Are We Good Christians?

Contributed by John Fischer, for Purpose Driven Life Devotions
John reflected how he thought a Christian was all about being a good person - someone who would rank high in relative goodness when compared to others more spiritually challenged. This was before he realized that Christ died to save sinners, and to qualify for the free gift of salvation. The fact is that “being a good Christian” sees there’s a necessity when we become the judge of others, because we tend to judge others in order to remain good in our eyes. John gave some thought when Billy Graham did work in his ministry. Billy says that he never excludes himself from the Bible when he has to preach the gospel. He knew the gospel wouldn't preach if he had not being able to spend time with God and hearing the word of God what he has to hear from the Holy Spirit first. Before he speak the right message to people who are listening to him. Billy finds this is foremost important for any fervent believer who reflects the glory of God in his life serving people and evangelizing Non-Christians who receive the faith of salvation.

O Come All Ye Faithful

Contributed by John Fischer, for Purpose Driven Life Devotions
Have you ever come to Christmas season, caught yourself singing, “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and wondered: “Who's that? Who can say they have been totally faithful to Christ?” If we were honest with ourselves, could anyone say they were entirely faithful in their walk with God? But what do we compare to? Perhaps the word “faithful” would have to be a relative thing. We would fail Him from time to time. We would have struggled with our faith. We can’t deny that we are unfaithful partners with God. There is a saying that was popular in the early days of the church. Paul called it “trustworthy saying” in a letter to Timothy: “If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him.”2 Timothy 2:11-12: John believes that we Christians would be in bad shape if our security with God depended on our faithfulness to Him than He is to us. But the good news is: our security with God depends on His faithfulness to us. Matthew 18:6 shows us how Jesus chided his disciples for having “little faith,” but He did not kick them off the team for it. He called His followers an “unbelieving generation,” but He did not abandon them. And in spite of the saying above about disowning those who disown Him, Jesus apparently made an exception to that rule for Peter, who on three occasions disowned having any part of Christ. He later forgave Peter and accepted him back. John is sure we could recall times when we struggled with faith, had a hard time finding it, or perhaps found ourselves unfaithful to God. Whatever it is, we might have to find time to worship God for His faithfulness to us. We may have let go of Him, but He will never let go of us, because we are His, and He cannot disown what belongs to Him.

Day of Salvation

Contributed by Gospel Communications International
When the tsunami hit in December 2004, there were theories of it being a punishment on Muslims. Apparently some Muslims in the Middle East are now stating that Katrina and Rita are punishment for America's involvement in Iraq. We have no position whether this is equal to the viewpoint of God? What we are clear about is that the Bible speaks of the fact that God is currently withholding his wrath for a day of judgment which is to come, and we can be certain “there will be no doubt about that one, when it comes.” 2 Peter 3:3-7: Until that time, this is an age of God's favor; this is the “day of salvation.” In other words, God is holding back His judgment on wickedness and evil to allow for all to hear his message of salvation in Christ, and respond to His free gift of salvation through Christ's death on the cross. It is also true that when calamities arise, people are more prone to call upon God. What do we benefit if we gain the whole world but loses our own soul?” Matthew 16:26: “Could it not also be said that to lose your whole world, but gain our soul, might just be worth it?”

The Talents We Possess

Contributed by Jeremy Koh
Some time ago, a friend Seow Yen sent me this encouraging note. In the note it says that, “there are people who do not realize that ‘Nat King Cole’ started his musical career as a piano player. It happened when he was on a trip to California, performing in a nightclub, that his singing career got a jump-start. The singer who was to have performed that evening was taken ill. When Cole showed up the club owner asked about the singer. When he learned the singer was sick, the club owner responded, “No singer, no check.” That was the night “Nat King Cole” launched his career. Actually, he had always been a singer but had never recognized and used that talent.” Those of us who remember him as a person and as a talent consider him one of the true greats in all of entertainment. I am sure that we can’t play good instrumental music well. But I am also sure that we have aspirations to sing a song. We should view things differently in what we do with talents that we already possess.
Next reflection thought: The Day of Salvation

Ark Of Testimony

Contributed by Richard Dick, Daily Encounter of Acts International
Exodus 40:3 tells us the time when Moses received instruction from God to build an ark and protect it. The wisdom provided for us by the Holy Spirit. “He took and put the testimony into the Ark, and he brought the Ark into the Tabernacle, as the Lord commanded him 40:20-21. “After the Tabernacle was constructed, the cloud of the Lord's presence” Exodus 13:21. The people were following the cloud to direct the Israelites throughout their journey as they travel. Exodus 40:36-37: We continue to live our lives for God with strength from the Word. The Word read by us daily. This is a must for us as we do what God commands us and to understand Him better. We obey the Word. We live for God mightily. We praise to the Lord Psalm 92:1.
Next reflection thought: The Talent We Possess

People in oppression

Contributed by the Upper Room e-devotions ministry
Exodus chapter two described the time when Moses saw the oppression of his people and felt certain that he was the one to deliver them out from Egypt. He started to right their wrongs through righteous teachings of the Law. However, not quite as it seems, when God allowed Moses to be driven into blank discouragement, He sent him into the desert to feed sheep for forty years. It was not until Moses had learned communion with God. We learnt that God has an important role to play in our lives. He has to come into our lives to guide us. We carry on to face hardships ahead.
Next reflection thought: Ark of Testimony

A Garden God Created

Contributed by Gospel Communications International
“Let there be light.” Genesis 1:3; God formed the universe out of void in darkness till light came into being. God planted seeds in the garden. God sends the sun and the rain. He created the seeds on the ground. Paul wrote, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” 1 Corinthians 3:6. We thank God, for people who grow fruits on the ground today. We are stewards who take care of this garden, God's earth. We praise God, for His beautiful creation.
Next reflection thought: Oppressed people