2025-10-25

WWJD: Living with the Mind of Christ — 1 Corinthians 2:16

In my young Christians walk in the early 70's, the popular concept is WWJD — “What Would Jesus Do?” Today, the church sermon is from 1Cor 2 with the ending verse "But we have the mind of Christ". What does it mean and how do we live it out. Here is a devotion from ChatGPT after some interactions.

🌿 WWJD: Living with the Mind of Christ

Key Verse:

“But we have the mind of Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 2:16


Reflection

The phrase “we have the mind of Christ” means that through the Holy Spirit, we are given the ability to think, discern, and act like Jesus. It’s not just about copying His behavior; it’s about being transformed from within so that His values, love, and wisdom naturally guide our choices.

The simple question WWJD — “What Would Jesus Do?” captures this truth in action. It reminds us to pause and let Christ’s perspective lead our response in every situation:

  • When someone hurts us → WWJD? He would forgive.

  • When pride tempts us → WWJD? He would humble Himself.

  • When fear rises → WWJD? He would trust the Father.

  • When others are in need → WWJD? He would show compassion.

Each time we ask that question sincerely, the Holy Spirit aligns our thoughts with the mind of Christ. Over time, it becomes less about asking “What would Jesus do?” and more about living as Jesus lives through us.

This is the heart of Christian maturity — to not only act like Christ but to think, feel, and decide like Him, in every part of life.


Summary

  • The mind of Christ is the inner transformation that lets us understand God’s ways.

  • WWJD is the practical expression of that renewed mind.

  • Living this way turns faith into action and brings Christ’s presence into daily life.


Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me Your mind through the Holy Spirit.
Teach me to think and act as You would — with love, humility, and wisdom.
In every decision, help me pause and ask, “What would You do?”
Shape my heart until my thoughts and actions reflect Yours,
so that others may see You living in me. Amen.

2025-10-24

A Devotion with a Chinese Peom - The Way of Heaven

A Devotion from a Chinese Writing

The Chinese literature is full of descriptions about the Way of God, which the Chinese commonly refer to as Tian .

Here is one written by Feng Dao

天道.-冯道

穷达皆由命 ,何劳发叹声。

 但知行好事 ,莫要问前程。

 冬去冰须泮,春来草自生。

请君观此理,天道甚分明。

Heavenly Law — Feng Dao

“Poverty or wealth, all comes by Heaven’s will,
Why should we sigh and groan our lifetime still?
Just know enough to do the good you can,
And never speculate on Heaven’s plan.
When winter goes, the ice will melt away;
When spring returns, the grass will sprout and stay.
I beg you, ponder this natural course—
And see how plain is Heaven's Law and source.”

Feng Dao (882–954 AD) was a Chinese official during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. He served as a chancellor or high-ranking minister in the Later Tang, Later Jin, Later Han, and Later Zhou courts. He held prominent positions under ten different emperors. He organized the first official, state-sponsored printing of the Confucian Classics, using woodblock printing on a large scale. He also authored a collection of essays, the "Essay of an Old Man from the Chantry."


Reflection

This ancient poem beautifully reflects the biblical principle of trusting in God’s providence. Just as Feng Dao observed that the rise and fall of fortunes are governed by Heaven, the Bible teaches that God rules over every circumstance:

“The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and He exalts.”1 Samuel 2:7
“The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”Job 1:21

We often struggle with outcomes beyond our control — success and failure, health and sickness, gain and loss. But like the poem says, our duty is not to speculate on Heaven’s plan, but to do good faithfully.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”Proverbs 3:5
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”Galatians 6:9

The imagery of winter and spring reminds us that God’s timing is perfect.
Seasons of hardship are not permanent; renewal comes as surely as spring follows winter.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”Ecclesiastes 3:11

The natural order reflects God’s divine wisdom. His law — His way — is plain for all to see, written not only in Scripture but also in creation itself.

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen.”Romans 1:20

When we accept this truth, we can rest in quiet confidence, knowing that God’s providence is steady and sure

Our calling is simple: walk faithfully, do good, and trust God with the rest.


Summary

  • God governs both prosperity and adversity; all comes under His will.
  • Our responsibility is to do good and trust His plan without anxiety.
  • God’s timing brings renewal; every “winter” gives way to “spring.”
  • The natural order reveals God’s wisdom and faithfulness.
  • Faith means resting in God’s sovereignty with peace and obedience.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Teach me to trust in Your perfect will,
to stop worrying about outcomes I cannot control.
Help me to do good faithfully each day
and to wait patiently for Your timing.
May I see Your wisdom in every season of life,
and rest in the peace of Your divine order.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

p.s. This post was done with DeepSeek and ChatGPT.

