Enduring Today with Tomorrow’s Glory in View - Rom 8:18

Enduring Today with Tomorrow’s Glory in View

Scripture: "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18, NIV)

Acknowledging the Reality of Suffering:
Look around – suffering, grief, and injustice are undeniable. Perhaps you carry deep wounds: the sting of loss, the weight of chronic pain, the ache of broken relationships, or the frustration of a world groaning under the curse (Romans 8:22). These seasons are hard. Answers often feel scarce, and the "why" can echo in the silence. The raw truth is that much of our suffering remains shrouded in mystery this side of eternity.

Paul's Radical Perspective Shift:
Into this reality, the Apostle Paul – a man intimately acquainted with profound suffering (2 Corinthians 11:23-28) – speaks a word that doesn't dismiss our pain, but radically reframes it. He declares: Our present sufferings are utterly incomparable to the future glory awaiting us. This isn't wishful thinking; it's a deliberate, faith-filled act of spiritual accounting. Paul has weighed them on the cosmic scales, and the result is decisive: No contest.

The Nature of the Coming Glory:
What could possibly outweigh such crushing burdens? It is "the glory that will be revealed in us."

• Transformation: This glory signifies our ultimate perfection – being fully conformed to the image of Christ (1 John 3:2), including the redemption and resurrection of our bodies (Romans 8:23).
• Union with God: It means sharing intimately in the very glory of God Himself (John 17:22), dwelling in His unveiled presence.
• The New Creation: It is the culmination of God's redemptive story: a world made new, free from every trace of sin, suffering, and death. Tears, pain, mourning, and sickness will be forever banished (Revelation 21:1-5). We will be whole, complete, and eternally secure.

Why This Truth Anchors Us Now:

1. Perspective in the Storm: When suffering threatens to engulf us, this truth lifts our gaze. It doesn't erase the present ache, but it places it within the vast, hope-filled arc of God's eternal purpose. Our pain, however intense, is temporary. The glory coming is eternal and infinitely greater.
2. The End of Suffering: This future glory means the definitive end of all suffering. God Himself will wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4). The very things that cause us such anguish now will cease to exist. We will be perfected, dwelling in perfect peace and joy with Him.
3. Empowered Endurance: Knowing the glorious end – both the weight of glory within us and the end of suffering around us – fuels perseverance. It transforms gritting our teeth into pressing forward with purpose. Our present struggles, however meaningless they seem, are part of the journey toward that unimaginable revelation (Romans 8:17, 2 Corinthians 4:17). Paul's encouragement rings clear: Persevere because what awaits is infinitely worth it.
4. An Active Faith: Paul's "I consider" is an act of faith. He bases this incomparable contrast not on fleeting feelings or current circumstances, but on the unchanging character and sovereign promise of God. We are called to the same active faith: to choose to believe this eternal truth, anchoring our souls (Hebrews 6:19), even when our senses scream otherwise.

Living in Light of Glory:
How often do we truly "consider" this future reality? How often do we lift our hearts in praise for God's relentless work of redemption, making us and all things new? The more we fix our minds on the certainty of our future union with God and the glory to be revealed in us, the more this perspective becomes our sustaining strength. It shifts our focus from the weight of now to the glorious weight of what is to come.

Prayer:
Father, the pain I feel (or see around me) is real and heavy. Thank you for the profound, anchoring hope of Your Word. Help me, like Paul, to actively "consider" – to fix the eyes of my heart on the staggering glory You have promised to reveal within me through Christ. Give me faith to believe that no suffering I endure now can diminish or even compare to the eternal joy, wholeness, and radiant transformation that awaits. When answers are few, let this certain future be my comfort. When endurance wanes, let this glorious hope renew my strength. Remind me that You are redeeming all things, and that one day, every tear will be wiped away, and I will be fully Yours, perfected in Your presence. Amen.

Reflection:

1. How does understanding the nature of the coming glory (transformation, union with God) change how you view your present difficulties?
2. How does the promise that suffering itself will cease (Revelation 21:4) bring comfort in your current struggles?
3. What does it look like for you today to actively "consider" this truth? How can you cultivate a greater focus on the hope of heaven?
4. How can this combined perspective – of glory revealed in us and suffering ended around us – empower you to walk through hard seasons with greater trust and perseverance?

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Key Synthesis Points:

1. Acknowledgment: Starts with validating the reality and mystery of suffering (from "Suffering Redeemed").
2. Paul's Act ("Consider"): Retains the emphasis on Paul's deliberate, faith-based accounting (from Original).
3. Glory Defined: Combines the transformative aspect ("in us"/Original) with the relief aspect ("suffering ceases"/"Suffering Redeemed") and the New Creation reality.
4. Anchoring Points: Explicitly lists how the truth functions: Perspective, End of Suffering, Empowered Endurance, Active Faith (merging both sources).
5. Call to Focus: Includes the practical question about focusing on heaven/praise ("Suffering Redeemed") framed within the larger theological context.
6. Prayer & Reflection: The prayer incorporates both longings (transformation and end of suffering). Reflection questions blend theological understanding ("nature of glory") with practical hope ("suffering cease") and application ("consider," "focus").
7. Tone: Seeks a balance between the empathetic/pastoral ("raw truth," "ache," "definitive end") and the theologically rich ("spiritual accounting," "sovereign promise," "radiant transformation").

