Luke 9:1-6
Jesus sent the disciples out with power and authority.
He can give the disciple the power and authority because He has the power and the authority.
Doing God's work is not the mere based on hard work or intelligence. You will be confronted with demons and disease. These people will test you in order to test God's power.
In application, ground yourself in the word and be filled with the Holy Spirit. The later, I don't think there is a formulae to acquire it, but it is about aksing and receiving.
It starts with having the right foundation - the power and the authority. It is His work, His power and His authority. I am just a vessel.
I start journalling again, because the foundation has to be right before the work.
Lord, let revivial comes in me and in my family. Amen.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
16 Sep 2012; Luke 5
13 Sep 2012; Luke 5:27-39
Getting back to God.
Verse 27-32 is about Jesus dinning with Levi the tax collector. The key is
And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
(Luke 5:31-32 ESV)
Verse 33-39, is about old wine and new wine in old and new garment.
And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed.
(Luke 5:37 ESV)
The everyday activities of work and family has kept me busy, and away from God. The verse today reminds me of the initial mandate of knowing who my Jesus is. It is not knowing Him in order to get the blessing in life or so that Jesus can be package in some convience so that we can call upon as at when we want.
I had a bad dream and it reminds me of a few movie I watch about 8 persons struck underground in a cellar with no way out - a hopeless case that turned one person on the other.
We are in a way "struck" in this world and therefore the hope of getting out is in the Lord. Our lives here is a few decades, but it is the promised of eternal life in Christ Jesus. The Lord came, give us that hope - the redemption of sinners like us to repent.
In the likewise, we are like wine in this wolrd of wine skin. A mismatch. Our place is not in this world, not in the business we are creating, the career we are creating, the acadmemics achivement etc.
The purpose of our stay, is for the purposes of God, not the purposes to create or achieve in this mismatch world. The purpose of Jesus coming is the hope that we may live a life free of sins for Him.
It therefore starts with our perspective. Our hope is in God, not the things of the world. Christ perspective is for the sinners not the righteous.
I pray for that turning towards you, the heart (to repentance) and the hope (to the things of Christ and not of this world.
Getting back to God.
Verse 27-32 is about Jesus dinning with Levi the tax collector. The key is
And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
(Luke 5:31-32 ESV)
Verse 33-39, is about old wine and new wine in old and new garment.
And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed.
(Luke 5:37 ESV)
The everyday activities of work and family has kept me busy, and away from God. The verse today reminds me of the initial mandate of knowing who my Jesus is. It is not knowing Him in order to get the blessing in life or so that Jesus can be package in some convience so that we can call upon as at when we want.
I had a bad dream and it reminds me of a few movie I watch about 8 persons struck underground in a cellar with no way out - a hopeless case that turned one person on the other.
We are in a way "struck" in this world and therefore the hope of getting out is in the Lord. Our lives here is a few decades, but it is the promised of eternal life in Christ Jesus. The Lord came, give us that hope - the redemption of sinners like us to repent.
In the likewise, we are like wine in this wolrd of wine skin. A mismatch. Our place is not in this world, not in the business we are creating, the career we are creating, the acadmemics achivement etc.
The purpose of our stay, is for the purposes of God, not the purposes to create or achieve in this mismatch world. The purpose of Jesus coming is the hope that we may live a life free of sins for Him.
It therefore starts with our perspective. Our hope is in God, not the things of the world. Christ perspective is for the sinners not the righteous.
I pray for that turning towards you, the heart (to repentance) and the hope (to the things of Christ and not of this world.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
13 Sep 2012; Luke 5
13 Sep 2012; Luke 5
Luke 5:12-26
Jesus did 2 healing - one to a leaper and the other to a paralyzed man.
The leper was able to approached Jesus and asked Jesus if He was willing to heal him. Jesus did.
The second, the paralyzed man failed to approached Jesus. But probably has asked his friend to bring him to Jesus. They failed to approached Jesus, they resorted to bring him down from the roof. This time the man did not ask Jesus to heal him, but Jesus
And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”
(Luke 5:20 ESV)
What did the paralyzed man want? His desired was to be healed to be able to walk again. That was why he go all out to get to the presence of Jesus. But Jesus did not heal him, He forgive his sins.
The leper - if you are willing, make me clean.
Similarity:
Both want to be healed.
Both approach Jesus
Contrast:
Jesus heal one, but forgive the other.
Story:
The leper knew Jesus as such his desire is to be cleanse on the outside.
The paralyzed heard about Jesus and his works. His desire is to be heal on the outside. But Jesus needs to "cleanse" the inside.
Response:
What therefore matters most is not about the physical state of healing but the soul-state of healing.
In a similar way, we engage God because we want to connect with Him.
In a similar way, it is not the works that touches man, but Jesus that touches the heart.
Jesus simply want us, not the physical state but make right the conditions of our heart and soul so that we can approach God again.
Let my heart be right with God and begin right with Him before all works. The conditions of our heart matters. Amen.
Luke 5:12-26
Jesus did 2 healing - one to a leaper and the other to a paralyzed man.
The leper was able to approached Jesus and asked Jesus if He was willing to heal him. Jesus did.
The second, the paralyzed man failed to approached Jesus. But probably has asked his friend to bring him to Jesus. They failed to approached Jesus, they resorted to bring him down from the roof. This time the man did not ask Jesus to heal him, but Jesus
And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”
(Luke 5:20 ESV)
What did the paralyzed man want? His desired was to be healed to be able to walk again. That was why he go all out to get to the presence of Jesus. But Jesus did not heal him, He forgive his sins.
The leper - if you are willing, make me clean.
Similarity:
Both want to be healed.
Both approach Jesus
Contrast:
Jesus heal one, but forgive the other.
Story:
The leper knew Jesus as such his desire is to be cleanse on the outside.
The paralyzed heard about Jesus and his works. His desire is to be heal on the outside. But Jesus needs to "cleanse" the inside.
Response:
What therefore matters most is not about the physical state of healing but the soul-state of healing.
In a similar way, we engage God because we want to connect with Him.
In a similar way, it is not the works that touches man, but Jesus that touches the heart.
Jesus simply want us, not the physical state but make right the conditions of our heart and soul so that we can approach God again.
Let my heart be right with God and begin right with Him before all works. The conditions of our heart matters. Amen.
Monday, September 10, 2012
10 Sep 2012; Luke 5
10 Sep 2012; Luke 5
Luke 5: 1-11, Jesus called Simon Peter.
Background:
The crowd was pressing in towards Jesus and as a result Jesus retreated to preach on a boat. The boat happened to belong to Simon.
To being with, Simon has just finished fishing. In fact he was washing his nets.
and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets.
(Luke 5:2 ESV)
Simon has been fishing all nights can catch no fish.
And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.”
(Luke 5:5 ESV)
Jesus asked Simon to fish again. They caught fish, BUT this is Simon response:
But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”
(Luke 5:8 ESV)
Similarities:
In the last chapter, Jesus rebuke the demons and the fever. When the demons saw Jesus, they knew who He was. When the sick came to be healed, they knew Jesus only as a doctor.
“Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”
(Luke 4:34 ESV)
And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.
(Luke 4:41 ESV)
Contrast:
Simon's mother-in-law was one of the person healed by Jesus.
Simon's eyes were opened. He saw Jesus not as a miracle worker, but the Lord, the Son of God. He responded like the way a demon who knew Jesus would response.
Rach mentioned well in her blog on the call to repentance. Unless we see the lord as your Lord and God, there will be no change. If the yearn is for the blessing, the healing, it will be just a thank you God and in good response, like Simon's mother-in-law, we start serving.
Response:
As such, Lord, open my eyes that I may see you as the Lord and God. Not that I want you to depart, but let my sin departs that I may be close to you.
Part of a personal revival is seeking the presence of God. Let you presence fall in this place. You have no place for sins, but you can forgive us for our sins. cleanse us that we may be near to you. Amen.
Luke 5: 1-11, Jesus called Simon Peter.
Background:
The crowd was pressing in towards Jesus and as a result Jesus retreated to preach on a boat. The boat happened to belong to Simon.
To being with, Simon has just finished fishing. In fact he was washing his nets.
and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets.
(Luke 5:2 ESV)
Simon has been fishing all nights can catch no fish.
And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.”
(Luke 5:5 ESV)
Jesus asked Simon to fish again. They caught fish, BUT this is Simon response:
But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”
(Luke 5:8 ESV)
Similarities:
In the last chapter, Jesus rebuke the demons and the fever. When the demons saw Jesus, they knew who He was. When the sick came to be healed, they knew Jesus only as a doctor.
“Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”
(Luke 4:34 ESV)
And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.
(Luke 4:41 ESV)
Contrast:
Simon's mother-in-law was one of the person healed by Jesus.
Simon's eyes were opened. He saw Jesus not as a miracle worker, but the Lord, the Son of God. He responded like the way a demon who knew Jesus would response.
Rach mentioned well in her blog on the call to repentance. Unless we see the lord as your Lord and God, there will be no change. If the yearn is for the blessing, the healing, it will be just a thank you God and in good response, like Simon's mother-in-law, we start serving.
Response:
As such, Lord, open my eyes that I may see you as the Lord and God. Not that I want you to depart, but let my sin departs that I may be close to you.
Part of a personal revival is seeking the presence of God. Let you presence fall in this place. You have no place for sins, but you can forgive us for our sins. cleanse us that we may be near to you. Amen.
Sunday, September 09, 2012
9 Sep 2012; Luke 4
9 Sep 2012; Luke 4:31-44
After Jesus left Nazareth, He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath,
(Luke 4:31 ESV)
Two repeated ministry was mentioned from this last portion of Luke chapter 4. He cast out demons and teaching in the synagogues
But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm.
(Luke 4:35 ESV)
And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
(Luke 4:44 ESV)
for I was sent for this purpose.”
(Luke 4:43 ESV)
In the former ministry, which was so successful that people began to see Jesus as the healer, a doctor and began to bring the sick to Him. Part and parcel of ministry, but the main purpose is for and so that the good news (the teaching) can go forward.
Jesus speak with authority. The demons know Him, but the people to whom He teach do not. Contrast.
How then is this authority build upon. Jesus is the Son of God - of course. How about us? God has given us the Holy Spirit.
And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
(Acts 1:4-5 ESV)
How then it is for us to receive?
Personal Revival - it all starts with a personal desire. A desire for the spirit to fill us, a desire to see breakthrough and a desire to see a change - a revival in our spirit man.
How? Through Prayer, seeking His Presence and putting our Priority rights.
After Jesus left Nazareth, He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath,
(Luke 4:31 ESV)
Two repeated ministry was mentioned from this last portion of Luke chapter 4. He cast out demons and teaching in the synagogues
But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm.
(Luke 4:35 ESV)
And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
(Luke 4:44 ESV)
for I was sent for this purpose.”
(Luke 4:43 ESV)
In the former ministry, which was so successful that people began to see Jesus as the healer, a doctor and began to bring the sick to Him. Part and parcel of ministry, but the main purpose is for and so that the good news (the teaching) can go forward.
Jesus speak with authority. The demons know Him, but the people to whom He teach do not. Contrast.
How then is this authority build upon. Jesus is the Son of God - of course. How about us? God has given us the Holy Spirit.
