Psalm 103
v1: Bless the Lord, O my soul,and all that is within me,bless his holy name!
Why bless the Lord, why bless his holy name? In most prayer, we asked God to bless us, but not this Psalm.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,and forget not all his benefits,3 who forgives all your iniquity,who heals all your diseases,4 who redeems your life from the pit,who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,5 who satisfies you with goodso that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Why? Because God has bless us first - his benefits, he forgives, he heals and he redeem, his love and mercy ...
Yes, we know that, BUT when was the last time we bless the Lord our God. Giving thanks is one thing, but what is blessing Him all about?
When God bless - it may means God gives you - give you the things you desire, God restore..
So in the same way, what do we bless God with? Are all things His? No way we can give material things to God - it is then our worship. A mirror after His heart -
v6The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.7 He made known his ways to Moses,his acts to the people of Israel.8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.9 He will not always chide,nor will he keep his anger forever.10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,nor repay us according to our iniquities.
This is our God. And the best part is
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;12 as far as the east is from the west,so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
Isn't that wonderful? So whay should we not give and honour our God - bless Him!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
30 Oct 2007
30 Oct - Psalm 102:1-28
Man like us pass away too fast, in the presence of our God. When the Psalmist cried out v2 "Incline your ear to me, answer me speedily in the day I call" he meant it as men just pass away like smoke (v3) and wither away like grass (v11)
But the Lord O God are enthroned forever, and you are remembered (v12)
What then is the big contrast about? What has that do with the prayer? In fact the Psalm goes on to mentioned about v28 the children of your servants shall dwell secure, their offspring shall be established before you.
Yes in deed, fast we are wasting time fast. god has the time, He knew His intention and he wanted this intention to be fulfiled in us, but are we bothered.. we are losing time. We only remembered God in time of need and in trouble, yet this great God is remenbered forever. His intend is to have or dwelling secure and not for us when we pass away, but remain for the generations to come.
I pray that for myself, that I will seek God earnestly, leave somthing for ourselves and our children in God
Man like us pass away too fast, in the presence of our God. When the Psalmist cried out v2 "Incline your ear to me, answer me speedily in the day I call" he meant it as men just pass away like smoke (v3) and wither away like grass (v11)
But the Lord O God are enthroned forever, and you are remembered (v12)
What then is the big contrast about? What has that do with the prayer? In fact the Psalm goes on to mentioned about v28 the children of your servants shall dwell secure, their offspring shall be established before you.
Yes in deed, fast we are wasting time fast. god has the time, He knew His intention and he wanted this intention to be fulfiled in us, but are we bothered.. we are losing time. We only remembered God in time of need and in trouble, yet this great God is remenbered forever. His intend is to have or dwelling secure and not for us when we pass away, but remain for the generations to come.
I pray that for myself, that I will seek God earnestly, leave somthing for ourselves and our children in God
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
23 Oct 2007
23 Oct - Jeremiah 42:1-44:23; 2 Timothy 2:1-21; Psalms 92-93; Proverbs 26:3-5
Jer 44:8 Why do you provoke me to anger with the works of your hands, making offerings to other gods in the land of Egypt where you have come to live, so that you may be cut off and become a curse and a taunt among all the nations of the earth? 9 Have you forgotten the evil of your fathers, the evil of the kings of Judah, the evil of their [1] wives, your own evil, and the evil of your wives, which they committed in the land of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? 10 They have not humbled themselves even to this day, nor have they feared, nor walked in my law and my statutes that I set before you and before your fathers.
Can you sense the anger that boils in God? Mercy and grace became no more and anger overcome a God that is slow to anger. The people asked for a word and promised that they would obey. But they did not, again and again. That was the last straw. Most of the people has been exile to Babylon, and these were the remnant left, surely God would not destroy. Their disobedence and their stubborn heart caused their downfall.
Am I like them? Do you want to be like them? Yes we have the blood of Jesus that blanketed us - but this is no warrant for us to sins. Its not only the sins, but a persistent and constant refusal to obey. OBEY - heeding and doing all that God commanded! I pray for submission and repent on all the persistent wrong things that grasp me. Obey and be freed, in Jesus' name I pray.
In the NT, 2 Tim 2:But the word of God is not bound! As we read and sometimes like Paul wrote, we argue on the words, on its interpretation and allow each other to challenge the meaning. v14 not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.
It is not the words that we should approach, but the God of the word. The message is in the words, but seek the giver of the words. The intention is to make the word go through and reach out such that God intention can be make known.
Psalm 92:1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
and your faithfulness by night,
3 to the music of the lute and the harp,
to the melody of the lyre.
4 For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work;
at the works of your hands I sing for joy.
For a simple reason, why are we not praising God? Is there no work that God has bless you? The fact that I can type now, is enough for me to praise Him and give thanks to Him.
Jer 44:8 Why do you provoke me to anger with the works of your hands, making offerings to other gods in the land of Egypt where you have come to live, so that you may be cut off and become a curse and a taunt among all the nations of the earth? 9 Have you forgotten the evil of your fathers, the evil of the kings of Judah, the evil of their [1] wives, your own evil, and the evil of your wives, which they committed in the land of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? 10 They have not humbled themselves even to this day, nor have they feared, nor walked in my law and my statutes that I set before you and before your fathers.
Can you sense the anger that boils in God? Mercy and grace became no more and anger overcome a God that is slow to anger. The people asked for a word and promised that they would obey. But they did not, again and again. That was the last straw. Most of the people has been exile to Babylon, and these were the remnant left, surely God would not destroy. Their disobedence and their stubborn heart caused their downfall.
Am I like them? Do you want to be like them? Yes we have the blood of Jesus that blanketed us - but this is no warrant for us to sins. Its not only the sins, but a persistent and constant refusal to obey. OBEY - heeding and doing all that God commanded! I pray for submission and repent on all the persistent wrong things that grasp me. Obey and be freed, in Jesus' name I pray.
In the NT, 2 Tim 2:But the word of God is not bound! As we read and sometimes like Paul wrote, we argue on the words, on its interpretation and allow each other to challenge the meaning. v14 not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.
It is not the words that we should approach, but the God of the word. The message is in the words, but seek the giver of the words. The intention is to make the word go through and reach out such that God intention can be make known.
Psalm 92:1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
and your faithfulness by night,
3 to the music of the lute and the harp,
to the melody of the lyre.
4 For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work;
at the works of your hands I sing for joy.
For a simple reason, why are we not praising God? Is there no work that God has bless you? The fact that I can type now, is enough for me to praise Him and give thanks to Him.