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p.s. This post was done with the help of Deepseek and ChatGPT.

Are We the Hypocrites? - James 1:27 & Isaiah 1:17 Matthew 23:23

Title: Hypocrites or Healers?
When God Rejects Our Religion and Demands Justice

Key Scriptures:

"Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." (Isaiah 1:17, NIV)
"Religion that God accepts as pure is this: look after orphans and widows… and keep oneself from being polluted by the world." (James 1:27, NIV)
"Woe to you, hypocrites! You neglect justice, mercy, and faithfulness." (Matthew 23:23, NIV)

The Scandal of Empty Worship

God’s people in Isaiah’s day prayed, fasted, and offered sacrifices—yet He called it "detestable" (Isaiah 1:13). Centuries later, Jesus condemned religious leaders who tithed herbs but "devoured widows’ houses" (Matthew 23:14, 23). Why? Their rituals masked injustice. They sang hymns but silenced the oppressed; they funded temples but abandoned orphans.

God’s verdict is clear: If our worship ignores the vulnerable, it is hypocrisy.

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The Four Marks of True Faith

Isaiah 1:17 is God’s blueprint for "pure religion" (James 1:27):

Command	Hypocrisy	True Faith
1. "Learn to do right"	Condemning others’ sins while ignoring our own (Matthew 7:3–5).	Pursuing personal holiness amid a corrupt world (James 1:27).
2. "Seek justice"	Benefiting from broken systems (racism, greed) while staying silent.	Actively exposing oppression and advocating for fairness (Proverbs 31:8–9).
3. "Defend the oppressed"	Protecting reputation over people.	Standing between bullies and victims (Luke 4:18).
4. "Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead for the widow"	Exploiting the vulnerable (Mark 12:40).	Adopting the abandoned as family (Psalm 68:5).

This is the acid test:

"If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?" (1 John 3:17, NIV)

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Why God Rejects "Religious" People

What Hypocrites Offer	What God Demands
Elaborate sacrifices (Isaiah 1:11)	"Stop doing wrong" (Isaiah 1:16)
Public prayers (Isaiah 1:15)	"Defend the oppressed" (Isaiah 1:17)
Strict tithing (Matthew 23:23)	"Justice, mercy, faithfulness" (Matthew 23:23)
Sunday piety	Monday compassion (James 2:14–17)

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From Hypocrisy to Healing: A Path Back to God

Repentance is God’s gift to hypocrites:

"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." (Isaiah 1:18, NIV)
Three steps to authentic faith:

1. Repent: Confess complicity in injustice—through action or silence.
2. Restore: Like Zacchaeus, repay those you’ve exploited (Luke 19:8).
3. Rise: Join God’s mission: "Seek justice, rescue the oppressed" (Isaiah 1:17, NRSV).

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Application Questions

1. Heart Check: Where does your faith feel performative? (e.g., posting Scriptures online but ignoring a struggling neighbor).
2. Justice Check: What system (workplace, community, nation) benefits you while oppressing others?
3. Hands Check: Name one orphan, widow, refugee, or bullied person you will advocate for this month.

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Prayer of Surrender

Father, I confess: I am the hypocrite. I’ve judged others’ sins while excusing my greed. I’ve sung of Your love while ignoring the oppressed. Forgive me! Tear away my religious mask. Force my eyes open to the fatherless, my ears to the widow’s cry, my hands to the weary. Make my worship real—bloodied with justice, scarred by sacrifice, alive with Your love. Cleanse me with grace (Isaiah 1:18), and send me to heal what I’ve ignored. Amen.

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Go Deeper

• Read: Amos 5:21–24 (God hates empty festivals).
• Reflect: "Who have I ‘devoured’ to build my comfort? (Mark 12:40).
• Act: Donate to a foster agency, visit a nursing home, or join an anti-trafficking coalition.

"God has no use for the prayers of the people who won’t listen to the cry of the poor."
—Proverbs 21:13 (MSG)
"True faith doesn’t chant ‘God is love’—it becomes love."

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p.s. This post was the result of several interactions with DeepSeek.

Chosen, Appointed, and Empowered - John 15:16

At times when reading the Bible, it may be better for us to rest our minds and get a fresh understanding from others, such as reading the devotions from the famous preachers of the past. Today, we can easily get it from generative AI. Here is one from DeepSeek:

Devotion: Chosen, Appointed, and Empowered

Scripture: "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, He will give you." (John 15:16, NIV)

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1. The Divine Initiative: "I Chose You"

Jesus flips our spiritual assumptions upside down. We often think faith begins with our pursuit of God, but He declares: "You did not choose me—I chose you." This is the heartbeat of grace. Before you ever sought Him, He set His love on you (Ephesians 1:4). Your place in His kingdom isn’t earned; it’s a gift. Rest in this truth: You are wanted, known, and irrevocably loved by the Creator.

