Daily Devotion: A Touch of Faith

Scripture:
Mark 5: 24-34

Main Verse:
Mark 5: 28

Observation:
The unnamed woman who had been bleeding for 12 years in the apostle Mark's story is a story of faith. By simply touching the hem of Jesus' garment, she was healed of all her pain and sickness. She was just like any of the other people in the crowd that day, wanting to see the Messiah but more than that, she wanted to experience healing from Jesus. There were many other people in that crowd who have also touched the Lord Jesus, but as soon as the woman touched the hem of Jesus' garment, both the Lord and the woman sensed something. She knew right there and then that she had been healed as her bleeding stopped, while Jesus felt strong faith from the person who touched his garment. It was not the touch that Jesus sensed; rather, it was the faith radiating from that touch that came from the woman.

Application:
There is hope in Christ alone.

When nothing is working in order, when everything else has failed, when you think healing is impossible, or when your burden is too heavy to carry, believe and trust that God will not fail you.

All it takes is a touch of faith for the Lord our God to perform a miracle in our lives.

Prayer:
My Lord and my God Jesus, you are the God of the impossible. I will put my trust in you because you can move in miraculous ways, and I do not even have to lift a finger in order to experience your wonder. Thank you once again, Lord, for revealing to me your greatness. I will praise you and worship you for you alone are the Great and Almighty One. AMEN.

Daily Devotion: The Heart of Esther

Scripture:
Esther 4-8

Main Verse:
Esther 4: 14
"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position, for such a time as this?"

Observation:
I've been following a Bible reading plan these days about strong women in the Bible, and it's amazing to see how God uses people's lives unexpectedly. Thus was the case of Esther, an orphan who rose to become queen of Xerxes' empire. I believe that God will never put someone in a position or situation by accident. When God works, there are no accidents. Everything He does, He does according to His divine will.

We can see in Esther an obedient, courageous, and humble heart. When Mordecai asked her to speak with the King to save the Jews from the wrath of Haman, she followed Mordecai's instructions. She knew that it was not easy to speak with the King, and she could die unless the king favored her. She fasted and requested all the Jews to do the same. At this moment, she could only depend on the Lord. Perhaps, just like what Mordecai has said, God had sent her in that royal position so she could rescue the Jews.

Application:
When Joseph's brother's sold him as a slave, God allowed it because he will save all of Israel from the famine. When God sent Moses back to Egypt, God did it to deliver the Hebrews from slavery. Esther may be lacking in many things as an orphan, but God chose her to become queen for a very specific purpose--to save the Jews from annihilation. When God sent His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross, He did it to deliver us from death.

When God puts us in a specific position or a special circumstance, He does it because we have a crucial purpose in his divine plan. Let's have a heart like that of Esther's--obedient, courageous, humble--a heart with the willingness to be used to perfom God's miracle in the lives of others.

Prayer:
Father, I can never thank you enough for your rich blessings and favor in my life. You have been so gracious to me. Thank you for your love and kindness. I pray, oh Lord, that I may always have a compliant heart, a heart that loves to obey your Word and your instructions. May I be able to act courageously like Esther when I'm in a challenging circumstance. In Jesus' mighty name I pray. AMEN.

Daily Devotion: Sincere Prayers from the Silent Heart

Scripture:
1 Samuel 1: 1-20

Main Verse:
1 Samuel 1: 20
So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, "Because I asked the LORD for him."

Observation:
Hannah was barren. It has been several years, yet she had never experienced holding her own child in her arms. She was mocked and taunted by her husband's second wife, Penninah, for not giving him a child. In Hebrew tradition, an infertile woman is looked down by society. She was probably mocked not only by Penninah, but also by the women in the village where she lived.

She's had enough of the bullying.

It was that time of the year again to visit the tabernacle to worship the Lord. There, Hannah poured out her spirit unto the Lord. In one corner of the tabernacle, she silently cried unto the Lord, asking Him to grant her prayer and end her agony. Deep in her heart, she was sincerely praying to the Lord not only for a child. She was seeking the Lord for comfort and encouragement. And God listened. Hannah's face was no longer downcast after praying (1 Samuel 1:18), she gave birth to a son because God heard her prayer (1 Samuel 1: 20), and the Lord graciously gave her three more sons and two daughters (1 Samuel 2:21).

Who do we talk to when we are feeling down? When we're in agony, how often have we knelt or bowed down really low and cried out to the Lord? We can learn two things from the way Hannah approached her misery:

1. Seek God in your sadness. Instead of coming to others, Hannah poured out her soul to the Lord. She sought God because she believed that only God has the power to answer prayers and provide her the encouragement she desperately looked for. After praying, the Lord granted her comfort from the misery she was experiencing from her husband's second wife.

