of us and our needs at the right time. Thank You for Your faithfulness always. Amen.

Be Ready

Matthew 24:32-44

32 "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 33 Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. 34 I tell you the truth, this generation heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

The Day and Hour Unknown
42 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Bees's Thoughts:

Talking about readiness, I know of people who will work extra hard when they know their bosses are coming or is around. When the 'cat' goes away the 'mice' will come out to play. Hmmn... how many workers can really be ready for their bosses anytime?

As Christians we don't work just to please our bosses on earth, we work to please our heavenly 'Boss' who can see us anytime and anywhere. We are to be good steward in our time and work. We are be ready for His coming...


Dear Lord,
Let me be always ready for You when You come to bring me back home. Let me be a good steward of my time and energy to do the things that will please You. May I find favour in my bosses, being a good worker. I pray that You will continue to direct me in my search for a new job. May Your will be done. Amen.

As Stubborn As Mule

Psalm 32:8-11

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.

9 Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.

10 Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the LORD's unfailing love
surrounds the man who trusts in him.

11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Bee's Thoughts:

I have only worked in my present preschool for about a month and is still trying to get use to the tons of daily paper works that seem to be endless. Other than this dislike I am quite happy working with the children and my teachers. I felt the school should hire a clerk to do those admin works instead of making me a highly paid 'clerk' and have less time for more critical works that require my kind training and qualification. For this reason I was actually looking around for job that doesn't require me to do all these time consuming admin works... so I am in the midst of attending interviews this week.

However, my boss' boss came to my office at about 5 p.m. and talked with me for about 3 hours today. She asked me to consider taking over my boss' position, which will be vacant before end of this month. Erm... I felt flattered but wasn't that keen to take it up, yet I felt bad to reject. *sigh*

Thank God that in today's devotion He is saying to me: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." (v8).

Actually I told my boss' boss that my weekly Friday evening Cell meetings are very important to me, which will clash with the weekly Friday management meeting should I take up that position. I will not compromise for the sake of a promotion.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for assuring me tonight that You will guide me in what I should do. I want to commit my work into Your hands. Lead me as I obey Your Spirit's prompting reagarding my career. I trust in Your providence Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

What Is The Bible For?

2 Timothy 3:14-17

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

Bee's Thoughts:

There are many types of Christian denominations, therefore, also many types of Christians too. I often heard the comment: The Charismatic Christians have experiences but no depth in the Bible, while the non-Charismatic Christians have depth in the Bible but no experience or power to live a victorious life.

Why can't a Christian have both? I believe God wants Christians to have both the depth in the Bible as well as the experiences in the power of the Holy Spirit. Only in this way can one be strong to withstand all trials and temptations of life.

As a young Christian, I was taught that reading the Bible daily is very important for any serious Christian. For the Bible can make one "wise for salvation" (v15); it is "useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (v16). Without knowing the truth found in the Bible one would be led astray by all kinds of teaching and doctrines.

In my experience as Christian, the Holy Spirit always reminds me of the Bible verses I have read at the right time so that I may not fall away from God or sin against Him. His word is life actually... it is able to save me from many things in life. Thank God for the Bible!

The Sensuous Christian

Exodus 37:1-9

The Ark
1 Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood—two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. 2 He overlaid it with pure gold, both inside and out, and made a gold molding around it. 3 He cast four gold rings for it and fastened them to its four feet, with two rings on one side and two rings on the other. 4 Then he made poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold. 5 And he inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry it.

Bee's Thoughts:

The title of today's devotion seems unusual. The word "sensual" seems 'worldly'. Yet God has created humans as sensual beings. Being sensual towards the right thing or person and at the right time is nothing wrong. But how we use our senses are of great consequences. Eve was being sensual towards the forbidden fruit and was led to sin by Satan, making us all sinners by birth..

I enjoy looking at beautiful people, pictures, songs, arts, nature, etc. Each time I look at them I praise God for His creations. A beautiful relationship with another fellow being is also something we can thank God for. Such relationship requires both to use their senses to the full.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for making me a very sensual person. I enjoy the things You have provided for me through the senses You gave me. Thank You for making all things beautiful in Your time. Amen.