2. The Purposeful Commission: "Appointed to Bear Fruit"

God’s choice is never passive. He appoints you "so that you might go and bear lasting fruit."

• "Go": Faith is active, not stagnant. You’re sent into relationships, workplaces, and broken spaces.
• "Fruit": This is the visible mark of abiding in Christ (John 15:5)—love, joy, peace, transformed lives, justice, and disciples.
• "That will last": Cultural trends fade; God’s work in and through you echoes in eternity.

🌱 Your purpose isn’t self-fulfillment—it’s surrender to His mission.

3. The Promise of Power: Prayer in His Name

The verse ends with a staggering promise: "Whatever you ask the Father in my name, He will give you." This isn’t a blank check for personal desires. To pray "in Jesus’ name" means:

• Alignment with His character and will (1 John 5:14).
• Dependence on His authority, not our merit.
• Focus on the mission: Ask for boldness, opportunities, spiritual fruit, and resources to glorify Him.

When your heart beats for His kingdom, heaven’s resources back you.

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Reflection Questions:

1. Identity: How does being chosen by Christ reshape your self-worth or struggles with insecurity?
2. Fruitfulness: What "lasting fruit" is God growing through you right now? (e.g., patience, a mentee’s faith, acts of justice)
3. Prayer: What are you asking "in Jesus’ name" for His glory? Does it align with His mission?

Application:

• Identity: What one lie about your worth or belonging will you reject this week because you are chosen by Christ?
• Purpose: What is one practical step you can take this week to intentionally "go" and be available for God to bear lasting fruit through you?
• Empowerment: What specific, mission-focused request will you bring to the Father "in Jesus' name" this week (e.g., for an opportunity, for boldness, for a resource, for a person's salvation)?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the staggering truth that You chose me before I ever knew You. Help me rest completely in this grace, letting it dismantle my insecurities and fuel my confidence in Christ.

Lord Jesus, You didn't just choose me—You appointed me for a purpose. Awaken me daily to my calling: to go into my world and bear lasting fruit—fruit of transformed character, acts of radical love, and lives brought into Your Kingdom. Keep me deeply connected to You, the Vine, for apart from You I can do nothing.

Thank You for the promise that whatever I ask in Your name, aligned with Your mission and character, the Father will give. Give me boldness to ask for what advances Your Kingdom: opportunities to serve, courage to speak, resources to share, and perseverance to love. Align my desires with Yours.

May my life today be a living response to Your choosing, Your commissioning, and Your empowering promise.
In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.

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Closing Thought:

You are chosen not to bask in privilege, but to blaze with purpose. You are appointed not to drift, but to bear eternal fruit. You are empowered not to hoard, but to ask boldly for Heaven’s breakthrough. Walk today in the confidence that the One who chose you will finish what He started (Philippians 1:6).

"We love because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19). His choice fuels our mission.

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Deep Dive: Abiding in Christ (The Key to Fruitfulness - John 15:4-5)

While John 15:16 focuses on our election, appointment, and empowered prayer, verses 4-5 reveal the essential condition for bearing lasting fruit: Abiding in Christ.

• "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." (John 15:4, NIV)
• "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5, NIV)

What Does "Abiding" Look Like Practically?

• Intentional Connection: Daily prayer, Scripture reading, worship – not as duty, but as life-giving communion.
• Obedience & Alignment: Responding to the Spirit's promptings and aligning our will with His (John 15:10).
• Dependence: Recognizing our constant need for His strength, wisdom, and grace. Acknowledging we can't do it alone.
• Abiding in His Love: Resting in and receiving His unconditional love (John 15:9), which becomes the motivation and power for everything we do.

The Fruit Connection: Lasting fruit isn't manufactured by our effort; it's the natural overflow of a life intimately connected to Jesus. Our "appointment" (15:16) is fulfilled only through sustained "abiding" (15:4-5). The power for the mission flows from the intimacy of the relationship. Prayer "in His name" (15:16) is the communication channel of the abiding branch to the Vinedresser (the Father).

Reflection: How healthy is your "connection to the Vine" right now? What one practice can you strengthen this week to deepen your abiding in Christ? 

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As a Comparison, here is Google’s AI on Oswald Chambers on John 15:16

 Oswald Chambers, in his devotional work My Utmost for His Highest, uses John 15:16 ("You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.") to emphasize God's initiative in salvation and the believer's call to a life of fruitfulness and dependence on God. He highlights that salvation is not a result of human choice but God's sovereign election, and that believers are chosen to bear lasting fruit and to rely on God's provision through prayer. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown of Chambers's perspective on John 15:16:

• God's Initiative:

Chambers emphasizes that the verse highlights God's initiative in choosing believers, rather than the other way around. This is a foundational truth for understanding Christian life and discipleship. 

• Fruitfulness and Dependence:

The verse also speaks of the call to bear fruit and have that fruit remain. Chambers interprets this as a call to a life of ongoing impact and a reliance on God's power and provision to sustain that fruitfulness. 