Monday, October 22, 2007
22 Oct 2007
22 Oct - Jeremiah 39-41; 2 Timothy 1; Psalms 90-91; Proverbs 26:1-2
In the OT, Jerimiah was imprisoned, not by the enemies but by his own people. When the enemies overtook Jersusalem, they fled Jerimiah and treat him well.
Even the enemies who do not know God, know the times and knew the prophet of God. But not the Jews, Judah!
Such irony, that in lives there are many of such. We may be termed as the children of God, but is our actions or lives really say so. Non belivers of God, may bemore kind than us and do more than us. The world seem to compare by the actions because that they can see. Where we live determines how we lives. If we are truely God children, live our the words of God. I lamented myself that I still have much to go.
Psa 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most Highwill abide in the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say [11] to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,my God, in whom I trust.”
How often is our desire to seek out the refuge of God. Is it because we have no trouble, or is it because we can handle all things by our own strength?
Psa 91 reminded us that God is the provider - He know we need such. Imagine the time we take refuge, like in ancient time, we have to trust that the high priest do not hand over us to the avenger. That is why the Psalmist say - my God in whom I trust. Say that and mean it!
9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge [12]—10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you,no plague come near your tent.
I pray that I will make God my refuge, my dwelling place and in God I trust and that I will be able to shun evil. I pray for my household that my evil will befall and that God will add years and years of peace and prosperity to this household. Amen.
In the OT, Jerimiah was imprisoned, not by the enemies but by his own people. When the enemies overtook Jersusalem, they fled Jerimiah and treat him well.
Even the enemies who do not know God, know the times and knew the prophet of God. But not the Jews, Judah!
Such irony, that in lives there are many of such. We may be termed as the children of God, but is our actions or lives really say so. Non belivers of God, may bemore kind than us and do more than us. The world seem to compare by the actions because that they can see. Where we live determines how we lives. If we are truely God children, live our the words of God. I lamented myself that I still have much to go.
Psa 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most Highwill abide in the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say [11] to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,my God, in whom I trust.”
How often is our desire to seek out the refuge of God. Is it because we have no trouble, or is it because we can handle all things by our own strength?
Psa 91 reminded us that God is the provider - He know we need such. Imagine the time we take refuge, like in ancient time, we have to trust that the high priest do not hand over us to the avenger. That is why the Psalmist say - my God in whom I trust. Say that and mean it!
9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge [12]—10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you,no plague come near your tent.
I pray that I will make God my refuge, my dwelling place and in God I trust and that I will be able to shun evil. I pray for my household that my evil will befall and that God will add years and years of peace and prosperity to this household. Amen.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
18 Oct 2007
18 Oct - Jeremiah 31:27-32:44; 1 Timothy 3; Psalm 88; Proverbs 25:20-22
Psa 88:14 O Lord, why do you cast my soul away?Why do you hide your face from me?15 Afflicted and close to death from my youth up,I suffer your terrors; I am helpless. [10]16 Your wrath has swept over me;your dreadful assaults destroy me.
Why is the Psalmist calling out to a God that has afflict him with troubles and cause him terrible things?
Least of all he call. Yoke our spirit that pride has no space, let the strength of God be the one that leads us. Troubles do come and life is not just without some of it. Let there be peace, but peace cannot be understood without the environment in turmoil. Moreover, the troubles were stir up not because God wants to test your faith, but it was because of the consequence of sins. Least of all, the psamist acknowledge his worng actions and cry unto God.
Therefore fear God, repent for God judges the heart.
Psa 88:14 O Lord, why do you cast my soul away?Why do you hide your face from me?15 Afflicted and close to death from my youth up,I suffer your terrors; I am helpless. [10]16 Your wrath has swept over me;your dreadful assaults destroy me.
Why is the Psalmist calling out to a God that has afflict him with troubles and cause him terrible things?
Least of all he call. Yoke our spirit that pride has no space, let the strength of God be the one that leads us. Troubles do come and life is not just without some of it. Let there be peace, but peace cannot be understood without the environment in turmoil. Moreover, the troubles were stir up not because God wants to test your faith, but it was because of the consequence of sins. Least of all, the psamist acknowledge his worng actions and cry unto God.
Therefore fear God, repent for God judges the heart.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
17 Oct 2007
17 Oct - Jeremiah 30:1-31:26; 1 Timothy 2; Psalm 87; Proverbs 25:18-19
A long passage to read for OT. But if you read it in this way - giving "wows "to "good" verse and "ohs" to "bad" verses, you will get the sense of mood. God is coming for a restoration!
Jer 30:11 I will discipline you in just measure,and I will by no means leave you unpunished.
Since earlier times, God cannot stand evil - remember this! But His love, His salvation plan, and though he grieves at what man can do, AND of course, he cannot leave everything in its course to see the grand plan come to past. In fact, generation and after generation - things don't get better, but worst. There are more and more temptation and acts of evil in our modern world. No one can therefore comes to the God the Father - Jesus is the answer.
Israel, is His people. We are called to be His children. As parent, He discipline - but through the process, He showed mercy and love. That is His nature.
Jer 10:18 “Thus says the Lord:Behold, I will restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacoband have compassion on his dwellings;the city shall be rebuilt on its mound,and the palace shall stand where it used to be.19 Out of them shall come songs of thanksgiving,and the voices of those who celebrate.I will multiply them, and they shall not be few;I will make them honored, and they shall not be small.20 Their children shall be as they were of old,and their congregation shall be established before me,and I will punish all who oppress them.21 Their prince shall be one of themselves;their ruler shall come out from their midst;I will make him draw near, and he shall approach me,for who would dare of himself to approach me?declares the Lord.22 And you shall be my people,and I will be your God.”
Our God wants to be with us - but are we ready and hungry for Him? We seem to cast God aside and choose the path of destruction and until we can bear it no more - we fall back on God. Why must you let God restore? Let Him not take away (because of evil) but let His blessings grow. Let us say to God that You are our God and we are our subject. Can you see that God is always the one who initiate? Why is our heart has no yearning for Him? Check, check.
A long passage to read for OT. But if you read it in this way - giving "wows "to "good" verse and "ohs" to "bad" verses, you will get the sense of mood. God is coming for a restoration!
Jer 30:11 I will discipline you in just measure,and I will by no means leave you unpunished.
Since earlier times, God cannot stand evil - remember this! But His love, His salvation plan, and though he grieves at what man can do, AND of course, he cannot leave everything in its course to see the grand plan come to past. In fact, generation and after generation - things don't get better, but worst. There are more and more temptation and acts of evil in our modern world. No one can therefore comes to the God the Father - Jesus is the answer.