And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
(Acts 1:4-5 ESV)
How then it is for us to receive?
Personal Revival - it all starts with a personal desire. A desire for the spirit to fill us, a desire to see breakthrough and a desire to see a change - a revival in our spirit man.
How? Through Prayer, seeking His Presence and putting our Priority rights.
Friday, September 07, 2012
7 Sep 2012; Luke 4
7 Sep 2012; Luke 4
It has been a while since I last blog. Nevertheless, it is good to start again.
Jesus begin His ministry in Galilee, Nazareth. Interestingly, He was rejected because He was just the son of a carpenter.
And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”
(Luke 4:24-27 ESV)
Jesus went on and minister at Capernaum, and in the synagogues of Judea (v44).
If Jesus is not rejected at Nazareth, will His ministry stays and continue there only?
God has a plan for humanity. It will begin in Hebrews to the gentiles.
Likewise, lets began our ministry here at our home, Singapore and then oversea. How then and what then to minister at home.
Anchor the family in the God - build an interest in Him - who is my God (theology)
Anchor the family in the word - build an interest in the Jesus - who is my master (allegiance and identity)
Anchor the family in worship - build an interest to praise - what am I called to do (purpose and value)
Anchor the family in giving - build an interest to serve - what is important to me (priority)
Anchor the family in prayer - build an interest in engaging Him - how can I be build up (empowering and foundation).
It has been a while since I last blog. Nevertheless, it is good to start again.
Jesus begin His ministry in Galilee, Nazareth. Interestingly, He was rejected because He was just the son of a carpenter.
And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”
(Luke 4:24-27 ESV)
Jesus went on and minister at Capernaum, and in the synagogues of Judea (v44).
If Jesus is not rejected at Nazareth, will His ministry stays and continue there only?
God has a plan for humanity. It will begin in Hebrews to the gentiles.
Likewise, lets began our ministry here at our home, Singapore and then oversea. How then and what then to minister at home.
Anchor the family in the God - build an interest in Him - who is my God (theology)
Anchor the family in the word - build an interest in the Jesus - who is my master (allegiance and identity)
Anchor the family in worship - build an interest to praise - what am I called to do (purpose and value)
Anchor the family in giving - build an interest to serve - what is important to me (priority)
Anchor the family in prayer - build an interest in engaging Him - how can I be build up (empowering and foundation).
Sunday, August 12, 2012
12 Aug 2012; Luke 4
Instead of starting with Luke 4, I start with
“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
(Matthew 6:22-23 ESV)
The single eye of the body refer to our focus. What we see is what view life is. What we aim is what we pursue and laid the foundation of what we want to build.
In Luke 4, is about the temptation of Jesus in the desert. I used to hear sermon regarding the areas we have to guard - material, power and status.
But these are something new as I hear Mat 6:22-23. It is not the worldly Christian but the double-minded Christian. The later is one who compromised. How great is the darkness of deception?
Man shall not live by bread alone. The first temptation. Can we then have both? Compromises?
This test on our basic rights, the world ask for rights, especially the basic "human rights". What then are we surrendering to? It is the all not just the word "alone" to give an excuse for compromise to the temptation.
The second is the kingdom of the world offered if you bow down to me. Obvious no, no bow down. That is simple, but anyway that is too much, I just want some. Compromise again of this temptation with our life goal. This test on our resolutions, not to win the world, the treasures of the world, but what we just aim that is enough. To this compromise is not taking shortcuts, but focus on godly matters.
The last is commanding the angels to support Jesus. Not that we want that, but at least we have a portion of that ability. Compromise in our identity. Guard our relationship, not what we build with man to lord over them, but stay true.
To sum up - 3 compromises that we ought to stay of - our basic needs, our life goal and our self identity. It test us in the areas of our rights, our resolutions and our relationship.
What make us worldly is simple. What is more difficult is a double-minded in the things that we say it is ok in some and compromised. Therefore we surrender our rights to God, we stay on course in our Godly purposes and our stay true in our relationship with God.
Therefore, I pray for that single eye focus of God, for the double-minded Christian is one that is difficult to spot. We know well who we are in God or have we live in a life of compromises? If our focus is bad, then how great is that darkness.
“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
(Matthew 6:22-23 ESV)
The single eye of the body refer to our focus. What we see is what view life is. What we aim is what we pursue and laid the foundation of what we want to build.
In Luke 4, is about the temptation of Jesus in the desert. I used to hear sermon regarding the areas we have to guard - material, power and status.
But these are something new as I hear Mat 6:22-23. It is not the worldly Christian but the double-minded Christian. The later is one who compromised. How great is the darkness of deception?
Man shall not live by bread alone. The first temptation. Can we then have both? Compromises?
This test on our basic rights, the world ask for rights, especially the basic "human rights". What then are we surrendering to? It is the all not just the word "alone" to give an excuse for compromise to the temptation.
The second is the kingdom of the world offered if you bow down to me. Obvious no, no bow down. That is simple, but anyway that is too much, I just want some. Compromise again of this temptation with our life goal. This test on our resolutions, not to win the world, the treasures of the world, but what we just aim that is enough. To this compromise is not taking shortcuts, but focus on godly matters.
The last is commanding the angels to support Jesus. Not that we want that, but at least we have a portion of that ability. Compromise in our identity. Guard our relationship, not what we build with man to lord over them, but stay true.
To sum up - 3 compromises that we ought to stay of - our basic needs, our life goal and our self identity. It test us in the areas of our rights, our resolutions and our relationship.
What make us worldly is simple. What is more difficult is a double-minded in the things that we say it is ok in some and compromised. Therefore we surrender our rights to God, we stay on course in our Godly purposes and our stay true in our relationship with God.
Therefore, I pray for that single eye focus of God, for the double-minded Christian is one that is difficult to spot. We know well who we are in God or have we live in a life of compromises? If our focus is bad, then how great is that darkness.
Wednesday, August 08, 2012
8 August 2012; Luke 3
8 August 2012; Luke 3
Listen up: God still speaks. How long have we not hear from God? That means we have distance from God. Since the last book in OT - 400 years of silence - why> the people of Israel has fallen away from God. But that does not means that God is dead. In the NT, the angel appears to Zechariah and Mary.
during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
(Luke 3:2 ESV)
The word of God came to John.
Wake up: When John came, the first words from his mouth is
He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.
(Luke 3:7-8 ESV)
Change, repent and get your lives in priority.
I pray for myself, that my life will be right before God. I need to lead - my family. I need to do the right things for God and in God.
Rise up: John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
(Luke 3:16-17 ESV)
Know that there is a God. The world does not operate alone. The world has a lot to offer but will pass away. Know what is to come. I have passed half life. This is the period of not to chase after the wind or the dreams of youth. But to build upon the next generation to come.
I pray that this last lap is godfully gain in the laying of foundation for the next generation. Amen.
Listen up: God still speaks. How long have we not hear from God? That means we have distance from God. Since the last book in OT - 400 years of silence - why> the people of Israel has fallen away from God. But that does not means that God is dead. In the NT, the angel appears to Zechariah and Mary.
during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
(Luke 3:2 ESV)
The word of God came to John.
Wake up: When John came, the first words from his mouth is
He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.
(Luke 3:7-8 ESV)
Change, repent and get your lives in priority.
I pray for myself, that my life will be right before God. I need to lead - my family. I need to do the right things for God and in God.
Rise up: John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
(Luke 3:16-17 ESV)
Know that there is a God. The world does not operate alone. The world has a lot to offer but will pass away. Know what is to come. I have passed half life. This is the period of not to chase after the wind or the dreams of youth. But to build upon the next generation to come.
I pray that this last lap is godfully gain in the laying of foundation for the next generation. Amen.
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
7 August; Luke 2
7 August; Luke 2
One of my favourite verse Luke 2:52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and in statue and in favour with God and man.
How Jesus grew in spelled out in chapter 2 and summaries in verse 52.
From verse 1 - 21 is about God at work. How the birth place of Jesus is orchestrate to be at the city of David or Bethlehem.
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
(Luke 2:1-4 ESV)
The birth of Jesus was foretold in the OT, Saviour would be a human (Gen 3:15, Heb 2:16), and a Jew, (Gen 12:1–3; Num 24:17), from the tribe of Judah (Gen 49:10), and the family of David (2 Sam 7:1–17), born of a virgin (Isa 7:14) in Bethlehem, the city of David (Mic 5:2).
so in the same way, our birth is for God purposes. Likewise the birth of Jo, Deb and Mat are from God. their name like Jesus was given by God. I pray for them that they will live up to the intend of God.
The second is man at work. Jesus was taken care of up 2 godly parents Joseph and Mary. Evidence from Luke 2 showed that Joseph and Mary knows the matter of God, the law and the traditions.
And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”
(Luke 2:22-24 ESV)
As parent, the birth of my children needs the godly direction from us. I pray that as parent, we will bring out the God fearing element in them. That we will teach them in the way of God and show them who God is.
Lastly, I pray for them to grow in God by the way of man - themselves.
After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
(Luke 2:46-47 ESV)
Like Jesus who sit among the teachers of the law and learn about God.
I shared with Jo, this morning the purposes of growing holistically in wisdom (academic, competent), in stature (health and physically), in favour with God (spiritual) and with man (relationship). The circle will grow in proportion.
One of my favourite verse Luke 2:52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and in statue and in favour with God and man.
How Jesus grew in spelled out in chapter 2 and summaries in verse 52.
From verse 1 - 21 is about God at work. How the birth place of Jesus is orchestrate to be at the city of David or Bethlehem.
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
(Luke 2:1-4 ESV)
The birth of Jesus was foretold in the OT, Saviour would be a human (Gen 3:15, Heb 2:16), and a Jew, (Gen 12:1–3; Num 24:17), from the tribe of Judah (Gen 49:10), and the family of David (2 Sam 7:1–17), born of a virgin (Isa 7:14) in Bethlehem, the city of David (Mic 5:2).
so in the same way, our birth is for God purposes. Likewise the birth of Jo, Deb and Mat are from God. their name like Jesus was given by God. I pray for them that they will live up to the intend of God.
The second is man at work. Jesus was taken care of up 2 godly parents Joseph and Mary. Evidence from Luke 2 showed that Joseph and Mary knows the matter of God, the law and the traditions.
And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”
(Luke 2:22-24 ESV)
As parent, the birth of my children needs the godly direction from us. I pray that as parent, we will bring out the God fearing element in them. That we will teach them in the way of God and show them who God is.
Lastly, I pray for them to grow in God by the way of man - themselves.
After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
(Luke 2:46-47 ESV)
Like Jesus who sit among the teachers of the law and learn about God.
I shared with Jo, this morning the purposes of growing holistically in wisdom (academic, competent), in stature (health and physically), in favour with God (spiritual) and with man (relationship). The circle will grow in proportion.
Monday, August 06, 2012
6 Aug 2012; James 1
6 Aug; James 1
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
(James 1:12-15 ESV)
What differentiate a person who stood trial? One who is steadfast and one who fell to temptation.
In similarities, both began the trial in a similar amount of faith and in a similar purposes.
In contrast, one stand and stood the trial. The other gave up to temptation.
The one who stood till the end received the crown. The one who fail did not received the crown. BUT how the same similarities lead to a different ending?
