Nehemiah 9:2

And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. 

Today's Thought: Before confession, there should be a complete separation.


Reverend J.C. Ryle talked much about separation. He preached:

No doubt you have had many a battle, and made many a false step. You have sometimes felt ready to faint, and been half disposed to go
back to Egypt. But your Master has never entirely left you, and He will never suffer you to be tempted above that you are able to bear. Then
persevere steadily in your separation from the world, and never be ashamed of standing alone. Settle it firmly in your mind that the most
decided Christians are always the happiest, and remember that no one ever said at the end of his course that he had been too holy, and
lived too near to God.

Confession is a vital element in forgiveness. There should be an acknowledgement of sins through confession for forgiveness to be effectual. Otherwise, forgiveness is a ready but rejected gift. Without separation, it is impossible to have a 180-degree turn away from sin making the confession process bogus, a sham, and a show.

If a gambler wants to confess his sins, he should stop associating with other gamblers. If a drunkard wants to stop drinking, he needs to stay away from bars. If we want to show the seriousness of our confession, let us begin with separation.

Habakkuk 3:18

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 

Today's Thought: As much as you know the Lord, you should rejoice always.

There was a fellow who was about to jump from a bridge. An alert police officer slowly and methodically moved toward him, talking with him all the time. When the officer got within inches of the man he said, “Surely nothing could be bad enough for you to take your life. Tell me about it. Talk to me.” The would-be jumper told how his wife had left him, how his business had gone bankrupt, and how his friends had deserted him. Everything in life had lost meaning. For thirty minutes he told the sad story—then they both jumped. (-Anonymous)

Sometimes life will overwhelm you with troubles and sufferings. Habakkuk fully understood the meaning of trusting the Lord and not being defeated by despair. The entire book was a song of praise and trust to the Lord. In the preceding verse, Habakkuk mentions that even if the fig tree does not blossom, the vines do not bear fruit, the olives do not anything or the field does not produce any food, the Lord is worthy to be praised.

You can only rejoice in the Lord always amidst of all these troubles when you are fully grounded in Him. If you do not know who the Lord is in your life in an intimate manner, you also don't know His majestic power. And by and by, despair will engulf your life and you cannot find meaning on why you should rejoice.

Psalm 44:20-21

If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; 

Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.

Today's Thought: God searches the heart when we forget the name of our God.


The story of the nation of Israel is filled with running away from God, worshiping other strange gods, and forgetting the goodness of the Lord. But it is also a story of the grace of God, of His everlasting love, and relentless pursuit of His chosen people.

Often times, backsliding away from God starts with the simple slipping away from the intangible and invisible aspects our Christian life especially prayer and communing with God. Then it progresses with the decline in interest of the Word of God, and even the fellowship with the brethren. The end of it is forgetting the name of our God and worshiping strange gods.

But let us not forget that God searches the heart. He knoweth the hearts of man. It is impossible to get away with God or even completely erase Him from memory because God searches and reins the heart of man.

Psalm 60:11

Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. 

Today's Thought: Only the Lord Jesus Christ is trustworthy to help us.


The story of George Muller always fascinates Christians. He was a man of prayer, who always depended God for the provision and direction of the ministry God entrusted him. Muller emphasized the importance of presenting needs to the Lord instead to men. In asking others for prayers, he would usually tell them of the need without presenting the amount or the specific volume of needs.

Often times, if we are bombarded with troubles at all sides, we would put God the last option. As if God is the "court of last resort". But Psalm 60:11 reminds us today that while men can help us in times of trouble in the limited capacity they could, it is only the Lord who can provide us with an all-proof help in times of trouble.

Let us always endeavor to seek God and ask for His guidance on everything that we do as He is our very present help in the times of need.

Daniel 9:18

O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do no present our supplications before thee for our righteousness, but for thy great mercies. 

Today's Thought: We pray not because of our own's sake, but because of God's nature.


Peter, as typical as he was, asked Jesus for him to walk on water like Jesus did. Just few steps away from the boat, Peter started sinking. But thank you for Jesus and Peter was saved.

Commonly, we would think that the call or prayer of Peter saved him from sinking. Others would even attribute the saving to the 'returning' faith of Peter. But only few would think that Peter was saved from sinking because of Jesus. The nature of God, His compassion and His mercy saves Peter and not his own self.

Daniel knew well about prayer. For certain, the credentials of Daniel would be easily equated with answered prayers. Yet, Daniel acknowledged in his prayer that it was not his righteousness, but for the great mercies of God that his prayers were answered.

Let us remember this as we present our supplications unto God. It is not because of us, but because of God's nature - His unfailing compassion and mercy.

Romans 6:17

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 

Today's Thought: The life tells the doctrine that shaped it.



John MacArthur wrote: "Nothing is more wicked than for someone to claim to speak for God to the salvation of souls when in reality he speaks for Satan to the damnation of souls." Indeed, those who teach erroneous doctrines are evil men who deceive others and lead them to the horrors of hell.

