Devo Dec 12 Psalm 52:1-9

Chapter 52
1 Why do you boast of evil, you mighty hero?
Why do you boast all day long,
you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God?
2 You who practice deceit, your tongue plots destruction;
it is like a sharpened razor.
3 You love evil rather than good,
falsehood rather than speaking the truth.
4 You love every harmful word,
you deceitful tongue!
5 Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin:
He will snatch you up and pluck you from your tent;
he will uproot you from the land of the living.
6 The righteous will see and fear;
they will laugh at you, saying,
7 “Here now is the man
who did not make God his stronghold
but trusted in his great wealth
and grew strong by destroying others!”
8 But I am like an olive tree
flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God’s unfailing love
for ever and ever.
9 For what you have done I will always praise you
in the presence of your faithful people.
And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.

Meditation
1. Silence – Read/Listen – Meditate – Pray – Contemplate
2. What is the word or phrase that touches you today as you read and
meditate on this passage? What is your emotion as you read this
word or phrase? How is that related to your current situation? What
does God tell you to do?
3. Are you “flourishing in the house of God”? What is lacking in your
spiritual community? What helps you flourish? How can you offer
more of yourself in church, in your cell group, that you might grow
closer to God and to others as well?

Devo Dec 11 Psalm 51

Chapter 51
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your
sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.
5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Meditation
1. Silence – Read/Listen – Meditate – Pray – Contemplate
2. What is the word or phrase that touches you today as you read and
meditate on this passage? What is your emotion as you read this
word or phrase?
3. As Christians, we know we are sinful. Why then is it so painful to
be confronted with a specific sin? What sin have you been avoiding
talking to God about? Take it to God and experience his forgiveness.

Devo Isaiah 61 Nov 20

Chapter 61
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,because the LORD has
anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to bind up
the brokenhearted,to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from
darkness for the prisoners,2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and
the day of vengeance of our God,to comfort all who mourn,3 and provide
for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,the oil of joy instead of mourning,and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.4 They will rebuild
the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated;they will renew
the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.5 Strangers will
shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
6 And you will be called priests of the LORD, you will be named ministers
of our God.You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you
will boast.7 Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy
will be yours.8 “For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting
covenant with them.9 Their descendants will be known among the nations
and their offspring among the peoples.All who see them will acknowledge
that they are a people the LORD has blessed.”10 I delight greatly in the
LORD; my soul rejoices in my God.For he has clothed me with garments
of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself
with her jewels.11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden
causes seeds to grow,so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and
praise spring up before all nations.

Meditation
1. Silence – Read/Listen – Meditate – Pray – Contemplate

2. What words or phrases stand out to you? How do you feel about
being called a priest? What would it mean for you to live like a
priest this week? Do you serve with “delight in the Lord” or with
joy in results or feelings of success? What’s the difference?

3. Ask God for guidance in how you serve. As you serve someone
today, be present to the reality that you are doing this with God’s
hand, under his power. This is his work and you get to be a part of
it!

Devo Nov 14, Isaiah 54:16-17

“See, it is I who created the blacksmith
    who fans the coals into flame
    and forges a weapon fit for its work.
And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc;
¹⁷     no weapon forged against you will prevail,
    and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
    and this is their vindication from me,”
declares the Lord.    (Isaiah 54:16-17)

God, as I dwell on your words, you speak of the future glory of your faithful servants.  You have deep compassion, everlasting kindness, and justice like the days of Noah.  I have been feeling very discouraged over doing your work lately.  Perhaps it is the sin of lack of trust in you and believing the lies of Satan that my work is in vain.  Perhaps I do not really know the power of your love and not really convicted of your presence and love.  I thank you for your encouragement today.  It is you who created the blacksmith that makes the weapon.  The weapons of today in the military, corporations, and institutions, are very powerful.  They are all still within your control.  I thank you that no weapons and accusing tongues can destroy your servants.  I am aware of many people who are in the midst of distress, sickness, suffering loss from family.  I pray for my disciples that no weapons and lies from Satan will prevail in taking their hearts away from you.

Isaiah 51:4-6 Devo Nov 13, 2012

4 “Listen to me, my people;
    hear me, my nation:
Instruction will go out from me;
    my justice will become a light to the nations.
5 My righteousness draws near speedily,
    my salvation is on the way,
    and my arm will bring justice to the nations.
The islands will look to me
    and wait in hope for my arm.
6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
    look at the earth beneath;
the heavens will vanish like smoke,
    the earth will wear out like a garment
    and its inhabitants die like flies.
But my salvation will last forever,
    my righteousness will never fail.

I am adopting devotion with prayer.  I read Isaiah 51.  I read a few sentences then stop to pray and noted down what God has touched my heart with.   It takes a bit longer but it was a great experience as I felt peace after praying.  Below are my notes.

Adoration: God, you are righteous.  You are the only saviour.  You have compassion on all people.

Confession: God, I sinned by jealousy. I looked down on myself when I see people who are successful.  I sinned by faithlessness.  I am not fulling trusting in your power in building up your people and there are temptations to take short cuts rather than facing up the challenge in courage.  I sinned by worrying.  I worry about the future, the ministry, and worldly concerns.

Thanksgiving: I thank God for everlasting salvation.  Despite all uncertainties in this world, your love and gift of salvation never change. I thank God for you being the whole universe's righteous judge.  Justice is found in God alone.  God is the only one that never ever contradicts his character.  All corporations, governments, media, unions, and institutions (including churches and my church too) contradicts their own mission and character.

Supplication: I ask for courage to face the challenges, the strength to live boldly yet humbly for God's glory, the presence of the Holy Spirit throughout today.  I want to be guided by your unchanging character and love.  I ask for my brothers and sisters to experience your presence when they seek after you.  I ask for your presence in those who are serving your in government and unions.  I ask that they are seeking first justice and the well being of the people they serve before their own needs.  I ask that you give myself and disciples in Crossroad opportunities to share the good news of Christ.  I ask that you continue to guide me as I plan for PGC in 2013.

