We are more than conquerors

In our lives, we suffer trials, persecutions and troubles.  Fear not because we can overcome.  We are more than conquerors through Jesus who loved us so much. Nothing can separate us from the love of God - not death, not life, not angels, not demons, nothing in the present and nothing in the future, and nothing in all creation. We will overcome, we are victorious. 

Text:  Romans 8: 31 to 39   NIV 

31   What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 

32   He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 

33   Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 

34   Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 

35   Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 

36   As it is written:  “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37   No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 

38   For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 

39   neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

INSIGHTS: 

[from Our Daily Bread]  When my husband coached our son’s Little League baseball team, he rewarded the players with an end-of-year party and acknowledged their improvement over the season. One of our youngest players, Dustin, approached me during the event. “Didn’t we lose the game today?”

“Yes,” I said. “But we’re proud of you for doing your best.”

“I know,” he said. “But we lost. Right?”

I nodded.

“Then why do I feel like a winner?” Dustin asked.

Smiling, I said, “Because you are a winner.”

Dustin had thought that losing a game meant he was a failure even when he’d done his best. As believers in Jesus, our battle is not confined to a sports field. Still, it’s often tempting to view a tough season of life as a reflection of our worth.

The apostle Paul affirmed the connection between our present suffering and our future glory as God’s children. Having given Himself for us, Jesus continues to work on our behalf during our ongoing battle with sin and transforms us to His likeness (Romans 8:31–32). Though we’ll all experience hardship and persecution, God’s unwavering love helps us persevere (vv. 33–34).

As His children, we may be tempted to allow struggles to define our worth. However, our ultimate victory is guaranteed. We may stumble along the way, but we’ll always be “more than conquerors” (vv. 35–39).

        [From me]  In our lives, we suffer trials, persecutions and troubles.  Fear not because we can overcome.  We are more than conquerors through Jesus who loved us so much. Nothing can separate us from the love of God - not death, not life, not angels, not demons, nothing in the present and nothing in the future, and nothing in all creation. We will overcome, we are victorious. 

Feb 28, 2023 

God rescues us

When we are in trouble, when we are burdened by some sufferings, troubles or difficult situationss, God rescues us.  He is trustworthy and dependable.   He is faithful. Praise God. 

Text:   Psalm 38: 11 - 22   NIV

11  My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds;     my neighbors stay far away.

12 Those who want to kill me set their traps, those who would harm me talk of my ruin; all day long they scheme and lie.

13  I am like the deaf, who cannot hear, like the mute, who cannot speak;

14  I have become like one who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply.

15  Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God.

16  For I said, “Do not let them gloat or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.”

17  For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me.

18  I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.

19  Many have become my enemies without cause; those who hate me without reason are numerous.

20  Those who repay my good with evil lodge accusations against me, though I seek only to do what is good.

21  Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God.

22 Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.

INSIGHTS: 

        [From Our Daily Bread]   Volunteers at a farm animal rescue organization in Australia found a wandering sheep weighed down by more than seventy-five pounds of filthy, matted wool. Rescuers suspected the sheep had been forgotten and lost in the bush for at least five years. Volunteers soothed him through the uncomfortable process of shearing away his heavy fleece. Once freed from his burden, Baarack ate. His legs grew stronger. He became more confident and content as he spent time with his rescuers and the other animals at the sanctuary. 

      The psalmist David understood the pain of being weighed down with heavy burdens, feeling forgotten and lost, and desperate for a rescue mission. In Psalm 38, David cried out to God. He had experienced isolation, betrayal, and helplessness (vv. 11–14). Still, he prayed with confidence: “Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God” (v. 15). David didn’t deny his predicament or minimize his inner turmoil and physical ailments (vv. 16–20). Instead, he trusted that God would be near and answer him at the right time and in the right way (vv. 21–22).

        When we feel weighed down by physical, mental, or emotional burdens, God remains committed to the rescue mission He planned from the day He created us. We can count on His presence when we cry out to Him: “Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior” (v. 22).