Israel, is His people. We are called to be His children. As parent, He discipline - but through the process, He showed mercy and love. That is His nature.
Jer 10:18 “Thus says the Lord:Behold, I will restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacoband have compassion on his dwellings;the city shall be rebuilt on its mound,and the palace shall stand where it used to be.19 Out of them shall come songs of thanksgiving,and the voices of those who celebrate.I will multiply them, and they shall not be few;I will make them honored, and they shall not be small.20 Their children shall be as they were of old,and their congregation shall be established before me,and I will punish all who oppress them.21 Their prince shall be one of themselves;their ruler shall come out from their midst;I will make him draw near, and he shall approach me,for who would dare of himself to approach me?declares the Lord.22 And you shall be my people,and I will be your God.”
Our God wants to be with us - but are we ready and hungry for Him? We seem to cast God aside and choose the path of destruction and until we can bear it no more - we fall back on God. Why must you let God restore? Let Him not take away (because of evil) but let His blessings grow. Let us say to God that You are our God and we are our subject. Can you see that God is always the one who initiate? Why is our heart has no yearning for Him? Check, check.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
16 Oct 2007
16 Oct - Jeremiah 28-29; 1 Timothy 1; Psalm 86; Proverbs 25:17
Psa 86 v1-3 showed how David plea for God, the intensity and the yearning with emotions. "Incline your ear, O Lord", "for to you do I cry all the day"
How do we like little children call unto our parents - cry and and pull the parents ears towards us? We have lost the desire to have the Lord to hear us or the desire to have God to speak to us. David knew he must speak to God.
His plea in verse 4 for is to gladen his soul. The Lord is the answer to the joy to our inner most being- not the material that pleases the eye and staisfy the pride.
David know his God. 5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.6 Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;listen to my plea for grace.7 In the day of my trouble I call upon you,for you answer me.
He knew that the nature of God, good, forgiving, abounding in steadfast love -TO ALL who call upon him. We knew God, is it then by someone who told you about his goodness, his mercy and grace, about his love? Probably yes, but David knew His God, that he knew he need to call upon Him and he knew that God will listen and answer. David knew that this God will hear our cry - only if we cry unto Him - that is we need to know how to come to God with a broken and a contrite spirit.
Is it worth to do so? Can't we solve the problem ourselves? This is the God we worship. The great and mighty God. 8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,nor are there any works like yours.9 All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord,and shall glorify your name.10 For you are great and do wondrous things;you alone are God.
What a fall back? What a sure foundation that we can depends on! No gods, no works (great and wonderous) can compare with Him. All nation - will come for He is worthy, He alone is God.
Now we know the God we serve, we know we need to come to Him and we know that when we come to Him He will answer us. The next question is how to come to Him so that it is pleasing to Him.
11 Teach me your way, O Lord,that I may walk in your truth;unite my heart to fear your name.12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,and I will glorify your name forever.
By walking in your truth - which is uniting your heart and fear God - fear God is the begining of knowledge. Come with thanksgiving with your heart. Again "heart". God look at the heart. You can cry, to show that you pray, to show that you ask, to show that you are all in emotions, but God look at the heart.
The remaining verses showed the promise of deliverence. Delieverce from death Shoel, deliverce from isolent men in verse 13 and 14.
Again, Psalm 86 go back to give praise to the God who did the delieverence.15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
The Lord will be gracious, will give you the strength, will save, will give you favour, will not be put to shame, will help and will comfort from verse 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me;give your strength to your servant,and save the son of your maidservant.17 Show me a sign of your favor,that those who hate me may see and be put to shamebecause you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
Psa 86 v1-3 showed how David plea for God, the intensity and the yearning with emotions. "Incline your ear, O Lord", "for to you do I cry all the day"
How do we like little children call unto our parents - cry and and pull the parents ears towards us? We have lost the desire to have the Lord to hear us or the desire to have God to speak to us. David knew he must speak to God.
His plea in verse 4 for is to gladen his soul. The Lord is the answer to the joy to our inner most being- not the material that pleases the eye and staisfy the pride.
David know his God. 5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.6 Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;listen to my plea for grace.7 In the day of my trouble I call upon you,for you answer me.
He knew that the nature of God, good, forgiving, abounding in steadfast love -TO ALL who call upon him. We knew God, is it then by someone who told you about his goodness, his mercy and grace, about his love? Probably yes, but David knew His God, that he knew he need to call upon Him and he knew that God will listen and answer. David knew that this God will hear our cry - only if we cry unto Him - that is we need to know how to come to God with a broken and a contrite spirit.
Is it worth to do so? Can't we solve the problem ourselves? This is the God we worship. The great and mighty God. 8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,nor are there any works like yours.9 All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord,and shall glorify your name.10 For you are great and do wondrous things;you alone are God.
What a fall back? What a sure foundation that we can depends on! No gods, no works (great and wonderous) can compare with Him. All nation - will come for He is worthy, He alone is God.
Now we know the God we serve, we know we need to come to Him and we know that when we come to Him He will answer us. The next question is how to come to Him so that it is pleasing to Him.
11 Teach me your way, O Lord,that I may walk in your truth;unite my heart to fear your name.12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,and I will glorify your name forever.
By walking in your truth - which is uniting your heart and fear God - fear God is the begining of knowledge. Come with thanksgiving with your heart. Again "heart". God look at the heart. You can cry, to show that you pray, to show that you ask, to show that you are all in emotions, but God look at the heart.
The remaining verses showed the promise of deliverence. Delieverce from death Shoel, deliverce from isolent men in verse 13 and 14.
Again, Psalm 86 go back to give praise to the God who did the delieverence.15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
The Lord will be gracious, will give you the strength, will save, will give you favour, will not be put to shame, will help and will comfort from verse 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me;give your strength to your servant,and save the son of your maidservant.17 Show me a sign of your favor,that those who hate me may see and be put to shamebecause you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
Friday, October 12, 2007
12 Oct 2007
10 Oct - Jeremiah 14:11-16:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:10-3:13; Psalm 80; Proverbs 25:1-5
11 Oct - Jeremiah 16:16-18:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3; Psalm 81; Proverbs 25:6-7
12 Oct - Jeremiah 19-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-28; Psalm 82; Proverbs 25:7-10
Jer 16:10 “And when you tell this people all these words, and they say to you, ‘Why has the Lord pronounced all this great evil against us? What is our iniquity? What is the sin that we have committed against the Lord our God?’ 11 then you shall say to them: ‘Because your fathers have forsaken me, declares the Lord, and have gone after other gods and have served and worshiped them, and have forsaken me and have not kept my law, 12 and because you have done worse than your fathers, for behold, every one of you follows his stubborn, evil will, refusing to listen to me. 13 Therefore I will hurl you out of this land into a land that neither you nor your fathers have known, and there you shall serve other gods day and night, for I will show you no favor.’
