Grace Empowerment Christian Prayer Group Service 恩豐禱告事工

Quiet Time with the Lord
091:
Reconciliation with God

In 2 Corinthians 5, the Apostle Paul declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18, NIV).

During my youth, I grappled with guilt and regret after missing the funeral of a close family member. Nightmares haunted me, and I felt unable to forgive myself, even though my family had forgiven me. Accepting Jesus as my personal Savior allowed me to recognize my sinfulness and find freedom from guilt through His forgiveness. His blood washed away my transgressions, and I became a new person in Him, empowered to move forward.

Now, as a married individual with two grown daughters, I cherish my beautiful family. I thank God for sending Jesus Christ to pay my debt and heal me, enabling reconciliation with Him. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, grateful for His love and acceptance.
Amen.

Quiet Time with the Lord
090:
My sincere desire to speak His Words

Jesus invites, ‘Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart. You will find rest for your souls.’” (Matthew 11:28-29, NIV)

Recently, I offered advice to my friend out of love, but it caused him to become angry with me. It is very difficult for me and I feel very stressful. What can I do? I immediately pray to Jesus and ask Him to help me and change the heart of the person. If I say anything wrong, please change me. If not, please change the person in Him.

Related to my experience, I am a software engineer myself and I work with hardware equipment more than human beings. I struggle with maintaining gentle conversations. However, I trust the Holy Spirit to guide me to say the right thing in the right time. Even though it is difficult, it is coming from the bottom of my heart for the goodness of the person. I desire to be a faithful speaker for showing His love. I strongly desire to build good relationship with family, friends, and people. Certainly, no one desires to provoke anger in others.

Dear God, I need help. Please give me a peaceful heart in Him. I trust that You will teach me to follow your footstep. Please let me be a good listener for the Holy Spirit so that I can follow His instruction to speak for You. If I say anything that does not please You, please teach me and correct me so that I would not cause any anger and conflict in You. Let my words be mixed with salt and honey and let the listener to go to You and feel Your love. Pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Quiet Time with the Lord
089:
Need His Compassion on Me

In Matthew 9, we read, “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:35-36, NIV).

As it relates to my own life, I came to the United States to pursue a Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering. Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked as a Principal Software Engineer. Throughout my career and personal journey, I’ve come to understand the importance of walking with Jesus Christ. His compassion for me is unwavering. He knows my limitations, understands my struggles, and prays for me from heaven. Day by day, He guides me here on earth, and I can turn to Him in prayer anytime, anywhere.

Yet, I admit that I am a woman with little faith. When faced with challenges, fear and helplessness often creep in. In those moments, I need to pray immediately, seeking His peace and strength to face each day.

Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus Christ to teach us, heal us, and remove our fears. May the Holy Spirit grant me boldness to guide my family and myself. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Quiet Time with the Lord
086:
Be a witness for Christ

Jesus told the disciples: ‘This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.’ (Luke 24:46-48, NIV)

I desire to invite people to attend our church’s Fellowship group and Sunday worship where they can learn more about Jesus.

As a software engineer who spends most of my day working with computers, I understand the challenge of speaking with strangers. However, I’ve taken steps to overcome this hurdle. For ten years, I’ve been an active member of the New Life Toastmasters Club, honing my communication skills through impromptu and prepared speeches. Now, I feel confident inviting people to join our church fellowship group and Sunday worship at our outreach events.

Dear God, grant me opportunities to introduce others to You. May the Holy Spirit embolden me to be Your hands and mouth. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Quiet Time with the Lord
085:
Understanding the Scriptures

In Luke 24, after the resurrection of Jesus, the women discovered that His grave was empty, and His body had disappeared. When Jesus spoke to the two men on the road to Emmaus, they struggled to comprehend what had happened to Him. Jesus graciously opened their minds so that they could understand the Scriptures.

As a Jesus follower for over 20 years, I actively engage in Sunday worship, paying close attention to preachers who expound on both Old Testament and New Testament passages. I deeply appreciate those who possess a strong knowledge of Scripture.

Drawing a parallel to my work as a software engineer, I recognize the importance of comprehending the entire Bible to grasp God’s vision. Just as I study software requirements, design, and test documents to gain a holistic view of an application before troubleshooting, I approach Scripture with a similar mindset.