• Prayer as a Means of Grace:

The phrase "whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you" connects fruitfulness with prayer. Chambers would likely see this as an encouragement to rely on God's power and resources through prayer to accomplish His purposes in and through the believer. 

• Overpowering Purpose:

Chambers often speaks of God's "overpowering purpose" in the believer's life. John 15:16, in his view, illustrates this, showing that God's choice of the believer is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process of shaping the believer for His purposes. 

• Devotion to a Person:

Chambers would emphasize that believers are devoted to a person (Jesus Christ) and not just a cause or a set of doctrines. John 15:16 points to the personal relationship believers have with Jesus, from whom their purpose and fruitfulness flow. 

In essence, Chambers uses John 15:16 to underscore that believers are chosen by God for a purpose, called to bear lasting fruit, and empowered to do so through prayer and a deep, abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Chambers' devotion was similar to DeepSeek.

 

The Simple Path to Salvation - Romans 10:13

 The Simple Path to Salvation

Scripture: Romans 10:13 (ESV)
"For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'"

The Context: God’s Invitation to All

Romans 10 strips away confusion about salvation. The Apostle Paul declares it’s not about human effort, distant mysteries, or unattainable perfection. Instead, he quotes Deuteronomy 30:14 to show God’s grace is within reach:

"The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (Romans 10:8).

This "word" is the gospel—the message of faith in Jesus Christ. Paul then clarifies exactly how this salvation works:

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10).

Salvation is a gift received through faith (heart) and confession (mouth), centered entirely on Jesus.

Paul emphasizes this promise is universal:

"For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him." (Romans 10:12).

The Simple Truth: Four Pillars of Salvation

1. Only One Condition: Call on the Lord (v. 13)
   Salvation isn’t earned by rituals, morality, or knowledge. It’s received by calling out to Jesus—admitting your need and trusting Him as Savior. Like a drowning person cries for help, we cry out to Christ.
2. Heart Belief + Mouth Confession (vv. 8–10)
• Heart Belief: Trusting that Jesus is Lord—the divine Son of God who died for your sins and was raised by God to conquer death (v. 9). This isn’t mere intellectual agreement; it’s reliance on His finished work.
• Mouth Confession: Publicly acknowledging Jesus’ lordship over your life (v. 9). This verbal step confirms internal faith and aligns us with Christ before others.
3. Everyone Means Everyone and Anyone (v. 12)
   Your past, race, social status, or failures don’t disqualify you. God’s grace extends to all who call on Him—Jew or Gentile, rich or poor, religious or skeptic. His offer has no borders.
4. The Core: Jesus Crucified and Risen (v. 9)
   Salvation hinges on two historical truths:
• Jesus is Lord: He is God, who paid sin’s price through His death.
• God raised Him: The resurrection proves His victory over sin and death, securing our eternal life.

Application: Turning Truth into Life

• Have you truly called on Jesus? Salvation begins with a personal cry: "Lord, save me!"
• Is your faith in Christ alone? Not in your goodness, church attendance, or theology—but in His death and resurrection.
• Do you confess Him openly? Does your life (words and actions) acknowledge Him as Lord?
• Who needs to hear this simplicity? Share this hope—it’s for everyone.

A Prayer of Salvation

Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God. I believe You died for my sins and rose again to give me life. I confess I am a sinner and need Your rescue. Right now, I call on Your name: Save me! Forgive me. Be my Lord. I trust You alone for my salvation. Thank You for Your grace. Amen.

 

 

p.s. This post was the response from DeepSeek to my prompt:

Improve and complete the following devotion:

 

The Simple Way to Get Saved.

Rom 10:13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

 

The Context:

Romans 10

8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);

9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”

12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.

13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

 

#1 Only condition for Salvation is "Call on the Lord" -v13

#2 It is with the Mouth to call and the Belief in the Heart that of the Lord's Love & Ability. 8-10

#3 Everyone means everyone, irrespective of race or philosophies etc. -v12

#4 It is purely knowing Jesus as the One from God who paid for our sins and was raised for our justification for eternal life - v9.

 

Application Questions

 

A Short prayer

Creation Begins with Intention - Reflecting on Divine Blueprints and Human Purpose - Genesis 1:3-4

 Creation Begins with Intention

Reflecting on Divine Blueprints and Human Purpose

Genesis 1:3-4 (NIV)
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.

The Pattern of Creation

1. Intention Precedes Reality
   Before light existed, God intended it. His command—“Let there be light”—reveals that creation flows from purposeful vision. Nothing emerges from chaos without clear intent. Like God, we are called to begin with holy imagination: discerning purpose, designing strategy, and declaring hope into the void.
2. Faithful Execution Brings Vision to Life
   God’s word was both command and creation. He spoke, and light obeyed. Execution is faith in action—the bridge between intention and manifestation. What we envision must be met with courageous steps, trusting that God partners with us as we co-create.
3. Wisdom Adapts in an Existing World
   Unlike the first creation ex nihilo (from nothing), we steward a world already in motion. God didn’t erase darkness; He separated and defined it. Likewise, our work requires discernment: honoring what is good, redeeming what is broken, and courageously distinguishing light from shadows.
4. Goodness is the Measure of Success
   God paused to affirm the goodness of light. Our creations—projects, relationships, art, or service—must ultimately serve God’s redemptive purpose. "Good" isn’t mere efficiency; it’s alignment with His shalom: wholeness, justice, and beauty.
5. Light Transforms Darkness
   Light didn’t just exist; it revolutionized the void. Darkness lost its dominance. When we create with God, we bring hope that reorders chaos, truth that exposes lies, and love that overcomes brokenness.

