Journal Entry — Reflection on Mark 12:41–44

As I woke up and lay in bed this morning, I read Mark 12:41–44.
In this passage, Jesus observes a poor widow placing two small copper coins into the offering box. While others were giving large sums, she gave only a penny — yet Jesus recognized that she had given more than anyone else, because she gave all she had. He saw not just her gift, but her heart.

This story touches me deeply, especially as I think about how much our world values wealth and outward success. We live in a materialistic society where those who are wealthy are often seen as important or successful.

I can relate to this truth from my own life. When we lived in luxury, in a large house, people treated us with respect and admiration. But after losing everything materially, I noticed how those same people — even friends, people at church, and some relatives — began to see us differently.

Now, living in a small apartment, I still appreciate comfort, but my heart has changed. I can truly praise God because He never left me. Even in loss, I’ve discovered His presence more deeply than before.

What I do now may not seem significant in the eyes of the world, but I know that Jesus sees my heart — and that’s what matters most.

 Scripture focus:

Psalm 37:4 — “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Mark 12:38–40 — Jesus warns against the hypocrisy of those who appear godly but act for show.

Reflection:
Since last Saturday, Psalm 37:4 has been echoing in my heart and mind. God is reminding me that to truly delight in Him is what He desires. When I delight in Him and commit my ways to Him, there is no room for hypocrisy or dishonesty — my heart will naturally want to please Him.

Tonight, as I read Mark 12:38–40, I see again how Jesus was displeased with those who only appeared to walk with Him. It’s a reminder that genuine delight in God is not just about outward acts, but about the posture of my heart.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to delight in You with all my heart. Teach me to commit my ways to You fully, not in pretense, but in truth and love. Only through Your Spirit can I live in a way that pleases You. 

 

Journal Entry – Reflection on Psalm 23

Scripture: “The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.” — Psalm 23:1

This morning, I sat down to read Scripture and was drawn to Psalm 23. It’s such a beautiful Psalm — one that always reminds me of God’s love, faithfulness, and care.

Verse 1: “The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.”
This verse reminds me that God provides everything I truly need. It doesn’t mean I am wealthy or have everything I want, but that He faithfully takes care of my daily needs. His provision is constant and complete, even when circumstances vary.

Verse 3b: “He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.”
This doesn’t mean I never make mistakes. I do — often. But the Holy Spirit gently guides me, nudging me when I go off track and helping me return to the right path. His guidance is not about perfection, but about grace and restoration.

Verse 5: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”
My “enemies” aren’t always people. Sometimes they are my own thoughts, doubts, or fears. Yet even in those moments, God provides what I need. He equips me with peace, strength, and wisdom — even when life feels uncertain.

As I reflect on this Psalm, I am reminded of God’s constant love in my life. He shows His care through my family, friends, and even small acts of kindness.

Last evening, I didn’t have my car to attend our monthly Ladies’ event, but one of the ladies offered to pick me up and drop me back home — even though she doesn’t live nearby. That small gesture was a sweet reminder of how God meets my needs through others.

I am blessed to see my grandchildren growing and my grandson continuing to heal. I am thankful for his loving partner and their new beginnings together. My two daughters express their love for me in different ways — and I realize I need both. Each relationship is a unique reflection of God’s love and care.

My Prayer:
Lord, help me to keep loving You with all my heart.
Help me to love others as You have loved me.
Thank You for forgiving me for every wrong thing in my life.
Teach me to forgive others just as You have forgiven me.
Thank You for being my Shepherd — for guiding, providing, and restoring me every day.

 

Journal Entry – Ladies’ Fellowship Evening

This evening was our monthly ladies’ get-together. We met at one of the ladies’ homes, and as usual, everyone brought a dish to share for dinner. One person came prepared with songs to lead us in worship, and another shared a scripture to encourage us.

The passage shared tonight was from Psalm 37, focusing especially on verse 4:

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

We were reminded that the heart of this verse isn’t only about receiving what we desire — it’s about delighting in the Lord. When we truly take joy in Him, our desires begin to align with His. Our hearts become shaped by His love and His will.

