JourneyingWithTheWordDr. Andrew C. S. Koh is a Christian author with an impressive portfolio of 40 published books. He is a writer, blogger, podcaster, Bible teacher, digital creator, and medical director. He studied theology at Laidlaw College in Auckland, New Zealand, and now lives in Malaysia with his family. He set a record in the Malaysia Book of Records for publishing the most books in 2021.
Bringing Faith to Life Through Inspiring Stories and Timeless Truths
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33 Days of Daily Faith
A short daily journey of faith and reflection.
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Scripture
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12.
Reflection
Have you ever tried to get a really tough stain out of your carpet, and no matter how hard you scrub, there’s still a faint mark left behind??
Going through this thought can make you feel like God’s forgiveness is kind of like holding onto that old stain from your mistakes. You may think He has forgiven you, but that He still notices that mess you made in the past.
Just so you know, God’s grace does more than tidy things up. It totally gets rid of your sins.
So, how far is the East from the West?
When you head all the way up North at the equator until you hit the North Pole, you’ll have no choice but to start heading South again until you reach the South pole. But if you travel East at the equator, you’ll never actually reach the West. The East and the West just don’t meet. God wipes your sins clean, stretching them out as far as the East is from the West.
God, with all His love and wisdom, doesn’t just stash your sins away for later. He wipes them out completely, giving you the amazing chance to start fresh today.
You can move ahead, feeling light and free, letting go of the burdens from the past, and getting ready to embrace a life filled with hope and fresh beginnings.
Your missteps shouldn’t dictate your self-worth. Each morning is a new opportunity to reinvent yourself and find what you’re really here for.
Every day is like a beautiful gift, giving you the chance to start fresh and dive into new experiences and opportunities that can really change your lives for the better.
There’s something special about knowing that every sunrise gives you a fresh start. It’s like a chance to try new things and tackle whatever life throws at you with more energy and hope.
When you accept this gift, you find out how refreshing it feels to dive into the unknown, excited to learn and grow from whatever happens next.
In this never-ending cycle of change, you discover not just a chance to grow personally but also the happiness of enjoying life right now.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the distance You have placed between me and the mistakes I’ve made in my past.
Thanks for all the help you’ve given me to move on, and I’d love your gentle guidance to keep me from going back to the things you’ve already taken away.
Please give me the strength to focus on right now and what’s coming up next, instead of letting old memories drag me down since I can’t switch them up.
I trust that you’ll guide me and help me avoid going back to those old, harmful patterns that only make things harder for me.
Help me look forward to the future with a clear head and a positive attitude. I believe that Your support will help me stay focused and find my way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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33 Days of Daily Faith
A short daily journey of faith and reflection.
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Devotion
Scripture
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and entering into that which is within the veil. Hebrews 6:19.
Reflection
When the water is super calm and the ships are tied up well at the dock, they don’t really need to rely on anchors.
It’s really only when strong waves start pulling or when the wind kicks up that anchors become super important.
Jesus Christ is the strong anchor for your soul, always there for you when things get tough. When life’s storms hit hard, He is the one who keeps your boat from sinking and helps you stay safe. Having Him around brings you peace and steadiness, so you can face anything that comes your way with confidence. In the end, it is His amazing support that keeps you steady, no matter how chaotic things get.
The Bible has some good stuff about finding peace when life gets heavy, like in Matthew 11:28. It says, “Come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest.” This is a nice reminder that you are not alone when things get tough. Jesus gives you a warm hug, telling you that peace is waiting for you when life gets heavy. Leaning into Him will really help you feel refreshed again.
Your faith in Christ is like a strong anchor for your soul when life gets wild, hitting you with surprise bills, health issues, or tough relationship stuff, trying to pull you away from that calm feeling you had on Day 1.
But it’s important to understand that an anchor’s real effectiveness isn’t just about how strong the boat is. It only holds firm when it’s connected to something really solid and dependable.
This solid foundation is really grounded in God’s promises that never change, which brings you a lot of comfort and a feeling of security. Trust in Christ, the solid foundation for your life.
Even when life feels like a rough sea tossing your boat around, God is there as an anchor that keeps holding your boat firm and steady.
In a world filled with uncertainty and turmoil, it’s this divine assurance that keeps you grounded and stable. God’s unwavering support acts as a reminder of the strength you can find if you have faith during life’s unpredictable storms.
Meditation
Take a moment to breathe deeply, close your eyes, and let your mind drift off into a lovely place all alone with Jesus sitting by your side. This is where you feel all warm and cozy.