IN the process, greed and fear crept in. The blame starts - I am doing this is because of God - a fear excuses? God ask me to do so - so that I am being a good steward? Greed crept in - it is our own desire.
We fear losing out - losing out to what the world can offer. We greed because what others have, I also want. IN the end, we lose track of the race. We started off well in faith but excuses came and finally lose the crown.
I pray for Jo, as he reach teens against the pressure of greed and far that his peers will put to him. I pray for myself, as the world tempts with money, lt greed and fear not grips me. Let me to focus on the things of God. Amen.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
(James 1:12-15 ESV)
What differentiate a person who stood trial? One who is steadfast and one who fell to temptation.
In similarities, both began the trial in a similar amount of faith and in a similar purposes.
In contrast, one stand and stood the trial. The other gave up to temptation.
The one who stood till the end received the crown. The one who fail did not received the crown. BUT how the same similarities lead to a different ending?
IN the process, greed and fear crept in. The blame starts - I am doing this is because of God - a fear excuses? God ask me to do so - so that I am being a good steward? Greed crept in - it is our own desire.
We fear losing out - losing out to what the world can offer. We greed because what others have, I also want. IN the end, we lose track of the race. We started off well in faith but excuses came and finally lose the crown.
I pray for Jo, as he reach teens against the pressure of greed and far that his peers will put to him. I pray for myself, as the world tempts with money, lt greed and fear not grips me. Let me to focus on the things of God. Amen.
Sunday, August 05, 2012
8 Aug 2012; Luke 1:39-80
8 Aug 2012; Luke 1:39-80
Mary and Zechariah both gave a songs each. The song speaks about joy and raise God.
In Mary's song, she mentioned about the proud and the humble. Mary knew how the Lord has blessed her.
In Zechariah's song, he parised God for the purposes. Zechariah was a priest and he knew what God was going to do.
Regardless, both allow God to fulfil His plan through them, both praise God and gave thanks.
I have not met an angel, nor was shown what plan God is going to do. But there is no excuse not to praise God or to give thanks. That ok with me, for it is the appreciation and the gratitude of the heart for the things and the blessings God has done for me.
But I am still very lost about next year plan that I am asking God about. Show me, in Jesus' name open the door for the plan and the family. Amen.
Mary and Zechariah both gave a songs each. The song speaks about joy and raise God.
In Mary's song, she mentioned about the proud and the humble. Mary knew how the Lord has blessed her.
In Zechariah's song, he parised God for the purposes. Zechariah was a priest and he knew what God was going to do.
Regardless, both allow God to fulfil His plan through them, both praise God and gave thanks.
I have not met an angel, nor was shown what plan God is going to do. But there is no excuse not to praise God or to give thanks. That ok with me, for it is the appreciation and the gratitude of the heart for the things and the blessings God has done for me.
But I am still very lost about next year plan that I am asking God about. Show me, in Jesus' name open the door for the plan and the family. Amen.
Wednesday, August 01, 2012
1 Aug 2012; Prov 1
1 Aug 2012; Prov 1
Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;
they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
(Proverbs 1:28 ESV)
Contrast this verse with
Mat 7:7
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Basically, I sense God is scolding me.
I sense His displeasure, his anger and his impatient.
Before v28 is verse 20-25 that talks about disoebient, turning away from God.
I pray for myself, my family for the forgiveness of our sins and our follishness. That we are not faithful in your ways, in keeping your words..
Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;
they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
(Proverbs 1:28 ESV)
Contrast this verse with
Mat 7:7
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Basically, I sense God is scolding me.
I sense His displeasure, his anger and his impatient.
Before v28 is verse 20-25 that talks about disoebient, turning away from God.
I pray for myself, my family for the forgiveness of our sins and our follishness. That we are not faithful in your ways, in keeping your words..
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
31 July 2012; Prov 31
31 July 2012; Prov 31
Of course, everyone knows that this Proverbs describe a super woman.
2 qualities -
She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
(Proverbs 31:20 ESV)
She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
(Proverbs 31:16 ESV)
The first is about character, something to do with the heart. Investing in others and storing treasures in heaven.
The second is about competent, something to do with abilities. Investing in self-gain and storing treasures on earth.
The proverbs expressed both as qualities of a woman.
I pray for Rach to be wise and capable in both.
My story
I pray for a girlfriend - then not knowing God. I was very alone and it was then I that my mum was in hospital and dying. I was 14 and I remembered sitting at the stairs overlooking the bus stop at the void deck at 329. It was not the gods that my mum pray to, as such, I believe such a prayer opens up search indirectly to the true and living God.
I found God first before I found Rach 14 years later. He gave the best fulfilling almost the 12 qualities I ask for a wife.
Of course, everyone knows that this Proverbs describe a super woman.
2 qualities -
She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
(Proverbs 31:20 ESV)
She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
(Proverbs 31:16 ESV)
The first is about character, something to do with the heart. Investing in others and storing treasures in heaven.
The second is about competent, something to do with abilities. Investing in self-gain and storing treasures on earth.
The proverbs expressed both as qualities of a woman.
I pray for Rach to be wise and capable in both.
My story
I pray for a girlfriend - then not knowing God. I was very alone and it was then I that my mum was in hospital and dying. I was 14 and I remembered sitting at the stairs overlooking the bus stop at the void deck at 329. It was not the gods that my mum pray to, as such, I believe such a prayer opens up search indirectly to the true and living God.
I found God first before I found Rach 14 years later. He gave the best fulfilling almost the 12 qualities I ask for a wife.
Monday, July 30, 2012
30 July 2012; Luke 1:5-38
30 July 2012; Luke 1:5-38
The similarity
2 persons in this chapter the angle Gabriel spoke to - Zechariah and Mary
2 foretelling - the birth of a baby boy
2 impossibility - Zechariah and his wife were advance in age; Mary was a virgin
The contrast
2 answers - How shall I know this? How will it be?
Zechariah wanted a child, but when told he would have one, he has question.
Mary has question too.
But Zechariah answer has been known in the case of Abraham. Mary virgin birth was new. The former doubt (v20) and the later - v38 - let it be to me according to your words.
Similar situations, different reaction - God looks at the heart and regardless the birth took place.
But one chosen was righteous (v6) and the other favoured (v27). So how is the slection made?
It is God - chosen by His grace.
My Story
Have I met an angel and had a conservation? Probably no.
But do I doubt their existence? No
I have encountered with spirits. When I was still a secondary school student, I played this game called saucer spirit. A group of us each with a finger on the saucer will ask the spirit a question. the saucer is placed on a piece of paper with words, letters and numbers. The saucer moves and with an indicator on the saucer, it answer (quite accurate) the questions. Doubt? No, whoever suspect whoever moves the finger will be prompt to take away the finger. The saucer still moves. To an extend, we later proof it true using a blackboard duster! That was when I was still not a believer.
After I became a believer, there was this occassion that I was prompted to stand up. I was swept away by the river with a student grasping my hand pulling me along.
So, is it the holy spirit who prompt or an angel who speaks? Regardless - God chooses to save and I have no doubt about that.
The similarity
2 persons in this chapter the angle Gabriel spoke to - Zechariah and Mary
2 foretelling - the birth of a baby boy
2 impossibility - Zechariah and his wife were advance in age; Mary was a virgin
The contrast
2 answers - How shall I know this? How will it be?
Zechariah wanted a child, but when told he would have one, he has question.
Mary has question too.
But Zechariah answer has been known in the case of Abraham. Mary virgin birth was new. The former doubt (v20) and the later - v38 - let it be to me according to your words.
Similar situations, different reaction - God looks at the heart and regardless the birth took place.
But one chosen was righteous (v6) and the other favoured (v27). So how is the slection made?
It is God - chosen by His grace.
My Story
Have I met an angel and had a conservation? Probably no.
But do I doubt their existence? No
I have encountered with spirits. When I was still a secondary school student, I played this game called saucer spirit. A group of us each with a finger on the saucer will ask the spirit a question. the saucer is placed on a piece of paper with words, letters and numbers. The saucer moves and with an indicator on the saucer, it answer (quite accurate) the questions. Doubt? No, whoever suspect whoever moves the finger will be prompt to take away the finger. The saucer still moves. To an extend, we later proof it true using a blackboard duster! That was when I was still not a believer.
After I became a believer, there was this occassion that I was prompted to stand up. I was swept away by the river with a student grasping my hand pulling me along.
So, is it the holy spirit who prompt or an angel who speaks? Regardless - God chooses to save and I have no doubt about that.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
29 July; Luke 1
Luke 1:1-4
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
(Luke 1:1-4 ESV)
Luke opening writing to Theophilus was to explained to the later what is Christianity about, or who Jesus and his ministry is about.
It is based on
1. A compiled narrative of things that has been accomplished
2. Eye witnesses and ministers of the word
3. Himself to write an orderly account
The words or the bible is the compiled things of God, detailing the things of God and the works of Christ.
We and other fellow Christian who has taste and see that God is good and those who have seen His miracles are the eye witnesses and the minsters.
Writings, blog or as simple as speaking about God to others is giving an account.
Therefore, reading and seeking God through the words is first. How? study the word of God, but the second is about us bearing the witness for God. How?
The word of God is His story, when we encounter God, it is our story.
To the world, the personal story of our that compliment His story that make the account of and for Jesus.
So tell your story. How? I uses this blog, so I hope that I can share my story and His story so that this blog bears an account for Christ.
Lord, let your word speaks to me, let me be a witness so that my family and children will be able to read my account of you.
A visit to a Temple and My God has preserved
My mum is not a believer in God. She followed the taoist believe - the so call way and do a lot of routines on this and that occasion. I don't know why and just follow, it was kind of fun. The temple is near Pasir Panjang and the children will sneak to go Haw Paw Villa.
We visit the temple, like an outing to a zoo. It always start with a procedural routines to pray from chambers to chamber, because the gods and idols have rank.
There were fortunately 2 things that irks me. God has a plan then. The 2 things happened to have a particular young nun who showed favouritism - and that rank and hierarchy things turned me off the believe. The visit to Haw Par Villa is enjoyable, but the show case portrays that wrong doing has bad consequences. A bad person, after he.she died has to be sown into 2. That does not makes senses to me, die and die again? But it does strike fear to a young boy, who refuses to follow such a believe that offers no hope but fear because if you have tell a lie, how can that sin be taken away? As a result, wait to die have have your tongue cut off?!
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
(Luke 1:1-4 ESV)
Luke opening writing to Theophilus was to explained to the later what is Christianity about, or who Jesus and his ministry is about.
It is based on
1. A compiled narrative of things that has been accomplished
2. Eye witnesses and ministers of the word
3. Himself to write an orderly account
The words or the bible is the compiled things of God, detailing the things of God and the works of Christ.
We and other fellow Christian who has taste and see that God is good and those who have seen His miracles are the eye witnesses and the minsters.
Writings, blog or as simple as speaking about God to others is giving an account.
Therefore, reading and seeking God through the words is first. How? study the word of God, but the second is about us bearing the witness for God. How?
The word of God is His story, when we encounter God, it is our story.
To the world, the personal story of our that compliment His story that make the account of and for Jesus.
So tell your story. How? I uses this blog, so I hope that I can share my story and His story so that this blog bears an account for Christ.
Lord, let your word speaks to me, let me be a witness so that my family and children will be able to read my account of you.