2. Seek God silently. Hannah was praying in her heart. Her lips were moving, but her voice could not be heard. Our prayers do not need to be loud and repetitive. Sometimes, the most sincere prayers come from the most silent of hearts. Come to the Lord, have a silent conversation with Him, and tell Him your pains and suffering. He is waiting.

Application:
God is always there to meet us. Whether we are in agony or in a difficult circumstance, He is always more than willing to give us His grace and meet our needs. We may have a husband who can offer a shoulder to cry on, a family who can listen to our problems, or a friend who can offer a drink when we're troubled, but there is no one like our God who listens intently to our prayers and pleas. When we pour out our anguish and grief directly unto the Lord, God will graciously answer our prayers. The comfort and peace that God offers after talking with and lifting up everything to Him is more than enough answer to our prayers.

And we all 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

Prayer:
Our Father in Heaven, thank you for hearing our voices. You know the pains that we have in our heart and you are always there to listen to us. Forgive me, Father, for not putting you first when I am in anguish. Let me experience your grace at all times. I pray that I may always have a grateful heart for everything that you have done in my life. Teach me to always remember your blessings. In Jesus name I pray. AMEN.

Daily Devotion: A Seeking and Obedient Heart

Scripture:
The Book of Ruth

Main Verse: 
Ruth 4: 14-15
"Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth."

Observation:
Ruth's life story in the Bible was another occasion when God showed that He always works for our good if we continue to seek Him.  She led a difficult life. She grew up in Moab, a land that did not worship God. She lost her husband, and she did not bear a child. Her brother-in-law who was supposed to redeem her to continue the family line also died. But these circumstances did not stop her from following Naomi, her mother-in-law. Ruth could have just stayed in Moab with her people. But she followed Naomi believing in her heart that God is with them and that God has a beautiful purpose in spite of what happened to her and her mother-in-law. Ruth continued to seek the Lord by moving to Judah with Naomi instead of staying with her pagan relatives.

We witness in Ruth a woman of character. She respected and honored her mother-in-law. She worked hard to provide food for her and Naomi. Ruth had a teachable heart, so she obeyed what Naomi requested her to do. She obeyed Naomi, knowing in her heart that her mother-in-law had nothing but the best intentions for her. In the end, God rewarded her obedience. She became the wife of Boaz, and they had a son Obed. Obed  gave them a grandson Jesse, who gave them a great-grandson, King David. 

Application:
God wants us to commit our life to Him. He wants us to continue to seek Him and trust Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. Ruth may not have known what God had laid out for her, but she just trusted the Lord. 

We may have gone through tough times, or perhaps, you may be experiencing an uncomfortable situation right now. But if we earnestly seek God, He will grant the desires of our heart. If we remain humble and continue to obey our God the Father, believe that He will be good to us.

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, 

to the one who seeks him. 

Lamentations: 3:35

Prayer:
Father, I will continue to put my trust in You, even though times are difficult. I believe in my heart that your great purpose in my life does not end when I experience obstacles. You use these circumstances to build in me a character in the likeness of your Son Jesus, so I will endure and remain in your presence. Thank you, Lord, for teaching me to have a humble heart, and for always finding ways to bring me close again to your arms. I thank and praise you in the name of Your Son Jesus. AMEN.

Daily Devotion: Powerful Faith

Scripture: 
Judges 4: 1-7

Main Verses:
Judges 4: 6-7
She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor. I will lead Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.’”

Observation:
The Israelites were one disobedient nation. Kings, rulers, prophets, and judges would rule them and their country would be in peace for some years, but on many occasions, they would go back to their old ways, worshipping idols and stubbornly refusing to change. And when the Lord punished them, they came back to the Lord who graciously accepted them back into His arms. In more ways, many Christians are like the Israelites. We would sin, go back to our old ways, forget about the Lord, and become miserable. And then we recognize that we have sinned because we realize we are reaping the consequences of our sins.

Deborah was one of the judges, a prophetess, who ruled during a time when Israel was once again a shattered nation. Tired of her nation's contempt against God, she decided to lead her country through victory. Through the power of God's command, she ordered Barak to gather his men and lead his army towards Sisera. Deborah's powerful faith in the Father led to the destruction of their enemies. Her authority as a spokeswoman of God led Barak to trust in her and believe that God is with them.

