Luke 14:25 - 34

I have been dealing with back pain since yesterday.

This morning, I had a hard time getting out of bed. But after I managed to walk around a little, I started cleaning my room, just a little at a time.

I cannot even bend down to pick up stuff. Yet, I am forcing myself to do this. 

I am doing this because I know that, in the end, I will feel very happy to see a neat and tidy room.

Following Jesus is not always easy because we have our own desires, as well as negative emotions and feelings.

This is why we need to surrender to God everything that hinders our walk with Him.

Here in Luke 14, Jesus says that even when we are facing difficult trials in our lives, we should not waste time but serve Him wholeheartedly.

This makes me question myself:

What is hindering my walk with Jesus?

Luke 14:15-24

Today was a heart-fulfilling day. I went to a volunteer appreciation event, and listening to the touching stories truly made my day.

I just read, Luke 14:15-24.  Here, Jesus speaks to the people through a parable. He emphasizes the importance of hearing and obeying His call. He also talks about the excuses we often come up with.

For example, one person says he bought land and needs to attend to it.

This passage reminds me to check my heart:

What is most important?

Obeying His call, or attending to our earthly needs?

 Today is another day to thank God. He has always been my helper. 

He has protected me and given me peace. 

Reading His Word helps me understand how to live my life in a way that pleases Him.

In this passage, Luke 14:7–14, I learned two important things:

• Not to seek power or popularity.
• To be a friend to those who are less fortunate.

 Luke 14:1–6

The long weekend was busy, yet deeply satisfying. Tomorrow is a working day, so I need to sleep early, but my heart is filled with gratitude to God. After spending time in prayer and thanking Him, I read Luke 14:1–6.

In this passage, I see the compassion of Jesus toward people. No one who comes into His presence leaves the same way they came. Jesus renews and transforms lives.

At the same time, there will always be those who do not understand Jesus or His love. Such people often criticize Him and question His ways.

Sometimes, we become too concerned about people’s opinions and judgmental attitudes, and we hesitate to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. But we must remember that His way is always the best, not only for our present circumstances, but also for our eternal life.

“Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain,
Free to all, a healing stream,
Flows from Calvary’s mountain.”

 

Mother’s Day Reflections

Today, on Mother’s Day, I am reflecting on Luke 13:18–21 and asking myself how I can apply this passage to my life.

This scripture speaks about faith: 

faith in Jesus and trust in Him. Jesus compares faith to a mustard seed and to leaven. Though both begin small, they continue to grow and spread quietly over time.

I know God planted the seed of faith in my heart the day He spoke to me, and I know it is still gradually growing.

As I look at the different circumstances in my life today, especially on Mother’s Day, I wonder what God wants me to learn through them.

I have daughters, grandchildren, and a little great-granddaughter. I would love to see them all today, and when I do not, it hurts. But I am reminded that they are not only mine, they are God’s children. He loves them even more than I do. I am learning to trust Him with them, whether I see them or not. As I surrender them into God’s care, my faith continues to grow.

Today I am also thinking about parents who have lost their children. Mother’s Day can bring deep pain and sorrow. 

my two daughters have lost children: my grandchildren. One of my dear friends lost her daughter in a car accident, and today she is grieving deeply. Another friend has two children, but one no longer speaks to her. Through that child she has grandchildren she never gets to see. I know this causes her great pain.

These thoughts are heavy on my heart today.

Yet I believe the seed of faith God planted in me can bring hope to others. But I wonder how. I have words in my heart that I want to share, but I do not know if they will truly help.

So I sit quietly here in my living room, thinking and praying about all these things.

I feel Jesus gently speaking these words to my heart:

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”   Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

Today I will pray and ask God to heal their hearts,  and mine too.

 Luke 13:1-9

This passage talks about repentance.

From the time we come to know Jesus, our conscience becomes alive within us. The reason is that the Holy Spirit lives in us. When we do wrong things, we are aware of it.

Sometimes, pride gets in the way, and we refuse to admit our faults. But our life with Jesus requires constant reminders to humble ourselves and repent when we are wrong.

Today, even as I go about my tasks, my heart feels heavy. Something happened, and I took it really hard. People who saw me today asked, “Are you okay? You look sad. Are you not well?”

Yes, my heart is not well. I am struggling to understand whether I need to forgive, whether I need to repent, or whether I need to be more careful with my words. Pride may be getting in the way of my relationships. I am not completely sure. But I do know that I am not feeling well.

Lord, help me to understand.
Help me to examine my heart.

This old hymn comes to my mind:
Reach out and touch the Lord
As He passes by
You will find He is not too busy
To hear your heart’s cry
He is passing at this moment
Your needs to supply
Reach out and touch the Lord
As He goes by

 May 2, 2026 – Evening (My 67th Birthday)

Now it is past 9 PM, and I come to the end of this beautiful but cold day with a grateful heart.

This morning, as I began my 67th birthday, I wrote about my gratitude to God for everything He has done in my life. Tonight, I feel that gratitude even more deeply.

I did not know Jesus until I was 30 years old. I was born into a Buddhist family, and at that time, I had no interest in knowing Him. I was proud of my religion and did not feel the need to seek anything more.

But I did not understand then that Jesus came for everyone—not to bring religion, but to restore a relationship with us and to redeem us to God. In His love and compassion, He revealed Himself to me, and for the first time, my spiritual eyes were opened.

Since that day, I have known His presence in my life—not just in belief, but in a real and personal way.

“God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Tonight, I thank Him again—for 67 years of life, for His guidance, and for the many blessings He has given me.

I am grateful.

 Luke 12:54–59 — Times & Seasons

This May has begun with an unexpected cold day. It reminds me that things don’t always happen the way I want or expect.

Today, on my 67th birthday, I realize how much I have to be thankful for. God has been with me every step of the way, and I am deeply grateful. Still, I know I have a part to play in my walk with Him.

Jesus taught us how to discern the times. He came to die for our sins and bring us back to God. He promised that He will come again to take us to be with Him forever. At the same time, He warned us and showed us what to expect before His return.

He has given us the Holy Spirit to live within us—to teach, comfort, and prepare us.

My responsibility is to live for Him.