Take a breather in this chill spot and soak in all the peace and quiet around you. Let all your stress fade away. As you do this, pay attention to the wise words that remind you to be still and know that He is God, like it says in Psalm 46:10. Let this call for calm lead you into some deep spiritual thinking and relaxation. Just let the quiet surround you and recognize His presence in your life.
Take a moment to really feel this: “No matter how wild the storm gets and how loud the winds are, I discover my calm right in the eye of this craziness.”
Think of life’s ups and downs as just a background noise, showing off the steady peace that’s deep inside you. It’s a good time to appreciate that God is your anchor to stabilise you.
The bible says that Christ’s grace is sufficient for you. His strength really shines through when you are feeling weak. 2 Corinthians 12:9-11. He is your anchor.
With Christ giving you strength, you can handle anything that comes your way. Philippians 4:13.
Dr Andrew C S Koh
Devotion
Scripture
Trust in Yahweh with all thine heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
Reflection
Picture a stunning bridge that gracefully spans across a huge, deep canyon, representing the path you have to walk in life.
To really get across this amazing structure, you’ve got to let go of that solid ground you are used to on the “cliffs.” Those cliffs are like the little boxes you put yourself in, thinking you know everything that’s possible.
Instead, you should lean fully on the strong bridge of God’s unwavering faithfulness. His view is way bigger and deeper than what you can see.
Sometimes, you hit a wall with challenges that feel way too tough to handle, and it can make you feel all alone and stressed out. During these times, you face an important decision that really makes you think.
You can really tire yourself out trying to sort everything out all alone, leaving you feeling pretty frustrated and bummed. Or you could just trust Him completely. Remember, His bridge has carried so many people like you, helping them through tough times.
Story
Jacob’s ladder
In Genesis 28:12, Jacob had this amazing dream where he saw a huge stairway that reached from the ground all the way up to heaven, with God at the top, and the angels walking going up and down on it. This impressive image of the ladder is a picture of Jesus Christ, who connects you to God. He’s the bridge between you and God, which is made clear in 1 Timothy 2:5. So, through Jesus, you can really connect with God.
Thought-Provoking Question
So, are you feeling super anxious about something in your life right now?
Like, are you just caught up in worry and having trouble stepping back to see things clearly?
Are you finding it hard to just let things happen and trust in God’s bigger plan for your life?
Are you having trouble believing that God has a special design for your journey instead of just going with the flow?
Is it tough for you to sit back and trust that God knows what’s best for your journey rather than controlling everything?
Do you feel like you’re trying to take charge instead of believing in God’s plan for your life?
Are you struggling to just relax and have faith in God’s plan for how things will unfold on your journey?
Is there something that’s been really bothering you lately, making it hard for you to relax and find some peace of mind?
Is there a specific thing that’s been weighing heavily on your mind, keeping you from feeling at ease and calm?
Do you have any concerns that have been taking up a lot of your thoughts and making it tough for you to chill out?
Is there an issue that’s been on your mind a lot, making it hard for you to feel peaceful and relaxed?
Has something been stuck in your head lately, making it tricky for you to find some quiet time and enjoy life?
It is a good idea to just drop that all these worries and lean on God. Do not handle them on your own. God is all-powerful, always around, and knows everything. He can fix any issue you have, bring peace when things get rough, and can even move mountains if needed.
This will help alleviate stress and bring about a sense of relief. Take a moment to really reflect on this and imagine how it will transform your experience.
You can claim the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Yahweh with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways , acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
Scripture
Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1.
Reflection
Kicking off your journey with God is like diving into a colorful world full of energy and freshness, and it comes with a buzz of excitement and some great new starts.
But as time passes, this amazing “spiritual high” may start to fade away. You may find yourself in a spot where it feels like God’s presence isn’t as clear or strong in your daily life.
It’s in these quiet moments when you’re feeling unsure that you really see what faith is all about. Faith isn’t just a feeling; it’s like this strong belief and trust in God’s constant love for you.
Faith is knowing that whatever you request from God will eventually come true. Faith is your third eye that allows you to see into the spiritual realm. Just try to walk by faith and not just by what you see. 2 Corinthians 5:7.
It’s kind of like how you know the wind is blowing when you see the leaves moving around. You cannot see God directly, but you know that He’s there, when you see His transforming power in your life.
When you trust Him through the tough times, it shows a deeper love than just leaning on Him when everything’s going smoothly.