Application:
We can be a Deborah wherever we are today. If we remain in the Lord, we can have the confidence to declare that God is with us and will give us victory over all our enemies. When we put our trust in the Lord our God and in His promises, we will be brave enough to face difficulties and any troubles that Satan hurls at us. When you feel ignored or unsure of your direction, remember that like Deborah, you can always come to the Lord for guidance.

Prayer:
Thank you, Father, for revealing to me that I can be a Deborah whose powerful faith can win wars. Help me become a woman who listens to your Word. Teach me to be a powerful spokeswoman who can bring good change and victory in others. May I always learn to hear and recognize your voice clearly. This I pray in the mighty name of Your Son Jesus. AMEN.

Daily Devotion: Miraculous Faith

Scripture:

Joshua 2: 1-21; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25

Main Verse:

Hebrews 11: 31

By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.

Observation:

There are several people in the Bible who used to be nobodies, yet God has chosen them to accomplish His divine purpose. Rahab was one of those women. She was a prostitute who welcomed men from her place in Jericho as well as guests coming from various parts of the land. But, she is no ordinary woman. She had this extraordinary faith in the God of Israel, who she knew little about. She was no Jew. She grew up from a family of Caananites, yet she believed in the God of Israel. Despite being in a frightening position, Rahab put her faith in the God that her parents never knew of. We are blessed because we have the Bible who teaches us of the great and wonderful deeds of our Lord, but during her time, she probably only heard bits and pieces about the the Great I Am. It was this remarkable faith in God that saved her AND her family from destruction!

We can also see God's love, grace, and mercy in action in Rahab's life. She was a nobody, a harlot, yet she was recorded in our Lord Jesus Christ's ancestral tree. It was no coincidence that Matthew has placed her name in Jesus' genealogy. Her miraculous faith stands as equally important as that of Abraham because her faith was very much alive in her life when she immediately helped hide Joshua's spies in her home.

Application:

What kind of faith do we have? We usually say "I have faith in God" or "I have faith in our Lord Jesus." When we say that, do we really know what it means, and do we mean what we say?

Our God wants us to have an earnest faith in Him. If you have experienced His grace and mercy in your life, you must continue to trust in Him, no matter how fearful or how bad the situation. There is no reason not to trust in the Lord our God because he is the God who fulfills promises!

Prayer:

Father, thank you once again for showing me how great You are, and for reminding me that your love and grace is boundless. You are ready to forgive and accept the worst in us if just put our faith in You. Thank you for forgiving me, and for giving me a chance to experience your lovingkindless. All honor and glory and praise belong to you forever and ever. AMEN.

Daily Devotion: Turn Your Worries Into Prayer

Scripture:
Philippians 4: 4-9

Main Verse:
Philippians 4: 6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Observation:

Do you worry a lot? Paul's words in verse 4 tell us not to worry about anything, but we still do worry, don't we? It is hard not to worry, and we can't just tell ourselves to stop worrying. We can't just order our spirit to stop being anxious. But God wants us to bring our troubles to Him. There are many other verses in the Bible where God commands us to stop worrying.

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5: 7).  

"Do not let your hearts be troubled." (John 14: 1)

"So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10).

When we worry, we are committing a sin because we doubt the Lord our God's capability to take care of us. Worry stops us from trusting that God is working in our midst. Worry makes us forget that we have a God who is bigger than the universe.

Application:

Is there a way we can stop ourselves from worrying? Paul shows us three things that Christians ought to do instead of being anxious. Paul's first instruction was to pray rather than worry, and again, he tells us that in "every situation," we should take everything to the Lord in prayer. When we pray, we lift up whatever it is that troubles us and let God do His work. Is anything too big to the Lord? Take your worries to Him in prayer. He also tells us to "present your requests to God." Do you know the reason God does not answer our prayers? It's because we fail to ask Him. Jesus said ask and it will be given to you (Matthew 7:7). Finally, we need to be thankful to the Lord, as we have the assurance that even before we ask something to the Lord in prayer, He is more than competent to grant us our requests. If you know who the Lord is and what He is capable of doing, worry will not have any place in your mind.

Prayer:

Lord, forgive me for worrying rather than praying. Forgive me when I forget that You are God, and there is nothing in this world that you are not capable of doing. Thank you because I have the assurance that I can cast my anxieties upon You. Teach me to always rely on you in prayer, and teach my heart to be forever thankful for your graciousness. In Jesus's name I pray. AMEN.

