ChristianBookWordsBible Study, Daily Devotion, Expository Commentary
“I’m deeply thankful to God that today, my book ‘2 Corinthians’ has reached the prestigious Amazon Best Seller status. This achievement is a testament to the support of readers like you and the impact of the message within the book. It reinforces the importance of faith and dedication in this journey, and I couldn’t have done it without your continued support and encouragement. I hope this book continues to inspire and touch the hearts of many as it has today.”
In the realm of biblical narratives, few stories resonate as deeply as that of Peter’s redemption. Found within the verses of John 21:15–19, this powerful account paints a vivid picture of love’s resilience, the grace of forgiveness, and the transformative nature of divine calling. Let’s delve into the heart of this narrative as if Apostle Peter himself were sharing the story.
Picture the scene: a serene shore, a crackling fire, and the presence of the risen Lord. The morning sun casts a warm glow on the disciples gathered around the fire, cooking fish. This seemingly ordinary moment holds extraordinary significance, for it unfolds after the resurrection of our Lord.
The Lord, having returned to us, invites us to share the fish we caught. Amid stories and laughter, a mixture of emotions swirl within me – joy, awe, and a pang of guilt for my threefold denial during His crucifixion.
As we finish our meal, the Lord turns to me with that all-knowing smile of His. He asks, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” His words pierce my heart, a reminder of my denials. Summoning courage, I reply, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.“
His gaze is gentle yet penetrating. “Feed my lambs,” He says. In those words, I feel a profound sense of purpose. I’m entrusted with His flock, a weighty yet honorable responsibility.
Again, He asks, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” The pain of my denials resurfaces, but this time, my voice is steadier: “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” His response, “Tend my sheep,” reaffirms my calling to shepherd His people.
A third time, He asks, and I feel the weight of my past mistakes. “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” His nod conveys compassion and affirmation. “Feed my sheep,” He instructs.
In those three questions lies a deeper meaning. They’re about more than love; they’re about commitment to His mission, dedication to guiding and nurturing faith.
The Lord speaks of challenges ahead, and in that moment, I sense renewed purpose. I’m forgiven, restored, and entrusted with a divine calling. My denials are not my end; they’re a stepping stone to a greater journey of faith, love, and service.
The story of Peter’s redemption echoes through time, a testament to the human capacity for growth and change. It speaks of love’s power to heal, forgiveness’s ability to restore, and divine calling’s capacity to transform.
As we reflect on this tale, may we find solace in our own journeys. May we remember that our mistakes don’t define us, but rather, they shape us for a purpose greater than we can imagine. Just as Peter found redemption, we too can find our path to healing and purpose.
So, let’s embrace our stories, acknowledging our imperfections while seeking the divine calling that guides us toward a brighter future.
Has the story of Peter’s redemption resonated with you? Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below.
Dr ANDREW C S KOH
Many years ago, I felt a calling that transcended the boundaries of ordinary existence- a Bible teaching ministry through books. Little did I know that this calling would lead me on a remarkable journey, where I would author 34 Christian books and touch the lives of thousands of readers. As I reflected on this incredible journey, I am humbled and grateful for the privilege of impacting so many lives through books.
From the very first book I penned, I knew there was something special about this journey. Writing Christian books was a sacred calling that spoke directly to my soul. Every word I penned was guided by the Holy Spirit. It was this profound sense of purpose that kept me steadfast in my ministry.
As I delved into the world of publishing, I discovered the concept of reader magnet as a gift of faith to readers. These reader magnets attracted readers from all over the world, creating a beautiful connection of shared faith and devotion.
Embracing the digital age, I took my ministry to online platforms and digital stores. This shift expanded my reach beyond boundaries, borders, and time zones, connecting me to readers of diverse backgrounds from across the globe.
Every heartfelt testimonial I received carried the essence of lives transformed, spirits lifted, and faith rekindled. Stories of personal growth and spiritual awakening touched my heart beyond words.
Dr ANDREW C S KOH
I found a tiny little kitten in a quiet part of the neighborhood. She was a few days old, and her mother had abandoned her. She was alone, and the world around her seemed big and unfamiliar. My heart couldn’t bear to leave the helpless brown kitten all alone, and with a rush of compassion, I decided to take her under my care. I called her Kitty. From that moment on, a bond formed between us, and she quickly became a cherished member of my family.
