Category: Articles

“Dear God, I pray that you will be with me in this maths test I am nervous for.” 

“I pray for my friend who is currently sick, may you restore her health.” 

“Lord, I pray for my future, that I may get into a good university and find a godly spouse.” 

If you’re anything like me, these prayer points probably sound quite familiar. I often find myself voicing out my needs and wants to God in prayer. However, the more I learn about and understand the true purpose of prayer, I realise the scary truth that many of us may be guilty of treating God as some mere magical genie that can grant us all our heart’s desires. 

Of course, it is not wrong for us to be voicing out our physical needs to God. He knows of those needs and will provide for us like he provides for the rest of His creation (Matthew 5:25-26). But, praying is so much more than that. 

Prayer is one of the most important means of grace, and it is through prayer that God guards and preserves the spiritual relationship between us and Himself. It is also through prayer that the Holy Spirit enables believers to receive Christ, and in Him, the blessings of redemption. 

Prayers Pointing Back To Him – The Lord’s Prayer 

If there’s only one point you take away from this article, let it be this: All our prayers should ultimately point back to God and His glory, because our life’s purpose is to glorify His name. 

Our church’s catechism class recently did an exposition on the famous Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), which is the prayer that Jesus taught us. It is a prayer many of us can probably recite off by heart, but how often do we really reflect on its structure or meaning of its lines? 

To put it briefly, the Lord’s Prayer can be split into two main overarching themes: concern for God’s glory, and concern for our needs. 

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-10) 

The prayer begins with the expression of concern for God’s glory. We pray that God’s name be glorified as it should be through our understanding of His truth, and ask that God’s will and kingdom comes into our lives through the preaching of His Word and our obedience to it. Notice how the concern for God’s glory comes before petitions for any of our own needs? This prayer teaches us how we ought to pray –  with God as the priority right from the start. 

“Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:11-13) 

Next, the prayer speaks of concern for our needs. We can ask God for our needs for the day, because we are taught that all our physical needs are provided for by God. But even more than that, we are taught to ask for our spiritual needs, such as for His forgiveness and help during times of trial. 

“For Yours is the kingdom and power and glory forever.” 

The prayer ends with the doxology – the return of all things to God’s glory. Jesus teaches us here that after lifting up all our petitions, everything is ultimately for the glory of God. 

Reflecting on this prayer truly made me realise that though we don’t pray the Lord’s Prayer word for word in our daily prayers, we should pray with the same framework of heart. Whether we are praying for a hard exam or a good future career, may we not focus on the petitions themselves, but on the giver. Let us first seek Him (Matthew 6:33) and surrender everything to God so that whatever the result, it is in accordance to His will and brings glory to His name. 

Praying with Persistance 

We also often hear that we should continue praying in perseverance, but what does that even mean? Does it mean uttering the same prayers every day just as routinely as brushing our teeth? Not quite. Praying with persistence is to pray without ceasing. It means to keep praying even when we’ve had a long day and just don’t feel like it, or if our prayers yield no visible results. 

We have an assurance in God’s promise that if we pray with the correct attitude of heart, and with perseverance, He will certainly give us an answer. 

I am reminded of an analogy where persistent prayer is likened to a court case, where the plaintiff and defendant are both fighting hard for an outcome that they want. Even if the trial process takes years, they are patient and continue to persevere, putting in all their energy and resources until the final verdict is given. Much like us in our prayer lives, we don’t know when our prayers will be answered, or what the final ‘verdict’ will be. Sometimes we may be given what we want, other times we may be disappointed, or told to wait a bit longer. But in hindsight, whether the outcome is good or ‘bad’, we will discover that all things are part of His sovereign plan for our good. 

So, I challenge you to join me in praying with purpose and persistence. Not just praying for our physical needs to get through the day, but more importantly, raising petitions that align to the contents of God’s heart: for His will to be done in our lives. 

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8) 

Gossip is something we’ve all probably engaged in. It’s enticing, exciting and entertaining, but behind all the glamour is an underlying destructive force that we’re all unaware of.

Gossip: What is it? 

The thing about gossip is we don’t always realise when we are actually doing it, because, surely our conversations aren’t that bad…right? But when we talk about someone, it’s hard to define what is gossip and what is not. 

Gossiping, at its core, is to intentionally spread negative information about someone. By doing so, we try to build ourselves above others as we hold this information over them. 

It’s this that we often don’t realise mid-conversation because it feels so much easier to just indulge in the pleasure that gossip brings. 

