Today's Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 6:6-10 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trapand into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.  

Finding Quiet Time on the Run

Godliness and Contentment

Today's Scripture Reading:Ephesians 4:26-31 26 “In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others upaccording to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Summary: All of us get angry at some point in our lives. Whether it is as injustice that you watch or hear about, or whether it is because your neighbor has said or done something wrong to you. For some of us, the emotion of Anger is a frequent occasion. We have a short fuse, and it doesn’t take much for us to get mad at something that we don’t feel happy about. Some of us store it deep inside, so our anger is stuff away deeper and deeper until one day it manifests itself in an explosive manner. Some of us pretend like we aren’t angry at all, and deal with it in a passive aggressive way. Some of us will burn the bridge by walking away and avoiding the people involved altogether – severing relationships and ties and never speaking to them anymore, or at least for a certain amount of time until it has cooled off.

On Anger and Slander

Anddd we are finally back with another devotional! Glad to be back after a month of busy-ness. I hope that you are blessed by the upcoming devotionals.    Today's Scripture Readings: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" - 1 Corinthians 5:17 "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" - Romans 3:23 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28        

On Perfectionism

ANNOUNCEMENT: There will be no new podcast devotional uploads for the next few weeks as I will be away preparing for a number of Church Retreats with my Youth Groups. I will resume uploading starting March 4, 2019. Until then, you are more than welcome to go back to some of the previous devotionals if you have missed any!   Today's Scripture Reading: 1 John 3:18 "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."     Excerpt: Words can be empty without action.Because God could not communicate to us enough his love for us, he showed it to us in the ultimate of action for you and I. He died on the cross for us and paid the debt that we could not pay. It says in 1 John 3:18 that we ought to love with our actions and in truth. If you cannot confess with your mouth that you love that person - either because you are too angry at them, too shy, or too hurt, then begin by doing something for them.   Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 02 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com

Feb. 8, 2019 - Somebody to Love

Today's Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:4-9 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.   Excerpt: There are things that we may have major anxieties about. We worry as if it is the end of the world and we have no salvation from it. One thing we often forget not just as Christians, but as humans, is how to find joy in the midst of our circumstances. The news is flooded with sadness, anger, injustice, and is a rare gem to see something celebratory hit the headlines. We often picture our lives that way as well...   Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 02 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com

Feb. 7, 2019 - Put it into Practice

Today's Scripture Reading: Galations 2:20 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Excerpt: To taste and experience the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus in our lives is one that is staggeringly transformational. There is no other taste like it, to know and have the reassurance through the revelation of the gospel and convicting faith in our salvation through Christ is nothing that can be compared to. But the question may be for some of us today - how do I have that kind of faith? how do I experience Christ in that manner? Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 02 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com  

Feb. 6, 2019 - More of Jesus

Today's Scripture Reading: Romans 1:21-25 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. 24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.   Excerpt: "I would give up anything to have that!" This is often written under the columns of comments on many product forums and websites to the newest and greatest things we see displayed on the internet. We often respond that way to things that seem exquisite and attractive to the flesh. It is exactly what the marketing agencies and corporations want - for us to aspire after things of mediocrity and place it on a pedestal for us to "work towards". Like sharks at the smell of blood, we go on a frenzy to attain whatever seems most appetizing to our tongue, or in response to the rumours of how it tastes from those who have tasted it. This is not just a whimsical phrase that is said. It is rather an ode to the foolishness of humanity that often finds itself in suffering due to one's infatuation or addiction to a certain object of desire, or a status of one's fantasy.   Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 01 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com  

Feb. 5, 2019 - The Greatest Exchange

Today's Scripture Reading: Romans 3:21-26 21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in[a] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemptionthat came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.   Excerpt: At some point in our lives, we may feel like we've made some of the greatest mistakes, that we've messed up so badly that there is no way back to the way it was, and that there is no redemption for the shame that we feel because of the problems we've caused. It hurts, real bad. This may be something we are facing in public where others can witness your brokenness, or it may be in private where nobody knows what you are going through, except God. Either place, the struggle is personal, and can be utterly lonely. Sin is in essence the lack of God being at the core of one's life, whereas holiness is one being filled with his righteousness. There is a common misconception that Salvation from sin is only for the righteous. But that would be like saying to be saved we must be able to climb the staircase towards heaven to receive the favour of God. What if you are crippled by the legs? you have a broken back? a broken toe even? or if you are blind? How would one climb that staircase?   Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 01 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com  

Feb. 4, 2019 - Redeemed and Never Alone

 1 I will extol the Lord at all times;    his praise will always be on my lips.2 I will glory in the Lord;    let the afflicted hear and rejoice.3 Glorify the Lord with me;    let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me;    he delivered me from all my fears.5 Those who look to him are radiant;    their faces are never covered with shame.6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;    he saved him out of all his troubles.7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,    and he delivers them. – Psalm 34:1-7   Excerpt: A question that we may want to be honest with ourselves about today is, what have I tried to find my joy and happiness in lately? We often find ourselves in predicaments and problems because we are either not receiving that happiness or feel unfulfilled in the joy we so desire in our workplaces, school, marriages, family, and even friendships. The truth is that there is nobody in this world that will be able to give us the eternal sense of joy and happiness that we so desire. That in itself could be one of the greatest burdens anyone could carry. In the midst of persecution and possible death hinging around the corner, David writes this Psalm: “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.”   Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 01 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com   

