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Exodus 16:4—“Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.”

In today’s devotion, we will focus on the last part of this verse—“that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no”.

Though freshly redeemed from Egypt, the people quickly grumble when hunger arises. The desert exposes their hearts’ need to learn to trust in God daily. Into this setting, the LORD speaks graciously: “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you.” Yet, what God provides is also what God uses to test. Daily bread becomes the measure of daily trust and obedience.

The manna is given with purpose. The people are instructed to gather “a certain rate every day.” God deliberately limits the supply to a daily portion, forbidding hoarding for tomorrow. The reason is clearly stated: “that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.” The wilderness becomes a classroom, and daily bread becomes the test. Obedience is measured not in extraordinary acts, but in the exercise of faith in ordinary matters of life.

This verse reveals that God’s testing is formative. The LORD already knows His people; the proving is for their sake. Through daily dependence, Israel learns that life is sustained not by abundance, but by trust in God’s promises. This truth echoes later in Scripture: “Man shall not live by bread alone” (Deut. 8:3). God’s law is never separated from His provision; true obedience grows out of daily dependence on Him.

Let us remember that when believers walk through seasons of uncertainty, God sometimes provides day by day rather than in abundance, not to discourage us but to train us to walk in continual dependence upon Him. The question is not whether God will provide—He will—but whether we will obey Him in the quiet, daily rhythms of life. Faith is proved not only in crisis, but in consistent, day-by-day trust in the God who gives and guides.

Exodus 16:4a—“Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day…” 

Israel has just been redeemed from Egypt, yet in the wilderness, their joy quickly turns to complaint. Hunger exposes the heart. The people grumble against Moses and Aaron, forgetting the mighty deliverance of the Red Sea. However, the LORD does not abandon them; instead, He reveals His gracious purpose: “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you.” God meets their need with provision and their complaint with mercy.

The image is striking. Bread does not grow in the desert, nor does it fall from the sky. This is a supernatural provision, deliberately described as a “rain” from heaven. God alone supplies what the wilderness cannot. Yet this provision is accompanied by a command: each person is to gather only a day’s portion. The manna cannot be stored, hoarded, or controlled. God is teaching His people to live by daily dependence, not accumulated security.

Manna reveals a God who saves and sustains. Redemption from Egypt was not the end of God’s care; it was the beginning of a life lived in trust. The daily gift of bread trained Israel to rely on God’s Word and promise every morning. Jesus later draws on this scene, identifying Himself as the true Bread from heaven, given not for one day only, but for eternal life.

This narrative speaks powerfully to believers today as they pass through their own wilderness seasons. God does not always remove need, but He faithfully meets it. He gives grace for today’s need, not for tomorrow’s worries. As we learn to receive His provision day by day, we discover that daily dependence is not weakness, but the very path by which trust deepens, obedience is formed, and lasting joy is found in the God who provides.

Nehemiah 1:6—“Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned.”

Nehemiah prays from the Persian capital, far from Jerusalem yet deeply bound to its condition. Having acknowledged God’s covenant mercy, he urgently pleads for the Lord to listen and to look upon his prayer. Nehemiah speaks not with presumption, but with holy urgency. He knows that the ruin of Jerusalem is not merely political or military; it is spiritual. Therefore, the first work of rebuilding must begin with a confession of the sins that caused the city's ruin. 

Strikingly, Nehemiah prays “day and night” for “the children of Israel.” Though he himself is not responsible for the specific sins that led to exile, he fully identifies with God’s people. He does not distance himself from their failure. Instead, he says, “we have sinned… both I and my father’s house.” True intercessory prayer stands in solidarity with sinners rather than in judgment over them.

Nehemiah names sin honestly. He confesses at the heart, not discomfort in the circumstances. Israel’s trouble is traced back to covenant disobedience, even their failure to keep God’s commandments, statutes, and judgments given through Moses. This is no vague apology; it is a clear acknowledgement that God has been righteous in His discipline. Confession aligns the heart with God’s verdict before seeking God’s mercy.

This prayer teaches us how spiritual renewal begins. Restoration does not start with plans, strategies, or complaints, but with humble confession. God listens when His people stop excusing sin and start owning it. When we pray like Nehemiah—persistently, personally, and truthfully—we place ourselves where grace flows freely. Far from weakening faith, confession expresses trust in God’s restoring work that alone can transform the damage of disobedience into an opportunity for His glory and the good of His people.

Nehemiah 1:5—“And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments”.

Nehemiah’s prayer arises from deep grief. While serving in the Persian king’s palace at Shushan, Nehemiah learned that Jerusalem lay in ruins, its walls broken down and its people living in reproach. Though he serves in comfort in the Persian court, his heart is bound to God’s city and God’s people. Before he speaks to the king about his people’s condition, Nehemiah falls on his knees before God, fasting and praying for days. His prayer is shaped by Scripture, theology, and covenant faith.