    [From me]    When we are in trouble, when we are burdened by some sufferings, troubles or trials, God rescues us.  He is trustworthy and dependable.   We can count on the help from the LORD.   He is faithful.  Praise the LORD. 

Feb 27, 2023

God has given us a natural ability to invent new things

God has made us into his image, and we were  given a natural ability and desire, a natural drive to invent or imagine new things, to take risks, and to create new things or new projects, as we fruitfully rule the earth or manage a small project or perform a new task or new job.   God shall give us the wisdom, strength, opportunities and power to start new things, new directions, new ministry. God has designed us that way.   Praise God. 

Text:    Genesis 1:21-28   NIV 

21   So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 

22   God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.” 

23   And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day.

24   And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. 

25   God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

26   Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

27   So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them;     male and female he created them. 

28    God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

INSIGHTS: 

[From Our Daily Bread]  I recently made a wonderful discovery. Following a dirt path into a cluster of trees near my home, I found a hidden homemade playground. A ladder made of sticks led up to a lookout, swings made from old cable spools hung from branches, and there was even a suspension bridge slung between boughs. Someone had turned some old wood and rope into a creative adventure!  

        Swiss physician Paul Tournier believed that we were made for adventure because we’re made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27). Just as God ventured forth to invent a universe (vv. 1–25), just as He took the risk of creating humans who could choose good or evil (3:5–6), and just as He called us to “be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it” (1:28), we too have a drive to invent, take risks, and create new things as we fruitfully rule the earth. Such adventures may be large or small, but they’re best when they benefit others. I bet the makers of that playground would get a kick out of people finding and enjoying it.

Whether it’s inventing new music, exploring new forms of evangelism, or rekindling a marriage that’s grown distant, adventures of all kinds keep our heart beating. What new task or project is tugging at you right now? Perhaps God is leading you to a new adventure. - By Sheridan Voysey [Our Daily Bread]

[From me]  God has made us into his image, and we were  given a natural ability and desire to invent, to imagine new things, to take risks, and to create new things as we fruitfully rule the earth or manage a small project or perform a new new job or a new ministry.   God shall give us the wisdom, strength, opportunities and power to start new things, new directions, new ministry. God has designed us that way.    Thank you LORD for opening a new chapter in my life, a new ministry.  I know that you will make a way.   I am so happy to start threading this new way, new ministry.  Praise God. 

        Listen to this song below - "God will make a way" - by Don Moen 

Feb 26, 2023

God will make a way in the wilderness

There are times in our lives when God gives us new directions, new visions. God starts a new chapter in one's life, a new project, a new direction, a new job or new ministry, or a new assignment. God wants us to forget the old past, the sinful past and simply focus on this new chapter, new direction. God will make a way in the wilderness or desert, and God will make a river in the middle of a wasteland.  Nothing is insurmountable with God.  Nothing is impossible with God. 

Text:   Isaiah 43:18–21   NIV

18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

19 See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

20 The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen,

21  the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.

INSIGHTS:

[from Our Daily Bread]  God, speaking through the prophet Isaiah, knew that the Israelites stuck in Babylonian captivity would need a new prescription—a new view. 

He told them. “I am doing a new thing! . . . I am making a way in the wilderness” (Isaiah 43:19). And His message of hope included the reminders that He had “created” them, “redeemed” them, and would be with them. “You are mine,” He encouraged them (v. 1).

In whatever you’re facing today, the Holy Spirit can provide better vision for you to put the old behind you and look for the new. By God’s love (v. 4), it’s popping up all around you. Can you see what He’s doing in the midst of your pain and bondage? Let’s put on our new spiritual glasses to see the new that God is doing even in our wilderness moments. 