 

2025-10-19

The Fire: A Test of Quality, Not Salvation - 1 Corinthians 3:12-15

The Fire: A Test of Quality, Not Salvation

1 Corinthians 3:12-15 

“Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

#1 Jesus Christ is the unshakable foundation for believers’ lives—with all choices, actions, and motives framing “building” on this base. 

#2 It contrasts two types of “building materials”: eternal, God-honoring “gold, silver, precious stones” (e.g., love, enduring faith, humble service) and temporary, empty “wood, hay, stubble” (e.g., selfish ambition, worldly approval-seeking). 

#3 The passage’s “fire” is explained not as a threat to salvation (which is secure in Christ) but as a refiner’s test of the quality of one’s work for God—revealing whether efforts last (bringing reward) or burn (causing loss, though the believer is still saved). 

#4 Believers are to shift motives from proving themselves to pleasing God. Suggest a weekly reflection practice to assess priorities against eternal value。

#5 A prayer asking God to refine motives and guide investment in lasting, kingdom-focused actions. 

p.s. This post is done with the help of Doubao AI.

2025-10-16

“Never Hungry, Never Thirsty: Finding Spiritual Fullness in Jesus (John 6:35)”

John 6:35 NIV

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Jesus’ declaration “I am the bread of life” is a pivotal statement in the Gospel of John, linking His mission to humanity’s deepest spiritual needs—while grounding it in familiar biblical imagery. Below is a clear breakdown of the verse’s meaning and a heartfelt devotion to apply its truth.

1. Explanation of John 6:35

This verse comes after Jesus fed the 5,000 (John 6:1-15), a miracle that pointed to His ability to satisfy physical hunger. Jesus then uses this moment to redirect the crowd’s focus from physical needs to spiritual fulfillment—a theme central to His “I am” statements in John’s Gospel.

Key Elements of the Verse

  • “I am the bread of life”:This metaphor echoes the “manna” God provided to the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16). Manna satisfied their physical hunger temporarily, but Jesus presents Himself as the permanent, spiritual bread that never runs out. He is the fulfillment of God’s promise to provide for His people—this time, for their eternal need.
  • “Whoever comes to me will never go hungry”:“Coming to Jesus” means more than physical presence; it describes a deliberate choice to seek Him, trust Him, and follow Him. The “hunger” here is spiritual—an emptiness that no food, success, or relationship can fill. Jesus promises that those who seek Him will find this emptiness completely satisfied.
  • “Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty”:“Believing in Jesus” is not just intellectual agreement; it is wholehearted trust in His identity (the Son of God) and His work (saving humanity from sin). The “thirst” mirrors the hunger—it is a longing for meaning, purpose, and connection to God. Jesus’ promise here is that this spiritual thirst is quenched forever in Him.

2. Devotion: Feasting on the Bread of Life

In a world that tells us, “Buy this, achieve that, or follow this trend to be happy,” Jesus offers a radical alternative: Himself. The “bread of life” is not something we earn or consume briefly—it is a relationship with the One who is life itself.

Reflecting on Spiritual Hunger

Think about the last time you felt “empty.” Maybe it was after a busy week where you checked every box but still felt unfulfilled. Or when a relationship or goal didn’t bring the joy you expected. That emptiness is not a flaw—it’s a God-given longing, designed to lead you to Jesus.

The crowd in John 6 followed Jesus because He fed their bellies. But Jesus wanted them to see that He could feed their souls. How often do we do the same? We seek temporary fixes (a new hobby, a vacation, approval from others) to fill a void only Jesus can satisfy. His promise is clear: when we “come to Him” — when we prioritize Him over every other “food” the world offers — we will never be spiritually hungry again.

Living in the Promise

Believing in Jesus means choosing to “feast” on Him daily. This looks like:

  • Spending time in His Word, letting it nourish your mind and heart (instead of scrolling for hours to “feel better”).
  • Praying not just to ask for things, but to connect with Him—letting Him satisfy your need for comfort, guidance, or peace.
  • Remembering that when life feels “dry” (a tough season, doubt, or loss), His presence is the “water” that quenches your spiritual thirst. You don’t have to chase fulfillment elsewhere; it’s already in Him.

Closing Thought

Jesus doesn’t just offer “bread” for a day—He offers Himself as the sustenance that carries you through every day, into eternity. The next time you feel empty, pause and recall His words: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry.” He is faithful to keep that promise.