Daily Devotion: A Gentle Spirit

Scripture:
Philippians 4: 4-9

Main Verse:
Philippians 4: 5
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Observation:
I have lived for more than a decade here in Korea, but one cultural norm that I still find offensive and irritating, for me, at least, is the pushing and shoving that happens on subways and on the streets, especially during rush hours. Some people are not sensitive to being physically touched, but I am, and I find the bumping, pushing, and elbowing an invasion of my private space. There were MANY times I wanted to shove them back, but I chose to remain calm and composed, lest I ruin my entire day. It is hard to be kind and gentle when a part of your being is disturbed or bothered, but as Paul instructed in v.5, we should try to be gentle to everyone. We are not instructed to be kind and amiable only to those who we like. We are asked to be tender and gracious to everyone, even to that neighbor you despise, or that seatmate you dislike, or the person who shoved you on your way to work.

Application:
What does being gentle mean? In the dictionary, being gentle means "kind and careful in the way you behave or do things, so that you do not hurt or damage anyone or anything." As Christians, we need to exercise a mild temperament at all times, and show Christlike consideration for others. We need to be calm even when a situation makes us feel upset or a person annoys us. It is hard to be gentle and to speak politely when someone is inconsiderate toward you, but let us remember that our lives are always scrutinized by the people around us. And even when you don't personally know the people who upset you, we should always be led by a gentle spirit, not a hostile one.

Prayer:
Father, I admit that there are times when I feel easily irritated and angry. Forgive me, Lord, for not being gentle when I need to. May I learn to be more empathetic and understanding of others. May I be kind and amiable in my dealings with everyone. Teach me to be more warmhearted, like Your Son, Jesus. AMEN.

Daily Devotion: Rejoice!

Scripture:
Philippians 4: 4-9

Main Verse:
Philippians 4: 4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Observation:
South Korea's suicide rate ranks 4th in the world, and the highest among OECD countries, even higher than Japan, and one of the reasons they commit suicide is because of depression or mental disorders. Unfortunately, people who suffer from mental disorders avoid going to psychiatrists because seeking treatment for mental illness is frowned upon in this country. A sad reality.

The apostle Paul gave final exhortations to the Philippian Christians in Chapter 4, and his first instruction was to rejoice at all times, not once, not when we receive blessings, not when we just feel like being happy. Paul said rejoice ALWAYS! He even emphasized it by repeating the word, and in Chapter 3 verse 1, he also mentioned the same. If we are in Christ, there is always reason to rejoice. Even in times of pain and persecution. Even in times of anxiety and affliction. Even in times of distress and discomfort. Even when it's not easy to be joyful. There is reason to rejoice because the Lord's grace is always sufficient. There is reason to rejoice because there is joy in the Lord's salvation! There is reason to rejoice because He has given us His everlasting mercy, love, peace, and so on. 

Application:

Sometimes, we are emotionally distressed because of a heartache or we're going through a rough patch. The Bible does not tell us that when we follow Christ, we will no longer experience any burdens, and Paul is not also telling us that we will never feel depressed. But do you sometimes find yourself feeling sad for no reason?  If you do, just think about the many blessings the Lord has granted unto us. Paul was in so much suffering while in prison, yet he chose to stay joyful. Being joyful is both a choice and a command. So even when we're suffering, even when we're in pain, we can remain consciously joyful in the Lord, and that is when we stay focused on the grace and great blessings that the Lord has given to us through His death.  

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your marvelous grace and your abundant love. Indeed, there is joy in your salvation. Lord, teach me to always thank you and trust in your sovereign will and to put my faith in you, so that when disappointment comes, I can still remain joyful. This I pray in your Mighty Name. AMEN.

Daily Devotion: Doing What Is Right

Scripture:
Deuteronomy 6

Main Verse:
Deuteronomy 6: 18
Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you.

Observation:
Do you follow your heart most of the time? Do you follow your instincts because you feel that it will lead you to true happiness? How many times have you heard yourself say, "This is what my heart tells me to do." "This is my life. I can do whatever I want to do with it." "I will do this because this is what my heart dictates me to do." Do you basically do things because it is what your heart desires to do? The Bible cautions us against trusting our heart: The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure (Jeremiah 17: 9). We cannot rely on our heart because it is sick, and as Jeremiah said, it is "beyond cure." Our heart's desire and God's will are two contradicting forces, therefore, our heart is not a trustworthy guide when making decisions.

Application:
The Lord has an amazing promise when we do what is right and acceptable in His sight. Proverbs 3: 5-6 also states the same thing, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart,...and he will make straight your paths." When we follow our heart, we are bound to make mistakes and suffer from heartaches. But when we follow the will of God, we may avoid getting hurt. So rather than listen to your heart, listen to God's voice. Instead of being led by your passion, be led by the Holy Spirit. 