        [From me]  There are times in our lives when God gives us new directions, new visions. God starts a new chapter in one's life, a new project, a new direction, a new job or new ministry, or a new assignment. God wants us to forget the old past, the sinful past and to simply focus on this new chapter, new direction. God will make a way in the wilderness or desert, and God will make a river in the middle of a wasteland.  Nothing is impossible with God.   The ultimate purpose is that we shall proclaim his praise, and that we will bring honor and glory to His holy name. 

Feb 26, 2023 

Jesus will rule until the ends of the earth

 Jesus took the form of human flesh and was born in a humble manger, a feeding trough for lowly animals in a small town of Bethlehem.  But He became great and He has now billions of followers, and His rule will extend up to the ends of the earth.  He is our shepherd and we, the members of His flock, will live securely forever.  Praise God.  

Text:   Micah 5: 2 to 4   NIV

2   “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

3   Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites.

4   He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.   And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.

Insights:

Jesus’ life began in a small way—a baby born and placed in a feeding trough in a tiny town (Luke 2:7). The prophet Micah prophesied His humble birth, writing, “Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel” (Micah 5:2; see also Matthew 2:6). A small start, but this ruler and shepherd would see His fame and mission “reach to the ends of the earth” (Micah 5:4).

Jesus was born in a small place in humility, and His life on earth ended as “he humbled himself” and died a criminal's death on a “cross” (Philippians 2:8).  But by His immense sacrifice He bridged the gap between us and God—providing salvation for all who believe.

        Thank you LORD for giving us this  great gift of salvation in Jesus by faith.   Thank you LORD for the revelation that we, the members of your flock will live securely forever.   I humbly bow down, and praise you and honor you.  I thank you for all you have done for me.  

Feb 25, 2023 

Rejoice in the Lord

Sometimes we are placed in difficult, trying situations, or we have some sufferings, but we should not despair and become negative and pessimistic.  Instead, we should rejoice in the LORD because God will surely deliver us from such difficult trials or sufferings.  It can lead to good outcomes too.  We can rejoice because the joy, grace and blessings from the LORD far exceeds any kind of temporary difficulties.   

Text:  Philippians 1:12 to 21   NIV

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.

13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 

14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 

16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 

17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 

18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. 

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 

19  for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 

20  I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 

21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

INSIGHTS:

        [From Our Daily Bread]   Writing from prison or under house arrest as he awaited the outcome of his trial, the apostle Paul seemingly had no right to be joyful (Philippians 1:12–13). The emperor was Nero, a wicked man who had a growing reputation for violence and cruelty, so Paul had reason to be concerned. He also knew there were preachers who were taking advantage of his absence to gain glory for themselves. They thought they could “stir up trouble” for the apostle while he was imprisoned (v. 17).

        Yet Paul chose to rejoice (vv. 18–21), and he told the Philippians to follow his example: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (4:4). Our situation might seem bleak, yet Jesus is with us now, and He’s guaranteed our glorious future. Christ, who walked out of His tomb, will return to raise His followers to live with Him. As we begin this new year, may we rejoice!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  (Philippians 4:3) 

[Me]   Sometimes we are placed in difficult, trying situations, or we have some sufferings, but we should not despair and become negative and pessimistic.  Instead, we should rejoice in the LORD because God will deliver us from such difficult trials or sufferings.  Sometimes, our trials leads to preaching of the gospel, or to other good outcomes.  God will surely deliver us out of such trials.  We can rejoice because the joy, grace and blessings from the LORD far exceeds any kind of temporary difficulties.  

Feb 25, 2023 

Conduct youself with integrity and sincerity

God wants us to conduct ourselves in the world, especially in our relations with fellow  Christians, with full integrity and godly sincerity.   We should do our business honestly.  We should support what is right and shun what is wrong.   We should do so, not relying on worldly wisdom, but on God’s grace and power. 

Text:   2 Corinthians 1: 12 to 16   NIV

12   Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace. 

13 For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that, 

14  as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus.

15   Because I was confident of this, I wanted to visit you first so that you might benefit twice. 

16   I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia and to come back to you from Macedonia, and then to have you send me on my way to Judea.