It is often said that if you want to know the doctrines of a congregation, all you need to do is examine the lives of its members. When a church follows an unadulterated pattern of teaching, the lives of people are also unadulterated, but the opposite is also true.

In this latter days, let us be aware of false doctrines that do not have the intention of making a person understand the saving grace of Jesus Christ, but deceive men to believe in the necessity of works, or in worshiping angels, or in glorifying woods and stones.

1 Peter 5:5–7

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Today's Thought: God will surely take care of you so you need not worry.

The hymn God Will Take Care of You has a very wonderful story. W. Stillman Martin was a Baptist evangelist and was invited to preach at a distant church. However, that Sunday his wife got stick and he considered not to proceed with the schedule for him to take care of his wife. Then their young son said: Father, don't you think that if God wants you to preach today, He will take care of Mother while you are away?

Evangelist Martin went to with his speaking engagement and that afternoon his wife Civilla wrote a poem praising the Lord for taking care of His children. Upon returning home, Martin sat down at the organ and worked out a music for the poem his wife had written. Until today, we are still singing the wonderful song of assurance and trust on God's greatness.

There are times that our pity just remains in our lips. We are unable to do anything to show that we want to help. But it is not the case with the Lord. He has all the resources to meet what we need. Let us learn to trust Him more and more for He will always take care of us.

2 Peter 1:3-4

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Today's Thought: God's Word never fails in giving us the direction we should take.

Before GPS was introduced into our cars and phones, it was easy to see travelers on the side of the road with a large map on hand and tying to locate their path. Now, with the GPS system, it is not easy to make turns at right timing, but the GPS also provides a better way to navigate through and reach destinations in less time.

The Bible is more than GPS. It does not just provide us with the right and left turns to make, but it also provides us the direction to take for us to reach the destination of blessing. There are several obstacles and challenges ahead, but the GPS provides a way out through this.

According to Paul in Galatan 5:25 "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Let us allow God to give us the direction of our lives. The Word of God should be the GPS that tells us the right path everytime we fall astray to the left.

Colossians 3:22-24

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Today's Thought: God has an unlimited source, you just need to trust Him.

California has 124 people with net worth more than one billion dollars. The state has the most number of billionaires than any other state. Yet, with the money available in California one cannot expect to have a penny passed to them. Because there is no relation or any kind of connection, one cannot expect to written in their wills and receive inheritance.


But you and I are part of the wealthiest family ever. Even if we put all the wealth of all billionaires together, they would still be just a penny compared to the wealth of our family. We are already heirs to the riches of the Lord. "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."

There is a vast wealth that we can count on. We only need to ask from the Lord for a small portion of his wealth and He is willing to send us what we need. God has not failed in His promises for we are part of His family. We just need to trust His lovingkindness.

Luke 22:45-46

And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

Today's Thought: The people of God should be wide awake and alert all the time.

In colonial America, church services last long hours. Churches had ushers with long sticks to rouse sleepers. Obadiah Turner wrote about Allen Bridges, a church usher who had a fox tail and thorn on his long stick.

On the last Lord’s day, as he strutted about the meetinghouse, he did spy Mr. Tomlins sleeping with much comfort, his head kept steady by being in the corner, and his hand grasping the rail. And so spying, Allen did quickly thrust his staff behind Dame Ballard and give him a grievous prick upon the hand.
“Whereupon Mr. Tomlins did spring up much above the floor and with terrible force strike his hand against the wall; and also to the great wonder of all, profanely exclaim in a loud voice, ‘Curse ye, woodchuck!’ He was dreaming so it seemed that a woodchuck had seized and bit his hand. But on coming to know where he was, and the great scandal he had committed, he seemed much abashed, but did not speak. And I think he will not soon again go to sleep in worship.

People may laugh about those who fall asleep in church. However,there is nothing funny about a Christian who is not alert of the impending threat and the need of others to know the Lord Jesus Christ. We often do not realize the seriousness of the threats and the necessity of spiritual warfare we are into.

1 Corinthians 12:12

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

Today's Thought: Teamwork does the work; it divides the effort and multiplies the result.

Arturo Toscanini conducted for a performance at the Metropolitan Operate House in New York City. He offered some constructive criticism to the young soloist. While she proudly accept the advice, she exclaimed: I am the star of this performance. Toscanini replied: Madame, in this performance there are no stars.

This is also true of the church. Paul's analogy was on-point. He wanted us to understand that we are all members of one body - that of Christ. While we may have different traits and duties, we must do this for the body. This is in recognition that we don't have anything, but can always work together for the furtherance of the work of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We are not stars. God is looking for workers who are willing to be servants. We must be part of that team who works for Christ.

Romans 8:35-37
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Today's Thought: Rejoice in the love of God for it is eternal.