You cannot please God if you do not have faith You cannot find Him if you don’t believe that He exists. Hebrews 11:6
Illustration
The Charles Blondin Story
So, Charles Blondin was this super gutsy dude who actually wheeled a wheelbarrow across the crazy Niagara Falls while balancing on a tightrope. He even asked the crowd if anyone wanted to sit in wheelbarrow, but no one had the guts to say yes. It showed that they didn’t really trust him, even though they could see he was so incredible. It’s a good reminder that you may think you believe in someone, but you don’t always act on it, you know? It really shows how you can say you believe in someone but do not actually follow through on it, doesn’t it?
Prayer
Father, when my feelings get the best of me and I’m stuck in a fog of confusion, I really need Your Word to ground me through the rough times.
Help me to lean on Your presence, especially when I can’t quite feel Your guidance.
Please help me build my faith so I can truly rely on You and feel confident about my path, not letting my own limits hold me back.
I truly pray that Your grace overflows in my heart and lights the way for me, guiding each step of my journey. I can trust You have a plan for me, leading me through the tough spots and uncertainties, filling me with hope and strength.
Lord, I could really use Your light during my rough patches. Please help me stay strong and hold on to Your promises.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Devotion
The Power of the Seed
Scripture
Having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever.1 Peter 1:23
Reflection
When you throw a seed in the garden, it can be pretty frustrating when nothing appears to happen the next day. You could feel the urge to take a peek just to find out if it’s actually growing, wondering if your hard work is paying off.
But if you just take a second to breathe and look around, you’ll see that there’s a whole amazing process of life happening right under your nose.
Think of reading the Bible like putting “eternal seeds” into your heart’s little garden. You may not walk away feeling super “transformed” as soon as you put the book down, but trust me, the Word is definitely alive and doing its thing.
It is doing amazing things in your subconscious mind, changing how you react, opening up your heart, and building a strong sense of truth inside you. Trust the process of growth. It is occurring even in the unseen moments that may test your patience.
In Hebrews 4:12, the author highlights how sharp the word of God is, saying it’s like a two-edged sword that really gets to the heart of things. This sword cuts both ways. It really helps when you’re facing spiritual challenges and also connects with our deeper feelings. Ephesians 6:17 tells us that in the armor of God, the word of God is the sword of the spirit.
The Word of God is truly something special. It can get deep down into your core, touching your soul and spirit, and even reaching into your bones and marrows with its powerful truth.
This is an imagery of how God’s words have real power and understanding. They can dig deep and find out what you’re honestly thinking. This imagery makes you realize just how much scripture can change you and the valuable insights it provides.
Meditation
Picture this lovely garden growing inside you, where every verse you read is like a little seed being tucked into the warm earth of your spirit.
Picture this. Every verses you read is like planting little seeds. Over time, these seeds can grow into big, beautiful trees that represent things like peace, joy, happiness, or the calmness that comes with patience.
As the seasons change, it’s a good time to pause and appreciate all the amazing growth and changes you’ve seen. These tiny seeds will eventually grow into something great, as they feed your soul and help you build a life full of happiness and good vibes.
Invest in the cultivation of the garden that lies deep within your heart, granting it the freedom to blossom radiantly. Remember how much joy and wisdom these messages from God can bring to your life. They really can make a difference.
Scripture
Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
Reflection
Have you ever walked down a dark road with just a tiny flashlight? It just lights up a small area around you, doesn’t it? It doesn’t really show you the whole forest out there.
It just shows you the next couple of steps in front of you. This feels a lot like how God uses the Bible in your life. You often want that big spotlight that shows you your whole future, but what God gives you is more like a little lamp, helping you take one step at a time.
When you’re diving into the Bible, don’t get too down if some parts feel confusing or hard to grasp. Try to focus on the “light” around you, like the love you feel, the hope for peace, and those small hints of His ongoing kindness.
When you decide to go with the light you have and take that next step, you’ll start to see that the road ahead gets clearer as you keep following His lead.
Jesus is the light for the whole world. When you follow Him, you will walk in His light. This is what John 8:12 tells you.
Thought-Provoking Question
Is there a particular “next step” in your life right now that strongly calls for the guiding light of God’s presence?
Maybe you’re looking for a specific Bible verse that can give you some comfort and clarity while dealing with whatever challenge you’re facing right now.
Look for scripture verses that really resonate with you; reflecting on them can help you find some peace when things are getting tough.
Just take a little time to read through John 1:5 and 2 Corinthians 4:6. They reveal some really important perspectives on Jesus as the light of eternal life.
Each of these verses provides valuable wisdom that can enhance your understanding and perspective. I encourage you to reflect on their meanings and how they apply to your life journey.
