Devotional Time with God

I don’t want to live with the pain that I’ve experienced in my life.  So why is it that I always dwell in them?  It’s in my mind.  It’s in my dreams.  It’s in my decisions for the future.  It’s not healthy.

I’ve had the pains for so long, I’m comfortable with them.  Bad relationships?  Been there.  Bad decisions about my career?  Done that.  Do I learn from them? Absolutely.  Do I remember them?  Sure.

The pain became my identity.  “I am what I am.”  What an excuse.  But it’s an easy excuse for any character defect that I have.  It’s an easy way out of doing something to correct it.  I want my identity to be good and constant.

My defect has a payoff.  If I get mad and starts yelling at my daughter, I will get her attention.  If I get angry and shunned my wife, she’ll (hopefully) try not to tick me off again.  I do the bad and awful things because it has short term benefits.  SHORT TERM. Instant benefit is temporary.  I want a lasting change.

Satan is sneaky – he wants me to stay in my pain and discourages me.  The scene is like a movie or comic books, when there’s a decision to be made, like returning a dropped wallet with money in it, both the demon and angel will speak to me on each shoulder.  Most likely I’ll listen to the demon because his suggestion will make me feel good – albeit temporary.  I will need to listen to the angel more.

I need to know God’s truths and abide by them.  Only then I’ll no longer prolong the pain.  God will set me free.

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

John 8:32

A child needs to take a risk in this world.   Not the destructive kind, but a healthy one.  Risks such as not going along with the crowd, not easily influenced by the media (or what is “cool”).  Healthy risk is doing what God says, despite of worldly opinions.

With risk, there’s adventure.  Trying something new and sometimes fail at it.  Having the willingness to change for the better, according to God’s will, is another reason to keep going.  My child don’t always stay in her own comfort zone.  God will always challenge her to be someone greater.

My job, as a parent, is to encourage and support her, with the help of the holy spirit:

If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.

John 14:15-17

It’s an adventure of a lifetime.

Jesus saves.  He saves me, and He wants saves the world.  This means He wants to save my child, too.  We’re all sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

However, God values our free-will.  He won’t force me, and my child, to accept Jesus.  We must choose to have that personal relationship with Him.  Just like me, I want my child to have her sins removed and have an eternal home in heaven.

Everyone’s precious in God’s eyes.

Lord, thank you for my daughter.  Thank you for the precious gift you’ve given me.  Not only you sent us Jesus to die on the cross to save us, you gave us a child to love.  I want to bring her to you.  To know you, like I know you.  To have you as her personal savior.  To have you a compass for life, as she navigates in this ever increasingly troubled world.  We have our sights set on the reward in heaven.  Please guide us, increase our love, and steady our faith.  Amen.

It’s human nature to lie.  My inclination is to lie to get what I want.  I don’t tell the truth (or half-truth) to cover up my mistakes or shortcomings.  It’s no different with my child.  She doesn’t have to be taught to lie and she already knows how to do it!

To tell the truth, at all times, is difficult to do.  It’s a discipline.  It requires effort. It requires accountability.  God is watching.

It would be easier if every time I lie, God will send a lightning bolt, or something, to correct me.  However, God does want to bless me, and he won’t do it if I constantly lie.  In fact, He’ll settle the score if I am not repentant.  There will always be a day of reckoning.

A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who pours out lies will perish.

Proverbs 19:9

As a parent, I must model honesty in my family.  Especially to my child.  There needs to be sincerity in all apologies.  There needs to be fairness in all the things we do.

I have to be involved.  I have to engage my kid to ensure she knows I care, and I’m paying attention.   God only wants honest people, and that’s who I want to bring up.

The truth shall make us free.

This Easter weekend, I’m reminded how busy I’ll be with my daughter’s activities, getting together with friends, going to Church service, grocery shopping, watching The Masters golf game, etc.   I’m constantly trying to fill my days with stuff to do.  Trying to keep busy.

For the past 3 weeks, Pastor Doug Fields just finished the series on “Refuel” where he talked about the importance to stop being busy, and start connecting with God.  His advice is practical.  He’s talking about me taking more time, a little bit at a time every day, to ponder God’s majesty, grace, and kindness.  I have to realize that I’m God’s friend and He wants to talk to me in all of my waking moments.  I have to thank God for all of the things He’s done, from the little things like the weather, to big things including giving His only son to save me.