INSIGHTS:

[From Our Daily Bread]  In 1524, Martin Luther observed: “Among themselves the merchants have a common rule which is their chief maxim. . . . I care nothing about my neighbor; so long as I have my profit and satisfy my greed.” 

       More than two hundred years later, John Woolman, from Mount Holly, New Jersey, let his commitment to Jesus influence his tailor shop dealings. Out of support for the freeing of slaves, he refused to purchase any cotton or dye supplies from companies that used forced labor. With a clear conscience, he loved his neighbor and lived according to integrity and sincerity in all his dealings.  

The apostle Paul strived to live out “integrity and godly sincerity” (2 Corinthians 1:12). When some in Corinth tried to undermine his authority as an apostle for Jesus, he defended his conduct among them. He wrote that his words and actions could withstand the closest scrutiny (v. 13).   He also showed that he was dependent on God’s power and grace for effectiveness, not his own (v. 12). In short, Paul’s faith in Christ permeated all his dealings.

As we live as ambassadors for Jesus, may we be careful to let the good news ring out in all our dealings—family, business, and more. When by God’s power and grace we reveal His love to others, we honor Him and love our neighbors well.

        [Me]  As demonstrated by Paul, God wants us to conduct ourselves in the world, especially in our relations with the Christians, with full integrity and godly sincerity.  We should do our business honestly.  We should do so, not relying on worldly wisdom, but on God’s grace and power.   When by God’s power and grace, when we conduct ourselves with integrity,   we honor God and we demonstrate our love for our neighbors.  Thank you LORD for this reminder. 

Feb 25, 2023 

God will provide us the strength and the provisions

 In times of our lives, God gives us a command to do a certain activity or project, a specific task.   We feel that we are not qualified, not ready to do that task.  But we should do it anyway because the LORD shall provide us the strength, the provisions, the opportunities and the power. God is enough. 

Text:  Matthew 10:1, 5-10, 16-20   NIV

1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 

6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 

7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 

8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

9 “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— 

10 no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep.

16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 

17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues.

18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 

19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 

20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Insights:

[From Our Daily Bread]   The young woman couldn’t sleep. Having suffered with a physical disability for many years, she’d be center stage at a church bazaar the next day to raise funds for higher education.  But I’m not worthy, Charlotte Elliott reasoned. Tossing and turning, she doubted her credentials, questioning every aspect of her spiritual life. Still restless the next day, she finally moved to a desk to pick up pen and paper to write down the words of the now classic hymn, “Just As I Am”:

“Just as I am, without one plea, / But that Thy blood was shed for me, / And that Thou bidst me come to Thee, / O Lamb of God, I come, I come.”

Her words, written in 1835, express how Jesus called His disciples to come and serve Him. Not because they were ready. They weren’t. But because He authorized them—just as they were. A ragtag group, his team of twelve included a tax collector, a zealot, two overly ambitious brothers (see Mark 10:35–37), and Judas Iscariot “who betrayed him” (Matthew 10:4). 

Still, He gave them authority to “heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons” (v. 8)—all without taking any money, luggage, extra shirt or sandals, or even a walking stick with them (vv. 9–10).

“I am sending you,” He said (v. 16), and He was enough. For each of us who say yes to Him, He still is.

[Me]  In times of our lives, God gives us a command to do a certain activity or project.  A certain specific task.   Just like how Jesus tasked his disciples to go out on their first missionary trip.    We feel that we are not qualified, that we are not ready to do that task. But fear not.  We should do that assigned task anyway because the LORD shall provide us the strength, the provisions, the opportunities and the power. God is enough. 

Feb 25, 2023

Be alert, dont let your guard down

God wants us to be alert at all times, and not to let our guard down.  We must be vigilant and we should watch out that we don't fall into sins or to spiritual decay or degeneration.  We should always stick with and follow the Lord, obey his revealed Word.  We should teach the Word to our children. 