J.C. Penney is a popular store in the United States today, but during the Great Depression J.C. Penney, the man himself, had to endure the pressure of seeing the financial status of his businesses plummet. He had been hospitalized and there seemed to be no avail. He wrote a farewell letter saying: I was broken nervously and physically, filled with despair, unable to see even a ray of hope. I had nothing to live for. I felt I hadn’t a friend left in the world.

By next morning, Penney heard a song from the hospital chapel: God will take care of you. He listened to the song and the preaching. It changed his mind and everything he was. He later wrote: Suddenly something happened. I can’t explain it. I can only call it a miracle. I felt as if I had been instantly lifted out of the darkness of a dungeon into warm, brilliant sunlight. Penney got the hope and love he needed from the Lord Jesus Christ.

God loves us dearly and He wants to enjoy the life He has given us. We just need to look at things through the eyes which He sees all these. He never abandons or forsakes us. We can rest on His love and grace.

Psalm 121:1-2

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

Today's Thought: Focus on Christ and you will see the right spiritual light.

There was a woman who had difficulty with her eyes. She went to the doctor for an examination. The doctor told her that her eyes are just tired. The doctor told her to look outsider her windows for about 10 to 20 minutes and it will rest her eyes.

If we keep on focusing on our problems, we will be tired. The eyes of the soul are tired beause we focus on our problems and difficulties. What we need is to lift our eyes to the lord, to look upward and will have a new strength from the Lord.

When we pray and read the Word of God, the Lord will put our problems in His perspective and He will renew our strength that we may be able to make the most out our lives. Just lift up your eyes.

John 1:1–5

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not

Today's Thought: The world is getting darker and we must remain the light of the same.

The relevance of the lighthouse is emphasized by the darkness around if. While we can barely give notice to the importance of the lighthouse when we are near, those who travel across the sea before the dawn of radar and advanced navigation can see the lighthouse miles away.

We live in a society that is getting darker each day. John says: And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. Light reveals the acts and lives of men as they live. The challenge is how can we keep our light burning amidst this evil world.

We are light not for us to be famous. We are lights of the world for others not to perish. Let us keep our lights burning as we continue to give God the glory of our lives.

Matthew 15:11

What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.

Today's Thought: Let us live our doctrine - this is real Christianity. On June 22, 2002, a young pitching star for the St. Louis Cardinals was found dead in his hotel room. He was young, athletic and in good health. But the autopsy report says otherwise. There was a 90 percent blockage in two of his coronary arteries, blood clot in one of them, and enlarged heart. His appearance did not show any health issues.

Jesus told the Pharisees the condition of being spiritually blinded because they thought they were right with God. The kingdom of Christ is not manifested in the appearance alone, but in the heart. It is an inside-out job and not an outside-in process. Jesus talked about how people honor Him with their lips, but their heart was far from Him.

It is impossible to determine spiritual health through the looks. It is only judged through the way a person lives. Let us allow God to search our hearts and lead us in His way again.

Luke 21:29-31

And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.

Today's Thought: The return of Christ should affect the way we live our lives.

Interest of people on the return of Christ changed over time, maybe as a result of several people trying to predict the same. The "88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988" sold million of copies, but the follow up "88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1989" did not.

The fig trees were the last to bud in the late spring. This indicates that if leaves are appearing, summer is close. Fig trees were stable of the Jewish economy and many people depended on the same.

While this does not mean that the fig tree is the timeline for the return of Christ, but it says that as surely as the fig tree buds and summer is come, so does Christ. His return may tarry, but it shall surely come.

Matthew 1:20-21

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Today's Thought: The birth of Christ is enough to absolve the suffering people face in this world, and His death is enough to absolve the suffering people may face in hell.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow penned:
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

It was the dawn of December 1863 that Longfellow was overcame with too much sadness. His wife died in a tragic fire in 1861; his son joined the Union Army and was injured. But while he heard the church bells ringing, he realized the greatness of God in the birth of Jesus Christ.

The birth of Christ is the source of hope for a troubled world. He is a Saviour and not just an example. Only Christ can meet the greatest need of people - the forgiveness of their sins.

2 Corinthians 13:11-14

Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. Greet one another with an holy kiss. All the saints salute you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen

Today's Thought: Dedicated and unity are keys to successful Christian life.

Sports organization have a simple rule - to win. It is important for professional athletes to have the support that they need for them to win. Coaches, trainers and staff must have the same goal of winning. With the massive organization, dedication and unity of all people is difficult but achievable.

Divisions are hindrances to what God's people could achieve. While we must stand on our convictions and on doctrinal standards, but we must be the one looking for divisions. Paul asked us to of the same mind with him as he is with Christ. Whie there are several opinions and ideas abounding within, the primacy of Christ must be first of all.

The early church was in one accord in one place. This is the aspiration that we should have. While it is impossible to be in unison and uniform, let us endeavor to be united.

Philippians 3:8

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.

Today's Thought: Everything else is worthless when compared to the greatness of Christ.