Ephesians 5: 15-17: Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for reminding me about the importance of doing what is good and right and acceptable in your sight. Forgive me when I do things at the spur of the moment and not ask for your Heavenly will. Teach me to always listen to your voice and be led by the Holy Spirit, so that I may not make mistakes that may cause me pain and heartache. Thank you for your guidance in my life. This I pray, in Jesus' name. AMEN.

Daily Devotion: Pray Without Ceasing

Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 5: 15-18

Main Verse:
1 Thessalonians 5: 17
Pray without ceasing.

Observation:
Do you admit that it is not easy to develop the habit of praying? In fact, in a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center on the Frequency of Prayer, only 55% of those surveyed pray everyday, 23% either seldom or never prayed, and 16% prayed weekly. Prayer is frequently tackled by pastors in church sermons, by leaders in cell groups, by daily devotionals and journal articles, yet it is one of the most frequently neglected commands by many Christians. 

But for Jesus, it is one of the most important things He did everyday. He prayed very early in the morning while it was still dark (Mark 1:35), and He prayed regularly (Luke 5: 16). And even though the apostle Paul did not meet Jesus personally, he also believed that prayer should be something we ought to do mechanically. Prayer should be incorporated in every aspect of our lives--when we wake up, before eating, at work, before going to bed, and when there is every opportunity to pray.

Application:
It is impossible to pray every second every day, but the apostle Paul wants to remind us that we need to integrate prayer into what we're doing. We can always praise the Lord quietly. Or when you arrive at your office safe and sound, you can offer the Lord a simple prayer of thanks to acknowledge His goodness. Or when there's a difficult task at hand, you can ask for the Lord's guidance even when you're not in your prayer room. 

Praying without ceasing means we are constantly dependent on and trusting the Lord to do things for us according to His great will. Praying without ceasing means we never give up praying. Let us pray when things are going well and even when the odds are against us. 

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for being my greatest example. Thank you for showing me how to pray. Forgive me for having a shallow and complacent prayer life. May I continue to learn from your ways, and develop the habit of praying continually, in constant communion with Our Father in Heaven. AMEN.

Daily Devotion: God Answers

Scripture:
Psalm 34

Main Verse:
Psalm 34: 4
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

Observation:

Sometimes, we think the Lord is not answering our prayers. We ask the Lord for an answer, but it seems that our requests have fallen on deaf ears. But the writer of Psalm said he sought the Lord, and He answered him. In fact, the Psalmist mentioned three times how the Lord heard him, saved him, and delivered him from his fears and troubles (vv. 4, 6, & 17). God answers prayers, but whose prayers? The prayers of the righteous! The Lord hears the cries of the righteous. He heals and saves their broken spirit (v. 16), delivers them from all troubles (v.17), protects them from danger (v. 18), rescues them from the evil one  (v. 19), and provides for them a sanctuary (v. 20). Does God answer prayers? The answer is YES. He answers the prayers of the righteous.

Application:
How many times have you prayed to the Lord but did not get that something you requested for? Sometimes, when that happens, we think that God does not listen to our prayers. But the Psalmist claimed that God answered his prayer. I remember that someone said God has three answers to our prayers. He either says Yes, No, or Wait. When God's answer is No, we should examine our heart. Maybe our motives for asking is wrong, so the Lord has not granted our request, or maybe the Lord does not want to grant our request because it is not aligned to His great will for us. But when God says Wait, it is still a Yes, but He will grant our request in His time. We must remember to always trust in the Lord's perfect plan and timing. And when we ask something in prayer, let us ask the Lord to grant the desires of our heart ACCORDING to his will and purpose.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you because You answer prayers, and your answer is always what is best for me. Thank you for teaching me to trust in your will at all times. May my prayers be always aligned to your purpose for my life, in your own magnificent way. AMEN.

Daily Devotion: A Grateful Heart

Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 5: 15-18, Ephesians 5: 20

Main Verse:
1 Thessalonians 5: 18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Observation:
God showed his great power and mercy toward the Israelites during their Exodus from Egypt. God spared them from slavery by using Moses to speak to the Pharaoh. God spared them from the ten plagues He sent to Egypt. God spared them from the angel of death He sent to kill every first-born son in Egypt during Passover. God spared them again from the Egyptians as they were pursuing them in the Red Sea. But instead of having a thankful heart and asking for God's provisions, they grumbled when they didn't have food to eat or water to drink. What's even worse was that they complained they have nothing to eat but manna! Perhaps, you'd think that you were never like the Israelites. But at one point in our lives, we have been complainers. We have grumbled and whined.