Text:  Deuterenomy 4:1-9   NIV

1   Now, Israel, hear the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. 

2   Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.

3   You saw with your own eyes what the Lord did at Baal Peor. The Lord your God destroyed from among you everyone who followed the Baal of Peor, 

4   but all of you who held fast to the Lord your God are still alive today.

5   See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. 

6   Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” 

7   What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him?

8   And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?

9   Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Insights:

        [From "Our Daily Bread"]   As Israel prepared to go into the promised land, God wanted His people to keep their guard up—to be careful and alert. 

So He commanded them to obey all His “decrees and laws” (Deuteronomy 4:1–2) and remember His past judgment on those who disobeyed (vv. 3–4). 

        They needed to “be careful” to examine themselves and keep watch over their inner lives (v. 9). This would help them keep their guard up against spiritual dangers from without and spiritual apathy from within.

        It’s easy for us to let our guard down and fall into apathy and self-deception. But God can give us strength to avoid falling in life and forgiveness by His grace when we do. By following Him and resting in His wisdom and provision, we can keep our guard up and make good decisions!

    [Me:]   God wants us to be alert at all times, and not to let our guard down.  We must be vigilant and we should watch out that we don't fall into sins or to spiritual decay or degeneration.  We should always stick with and follow the Lord, obey his revealed Word.  We should teach the Word to our children.  Thank you LORD for this reminder. 

Feb 24, 2023

Helping one another

 God has designed the church where the members help one another.  God wants Christians to help one another.  Thank you LORD for this fact and reality, and this will be extremely useful as I move and plan to launch a new ministry, in your name.   

Text:  Acts 2:42-47  NIV

42   They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 

43   Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 

44   All the believers were together and had everything in common. 

45   They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 

46   Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 

47   praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Insights:

[From Our Daily Bread]  Marie, a single working mom, rarely missed church or Bible study. Each week, she rode the bus to and from church with her five children and helped with set up and clean up.

One Sunday, the pastor told Marie that some church members had donated gifts for the family. One couple provided the family a house with reduced rent. Another couple offered her a job with benefits at their coffee shop. A young man gave her an old car he’d rebuilt and promised to serve as her personal mechanic. Marie thanked God for the joy of living in a community devoted to serving God and each other.

Though we may not all be able to give as generously as Marie’s church family, God’s people are designed to help each other. The gospel writer Luke described believers in Jesus as “devoted” to the “apostles’ teaching and to fellowship” (Acts 2:42). 

When we combine our resources, we can work together to help those in need like the first believers in Jesus did (vv. 44–45). As we grow closer to God and each other, we can care for one another. Witnessing God’s love demonstrated through His people’s actions can lead others to a saving relationship with Jesus (vv. 46–47).

We can serve others with a smile or a kind deed. We can offer a financial gift or a prayer. As God works in and through us, we’re simply better together.

[Me]  Thank you LORD for this great reminder that you have designed the church as a group of caring believers willing and enthusiastic to help one another. Thank you LORD that I can rely on this fact as I move ahead to develop a new ministry, in your name.  This principle and reality will be extremely useful to me.  Thank you LORD. 

Feb 24, 2023

Let your light shine.

 We are the Salt and Light of this world. 

Jesus said that we are the salt and light of this world, and that we should let our light shine, so it can be useful to others.  In doing so, we bring glory and praise to God our Father.  Thank you LORD for bringing new opportunities to me, so I can serve others.  

Text:  Matthew 5:13-16  NIV

Salt and Light

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 

15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

6 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Insights:

        [From Daily Bread]   In March 2020, while walking his dog in New York City’s Central Park, Whitney, a retired financial expert, saw trucks, stacks of tarps, and white tents, each bearing a cross and the name of a charity he’d never heard of before. When he discovered the group was building a field hospital for his fellow New Yorkers with COVID-19, he asked if he could help. For weeks, despite differing faiths and politics, he and his family pitched in wherever they could. Whitney stated, “Every single person I’ve met has been a genuinely nice person.” And he applauded the fact that no one was paying them to “help my city in our hour of deep, deep need.”