A colleague asked about the bible concerning a violence God. Jer16:10 spoke the exact questions and v11-13 gave the answer. It showed 2 traits of God. His mercy- slow to adminster judgement and that was why you still have the time to ask that questions, else, even before you can say anything, judgement come. Second is a loving and gracious God. He warned, He reminded us of His faithfulness and question back our stubborness. He only want one thing - that we come back to Him and be His children.
The harseness of words showed God saddness and anger for sins and evil deeds. He wanted the people to know that what they did was not good and please please repent. The same speaks to me - serve God and only Him - shunt evil, seek forgiveness and repent.
Jer 16:21 “Therefore, behold, I will make them know, this once I will make them know my power and my might, and they shall know that my name is the Lord.
Look at this verse not on the judgment, but be awe at the power, the might of this God that we served, that humble Himself to die for us through the blood of Jesus, so that we can be His children and call upon Him as our Lord - that they know my name is the Lord! Awesome!
Jer 17:7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,whose trust is the Lord.8 He is like a tree planted by water,that sends out its roots by the stream,and does not fear when heat comes,for its leaves remain green,and is not anxious in the year of drought,for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Contrast this to the earlier verse: 5 Thus says the Lord:“Cursed is the man who trusts in manand makes flesh his strength, [1]whose heart turns away from the Lord.6 He is like a shrub in the desert,and shall not see any good come.He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness,in an uninhabited salt land.
Desert or green pasture by the stream? You choose. Do not be wilful. Is it not easier to inherit then to toll for your wealth and gains? God want to bless, take it, why can we just take it. Trust not upon our own strength, but choose to depend on His. I pray that even as I see results, let me be reminded to continue and always remember the Lord my God.
Jer 17:21 Thus says the Lord: Take care for the sake of your lives, and do not bear a burden on the Sabbath day or bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem. 22 And do not carry a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath or do any work, but keep the Sabbath day holy, as I commanded your fathers. 23 Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck, that they might not hear and receive instruction.
It is not about Sunday, it is not about Friday Sabbath. It is all about a command God intended for us, for the good of the people, the land and the country. It is also about obedience. Yes, work hard, but why slog? Don't we understand that if our God has asked us to rest, and do no work, trust that He will bless that day. By choosing to work on a Sabbath is nothing worng, but like my father who used to drive a taxi and said, who is going to pay for the daily rental? Do we not trust God and why do we choose not to obey. The intention of rest is for long term. Rachael also talk about good health - for without that physical temple - you cannot serve people and God. Use the Sabbath - build the relationship with God, with His people, with your family. Trust and obey God.
Jer 19:5 as reference:
Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I am bringing such disaster upon this place that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle. 4 Because the people have forsaken me and have profaned this place by making offerings in it to other gods whom neither they nor their fathers nor the kings of Judah have known; and because they have filled this place with the blood of innocents, 5 and have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal, which I did not command or decree, nor did it come into my mind
Men, so capable of devising plans and such evils, that it did not even come into God's mind! I pray for myself and my family that we will not fall into such evil and provoke such anger in God. The world today is deeply entrenched with such evil, the internet porn, gay activities, various form of so-call self actualization and spiritist movement..Glory, fame and power.. The whole world is what Satan can offer, do we take it. Look beyond and this I pray, seek the purpose of God and dwell closely in His intends. Amen.
11 Oct - Jeremiah 16:16-18:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3; Psalm 81; Proverbs 25:6-7
12 Oct - Jeremiah 19-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-28; Psalm 82; Proverbs 25:7-10
Jer 16:10 “And when you tell this people all these words, and they say to you, ‘Why has the Lord pronounced all this great evil against us? What is our iniquity? What is the sin that we have committed against the Lord our God?’ 11 then you shall say to them: ‘Because your fathers have forsaken me, declares the Lord, and have gone after other gods and have served and worshiped them, and have forsaken me and have not kept my law, 12 and because you have done worse than your fathers, for behold, every one of you follows his stubborn, evil will, refusing to listen to me. 13 Therefore I will hurl you out of this land into a land that neither you nor your fathers have known, and there you shall serve other gods day and night, for I will show you no favor.’
A colleague asked about the bible concerning a violence God. Jer16:10 spoke the exact questions and v11-13 gave the answer. It showed 2 traits of God. His mercy- slow to adminster judgement and that was why you still have the time to ask that questions, else, even before you can say anything, judgement come. Second is a loving and gracious God. He warned, He reminded us of His faithfulness and question back our stubborness. He only want one thing - that we come back to Him and be His children.
The harseness of words showed God saddness and anger for sins and evil deeds. He wanted the people to know that what they did was not good and please please repent. The same speaks to me - serve God and only Him - shunt evil, seek forgiveness and repent.
Jer 16:21 “Therefore, behold, I will make them know, this once I will make them know my power and my might, and they shall know that my name is the Lord.
Look at this verse not on the judgment, but be awe at the power, the might of this God that we served, that humble Himself to die for us through the blood of Jesus, so that we can be His children and call upon Him as our Lord - that they know my name is the Lord! Awesome!
Jer 17:7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,whose trust is the Lord.8 He is like a tree planted by water,that sends out its roots by the stream,and does not fear when heat comes,for its leaves remain green,and is not anxious in the year of drought,for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Contrast this to the earlier verse: 5 Thus says the Lord:“Cursed is the man who trusts in manand makes flesh his strength, [1]whose heart turns away from the Lord.6 He is like a shrub in the desert,and shall not see any good come.He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness,in an uninhabited salt land.
Desert or green pasture by the stream? You choose. Do not be wilful. Is it not easier to inherit then to toll for your wealth and gains? God want to bless, take it, why can we just take it. Trust not upon our own strength, but choose to depend on His. I pray that even as I see results, let me be reminded to continue and always remember the Lord my God.
Jer 17:21 Thus says the Lord: Take care for the sake of your lives, and do not bear a burden on the Sabbath day or bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem. 22 And do not carry a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath or do any work, but keep the Sabbath day holy, as I commanded your fathers. 23 Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck, that they might not hear and receive instruction.
It is not about Sunday, it is not about Friday Sabbath. It is all about a command God intended for us, for the good of the people, the land and the country. It is also about obedience. Yes, work hard, but why slog? Don't we understand that if our God has asked us to rest, and do no work, trust that He will bless that day. By choosing to work on a Sabbath is nothing worng, but like my father who used to drive a taxi and said, who is going to pay for the daily rental? Do we not trust God and why do we choose not to obey. The intention of rest is for long term. Rachael also talk about good health - for without that physical temple - you cannot serve people and God. Use the Sabbath - build the relationship with God, with His people, with your family. Trust and obey God.