But we are urged to give thanks in ALL situations, no matter what situation we are in. No matter what struggles we have, no matter what trials and tests we go through, there is no reason not to give thanks. And if we are truly in Christ, we are mandated to give thanks. It is God's will for us because we are already in Christ.

Application:
What do you think would hinder you from having a thankful attitude? Do you have a sour spirit, one that easily finds the bad in others and in almost every situation? What about a selfish character? Do you find yourself thinking about what you want instead of what God wants in your life, so that when God does something that's not aligned to your plans, you complain to God about it? Or, are you impatient and discontented about how God moves in your life and wished that God would fast forward His will in your life?

God's sovereign will for us, His children, is to lead us to circumstances that will bring out the best in our life. We need to submit to His sovereign will, trust in God, and let Him do the work in His own time. Our lives are a work in progress. He is not yet finished in molding us, but if we continue to trust in the Lord, we will stop grumbling and instead will be grateful for the work He is doing in our life right now.   

Prayer:
Our Father in Heaven, forgive me when I fail to see Your sovereign will and instead complain and grumble. Thank you for working in my life, for Your constant provision and protection, and for leading me to situations that would benefit me the most according to Your great plan. Thank you for the sacrifice of Your Son on the cross. Thank you for Your love, mercy, grace, and favor. May I always see Your plans for me as the ones that would bring the best in me. May I find favor in Your presence daily. In Jesus's name I pray. AMEN.

Daily Devotion: Called To Praise

Scripture:
Psalm 150

Main Verse:
Psalm 150: 6
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord

Observation:
The Hebrew word "Hallelujah" is a command which means "Praise the Lord." King David liked praising the Lord, and he never forgot to praise the Lord's character and actions (v.2). In fact, he even used the same phrase, "Praise the Lord" all throughout Psalm 150. It is a short psalm, but I can sense that David repeatedly used the phrase because he wanted to stress the importance of praising the Lord. When Jesus Christ also prayed The Lord's Prayer, He also started by praising the Father: "Hallowed be Thy Name." It is an important part not only of our prayer time, but in our everyday existence, we are called to praise the Lord, Our Creator and Father in Heaven. And who else would praise Him? David declared that EVERYTHING that has breath should praise the Lord! The birds sing the Lord praises (Psalm 104:12), the trees of the forest sing for joy (Psalm 96: 12), the heavens declare His glory (Psalm 19: 1). Indeed, praise the Lord for He is good!

Application:
When we praise the Lord, we fix our eyes on His greatness instead of the worries and little annoyances of this life. Are you stuck in traffic? Praise the Lord for granting you a means to come home. Are you displeased with your current employment situation? Praise the Lord for providing you a means to earn money and pay your monthly bills. When we praise Him in our hearts, we relinquish all our burdens to the Father and start focusing on the God who is the Master of all situations and our predicaments. We are called to praise the Lord everywhere, all the time, in every possible way!

Prayer:
Almighty Father, Creator of Heaven and earth, You are Lord of all and great is your name. You have always been My Faithful One and have always guided me ever since I was born. There is truly none like You! I will lift up my hands in praise and my voice in adoration of your mightiness. May I honor your Holy name in my life, and may my lips and body be worthy of worshipping you forever and ever. AMEN.

Daily Devotion: A Relational God

Scripture:
Genesis 2: 18-25

Main Verse:
Genesis 2: 18.
The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

Observation:
Genesis 2: 18 is often associated with marriage, the union between man and woman. After God created everything and declared that it was good, he found Adam alone, with no companion and nobody beside him. So God said it is not good for man to be alone, and he formed Eve out of Adam's ribs. Of course, Adam was not really alone because God was with him in paradise. But we can see from the very beginning how God had always taken care of man's needs. Adam had everything within his arms' reach, except for a suitable companion. God wanted Adam to be happy, and being alone did not make him happy. God wanted what was best for Adam, and being alone was not the best for him.

Application:
God can sense our hearts' wishes and desires, our emotions and feelings, and even our deepest thoughts. He knows what's best for us and what's not, and what would make us happy or unhappy. We were formed according to His likeness and image, and God had always wanted a deep, intimate relationship with us. Our God is a relational God. If you don't have this close relationship with the Creator, you are missing out on the gift of happiness that God has bestowed upon man. If you have a broken relationship with the Father, it is never too late to come back and ask God to restore this companionship with Him. It is not good for us to be alone and we were never designed to be alone in this world. Apart from our family and friends, we have a God who is always waiting for us to come close to Him.