If I truly delight in Him, it means I love Him more than anything else. When my heart is fixed on Him, there’s no room for ungodly or selfish desires. Instead, my heart finds peace and satisfaction in His presence.

Tonight, my prayer is:

• Jesus, help me to love You more than anything else.

• Help me to trust You completely, no matter what the situation may be.

• Help me to commit my ways to You each day.

• Help me to be still and wait patiently for You.

Lord, may my delight in You grow deeper every day. 🌿

 

Daily Devotional Journal – Mark 12:29–31

📖 Scripture:

Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
— Mark 12:29–31 (ESV)

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👀 Observation:
Jesus summarizes all of God’s commandments into two great principles — loving God completely and loving others sincerely. This shows that our relationship with God and people are deeply connected. It’s not about rules or religion, but about love that comes from a genuine heart devoted to God.

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💡 Application:
Today, I am reminded that my faith should always be rooted in love. God didn’t send Jesus to start another religion but to restore our relationship with Him. Because He loved me first, I’m called to love Him back with all that I am — my thoughts, emotions, energy, and actions — and to reflect that same love to those around me. I want to show kindness, forgiveness, and compassion just as Christ has shown to me.

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🙏 Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me first. Help me to love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Teach me to love others the way You love me — selflessly, patiently, and sincerely. Let my life reflect Your love in every word and action. Amen.

 

Devotional: Eyes Opened to the Living God

📖 Scripture: “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?” — Mark 12:24 (NIV)

Reflection:
The Sadducees came to Jesus with a question about the resurrection—not to learn, but to challenge Him. Their minds were full of religion and reasoning, yet their hearts were far from understanding the living God. Jesus exposed the root of their unbelief: they did not truly know the Scriptures or the power of God.

There was a time in my life when I, too, questioned everything about God and Jesus. My arguments were not for truth, but to defend my own misunderstanding. Whenever someone tried to share their faith, I dismissed them. I was spiritually blind, unable to see beyond what my mind could reason.

But then God, in His mercy, opened my eyes. The same words of Scripture that once seemed empty now came alive. I began to see Jesus not as a distant figure, but as the Living Word—the One who brings light, truth, and life. Like the Sadducees, I had been mistaken. But by His grace, I now know the power of the living God.

Today, I am deeply thankful. Thankful that God revealed Himself to me. Thankful that what I once rejected has become my greatest joy.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for opening my eyes to Your truth. Forgive me for the times I doubted or resisted You. Teach me to know Your Word and to walk in the power of Your resurrection. Help me share Your truth with others—not through argument, but through the testimony of a life transformed by Your grace. Amen.

 

Journal Entry: Discernment Over Flattery

In today’s world, many are taught to be politically correct — to use flattery, small talk, and polished words to build connection or avoid conflict. Often, compliments are given not from a place of sincerity but as a social custom, or worse, manipulation.

It’s easy to be misled by kind words, especially when they echo what we hope to hear. But flattery, unlike encouragement, lacks truth. It masks intention. It can cause even well-meaning, genuine people to let their guard down. That’s why Jesus’ wisdom is so essential — “Be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Not paranoid, not bitter, but discerning.

The Holy Spirit is our guide in such moments. We aren’t left defenseless. We are called to walk in peace, but also in truth — led not by emotional reactions or sweet words, but by spiritual insight.

In Mark 12:14-17, we see Jesus face such a moment. The Pharisees and Herodians approach him with flattering words:

"Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion..."

They weren’t wrong — Jesus was true and unaffected by public approval. But their intention wasn’t praise — 

Jesus, knowing their hypocrisy, responded with both wisdom and clarity. He didn’t fall for their tactic. He answered with a question that exposed their motive and gave a divine principle:

“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

He showed that wisdom doesn’t always mean direct confrontation — sometimes it means redirecting the conversation with divine insight.