Devo Isaiah 46:3-5

"Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born.  Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.  I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.  With whom will you compare me or count me equal."

This passage was taken in the context of the Israelites being in captive in the land of Babylon.  The people of Babylon worshipped false gods.  Isaiah was speaking to the Israelites to worship the God that will sustain and carry His people.  A Christian living in Toronto Canada is similar to the Israelites living in Babylon.  The idols worshipped in this land are: wealth, sex, and power.

I reflected upon my current situation.  God is telling me that He will carry and sustain me.  I am feeling uncertain about the road ahead: leading my family and challenges in ministry.  He said "with whom will you compare me or count me equal".  I am tempted to believe wealth and respect will enable me to take up the challenge.  Satan is tempting me to despair and tells me of the guilt of the desire of wealth and respect from within.  I pray for forgiveness.  I pray for deliverance.  I realized that wealth and the desire for respect is an idol I am facing.

God led me to read my favourite book of the Bible the Proverbs.  There is nothing evil about being wealthy and being respected.  The desire to become rich and respectable becomes a serious sin when I consider sacrificing my relationship with God.  I reflected on other sins I struggled with.  The root cause is the desire to be honoured and respected.

Some verses in Proverbs spoke to me: God said "Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness finds life and honour.  The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches, honor, and life.  One who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor"  As a man, I desire to be respected.  I believe this is a desire for most guys anyway.  God promised that people who respect God will naturally be respected.    

Devo Oct 9 Isaiah 31:1-3

Chapter 31
1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
who rely on horses,
who trust in the multitude of their chariots
and in the great strength of their horsemen,
but do not look to the Holy One of Israel,
or seek help from the LORD.
2 Yet he too is wise and can bring disaster;
he does not take back his words.
He will rise up against that wicked nation,
against those who help evildoers.
3 But the Egyptians are mere mortals and not God;
their horses are flesh and not spirit.
When the LORD stretches out his hand,
those who help will stumble,
those who are helped will fall;
all will perish together.

Personal Notes

We don’t count on horses and chariots to protect us today like in
ancient times. But there are countless things we put our trust in.
There were circumstances in my life when I have depended
on something or someone other than God. If God and God alone
provides ultimate security and comfort, why do you think we turn
to him for help only as a last resort? If we truly understood God’s
power and control – his sovereignty – how might that change how
we live?

Spend a few minutes in quiet and solitude. Use the time to seek out
the dark corners of your life. Whisper, “What do I put my trust in”?
Allow the Spirit to do his work. Don’t rush the process, but simply
wait for him to reveal the horses and chariots you depend on. When
you see them clearly, confess them to God immediately. Be assured
that he hears your prayers and forgives you graciously.

Oct 1 Devo Isaiah 25

Chapter 25
1 LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in
perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long
ago.2 You have made the city a heap of rubble, the fortified town a ruin,
the foreigners’ stronghold a city no more; it will never be rebuilt. 3 Therefore
strong peoples will honor you; cities of ruthless nations will revere
you.4 You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their
distress,a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.For the breath
of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall 5 and like the heat of
the desert. You silence the uproar of foreigners; as heat is reduced by the
shadow of a cloud,so the song of the ruthless is stilled.6 On this mountain
the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples,
a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines.
7 On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations; 8 he will swallow up death forever.The
Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces;he will remove
his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken.9 In that
day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved
us.This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his
salvation.”10 The hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain; but Moab
will be trampled in their land as straw is trampled down in the manure.
11 They will stretch out their hands in it, as swimmers stretch out their
hands to swim.God will bring down their pride despite the cleverness of
their hands.12 He will bring down your high fortified walls and lay them
low; he will bring them down to the ground, to the very dust.

Meditation
1.This simple song expresses the hope of oppressed, exploited and
downtrodden people. Here we read of Israel’s joy at the downfall of
God’s enemies, the end of death itself and God’s final victory.
2.Recall an experience you have had in driving rain, a snowstorm or
some other tough situations in which you knew that God was present
with you.

Personal Note: I had some difficult experiences in the past, and now looking back I see God was present and was with me.  I heard testimonies of God delivering them in the midst of difficulties yesterday's message from brothers and sisters going on mission trips.  God laid a burden in my heart to be sensitive to the challenges that brothers and sisters are facing today.  May God's Words bring hope to everyone.

Devo Sept 27 Isaiah 23:1-9

Chapter 23
1 A prophecy against Tyre:Wail, you ships of Tarshish! For Tyre is destroyed
and left without house or harbor.From the land of Cyprus word has
come to them.2 Be silent, you people of the island and you merchants of
Sidon, whom the seafarers have enriched.3 On the great waters came the
grain of the Shihor; the harvest of the Nile was the revenue of Tyre, and
she became the marketplace of the nations.4 Be ashamed, Sidon, and you
fortress of the sea, for the sea has spoken:“I have neither been in labor nor
given birth; I have neither reared sons nor brought up daughters.”5 When
word comes to Egypt, they will be in anguish at the report from Tyre.
6 Cross over to Tarshish; wail, you people of the island.7 Is this your city
of revelry, the old, old city, whose feet have taken her to settle in far-off
lands?8 Who planned this against Tyre, the bestower of crowns, whose
merchants are princes, whose traders are renowned in the earth?
9 The LORD Almighty planned it, to bring down her pride in all her
splendor and to humble all who are renowned on the earth.

Personal Notes
Chapters 13-23 reflect upon the foolishness of Judah depending upon alliances with the other nations rather than upon God to protect her from Assyria.
What do you see as one implication of that loyalty principle for your life today? To what or to whom have you looked to fill that God-shaped void of insecurity in your life?

