Tag: prayer

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devotion

Understanding God’s Forgiveness: East vs. West

Devotion: as far as the east is from the west

 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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devotion

Anchored in the promise

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

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devotion

Leaning on the bridge

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.

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devotion

The Evidence of things not seen

Devotion

 

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.

Categories
bible study devotion

When You Don’t Know What to Say

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.

 

Categories
devotion

Finding Clarity in the Mist

Through the Mist

A devotional for those walking by faith, not by sight

Scripture

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)

Reflection

There are seasons when the path ahead is veiled, when the horizon disappears into fog and every step feels uncertain.

In these moments, clarity is not a gift of vision but a fruit of trust. God does not always part the mist. Sometimes, He simply walks with us through it.

The mist is not punishment. It is invitation. A call to lean not on our own understanding, but on the whisper of the Holy Spirit.

In the hush of obscurity, we learn to listen. In the absence of landmarks, we learn to follow the Shepherd’s voice.

Faith flourishes not in the sunlight of certainty, but in the twilight of surrender.

And as we walk, one prayerful step at a time, the mist begins to glow, not with answers, but with His Presence.

Poetic Grace

The fog may blur the edges, 

but grace sharpens the soul.

Not every path is lit,some are simply held. 

And in the hush between heartbeats, He is there.

Prayer

Lord, when the way ahead is hidden, help us trust the You who sees beyond the mist. Teach us to walk by faith, not by sight. Let Your Word be our compass, Your Spirit our guide, and Your love our light. Amen.

Dr Andrew C S Koh

Categories
devotion

Overcoming Fear with Faith

An Unexpected Messenger

Scripture:
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3

Observation

Life often surprises us with sudden and unsettling encounters. It could be something small. It could be a sound, a movement, or an uninvited guest. Yet, it shakes our sense of safety and control. These moments remind us that fear can enter our hearts in an instant.

Interpretation

Fear is a natural human response, but faith calls us to lift our eyes higher. The psalmist knew fear well, yet he chose to anchor his heart in God’s protection. An unexpected disturbance in the clinic may seem like nothing more than an inconvenience. Yet, spiritually, it becomes a symbol. Life is fragile, uncertain, and outside of our control. Yet, God is our refuge.

Every “unexpected visitor” in life comes in various forms. These may include sudden challenges, unwelcome news, or mysterious interruptions. Each can be seen as a messenger reminding us to trust God afresh.

Application

  • When fear strikes suddenly, pause and breathe a prayer of trust.
  • See interruptions as invitations to depend more deeply on God.
  • Remember that nothing catches Him by surprise. He is with you in every moment.

Prayer

Lord, when life brings unexpected visitors, help me to respond with faith instead of panic. These visitors may come in fear, anxiety, or sudden change. Teach me to trust You in every moment, knowing You are my shield and my comfort. May even life’s mysteries draw me closer to You. Amen.

Dr Andrew C S Koh

Categories
travel

Touched by an angel: short story

Dr. Andrew C S Koh

a photo showing a rainbow over the alps
A rainbow over the Alps

Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it.He

Hebrews 13:2

Sound of Music

 Many years ago, I visited Vienna and joined an early morning coach tour to Salzburg. Our tour guide led us on a walking tour from the Salzburg city center toward the site where the film, the Sound of Music, was shot. Sixty minutes, several turns, and many gardens later, we arrived. The scenery was spectacularly amazing. After guiding us through the movie site’s intricacies and explaining the location’s mysteries, the guide told us we could start our free time to enjoy lunch and explore further on our own. Before he took leave, he told us to make our way back to the city center by 4 pm sharp for our return to Vienna, or risk being stranded in Salzburg.

    After everyone left, I found myself alone since I was a lone traveler. After a sumptuous lunch, I walked around the site until it was time to leave. By then, I lost my orientation and could not find my way back. I had no access to Google Maps, Waze, or GPS because I did not have data for a Wi-Fi connection. I became worried as I was in a deserted place and the clock was ticking mercilessly. I bowed my head and lifted a simple prayer, asking God to guide me back to the city center.