Perhaps the greatest denial of self, next to Christ, was Paul. Though he was a lawyer, he took no offense in abasing himself for him to exalt the greatness of Christ. Paul knew that all he'd learned before were nothing compared to the knowledge of Christ.

We see the our will and our heart are everything. True religion is only the religion of the heart "for out of it are the issues of life." Only the spirit of prayer, or the longing desire of the heart after Christ, God and heaven, breaks our bondage and lifts us out of the thoughts of this present world.

We must learn to forget our selves, to be nothing like John the Baptist. We should make prayer our life, our state, the principle of our lives.

Luke 2:49

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

Today's Thought: The sense of purpose of a person is what drives him to do something of human meaning and spiritual impact.

George Mallory was one of the best mountain climbers in the world. Together with Andrew Irvine, Mallory were near the summit of the world's highest peak when they were not seen anymore. It was not until 1999 when their remains were located. The story of Mallory is a story of purpose and desire. Even if reaching the summit of Mount Everest would mean death he determined to climb.

It is often said that the greatest pool of talents is the cemetery. There are talents, time and resources in the cemetery left rotten and not ever used. We are left with a choice each day on how we are going to use our talents. Many people spend their time on things that are pleasurable and urgent but are not really important.

Jesus Christ spent His time on earth on things that really matter. Because His focus was to glorify the Father He was also on the job of doing so. Our choices determine what we will be accomplishing - pleasurable, urgent or important.

Romans 5:6

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Today's Thought: The greatness of God's love is demonstrated in the sacrifice of Christ.

In Great Expectations, a book of Charles Dickens, there was a woman named Miss Havisham. She was wealthy and she was courted by a scoundrel who only wanted her money. On their wedding day, he did not show up and sent a message declaring his true intentions. Miss Havisham stopped all clocks in the house. It reminded her of the betrayal and pain. She never moved on from that pain.

But no pain could ever be comparable to the impact of sin on the heart of God. Adam failed the Lord. Sin came into the world and it brought with it death. Yet in that situation, a rescue mission was laid out to bring in the sinful man, to give him the chance to be with the Lord.

It was the perfect demonstration of God's love. If one cannot be convinced of God's goodness, Calvary says it all. God was willing to do everything to reach out and provide sinners with a way out even when they hated Him. It is the greatest gift God has given us and it is the grandest expression of love.

Luke 24:49

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Today's Thought: It is the through the Holy Spirit that we can do something for God.

There was a Welsh preacher who visited the church of Dr. A.J. Gordon. He asked for time alone before the service begins. As the time grew near and the preacher had not yet come out of the room, the maid was sent to see if he was all right. The maid hear the Welsh preacher pray: I will not go unless You go with me.

In reality, we can do something even without the Holy Spirit. However, the question is: Will these somethings accomplishes the glory of God? Will they please the Lord? Yes, there are things we can do without the help of the Holy Spirit, but they are void of the glory of God and the power thereof. It accomplishes the humanity of what we do, but it misses the point - to glorify God.

The disciples waited for the power of the Holy Spirit to come unto them before they began the ministry left to them by our Lord Jesus Christ. We must also ask for the continual filling of the Spirit of God to empower us and please the Lord.

Romans 8:26

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Today's Thought: Pray and trust God for He knows what is best.

In the United Nations, there are several interpreters who work for many representatives and delegates. They are tasked to interpret any speech or deliberation for those who don't speak the English language. When one goes to a foreign country, it is hard for one to understand directions or even the menu. There is always a need for an interpreter.

The Holy Spirit acts as an interpreter. We don't know what we should pray. It is through the help of the Holy Spirit that we are able to tell God what we really need. Prayer is for the glory of the Lord and not for ourselves. We must allow the Holy Spirit to work in our prayers and speak for us as we pray.

The bottom line is our submission to the will of God through our prayers. While we must wrestle in prayer, we must also understand that God knows what answer to give. The Lord knows what's best for He knows what's in our hearts.

1 Corinthians 2:14–16

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Today's Thought: Listen to the Word of God and you will never go astray.

During the 2014 Winter Paralympics, Kelly Gallagher won the gold medal in the Super-G downhill skiing competition. The skiing competition was already a challenge for those who don't have disabilities, but Gallagher went to win the competition despite being blind. A guide skiis in front of her and tells her when to turn and make jumps through a wireless headset.

The Christian life is not a bed of roses. There are several challenges and obstacles to be won. But one cannot see them coming. We have a trustworthy guide of the Holy Spirit who "will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."

The Word of God provides a complete guide as well. We only need to read it and not be surprised by the difficulties ahead of us. The Lord has provided us the Holy Spirit and His Word to guide as through. We must use it everyday.

2 Corinthians 8:2-5

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

Today's Thought: Giving is about the heart so be ready to give your heart.