To deepen my understanding, I embarked on a four-year journey of theological online certificate courses, studying both the Old and New Testaments. This investment has empowered me to confidently lead Bible study fellowship groups, facilitate Sunday school classes, and even preach during Children’s Ministry Sundays.

Dear God, thank you for leading me to these seminary courses and opening my heart to Your Word. May the Holy Spirit continue to strengthen me as I seek to reach others in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Quiet Time with the Lord
084:
Intention of Jesus

After Peter declared that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, Jesus told his disciples that he would suffer a painful crucifixion at the hands of the chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he would rise from the dead in three days (Luke 9:20-22, NIV).

Despite having opportunities to escape his crucifixion in Jerusalem, Jesus chose to carry his cross. But why?

In the Garden of Gethsemane, he earnestly prayed to God, asking for the removal of his impending painful death. Yet, he did not give up. Instead, he resolved to follow God’s will (Matthew 26:39).

There were two primary reasons for Jesus’ decision:
* Love for Sinners: Jesus could have evaded the crucifixion entirely, but he was committed to completing his mission on Earth. His love for sinners drove him to endure the cross.
* Fulfilling Prophecy: Jesus also aimed to fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament, aligning himself with God’s will.

Without Jesus’ sacrificial death for our sins, all his followers would face eternal death without hope. None could withstand the wrath of God.

Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus to save us from eternal death. Please allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, strengthening our faith in Him and empowering us to wholeheartedly follow Jesus. In Jesus Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.

Quiet Time with the Lord
083:
He is Risen!

Jesus was crucified and suffered a painful death at a place called the Skull. Three days later, the women discovered that His body had disappeared from the grave. Later, Jesus appeared to His disciples. He showed them His hands and feet and even ate a fish in front of them. Truly, Jesus is risen!

In my personal reflection, His resurrection helps me face challenging moments in my life. Each morning, I pray to God, asking for strength and wisdom to carry out my job. When I lack ideas for a project, I close my eyes and offer a quick prayer, seeking God’s guidance. I am grateful that God is faithful and consistently provides me with good ideas for my software engineering assignments.

Dear God, thank you for sending Your begotten Son to Earth to cleanse our sins. Your love gives us hope, and we trust in You for a blessed life on Earth. In Jesus Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.

Quiet Time with the Lord
082:
Who do you say I am?

In Luke 9, Jesus posed a profound question to His disciples: “Who do you say I am?” One person suggested that Jesus might be John the Baptist or the prophet Elijah.

My Reflection: Jesus Christ is not only our Savior but also our beloved brother. His love transcends time and space, reaching into eternity. He willingly bore the weight of our sins, enduring immense pain and suffering on the cross. God sent His only begotten Son to pay the debt we could never repay.

No one else would willingly die for sinners, but Jesus did. He declared, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the law. He must be killed, and on the third day, be raised to life” (Luke 9:22, NIV).

Dear God, open my eyes to the mission of Jesus—to save me and all humanity. Grant me the courage to take up my cross daily, bringing glory to His name. In Jesus Christ’s precious name, I pray. Amen.

Quiet Time with the Lord
081:
The Death of Jesus

In Luke 23, Jesus died in great pain on the cross. Yet, He prayed to God to forgive our sins because we did not know what we were doing. Jesus loves us so much that He was willing to pay for our debt so God would forgive us.

My Reflection: Witnessing the immense pain Jesus endured to cleanse my sins was overwhelming. His crucifixion granted me a new life in Him. Now, I no longer fear death because I know I will see Jesus after passing away. He will welcome me to heaven and call me His beloved sister.

Dear God: please grant me the boldness to reflect Your image on earth. Let me not squander the precious blood of Jesus. May I be Your hands and mouth, speaking His words. Provide opportunities for me to engage with others, so their hearts may turn toward You. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Quiet Time with the Lord
080:
Blessed to all hungers for righteousness

As a software engineer, I recognize the critical importance of releasing software applications to system engineers for thorough testing and verification before they reach customers. The cost of fixing software issues in the field can be substantial, and in some cases, it may even impact the safety and well-being of users.

In Matthew 5:6 (NIV), Jesus conveyed a powerful message to his disciples: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” This verse emphasizes the value of seeking righteousness and justice, which extends beyond our professional lives. Just as we strive for excellence in our work, we should also hunger for moral integrity and ethical conduct.

