A Day-by-day devotional

May 13, 2023

Chocolate cake

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Psalm 30-33, 60-62

Scripture of the Day: 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Two years ago today, I have tasted the best moist chocolate cake I have ever had thus far. It was at a friend’s birthday. We asked for the recipe and she told us it’s something special and passed on in her family.

Baking is comparable to conducting a lab experiment. In an experiment, you have a standard protocol which needs to be followed to a T. In baking, it is similar. If the recipe calls for a certain number of eggs and cups of flour, you cannot do a plus or minus. A little divergence could be a make or break defining point in your outcome. It could make the cake too fluffy, a bit hard, and so on.

God has given man freewill. We have the freedom of choice whereby we could decide to do whatever it is that we want. He does not forcefully impose things upon us.

He has, however, left a guideline – a sort of protocol or recipe. It is His written Word passed down from generation to generation of faithful believers. Obviously, it could save us from a lot of mistakes and painful outcomes if we follow it to a T. But most of us fail to do so. Moreover, although God gave us these guidelines, He gives us the freedom of choice whether to believe and follow them, or not.

We would be able to get through life‘s difficulties and struggles without having to follow the book that could give us the best options and solutions. However, although we would still find ourselves in the midst of storms even if we follow the book, the calmness and peace that accompany us make all the difference.

God knows how stubborn man can be. He also knows how hard our hearts could become. But when we read His Word and allow it to penetrate our souls, it changes things in our lives.

We are not promised a blissful life free of suffering and pain, if we follow the guidelines set in God’s Word. What we are promised, however, is a life filled with joy and peace, despite abounding troubles and chaos which this imperfect world brings. Although we will suffer, we would always have peace, because the Logos, the Word of God, Jesus, has overcome the world (John 16:33).

Reflection: The bible is not just an extraordinary book containing guidelines for living. It is God’s living Word, able to give life. We may not be able to follow it to a T. But striving to do so would certainly provide us better outcomes in this life.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me find my way through your Word. When I am lost, illuminate my path as I seek to find the right direction once again. You are my light and my guide. Amen.