Feb. 1, 2019 - Enjoying God

 3 Trust in the Lord and do good;    dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.4 Take delight in the Lord,    and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord;    trust in him and he will do this:6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,    your vindication like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the Lord    and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways,    when they carry out their wicked schemes. - Psalm 37:3-7   Excerpt: Some of us today may be in a time of conflict - family or marital problems, financial struggles, a crime committed against you, issues in workplace politics, or others. Some of us might even be the cause of these issues (Whether we have admitted to it or not). Trying to find forgiveness and grace in these moments have not been easy and we may even have let these circumstances define who we are.   Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 01 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com   

Jan. 31, 2019 - Allowing Christ to Define us

 1 Save me, O God, by your name;    vindicate me by your might.2 Hear my prayer, O God;    listen to the words of my mouth. 3 Arrogant foes are attacking me;    ruthless people are trying to kill me—    people without regard for God. 4 Surely God is my help;    the Lord is the one who sustains me. 5 Let evil recoil on those who slander me;    in your faithfulness destroy them. 6 I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you;    I will praise your name, Lord, for it is good.7 You have delivered me from all my troubles,    and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes. - Psalm 54   Excerpt: Are you tired? Have you had a long week? a long month? There are many moments in life that we find ourselves worn out, strung out, knocked down, discouraged, or simply about to pass out. It is in the midst of these times that when we find even a glimmering moment of rest, we will crawl into our own little space and sleep. Some of us will go out and party until you drop. Being sort of an introvert myself, I like to be alone and become like a hermit crab confined in my own space where nobody (except my wife) can get in. Some of us may be the exact opposite, we want to go out and have mindless fun and laughter so that we don't have to think about the following Monday or project looming over our heads. Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 01 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com  

Jan. 30, 2019 - God is our Sustainer

Today's Scripture Reading: John 11:1-44 “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” - John 11:39-40   Excerpt: In some ways, we have been like Martha. We've kept the stone that seals the tomb of our inmost pain and insecurities. We've given up and just accepted the fact that my life today is just the way it will be. But our life in the resurrection Jesus goes way beyond two thousand years ago. In fact, we don't even wait for the day of judgement to see resurrection. The true indication of Jesus' resurrection begins with our very own hearts. It is our faith in the resurrection which livens us with both optimism and confidence in him. Not only in the future, but also from the past and the present.   Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 01 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com  

Jan. 29, 2019 - Life in the Resurrection

"And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." -Romans 5:5 Excerpt: Our hope and vision begins with God. We must take heed that everything we set as ambitions outside of God holds value in our eternity. Godly vision for life produces hope and justice. Capitalist success can only be redeemed as a true vision for life if it produces love, joy, peace and righteousness in those who are in both leadership and in following. The sole beneficiary of such a scheme can only be God himself. But because we fail to lack greediness and a complete sense of holiness, it will always remain a sin. Do not be fooled by your love for money as a love for God. Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 01 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com

Jan. 28, 2019 - What is your Vision?

Today's Scripture Reading: Romans 12:10-12 Be devoted to one another in love.Honor one another above yourselves.Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.   Excerpt: Having a half-hearted attitude towards anything and anyone in life can be one of the most offensive things we could do. It communicates to those around us that we either do not care, or that they are second priority. We are all guilty of having done this, especially for things we just don't want to do. Whether it is with our homework, or with our house chores. The results of such an attitude towards even a task for one's own well being always leads to destructive results. Things that ought to be done right are neglected. Our dishes are not cleaned properly, as a result our families eat from dirty dishes. We fail to work on our school projects well, so we ruin our grades. We neglect to count the numbers properly, and the company you work for loses thousands of dollars. The results of half-heartedness are never positive. It is especially more harmful when we carry such an attitude with those whom we ought to serve and show the light of Christ with.   Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 01 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com

Jan. 25, 2019 - Half of my Heart

God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” - Genesis 1:28   Excerpt: Some of us work everyday to make a living, and some of us may go to school to study in preparation for our careers. The modern culture of industrialized societies has us living each day extremely task oriented and goal driven - yet everyday may seem also like a drag, utterly plain, and simply to just get by or pursue after more wealth. But is that the call of our lives as God's holy people? The question we can often ask is, how do we live as a Christians in today's society, in a mundane life? Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 01 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com

Jan. 24, 2019 - Fruitfulness

With Rev. James Yang (Associate Minister of Celebration Presbyterian Markham)

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Finding Quiet Time on the Run

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