When Edward Prince of Wales married Princes Alexandria of Denmark in 1863, the wedding was a major event in the entire England. The couple received thousands of gifts and presents. Commenting on the lavishness of gifts received by the couple, Charles Spurgeon said "The position of the Princess is such that we do not view it as any great liberality to subscribe to a diamond necklace, since those who give are honored by her acceptance."

Let us be reminded today that the issue is the motive of our giving. Those who gave to the royal couple found joy when the couple accepted their gifts. There was a sense of being honored and pride that such a Royal Couple of stature could accept gifts from commoners. It is in our giving to the Lord. We must understand what motivate us to give the way the Macedonian did that despite their great poverty they still gave.

The view we have with our resources is the same view we do have with the Lord. We give only to the Lord because we love Him. Otherwise, we won't be giving at all.

Numbers 14:7-9

And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not

Today's Thought: God can solve anything that we bring unto Him; we only need to have faith.

Out of the twelve spies that Moses sent to the Promised Land, ten reported with the details of the difficultiies ahead of then. Only Joshua and Caleb returned with the report on the details of God's power in winning the Promised Land for them. As a result, the people of Israel did not believe and they were also led in the wilderness for the next forty years of their lives.

The difficulties reported by the ten spies were true. They were real. There were giants in the land. The cities were walled. But to the Lord these are nothing. God gave them victory upon victory until they were able to claim the land promised to Abraham by the Lord.

There are difficulties in our lives. They are not imagined, but they are real. Amidst of these, let us be reminded of God's faithfulness as what J. Sidlow Baxter: What is the difference between an obstacle and an opportunity? Our attitude toward it. Every opportunity has a difficulty, and every difficulty has an opportunity.

James 4:3

 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

Today's Thought: Ask wisely and the Lord will answer your prayer.

With the rise of online ordering, people can easily buy things without the need to physically visit the store. However, there are instances when the ordered item does not meet the expectation of the buyer. Some online stores would allow the return of these items with the option of substituting it with a better one.

When we pray to God, we must be tell Him to take our weak prayers and answer them according to His will. We do not see our prayers answered because they are selfish and only focuses on what we want. Instead, let make it a motive of our hearts and trust Him who knows the best to give us.

The Lord is a God of power and might and He will surely send us something far better than what we are asking Him. Let us trust the Lord to give us the best and let us hope that our prayers our answered accordingly. 

Romans 12:18

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Today's Thought: Let us allow God's justice to work and let us live in peace.

In the border of Kentucky and West Virginia lived William Hatfield and Randolph McCoy. They fought over a razorback hog in the 19th century. While both men lived long lives, they also so the death of their loved as they try to take revenge with each other.

Let us remind ourselves that even if we think that the cause of our revenge is right, it will always end up wrong. Only God has the infinitive wisdom and patience to punish evildoers accordingly. He is treading on the winepress of His anger alone and there is no need for help from us.

While we are trained by the world to get even. Paul is telling us not to repay evil with evil. But let us allow God to do justice for vengeance is His.

Luke 24:46

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

Today's Thought: The sacrifice of Jesus is an important ingredient of our salvation.

When one substitutes one thing for the original, it may work. For instannce, when one does not like to use egg in baking, a little applesauce and baking power will still yield the sam result. Whether you travel by plane or by land, one still reaches his destination. There are several things in life that could make use of substitute.

However, when it comes to salvation, there is no substitute. When it comes to redemption, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ do not have any substitute. This is a fundamental part of our faith and there is no substitute to the same as Paul declared: "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures."

There are no alternatives for the atonement of sin and for our reconciliation with God. No man could die for Jesus, nor angels could. It was the unrelentless pursuit of God that led Him to the cross to save us poor sinners. In return, we ought to serve Him with all our hearts, mind and strength.

Luke 21:25–26

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Today's Thought: Trust God and leave fear behind.

Afterthe successful invasion of Sicily, General George Patton was interviewed and was praised fo his courage. But Patton replied: "Sir, I am not a brave man. The truth is, I am an utter craven coward. I have never been within the sound of gunshot or in sight of battle in my whole life that I wasn’t so scared that I had sweat in the palms of my hands." The only thing that matters is that Patton was not controlled by his fears. "I learned very early in my life never to take counsel of my fears."

The Bible is full of promises on not fearing tomorrow or the situation but trusting the Lord. It tells us that there will be troubles and pain ahead, but it will not take away the truth of the victory God has given us. Fear is not from the Lord.

Let us learn to take courage and trust God in everything. If we will be controlled by our fear, we will never see great things done for the Lord.

Philippians 2:5-8

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Today's Thought: Our testimony is one of the most important part of our Christian life.

Raymond Donovan joined the cabinet of President Ronald Reagan as Secretary of Labor. In 1987, Donovan was charged with corruption in relation to a subway construction project. While Donovan and the others were acquitted, Donovan asked: Which office do I go to get my reputation back?