Why is it so tempting? 

We treat gossip as a tantalising treasure, and once we’ve started, it’s hard to stop. Gossiping is entertaining and intriguing, and hearing it makes us feel as if we’re a part of an exclusive group. 

It also amuses us because it lets us focus on someone else’s downfalls, providing us an escape from reality. After all, it’s much easier to laugh at someone else’s problems than try to fix our own. 

Proverbs 18:8 describes gossip as choice morsels or small, desirable bits of food that we seek because of its enticing taste. However, it also warns us that gossip is not only a surface-level matter, suggesting that it is a powerful weapon that harms us. The more we engage in it, the more it changes the way we perceive people and things, most times, for the worse. 

Gossiping is much like quicksand. We become easily trapped the more we engage in it and it’s not something we can easily escape.

What the Bible says

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: … nor slanderers will inherit the kingdom of God.” He reminds us that engaging in such behaviours is unrighteous, encouraging us to avoid it. 

Proverbs 16:28 also talks about how gossip can break up close friends. It implies a destructive power that could break up friendships because of seeds of distrust sown from gossip.

Gossip is not a sin that we can easily destroy; it is something we might be doing every day, but barely realise it. However, the Bible reminds us of its destructive nature. To diminish hurtful conversations, it is important that we first recognise when we are gossiping and the seriousness of this sin. 

Let us use our mouths instead to bear the good news of Jesus Christ as God wills us to do.

Note: This is the final article in a mini trilogy of articles. The first one being ‘A Ticket to Heaven’ and the second was ‘Do You Really Love Jesus?’

In my past two articles, I’ve talked about what it means to have faith in Jesus and to love Jesus. But there’s still one last bit that I haven’t touched on yet and that is obedience. In my first article about faith, I mentioned that ‘faith is not without works’ (James 2:26) and in my second article about love, I wrote, ‘Love is told out by our thoughts and actions. To know whether we actually love God relies on our actions, our obedience.’.

Obedience is another important part of the original question I had 3 months ago, that is, ‘Are you saved?’ So, what is obedience? Obedience is following what another person or thing says. This can vary from obeying laws, your own self, social norms or people above you in authority. But in the case of this article, we’ll talk about obeying God. Obeying God means that when we hear God’s Word, we act upon it. We obey God out of love which is why we follow God’s Will. One might ask, what is God’s Will? Why should I follow it? Well, the Bible says in Romans 8:28,

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

– Romans 8:28 (ESV) –

God is good and knows what is best for us. Even more wonderful than this is that God created us and loves us so much that he died on the cross for us. This is also something that is so amazing – that God’s love for us is so deep and wonderous.

Now that we know what obedience to God is, let’s focus on how absurd it is. Now, you might be wondering, what do you mean by absurd? I already obey God… I read the Bible, go to church, I don’t do bad stuff!

Well, first of all, if you really think you’re super perfect, you’re wrong. Romans 3:23 states that:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

– Romans 3:23 (ESV) –

No person is perfect and without sin. Yet, sin is the opposite of God. God is holy and cannot be with sin. After all, opposites are not supposed to be like each other. If we’re sinful, then, how can God expect us to follow His Will?? Following God’s will is everything we don’t want to do naturally. Our very nature is to disobey God! It’s absurd. How can we be expected to follow God’s Will perfectly to go to heaven? No one can do that!

Now, you might be thinking, no, I actually want to obey God! Now, there are two possibilities that can stem from this. One is that you aren’t actually obeying God out of love. You think that obeying God is like a law or rule you have to abide by, because otherwise, you go to hell. This is the wrong motivation to obey God.

Saul was the first king of God’s chosen people, Israel. Before waging war against an enemy, God commanded Saul to not leave any living thing behind; to ‘devote them to destruction’. But Saul decided that his way was better than God’s and left the king of the people and many animals that could be used for sacrifice. Sacrifice was the Israelites’ symbol of obedience and devotion to God and his commandments. But here, despite his intentions, Saul disobeys God’s commandment to destroy the enemy completely. The prophet Samuel confronted Saul in 1 Samuel 15:22,

“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.”