A visit to a Temple and My God has preserved
My mum is not a believer in God. She followed the taoist believe - the so call way and do a lot of routines on this and that occasion. I don't know why and just follow, it was kind of fun. The temple is near Pasir Panjang and the children will sneak to go Haw Paw Villa.
We visit the temple, like an outing to a zoo. It always start with a procedural routines to pray from chambers to chamber, because the gods and idols have rank.
There were fortunately 2 things that irks me. God has a plan then. The 2 things happened to have a particular young nun who showed favouritism - and that rank and hierarchy things turned me off the believe. The visit to Haw Par Villa is enjoyable, but the show case portrays that wrong doing has bad consequences. A bad person, after he.she died has to be sown into 2. That does not makes senses to me, die and die again? But it does strike fear to a young boy, who refuses to follow such a believe that offers no hope but fear because if you have tell a lie, how can that sin be taken away? As a result, wait to die have have your tongue cut off?!
29 July; Prov 29
Proverbs 29: 11
A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
but a wise man quietly holds it back.
(Proverbs 29:11 ESV)
It is a differerence between one that can control and one who failed to control. Recently, the family has been shouting to each other, about fair and unfair. As such, I refuse to bring such a family to a holiday where the shouting continues across the borders. When there is peace and I can wait...
A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
but a wise man quietly holds it back.
(Proverbs 29:11 ESV)
It is a differerence between one that can control and one who failed to control. Recently, the family has been shouting to each other, about fair and unfair. As such, I refuse to bring such a family to a holiday where the shouting continues across the borders. When there is peace and I can wait...
Saturday, July 28, 2012
28 July; Prov 27
28 July; Proverbs 27
Wow this proverbs has a lot of good verse to remember.
In fact, the world has uses a number of them.
Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring.
(Proverbs 27:1 ESV)
Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend,
and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity.
Better is a neighbor who is near
than a brother who is far away.
(Proverbs 27:10 ESV)
Iron sharpens iron,
and one man sharpens another.
(Proverbs 27:17 ESV)
As in water face reflects face,
so the heart of man reflects the man.
(Proverbs 27:19 ESV)
for riches do not last forever;
and does a crown endure to all generations?
(Proverbs 27:24 ESV)
But I have this verse that probable make common sense, but is written in the wisdom of God through Solomon.
Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice,
rising early in the morning,
will be counted as cursing.
(Proverbs 27:14 ESV)
Common sense.
Indeed, but when it become common sense, most people who has a logically thinking will not think much about - why?
Because, so simple and so expected. And it is in these cases they we should watch out - PRUDENT
Through the wisdom of God, knowing when, where and what to do. Some may sounds logical, some may not, but most important - is knowing what to do in the correct moment.
Blessing is good, but the moment is wrong.
As such, I pray for that holy spirit to be that guide - that guide to do the correct things at the right moment.
Wow this proverbs has a lot of good verse to remember.
In fact, the world has uses a number of them.
Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring.
(Proverbs 27:1 ESV)
Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend,
and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity.
Better is a neighbor who is near
than a brother who is far away.
(Proverbs 27:10 ESV)
Iron sharpens iron,
and one man sharpens another.
(Proverbs 27:17 ESV)
As in water face reflects face,
so the heart of man reflects the man.
(Proverbs 27:19 ESV)
for riches do not last forever;
and does a crown endure to all generations?
(Proverbs 27:24 ESV)
But I have this verse that probable make common sense, but is written in the wisdom of God through Solomon.
Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice,
rising early in the morning,
will be counted as cursing.
(Proverbs 27:14 ESV)
Common sense.
Indeed, but when it become common sense, most people who has a logically thinking will not think much about - why?
Because, so simple and so expected. And it is in these cases they we should watch out - PRUDENT
Through the wisdom of God, knowing when, where and what to do. Some may sounds logical, some may not, but most important - is knowing what to do in the correct moment.
Blessing is good, but the moment is wrong.
As such, I pray for that holy spirit to be that guide - that guide to do the correct things at the right moment.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
26 July 2012; Prov 26
26 July 2012; Proverbs 26
Who is a fool?
v1 - not fitting for honour
v3 - needs discipline
v5-6 - talks rubbish
v7-8 - useless
v9-10 drunkard
Like a dog that returns to his vomit
is a fool who repeats his folly.
(Proverbs 26:11 ESV)
v12 - wise in his own eyes
v13-14 - sluggard, lazy
What speaks to me is v11 - a fool is someone who repeats his folly.
How we learn, and how we turn away from the evil of our hearts and so as not to repeat the undesire actions...
It is not the lips services, but a change of heart - that triggers the desire not to repeat the folly.
I pray for myself to learn - keep my heart pure. I pray for Josef - that he will learn discipline.
It is so nice to be comfortable in the lazy mode - do nothing. On the other hand, are we busy running tasks... Ultimately we do not want to be lazy for God and yet do not be wise in our own eyes.
Who is a fool?
v1 - not fitting for honour
v3 - needs discipline
v5-6 - talks rubbish
v7-8 - useless
v9-10 drunkard
Like a dog that returns to his vomit
is a fool who repeats his folly.
(Proverbs 26:11 ESV)
v12 - wise in his own eyes
v13-14 - sluggard, lazy
What speaks to me is v11 - a fool is someone who repeats his folly.
How we learn, and how we turn away from the evil of our hearts and so as not to repeat the undesire actions...
It is not the lips services, but a change of heart - that triggers the desire not to repeat the folly.
I pray for myself to learn - keep my heart pure. I pray for Josef - that he will learn discipline.
It is so nice to be comfortable in the lazy mode - do nothing. On the other hand, are we busy running tasks... Ultimately we do not want to be lazy for God and yet do not be wise in our own eyes.
25 July 2012; The danger
The greatest danger is when we do not know that we are in danger
The soul face the danger of the turning away (from the rights things of God) and the second is the complacency
For the simple (waywardness, or naive) are killed by their turning away,
and the complacency of fools destroys them;
(Proverbs 1:32 ESV)
Here the turning away is from God. Why - because of greed and pride.
Other version of this verse:
The soul face the danger of the turning away (from the rights things of God) and the second is the complacency
For the simple (waywardness, or naive) are killed by their turning away,
and the complacency of fools destroys them;
(Proverbs 1:32 ESV)
Here the turning away is from God. Why - because of greed and pride.
Other version of this verse:
| ||||
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
25 Jul 2012; Prov 25
25 Jul 2012; Prov 25
I gave Jo the verse from prov 21:31 to compliement what he reads from Isa 58
And the LORD will guide you continually
and satisfy your desire in scorched places
and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail.
(Isaiah 58:11 ESV)
It is the Lord who guides,
The Lords gives, satisfy - your desire in SCORCHED places. Wow, in such an environment how can you be made satisfy?
The Lord make you like a watered garden - that's why you can be satisfy in the scorched places.
In addition, you a made a spring of water, whose waters do not fail - you don't run dry and it is because you have God, the center of source.
Compare
The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but the victory belongs to the LORD.
(Proverbs 21:31 ESV)
The horse is made ready for battle - not once, but every day. A war can last many days, and the horse must be made ready for battle each day.
Victory belongs to God.
We do our part, God will make us the watered garden, whose source do not fail.
Again the application comes from reading Prov 25
Acknowledge that it all starts from God and end with God. We do what we need to guard - our spiritual walk, my family..
I pray for Jo and the last lap before his PSLE. You are the source of wisdom, let him be the horse, made ready for battle each day. Provides for him, the wise the insights, open his eyes that he may see careless mistake, depths in understanding and competent in working out the solutions...
As for my family, I pray for your spring-source of water, let this family be that garden source, watering the scorched places, where people will flock to us for water. amen.
Wisdom starts with God
It is the glory of God to conceal things,
but the glory of kings is to search things out.
(Proverbs 25:2 ESV)
Wisdom protects the heart
As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,
so the heart of kings is unsearchable.
Take away the dross from the silver,
and the smith has material for a vessel;
take away the wicked from the presence of the king,
and his throne will be established in righteousness.
(Proverbs 25:3-5 ESV)
Wisdom uses words carefully
A word fitly spoken
is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
(Proverbs 25:11 ESV)
Wisdom values the family
A word fitly spoken
is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
(Proverbs 25:11 ESV)
Wisdom chooses wise company
Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold
is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
(Proverbs 25:12 ESV)
Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble
is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.
(Proverbs 25:19 ESV)
Wisdom shines as stars
I gave Jo the verse from prov 21:31 to compliement what he reads from Isa 58
And the LORD will guide you continually
and satisfy your desire in scorched places
and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail.
(Isaiah 58:11 ESV)
It is the Lord who guides,
The Lords gives, satisfy - your desire in SCORCHED places. Wow, in such an environment how can you be made satisfy?
The Lord make you like a watered garden - that's why you can be satisfy in the scorched places.
In addition, you a made a spring of water, whose waters do not fail - you don't run dry and it is because you have God, the center of source.
Compare
The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but the victory belongs to the LORD.
(Proverbs 21:31 ESV)
The horse is made ready for battle - not once, but every day. A war can last many days, and the horse must be made ready for battle each day.
Victory belongs to God.
We do our part, God will make us the watered garden, whose source do not fail.
Again the application comes from reading Prov 25
Acknowledge that it all starts from God and end with God. We do what we need to guard - our spiritual walk, my family..
I pray for Jo and the last lap before his PSLE. You are the source of wisdom, let him be the horse, made ready for battle each day. Provides for him, the wise the insights, open his eyes that he may see careless mistake, depths in understanding and competent in working out the solutions...
As for my family, I pray for your spring-source of water, let this family be that garden source, watering the scorched places, where people will flock to us for water. amen.
Wisdom starts with God
It is the glory of God to conceal things,
but the glory of kings is to search things out.
(Proverbs 25:2 ESV)
Wisdom protects the heart
As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,
so the heart of kings is unsearchable.
Take away the dross from the silver,
and the smith has material for a vessel;
take away the wicked from the presence of the king,
and his throne will be established in righteousness.
(Proverbs 25:3-5 ESV)
Wisdom uses words carefully
A word fitly spoken
is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
(Proverbs 25:11 ESV)
Wisdom values the family
A word fitly spoken
is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
(Proverbs 25:11 ESV)
Wisdom chooses wise company
Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold
is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
(Proverbs 25:12 ESV)
Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble
is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.
(Proverbs 25:19 ESV)
Wisdom shines as stars
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
24 Jul 2012; Jude
24 Jul 2012; Jude 17-25
But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
(Jude 1:17-23 ESV)
Beware
It has been foretold - by Christ Himself that there will be scoffers. Beware of they?
These are people that cause division, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit
Beef up
How? In faith, pray, keep in the love of God, have mercy, save them.
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
(Jude 1:24-25 ESV)
Bestow
God, through Christ is the one who enable us.
I am in the world, so how to be not of the world? Keep away - the world has its sets of values, but we need not need to please them. Business ethics doing the right and proper way.
If I am want to be not of the world, then in in Christ. Love God, keep faith and be in His business. How? What is my heart yearns - what greed am I after, what fear I am afraid? I greed for Him? I fear God? It is the heart matters.
God will enable, but it is up to us to want to follow His will or your will.
But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
(Jude 1:17-23 ESV)
Beware
It has been foretold - by Christ Himself that there will be scoffers. Beware of they?