        In response to the tremendous needs resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, unlikely partners in service were brought together, and believers in Jesus were given new opportunities to share Christ’s light with others. 

        In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught His followers to “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds” (Matthew 5:16). We shine Christ’s light by letting the Spirit guide us in loving, kind, and good words and actions (see Galatians 5:22–23). When we allow the light we’ve received from Jesus to shine clearly in our daily lives, we also “glorify [our] Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

        This day and every day may we shine for Christ, as He helps us be salt and light in a world that desperately needs Him.

        Me:   Thank you LORD that you are giving me some opportunities to allow the light in me to shine, so I can be of service to others.  You said - "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."     Lord, may your name be praised, and may it bring honor and glory to your holy name, for whatever good things or deeds that I will do, in your name.  Thank you LORD. 

Feb 24, 2023 

Hope in God, let us be patient in waiting for His answers

 Hope in God

Sometimes, the LORD does not respond to our prayers immediately.  He wants us to wait.  We are anxious and it is difficult for us to sit and wait.   We want instant answers.  Many times, God wants us to wait.  It develops our patience and our character.  God is dependable and worthy of our trust. 

I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”  (Lamentations 3:24)

Text:   Lamentations 3:22–26  (NIV)

21  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.

28 Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him.

29 Let him bury his face in the dust— there may yet be hope.

30 Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace.

31 For no one is cast off by the Lord forever.

32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.

33 For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.

Insights: 

        We are used to quick arrivals of our orders (from Lazada or Shopee).  We always want instant gratification. We’re accustomed to receiving things quickly, and we become frustrated by delays.   We now live in a world accustomed to instant gratification, and waiting can be difficult. But in the spiritual realm, patience is still rewarded. 

        When the book of Lamentations was written, the Israelites were mourning the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonian army, and they faced a series of challenges. However, in the midst of chaos, the writer boldly affirmed that because he was confident that God would meet his needs, he would wait on Him (Lamentations 3:24). God knows we’re inclined to become anxious when answers to our prayers are delayed. Scripture encourages us by reminding us to wait on God. We don’t have to be consumed or worried because “his compassions never fail” (v. 22).   Instead, with God’s help we can “be still . . . and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7).   May we wait on God, trusting in His love and faithfulness even as we wrestle with longings and unanswered prayers.

Feb 23, 2023

We are parts of one body - the body of Christ - the Church.

 Humble Service in the Body of Christ

We are parts of one body, the body of the LORD Jesus Christ.  Though we are many, we are parts of just one body, the Church.  We have various functions and gifts.  We are to use our gifts to benefit the members of the Church.  

Text:  Romans 12:3-8 (NIV)

3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 

5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 

6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 

7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;

8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Insights: 

        Paul describes believers in Jesus—the body of Christ— we are many, yes, but we are many parts of just one body - the body of Christ - the Church (universal and local church).   Paul  urged the Romans to recognize how their individual giftings benefited the larger group. Just as our physical bodies are made up of many parts, each with different functions, together we “form one [spiritual] body” and our gifts are meant to be given in service for the collective benefit of the church (Romans 12:5).  Whether in the form of giving, encouraging, or teaching, or any of the other spiritual gifts, Paul instructs us to view ourselves and our gifts as belonging to all the others (vv. 5–8).

        Christians are expected to cheerfully give their “gifts” in service to the other, recognizing how much they’re both bettered by their collaboration. May we too freely combine the gifts God has given us with those of our fellow members—for the sake of Christ. 

        This is a beautiful confirmation to me that I should use my gifts and skills so that it will benefit the members of the universal church. One activity under the Grace Ministries and the local church is the conduct of the proposed BBC - Basic Bible Course - which is a five month study of the basic doctrines of Christianity, based on what the Bible teaches.  This is to ground all teachers, elders and lay pastors of small, weaker churches about the basic orthodox doctrines of the Church.  To avoid the emergence of heresies, and to correct some of the wrong notions and beliefs of such church leaders.   It will help church leaders and church members to be discerning and help them fight against the attacks of false religions (Mormons, SDA, INC, RC, Dating Daan, Quiboloy, etc.).  It will also strengthen the Bible teaching work in many of the smaller, weaker churches. 