Personally, I begin each day with prayer, seeking guidance from God. I ask for wisdom, integrity, and discernment to excel in my job. Often, I find that inspiration strikes during these quiet moments—visions on how to improve my software applications. I believe that God provides these insights to help me serve others effectively and bring glory to His name.

My prayer remains simple yet profound: “Dear God, teach me to be righteous, to acknowledge my shortcomings, and to seek forgiveness. Lead and guide me in my work, that I may honor You in all I do. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

Quiet Time with the Lord
093:
A Prayer for My Fellowship Group

I cherish my Cross Point Community Ministry Friday Bible study fellowship group. Although we consist of only six members, we are like a close-knit family. During our gatherings, we discuss the highs and lows of the past week and delve into the study guide questions from our Biblical life study. Most importantly, we seek to apply the knowledge gained from our Bible study to our lives, benefiting both one another and our community.

In Colossians 1, the Apostle Paul prayed for the Colossian church, asking God to grant them endurance, patience, and spiritual wisdom.

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.” (Colossians 1:9-11)

Similarly, I lift up my small group in prayer, seeking God’s blessings:

1. Holy Spirit Filling: May God pour out His Holy Spirit upon us, filling our hearts and guiding our fellowship.

2. Wisdom and Speech: Grant us wisdom and knowledge, enabling us to speak with grace and kindness—like salt and honey—to one another and those around us.

3. Transformed Hearts: Transform our hearts of stone into hearts of love and compassion for each other. Soften us, Lord.

4. Empathy and Listening: Teach us to be attentive listeners, showing empathy and care for one another as we journey together.

In the precious name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Quiet Time with the Lord
79:
Blessed are the poor

As a Senior Principal software engineer with over 15 years of experience, I’ve learned the value of humility and open-mindedness. In my career, I’ve found that seeking answers through internet searches and asking questions is essential for resolving application issues. Following software instructions and documentation helps me understand features and apply commercial software effectively.

In Luke 6:20 (NIV), Jesus tells His disciples, “‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.’” This teaching emphasizes humility—a willingness to learn and accept guidance. In God’s kingdom, humility leads us on the best path of life.

My prayer is for a humble heart, allowing me to enter God’s eternal kingdom. In Jesus Christ’s name, I seek this transformation. Amen.

Quiet Time with the Lord:
088:
Finding Silver Lining in the Pandemic Lockdown

In Matthew 28, Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, NIV)

The year 2020 brought unexpected challenges as the Massachusetts governor announced a pandemic lockdown. Our in-person Alpha course Sunday school class abruptly halted. However, in the face of adversity, we adapted. The Cross Point Community Ministry Sunday school team decided to launch Zoom online classes, dividing the participants into six small online groups for meaningful discussions. It was a success.

Our eagerness to spread the gospel intensified. We hosted the online Alpha course every Tuesday night, reaching friends and relatives across cities and continents—from Boston and New York to Hong Kong and Asia. The urgency of the end times fueled our mission.

Expanding my non-profit Christian organization, Grace Empowerment, became essential. Originally rooted in Massachusetts, it transformed into Grace Empowerment International—a vessel to serve all nations. We initiated 13 language-specific Alpha course Facebook groups, sharing video links from alphausa.org. Our goal: to reach the 2,663 members within these groups and spread the message of hope.

As the pandemic persisted, I found myself writing weekly Christian life posts. These nourished not only our 10,000 Facebook friends but also connected professionals on LinkedIn—8,856 strong.

In prayer, I thank God for leading us to use social media as a powerful tool for evangelism. The territory of Grace Empowerment International expanded, and I humbly ask for continued guidance. May more brothers and sisters join us in spreading the gospel, all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Quiet Time with the Lord
087:
I am a chosen person

When I moved from Hong Kong to the United States, I felt lonely as I was the only one from my family living in this new country. The Apostle Peter, addressing Christians scattered throughout Asia, exhorted them:
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9, NIV)

Being part of Cross Point Community Ministry has become a source of strength and encouragement for me. I am not alone on this earth; instead, I have church brothers and sisters who accompany me and care for me. We gather for Wednesday prayer meetings, Friday fellowship Bible study groups, Sunday school, and Sunday worship. Together, we form a close-knit family. Whenever I face struggles, I can freely share my fears and difficulties with my brothers and sisters. They do not judge me; instead, they pray for me, providing the strength I need to face my challenges anew.