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Application Questions

 

1. Vision: What "light" is God calling you to speak into existence? What intention needs clarity?
2. Action: Where have you delayed execution? What step can you take today to advance God’s purpose?
3. Discernment: In your current "world," what needs separation (e.g., boundaries, priorities)? What requires redemption versus release?
4. Goodness: How does your work serve others and honor God’s design? Where might efficiency compromise integrity?
5. Transformation: Where is darkness overwhelming in your sphere? How can you bring Christ’s light there?

 A Short Prayer

Creator God,
Your voice summoned light from nothing.
Give me courage to speak hope where I see void,
wisdom to steward what You’ve entrusted,
and eyes to recognize the goodness You design.
Let my life create light that pierces darkness,
for Your glory.  Amen.

 

 p.s. This post is the output from DeepSeek from my prompt:

Improve and complete the following devotion:

 

Creation begins with Intention

 

Genesis 1:3-4 NIV

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.

 

#1 Something out of nothing, creation, comes first with intention. The vision, the strategy and the execution.

#2 Execution realizes the vision.

#3 Of course, in an existing world, versus the first creation of light in world of void, as we execute we also need to adapt.

#4 The result of the vision must be to produce something good.

#5 In this case, the light was good, because light brings a new dimension to the old world of darkness.

 

Application Questions

 

A Short prayer

 

The Sacred Rhythm: Praise & Calling — Psalm 105:1

The Sacred Rhythm: Praise & Calling

Scripture: "Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!"
— Psalm 105:1 (ESV)

Psalm 105:1 reveals a divine rhythm for our relationship with God: thanksgiving, dependence, and testimony. This cycle isn’t linear—it’s a spiral of faith that deepens our trust and magnifies God’s glory.

The Cycle Deepened:

1. Calling in Dependence (Petition)
   We begin by humbly calling on God—not as a last resort, but as our first response. In weakness, we acknowledge His strength (Psalm 50:15). What burdens are you carrying alone instead of surrendering to Him?
2. Experiencing His Faithfulness (Provision)
   God responds with compassion. His help—whether dramatic or subtle—reveals His character. Remember: His answers align with His wisdom, not always our expectations (Isaiah 55:8–9).
3. Thanksgiving in Response (Praise)
   Gratitude erupts when we recognize His intervention. Praise isn’t passive; it’s active worship that shifts our focus from our circumstances to His sovereignty (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
4. Testifying to Others (Proclamation)
   Sharing God’s deeds fuels faith—in others and ourselves. Your story becomes a beacon of hope, inviting others into this cycle (Mark 5:19). Who needs to hear of God’s goodness through you?
5. Growing in Bold Faith (Progression)
   Experiencing God’s faithfulness emboldens us. We ask bigger, trust deeper, and seek His kingdom above all (Matthew 7:7–8). Each step in the cycle stretches our spiritual capacity.
6. Praising in Advance (Promise)
   True maturity: thanking God before the answer comes. This is faith rooted in His character, not circumstances (Daniel 3:17–18). We praise because we know who He is.

Application Questions:

1. When has God’s unexpected answer to prayer deepened your trust in Him?
2. Is your praise conditional on outcomes, or anchored in God’s nature?
3. What "deed" of God in your life have you hesitated to share? Why?
4. How can you cultivate praise while waiting for His help?

A Prayer:

Father, I come to You empty-handed but full-hearted.
I call on Your name now—for the burdens I carry, the needs I see, and the fears I hide.
Teach me to recognize Your hand at work, even in the waiting.
Stir my heart to praise You not just for what You do, but for who You are.
Give me the courage to proclaim Your goodness, so others may seek Your face.
And when doubt whispers, remind me: Your faithfulness is my anthem.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

 p.s. This post was the output from DeepSeek to my prompt:

Improve and complete the following devotion:

 

The endless cycle of Praise & Calling

 

Psalm 105:1 ESV

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

 

#1 We can kick start with Calling upon God for help.

#2 We can then experience His answer and help.

#3 For the goodness and blessings that He answered us, we give thanks and praise.

#4 We tell others about how good God is. God can also be good to them.

#5 We rise in our faith to dare to ask God for more and to trust more.

#6 We can give thanks even before His answer comes because we know Him better.

 

Application Questions

 

A Short prayer

Growing Up in a Community of Love: Sharing Burdens, Living Christ's Law Scripture: Galatians 6:2

 Growing Up in a Community of Love: Sharing Burdens, Living Christ's Law

Scripture: Galatians 6:2 (NLT)
"Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ."