John 6:35 Daily Reflection Worksheet

Verse to anchor each day: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35 NIV)

Day 1: Name Your “Spiritual Hunger”

  • Prompt: Think of a recent moment where you felt “empty”—not just physically tired, but unfulfilled (e.g., after a busy day, a disappointing moment, or feeling stuck). What did that emptiness feel like?
  • Journal Note: Write 1-2 sentences describing that emptiness. Then ask: “Is this a ‘hunger’ only Jesus can satisfy?”

Day 2: “Coming to Jesus” in Small Ways

  • Prompt: The verse says “whoever comes to me will never go hungry.” “Coming” isn’t just a one-time choice—it’s daily. What’s one small way you can “come to Jesus” today (e.g., pausing to pray, reading a verse, or quieting your mind to listen)?
  • Journal Note: Write down that small action, and later, jot 1 sentence about how it made you feel (e.g., “Pausing to pray during work helped me feel less rushed”).

Day 3: What “Believing” Feels Like

  • Prompt: “Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” “Believing” is more than knowing—It’s trusting. When have you recently trusted Jesus instead of chasing a “quick fix” for your longing (e.g., choosing to pray instead of overscroll, or leaning on Him instead of worry)?
  • Journal Note: Describe that moment of trust. Did it ease your “thirst” for peace, clarity, or comfort?

Day 4: The Difference Between Temporary and Eternal

  • Prompt: The crowd in John 6 wanted physical bread (temporary), but Jesus offered spiritual bread (eternal). What’s one “temporary thing” you’ve turned to lately for fulfillment (e.g., social media, food, or approval)? How does it compare to the satisfaction you feel when you focus on Jesus?
  • Journal Note: List the temporary thing, then 1 way Jesus’ presence has felt more lasting.

Day 5: Share the “Bread” with Others

  • Prompt: If Jesus is the “bread of life,” how can you help someone else “taste” that satisfaction today (e.g., a kind word, sharing a prayer, or listening to someone who’s struggling)?
  • Journal Note: Write down the action you took (or plan to take), and how it felt to point someone else to Jesus’ promise.

 p.s. This post was done with DouBao AI. The AI tech is getting so good that we should use it often for studying the Bible, preaching a sermon, or getting a balanced view on events and things. You can use several AI engines like DeekSeek & Doubao from China and ChatGPT and Gemini from the US to get your answers, compare them, and make your own judgment.


2025-10-04

Ask, Seek, Knock—In the Heart of a Father, For Truth, and the Universe’s Whisper - Matthew 7:8

A Devotion on Matthew 7:8: Ask, Seek, Knock—In the Heart of a Father, For Truth, and the Universe’s Whisper

Scripture:
"For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." – Matthew 7:8 (NIV)


Reflection

Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:8 are no casual encouragement or simple formula for getting what we want. They are an invitation into the very heart of God—a Father who loves His children, the source of ultimate Truth, and the Creator who has woven His fingerprints throughout the universe. To “ask, seek, knock” is to step into a journey where our deepest needs, our intellectual curiosity, and our spiritual longings converge on the One who made us, knows us, and delights in responding to us.


1. Everyone Who Asks Receives: Asking as Humble Trust

To ask is not to demand, but to approach God with the dependence of a child who trusts their Father’s love. Jesus grounds this promise in God’s character: “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11).

We often struggle when our prayers seem “unanswered”—for healing, for provision, for change in a loved one. Yet God’s response is never neglect. Sometimes He gives peace instead of healing, redirection instead of a job, or strength instead of escape. Asking is saying: “Father, I trust Your gifts more than my own wants. You know best, and You give in love.”


2. The One Who Seeks Finds: Seeking as Hungry Pursuit

To seek is more than curiosity—it is a hunger to know the Father, the Truth that defines reality, and the wonders of creation that reveal His glory. The psalmist declares: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Psalm 19:1). From galaxies held by gravity to the coding of DNA, the universe whispers of a Creator who longs to be found.

Seeking is not merely about collecting facts; it is about pursuing the Person behind them—Jesus Christ, who said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6). Our search for meaning, morality, and purpose finds its end in Him. Like C.S. Lewis, who sought truth and found Christ, those who truly seek discover not just knowledge, but the God who makes all knowledge meaningful.