These are people that cause division, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit
Beef up
How? In faith, pray, keep in the love of God, have mercy, save them.
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
(Jude 1:24-25 ESV)
Bestow
God, through Christ is the one who enable us.
I am in the world, so how to be not of the world? Keep away - the world has its sets of values, but we need not need to please them. Business ethics doing the right and proper way.
If I am want to be not of the world, then in in Christ. Love God, keep faith and be in His business. How? What is my heart yearns - what greed am I after, what fear I am afraid? I greed for Him? I fear God? It is the heart matters.
God will enable, but it is up to us to want to follow His will or your will.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
17 July; Jude:8-16
Jude 8-16
Jo said that Jesus loves us. I asked how do you know? It is that special encounter, the experience and the entrenched relationship and salvation we have in Christ.
Jude:11 showcase the 3 rebellions by Cain, Balaam and Korah.
Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam's error and perished in Korah's rebellion.
(Jude 1:11 ESV)
Cain give to God, but it is not the giving but the obedience. Jesus loves us, and it is not giving that show our love for God. It is obedience. How? Obey that holy spirit prompting and act accordingly.
Balaam refuse to curse God's people but suggest the enemies to do so. Jesus loves us, then watch our words and check our hearts.
Korah rebell against the authority of Mosses. Jesus loves us, and He has put authority over us. respect and obey.
These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.
(Jude 1:12-13 ESV)
Hidden Reefs - danger , as contrast to Jesus - our refuge and our stronghold
shepherds feeding themselves - fail to take care, as contrast to Jesus our shepherd and our provider
waterless clouds - hopeless, as contrast to Jesus our hope and our eternal salvation
fruitless trees - barren, as contrast to Jesus who is our branch to which we produce much fruits
wild waves - untamed, as contrast to Jesus who calm the sea, our peace
wandering stars - useless, cannot be good for navigation, as contrast to Jesus who give us a purpose
We know who Jesus is when in contrast to Jude: 12-13. But are we acting like Cain, Balaam and Korah?
Our heart set the desire that brings about the action for us to grow deep, to want that encounter with Jesus.
I speak for myself. It is not the head knowledge, I pray that I will not be like Cain, do what the bible or God say so without obedience. Jesus, let my heart be right with you, saying and acting in sync, not the knowledge but the wow in you that I desire.
I pray, so that I know that Jesus loves me, not because the bible says so, but I know because I have taste and see that He is good. Amen.
Jo said that Jesus loves us. I asked how do you know? It is that special encounter, the experience and the entrenched relationship and salvation we have in Christ.
Jude:11 showcase the 3 rebellions by Cain, Balaam and Korah.
Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam's error and perished in Korah's rebellion.
(Jude 1:11 ESV)
Cain give to God, but it is not the giving but the obedience. Jesus loves us, and it is not giving that show our love for God. It is obedience. How? Obey that holy spirit prompting and act accordingly.
Balaam refuse to curse God's people but suggest the enemies to do so. Jesus loves us, then watch our words and check our hearts.
Korah rebell against the authority of Mosses. Jesus loves us, and He has put authority over us. respect and obey.
These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.
(Jude 1:12-13 ESV)
Hidden Reefs - danger , as contrast to Jesus - our refuge and our stronghold
shepherds feeding themselves - fail to take care, as contrast to Jesus our shepherd and our provider
waterless clouds - hopeless, as contrast to Jesus our hope and our eternal salvation
fruitless trees - barren, as contrast to Jesus who is our branch to which we produce much fruits
wild waves - untamed, as contrast to Jesus who calm the sea, our peace
wandering stars - useless, cannot be good for navigation, as contrast to Jesus who give us a purpose
We know who Jesus is when in contrast to Jude: 12-13. But are we acting like Cain, Balaam and Korah?
Our heart set the desire that brings about the action for us to grow deep, to want that encounter with Jesus.
I speak for myself. It is not the head knowledge, I pray that I will not be like Cain, do what the bible or God say so without obedience. Jesus, let my heart be right with you, saying and acting in sync, not the knowledge but the wow in you that I desire.
I pray, so that I know that Jesus loves me, not because the bible says so, but I know because I have taste and see that He is good. Amen.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
10 Jul 2012; Prov 10
Proverbs 10
The words that are associated with wise, righteous and diligent for the first 10 verses
v1: wise - glad
v2: righteous - delivers
v3: righteous - not go hungry
v4: diligent - rich
v5: gathers - prudent
v6:righteous - blessings
v7: righteous - blessings
v8:wise - receive commandments
v9:integrity - security
Jo is having his exam. I pray for wisdom and understandings. Like what rach says, let Jo go through a process whereby he met God, train to use his time wisely, work diligently.
The proverbs of Solomon.
A wise son makes a glad father,
but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.
(Proverbs 10:1 ESV)
Well, I pray for the best that God brings out of Jo. That he is wise in God as compare to the world competent in his studies. Let Jo be fearful of God rather than be foolish in his character.
Of corse, it will be nice to really see a wise and competent son, Fearful of God and of good character (righteous).
As a father, I therfore has to seek God in gaining his wisdom on how to teach my son how to walk in the way of the LORD. God open the way for me and teach me how.
In another matter, the trip year to China did not happen because of Jo exam. the trip next year in March to China was cancelled because of the long duration. I doubt that the trip to China in June will go ahead, so is the trip in Sep, because the slot is filled. It is going to be another long long 1.5 years... sigh. In your time, in your time...
The words that are associated with wise, righteous and diligent for the first 10 verses
v1: wise - glad
v2: righteous - delivers
v3: righteous - not go hungry
v4: diligent - rich
v5: gathers - prudent
v6:righteous - blessings
v7: righteous - blessings
v8:wise - receive commandments
v9:integrity - security
Jo is having his exam. I pray for wisdom and understandings. Like what rach says, let Jo go through a process whereby he met God, train to use his time wisely, work diligently.
The proverbs of Solomon.
A wise son makes a glad father,
but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.
(Proverbs 10:1 ESV)
Well, I pray for the best that God brings out of Jo. That he is wise in God as compare to the world competent in his studies. Let Jo be fearful of God rather than be foolish in his character.
Of corse, it will be nice to really see a wise and competent son, Fearful of God and of good character (righteous).
As a father, I therfore has to seek God in gaining his wisdom on how to teach my son how to walk in the way of the LORD. God open the way for me and teach me how.
In another matter, the trip year to China did not happen because of Jo exam. the trip next year in March to China was cancelled because of the long duration. I doubt that the trip to China in June will go ahead, so is the trip in Sep, because the slot is filled. It is going to be another long long 1.5 years... sigh. In your time, in your time...
Monday, July 09, 2012
9 July 2012; Prov 9
Proverbs 9: 10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
(Proverbs 9:10 ESV)
Wisdom is not information.
Information does not necessary help us make the decisions we need.
Information influence competence.
Wisdom is divine insights, either through observations or experience.
That observations and experience has been process, so that there are precious lessons that can be learnt, and allow cohesive decision making process.
Insights influence character.
It gives prudence to the simple - so that he does not act on impulse.
God desire us to develop insights that influence character. Insights come from hindsights.
A fool is somebody that is unwilling.
Divine insights does not comes from human information, insights or hindsights. The world does not evolve round us, or the sun but the Son.
As such, much to the insights and hindsights does not comes from human or from us, but from God. It is not human who judge to decide what is wise or unwise.
Compare: Prov1: 7
The fear of the LORD is the begining of knowledge.
Wisdom is equate with knowledge and both comes from the fear of the LORD.
Therefore, whether wisdom or knowledge is comes from not self, but a reference to God and to a reverence for God. He is the one who judge and decide what is wise for us.
The fear of God is reverence for God. A wow or awe for Him.
If we fear Him, then keep His commandments. A reverence action for God. Therefore a test for us to which whether we fear God is how we walk in obedience to the commandments of God, even at times it does not make worldly or human sense.
Therefore, it is not the academic competent we can gain, or the human insights or hindsights we can seek to build our character, but God.
I pray for my family, that we will seek to fear God, to walk with Him and with Him to follow what is right - His commandments, that we will always make right decisions in the LORD. Amen.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
(Proverbs 9:10 ESV)
Wisdom is not information.
Information does not necessary help us make the decisions we need.
Information influence competence.
Wisdom is divine insights, either through observations or experience.
That observations and experience has been process, so that there are precious lessons that can be learnt, and allow cohesive decision making process.
Insights influence character.
It gives prudence to the simple - so that he does not act on impulse.
God desire us to develop insights that influence character. Insights come from hindsights.
A fool is somebody that is unwilling.
Divine insights does not comes from human information, insights or hindsights. The world does not evolve round us, or the sun but the Son.
As such, much to the insights and hindsights does not comes from human or from us, but from God. It is not human who judge to decide what is wise or unwise.
Compare: Prov1: 7
The fear of the LORD is the begining of knowledge.
Wisdom is equate with knowledge and both comes from the fear of the LORD.
Therefore, whether wisdom or knowledge is comes from not self, but a reference to God and to a reverence for God. He is the one who judge and decide what is wise for us.
The fear of God is reverence for God. A wow or awe for Him.
If we fear Him, then keep His commandments. A reverence action for God. Therefore a test for us to which whether we fear God is how we walk in obedience to the commandments of God, even at times it does not make worldly or human sense.
Therefore, it is not the academic competent we can gain, or the human insights or hindsights we can seek to build our character, but God.
I pray for my family, that we will seek to fear God, to walk with Him and with Him to follow what is right - His commandments, that we will always make right decisions in the LORD. Amen.
Friday, July 06, 2012
6 Jul 2012; Jude, Prov 4,5
Proverbs 5 is on warning against adultery.
Drink water from your own cistern,
flowing water from your own well.
(Proverbs 5:15 ESV)
But don't get me wrong, especially those who read this blog and is close to me. I have not committed any adultery.
As I read Jude, a similar warning was called on the Christian.
Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day—just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.
(Jude 1:5-7 ESV)
The verses are a reminder and a guard against
1. unbelieve
2. rebellion
3. sexual immorality
The world has no God. But as for me and my household, we will choose to serve God. I enjoyed the time with the young ones - taking opportunity to teach them that even if we don't see the things happening around us, our prayers are heard and we just have to believe God will do. When I ask Deb and Matty to pray for God to hold the rain and give us cloudy (no sun - not hot), with wind. Deb doubt. But when she saw that God did hold the rain and the sun, I took the opportunity to reinforce. I followed up the reading of the story of Joshua and the Israelites acrossing the Jordan river during her devotion. Likewise, the water did not stop immediately when the priest who carried te ark take step into the Jordan. But the water did stop - BELIEVE.
The world choose their own way of doing things. Rach was sharing about David and his giving to the Lord. It came as a reflection from the previous day time alone with God from Prov 3:9-10. The world horde wealth and store up treasures on earth. The world will do things in way to horde power as well. Evil is the word Proverbs use for those godless people who has no regard for God. I have come to a realization that building treasures on earth - where moth and rust will destroy. We are called. Likewise the angles in Jude are called to stay in position. Therefore I pray that my heart will pursue and in wild for the things of God, not the wealth or the status or the power.
The fall of man - one main cause - woman. The king David also fail to succumb.