He begins, “O LORD God of heaven,” confessing God’s supreme sovereignty over all nations and rulers. The ruined condition of Jerusalem is not beyond God’s reach. Calling Him “the great and terrible God,” Nehemiah acknowledges God’s holiness and righteous power, the very qualities Israel has offended by sin. Yet this awe-filled address quickly moves to hope: God is the One “that keepeth covenant and mercy.” Nehemiah anchors his plea not in Israel’s merit but in God’s unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises.

The covenant in view is the one God made with His people, a bond upheld by divine mercy. Nehemiah knows Israel has broken the covenant, and he will soon confess that sin plainly. Still, he prays because God remains faithful even when His people are not. Mercy here is not sentimental; it is loyal love, steadfast and pledged.

This teaches us how to pray amid ruin, whether it be personal, ecclesial, or societal. We come honestly, reverently, and confidently, appealing to God’s covenant mercy. Those who love Him and seek to obey Him must first depend on Him for forgiveness and restoration. Like Nehemiah, let us pray trusting that the covenant-keeping God delights to restore what sin has broken, for His glory and His name’s sake.

Genesis 6:8—“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”

It was the darkest period in human history. The earth was filled with violence, and every imagination of man’s heart was continually evil. Against this bleak backdrop, a single sentence shines with brilliant radiance: “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” The word “but” marks a turning point, not because Noah was morally superior to all else, but because God’s grace intervened in a corrupt world rushing toward judgment and peril.

Noah’s righteousness, described in the following verse, flows not from human effort but from grace already received. Grace precedes obedience. Before Noah builds the ark, before he walks blamelessly in his generation, he first finds grace in the Lord’s sight. God’s favour is the source, not the reward, of Noah’s faithfulness.

When human corruption makes salvation humanly impossible, God acts in sovereign grace. He sets His favour upon Noah, not as a reward for righteousness, but as the source of it, proving that redemption never arises from human goodness. Noah’s life testifies that grace alone confronts human depravity and that salvation in every generation is grounded entirely in God’s gracious initiative.

Genesis 6:8 has a message of hope in these perilous last days. Though darkness deepens, righteousness seems rare, and obedience feels costly, this verse declares that God’s grace will not fail to act with saving power. Even in a corrupt world, grace still seeks, calls, and saves. The flood of human wickedness cannot drown the purposes of God, nor can the weight of the times silence His mercy.

Therefore, take comfort and courage. Do not measure your hope by the world’s darkness or your own weakness, but by God’s steadfast favour. Our rest is found only in grace, the same grace that found and sustained Noah.

Genesis 3:9—“And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?”

The first recorded words of God to the fallen man were a question, filled with divine compassion. Adam had fled into hiding, covering himself with fig leaves and fear. His disobedience had fractured his fellowship with God. Yet the God who formed him from the dust now comes seeking him not with a shout of condemnation but with a gracious voice that still echoes through Scripture: “Where art thou?”

God was not searching for information; He knew exactly where Adam stood, hiding among the trees. The question was for Adam’s awakening. It exposed the distance sin had created and invited him to step out of guilt and fear into the redeeming light of truth. 

Such is the gracious heart of God: He seeks us even before we repent to awaken us. He calls out to us before it ever enters our minds to come to Him. He initiates redemption even as judgment draws near.

This question stands at the dawn of human rebellion, yet it reveals the beginning of divine grace. The God who seeks them with the question, “Where art thou?” is also the God who sheds the blood of an animal to clothe Adam and Eve, an act that anticipates the full and final covering supplied by Christ’s righteousness.

His question still calls out to us, though sin compels people to hide behind excuses, successes, or even silence. His question invites honest confession, renewed fellowship, and the rediscovery of the blessing of walking with Him.

Today, hear His tender call: “Where are you?” Not because He cannot find you, but because He longs to draw you back to Himself. Will you come? Come to Him with honesty, come with repentance, come home to the One who still seeks you.

Genesis 1:27—“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

From the very first chapter of Scripture, a foundational truth emerges about who we are: we are made in the image of the living God. Unlike anything else formed in the six days of creation, humanity bears a likeness that reflects the Creator’s character, dignity, and purpose. This truth stands as a profound declaration in a world that constantly seeks to reduce human worth to productivity, appearance, or accomplishment.

Genesis 1:27 sets humanity apart as the crown of creation. The God who spoke galaxies into existence now stoops to fashion people capable of knowing Him, loving Him, and representing Him. Being made in God’s image is not about physical form but about the relational, moral, and spiritual capacities with which we are created. We are designed to reflect His holiness, enjoy His fellowship, and exercise His stewardship. Both male and female share equally in this divine imprint; together, they express the fullness of God’s intention for humanity.