I want to grow in this kind of discernment. To recognize the difference between genuine encouragement and manipulative flattery.
To stay peaceful, but not naive. To speak truth, but not with pride or ego.
To obey God above all, and follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit, even when the world’s words sound sweet.
Because my ultimate loyalty is not to appearances, but to God alone.

 Journal Entry – October 18, 2025

Today is another day.

I feel so tired. As I sit here, my eyes close on their own. My eyelids are heavy, and this drowsiness runs deep. The tiredness in my body feels unbearable. Lately, I've been feeling this way more often—worn out physically, emotionally, even spiritually.

I sense God speaking to me, urging me to let go of the heaviness that weighs down my heart.
Letting go of offense.
Letting go of hurt.
Letting go of being judgmental.
Letting go of pride.
And so much more.

Then, I read Zechariah 3:3–5, and it truly encouraged me:

"Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, 'Take off his filthy clothes.' Then he said to Joshua, 'See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.' Then I said, 'Put a clean turban on his head.' So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the Lord stood by."

This passage touched me deeply.
Joshua stood there, dressed in filth—yet God didn’t reject him. Instead, He removed the filth, took away his sin, and gave him clean garments. A clean turban. A new covering. A new identity.

I believe the same is true for me. The thoughts, emotions, and attitudes that don't reflect God's heart—He invites me to bring them to Him. I can release them. He will take them away. And in their place, He will give me what is clean, godly, and life-giving.

This gives me hope. Even in my weariness, He is working.

 

“ Whatever you ask in prayer, believe…”

This isn’t just about asking—it’s about believing even before you see the result. It’s a call to faith that is active, not passive. That can be incredibly hard when you feel like you're walking in the dark. But sometimes God is silent not because He is absent, but because He is stretching our faith to help us walk not by sight, but by trust.

“He is waiting for us to trust in Him fully.”God often allows us to reach the end of our own strength so that we can finally lean fully on His.

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“When you stand praying, forgive…”

Unforgiveness is often the hidden block in our prayers. It's not always easy to forgive—especially if the pain is fresh or deep—but Jesus makes it clear that our vertical relationship with God is deeply connected to our horizontal relationships with others.

• Is there someone I need to release—even silently in my heart?

• Is there bitterness I’ve been holding that might be clouding what God is trying to show me?

Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing wrongdoing—it means releasing the burden and allowing God to handle justice His way.

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Living Between the Asking and the Receiving

the in-between. It’s one of the hardest places to be. But it's also where faith is forged, character is built, and God’s deeper work in us begins. Even when we don’t see the answer yet, we have to remember:

“God is working behind the scenes, in ways we cannot yet see.”

"Lord, I don't understand what You're doing right now, but I choose to trust You. Help my unbelief. Show me if there's anyone I need to forgive. Teach me to wait on You—not with frustration, but with faith."

God sees our tears. Psalm 56:8 says He collects them in a bottle. That means not one prayer, not one cry, not one sleepless night is missed by Him.

 

Are we giving prominence to prayer?

Prayer is often sidelined in favor of programs, performances, or even productivity. But Jesus highlights it as the very core of what God’s house is meant to be. When prayer is central, dependence on God becomes visible, and our gatherings reflect a living relationship with Him, not just tradition or ritual.

Are we accepting every cultural background and treating them equally?

Jesus’ quote from Isaiah 56 points to God's intention that all nations—not just Israel—would worship Him. This breaks down barriers of ethnicity, language, and culture. Yet many churches, even today, remain culturally homogenous. It’s not necessarily wrong to worship in your heart language or cultural context—but it becomes a problem when it fosters exclusion, pride, or isolation. The body of Christ is richly diverse, and we’re called to live that out.

Are we using the name of God for money?

This hits close to what Jesus was confronting in the temple—religion used as a business, where profit overshadowed prayer. This can still happen today, sometimes subtly: when ministries become brands, or when spiritual leadership is used to gain power or wealth. Jesus’ words and actions remind us to keep God’s name holy, not transactional.

