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.
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Daily Devotion: Rejoice!
Scripture:
Philippians 4: 4-9
Philippians 4: 4-9
Main Verse:
Philippians 4: 4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
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.
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.
Monday, January 15, 2018
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.
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.
Friday, January 12, 2018
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.
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.
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Daily Devotion: God Answers
Scripture:
Psalm 34
Psalm 34
Main Verse:
Psalm 34: 4
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
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.
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.
Monday, January 8, 2018
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.
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.
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