DEVOTION
Scripture
In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don’t know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can’t be uttered. Romans 8:26
Reflection
The Holy Spirit really comes through when you’re feeling low, especially when you struggle to find the right words or don’t really know how or what to pray. It can feel really tough to say what you need or how you’re feeling in those moments, but that’s exactly when the Holy Spirit steps in.
When you’re having a tough time opening up about your feelings or thoughts, the Holy Spirit is there to help, bridging that gap between you and God in ways that are hard to put into words. This comforting idea is perfectly shown in Romans 8:26.
Some days, trying to express how you feel may seem impossible. You know, those times when the pain you’re dealing with is really heavy, or your thoughts are all tangled up, or you’re just plain worn out.
On those tough days, it’s crucial to keep in mind that there’s no need to feel pressured to meet anyone’s expectations; you can relax a little.
The Bible reminds you that the Holy Spirit is there for you, helping you to pray in the spirit.
It’s totally normal if some days all you manage is a sigh, a tear trickling down, or just softly saying, “Help, Lord.”
In the big picture, that’s more than enough.
God knows what’s really going on in your heart way better than any fancy words or long speeches ever could.
It’s important to remember that it’s not the complexity of your expression that matters, but the sincerity behind it. Your heartfelt plea is valued immeasurably more than polished language.
Meditation
Take a moment to really soak in the quiet around you. Don’t worry about thoughts or words. Just imagine yourself snuggled up in the warm, loving embrace of God.
Let the Holy Spirit help you connect your heart with His divine energy, gently guiding you through this really special moment.
Let yourself soak in this calm vibe of the Holy Spirit. Let Him wrap around you and bring you peace. Try to keep away from anything that might mess with this chill moment.
Immerse yourself in this sacred experience, permitting His divine energy to flow through you and nurture your inner being. Allow yourself to be led by His presence and to feel the depth of this spiritual communion in your soul.
When you’re feeling down and can’t go on, just remember that He’s super strong and right there with you. In those weak moments, His strength really stands out, turning your challenges into wins.
It’s nice to know that His grace really goes above and beyond. It’s overflowing to tackle all your needs and struggles. Believe that by showing your true self and being open, you can feel His help and strength in ways you never thought possible.
Scripture
Pray without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Reflection
Thinking about praying “without ceasing” can seem pretty daunting, especially if you picture yourself sitting quietly with your eyes shut for ages.
But really, it’s more about living in a way that keeps you chatting with God throughout your day. It’s more like being aware of God’s presence in everything you do.
When you’re stuck in a traffic jam, you could say something like, “Lord, give me a little patience,” or when you’re washing the dishes at home, just take a second to say, “Thank You, for this nice home.”
Sneaking in short prayers during your day can turn even the simplest moments into something pretty special.
This shows that your bond with God isn’t just another thing to tick off your list, but something much deeper that really adds value to your life.
Having these quick chats with the Lord can really bring a nice vibe of peace and purpose to your daily life. Ultimately, it’s about nurturing a bond that makes every moment feel significant.
Story
There’s this famous monk, Brother Lawrence, who’s really known for his deep spiritual wisdom. He wrote a really powerful short book titled “Practicing the Presence of God.” In this book he shares how he figured out how to keep in touch with God during his daily routine. Brother Lawrence kept his mind focused and prayed all day long, even while he was doing the mundane things like washing dishes, helping out in the kitchen, or running his errands. His experiences show that you can find a connection with God in the most ordinary moments. This is a good little book to pick and read. It is available from the internet.
Application
A simple thing you can do to connect with Jesus is while you’re making your morning coffee.
While measuring coffee and waiting for the water to boil, pause briefly to reflect and connect with Him.
Taking a moment to say thanks for the day coming up can really help you feel grateful and also ask for a little guidance when things get tough.
Kicking off your day with a heartfelt chat with the Lord really is a nice way to wake up. It brings a calm and purpose that can totally shape how your day goes. As the morning moves on, those good vibes from your conversation can help you tackle whatever comes your way. This daily habit will genuinely change your perspective and create a positive vibe for everything you face.
If you can kneel down and pray to God, then you can definitely stand tall in front of people in the world. Get into the habit of praying every morning right before you go to work. Taking a moment to kneel and chat with God will really boost your courage and give you the confidence to deal with whatever you face at work with customers, coworkers, and bosses.
This simple routine not only keeps you balanced but helps you tackle daily challenges with a cool, calm heart. Starting your day with prayer really sets a great tone for everything else that follows.