As such, Jude and Proverbs 5 serve to remind me of the right way to live. Know and believe in my God - fear Him. Know my calling and serve Him - stay out of rebellion but in active obedience. Know you stand - be faithful to your wife - Prov 5:15 - lead your family.
Drink water from your own cistern,
flowing water from your own well.
(Proverbs 5:15 ESV)
But don't get me wrong, especially those who read this blog and is close to me. I have not committed any adultery.
As I read Jude, a similar warning was called on the Christian.
Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day—just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.
(Jude 1:5-7 ESV)
The verses are a reminder and a guard against
1. unbelieve
2. rebellion
3. sexual immorality
The world has no God. But as for me and my household, we will choose to serve God. I enjoyed the time with the young ones - taking opportunity to teach them that even if we don't see the things happening around us, our prayers are heard and we just have to believe God will do. When I ask Deb and Matty to pray for God to hold the rain and give us cloudy (no sun - not hot), with wind. Deb doubt. But when she saw that God did hold the rain and the sun, I took the opportunity to reinforce. I followed up the reading of the story of Joshua and the Israelites acrossing the Jordan river during her devotion. Likewise, the water did not stop immediately when the priest who carried te ark take step into the Jordan. But the water did stop - BELIEVE.
The world choose their own way of doing things. Rach was sharing about David and his giving to the Lord. It came as a reflection from the previous day time alone with God from Prov 3:9-10. The world horde wealth and store up treasures on earth. The world will do things in way to horde power as well. Evil is the word Proverbs use for those godless people who has no regard for God. I have come to a realization that building treasures on earth - where moth and rust will destroy. We are called. Likewise the angles in Jude are called to stay in position. Therefore I pray that my heart will pursue and in wild for the things of God, not the wealth or the status or the power.
The fall of man - one main cause - woman. The king David also fail to succumb.
As such, Jude and Proverbs 5 serve to remind me of the right way to live. Know and believe in my God - fear Him. Know my calling and serve Him - stay out of rebellion but in active obedience. Know you stand - be faithful to your wife - Prov 5:15 - lead your family.
Wednesday, July 04, 2012
4 Jul 2012; Prov 3
Proverbs 3
Honor the LORD with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
then your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will be bursting with wine.
(Proverbs 3:9-10 ESV)
It is not what I have, but what I have is what He has blessed me.
I have been speaking about leaving a legacy for the children.
Accumulation of wealth for them is one way.
But the verse in Proverbs, remind me that I am part of His kingdom, and what am I doing to further this Kingdom.
I can push for legacy, but I must also have it anchored, anchored in the Lord.
Lord, thank you for your blessings, so let me honor you back with it. Let me find way to use them for the extension of your kingdom. And least of all if there are not, bless the non-believer in a love out reach with the purpose of sharing God's blessings. Amen.
Honor the LORD with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
then your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will be bursting with wine.
(Proverbs 3:9-10 ESV)
It is not what I have, but what I have is what He has blessed me.
I have been speaking about leaving a legacy for the children.
Accumulation of wealth for them is one way.
But the verse in Proverbs, remind me that I am part of His kingdom, and what am I doing to further this Kingdom.
I can push for legacy, but I must also have it anchored, anchored in the Lord.
Lord, thank you for your blessings, so let me honor you back with it. Let me find way to use them for the extension of your kingdom. And least of all if there are not, bless the non-believer in a love out reach with the purpose of sharing God's blessings. Amen.
Monday, July 02, 2012
2 Jul 2012; Jude
Our Master
Proverbs 2:21
For the upright will inhabit the land,
and those with integrity will remain in it,
(Proverbs 2:21 ESV)
Who is call the upright? What land and whose does it belongs to? What is integrity?
Our Lord is the one who called us upright. The land is given by God - promised land, or what the Lord has promised you. The integrity to walk in fear of God and away from evil or sins.
The Lord our master. That is the fundamental of our believe - our faith.
What is our faith? Answer: The living word of God - Jesus.
Through Christ he has given us salvation.
From this God, comes the salvation, through Christ we are made righteous or upright. It is these people whom God will choose to poccess the land.
From Jude 3, it too mentioned about our common salvation, which is for us to contend for the faith.
So what does all these say - Without God - Our master, proverbs 2:21 does not hold.
Who then is God to you, or to me? Is he the master or Master?
Jude 3
Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.
(Jude 1:3 ESV)
Our common salvation
We take take salvation is open to all, how much do we believe that salvation is once and for all. But what did we do about onus for all?
If God is for us and has done for us, what is my reaction? How did I conduct our faith?
Jude 4
For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
(Jude 1:4 ESV)
Have I cheapen God's grace? Knowing that He will forgive and so it become ok to sin..
How to walk in integrity?
It is not how, but a desire to be so, for the fear of our God and the necessary right conduct of our faith.
As such, I pray for myself and for my family, because of what you have done, Lord help me to be proper in the conduct of my walk and faith in you. Keep me away from sins and obviously away from sins. The world has its big chunk of sins, keep them at bay and let me be reminded to stay away from them. Likewise for my family. Amen
If I acknowledge god as my Master, do a proper conduct of my faith - fear the Lord. Of ourse my desire is to inherite the land and walk in integrity to continue to poccess the land.
I want that land to be a legacy for my family, so let me walk in fear of the Lord and in intergity. I pray this in Jesus Name. Amen.
Proverbs 2:21
For the upright will inhabit the land,
and those with integrity will remain in it,
(Proverbs 2:21 ESV)
Who is call the upright? What land and whose does it belongs to? What is integrity?
Our Lord is the one who called us upright. The land is given by God - promised land, or what the Lord has promised you. The integrity to walk in fear of God and away from evil or sins.
The Lord our master. That is the fundamental of our believe - our faith.
What is our faith? Answer: The living word of God - Jesus.
Through Christ he has given us salvation.
From this God, comes the salvation, through Christ we are made righteous or upright. It is these people whom God will choose to poccess the land.
From Jude 3, it too mentioned about our common salvation, which is for us to contend for the faith.
So what does all these say - Without God - Our master, proverbs 2:21 does not hold.
Who then is God to you, or to me? Is he the master or Master?
Jude 3
Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.
(Jude 1:3 ESV)
Our common salvation
Three observations about “common salvation”:
• Open to all- A common invitation extended to all regardless of social, educational marital status.
• Once for all - A complete initiation solely based & absolutely decided by Jesus’ finished work of the Cross. God’s salvation’s plan cannot be added to, nor subtracted from.
• Onus on all (as saints) - A sacred trust and stewardship, to treasure, share and spread it.
We take take salvation is open to all, how much do we believe that salvation is once and for all. But what did we do about onus for all?
If God is for us and has done for us, what is my reaction? How did I conduct our faith?
Jude 4
For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
(Jude 1:4 ESV)
Have I cheapen God's grace? Knowing that He will forgive and so it become ok to sin..
How to walk in integrity?
It is not how, but a desire to be so, for the fear of our God and the necessary right conduct of our faith.
As such, I pray for myself and for my family, because of what you have done, Lord help me to be proper in the conduct of my walk and faith in you. Keep me away from sins and obviously away from sins. The world has its big chunk of sins, keep them at bay and let me be reminded to stay away from them. Likewise for my family. Amen
If I acknowledge god as my Master, do a proper conduct of my faith - fear the Lord. Of ourse my desire is to inherite the land and walk in integrity to continue to poccess the land.
I want that land to be a legacy for my family, so let me walk in fear of the Lord and in intergity. I pray this in Jesus Name. Amen.
Sunday, July 01, 2012
1 Jul 2012; Jude
We have the bible. Some read it, some don't. Some read it because, they need to follow a routine.
For those who read, good - but what is the motivation? To know the bible and its contents? If there is no desire, then there is no need to expound the need to why you need to read the bible. For those who read, ask about the intent.
Ultimately, the real reason to read the bible is to know God. It is like reading a car manual and the reason is so that we can know all about the car, but more importantly, what beats knowing the car better than the experience of able to drive one.
It all begins with God through the word given for us. Today Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.
(Proverbs 1:7 ESV)
In Jude 1-2,
To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:
May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.
We care called, loved and kept by God the Father. (CLK)
Called (identity)
It is God who first called us, identify us, divinely summoned by God as in Isa 43:1 -
I have called you by name, you are mine.
What have I been called into? It is the King, our God who called us. Who has he called? You and I, and that set the identity we that we have been set aside.
I have been called - as the head of my family, in my work place of influence. As such, it is my duty to response for that calling - take care of the sheep that is below you. From Sunday sermon, an bibilical application is to put a hedge of protection over them. Through putting on the full armour of God for yourself and be ready for battle. And in all
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
(Ephesians 6:18 ESV)
Loved (intimacy)
We are not called into the business like a cold called, but is love by God. we are not going to walk alone. We have the intimacy with God the Father, who is our best source of guide. Isa 43:1, He knows us by name.
Without the passion, the intimacy, we are just doing and working for someone KPI, without knowing why are we called and what purpose.
It is my desire to leave a godly legacy for my family. Who is God? I know Him, but who is He to me? It is that intimacy and therefore, allow me in and into your love.
Kept (security)
It is His soveign power that kept us. Our secuity.
In yesterday Proverbs 30: Every word of God proves true;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
(Proverbs 30:5 ESV)
In Him, the protection and the refuge. In does not matter to me the state I am in now. If I refuse to hide in Him and take that shelter, I am outside.
Conclusions
I am called, let that be the desire. I am loved by God. It does not matter that state I am in.
The Lord, my God has called me to raise up, to take that headship over my family and my work place. I am not alone and I will not walk alone. I need to grow in intimacy with the one who called me and knowing that the all powerful God is with me. Of who shall I fear.
I pray therefore for my self to continue a walk close with God, knowing Him. I pray as the head of the family to kept my family protected with prayers building a hedge over them, that they too may experience (caught that experience) with God through intimacy. Amen.
For those who read, good - but what is the motivation? To know the bible and its contents? If there is no desire, then there is no need to expound the need to why you need to read the bible. For those who read, ask about the intent.
Ultimately, the real reason to read the bible is to know God. It is like reading a car manual and the reason is so that we can know all about the car, but more importantly, what beats knowing the car better than the experience of able to drive one.
It all begins with God through the word given for us. Today Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.
(Proverbs 1:7 ESV)
In Jude 1-2,
To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:
May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.
We care called, loved and kept by God the Father. (CLK)
Called (identity)
It is God who first called us, identify us, divinely summoned by God as in Isa 43:1 -
I have called you by name, you are mine.
What have I been called into? It is the King, our God who called us. Who has he called? You and I, and that set the identity we that we have been set aside.
I have been called - as the head of my family, in my work place of influence. As such, it is my duty to response for that calling - take care of the sheep that is below you. From Sunday sermon, an bibilical application is to put a hedge of protection over them. Through putting on the full armour of God for yourself and be ready for battle. And in all
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
(Ephesians 6:18 ESV)
Loved (intimacy)
We are not called into the business like a cold called, but is love by God. we are not going to walk alone. We have the intimacy with God the Father, who is our best source of guide. Isa 43:1, He knows us by name.
Without the passion, the intimacy, we are just doing and working for someone KPI, without knowing why are we called and what purpose.
It is my desire to leave a godly legacy for my family. Who is God? I know Him, but who is He to me? It is that intimacy and therefore, allow me in and into your love.