– 1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV) –

Now, you might be thinking,  how do we know whether we have the right motivation then? How could God expect us to be obedient on our own? Well, if you’re thinking this, then you have every reason to give thanks to God! Why? Because he doesn’t expect you to follow his Will perfectly. In fact, he doesn’t expect you to follow His Will at all – that is, on your own. The most marvelous thing about being saved is that obedience comes as a response to our faith. Here’s how Jon Bloom from Desiring God (https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/how-do-i-know-if-i-really-love-jesus#not-that-kind-of-must) puts it:

“Though they [faith, love and obedience] are distinct, they are inseparable. We cannot love Christ without trusting (exercising faith in) him (1 Peter 1:8)”

1 Peter 1:8 explains that we cannot love Christ without believing in Him beforehand. Faith strengthens us because even though we have not seen Jesus in person, we still believe in Him.

“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”

– 1 Peter 1:8 (ESV) –

“We cannot trust Christ without obeying Him (James 2:17)”

James 2:17 explains that we cannot have faith in Christ with no obedience. Faith will not sit still and do nothing, obedience is the believers response to faith.

“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

– James 2:17 (ESV) –

“So, naturally, we cannot love Christ if we live in persistent, conscious disobedience to Him (1 John 1:6, Luke 6:46)

1 John 1:6 and Luke 6:46explains that it is impossible to be two opposites (light and darkness). We are either light or darkness and it is evident through our actions. What we do is a telltale sign of our love to Christ.

“If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”

– 1 John 1:6 (ESV) –

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”

– Luke 6:46 (ESV) –

And my own addition:

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.”

– John 14:15-16 (ESV) –

Something I haven’t mentioned yet is the Helper that is referred to here. The Helper is the Holy Spirit and this is what is so beautiful about salvation. God isn’t going to leave us alone to figure it out for ourselves. Oftentimes, we don’t know what to do with our lives. But, we should always remember, we have a Helper that will be with us forever.

And with that, this trilogy has come to a close. My question to you now is, what will you do? Will you sit with this discovery and ignore it? Or, will you do something about it? Will you seek out true faith? Will you love Jesus as much as you can? Will you obey Him?

The answer to these questions, I hope, is that you will seek out God for yourself and pray that He would reveal Himself to you. But, whether you do that or not, my friend, is up to you.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you… Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”

– Matthew 6:33, 7:7-11 (ESV) –

Romeo take me, somewhere we can be alone; I’ll be waiting, all there’s left to do is run; You’ll be the prince, and I’ll be the princess; It’s a love story, baby, just say yes – Taylor Swift Love Story

One of Taylor’s most popular hits, “Love Story” is a typical love song that references the famous Shakespearean play “Romeo and Juliet”. However, this isn’t a text analysis nor am I expressing my love for Taylor Swift (in fact, I hate to break it to you, but I’m no Swiftie – but that’s not the point). Through this song and many others, we see a representation of the world’s view on the theme of love.

I’d rather cry instead of letting you cry, I want to be hurt rather than letting you be hurt; I won’t let anyone hurt your heart ever again, It’s strange a thing, but that’s just how it is; When you love someone – DAY6 When You Love Someone

Growing up in this secular world, we have constantly been fed this ‘oh-what-a-feeling’ kind of idea. Through the countless books we read, dramas we watch, and especially the music we listen to; the question of “What is love?” is answered – but on the basis of our mortal understanding.

How it could be sweet like candy, how it’s like flying in the sky… How it keeps you smiling all day, how the whole world turns beautiful – TWICE What is Love?

This is what the world has taught us; that this is ‘true love’. It seems sweet, like reaching the peak of ecstasy. But, as soon as it starts, it comes to an end. Even from the love of people around us, we can see that earthly love is merely fleeting. That’s why, when an artist conjures up a melody of romance, there is always a melody of heartbreak that follows.

I was born to love you, But now we hate each other; I’m sorry, No matter how many times it repeats – Kang Seung Yoon BORN TO LOVE YOU

And just as we thought we couldn’t be any more miserable…

Said I’m fine and said I moved on, I’m only here passing time in her arms; Hoping I’ll find, A glimpse of us – Joji Glimpse of Us

So, is this it? Are we left to dwell in our state of despair, vulnerable to the endless cycle of the fleeting moment of adoration before being dumped in the ocean of our own tears?

No, of course not!

There’s still hope for us yet. But in order for us to uncover the answer to this dilemma, we must consult with an old hymn, a throwback to our Sunday School days…

God the Father and His Elect

How deep the Father’s love for us, How vast beyond all measure – Stuart Townend How Deep The Father’s Love For Us

Sounds familiar, right? I remember we once had a CD in the car with a playlist of Sunday School songs and this hymn was one. It was played so often that it wasn’t long before I had all the lyrics memorised. But, maybe it was because I was still young, I never really stopped to ponder over what the song was really talking about. It wasn’t till I was a bit older when I realised that this hymn, in fact, holds a valuable truth that not everyone is guaranteed to come by. It illustrates a type of love that transcends the love written in all other love songs; A love that is everlasting, unconditional and sacrificial.