Feb 23, 2023 

God brings us into the family of God

When we became Christians, we became members of God's family.  We gained many new brothers and sisters.  And God is our Father.  We find our rest in Him.  God brings us into the family of God.   We are accepted into the Lord's family.  What a joy.  

Bible Text:  Psalm 62

New International Version

1 Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.

2 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

3 How long will you assault me?

    Would all of you throw me down— this leaning wall, this tottering fence?

4 Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies.

    With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse.

5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.

6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

7 My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

8 Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

9 Surely the lowborn are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie. If weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath.

10  Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them. 

11 One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard:

“Power belongs to you, God,

12     and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and, “You reward everyone according to what they have done.”

INSIGHTS:

        Anne longed for a family. Orphaned, she had lost hope of ever finding a place to call home. But then she learned that an older man named Matthew and his sister Marilla would take her in. On the buggy ride to their home, Anne apologized for chattering on and on, but Matthew, a quiet man, said, “You can talk as much as you like. I don’t mind.” This was music to Anne’s ears. She felt no one had ever wanted her around, much less wanted to hear her chatter. After arriving, her hopes were dashed when she learned the siblings had thought they were getting a boy to help as a farmhand. She feared being returned, but Anne’s longing for a loving home was met when they made her a part of their family.

        We’ve all had times when we felt unwanted or alone. But when we become a part of God’s family through salvation in Jesus, He becomes for us a secure home (Psalm 62:2). He delights in us and invites us to talk with Him about everything: our worries, temptations, sorrows, and hopes. The psalmist tells us we can “find rest in God” and “pour out [our] hearts to him” (vv. 5, 8).

        Don’t hesitate. Talk to God as much as you like. He won’t mind. He delights in our hearts. In Him you’ll find a home.

        When we became Christians, God brings us into the family of God.  We gained many brothers and sisters.   God is our Father.   We are accepted.  We are loved.  We can love our new brothers and sisters too.  We find rest in Him.  

Most of these were from "Our Daily Bread". 

Feb 22, 2023

God will restore you

Sometimes God subjects his sons to disciplinary punishment, to teach them important lessons and to bring them back to the path of righteousness.  But a day will come when God lifts up the discipline and restores joy and happiness. God restores the fortunes, and He brings blessings to his sons.  God will bring back the songs. 

Bible Text: Zephanaiah 3:14-15 (NIV)

14 Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel!

Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem!

15 The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy.

The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm.

16 On that day they will say to Jerusalem,

    “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp.

17 The Lord your God is with you,

    the Mighty Warrior who saves.

    He will take great delight in you;

    in his love he will no longer rebuke you,

    but will rejoice over you with singing.”

18 “I will remove from you

    all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals,

    which is a burden and reproach for you.

19 At that time I will deal

    with all who oppressed you.

    I will rescue the lame;

    I will gather the exiles.

    I will give them praise and honor

    in every land where they have suffered shame.

20  At that time I will gather you;

    at that time I will bring you home.

    I will give you honor and praise

    among all the peoples of the earth

    when I restore your fortunes 

    before your very eyes,” says the Lord.

INSIGHTS: 

Sing Again

        The prophet Zephaniah addressed a people in trouble. With so much corruption among them, he announced that God’s judgment was coming (Zephaniah 3:1–8). When this later came to pass through capture and exile, the people too lost their song (Psalm 137:4). But Zephaniah foresaw a time beyond judgment when God would come to this decimated people, forgive their sins, and sing to them: “He will take great delight in you, in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17). As a result, the heart song of the people would be restored (v. 14).