3. The One Who Knocks, the Door Will Be Opened: Knocking as Persistent Faith

To knock is to persevere in faith, trusting that the Father will open the right doors at the right time. Jesus illustrated this with the parable of a persistent friend who knocks at midnight (Luke 11:5-8)—not to wear someone down, but because he trusts in the goodness of the one inside.

Paul experienced this persistence when he pleaded for his “thorn” to be removed, only to hear God say: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). The door that opened was not the one Paul expected, but one that led to a deeper understanding of God’s grace.

Knocking means trusting that every delay is purposeful, every closed door is protective, and every opened door is an expression of God’s love. It is the assurance that the Father never leaves His children outside.


Conclusion: Resting in the Father’s Heart

Matthew 7:8 is not a vending machine promise—it is a love-filled invitation. We ask because the Father loves to give, we seek because He reveals Himself, and we knock because He delights to welcome us in.

So today, if you are asking and waiting, seeking and wondering, knocking and hoping—take heart. Your Father’s heart is for you. Ask boldly, seek eagerly, knock persistently—and trust that the One who holds the stars, defines Truth, and calls you His child will answer in His perfect way.


Prayer

Father, thank You for inviting me to ask, seek, and knock—for You, for truth, and for the wonder of the world You made. Forgive me when I ask with demand, seek with laziness, or knock with doubt. Teach me to trust Your good gifts, pursue Your truth with hunger, and wait for Your perfect timing. May I see Your fingerprint in creation, hear Your voice in Scripture, and rest in Your presence each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 p.s. This was done with Doubao and ChatGPT

2025-10-03

The Love That Defines, Acts, and Honors with Wisdom - 1 John 3:16

When we talk about love, most believers will quote 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. But 1 John 3:16 is a more powerful and condensed one on love.

A Devotion on 1 John 3:16: The Fullness of Sacrificial Love—Defined by Jesus, Lived with Wisdom

1 John 3:16 – “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”

Few verses in Scripture capture the heart of the gospel as succinctly as 1 John 3:16. It does not merely describe love—it defines it by pointing to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. Yet this call to “lay down our lives” is often misunderstood: it is not a mandate for reckless self-neglect, passive inaction, or imposing our will on others. Instead, it is a invitation to live a love that is rooted in Jesus’ example, active in service, others-centric in focus, choice-driven in commitment, respectful of boundaries, and wise in stewardship. 

Today, we unpack this full, balanced vision of love—so we might love as Jesus loved: generously, intentionally, and sustainably.

1. Love Is Defined by Jesus’ Voluntary, Purposeful Sacrifice: He Gave Everything to Save Us

Before John wrote these words, the world had reduced love to fleeting feelings, transactional favors, or duty. But John shatters these myths: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.” Love’s true form is not found in romantic movies or self-help books—it is found on a cross.

Jesus’ sacrifice was no accident. The Son of God, who held all power in heaven and earth, left the glory of heaven (Philippians 2:6-8), endured the cross’ shame, and shed His blood—voluntarily. He did not die as a victim, but as a Savior: for sinners, for people who ignored Him, rebelled against Him, and deserved judgment. His death was purposeful: to reconcile us to God, defeat sin and death, and offer eternal life (John 3:16, Romans 5:8).

This truth anchors us. When we doubt love’s power, we look to the empty tomb. When we feel unlovable, we remember: the God of the universe died for me. Jesus is not just an example of love—He is Love itself. Our understanding of love begins and ends with Him.

2. Love Is Active, Others-Centric, and a Choice: It Lives Beyond Feelings

John does not stop at defining love—He calls us to live it: “And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” This “laying down” is a daily way of life, shaped by three non-negotiables:

a. Love is active, not passive

Jesus did not just say He loved us—He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and washed His disciples’ feet (a servant’s task) to prove it. James echoes this: “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17)—and the same is true of love. Passive love (“I care about you”) without action is empty.

Active love means showing up: texting a lonely friend when you’re busy, bringing a meal to a grieving neighbor, or forgiving someone who hurt you—even when it’s inconvenient. It is love that moves toward need, not away from it.

b. Love is others-centric, not self-focused

Sin thrives on “me”: What do I want? What makes me happy? But God’s love centers on “them”: What do they need? How can I bless them? Jesus modeled this perfectly: He prioritized the woman at the well’s spiritual thirst over His own physical need (John 4), grieved with Mary and Martha even though He knew He would raise Lazarus (John 11), and put His disciples’ needs above His comfort.