In my case, I have looked for many things from selfish indulgence in pleasurable substance, to emotional indulgence through infatuation, to spiritual pride/intellectual indulgence through immersing in theological knowledge without personal transformation.  Through reflection in my spiritual journey, God challenged me to obey Him wholeheartedly and willingly in what I know is pleasing in His eyes.  Failing to do so is sin and I can wholehearted serve him when I trust Him and face the challenges with courage and faith.

Isaiah 22:1-13 Sept 26

Chapter 22
8 The Lord stripped away the defenses of Judah, and you looked in that
day to the weapons in the Palace of the Forest. 9 You saw that the walls
of the City of David were broken through in many places; you stored up
water in the Lower Pool. 10 You counted the buildings in Jerusalem and
tore down houses to strengthen the wall. 11 You built a reservoir between
the two walls for the water of the Old Pool, but you did not look to the
One who made it, or have regard for the One who planned it long ago.
12 The Lord, the LORD Almighty, called you on that day to weep and to
wail, to tear out your hair and put on sackcloth. 13 But see, there is joy
and revelry, slaughtering of cattle and killing of sheep, eating of meat and
drinking of wine! “Let us eat and drink,” you say, “for tomorrow we
die!”

Personal Notes:
Judah may have heard Isaiah’s warning that they made physical implements of warfare. The people may have tried many forms of defense, but they did not depend on the Lord. They even held “eat-drink-and-be-merry” attitude which would result in judgment and punishment from God. Isaiah was saddened by the frivolity of the people in Jerusalem.  The people acted as if they did not need to repent and live according to God’s laws.

Sometimes we feel sad when we see people doing things they should not. What should our response be? What does God want us to do?

I need to feel burdened and sad when people around me are doing things they should not.  God wants us to guide our friends towards what God would like them to do.

Devo Sept 25 Isaiah 21

Chapter 21
1 A prophecy against the Desert by the Sea: Like whirlwinds sweeping
through the southland, an invader comes from the desert, from a land of
terror.2 A dire vision has been shown to me: The traitor betrays, the looter
takes loot.Elam, attack! Media, lay siege! I will bring to an end all the
groaning she caused.3 At this my body is racked with pain, pangs seize
me, like those of a woman in labor; I am staggered by what I hear, I am
bewildered by what I see.4 My heart falters, fear makes me tremble;
the twilight I longed for has become a horror to me.5 They set the tables,
they spread the rugs, they eat, they drink! Get up, you officers, oil the
shields!6 This is what the Lord says to me: “Go, post a lookout and have
him report what he sees.7 When he sees chariots with teams of horses,
riders on donkeys or riders on camels, let him be alert, fully alert.”
8 And the lookout shouted,“Day after day, my lord, I stand on the watchtower;
every night I stay at my post.9 Look, here comes a man in a chariot
with a team of horses.And he gives back the answer: ‘Babylon has fallen,
has fallen!All the images of its gods lie shattered on the ground!’”
10 My people who are crushed on the threshing floor, I tell you what I
have heard from the LORD Almighty, from the God of Israel.

Personal Note
This is a message of the destruction of Babylon. Prophet Isaiah saw the devastation of Babylon in a vision and was gripped with grief. Meanwhile, the Babylonians wined and dined, the destruction came upon them unexpectedly. “My people who are crushed on the threshing floor”, this was referred to the Judeans
who though having been under oppression from many fronts, still tried to plot schemes in allying with Babylon against Assyrians. In fact, Babylon was doomed as well.

What is your “Babylon” – the arrangement to shelter you from the uncertainties of life? If you know that all you planning, and arrangements are temporal security that will be swept away, how do you feel? What can you do to fill the insecurity that only God can fulfill?

My Babylon for escaping the difficulties in life varies throughout my life.  When I was in younger and in school, it was the desire to have a girlfriend, basketball, computer games, drinking parties, lustful activities...  Later on in life, it was desire to have a high pay job, indulgence in recreation, and a false perception of piety (this is hard to explain, it means trying to appear and have the spiritual strength and security without the cost of discipleship).

Today, the temptation to fall back into my old pattern of life is present.  In my old pattern of life, I denied commands of God because I want to have pleasure and fun.  I instinctively sheltered myself from challenges and uncertainties of life.  What can I do with the insecurities I am facing today?

I have decided to obey God's commands I already know with a willing heart.  I have decided to take on the challenges and uncertainty with God's help and strength.  After all, I am doing God's work, and what makes me think that I can do it without His help?

Devo Sept 24 Isaiah 20

Chapter 20
1 In the year that the supreme commander, sent by Sargon king of Assyria,
came to Ashdod and attacked and captured it— 2 at that time the
LORD spoke through Isaiah son of Amoz. He said to him, “Take off the
sackcloth from your body and the sandals from your feet.” And he did so,
going around stripped and barefoot.3 Then the LORD said, “Just as my
servant Isaiah has gone stripped and barefoot for three years, as a sign and
portent against Egypt and Cush, 4 so the king of Assyria will lead away
stripped and barefoot the Egyptian captives and Cushite exiles, young and
old, with buttocks bared —to Egypt’s shame. 5 Those who trusted in Cush
and boasted in Egypt will be dismayed and put to shame. 6 In that day the
people who live on this coast will say, ‘See what has happened to those
we relied on, those we fled to for help and deliverance from the king of
Assyria! How then can we escape? ’”

Personal Note:
Isaiah must have felt something of a fool in the eighth century BC, when he was told by God to wander the streets of Jerusalem stripped (to a loincloth) and barefoot for some three years. This relative
of the royal family exposed himself to shame at God’s command, to serve as an object lesson. Soon the sovereign God would execute judgement against Egypt and Cush (Ethiopia), and their people
would suffer Isaiah’s fate.