Lord Jesus, I’m taking this morning to pause my “busy” life, and pray to you.   My devotional will now be with you throughout the day, a few minutes at a time.  I need to give you my breath prayers because I need the constant reminder to calm myself and stay connected to you.  Thank you, my friend, for dying for me.  I’m amazed by your sacrifice.  I’m even more in awe by your resurrection.  You are alive, living inside me and brings hope to humanity.  I can now proceed with my days, knowing that you’re with me.  Amen.

prodo/thv (Prodotes)

• a betrayer, traitor

I put backstabbers in the same league as murderers.  That’s basically what they are: killers of good character and reputation.  They undermine trust.  They’re just dangerous.

Yet this kind of behavior is the favorite way of making Hollywood movies. Anything that stirs up strong emotions like murder, rape, and betrayal are famously rewarded in box office numbers.  Do we, as a society, really need more examples on how bad this world is?  Are we so “comfortable” with the subject that we’re numb to it?  Are we expecting people to be like this?

I hope not.

The good news is, God will expose the wolf in sheep clothing.  God knows what’s inside the heart, as Jesus did by identifying Judas.  Jesus is all about the truth.  Salvation is only through Him, so I must embrace the truth.  I shall not betray anyone, that includes God.

They will betray their friends…

2 Timothy 3:4

My small group bible study just started the series on “Dangerous Surrender” based on Kay Warren’s new book. The sunday services for the past 3 weeks were done by Kay herself and she delivered the message in a very emotional way. The topics she covered are hard hitting, gut wrenching, and provocative.

For me, to surrender is like in a battle or war, stop fighting, raise my hands to give up, and submit to whom I’m fighting with. Surrendering to God is exactly that. He wants me to give up my sinful life. He wants me to stop fighting Him for control, and submit my life to His will. It’s the time to say “Yes!” to God for what He wants me to do and be.

1. My days become an adventure.
   When God calls me to go and do something, it’s going to be a spiritual adventure, not knowing where God will take me. It will not be easy. It will not be comfortable. But it will surely be rewarding, for God’s purpose for me is always good.
2. My life becomes a miracle.
   God will show, through me, His miracles. By faith, He will also show me His miracles.
3. My heart becomes more peaceful.
   Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Fighting God’s will had always been in my heart since I was born. I was afraid on what God would make me do, or who I’d become. My ignorance will lead me to worry about my life. All I have to do is strive to have God’s character, for the Lord is good and compassionate. I must not let my sinful nature to get in the way. I must not let my insecurities and life pursuits to take control of me. I must set aside everything for Jesus and follow Him.

In this world, evil does exists and it’s very real. I see it every day in the news: people killing each other; people use each other for their own good; slavery is still rampant; sex trade is still happening, even to kids as young as 8 years old! It’s very sickening and despicable! I must face this reality and I must face evil!

If you don’t do what you know is right, you have sinned.

James 4:17

It’s not only in everyone else that I have to watch out for evil, but I have to keep myself in check. I was born a sinner, I will always have sin. But because Jesus also lives in me, I am saved and I don’t have to accept evil. In fact I have to hate evil!

Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 97:10

Here’s some of the ways how I should hate evil:

1. Don’t accept it.
   Don’t laugh with it. The world is trying to make me accept evil by making it a comedy or entertaining. They try to make the wrong words means good. Or evil things being good. It’s not right and I must not accept it.
2. Don’t compromise with it.
   I must not brush it off as something insignificant, or pretend it won’t hurt me. I must not be numbed of evil in this world. I must not want it! I must get rid of it!
3. Don’t participate in it.
   The world will try to make me accept evil by making it convenient and alluring to me. I don’t have to be involved in it. I don’t have to be a part of it. I must get out of it!

Also, I must not fear evil. I must resist it! I must guard my words, raise my voice, and cast my vote when faced with evil.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.

Psalm 23:4

I must overcome evil. We, as a church, will wipe out evil! It’s the way God intends to use me and the church to attack evil.

This world is waiting for people who:

1. Live Authentically.
   I must not pretend to live “religiously”. I must not pretend to be high almighty. It is so rare to find someone who authentically live for Jesus, who genuinely understand His teachings and applies it to his/her life. It’s something I have to strive for, constantly.
2. Fight Courageously.
   I’m afraid to fight. I admit it. I don’t know if I have what it takes to be a God’s warrior. I tend to be a worry-ier. I know God is with me, I must not be afraid.
3. Love Sacrificially.
   I must do whatever it takes to show the example of the love of God. He loves me for who I am and genuinely cares for me. I must do the same to others.

Surrendering to God is my first step. Then with His guidance, I must do good in this world.

Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time—pray that our God will make you fit for what he’s called you to be, pray that he’ll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely.