We cannot compare God’s love to the love we see in this world, for our love is like ourselves: “unequal, increasing, waning, growing, and declining.” (Communion With God by John Owen).

However, God’s love is complete and never lacking. He has given everything in order that we may become reconciled with Him; And His ultimate sacrifice was His one-and-only Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16).

That He should give His only Son, To make a wretch His treasure – Stuart Townend How Deep The Father’s Love For Us

There was nothing in and of ourselves that entitled us as deserving of this love. God didn’t owe us anything either – it was pure grace and mercy on His part. Salvation wasn’t some last minute plan He thought up when He saw how corrupt our world had become. God has always loved us, even before this universe was created, from when we were but a thought in His mind. And He knew we would reject Him. He knew we would disobey, turn away and rebel. Yet, what did God promise?:

That He will never exchange His “elect” for anyone else. He will remain faithful, even when we aren’t.

“He will not remove His love and He will not seek another object for it. His love will make its abode forever with the one on whom it has become fixed.” (Communion With God by John Owen)

This is true love. It is unconditional, sacrificial, and everlasting.

I pray that this truth may change your view on love as it has for me. May we no longer rely on the fleeting love that our world has to offer, for there is a love song written by our Heavenly Father, singing that He will love us the same way today, tomorrow and forevermore.

The very first time I saw Voldemort, I was terrified. Maybe it was the fact that the guy literally didn’t have a nose or how unnaturally creepy it was seeing a face on the back of another person’s head, but regardless: my primary school self was not a fan. Years passed, and I realized that I didn’t have to fear noseless book antagonists. It turns out there were much scarier things in life – teetering relationships, broken friendships, growing up, missing out, and of course, bad grades. 

The world is and has always been a scary place from the moment that sin first crept in. Ever since fear has become an unmistakable presence in our lives. Even those Bible heroes that God used weren’t immune to fear either. Abraham, the “father of faith” (Galatians 3:6), lied twice that Sarah, his wife, was his sister out of fear for his own safety – leaving Sarah vulnerable to both kings (Genesis 12, 19). 

Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt, had originally run away from Egypt out of fear of the Pharaoh (Exodus 2). 

Even spiritual giants such as Peter were frightened enough to deny that he even knew Jesus after previously swearing, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you” (Matthew 26:34) – not only once, but three times. But it’s in the Bible, and in fact, in the lives of these fearful people, that we can clearly see the life-transforming power of another fear – the fear of the Lord. 

A Life in the Fear of the Lord  

It’s likely that you’ve run into this term before in a sermon or devotion, but what exactly does it mean? 

It’s important to clarify that the fear of the Lord isn’t terror of what destruction God can do to you if you displease Him. If we were to cultivate this attitude towards God, we’d be stuck in a strictly legalistic mindset for all that we do. Whatever kind act, hard task, or heavy sacrifice we make would be done in fear of what would happen to us if we didn’t. What a draining way to live!

When we look in the Bible, however, that’s not what God wants. Time and time again, we can read how He loves His people in His “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). When the angels, appearing before the shepherds to announce the great news of God incarnate, the first thing they announced was, “Do not be afraid.” (Luke 2:10). It’s clear that God’s not some tyrant who delights in the terror of His own people, but rather, a loving Father who cares for His children.

Now we have clarified what ‘fear of God’ is not, it’s time to define the term. 

Once again, let’s look at God’s own Word to find our answer. 

• “The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear…” (Isaiah 8:13)

To fear God is to experience the inconceivable splendour of God’s character and tremble. He reigns as King of all Kings and almighty Creator – we cannot even begin to fathom such colossal power. 

• “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.” (Proverbs 14:27) 

To fear God is to look to God in respectful admiration and thankful wonder; to be immersed in the terrifying might of His power, yet stand grateful and assured knowing that “God is for us.” (Romans 8:31). For the same waters of the roaring tsunami that swallows cities whole flows as a river of life to quench our thirst and bring us joy.

• You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.” (Romans 11:19-21) 

To fear God is to realize our utter depravity against this mighty and holy Lord. It is to understand just how unworthy in our sin we are and in this understanding, wonder at the graciousness of God’s mercy to us – something we cannot even begin to understand.