The image of God is the foundation of both our identity and our responsibility. Though the fall has marred that image, it has not erased it; even in its damaged state, it remains the very platform on which God’s redemptive work unfolds. Christ, the perfect image of God (cf. Colossians 1:15), comes to restore in us all that sin has distorted. As Paul writes in Romans 8:29, God’s purpose is that we be conformed to the image of His Son.

Since God is restoring His image in us through Christ, we must see ourselves and every person we encounter through the lens of His sacred design. And as He reshapes us into Christ’s likeness, let us respond by yielding to His work, cherishing His Word, walking by His Spirit, and reflecting His graciousness and holiness with humility and gratitude.

The Bible gives us a wide liberty in prayer. We may bring to God anything that is truly needful and pleasing in His sight. Yet Scripture also shows us certain things that every church in every age ought especially to seek from the Lord. Here are ten chief things I am asking of God for our congregation, and I earnestly invite you to labour with me in prayer for these, with repentance, humility, faith, and holy expectancy: 

1. A renewed, close communion with our Triune God – that we will draw near to Him with reverential and yearning hearts, and find delight in His presence day by day (James 4:8).
2. A holy walk marked by Christlikeness – that our thoughts, words, and actions may more clearly reflect our Saviour (Eph. 4:24).
3. A deep enjoyment of His Word – not only to read it, but to love it, understand it, and obey it (Psalm 1:2).
4. Empowered by the Spirit to declare the Gospel, both near and far, and win souls – that Christ may be known and glorified (Acts 1:8).
5. Wisdom to escape the temptations, seductions, and apostasies of our time – that we be enabled to stand firm in the truth (Jude 24).
6. Godly leadership in church and homes – that those who guide others may themselves be guided by the Lord (Acts 20:28).
7. Endurance in trials, marked by courage and the joy of the Lord – that we might suffer well and witness well (James 1:2–3).
8. Love and unity in the church – that divine love, compassion, forgiveness, and warm fellowship may flow freely from one to another (John 13:35).
9. Obtain a good report for faith and good works – that we may bring no reproach upon the name of Christ but glory to our Lord, and be a pattern and cheer to all the saints of Jesus Christ everywhere (Matthew 5:16).
10. Abounding in the hope of Christ’s return and heaven – living in this present world with hearts and eyes fixed on the world to come (Titus 2:13).

Additional Testimonies of GYF Retreat Participants

Ruben Skariah

I thank God for the privilege to attend another memorable youth retreat. The faithful preaching of the Word and sweet fellowship with fellow youths have brought me much spiritual encouragement.

I have benefited greatly from both workshops. During the first one, we watched a documentary on the battle for Jerusalem during the Six-Day War. We saw how God gave the Israelites an incredible victory over 4 Arab nations: Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq. We also heard the firsthand accounts of Israeli paratroopers. Pastor then connected the events of the past to the current war in Gaza. It gave me a better understanding of how to respond to friends who express strong pro-Palestinian views against Israel.

The other workshop was on why we use the King James Bible. Pr Cornelius explained that the KJV is the best translation (though we do not say it is a perfect translation), because it faithfully renders the underlying Hebrew and Greek texts, which are preserved by God through the ages. He also highlighted that the translators were God-fearing and academically qualified, and they used a superior translation method known as “formal equivalence”. Finally, the theology and doctrines are more faithfully preserved in the KJV than in many other versions.

The 5 messages on the theme, “Fighting the Good Fight Against Sin”, prompted me to examine my life in the light of God’s Word. I pray that I will submit myself to God and let Him reign over my life, so that I may not be a servant of sin. May all of us continue to guard our hearts, and be alert to the evils around us.

Jesimiel Lim

Praise God for the Youth Fellowship, where I have been guided, nurtured and equipped spiritually, and where I can serve the Lord and grow with fellow youths!

Thank God for Pastor and Pr Cornelius, who labour to teach us God’s Word from the Book of Judges, 2 Corinthians, and “Old Stories, New Lessons”, during the Gethsemane Youth Bible Hour (GYBH). Praise God for Dns Diana and the Auxiliary Committee, for their godly examples, and their care and support for us youths in our walk with God. I thank God for many precious lessons learnt during our GYBH. I’ve learnt from Gideon’s story that God uses those who are ready and trust in the Lord to serve Him. Jotham’s story taught me never to leave precious opportunities to serve God for seemingly attractive worldly pursuits. The new series on “Old Stories, New Lessons” have been an answered prayer, as I have desired to study these historical Biblical accounts again. One lesson I’ve learnt is that we open ourselves to Satan’s deception when we fail to know God’s Word thoroughly.

