Devotional Time with God

My life before Jesus was a mess. It was a hodge-podge of goals, unfulfilled priorities, and all sorts of different directions.  I didn’t have deep meaningful relationships that could last for a long time.  I basically wandered around in the desert for more than 20 years!  I basically blamed it on my youthful pursuits and peer pressures.

Before I got married, I realized I could not make the same mistakes in my previous relationship.  If this marriage is to work, I need to be very serious with God first.  I need to re-commit my life to Him.

I needed to be born again for the 2nd time. I was pressured to go to church when I was a teenager, but now I want to go by (and for) myself!  I need to be a spiritual leader and be the strong in faith, because both my wife and daughter will look up to me for spiritual and moral support.

The difference in my life was dramatic.  I could see how much better I would be when dealing with problems if I knew how to be patient. I could deal with people better when I knew serving others was the key to good relationships.  I’m less angry now because of God’s grace and Jesus’ sacrifice.

My priorities have changed. I set my sights on eternal rewards and I’m now at peace with myself.

Now that God has worked my character, I must now show the fruits of that effort. Have I seen what I can do?  Have I seen Jesus’ character reflecting from me? Have others see the change (for the better) in me?

Looking back, I wished my character was shaped a long time ago. But, looking back, I realized it was my fault – I was supremely selfish. I rejected the good teachings from my elders at Church, and my family!  I only wanted to do what I wanted to do. Most of the time, I was out to impress others – and that only molded me into someone that I wasn’t meant to be. A lot of good years wasted.

No more. Now is the time to focus on God. Now is the time to be like Jesus. As God be my only reliable witness, now is the time to be fruitful, by serving others!

Everyday, I struggle with temptations. When no one’s looking, it’s easy to say hey, it’s harmless – and besides, everyone else is doing it!  But how do I know it’s harmless?  My mind may be playing tricks on me, as the devil would like to direct me to the lies and deceits.  The devil would suggest half-truths, like “that’s ok, you’re only human”, or “that’s ok, you deserve a little indulgence once in a while!”  I have to tell myself, at what cost?  Am I sacrificing my spiritual growth? Am I really only harming myself, not the people around me?  Does this have long term effects?

Walking with God is a life time thing.  My spiritual growth takes my life time. Every step of the way, I have to watch where I’m going.  I have to be mindful of the evil temptations to commit sin. I may think I know better, but I don’t.  I need God’s wisdom and grace, for when I stumble I need to depend on Him to pick me up and help me learn my lessons.

Pray to me in time of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me.

Psalm 50:15

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8: 28

My daughter asked me, several times, why do we make mistakes? I told her this world is not perfect. Then she asked, why not, God is perfect, why can’t He make us perfect? I had to think about that for a while, and my answer was because God gave us free will – if we’re perfect then we’ll all be robots. Just something manufactured. Not something we willingly give to God, such as our love and devotion.

With that said, living in this un-perfect world means I’ll have difficulties. I can’t escape it.  However, God made it clear that He’ll be with me.  He’ll suffer with me. He wants to see me grow in character and show my true devotion.

I will give thanks to God, in ALL circumstances, for I know everything is for His glory!

The bible says:

A good reputation at the time of death is better than loving care at the time of birth.

Ecclesiastes 7:1

In this short life on earth, I must have the reputation in bringing the Jesus’ love to the rest of the world.  It’s the focus of my life to be kind and loving to others.  It’s not about the accumulation of money, nor about my net worth.  It’s about God’s worth.

I need to build a reputation of good character.  I need to live a life that’s pleasing to God.  When others see me living a Godly life, others will want it and bring them closer to God.

Back in the 80’s when I was growing up, there’s always a group of people who could influence my way of doing things.  They were, unfortunately, my high-school friends.  The Church didn’t have a strong influence.  In fact, it was quite passive.  In addition, the media on TV and radio has a strong influence, they were coolest thing to see and hear.  In today’s fast paced and Internet-connected society, it’s quick & easy to pass around information.  I obtained ideas, opinions, and commentaries faster today than I ever did back then.  Those are the strong influencers now.