Reputation is defined as: Estimation in which a person or thing is commonly held, whether favorable or not; character in the view of the public, the community, etc. It is not important a reputation for ourselves alone. It is more important to have a good reputation for us not to drag the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Nathan reminded David on how he dragged the name of God to be blasphemed by the enemies of the Lord.

Let us not take pride in our reputation, but let us without reputation if the name of Christ is at stake. Jesus was willing to be looked down and spat on by people for us to have the eternal gift of salvation. Let us endeavor to care not of our name, but the name of Christ. There and then, we will also care for the name of our church and our name.

And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Today's Thought: Do not stop thanking God for least and seemingly bad things happening to you.

Corrie ten Boom was a prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp. These camps were filthy and there were thousands of fleas everywhere. Corrie's sister always reminded Corrie of 1 Thessalonians 5:18: In everything give thanks. But when Corrie realized that the guards did not get near their cells because of the fleas and they could continue to praise and worship the Lord, she realized that, indeed, in everything give thanks.

Sometimes, there are fleas in your life you want out. While they are not big problems and difficulties, but they sure annoy you at most. These little trials are designed by the Lord that we may be able to learn spiritual lessons and help us through when big waves come by.

When we are tempted and tried, let us not complain, but let us learn to give thanks and continue on. It is only through during happy days and beautiful sunrises we give God the glory He deserves, but we also give Him the glory during winter times when everything is gloomy and cold.

Psalm 92:1-2
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High:

To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,

Today's Thought: If you want to praise God when the sun goes down, start praising at each morn.

John Stott was a British preacher who would start his morning with this prayer: "Good morning, heavenly Father. Good morning, Lord Jesus. Good morning, Holy Spirit...Father, I pray that I may live this day in Your presence and please You more and more. Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow You. Holy Spirit, I pray that this day You will fill me with Yourself and cause Your fruit to ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three Persons in one God, have mercy upon me. Amen."

The psalmist declares the need for us to praise God every morning for the lovingkindness that He has shown us. Whatever may happen throughout our day, we will remember that all things are working according to the loving plan of the Lord. With this thought, we will sleep at night knowing that our God is a faithful God who mercies are new every morning.

Our day will only be as good as our prayer. Without prayer, our day becomes miserable and without the leading of the Holy Spirit. Let us learn to start the day with praise unto God and end it with worship to Him.

Ephesians 4:17

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

Today's Thought: We need to understand the meaning of what we do based on the standards of the Lord.

An advertisement in London's Tube to lure city workers to get a vacations says: "Your work is meaningless. And you’ll die having achieved comparatively little. You need a holiday." Many people are truly sick and tired of what they are doing - they need a holiday. A vacation off what they are doing for them to look at these things in an objective manner and see the meaning out of it.

There are so many things that we can do here on earth, but the Lord is asking us to walk and testify His goodness to others. The vanity around us is spiralling and it could easily overwhelm us and make us forget the greatness of the Lord. As we work, let us have the motivation that we are here on this world not to be rich but to share. Our work will become useful and fulfilling only when it enables us to help and give to others

Only when we realize the primacy of God and that our work is God-given that we realize the meaning out of it. That we get out from the tired and sick thinking into the level of thought wherein the Lord reigns supreme.

Luke 21:12-13

But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony.

Today's Thought: The Lord can use anything and anyone to tell the good news of salvation.

During the reign of Bloody Mary, two of her famous victims were Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley. These two men preached the word of God even under the persecution of Mary. They were regarded as heretics and we burned at the stake. Several more died when Mary came to throne of England in her desire to bring back Catholicism in the country.

At the death of Ridley, as a crowd was watching and his body had been burning slowly to prolong the suffering, Latimer called out to cheer up Ridley: Be of good comfort, Mr. Ridley, and play the man! We shall this day light such a candle by God’s grace, in England, as I trust never shall be put out.

Trials present us an opportunity to let others know Jesus Christ. It is an opportunity to show what our faith really means. We must understand that our faith is not just meant for home or church, but it is meant for the community, the hospital, the workplace, and whereever we are. Let it may that whatever trials and persecutions we are going to face, we will be found faithful.

Psalm 112:1

Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

Today's Thought: The true greatness of a man is in the fear of the Lord.

Alexander III of Macedon was called as Alexander the Great for creating one of the largest empires of the ancient world at the age of 30 spanning from Greece to India. He was considered one of the best military generals of all time. Is that all that made him "Great"?

Psalm 112 declares the blessed man as the person who has the favor and approval of the Lord. He is a man who fears the Lord. He also finds delight in the commandments and Word of the Lord. He is also compassionate and gracious. He is also a generous man. He also trusts continually in the will of God. And he is always secure in the presence of the Lord. These are the things that make a man great.

Let us pray that we may all live in accordance to the will and approval of God. It is only through godliness that our true greatness is revealed. When we do, others will see and they will praise the Lord.

Luke 22:24-26

And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

Today's Thought: Pride is the root of all conflict within and without the church.

