Category Archives: Monday

Some of us may have journeyed away from God at some point in our lives. We may have been caught up with making a living, getting some qualification, raising a family, and many other things which may have distracted us or caused us to try and move along on our own. But God has not given up on us, even though at times some of us may have given up on God. He is constantly and patiently waiting for us to come back to Him, no matter how bad we may have been.

In today’s reading, God is beckoning us to come back to Him. The reading tells us: “To those who repent, God permits return, and he encourages those who were losing hope. Return to the Lord and leave sin behind, plead before his face and lessen your offence. Come back to the Most High and turn away from iniquity, and hold in abhorrence all that is foul.” Are we still delaying and procrastinating? Let us not be caught off-guard and do something quickly, for the betterment of our eternal future.

How do we know whether a person is wise or not? Is there some sort of clear criteria which could be used to determine whether a person is wise? Unfortunately, there is no clear criteria. Different ethnic groups have different interpretations of what makes a wise person. Even within an ethnic group, what certain individuals claim to be wise could be disputed by others. Moreover, to make it even more complicated, there are different kinds of wisdom to be considered. Some are wise in learning, some are wise in experience, some are street-wise. So can anyone claim to be completely wise, or wise only in certain aspects?

In today’s reading, we are reminded that there is only One who is wise. The reading tells us: “All wisdom is from the Lord, and it is his own for ever. One only is wise, terrible indeed, seated on his throne, the Lord.” Many of us could try to claim to be wise in some specific way, but only God is wise in all aspects and in all ways. Instead of trying to claim to be wise, let us humble ourselves and learn from God’s wisdom, who far surpasses any of our own. Let us submit to His wisdom, since it is He who loves us and provides for us.

Why do we do things or offer our services in church? Do we do such things and services to serve God? Or do we do such things and services to gain recognition, admiration and to feed our pride and ego? When we do something for church, do we expect praise and recognition from others, especially from the clergy, or do we give thanks to God for the privilege to serve? Also, do we give our best for the church, or do we give only what we can spare?

In today’s reading, we come across two brothers, Cain and Abel. The reading tells us: “The Lord looked with favour on Abel and his offering. But he did not look with favour on Cain and his offering, and Cain was very angry and downcast. The Lord asked Cain, ‘‘Why are you angry and downcast? If you are well disposed, ought you not to lift up your head? But if you are ill disposed, is not sin at the door like a crouching beast hungering for you, which you must master?'” Cain was angry and jealous because his brother Abel had received the Lord’s favour. It appears as if Cain had given his offering, but with the intention of getting affirmation or recognition from God. That is why Cain was very angry and downcast, since if we are sincere in offering to God without strings attached, it would not matter whether our offering is looked with favour or not. So, in a rage, Cain killed Abel, thinking that getting rid of the competition would give him sole access to God’s favour.

What about us? Have we become like Cain, expecting fame, recognition and affirmation from others for what we have done or contributed. Are we feeding our pride and ego when we offer our services to the church? May we take caution and not become so proud and conceited. Instead, may we do all things with humility and gratefulness, for the glory of God.

I recall some people who seem to only belittle themselves or put themselves down when they are praised. Some of such persons do so because they have very low self-esteem. Some do so because they want to attract attention to themselves, and boost their pride and ego. But how should a Christian respond to praise? What sort of attitude should a Christian have when he or she receives praise or admiration from others?

In today’s reading, we come across the creation story, and in several verses, we could notice that God saw that it was good. In other words, what God has created is good, and there is no reason why one should feel small or belittle oneself. Instead, one should give praise and thanks to God for His creation and one should give glory to God for the many good He has given us. May we come to appreciate and be grateful and thankful to God for His bounty.

We sometimes think that we can do things on our own. To a certain extent, that may seem true. For example, we can come up with new inventions, we are able to build seemingly amazing works, some of us may have discovered new ways of doing things or new medicines to help us live better lives. But sometimes, there are situations where we are unable to resolve or do on our own. For example, we have no control over certain kinds of diseases, since our knowledge of such diseases is still limited. We have no control over the weather, since typhoons, flash floods and other natural disasters still occur. So when we are faced with situations where we are unable to solve or control, what do we do? For some of us, we have faith and trust in God, believing that God will help us. We believe that God would make the impossible possible, and we just need to be patient and let Him be in control.

In today’s reading, we are told that “Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets – these were men who through faith conquered kingdoms, did what is right and earned the promises. They could keep a lion’s mouth shut, put out blazing fires and emerge unscathed from battle. They were weak people who were given strength, to be brave in war and drive back foreign invaders.” These are all heroes of faith, as they realised that they could not accomplish what they did on their own, and had depended on God for strength, ability and endurance to do what they did.

What about us? Do we depend entirely only on our strength, ability and endurance? Or do we offer ourselves to God, letting Him use us to accomplish even better things, for His glory? May we be humble and docile, letting God be our help and guide, and having full faith and confidence in His love and providence.