Road To Joy

(Entry Date : May 20th, 2009)

Scripture

Philippians 4:12 – I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Observation

Paul has mastered contentment in his life:  He learnt to be content in whatever the circumstances – whether in abundance or in need. His secret to contentment: He looked up to Jesus.  He depended on God.  He knew who God is.  Therefore, he could confidently said that he can do everything through him who strengthens him.  The God of all comfort will strengthen and supply all his needs. His focus is right: Contentment helps him to focus on things that are eternal. 

Application

I cannot get joy in life through happy, external occasions. Joy is from within. I must not fix my eyes on acquiring things which are temporal. To do so, I need to look up to God, the Source and Giver of joy.

Prayer

Dear Father God, let the joy of the Lord be my strength today. Teach me to find real contentment in You. In the name of Lord Jesus I pray, Amen.

He Is My God

(Entry Date : November 29th, 2009)

Scripture

Genesis 46:3 – "I am God, the God of your father," he said. "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there."

Observation

God has promised to give the land of Canaan to Jacob and his descendants. So why is it now experiencing famine? Why must he and his family leave this land of promise to go into Egypt? Wouldn't these foreigners ill-treat them? But God has spoken! The Lord has encouraged him and assured Jacob that He will be with him and His promise to make him into a great nation will remain.

Application

God is the God of generations.  God is not only the God of Abraham and Isaac.  He is also God of Jacob.  Likewise, He is my God. His promise did not come to pass in Jacob’s life time but much later.  His timing is not my timing. But His promise will always come to pass.  God wants me to walk by faith and not by sight.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I need You to help me overcome my short-sightedness and unbelief.  Help me not to limit You but to trust You in every circumstance.  Help me receive Your grace so that I can also be a grace releaser. In the name of Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen!

Live Out The Word

(Entry Date : September 27th, 2009)

Scripture

1 John 2:6 - Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

Observation

If we claim that we live in Jesus, it means we know Him and know the Word.  If we live in Jesus, we have to walk the truth in love which the Lord taught us.

Jesus has invited us to abide in Him.  He said He is vine and we are the branches.  if we abide in Him, He will also abide in us. We will bear much fruit only if we abide in Him. 

When we truly live in our Lord Jesus, we will also follow His teachings and His ways.  We will do what He says.  We will be obedient.  For example, the servant will follow the master’s instructions.  We will surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Application

It is not about what I must do or have to do.  But it is all about me abiding in my Lord Jesus.  When I abide in Him, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. He will provide me His grace. He will strengthen me and deliver me. 

Prayer

Dear Father Lord, help me abide in Jesus and follow You wholeheartedly.  Help me draw nearer and grow deeper in You each day.

His Amazing Grace

Scripture

1 Tim 2:14 – The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Observation

The Apostle Paul once referred to himself as the "chief of sinners", for he not only persecuted Christians but killed them. When Stephen was stoned to death, he stood there giving his approval to the murder. Yet God reached out to him in love, transforming him from Saul, the murderer, to Paul, the apostle.  There is indeed no sin too big that God cannot forgive.  His grace has no limits. But only when we know how far we have fallen can we truly understand the depth of God's grace.  Only when we realize the depth of our sin nature can we truly appreciate the extent of God's love.

Application

Do I truly know His love and His grace towards me?  Paul knew and that’s why he could truly live for God.  He could say with deep conviction that to live is for Christ, and to die is gain.  I need to realize again how much my God loves me and His grace has no limits

Prayer

Dear Father God, thank you for your amazing grace. Knowing how much You loved me, empower me to love you more. In Jesus' name, Amen!