Thus, the fear of the Lord can only thrive in a humble attitude of heart that does not take our blood-bought salvation for granted.

What, then, is the fear of the Lord?

To fear God is to look to Him in all His world-shaking power in trembling reverence and realize just truly our worthlessness and depravity in the face of such majesty. 

When such a fear is embedded into our hearts, it becomes the drive for our life. Our fears in this world become non-existent in comparison, for what power in this world can compare to that of its Creator? 

Rather, we’re motivated to obey God, and all other fears that may hinder this become inconsequential. We don’t fear in the way that if we do not obey, we will be punished, but we fear that our disobedience may grieve the Lord’s heart. Just like how we hate doing what would hurt our parents, siblings, or friends, the fear of the Lord drives us to hate what is contrary to God’s holiness – sin. And it’s in this ‘fear’ that our scared lives are transformed.

A Life Without Fear 

Abraham, despite all his fears and mistakes, grew in trusting God to keep His promises, so much so he was willing to even sacrifice his only beloved son to obey Him. 

Moses found courage and comfort in God’s glorious power, that even as he faced Pharoah’s might and battled uncertainties for the nation’s daily needs, he pressed onwards to the Promised Land. 

Peter continued to struggle with fear, but God continued to work in his heart his whole life, forgiving, rebuking, and strengthening until he died courageously firm in his faith.  

God, in his awe-inspiring mercy, doesn’t leave us to fight our fears in our own strength either. He works in our fearful hearts today in the same way He transformed the hearts of Peter, Moses, and Abraham – through His promises. In the words of a very familiar Sunday School song: “God will always keep His promises.” And the assurance that He is, in fact, faithful and capable of keeping His promise is powerful enough to shake anything that may scare us on this earth. 

“Lord, I’m scared that everyone will leave me.”

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

“Lord, I’m scared to stand alone.”

“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

“Lord, I’m scared I’m not strong enough to obey you.”

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:8)

“Lord, I’m scared that I’ve messed things up beyond fixing.”

“All things work together for good to them that love God.” (Romans 8:28)

“Lord, I’m scared that the ministry I’ve invested my whole life in will never bring someone to Christ.”

“Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.” (John 15:4-5)

“Lord, I’m scared of not knowing what lies ahead.”

“I declare the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done.” (Isaiah 46:8-11)

“Lord, I’m still scared. But it is in my fear of You, in all your power and sovereignty and kindness, that I have courage to fight on.”

I hope that you may embrace the courage in a fearful life for yourself.

This is something that I’ve been struggling with. What are devotions even for? We’ve heard how we’ve got to read the Bible daily and meditate on His Word because this is the only way to fight against the devil’s schemes. We know all of this to be true. But it just never feels true. 

I am not writing some  experienced testimony but more of ‘let’s think about this together.’ I’ve recently struggled to read my devotions in the mornings or even during the day. It just seems like I don’t have enough time for it. Waking up before I need to for school seems impossible, and once I get home from school, I’m so tired and have no motivation to do anything let alone devotions—and I’ve wrestled with this for a while. 

On one side, I know that I must fight against my laziness and specially set time for God. But on the other hand, I try to suppress the guilt of not doing devotions and say to myself, ‘All is fine’. I’ve tried to pray and ask God to give me the joy and desire to be motivated to read His word. But it just still seems impossible. But I’m willing to learn and take this seriously, and I hope you can, too. 

The importance of devotions

Remember the Armour of God? All the pieces of armour are a metaphor for how we can defend against the schemes of the devil. As children of God, Satan will never stop attacking you in this life. You’ll be tempted and made to suffer, and it’s hard. But God has given us a great grace, the grace of His Word, which allows us to stand firm. 

“…And the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Here in Ephesians 6:17, the Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit. Usually, a Roman soldier would use his sword to attack, fight, and parry against the enemy—the most versatile of the tools. Without the word of God, how can we stand our ground against the enemy?

The Word of God is also how God speaks to us or reveals His will for our lives. Sometimes, this may seem so far-fetched, and to be honest, it’s hard for me to grasp my head around the fact that the book that has been lying in the corner of my desk for the past few weeks can reveal to me prophecies and my ultimate way of life. It often doesn’t feel real. But that’s where it goes wrong. Oftentimes, we are too prideful to think that something or someone else can and should govern over us. Yet the Bible often rebukes us through the words we read, and it is up to us whether we turn away from it or humble our hearts to listen to His rebuking. 

