"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." -2 Corinthians 13:14

Through God's love, Jesus was sacrificed, and his grace became true. Therefore, we can know and believe what God has promised us will be. Jesus has promised the Spirit will be with us. We live in this period where his love, grace, and presence, is with us always.

Embrace the triune God and their gifts of grace, love, and fellowship.

"And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." -2 Corinthians 5:15

It amazes me that Jesus died for everyone, not just his family or close friends. Sometimes we ask ourselves, "who is one person I could die for?" When in reality as followers of Jesus, it should be, "who wouldn't I die for?"

In what way am I living for Jesus today?

"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God." -2 Corinthians 1:20

Every promise made by God has been fulfilled by Jesus Christ. We are privileged to read this through the writing of faithful witnesses. We can trust God and have faith in him that he will continue to fulfill the promises for our future.

Today, I carry in me every single "Yes" God has fulfilled in Christ.

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." -1 Corinthians 15:57

What is done cannot be undone. Jesus has already sacrificed his life for us all. Death is already defeated. If we choose to believe in him, then we will have life.

My victory and success in life is based on the redemptive work through Jesus.

"There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men." -1 Corinthians 12:6

No matter what I do, or where I work, it is God who is working through me. It's easy to make comparisons and think someone else is doing more work for God, or God is using them more. But that is far from the truth. He has created me uniquely for the purpose set before me.

God has given me specific gifts, ministries, and work,
right where I am, for him to shine through.

"For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved." -1 Corinthians 10:33b

I'm sure many of us would want to do things for our own ease, comfort, and satisfaction. The truth is when we do this, we don't consider how our actions will impact others, or how they will view the gospel. As followers, we ought to sacrifice ourselves, like Jesus so that others may be saved.

Before every step, consider what I can do to point people to the gospel.

"But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit." -1 Corinthians 6:17

From God's perspective, why would he redeem us only for us to continue indulging in sin? How would he feel? The satisfaction and wholeness that God offers is beyond anyone or anything else.

We cannot and should not be united to both God and something else.

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." -1 Corinthians 1:18

There are definitely times I roller coaster between 'foolishness' and the 'power of God'. Seasons when I am boldly witnessing for God, followed by questioning the truth of the gospel. In reality, what is there to lose when I am saved by God and his power?

The choice is mine, how will I receive the message of the cross?

"One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: 'Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." -Acts 18:9-10

When we face upfront opposition, it's natural to want to leave. We want to be accepted and see our work come to fruition. It takes courage to trust and tremendous obedience to stay put, but this is exactly what God has called us to do.

Do not be silent;
speak truth and life in the city God has placed you.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Three aspects of life I want to flourish in. Not only is this the way I want to live, it's also what God wants me to do. He will help me to achieve his will; these things will flow more naturally.

No matter what the circumstance is,
choosing joy, prayer, and gratitude will carry me through.

"And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else." -Acts 17:25

Too often we forget who's our boss and who gave us everything. We foolishly make transactions with God: God, if you _____, then I will _____. But it's not like that, because God doesn't need anything from me. He already has it all.

I don't have to serve God,
but it is my honour to get to serve him.

"Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.'" -Galatians 4:6

I am no longer a wannabe. I am a child of God, by name and by Spirit. I have every right and reason to call God my "Daddy", just like Jesus did. Through Jesus I now have direct access and communication to God.

I no longer need to whisper "Daddy",
I can call out to him because he is truly my Father.

"So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified." -Galatians 2:16b

Freedom. That is the feeling when you realise the work of Jesus Christ. That is the reality when you experience his grace. That is the hope you get to walk in every day when you no longer try to be justified.

I am justified through faith in Christ alone.

"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them." -Acts 16:25

A lot of things don't seem to make sense. Why were Paul and Silas awake at midnight, but also praying and singing? And why were other prisoners listening to them? God can use any and every moment for people to know the power of his name.

No matter where I am, what time of day it is, and who I am with,
pray and worship God.

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." -James 3:13

True wisdom is merely intellectual. It stems from the love of God and a heart for others, which is demonstrated accordingly. Others can tell from our lives whether we live by the wisdom from God or from this world.

Lead by the wisdom that is saturated with God.

"Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses." -Acts 13:38-39

I often fail to live up to my own expectations, let alone God's. I feel guilty because no matter how much I try to cover up my past, it still lingers. Nothing works. No ritual, degree of piety, or even sacrifice, can make me a 'good' person.

