14 Aug 2007

14 Aug - Nehemiah 7:61-9:21; 1 Corinthians 9:1-18; Psalm 33:12-22; Proverbs 21:11-12

In the OT, the wall has been rebuilt. So what next? The temple that they rebuilt was the temple of Solomon - God dwelling place that David so keen on building it for God. Jesulaem represent the city of David - the symbol of God peace when David fianlly claimed the promise land that God promise to the Hebrews. These were now rebuilt. But the key was not only the physical - look at David intention when he intent to build the temple - its the heart. I pray that whatever I do, I do it undo God- for my God looks at the heart - let it be simple and let it be always right before you.

Ezra began a series of reading - how often do we read. It was hardly done so when they were in captivity. How about us? I pray that even as we are busy and are often caught up with our schedules, I will put you first, I will read your word. The bible is a book of God's message and promise of blessings, provision and destiny (hope) for us. Therefore it is right to seek God each day for He is the God of the word. Find Him. Lord, let me understand and grow in you each day as I read.

In the OT, Ezra and the people get into actions when they read the Law of Mosses - the rebuilding of the heart. It was followed by actions - the celebration of the feast of booths , Neh8:"17 And all the assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and lived in the booths, for from the days of Jeshua the son of Nun to that day the people of Israel had not done so. And there was very great rejoicing. " It has been a long time, but it was never too late and there was much rejoicing. I pray for such joy that we can enjoy simple the presence of our God.

Chapter 9, spoke about a faithful God - a God who gives and provides and He is faithful in doing so - "21 Forty years you sustained them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell." Tat was a long time and God is consistent in His provision. He gives so that as we experience His giving, our faith grows. Pastor shared a story about intead of healing directly a man, God provides him the medical fess so as to bring about healing. It is a journey. As we experience the faithfulness of God through a journey of His provision and giving, we learnt and grow in faith. We give because He first gave. In Genesis - when Issac asked Abraham who would provide the burnt offering - Abraham answer that God will provide for Himself - Jesus. I thank God for His provision. He has blessed me with talents, and resources - I pray that I will learnt to give for all things that I have belongs to Him.

In the NT, Paul wrote about giving up his rights as a pastor. He mentioned that in 1Chr 9:" 11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more?" I pray that whatever we do, we do it unto God. Why bother about giving less when we felt that the pay we are receiving at not the correct amount.

In Psa , read the word "Blessed" with a loud, joyful sound. "12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!" Indeed, God bless Singapore.

Lastly, our provision comes from the Lord, our hope is in Him. We has a great great God. Thank you God for my Jesus.