Thank God also for an enjoyable youth retreat, and for enabling Pr Cornelius to expound God’s Word on the theme, “Fighting the Good Fight Against Sin”, giving many relevant applications to our lives. Thank God for the labour of love of the YF Committee and the Auxiliary Committee in organising the YF Retreat, with our spiritual benefit as their utmost priority. The messages helped me to reflect, grieve over past sins, and prepare spiritually for the following year. I’ve learnt that temptations are spiritual tests we face daily, where we either choose to sin or to obey God. May these tests be means for our sanctification, and not arenas of sin. I also pray that God may help me overcome my besetting sins through fasting and prayer.

Additionally, thank God for the two very insightful workshops we had. In “God’s Promised Land for Israel”, we learnt about the history behind the animosity between Israel and its surrounding countries, how every prophecy and promise in God’s Word will come to pass, and were reminded of Jesus’ soon return. The workshop on “Why We Use the King James Bible” helped me understand how God has – by His single care and providence – perfectly preserved His Word, and why the KJV is the most faithful translation—due to the 4 T’s: Text, Translators, Technique and Theology. 

Thank God for all His bountiful blessings, and I pray we youths may grow in love and service unto the Lord. “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

Mehetabel Lim

I thank God for seeing me through another year in the GYF. I especially thank God for Pastor and Pr Cornelius, for their dedication and labour of love to preach on selected topics during each GYBH session. I also thank God for the GYF Committee, the Auxiliary Committee, and every youth who has laboured in various aspects of the GYF throughout the year. 

Thank God also for the opportunity and provision to attend this year’s youth retreat. I praise God especially for the warm fellowship with fellow brethren, as well as for granting us good weather to hold the games, even though it had been raining initially. I’m thankful for the faithful and sound preaching by Pr Cornelius on the theme, “Fighting the Good Fight Against Sin”, where I learnt many applicable lessons. 

I would like to share a few takeaways on what I have learnt. Firstly, I have learnt that the source of temptation is not from God. Secondly, I have learnt that the existence of temptations is no reason to blame God. Thirdly, I learnt that temptations must be tackled daily. Finally, I learnt that we must not have a sad outlook because of temptations, but instead look forward to the reward for resisting sin. All praise and glory be unto God!

1 Thessalonians 1:5a—“For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance^.”

Paul reminds the Thessalonians that the gospel which reached them was far more than a message spoken; it was a divine work experienced. Words alone could never have birthed faith. The gospel came “not in word only,” indicating that its transforming effect did not rest on Paul’s skilled or persuasive speech. What happened among them could only be explained as a divine work.
It came “in power.” This power was not emotional force or rhetorical brilliance. It is the power that opens blind eyes, convicts hardened hearts, breaks the chains of sin, and raises the spiritually dead to new life in Christ.

It came “in the Holy Ghost,” for salvation is the Spirit’s work from beginning to end. He illumined their minds, stirred repentance, birthed faith, and enabled them to stand firm amid persecution. The Spirit authenticated the message by producing spiritual fruit that no human effort could manufacture.

And it came “in much assurance.” This assurance was not mere feeling but the deep, Spirit-wrought conviction that the gospel is true and authentic, that Christ is Lord, and that their lives were now anchored in His saving grace. Such assurance enabled them to endure hardship with unwavering hope.

For us, Paul’s words prompt reflection: Has the gospel come to us merely as sound in the ear, or as power in the heart? And do we rely on the same Spirit today to make God’s Word effective in us and through us?

May we receive and proclaim the gospel with prayer that the same transforming power that first reached Thessalonica would also work through us.

1 Thessalonians 1:4—“Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.” 

Paul’s words carry a deep pastoral tenderness. He calls the Thessalonians “brethren beloved,” reminding them that their true identity is not shaped by a hostile world but by God’s steadfast affection. He then adds, “knowing … your election of God.” The word “knowing” (Greek oida) can also mean seeing or perceiving. Paul is not speaking of a secret revelation but of a spiritual perception formed through pastoral observation. He did not determine their election; he discerned it through the fruit evident in their lives.

Paul saw unmistakable signs that the Thessalonian believers belonged to God. He perceived their faith, love, and hope in the midst of suffering (v.3). Such qualities were not natural virtues but the outworking of divine grace. Their steadfastness bore the imprint of God’s choosing—a people set apart before time, called in time, and preserved unto glory.

For Paul, election is not a doctrine intended to provoke speculation but a truth designed to steady hearts. To the afflicted church, it meant they were not accidental, not fragile, and not forgotten by God. They were known, loved, and held by the God of their salvation. Their trials did not contradict God’s choice; rather, their endurance confirmed it. Election assured them that their sufferings were woven into a larger story lovingly authored by a faithful God who completes every work He begins.

For our own hearts, this verse invites searching reflection: What marks of electing love would others see in us? And do we recognise in fellow believers the evidences of God’s electing grace? Such reflection leads us to humble dependence on the Spirit, who alone produces the lasting fruit that displays God’s sovereign work in His people.