    As I opened my eyes, a beautiful young European lady stood before me and spoke to me in perfect English. This was rare in Salzburg for the locals spoke German and broken English with a strong accent. She asked me politely whether I needed help. I replied, “I’m trying to find my way back to the city center.” She told me to follow her. We walked through the many turns and wonderful gardens. She pointed out the way I should take near the city center and disappeared.

    I reached our tour coach just ten minutes before 4 pm. In my heart, I thanked God for answering my prayer. I believed that I was touched by an angel in Salzburg. God sent a stranger to rescue me from an impending disaster that day. I could not fathom what would have happened if I was stranded in Salzburg. Nowadays, I will not leave home without my data plans and Wi-Fi connection. I also realized that God is just a prayer away, and His loving kindness and faithfulness endure forever.  

Has anyone experienced an angel encounter? Please share your story in the comment section.

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Dr Andrew C S Koh

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bible study devotion

The armor of God: devotion

Ephesians 6: 11-17

Dr. Andrew C S Koh

a picture showing books on a coffee table
books on a coffee table

The Armor of God

Paul described the armor of God in Ephesians 6. This armor is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul used a Roman soldier’s uniform to illustrate the armor of God because he was chained ta a Roman soldier 24 hours a day under house arrest. The armor of God is a six-piece comprehensive uniform comprising a belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, and sword. 

Paul exhorts his audience and us to put on the whole armor of God not only to protect but also to attack the enemy of our souls. We are not fighting against human beings with flesh and blood. We are fighting against evil spirits in the spiritual realm of the unseen world. Our enemies are the hierarchy of evil spirits called principalities and powers, rulers and authorities, and spiritual wickedness in the high places, We must win the war through prayer in the spiritual realm first, before we can see a breakthrough in the physical realm. In this war, we do not use physical weapons but spiritual ones to demolish strongholds, 2 Corinthians 10:4.

for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds

2 Corinthians 10:4

Ephesians 6:11-17

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God

Ephesians 6:11-17

Jesus is the belt of Truth

Jesus sets you free from bondage. He is Grace and Truth.

and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free

John 8:32

I am the way, the truth, and the life 

John 14:7

Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is the truth

John 17:7

Jesus is the breastplate of righteousness

Jesus is the righteousness of God.

For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith”

Romans 1:17

2 Cor 5:21, For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Jesus is the gospel of peace

Jesus is the prince of peace.  We must wear the shoes of Jesus to share the gospel of peace with others.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.

1 Peter 3:15

preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching.

1 Timothy 4:2

Jesus is the shield of faith

Faith protects us from the fiery darts of doubt.

Contend, Yahweh, with those who contend with me. Fight against those who fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help.

Psalm 35:1-2

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen

Hebrews 11:1

Jesus is the helmet of salvation

The helmet protects the mind from anxious thoughts. Salvation gives us the hope of eternal life. 

But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation

1 Thess 5:8

Jesus is the sword of the Spirit

Jesus is the Word of God, a double-edged sword that cuts in both ways. Jesus quoted the Word of God when He was tempted by satan in the wilderness. The sword of the Spirit is prayer, fasting, intercession, and the Word of God. 

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth

John 1:14

For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart

Hebrews 4:12

Application

Put on the full six-piece armor of Jesus before you even go to work. Then, you will be able to stand firm against the demonic spirits. If you kneel down before God in prayer, you will stand firm before men at work. Jesus covers you from head to toe with a helmet, breastplate, belt, shoes, shield, and sword. The helmet protects your mind. The breastplate keeps you righteous before God. The truth sets you free from deception. The shoes enable you to preach the gospel of peace The shield protects you from the flaming doubts of satan. The sword enables you to defend yourself and attack for deliverance, and demolishing of strongholds. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus Christ, the armor of God for spiritual protection and spiritual warfare. Teach us how to pray with perseverance, watchfulness, and supplication. Teach us how to cultivate the discipline of intercession. We claim the promise of 2 Chronicles 7:14,

if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land

2 Chronicle 7:14

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Dr Andrew C S Koh