Prayer:
Father, thank you because you are a God of relationships. Thank you for showing me that the road to happiness is by keeping an intimate relationship with you. Thank you for showing me what's lacking in my life. I need you in my life, Lord, and there is nothing more in this world that would bring me happiness than the relationship you have established with me. Thank you for another year of my life and for continuously and generously blessing me with your grace and favor. All honor and praises and glory belong to You alone, forever and ever. AMEN.

Daily Devotion: The Privilege of Prayer

Scripture:
Hebrews 10: 19-22

Main Verse:
Hebrews 10: 21-22
Since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings.

Observation:
When Jesus gave us Matthew 6: 9-13 as our pattern for prayer, He defined what prayer should be for all of us. Prayer is our way to worship the Father intimately (Matthew 6: 9), and God uses our prayer time with Him so He can reveal His will in our lives. That is why we ask Him "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done" (v. 10). Prayer is our access to the Father's limitless resources and power as we ask Him to give us our daily needs and protect us from temptation and sin (vv. 11, 13).

Prayer is our opportunity to communicate with God, but to experience God's holy presence in prayer is both a blessing and privilege. In the past, the Israelites were never able to access the inner temple of God and only the high priest was given access to it to offer the sacrificial lamb. We cannot approach God's holy presence, but because of Jesus's sacrifice, we are now able to draw near to God. It is a special right given to us through faith in Jesus Christ, His One and Only Son, who is our great High Priest.

Application:
We enjoy the relationship and communication with God now because of Jesus Christ, and we must always remember that this is a privilege not given to everyone. God chose to show you the way to His Son. He chose you to experience His wonderful presence. So when we come to the Lord in prayer, we must draw near to Him with "sincere hearts."  Remember that when we pray, we are not just asking God for His provisions or protection. More importantly, we draw near to Him because we want to be in a deeper relationship with Him.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for the privilege of prayer. Thank you for the blessing of your wonderful, amazing presence. I pray, oh God, that as I continue to commune with You in prayer, You may continue to change me from the inside out, so I may grow more into the likeness of your Son Jesus Christ. May I continue to see your will in my life, and by your grace, may I be able to glorify your Name forever and ever. AMEN.

Daily Devotion: For The Glory Of God

Scripture:
John 14: 13-14

Main Verse:
John 14: 13
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Observation:
I was in college when my younger brother was abducted. He was just going to the bakery to buy some bread when some men in a white van blindfolded him and took him to some secluded place, where other children who were also kidnapped just like him were forced to beg alms on the street or sold off to foreigners. There were times when they cannot bring a lot of money from begging that they got beaten and were not given any food.

I remember my mom crying a lot. I remember her not being able to eat anything at all and telling us during mealtimes how she wondered if my brother had something to eat. I remember how our family prayed day and night asking God to answer our prayers and bring back our lost brother who we thought just ran away from home at that time.

But the Lord has been truly faithful to our family, and His faithfulness in my and my family's lives still ring true to this day. God allowed that ordeal to happen to us not because He was punishing us. Not because He was mad at us. He allowed it to happen because He was going to do something miraculous that would bring back all the glory to His name.

Two weeks after my brother was kidnapped, He and other children were able to escape the kidnappers' place. It was not the work of man who brought my brother back to our family's arms. I truly believe, up to this day, that God used that situation so that we, our family and relatives, our friends, workmates, classmates, and churchmates, would witness the glory of the Father, through our lives through the Mighty Name of His Son Jesus!

Application:
From the moment of our birth, God has ordained us to glorify Him. It is by His grace that we are here on earth. It was by the Lord's sovereign will that you were born here on earth. And when God allows afflictions to happen in our lives, He is revealing something about His glory. Just like how He revealed to Abraham that He is Jehovah Jireh and He will provide. Just like how He revealed to Martha and Mary and the rest of the 400 people that He is the Resurrection and the Life after bringing Lazarus back to life.

When God does something great in our lives, our first response should be to glorify His name. The ultimate purpose of our existence is to glorify the Father. So that we can give thanks in everything that He did, has done, and will do in our lives.

Prayer:
Father, you are indeed an amazing, awesome, and powerful God! Thank you for revealing your power and your glory in my and my family's life. Thank you for the countless times that you have let us experience your presence. May I be worthy of glorifying you and may I live all the days of my life being able to glorify your Holy Name. In Your Most Holy Son's name I pray, AMEN.