Benjamin Franklin said: There is perhaps no one of our natural passions so hard to subdue as pride. Beat it down, stifle it, mortify it as much as one pleases, it is still alive. Even if I could conceive that I had completely overcome it, I should probably be proud of my humility. At the root of every conflict and every chaos is the desire to have preeminence and have their own way. It is hard to fight against pride because it appeals to us.

On the night before the crucifixion, Jesus had to deal with the pride of the disciples. They were arguing on which of them should have the preeminent role in Heaven. While Jesus was talking about Heaven and the sacrifice He was going to make for the world, they were all filled with price and conflcit erupted. We must be reminded on how easy pride could creep in even when Jesus is around.

Pride is something we are too proud to accept. We must learn to humble ourselves to the will of God and for us to learn how to behave with others. When our focus is Jesus, we become humble and our minds are conformed to Him, but if we focus on ourselves and others, we find it easy to fall into the trap of pride.

Jeremiah 18:4

And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Today's Thought: Surrender your will to God and you will have peace.

Adelaide Pollard was a missionary going to Africa, but she was not able to go because she did not have enough financial support. In a prayer meeting that night, while she was sad because of the situation, an old woman prayed: "It is all right, Lord. Just have your own way with us." This reminded Adelaide to surrender her will to God.

That night as she read Jeremiah 18, she was reminded of the Lord being the Potter who knows what's best to be done. She wrote a poem that night: hou art the Potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy will, while I am waiting, yielded and still. In the Lord's timing, Adelaide was allowed to go to Africa and minister there.

We don't know what's best for us, only the Lord does. Let us learn to say "have your own way, Lord." Let us yield our lives to the Potter for He knows how to mold us the way He wants to use us for His honor and glory. In surrender, there is peace and joy as we wait for the will of God to unfold in our lives.

John 1:10–13

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Gauis Octavius Thurinus was born into a wealthy Roman family, but his father died when he was only four years old. Octavius showed leadership ability when he guided shipwreck survivors out of enemy territory to the Roman army where his great uncle Julius Caesar was commander. When Julius Caesar became leader of the Romans, he was adopted. Octavius later became Caesar Augustus through the adoption of his uncle.

Each person who entered into this world is born of sin. Jesus spoke clearly when he said: "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."

When Jesus was born, He was not just born in the manger, but the rescue mission of the Lord came into fruition. Since the beginning the rescue plan of the Lord was laid out and the birth of Jesus made the plan a reality. It was not because the world deserves rescuing and a soul deserves heaven, but because of the outstanding grace of God beyond compare.

Luke 22:35-36

And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

A young woman brought her fiancee to meet her parents. After dinner, her father asked the young man into his study for a chat. “So, what are your plans?” he began. “I’m a theology scholar,” the young man replied. “Admirable!” the father said, “But what will you do to provide a nice home for my daughter?” “I will study and God will provide,” he explained. “And how will you afford to raise children?” “God will provide.” The men left the study and the mother asked her husband, “How did it go?” “He has no money or employment plans,” the father said. “But on the other hand, he thinks I’m God.”

What the father failed to acknowledge is that the Lord of the young man is a God of provision. When Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac, he took him to Mount Moriah without any complaint. Abraham did not hesitate to obey God in his circumstance. He knew that the Lord is a God who provides for whatever need there was.

We are not like the atheist who does not have any means of support. When we trust God, we are not being foolish, but we are being faithful with our side of the agreement. He has promised it and we accepted the promise. We must be faithful to our obligation of trusting the Lord and the Lord, for sure, is faithful to fulfill His promise of provision. It is not our job to provide, but it is the Lord's. Our responsibility is to believe.

Psalm 118:23

This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

Today's Thought: There is no single flaw in the plan of the Lord for our lives.

On November 17, 1558, Queen Mary died and Princess Elizabeth became the queen. Upon learning the news of her accession at Hatfield House, while under the old oak tree, the famous response of the now Queen Elizabeth I was "A Domino factum est illud et est mirabile in oculis nostris." This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

Faith is believing in the will of God in our lives and trusting in the goodness of His heart. If we have trusted the Lord our soul, why can't we trust Him with our dear life? If He has given us His Son Jesus Christ for our salvation, will He not be good of His plan for us? Paul says no. But what we need to do is wait for the unfolding of the Lord's perfect will in our lives.

We must not be weary in well-doing for our Lord knows our labor. It is better for us to surrender our will to the Lord and let Him captain our ship before we sink into the miry clay of sin and despair. It is about time we truly surrender everything to the Lord, even our lives - and not just our souls.

Luke 22:10-12

And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.

Today's Thought: The Lord is trustworthy in every situation we may be in.

Dr. John Rice had an amazing story of his decision to go to Bible college. After praying for the Lord to meet the need, Dr. Rice went to a local bank to ask for a loan for the semester as he would be getting a part time job to pay it back. The banker did not ask for anything but immediately approved the loan to the consternation of a man standing by. The banker said John had helped in before and he was returning the favor.

