Tag: Christ

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devotion

Break Free from the Spiritual Treadmill

Finding peace in God’s love

Scripture

 But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.Romans 5:8

Reflection

Have you ever felt like you’re on this exhausting spiritual treadmill, where you’re just running and running, hoping to win God’s approval? Ever find yourself believing that if you just put in more effort with prayer, dive into the scriptures more, or be super nice to everyone, it may help you feel more loved by God? 

You couldn’t be more wrong if you think you can earn His love by doing certain things. He loves you just the way you are, right here, right now, with no strings attached. What really counts for Him is your true feelings and being genuine, not just by putting on a show or pretending. His love is always there, steady and real, and He just wants you to see that.

If you check out Romans 5:8, you’ll see a powerful reminder of how vast God’s love is for you. It really drives home the idea that His love doesn’t waver, especially when you feel like you don’t deserve it. The verse says, “while we were yet sinners,” which means Christ gave Himself for you even when you were imperfect. This really hits home, doesn’t it? Your value isn’t based on the stuff you do, it’s all about His endless love. In the end, it’s a comforting assurance that you are valued more than you can imagine, no matter your flaws.

He didn’t just sit around hoping you’d figure everything out and get back on track before helping you. Instead, He came right into your chaos. You don’t need to jump through a bunch of hoops or do anything crazy to get your place at His table; it’s all set up for you with love. Your salvation is a wonderful gift you get just because of grace through faith in Christ. You don’t deserve it, you can’t earn it and you can’t make it happen on your own, like it says in Ephesians 2:8-9.

So, today, just take a minute to hit pause and take a few deep breaths. Decide to walk with Him. This way, you can really savor the journey together. I totally get how easy it is to get swept up in the daily grind, but when you choose to walk with Him, you can enjoy every step of the way. Today, skip the hectic stuff and just hang out, sharing stories, fears, failures, victories, and successes with Him. Focus on the love of God as you tackle life’s highs and lows together with Him.

Thought-Provoking Questions

If God loves you just as you are, like no matter what, how do will this shake up your prayers or those deep talks you have with Him? 

Do you think you will share more of what is on your mind and heart with Him, if His love for you is always solid and unconditional? 

Do you think sharing with Him will help you feel more at peace and safe?

Understanding who He really is will make a huge difference in how you relate to Him personally. When you take the time to know about someone, you’ll feel a closer connection. Understanding who God is will enhance and enrich your relationship with Him and make it more meaningful. When all’s said and done, being close to God will help you connect and walk with Him.

.The Bible highlights how important God’s love is. It says that the perfect love of God can actually push away fear, like it mentions in 1 John 4:18. This verse says that when you feel God’s perfect love, it wipes away all your fears and worries, letting you live your life to the fullest. God’s perfect love helps you deal with all your worries and fears, creating a feeling of calm and safety. Consequently, understanding and embodying this perfect love is essential for overcoming fears in your life.

Dr Andrew C S Koh

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devotion

The Light That Overcomes: Embracing Faith

🌅 Hope in the Midst of Darkness“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”  John 1:5

There are seasons when life feels heavy, when headlines unsettle us, prayers seem unanswered, and the world feels dimmer than we remember. Yet the Gospel reminds us that darkness does not have the final word.

John’s words in his opening chapter of his gospel are not poetic optimism; they are a bold declaration of truth. The Light,  Christ Himself, entered a world shadowed by sin, pain, and fear. And that Light was not diminished. No force, no failure, no night is able to put it out. In every generation, believers have faced dark times. Yet hope endures because Christ remains.

He is not a distant glow, but the very Presence that walks with us, strengthens us, and leads us through.When you feel the weight of uncertainty or sorrow, turn again toward the Light. Read His Word. Whisper a prayer. Recall His promises. The darkness may press close, but it can never win , because the Light still shines, and it shines for you.

Reflection:


Where have you seen God’s light break through recently,  even in small ways? Pause today to thank Him for that glimpse of hope.

Prayer:


Lord Jesus, Light of the world, thank You for shining into our darkness. When we are weary or afraid, remind us that Your presence is stronger than any shadow. Help us walk in Your light today, bringing hope to those around us. Amen.

Verse of the Week:

“The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?” Psalm 27:1

Until next time, keep your eyes on the Light,  and let His hope shine through you.


Grace and peace,
Dr. Andrew C. S. Koh
From pen to heart, one page at a time.

Dr Andrew C S Koh

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short story

Short story: Touching the hem of God

. 

On the streets of Capernaum, I carried with me for years the name that would become associated with me, the woman with blood issues.

I was sick and felt weak and hopeless. However, I still had faith in my heart. One day, something happened that completely changed my life.

One morning, I heard whispers of Jesus being a miracle healer, and his stories of compassion and power to cure quickly sparked hope in me. Somehow I knew He held the key to my freedom from my affliction; thus inspiring faith and hope as I journeyed on a trip to search for Him and witness His power firsthand.