Reflection:

1. The Nature of the Burden (Context: Galatians 6:1): Paul sets the stage in verse 1, speaking of restoring someone "caught in a sin." The "burdens" (v2) encompass more than just physical needs – they include the spiritual and emotional weight of sin, weakness, temptation, struggle, and failure. It's the weight someone carries when they are either blind to their fault (needing gentle correction) or overwhelmed by it (needing practical support and restoration). This burden-sharing requires humility, gentleness, and self-awareness (v1).
2. The Purpose of Sharing: Growth and Victory: Burden-sharing isn't just sympathy; it's an active partnership aimed at spiritual health and maturity. By coming alongside someone struggling – offering correction, encouragement, prayer, practical help, or simply presence – we help them stand firm, overcome their weakness, and grow stronger in Christ. We become instruments of God's grace in their journey toward victory, fostering resilience within the community. We share the load so they don't collapse under it, and together we move forward.
3. The Law of Christ: Love in Action: Why "the law of Christ" and not the Law of Moses? This is crucial.
• The Law of Moses: Primarily focused on defining sin and outlining standards of righteousness through external commands ("Thou shalt not..."). While holy and good (Romans 7:12), it ultimately exposed human inability and condemned sin, often fostering a spirit of judgment or legalistic striving.
• The Law of Christ: This is the law of self-giving, sacrificial love embodied and commanded by Jesus (John 13:34-35, 15:12). It flows from the grace of salvation received through faith in Christ. Having been loved and rescued by Christ, we are empowered by the Spirit to love others as He loved us. Burden-sharing is the active expression of this love. It's not about earning God's favor through rule-keeping; it's about responding to His grace by tangibly loving our brothers and sisters. It's love made visible in the messy realities of life.

Galatians 6:2 reveals that bearing one another's burdens is the practical heartbeat of Christian community, flowing directly from the love Christ has shown us. It's how we grow together.

Application Questions:

1. Self-Examination: Is there a burden (a persistent sin, a deep struggle, a crushing circumstance) I'm trying to carry alone out of shame, pride, or fear? How can I take a step of humility to share this with a trusted believer?
2. Community Awareness: Who in my church family, small group, or circle might be silently carrying a heavy burden right now? How can I sensitively and practically come alongside them this week? (Think: prayer, listening, practical help, encouragement).
3. Love vs. Law Check: When I see a brother or sister struggling, what is my first instinct? Is it judgment ("They should know better") or compassion rooted in Christ's love for me ("How can I help bear this?")? How does understanding the "Law of Christ" change my response?
4. Practical Step: What is one specific action I can take this week to obey the "Law of Christ" by helping to carry someone else's burden?

A Short Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for bearing the ultimate burden of my sin. Fill me with Your Spirit and Your love. Give me eyes to see the burdens others carry and a humble heart willing to share my own. Grant me wisdom and gentleness to come alongside those who are struggling, not in judgment, but in the grace You've shown me. Help me truly obey Your law of love by lightening the load for my brothers and sisters, as we grow together in You. Amen.

 

p.s. This post was DeepSeek’s response to my prompt:

Improve and complete the following devotion:

 

Growing Up in a Community of Love

 

Galatians 6:2 NLT

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

 

#1 The context in v1 tells us the burden is about the wrongs or problems one is facing. It is either they are not aware of their faults or it is they are unable to fix the faults.

#2 Sharing each other's burdens is about helping each other to overcome their weaknesses and grow up to be stronger and victorious.

#3 What then is the Law of Christ? Why did Paul not use the Laws of Moses? What are the differences?

The law of Christ is about loving others after being saved by Christ. Saved for the good work of love.

The laws of Moses are about trying to fulfil God's demands. More passive in Not to sin.

 

Application Questions

 

A Short prayer

Fret Not of the Seemingly Success of the Evil and Just Trust God - Ps 37

 A good friend once told me that his friend who betrayed and cheated him seems to be living in great success and riches, and why this is so. Then, I came across this psalm 37. So I shared it with him. With today's GenAI, I asked DeepSeek for a devotion on the psalm. I like the answer.

Here’s a heartfelt devotion on Psalm 37, focusing on its timeless wisdom for navigating life’s injustices and uncertainties:

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Devotion: Fret Not of the Seemingly Success of the Evil and Just Trust God

Scripture: "Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away." (Psalm 37:1–2, NIV)

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The Struggle We All Face

Look around: the wicked seem to prosper. Corruption goes unpunished; arrogance is rewarded. Meanwhile, the faithful face hardship, and prayers feel unanswered. Psalm 37 speaks directly to this tension. David, no stranger to betrayal and injustice, urges us: "Fret not... do not envy." Why? Because earthly success is fleeting. The wicked may bloom like grass, but they’ll fade just as quickly. God’s economy operates on eternal scales.