Jer 19:5 as reference:
Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I am bringing such disaster upon this place that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle. 4 Because the people have forsaken me and have profaned this place by making offerings in it to other gods whom neither they nor their fathers nor the kings of Judah have known; and because they have filled this place with the blood of innocents, 5 and have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal, which I did not command or decree, nor did it come into my mind
Men, so capable of devising plans and such evils, that it did not even come into God's mind! I pray for myself and my family that we will not fall into such evil and provoke such anger in God. The world today is deeply entrenched with such evil, the internet porn, gay activities, various form of so-call self actualization and spiritist movement..Glory, fame and power.. The whole world is what Satan can offer, do we take it. Look beyond and this I pray, seek the purpose of God and dwell closely in His intends. Amen.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
9 Oct 2007
9 Oct - Jeremiah 12:1-14:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:9; Psalm 79; Proverbs 24:30-34
Jer 13:17 But if you will not listen,my soul will weep in secret for your pride;my eyes will weep bitterly and run down with tears,because the Lord's flock has been taken captive.
Pride - let that not overcome you. Let me be humble before you. When will your stubborn heart turn away from evil? Do not wait until the day, when repent is too late and when judgement fall upon the land, just as the way God did to His people. What make you sure that He cannot bless? Remember, He will make back the year of the locust and will soar with you like wings like eagle.
In the NT, 1The 1:2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly [3] mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers [4] loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.
Two things I learn - the first being how often have you been praying - praying for your family and in all matters. Give God the first praise of the day and being each day remembering and commit the day to Him
Scecond - the gospel - not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy spirit! How often have you enage the Holy Spirit and submit all things to God and believe the work of the Spirit and through Him, the power that moved all heart and removed problems, giving miracles!
Jer 13:17 But if you will not listen,my soul will weep in secret for your pride;my eyes will weep bitterly and run down with tears,because the Lord's flock has been taken captive.
Pride - let that not overcome you. Let me be humble before you. When will your stubborn heart turn away from evil? Do not wait until the day, when repent is too late and when judgement fall upon the land, just as the way God did to His people. What make you sure that He cannot bless? Remember, He will make back the year of the locust and will soar with you like wings like eagle.
In the NT, 1The 1:2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly [3] mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers [4] loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.
Two things I learn - the first being how often have you been praying - praying for your family and in all matters. Give God the first praise of the day and being each day remembering and commit the day to Him
Scecond - the gospel - not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy spirit! How often have you enage the Holy Spirit and submit all things to God and believe the work of the Spirit and through Him, the power that moved all heart and removed problems, giving miracles!
Monday, October 08, 2007
8 Oct 2007
8 Oct -Jeremiah 10-11; Colossians 3:18-4:18; Psalm 78:56-72; Proverbs 24:28-29
Jer 10:10 But the Lord is the true God;he is the living God and the everlasting King.
Jer 11:3 You shall say to them, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Cursed be the man who does not hear the words of this covenant
v6 Hear the words of this covenant and do them.
v10 They have turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, who refused to hear my words. They have gone after other gods to serve them.
How many of our relatives are blinded by the idols and their tradition believes that the god they have are made of wood and metal?
But what have we as Christian done - singing praises and praising God only. I thank God for putting this questions about life after death and therefore began a journey of searching and finally found Jesus. Not everyone, their trust has been so deeply rooted in their belief of their idols.
God has called us to be like Jeremiah. Go, go back to your people and tell them about Jesus. Remember Jer 1:6 “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’;for to all to whom I send you, you shall go,and whatever I command you, you shall speak.8 Do not be afraid of them,for I am with you to deliver you,declares the Lord.”
Lord, I pray that as you lead me and my family, let it be one that go out strongly for you. Lord, remember my father, my relatives in Singapore and in China.
Jer 10:10 But the Lord is the true God;he is the living God and the everlasting King.
Jer 11:3 You shall say to them, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Cursed be the man who does not hear the words of this covenant
v6 Hear the words of this covenant and do them.
v10 They have turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, who refused to hear my words. They have gone after other gods to serve them.
How many of our relatives are blinded by the idols and their tradition believes that the god they have are made of wood and metal?
But what have we as Christian done - singing praises and praising God only. I thank God for putting this questions about life after death and therefore began a journey of searching and finally found Jesus. Not everyone, their trust has been so deeply rooted in their belief of their idols.
God has called us to be like Jeremiah. Go, go back to your people and tell them about Jesus. Remember Jer 1:6 “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’;for to all to whom I send you, you shall go,and whatever I command you, you shall speak.8 Do not be afraid of them,for I am with you to deliver you,declares the Lord.”
Lord, I pray that as you lead me and my family, let it be one that go out strongly for you. Lord, remember my father, my relatives in Singapore and in China.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
7 Oct 2007
6 Oct -Jeremiah 6:15-8:7; Colossians 2:8-23; Psalm 78:1-31; Proverbs 24:26
7 Oct - Jeremiah 8:8-9:26; Colossians 3:1-17; Psalm 78:32-55; Proverbs 24:27
How many time must God tell His poeple to come back to Him? Many and the reason so is becasue He loved them.
Jer6:15 open with this accusation: 15 Were they ashamed when they committed abomination?No, they were not at all ashamed;they did not know how to blush.
Of the many acts, this was one of the worst: Jer 7:30 “For the sons of Judah have done evil in my sight, declares the Lord. They have set their detestable things in the house that is called by my name, to defile it. 31 And they have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I did not command, nor did it come into my mind.
The end of verse 31, which God did not command nor did it come into my mind! How perverse the people has been, turning 180 degree away from God - practically has no regards for human lives. How can God permit such acts and those who perfrom such remain.
Through His prophets, He reminded them and caution them. Jer 7:13 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place.
Jer 7:21 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “Add your burnt offerings to your sacrifices, and eat the flesh. 22 For in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, I did not speak to your fathers or command them concerning burnt offerings and sacrifices. 23 But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.’
God wants us to be with Him. He does not fancy our offerings and sacrifices - because all things He has provided and belonged to Him - it is the act - the act of obedience. The act of obedience is about our walk with Him - actions, not by mere saying yes.
We have live in a very comfortable life. Many of the hardship of the olden days no longer exist. God seem not important, because we can control and made good with whatever to make a good life. We depend on our strength. We don't need God. That's rebellion. That sadden Him.