God is unlikely to ask me to walk about in diapers or drag a cross. But there will be times when we feel a little embarrassed or foolish at the thought of doing something we feel convicted is God’s will.
At such times, what will be my response? Will I treasure my reputation, image and acceptance of others more than pleasing God and following God’s will?

Devo Sept 20 Isaiah 18

Chapter 18
1 Woe to the land of whirring wings along the rivers of Cush, 2 which
sends envoys by sea in papyrus boats over the water. Go, swift messengers,
to a people tall and smooth-skinned, to a people feared far and wide,
an aggressive nation of strange speech, whose land is divided by rivers.
3 All you people of the world, you who live on the earth, when a banner
is raised on the mountains, you will see it, and when a trumpet sounds,
you will hear it.4 This is what the LORD says to me: “I will remain quiet
and will look on from my dwelling place, like shimmering heat in the sunshine,
like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.”5 For, before the harvest,
when the blossom is gone and the flower becomes a ripening grape, he
will cut off the shoots with pruning knives, and cut down and take away
the spreading branches. 6 They will all be left to the mountain birds of
prey and to the wild animals; the birds will feed on them all summer, the
wild animals all winter.7 At that time gifts will be brought to the LORD
Almighty from a people tall and smooth-skinned, from a people feared far
and wide, an aggressive nation of strange speech, whose land is divided
by rivers —the gifts will be brought to Mount Zion, the place of the Name
of the LORD Almighty.

Personal Notes

During 715 BC, envoys of Cush (Ethiopia) tried to persuade Jerusalem
to align with them against Assyria. Isaiah fiercely opposed it
and proclaimed to the messengers that God is in control of history.
When time comes, God will intervene directly and cause Assyrian
to crumble so that Cush will know God. Sometimes we are eager to do something on our own, regardless of what others think or feel. We may not even consider how our actions would appear to God. God sees and knows us. He is aware of our actions, but he remains quiet and still. 

Why God allows us to pursue our plans?

Currently, I have lots of plans for ministry, family, and the future.  There are some plans I feel that it may not be pleasing to God and beneficial to others for getting to know Jesus Christ.  Why does God allow us to ponder or pursue our plans even though our plans are not really his desires.

I see that throughout history, despite how wicked people are, God always has a way to redeem the situation for His glory.  The one who fears and serves God are blessed and the wicked ones are destroyed by His judgement.  

Today, I am to be still and know that God is in control.  I am quieting down my heart to listen and discern what God is telling me.  The world is changing quickly and it is a challenging world to live in, but God's love and faithfulness remains.  God is sovereign and powerful over all the forces and influences in this world.

Sept 18 Devotion Isaiah 16

Chapter 16
1 Send lambs as tribute to the ruler of the land, from Sela, across the desert,
to the mount of Daughter Zion. 2 Like fluttering birds pushed from
the nest, so are the women of Moab at the fords of the Arnon.3 “Make
up your mind,” Moab says. “Render a decision. Make your shadow like
night—at high noon. Hide the fugitives, do not betray the refugees.4 Let
the Moabite fugitives stay with you; be their shelter from the destroyer.”
The oppressor will come to an end, and destruction will cease; the aggressor
will vanish from the land.5 In love a throne will be established; in
faithfulness a man will sit on it—one from the house of David —one who
in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness.

Personal Note
Isaiah stressed that the Messiah as the only real hope for Israel.  The reign of Jesus Christ the only real hope for people suffering in the world today.  We see where there are oppression and suffering, there is revival of people turning to Jesus.  I saw a documentary of people passionately worshipping and praising God in refugee camps.  I believe that God uses believers who respond towards the poor, the homeless, and the hungry.

Refugees from destruction and violence must often seek safety away from their homelands. Do you know of refugees in your city? How could you help them in a new land? How can you offer them
shelter? Can people be refugees from things other than war? Decide what you can do as a family, as a cell group, or any other group of people, to help a refugee family. Make plans for doing what you
decide.

I see people are starting to beware of refugees living in Toronto through various initiatives like "Ride for Refugee", Matthew House, etc.  God told the people of Israel to accept the Moabites (refugees) and take care of them even though they are long time enemies of Israel.  I pray that God will open my eyes and touch my heart to care for a refugee family.

Devo Sept 17 Isaiah 15

Chapter 15
1 A prophecy against Moab: Ar in Moab is ruined, destroyed in a night!
Kir in Moab is ruined, destroyed in a night! 2 Dibon goes up to its temple,
to its high places to weep; Moab wails over Nebo and Medeba.Every head
is shaved and every beard cut off. 3 In the streets they wear sackcloth; on
the roofs and in the public squares they all wail, prostrate with weeping.
4 Heshbon and Elealeh cry out, their voices are heard all the way to Jahaz.
Therefore the armed men of Moab cry out, and their hearts are faint.
5 My heart cries out over Moab; her fugitives flee as far as Zoar, as far as
Eglath Shelishiyah.They go up the hill to Luhith, weeping as they go; on
the road to Horonaim they lament their destruction. 6 The waters of Nimrim
are dried up and the grass is withered; the vegetation is gone and nothing
green is left. 7 So the wealth they have acquired and stored up they
carry away over the Ravine of the Poplars.8 Their outcry echoes along the
border of Moab; their wailing reaches as far as Eglaim, their lamentation
as far as Beer Elim.9 The waters of Dimon are full of blood, but I will
bring still more upon Dimon—a lion upon the fugitives of Moab and upon
those who remain in the land.

Personal Notes
Moab is a country that has been a perpetual enemy of Israel since
the days of the Exodus. Yet, all of sudden, they were faced with
devastation. All the major cities became ruin, there were weeping
all over the place. Even when they fled to foreign lands, their enemies
still pursued them.  Today, there are endless political chaos and war in the world.
I see young people willing to step up and do their part in stopping the injustice.
I see students forming clubs and movement against oppression around the world.
God's will is for His followers to take a part in ending the evil around the world.