"I cannot change the whole world, but I can change the way I behave and please Him."

That’s where true transformation begins. I may not have a global platform, but my faithfulness—prayer life, how I welcome others, how I speak against injustice or misuse of God’s name—matters deeply. I am not powerless. I am salt and light right where I am ( Matthew 5:13–16).

 Fear of God….

Today, I went to work and came back home. While at work, I was feeling sleepy, but by God’s grace, I was still able to get a lot done. 

When I got home, I watched a movie and ended up falling asleep on the couch.

 Later, I woke up, got ready for bed, and while waiting to connect with my friend for our nightly prayer, I spent some time reading scripture. 

My eyes fell on Malachi 3:16–18.

Verse 16 really stood out to me: “Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard.” 

This reminded me of the calls I have with my friend almost every night. We pray together, read scripture, share our burdens, and thank God for His faithfulness. It truly reflects the spirit of that verse—we talk about God, and He listens.

The rest of the passage encouraged me deeply. It reminded me that God is drawing us closer to Him and has promised to bless us. 

Yes, with our natural eyes, it may seem like everything around us is falling apart. But we’re not called to live by sight—we're called to walk by faith and trust in Him. He is our God. He has promised never to leave us, never to forsake us, and never to put us to shame. For all of this, I am truly thankful.

 Thanksgiving Sunday Reflection

Today is Thanksgiving Sunday.
As I look back on my life, I have so much to be thankful for.

There have been many days and many nights when I’ve cried out to the Lord.
I’ve cried with emotion, with anger, and with disappointment.
I have shed tears in many different ways.

There were times I couldn’t tell if God even heard me—
but the Holy Spirit kept strengthening me to trust in Him.

I am so thankful for my dear friends who pray for me and my family.
My Bible Study group feels like my own family.
They have prayed for me and with me, and I’ve felt their love deeply.

I can truly see the hand of God at work in our lives in so many ways.

I’m so thankful to God for keeping our family close to Him.
So thankful to God for healing Javon.
So thankful to God for my grandchildren, including Bry.
So thankful to God for my two daughters.

Friends, family is a blessing from God.

"…that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
Lord my God, I will praise you forever."
—Psalm 30:12b

 Reflection on Psalm 121: A Personal Prayer

I'm currently on my lunch break at work, taking a moment to reflect on something close to my heart.

Every Friday morning, I gather with two others to pray. This past Friday, we focused our prayers on my family, using Psalm 121 as our foundation. Over the years, my family has faced many trials—each one of us carrying heavy challenges. Yet, as I read through Psalm 121, I am reminded of one unchanging truth: God is our Keeper. He watches over us even in the midst of difficulty.

Today, one verse in particular spoke deeply to me:

Psalm 121:7
“The LORD will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life.”

This is more than a comforting verse—it's a promise. A promise that God will keep us from evil and preserve our lives. That means protection from danger, harm, sickness, and more. It’s a declaration of His faithful covering over every part of our being.

As I prayed, I found peace in lifting up the specific needs of my family to God, believing in this promise:

• For my daughter, and her battle with multiple ovarian cysts, I heard God say He will keep her. He will heal her.

• For my grand daughter, just 16, navigating emotional and hormonal changes, I trust that God will guard her heart and guide her.

• For my two daughters searching for new jobs, I believe God will open the right doors at the right time.

• For my little granddaughter, I’m praying God draws her closer to Him, even from a young age.

• For my grandson, his girlfriend, and their future together, I commit their relationship to God, trusting that His will be done.

Even though we face challenges, this psalm reminds me that we are not alone. The Lord is our constant protector, and He will keep our lives. In the waiting, in the struggle, and in the unknown—He is faithful.

 A Mother’s Reflection: God’s Hand on My Daughter’s Life

Tomorrow, October 5th, my oldest daughter turns 42 years old. I was just 24 when I had her—young, uncertain, and still finding my way through life. At the time, my husband and I were Buddhists. We didn’t yet know the true and living God, but God knew us. And He had already set His hand upon her life.