As the days passed, she grew stronger, and her affectionate nature flourished. Every time I returned home from work, she would eagerly wait by the door, purring with excitement, as if to say, “I missed you!”
Her warm, brown, furry presence brought joy and comfort to my life. We would spend evenings cuddling together, her purrs creating a soothing melody that melted away the stresses of the day. She filled my home with love, turning it into a sanctuary of happiness and companionship.
One particular day, as I drove home from work, my heart leaped with anticipation to see her waiting in the driveway. She always made my homecoming so special, and I couldn’t wait to embrace her.
However, fate had a cruel twist in store for both of us. As I parked my car, she darted towards me, her eyes bright with joy. But before I could react, tragedy struck. My car accidentally rolled over her, leaving me in shock and filled with sorrow.
.
In that heart-wrenching moment, time seemed to stand still. I cradled her gently, tears streaming down my face as I realized the unthinkable had happened. I had lost my beloved cat, the one who had brought so much happiness into my life.
In the days that followed, the pain of her loss weighed heavily on my heart. Memories of her playful antics, her soft purrs, and her unwavering affection flooded my mind. The house felt empty without her, and the void she left behind seemed impossible to fill.
But as time passed, I began to find solace in the cherished memories we shared. Her spirit lived on in my heart, a reminder of the beautiful bond we had. Though she was no longer physically by my side, her presence remained in the love and happiness she brought into my life.
As days turned into weeks, months, and years, the sadness began to ease. Although my cat is no longer with me physically, she will always hold a special place in my heart as a cherished memory that will never fade away.
Rest in peace, Kitty. You will always be remembered and cherished.
Dr ANDREW C S KOH
# Ebook Fair
Please visit an Ebook Fair that I am hosting. You can enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card plus some free books just by visiting the fair and filling out an entry form. And when you are there, please don’t forget to vote for my book. Thank you so much for your support, Andrew.
https://ebookfairs.com/Fair/Book?id=cFB9nY91iESlo2bIquM_aA
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Silent streets and empty skies,
A world brought down to its demise,
A virus spread from land to land,
Holding all of us in its tight command.
Shops closed down, people in despair,
The pandemic sweeping everywhere,
Doctors and scientists in the fray,
Working tirelessly day by day.
Families torn apart, loved ones lost,
The pandemic came with a massive cost,
We kept our distance, stayed away,
Hoping and praying for a brighter day.
Yet through the darkness, hope did shine,
People came together, fighting the fight,
Soldiers on the front lines took up the chase,
And we emerged stronger in the aftermath of this race.
Dr. Andrew C S Koh
Dr ANDREW C S KOH
Heavenly Father, we pray for soft, responsive, and receptive hearts to hear You speak to us. We pray for the transformation of our hearts and minds, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Jesus left Judea and came to Galilee because the Jewish religious rulers were plotting to harm Him. The Israelites were celebrating the feast of Tabernacles for 8 days. This feast commemorates the 40 years of wilderness wandering. The highlight of the feast was the water ceremony on the last day.
Now on the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink! He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, from within him will flow rivers of living water.” But he said this about the Spirit, which those believing in him were to receive. For the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus wasn’t yet glorified.
The priest performed the water ceremony on the last day of the feast of Tabernacle. The priest will take water from the pool of Siloam with a golden pitcher, walk around the altar 7 times, and pour the water on the altar. Just when the priest was pouring out the water, Jesus declared in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Who ever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” The Holy Spirit is symbolically represented by living water. Jesus is symbolized by the rock. The water ceremony was a profound way to remember the story in Exodus 17:6. “Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.”
The promise of salvation is a universal promise. If you come to Jesus and receive Him as your Lord and Saviour, you will be saved, and the Holy Spirit will enter into you. To be saved, one must accept Jesus’ invitation with a positive response and believe in Him. The joy of the Holy Spirit will overflow from within you to others.
Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Dear God, we believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah and the Holy One of Israel. Thank You for salvation, justification, sanctification and eternal life. Thank You for mercy and grace, in Jesus name, we pray. Amen.