I am challenged to pray for an area in the world that I have a heart for that is
going through oppression today.

Devo Isaiah 14 Sept 14

Chapter 14
3 On the day the LORD gives you relief from your suffering and turmoil
and from the harsh labor forced on you, 4 you will take up this taunt against
the king of Babylon: How the oppressor has come to an end! How his
fury has ended!5 The LORD has broken the rod of the wicked, the scepter
of the rulers,6 which in anger struck down peoples with unceasing blows,
and in fury subdued nations with relentless aggression. 7 All the lands are
at rest and at peace; they break into singing. 8 Even the junipers and the
cedars of Lebanon gloat over you and say,“Now that you have been laid
low, no one comes to cut us down.”9 The realm of the dead below is all
astir to meet you at your coming; it rouses the spirits of the departed to
greet you— all those who were leaders in the world; it makes them rise
from their thrones—all those who were kings over the nations. 10 They
will all respond, they will say to you, “You also have become weak, as we
are; you have become like us.” 11 All your pomp has been brought down
to the grave, along with the noise of your harps; maggots are spread out
beneath you and worms cover you.12 How you have fallen from heaven,
morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you
who once laid low the nations!

Personal Note:
The LORD declared judgement on Babylon.  Babylon was once a powerful nation and it was completely destroyed just like the once powerful Roman Empire.  The prophecy from Isaiah was given when the people of God was under the bondage of Babylon rule.  God allowed Babylon to rule over them because of the disobedience of the Israelites.  God's judgement and promise come true.

Today, I see powerful forces who are supposed to serve the public abusing tax payer's money which could have gone into good use for the poor and the needy.  People everywhere are longing for a reform in structure that truly look out for the interest of citizens.  Today's passage is a promise that God was faithful in delivering His people from oppression in the past, and God is faithful in delivering us from the struggles and frustrations today.

Sept 13 Devotion Isaiah 13

Chapter 13
1 A prophecy against Babylon that Isaiah son of Amoz saw:2 Raise a banner
on a bare hilltop, shout to them; beckon to them to enter the gates of
the nobles.3 I have commanded those I prepared for battle; I have summoned
my warriors to carry out my wrath — those who rejoice in my
triumph.4 Listen, a noise on the mountains, like that of a great multitude!
Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms, like nations massing together!
The LORD Almighty is mustering an army for war.5 They come from faraway
lands, from the ends of the heavens —the LORD and the weapons of
his wrath — to destroy the whole country.6 Wail, for the day of the LORD
is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty.7 Because of this,
all hands will go limp, every heart will melt with fear. 8 Terror will seize
them, pain and anguish will grip them; they will writhe like a woman in
labor. They will look aghast at each other, their faces aflame.9 See, the
day of the LORD is coming — a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger
— to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it.10 The stars
of heaven and their constellations will not show their light. The rising sun
will be darkened and the moon will not give its light. 11 I will punish the
world for its evil, the wicked for their sins.I will put an end to the arrogance
of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless. 12 I will
make people scarcer than pure gold, more rare than the gold of Ophir.
13 Therefore I will make the heavens tremble; and the earth will shake
from its place at the wrath of the LORD Almighty, in the day of his burning
anger.

Meditation
1.Read slowly this passage a couple of times and let the language and
imagery sink in.

2.What was your emotion as you read this passage? How would “the
day of the Lord” in this passage compare with your notion of the
day when Jesus comes back? Are they different? How so? And
why?

3.How would reading this passage alert you of the immensity of God’s
power and his judgment when Jesus comes back?

Personal Note:

As I reflect upon the news that is going on locally and around the world, I feel the amount of wickedness and depravity in every part of the world, from politicians, corporations, violent crimes, indifference from the middle and upper classes, etc The Lord will one day punish the wicked for their evil.  I feel fear and trembling.  I know that I am cleansed and saved because of faith in God's gift of salvation.  I feel fearful because I belonged to the wicked and I believe everyone one earth is capable of horrific sins.  It is only by God's grace that sinful humans are able to see the truth of God's power and judgement.

This is a tough message.  What is my response?  Do I act with compassion and urgency with my friends and family who do not know Christ?  Do I ignore it and just think that everything is OK?  

Devotion Sept 10 Matthew 6:25-34

Do Not Worry

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life^[e]?

²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Personal Reflection

I inquired about an example of popular Bible passages for encouragement.  This one came up and I was touched to reflect upon this passage personally.  God's Words clearly tell me not to worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Currently, the things that are dragging me down are worry about the future of ministry, future of how people grow spiritually, future of how to raise my family, future challenges in providing physically, emotionally, and spiritually as the man of the house, etc...  Yet, I am called to teach and preach Do Not Worry.

God says, "Can you by worrying add a single hour to life?  God knows what I need."  I am to seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to me as well. 

I am to seek first his kingdom and righteousness.  How to do so today?  The time thinking and worrying is plainly sinning against God.  I have decided to faithfully pray and serve brothers and sisters in Crossroad today.  I have decided that it is really up to God to build and raise up people, and my role is merely to partner with God and be willing to work with Him.  I have decided the best gift I can offer my family as a man is to allow God to take care and work in my life.  Finally, the more I worry about what I can do to provide, the depressing truth of failure will come.  I will fail when I constantly worry and rely on my own.  Everything I own, every abilities I have, every friends and connection I have; I freely received from God.  I just have to trust that God's grace is enough and I am in good hands when I just focus on doing what's right in God's eyes today.  I have faith that doing the right things today and not worry about tomorrow is what brings glory to God's name.