My character was molded by someone else.

But it’s time to turn to creator, who molded me from his own image (Genesis 1:27), to set me back on track to the Heaven.  It’s time to develop convictions (Romans 12:2) that deeply motivates me to do the right thing for God and for love.  It’s time to develop Christ-like character, and develop habits that bring fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Beautiful Lord, Wonderful savior
I know for sure all of my days are held in your hands
Crafted into your perfect plans

You gently called me into your presence
Guiding me by Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord to live all of my life
Through your eyes

I’m captured by your holy calling
Set me apart. I know you’re drawing me to yourself
lead me, Lord. I pray

Oh Take me, mold me, use me, fill me
I give my life to the potter’s hand

Oh Call me, guide me, lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to the potter’s hand

You gently call me into your presence
Guiding me by your holy spirit
Teach me dear lord to live all of my life through your eyes

I’m captured by your holy calling
Set me apart. I know you’re drawing me to yourself
lead me, Lord. I pray

Oh Take me, mold me, use me, fill me
I give my life to the potter’s hand

Oh Call me, guide me, lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to the potter’s hand

Hillsong Australia, “Potter’s Hand”

When I had an arguement with my wife last week, I was desperately trying to find an understanding that didn’t exist between us. I was so lost. She didn’t help by throwing away her faith because the hurt and anger clouded her. I felt hopeless.

At times like this is when I hold onto God’s promise to give me clarity (Proverbs 3:5-6) and hope. The only way is to continue to God will give us both the understanding that we both needed. I constantly prayed God to strengthen my faith eventhough it seemed hopeless. I also didn’t forget His kindness and thanked Him during this time of trouble.

We are now past our troubles. God is good!

We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Hebrews 6:12

It’s been almost 2 months since I updated this devotional.  I have been praying to God, but I have not been writing down what I’ve learned.  I admit it’s due to laziness in my part.  I believe laziness is a sin.  In my case, it led to complacency and ultimately a stagnation (and even breakdown!) in my spiritual growth.  I can’t let this happen.

As stated in Matthew 20:6-7, I can’t just sit around and wait for things to happen.  I have to go and do something to get earn my blessings.  Jesus has given me grace when I don’t deserve it.  I have to try and match his effort.  I can’t die on the cross, but I can pick up His cross.

Lord, thank you for the grace you’ve given me.  Thank you for saving my life, even though I don’t deserve it.  I get the message, loud and clear, I have to wake up and follow your hard work to save myself.  I know I can’t do this by myself.  I know you’ve been helping.  Lead me to your living water so I can live another day, with your strength and wisdom.  Amen.

In this gift giving season, people use material things as a token of appreciation to each other.  Most are genuine, but some are just plain fake.  No wonder the line in the store for returns is always long after December 25.

Today’s devotional from Pastor Rick is about encouragement.  If given from the heart and with sincerity, this is an easy gift.  It’s also a useful gift that will build character and relationship.  Best of all, it’s a gift that I can keep giving, just like the way God has given to me on a daily basis.  God doesn’t hold back His love.  I have to do the same.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:15

I’ve done it before: Saying white lies.  Those are little lies that I thought were harmless.  They couldn’t be that bad since they don’t hurt anyone, right?  But that’s exactly the problem: How do I know it doesn’t hurt?  How do I know if it will not, down the line, and later on in the future?  The answer is, I don’t know.

The bible teaches me not to lie (2 Corinthians 6:7).  God never lies and  he created us in His own image.  However, my free will sometimes chose to go to the opposite character of God.  I lie to make myself feel and look better.  I lie to cover up my bad habits.  I lie to escape from doing the right (and difficult) thing.

Since Christ has saved me, I have to let my salvation shows it’s true gifts to my life. God’s truth is the only truth.  I have to learn to speak the truth, even when it hurts.  In the end, that’s all there is to it.