Dr ANDREW C S KOH
Heavenly Father, we pray for soft, responsive, and receptive hearts to hear You speak to us. We pray for the transformation of our hearts and minds, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Jesus left Judea and came to Galilee because the Jewish religious rulers were plotting to harm Him. The Israelites were celebrating the feast of Tabernacles for 8 days. This feast commemorates the 40 years of wilderness wandering. The highlight of the feast was the water ceremony on the last day.
37 Now on the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink! 38 He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, from within him will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But he said this about the Spirit, which those believing in him were to receive. For the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus wasn’t yet glorified.
On the last day of the feast, the priest will perform the water ceremony. in the temple The priest will take water from the pool of Siloam with a golden pitcher, walk around the altar 7 times, and pour the water on the altar. Just when the priest was pouring out the water, Jesus declared in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Who ever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” The Holy Spirit is symbolically represented by living water. Jesus is symbolized by the rock. The water ceremony was a profound way to remember the story in Exodus 17:6. “Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.”
The promise of salvation is a universal promise. If you come to Jesus and receive Him as your Lord and Saviour, you will be saved and you will be filled by the Holy Spirit. The prerequisite for salvation is responding to Jesus’ invitation positively and believing by faith. The joy of the Holy Spirit will overflow from within you to others.
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11;28
Dear God, we believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah and the Holy One of Israel. Thank You for salvation, justification, sanctification and eternal life. Thank You for mercy and grace, in Jesus name, we pray. Amen.
Dr ANDREW C S KOH
Devotion
Matthew 7:24-29
24 “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on a rock. 25 The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 Everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell—and its fall was great.” 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he taught them with authority, and not like the scribes.
Reflection
There are two kinds of people and two types of houses. Wise people who build their houses with Jesus as the foundation will be able to withstand the onslaught of trials and persecution. Foolish people who build their houses with sand as the foundation will be washed away by the floods, storms, and natural disasters of life. When the multitude heard these sayings, they were amazed because Jesus taught with authority, unlike the Pharisees and scribes.
Application
Praying is asking, seeking, and knocking on God. The Greek verbs, ask, seek, and knock are in the present, active, and imperative tense. This is a continuous action i.e. go on asking, go on seeking, and go on knocking. Prayer involves persistence, perseverance, and determination.
We must avoid hypocritical, judgmental, and self-righteous attitudes. We must be able to spot and discern false teachers by inspecting their fruits. Do they have the fruit of the Holy Spirit i.e. love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, Galatians 5:22-23?
We must build the foundation of our faith in Christ the solid rock through faith and obedience.
As the second person of the Trinity, Jesus taught with the authority of the Godhead. Jesus is the Word of God, who became flesh and lived with us. He is the Son of God and Son of Man, fully divine and fully human.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your teaching on judging, spiritual discernment, relationship, and wisdom. Help us to build our faith with Jesus as our foundation to withstand the storms of life. Help us to go on asking, seeking, and knocking on You in prayer with persistence, perseverance, faith, and determination, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dr ANDREW C S KOH
In Matthew 7:12- 14, Jesus gave us the golden rule: do to others what you want others to do to us and be kind to others if you want others to be kind to us. Jesus explained that He is the only way to God and the gate to salvation. After this, He warned us against false prophets.
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree produces good fruit, but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. A good tree can’t produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit. Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, by their fruits you will know them.
Jesus warned us to watch out for false prophets who peddle false doctrines to lead people astray. They masquerade as sheep in wolf’s clothing to deceive people with heretic teachings. They misused the gospel for personal enrichment and financial gains. False prophets were plentiful in the first-century world and even today.
We can detect false teachers by inspecting their fruits. A good tree produces good fruit. A bad tree produces bad fruit. Examine every teacher for the fruit of the spirits. Genuine teachers will have the fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.
This passage is very relevant to us today because there are so many false teachers today masquerading as sheep among wolves.
Do not believe everything you hear or read. Countercheck everything you hear or read with the scriptures. Learn the Bible and be biblically literate. This is the best safeguard against heresy.
Heavenly Father, we pray for the revelation of truth. We pray for the nourishment and strengthening of our souls. We pray for maturity in faith, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dr ANDREW C S KOH