Aug 27 Devo Psalm 40

Chapter 40
1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my
feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many
will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.
4 Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, who does not look to the
proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.
5 Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you
planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and
tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.
6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire— but my ears you have
opened— burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.
7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the
scroll.
8 I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.”
9 I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips,
LORD, as you know.
10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness
and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness
from the great assembly.
Meditation
1. This song is a prayer for help when troubles abound. It is also a celebration
of God’s mercy in times of need. It begins with praise of
God for his past mercies (vv1-5) and a testimony to the kings’ own
faithfulness to the Lord (vv6-10). The rest of the song is a prayer
for help.
2. In your own times of need, when God seems to take too long to
help you, what “false gods” (v4) offer tempting alternative solutions
to you? What happened the last time you relied on one of
those “gods”?
3. What in your life feels like a “slimy pit”? (v2) Which helps you
most with present troubles: remembering God’s actions in the past?
Or claiming God’s promises for the future? Why?
Prayer

Psalm 36 Aug 24

Chapter 36
1 I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of
the wicked: There is no fear of God before their eyes.
2 In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate
their sin.
3 The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; they fail to act
wisely or do good.
4 Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful
course and do not reject what is wrong.
5 Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the
skies.
6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the
great deep. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.
7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the
shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from
your river of delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
10 Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the
upright in heart.
11 May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the
wicked drive me away.
12 See how the evildoers lie fallen— thrown down, not able to rise!

Meditation
1. In the Psalms, the “righteous” seem to be those who may do evil but
are generally seeking to please God. The “wicked” are those who,
despite good they may do, are generally rejecting God’s ways.
2. David was completely convinced that evildoers will be “thrown
down” by the Lord (v12).
3. David’s conviction that the wicked must fail rested squarely on his
understanding of who God is. He is assured that God will judge the
wicked and continue to display love toward those who know him.

Personal Note:
As I read this passage, I am reminded of what goes on in the news.  The news often mention dispute amongst government and unions, how tax payers money gone to waste by corruptions in the government, civil wars around the world.  All these result in one thing: Injustice to the poor and vulnerable.  There is nothing in this world to put our trust in.  Only your unfailing love gives true rest.

Devo Aug 7 Psalm 25

Chapter 25
1 In you, LORD my God, I put my trust.
2 I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies
triumph over me.
3 No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.
4 Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me, for you, LORD, are good.
8 Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his
ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
11 For the sake of your name, LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is
great.

Meditation
1. What can we expect from God to deliver us from shame? We can
expect God to show us his way, guiding and teaching us by his truth
(vv4-5). We can expect God to forgive us, freeing us from the burden
of our past and purifying us (vv6-7).
2. Because God is good, he guides the humble into what is right (vv8-
10). Because he is gracious, he forgives even great iniquity (v11).
What a wonderful God we have.
3. What are you most in need of today: protection, guidance or forgiveness?
Do you feel you will receive it? Why or why not?
Speak to God about it and wait for God’s response. Continue this
conversation with God throughout the day.

Aug 3 Devo Psalm 23

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet
waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Meditation
1. Read aloud this familiar psalm of the Bible.
2. Now read it again in the negative (“The Lord is not my shepherd…”).
What verse is most disturbing to you? Why?
3. Now read this psalm the right way again. Any new insight? Talk
with God about your insights.

Devo Aug 2 Psalm 22

Chapter 22
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far
from saving me,so far from my cries of anguish?
2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find
no rest.
3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises.
4 In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered
them.
5 To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not
put to shame.
6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the
people.
7 All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads.
8 “He trusts in the LORD,” they say, “let the LORD rescue him. Let him
deliver him, since he delights in him.”
9 Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even
at my mother’s breast.
10 From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been
my God.
11 Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.

Meditation
1. The opening words of this psalm: “My God, my God, why have
you forsaken me”, was quoted by Jesus on the cross (Matt 27:46).
This is also David’s cry to God during his many troubled times.
2. Jesus’ was forsaken on the cross so that we would be received by
God. Then God promised that “I will never leave you nor forsake
you”(Heb 13:5). God has also promised to be with us forever (Matt
28:20).
3. No matter what your circumstance is, remember: God will never
forsake you. Cry to God as David did, and wait patiently for his
response with a thankful heart.

Devo Aug 1 Psalm 21

Chapter 21
1 The king rejoices in your strength, LORD. How great is his joy in the
victories you give!
2 You have granted him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the
request of his lips.
3 You came to greet him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure
gold on his head.
4 He asked you for life, and you gave it to him—length of days, for ever
and ever.
5 Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed
on him splendor and majesty.
6 Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad
with the joy of your presence.
7 For the king trusts in the LORD; through the unfailing love of the Most
High he will not be shaken.
8 Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies; your right hand will seize
your foes.
9 When you appear for battle, you will burn them up as in a blazing
furnace. The LORD will swallow them up in his wrath, and his fire
will consume them.
10 You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from
mankind.
11 Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they
cannot succeed.
12 You will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with
drawn bow.
13 Be exalted in your strength, LORD; we will sing and praise your
might.

Meditation
1. David lists the blessings of faithfully following after God in this
passage: the victories won (v1), desires granted (v2), prayers answered
(v2), presence welcomed (v3), crown given (v3), life – forever
and ever (v4), glory bestowed (v5), joy in God’s presence (v6),
unfailing love (v7).
2. Remembering what God has done for us is a continual source of
joy.
3. Make a list of the blessings you’ve received from God. Go through
the list and thank God for all of the blessings one by one.

Personal note:
I made a list of what God has done for me.  God provided me with a beautiful home, a lovely wife, a protective upbringing, a caring mentor, a strong church leadership.  God forgave me of my sins through Jesus Christ.  He freed me from the bondage of sin.  He guides my direction.  He sustains my health and strength.  He nurtures me spiritually.  He loves me unconditionally.  He led me to live in peace with His presence.

After going through the list and praying of thanksgiving, I realized that I placed the things I value the most first.  Later on, I put the "theologically" correct blessings later.  The list reveals the condition of my heart.  With PGC moving in the direction of having evangelism as the driving force, I would not be able to lead effectively when what I value the most isn't the forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ!

