A Devotional Life

Joshua 1:1-9. After years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites are finally able to enter the promised land. But before that, they must wage battles against their enemies. It was to this end God called Joshua as a leader. He was going to fight Jericho, Ai, ... and lead a journey of so many battles, but this time it wasn't going to be with Moses, which he was accustomed to (as in Exodus 17:8-16). So how does he proceed? What's the plan? In the passage, God lays out a strategy for Joshua. God reminded Joshua that: He would need the Word as a constant reminder of God's promises and faithfulness. (v8)  He was to go through the battles by being confident (strong and courageous) in the fact that God is always with him. (v9) Like Joshua, sometimes we have seasons of (so many) battles: a health battle, a career struggle, a relationship tension, something too personal. In these times, God encourages us to come to Him in prayer and confidence in His Presence ...

2 Corinthians 5:17-20. Let's take a trip down memory lane. Can you remember when you came to faith in Jesus? Could you replay the words you heard? What was the setup? A phone call, a coffee chat, a pub catch up, a sermon, a prayer meeting, a road trip. How was it delivered? Gently, loudly, passionately, nicely, annoyingly. Would you have preferred it any other way? Are you grateful for that moment? As those reconciled to God, we are called to share that wonderful message of salvation (that Jesus died and rose again to reconcile man to God) and witness to His wonderful works in our lives. Psalm 96:1-3. What would it look like to create a similar moment for a family member, friend, neighbour or colleague who is not yet saved? Who does God bring to mind? Thank You Father for the opportunities to share the gospel. Help us to know that You are always with us to the very end of the age. God bless you exceedingly, Sam.

Luke 10:38-42. Have you ever had one of those busy and exhausting days where, in the end, you didn't do the main thing(s) you had set out to do? Distractions are inevitable, aren't they? In the passage in Luke 10, Jesus deals with the issue of distractions. How does Jesus see distractions? As things that could quickly spiral into sin if not dealt with (v40-42). Martha starts off being distracted (v40), then got worried and upset (v41) and lost sight of the "one thing" needed (v42). From distractions to worries to idolatry - a dangerous spiral. And this shows how distractions and the things we worry about can often become the centre of our lives. But good news! Jesus offers a solution to distractions and worries. His Presence (the one thing, v42). In response to Martha, Jesus points to Mary's choice - which was to draw close to Him, "listening to what He says" (v39,42). We can always come to Jesus and find peace and rest (Matthew 11:28)...

Acts 3:1-8. Have you ever prayed in a prayer meeting and wondered to yourself what people thought of your prayer? - Why were their eyes still closed? Was it too short? Did it make sense? It didn't make sense... I can't even remember what I said. I must be terrible at this thing. (You can tell I've lived this, haha) Acts 3 is the first miracle of healing in the Early Church, an event where a man who was lame from birth began to walk (v2,8) I am often encouraged by the passage mainly because of the emphasis on the simplicity of the event (from the disciples' lense): It happened to be that Peter and John had no money - an awkward situation. (v3,6) It happened during their everyday life - at 3 pm on their way to (not from) prayer - it wasn't planned. (v1) It seemed to me Peter's prayer was ... errmm ... too short (v6, In Jesus name, walk). In an earlier chapter in Acts 2:17-21, Peter had shared how God's promise of the Holy Spirit is now fu...

Proverbs 3:3-6. The passage gives some amazing blessings of doing good and trusting God (or as Psalm 37:3 puts it: trust God and do good). • Favour and a good name before God and man. v4. • A straight path. v6. (No matter the events of life, God can work out a good straight path as we trust Him. Romans 8:28) 3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.   4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.   5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;   6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. I think trusting God is a discipline. Sometimes, it's easier to trust than other times. But it's a good discipline to lean not on self but to lean on God completely. Does that mean doing nothing? No. It means submitting (v6) to Him (talking and listening to Him) as we do the good we can. W...

Colossians 3:15. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. The Peace of Christ: It's a ruling peace. Jesus (the Prince of Peace) lives in us and He has overcome everything that robs us of peace - like fear, anxiety. So we can always ask Him for His peace. [Matthew 7:7] It's the call of the body of Christ. As members of Christ's body (the Church), we are called to live in peace - as instruments of peace. So, not just God's peace in us, but God's peace through us. We need Christ's peace in and through us because a peaceful heart flows thanksgiving (worship to God) and service (admonishing one another) [Col 3:15-16, Philippians 4:6]. And importantly, a heart of peace gives life to the body. [Proverbs 14:30] “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” [2 Thessalonians 3:16] Amen. God bless you excee...

Matthew 20:20-28. Question: Would you want your mum to visit your workplace? And if yes, would you be happy for her to meet your boss? Thoughts that come to mind: Would she mention that weird childhood habit I had?... Or would she tell my boss off for my workloads and demand a salary raise on my behalf? Getting close to the end of Jesus' earthly ministry, a mum visited her sons' workplace and had a word with the boss, as seen in the passage. She unhesitantly requested (in paraphrase, v21): I want my two sons to be next to you in command. (James and John Zebedee must be proud that mum kicked off a favourable conversation.) But Jesus, being the true servant boss, did not say "put in the hours, meet the KPIs, put yourself out there - people gotta see what you're doing, and gradually you climb the ladder and eventually you become everyone's boss." Rather, Jesus also unhesitantly responded (shortened, v25-28): don't lord it over people, the way to ...