Jer 7:18 The children gather wood, the fathers kindle fire, and the women knead dough, to make cakes for the queen of heaven. And they pour out drink offerings to other gods, to provoke me to anger. 19 Is it I whom they provoke? declares the Lord. Is it not themselves, to their own shame?
Jer 9:23 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
Our actions displeases God, our dependence on ourselves pointed us out of God. And of course, if you contiune to trust in yourselves, then in times of trouble - God will turn a deaf ear. Even though and because of His love, He cares, but how many time we will return.
I am of course of the culprit. I don't need God until my strength fail me. God is my backup and I only use Him as when necessary. Then when troble or problem gone - life is back at my hand.
I pray as I moved out on my own, God let you direct and let you be the one who guide me. I pray that my strength comes from Him. Yes indeed, I do not know how and where, it will be God. Walk in his commands Jer 9:23: ..that he understands and knows me. this I pray
7 Oct - Jeremiah 8:8-9:26; Colossians 3:1-17; Psalm 78:32-55; Proverbs 24:27
How many time must God tell His poeple to come back to Him? Many and the reason so is becasue He loved them.
Jer6:15 open with this accusation: 15 Were they ashamed when they committed abomination?No, they were not at all ashamed;they did not know how to blush.
Of the many acts, this was one of the worst: Jer 7:30 “For the sons of Judah have done evil in my sight, declares the Lord. They have set their detestable things in the house that is called by my name, to defile it. 31 And they have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I did not command, nor did it come into my mind.
The end of verse 31, which God did not command nor did it come into my mind! How perverse the people has been, turning 180 degree away from God - practically has no regards for human lives. How can God permit such acts and those who perfrom such remain.
Through His prophets, He reminded them and caution them. Jer 7:13 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place.
Jer 7:21 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “Add your burnt offerings to your sacrifices, and eat the flesh. 22 For in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, I did not speak to your fathers or command them concerning burnt offerings and sacrifices. 23 But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.’
God wants us to be with Him. He does not fancy our offerings and sacrifices - because all things He has provided and belonged to Him - it is the act - the act of obedience. The act of obedience is about our walk with Him - actions, not by mere saying yes.
We have live in a very comfortable life. Many of the hardship of the olden days no longer exist. God seem not important, because we can control and made good with whatever to make a good life. We depend on our strength. We don't need God. That's rebellion. That sadden Him.
Jer 7:18 The children gather wood, the fathers kindle fire, and the women knead dough, to make cakes for the queen of heaven. And they pour out drink offerings to other gods, to provoke me to anger. 19 Is it I whom they provoke? declares the Lord. Is it not themselves, to their own shame?
Jer 9:23 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
Our actions displeases God, our dependence on ourselves pointed us out of God. And of course, if you contiune to trust in yourselves, then in times of trouble - God will turn a deaf ear. Even though and because of His love, He cares, but how many time we will return.
I am of course of the culprit. I don't need God until my strength fail me. God is my backup and I only use Him as when necessary. Then when troble or problem gone - life is back at my hand.
I pray as I moved out on my own, God let you direct and let you be the one who guide me. I pray that my strength comes from Him. Yes indeed, I do not know how and where, it will be God. Walk in his commands Jer 9:23: ..that he understands and knows me. this I pray
Friday, October 05, 2007
5 Oct 2007
5 Oct - Jeremiah 4:19-6:14; Colossians 1:21-2:7; Psalm 77; Proverbs 24:23-25
Psalm 77: In the days of trouble I seek the Lord.
Interesting Psalm, because the psalm did not have God reply nor God promise of a deliverence to the psalmist in the days of trouble.
When we are anguish and in trouble, do we seek the Lord?
77:1 I cry aloud to God,aloud to God, and he will hear me.2 In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord;
Why? Because he will hear me, because God is sure someone you can depends on, so much so that the psalmist describe God as someone whom who can run to can have that shoulder to cry on.
3 When I remember God, I moan;when I meditate, my spirit faints.
Surprise and surprise, even through the state of moaning.. no mentioned of deliverence. So much so, that the psalmist start to query has God lost his patience and his grace.
7 “Will the Lord spurn forever,and never again be favorable?8 Has his steadfast love forever ceased?Are his promises at an end for all time?9 Has God forgotten to be gracious?Has he in anger shut up his compassion?”
Of course the answer is no, but to a person in the days of trouble, such quietness from God is unberable. To me I consider it a time to test our relationship with God. Are we quick to forget about waiting and depending on God that we start to turn on our own strength or to other god?
The psalmist has a deep relationship with God, within hinself, he fought back, telling himself that no, God is still the great God.
11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;yes, I will remember your wonders of old.12 I will ponder all your work,and meditate on your mighty deeds.13 Your way, O God, is holy.What god is great like our God?
Where is our faith? The short time of unanswered prayer, deepen our faith with God. Remember the old, remember the time whenGod answer our prayers and remembered the time when God reveal himself. Waiting adds faith and increase faith produces a deeper relationship with God.
We serve a God that will not leave us in times of trouble. So do we seek and do we choose to wait. Psalm 77 ends without getting a promise of any deliverence from God, but anchorsed a deeper understaning and a stronger relationship with the Lord.
Psalm 77: In the days of trouble I seek the Lord.
Interesting Psalm, because the psalm did not have God reply nor God promise of a deliverence to the psalmist in the days of trouble.
When we are anguish and in trouble, do we seek the Lord?
77:1 I cry aloud to God,aloud to God, and he will hear me.2 In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord;
Why? Because he will hear me, because God is sure someone you can depends on, so much so that the psalmist describe God as someone whom who can run to can have that shoulder to cry on.
3 When I remember God, I moan;when I meditate, my spirit faints.
Surprise and surprise, even through the state of moaning.. no mentioned of deliverence. So much so, that the psalmist start to query has God lost his patience and his grace.
7 “Will the Lord spurn forever,and never again be favorable?8 Has his steadfast love forever ceased?Are his promises at an end for all time?9 Has God forgotten to be gracious?Has he in anger shut up his compassion?”
Of course the answer is no, but to a person in the days of trouble, such quietness from God is unberable. To me I consider it a time to test our relationship with God. Are we quick to forget about waiting and depending on God that we start to turn on our own strength or to other god?
The psalmist has a deep relationship with God, within hinself, he fought back, telling himself that no, God is still the great God.
11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;yes, I will remember your wonders of old.12 I will ponder all your work,and meditate on your mighty deeds.13 Your way, O God, is holy.What god is great like our God?