I prayed and ask God for guidance.  I was led to review what I was called to do when I entered seminary.  I am to begin the day in thanksgiving and dedication to Jesus Christ.  I felt peaceful with the presence of God when the Spirit prompt me in this direction.

Devo July 31 Psalm 20

1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from
Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings.
4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans
succeed.
5 May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the
name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests.
6 Now this I know: The LORD gives victory to his anointed. He answers
him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right
hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of
the LORD our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.
9 LORD, give victory to the king! Answer us when we call!

Meditation
1. David’s trust in God rather than chariots (v7) is expressed in his
conviction that blessing comes from God. We who share David’s
belief will express our best wishes for others in prayers like his.
2. Think of one person that may need this prayer. Pray this psalm for
that person. You may rephrase it to suit his/her situation. You may
also write it down and send a note to let him/her know you are praying
for him/her.

What do I really trust in?  I trust in God's providence and protection!

Devo July 24 Psalm 14

Chapter 14
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.
2 The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind
to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
3 All have turned away, all have become corrupt;
there is no one who does good, not even one.
4 Do all these evildoers know nothing?
They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on
the LORD.
5 But there they are, overwhelmed with dread,
for God is present in the company of the righteous.
6 You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their
refuge.
7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When the LORD restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel
be glad!

Meditation
1. The Hebrew word for “fool” describes a person whose heart is
closed to God and whose life is characterized by gross immorality.
It reminds us of Paul’s teaching that anyone who does not acknowledge
God will become corrupt and does “vile” deeds (Rom 1).
2. When the fools say “No” to God, they are actually telling God that
they know better and are more powerful than God. Thus, they are
cutting themselves off from the abundant life and blessings God
intends to give them.
3. The most stupid thing a person can do is to keep God outside of his
life. Think those in your family and friends who are avoiding or
denying God. Pray for them that God will enlighten them to know
and experience God’s love for them. Ask that God will make you a
living testimony to this truth.

July 19 Devotion Psalm 11

1 In the LORD I take refuge.
How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain.
2 For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the
strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.
3 When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
4 The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne.
He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them.
5 The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love vio
lence, he hates with a passion.
6 On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur;
a scorching wind will be their lot.
7 For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his
face.

Meditation
1. This psalm records well-intentioned, but faithless advice of David’s
friends when he was a fugitive from King Saul. David lifts his eyes
to the Lord to find faith in a time of testing. He knew the safest
place to stand was in radical trust in God.
2. Have you ever felt that your foundations were being destroyed and
you wanted to run away?
3. Remember, running to God is always safer than running away. Besides,
the wicked will surely receive God’s judgement.

July 16 Devo

Chapter 9
1 I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O
Most High.
3 My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you.
4 For you have upheld my right and my cause,
sitting enthroned as the righteous judge.
5 You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked;
you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.
6 Endless ruin has overtaken my enemies, you have uprooted their cities;
even the memory of them has perished.
7 The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment.
8 He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity.
9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of
trouble.
10 Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Meditation
1. David celebrated the Lord, for he knew God not only reigns forever,
but “he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the
peoples with uprightness”. This enables a person who is oppressed
or in trouble to find refuge and hope now.
2. Trust in God may not change our circumstances, but it changes us!
The mere fact that we can experience peace despite persecution is
the most convincing evidence that God is real.
3. Bring your troubles and heartaches to God with full confidence that
God rules and he judges.

Devo July 13

Chapter 7
1 LORD my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who
pursue me,
2 or they will tear me apart like a lion and rip me to pieces with no one to
rescue me.
3 LORD my God, if I have done this and there is guilt on my hands —
4 if I have repaid my ally with evil or without cause have robbed my
foe—
5 then let my enemy pursue and overtake me;
let him trample my life to the ground and make me sleep in the dust.
6 Arise, LORD, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies.
Awake, my God; decree justice.
7 Let the assembled peoples gather around you,
while you sit enthroned over them on high.
8 Let the LORD judge the peoples.
Vindicate me, LORD, according to my righteousness,
according to my integrity, O Most High.
9 Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous se
cure— you, the righteous God who probes minds and hearts.
10 My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.
11 God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day.

Meditation
1. Have you felt falsely accused? How did you appeal your case?
Like David?
2. Would you want God to judge your righteousness or the integrity of
your heart? Why?
3. Speak candidly to God your thoughts, emotions and desires at this
moment. Wait for God respond to you.

July 11 Devo Psalm 6

Chapter 6
1 LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.
2 Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint;
heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony.
3 My soul is in deep anguish. How long, LORD, how long?
4 Turn, LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.
5 Among the dead no one proclaims your name.
Who praises you from the grave?
6 I am worn out from my groaning.
All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with
tears.
7 My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.
8 Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my
weeping.
9 The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.
10 All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish;
they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.

Meditation
1. David described his feeling of weakness as he had no strength left
to face life’s challenges. His bones were in agony, his soul in anguish,
he was worn out from groaning. His bed was flooded with
weeping and his couch drenched with tears. His eyes grew weak
with sorrow.
2. Praying along with David’s psalm helps us face our own challenges.
He was realistic about his weaknesses, and honest about his fears.
Dishonesty – an attempt to maintain a “perfect” image – keeps us
from acknowledging our weaknesses. And keeps us from full dependence
on the Lord.
3. Read through this psalm for a couple more times. Pay attention to
the words David used to describe his emotions and attitudes. Use
this psalm as your plea to God for your own situations.

Personal Note:
I have been feeling very weak physically lately.  I see that life is full of challenges.  I am weak and I need to depend on God.