We should be reminded that even before you ask of the Lord, He already knows what you need. He is a God who knows everything, lest you forget. We may not understand the plan He has in store for the future, but we know that God is able to see every detail of the purpose He wants to accomplish in our lives.

God is always good and He always provides. David acknowledges this in Psalm 9:10 "And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee." There is nothing impossible and hard for the Lord to do.

Jeremiah 29:5-7

Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

Today's Thought: Let us be productive today for we know we shall be in heaven soon.

Paul was a citizen of the Roman Empire but he always remember that his "conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." We must give utmost attention to matters of eternity than the present we have. We are children of God and that should be our priority.

However, we also live in this world. God told Jeremiah to send instructions to the Israelites living in captivity in Babylon that while they were there, they should build homes and plant gardens. Babylon was not God’s ultimate plan for His people. One day He would touch the heart of Cyrus to send the captives back to Israel. But that was in the future, and in the meantime, God wanted them to be good and productive people who made the place where they were living better by being there.

The same principle applies for us. The fact that we are God’s people should not just change how we live on Sundays, but every day. We need to be shining lights and examples of God’s goodness. George Washington wrote, “We are persuaded that good Christians will always be good citizens, and that where righteousness prevails among individuals, the Nation will be great and happy.”

Luke 22:27

For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

Today's Thought: To be like Christ, we must be willing to serve others and their needs in humility and all sincerity of the heart.

When London was under siege and invasion of Germany was imminent, the British military asked mine workers to support the war effort. Prime Minister Winston Churchill met with mine leaders for them to work diligently to meet the needed coal requirement to run the navy and other factories. Churchill described the parade at the Piccadilly Circus after the war. After the soldiers and the airmen, mine workers would follow. If asked what they had done during the war, all they need to answer was: We were deep in the earth with our faces to the coal.

The service to the Lord is not about glory and honor. It is about the majesty and praise of the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is the Lord who sees the faithfulness of each person under his Royal Banner. Our service to the Lord should be done with all humility of the heart and sincerity of the spirit for we know that our Lord does not forget our labor of love.

The example of Christ in the Upper Room when He washed the feet of the disciples should always remind us on what kind of service we must do. Too many Christians are not willing to do the dirty work for the Christian cause to set aflame. But if we have the mindset of mine workers, with our faces on dirt, we must press on for we are going to win the war.

Psalm 27:4

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.

Today's Thought: The kind of worship you have determines the kind of person you are.

Going to church on Sunday is not a popular one. Why bother to take your much needed rest and spend three hours listening to the Word of God in the morning and at night? It would have been better to lounge around talking with the family or have dinner with friends. Instead of resting, going to church is a big trouble. This is what others would say about going to church.

But we should be reminded that we all need worship because we are human beings created by the Lord. We are not created for work, but we are create to worship the Lord, to develop communion and relationship with Him.

William Temple is often quoted by Ravi Zacharias on how he described worship. He said that worship quickened the conscience by the holiness of God, the mind is fed by the truth of God, the imagination is purged by the beauty of God, the heart is opened to the love of God, and the will of devoted to the purpose of God. This is what happens when we decide to go to Church and lift our hearts to the Lord.

Matthew 1:23

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Today's Thought: Jesus is the only solution to the loneliness and brokenness of man.

Ruth Graham, daughter of evangelist Billy Graham, recalled her bouts against loneliness, depression and the feeling of broken heart in the book In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart. It was an honest reflection on what had happened to her life, the sense of being lost in the fast flow of life having been married young, divorced, becoming a grandmother as her teenage daughter got pregnant, and all.

While we desire to become a blessing to others who are lonely, we should remember that we can't be with them all the time. We can't even fully realize the pain they are going through. We will never be enough to fill the large vacuum of pain in their hearts. More than that, we also have our pain within us that makes us reserved in feeling theirs. Only God can meet their needs during these lonely days.

One day Dr. G. Campbell Morgan visited an old woman who lived alone. Before he left, he read: I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Dr. Morgan commented that it was a great promise. But the old lady said: No, it is not a promise. It's reality.

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Today's Thought: We should not give up in the middle of struggles for we know the reward is at the end of it.

Winston Churchill was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom when Hitler mounted his attack during World War II. Churchill spoke to Londoners and encouraged them: Never give up! Never, never, never give up!

John White writes: It is the man or woman who gets up and fights again that is the true warrior . . . . Strengthen yourself with a powerful draught of the wine of Romans 8:1-4. Then get back into the fight before your muscles get stiff!

Endurance is importance in the task of obedience amidst ups and downs, losses and victories. It is trying again to fight sin. It is trying again to stand up. It is trying again to do something for the Lord. We must fight and try, fight again and try again. Let us not give up for we know God is working in us to accomplish His purpose.