Love Enough To Confront

Luke 7:36-50

Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman
40 Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."
"Tell me, teacher," he said.

41 "Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[a] and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"

43 Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled."
"You have judged correctly," Jesus said.

44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."

48 Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."

49 The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"

50 Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

Bee's Thoughts:

As I read the above passage I just felt like crying...

Jesus said, "her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much". Now I know why I can have such simple faith in Jesus and remain in this faith for so many years. Some people might think I am crazy to love an unseen Jesus so much. But what they don't know is that I love Jesus very much because He has forgiven me much too. Without Him I would have been gone long ago.

I have heard many who would say they rather love the one whom they loved but doesn't recipocate that love, to the one who loves them a lot but they don't love. I felt the reverse. I can be moved by true love and stay in that love forever till it is removed. So I love Jesus because He first loved me while I was still a sinner, not while I was good. He loved me just as I was and am now. How can I not love someone who loves me so much? I will love.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for loving me so much...
You loved me right from the start
And that has touched my heart.

I love You very much too...
I can't resist Your love so true
That captures my heart in surrender to You.

I just love You...

- Bee

"I Dare You!"

Psalm 119:41-48

41 May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD,
your salvation according to your promise;

42 then I will answer the one who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.

43 Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth,
for I have put my hope in your laws.

44 I will always obey your law,
for ever and ever.

45 I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out your precepts.

46 I will speak of your statutes before kings
and will not be put to shame,

47 for I delight in your commands
because I love them.

48 I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love,
and I meditate on your decrees.

Bee's Thoughts:

Yes, "May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD". May I love Your word and keep it in my heart always. How wonderful is Your word to me, that lifts me up all the time. I am but a frail gal who is easily broken, one whom men would despise. But in You I am made strong, for Your word encourages me to go on a little more whenever I want to give up. Thank You for Your unfailing love. Amen.

The Best Question

Psalm 15

A psalm of David.
1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?

2 He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart

3 and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,

4 who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,

5 who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken.

Bee's Thoughts:

A sanctuary is a shelter from danger or hardship... a place where one "will never be shaken" (v5). Whenever I am sad and in distress I will retreat into my 'sanctuary' (God). It's there where I rest my wounded soul, letting God heal my broken spirit.

Who can be in God's sanctuary? One who does all the above things. Hmmn... it seems it's a place for the 'perfect'?

Well, when one goes into the presence of God, all sins will have to be confessed as God reveals one's true self through His Holy Spirit. That's how God burnt away all that're wrong and purify one's heart.

Yes, the Lord did that to me whenever I ran into His sanctuary. He 'stripped' me to reveal what's in my heart and then began His purifying work in me so that I could be made whole again.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for being my sanctury each time I went into distress. Thank You for Your healing work as I surrender myself to You. Now I pray that You would remove what's not right in me and let me abide in You always. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.

A Servant's Heart

2 Timothy 2:19-26

19 Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."

20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. 21 If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Bee's Thoughts:

Today's devotion is the answer to a visitor's comment on yesterday's devotion. KristieSue said...

"One of the most common excuses I hear about people not wanting to go to church is because of so and so who is at the bar every weekend... or something similar to that. They say if they can live that way and get to heaven then so can I... It's a sad thing how Christians like to pretend. Go to church and act holy and spirit filled and then the rest of the week show no evidence of God."

Well, "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." (v19). A true Christian is one who seeks to live a life that is pleasing to God. He/She may not be perfect yet, but nevertheless, he/she has the desire to learn and grow in Christ.

As a Christian tries to live a life that is righteous, he/she may looks foolish, funny, anti-social, stubborn, etc, to his/her non-Christian friends and the world. It's sad that sometimes a Christian may compromise in order to gain acceptance. Yet God says He knows those who are His... who will not compromise with the world.


Dear Lord.
Thank You for transforming me day by day so that I may be "an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work" (v21). It has been a painful process as You 'mould' and 'polish' me a little at a time in order to remove the worldly parts in me.

Sometimes, I thought I couldn't take the pain anymore, but You always give me strength to go on and not give up. Thank You that through that process I have grown to be stronger and is enjoying Your love more each day. Let me be a faithful servant to You as I live in this transient world.

I love You, Lord. Amen.