Dear God, I thank you for bringing me into your church family, where brothers and sisters care for each other in Jesus Christ. May the Holy Spirit continue to fill us, enabling us to serve one another and humbly wash each other’s feet. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Quiet Time with the Lord
078:
The Golden Rule

As a software engineer, I find joy in using my logical thinking to design and develop embedded software applications. However, life sometimes throws unexpected challenges our way. Thirteen years ago, I faced a layoff from my previous company. In that moment of uncertainty, I felt lost and unsure of my next steps.

Gratefully, my previous company treated me well during this difficult time. They provided a lifeline—a three-month job transition course. Through this program, I learned about the latest technologies and effective job search strategies. Within just 10 weeks, I received a job offer, and my confidence was restored.

Reflecting on this experience, I turn to the golden rule taught by Jesus: “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31, NIV). Losing a job can be a devastating blow, affecting not only our livelihood but also our self-esteem. With this in mind, I want to pay it forward. I shared my job transition training materials and insights with my "Volunteer career coach friends" group on LinkedIn. By doing so, I hope to empower professionals and students who are navigating similar challenges.

Dear God, I thank Jesus Christ for teaching us this fundamental principle. Grant me the strength and knowledge to serve my community, following the golden rule in all that I do. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

Quiet time with the Lord
077:
Good news

In our tumultuous world, where wars rage, students protest, earthquakes shake, and leaders warn of difficult times ahead, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Amidst this chaos, where can we find good news? The answer lies in our quiet
moments with the Lord.

Jesus, in Luke 4:18a (NIV), declared, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” His mission was to bring hope to those in need. As His followers, we can find peace by trusting in His promises.

1. No Need to Worry About the Future: Jesus assured His disciples that He went to prepare a place for us in heaven. Our future is secure in Him, and we need not fear what lies ahead.
2. The Holy Spirit’s Presence: Jesus asked the Father to send the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. Through Scripture, the Spirit guides, comforts, and provides for our needs. His intercession on our behalf is a powerful source of strength.
3. God’s Care for Our Physical Needs: Just as God feeds the birds and adorns the flowers, He also attends to our daily necessities. We can trust Him to provide for us, even in challenging times.
4. Spiritual Gifts for Service: God equips us with spiritual gifts to serve the church and our fellow believers. Our actions can glorify Him and bring hope to others.

Dear God,

Grant me unwavering faith to trust in Your provisions for my life. May I find solace in knowing that You are my provider, my sustainer, and my guide. As I walk this earthly journey, help me lean on Your promises and rest in Your unfailing love. Pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Quiet Time with the Lord
076:
My vision

After John the Baptist was born, his father prophesied that John would prepare the path for Jesus. John baptized people with water for repentance of sin and announced that Jesus would baptize people with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:76-79, Matthew 3:11).

John remained faithful to fulfill his mission. He urged people to repent, baptized them, and prepared their hearts to receive Jesus.

As I reflect on my own purpose, I seek God’s guidance. What is my mission? One vision stands out—the Great Commission of Jesus:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, NIV)

Dear God, please open my ears to listen to Your mission. Please teach me to share the good news with people from all nations. Grant me opportunities to serve You and align my work with Jesus’ mission. In His name, I pray. Amen.

Quiet Time with the Lord
074:
Peaceful Heart

Jesus said: “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27, NIV)

In this season of life, I’ve come to understand that very little is truly within my control. As a software engineer, my job demands quality results, and achieving that involves constant testing and ensuring everything meets the mark. Additionally, I strive to complete my work early, allowing room to handle unexpected surprises.

Yet, I despise last-minute surprises.

Recently, God has been teaching me to loosen my grip on life—to trust Him fully and embrace a more abundant existence. Each morning, I begin with a simple prayer:

"I ask God for success, as Jesus Christ did.
I seek good surprises from Him."

And remarkably, this practice has granted me a peaceful heart throughout the day. I can focus on my work without fear of uncertainty.

Dear God, grant me unwavering faith to pray to You each morning. Thank You for bestowing upon me a tranquil heart and entrusting the entire day to Your care. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.