Where is our faith? The short time of unanswered prayer, deepen our faith with God. Remember the old, remember the time whenGod answer our prayers and remembered the time when God reveal himself. Waiting adds faith and increase faith produces a deeper relationship with God.
We serve a God that will not leave us in times of trouble. So do we seek and do we choose to wait. Psalm 77 ends without getting a promise of any deliverence from God, but anchorsed a deeper understaning and a stronger relationship with the Lord.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
4 Oct 2007
4 Oct - Jeremiah 2:31-4:18; Colossians 1:1-20; Psalm 76; Proverbs 24:21-22
Col 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
It is indeed Jesus, that all things were created- meaning this is the all, the king, that created everything and everthing belong to him! This is our God. But that is not the intend, because it is in Jesus Christ ad through Him, we have our sins cleanse and permits us to be pleasing to God
again. In Him alone is everything we pocess, in Him alone, give us our retemptive purpose and in Him, we make peace with God.
How much more can we have? So nice to be in Jesus. In Him - the purpose, the meaning, the explanation for everything on earth.
Col 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
It is indeed Jesus, that all things were created- meaning this is the all, the king, that created everything and everthing belong to him! This is our God. But that is not the intend, because it is in Jesus Christ ad through Him, we have our sins cleanse and permits us to be pleasing to God
again. In Him alone is everything we pocess, in Him alone, give us our retemptive purpose and in Him, we make peace with God.
How much more can we have? So nice to be in Jesus. In Him - the purpose, the meaning, the explanation for everything on earth.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
3 Oct 2007
3 Oct - Jeremiah 1:1-2:30; Philippians 4; Psalm 75; Proverbs 24:17-20
Times fly. I recall the gloomy time just about 2 years ago when things did not seem clear in my present job. I felt side lined and pushed aside. I felt that I was going downhill and know not what next..
Determine to find a niche and forget about dependent on someone to apraise you and determine and give you your bonus, increment and promotion, I began doing my own business..
I am writing all these is because as I reflect back and now what I achieved, I give thank to God.
In Jeremiah, God reminded the people about their journey out from Egypt and into the promise land, but the poeple forget and forsake God. It was therefore a reminder for me, that my achievement is because of God and His blessings. Yes now I can speak louder in the company, because I now determine how much my monthly increment. Do not forget God.
Jer 1:4 Hear the word of the Lord, O house of Jacob, and all the clans of the house of Israel. 5 Thus says the Lord:
“What wrong did your fathers find in methat they went far from me,and went after worthlessness, and became worthless?
It is so sad. I can imagine a father crying out to his son, what did I do wrong, my son, what wrong did you find in me, that you need to forsake me?
The Lord provides and the Lord bless, He loved us so much that as a earthly father, He will refuse to let go of his son.
Jer 1:13 for my people have committed two evils:they have forsaken me,the fountain of living waters,and hewed out cisterns for themselves,broken cisterns that can hold no water.
It was not only forsaking God, but actually the worship of other God. These were the two evils mentioned.
Yes, get rich and go after material things, then forget that the ability to make money is from God. Worst still, forsake God and worship money. You cannot served or worship both money and God!
I pray that as God reminded me, I will not forget that it is Him, who has showed the way and it is He who has led and it is He who has provided and it is He who has blessed the work of my hands and it is He the Lord and master of my life.
Times fly. I recall the gloomy time just about 2 years ago when things did not seem clear in my present job. I felt side lined and pushed aside. I felt that I was going downhill and know not what next..
Determine to find a niche and forget about dependent on someone to apraise you and determine and give you your bonus, increment and promotion, I began doing my own business..
I am writing all these is because as I reflect back and now what I achieved, I give thank to God.
In Jeremiah, God reminded the people about their journey out from Egypt and into the promise land, but the poeple forget and forsake God. It was therefore a reminder for me, that my achievement is because of God and His blessings. Yes now I can speak louder in the company, because I now determine how much my monthly increment. Do not forget God.
Jer 1:4 Hear the word of the Lord, O house of Jacob, and all the clans of the house of Israel. 5 Thus says the Lord:
“What wrong did your fathers find in methat they went far from me,and went after worthlessness, and became worthless?
It is so sad. I can imagine a father crying out to his son, what did I do wrong, my son, what wrong did you find in me, that you need to forsake me?
The Lord provides and the Lord bless, He loved us so much that as a earthly father, He will refuse to let go of his son.
Jer 1:13 for my people have committed two evils:they have forsaken me,the fountain of living waters,and hewed out cisterns for themselves,broken cisterns that can hold no water.
It was not only forsaking God, but actually the worship of other God. These were the two evils mentioned.
Yes, get rich and go after material things, then forget that the ability to make money is from God. Worst still, forsake God and worship money. You cannot served or worship both money and God!
I pray that as God reminded me, I will not forget that it is Him, who has showed the way and it is He who has led and it is He who has provided and it is He who has blessed the work of my hands and it is He the Lord and master of my life.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
2 Oct 2007
2 Oct - Isaiah 66; Philippians 3:4-21; Psalm 74; Proverbs 24:15-16
Jerusalem, a city on a hill. The holy city that God choose to dwell. From a far, the people can see this city as they bring offering to the temple in Jerusalem.
Isaiah spoke about this city.
Isa 66:20 And they shall bring all your brothers from all the nations as an offering to the Lord, on horses and in chariots and in litters and on mules and on dromedaries, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, says the Lord, just as the Israelites bring their grain offering in a clean vessel to the house of the Lord.
Isa 66:2But this is the one to whom I will look:he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.
How many of us care so much about His word, fear and trembles at His word? Let alone a spirit of humility and contrite. I definitely not dare to say I am one that God will look. So sad.
Therefore it is not I, but Jesus. God see his son. We all knew that and take Jesus for granted.
I pray and thank God for Jesus and pray that as I read His word - I will fear the Lord. Let my spirit give you praise and thanks.
Jerusalem, a city on a hill. The holy city that God choose to dwell. From a far, the people can see this city as they bring offering to the temple in Jerusalem.
Isaiah spoke about this city.
Isa 66:20 And they shall bring all your brothers from all the nations as an offering to the Lord, on horses and in chariots and in litters and on mules and on dromedaries, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, says the Lord, just as the Israelites bring their grain offering in a clean vessel to the house of the Lord.
Isa 66:2But this is the one to whom I will look:he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.
How many of us care so much about His word, fear and trembles at His word? Let alone a spirit of humility and contrite. I definitely not dare to say I am one that God will look. So sad.
Therefore it is not I, but Jesus. God see his son. We all knew that and take Jesus for granted.
I pray and thank God for Jesus and pray that as I read His word - I will fear the Lord. Let my spirit give you praise and thanks.