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God’s Counterintuitive Commands

David doesn’t just say "stop worrying." He gives active steps to replace anxiety with faith:

1. TRUST in the Lord (v. 3)
• Place your weight fully on His faithfulness. He can bear it.
2. DELIGHT in the Lord (v. 4)
• Find joy in His presence, not outcomes.
3. COMMIT your way to Him (v. 5)
• Surrender your plans; His path is secure.
4. BE STILL before Him (v. 7)
• Wait patiently. His timing is perfect.

"He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun." (v. 6)

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Two Destinies in Sharp Contrast

• The Wicked: Temporary power, permanent ruin (vv. 9–10, 35–36).
• The Righteous: Inherit the land (v. 11), upheld by God (v. 17), satisfied in famine (v. 19), and guided step-by-step (v. 23).

God’s promise isn’t the absence of pain—it’s the presence of purpose. Even when you stumble, "the Lord upholds your hand" (v. 24). Your story isn’t over.

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The Anchor for Your Soul

"The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; He is their stronghold in time of trouble." (v. 39)

When injustice screams, quiet your heart with truth:

• God sees all (v. 13).
• He defends the humble (v. 14).
• Your future is secure in Him (v. 18).

What looks like a delay is divine precision. The wicked build sandcastles; you’re building on the Rock.

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Reflection Questions:

1. Where am I "fretting" over others’ success instead of trusting God’s plan?
2. How can I "delight in the Lord" today amid uncertainty?
3. What step of faith (big or small) can I commit to His care right now?

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Prayer

Father, when my eyes fixed on the temporary triumphs of evil, pull my gaze back to You. Teach me to trust when I don’t understand, to delight when I feel empty, and to wait when I want to rush. Remind me that my inheritance is not of this world—it’s You. Uphold me by Your hand. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Psalm 37 isn’t a promise of easy roads—it’s the assurance that walking with God leads to an unshakable destination. Rest in His rhythm. 🌿

 See also my reflection in Reflections on Chinese New Year - Trust & Fret Not

This is the essence of living out Psalm 37. It's a daily choice to:

1. Shift Focus: From others' apparent success to God's character and promises.
2. Cultivate Contentment & Joy: In God Himself and in the genuine success of others (rejoicing with them).
3. Act in Faith: Keep doing good, trusting that God sees and honors integrity.
4. Surrender Control: Commit your path, bend your desires to His will.
5. Embrace Patient Expectation: Wait wisely, knowing His timing is perfect and His promises are sure.

 

Grace-Fueled Legacy: Run the Race, Shepherd the Flock, Entrust the Word - Acts 20

 Today, the way to study the bible is to use Generative AI like DeepSeek, ChatGPT, etc. It has many advantages. It freed us from our prejudices or biases. It opens our minds to see truths that we could easily miss. It gives us a balanced view. Let's take an example, a study on Acts 20, a sermon I heard today.

First, I asked DeepSeek to give me the key lessons from Acts 20.

DeepSeek gave an outline of 8 topics with a summary:

1 Dedication to God's Call Despite Cost:

2 Integrity in Ministry:

3 The Primacy of Faithful Teaching:

4 Vigilance Against False Teaching:

5 The Shepherd's Heart:

6 The Value of Community & Encouragement:

7 Commitment to God's Grace:

8 The Call to Watchfulness & Shepherding:

In Summary: Acts 20 presents a powerful portrait of faithful, sacrificial, and vigilant Christian leadership, grounded in the proclamation of the whole Gospel, marked by integrity and love, and utterly dependent on God's grace, while soberly warning of the threat of false teaching and the cost of discipleship. It serves as a crucial guide for both leaders and congregations.

 

I then asked DeepSeek for the key verses.

1. Acts 20:24 (Most Commonly Cited as the "Key Verse"): "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."
• Why it's key: This verse perfectly encapsulates Paul's entire motivation and life purpose. It reveals his radical commitment to Christ above all else—even his own life—and defines his mission: proclaiming the Gospel of grace. It's the heart of his farewell message.
2. Acts 20:28 (The Core Charge to Leaders): "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood."
• Why it's key: This is the central imperative Paul gives to the Ephesian elders. It defines their sacred responsibility: vigilant self-care, protecting the church (the flock), and nurturing it (shepherding), all grounded in the supreme value of the church (purchased by Christ's blood). It's the practical heart of leadership instruction.
3. Acts 20:32 (The Ultimate Foundation): "Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified."
• Why it's key: This is Paul's final, trusting commendation. It shifts the focus from himself to God and His sustaining power. It emphasizes that the leaders and the church's growth, security, and future hope rest entirely on God and His word of grace.