Others-centric love means dying to our desires for someone else’s good: the parent staying up with a sick child instead of sleeping, the coworker taking on extra work to help a struggling teammate, or the friend setting aside frustration to listen. It says, “Your needs matter more than my convenience.”

c. Love is a choice, not a feeling

Feelings fade—one day we may feel warm toward someone, the next annoyed. But Jesus chose love even when it hurt: He prayed for His executioners (“Father, forgive them”—Luke 23:34) and endured the cross even when He felt abandoned (Matthew 27:46).

We must choose love too: forgiving the same mistake again, being kind to someone who irritates us, or standing by a friend in their mess—even when we don’t “feel” like it. This choice is not easy, but it is holy: it reflects Jesus’ steadfast love for us.

3. Love Is Proactive—But Never Imposing: It Honors Boundaries and Dignity

Proactive love is good, but it becomes harmful when we confuse “stepping in” with “taking over.” Jesus’ proactive love was never about His agenda—it was about meeting their needs with respect. He did not heal someone who begged to be left alone, pressure the rich young ruler to give up his wealth (Mark 10), or force the woman at the well to share her past. He asked, listened, and let people choose.

a. Listen first, act second

The greatest pitfall of well-meaning love is assuming we know what someone needs better than they do. We may jump in to “fix” a problem, only to realize they wanted to learn; drop by unannounced with a meal, only to find they needed quiet; or flood them with advice, only to discover they just needed to be heard.

Proactive love asks before it acts: “I’ve noticed you’re struggling—would you like help?” “Would you want to talk, or do you need space?” Listening honors their autonomy; it says, “Your voice matters. You get to decide what help you need.”

b. Imposition robs dignity; love upholds it

When we push our help on someone who didn’t ask for it, we send a subtle message: “I don’t trust you to handle this.” But love respects the dignity of others. Consider the Good Samaritan (Luke 10): He did not drag the injured man to an inn—he cared for his wounds gently, asked the innkeeper to look after him, and left money to cover costs. He met the man’s need without stripping him of his choice.

4. Love Is Sacrificial—But Not Wasteful: It Balances Service with Self-Care

Sacrificial love is not about empty martyrdom—draining ourselves dry for others even when our efforts bear no fruit, or ignoring our own needs to the point of being unable to serve anyone. God’s love is wise: it holds two truths in tension: we are called to give generously and we are called to care for ourselves so we can keep giving. This is rooted in Jesus’ command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31)—a love that serves others well and sustains our ability to serve.

a. Sacrificial love is purposeful, not reckless

Jesus’ sacrifice was never wasteful—it accomplished the greatest good (our salvation). For us, this means asking: Will this actually help? It means being honest when our efforts are unproductive: when a friend leans on us instead of seeking healing, when a project misuses resources, or when our giving enables dependency. Love that doesn’t help others is not love—it’s misplaced devotion.

b. Self-care is not selfish; it’s stewardship

Think of your life as a well: if you keep drawing water for others without refilling it, there will be nothing left to give. Self-care is the work of refilling the well:

  • Physical care: Resting when tired, eating well—Jesus withdrew to quiet places to pray and rest (Mark 6:31).
  • Emotional care: Setting boundaries with draining people, talking to a trusted friend about struggles.
  • Spiritual care: Spending time in prayer and Scripture—connecting with the Source of all love.

Loving yourself is not the opposite of sacrifice—it is the foundation of it. When we care for ourselves, we ensure we can keep showing up for others in the long run.

5. Love Is the Mark of Our Faith: Do We Walk the Talk?

John later writes: “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). This is not a call to earn salvation—salvation is a free gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). But it is a call to live like we’ve been saved.

Genuine faith in Jesus produces a life of love. If we claim to love God but ignore His children, we are fooling ourselves. But if we love others—actively, sacrificially, respectfully, and wisely—we are living out the gospel. We are saying to the world: “Look at the love Jesus gave me—I want to give it to you too.”

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for defining love in Jesus’ sacrifice. Thank You that He laid down His life for me, not because I earned it, but because You are love.

Help me to love like Jesus: active, not passive; others-centric, not self-focused; a choice, not just a feeling. Give me the courage to be proactive—to notice needs and reach out—but also the humility to listen first and honor boundaries. Teach me to sacrifice wisely: to give generously without wasting myself, and to care for my own life so I can keep serving You and others.

When I mess up—when I’m selfish, when I overstep, when I burn out—remind me of Your forgiveness. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, that my life might be a testimony to the love that laid down its life for me. Help me to lay down my life—one small, holy choice at a time—so others might see You in me.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

 p.s. This post was done with a series of interactions with Doubao.