Kept (security)
It is His soveign power that kept us. Our secuity.
In yesterday Proverbs 30: Every word of God proves true;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
(Proverbs 30:5 ESV)
In Him, the protection and the refuge. In does not matter to me the state I am in now. If I refuse to hide in Him and take that shelter, I am outside.
Conclusions
I am called, let that be the desire. I am loved by God. It does not matter that state I am in.
The Lord, my God has called me to raise up, to take that headship over my family and my work place. I am not alone and I will not walk alone. I need to grow in intimacy with the one who called me and knowing that the all powerful God is with me. Of who shall I fear.
I pray therefore for my self to continue a walk close with God, knowing Him. I pray as the head of the family to kept my family protected with prayers building a hedge over them, that they too may experience (caught that experience) with God through intimacy. Amen.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
27 June 2012; Rev 22; Soon
27 June 2012; Rev 22;
Soon, it was mentioned 4 times in this chapter. A reminder to John and to us that indeed Jesus is coming soon. How soon is soon?
I am not sure, but I am at the age where soon does not really matter to be. If soon does not takes place soon, I am already moving at a pace that soon is not a bother.
The Lord Jesus will surely come. Either you will soon see Him when you are alive or when you are dead. The fact that He will come and will reign.
I am at the age where I know that what I store up on earth, I will not be able to bring them to Heaven, so it does not matter on the materials things on Earth.
So, and the question is how I yearn for the coming of Jesus? If He comes, comes, if not life is as normal?
If Jesus don't come soon, I will soon be gone.
Lord, make my last lap counts, not because I will be soon gone before you soon come, but let the desire is a look forward to live a legacy tfor my family that they may know that soon you will come. It is that expectation of you and not me. It is that pursue of your coming soon that determines how should me and my household live for you. Amen.
Soon, it was mentioned 4 times in this chapter. A reminder to John and to us that indeed Jesus is coming soon. How soon is soon?
I am not sure, but I am at the age where soon does not really matter to be. If soon does not takes place soon, I am already moving at a pace that soon is not a bother.
The Lord Jesus will surely come. Either you will soon see Him when you are alive or when you are dead. The fact that He will come and will reign.
I am at the age where I know that what I store up on earth, I will not be able to bring them to Heaven, so it does not matter on the materials things on Earth.
So, and the question is how I yearn for the coming of Jesus? If He comes, comes, if not life is as normal?
If Jesus don't come soon, I will soon be gone.
Lord, make my last lap counts, not because I will be soon gone before you soon come, but let the desire is a look forward to live a legacy tfor my family that they may know that soon you will come. It is that expectation of you and not me. It is that pursue of your coming soon that determines how should me and my household live for you. Amen.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
26 June; Rev 21 - New Heaven and Jesusalem
26 June; Rev 21 - New Heaven and Jesusalem
Well to start off - a blessed birthday to Rachael!
Indeed God will make everything new. The new heaven will come and the new Jesusalem.
The new heaven will come first with God establishing a new era. Jesusalem is next and is called the bride of the lamb. She is covered with all sorts of jewels and god - perfect (symbolized by the number 12).
There is no need of sun and moon because God is the light. In fact Emmunel - God is in Jesulamen, with us. There is no need to close the gates, because there is no one to steal. Nothing rust, because all is made of precious metal and stones.
As I read, I pray that God will make anew the second half, like what Rach mentioned in the book. Make the second half count for God. As I lift myself up, my family, let my prayers be also extend to the people around me.
Things moved very fast and for example, I spent my whole day just review my students projects - tired. I do not know when will the second heaven be here, but let it be now. Amen
Well to start off - a blessed birthday to Rachael!
Indeed God will make everything new. The new heaven will come and the new Jesusalem.
The new heaven will come first with God establishing a new era. Jesusalem is next and is called the bride of the lamb. She is covered with all sorts of jewels and god - perfect (symbolized by the number 12).
There is no need of sun and moon because God is the light. In fact Emmunel - God is in Jesulamen, with us. There is no need to close the gates, because there is no one to steal. Nothing rust, because all is made of precious metal and stones.
As I read, I pray that God will make anew the second half, like what Rach mentioned in the book. Make the second half count for God. As I lift myself up, my family, let my prayers be also extend to the people around me.
Things moved very fast and for example, I spent my whole day just review my students projects - tired. I do not know when will the second heaven be here, but let it be now. Amen
Sunday, June 24, 2012
24 June; Rev 20
24 June; Rev 20, the second 1000 years
Why God release Satan after 1000 years?
And why Satan after kept in Abyss for the frist 1000 years return to wage war against God?
The nature of man it seems is to go against God, the evil that is in us.
The book of life.
But ultimately, who wins? The one who lose is Satan and those who rebel against God. They are thrown into the pit of sulphur forever.
The release symbols God mercy but man does not that that grace from God.
Stiff-neck. No fear. But the fact and the real fear comes in the word FOREVER.
Forever, you will be away from God, forever you will stay in that pit of sulphur. Even if you cannot imagine how the suffering, the smell, the pain ... But the word is forever.
The story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 v19-31
The rich man died and was spearated from God - being in torment v23. He beg Abraham and to send Lazarus to dip the end of his fingers in water and cool his tongue (v24). This is the picture of what happen in the pit of sulphur is like. "I am in anguish in this flame" (v24).
But the word is forever. "a great chasm has been fixed.. who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there..." v26
Miss the first chance, probable a second, for the word is forever.
Work with the probably that the first chance will come and the second will not.
Therefore, check that urgency in our heart.
Luke 16 v 27. "I beg you, to send Lazarus to my father's house..."
We are the ones that God will be sending us. Therefore see the future and the reality.
Why God release Satan after 1000 years?
And why Satan after kept in Abyss for the frist 1000 years return to wage war against God?
The nature of man it seems is to go against God, the evil that is in us.
The book of life.
But ultimately, who wins? The one who lose is Satan and those who rebel against God. They are thrown into the pit of sulphur forever.
The release symbols God mercy but man does not that that grace from God.
Stiff-neck. No fear. But the fact and the real fear comes in the word FOREVER.
Forever, you will be away from God, forever you will stay in that pit of sulphur. Even if you cannot imagine how the suffering, the smell, the pain ... But the word is forever.
The story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 v19-31
The rich man died and was spearated from God - being in torment v23. He beg Abraham and to send Lazarus to dip the end of his fingers in water and cool his tongue (v24). This is the picture of what happen in the pit of sulphur is like. "I am in anguish in this flame" (v24).
But the word is forever. "a great chasm has been fixed.. who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there..." v26
Miss the first chance, probable a second, for the word is forever.
Work with the probably that the first chance will come and the second will not.
Therefore, check that urgency in our heart.
Luke 16 v 27. "I beg you, to send Lazarus to my father's house..."
We are the ones that God will be sending us. Therefore see the future and the reality.
Monday, June 18, 2012
18 June 2012: Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
18 June 2012
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
It give s fresh prespective when you consider that Jesus is not trying to rebuke the woman when He mentioned she has 5 husbands.
It could be that it is of no fault of her that her husbands divoiced her, which was the culture at that time. The one that she now have is not your husband. That is why she must draw wter at noon - hot when nobody would do that - so that she can avoid the shame.
Jesus see the inner self of her and she immediately recognise that Jesus is a prophet.
Christ came to heal not the physical but that emotion hurts that is inside us.
I was too reading the book "Masculine mandate" that as the head of the family, a job is to keep and protect.
As such, lead me in this area that I may know how to heal not only phsysical hurts but also emotional hurts.
Amen.
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
It give s fresh prespective when you consider that Jesus is not trying to rebuke the woman when He mentioned she has 5 husbands.
It could be that it is of no fault of her that her husbands divoiced her, which was the culture at that time. The one that she now have is not your husband. That is why she must draw wter at noon - hot when nobody would do that - so that she can avoid the shame.
Jesus see the inner self of her and she immediately recognise that Jesus is a prophet.
Christ came to heal not the physical but that emotion hurts that is inside us.
I was too reading the book "Masculine mandate" that as the head of the family, a job is to keep and protect.
As such, lead me in this area that I may know how to heal not only phsysical hurts but also emotional hurts.
Amen.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
14 June; Rev 18
Rev 18: The fall of Babylon
Before the return of the King, the earth must rid of the reign of the kings on earth. God has in the earlier chapters of 16, 17 pouring out the plagues, removing the earthly kingdoms and now the great prostitute.
She was described as Babylon, the great swelling place for demons, a haunt, sexual immorality...
The I heard another voice from heaven saying (v4), "Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues"
God has remembered her sins and yet at the same time remembered us. All of Babylon will be gone, the once upon wealth and glory, heard no more.
I have not blog after a long time, busy - should be no excuse, for the world pursues will never cease until the day of the Lord coming.
Balance - enjoy the time the Lord provides for work but remember not to be deep into the pursuit of Babylon. Lord bless the work of my hand and not the accumulation of wealth of Babylon.
The day will come for Jesus to regin and the day will come where all the accumulation of earth will be gone - store up the treasure in heaven.
As I invest time in my work, let me too invest in people - make my vision clear and state my values right.
Before the return of the King, the earth must rid of the reign of the kings on earth. God has in the earlier chapters of 16, 17 pouring out the plagues, removing the earthly kingdoms and now the great prostitute.
She was described as Babylon, the great swelling place for demons, a haunt, sexual immorality...
The I heard another voice from heaven saying (v4), "Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues"
God has remembered her sins and yet at the same time remembered us. All of Babylon will be gone, the once upon wealth and glory, heard no more.
I have not blog after a long time, busy - should be no excuse, for the world pursues will never cease until the day of the Lord coming.
Balance - enjoy the time the Lord provides for work but remember not to be deep into the pursuit of Babylon. Lord bless the work of my hand and not the accumulation of wealth of Babylon.
The day will come for Jesus to regin and the day will come where all the accumulation of earth will be gone - store up the treasure in heaven.
As I invest time in my work, let me too invest in people - make my vision clear and state my values right.
Thursday, March 01, 2012
1 Mar 2012; Jos 10
Joshua 10
At that time Joshua spoke to the LORD in the day when the LORD gave the Amorites over to the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, “Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.” And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? The sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day. There has been no day like it before or since, when the LORD heeded the voice of a man, for the LORD fought for Israel. So Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to the camp at Gilgal.(Joshua 10:12-15 ESV)
Joshua spoke to the Lord to the sons of Israel. That was 1 leader asking the Lord to have the sun stand still in front of thousands of fighting men. These men must be listening and thinking.
Either they were laughing at Joshua to think that he is mad and if the Lord did not answer that questions they will lose faith in Joshua.
Or they are thinking that why should the Lord listen to a man.
If you have no God to ask, it make no difference if you are asking, because there will be no one to answer you anything.
If you have a God and you ask but dont believe, then it make no difference if you don't ask because you will not receive anything.
If you ask, the Lord will listen.
I will want to consider that when Joshua asked the Lord, they were thinking .. Joshua can ask, but they are watching to see if the Lord will answer. If the Lord failed to answer, they will not lose faith in Joshua but in the Lord.
The Lord will act and it is not about ask that He should answer our prayers but He is who He is and for His name sake...
So, when we ask do we know who are we presenting the request? We are asking the creator of heaven and earth, do we believe this God for who He is for something that we are not sure if we are to receive?