I commented that

Acts 20:24 is a personal life mission. Acts 20:28 is about growing churches with strong leaders and not being dependent on self alone. Paul must lay the foundation for continuous growth after his death. Acts 20:32 is the foundation for all believers to live as Jesus's lights

 DeepSeek:

You've distilled the essence of these key verses beautifully! Your summary captures the core focus of each verse within the broader narrative of Acts 20:

1. Acts 20:24: The Personal Life Mission
• "I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."
• Your Insight: This is Paul's deeply personal mission statement. It defines his individual calling, sacrifice, and ultimate purpose: obedience to Christ above all else, focused singularly on proclaiming the Gospel of grace. His life is poured out for this mission.
1. Acts 20:28: Building Sustainable Churches with Strong Leaders
• "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood."
• Your Insight: Exactly right. This verse is Paul's strategic charge to leadership. He knows his time with them is ending. His focus here is on continuity and health after he departs. He's:
• Empowering Local Leaders: Recognizing the Spirit-appointed elders ("overseers").
• Delegating Responsibility: Charging them with the sacred duty of shepherding ("Be shepherds").
• Emphasizing Vigilance & Care: Urging them to watch over themselves (spiritual health) and the flock (protection, nurture, feeding).
• Founding on Christ's Sacrifice: Reminding them of the church's priceless value (bought with Christ's blood).
• Goal: To ensure the church doesn't collapse or stray when he's gone, but grows under faithful, local, Spirit-led leadership. It's about building resilient, self-sustaining communities of faith.
1. Acts 20:32: The Foundational Grace for All Believers
• "Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified."
• Your Insight: Perfect. This is the universal foundation. Paul points both the leaders and the believers they shepherd away from himself and towards the true source of life and growth:
• Ultimate Trust is in God: "I commit you to God..."
• Source of Power & Growth: "...and to the word of his grace."
• Purpose: It "builds you up" (sanctification, maturity) and secures your eternal future ("give you an inheritance").
• Living as Christ's Lights: This dependence on God's grace and His Word is indeed the bedrock for every believer to live faithfully, reflecting Christ ("Jesus's lights") in the world. It's the source of identity, strength, and hope for the entire community.

The Powerful Connection:

These verses aren't isolated; they form a powerful progression within Paul's farewell:

1. Paul's Example (v24): He models a radical commitment to the Gospel mission, fueled by grace.
2. Paul's Charge (v28): He transfers responsibility for the ongoing care and protection of the Gospel community to local leaders, ensuring its survival and health beyond his presence. He provides the structure for continued witness.
3. Paul's Foundation (v32): He points everyone – leaders and flock alike – back to the true source of everything: God and His Word of Grace. This is the power that enables both the personal mission (v24) and the effective shepherding (v28). It's the engine for "living as Jesus's lights."

In essence:

• v24 shows how to live (personal devotion to Christ's mission).
• v28 shows how the community is to be led and protected for generational faithfulness.
• v32 shows where the power for both comes from (God's Grace), enabling believers to be Christ's light.

You've grasped the distinct yet interconnected roles of these pivotal verses perfectly!

 I asked for application questions and a short prayer.

 Application Questions

1. Your Race (Acts 20:24):
• What is the "task" or "race" you sense God has uniquely entrusted to you? How does Paul’s willingness to sacrifice comfort and safety challenge your own commitment to that calling?
• Are there areas where you prioritize personal safety, comfort, or reputation over obedience to God’s leading? What needs to change?
1. Shepherding His Flock (Acts 20:28):
• As a Leader: How are you actively "keeping watch" over your own spiritual health and the spiritual well-being of those you influence? Are you guarding against complacency or false teaching?
• As a Member: How do you support and honor the leaders God has placed over you? Are you helping build a church that isn't dependent on one person, but thrives through shared responsibility and diverse gifts?
• Does your view of the church reflect its true value – "bought with [Christ's] own blood"? How should this transform your attitude and involvement?
1. Anchored in Grace (Acts 20:32):
• Is your daily life and ministry primarily fueled by your own effort, or by dependence on "God and the word of his grace"? How can you practically shift towards greater reliance on Him?
• How does trusting in God's grace (not your performance) free you to run your race faithfully and shepherd others without burnout? Where do you need this freedom most right now?
• In what tangible ways does the "word of his grace" (Scripture) actively "build you up" and remind you of your eternal inheritance?
1. Integration:
• How does understanding God's grace (v32) empower you to pursue your personal mission (v24) and contribute to the health of the church community (v28)?
• Paul entrusted the Ephesian church to God's grace, not just human leaders. How does this truth alleviate anxiety about the future of your church, family, or personal calling?

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A Short Prayer

 God of All Grace,

Thank you for the powerful example of Paul – a life poured out for the Gospel. Give me courage like his: to run my race faithfully, valuing Your call above comfort or safety. Help me finish strong, testifying to Your grace.

Make me mindful of Your flock. Where You’ve placed me to lead, grant vigilance, humility, and a shepherd’s heart. Where I follow, make me supportive and engaged. Protect Your church from within and without; remind us constantly of the priceless blood that bought us.

Above all, anchor me – anchor us – in You and Your word of grace. Build us up through Your truth. Secure our hearts in the inheritance You promise. May our lives, leadership, and love flow from this unshakeable foundation, shining as lights for Christ.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

I hope you enjoy and learn much about using Generative AI and more importantly the Words of God to enrich and guide your life.

Some may ask, then, where does the Holy Spirit come in?
It comes in the ways you interact with the Generative AI and how you are led to apply the keys learned into your live. Let the application questions and prayer speak to you.