Whether through our own disobedience or the trials of life, we too can lose our heart song of joy.  God brings disciplinary punishments to us, and that is painful.  We lose our songs and joy for a whiile.  But God will bring back the joy, over songs of forgiveness and love. God restores us.   God loves us.  He brings back the blessings and the fortunes.  God brings back the songs of joy.  Let’s listen to His melody and sing along.  This is the joyful truth. 

"At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home.   I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes,” says the Lord."  (verse 20)

Feb 22, 2023

The Old Rugged Cross

 The Old Rugged Cross 

Exposing the False Gospels

 This is great advise on how to discern which are the false gospels, and how to respond / react to those practicing / teaching those false gospels. 

There are three types of false gospels, namely: (1) the Prosperity Gospel; (2) the Sin-permitting Gospel; and (3) the Works-based Gospel. 

 

    Feb 21, 2023

God assures us of victory

Sometimes, we feel afraid and fearful when we are about to launch out to do God's project or activity (missionary trip or evangelistic outreach).   Fear not because God assures us of great victory. 

Text:   Judges 7:8-15  New International Version

8 So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites home but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others.

Now the camp of Midian lay below him in the valley. 

9 During that night the Lord said to Gideon, “Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands. 

10 If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah 11 and listen to what they are saying. 

11  Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp.” So he and Purah his servant went down to the outposts of the camp. 

12 The Midianites, the Amalekites and all the other eastern peoples had settled in the valley, thick as locusts. Their camels could no more be counted than the sand on the seashore.

13 Gideon arrived just as a man was telling a friend his dream. “I had a dream,” he was saying. “A round loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent with such force that the tent overturned and collapsed.”

14 His friend responded, “This can be nothing other than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has given the Midianites and the whole camp into his hands.”

15 When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed down and worshiped. He returned to the camp of Israel and called out, “Get up! The Lord has given the Midianite camp into your hands.”

Insights:

Sometimes, we are afraid to push on with a project or activity that the Lord has clearly  commanded us to do.   We fear many things like lack of financial resources, lack of volunteers, lack of power, lack of equipment, etc. But God understands our fears and God assures us of His support.  Like the story of Gideon above.  When we launch out to do God's business, we should not be afraid but trust in God who provides the strength, the provisions and the victory.   Thank you Lord for assuring me of the victory ahead.   Thank you Lord for removing my fears.  Thank you Lord. 

Feb 21, 2022 

Declare God's mighty acts to the next generation

Declare God's mighty acts and His goodness and God's offer of salvation to the next generation, to the youth.  We should reach out and teach the youth of our land. 

 Text:  Psalm 71:21-24, 18  (NIV)

21   I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God;

22   I will sing praise to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel.

23   My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I whom you have delivered.

24   My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long, 

18   Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.

Insights:

Another confirmation from God that I, at a time when I am old and gray, that I am tasked to help declare God's power to the next generation and to all who are to come (the youth of today), so that they will know and understand the mighty acts of our God.   So that they will understand God's precious offer of salvation.   Praise God.  Thank you LORD for giving me that rare and special opportunity. 

Feb 20, 2023

God calms the storms

Sometimes, storms and troubles come into our lives.  Fear not because God calms the storms in our lives.

Psalm 107:23–32

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

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

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

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

27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end.

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

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

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

31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.

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

INSIGHTS: 

    No matter how loud, unwanted, or disorienting the storms of life might be, God’s notes of grace ring clear and true, reminding us of His watchful care over us.  

     We see that reality in Scripture. In Psalm 107:23–32, sailors struggle mightily against a maelstrom that could easily devour them. “In their peril, their courage melted away” (v. 26). Still, they didn’t despair but “cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress” (v. 28). Finally, we read: “They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven” (v. 30).

     In chaotic moments, whether they’re life-threatening or merely sleep-threatening, the barrage of noise and fear can storm our souls. But as we trust God and pray to Him, we experience the grace of His presence and provision—the haven of His steadfast love.