All these things I cannot do for myself are achieved through Jesus.

"So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him." -Acts 12:5

A beautiful picture of a community of believers wrapping their support around Peter as they petitioned to God. We can't always control what is happening to us or those around us. We want a breakthrough. And God is the only one who can bring deliverance and make things right.

There is one thing we can always do, that is pray!

"Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. 'Do you understand what you are reading?' Philip asked. 'How can I,' he said, 'unless someone explains it to me?' So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him." -Acts 8:30-31

We are placed in specific locations and guided by the Spirit to minister. Philip quietly observed and became aware of the man's need. This man was open to Philip and invited him to journey alongside him. Philip seized this opportunity, explained the gospel, and subsequently this man was baptised!

Even if it is just for one car ride,
gently come alongside people and offer your help.

"Peter answered: 'May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!" -Acts 8:20

It is common to want a pay rise, to work additional hours or even multiple jobs for extra money. We want to chase after more. Some live by this equation: work harder = more money (to buy new items). So we are naturally inclined to think our hard work and money can buy things off God. But that is far from the truth. 

A change of heart is required to humbly receive the precious gifts of God.

"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realised that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." -Acts 4:13

Being with Jesus is transformational. It gave Peter and John the boldness to speak up, to proclaim about Jesus and the way to salvation. They did not fear the opposition or punishments given to them. More than that, the radiance of Jesus' love has to shine through.

When the world sees you today,
do they take note that you have been with Jesus?

"Then they prayed, 'Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen." -Acts 1:24

A beautiful prayer acknowledging God's sovereignty and headship, and his way of knowing us personally. Often, I pray this prayer after I have made a decision and secretly hope God agrees with me. But the disciples sought God first, they longed to know his desire and plan.

Make this your first prayer too:
"Lord, you know, so please show me."

"When Peter saw him, he asked, 'Lord, what about him?' Jesus answered, 'If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.'" -John 21:21-22

We are seemingly ready to accept and follow God's call in our lives. Yet we are simultaneously concerned or more so curious about what will happen to those around us. We readily compare ourselves with others, and consider whether they will get the easy way out. We want others to have the same experience as us, especially if we have to trek the hard route. 

Regardless of the circumstance, focus on following Jesus today.

"After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb." -Matthew 28:1

Where were the disciples this morning? I doubt they were sleeping; they were probably too scared to even move an inch. The women, however, did not let the risk of receiving the same brutal treatment as Jesus get in their way of embalming his body.

Don't let my fear quash staying faithful and devoted to Jesus today.

"But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand." -Luke 23:23-24

In heat of opposition, will I be able to hold onto the truth I know? And how will I resist overpowering dominance from the other party? Pilate failed this test. He chose his safety and personal gain over acting according to his conscience.

Bear in mind that every time I give into the crowd, 
I am handing Jesus over to them.

"When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders." -Matthew 27:3

Like Judas, we all have done something we thought was rationale at the time. But as we see the results, we are filled with remorse, and try to reverse the situation. We childishly assume returning the thirty silver coins will rectify our mistakes.

While we can't click 'undo', we can press into God's grace and forgiveness.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." -John 14:1

In these seasons of uncertainty with the pandemic, sobering news about health crises, crimes, and natural disasters, it's easy to be negative about everything happening. While trouble is inevitable in this world, Jesus says to trust him and trust God. He has already given us peace.

There is a way to have an untroubled heart in a troubled world
- God the Father, the Spirit, and Jesus.

"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet." -John 13:14

I wouldn't say washing other people's feet is something I want to do or love doing. But Jesus' act of washing his disciples' feet carries more significance than physical cleansing. It challenges me to embrace and forgive others' 'dirt'. Jesus did not judge how dirty the disciples' feet were, and neither should I. He simply got up, wrapped a towel around his waist and started washing and drying feet.

Embrace others with humility, love, and truth.

"But Peter declared, 'Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.' And all the other disciples said the same." -Matthew 26:35

How quick are we to make promises or allegiances we can't uphold? It is wonderful to make these commitments after becoming enlightened in God's presence. But as we return to the so-called mundane routines and habits, we too quickly turn back on our declarations. Do we need Jesus to give us the look before we remember how much we have hurt him?

Slow down at crossroads and live out the declarations you have made before God.