Monday, October 01, 2007
1 Oct 2007
1 Oct - Isaiah 62:6-65:25; Philippians 2:19-3:4; Psalm 73; Proverbs 24:13-14
Who is the God we served? Is He a fearful God that destroyed? Or is He a loving God who bless?
Fear Him, let us fear the Lord - but not because of what He can and will destroy, but because He wanted to remove the stench and the evil in our life. How many of us will even allow God to do that, or to do a deep cleansing in our life. If God want to remove and destroy them and against our will - He will and can do it.
Isa 62:6You who put the Lord in remembrance,take no rest,7 and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth.
He want to bless, but the condition is not you must do some work - you must remember the Lord.
Isa 62:8-12 The Promise of BLESSINGS
12 And they shall be called The Holy People,The Redeemed of the Lord;and you shall be called Sought Out,A City Not Forsaken.
Isa 63:1 -6 CLEANSINGS
6 I trampled down the peoples in my anger;I made them drunk in my wrath,and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth.”
Isa 63:7-9 BUT he remember the promise of Blessings
9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, [4]and the angel of his presence saved them;in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
He wanted to bless, but
Isa 63:10
10 But they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit;
His blessings cannot go forth BUT this time - the Lord remember the promise of blessings
Isa 63:10-14
11 Then he remembered the days of old,
Isa 63:15 - 64:7 He Reminded US of the past and remined us not to go back the same way
Isa 64:8-12 A Prayer of Repent
9 Be not so terribly angry, O Lord,and remember not iniquity forever.
This is our God:
Isa 65:1I said, “Here am I, here am I,”
The Lord call to us, but what He see is people who did evil and forsake the Lord, that make the Lord angry and ready to cleanse, BUT
Isa 65:8 Thus says the Lord:“As the new wine is found in the cluster,and they say, ‘Do not destroy it,for there is a blessing in it,’so I will do for my servants' sake,and not destroy them all.
And this is our good - hate evil But it is because of His mercy he spared us and because He loved us, He did not destroyed us, not because of what we repent, but because of His salvation plan. He bless us ultimately.
Isa 65:17“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth,and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.
Such is our God.
Psa 73
23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;you hold my right hand.24 You guide me with your counsel,and afterward you will receive me to glory.25 Whom have I in heaven but you?And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.26 My flesh and my heart may fail,but God is the strength [21] of my heart and my portion forever.
Be encourage and dwell each day simply in the presence of our God. Great and mighty is He and great and mighty are the works of His hands. Just simply dwell in Him.
Many of us may be weary and lost in the unclear and fustrated by the environment we are living or working in. It time to take a centering down in the Lord.
Unlike, calling for a time to slow down - which means to ask you to take a short breath it deals with our pace of running and questions our capacity. Centering down in the Lord deals with our lostness and questions our confusions. It offers a compass as we focus on Jesus and helps us catch a vision. Slow down merely offers us a consolation and helps us catch a breath, it will eventually blame the envronement and become a viscious cycle. Centering down examines our inner roots, which is a vital solution and anchors Jesus as Lord. Slow down will seeks to add Jesus to our time and moments that is left.
Therefore, center down in Jesus. We are His people, meant for a purpose and a greater callings. Do not merely pass each day like grass in an open field, take a time off and allow Jesus into our busy schedule and fustrated work day. Make Him the anchor and stop to relocated and again proceed on with our navigation towards the lighthouse He called us to.
Who is the God we served? Is He a fearful God that destroyed? Or is He a loving God who bless?
Fear Him, let us fear the Lord - but not because of what He can and will destroy, but because He wanted to remove the stench and the evil in our life. How many of us will even allow God to do that, or to do a deep cleansing in our life. If God want to remove and destroy them and against our will - He will and can do it.
Isa 62:6You who put the Lord in remembrance,take no rest,7 and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth.
He want to bless, but the condition is not you must do some work - you must remember the Lord.
Isa 62:8-12 The Promise of BLESSINGS
12 And they shall be called The Holy People,The Redeemed of the Lord;and you shall be called Sought Out,A City Not Forsaken.
Isa 63:1 -6 CLEANSINGS
6 I trampled down the peoples in my anger;I made them drunk in my wrath,and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth.”
Isa 63:7-9 BUT he remember the promise of Blessings
9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, [4]and the angel of his presence saved them;in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
He wanted to bless, but
Isa 63:10
10 But they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit;
His blessings cannot go forth BUT this time - the Lord remember the promise of blessings
Isa 63:10-14
11 Then he remembered the days of old,
Isa 63:15 - 64:7 He Reminded US of the past and remined us not to go back the same way
Isa 64:8-12 A Prayer of Repent
9 Be not so terribly angry, O Lord,and remember not iniquity forever.
This is our God:
Isa 65:1I said, “Here am I, here am I,”
The Lord call to us, but what He see is people who did evil and forsake the Lord, that make the Lord angry and ready to cleanse, BUT
Isa 65:8 Thus says the Lord:“As the new wine is found in the cluster,and they say, ‘Do not destroy it,for there is a blessing in it,’so I will do for my servants' sake,and not destroy them all.
And this is our good - hate evil But it is because of His mercy he spared us and because He loved us, He did not destroyed us, not because of what we repent, but because of His salvation plan. He bless us ultimately.
Isa 65:17“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth,and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.
Such is our God.
Psa 73
23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;you hold my right hand.24 You guide me with your counsel,and afterward you will receive me to glory.25 Whom have I in heaven but you?And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.26 My flesh and my heart may fail,but God is the strength [21] of my heart and my portion forever.
Be encourage and dwell each day simply in the presence of our God. Great and mighty is He and great and mighty are the works of His hands. Just simply dwell in Him.
Many of us may be weary and lost in the unclear and fustrated by the environment we are living or working in. It time to take a centering down in the Lord.
Unlike, calling for a time to slow down - which means to ask you to take a short breath it deals with our pace of running and questions our capacity. Centering down in the Lord deals with our lostness and questions our confusions. It offers a compass as we focus on Jesus and helps us catch a vision. Slow down merely offers us a consolation and helps us catch a breath, it will eventually blame the envronement and become a viscious cycle. Centering down examines our inner roots, which is a vital solution and anchors Jesus as Lord. Slow down will seeks to add Jesus to our time and moments that is left.
Therefore, center down in Jesus. We are His people, meant for a purpose and a greater callings. Do not merely pass each day like grass in an open field, take a time off and allow Jesus into our busy schedule and fustrated work day. Make Him the anchor and stop to relocated and again proceed on with our navigation towards the lighthouse He called us to.
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