I inched forward slowly through the crowd of a mix of multitudes. Although it was challenging to approach Jesus in my condition, my strong desire for healing pushed me forward, overriding any doubts or concerns I had.

As I neared Him closer, excitement mixed with nervousness moved within my soul. I looked upon Jesus, fully understanding this was my moment for redemption. Even a simple touch of his robe had the power to unleash miraculous healing. I confidently moved through the crowd, feeling my faith grow with each step. I had a peaceful confidence in His power, knowing that my breakthrough was nearby.

At that moment, Jesus passed by, and I touched the hem of His robe. Instantly, I felt a powerful surge of energy flowing through me, as if healing was flowing from Him and into me. Within moments, years of pain vanished with no trace. The blood stopped flowing, and pain and weakness no longer plagued me, they were completely vanquished.

While I stood there in awe, Jesus looked around and asked, “Who touched me?” His disciples were startled, but He persisted in searching for someone whose faith had released His healing powers.

With fear and trembling, I stepped forward and admitted that I was the one who had touched Him. I then honestly shared my testimony with Him and the crowd. Jesus looked upon me with mercy and gently told me my faith had indeed healed me. He bestowed peace on me.

Tears of joy streamed down my cheeks. From that day forward, my life took on new meaning as an example of God’s power and healing presence in my life.

After experiencing this divine encounter with Jesus Christ, I felt forever thankful and loved. Not only was He instrumental in healing me from my past struggles; now my future holds promise because of Him.

This story comes from Mark 5:25–34, Luke 8:43–48, and Matthew 9:20–22.

Dr Andrew C S Koh

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article short story

The Miracle Lunch Box

On a day, near the Sea of Galilee, I decided to offer my lunch, consisting of five barley loaves and two fish to Jesus. Little did I anticipate that this simple gesture would transform into a feast for thousands of people.


As the crowd gathered around Jesus, eager to hear His teachings, I searched for a spot where I could listen attentively. Despite my hunger, I knew that my meager lunch wouldn’t suffice for such a number of people. Jesus started to speak. His words captivated us all for hours on end.


As the sun started its descent, hunger began to gnaw at the crowd. Jesus turned to His disciples and inquired about acquiring food for everyone. Philip expressed doubts about the feasibility of feeding such a multitude. It was then that Andrew noticed my lunch box and led me towards Jesus.


With anticipation, I presented Him with my offering. Jesus offered up a prayer to His Father, blessed the food before Him, broke it into pieces and started distributing it among the crowd. To my amazement, those five loaves and two fish multiplied miraculously, continuously satisfying everyone’s hunger. Enough to feed 5000 men, and there were even leftovers!


This miracle extended beyond satiating their physical appetite; it touched their hearts deeply and provided them with spiritual nourishment as well. From that day I dedicated myself wholeheartedly as a follower of Jesus Christ. Spreading His teachings with unwavering enthusiasm.


Word quickly spread about the event, attracting people from near and far who were eager to witness the power of Jesus. I eagerly shared my account, emphasizing the profound truth that even the smallest offering can hold immense significance in the hands of the Almighty.
The miraculous occurrence, with the lunch box served as a reminder of God’s unwavering provision and boundless love. Every time I encounter bread or fish it instantly brings back memories of that day by the Sea of Galilee.


As time went on I was fortunate enough to witness an array of miracles performed by Jesus, – healing, feeding, and even raising the dead. However, among all these awe-inspiring events there was something about the miracle involving that humble lunch box. It reminded me to offer everything I have to Jesus, no matter how small, and trust that He can use it in amazing ways.


Reflecting upon that day fills my heart with gratitude for having been a partaker, in such a divine moment. My simple meal transformed into a testament to God’s provision and unending love. Now countless individuals are inspired by this memory – it continues to ignite faith and instill hope within their hearts.

Dr Andrew C S Koh

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bible study devotion

Feast of Tabernacle: devotion

Devotion

photo of a river

Prayer

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.

Setting

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.

John 7:37-39

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.

Reflection

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.” 

Application

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.”

Prayer

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

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bible study devotion

Woman of Samaria: Devotion:

Photo by Andre Furtado on Pexels.com

devotion

picture of.a lady rowing a boat
Photo by Andre Furtado on Pexels.com

Prayer

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.

Setting

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.

John 7:37-39

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.

Reflection

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.” 

Application

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

Prayer

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

Categories
bible study devotion

Devotion: false prophets

Devotion

Setting

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.

Matthew 7:15-20

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.

Reflection

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.

Application

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. 

Prayer

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

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devotion

Devotion: Do not give pearls to dogs

Devotion

Cofee on a table

do not give pearls to dogs

Matthew 7:6-11

Don’t give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened. Or who is there among you who, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, who will give him a serpent? If you then, being 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! 

Reflection

We must not give valuable things to people who do not appreciate them. For example, if we give flowers to monkeys, they will trample on them and tear them to pieces in no time. This is a call for spiritual discernment and wisdom. Sharing the gospel with people who ridicule and blaspheme God is like throwing pearls to dogs. 