Daily Devotion: House of Prayer

Scripture: Mark 11: 15-17

Main Verse:
Mark 11: 17

And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"

Observation:

When Jesus drove away the money changers and the traders in the temple courts, Jesus taught the people a valuable lesson: that the House of God is a most revered place, a place where one can talk with the One True God. A place not only of worship, but a place where we can have our quiet time and enjoy this communion with our Father. And when the Lord Jesus quoted Isaiah 56: 7, that His house will be called "a house of prayer for all people," Jesus was teaching us that in the Father's house, it is not the singing nor the worship nor the sermon nor the fellowship that matters the most. It is PRAYER that should be the priority of every member when they come to church. And when we do that, we are indeed prioritizing God in our midst and in our gathering. 

Application:
There are times when we hear people complain about the worship team not singing well this Sunday or singing a lot of unfamiliar songs. There are also some who complain that they were not "blessed" by the preaching they heard. Or, they notice every single one in church: the big, blue ribbon worn by that church member, the young church member's new boyfriend, the newly decorated church stage. We have been this kind of people in one way or another. We have complained about such things. But what did Jesus complain about? It was the lack of reverence by the people in the House of God. The Lord is telling us that instead of concerning ourselves to such distractions, we need to prepare ourselves to meeting the Lord. Instead of committing our energies to whining and grumbling, we need to spend our time in prayer when we come to church. 

How much time do you spend in prayer when you come to church? Or maybe the question should be: Does your church value prayer in the same way that singing, worship, sermon, and fellowship is valued? A prayerful church is a church that is close to the Lord.

Prayer:

Father, I would like to come to your House of Prayer and spend time communicating with you along with other like-minded believers. Let me have that desire to love to talk with you whenever I come to church. May I be a prayerful daughter and meet you face to face when I come into your Holy Presence. Thank you for a thoughtful reminder, my God. All praises and glory to your most Holy Name alone. AMEN.

Daily Devotion: Devoted to Prayer

Scripture:
Acts 2: 42-47

Main Verse:
Acts 2: 42
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Observation:
I hope we also have the same passion as the early believers in Acts. The early believers were so passionate about their faith in Jesus that they were "continually" meeting and "devoting" themselves to studying, fellowship, communion, and prayer. The first three are important; but it was their devotion to prayer that brought about wonderful results: wonders and signs taking place (v.43), a sense of unity and community (vv. 44-45), overflowing joy in their hearts (v. 46), true worship (v. 47), and salvation of the lost (v. 47). The early church knew that in order for God to reveal himself and perform great things, they needed to ask these things to Him. They needed to interact with the Heavenly Father and be connected with the Lord constantly.

Application:
If prayer were a big deal with the early believers, then it should also be a big deal to us. Prayer hooks us up with God. We spend a great amount of time chatting with family and friends, yet somehow, we forget to spend the most amount of time talking and humbling ourselves with the Creator of our, our family's, and our friends' lives. It seems so easy for us to ignore the first and our most important relationship--our relationship with Our Father. God wants us to prioritize Him in our lives, and He wants us to be constantly connected with Him. If we want our life, our family, our churches to have life, we need to pray.

Prayer:
Father, forgive me for not prioritizing You in my life. I have been neglectful with my communication with You and have been so pre-occupied with non-essential things. Help me make prayer a priority in my life. Help me avoid anything that hinders me from becoming the best that You want me to be. In Jesus's name I pray. AMEN.

Daily Devotion: Unimaginable Power of Prayer

Scripture:
2 Corinthians 10: 1-6

Main Verse:
2 Corinthians 10: 4
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

Observation:
The apostle Paul had such strong faith in the power of prayer that even though he was in prison, he firmly believed that God will continue to use him to fearlessly proclaim the Gospel (Ephesians 6:19-20). And in 2 Corinthians 10: 4, he declares that prayer indeed has such incredible power that it can destroy strongholds! Sometimes, we forget that Jesus Christ has given us this great weapon. We do not use it to our full advantage. It is both our defensive guard and offensive mechanism againsts the evils of this world.

Application:
Do we really believe in the power of prayer? Let us ask ourselves this question: How often do we pray, and how sincere are we when we come to the Father to pray? I admire King David who prayed morning, noon, and night (Psalm 55: 17) to the Lord. We can also come to the Lord and talk with Him just like David. We do not need to get an appointment or sign up in order to have access with our Father in Heaven. It is our privilege that we have unlimited access to our God through the Holy Name of Jesus Christ whom we believe and received as our personal Lord and Savior.

Prayer:
Father, I admit that I am guilty of taking prayer for granted. Forgive me for those times when I did not trust your guidance and just relied on my own. Teach me, Lord, to be a prayerful warrior. Teach and train me to use the power of prayer to my advantage. In Jesus's name I pray. AMEN.