For it is through God’s word, that He speaks to us and reveals His character and the nature of His great plan for His people. 

“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11). The Word of God speaks to you; sometimes, it may not be as evident as other times, but to keep our lives holy, we need His Word. I mentioned before how our lives as Christians will be hard, with many challenges and difficulties throughout life’s journey. Yet it is in times of hardship and dire distress, we are able to remember the word of God that comforts us.  

I know you may be reading this and feel like you’ve heard it before, but I urge you to think about it. Reflect on your life,  and judge whether you take devotion as a priority.   

Baby Steps 

It’s hard. We are exposed to godly and spiritual giants who read their Bible for hours daily while also managing to wake up before the sun to meditate and study it. And sure, that is good that they ‘can’t get enough of Bible reading’. But if we take that as a standard, we will never try and even start to reach it in the first place. It’s like comparing a professional athlete who does hours and hours of training to a beginner who can only endure training for a short time. 

I’m graced by God to be surrounded by many godly people in my life. And it’s almost an expectation that I’m an avid Bible reader. So, I set my standards high: reading the Bible every morning for at least 30 minutes daily. And it was never achievable. The task became a chore, leaving me no motivation to try. It took me quite a while to humbly realise that I’m still a baby learning to crawl. A baby can’t instantly learn to run before it can crawl. So, take baby steps. 

Start by reading a short devotional and pondering one point that stood out. And throughout your day, just remind yourself of this one point. I’ve recently been turning to audio so I can listen while I’m on the go. But as it progresses, we will learn to love His word more and more.

I have one point to emphasise. All these efforts could be backed with a knowledge of what we are meant to do. But what is more important is the frame of heart that we hold. 

“And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9). Only when we come before Him with a heart that seeks and searches for His Word, then may His Word be revealed unto us. We must pray and ask God for His mercy, that He may give us the joy and revelation of His Word every day. 

Lord, I pray that you may reveal your grace and truth to me day by day. Give me the heart that earnestly seeks your face. I realise my weakness before temptation, and I need your word to rebuke me. Please give me the joy and desire to continue to search for your word. This is my prayer. 

Learn to take these steps, just baby ones for now. 

Holidays are in. Summer is approaching. What does this entail? New clothes, new shoes, and just some other necessary (maybe?) things. But are these really all needs? 

The world plays the game of consumerism, taunting us to buy more, better, newer. It’s like we can never seem to keep up with the trends and so our wishlist grows longer and longer. Soon the thin line between a want and a need blurs, until they blend together and we’re suddenly tapping our card again justifying it as a necessary purchase. 

The problem is that we’ve been swayed enough to believe that buying the latest trendy item is an essential means of survival in our current society. We’re so caught up in this flurry of wants that we forget what we have already been provided. We’re so distracted that we leave God in pursuit of fulfillment through worldly possessions. 

We fail to realise that these things are merely temporary, and that they can never provide us with true contentment. 

History Repeats Itself

You know what they say about history repeating itself. Generations past generations experience similar situations but never seem to learn from previous mistakes. 

Centuries ago, when God led the Israelites out of Egypt, he provided them with surplus amounts of manna (bread-like food) for forty days, yet Israel  mourned the loss of the foods they ate in Egypt instead of being grateful for what God had provided for them (Numbers 11:5-6). 

We too often forget all God has provided for us and rather, act ungrateful towards the innumerable amount of blessings He has and continues to provide for us. 

Never Fully Satisfied

There’s a reason why we can never seem to stop ourselves from buying and buying and buying. It’s the game the world plays. A game of taunting and trickery designed to make you feel as though what you have is not enough. 

Have you bought the latest phone yet? Have you seen our newest car model? 

With the world upgrading every few moments, it won’t be long before we suffer with our outdated items, left behind by the trends once again. 

The game works so well because society collectively plays along. Everyone seems to be intrigued by the same thing, then dissatisfied once a newer version is offered, reaching to buy the upgraded product instead. Society is stuck in this repeat; always complaining yet never fully satisfied. 

Eternal Satisfaction 

We cannot be fully satisfied by God’s creations whether it be other people, money, or success. True satisfaction can only be found through our creator and provide -, God.

To seek out contentment we need to develop a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus proclaims that “whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). 

A promise is offered to us that we can accept by learning and experiencing God through His Word and our prayers to Him.