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Last week, Pastor Rick’s sermon was very much appropriate for this blog. It was a topic on devotional. Feeding myself the word of God to ensure my spiritual growth. First and foremost, I must accept the bible’s authority as the source of truths for my life. I have to be in tune with God to get a lot more out of the bible.I must watch out for unreliable source of authorities:

• Culture – truth by personality, truth by popularity. Do not follow the crowd who can turn good to bad, and bad to good, completely muddling the truth. If it was true, it was not new. Truth will always be the same.

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.

Isaiah 5:20

• Tradition – I’ve always done it that way, so it must be right.
• Reason – my logic doesn’t always dictate.
• Emotions – my feelings can lie.

God’s word is always true. His truth, exposes our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training to live in God’s way. God’s words show me the path, when I get off the path, how I can get on the path, and to stay on the path. I must study and search the scriptures, not just read it.

The difference between bible reading and bible study is taking notes. The shortest pencil is the longest form of memory. The secret of bible study is asking questions, asks the usual who, when, where, what, why, and how. The Devotional Study Form is going to help me study the bible even better.

1. Pray. I must ask God for insight. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
2. Meditate (seriously thinking). If I know how to worry, I already know how to meditate. Keep thinking about it and going it over, and over again. Like a cow ruminates on grass. I must reflect on what I’ve just read.
3. Apply it using “S.P.A.C.E.P.E.T.S” I’ll be blessed if I do them. The application must be personal, practical, possible, and provable.
4. Memorize. It is the sword in my life to resist temptation. Every time Jesus was tempted, he used the scripture to resist the devil.

From last week, the study of the nativity story revealed the 4 feelings during Christmas: afraid, uncomfortable, occupied, and awstruck. I noted that I was occupied. But this week it had turned into afraid. I just got into a big fight with Yantie about my behavior in front of our neighbours. She laid out the problems on me like a carpet bomb. I wasn’t helping when the ice was spilled. I was lazy when she asked to look after the kids. I was complaining when the shrimp was too hot to handle. I wasn’t appreciating the hard work that they had put together dinner for us. I was being awfully selfish, not being sensitive to other’s needs. For that, Yantie scolded me and my emotional faults forced me to fight back. We did not get along last night and we even said the dreaded “D” word again. I hate that word. She knew that if she used it, her discontent was at its peak. I should know that. Now, with my stupid stubbornness, we still haven’t resolved this yet. This is a scary situation. I am afraid if I ever be able to learn from these painful lessons. I’m afraid I don’t know how to say sorry. I’m afraid I don’t resolve this problem! Christmas is coming and all we can do is fight about our appearance to others.

I read the verse John 12:23-26,

Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

I must let go of my ego and pride. I must “lose my life” and concentrate on giving attention to God and others. I will glorify Jesus name through this hour of hardship and heartache. Even if I don’t feel like I’m glorifying God at this moment, God wants me to shine through the darkness, and lift Him up anyway.

Jesus, I thank you for the cross. I thank you for coming to this earth and save me from myself. I don’t want to be selfish anymore. Please teach me to be more sensitive. Give me the strength to get out of my lazy self and be a useful person. Show me the way, Lord. I want to glorify your name and if I have to go through fire to do it, so be it. I don’t want to be afraid anymore. Amen.

[Update] I have resolved this issue with Yantie the next day.  She talked about it with my neighbour and poured her hearts outs out.  Sometimes, talking about it is the best therapy.  She also prayed that God would give her the peace, and control her emotions.  God sent the holy spirit to calm both of us.

This December 10, the first installment of my property tax is due. It’s not a small amount. In fact, it’s big enough to force me to withdraw money from my savings. Every time I do that, I get nervous and worry. Funny thing, this is not the first time I have to do this. This is my 3rd year paying this high property tax installment. I should be used to it by now. But it’s never easy to “give away” that money to the government. It is the law and I have to obey it. This morning, I had the conversation with God about my finances. God responded.

John 4:10 – I feel tired of this life’s obstacles and “thirsty” for God’s comfort and miracles. All I have to do is ask.

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

Lamentations 3:31-33 – When God sees me (or my family) in trouble or in distress, He will have pity on me and takes care of me. That’s just who He is, a loving and kind God.

For the Lord will not turn away from a man forever. For if He causes sorrow, He will have loving-pity because of His great loving-kindness. He does not want to cause trouble or sorrow for the children of men.

John 11:40 and 43 – God tells me to believe and have faith that He will take care of me. But with this faith, I must also do my part and do what He says. When I’m down, I must get up and walk again! It’s not enough that I believe, I must also do what is necessary. In this case, I must be more frugal and manage my spending.

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”

Thank you Jesus for being there for me. I don’t like the troubles that I face in this world, but because you’re there offering to help, I am comforted. I ask, in Jesus name, to take care of my finances. I ask that you give me the wisdom to spend less on needless things and take away the shopping temptations. Amen.