When my daughter was six, our family came to know the Lord. Looking back now, I can see how His hand has always been upon her, guiding, protecting, and even in the darkest valleys, never letting go.

Her journey has not been easy. She married very young and became a mother while still a child herself. That marriage ended in heartbreak. Later, she was engaged, only to lose her fiancé suddenly and tragically. She entered another long-term relationship, and through all her relationships, four beautiful children were born. But even that season ended in pain. And perhaps the most crushing of all was when she lost one of her youngest twin children.

To the world, her story might look messy. People judged her because they only saw the surface—multiple relationships, pain, and heartbreak. But they did not see the depth of her endurance, her resilience, or her faith. They did not see the prayers I prayed, the tears I cried, or the way I clung to God on her behalf. And they certainly didn’t see the way God never gave up on her.

One verse has stayed with me all these years. Before her first marriage, the Lord gave me this promise:
"And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord." — Luke 1:45

Even now, I hold onto that promise. I believe God has a plan for my daughter. I believe He will complete the work He began in her life. And I believe He will bring beauty from ashes, joy from mourning, and healing from every wound.

She is not defined by her past. She is defined by the God who carries her.

As her mother, I continue to stand in prayer. And I declare this truth over her life:
“For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

He is not finished with her story. And I trust that the same God who brought her into this world 42 years ago, will walk with her into the fullness of His promises.

Happy birthday, my beloved daughter. You are seen. You are loved. And your best days are still ahead.

 The Humble King and the Heart of the Gospel

Friday night’s Bible Study led me to reflect deeply on how easily pride and cultural superiority creep into our hearts—even within the Christian community. As we discussed Galatians Chapter 2, one issue stood out: people often look down on those who are different from them. Whether it’s skin colour, education, or financial status, there is a subtle, and sometimes not-so-subtle, belief that "I am better." Sadly, this mindset has even entered the church, replacing the true heart of the gospel with human tradition.

But Jesus came to challenge all of that.

Later that night,  I read Mark 11:1–11, the story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. One simple detail struck me: Jesus rode on a colt—a young, humble donkey. He didn’t choose a majestic horse or a royal chariot. Instead, He chose a symbol of humility and service. This was not accidental. It was intentional.

Just as a donkey carries the burdens of others, Jesus came to carry ours. His mission was to save a broken, sinful humanity—people considered unimportant or unworthy by society. Yet, in God's eyes, they were precious. Jesus gave prominence to the humble, the rejected, and the overlooked. His birth fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament, and His life redefined what greatness truly means.

When the world ignores or rejects us, we can remember the colt—the humble servant chosen by the King of kings. We, too, are chosen. Not for our status, but for our willingness to carry His presence, just like that colt.

Loving Father, help me to cling to You when others reject me. I am worthy in Your eyes, and that is enough.

Compassion

After a full day of office work, I just wanted to sit and watch something on Netflix. My watch list is usually filled with suspense and thrillers, but this time I saw something new: Ruth & Boaz. As I watched the story unfold, my heart was moved by the love, compassion, provision, and protection of our God. He truly is so merciful.

One of my favorite songs was in the movie: “I love You, Lord… oh, Your mercy never fails me.” It was such a beautiful, meaningful moment.

Later, I read Mark 10:46-52 — the story of the blind man who cried out to Jesus as He was passing by. The blind man was desperate. He cried out loudly without hesitation, even when others tried to silence him. Yet Jesus stopped. He wasn’t in a hurry to get to His next destination; one person’s cry was enough to stop Him and move His heart.

That touched me deeply. I too have many needs — physically, spiritually, materially, financially, relationally, and emotionally. I need His touch. Like the blind man, I want to cry out to my Lord with desperation, without shame. Jesus knows my needs, but still, just as He asked the blind man what he wanted, He is asking me to speak out my needs to Him.

Lord, You are my merciful Savior. I bring it all to You.