July 10 Devos

Psalm 5
As I reflect on this poem, I have the following thoughts:
1. Am I desperate in asking God to listen to my requests?
2. Do I lay my request and wait accordingly?
3. God, you hate all wickedness.  Is there areas in my life that displeases you?  I was living a totally wicked life without Christ, I thank God for cleansing me with His Words.
4. I can come before God's presence because of God's great love.
5. There seems to be enemies that the psalmist described.  Who are my enemies and who are God's enemies?

Devo Psalm 1, John 6:1-15

Psalm 1 is comparing the two different ways of living.  The ways of the righteous and the way of the wicked.  Righteous people are ones who delights and follows God's commands.  They are like a well planted tree, which bear fruits in season.  The wicked are like chaff, they will not stand judgment and ultimately leads to destruction.  I desire to be a fruitful and productive person.  I see bearing fruit as transformation of character to be more and more like Jesus Christ.  I bear fruit as I partner with God in serving brothers and sisters to love God more deeply and leading more disciples for God's glory.

John 6:1-15 is the account of Jesus feeding the five thousand.  I lost track of how many times I came to this passage.  I am touched every time I read this account.  Jesus Christ is the supplier of human need.  Christ gives all that I need.  I can trust Him fully for all my needs.

Devo June 26

John 1:9-13

The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.  He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.  He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

What's being said?
Jesus Christ is the true light.  The world did not recognize and receive him.  For those who received and believed in Jesus Christ, God gave the right to become children of God.

How is this related to me?
Jesus Christ is the true light.  When I was young, I did not recognize and receive him.  When I received and believed in Jesus Christ, God gave me the right to become a son of God.

How to apply this today?
I am thankful for my identity as God's beloved son.  Out of this identity, I am accepted and loved by God regardless of my abilities and performances.  Because of the acceptance and love from God, my attitudes and values become different than how I was when I was lost in this world.

Devo June 20 John 5:31-47, Revelation 17:1-14

John 5:31-47
What's being said? Jesus was challenging the religious leaders that they look forward to praises from people and not from God.  The religious leaders do not believe in Jesus Christ, yet they claim that they believe in Moses and being the chosen people of God.

How do I related to what's being said?
Jesus said "You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life.  These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life."  I study and read God's Words very often.  Do I fall into the trap of the religious leaders thinking just by reading and knowing more will allow me to have a blessed life?  It is when I read and took God's Words to my heart.  God's Words is alive when I live it out as a response to love for Jesus.

How to apply that today?
Later, I would have some time for worship practice with my friends.  I would like to share this insight and encourage each other to worship God in spirit and in truth.  I would like my brothers and sisters to keep me accountable to listening and obeying God's Words.


1One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come,
I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters.
2With her the kings of the earth committed adultery and the inhabitants of the
earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.”
3Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a desert. There I saw a woman
sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had
seven heads and ten horns. 4The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and
was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her
hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. 5This title was
written on her forehead: Mystery, Babylon the Great, The Mother of Prostitutes,
and of the Abominations of the Earth. 6I saw that the woman was drunk with the
blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. When I saw
her, I was greatly astonished.… …
12”The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom,
but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. 13They
have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. 14They
will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he
is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and
faithful followers.”

Meditation
1. The judgment scene comes to an end with the portrayal of the Great
Prostitute. Although Prostitute is a sexual image, here it is about spiritual
infidelity. This figure embodies those people and institutions that, across the
ages, have betrayed the living God and sold themselves to Satan’s forces,
doing their bidding in order to enjoy privilege and riches.
2. In fact, we, too, also quickly follow other gods. We are so easily seduced into
idolatry of one kind or the other. What are some the temptations that would
draw Christians from God?
3. Think: What are the temptations that I face today? What can help me to
remain faithful to the very end to “FINISH WELL”? Sit quietly before the Lord
and pray for His protection and empowerment.

Devo June 19: John 5:16-30, Revelation 16:1-9

John 5:16-30
What's being said?  The Jews persecuted Jesus for healing the disabled man on Sabbath.  Jesus claimed that he was doing what God had sent him to do.  He said that whoever hears his word and believes God who sent Jesus has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.

How is this related to me? The religious and social elites persecute Christians for channelling healing to broken people.  I as a follower of Jesus Christ is to follow what Jesus Christ has done.  I am hearing Jesus' Words and believes God who sent Jesus and have eternal life.

How to apply this TODAY?  God is telling me to bring channel healing by witnessing for God.  There are oppositions to the work of God.  I am going to pray and go to where God ask me to bring His words of comfort and encouragement to whom he asked.


Revelation 16:1-9
1Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go,
pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth.” 2The first angel went
and poured out his bowl on the land, and ugly and painful sores broke out on the
people who had the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. 3The second
angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it turned into blood like that of a dead
man, and every living thin,g in the sea died. 4The third angel poured out his bowl
on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. 5Then I heard the
angel in charge of the waters say: “You are just in these judgments, you who are
and who were, the Holy One, because you have so judged; 6for they have shed
the blood of your saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink
as they deserve.” 7And I heard the altar respond: “Yes, Lord God Almighty, true
and just are your judgments.” 8The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun,
and the sun was given power to scorch people with fire. 9They were seared by
the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these
plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.

Meditation
1. In this scene, the seven angels leave heaven to pour out their bowls
filled with God’s wrath. The seven bowls, similar to the seven trumpets,
are reminiscent of the judgments plagues in Egypt. This reinforces John’s
emphasis on worship because the ten plagues on the Egyptians not because
they were extraordinarily evil but for their determination to prevent Israel
from worshipping God.
2. It has been said, “The greatest evil that people of faith face from the outside
is the obstruction of worship. The greatest evil that they face from the
inside is the subversion of worship.” Can I identify some these forces in our
contemporary society? How should the church counteract these external
and internal forces?
3. Have I noticed such forces in me - either hindering my worship of God or
corrupt my sense of significance of worship? Have I ever hindered others
from worshipping God by my behaviours or attitudes? How do I need to
repent, and claim victory in Christ?