Wow. That is my God, the Lord who listen, who choose to bless not for what or who I am, but because of simply He loves us - that what God is. Amen.
At that time Joshua spoke to the LORD in the day when the LORD gave the Amorites over to the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, “Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.” And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? The sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day. There has been no day like it before or since, when the LORD heeded the voice of a man, for the LORD fought for Israel. So Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to the camp at Gilgal.(Joshua 10:12-15 ESV)
Joshua spoke to the Lord to the sons of Israel. That was 1 leader asking the Lord to have the sun stand still in front of thousands of fighting men. These men must be listening and thinking.
Either they were laughing at Joshua to think that he is mad and if the Lord did not answer that questions they will lose faith in Joshua.
Or they are thinking that why should the Lord listen to a man.
If you have no God to ask, it make no difference if you are asking, because there will be no one to answer you anything.
If you have a God and you ask but dont believe, then it make no difference if you don't ask because you will not receive anything.
If you ask, the Lord will listen.
I will want to consider that when Joshua asked the Lord, they were thinking .. Joshua can ask, but they are watching to see if the Lord will answer. If the Lord failed to answer, they will not lose faith in Joshua but in the Lord.
The Lord will act and it is not about ask that He should answer our prayers but He is who He is and for His name sake...
So, when we ask do we know who are we presenting the request? We are asking the creator of heaven and earth, do we believe this God for who He is for something that we are not sure if we are to receive?
Wow. That is my God, the Lord who listen, who choose to bless not for what or who I am, but because of simply He loves us - that what God is. Amen.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
22 Feb 2012; Joshua 8
Joshua 8
Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Stretch out the javelin that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand.” And Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in his hand toward the city.(Joshua 8:18 ESV)
What is the significance? God asked Moses to do the same.
The act is a symbol of obedience, a symbol of dependence on God. Joshua need not to do anything except to hold onto the javelin and stretched it out.
There is no need to do a lot of things... do you trust this God whom you claim to be your Lord?
Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Stretch out the javelin that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand.” And Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in his hand toward the city.(Joshua 8:18 ESV)
What is the significance? God asked Moses to do the same.
The act is a symbol of obedience, a symbol of dependence on God. Joshua need not to do anything except to hold onto the javelin and stretched it out.
There is no need to do a lot of things... do you trust this God whom you claim to be your Lord?
Thursday, February 16, 2012
16 Feb 2012; Rev 2
Rev 2
“‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.(Revelation 2:2-5 ESV)
the 2 main points for balance are:
Avoid loving God without labouring for Him
Avoid labouring for God without loving Him
It also point me back to what type of convert am I:
a work convert - God did some work for me, I am grateful, so I became a Christian
a miracle convert
a intellect convert
a feeling convert
a passionate love convert
I know God through intellect, but I should be a heart convert, a passionate love convert. Who is God to me?
God is not a boss, whom I strive to work well and labour for Him. And of course the balance is to labour for God, serve in my work place as a minister... and labour for the kingdom.
Labour for the doctrine, labour over deed and labour for the church.
It all begans with the heart and how it relates with God. Change and touch my heart...
Rev 2: 5 Remember, Repent and Redo
remember - from where you have fallen , when you have fallen out of love for God
repent - stop the wrong action, change the mind set and alter the attitude, then pursue back the Godly direction
redo - do the deed first, but based the doing from being with God. Spend time alone with God
As all, check my heart, change it as I desire myself to...
“‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.(Revelation 2:2-5 ESV)
the 2 main points for balance are:
Avoid loving God without labouring for Him
Avoid labouring for God without loving Him
It also point me back to what type of convert am I:
a work convert - God did some work for me, I am grateful, so I became a Christian
a miracle convert
a intellect convert
a feeling convert
a passionate love convert
I know God through intellect, but I should be a heart convert, a passionate love convert. Who is God to me?
God is not a boss, whom I strive to work well and labour for Him. And of course the balance is to labour for God, serve in my work place as a minister... and labour for the kingdom.
Labour for the doctrine, labour over deed and labour for the church.
It all begans with the heart and how it relates with God. Change and touch my heart...
Rev 2: 5 Remember, Repent and Redo
remember - from where you have fallen , when you have fallen out of love for God
repent - stop the wrong action, change the mind set and alter the attitude, then pursue back the Godly direction
redo - do the deed first, but based the doing from being with God. Spend time alone with God
As all, check my heart, change it as I desire myself to...
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
14 feb 2012; Jos 6
Jos 6
Joshua remembers Rahab!
As the leader of the army, he remembers her. This was a surprised to me as to a commander, my job is to order the kill, like CHARGE! rather than the long sermon "order" from v16 to 19
And at the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, “Shout, for the LORD has given you the city. And the city and all that is within it shall be devoted to the LORD for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live, because she hid the messengers whom we sent. But you, keep yourselves from the things devoted to destruction, lest when you have devoted them you take any of the devoted things and make the camp of Israel a thing for destruction and bring trouble upon it. But all silver and gold, and every vessel of bronze and iron, are holy to the LORD; they shall go into the treasury of the LORD.” (Joshua 6:16-19 ESV)
I am conviced that God is a merciful God. A God who remembers.
Lord remember me and my family. Lead and guide me as I place my trust.
Joshua remembers Rahab!
As the leader of the army, he remembers her. This was a surprised to me as to a commander, my job is to order the kill, like CHARGE! rather than the long sermon "order" from v16 to 19
And at the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, “Shout, for the LORD has given you the city. And the city and all that is within it shall be devoted to the LORD for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live, because she hid the messengers whom we sent. But you, keep yourselves from the things devoted to destruction, lest when you have devoted them you take any of the devoted things and make the camp of Israel a thing for destruction and bring trouble upon it. But all silver and gold, and every vessel of bronze and iron, are holy to the LORD; they shall go into the treasury of the LORD.” (Joshua 6:16-19 ESV)
I am conviced that God is a merciful God. A God who remembers.
Lord remember me and my family. Lead and guide me as I place my trust.
Friday, February 10, 2012
10 Feb 2012; Joshua 5:13-15
Joshua 5:13-15
When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” And the commander of the LORD's army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.(Joshua 5:13-15 ESV)
I pray that I and my family can be in God's favour. I too pray that we are part of God's plan. Joushua is the leader of the people of God, but he seemed not the commander of the Lord's army. Joshua was part of the Lord's army and God uses Joushua to lead the people of God's in the fight.
How to be in God's favour... regardless, I pray for heart to be right,... do this and that.. simple consider God.
When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” And the commander of the LORD's army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.(Joshua 5:13-15 ESV)
I pray that I and my family can be in God's favour. I too pray that we are part of God's plan. Joushua is the leader of the people of God, but he seemed not the commander of the Lord's army. Joshua was part of the Lord's army and God uses Joushua to lead the people of God's in the fight.
How to be in God's favour... regardless, I pray for heart to be right,... do this and that.. simple consider God.
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
8 Feb 2012; Ps 100
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100 ESV)
It is a short Psalm, but it speaks of the joy and gladness, the singing and the worship... that I have seemed lost or missing. I still give thanks and praise, but that is just an expression of gratitude for the things the Lord has provided.
But, internally and deep in, where is that flow of joy and gladness.. change my heart o lord...
It is a short Psalm, but it speaks of the joy and gladness, the singing and the worship... that I have seemed lost or missing. I still give thanks and praise, but that is just an expression of gratitude for the things the Lord has provided.
But, internally and deep in, where is that flow of joy and gladness.. change my heart o lord...
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
1 Feb 2010; Isa 43
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.(Isaiah 43:18-19 ESV)
Indeed, it is a great promise to start.
Forget the old, the former. Move on, new springs forth, make rivers out of wilderness.
As I did my time alone with Josef on Joshua 4, stop the wandering. But do not settle down until you cross the Jordan river and take the promise land.
I have more or less settle down in Ngee Ann, except for a ceiling in pay. But I am compensated by the extra industrial projects consultation. Quite free in that sense.
So, let me settle in the things of God, for the sake of leading my family across the Jordan. Let the Lord lead and I based on his promised.
Indeed, it is a great promise to start.
Forget the old, the former. Move on, new springs forth, make rivers out of wilderness.
As I did my time alone with Josef on Joshua 4, stop the wandering. But do not settle down until you cross the Jordan river and take the promise land.
I have more or less settle down in Ngee Ann, except for a ceiling in pay. But I am compensated by the extra industrial projects consultation. Quite free in that sense.
So, let me settle in the things of God, for the sake of leading my family across the Jordan. Let the Lord lead and I based on his promised.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
28 Jan 2012; Isa 42
For a long time I have held my peace; I have kept still and restrained myself; now I will cry out like a woman in labor; I will gasp and pant. I will lay waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their vegetation; I will turn the rivers into islands, and dry up the pools. And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.(Isaiah 42:14-16 ESV)
For a long time.. I pray for that readiness, begining in this house... for peace, for guidance.
For a long time.. I pray for that readiness, begining in this house... for peace, for guidance.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
18 Jan: Isa 42
Isa 42
“I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. (Isaiah 42:6-7 ESV)
I have reached and pass over mid life and yet has not step foot into the action to the land the Lord showed me 10 years ago.
Lord, you called, but I have not obeyed. You take me, but I have not followed. You made a covenant, which I cannot reject. You set a purpose in my life, whom you are waiting for the time to fulfil it.
Thank you for opening the way to Yunnan, via Ngee Ann, via contact with LS. In your time, and your will Lord, guide me as I lead my family into action.
I pray for my family that we will know the Lord and anchored our daily life in your presence. Showed us your miracle as we take steps of faith.
“I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. (Isaiah 42:6-7 ESV)
I have reached and pass over mid life and yet has not step foot into the action to the land the Lord showed me 10 years ago.
Lord, you called, but I have not obeyed. You take me, but I have not followed. You made a covenant, which I cannot reject. You set a purpose in my life, whom you are waiting for the time to fulfil it.
Thank you for opening the way to Yunnan, via Ngee Ann, via contact with LS. In your time, and your will Lord, guide me as I lead my family into action.
I pray for my family that we will know the Lord and anchored our daily life in your presence. Showed us your miracle as we take steps of faith.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
12 Jan 2012: Isa 41
12 Jan 2012
Isa 41: 9-10 you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
My God remembers me
Even though I am far away, my God searches me out
My God has not forsaken me
Thank you for not casting me off
My God is my strength
Though I am weak He strengthen me
This is the second week of the year, I have not settle down. I have still finding the right combination of spending my time alone with God, to excerise and to spend time with my family.
I have not have the time to seek God for a vision for my family. But one thing I am certain, help me, to settle my heart amd my time. Let me first anchored myself in you.
Thank you for keeping me, though I have been far away. I pray for a breakthrough in my walk with you.
Isa 41: 9-10 you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
My God remembers me
Even though I am far away, my God searches me out
My God has not forsaken me
Thank you for not casting me off
My God is my strength
Though I am weak He strengthen me
This is the second week of the year, I have not settle down. I have still finding the right combination of spending my time alone with God, to excerise and to spend time with my family.
I have not have the time to seek God for a vision for my family. But one thing I am certain, help me, to settle my heart amd my time. Let me first anchored myself in you.
Thank you for keeping me, though I have been far away. I pray for a breakthrough in my walk with you.
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