Prayer is asking, seeking, and knocking on closed doors. 

Prayer is to ask until God gives, seek until God reveals, and knock until God opens the door. We must pray consistently, continuously, patiently, persistently, with perseverance, determination, and faith. We must not allow obstacles to deter, discourage, or hinder us from praying.

Prayer is like children asking their father for the things they need. In prayer, we go to our heavenly Father and ask Him for things that we need. God will give us good things when we pray according to His will. His answer may be yes, no, or wait, but it will always be the best.

Application

If we who are sinful know how to give good things to our children when they ask, how much more will God give us when we ask?

God is just a prayer away. Pray with faith, conviction, persistence, and perseverance. Do not give up if the answer does not come. God hears every word you pray. God may say yes, no, or wait but His answer is always the best. He is never late, or early, but always on time. Sometimes you may even have to fast and pray.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we pray for divine enablement to pray with faith and conviction. Help us to overcome the fear of man through prayer. We pray for the gift of evangelism, in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Dr Andrew C S Koh

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devotion

Do not judge: devotion

Dr. Andrew C S Koh

photo of an open bible
open bible

Setting

Matthew 7 is a continuation of Jesus’ sermon on the Mount where Jesus taught on judging others, spiritual discernment, relationship, and wisdom.

Matthew 7:1-5

1 Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged. 2 For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye? 4 Or how will you tell your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye,’ and behold, the beam is in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite! First,  remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.

Reflection

We cannot judge other people because we are sinners under God’s judgment, Romans 3:22. If we judge we are like pots calling kettles black. We cannot judge others righteously because we are not righteous. Judging others will only bring judgment to ourselves because God will judge us.

Jesus asked two rhetorical questions. These are questions to emphasize a point and do not require any answers.

Why are we so fast to see a speck of sawdust in other people’s eye but could not see the log of wood in our own eyes?   How are we going to remove the speck of sawdust in other people’s eye when our vision is blocked by a log in our own eyes? 

Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.”

Application

There are practical instructions to obey and apply.

Do not be a hypocrite. Remove the log in your own eye first before attempting to remove the speck of sawdust in other people’s eyes. Examine yourself first. Are you perfect? Are you qualified to judge? 

Confess, repent, and ask God to forgive your sins. Claim the promise of 1 John 1:9.

Do not take the law into your own hands. Let God be the judge, instead of judging others. Forgive others as God has forgiven you. Do not take vengeance on others. Let God deal with it.

1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us not to be judgmental and self-righteous. Thank You for reminding us that we are sinners under Your judgment. Thank You for redemption, reconciliation, justification, sanctification, salvation and eternal life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Dr Andrew C S Koh

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devotion

Binding of Isaac: devotion

Dr. Andrew C S Koh

box set

Setting

The Hebrew word for the binding of Isaac is Akedah. This was God’s ultimate test for Abraham. After waiting patiently for 25 years, God commanded Abraham to offer Isaac as a sacrifice! Abraham passed the test with flying colors. 

God called Abraham by name and told him to take Isaac his only son, whom he loved, and go to Mount Moriah. The name Moriah has a beautiful meaning in Hebrew – it signifies being handpicked by God. Moriah was mentioned only twice in the Bible, and this was the first mention. 

With Isaac carrying the wood, Abraham took a journey to Mount Moriah. The wood on Isaac’s back was a foreshadow of the cross behind Jesus’ back. 

Genesis 22:9-14

9 They came to the place which God had told him of. Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order, bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar, on the wood. 10 Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to kill his son. 11 Yahweh’s angel called to him out of the sky, and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” He said, “Here I am.” 12 He said, “Don’t lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now, I know that you fear God since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” 13 Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw that behind him was a ram caught in the thicket by his horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 Abraham called the name of that place “Yahweh Will Provide”. As it is said to this day, “On Yahweh’s mountain, it will be provided.” 

Reflection

The angel of the LORD called out Abraham’s name twice and stopped him from stabbing his son. Scholars believed that this Angel of the Lord was a Christophany of the pre-incarnate Christ.

Abraham passed the test with flying colors. He obeyed the God’s command. God provided a sacrificial ram trapped in the bush, just at the right moment. After sacrificing the ram as a burnt offering, Abraham called the place, Jehovah Jireh, which means, God will provide, in Hebrews.

God promised Abraham posterity as numerous as the stars of the heaven and the sand on the seashore. The whole world will be blessed by Abraham’s ultimate descendant Jesus Christ.

Application

Abraham is a type of God the Father. Isaac is a type of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. 

Ancient Mount Moriah is present day Calvary.

At the same place two thousand years ago, God provided His only Son to be the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. 

Whoever believes in Christ shall not perish but have eternal life, John 3:16.

Do you believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross 2000 years ago?

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross 2000 years ago to save us from sin. Thank You for salvation by grace through faith in Christ. Thank you for sanctification and eternal life, in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Dr Andrew C S Koh